Skip to main content

Meeting Minutes for March 21, 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, March 21, 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
Al O’Brien – Assistant Secretary
Dennis Lubozynski – Assistant Secretary
Bob Breisch – Assistant Secretary

Also attending (or by web conference) were:
Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
David Lionett – HOA
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. Also in attendance were Cal Teague, the District Manager, Dave Lionett from the HOA, and Resident George Smothers.

SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda

On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Lubozynski, with all in favor, the Agenda was approved, as submitted.rn

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 February 28, 2022

P10 Item 65 Add not available November 14, Change Supervisor Lubozynski to Chair Whitten and Vice Chair Switzer

On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board accepted the Draft Meeting Minutes for February 28, 2022, as amended.

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/Muck Sampling Update

District Manager Teague reported that Gonzalo had given an estimate of $1,800 for the muck sampling of Lakes 10, 14, 15 & 33. Field Manager Pepin asked him to revise the sample to include Lakes 2, 15, 33 & L-12. This will allow comparison of the treatment of Lakes 15 and 33, against existing sample data from 2018, which should measure the effectiveness of the Bio Blocker treatment. Jeff Moding presented an estimate of $14,178 for a more in depth and expensive engineering quality survey. After discussion, the Board agreed to take muck samplings from Lakes 2, 15, 33 & L-12.

On MOTION by Supervisor Lubozynski, seconded by Supervisor O’Brien, with all in favor, the Board agreed to take muck samples from Lakes 15 and 33, which have had Bio Blocker treatment, and also from Lakes 2 and L-12, which have not had Bio Blocker treatment, not to exceed $1,800.

B. Lake L-6 Land Swap Discussion

This will be removed from the Agenda until the HOA Master Board has something to present.

C. False Bird of Paradise Discussion

District Manager Teague reported that they had spoken with Aquatic Weed Control, Solitude, and South Florida Water Management District, and they all agree that the plant is not a Category I or II exotic, but it is non-native and should not be in the preserve. If it remains in the preserve, it could open the door for people to plant other non-native plants in the preserve. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) had presented a written response, stating that the plant is not allowed in the preserve, and the homeowner will contact SFWMD to get further questions answered.

EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business

A. Process for Residents to Install and Maintain New Fountains Discussion

After discussion, the Board agreed to wait on any action until they have heard from the HOA regarding requests for fountains.

NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager

A. Current Field Report

District Manager Teague reviewed Field Manager Pepin’s report.

Chair Whitten stated that he had spoken with the HOA Board President and Greg Kriesch , and they will take care of the silt in Lake 12.

There was a question regarding the need for silt fences for future projects, and District Manager Teague will discuss this with Engineer Marshall to see what the requirements are.

The curb and gutter conditions on Go Canes Way was discussed, and the Board decided not to take any action.

Leaf build-up in the catch basins was discussed, and they wondered if Greg Kriesch could take care of this when the need arises.

The illicit discharge at 8083 Queen Palm Lane was discussed, and the Board wondered if this was causing a problem on the sidewalk.

The resident at 11006 Wine Palm requested to widen the pavers on the north side of her property, and the Board would like Chris to investigate and determine if this will cause any problems.

Chair Whitten also reported that they were not able to acquire large buttonwoods to place on the property line separating the CDD from the new fire station, which have a 4′ canopy. They planted buttonwoods with a 2′ canopy and grasses, and the homeowners did not feel that this was a sufficient barrier.

B. Follow-up Items

i. Queen Palm Concrete Slab Repair Update

The proposal had been returned to Conidaris Builders, and it was verified that the roots from the tree will be cut back and removed.

ii. Damaged Fences Near Lodge & Golf Course

The deposit had been paid, and Sunstate Fence had ordered the materials. Once they have been received, the repairs will be made.

iii. Semi-Annual Preserve Maintenance Update

The next maintenance project is scheduled for the end of April or early May.

iv. Trip Hazard Catch Basin Adhesive Update

Chris had found it difficult to find ram-nek locally, but he found an online source that sells an identical product called butyl sealant, which is used in the same way. The Board had no objection to using this material.

v. Trip Hazard Driveway Pavers by Sidewalks Inspection

Chris noted 34 locations that are potential trip hazards. His staff will grind down the pavers, at the cost of $1,068, and include replacing the missing fire hydrant markers and catch basin insignias on the same day. The Board agreed that the work can be done.

TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager

A. Financial Statements for February 2022

District Manager Teague reviewed the Financials.

On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor O’Brien, with all in favor, the Financial Statements for February 2022 were accepted, as presented.

B. Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Discussion

District Manager Teague stated that the draft budget for 2023 will be presented at the next meeting.

ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report

Dave Lionett commented that this was his last meeting, because he would no longer be on the HOA Board. During his tenure, he had enjoyed being a part of the meetings, and commended the Board for their work in the community. He suggested that the Board have more communication with the community to inform them about the projects the CDD is completing.

TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Reports, Requests, and Comments

Vice Chair Switzer asked about the pond watch samples, which are reflecting high nitrates and phosphates on the last four recently taken, and if this is causing inflow. He wondered if something was coming from Watermark that the Board should be concerned about.

Chair Whitten would like to see if the through traffic of large trucks could be eliminated on several streets, and if they could place signage to that effect.

THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments

George Smothers stated that he believed that there are benefits for placing fountains in the community.

FOURTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Adjournment

On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board agreed to adjourn at 10:10 a.m.

The Next Regular Meeting: April 25, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.

Secretary/Assistant Secretary
Chair/Vice Chair