[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6744353,"mediaKeyId","5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e","parentId",5343137,"title","Apopka IT director seeks $5.6 million for radios, cybersecurity and system upgrades","audioSeconds",493,"startMs",169000,"endMs",662000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e&start=169&end=662","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e/thumbnail_169000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6744353/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/Apopka-IT-director-seeks-56-million-for-radios-cybersecurity-and-system-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744353-4d83f36bed292ea66aa8b0119af9de89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468526&Signature=IAW3t0agx4UGezNjtoO8dLXT4fmN-OW2mT5229hoRqvQunjdFKmJQWoTIg2Z1E~-mGWHUHLonzQ26cbxL3ncQfW3~xQE03HovxW5v-f9NvwfdvL3YrU1e-e3NtHlC7QC2uJvZpbn~PDwCPId4a6LQZXoHeFOMT0xCnZJyb8IEd-2AhauQ99GB9gy9NElCfBU974PjWMh6eEkZeAXlshwE6UtTUaKTndhgHRryzAWXKxlmti5vQHj~rayvppo3VCw8tT0fn52dQjOp4WjrRtUDEwvS5h2cNjWIgKMA9u5~TWBBDIunQPV7MU9tj70UxWvx6teuS1Ao8aUBOaqDzU-TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Apopka, FL","date","2025-07-10T01:10:13.283Z","article","Robert Hippler, information technology director, told the City Council that the Information Technology Department’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget is $5,600,000.

Hippler said the largest single portion of the request is related to Motorola radio services used by police and fire, and that the Motorola line alone represents about $2,000,000 of the request. He said the department maintains the city’s network, phones, servers, firewalls and a citywide help desk and performs cybersecurity testing and phishing campaigns.

Why it matters: IT supports public-safety communications and many city services. Hippler warned rising contract and software-assurance costs are driving a 12.8% year-over-year increase in the IT budget and asked council to consider the longer-term impacts of multiyear maintenance agreements.

Key details: Hippler said the department operates with 11 authorized positions, supports a help desk that has handled more than 2,700 work orders since October 1, and provides GIS and website services. His presentation listed social-media follower growth and said the department completed the Fran Carlton AV Center replacement and firewall upgrades this year. He also described ongoing penetration testing and other cybersecurity investments.

On major cost drivers, Hippler cited: Motorola APX Next radios (cellular capability, GPS and over‑the‑air programming), a P25 maintenance increase of about $120,000, software‑assurance renewals and managed detection services. He described some line items as one‑time or co‑terming with prior contracts.

Planned investments: Hippler described initiatives he intends to fund if approved: a 6 GHz wireless transport ring to provide high‑capacity links to outlying stations, backup servers for the city’s file systems, continued expansion of cameras and security systems, and replacement of code‑enforcement software not included in the city’s ERP implementation. He said work to integrate systems around Tyler (the planned ERP) could allow retiring some “one‑off” software and produce future savings.

Council questions and staff responses: Council members asked for a clearer breakdown of the Motorola comparator and why it costs millions; Hippler explained the comparator coordinates channel selection across the radio system and that part of the cost reflects converting hardware to a virtual instance. Asked about city use of artificial intelligence, Hippler said he provided an acceptable‑use policy draft to the mayor and recommended careful, private implementations that avoid sending sensitive data to public models. On code‑enforcement software, Hippler said the division currently uses Edmonds and that integration with Tyler remains a work in progress.

What’s next: Hippler said some costs (for radios and SUA renewals) will abate in following years as contracts co‑term or expire. Council members asked staff for more detail on recurring maintenance costs and how Tyler implementation could reduce duplicative licensing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Apopka City Council Budget Workshop July 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Robert Hippler, information technology director, told the City Council that the Information Technology Department’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget is $5,600,000.","taxTitle","Apopka, Orange County, Florida","taxId",4597,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744343,"Apopka utilities present $40M operations plan; Golden Gem reclaimed‑water project draws scrutiny",5853,4035000,9888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e&start=4035&end=9888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e/thumbnail_4035000.jpg","/articles/6744343/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/Apopka-utilities-present-40M-operations-plan-Golden-Gem-reclaimedwater-project-draws-scrutiny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744343-531e03db0905cdfa6eb59bf9c4736231/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468526&Signature=USV90VGZeHA74cxQQ-2nianK5g6Gp~rqZe9YicX-2ojJf3V3FH9sbKUgTfoiPsoJHOczJqBv~ChN6SDhv329eWjqb5Vvs~TOlyjDz2k7y19V5G0FOrQT4uHxqtV6whWJLmMiOwqA5623qLz1VQ-4sZAmlv6YtnKyvoi2c-k8O3gm~-uKw7WQnnh4Qdwgj3F6O1bkNQvjangmmBSdl9olgp4thQSsRaqQQATX7AT556gS~ZvezxazK9gVlCZ2hboM~bVdwT~hzUhKNLMf9286JblvUXJ2bRbGbfcS3M-q5RVp90Gir2vOYhy~cD6f9yr-SjNXkrZJl6eAmEC1c~0qgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Glenn Brooks, utilities operations director, presented a proposed utilities operating budget of about $40 million and described capital needs across water, wastewater, plant maintenance and collection systems.

