Sturbridge resident Rich Holder kicked off audience comments with a moment of gratitude for Field Manager David Sylvanowicz. He thanked Sylvanowicz for his quick response and diligence to working on a solution to deter kids from riding their electric bikes behind the homes between ponds 45 and 125. Sylvanowicz confirmed that materials had been purchased, the area had been cut back and once stumps were ground down, the new fence would be put up.
As promised at January’s meeting, Engineer Robert Dvorak provided summaries for the sidewalk proposals. Dvorak reminded the board that these estimates were based on fieldwork carried out in 2024, and the actual work required might increase the costs, but he said it gave the board a good idea of how much the project would cost. Rick Goldstein of the WCA’s Government Affairs Committee asked the board to confirm what, if any, sidewalk repairs the county was going to be doing. Chairman Matt Lewis informed Goldstein that he had obtained a map outlining county funding and expectations and felt it would be years before some Westchase neighborhoods would be looked at. He added that the board was keen to take action quickly, but he agreed it would be productive to meet with the GAC and county to ensure there was no overlap in the timeline. A Shires resident raised concerns that if the responsibility for sidewalk repair went back to the county, his neighborhood would get pushed back down the list and he urged the board not to wait for the GAC meeting with the county before moving on with repairs in the Shires.
Next was the anticipated update on pond 125. The first bids Dvorak received far exceeded the $45,000 pre-approved cost, at around $75,000 each. On the day of the meeting, he had received a third bid from Site Masters for $32,000. He was unsure why there was such a discrepancy but said the company was certainly qualified to do the job and had outlined a construction project using Dvorak’s specifications. Supervisor Chris Barrett suggested that maybe the two other companies were applying the “Westchase Tax.” Dvorak said he would ensure Site Masters completely understood the project before going ahead with the contract. Lewis suggested the board increase the pre-approved limit to $75,000 in case there were any issues with the lower bid – the motion was approved 5-0. Dvorak confirmed that all three companies had a start time of March/April with a duration of 2-4 weeks for completion.
Regarding the long-term solution, Dvorak explained he would be using the county watershed model to look at alternatives to lower the pond at peak stages and speed up drainage. Using models for different storm events, he would be able to plug in different improvements to simulate their efficacy. He reminded the board that solutions to flood problems often adversely affect other areas, so his simulations would take time to develop.
Attorney Erin McCormick had an update from Vertex regarding the providers utilizing the new cell tower. T-Mobile confirmed that the underground work had been completed but installation of an antenna had been postponed due to a back order. AT&T had been delayed by issues with TECO.
Sylvanowicz began his field manager report by reminding the board that it had been a year since they had hired him, observing that the time had flown by. Sylvanowicz presented two proposals for repairs to the 10 aerators the had been damaged by the storm. Fountain King’s proposal, although higher, included floating hoses, air stations and new cabinets. The board approved the proposal, 5-0.
Upon routine inspection, Sylvanowicz said he had discovered that the pergola swing structures at the pocket park on New Park and Cavendish in West Park Village needed repair. Similar maintenance was required at Baybridge Park as well as the gazebos at Glencliff Park, which suffered roof damage during last year’s hurricane season. Dvorak had put him in touch with a vendor who confirmed he could complete the work quickly and at a good price. After approving the work, Chris Barrett thanked Sylvanowicz for keeping his promise to “keep Westchase up to the highest standard” with work like this.
Before adjourning the meeting, Lewis thanked Sonny Whyte for the 20 years she had spent working for the CDD board in her capacity as Office Manager. Sonny, who is set to retire, thanked the board for the privilege of allowing her to work for her community.
