Meeting Minutes for May 18, 2026
Heritage Palms Community Development District
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District was scheduled on Monday, May 18, 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:
Stan Switzer – Vice Chair
Bob Breisch – Assistant Secretary
MaryAnn Ferry – Assistant Secretary
Supervisors attending remotely:
Brian Anderson – Assistant Secretary
Also attending in person were:
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
George Smothers – Master Board Liaison
Also attending remotely:
Megan Wolff – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Daniel Schroeder – AIM Engineering & Surveying
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. Present and constituting a quorum were Vice Chair Switzer, Supervisors Breisch and Ferry with Supervisor Anderson attending remotely. Also in attendance were District Manager Mandie Rainwater and Master Board Liaison George Smothers, with Assistant District Manager Megan Wolff and Daniel Schroeder from AIM Engineering & Surveying attending remotely.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board approved the remote participation of Supervisor Anderson.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as amended, adding Items 4Ciii and 9Bviii.
On MOTION by Supervisor Ferry, seconded by Supervisor 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 Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled from Consent Section for Discussion by the Board
No items were pulled.
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved the Consent Agenda as presented.
C. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for April 27, 2026
ii. Financial Report for March 2026
iii. Financial Report for April 2026
D. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
The Attorney did not provide a report; however, District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board that Form 1 deadline is July 1, 2026. Also, legislation regarding sovereign immunity and Community Development District (CDD) recall procedures remains pending the Governor’s signature.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
A. Review of Engineer’s Probable Costs Sheet and Community Roads to Provide Recommendations for Delayed Repair
This item was previously discussed and remained on the agenda at the request of Chair Whitten, who directed staff to prepare projections demonstrating the ability to fund the identified repairs without the need for borrowing. It was noted that, with appropriate assessment increases, the District is expected to have sufficient funding to cover the costs.
B. Sidewalk/Crosswalk Prioritized List Discussion
This item was Tabled.
C. Proposal Front Gate Pavers
Two proposals were presented to replace the pavers in the main entryway. Supervisor Breisch inquired about pressure washing the pavers, and Mr. Smothers advised that the HOA had recently completed this work. This item was tabled.
i. Bastos Pavers
ii. Able and Willing Pavers
Engineer Schroeder left the meeting at 8:51 a.m.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
There was no old business.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
There was no new business.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Current Field Management Report
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the field report, and the following items were discussed:
- Lake 2: New canna growth was observed spreading along the shoreline.
- Lakes 28 and 29: Spike rush was treated to maintain optimal water flow.
- No unknown weeds or algae were observed; treatments appear effective.
- Canal C‑15 and Canal C‑7: Numerous juvenile cane toads were observed at the west ends; due to their size, trapping was recommended for the next one to two months.
- Canal C‑7: Polliwogs were observed at the west end and were reported to the Chairman, who authorized their removal.
Field Manager Pepin recommended the placement of traps in Canal C‑15 and Canal C‑7 to address conditions observed. The Board agreed to defer to Mr. Pepin regarding the number of traps to be installed.
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board authorized Field Manager Pepin to install the number of traps deemed necessary.
- Fountain Kings notified staff that they will inspect aeration systems at Lakes 19, 11, and 12 in response to reported air station issues.
- Staff reported that a response has not yet been received from the City of Fort Myers regarding Washingtonian Palm Way.
- Also reported that Brazilian pepper trees from adjacent properties are encroaching on the perimeter fence, and he will begin treating and trimming the vegetation to prevent further impact.
B. Follow-up Items
i. Aerator Compressor Diagnosis for Lakes 29 & 33
Field Manager Pepin reported the electrical issue with the compressor has been repaired. During his May inspection, he found the GFCI outlet had tripped and, once reset, the system returned to operation. He also identified a separated air line and shut the system down until Fountain Kings completes the repair.
ii. Wine Palm & Seminole Palm Mill and Repave Update
Engineer Schroeder provided a report based on his field review and identified several issues requiring attention. The most significant issue involved the Penzance exit lane, where a crown was installed instead of the intended uniform slope, resulting in ponding conditions. He recommended re-milling and resurfacing the lane to correct the issue, He noted that prior attempts to correct the issue manually were insufficient and recommended the use of a milling machine for consistency.
