Windermere council discusses temporary, permanent town facilities

With construction of new, permanent town facilities coming soon, Windermere council members took some time during their April 28 meeting to authorize temporary facilities and discuss design of the permanent ones.

The meeting marked the first time the Windermere Town Council has met virtually via Zoom and was highlighted by discussion and updates regarding plans for town facilities.

Council members voted unanimously to approve setup and teardown of temporary facilities at a cost not to exceed $290,000, which includes the facilities' rental fee. The temporary facilities will be housed at Forest Street and Fifth Avenue and will include ADA-accessible ramps, handicapped parking, sidewalks, additional side-street parking spaces and a covered area between the two offices. 

Council members also heard an update on the design development face for the permanent town facilities. The design has changed slightly. Previously, the police department and town administration buildings were adjacent, connected by a shared lobby, in the shape of an H. The town administration building now will be set up at an angle facing the Main Street roundabout. This was done in part to save as many trees in the area as possible. 

In addition to talk of town facilities, town leaders approved a Waste Pro contract extension, and Mayor Jim O'Brien and council members Chris Sapp and Loren "Andy" Williams were sworn in for their new terms. Town Manager Robert Smith also presented the council with a Fiscal Year 2019-20 mid-year budget update.