Special Meeting Minutes for August 11, 2026
Heritage Palms Community Development District
A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District was scheduled on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 9:00 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:
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 – Master Board Liaison
Joe Alt – Board Vacancy Applicant
John Berestecki – Board Vacancy Applicant
Kevin Pastore – Board Vacancy Applicant
Jan Donaldson – Board Vacancy Applicant
Ric Anello – Resident
Also attending remotely:
Megan Wolff – Assistant District 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 9:00 a.m., by District Manager Rainwater and called the roll. Present and constituting a quorum were Supervisors Breisch, Ferry and Anderson. Also in attendance were District Manager Mandie Rainwater and Master Board Liaison George Smothers, and Board Vacancy Applicants Joe Alt, John Berestecki, Kevin Pastore and Jan Donaldson. Resident Ric Anello was also present. Assistant District Manager Megan Wolff attending remotely.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as amended, adding Items 4Ci.
On MOTION by Supervisor Ferry, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as presented.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Letters of Interest for Board Vacancy
District Manager Rainwater asked the Board how it wished to conduct the candidate selection process for the Board vacancy. The Board agreed to allow each candidate to introduce themselves, provide background information, what issues they see in the community, and explain their interest in serving on the Board.
A. John Alt
Mr. Alt introduced himself and stated that he is a lifelong volunteer, has been a resident of the community for three years, and has owned property in Heritage Palms for approximately 20 years. He noted his 20 years of government contracting experience and expressed an interest in serving the community and assisting the Board. Mr. Alt also advised that he would be unavailable for the August 24, 2026 meeting due to travel commitments. Discussion included community communication, resident awareness of CDD responsibilities, maintenance of lakes and roadways, and improving the process for residents to report concerns.
B. John Berestecki
Mr. Berestecki discussed his prior experience serving on boards and committees, including as a board president. He stated that he has an active interest in the community and would like to help ensure its continued success while pursuing opportunities for improvement. Mr. Berestecki indicated that he was encouraged to apply for the vacancy by Supervisor Ferry. During discussion, he expressed overall satisfaction with the community while recognizing the need for continued improvement.
C. Jan Donaldson
Ms. Donaldson discussed her prior service on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and her extensive knowledge of the community as a full-time resident. She highlighted the ARC’s collaboration with the CDD, and local agencies and emphasized the importance of understanding the various functions and responsibilities within the community. Ms. Donaldson also discussed the value of resident involvement and communication among community organizations.
D. Kevin Pastore
Mr. Pastore discussed his background as a retired firefighter with 30 years of service and experience in construction, carpentry, and electrical work. He expressed a desire to give back to the community and become more involved in its governance. Mr. Pastore commented on the importance of maintaining community standards throughout the year and noted concerns regarding seasonal fluctuations in landscaping and overall appearance.
The Board discussed the duties and expectations of serving as a CDD Supervisor. Topics included the proposed road resurfacing program, related assessment increases, and the importance of communicating the purpose of assessments and District projects to residents. The Board noted that information regarding District projects and operations is available on the District website. District Manager Rainwater explained that Supervisors should be familiar with District communications and be prepared to answer questions from residents regarding assessments and community improvements.
District Manager Rainwater also reviewed the ongoing responsibilities of Board members, including oversight of District operations, infrastructure, lakes, preserves, sidewalks, and vendor services. The Board discussed the role of the management company, field inspections, and coordination with neighboring communities on District matters.
Candidates were advised that the Board holds up to 12 regular meetings per year, typically on Monday mornings. District Manager Rainwater further explained that Board member contact information is published on the District website and reviewed Florida public records and Sunshine Law requirements, including prohibitions on discussing District business with other Supervisors outside of publicly noticed meetings. Candidates were informed that appointments would be for the remainder of the current four-year term and that Board members are subject to the requirements of Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.
Jan Donaldson left the meeting at 9:29 a.m.
Following discussion with the candidates, John Alt and John Berestecki withdrew their candidacies. The Board then reached a consensus to appoint Jan Donaldson and Kevin Pastore to the vacant Board seats, subject to formal Board action.
On MOTION by Supervisor Breisch, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved the appointment of Jan Donaldson to Seat 4 on the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District.
On MOTION by Supervisor Anderson, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board approved the appointment of Kevin Pastore to Seat 5 on the Board of Supervisors of the Heritage Palms Community Development District.
Ric Anello left the meeting at 9:39 a.m.
Ric Anello returned to the meeting at 9:41 a.m.
John Alt and John Berestecki left the meeting at 9:47 a.m.
District Manager Rainwater administered the Oath of Office to Kevin Pastore. The Board noted that Ms. Donaldson had left the meeting prior to being sworn in, and Supervisor Breisch agreed to provide her with the necessary paperwork.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Pond Watch Program Volunteer Position
Supervisor Breisch discussed the District’s participation in the Pond Watch Program, a volunteer water-quality monitoring initiative he has supported for approximately six years. He explained that monthly water samples are collected from five locations throughout the community and submitted for analysis to monitor water quality and identify potential issues affecting District waterways.
The Board discussed the benefits of the program, including receiving water-quality data at no cost and monitoring runoff entering District lakes and canals. Board members commented on the positive results historically received through the program and the importance of continuing water-quality monitoring efforts, volunteer involvement, and potential insurance and liability considerations associated with non-Board member participation.
Supervisor Ferry agreed to accompany Supervisor Breisch on a future sampling visit to assess the conditions and safety of the monitoring locations.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Board Reorganization Resolution (2026-10)
District Manager Rainwater reviewed Board Reorganization Resolution 2026-10 and explained the duties of the District’s officers and designated staff. She noted that the Board needed to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair due to recent changes in Board membership, with the remaining Supervisors serving as Assistant Secretaries. The Board discussed and considered the reorganization of officer positions.
On MOTION by Supervisor Anderson, seconded by Supervisor Ferry, with all in favor, the Board approved Supervisor Breisch as Chair, Supervisor Ferry as Vice Chair and Brian Anderson, Jan Donaldson and Kevin Pastore as Assistant Secretaries.
On MOTION by Supervisor Ferry, seconded by Supervisor Breisch, with all in favor, the Board approved the Board Reorganization Resolution 2026-10.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Check Signer Authority Resolution (2026-11)
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the proposed changes to the District’s check signer authority and requested that her name be added as an authorized signer in addition to the existing authorized signatories. She explained that the change would not alter the District’s existing multi-step review and verification procedures for invoices and payments, but would provide additional flexibility in executing checks when necessary.