Lake Wales To Address Noise, Sewers, Transit - News Chief

Published: Monday, August 1, 2011 at 6:31 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 1, 2011 at 6:31 a.m.

LAKE WALES - City commissioners, in Tuesday's meeting, are expected to address issues of noise, sewers, transportation and restaurant seating in the downtown.

In a workshop before the meeting, the City Commission is also expected to discuss possible regulation of "pill mills" and the need to inspect and test water customers' backflow preventers.

The workshop starts at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting is at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall.

NOISE

Loud car stereos driving past Mayor Mike Carter's house late at night prompted a revamp of the city ordinance.

It is modeled after a state law recently struck down as unconstitutional by the 2nd District Court of Appeal for not being "content neutral" and for making exemptions for political or commercial messages.

On July 19, city commissioners asked staff to correct such problems in the city ordinance and bring it back for a vote.

SEWER

The city has had problems with sewers in the C Street area for some time, including flushing manholes, lines running above ground and sewage backing up into at least one resident's house.

An estimated cost for the fix is $2.12 million, said City Manager Judy Delmar, and the city has only $1.06 million allocated for the project.

The commission will consider using $250,000 of the sewer project funds to get a $750,000 community development block grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The grant could reduce the amount of money the city would need to borrow for the project, Delmar said.

WHAT

The Winter Haven Area Transit System provides transportation service to six cities, including Lake Wales.

The Polk Transit Authority is going ahead with plans to consolidate local transit services into one service despite the failure of funding tax measure last year.

Under an interlocal agreement, Lake Wales pays part of the cost of WHAT to maintain its current level of service.

The Transit Authority expects some cost increases starting Oct. 1, but Lake Wale's $5,433 share will remain the same.

'PILL MILLS'

As part of a workshop, city commissioners will discuss whether to pursue an ordinance governing pain management clinics in an effort to fight or prevent illegal prescription clinics.

So-called "pill mill" clinics are a major concern for local governments since many have been operating in Central Florida.

BACKFLOW

As part of a workshop, city commissioners will discuss how the city can make sure commercial and irrigation water customers have devices in their plumbing that prevent water from flowing back into the city water system.

OUTDOOR SEATING

Smokey's Piano Bar, 216 Stuart Ave., is requesting to have two tables on the sidewalk out front for customers.

The Lake Wales Planning and Zoning Board approved the request July 26, and the City Commission is expected to vote on the matter Tuesday.

phil.attinger@newschief.com