On third motion, Windsong final plan passed, 3-2

WINDERMERE — The Windermere Town Council approved the third rendition of a Windsong at Windermere final development plan at its regular meeting Feb. 10.

Approval ultimately became contingent on three conditions: upgrades to the sizes of sewer piping in the plan; notifying the town on updates to certain aquatic aspects of the development; and paying for a left-turn lane, if the traffic engineers of the town and development team agree after completion of the 30th lot in the plan that such a lane would be necessary by traffic standards to necessitate such a lane.

Two similar motions failed before the third passed with the minimum of three affirming votes: council members Jim O’Brien, Molly Rose and Richard Armstrong, who changed his vote from a similar proposition. Councilmen Mike Pirozzolo and John Armstrong maintained dissent, with Armstrong vowing before votes that he would not approve any plan that night without revisions to setbacks and lot sizes that the council had approved at its December meeting.

Windermere residents such as Roger Ambuter continued to raise concerns with flood plains and draining, the turn lane, sewers and general water management. Approval of the final development plan occurred after spending more than 2 hours on Windsong once again, including multiple short recesses during negotiations and considerations.

SERVICE AWARDS

Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden and Deputy Chief Jennifer Treadwell presented awards to town police officers and locals aiding public safety in 2014. Among the awards were: Officer Ryan Miller receiving the Award of Merit, Sgt. Jason Bonk named Police Officer of the Year and the Purple Heart Award and first department promotion to Officer One for Robbie German, who died from gunshot wounds suffered in the line of duty.

Travis Mathias and Craig McNeal received awards for 15 years of service to the town, as well.

MONEY MATTERS

The council approved several items related to town finances, including a $5,000 compensation and classification study awarded to Burris and Associates, against which only Armstrong voted.

Barracuda Building Corp.’s $6,990 quote for a barrier wall project on Ridgewood Drive and Sommer Sports’ $4,700 quote for event management of Windermere Run Among the Lakes passed unanimously.

An $8,008.27 Athletic House quote for t-shirts for the run passed with only Pirozzolo dissenting.

CONSIDERATIONS

-Rose raised several discussion topics: the town’s boat lift needing repairs and the possible lack of a need for the town to have a boat; a moving truck parked for months before a Windermere residence; and buying a generator for police use during power outages.

-Gonzalez recommended added training and bonuses for Ogden and Town Manager Robert Smith.

-Smith reported on many recent successful charity events for the town, including the Central Florida NFL Alumni’s Caring for Kids fundraiser last month that raised more than $23,000. He also announced the Robbie German Memorial Softball Tournament and Family Fun Day for March 22.

-Ogden will lead a group of town staff and council members to Washington, D.C., for a trip spanning March 13-16.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].