Commissioner Victoria Colangelo shares exciting news about Winter Springs’ commitment to modernizing our city’s infrastructure. The City Commission’s approval on December 11, 2023, for the design and construction services of the East & West Wastewater Treatment Facilities marks a significant step forward. This project, more than just a design scope, includes detailed development, permitting assistance, and community outreach. It’s a proactive approach to ensuring reliable and efficient wastewater treatment, aligning with our city’s growth and regulatory compliance needs. This initiative underscores our dedication to building a resilient and sustainable future for Winter Springs.
The City requested a comprehensive review of the sufficiency of water, sewer, and reclaimed water user rates to provide revenue for operations and capital improvements. As the City is engaging in a significant sewer capital upgrade and reinvestment program over the next few years which will require a focus on obtaining funding for the projects and setting the rates to support the capital program and potential new debt service payments. Raftelis Financial Consultants conducted the study with close support and cooperation by the City’s staff and engineering consultants. This presentation will discuss the development of the study, results and recommendations to the City and Commission.
Doc drops out of the City Manager Hiring Process, despite being ranked #1 out of 5 candidates. He said he was insulted with the way 2 of the 5 commissioners approached the recruitment process. Therefore, he drops out with an email to the Mayor and Blind Carbon Copies 3 of the 5 commissioners.
Per Wikipedia; “In some cases, the use of blind carbon copy may be viewed as mildly unethical. The original addressee of the mail (To: address) is left under the impression that communication is proceeding between the known parties, and is knowingly kept unaware of others participating in the primary communication.”
Only a FOIA request would uncover this fishy behavior, showing that the email was sent via BCC.
Hello, Winter Springs residents. I’m Commissioner Victoria, and I want to share my perspective on the ongoing city manager search in our beloved community. It’s essential to shed light on my concerns and reservations about this process because, ultimately, our city deserves nothing but the best leadership.
LinkedIn Posting Puzzlement
Let’s start with the LinkedIn posting. I was puzzled by the fact that the city manager position was not listed on our official City of Winter Springs LinkedIn page but on a duplicate. It might seem like a small detail, but it raised questions about the professionalism and accuracy of the recruitment process. Why was such a crucial posting not on the correct platform?
The Top Five Candidates
As the search progressed, my concerns grew. Korn Ferry presented us with what they considered the top five candidates. However, I, along with many others, failed to see what set them apart. Three of these candidates had no prior experience as city managers, while the other two had only five years of experience in that role. This misalignment with our city’s expectations left me deeply concerned about the qualifications of these selected few.
Our Expectations
Winter Springs had specific criteria in mind for our new city manager. We needed a candidate with experience in city management, finance, and utilities—a well-rounded skill set crucial for effective leadership. Unfortunately, the selected candidates did not seem to meet these expectations.
Fears Confirmed
Throughout this city manager search process, I voiced my doubts and concerns. I even expressed reservations about Korn Ferry’s recruitment methods. I feared that the process might have been compromised from the start, especially considering that the decision to hire Korn Ferry was made without consulting the Seminole County recruiter.
As I saw only five applicants make it to the final stage, my apprehensions grew stronger. I began to worry that the former assistant manager, who had initiated the Korn Ferry partnership, might not have the city’s best interests at heart.
The Call for Transparency
In the midst of this controversy, I called for greater transparency. I requested the names and locations of all 200 applicants because I believed that the candidate pool was not up to par. My concerns weren’t just for myself but for the entire community that deserves nothing but the best leadership possible.
I want to assure you, Winter Springs residents, that my perspective comes from a place of dedication to our city. I am committed to upholding high standards for our leadership because our community deserves nothing less. As this controversy unfolds, I hope that we can collectively work towards a transparent and effective city manager selection process that will serve the best interests of Winter Springs and its residents.
As a dedicated public servant deeply committed to the wellbeing of our community and the integrity of our infrastructures, the recent failure at the Tuskawilla Crossings pond has raised significant concerns and numerous questions. A catastrophe of this nature, resulting in a 30-foot hole and the malfunctioning of a relatively new retention pond, necessitates thorough investigation and transparent communication.
First and foremost, it is imperative that we scrutinize and assess the root causes of this failure. This incident could be the consequence of various factors such as potential design shortcomings, construction defects, or maintenance lapses. The decision to allocate approximately $180,000 to Pegasus Engineering for a comprehensive evaluation of the damages and to discern the essential repairs is a necessary step. We anticipate insightful findings that will clarify the intricacies of the berm’s failure and provide guidance on avoiding similar future incidents.
However, the potential cost of the reparations, which could escalate to $1-1.5 million, underscores the gravity of this issue and prompts contemplation on fiscal responsibilities and allocations. Our community deserves clarity on this significant expenditure, ensuring that our resources are judiciously utilized for maximal community benefit. We must prudently consider the renewal of the penny sales tax for infrastructure in 2024, understanding its crucial role in funding essential projects and addressing unforeseen challenges like this one.
