Commissioners recognize community leadership, appoint new Planning Board member and prepare for the start of the school year.
The first commission meeting of August began at 6:00 p.m. with everyone in attendance. Before moving into the meeting agenda, multiple residents took the podium for public comment.
The first resident discussed why there are Flock cameras in the city. She asked the commission to suspend all Flock camera contracts.
Another resident took the podium to honor Commissioner Mary Mathis for receiving the Florida Main Street Leader of the Year Award. Mathis received the award for her 20 years of leadership in the community and support of Historic Plant City Main Street.
Resident Allie Kipling addressed the commissioners about stopping the expansion of Flock cameras, saying it violates American principles. She said officers across the company have been fired, arrested or criminally charged for misusing Flock cameras and said innocent residents should not be subject to this or incorrect traffic stops. Kipling also addressed the commissioners about stopping development in the area. She said the identity of Plant City is disappearing because farmland is being replaced by development.
Daniel Kendra said the Plant City Chamber is committed to advancing economic development and is concerned about development in the city. Kendra said the new financial building is an inconvenience and questioned how many people still go in person and wait in line to pay their utility bills instead of making online payments. Kendra said property purchases need to stop and expressed concern that there is no affordable housing.
The last resident to take the podium was Mike Sergeant, who addressed concerns about trash management and illegal dumping and discussed creating a group to address these concerns. His organization has removed 4,526 pounds of trash. He encouraged people to participate and asked the city to support the group’s efforts.
The consent agenda included item 26-364, Resolution 164-2026, approving the minutes of the regular meeting held July 27, 2026; item 26-348, Resolution 165-2026, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District for the development of a Comprehensive Environmental Land Management Plan for the McIntosh Preserve; item 26-351, Resolution 166-2026, authorizing the city manager to grant an easement to Tampa Electric Company at Rowena Mays Athletic Park; item 26-352, Resolution 167-2026, authorizing Modification 2 to the Engineering Work Order with Dewberry for expedited engineering review services; item 26-361, Resolution 168-2026, approving an extension of time to be heard by the City Commission for PC/CPA 25-06; and item 26-074, Resolution 169-2026, reappointing Michael Cameron as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Safety Employees’ Pension Trust Fund Board.
These resolutions were approved 5-0.
Next was the city manager report agenda item 26-217, Resolution 172-2026, adopting revisions to the interlocal agreement with Hillsborough County Schools.
The director of planning and zoning requested an updated agreement. The proposed revision would update existing agreements and clarify agreement items.
This resolution was approved 5-0.
Next was the city clerk agenda item 26-366, consideration of Resolution 173-2026, appointing a member to the Planning Board.
Mayor Nate Kilton nominated Matt Newton for the Planning Board. Commissioner Karen Kerr agreed that Matt would be a great fit for the board. Vice Mayor Jason Jones seconded Kerr’s motion.
The motion to approve Matt was approved 5-0.
During the commissioner comment section, the commissioners talked about the start of the school year and wished families a great school year. Commissioners also shared personal stories about their mornings and reminded drivers to be safe on the roads as students will be on the road more frequently.
Lastly, the commission discussed other resolutions and ordinances, including item 26-367, Resolution 174-2026, setting a quasi-judicial public hearing on an ordinance to modify the Hillsboro Bank Planned Development District located at the northeast corner of West Alexander Street and Maki Road (PB-2026-09).
This resolution passed 5-0.
The commission meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next meeting will take place Aug. 24.