Brooks listed operational metrics — meter replacements, backflow conversions, sample collections and billions of gallons treated or distributed — and said the operating budget includes line items for repair, maintenance and staffing. He noted large increases in wastewater repair and maintenance driven by items such as a proposed liner repair for the Golden Gem storage pond and a planned replacement or upsizing of Master Lift Station Number 17 (combined estimated cost ~$7.1 million shared between operating and impact‑fee funds).

Why it matters: Utilities capital and operating choices affect drinking water quality, wastewater conveyance and permitting; several items carry grant and permit deadlines. During public comment and council discussion, residents raised concerns that missed deadlines on Golden Gem-related grant or permit conditions could trigger clawbacks or penalties.

Selected capital requests and context: Staff described a multi‑year asbestos‑cement and galvanized main replacement program (about 10.5 miles remaining), SCADA RTU cabinet conversions (estimated $10–15k per cabinet with 120 cabinets remaining), backup generators and bypass pumps for lift stations, and a Golden Gem reclaimed‑water plant proposal. Brooks and public‑works director Vladimir Simonovsky said the Golden Gem effort includes two ponds and that staff request $12.5 million for a pumping/treatment facility (funded from impact‑fee sources) plus a $2.0 million repair line in the operating fund to address a liner issue in the smaller pond.

Public remarks and risk: Albert McKim and other members of the public said previous extensions have been granted by 'Saint John's' and warned the city risks having to return grant dollars — staff acknowledged extensions have been sought and that the project has a complex history. Staff said design work for Golden Gem and other major projects is advancing and that some funding will derive from 401 and 403 utility funds and from grant applications; council asked for additional documentation on scope, schedule and historical expenditures.

What’s next: Staff committed to provide more complete fund‑balance histories and to brief council on grant/permit timelines and the outcomes of near‑term meetings with permitting agencies. The Golden Gem proposal and lift‑station funding will remain items for council review as the FY26 budget is finalized.","Glenn Brooks, utilities operations director, recommended a $40 million operating budget and described capital projects including lift‑station work, a water‑main replacement program and a proposed $12.5 million reclaimed‑water facility at Golden Gem.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744348,"Apopka sanitation and fleet budgets rise as tipping fees and vehicle costs climb",687,2022000,2709000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e&start=2022&end=2709","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e/thumbnail_2022000.jpg","/articles/6744348/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/Apopka-sanitation-and-fleet-budgets-rise-as-tipping-fees-and-vehicle-costs-climb","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744348-e5ecc38e4d15b4dab8689ecb5861e973/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468527&Signature=icvk2l3GYLPjLW6~qUVOBZkwK-BGb5hrRoPzm~yG~0fDmKSnifOMXVXO3m8GIC1FcEaH2Vh3Y4HNQO3H-wj0h4fUwE3UPuDFHCI-H96~fzoGANfg3n2mvfbGAEv~0F8hxeBULUMKxhx-s8U7L8IY71YDNHFg8SJVfTwXL2N9M6W9nM9Kb-bJb2yULZIFAqPmIRJTs1yazMtoalKsp8mGaZ0cIZlghcU4HX0n59-iZUxR65I8tCCA9Xb16CJDxwCDcngHOraTqlRYFCxXNSY3h-jIY~TDUANU-Y5uiYKvAXUoVlHRKzTssZXr8thGugTh3AzGDDlh9q3sv8~NGErdVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Josh Robinson, public services director, presented the sanitation and fleet portions of the FY26 budget, describing collection volumes, vehicle inventories and reserve needs.

Robinson said the sanitation division collects slightly more than 40,000 tons of solid waste annually — about 21,000 tons of residential waste and 11,000 tons of commercial waste — and operates 27 trucks with 16 daily collection routes. For the combined sanitation and fleet budget, personnel accounts for about 37% and operating expenses about 44% of the proposed outlay.

Why it matters: Rising Orange County tipping fees and higher garbage‑truck capital costs are increasing operating pressure on the sanitation fund; staff said a 15% rate increase is included in the FY26 plan to rebuild negative reserves and to create contingency funding.

