Oakland extends alternative water supply project

Two Oakland residents have been sworn in to the town’s Appearance Review Board. 

The board reviews architectural and building related matters. 

Laura Kettle was sworn in during the town’s commission meeting Tuesday, April 14, and has an educational and professional background in architecture, as well as experience in real estate. 

Meredith Rhein already is a part of the board, but her term expires in May. She has expressed interest in remaining on the board and serving another term. 

Kettle and Rhein will serve for two years. 

Alternative Water Supply 

In 2023, the town entered an agreement with the state in the amount of $2 million, meant to fund an Alternative Water Supply project. 

The project is meant to create an alternative water supply source to decrease the use of high-quality drinking water for irrigation. However, due to issues caused by natural disasters and multiple Requests for Information, the Consumptive Use Permit was delayed. This led to the design and permitting to be delayed. 

Because of that, an amendment has been made to defer the project’s end date to June, 30, 2028. 

Similarly, the town entered an agreement with the state in the amount of $2 million to fund an alternative water supply facility that includes a source water pumping station in the northwest corner of Oakland Nature Preserve and a distribution pump station, which will connect to about 160 homes.

The goal is to capture and treat stormwater before it is discharged to Lake Apopka, which reduces the use of potable water for irrigation. 

This project also will reduce the phosphorus and nitrogen loadings introduced to Lake Apopka by polluted stormwater runoff. 

Again, because of issues, design and permitting was delayed. An amendment was made to extend the task end date to April 30, 2028. 

Commissioners approved the amendments unanimously. 

Public Works 

Public Works Director Johnnell Kemp requested approval to enter an agreement with West Tree Services to keep up with proper tree management. 

He said it is essential to ensuring public safety, maintaining community aesthetics, protecting the town’s urban canopy and protecting infrastructure. 

Services such as tree trimming, pruning and removal are included in the agreement, as well as arborist consulting and assessment, emergency response, site clean-up and restoration, traffic control and safety, reporting and documenting, and more. 

Kemp also requested approval to purchase more than $60,000 in water meters and related materials. 

According to a letter sent to the Town Commission, the town is switching from Mueller meters to Kamstrup meters to improve meter accuracy, data collection reliability and compatibility with the town’s infrastructure.

To support ongoing meter replacement, Public Works requests approval to make such purchases. 

Both requests were approved unanimously. 

In other news

• Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed Wednesday, April 22, as Earth Day. 
• Taylor also proclaimed Friday, April 24, as National Arbor Day. 
• The town is hosting its third annual Car Stroll from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 2, at 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland. 
• A new exhibit now is available for viewing at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center. From Saturday, April 18, to Friday, July 24, visitors can enjoy the “Color Speaks” exhibit, celebrating the ways colors connect people.