Draft Meeting Minutes for February 28, 2022
Heritage Palms
Community Development District
The regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District was held on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 8 a.m. at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club at 10420 Washingtonia Palm Way, Fort Myers, Florida and via web conference.
Present (or by web conference) and constituting a quorum were:
Mike Whitten – Chair
Stan Switzer – Vice Chair
Dennis Lubozynski – Assistant Secretary
Bob Breisch – Assistant Secretary
Also attending (or by web conference) were:
Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Dave Lionett – HOA
Bill Sowers – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Residents
The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken at the Heritage Palms Community Development District (CDD) Meeting Board of Supervisors meeting.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order and the District Manager called the roll. All Board members were present, except Supervisor O’Brien. Also in attendance were Cal Teague, the District Manager, and Dave Lionett from the HOA. Bill Sowers of PDM participated via web conference.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
Add 7B Land Swap Update
Add 8B New Estimates to Repair Damaged Fences near Lodge and Golf Course
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Agenda was approved, as amended.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
There were no Audience comments on the Agenda.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of Meeting Minutes
A. Draft Meeting Minutes for January 24, 2022
P7 Line 32 – change “Sable” to “Sabal”
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Chair Whitten, with all in favor, the Board accepted the Draft Meeting Minutes for January 24, 2022.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
There was no report from the Attorney.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
There was no report from the Engineer.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Bio Blocker Discussion
i. Muck Sampling Update
District Manager Teague stated that they were waiting on a revised estimate from Solitude to conduct the bathometric study on Lakes 2 and 15, and two additional lakes, which will be determined by Field Manager Pepin. Solitude was working on a proposal to conduct a study of all the lakes in the community, and this could have a cost of $15,000. Chair Whitten explained that the study will build a comparable baseline of the organic material at the bottom of the lakes, and the Board is asking for an estimate to perform the study. The main purpose of Bio Blocker is to control the muck and algae that can develop.
B. Land Swap Update
The Board and the HOA are considering a property swap with the HOA for ownership of a portion of Lake L-6. The HOA and the Board discussed the particulars of the swap. They weren’t certain if it should be based upon equivalent square footage or market value. South Florida Water Management District would need to approve the transfer, contingent upon what they determined. The HOA stated that they are not at the point of choosing the sites for consideration, and the Board agreed to wait for an HOA proposal.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Queen Palm Concrete Slab Repairs Proposals
Conidaris submitted a proposal for $1,495, and CSG’s proposal was $1,675. The Board agreed that the project should include the cutting and removal of tree roots and that the square footage should be specified.
On MOTION by Chair Whitten, seconded by Supervisor Lubozynski, with all in favor, the Board approved the Queen Palm concrete slab replacement, with the stipulation that all tree roots be removed and that square footage of replacement be specified, not to exceed $1,500.
B. New Estimates to Repair Damaged Fences near Lodge and Golf Course
Sunstate Fence submitted two proposals. At the corner of Idlewild and Seminole Palm Way near the 9th tee-box, the cost was $9,346.75, and near Ranchette west of the lodge, the cost was $2,501. The Board agreed not to have them repaired, but replaced.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Lubozynski, with all in favor, the Board approved the replacement of the damaged fences at Idlewild and Seminole Palm Way and near Ranchette west of the Lodge, not to exceed $11,847.75.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Current Field Report
District Manager Teague summarized Field Manager Pepin’s report and the following was discussed:
Field Manager Pepin reported that the semi-annual aeration maintenance had not been completed, but is scheduled to be completed before the next meeting. An irrigation mainline broke and had caused a washout, and Chris will address these issues with the irrigation vendor.
Chris looked at the catch basins and how secure the pavers were, and they were becoming a trip hazard. The Board approved the installation of ram-nek adhesive to secure the covers. The approximate cost is less than $1,000.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Lubozynski, with all in favor, the Board approved the repair of the catch basins, not to exceed $1,000.
The Board and resident Beth Segler discussed the false Bird of Paradise in the preserve, and District Manager Teague believed that it is not permitted. He will investigate this and report back to Ms. Segler if it is a permitted plant.
The Board requested that Chris look at the pavers that have sunk below the sidewalks. The Board suggested that the HOA include in a communication to the community a suggestion that they check their sidewalks for trip hazards and report them. There was a comment stating that this is a process of ongoing maintenance which is performed annually.
The Board discussed resident concerns regarding the new firehouse that is being built. Some residents are concerned about their view, but it was mentioned that a vegetation barrier is planned, along with a 6′ fence on top of the berm.
B. Follow-up Items
i. Microsurfacing Repairs Update
All the repairs had been completed.
ii. North Berm Cutting Update
This had been completed. While they were onsite, all trash was removed from the canal on Lake 30, and 4 cabbage palms were pruned.
iii. Aerator System: Plan for Replacement
Field Manager Pepin spoke with Solitude, and the equipment that they are currently using is similar to what was initially installed. The compressors have not changed much, but some of their components, such as the air filters, have improved, which help reduce the noise levels. The systems are starting to get old, and as compressors, they need to be replaced. The Board agreed that they should have them replaced, when needed.
iv. Sierra Palm Cul-de-Sac Roadway Breakdown
Field Manager Pepin missed this area during his last inspection, and he will look at it the next time he is onsite. He had a technician look at the area, and he did not see any raveling or significant cracks. Chris will continue to monitor this site.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Financial Statements for January 2022
District Manager Teague reviewed the Financials.
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Switzer, with all in favor, the Financial Statements for January 2022 were accepted, as presented.
B. Depository Change: Resolution 2022-01
District Manager Teague stated that the resolution was for the change of banks to Valley National Bank, which had been presented at the last meeting.
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Switzer, with all in favor, the Board agreed to change the CDD’s bank to Valley National Bank.
C. Board Elections 2022; Seats 4 & 5
District Manager Teague stated that there are Board seats up for election, and the requirements for running for the CDD Board are on the website. Seats 4 and 5 will be open in November.
D. Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Schedule
The Fiscal Year Budget schedule was distributed, which identifies the dates for budget adoption, based upon certain dates, beginning with approval of a tentative budget to be approved before June 15th. District Manager Teague asked the Board to submit any additional goals and items that they would like incorporated in the draft Budget, so they can be included. The adoption of the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget will be at a public hearing in August.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
There was no report from the H.O.A.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Reports, Requests, and Comments
Supervisor Breisch commented that there will be a Pond Watch meeting that he plans to attend. He stated that he will be out of town, and that he will need to find someone else to take the samples. Supervisor Lubozynski stated that he would like to attend the Pond Watch meeting, and he asked when they meet.
Vice Chair Switzer commented on the election process.
Chair Whitten reported that he had told Field Manager Pepin about a washout and wondered if a letter should be sent, because it appeared to be an irrigation blowout. He also commented on the bulkhead replacement, removing silt out of the lake, and the use of silt fences. District Manager Teague stated that he will have Field Manager Pepin look into this.
THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
George Smothers had a question on the installation of fountains. The Board commented that communities and the HOA can install fountains, and they are responsible for their maintenance.
FOURTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Adjournment
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Vice Chair Switzer, with all in favor, the Board agreed to adjourn at 10:31 a.m.
The Next Regular Meeting: March 21, 2022 at 8 a.m.