Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves utility upsize reimbursement for Onondich South; first reading of meter‑tampering fines passes 4–1
Summary
Council unanimously approved a reimbursement agreement to upsize water and sewer mains for the Onondich South development; separately, the council approved first reading of a meter‑tampering ordinance (4–1) and staff reported significant progress reducing estimated water billings.
The Apopka City Council on Oct. 1 approved a utility upsize agreement that reimburses Pulte Home Company LLC for the incremental material cost of installing larger mains to meet future master‑plan needs for the Onondich South subdivision. Public Works Director Vladimir (Vlad) Simonovsky said the developer plans to construct a 16‑inch water main, 12‑inch sanitary force main and a 16‑inch reclaimed water main along Effie Drive; the engineer’s opinion of probable cost in the packet was $800,018.11 and the funding source is the water/wastewater/ reuse impact‑fee funds.
"These are new utilities … everything is being funded by the new development. Nothing is funded through the utility rates that is affecting the existing customers," Simonovsky said. Council approved the upsize agreement unanimously.
Meter‑tampering fines: the council then reviewed Ordinance 31‑27, which amends city code to allow fines for unauthorized tampering with utility meters and meter equipment. Finance Director Blaine Sherman said the proposed fines are $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense and service cutoff at a third offense. Council debated enforcement, burden of proof, developer behavior (moving meters or 'FlexNet' devices) and how fines would be applied to customers or developers. After public comment and discussion, the ordinance passed first reading by a 4–1 vote with Commissioner Nesta opposed; council will hold a second reading and adoption at a later meeting.
Utility replacement progress: City staff also reported progress on the meter‑replacement and no‑read program. The percentage of estimated billings fell from 31% (Oct. 2024) to 16% as of the end of September. Staff said they have reduced no‑reads by 1,132 meters since Aug. 4, reviewed 967 accounts and processed 4,376 work orders, with a goal to reach 12% estimated billings by end of 2025 and 8% by March 31, 2026.
Why it matters: the upsize agreement advances infrastructure needed to support anticipated regional growth while using impact fees rather than operating funds; the tampering ordinance aims to deter unauthorized meter alteration that staff said contributes to unbilled consumption. The meter‑replacement progress indicates fewer estimated bills and improved revenue accuracy, which the city said will help limit rate pressure.
Votes and next steps: the utility upsize agreement was approved unanimously; Ordinance 31‑27 passed first reading 4–1 and will return for second reading and formal adoption. Staff will provide additional data on tampering trends at council requests.
