Amended Meeting Minutes for August 24, 2026
Heritage Palms Community Development District
The Public Budget Hearing, the Fiscal Year 2027 O&M Assessment Public Hearing and the Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District was scheduled on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club at 10435 Washingtonia Palm Way, Fort Myers, Florida and via web conference.
Supervisors present and constituting a quorum were:
Bob Breisch – Chair
MaryAnn Ferry – Vice Chair
Kevin Pastore – Assistant Secretary
Supervisors attending remotely:
Brian Anderson – Assistant Secretary
Also attending in person were:
Melissa Gindling – Compliance Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Matt Gindling – Assistant District Manager, (PDM)
George Smothers – Master Board Liaison
3 Residents
Also attending remotely:
Megan Wolff – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Michael Miller
Arnie Ciafardoni
The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken at the Heritage Palms Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors Meeting.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m., Compliance Manager Melissa Gindling called the roll. Present and constituting a quorum were Chair Breisch, Vice Chair Ferry and Supervisor Pastore with Supervisor Anderson attending remotely. Also in attendance were Compliance Manager Melissa Gindling, Assistant District Manager Matt Gindling, HOA Liaison George Smothers and three residents. Assistant District Manager Megan Wolff, Arnie Ciafardoni and Michael Miller joined online.
A. Moment of Silence for Chair Whitten and Vice Chair Switzer
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as amended, adding Items 5B, 5D, 6Cia, and 10C.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Ferry, seconded by Chair Breisch, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as amended.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
There were no audience comments.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Public Hearing
A. Budget Hearing Notice Affidavit
Compliance Manager Gindling reported that the Affidavit of Publication was in the agenda packet, confirming that the public hearing notice had been duly published as required by law.
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Ferry, with all in favor, the Board opened the 2026/2027 Budget Public Hearing at 8:03a.m.
B. Presentation of Proposed Budget
Compliance Manager Gindling presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and explained that the budget approved in May was not balanced due to a significant road maintenance expenditure. Staff prepared a revised budget that uses fund balance to cover the shortfall while maintaining the proposed assessment increase from $375 to $575 per unit and confirmed that the fiscal 2026 reserve is $123,000.
Chair Breisch noted that the reasons for the assessment increase could have been communicated more clearly to residents. He reviewed prior assessment increases and explained that the proposed increase reflects approximately a 9% annual increase over six years rather than a single year 53% increase.
Supervisor Anderson added that residents questioned the magnitude of the increase and felt additional explanation regarding the need to fund major road resurfacing projects would have been helpful. Chair Breisch emphasized that the increase is largely driven by the cost of roadway improvements and the need to maintain adequate reserves.
Supervisor Anderson stated that the District has relied on professional engineers, legal counsel, and accounting staff to evaluate infrastructure needs. He acknowledged that reserves should have been built more aggressively in prior years, noting that roadway resurfacing is a predictable long-term expense. He explained that engineering assessments identified the need for roadway improvements, that repairs completed on Wine Palm Road have performed well, and that the Board has developed a plan to address the remaining roads. He emphasized the importance of better long-term planning, reserve funding, and anticipating future capital needs.
Supervisor Anderson remarked that he views the increase as similar to a special assessment because reserves were insufficient to fund the necessary roadway work. He stated that the roads require repair and that the increased assessments will help fund those improvements while placing the District in a stronger position to plan for future infrastructure needs.
Chair Breisch stated that the Board has discussed assessment levels each year and did not ignore future funding needs. He explained that the recent road project highlighted the need for a long-term roadway repair plan. He also noted that the District faces ongoing expenses such as road maintenance, fence repairs, waterway upkeep, and rising operating costs, and emphasized that the Board has continually evaluated those needs.
C. Public Comment
One resident expressed concerns regarding the proposed 53% assessment increase, stating that it reflected poor planning and questioning why the need for additional funding was not anticipated sooner. The resident noted that the reserve funding process exists to prepare for major capital projects and suggested that reserves could have been increased gradually over time to avoid a significant increase in a single year. While acknowledging the need for roadway repairs and infrastructure maintenance, the resident felt the matter could have been handled more proactively and professionally.
