Copy of Draft Meeting Minutes for February 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, February 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
Charlie Krebs – Engineer, Hole Montes, Inc.
Clark Grey – Irrigation Specialists
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman Yovanovich Koester, PA
Melissa Gindling – Project Specialist, PDM
K.J. Moses – Master Board of the HOA
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, Charlie Krebs, the Engineer, Clark Grey from Irrigation Specialists, Melissa Gindling from PDM and some Residents, including K.J. Moses from the HOA. Participating via web conference was Greg Urbanic, the Attorney.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
Add Item 7E Crosswalk at Bella Terra Boulevard
Add Item 6Cic Asphalt Repair Proposal
Add Item 7F Asphalt Rejuvenation
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, seconded by Vice Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Agenda was approved, as amended.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
Diane Meek wondered why Supervisors are leaving the meeting before adjournment. She also commented that 40 homes on Torre del Lago have been without water for irrigation repeatedly. She also wondered if the CDD is going to replace some bushes and shrubs.
Susan Prock commented that Engineer Krebs should be consulted on the roads, and she commented that the CDD should get 3 bids for roadway rejuvenation, and she would also like the sinkhole addressed.
Barry Bratton commented that he agreed that the CDD should get 3 bids for road rejuvenation.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of Meeting Minutes
A. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for January 17, 2023
Line 13 Change “20” to “30”
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board accepted the January 17, 2023 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes, as amended.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
Clark Grey reviewed the monthly Report:
i. Monthly Irrigation Report
Clark stated that there were 3 water mainline breaks in Torre de Lago, and this caused a lot of houses to be without water. He stated that the mainline breaks have been repaired, but pump #3 is down. They cannot access pump #3 right now because there is a gator in the lake. They have made adjustments so that all homes have water, but there may not be enough pressure, because pump #3 is down. They found another isolation valve that was closed, and they opened it to increase the pressure. All of the zones have been turned on, and everyone should have water.
They also did a chlorination treatment and flush on February 15th, which should keep stuck valves at a minimum. District Manager Teague asked Clark to provide the location of all the isolation valves so they can be added to the GIS map, and he will do so. He also asked Clark to inform Chris where the isolation valves are for mapping purposes, because District Manager Teague stated that they need to be located so the whole system does not need to be shut down.
Chair Roth asked when the snails started appearing last year, and Clark will ask Tad. He stated that the chlorination and flush have been working, and they will stay on schedule with the treatment.
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 $91,000 to date on hurricane cleanup. Staff will be submitting a total up to $252,000 for reimbursement. He recommended that the grants writer no longer be used, and he stated that staff has enough expertise to complete the submission. The Board agreed.
ii. Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Schedule
District Manager Teague had included the Budget schedule in the packet, and he reviewed the deadlines for the adoption of the Budget. He requested Budget goals from the Board, so they can be included in the draft, and he will present the draft at the next meeting. He also reminded them that 5 years of actual Budget and spending history will be provided for planning.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget schedule, as presented.
iii. Arbitrage Report for Series 2015 Bonds
This was included in the packet for the Board’s information.
Supervisor Gibson asked about the possibility of paying off the debt, and District Manager Teague will follow up with her about any questions.
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board accepted the arbitrage report for the series 2015 bonds.
C. Field Manager
Field Manager Pepin reported on the following issues:
i. Project Updates
a. L-3 Erosion Repairs
Chris stated that they have received a proposal for the lake bank restoration, which included remediation for Lakes 1, 3, 7, and 9, and catch basin installation for areas susceptible to washouts. Engineer Krebs stated that if the lank bank is restored well, it should last 10-15 years, and if the originals are being restored there is no LDO needed. It was stated that Lee County no longer likes geo tubes. After discussion, the Board decided to restore Lake 1 only and include washout repair.
On MOTION by Supervisor Napolitano, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved the lank bank restoration for Lake 1, including washout repairs, not to exceed $77,550.
b. Storm Water System Cleaning Proposal
Sewer Viewer had submitted a proposal after inspecting the stormwater management system, and they recommended cleaning in 42 locations.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, seconded by Supervisor Napolitano, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Sewer Viewer to clean the stormwater management system, not to exceed $18,720.
c. Asphalt Repair Quote
Chris had received a proposal from D & G to fill in the sinkhole at the clocktower, because the County has not responded. He suggested that the CDD complete the repair, and ask the County for reimbursement.
On MOTION by Supervisor Napolitano, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from D & G to fill in the sinkhole at the clocktower.
ii. Current Field Report
Chris reported that a resident has been turning off the compressor unit near Lake 1, so he put a lock on it. He noticed that it had subsequently been damaged, and the lock had been removed. District Manager Teague had sent letters to the entire street where this unit is located, with a request for information on who is damaging this unit. The Board suggested placing a security camera near the unit, and K. J. Moses stated that he will work with the CDD to find a place for the camera.
Chris stated that he had been asked to get a landscape proposal for lowering the cul-de-sacs cost of services, since some of the sub associations were considering terminating the current cul-de-sac agreement. After discussion, the Board asked to have this on the next Agenda to consider ending the cul-de-sac maintenance agreements and taking over the maintenance. A letter will be sent to let Aliant know and they can share it with the HOA sub associations.
