HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 07 12 Informational 102 Present Condition Of Lakes Within Winter Springs Golf Course Property COMMISSION AGENDA
CONSENT
INFORMATIONAL X
ITEM 102 PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR
July 12, 2010 MGR d •
/DEPT
Meeting foy /
uthorization
REQUEST: The Public Works Department / Stormwater Division is providing
information to the City Commission concerning the present condition of the
lakes within the Winter Springs Golf Course property.
SYNOPSIS: Overgrown aquatic vegetation along the shorelines of the lakes at the Winter
Springs Golf Course property has raised flood control and aesthetic concerns to
the City and the surrounding residents of the Highlands and Greenspointe
developments. City Staff has made multiple requests to the golf course property
owner to implement an aquatic maintenance program, but to date no action has
been taken. City Staff periodically inspects and clears overgrown vegetation at
the lakes' inlet and outlet structures to maintain flood control operation.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Lake Audobon and Island Lake on the Winter Springs Golf Course are owned and
maintained by Los Lagos Winter Springs, LLC (see map Exhibit 1). Winter Springs Golf
Course ended golf course operations in approximately July 2006, and since that time the
lakes have not received any type of aquatic management or maintenance. The primary
concern of the City and the surrounding residents is the overgrown aquatic vegetation
consisting mostly of emergent weeds along the shorelines of Lake Audobon and Island
Lake (see photos next page). The overgrown aquatic vegetation is not just unsightly but a
potential flooding concern should the vegetation block any of the drainage structures in
the lakes.
• The implementation of aquatic management programs in private stormwater systems and
on natural water bodies on private property is the responsibility of the private property
owners. At the Winter Springs Golf Course, Staff has been pursuing corrective action by
the property owner, Los Lagos Winter Springs, LLC, for the past year.
Informational Agenda Item #102
July 12, 2010
Page 2 of 4
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Lake Audobon — June 2010
Island Lake — June 2010
Informational Agenda Item # 102
July 12, 2010
Page 3 of 4
• On September 9, 2009, Staff sent a letter to Los Lagos requesting the immediate
implementation of an aquatic maintenance program. The City did not receive a reply to
the letter and to date Staff has not observed any sign of implementation of an aquatic
maintenance program.
• On June 11, 2010, Mayor Bush, the City Manager and City Engineer met with several
residents of Greenspointe subdivision to discuss the lake conditions. The residents
provided a petition signed by 68 residents requesting removal of weeds at the lakes.
• On June 25, 2010, Staff sent another letter to Los Lagos to again request the immediate
implementation of an aquatic maintenance program at the Winter Springs Golf Course.
Staff also requested to schedule an onsite meeting to review the specific areas of concern.
• The City continues to monitor, inspect and perform the necessary maintenance to the
stormwater inlet and outlet structures at Lake Audobon and Island Lake. City stormwater
staff recently cleared and removed overgrown vegetation in and around the Lake
Audobon inlet and outlet structures, preventing possible blockages of the stormwater
system (see photo below). The City also recently had its aquatic maintenance contractor,
Lake Masters, Inc., inspect and evaluate the Winter Springs Golf Course lakes. Lake
Masters recommended performing a physical removal of the emerged vegetation,
followed by periodic herbicide treatments as needed to prevent uncontrollable spreads.
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Clearing In- Progress at Lake Audobon — June 2010
Informational Agenda Item #102
July 12, 2010
Page 4 of 4
• On June 28, 2010, Staff sent informational letters to The Highlands HOA and
Greenspointe HOA regarding the condition of the lakes, the maintenance responsibilities
of the golf course owner and the City, and the actions taken to date by the City.
Next Steps:
• Staff will continue to pursue corrective action from Los Lagos Winter Springs, LLC.
Since the lakes are not part of a permitted stormwater management system, the growth of
vegetation along the lake shorelines is not a violation of City Code or any St. Johns River
Water Management District permit conditions.
• Staff will continue to monitor the stormwater structures and perform clearing at the
structures as needed to maintain the flood control functions at the lakes.
• If no action is taken by Los Lagos Winter Springs, The Highlands HOA and/or the
Greenspointe HOA could provide their own lakes maintenance program to improve the
appearance of the lakes. Staff has offered technical assistance should the HOA's pursue
this option.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No funding is requested as part of this agenda item. The activities performed by Staff to date,
consisting of clearing and debris removal around the lakes' inlet and outlet structures, are part of
the Stormwater Division's normal maintenance activities.
