Oakland debates water tower lights

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.

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 upward-directed 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 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.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• 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.

• Under the consent agenda, the commission authorized Stark to sign a letter of support to accompany the Oakland Police Department’s application for the 2023 AAA Traffic Safety Grant of $15,000. If awarded, the department would purchase a 6-foot by 12-foot enclosed trailer with a graphics wrap, portable cameras, traffic cones, lights and a generator to be used at major traffic incidents to improve scene safety.

• 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.

• The commission proclaimed April Water Conservation Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month and declared March 31 Wear Blue Day in the town of Oakland.