Mr. Smothers commended the Board for recognizing the need to increase assessments and address the reserve shortfall. He noted that additional roadway projects will require attention in the future and stated that increasing assessments is necessary to maintain adequate reserves and meet ongoing obligations. He added that addressing the funding needs now is preferable to delaying necessary action and expressed confidence that the District will be better prepared going forward.
D. Resolution 2026-07: Adopt FY 2026/2027 Budget Appropriation
On MOTION by Supervisor Anderson, seconded by Vice Chair Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-07, adopting the FY 2026/2027 Budget Appropriation.
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Ferry, with all in favor, the Board closed the Budget Public Hearing at 9:01a.m.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2026/2027 O&M Assessment Public Hearing
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Pastore, with all in favor, the Board opened the 2026/2027 O&M Assessment Public Hearing at 9:03a.m.
A. Presentation of Proposed Assessment Rates
Compliance Manager Gindling stated that the annual assessment would increase from $375 to $575.
B. Public Comment
Two resident letters opposing the assessment increase, submitted by Dan Hetland and Frank and Tina Raine, were included in the additional materials and entered into the record of proceedings.
Staff also provided the Raines with the virtual meeting access information.
C. Resolution 2026-06: Approve FY 2026/2027 Assessments Levy
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Anderson, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-06, approving FY 2026/2027 Assessments Levy.
D. Assessment Rate Increase Timeline
The Heritage Palms Assessment Rate Increase Timeline was included in the Agenda Packet for the Board’s information.
| 2027 | 2021 | 2016 | 2015 | 2010 | ||
| Assessment Total | $575 | $375 | $300 | $275 | $215.04 | Amount Raised Since 2010: |
| Amount Raised | $200 | $75 | $25 | $59.96 | $359.96 |
On MOTION by Vice Chair Ferry, seconded by Supervisor Pastore, with all in favor, the Board closed the O&M Assessment Public Hearing at 9:05 a.m.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items To Be Pulled
There were no items pulled.
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Anderson, with all in favor, the Board approved the Consent Items.
C. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for June 22, 2026
a. Draft Meeting Minutes for August 11, 2026
ii. Financial Report for June 2026
iii. Financial Report for July 2026
D. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
A. CDD Legislative Summary
Compliance Manager Gindling reviewed the 2026 Legislative Summary and reported that HB 145, which included proposed changes to sovereign immunity and liability caps, was not signed into law.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
A. Road Project Follow up – Striping on Roadway
Chair Breisch reported that the Board had provided direction to the contractor regarding roadway striping and reducing the number of reflectors due to ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. While the contractor generally followed that direction, the Board was not fully satisfied with the final results. Chair Breisch also noted concerns with roadway elevations near several manhole covers, which required grinding adjustments. Although most issues were addressed, a manhole cover on Wine Palm near Penzance continues to rattle when driven over. The Board considered the project otherwise complete. Staff was asked to notify Field Manager Pepin to advise the City.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
There were no old business items for discussion.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Pristine – Miscellaneous Vegetation Items to Address – Proposal
Compliance Manager Gindling reported that several tree branches along the perimeter fence north of the irrigation pond were leaning against and placing pressure on the fence. The proposal included trimming the branches away from the fence and removing a large snapped willow branch from Canal C-7.
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Pristine Lakes for Miscellaneous Vegetation Items to Address in the amount of $600.
B. Pristine – Littoral Request for Lake L-4 – Proposal
Compliance Manager Gindling reported that a homeowner requested additional littoral plantings along the shoreline near the tee boxes. Pristine Lakes and Wetlands provided a proposal to harvest existing onsite plants, primarily spike rush, and install them in the area to enhance the shoreline.
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Anderson, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Pristine – Littoral Request for Lake L-4 in the amount of $300.