A holistic, objective, and transparent evaluation is paramount. It is crucial to ascertain whether this unfortunate incident was a result of an unforeseeable act of nature or if it stemmed from identifiable and preventable flaws in design or maintenance. As we navigate through this challenging situation, my focus is steadfast on safeguarding our community’s interests, ensuring the resilience of our infrastructures, and upholding accountability and excellence in all our public projects.
Let’s remain engaged and vigilant as we unravel the details surrounding this incident, always striving for a robust, resilient, and thriving Winter Springs. Your continued involvement and feedback are invaluable in these community matters. Together, we will work towards effective solutions and the continuous enhancement of our beloved city.
Winter Springs Golf Course sits in The Highlands community, which already has around 1,400 homes. It’s a 133-acre area that’s been under a public conservation agreement since 1984.
Key Points of the Proposal
Here are some main things Pulte Group is suggesting:
Keep some old fairways and lakes as open spaces or areas where people can hang out quietly.
Set aside 10 acres for expanding the sewer plant, working with Carollo Engineering.
The idea is to build different kinds of units:
272 townhomes
41 bungalows
179 cottage homes
492 units altogether
What About Green Spaces?
Though Winter Springs usually requires 5% of a project to be open space, this plan offers 44% for public use and recreation.
Is There Room for Shops?
Yep, the development is proposing around 12 acres for commercial space along State Road 434.
Living in the Community
The proposal includes walking paths and quiet areas for residents, which would be taken care of by a homeowners association.
So What Happens Now?
There are a bunch of official steps, like changing some city plans and zoning rules, before any of this can happen. The biggest road block? Asking the city commission to lift more than 100 acres of conservation easement on the property.
Disclaimer: All information is based on the current proposal and is subject to change. Please visit the official Winter Springs website for the most up-to-date information.
Adel at Lake Jesup is a potential development near Lake Jesup. The folks behind it are Westgate Terrace LLC, and it’s going to be part of a bigger area called Tuskawilla Shores.
This lakefront development sits on Lake Jesup, falling under the jurisdiction of Winter Springs and Seminole County. All in all, they’re planning to build 14 houses. Four of them will have a lake view.
What About Trees and Wetlands?
They’ve promised to check out the local trees and wetlands, making sure they don’t harm the environment while building.
Lot Specifics
Total lot count: 14
Lakefront lots: 4
The size and type of each lot have been meticulously planned to offer diverse options to prospective homeowners.
In accordance with environmental guidelines, a wetlands and tree survey has been integrated into the site plan, ensuring the preservation of natural habitats.
I’m excited to share with you updates on two major residential projects that have recently received approval from the Winter Springs City Commission, demonstrating the city’s commitment to responsible growth and community development.
Hickory Grove Townhomes
First, Mattamy Homes is in the process of constructing a 132-unit townhome community near the intersection of S.R. 434 and Tuskawilla Road, in close proximity to Winter Springs High School and a Publix-anchored shopping center. The community will feature four different two-story townhome floorplans ranging from 1,476 to 1,709 square feet. The project will include 4.3 acres of open space that will consist of amenities such as a pool, cabana, playground, and dog park, enhancing the quality of life for future residents.
Senior Living Facility
Secondly, Amco Development is preparing to begin work on an amenity-rich, 140-unit independent living facility for residents 65 and older. Located at the intersection of S.R. 434 and Fountaintree Drive, this facility will offer modern living spaces and upscale amenities designed to foster social connections and promote well-being for our senior residents. Amenities will include a restaurant, bistro, hair salon/spa, small movie theater, and areas for arts and crafts, enriching the lives of residents and their guests.
Collaborative Decision-Making
I would like to acknowledge the Planning and Zoning Board’s diligent work in reviewing these projects. After extensive deliberation and collaboration with developers to align the projects more closely with city codes, the board has ensured that these new additions will not only meet but exceed our community’s standards.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth
It’s worth noting that the City Commission lifted its growth moratorium in late July, which had been imposed earlier in the year to focus on improvements to our stormwater infrastructure. These two projects symbolize the forward momentum that Winter Springs is taking in its development, always with an eye toward sustainability and the well-being of its residents.
Your Feedback Matters
We understand that new developments can raise questions and concerns. As always, my door is open for discussions regarding these and future projects. Together, we can ensure that Winter Springs remains a community we’re proud to call home.
Recently it was discovered that a toxic industrial chemical, 1,4-dioxane, had been found to have infiltrated the Floridan Aquifer, our region’s source of drinking water.
On July 31, 2023, Winter Springs sampled its potable water systems within the City for traces of 1,4-dioxane.
Water samples were taken from all three Winter Springs Water Treatment Plants at the wells and from the points of entry(POE) and sent to a lab for analysis.
On August 11, 2023, the City received the results from the lab and was informed that the levels were found to be non-detectable (ND).
The presence of the contaminating chemical, 1,4-dioxane, has been found in water across Seminole County, Lake Mary and Sanford for years. It has been widely used in laboratory and manufacturing processes and has been a byproduct of chemicals used in personal care products, laundry detergents and food.
Health advisory levels for 1,4-dioxane are set at 0.35 parts per billion in groundwater, surface water and soil and are regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Levels of 1,4-dioxane at Seminole County’s Markham Regional Water Treatment Plant have averaged 0.18 parts per billion, roughly half of the EPA’s health advisory, officials said.
