Sparkman and Dodson Attend Last Meeting as Commissioners
The Plant City Commission approved a series of infrastructure, public safety and flood mitigation projects during its regular meeting Monday, while also recognizing the service of outgoing Commissioners Mike Sparkman and Bill Dodson.
The meeting opened with an invocation from Pastor Brian Stowe of First Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance.
During public comments, residents addressed topics including road safety, Juneteenth celebrations, local elections and infrastructure concerns. Dorie Streener urged officials to continue addressing distracted driving and traffic safety issues, citing the impact traffic crashes have had on her family and others in the community.
Mayor Nate Kilton acknowledged traffic safety concerns and referenced the city’s participation in Vision Zero initiatives aimed at reducing serious crashes and fatalities.
The commission unanimously approved the consent agendas 26-195, a resolution approving minutes of the Regular Meeting held May 11, 2026, and 26-219, a resolution approving an appointment to the Plant City Housing Authority Board.
Next was the City Manager report.
26-233- Resolution approving an agreement with Public Restroom Company for Citywide Restroom and Shower Facilities under Sourcewell Master Agreement #52725, 26-171- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Public Restroom Company for the purchase and installation of two restroom facilities at Mike Sansone Park and 26-236 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Public Restroom Company for the purchase and installation of one restroom facility at Gilchrist Park were unanimously approved.
This agreement with Public Restroom Company will provide restroom and shower facilities at parks throughout the city. The commission approved a citywide agreement for restroom facilities as well as separate agreements for installations at Mike Sansone Park and Gilchrist Park.
Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson said the facilities are designed to be durable, ADA-compliant, and easier to maintain than existing structures.
Next was 26-240- Resolution authorizing the purchase of three (3) Zoll Emergency Medical Service Auto Pulses from Zoll Medical Corporation, under the National Purchasing Partners (NPP) contract PS25850.
The three Auto Pulses will be purchased for $72,753.24. Chief Dittman said the department has about one cardiac arrest a week, and they had 54 in 2025 who used the Auto Pulses.
This version will come with new technology and will cost 25% less than the previous ones.
The resolution passed 5-0.
The last agendas were: 26-241- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Engineering Work Order with Mead & Hunt for professional services related to Flood Mitigation conceptual projects, 26-245- Resolution approving an amendment to the budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 and 26-246- Resolution approving an amendment to the CIP budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 and the next four years.
The consultant identified 37 flooding areas of concern throughout the city, and staff selected 10 areas for evaluation of drainage improvements. Ultimately, five areas were selected for preparation of the conceptual plan. This plan will evaluate the best way to prevent flooding in these areas at a cost of $89,700 and will be completed in 90 days.
City Manager Bill McDaniel described the studies as one of several steps the city is taking to address flooding and stormwater management.
The resolution passed 5-0.
Next were the Legislative Public hearings. These were: 26-212- Legislative public hearing on a resolution accepting the Florida Commerce CDBG-DR grant for the communication tower infrastructure retrofit, 26-211- Resolution executing the Federally Funded Subaward Grant Agreement between the City and FDEM, along with all required supporting attachments for Utilities Communication Tower Infrastructure Retrofit project, 26-237- Resolution approving an amendment to the budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 and 26-238- Resolution approving an amendment to the CIP budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 and the next four years.
Lynn Spivey said the grant funding will help replace a utility communications tower, install a backup generator, and improve system reliability during emergencies. The project combines state and federal funding totaling approximately $549,403.
This legislation passed 5-0.
26-239- Legislative public hearing on an ordinance to amend the Plant City Code regarding procurement.
Purchasing officials said the changes are intended to improve efficiency by streamlining purchasing procedures, updating procurement thresholds and adding exemptions for routine purchases such as software and training services.
This legislation passed 5-0.
During commissioner comments, members reflected on the careers and service of Commissioner Mike Sparkman and Commissioner Bill Dodson, as it was their last meeting.
Kilton said the two commissioners left a lasting impact on Plant City and praised their dedication to the community.
“The legacy that both you and your families have left is impressive,” Kilton said. “Your fingerprints are all over this city.”
Sparkman thanked city staff and residents for their support and said he was proud of what had been accomplished during his tenure.
Dodson thanked city staff, fellow commissioners and residents for their friendship and support throughout his years of service.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
