Amended Meeting Minutes for March 21, 2023
Habitat
Community Development District
The regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Habitat Community Development District was held in the Bella Terra Clubhouse at 20070 Bella Terra Boulevard in Estero, Florida and also via web conference on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Present (or attending via web conference) and constituting a quorum were:
Larry Roth – Chair
Norman Reno – Vice Chair
Joseph Napolitano – Assistant Secretary
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Jenny Licht – Assistant Secretary
Also present (or attending via web conference):
Cal Teague – District Manager, PDM
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
Clark Grey – Irrigation Specialists
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman Yovanovich Koester, PA
Melissa Gindling – Project Specialist, PDM
Residents
The following is a summary of the actions taken at the Habitat Community Development District Board of Supervisors Meeting.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order and all Board members were present. Also in attendance were Cal Teague, the District Manager, Chris Pepin, the Field Manager, Clark Grey from Irrigation Specialists, Melissa Gindling from PDM and some Residents. Participating via web conference was Greg Urbancic, the Attorney.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
Add Item 6Biii FY 2024 Audit Scope Letter
Add Item 7I Block Party Request
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Agenda was approved, as amended.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
Reas Graber commented that he is concerned that there is a lack of communication concerning irrigation and alligator issues, and he is frustrated that they have not been addressed. He suggested that homeowners be notified if issues are not fixed within a few days. District Manager Teague agreed with his comments, and he noted that it was not acceptable that these issues were not addressed. Rees also commented that there was a house on Torre del Lago with a lawn that looks terrible because of an irrigation break.
Diane Meek commented that she believes that the Board should hire someone to remove the alligator, and she agrees that the irrigation issue has taken too long to be resolved. She has also noted a hole in a resident’s yard has not been filled in and resodded.
Susan Prock commented that she is concerned that some lights damaged by the hurricane have not been fixed. Field Manager Pepin stated that the issue has been reported to FPL, but they have not responded.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to Be Pulled for Discussion
Pull items 5Di and 5Diii
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Supervisor Napolitano, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board approved items 5Dii and 5Div on the Agenda.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Workshop and Regular Meeting Minutes for February 21, 2023
Changes to Regular Meeting Minutes:
Line 91 Change “Sarah” to “Serre”
Line 94 Change “Tangibles” to “Intangibles”
Line 100 Change “blooming” to “green leaf”
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Draft Workshop Meeting Minutes for February 21, 2023 were approved, and the Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for February 21, 2023 were approved, as amended.
ii. Financial Report for February 2023
This was approved in the previous motion.
iii. Current Field Report
Field Manager Pepin stated that the County has completed the asphalt repair near the clock tower, but he noted that it has a dip, so he has asked the County to return and assess the issue.
Chris stated that 40 more ADA sidewalk mats are needed, so the current mats can be replaced as they age.
On MOTION by Supervisor Napolitano, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved the purchase of 50 ADA sidewalk mats, not to exceed $6,000.
Chris stated that they are addressing issues in the stormwater management system.
He stated that the damaged clock tower hands should be replaced next month.
Supervisor Licht asked if he had suggestions for trees with leaves that can be installed along the lake banks, and Chris stated that buttonwoods would be favorable. He and Supervisor Licht decided to meet and choose locations where they could be installed, and then Chris will draft a proposal.
Bill Kurth and Alex Kurth from Premier Lakes, the new lake maintenance vendor, introduced themselves to the Board. Vice Chair Roth asked if they are familiar with the snail issues and the condition of the lakes. They stated that they currently perform snail treatments bi-monthly, and they are working to minimize torpedo grass in the lakes before the rainy season. He stated that they maintain aeration, and their report is included in the Field Report.
iv. Projects and Work Order Tracking Logs
This was approved in the previous motion.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
i. Monthly Irrigation Report
Clark Grey presented the report:
He stated that there have been 2 mainline breaks this month, and they are addressing the repairs. He also stated that they will be performing an extra chlorination treatment because he has seen snails.
Regarding pump 3, they have still seen alligators in the lake, so the repair has been delayed. His technicians have been watering residents’ lawns, and he suggested that Estate could run the irrigation systems at different “off times” so that the residents can get more water. Supervisor Roth asked if a backup or emergency pump is available to help the community while the pump is down, and Clark will investigate. Clark also suggested that the CDD contact other trappers to remove the alligators, but he believes that it might be better if Irrigation Specialists find a trapper.
ii. Contract Concerns
District Manager Teague stated that Tad had sold Irrigation Specialists, and he was disappointed that he had not informed the CDD. Attorney Urbancic stated that notification was not necessarily required in the contract, but the CDD can terminate the contract with 7 days notice. He stated that the CDD should discuss bids for replacement vendors at the next meeting. The Board also discussed their disappointment with the lack of problem-solving from Irrigation Specialists and their desire to hire a different irrigation contractor. Vice Chair Reno and Chair Roth suggested that a portable/emergency pump be used as a temporary fix, and Chris stated that he will remind Clark to check on this. Supervisor Napolitano suggested that the CDD ask Estate for a proposal, and the Board suggested several additions to the bid packet.
On MOTION by Supervisor Napolitano, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved the creation of a bid packet, which will be prepared by PDM staff, and the request for bids from irrigation contractors will be advertised.
