Oakland updating personnel policy manual

The town of Oakland is re-evaluating its personnel policy manual; the last time it was updated was in 2016.

Interim Town Manager Jack Butler told the Town Commission at its April 11 meeting that a number of changes and additions have been made, including progressive discipline, a travel policy, military leave and safety.

Butler will come back to the commission with the final version in the next few weeks.

Commissioners also approved the second reading of three ordinances — voluntary annexation, adoption of the future land-use plan and zoning map designation — for a 1.29-acre piece of property owned by James Whebell and Mary Lee at 1016 Hull Island Drive. The parcel is intended to be used for single-family residential development.

JOHNS LAKE OUTFALL CANAL

Butler updated the commission on the Johns Lake Outfall Canal issue. The town has received a joint easement agreement with Oakland Park and an agreement with Bob Christie, who lives on the shore of Lake Apopka.

A channel has inadvertently been delivering sediment into the lake in a westward flow, which is affecting several lakefront homeowners. This will be dredged and used to fill in the improper channel and to create a berm to block that outfall.

The next step will extend the channel to its original location, so sediment flows straight out into the lake. Butler said this work should begin in May.

TRAFFIC TALK

Butler also shared with commissioners that Oakland Park is working on its Phase 7 street connections into the east side of Oakland and those will be opening soon. Mayor Kathy Stark asked about the town’s plan for golf carts, and Butler said the town is conducting a mobility study.

A traffic study also is being conducted at Hull Island Drive and Oakland Avenue for the consideration of a three-way stop at the intersection.

“That’s when we would look to establish the 25 mph speed limit, and then golf carts would be able to access to Town Hall,” Butler said.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the renewal of an agreement with Discover After School to provide care before and after school and during school breaks at Oakland Avenue Charter School. Discover has been providing the service since fall 2020. The vote also included the rejection of a branding proposal for OACS. The budget was $5,000, and the town received one proposal for $53,805.

• Butler also shared with commissioners that Oakland Park is working on its Phase 7 street connections into the east side of Oakland and those will be opening up soon. Mayor Kathy Stark asked about the town’s plan for golf carts, and Butler said the town is conducting a mobility study.

• The commission proclaimed April 11 National Arbor Day in the town of Oakland.