Advancing Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Winter Springs 2023 Update

Advancing Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Winter Springs 2023 Update

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and providing up-to-date information to our residents, I am pleased to share an update on our city’s Water and Sewer infrastructure for 2023.

Water Works, the multi-year program initiated in 2011, has been instrumental in improving City facilities and infrastructure related to waste. This comprehensive project includes all City utilities, such as our three water treatment plants, both wastewater treatment plants, and the water distribution and sewer collection system. We are also dedicated to improving the taste and smell of your drinking water.

We have partnered with two of the world’s leading engineering firms, Carollo Engineers and Kimley-Horn and Associates, to ensure the highest quality in our improvement efforts.

In Fiscal Year 2020, we entered into a contract with Veolia Water North America – South, LLC (Veolia) for the operation, maintenance, and management services for the City’s drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and reuse utilities. We are nearing the completion of priority repairs on the East and West wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), with negotiations underway for the design of new WWTP facilities.

Our comprehensive wastewater master plan is now complete, and we have finished the dynamic wastewater and reclaimed water hydraulic models and conceptual design reports for both wastewater reclamation facilities. The final stage of the program will see the replacement of the City’s two wastewater reclamation facilities.

By the end of FY 23, we will have procured a construction manager at risk contractor to guide the final engineering, design, and construction over the upcoming year.

As part of our continual improvements, in late 2021, we completed upgrades at Water Treatment Plant No. 1. These enhancements increased system capacity by 30% and reduced chlorine demand by over 60%.

We are also focusing on improvements for Water Treatment Plant 3, which includes power resiliency for Water Treatment Plant 3 and Lift Station 7W.

Our reclaimed expansion project along SR 434 is nearing completion, marking a significant stride in our infrastructure development. This project includes a 12″ reclaimed water main installation and will transition 379 homes and the HOA irrigation accounts in Tuskawilla Crossing to reclaimed irrigation. We also plan to migrate Winter Springs Village to reclaimed water soon.

Looking ahead to FY 2024, we will adjust potable water, sewer, and reclaimed water rates to align with an estimated 4% CPI, effective from October 1, 2023. Our comparative rate position remains competitive and falls within the bottom half of rates charged by neighboring utility systems.

Designing the new East and West WWTP is expected to commence in late FY23, which will include onboarding a CMAR during the pre-construction phase. Funding for these costs will be sourced from ARPA and the State Revolving Fund loan.

We will continue to update you on our progress. For more information, please visit the Water Works page on our City’s website.

Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work to enhance our city’s infrastructure.

A Look at the 2023 Development Services Revenues for Winter Springs

A Look at the 2023 Development Services Revenues for Winter Springs

Dear residents,

Today, I’d like to share some vital information about our city’s Development Services revenues in the fiscal year 2023.

The projections for this year show a decrease in revenues by approximately $123,500, marking a 12.6% decrease from the previous fiscal year. This reduction is a consequence of several factors, including the impact of hurricanes Ian and Nicole and subsequent changes to our city’s development regulations.

However, the city continues to prioritize diversifying our property tax base. Despite lower construction numbers compared to previous years, single-family residential construction remains steady. We have over 500 units under construction, which includes the 114-unit Winter Springs Townhome Subdivision.

Demand for retirement housing remains robust. Vertical construction has been completed on the Savoy Retirement Residence in the Town Center, and there are new project proposals currently under development review.

Commercial development is showing positive signs as well. There is increasing demand for new construction projects like the Winter Springs Marketplace Shopping Center and Chase Bank. We are also observing a positive trend in the occupancy of previously vacant tenant spaces.

A notable factor affecting the decrease in revenues this year is the development regulation review and assessment – also known as the building moratorium – conducted by the city. This step was taken in response to the devastating impact of hurricanes Ian and Nicole at the beginning of the current fiscal year. The moratorium has temporarily paused development as we work to amend the city code to enhance our stormwater design requirements.

Despite this, we anticipate several permit applications for both commercial and residential developments before the end of the fiscal year. This could potentially mitigate some of the projected decrease in Development Services revenues.

As always, I am committed to keeping you informed about the various aspects of our city’s development. If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at victoria@mitigationbankinginc.com.

Navigating Towards Improvement: New Turn Lane at SR 434 & Winding Hollow Blvd

Navigating Towards Improvement: New Turn Lane at SR 434 & Winding Hollow Blvd

We’re on the road to significant improvements in Winter Springs! I am excited to share the news of an upcoming turn lane enhancement at the intersection of SR 434 and Winding Hollow Boulevard. This project is a testament to our city’s commitment to enhance mobility and ensure a smooth commute for all.