Details and driver items: Robinson said sanitation will face an approximately 23% cost increase this year primarily because Orange County disposal fees rose and are expected to continue rising. Fleet reported no major capital need this year but requested 1 mechanic and a maintenance worker; sanitation requested 1 additional operator and one rear‑loader garbage truck to add a collection route. The budget includes temporary labor lines for yard‑waste season and varying spare/rental truck usage while new rear‑loader deliveries are scheduled in September.

Council questions: Commissioners pressed about the fund balance and reserves. Staff reported the sanitation fund had been negative in prior years and that the FY26 proposal includes a $950,000 contingency to help rebuild reserves. When asked, staff said they could provide a historical 10‑year breakdown of the sanitation fund and of transfers to the general fund on request.

What’s next: Staff said they will provide commissioners with fund‑balance history and a clearer breakdown of the transfer to the general fund and the reserve build plan; the rate consultant has recommended a multi‑year rate path and staff said they have included a 15% increase for FY26 in the model.","Public Services Director Josh Robinson told council that sanitation will face a 23% increase in FY26 costs largely from higher Orange County tipping fees and added collection needs. Fleet requested limited capital this year but additional maintenance positions; sanitation is planning a 15% rate increase to rebuild reserves.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744339,"Apopka public works seeks funding for sidewalks, paving and traffic projects; Piedmont Lakes work to continue",522,5394000,5916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e&start=5394&end=5916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5343137-c45a8e5fed9606e1e48f6878b72a4a5e/thumbnail_5394000.jpg","/articles/6744339/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/Apopka-public-works-seeks-funding-for-sidewalks-paving-and-traffic-projects-Piedmont-Lakes-work-to-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744339-2e9ad298bd83dbfa0d5c24bed8eb5e12/orig.mp4?Expires=1775468527&Signature=ATJbXtGwJIUSInV~EhpgBMS0OlLBraq3To16ro9qCd56sD5hoIu3OyWPqyWFRW9R-kRo3rhtBe3Un8lTgSJyyQqai7xCy5sl9uhGcDrD77y14ml1Mt~6xRv-pagmraCq8r9SB4876DWQEsGnu6Rd6mfeh9uhqSiYzFvI-Unb~bFi-Lb2kM0ox0uMFE~5wKEVK6Xteg~6QwL0wtN2CxZ-SzSj4~Dya7UXAm4~mwhXlWnaEm51B8StfFB0EDpTIKFuLHUEU~QbCjCbhrgnB8gBIgrMdhYRKc~CDMYkcN6zNV71LaoPvJzWCD5JLIXTWrcpMXdvfn416RvtjlSmviOquQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vladimir Simonovsky, public works director and city engineer, presented the public‑works operating budget and a multi‑year capital program, describing a reorganization intended to align staff to workload and listing major transportation and stormwater projects.

Why it matters: The public works budget funds road paving, stormwater maintenance and sidewalk repairs and includes design and construction funding for projects that affect traffic, safety and neighborhood walkability.

Key items: Simonovsky listed a $1,000,000 request for asbestos‑cement and galvanized water‑main replacement (phase 2), a $500,000 roundabout design at Binion Road, a $1.4 million construction request for the Sandpiper at Rock Springs intersection and signal, and $300,000 for new sidewalk design/construction. The Piedmont Lakes phases 2–4 sidewalk work is underway; staff said phase 1 of the northern stretch is complete and later phases will start in FY26.

Sidewalk and street‑repair process: Streets superintendent Mike Ortiz said the city uses a pavement condition index (PCI) for roads and GIS‑tracked work orders to identify sidewalk hot spots; larger subdivision repairs are bundled and contracted rather than addressed piecemeal. Staff noted tree‑root damage as a common cause of sidewalk failure and said the city is moving to species and placement standards that fit smaller planting strips.

What’s next: Staff will provide the council with PCI and sidewalk‑priority reports and said construction of approved projects will follow permitting and procurement; council also asked staff to update the public on scheduling and right‑of‑way acquisition related to Kelly Park Road and the Pioneer agreement.","Public Works Director Vladimir Simonovsky presented a $12.9 million operating budget and described a $56.7 million capital program across utilities, transportation and stormwater. Staff proposed sidewalk and paving funding, described Piedmont Lakes sidewalk phases and requested design dollars for several intersection/roundabout projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Apopka IT director seeks $5.6 million for radios, cybersecurity and system upgrades

Apopka utilities present $40M operations plan; Golden Gem reclaimed‑water project draws scrutiny

Apopka sanitation and fleet budgets rise as tipping fees and vehicle costs climb

Apopka public works seeks funding for sidewalks, paving and traffic projects; Piedmont Lakes work to continue