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Town approves agreement to replace trees after Lake Apopka dredging sediment affected HOA property
Summary
After sediment from a dredging project was placed on Southern Oaks HOA property, the town and HOA negotiated a pre‑replacement agreement: the town tested the sediment, worked with an arborist, will replace trees that die within the surveyed area for five years, and will not require the HOA to make future embankment repairs; commission approved the agreement.
Town staff outlined a pre‑replacement agreement with Southern Oaks Homeowners Association after a contractor placing dredged sediment at Lake Apopka deposited material on HOA property earlier in 2024. Staff said sediment testing confirmed pollutant levels were below thresholds and that work to remove sediment was limited where doing so would damage tree root systems. An arborist reviewed the site.
The agreement, drafted by the town attorney, requires the town to replace trees that die within the surveyed area over the next five years with similar specimens and relieves the HOA of future embankment‑repair obligations related to the dredging work. Staff stated the arrangement requires no town funds at the time of agreement and is intended as a remedial, neighborly resolution.
A Southern Oaks representative (Scott) addressed the commission, thanked staff—particularly Andy—and said the HOA appreciated the town working with them to reach a resolution. A motion to accept the agreement was made, seconded and approved by the commission.
The agreement will be implemented by the Public Works Department and monitored over the five‑year period to identify and replace any trees lost within the surveyed parcel. The town will coordinate replacement specifications with the HOA and the arborist’s recommendations.
