Oakland to get $320,900 state loan

The town of Oakland submitted a state revolving fund loan application in April in hopes of securing $320,900 to be used as “back up” funding for its alternative water project.

The application has been approved, and the Town Commission voted in favor of the mayor signing the loan agreement during the consent agenda portion of the Aug. 22 meeting.

The project will allow the town to cease using potable water to take care of irrigation needs. The plan is to harvest untreated stormwater, filter and treat it, and then send it out to customers who live in neighborhoods with dual piping in the homes.

The town had budgeted $200,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, which provided for more than half of the $319,000 design fee. According to Public Works director Mike Parker, the state revolving fund loan money would only be used if there is a shortfall in utility revenues that would preclude additional funding from the Enterprise Fund.

Parker said when construction is set to begin, the design loan could be rolled into a construction loan if needed. The town has been pursuing other funding opportunities for construction of the alternate system.

CONSENT AGENDA

The consent agenda had several other items that were approved.

The commission approved the designation of Pam Dwyer, principal of Oakland Avenue Charter School, as the person responsible for responding to a request for appointment of a special magistrate for parents to address unresolved disputes involving the student’s health welfare or safety.

Commissioners appointed Public Works director Mike Parker to the MetroPlan Technical Advisory Committee as the town of Oakland representative.

The commission approved an agreement with National Storm Recovery / Central Florida Arborcare, which uses the contract pricing set in the contract with Orange County for townwide tree and arbor services.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The commission appointed Nancy Ross to a three-year term on the Planning & Zoning Board and appointed Matt Sutton to the alternate position.

• Mayor Kathy Stark read three proclamations declaring September Healthy Selfie Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, and Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 National Preparedness Month.