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
Staff sent informational letters to The Highlands HOA and the Greenspointe HOA on June 28,
2010.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Commission review the enclosed information regarding the current
condition of the Winter Springs Golf Course lakes.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 - Map of Winter Springs Golf Course Lakes
2. Copy of September 9, 2009 letter from City to Los Lagos Winter Springs LLC
3. Copy of June 25, 2010 letter from City to Los Lagos Winter Springs LLC
4. Copy of June 28, 2010 letter to the Highlands and Greenspointe HOAs
5. Copy of petition received June 11, 2010
Exhibit 1
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Winter Springs Golf Course Lakes W 4 E
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„totATEA, S
t'- CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
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i0 Lrpo eye 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434
WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708 -2799
P i- O R 10 P Telephone (407) 327 -1800
Utility / Public Works
Department
September 9, 2009
Los Lagos Winter Springs LLC
P.O. BOX 5757
Winter Park, FL 32793
Subject: Winter Springs Golf Course
Dear Sir/Madam,
The purpose of this letter is to advise you about the current deteriorating condition
of the lakes and ponds located at the Winter Springs Golf Course property (900 West SR
434 Winter Springs, FL 32708) and to request immediate implementation of an aquatic
maintenance program.
The City has recently received multiple complaints from the surrounding property
owners and residents of the Highlands subdivisions about overgrown vegetation at the
lakes and ponds on the golf course property. Specifically, overgrown vegetation has been
observed floating in the lakes and along the shorelines at numerous locations. This has
not just become unsightly to the residents but has given them valid concerns about the
potential impacts of the overgrown vegetation on the stormwater functions and operations
of the lakes. Attached are before and after photos provided by the property owners and a
map of the locations of the lakes and ponds at the golf course.
City staff recently made a site inspection of the lakes and ponds and found aquatic
vegetation of various species taking over the lakes' shorelines, about an average of 15 to
20 feet wide, and vegetation has now covered most of the area that connects the south
(Island Lake) and north (Lake Audobon) lakes. One of the irrigation supply ponds had
overtopped its berm and flooded a section of the golf cart path. There appears to be
restricted flows between the storm inlet and outlet pipes on the lakes and irrigation ponds.
These are usually signs of blockages and should be further investigated by the golf course
property manager.
City stormwater staff routinely monitors and inspects stormwater infrastructure
throughout the City, including private stormwater systems such as the Winter Springs
Golf Course. The proper maintenance and operation of both the public and private
stormwater systems is an important task, especially at critical areas where flooding risks
may be higher. One such location is the Lake Audobon outfall structure on the Winter
Springs Golf Course. City stormwater staff recently cleared and removed debris in and
around the Lake Audobon outfall structure to ensure its proper operation. In addition,
during Tropical Storm Fay in August 2008, City staff removed a blockage in the pipe that
connects Island Lake and Audobon Lake. The removal of the blockage allowed the
stormwater to flow, alleviating possible flooding at some of the Highlands subdivisions.
Implementation of an aquatic maintenance program would significantly reduce the
amount of floating debris and vegetation in the lakes and it would minimize the blockage
potential.
Although the golf course management continues to provide grounds maintenance
to the golf course, it is also requested that aquatic maintenance be provided to the lakes
and ponds. The maintenance can be achieved through chemical treatment by herbicide
spraying, mechanical removal of the overgrown vegetation, and/or biological treatment
by stocking of fish. With the current condition of the lakes and ponds and with the
current hurricane season, City staff requests that immediate action be taken in the aquatic
maintenance of the lakes and ponds.
City staff offers courtesy technical assistance in meeting the maintenance
requirements of your stormwater management facilities, and we would be glad to assist
you on this matter. Please feel free to contact me at 407 - 327 -5977 if you have any
questions.
S incerely,
Zynka Perez, CFM
Stormwater Utility Manager
Attachments:
1. Before and after photos
2. Current photos
3. Map of the lakes and ponds
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0 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
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1959 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434
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R 1 O P WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708 -2799
Telephone (407) 327 -1800
Utility / Public Works
Department
June 25, 2010
Los Lagos Winter Springs LLC
P.O. BOX 5757
Winter Park, FL 32793
Subject: Winter Springs Golf Course Aquatic Maintenance
Dear Sir /Madam,
On September 9, 2009, the City sent a letter to your office regarding the deteriorating condition
of the lakes and ponds located at the Winter Springs Golf Course and requesting for the
immediate implementation of an aquatic maintenance program. The City did not receive a
reply to the letter and to date we have not observed any sign of implementation of an aquatic
maintenance program. The purpose of this letter is to again request the immediate
implementation of an aquatic maintenance program at the Winter Springs Golf Course.
The primary areas of concern are Lake Audobon, Island Lake, and the nearby irrigation ponds
on the Winter Springs Golf Course Property. Presently, and due to the lack of aquatic
maintenance, aquatic vegetation consisting mostly of emergent weeds has grown thicker and
more widespread along the shorelines of the lakes and ponds. The overgrown vegetation is not
just unsightly but a potential flooding concern should the vegetation block any of the inlet and
outlet structures in these water bodies. In addition, the surrounding residents of the Highlands
and Greenspointe developments have filed a petition requesting urgent attention to the
condition of the lakes.
