Windermere recreation center to receive new dock

WINDERMERE – Anglers soon will get the chance to cast their lines at a new spot. 

Town leaders approved the construction contract for a new fishing pier during the March 28 Town Council meeting.

The new fishing dock will be constructed at the Windermere Recreation Center, formerly known as the Butler Bay Recreation Center, at the same site that formerly hosted a fishing dock that was deemed irreparable in 2013 and closed to the public.

The new pier, which will be constructed by Summertime Deck and Dock LLC, will cost $44,000 — $32,000 of which will be paid using a grant the town received from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. The remaining $12,000 will be taken from the town’s Parks and Recreation budget.

The pier will be made from Southern yellow pine and extend 140 feet out into Lake Crescent, with a 4-foot-wide walkway measuring 130 feet in length and a 10-foot-by-20-foot rectangular platform with benches and a roof structure.

Windermere mayor Gary Bruhn said an estimated construction timeline has not yet been released.

IN OTHER NEWS

• After winning re-election March 14, incumbents James “Jim” O’Brien and Robert “Bob” McKinley, along with new Council Member Richard Montgomery, took the oath of office. Each will serve two-year terms that expire March 2019.
• Molly Rose was recognized for her eight years of service to the town in her former role as town council member from March 2009 to March 2017. 
• Upon evaluation of Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith’s management of town staff and regular duties, Smith was approved for a $5,000 salary increase. Smith, who was hired Oct. 25, 2011, with an annual salary of $92,000, will earn a salary of $120,000 starting Oct. 1.
• Financial services firm, McDirmit Davis and Company LLC, presented its analysis and report of the independent audit it conducted of the town’s financial statements for fiscal year 2015-16.
• The town approved the first reading of an amendment to an that relates to the moratorium previously placed on activities concerning medical cannabis. Town staff recommended the council extend the moratorium, which was set to expire May 23, until Dec. 15.
• Windermere resident Sean Hooke was appointed to the Downtown Business Committee.

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Contact Gabby Baquero at [email protected].