Meeting Minutes for December 15, 2025
Heritage Palms Community Development District
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District was scheduled on Monday, December 15, 2025 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:
Mike Whitten – Chair
Stan Switzer – Vice Chair
Bob Breisch – Assistant Secretary
MaryAnn Ferry – Assistant Secretary
Supervisors attending remotely:
Brian Anderson – Assistant Secretary
Also attending in person were:
Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, PDM
George Smothers – Resident
Gary Rodgers – Master Board Liaison
Also attending remotely:
Chris Dudak – Client Services Manager, PDM
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., and District Manager Rainwater called the roll. Chair Whitten, Vice Chair Switzer, Supervisor Breisch and Supervisor Ferry were present and constituted a quorum, with Supervisor Anderson attending remotely. Also in attendance were District Manager Cal Teague, District Manager Mandie Rainwater, and resident George Smothers and Master Board Liaison Gary Rodgers. Attending remotely were Client Services Manager Christopher Dudak.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved the remote participation of Supervisor Anderson.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as presented.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
George Smothers asked why the minutes are so detailed. District Manager Teague noted that they are written to be summary minutes, are not verbatim, and are written to the approval of the Board.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled from Consent Section for Discussion by the Board
Supervisor Breisch pulled 4Ci – Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for November 17, 2025
Supervisor Anderson pulled 4Cii – Financial Report for November 2025
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
C. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for November 17, 2025
ii. Financial Report for November 2025
D. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
Supervisor Breisch stated that the minutes reflect that he arrived late to the November meeting and requested that the minutes accurately reflect his arrival time. Client Services Manager Dudak explained that the arrival and departure times of Board members are recorded in the minutes at the point in the meeting when they occur, so that the record reflects whether a Board member was present for specific agenda item discussions. Other Board members noted that Supervisor Breisch’s arrival time was already indicated in the draft minutes on lines 17 and 37. No changes to the minutes were required.
Supervisor Anderson questioned the R&M “Cane Toad Control” line-item showing a cost of $417 on page 17 of the meeting packet, asking whether the District is charged on a routine basis for removal services or only when Field Manager Pepin is instructed to remove tadpoles. Client Services Manager Dudak and Chair Whitten clarified that charges occur only when removal services are requested and that no such services have been requested during the current fiscal year. District Manager Rainwater explained that the $417 amount reflects the year-to-date budget, which is a projection of the annual budget amount spread evenly over the fiscal year ($2,500 ÷ 12 × 2 months), as the District is two months into the fiscal year. She further explained that the corresponding value in the Variance column offsets this amount, indicating that no actual expense has been incurred to date.
On MOTION by Chair Whitten, seconded by Vice Chair Switzer, with all in favor, the Board approved all items pulled from the Consent Agenda.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
There was no report from the Attorney.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
There was no update from the Engineer. However, a proposal from AIM Engineering & Surveying was included under Agenda Item 8A.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Chair Whitten Concern about Erroneously Raised Catch Basin
Chair Whitten reported that he spoke with Greg Kriesch regarding his concern that the referenced catch basin was higher than the adjacent cart path. Mr. Kriesch explained that the elevation was appropriate to receive rainwater runoff, and Chair Whitten deferred to his assessment.
This item will be removed from the agenda.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Deer Lake Request to Cut Back Preserve Encroachments
Included in the meeting packet was a request from Denise Glover, CAM, of the new management company for the adjacent Deer Lake/Casa Del Largo community. Ms. Glover reported that a resident expressed concern regarding vegetation growth extending from the HP CDD preserve along her rear property line, as well as possible dead overhang from higher elevations. Ms. Glover suggested that the entire preserve line behind the homes on Sika Deer Way be cut back and requested that the CDD coordinate the effort.
Included in the handouts were proposals to purchase and install preserve signage along the perimeter line, and a proposal to survey and stake the property line behind the affected homes.
Chair Whitten and Field Manager Pepin reviewed the photographs provided and conducted site visits to the area. Based on their review, they did not believe there to be a significant concern for the CDD.
Chair Whitten also met with the resident, who stated that her landscapers had since cut vegetation back closer to the property line, which improved the situation. Chair Whitten stated that he believes there is no issue from the corner area down to Ms. Satterfield’s home and that there is no need to survey, stake, or install additional preserve signage at this time. Chair Whitten further reported that he plans to meet with Ms. Glover at her community on Wednesday to discuss the matter further.
This item was tabled until the next meeting agenda.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Current Field Management Report
The field report was discussed, and the following items were noted:
- There were no shoreline weeds observed, and the littoral plants were reported to be in good condition. Pristine Lakes and Wetlands completed cleanup of all hybrid canna. Overall, the lakes were reported to be in good condition.
- Page 2: Lake 28 was noted to have significant growth of spikerush. Field Manager Pepin has directed Pristine Lakes and Wetlands to treat the area.
