AWESOME BLOSSOMS Oakland debates water tower lights

Most residents are in favor of the lights on the newly painted water tower but want them dimmed.

Amy Quesinberry Community Editor

The town of Oakland’s iconic water tower was lighted again after being repainted with the town’s new acorn logo — but the bright lights became a big concern to some residents and the lights were turned off again.

The lights are located on outriggers on the structure, and the lights shined directly on the logo. The lights previously had been turned off since 2015, Commissioner Mike Satterfield said at the March 28 Town Commission meeting.

The broken lights were replaced last fall, Interim Town Manager Jack Butler said.

“By putting the logo on there, we wanted to use the water tower as a visibility marker,” he said.

“You can see it on State Road 50, the (Florida’s) Turnpike and Clermont.”

After residents raised questions about the bright lights being a potential problem, the town consulted several organizations that offer guidance.

In Other Business

n Interim Town Manager Jack Butler gave an update on the Johns Lake Outfall Canal. He said the St. Johns River Water Management District has issued the permit for the canal restoration work but the town was waiting for an easement agreement from the Southern Oaks Homeowners Association. Resident Bob Christie also provided a contemporary construction easement so the town can access his property to lay pipes.

“We’re on track as long as we get the HOA agreement,” Butler said.

“We’re not asking the HOAs for any money,” Stark said. “I’m also hearing people are worried we’re going to increase taxes. This will not have any bearing on whether we increase taxes.”

“We’re also not asking residents to foot the bill,” Commissioner Mike Satterfield said. Butler said the work should be completed in April.

Gorgeous spring weather set the tone for the Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s annual Spring Fever in the Garden festival in downtown Winter Garden this weekend.

On Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, vendors sold plants, items for the home and garden, and a variety of art for the fence. Food trucks and local restaurants offered a variety of meals, snacks and treats. The Chalkin’ it Up! contest provided many beautiful works of sidewalk art at City Hall. And the Kids Zone offered a plethora of games and activities for children.

ANDREA MUJICA, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

One is the International Dark Sky Association, which offers general guidance for outside lighting: Only light the area that needs it, the light should be no brighter than necessary, eliminate upwarddirected light and minimize blue light emissions.

Butler offered several options: keep the lights on all night (either at the current brightness or dimmer), install a timer with the lights to go off at 11 p.m. or turn them off permanently.

“I want lights, because we’re losing a great opportunity to showcase our town and our water tower,” Mayor Kathy Stark said. “I don’t want birds hurt or impacted in any way, so I really think the lights should be far dimmer than what they are now. … This is an iconic piece of our town, and I don’t want to turn the lights off unless we have to.”

Commissioners agreed the new lights are brighter than the old ones.

Commissioner Rick Polland expressed concern about birds being affected by the lights and cited the town’s lighting ordinance, which provides guidelines on how and when to use lighting, as well as the importance of color and brightness.

“I’m leaning toward keeping them off permanently,” he said.

“If you’re telling me you can see them from the turnpike, it’s really too bright, and it’s going to affect the birds.”

The commission will continue the discussion at a later meeting to give Polland a chance to gather more information on how the lights might affect migratory and n The commission approved three ordinances pertaining to the voluntary annexation, comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for the property at 1016 Hull Island Drive. James Whebell and Mary Lee own the 1.29-acre parcel. song birds and to allow residents to weigh in on the matter.

This is one of the few elevated towers in Central Florida still in operation, but many municipalities continue to keep theirs lighted for aesthetics.

Farewell To Steve Koontz

The town held an ice-cream reception prior to the commission meeting to say goodbye to Steve Koontz, who has resigned from his position as town manager after six years.

In his report included in the meeting agenda, Koontz wrote:

“The town of Oakland is a unique and special place, and it has been an amazing experience working with the town of Oakland residents and the Town Commission. I have appreciated the support of the staff in the many things that we have accomplished during my tenure. I am grateful for the privilege of being a part of the town of Oakland’s rich history and having the support of a caring and dedicated commission in their service to the residents of the town. I will truly miss the town of Oakland. I wish everybody the best of success going forward.”

At the meeting, Stark presented Koontz with a framed print, and commissioners each praised him for his professionalism and hard work.