Currently, 1,4-dioxane is not federally regulated by the EPA’s Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water. Though, it has been included in the list of proposed chemicals to be federally regulated by the EPA in the future.
The current EPA Health Advisory Level (HAL) for 1,4-dioxane is 0.35 micrograms per liter (µg/L) considering an acceptable cancer risk of 1 in a million. 0.35 µg/L is the equivalent of approximately 5 filled shot glasses (7.5 oz) added to approximately 150 million gallons of water.
Drinking water at or below the HAL for a lifetime is not expected to cause any increased harmful health effects.
The EPA Health Advisory Level of 0.35 ug/l is not a promulgated Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) that is enforceable. The EPA is “continuing to evaluate for MCL” with no indication of timing.
As for Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) enforces state regulated levels for 1,4-dioxane in groundwater. The Florida Administrative Code identifies a Groundwater Cleanup Target Level (GTCL) of 3.2 ug/L in groundwater that is enforceable.
1,4-dioxane and PFAS’s regulation continues to evolve from a regulatory standpoint and is much closer to having associated Federal enforceable Maximum Containment Level (MCL).
On Monday, June 10, 2024, a Federal Court granted a preliminary injunction that changes the form filing requirement from a 2023 Form 6 back to a 2023 Form 1 for Mayors and City/Village/Town Governing Board Members. The ruling is effective immediately.
As someone who has always been an advocate for transparency, I wholeheartedly support this move. Transparency, after all, is the bedrock of a strong democracy, and this initiative can only deepen the trust between elected officials and you, our valued constituents.
While the idea of sharing personal financial data might seem daunting to some, I believe that when we step into the world of public service, we have a responsibility to lead with integrity and openness. The essence of this new rule is to ensure that there’s no conflict of interest and that we, as public representatives, prioritize the welfare of our community above everything else.
In my tenure as your City Commissioner, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of transparency. It encourages greater community engagement, instills confidence, and most importantly, holds us accountable for our actions. By openly disclosing our tax returns and business interests, we’re taking a collective pledge to maintain the high standards of honesty and integrity that you, the residents of Winter Springs, expect and deserve.
The new law mandates that local elected officials no longer file the previously known Form 1 financial disclosure. Instead, they must file “Form 6—Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interest” with the Florida Commission on Ethics by July 1 of each year.
Form 6 is considerably more comprehensive than Form 1 and it mandates officials to:
Report each source of income over $1,000, its address, and the total amount received.
Identify and value assets exceeding $1,000.
List the creditor’s name and address for liabilities over $1,000 and specify their amounts.
Present a statement indicating the value of one’s net worth as of December 31 of the preceding year, or a more recent date.
Disclosure Options:
To satisfy the first requirement, officials have two options:
Provide a sworn statement detailing each income source and amount over $1,000.
Share the most recent federal income tax return, including all its associated attachments and schedules.
I want to take this opportunity to share that I am currently in the process of gathering all the necessary documents and will be completing my disclosure at the earliest. I urge my fellow commissioners and elected officials to do the same promptly. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about taking a stand for transparency and ensuring that the interests of our community always come first.
I understand that change, especially one of this nature, may lead to numerous questions and perhaps a few concerns. I invite you to reach out with any queries you might have. As always, I am here to listen, clarify, and act in the best interest of our beloved Winter Springs.
In conclusion, the path to a better and more transparent governance system is paved with such initiatives. Let us all embrace this change and ensure that Winter Springs remains a beacon of trust, community spirit, and forward-thinking governance.
“Commissioner Victoria Colangelo shares her journey in bringing live video streaming of city meetings to Winter Springs, emphasizing the significance of transparency in governance.”
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I share a recent accomplishment in our journey towards enhanced transparency: the inception of live video streaming for city meetings. This has been a passion project of mine, and seeing it come to fruition is truly heartwarming.
When I took office as your City Commissioner, one of my core commitments was to foster an environment of transparency, trust, and accessibility. I believe that every resident has a right to be privy to the decisions being made on their behalf, in real-time. With today’s technology, there’s no reason to hold back from providing this access.
Thankfully, the City of Winter Springs has heeded our collective call. With a proposed timeline of around 90 days to set up the necessary equipment, we’re on track to offer an insider’s view into the workings of our city’s governance. In the interim, I’m pleased to share that you can continue to listen to the audio of meetings atwinterspringsfl.org, and many of our meetings are also being generously video streamed by private citizens on the ‘Live Now 32708‘ Facebook page.
However, I acknowledge that transparency isn’t just about making information accessible; it’s also about clarity and understanding. That’s why I’m here for you, to answer questions, address concerns, and clarify any points of confusion.
It’s always been my mission to ensure that you, the heart and soul of Winter Springs, are always in the know and that your voice resonates in every decision we make. The live streaming of city meetings is just one more step in that direction.
In conclusion, our beloved Winter Springs is evolving, adapting, and setting higher standards in governance, all while putting its community first. I’m honored to be part of this journey and look forward to sharing many more updates with you all.
