As your city commissioner, I’m here to provide an update on the City of Winter Springs’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. It’s important to me that our city’s finances are transparent and responsibly managed, especially as we encounter rising costs in certain areas.
This report outlines our city’s financial health, with significant investments in infrastructure upgrades, public safety, and parks. We’ve worked hard to strengthen our financial position, keeping taxes low and reserves steady. However, as Winter Springs continues to grow, the overall size of our government and the rising costs tied to it are areas we need to monitor closely. My focus will be on ensuring that we operate efficiently, getting the best value for the resources we use, and streamlining wherever possible.
I’ve also been vocal about improving financial transparency within our city’s operations. While the ACFR provides valuable insights, it’s crucial we continue to push for clear, accessible financial information for all residents.
This report shows our ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with maintaining Winter Springs’ character and environmental health. I encourage everyone to review the report to understand where your tax dollars are going and how we plan to manage financial challenges ahead.
Thank you for your continued trust and engagement in making Winter Springs a thriving community.
Addressing the Future of the Lake Jesup Reclaimed Water Augmentation Plant: A Message from Victoria Bruce
Dear Winter Springs Residents,
As your City Commissioner, I want to address an important issue that directly affects our community’s water resources and our commitment to sustainable living. The Lake Jesup Reclaimed Water Augmentation Plant is a vital project that has the potential to significantly improve our water management, but it has faced several challenges over the years. I want to provide you with an overview of its history, the issues we’ve encountered, and the path forward.
Why the Lake Jesup Plant Matters
The Lake Jesup Reclaimed Water Augmentation Plant was envisioned as a solution to our growing water needs, particularly for irrigation. By treating and repurposing water from Lake Jesup, this plant aims to reduce our reliance on potable water for irrigation purposes. This is crucial for several reasons:
Conservation of Potable Water: By using reclaimed water for irrigation, we can reserve more potable water for essential uses such as drinking and bathing.
Environmental Sustainability: Utilizing reclaimed water helps protect our natural water sources and supports sustainable water management practices.
Economic Benefits: Reducing the demand for potable water can help lower utility costs and prevent the need for expensive infrastructure expansions.
History of the Plant
The plant was commissioned in 2013 with the goal of augmenting our reclaimed water system, especially during peak demand periods. It was designed to treat water from Lake Jesup to meet public access standards. However, from the beginning, the plant faced significant operational challenges.
Challenges and Issues
Water Quality and Filtration: The plant struggled to consistently meet the required water quality standards. Total suspended solids (TSS) levels in the treated water frequently exceeded permissible limits, reducing the plant’s effectiveness.
Mechanical and Design Flaws: There were several design and mechanical issues, such as improperly sized flush water pumps and structural problems with the storage tank.
Flooding and Damage: The plant’s infrastructure was affected by flooding during Hurricane Irma, causing significant damage to the intake pump station.
Operational Gaps: Lack of comprehensive operational data and adequate instrumentation hindered proper analysis and optimization of the plant’s performance.
Path Forward
Despite these challenges, there is a clear path to making the Lake Jesup Plant operational again and maximizing its benefits for our community:
Immediate Repairs: Repair the intake pump control panel and address known issues with the flush water system.
Upgrades to Filtration System: Implement chemical cleaning regimes, relocate the sodium hypochlorite injection point, and install finer screens to improve water quality.
Long-term Solutions: Conduct a pilot test for alternative filtration processes and evaluate the feasibility of upgrading or replacing the existing system.
Benefits of a Functional Plant
Reviving the Lake Jesup Plant will have numerous benefits for Winter Springs:
Increased Use of Reclaimed Water: More residents will be able to use reclaimed water for irrigation, reducing the strain on our potable water supply.
Conservation of Drinking Water: By diverting irrigation needs to reclaimed water, we ensure more potable water is available for essential uses.
Compliance with Regulatory Limits: Reducing our potable water consumption helps us stay within our allotted Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) from the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Your support and understanding are crucial as we work to overcome these challenges and make the Lake Jesup Reclaimed Water Augmentation Plant a success. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Winter Springs.
Please see the below link for items that have come before the City Commission related to the Lake Jesup Reclaimed Water Augmentation Plant. This includes multiple feasibility analyses, engineering reports, etc.
