Contractor to blame for improper materials in Oakland road project

Town of Oakland Public Works Director Mike Parker gave commissioners an update on the town’s unpaved street improvement plan at the Oakland Town Commission meeting Tuesday, May 13.

Parker addressed concerns about a recent contractor using inconsistent fill material, including debris not suitable for road construction. The amount used for one-third of the road was not enough recycled asphalt to adequately bind the aggregate together. 

Parker told the contractor to make Edgegrove Lane and Mather Smith Drive look like Petris Street, meaning to use similar material, compaction and appearance. 

Petris Street is medium to dark gray, contains a good variety and gradation of particles that allow the material to compact and has little crumbled concrete or limestone. Because of the contractor’s error, neither Edgegrove Lane nor Mather Smith Drive have the same characteristics as Petris Street. 

“We’ll hold (the contractor) to removing the wrong material,” Parker said. “We’ve got the evidence that it was improper material.”

High-priority roads include sections of East Gulley Avenue, North Walker Street, North Daniels Street, West Henschen Avenue, West Sadler Avenue and West Gulley Avenue.

Resident Scott Hren underscored the issue by bringing two bins of road debris collected from Edgegrove Lane. 

“I have samples over there — rocks and all of the recycled road debris that ended up being glass, metal, parquet flooring, PVC pipe — all the junk that’s usually associated with building roads up,” he said. 

“We’re pretty close to paving that would have lasted 20 years guaranteed,” he said.

Traffic Engineer Myra Monreal outlined three options for road surfacing. She recommended recycled asphalt millings as the town’s primary material, describing them as “screen machine laid and rolled” — a process designed to reduce dust, though not as smooth as traditional asphalt. She noted the material aligns with Oakland’s small-town character.

Another option included traditional asphalt paving, which offers a smoother, longer-lasting surface but comes at a higher cost. Base improvements for streets also require additional engineering and drainage work before any paving begins.

Monreal emphasized a phased five-year approach, with recycled asphalt millings to be used where feasible and engineering assessments conducted for more complex projects. 

Mayor Shane Taylor added infrastructure upgrades such as sewer, stormwater and waterline improvements will be evaluated alongside the roadwork. 

Proposed Improvement Strategy

Recycled asphalt millings as primary material 

Phased approach over five years

Prioritizing roads connecting neighborhoods

Funding source: 100% transportation impact fees

Preserving a cemetery’s heritage

Oakland commissioners are drafting a letter to the owners of Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home and reaching out to descendant families to discuss potential ways to preserve Oakland Cemetery.

Resident Jill Cox addressed commissioners with concerns regarding damaged and fallen headstones at the historic cemetery. 

She detailed eight fallen headstones and explained she contacted individuals and found a Woodlawn caretaker willing to help with repairs but had not received a response from the town.

Taylor acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting because the cemetery is privately owned, the town has limited authority to intervene. 

Educators honored 

The commission honored Larry Kimpel, longtime Oakland Avenue Charter School teacher and coach, who is retiring. 

Taylor announced May 13 as “Larry Kimpel Day” in honor of Kimpel’s career as an educator. 

Kimpel, who overcame personal health challenges, reflected on his journey from being told he wouldn’t succeed to becoming the 2025 Florida Charter School Champion Teacher.

“I almost died three times through blood clots and heart stents,” Kimpel said with tears in his eyes. “The good Lord had his hand behind me, without a doubt. He’s the one that helped me do that, and if it wasn’t for Him keeping His hands under me, (I) would have never been here.”

A video tribute was presented to Pamela Dwyer, the Oakland Avenue Charter School principal, in recognition of her dedication to education. 

In Other News

A team of University of Central Florida environmental studies students — Lauren Mettke, Lindsay Sigler, Danny Slort, Alana Foote, Kacey Dykeman and Rebecca Bryant — presented findings from their capstone Tree Canopy Plan. The project was sponsored by professor Michael Gilbrook and referred by Emily Bush of Bike/Walk Central Florida. The students recommended planting 317 new trees, particularly along Oakland Avenue, Tubb Street and the West Orange Trail. Estimated costs range from $7,000 for three-gallon trees to $45,000 for 15-gallon trees. The team advised removing trees rated “poor” under arborist supervision to promote long-term growth and safety.

The commission also approved the regular appointment of Ed Kulakowski to the Planning and Zoning Board, moving him from his previous alternate position.

Finance Director Gabrielle Leon reported the town has resumed normal check-signing procedures, returning to joint authorization by the town manager and a commission member as of April 3.

Community Outreach Manager Lynn Dattolo announced the second annual car show, held Saturday, May 17, coinciding with the opening of a new exhibit called “Life in the Pet Lane” at the Arts and Heritage Center.

Police Chief Darron Esan announced the delivery of two new police vehicles donated from Clermont to the Oakland Police Department. Additionally, the department received a special wrap for its School Resource Officer car. Mayor Shane Taylor and Commissioner Sal Ramos contributed to funding the vehicle’s creative wrap. Esan praised the result, stating the car “looks fantastic” and thanking commissioners for their support in acquiring and customizing the new vehicle.