News & Notes: Randy Knight gets thumbs up from commission
Howell Branch tail project stopped and parks wi-fi to get upgraded
Oct. 13, 2023
By Beth Kassab
City Commissioners gave a nod of approval to longtime City Manager Randy Knight during his annual job evaluation, approving a 5% raise that will bring his salary from about $240,000 to $252,000.
The raise includes a 2.5% increase that all city employees received along with the maximum 2.5% merit increase available to city staff this year.
Commissioner Sheila DeCiccio, who is running for mayor, moved to give Knight the maximum.
“My feeling is he does a great job with all of the conflicting interests he has coming at him,” she said.
Mayor Phil Anderson agreed pointing to what he called “big strategic initiatives” in recent years such as the purchase of an 18-hole golf course, the recovery from Hurricane Ian and now the expansion of the Community Redevelopment Agency tax district and potential annexations.
“Not that everything is perfect,” he said. “I think there are areas for improvement.”
Howell Branch trail scuttled
Plans to build a trail through Howell Branch Preserve for birdwatching, fishing and other activities died this week when commissioners decided the project had grown too expensive.
Originally estimated at $227,000, the cost increased to as much as $530,000 after the St. Johns Water Management District reviewed the plans and objected to the design and route of the trail because of impacts to the wetlands.
The city received a $2 million grant from the state in 2015 to acquire more than 40 acres of wetlands next to 50 acres of wetlands already owned by the city. A portion of the funds was to be used for the trail project and other improvements.
City staff told the commission the changes requested by the water management district, along with objections by residents who live near the property, led to a recommendation to discontinue the project.
Commissioners approved a new proposal to direct a portion of the funds instead to other improvements at Howell Branch Preserve.
“It’s sad, but I concur that maybe we can turn it into something good because that retention pond area is kind of a mess,” said Commissioner Marty Sullivan. “It could be a very nice feature since we can’t move forward with trail project.”
Wi-fi upgrades in parks
During the COVID-19 pandemic the city installed public access wi-fi in Central Park and Shady Park and the nodes are now in need of an upgrade, according to a staff memo.
Money for the project comes from American Rescue Plan Act funds, a series of federal grants intended to help local governments in the aftermath of the COVID shutdowns.
Winter Park received more than $15 million in ARPA funds and will spend $30,000 on the wi-fi upgrades in the parks.
Questions or comments? Email the editor at WinterParkVoiceEditor@gmail.com
It is sad to think about how much time and money was wasted on the city pursuing trails through Howell Branch Nature Preserve. As a resident who spoke out against the initial plan, commissioners were told at that time back in Summer 2022 it was not welcomed by those who lived closest and that the St. Johns Water Management District would likely have issues with it. Despite these initial concerns, the commissioners voted to continue down the path and expressed shock that anyone would be opposed to such a brilliant expansion of park land. It was pitched as an opportunity to open the nature preserve up to all residents, when in actuality it is a place that is not meant to be accessible to anyone due to flooding and swampy-sludge land and wildlife. I remember one letter Sheila DeCiccio read from a resident letter that anyone opposed was just trying to keep the nature preserve for use by themselves and HE wanted access too. Like the residents of Howell Branch are meeting out in the middle of the preserve weekly to have our private picnics-LOL!!! I have lived here for 12 years and not once stepped foot back in that area. The city has wasted so much money trying to make this happen, all under the guidance of Winter Park Land Trust. So disappointed in our city leadership.
Hi Julie – Just so you’ll know, the Winter Park Land Trust has not been pushing the wetland project around Lake Waumpi. The Land Trust’s main interest has always been in making esthetic improvements in the green space and parkland along Howell Branch road.
I am disappointed that the Howell Branch Trail has been abandoned. As an amateur bird and wildlife photographer, trails such as this offer low-impact access to the unique flora and fauna of our Florida region.
Perhaps a change in design of the Trail, in cooperation with the St. Johns Water Management District, could revitalize the plan.
I have had many online and phone discussions with Randy over the years. Despite my lack of social skills, he has always been respectful and kind and often resolved the problem. He has probably saved the city millions over the years and is one of our greatest assets. So, I am happy to see him continue in his role and his raise is well deserved.
Does anyone remember using the old boardwalk through the preserve? Some of the plans seemed a little much, but I was so looking forward to accessible space for our kids and grandkids to enjoy the way we did. Hope there are at least some improvements, removal of invasives and of eyesore fencing. There will always be someone who complains about anything being done anywhere, I hope that doesn’t mean we do nothing.
No surprise to keep and reward our city manager. He is masterful at cat herding and it is no easy task.
Looks like we’ll have an active election season. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but there is always much to discuss in our growing city.