City Hall was densely populated with those who wanted to give Mayor Rick Lott a proper send off, including his friends, government officials, and of course his family.
Alongside his wife Di, were Lott’s three sons: Chase, Trent, and Rex, as well as his daughter Ericka.
Lott has set a precedent as being the longest serving Plant City mayor with a total of 11 years. He began his service to the city on June 1, 2004,as a city commissioner and was selected as mayor – a position he held from 2007 to 2010.
Lott was once again selected as mayor in 2014 and stayed on the seat up until this year when he announced he was stepping down as mayor and a part of the city commission.
He fought back tears as he thanked the Plant City community for their support and the impact, they’ve made on him as mayor.
“In 18 years…you’ve touched me, our marriage, our family, and I hope that we have at least touched you as much, or in some way,” Lott said. “We’re definitely a stronger family and we all love this city so much and that’s why we’re here fighting for it every single day.”
He was presented with numerous accolades for his service.
Mayor Andy Ross of Temple Terrace was in attendance and told stories about Lott that brought laughter into the room. He presented Lott with a proclamation and declared May 23 as Mayor Rick Lott Day in Temple Terrace.
Vice-Mayor Michael Sparkman presented a framed proclamation to Lott. He also received a plaque from the city commission.
“This man deserves this and what’s more, he deserves the praise of our community,” Sparkman said.
Also, the four other members of the city commission unanimously voted to nominate Lott for the Harris Drew Lifetime Municipal Achievement Award – which is presented to one who has made considerable contributions to their municipal government.
“I thank you for your leadership,” said Plant City Commissioner Nate Kilton. “You’re a tremendous leader. I really respect and appreciate everything you’ve done in this community.”
He continued to receive praise from the rest of the city commission as well as City Attorney Kenneth Buchman and City Manager Bill McDaniel.
“Plant City is indebted to you for your service,” Buchman said. “You’ve been an outstanding mayor (and) city commissioner. A lot of the progress we’ve had is because of your service.”
Jason Jones, of the Plant City Planning Board, will be filling the vacant seat on the city commission, on June 6.
John Haney, president of Ace Realty & Auction will be taking Jones seat on the planning board.
He was voted in unanimously by the city commission at the May 23 meeting.
American Rescue Plan Act
funding
The city commission also approved a revised spending plan with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Last December, the commission approved the use of $19.9 million for city projects which was allocated from the ARPA.
Under previous rules, the city could use $3 million that would go toward governmental services. Now, the city can invest $10 million into this category.
“We’ve come up with a new proposal to revise our ARPA spending plan,” McDaniel said. “It starts with funding the construction of a tournament management facility that’s been in the planning stages for a while now.”
1. Tournament Management
Facility
An estimated $2.9 million going toward the construction of the facility. It would be a two-story building that provides a concession stand and restrooms on the first floor. The second floor would be constructed as tournament administration.
2. Tennis Center
A proposed tennis center would receive $3.6 million in funds to design and construct a two-story building with restrooms, showers, and an administration area with an observation deck and storage space.
3. Rowena Mays Athletic Park
An estimated $1.5 million would be allocated toward the renovation of the Rowena Mays Athletic Park. This would include rebuilding the Dort Street courts, constructing pickleball courts, adding a bridge between the two facilities, and enhancing the parking areas.
4. Splash Park
A proposed splash park would receive the same $2 million ARPA funds as initially planned in December.
It would go toward designing and installing the amenity with aquatic play features and play components that are used in a complete water play environment.
Another category are the infrastructure improvements that will cost an estimated $9.9 million.
1. A Lift Station 2
This lift station remains a top priority and would have the same $1.5 million price tag. It would upgrade and upsize the current lift station that serves the northeast basin.
2. Wilder Road
This would be the installation of approximately 4,500 linear feet of 12” force mains to connect to a 20” transmission main parallel to the existing 12” force main. It would cost $1.3 million.
3. Park Road from North Frontage Road to Sam Allen Road
This would include installing approximately 1,300 linear feet of force mains and a lift station to serve the North Park Road corridor. It would also require purchasing property to install a new lift station. This would have a $2 million price tag.
4. State Road 39 from Colson Road to State Road 60.
This $3.2 million project would include installing approximately 5,300 linear feet of water and force mains without any major road crossing. There would also be a recirculation pump station for water.
5. Trapnell Road
There would be installation of 5,200 linear feet of a 12” water main to loop the system on Trapnell Road. This project would have $1.3 million available for its construction.
6. Alexander Street from Sam
Allen Road to Knights Griffin Road
Design only for approximately 13,000 linear feet of water (including 2,000 linear feet to connect to Sam Allen Road) and 18,000 linear feet of force mains, with one Interstate 4 crossing.
Approximately $605,927 will go toward this project.
Original estimation was at $7.8 million. It will be funded on a pay-as-you-go basis with wastewater development fees.