The City continues to monitor, inspect and perform the necessary maintenance to the
stormwater inlet and outlet structures at Lake Audobon and Island Lake. Just recently, the City
stormwater staff cleared and removed the overgrown vegetation in and around the Lake
Audobon inlet and outlet structures, preventing possible blockages of the stormwater system.
The City regards these activities as necessary to be prepared this year for what appears to be a
very busy storm season. Please find attached the before and after photos of the recently
cleared areas.
The City recently had its aquatic maintenance contractor, Lake Masters, Inc. inspect and
provide an evaluation of the current conditions of the Winter Springs Golf Course lakes. Lake
Masters reviewed the lakes and recommends performing a physical removal of the emerged
vegetation, followed by periodic herbicide treatments as needed to prevent uncontrollable
spreads. Lake Masters can be reached (407) 466 -4178 for more details on their
recommendation.
• page 2 June 25, 2010
The City would like to set -up an onsite meeting with you to discuss the condition of the lakes
and how to meet the maintenance requirements of your stormwater management facilities.
Please contact me at (407) 327 -5977 at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
1
Zynka Perez, CFM
Stormwater Utility Manager
,
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CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
u
' Incorporate
1959 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434
WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708 -2799
Telephone (407) 327 -1800
Utility / Public Works
Department
June 28, 2010
Highlands HOA
2200 Shepard Rd.
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Subject: Winter Springs Golf Course - Lakes Maintenance Update
Dear Highlands HOA Board,
Lake Audobon and Island Lake on the Winter Springs Golf Course property are owned and
maintained by Los Lagos Winter Springs, LLC (see map enclosed). Over the past several years, Los
Lagos has performed minimal maintenance activities at these lakes, and as a result the condition of
the lakes and nearby ponds has deteriorated. The overgrown vegetation along the lake shorelines is
not just unsightly but a potential flooding concern should the vegetation block any of the inlet and
outlet structures in these water bodies.
In September 2009, the City sent Los Lagos a letter requesting the immediate implementation of an
aquatic maintenance program. Los Lagos did not respond to the letter or take any action. On June
25, 2010, the City sent a follow -up letter to Los Lagos again requesting implementation of an aquatic
maintenance program. A copy of the June 25 letter is enclosed. Since the lakes are not part of a
permitted stormwater management system, the growth of vegetation along the lake shorelines is
not a violation of City Code or any permit conditions.
Year round, the City's stormwater staff monitors and performs the necessary maintenance to the
stormwater piping and structures at Lake Audobon and Island Lake. City staff recently cleared
overgrown vegetation in and around the inlet and outlet structures of Lake Audobon, and we will
continue to perform the necessary maintenance activities to ensure that the structures are clear of
any debris and /or vegetation that could cause blockages to the stormwater system.
The City performs aquatic management and maintenance of all lakes and ponds in publicly owned
stormwater systems. The aquatic management includes items such as chemical treatment by
herbicide spraying, mechanical removal of overgrown vegetation, and /or biological treatment by
stocking of fish. For private stormwater systems and natural water bodies on private property, such
as the Winter Springs Golf Course, the private property owners are responsible for the aquatic
management.
• Page 2 July 1, 2010
Although Lake Audobon and Island Lake are within the Winter Springs Golf Course property, the
Highlands and /or Greenspointe HOAs could provide their own lake maintenance program to
improve the condition and appearance of the lakes. The City's stormwater staff offers to provide
technical assistance to the Highlands and /or Greenspointe HOAs if they are considering
implementing a lake maintenance program. In the meantime, City staff will continue to both
monitor the stormwater structures and pursue corrective action by the property owner, Los Lagos
Winter Springs, LLC.
Please feel free to contact me at (407) 327 -5977 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Zynka P. Pere , CFM
Stormwater Utility Manager
Saving Lake Audubon
We, the undersigned residents of Greensnpointe, The Highland, Winter
Springs, hereby wish to raise awareness to the fact that Lake Audubon,
as well as several other smaller lakes within the closed Winter Springs
Gov Course, are being lost, eliminated by weeds that are encroaching
and covering the lakes.
The City of Winter Springs takes pride in the planning, maintenance of
the quality and beauty of the community.
The lakes in question are not only a natural beauty, but are the habitat
for a variety of birds.
Another important factor is that the water from three lakes have one
drainage point, that is being choked, thereby creating an eminent
danger of flooding the surrounding area.
We, request with urgency that whoever is In charge of the lakes within
the Golf Course will have the weeds eliminated.
Attached are pictures which show the encroachment of weeds on the
lakes.
June 1, 2010
Signed:
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