Thanks to the generous funding of over $1.1 million from the Metro Planning Organization (MPO), the city has secured the necessary resources for the construction costs of this pivotal project. We are currently collaborating closely with the Florida Department of Transportation District 5 to align our timelines and efforts.

The project is set to be advertised in Spring 2024, with construction anticipated to commence in the following months. This project is long overdue, and I am looking forward to seeing it get started.

Your patience during the construction phase will be greatly appreciated, as we work towards creating a more accessible and safer Winter Springs.

Rest assured, we will continue to keep you informed about the progress and milestones of this project.

Stay tuned for more updates, and here’s to a smoother and safer commute in our beloved city!

2023 Winter Springs City Update: Mayor Kevin McCain Reflects on Progress and Challenges

2023 Winter Springs City Update: Mayor Kevin McCain Reflects on Progress and Challenges

Hometown Hill Day: A Central Florida Leadership Forum, an event produced by the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Kevin McCain of Winter Springs recently provided a comprehensive update on the state of the city. The forum served as an open platform for federal, state, and local officials to discuss and promote awareness about different political issues affecting the community.

The forum featured panel discussions that included prominent political commentators and experts, federal, state, and local officials such as Jason Brodeur (Florida State Senator District 10), Rachel Plakon (Florida State Representative District 36), and several other dignitaries, including Mayor McCain.

Addressing the congregation, Mayor Kevin McCain of Winter Springs delivered the State of the Union update for the city, in which he highlighted:

  1. Recognition of city commissioners, city staff, contractors, and other partners contributing to the city’s success.
  2. Brief history of Winter Springs, originally known as North Orlando, and now shares a symbiotic relationship with the Tusall community that makes up about half of the city.
  3. The city’s prime location with close proximity to downtown Orlando and the excellent services provided by the police department. The city ranked 4th safest in the state in 2022.
  4. Challenges and action plans after the 2022 hurricane season, which caused extensive water damage. The city is working on strengthening stormwater systems, with around $10 million in federal grants obtained for reinforcement and clearing of water systems.
  5. Body cameras for police officers funded with the help of Representative Smith, ensuring transparency and safety.
  6. The city’s strong financial position, with improved pension fund and bond ratings, and a consistent property tax rate with no increases for 14 years.
  7. Ongoing parks initiative that has resulted in park upgrades and addition of new facilities like bathrooms, basketball courts, and pickleball courts.
  8. Hosting of annual events such as the celebration of Freedom for Fireworks display, hometown Harvest, a music festival in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Winter Wonderland Parade, and the Scottish Highland Games.
  9. Major infrastructure project, the largest in the city’s history, for the replacement of antiquated wastewater treatment plants. The $100 million project is crucial for the environment and property values, and is expected to start next year.
  10. Commitment to maintaining the brand and character of Winter Springs, with the aim to control the type and quality of incoming developments.

Mayor McCain closed the address by inviting questions from the audience, ensuring transparency and willingness to discuss any issue related to the city.

This event was a part of the five-session program organized to enable participants to engage in meaningful discussions about the current state of affairs and to meet with elected officials who could aid in implementing change. 

Participating Panelists Jason Brodeur – Florida State Senator District 10 Rachel Plakon – Florida State Representative District 36 Susan Plasencia – Florida State Representative District 37 David Smith – Florida State Representative District 38 Doug Bankson – Florida State Representative District 39 Bob Dallari – Seminole County Commissioner District 1 Lee Constantine – Seminole County Commissioner District 3 Amy Lockhart – Seminole County Commissioner District 4 David Johnson – Seminole County Property Appraiser Grant Maloy – Seminole County Clerk of the Courts Sheriff Dennis Lemma – Seminole County Sheriff Chris Anderson – Seminole County Supervisor of Elections J.R. Kroll – Seminole County Tax Collector Megan Sladek – Mayor of Oviedo Kevin McCann – Mayor of Winter Springs * Speakers subject to change

The Hometown Hill Day event was a testament to the importance of open dialogue and engagement between community leaders and the public in shaping the future of our cities.

For more information on Mayor McCain’s address or any other discussions at the event, contact Jordan Hook at the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Remember, the views shared by the participants, including Mayor McCain, are their own and do not reflect the endorsement of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Transparency and Change: The Journey of Winter Springs with Commissioner Victoria Colangelo

Transparency and Change: The Journey of Winter Springs with Commissioner Victoria Colangelo

Hello, Winter Springs! I’m Victoria Colangelo, your City Commissioner for District 2. I’m deeply honored to serve you and be a part of the important changes happening in our beloved community.

