Wildwood commissioners Monday night approved a $1.37-million contract to drill a well that will supply water to the Oxford area, a fast-growing part of the city.
Rowe Drilling Co., a well drilling contractor with offices in Lakeland and Tallahassee, was the low bidder on the project. Other bids, opened Jan. 11 and reviewed by consultant Kimley Horn & Associates Inc., were $1.78 million and $2.29 million.
The project involves drilling into the lower Floridian aquifer and the bid covers site preparation, environmental protection, well casings, testing and other aspects of the job.
The Oxford area has been a focus for development in Wildwood with the subdivisions of Lakeside Landings on County Road 472 and Oxford Oaks along U.S. 301 as well as commercial projects near County Road 466 and U.S. 301.
In 2015, the city allocated $2.3 million for a new sewer line to Oxford from the wastewater treatment plant.
At the meeting, commissioners also approved a $4,815 payment for Austin Home Restorations of Orlando to restore the windows at the historic Baker House along County Road 44A. The payment is half of the contract price with the remainder due upon completion.
The commission tabled two ordinances to its Feb. 13 meeting after The Villages developer requested more time to review them.
The first was a sign ordinance that replaces Wildwood’s existing sign ordinance and prohibits outdoor advertising as a use category in all zoning districts. It also regulates the placement, size and other aspects of signs. The Villages of Wildwood area would be exempt from compliance with the new ordinance.
A new noise ordinance would replace the existing ordinance. It would define permitted noise levels and enhance the ability of police to enforce the standards.
