Commission also approves fire station upgrades, traffic signal art wraps and reopens Planning Board applications.
The July commission meeting began at 6:00 p.m. Every commissioner was in attendance, and the room was filled with familiar faces of residents who regularly attend the meetings.
Up first was public comment.
Two residents addressed the commission to discuss concerns about construction in their neighborhoods.
Next were consent agenda items 26-307- Resolution #137-2026 approving minutes of Regular meeting held June 22, 2026, 26-288- Resolution #138-2026 approving the amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Plant City and Hillsborough County and 26-299- Resolution #139-20206 accepting the easement from Waffle House, Inc., a Georgia Corporation, for meters and backflow preventer assemblies.
All items were unanimously approved, moving the meeting to the city manager’s report.
The first item on the report was the William “Bill” Dodson Fiscal Center.
City Manager Bill McDaniel said the property was purchased for $1.7 million on May 14 and has already undergone major renovations.
The HVAC systems are fully operational, the lighting has been converted to LED, the vault door was modified for safer daily use, the stormwater system was inspected and cleared, and new trees and sod were installed.
The Fiscal Center still has more renovations to be completed at an estimated cost of $2,578,754. McDaniel asked the commission to approve six resolutions that will begin the next round of improvements.
Agenda items 26-287- Resolution #140-2026 authorizing a Work Order with Precision Contracting Services, Inc. for the repair, certification, and installation of network cabling at 201 W. Reynolds St., 26-303 – Resolution #141-2026 approving an agreement with Krueger International, Inc. for the purchase and installation of cubicle workstations and furniture for the William “Bill” Dodson Fiscal Center under New York State Contract PC70228, 26-304- Resolution #142-2026 approving purchase and installation of flooring for the William “Bill” Dodson Fiscal Center from Shall Integrated & Turf Solutions, Inc. under Sourcewell Contract No. 061323-SII, 26-320- Resolution #143-2026 authorizing the City Manager to make remaining purchases needed for the William “Bill” Dodson Fiscal Center, 26-319 – Resolution #144-2026 approving an amendment to the budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 and 26-318 – Resolution #145-2026 approving an amendment to the CIP budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 and the next four years.
The resolutions passed unanimously, 5-0.
“A lot of people in the community have had positive feedback about the drive-thru teller to pay their utility bills,” Vice Mayor Jason Jones said.
Next was the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center.
McDaniel shared that the roof has been replaced, but additional exterior work is needed to stabilize and seal the building to preserve it for decades to come.
The work includes installing new doors and windows, exterior painting, removing vegetation, reassembling installed columns and other restoration efforts. All work will be completed in accordance with historic preservation guidelines and building code requirements.
The renovations are estimated to cost $1,977,506, and McDaniel asked the commissioners to approve two resolutions to help renovate and preserve the center.
Agenda items 26-298- Resolution #146-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Specialized Property Service, Inc., for the restoration of the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center and 26-315 – Resolution #147-2026 approving an amendment to the CIP budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and the next four years.
The resolutions passed unanimously, 5-0, followed by applause from the audience.
Next, Fire Chief Andrew Muzzy took the podium to discuss the next agenda item involving the fire station alerting system.
Muzzy said the project will be a multiphase enhancement to replace equipment that is no longer supported.
The first phase includes replacing outdated equipment, ensuring the new alerting system works seamlessly throughout the stations and improving reliability and serviceability.
“This new alerting system allows Plant City Fire Rescue to modernize communication with a cost-effective system that supports future growth while providing a fast, reliable and user-friendly method for improving responder turnaround,” Muzzy said.
To complete phase one, Muzzy said the project will cost $79,327.80 through a piggyback contract with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Agenda items 26-310- Resolution #148-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Communications International for fire station alerting system upgrades under the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Agreement and 26-294 – Resolution #149-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a work order for Phase 1 of the new Fire Station Alerting System with Communications International under Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Agreement.
The resolutions passed 5-0.
Next was agenda item 26-300- Resolution #150-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Revere Control Systems, Inc. for as-needed instrumentation and controls services under GRU contract No. 2024-104.
The resolution passed 5-0.
Next was agenda item 26-301 – Resolution #151-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Hydra Service, Inc. under the Palm Coast Contract ITB-UT-24-41, Master Services Agreement.
The resolution passed 5-0.
Next was agenda item 26-305- Resolution #152-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with EnviroWaste Services Group, Inc. for 26-008UO-HK-RFP Sand and Sludge Management services at the WRF.
The resolution passed 5-0.
Last on the City Manager report was agenda item 26-302 – Resolution #153-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Community Aesthetic Feature (CAF) Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to fabricate and install traffic signal cabinet public art wraps.
The project is intended to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal through artwork created by local artists.
Out of 94 submissions, 10 designs were selected to wrap traffic signal cabinets throughout the city. Each cabinet will reflect the community’s character, history and creativity.
Once approved by the commission, the agreement will be executed and signed by FDOT before the final artwork is installed.
Fred Baxter Traffic Operations Manager shared the winners:
“Midnight Maraunders” by Lesli Platt at Baker and Collins
“Rescuing our Furry Friends” by Debbie Lewis at Reynolds and Wheeler
“Traffic Operations Mural” by the Emory Brothers at Reynolds and Collins
“In the Garden” by Jessie Frier at MLK and Wheeler
“Senorita Fresca” by Roseliza Nhcik at MLK and Collins
“After the Flood” by Ginny Mink at Baker and Wheeler
“Dance of the Deep” by Cheryl Hughes at Evers and Reynolds
“Tranquil Train” by Vivian Acuna at Reynolds and Palmer
“Whimsical Strawberry Maze” by Mar Harrer at Thenolosassa and Baker
“Brotherhood of the Red Helmet” by Jessie Frier at Firestation Number Three
All of the commissioners expressed gratitude for the number of submissions and said they look forward to seeing the artwork throughout the city.
The resolution passed 5-0.
Next was the City Clerk agenda item 26-266- Consideration of resolution #154-2026 appointing a member to the Plant City Planning Board.
After discussion, the commission voted to reopen applications until Friday, July 31, after Commissioner Karen Kerr expressed concern that some residents may have missed the original deadline because of the holidays.
Commissioners will share their recommendations during the first meeting in August.
Next was agenda item 26-306- Legislative public hearing on an ordinance #13-2026 amending Chapter 74, Article I and Article II of the Plant City Code.
The updates revise definitions and terminology and will not result in rate changes for current customers.
The ordinance was approved 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. The next commission meeting is scheduled for July 27.