District Manager Rainwater recommended the preparation of a final punch list for the vendor to address all outstanding items including the permit renewal and the mailbox repair invoice of $100.
Mr. Schroeder also noted truck turnaround marks and advised he would continue to monitor the condition. He suggested the possible installation of a twenty (20) foot concrete strip to help prevent damage from garbage trucks.
Regarding the manhole covers, Mr. Schroeder stated they are within acceptable tolerance and do not require remediation; however, Supervisor Breisch expressed concern about the ride quality and requested further evaluation. Mr. Schroeder agreed to re-evaluate this item for the Board.
It was further reported that the Penzance gate entry system was damaged during construction and was not identified during pre-construction meetings. The HOA emailed staff indicating expected invoices in the amount of $10,000 for replacement of the pressure sensor, which had been reinstalled prior to coordination with the District.
Motion by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board authorized staff to extend an offer to the HOA to pay half of the entry gate equipment replacement.
iii. Riprap Around Catch Basin on Wine Palm Update
Rip Rap is scheduled to be installed by next Friday.
iv. Visually Inspect All Stormwater Structures Update
Scheduled to begin in the beginning of June.
v. Fencing Repairs Update
Repairs have been completed.
vi. Aerator Repairs Lake 7, 21, 29, and L-17
Parts have been ordered and should be installed by the end of the month.
vii. 11143 Ranchette Road Metal Object on Fence Update
The metal object has been removed from the fence.
viii. Proposal for Micro-Surfacing Repairs
Field Manager Pepin received a proposal from DG Pavement Solutions for micro-surfacing repairs at Queen Palm (west end), Queen Palm (east end), and Curry Palm, in the amount of $4,309.50.
Motion by Vice Chair Switzer, seconded by Supervisor Anderson, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from DG Pavement Solutions for micro-surfacing repairs in the amount of $4,309.50.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Proposed FY 2027 Budget Discussion
District Manager Rainwater advised that, following the last meeting, she was asked to determine the assessment level necessary to maintain a minimum fund balance of $500,000 upon completion of all road projects. She indicated that an assessment level of $650 would be required to achieve this target.
Vice Chair Switzer expressed concern about delaying assessment increases for several years and then implementing a significant increase, stating a preference for more gradual, consistent annual increases and monitoring conditions over time before undertaking additional projects.
The Board reaffirmed its prior approval of the Proposed FY 2027 Budget, maintaining an assessment level of $575 per door.
District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board that the assessment level may not be increased after adoption but may be reduced at the August public hearing if desired.
i. Resolution 2026-05 to Approve Proposed FY 2027 Budget and Set Public Hearing Date
The Board considered Resolution 2026-05, approving the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 with assessments set at $575 per unit and establishing the public hearing for August 24 at 8:00 a.m.
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-05 to Approve Proposed FY 2027 Budget and Set Public Hearing Date for August 24 at 8:00 a.m.
B. Annual Form 1 Reminder
District Manager Rainwater stated that she will resend the information to the Board and reminded Supervisors that those running for election should complete their Form 1 in advance. She also noted that by submitting the form, Supervisors certify completion of the required ethics training for the prior calendar year.
C. Election Information
District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board about the election pre-qualification period is beginning the day after Labor Day.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
George Smothers reported that the HOA is currently conducting a search for a new General Manager, and a committee has been formed for this purpose.
Supervisor Breisch informed the Board that he and Mr. Smothers visited the Lee County Mosquito Control office and obtained Gambusia fish. He also noted that Mr. Smothers may assist with pond monitoring during the summer months.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Reports, Requests, and Comments
A. Next Meeting Quorum Check
Supervisor Breisch indicated he may be unavailable for the next meeting, and it was uncertain whether Chair Whitten would be present.
Supervisor Anderson stated he would travel if necessary to ensure a quorum.
THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
There were no audience comments.