- Page 5: Trash was observed at Lakes 1, 3, 5–7, 11, 15, 33, and L-6, consisting primarily of plastic cups and bags.
- Page 5: The aerator on the west end of Lake 21 was reported to be inoperable and in need of replacement. This issue has been reported to Fountain Kings.
- Vice Chair Switzer inquired about recent aerator replacement costs. Client Services Manager Dudak reported that the replacement costs for Lakes L-6, L-7, L-8, and L-9 totaled $9,244.60, and for Lakes 29 and 33 totaled $5,726.97. All amounts included shipping and labor.
- Chair Whitten stated that he plans to request Field Manager Pepin to trim vegetation at Lake L-6 that is obstructing portions of the camera’s field of view.
- Chair Whitten noted that water flowing over the weir at Lake L-6 was at the lowest level he has observed for this time of year, attributing the condition to the current drought. He advised that increased algae growth may occur until rainfall resumes. District Manager Rainwater suggested that if water levels decline further, the fountains may need to be turned off to prevent sediment intake, although current water levels appear adequate.
- Field Manager Pepin reported that, after conferring with Chair Whitten approximately one week prior, the City was permitted to cut into the sidewalk at the corner of Tiger Palm and Wine Palm for a waterline break. Greg Kriesch restored the disturbed area with sod, and the stop sign at the intersection was relocated closer to the stop line.
B. Follow-up Items
i. Lakes L- 6, L-7, L-8, L-9: Aerator Repairs
Field Manager Pepin noted that the new aerator system has been installed and he is waiting for Kevin Ammon to give him approval to tie into the pool electrical panel.
ii. Lakes 29 and 33: Aerator Cabinet Repairs
Field Manager Pepin reported that the new aerator system has been replaced; however, during his most recent inspection, the unit was found to be tripped. Fountain Kings is scheduled to visit the site this week to restore operation and to provide Field Manager Pepin with a master key for cabinet access. Chair Whitten also requested that a master key be provided to him for access to the cabinets.
iii. Ward Driveway Expansion
Field Manager Pepin reported that the new pavers installed by the homeowner are flush to the ends of the sidewalk.
iv. Lakes 6, 19 & 21 Aerator Electrical Panel Replacements
Field Manager Pepin reported that the replacement electrical panel at Lake 19 has been installed. West Coast Electrical is awaiting FPL to schedule disconnection of the remaining services at Lakes 6 and 21. Once these disconnections are completed, the electrical panels at those lakes will be replaced.
v. Paver Pressure Washing by Guardhouse
Field Manager Pepin reported that pressure washing of the area was completed. Chair Whitten noted that an oily spot under the portico was not removed. Client Services Manager Dudak reminded the Board that the pressure washing did not involve the use of chemicals or hot water. It was further noted that the pavers are too porous to fully remove motor oil, which is common for paver driveways.
This item will be removed from the agenda.
Supervisor Ferry left the meeting at 8:47 a.m.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board that she will be formally stepping into the District Manager role, with District Manager Teague transitioning to an advisory capacity. At the January 26, 2026 meeting, resolutions will be required to officially recognize this change. District Manager Teague will thereafter primarily observe, often attending meetings remotely, until August, at which time he will retire.
Supervisor Ferry re-joined the meeting at 8:49 a.m.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
A. Safety Committee Stop Signs / Speed Hump Update
Master Board Liaison Rodgers updated the Board that the stop signs have not been installed yet.
George Smothers noted that the stop signs materials have all been received, and Kevin Ammon will install them.
B. Master HOA Letter to Sherie Lammers To Remediate Driveway
At the previous meeting, the Board authorized the Chair to co-sign a letter to homeowner Sherie Lammers requesting remediation of unauthorized driveway modifications made by the previous owner, contingent upon the Master Association drafting the letter and the Board reviewing it. The Board reviewed the history of the Crimaldi matter and District Manager Teague noted that the CDD spent approximately $20,000 on the related court case, with no enforcement outcome. Supervisor Ferry stated that she possesses a copy of the warranty deed showing the property is not encumbered. It was clarified that the Master Association is the only entity with enforcement authority over this issue. Supervisor Breisch expressed a desire to keep the matter active.
The Board agreed to table the matter until it is raised again, and it will be removed from the agenda in the interim.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Reports, Requests, and Comments
Chair Whitten noted that the fountains’ colored lenses do not appear to have been installed this holiday season. He notes that it is too late to change them now and is not asking for the contractors to do it now.
A. Next Meeting Quorum Check
Supervisor Anderson said he will be present. No other Supervisors commented on their attendances at the next meeting.
THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
George Smothers asked if the lake at the front entrance by the waterfall (Lake 25) is connected to the community’s stormwater system, as he wants to know if they can treat the water, and if there are any restrictions on them renovating the water feature. Chair Whitten will research it and respond to him.