Heritage Palms Community Development District

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District was scheduled on Monday, February 23, 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:

Mike Whitten – Chair
Stan Switzer – Vice Chair
Bob Breisch – Assistant Secretary
MaryAnn Ferry – Assistant Secretary
Brian Anderson – Assistant Secretary

Also attending in person were:

Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
George Smothers – Resident
Gary Rodgers – Master Board Liaison

Also attending remotely:

Chris Dudak – Client Services Manager, PDM
Felipe Lemus – FLGIS

The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken at the Heritage Palms Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors Meeting.

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, Supervisor Ferry and Supervisor Anderson were present and constituted a quorum. Also in attendance were District Manager Mandie Rainwater, resident George Smothers and Master Board Liaison Gary Rodgers. Attending remotely was Client Services Manager Chris Dudak and Felipe Lemus from FLGIS .

The agenda was approved as presented.

There were no audience comments.

A. Items to be Pulled from Consent Section for Discussion by the Board

Supervisor Anderson pulled the Financial Report for January 26, 2026

B. Motion to Approve Consent Items

C. Consent Items

i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for January 26, 2026

ii. Financial Report for January 2026

D. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion

Supervisor Anderson inquired about the Reserves showing a balance of zero from October through January, as noted on page 20 of the agenda packet in the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balance. District Manager Rainwater explained that unless a transaction affects the line item, the numbers simply reflect the budgeted amount divided by the month. Since no transactions have occurred for Reserves, the monthly figures remain zero until a transaction is recorded.

Supervisor Anderson also asked about the “Contracts-Aerators” line on page 17, which shows $0 for Year to Date Actual. Staff clarified that the contractor bills quarterly, and no payment has been processed for FY 2026 as of the January Financials. Supervisor Anderson requested a copy of the aerator service contract to review what maintenance events are covered, noting that non-contract expenditure invoices have been observed. Staff will provide the contract to him.

The attorney did not provide a report, however District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board that annual ethics training for 2026 are now due.

District Manager Rainwater reported that there was no engineer’s report. She updated the Board that she and Client Services Manager Dudak met with Daniel Schroeder from AIM Engineering to ensure he is current on the district’s ongoing needs and projects, including the Wine Palm and Seminole Palm milling and repaving, the annual NPDES reporting, and topics discussed under Agenda Item 8A regarding crosswalks. District Manager Rainwater expressed confidence that Engineer Schroeder will serve the district well.

A. Replacement of Reflectors with Roadway Striping Update

Supervisor Breisch handed off his roadway survey of the areas scheduled for milling and re-paving in May 2026 to Field Manager Pepin. Field Manager Pepin used Google Maps aerial imagery and on-site verification to confirm where striping exists on Wine Palm and Seminole Palm. This verified information will be provided to Collier/Southern Striping so they can amend their bid to include additional thermoplastic striping if needed. The Board reiterated its previous guidance to not replace any reflectors that are not legally required, including roadway yellow reflectors and stop sign reflectors, while retaining only the blue fire hydrant reflectors, as these are legally required. District Manager Rainwater will follow up with Collier/Southern Striping to determine whether their proposals includes thermoplastic striping as an option.

A. Crosswalks Discussion

The meeting handouts included a display showing two locations where sidewalks currently dead-end: at the corner of Wine Palm and Tiger Palm, and at the corner of Tiger Palm and Curry Palm. In both cases, there is a ramp on one side of the intersection but not a corresponding ramp directly across the street. The Board noted that similar conditions exist in several other areas of the community, including on Seminole Palm near the Tiki Bar, in front of the Clubhouse, and where King Palm meets Wine Palm, among others. The Board discussed various possible changes to the sidewalks and crosswalk areas. Supervisor Anderson stated that he had spoken with Dave Cargill of the HP Safety Committee, which is reviewing these types of conditions throughout the community.

George Smothers stated that the City of Fort Myers did not replace the ramp at the corner near his home, after completing a water main repair, because there were no painted crosswalk guides on the street and no ramp on the opposite side. However, the Board had already approved a proposal at the previous meeting to replace that ramp. The work has now been completed and is only awaiting installation of the ADA mat.

B. Multi-year ROV Inspection Discussion

District Manager Rainwater reviewed the discussion from the previous meeting regarding a proposal from FLGIS to conduct a three-phase, full community ROV camera inspection of the stormwater system. The map included in the meeting packet identifies the three proposed phases, for a total project cost of $79,063. Field Manager Pepin noted in his field report that if the Board decides not to proceed with the ROV inspection, he will obtain pricing for a standard visual inspection, which has been conducted every three years in accordance with prior Board direction.

The Board discussed this and decided to remove this from the agenda and reconsider it in six months after the next rainy season.

C. Ratify Proposal Approved Outside of Meeting:

i. Kelleher Renovations, LLC – $3,606.20 – 3 Sidewalk Location Repairs

This proposal was approved outside of the meeting to expedite repairs requested by the insurance adjuster in response to a claim and was included in the meeting packet for ratification. Concrete repairs at two of the locations have been completed with the yellow ADA mat for the new sidewalk ramp at the Wine Palm and Tiger Palm intersection yet to be installed. At the manhole panel located at 10420 Wine Palm, Field Manager Pepin followed the contractor’s recommendation to add an expansion joint to address the gaps. The lips at that location will also be ground down and the holes filled.

