Clewiston: Clewiston Meeting
Summary. The City of Clewiston held its regular commission meeting on March 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation by Tetra Tech regarding the city's wastewater treatment plant expansion project, which is required due to capacity limitations and new regulatory requirements for advanced wastewater treatment (AWT). The expansion will double the plant's capacity from 1.5 MGD to 3.0 MGD and implement nutrient removal processes to meet BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan) requirements for Lake Okeechobee. The estimated cost is approximately $120 million, with potential USDA Rural Development funding providing up to 40% in grants. The project timeline includes 90% design completion by August 2026, permitting in September, and construction completion targeted for 2029. The commission also addressed several administrative matters including approval of personnel changes to create a warehouse specialist position and add part-time inventory support, updates to library fees, and approval of two ordinances related to zoning setbacks and public park fee structures. Commissioner Gardner was appointed to represent Clewiston on the area housing board. Staff provided updates on upcoming Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) workshops scheduled for March 25-26, and commissioners praised the successful Sugar Festival weekend that drew an estimated 25,000 attendees.
Agenda Items
1. Public Comments
No public comments were received
- Mayor opened floor for public comments
- No citizens came forward to speak
2. Tetra Tech Wastewater Plant Expansion Presentation
Comprehensive presentation on the required wastewater treatment plant expansion and upgrade to Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT)
- Current plant at capacity (1.47 MGD of 1.5 MGD limit)
- BMAP requirements mandate nutrient removal for Lake Okeechobee protection
- Expansion will double capacity to 3.0 MGD with 5-stage BNR process
- Estimated cost $120 million ($40/gallon industry standard)
- USDA Rural Development funding could provide 40% grants
- Construction timeline: 90% design August 2026, permitting September, completion 2029
- Temporary surge tank solution discussed to manage current capacity issues
3-10. Consent Agenda (Items 5 and 9 pulled for discussion)
Routine items approved except for items 5 and 9 which were discussed separately
- Items 5 and 9 pulled for individual discussion
- Remaining consent items approved
5. Manning Document Changes - Warehouse Position
Creation of warehouse specialist position and part-time inventory technician
- Converting current warehouse technician to specialist role
- Adding part-time inventory position at $18/hour
- Financial impact approximately $8,000 for remainder of fiscal year
- Need for succession planning and adequate staffing coverage
9. Area Housing Board Appointment
Appointment of David Ryan Edmonds to represent Clewiston on area housing board
- Two applicants submitted but only one appointment needed
- No residency requirement for appointee
- Edmonds selected based on having business in town and paying local taxes
11. Revised Library Card Registration and Circulation Policy
Updates to library fees for printing, non-resident cards, and fax services
- Black and white copies increased from 15¢ to 25¢ per page
- Non-resident card fees aligned with surrounding counties
- Fax service simplified to $2 per incident (previously $3 first page, $1 additional)
12. Ordinance 2026-01 - Zoning Setback Amendment
Amendment to reduce side setback requirements from 7.5 feet to 5 feet
- Reduction in residential side setback requirements
13. Ordinance 2026-02 - Public Parks Fee Structure
Ordinance allowing city to establish fees for public park and facility usage
- Enables commission to set fees by resolution
- Allows for insurance requirements and usage agreements
- Current informal fees need formal authorization
- Recreation board reviewing fee structure for ball fields
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve consent agenda items excluding 5 and 9
Moved by Vice Mayor Highslope, seconded by Commissioner Williams
Passed unanimously
Motion to accept the application and appoint David Ryan Edmonds to the area housing board on behalf of the city of Clewiston
Moved by Commissioner Gardner, seconded by Vice Mayor Highslope
Passed 4-0 with 1 abstention
Motion to approve resolution 2026-13 regarding warehouse position changes
Moved by Vice Mayor Highslope, seconded by Commissioner Gardner
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve the revised library card registration and circulation policy
Moved by Vice Mayor Highslope, seconded by Commissioner Gardner
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve ordinance 2026-01 amending zoning setback requirements
Moved by Commissioner Edmonds, seconded by Vice Mayor Highslope
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve ordinance number 2026-02 regarding public parks fee structure
Moved by Commissioner Gardner
Passed unanimously
Motion to adjourn
Passed
Action Items
Complete wastewater treatment plant design to 90% and submit for permitting
Assigned to Tetra Tech · Due 90% design by August 2026, permitting September 2026
Implement surge tank solution to manage current wastewater capacity issues
Assigned to City Manager Williams
Create and hire warehouse specialist and part-time inventory technician positions
Assigned to City Manager Williams
Develop fee schedule resolution for public parks and facilities usage
Assigned to Recreation Board and City Staff · Due Recreation board meeting Thursday at 4:00 PM
Send current fee structure information to commissioners
Assigned to City Staff · Due During the week following meeting
Conduct CRA workshops for public input on community redevelopment planning
Assigned to Chris Cooper and CRA Staff · Due March 25-26, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The City of Clewiston held its regular commission meeting on March 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation by Tetra Tech regarding the city's wastewater treatment plant expansion project, which is required due to capacity limitations and new regulatory requirements for advanced wastewater treatment (AWT). The expansion will double the plant's capacity from 1.5 MGD to 3.0 MGD and implement nutrient removal processes to meet BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan) requirements for Lake Okeechobee. The estimated cost is approximately $120 million, with potential USDA Rural Development funding providing up to 40% in grants. The project timeline includes 90% design completion by August 2026, permitting in September, and construction completion targeted for 2029. The commission also addressed several administrative matters including approval of personnel changes to create a warehouse specialist position and add part-time inventory support, updates to library fees, and approval of two ordinances related to zoning setbacks and public park fee structures. Commissioner Gardner was appointed to represent Clewiston on the area housing board. Staff provided updates on upcoming Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) workshops scheduled for March 25-26, and commissioners praised the successful Sugar Festival weekend that drew an estimated 25,000 attendees.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Public Comments; Tetra Tech Wastewater Plant Expansion Presentation; Consent Agenda (Items 5 and 9 pulled for discussion); Manning Document Changes - Warehouse Position; Area Housing Board Appointment; Revised Library Card Registration and Circulation Policy; Ordinance 2026-01 - Zoning Setback Amendment; Ordinance 2026-02 - Public Parks Fee Structure.
How many motions were voted on?
7 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
6 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
8 members were recorded as present: Mayor Pittman, Vice Mayor Highslope, Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Gardner, Commissioner Edmonds, City Manager Williams, City Attorney Tuck, City Clerk.
What county is Clewiston in?
Clewiston is located in Hendry County, Florida. Browse other Hendry County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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