Below is a map and a document from a CPH study commissioned by Winter Springs, which cost thousands of dollars to produce. The study outlines how a six-inch pipe from Parkstone could transport artesian water to the nearby reclaimed water facility at Central Winds Park.
Thank you for your continued trust and commitment to our community.
As your City Commissioner, I’m thrilled to share with you the wonderful enhancements at Trotwood Park. Today, we celebrate not just the addition of a beautiful new boardwalk but the culmination of extensive improvements that reflect our city’s commitment to fostering community and enhancing the quality of life for all our residents.
A Testament to Community and Craftsmanship
The completion of the new boardwalk at Trotwood Park marks the final phase of a multi-year improvement project, which has included updates from new basketball courts and parking facilities to playground enhancements. These improvements are part of our broader “Perk up Parks Initiative,” aimed at revitalizing our city’s parks and play areas.
What makes the Trotwood Park boardwalk particularly special is that it was constructed entirely by our talented City of Winter Springs Parks Department staff. Through their hard work and dedication, we managed to save nearly $250,000 on this project! This cost-effective approach has allowed us to reinvest in further enhancements and ensure our parks meet the high standards our community deserves.
More Than Just a Boardwalk
As we cut the ribbon to officially open the new boardwalk, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in what we’ve achieved together. This boardwalk is more than just a pathway—it’s a gateway to nature, a place for families to gather, and a space for all of us to connect with the environment. From fishing and bird watching to simply enjoying a quiet moment away from the bustle of daily life, the boardwalk offers something for everyone.
“Our new boardwalk is such an investment into our residents’ ability to enjoy nature, to recreate, and to just be,” I shared during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Thanks to Len Hartman and his team, this boardwalk is built to last, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same beautiful, natural surroundings that we do today.
Join Us at Trotwood Park
If you haven’t had a chance to visit recently, I encourage you to come and see the improvements for yourself. Trotwood Park now has a splash pad, updated playground, fitness equipment, sports facilities, and of course our stunning new boardwalk.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this project. Your involvement is what drives our success and ensures that Winter Springs remains a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Come visit soon and see why Trotwood Park is a jewel in the crown of Winter Springs.
In January 2024, the Winter Springs City Commission unanimously passed a resolution adopting a comprehensive Code of Conduct for city boards and committees. This policy was designed to promote ethical behavior, professionalism, and respect among all appointed officials, ensuring that they serve the community with dignity and integrity.
However, it has become increasingly clear that Ken Spalthoff, a member of the Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board, has failed to uphold these standards.
Ken Spalthoff signed this Code of Conduct, agreeing to demonstrate civility, respect, and courtesy towards everyone he interacts with in his official capacity. He pledged to refrain from intimidation, ridicule, and unprofessional behavior. Yet, his actions since January tell a very different story.
Spalthoff’s ongoing campaign of harassment against Commissioner Victoria Bruce is a blatant violation of the principles outlined in the Code of Conduct. Despite the dismissal of his baseless ethics complaint against her, he has continued to spread misinformation and engage in defamatory attacks. His behavior not only undermines the integrity of our city’s leadership but also violates the agreement he made with the residents of Winter Springs when he signed the Code of Conduct.
Item #4 of the Code explicitly states that members will “demonstrate dignity, civility, respect, and courtesy” and “refrain from intimidation and ridicule.” Item #5 further requires that any disagreements or criticisms be framed in a professional and dignified manner. Spalthoff’s actions have repeatedly flouted these guidelines, showing a clear disregard for the ethical standards he pledged to uphold.
Winter Springs deserves better. We need leaders who prioritize the well-being of the community and adhere to the ethical standards that have been established to guide their behavior. Spalthoff’s conduct has made it clear that he is not fit to continue serving on the Planning and Zoning Board.
It is time for the community to take a stand. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that those who fail to meet their obligations be removed from their positions. By voting to remove Ken Spalthoff from the Planning and Zoning Board, we can send a strong message that Winter Springs will not tolerate unethical behavior from its leaders.
Let’s ensure that our city is led by individuals who respect the values of integrity, professionalism, and respect. It’s time to act.
For more information on how you can get involved in holding our leaders accountable, visit the official Winter Springs City Website.