The last six months have been a period of intense scrutiny and change, ignited by my election. One of the significant outcomes was an audit conducted by the Seminole County Clerk’s office. It uncovered a notable deviation in the use of sales tax revenue, initially intended for infrastructure improvements. Although I did not instigate this audit, I have been tenaciously advocating for the responsible management and replenishment of these funds.

Moreover, I am committed to tackling the challenges related to our aging wastewater treatment plants. These facilities carry high maintenance costs and require urgent reconstruction. As your representative, I pledge full transparency in managing these critical projects and promise to provide regular updates to keep you informed.

My vision for Winter Springs is a city that is sustainable, resilient, and always prioritizes its residents. I remain resolute in my mission to address our water infrastructure issues, promote fiscal responsibility, and push for an updated wastewater management system. Together, we can build a future for Winter Springs that we can all be proud of.

To stay connected and up-to-date with the latest developments, I invite you to visit my website, www.victoriaforwintersprings.com. I’ve created this platform to ensure you have access to timely updates and news about our city.

Your opinions, concerns, and feedback play a vital role in shaping our city’s direction. If there’s anything you want me to address or investigate, please don’t hesitate to contact me at  victoria@mitigationbankinginc.com. Remember, I am here to serve you, and your voice matters.

Thank you for placing your trust in me. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together for the betterment of Winter Springs.

Winter Springs Scores NRCS Funding for Vital Creek Cleanup

Winter Springs Scores NRCS Funding for Vital Creek Cleanup

Exciting news for Winter Springs! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve secured a substantial grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the extensive cleanup of several of our city’s creeks.

This grant, approved in June, empowers us to enlist a skilled contractor to handle the task of removing substantial vegetation, large trees, and heavy sedimentation from Bear, Gee, Howell, No Name, and Sheoah Creeks.

Following City Commission approval, dedicated crews will undertake the essential task of clearing these creeks of debris and sediment. This will restore their functionality, facilitating efficient stormwater flow throughout our city, and contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

Thanks to the terms of the NRCS grant, up to 75% of the total project cost will be covered, leaving Winter Springs to fund the remaining 25%. This cost-sharing model exemplifies our commitment to responsibly managing city resources.

The work is set to kick off in July and is projected to wrap up by the end of August. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of this cleanup project on our city’s environment and infrastructure.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates on this exciting project and more about how we’re working to make Winter Springs an even better place to live.

Winter Springs Embraces Pickleball: Building the Largest Complex in Seminole County

Winter Springs Embraces Pickleball: Building the Largest Complex in Seminole County

We’re thrilled to announce that Winter Springs is enthusiastically joining the national pickleball craze!

We’re currently in the process of constructing what will be the largest complex dedicated to this fast-growing sport in Seminole County. The facility, set to have 14 courts, will be capable of hosting tournaments, leagues, and possibly even serving as a home for a professional team.

Cities such as Tampa and St. Pete have their major sports teams, and we’re excited about the potential for Winter Springs to follow suit, leveraging our pickleball complex to possibly attract a major league pickleball club to call our city home.

We’ve been steadily working towards building this pavilion at Central Winds Park for several years, and construction officially began in March. Originally, the complex was going to feature 13 standard courts and one tournament-sized court. However, we listened to our community and decided to make all of the courts tournament-sized. This change will not only generate revenue for our city but also draw professional pickleball players and enthusiasts from all over.

I believe this project presents a fantastic opportunity for us to utilize these courts to host tournaments and leagues, which could provide a substantial income stream to our city. But rest assured, while the possibility for tournaments is exciting, the primary focus of this pickleball facility is our Winter Springs residents. The facility is, first and foremost, for our community, and our residents will always have priority access at no cost to play the game they love.

The construction of the pickleball facility, which is expected to cost the city $2.9 million, will be funded using park impact fees.

Pickleball courts have been popping up all over Central Florida, reflecting the popularity of this dynamic sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The sport’s popularity has soared, growing by 159% over three years to 8.9 million players in 2022, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

Here in Winter Springs, we are thrilled to be a part of this trend and look forward to welcoming everyone to our new pickleball courts once completed. Let’s embrace this exciting opportunity to bring more sport and community spirit to our wonderful city!

Slow Your Roll! Winter Springs Takes the Lead in Traffic Safety

Slow Your Roll! Winter Springs Takes the Lead in Traffic Safety

As your Winter Springs City Commissioner, I’d like to draw your attention to an important update regarding traffic management in our community.

Starting Monday, we’ll be implementing a speed limit change on Winter Springs Blvd. The speed limit will be reduced from 30 to 25 miles-per-hour from Tuskawilla Blvd. to the city limits. This decision was approved by the Winter Springs City Commission during our regular meeting on March 13.

This change is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety of our residents. The reduction of the speed limit aims to ensure greater consistency in speed limits along the roadway and to mitigate any potential risks associated with high-speed traffic.

