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Residents propose converting Oviedo neighborhood ponds into pollinator‑friendly, water‑wise landscapes and ask for tiered reclaimed‑water incentives
Summary
Oviedo Park Terrace residents urged the council to pair the city's recently proposed Oviedo Conservation Grant program with a tiered reclaimed water rate to incentivize HOAs and commercial properties to implement pollinator‑friendly pond and low‑water landscaping conversions.
During public comment on May 19, Keegan Ford and Derek Catlin, residents of Piazza Pointe and Oviedo Park Terrace, presented a neighborhood proposal to transform small neighborhood ponds into low‑maintenance, pollinator‑friendly landscapes that reduce irrigation demand and improve water quality.
The speakers described a coalition model that would combine resident volunteers, local nurseries and businesses, HOAs and city staff to replant pond edges with native species and install pollinator habitat. They asked council to adopt the Oviedo Conservation Grant program (presented to council April 21) and to consider a tiered reclaimed‑water rate for commercial properties so HOAs and large users would have a financial incentive to reduce excessive irrigation.
As an example, the presenters said their HOA’s irrigation system previously used about 350,000 gallons of reclaimed water per month, and when the HOA took control of programming from the landscape contractor they reduced usage to roughly 50,000 gallons per month. The speakers argued that similar fixes across HOAs could reduce demand on the reclaimed water system, help local nurseries, support pollinators and raise neighborhood pride.
The presenters recommended pairing the conservation grant with a tiered reclaimed water rate for large commercial users and HOAs so the combination offers both funding and a price signal to conserve water. They offered volunteer coordination, educational signage and opportunities for public recognition of contributing businesses and neighborhood groups.
No formal council action was taken; the item was presented as public comment and council members noted the proposal and thanked the speakers for the suggestion.
