DRAFT Candidate Workshop Minutes for August 19, 2025
Habitat
Community Development District
The candidate workshop 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, August 19, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Larry Roth – Chair
Vacant
James Meek – Assistant Secretary
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Jenny Licht – Assistant Secretary
Also present:
Mandie Rainwater – Assistant District Manager, PDM
8 Residents
Attending remotely:
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.
Melissa Gindling, Assistant District Manager, PDM
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 workshop was called to order at 3:30pm by Chair Roth.
In attendance were Supervisors Roth, Gibson, Licht, and Meek, Assistant District Manager Mandie Rainwater, candidates Matt Elliott, Corey Lunn, and Craig Schmittler, and a number of residents.
Online were Assistant District Manager Melissa Gindling and Greg Urbancic, District Attorney.
A quorum was established.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
On MOTION of Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, to approve the agenda as presented.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
None at this time.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Candidate Workshop
ADM Rainwater informed the Board and audience that a vacancy on the Board has been advertised and a number of residents submitted their qualifications for consideration for the position. Candidates were asked to fill out a generic question form which was included in the workshop agenda package given to Supervisors.
A. Matthew Elliot
Supervisor Roth requested to pull 5Div, Fiscal Year 2024 Audit; Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gains, and Frank
B. Cheryl Hampton
Ms. Hampton withdrew herself from consideration.
C. Corey Lunn
Mr. Lunn introduced himself and how he came to be in Bella Terra. He is a former Superintendent of Schools and has held many positions of leadership. He explained his stewardship of budgets, public discission making, and working with diverse groups.
D. Craig Schmittler
Mr. Schmittler introduced himself and how he came to be in Bella Terra. He discussed his unique qualifications of environmental knowledge of environmental resource plans, exotic vegetation, preserve and irrigation knowledge.
Supervisor Licht said that all three are very well qualified for consideration for the seat. She encouraged all three, not matter what the outcome, to continue to get involved, they would be great on the CDD Board.
Supervisor Gibson asked the candidates what is one overarching reason they would like to serve on the Board? Mr. Elliott said he would be able to assist with contracts. Mr. Lunn wanted to know more after the road project within the community. Mr. Schmittler would like to be assistive in the functions of the District.
ADA Rainwater asked the candidates if they would like to provide any additional comments to the Board. Mr. Lunn said in his role of as a school superintendent he can assist with the budget process, is very familiar with the public meetings, and successful communications. Mr. Elliott described time as a business owner and comparing prices, negotiating contracts, and also understands the sunshine laws. Mr. Schmittler said he once held a position in the fining department, has had to explain budget overruns and underruns.
On MOTION of Supervisor Licht, seconded by Supervisor Roth , with all in favor, the workshop was adjourned.
The Next Regular Meeting and Public Budget Hearing: August 19, 2025 at 4p.m.