This is one of several safety enhancements we have been implementing along Winter Springs Blvd. since May. Our efforts have also included new asphalt, raised intersections, speed tables, and designated bike lanes to improve road safety and accommodate diverse modes of transportation.

Funding for these safety improvements comes from the one-cent local government infrastructure surtax. We’re committed to putting these funds to good use for the benefit of our community.

As your City Commissioner, I value your safety and wellbeing above all. I encourage you to take note of the upcoming changes and join us in our efforts to create a safer, more harmonious community. Please continue to follow the traffic rules and regulations in place. Let’s make Winter Springs a safer place to live, one step at a time.

Seminole County Advances Land Conservation Program: Seminole Forever Takes a Step Forward

Seminole County Advances Land Conservation Program: Seminole Forever Takes a Step Forward

Seminole County is making significant progress towards implementing a land conservation program. During a meeting on Tuesday, the Seminole commissioners agreed to proceed with establishing a countywide initiative aimed at acquiring environmentally sensitive natural lands for conservation purposes and passive recreation. This program would safeguard open areas from sprawling developments.

Commissioner Lee Constantine expressed support for the proposed initiative, known as Seminole Forever, emphasizing that if implemented, Seminole County would be the first in the state to undertake such an endeavor. Constantine acknowledged the vital importance of conservation lands to the community and assured citizens that there would be no additional taxes imposed on them to fund this program.

Under Seminole Forever, the county would establish a seven-member advisory committee responsible for recommending lands to be purchased for conservation or passive recreation. The committee would also devise maintenance and operations plans for the acquired lands. Additionally, the program would allow the purchase of lands to protect waterways, wetlands, and potentially accommodate hunting as a form of passive recreation.

Commissioner Jay Zembower suggested that hunting opportunities should be considered, as hunters and fishermen contribute as taxpayers and are known for their conservation efforts. However, the current hunting ban on county-owned lands received support from the other commissioners, indicating their disagreement with overturning the ban.

Zembower also proposed using Seminole Forever funds to purchase land for farming and agriculture, including community gardens. However, Commission Chair Amy Lockhart expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of farming activities such as pesticide and fertilizer usage.

Paul Owens, the president of 1000 Friends of Florida, a nonprofit advocating for smart growth, urged the commissioners to promptly launch Seminole Forever, emphasizing its significance as a new paradigm for the state. He warned that delaying the program could result in permanent land loss, particularly considering Florida’s rapid population growth.

Owens and others suggested that the county’s annual contribution to Seminole Forever should be increased to 6% of its non-ad-valorem revenue, amounting to approximately $3.5 million based on the current budget. However, a resident named Bill Hyde expressed concerns about the impact on tax revenue when land is removed from the tax rolls, urging the commissioners to carefully consider the implications.

Joe Humphreys, another resident, disagreed with Hyde and emphasized the great opportunity Seminole County has to preserve undeveloped land. He highlighted that urban sprawl does not generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs.

It is worth noting that while eight Florida counties have passed referendums to establish or maintain local land conservation programs through tax increases, Seminole County would be unique in funding its initiative through the general fund instead of relying on a tax hike, according to Commissioner Constantine. He also pointed out that properties near conservation areas tend to experience increased value for homes and businesses.

Commissioner Constantine expressed his excitement about the progress being made and assured the community that the steps being taken would ensure a high quality of life for Seminole County residents, which they rightfully deserve and cherish.

Wastewater Management Challenges and Financial Implications in Winter Springs: A Summary Report

Wastewater Management Challenges and Financial Implications in Winter Springs: A Summary Report

The ongoing maintenance costs of the aging plants underscore the urgency of the reconstruction project. To ensure the responsible allocation of taxpayer funds, we must provide complete transparency regarding the financial aspects of the project. Regular updates on the budget, expenditure breakdowns, and timeline will be made available to the public as they become available to me. It is imperative that residents understand the reasons behind the escalating costs and the projected financial impact throughout the reconstruction process.

This summary report provides a comprehensive overview of the wastewater management challenges faced by Winter Springs during the fiscal years 2022 and 2023. It highlights significant factors such as increases in flow and loading, construction period extension, rising chemical costs, and inflationary impacts. The report presents a breakdown of the financial implications for each fiscal year, including costs due from prior periods and the projected costs for FY 2023.

Winter Springs deserves a modern and efficient wastewater management system. As a city commissioner, I will continue to work tirelessly to address the legacy of deferred maintenance, ensuring that the rebuilding process remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our community. Together, we can navigate these challenges, laying the foundation for a sustainable future while providing residents with reliable and environmentally conscious wastewater services.

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