In December 2023, Kenneth Spalthoff, a member of Winter Springs’ Planning and Zoning Board, filed an ethics complaint against me, Victoria Bruce, with the Florida Commission on Ethics. This complaint was a clear attempt to tarnish my reputation, as it was completely dismissed in April 2024 for failing to meet legal standards. However, this incident is just one part of a troubling pattern of behavior from Ken Spalthoff.
Since I announced my candidacy for Winter Springs City Commission District 2, Ken has relentlessly attacked my character, spreading misinformation and making defamatory comments on social media. The reason behind these baseless attacks is clear—Ken’s close association with my former opponent, Kevin Cannon, who I defeated, ending his political career.
Ken’s personal vendetta against me stems from his loyalty to Cannon, but his actions have crossed ethical lines and raise serious questions about his suitability to represent our community. As someone who holds a position on the Planning and Zoning Board, Ken is expected to uphold the city’s code of ethics. Instead, he has consistently engaged in behavior that undermines the integrity of our city’s leadership.
Winter Springs deserves leaders who are focused on serving the community, not individuals who misuse their positions to carry out personal vendettas. Ken’s conduct, from filing a frivolous complaint to his ongoing smear campaign, is not only unbecoming but also unfit for someone in a position of public trust.
I have always been committed to transparency, honesty, and working for the betterment of Winter Springs. I believe our city deserves representatives who prioritize the well-being of the community over personal grudges.
It’s time for our city leaders to take a stand against this kind of behavior. I call on the community to demand better from those who represent us. Winter Springs should be a place where integrity and ethical conduct guide our actions—not personal attacks and baseless accusations.
The City of Winter Springs is taking a monumental step towards enhancing road safety by adopting the Vision Zero Action Plan. Recently presented by MetroPlan Orlando, this initiative is a part of a regional effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Vision Zero’s goal is clear: to ensure that no lives are lost on our roadways.
Understanding Vision Zero
Vision Zero is a data-driven approach that focuses on creating a safe transportation system for everyone. The initiative is built on the principle that traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable and aims to reduce them to zero. The plan involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including city planners, traffic system operators, and the community.
Key Points from the Vision Zero Presentation
1. Background and Objectives:MetroPlan Orlando, in partnership with HDR, has been working diligently on developing the Vision Zero Action Plan for Winter Springs. This plan is part of a larger regional strategy funded through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. The primary objective is to achieve zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.
2. Data-Driven Approach: From 2018 to 2022, Central Florida saw nearly 1,500 deaths due to traffic incidents. In Winter Springs, the analysis revealed a concerning number of fatalities and serious injuries, particularly involving motorcyclists and incidents occurring in poorly lit areas. The Vision Zero plan uses this data to identify high-risk areas and propose targeted safety measures.
3. Community Engagement: The development of the Vision Zero plan involved extensive community outreach. MetroPlan Orlando engaged with residents at various local events, such as the Winter Wonderland event and the Eggciting Egg Hunt, to gather input and raise awareness about the importance of road safety.
4. Actionable Strategies: The Vision Zero Action Plan outlines specific strategies to improve road safety, categorized into five key elements:
Safer Roads: Developing a multimodal master plan to enhance pedestrian, cyclist, and transit user experiences.
Safer Speeds: Installing speed feedback signs to increase driver awareness.
Safer Road Users: Partnering with motorcycle safety organizations and promoting helmet usage.
Safer Vehicles: Ensuring new fleet vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features.
Post-Crash Care: Enhancing collaboration with first responders to improve crash data collection and emergency response.
5. Long-Term Commitment: Achieving Vision Zero is a long-term goal, with milestones set for 2035 and 2050 for city and regional roads, respectively. The plan requires ongoing commitment and collaboration from city officials, residents, and regional partners.
Next Steps
In August, the City Commission will consider adopting a resolution to follow the Vision Zero Action Plan. This resolution will direct staff to initiate the outlined actions and seek funding sources for implementation. By embracing Vision Zero, Winter Springs is committed to creating safer streets and a safer community for all.
As your City Commissioner, I am pleased to share an important update on the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget. Our commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and maintaining our community’s high quality of life remains steadfast. Below, you’ll find key highlights and details from our proposed budget, reflecting our collective efforts to ensure Winter Springs remains a thriving and beautiful community.