B. District Manager
i. FEMA Reimbursement Update
District Manager Teague presented the updated summary of damages and expenses to date, and he stated that the CDD has spent $95,823 to date.
ii. Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Schedule
District Manager Teague will send the draft Budget to the Board before the next meeting. The Board requested that the Budget include a line item for landscape enhancements and contributions to the landscape committee, as discussed during the workshop.
iii. FY 2024 Audit Scope Letter
This was included in the packet for the Board’s information, and it states how the auditor will be preparing the audit.
C. Field Manager
Field Manager Pepin reported on the following issues:
i. Project Updates
a. Revised Lake Bank Repair Proposal
After reviewing the originally proposed lakes for lake bank repair with the contractor, Chris believes that some of the areas on Lakes 3, 7, and 9 have more severe needs for repair and should be addressed first, and they can be addressed at the previously approved amount of $77,500.
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved the lank bank restoration for Lakes 3, 7, and 9, instead of Lake 1.
b. Storm Water System Cleaning
This project has been completed.
c. Asphalt Repair Near Clocktower
This was discussed earlier in the meeting.
ii. Hurricane Ian Clean Up Update
a. Terra Nova Stump Grinding & Sod Replacement Update
Chris reported that the stumps have been grinded, and there remains a small amount of sod replacement to be completed.
b. Terra Nova Tree Replacement Options
Terra Nova had recommended Shady Lady’s and oaks, and Supervisor Licht will be coordinating a meeting with Chris to decide where they should be planted.
D. Attorney
District Manager Teague asked if the new legislation on advertising will affect the CDD, and Attorney Urbancic will research this.
E. Engineer
i. Corkscrew Road Discharge into Lake 1 Follow Up
Engineer Krebs had no update.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Guardhouse Slider Door Replacement Update
Storm Smart inspected the guardhouse today, and hopefully will provide a quote in the near future.
B. Trip and Fall Claim on Larino Loop
There is no update.
C. Potential Sidewalk and Crosswalk Along Bella Terra Blvd
The original proposal from the HOA was included in the packet, and Vice Chair Reno presented a map with other options. Vice Chair Reno and Chair Roth noted that a crosswalk near the guardhouse would not be safe. After discussion, the Board decided not to pursue extending the sidewalk.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Reno, seconded by Supervisor Napolitano, with four in favor, and Supervisor Licht opposed, the Board approved not to consider an extension of the sidewalk on the west side at this time.
D. Asphalt Rejuvenation
Vice Chair Reno presented documents illustrating the cost for milling and repaving and for rejuvenation projects. After discussion, the Board decided to delay all asphalt programs except R & M for one year. Chair Roth requested that this issue be added to the March, 2024 Agenda.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Reno, seconded by Supervisor Napolitano, with 4 in favor and Chair Roth opposed, the Board approved delaying all asphalt programs except R & M for one year.
E. Damaged Compressor Unit Near Lake 1
Chris reported that the resident is no longer touching the compressor unit, since the CDD sent letters to the homeowners in the area. He will ask an electrician for suggestions on adding a lock.
F. Cul-de-Sac Maintenance Agreements Between CDD and HOAs
An overview of costs was presented to the Board concerning the sub-associations disapproval of the maintenance agreement, and a letter had been sent to them stating that this is being discussed. The Board decided to table this until the next meeting. They requested an updated proposal from the sub-associations for the next meeting.
G. Emergency Gate
i. Gap Filling
There are plans to fill these gaps with plants, and Supervisor Licht will ask Estate to complete it.
ii. Paver Blocks
Paver blocks have been installed, but it was noted that grass and weeds are growing through, and it is unsightly. Chair Roth suggested a synthetic grass overlay, and Vice Chair Reno suggested the installation of gravel to fill the openings. The Board decided to table this until a later date.
H. Belvedere Lane Dead Sod Replacement Request
An estimate was received for $960 to replace sod in the area, and District Manage Teague had approved it before the meeting.
I. Block Party Request
The Board approved the request if several guidelines are followed. PDM staff will prepare the guidelines for approval at the next meeting, so they can be referenced in the future. Suggestions were no trash, staying within the cul-de-sac, no fireworks, no loud speakers, and compliance with Bella Terra regulations.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved Premier District Management staff to prepare a list of guidelines for block parties to be considered at the next meeting.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
HOA issues were discussed in the workshop.
Michelle reported that the work on the pump station had finally been completed.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests
There were no Supervisor requests.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Michelle commented that the HOA is working with the sub-associations to establish zones for dumping hurricane debris, which can be used for the next storm event. She also commented on possible locations for crosswalks. In addition, she asked if she could join Supervisor Licht and Field Manager Pepin for the tree inspection. Finally, she commented that she would like to see more detailed updates in the irrigation report.
Diane Meek asked that District Manager Teague or Chair Roth send a letter to the single family homeowners about the issues on pump 3, so they can water their yards. She also commented that there are many work orders being turned in, but there has been slow response. She also asked if Tad’s ATV will remain with the community when Tad is no longer their vendor. There was discussion on whether the CDD had paid for the ATV, and staff will check the minutes to verify.
Susan Prock expressed her concern about the noise from the block parties, and the fireworks that end up in residents’ yards. The Board agreed that the guidelines would state that fireworks are not allowed.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Adjournment
Chair Roth adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m.