Chris stated that the clocktower clock arms should be repaired by the middle of March. They will also repaint the position poles.
Chair Roth noted that the sod around the emergency egress looks bad, and there are some missing sidewalk ADA mats on the 3rd circle. He also noted that Estate has been rolling over the curb, and he wonders if this is causing damage.
a. Projects and Work Order Tracking Logs
These were included in the packet, and there were no questions.
iii. Hurricane Ian Clean Up Update
a. Roadway Sign Repairs Update
This project is complete.
b. Terra Nova Stump Grinding & Sod Replacement Update
The landscape crew is starting this week to remove the old sod along the boulevard. K. J. asked that an eblast be sent to the community.
c. Terra Nova Tree Replacement Options
Terra Nova has provided two options for replacing the Shady Lady trees that had to be cut down after Hurricane Ian. There was discussion on the type of trees to use, and the Board decided to approve the purchase of trees and ask the landscaping committee for their suggestions.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board approved the purchase of trees, not to exceed $10,000.
D. Attorney
Attorney Urbancic stated that he is following pending legislation that would require Supervisors to take an ethics course.
E. Engineer
i. Corkscrew Road Discharge into Lake 1 Follow Up
Engineer Krebs stated that the County has given the approval to begin work on the right of way at Corkscrew Road, and he is contacting Collier Paving to review the proposal and give a start date.
Charlie reported that the bat houses have been installed.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Interior Gatehouse Maintenance Concerns Update
Supervisor Licht stated that she and K. J. will meet with Priscilla and schedule quarterly meetings for future maintenance.
B. Guardhouse Slider Door Replacement Update
Chris has contacted 10 contractors and has only received a response from one. He does not recommend using this contractor, because he will not provide additional information when asked. Chris hopes to hear from another contractor soon.
C. Deed Transfer of Lift/Pump Station Properties Follow Up
Chair Roth reported that the HOA has decided not to transfer this area to the CDD, and this will be removed from the Agenda.
D. Trip and Fall Claim on Larino Loop
This was forwarded to insurance, and no update has been received.
E. Crosswalk on Bella Terra Blvd
Supervisor Licht stated that this has been discussed for the 5 years she has been on the Board and she believes it is time to make a decision. There was discussion on the safety aspects and the best location. The Board requested that Engineer Krebs present an overview of traffic safety concerns and the potential costs at the next meeting.
F. Asphalt Rejuvenation
Supervisor Gibson would like to see alternate bids, and it was stated that it should be a petroleum product. Chair Roth will be attending a conference, and he stated that he could talk to vendors. District Manager Teague stated that the cost for the project is now reaching the point of the need for advertising and requesting bids. Engineer Krebs would need to provide specifications for a bid. He reviewed other companies and products that he has experience with and the results of their applications. There was consultation with Attorney Urbancic about the legal and engineering costs there would be for drafting the bids. After discussion, the Board agreed that Vice Chair Reno will look at the projected costs and present it at the next meeting.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Financial Reports
A. Financials for January 2023
District Manager Teague reviewed the Financials, and stated that the assessments have been 93% collected. He also stated that the interest rates on their investments are very good.
Supervisor Licht had questions about a voided check to Estate and a $854 adjustment, and District Manager Teague will investigate and get back to her.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board accepted the January 2023 Financials, as submitted.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
A. Amendment to Maintenance Agreement
This amendment was allowing an extension until July and adding a 30-day termination option to the current maintenance agreement.
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board approved an extension until July and a 30 day termination option to the maintenance agreement between the CDD and HOA, with Chair Roth authorized to sign.
K. J. updated the progress on the cleanup at Sarah Drive.
He stated that the HOA is considering the addition of a sidewalk from the auxiliary parking lot. He also stated that their attorney is reviewing the ownership of traffic control, and he will forward the old opinion letter and current opinion letter to Attorney Urbancic.
He commented that there is a concern about the annuals dying around the clocktower, and he wondered if it is from overspray that has chlorine in it. Field Manager Pepin will investigate and see if he can find the source.
Chair Roth volunteered to be the CDD liaison to the HOA’s Building and Tangibles Committee.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests
A. Board Communications
District Manager Teague requested that the Board read the Agenda and additional items in the packet before the meeting, which are emailed to them by staff, so they are informed about the contents. Any assistance Supervisors need to send CDD email to their phones can be set up, if needed, by PDM staff.
B. Discussion on Consent Agenda
District Manager Teague explained a Consent Agenda and stated that it will be implemented in meetings going forward. The Board agreed to its implementation.
Supervisor Licht suggested that Bella Terra consider connecting nature trails to the adjacent Edison Farms, because of the advantages it provides. She also commented that the cypress trees on the lake banks are without needles much of the year, and she suggested that blooming trees be installed also. District Manager Teague stated that he will investigate the types of trees available.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Susan Prock asked if the lights on Adore have been fixed, and Chris stated that this is on their list. She also suggested street lights in areas where residents are crossing the road.
Joe DeBlasio asked if additional payments can be made on the bond, and District Manager Teague stated that homeowners can, but the Board does not have the funds to do so without taking funds from the road reserves.
A resident asked about accessing the Agenda, and District Manager Teague stated that it is on the website and also in an app.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Adjournment
Chair Roth adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.