C. Southwest Florida Water Management District – Letter of Inspection
Compliance Manager Gindling reviewed a recent inspection letter from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which identified non-native vegetation within a conservation easement and recommended routine treatment. The letter also recommended installing additional preserve signs to ensure compliance with the ERP. The information was shared with Field Manager Pepin for recommendations.
Supervisor Anderson requested clarification regarding the map included with the inspection report to confirm the specific areas observed.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Current Field Management Report
i. July Report
ii. August Report
Supervisor Anderson expressed concern about the increase in weed growth identified in the July field report and emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate treatment. Compliance Manager Gindling stated that the August report reflects completed spray treatments and that additional treatment has been requested for alligator flag in Canal C-15.
The field report noted significant growth of castor bean, a Category II exotic plant, along the property line at 10731 Bromley Lane. Vice Chair Ferry asked whether the HOA had been alerted, and staff indicated they would follow up with Field Manager Pepin regarding the issue.
Supervisor Pastore requested that maps be included in future agenda packets to better identify locations discussed in field reports, and Compliance Manager Gindling offered to provide laminated maps for Board use.
Resident Arnie Ciafardoni requested access to the field reports, and staff offered to provide copies by email upon request.
iii. Polliwog Removal Canal C-15
Field Manager Pepin reported that a site visit following the initial report resulted in the removal of approximately 15,000 to 18,000 polliwogs from the waterway.
Supervisor Anderson requested that residents be provided with information on how to contact the CDD if similar infestations are observed in the future. HOA Liaison George Smothers agreed to include this information in the next community update.
B. Follow-up Items
i. Aerator Compressor Diagnosis for Lakes 29 & 33
Field Manager Pepin reported that one of the two compressors was determined to be faulty and was returned to the manufacturer for warranty replacement. The replacement unit has since been installed, and the aeration system has been operating normally for more than a month.
ii. Riprap Around Catch Basin on Wine Palm – Update
Project has been completed.
iii. Visually Inspect All Stormwater Structures – Update
FLGIS completed probing of all stormwater structures and catch basins throughout the community. Efforts to locate pipe ends have been challenging due to vegetation and poor water visibility. FLGIS recommended pausing that portion of the project until late 2026 or early 2027, when conditions may improve. If pipe ends still cannot be located, an ROV will be used to inspect the pipes from the catch basin to the outlet and identify their locations.
a. FLGIS – Probe Summary
iv. Noisy Compressor on McArthur Palm Lane
Field Manager Pepin reported that the noisy compressor on McArthur Palm Lane was resolved by Fountain King. During a subsequent field inspection, no unusual noise was observed, and the matter was considered resolved.
The Board discussed scheduling a Pond Watch Ride Around Workshop in October. Vice Chair Ferry and Chair Breisch expressed interest in participating, and the Board agreed to advertise the event as a workshop to comply with Sunshine Law requirements. Staff was asked to coordinate scheduling for the second Monday in October.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Audit Engagement Letter
Compliance Manager Gindling reviewed the audit engagement letter from Grau & Associates for the District’s FY 2026 annual audit services.
On MOTION by Chair Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved the Audit Engagement Letter in the amount of $3,800.
THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
HOA Liaison George Smothers reported that Summit has begun the 2027 budget planning process. He also provided an update on the General Manager search, noting that approximately 30 applications had been received and that the search committee would conduct initial interviews before recommending two to three finalists for Board interviews.
FOURTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Reports, Requests, and Comments
A. Next Meeting Quorum Check
Three Supervisors indicated they would be present at the next meeting, with Supervisor Anderson attending remotely.
Compliance Manager Gindling confirmed that several Supervisors requested community maps, and Chair Breisch requested a map showing the interconnecting pipe system.
The Board also requested that Supervisor manuals be provided electronically in PDF format.
Chair Breisch reported that he and Field Manager Pepin visited the Casa Lago property regarding concerns about tree roots extending onto private property, and District Manager Rainwater subsequently followed up on the matter.
FIFTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Caller Arnie Ciafardoni requested the email address of Compliance Manager Gindling.