Budget Overview
The total proposed budget for all City funds is approximately $68.3 million, representing a 6% decrease from the prior fiscal year. This reduction is achieved without compromising the quality of services we provide to our residents. Our General Fund spending, however, has increased to $26.6 million, a 10.4% rise, due to several essential capital improvement projects, insurance premium hikes, and the rising costs of goods and services.
Key Highlights
Capital Improvement Projects: Significant investments are being made in infrastructure, including the design and construction of new wastewater treatment plants and updates to our water and sewer systems. These projects are critical for maintaining and improving our city’s essential services.
Increased Millage Rate: To support these projects and maintain service levels, we have proposed a modest increase in the millage rate by 0.21 mills. This change will help generate necessary revenue without relying on General Fund reserves for recurring operational costs.
Environmental Conservation: Our budget continues to prioritize environmental protection. Efforts include ongoing maintenance and upgrades to our water treatment facilities to ensure safe and clean drinking water for all residents.
Community Development: We are seeing steady growth in residential construction and commercial development. Projects like the Hickory Grove Townhomes and the Living Life independent living facility highlight our commitment to expanding housing options and supporting local businesses.
Public Safety and Community Services: Investments in public safety remain a top priority. We are enhancing our police services and community programs to ensure Winter Springs remains one of the safest cities in Florida.
Budget Workshop Announcement
We invite all residents to join us for a budget workshop on July 15th at 4:30 PM. This workshop will provide an opportunity for you to learn more about the FY2025 Proposed Budget and ask any questions you may have. It’s a great chance to engage with the Commission and understand how your tax dollars are being utilized to improve our community.
Message from the Interim City Manager
Our Interim City Manager has also provided an update on the budget process, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of all departments to minimize operating costs while maintaining high service standards. Here is the key message:
“Mayor and Commissioners,
In accordance with State Law and the City Charter, I am pleased to transmit the City of Winter Springs Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget for your consideration and review. This document is available on the City public website under the Finance link.
As presented, Fiscal Year 2025 total budgeted spending (all funds) represents a 6% decrease over the prior fiscal year, while total General Fund spending of $26.6M is up (10.4%). These increases are attributed to numerous capital improvement projects, notable insurance premium increases, and the cost of goods and services throughout the City. Our continued adherence to our fiscal plan includes a proactive approach of working directly with each Department Director in minimizing operating costs. Thus, I am recommending a budget for Fiscal Year 2025 that includes an increased millage rate of 0.21, no utilization of General Fund reserves for recurring operating purposes, and no reduction in the level of services currently provided to our citizens.
Staff and I remain ready and committed to assist you with any information and support you need to successfully finalize the budget. Thank you for your trust and support, resulting in this FY2025 Budget!”
Conclusion
The FY2025 Proposed Budget is a testament to our commitment to responsible fiscal management and sustainable community development. We are dedicated to ensuring that Winter Springs continues to flourish, balancing growth with the preservation of our natural environment. Your feedback and support are invaluable as we move forward with these plans.
Thank you for your continued trust and involvement in our community’s future. I look forward to seeing you at the budget workshop on July 15th!
Yesterday Evening 07/26/2022 A meeting was held in the City of Winter Springs to Discuss a development.
The interesting part of this meeting for me is that I had 3 questions to ask of the Commissioner who was speaking.
Here are the questions:
1) Did you speak with the property owner about this project and did you promise to her to change the zoning on this property for this project? Did you share with the property owner that this project would be both hers and your legacy to the city of Winter Springs?
– The answer to this question is YES. The commissioner has had this discussion with the property owner and he did share with her that this project would be her legacy and his.
2) Involving the Golf Course Property – have you spoken with the property owner and shared with him that you are in conversations with City Staff to remove the conservation easement? Did you also share with the property owner you would be working with him and his developer to get his project approved?
– The answer to this question is YES. The commissioner had this conversation with the property owner recently and then asked to have his signs put on the property.
3) You have shared with people tonight that you have only ever spoken to the developer once – yet it would seem that this is not the case? Since this is the same developer who has developed 434/Tuskawilla and has been in conversations on this property with city hall since April of this year?
– The truth is – Commissioner Cannon is playing with your emotions. He is intimately aware of what happens in City Hall – he is the single leader of everything in this city. His ability to spin the truth to his favor always intrigues me – it is how Lawyers operate, yet respectfully we don’t need a lawyer – we need a Community Advocate who will work with the community.
