Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Park public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in water utilities with high priority
Bennett Avenue Stormwater Pipe Repairs
The city has set aside $1 million to structurally repair the big stormwater pipe under Bennett Avenue, with work starting in January. It's the largest stormwater project of the fiscal year.
Stormwater Pipeline Projects on Bennett, Shoreview, and Palmer Avenues
The Shoreview Avenue CDS unit project is now funded and awaiting a design schedule — and it should eliminate the large sandbar that formed in Lake Killarney last year.
OUC Power Contract Extension
Your electric rates will rise about 13% next year no matter what, driven by Duke transmission costs and the old FMPA contract. The city locked in a cheaper one-year OUC extension and will spend six months shopping for a long-term bulk power deal.
CRA-funded stormwater projects protect the lake
The Shoreview trunk line cleaning and repairs wrap up within two weeks, and a CDS unit in design should stop the sandbar that has plagued the lake by capturing sediment before it reaches the water. Board members urged staff to publicize that CRA money — not the general budget — is paying for this, amid resident debate over whether to keep the CRA.
Five-year outfall inspection program
The stormwater update covers the capital improvement program plus follow-up items on Orange County's Killarney Drive and major outfall inspections — work that affects drainage and flooding around the lake.
Consumptive Use Permit Renewal
The city is finalizing its response to the St. Johns River Water Management District on its water use permit renewal, due by August 31 — this determines how much water the city can keep drawing for residents.
Electric Power Supply Future and Rising Rates
Your electric rates will rise about 13% next year no matter what, driven by Duke transmission costs and the old FMPA contract. The city locked in a cheaper one-year OUC extension and will spend six months shopping for a long-term bulk power deal.
Utility Operations and Performance Updates
Staff planned to present the Economic Development Commercial Performance Report, giving the board a snapshot of how the city's commercial economy is performing.
W. Fairbanks stormwater improvements
Two Geosyntec design contracts were approved: $292,879 for the Canton Avenue water quality and drainage project and $161,077 for Shoreview Avenue water quality improvements.
Private lift station ordinance amendment
Board members pushed back on May minutes saying staff inspects private lift stations annually — they say no inspections have happened at all. Three of the ten lift station zones the city found are on Lake Killarney, making accurate record-keeping critical to the lake.