A. Current Field Management Report

District Manager Rainwater reviewed the field report, and the following items were discussed:

• Lake L-2 Littoral Replacement Update: Pristine Lakes plans to replant this area closer to the rainy season with additional alligator flag and soft-stem bulrush, which should help conceal the Water Control Structure. They have been informed that the Chairman would like to be present during the replanting and that a couple of days’ notice should be provided before the work begins.
• Algae Conditions: A high presence of planktonic algae was reported in Lake 31 and filamentous algae in Canal C-7.
• Lake 10 Observation: Supervisor Anderson reported that the north end of Lake 10 may have blue-green algae. Field Manager Pepin will be notified to inspect the area.
• Lake 8 Condition: A mysterious substance, possibly algae, has been observed in Lake 8. Field Manager Pepin will consult with other lake management professionals to determine whether it has been observed elsewhere and to help identify it.
• Aerators on Lakes L-6 through L-9: The aeration system is back online, and all air stations are operational.
• Power to Aerators on Lakes 29 and 33: The meter at this location was reported as blank and nonfunctional. In January, staff requested that FPL repair it, and FPL reported that the issue had been resolved and power restored. Field Manager Pepin inspected the site, reset the breaker as instructed by FPL, and observed that no power was flowing and the meter remained blank. Staff requested a second site visit from FPL. FPL reported dispatching another team on February 11, but no further updates have been received.
• Shoreline Erosion: Minor erosion continues to occur throughout the community, with the most significant area along Lake 14 behind the condominium buildings. The shoreline in this area will need restoration in the future. Photographs are included on page 52.
• Fence Repairs: Several fence repairs are needed, and Field Manager Pepin is maintaining a list. He also reported that the construction yard at 11143 Ranchette Road placed a large steel structure against the fence, causing it to lean. A letter requesting removal of the structure was sent to the neighbor on February 13, 2026. Field Manager Pepin will monitor the situation and assess any resulting damage.
• Outfall Basin Behind 11212 Wine Palm Road: The outfall basin at the edge of the preserve behind this address is currently about 95% buried. The outlet should be cleared before the rainy season and Field Manager Pepin will be asked to obtain a proposal for this work.
• Fence at End of Sugar Palm: Chair Whitten noted vine growth on the six-foot fence at the end of Sugar Palm. Because Casa del Lago is located on the other side of the fence, clearing the vegetation would create an open view between the communities. The Board decided to leave the vegetation in place, as it is not damaging the fence.
• Hog Fence Inquiry: Supervisor Anderson asked about the hog fence. The Chair explained that it is a tight-grid fence, similar to chicken wire, and is installed only around the fire station.

B. Follow-up Items

i. Deer Lake Removal Dead Pine in Preserve

Field Manager Pepin noted that he anticipated this to be cut down within the next couple of weeks.

ii. Sidewalk Grinding at 24 Locations

Field Manager Pepin noted that this is scheduled to be completed this week.

iii. 3 Locations Sidewalk Repairs: 10487 Washingtonia Palm Way Hole; 10420 Wine Palm Manhole Panel; Ramp and Mat at 10501 Wine Palm Road

This was previously covered under Agenda Item 8Ci.

iv. 11143 Ranchette Road Object against CDD Fence

This item was addressed earlier in the Field Report.

A. FY 2027 Budget Schedule

May 18 was proposed as the meeting date to adopt the Proposed Budget, and August 24 as the date for the Budget Public Hearing. Board members were asked to submit any projects they would like the District to consider. The Board was also advised to evaluate whether an increase in assessments may be necessary.

Staff is working on a preliminary budget and a report showing $50, $75 and $100 assessment increases and what will be generated over 3 and 5 years. Some possible budget options mentioned include: roadway pilling and repaving, new pavers at guardhouse/cart paths in line with community paver style.

B. Update on Management Changes

Client Services Manager Dudak now can sign checks on behalf of the CDD. The website contacts has been updated, and notifications are currently being sent to all relevant organizations and agencies with which the District conducts business.

HOA Liaison to the CDD, Gary Rogers, reported the Tiki Bar is scheduled to open on Friday, February 27, 2026.

A. Next Meeting Quorum Check

All board members expect to be present at the next meeting.

• Supervisor Breisch thanked Supervisor Anderson for assuming his role at Pond Watch. He noted that Ernesto Lasso de la Vega is leaving his role at Pond Watch, and both Supervisor Anderson and Breisch will be attending his farewell party.
• Supervisor Breisch questioned how the minutes currently reflect when attendees arrive, leave, and return to meetings. Client Services Manager Dudak said that the intent of recording this is for posterity, so that it can be determined which Supervisor was present at the time of any particular discussion. He noted that the minutes and summaries never record anything beyond names and times.
• Supervisor Anderson reminded Staff to follow up with the attorney regarding the legal and ADA requirements for sidewalks.

George Smothers requested that the Board reconsider the vote it took regarding sidewalks, and crosswalks. He stated that this is a safety concern, noting that the lack of complete sidewalks and crosswalks forces pedestrians to walk on the road in certain areas.

The Board directed staff to move forward, as previously discussed, with obtaining input from the engineer, reviewing the original Development Order (DO) for the sidewalks, and seeking the attorney’s opinion on legal or ADA requirement for complete cross walks. One suggestion raised was to consider including bicycle and walking lanes on all roads.

This item will remain on the agenda for further discussion.

Next Regular Meeting: March 23, 2026, at 8 a.m.