Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Park public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in water utilities
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.
Turner Avenue outfall pipe lining accelerated
An old metal outfall pipe by Lake Bell is at risk of total failure, so its lining project is being bumped ahead of other scheduled pipe replacements.
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.
October Utility Bill Insert and Educational Campaign
April was proclaimed Water Conservation Month, with the utilities director and water management district on hand to thank the city.
Cybersecurity of utility systems
Board members pressed staff on cyber protection for both electric and water systems. Staff said operational technology monitoring is improving but acknowledged more work is needed, and city IT leadership has been invited to brief the board.
Water and Wastewater Lift Station Grant Funding
The city secured a $19.17 million state loan for wastewater projects — half forgiven, the rest interest-free over 20 years, paid from water and sewer revenues rather than taxes. Credit went to Natural Resources Director Gloria Eby.
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.
Roads, Stormwater and Public Works Funding
The city secured a $19.17 million state loan for wastewater projects — half forgiven, the rest interest-free over 20 years, paid from water and sewer revenues rather than taxes. Credit went to Natural Resources Director Gloria Eby.
Railroad quiet zone maintenance
Winter Park has to keep 14 at-grade rail crossings up to federal standard to keep trains from sounding horns — with CRA covering half the cost and a $6.93 million federal grant boosting safety work across the rail corridor.
Conserve II Wastewater Agreement
The mayor asked for an explanation of the 25-year, roughly $700,000-a-year wastewater interlocal with Orlando — staff explained it's the only practical option for flow south of Fairbanks, paid through sewer rates.
Water and Wastewater Rate Increase
Water and sewer bills rise 4.6% — about 2.46% for operations plus 2% dedicated to replacing aging water and sewer lines.
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 undergrounding progress and outage communication
The undergrounding program is 84.74% complete citywide with about 19 miles remaining; the board debated whether the ~$11 million annual undergrounding spend frees up cash when done — staff said future infrastructure needs mean it likely won't.
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.
Old England drainage improvement project
A major stormwater project starting next week will double the capacity of the drainage system at Old England/Palmer Avenue and briefly disrupt boating on south Lake Maitland while a 30-inch pipe is installed.
Old England stormwater project begins
A major stormwater project starting next week will double the capacity of the drainage system at Old England/Palmer Avenue and briefly disrupt boating on south Lake Maitland while a 30-inch pipe is installed.
Improved Customer Issue Reporting
A new "Report Water/Sewer Issues" button was added to the city website next to the outage button, and the electric outage reporting flow was overhauled — responding to board feedback from last month.
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.
Killarney Drive drainage improvements, Phase 2
Design work continues on Phase 2 of the Killarney Drive drainage project — the flood-prone corridor that worries lakefront residents during storms.
Orange County nutrient study and curb inlet baskets
Orange County's advisory board wants a nutrient study (a precursor to any alum treatment) and is scoping new curb inlet baskets in the Lake Killarney watershed — long-term water quality work.
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.