DRAFT Meeting Minutes for December 16, 2025
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, December 16, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Larry Roth – Chair
James Meek – Vice Chair
Matthew Elliott – Assistant Secretary
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Also present:
Cal Teague – Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, (PDM)
Chris Pepin – Field Service Manager, Community Field Services
4 Residents
Attending later:
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman Engineering
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 meeting was called to order at 3:30 pm and District Manager Mandie Rainwater called the roll. In attendance were Supervisors Roth, Meek, Gibson, and Elliott. Also in attendance were DM Cal Teague, DM Mandie Rainwater, FSM Pepin, and 4 residents. John Bake arrived at 3:37 p.m. Online were ADM Melissa Gindling, Attorney Greg Urbancic.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
DM Rainwater informed the Board that there are additional materials, but they did not cause the agenda to be amended.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as presented.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
There were no audience comments.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion
No items were pulled.
B. Motion to Approve Consent items
All consent items were approved.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved all consent items.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for November 18, 2025
ii. Financial Report for November 2025
iii. Project Tracking Logs
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
Approximately 30 or more purple markers have been installed to date. No Limit is coordinating with the Estate to identify any additional valve locations they may be aware of. No Limit will also provide Field Service Manager Pepin with a plan showing the locations of all known isolation valves, which he will compare against the GIS system. If any valves are missing, FSM Pepin will add them to the online map.
Supervisor Meek stated his belief that all valves should already be included on the map. Discussion followed regarding the perception that the irrigation system appears less functional than in the past; however, FSM Pepin indicated that the system is functioning as it always has but with the installation of the purple markers, the Estate should be able to identify any additional valves, which will allow Insight to better evaluate and determine the appropriate direction for the CDD moving forward.
Supervisor Meek asked whether the newly installed pipe includes an identifier that can be detected at the surface by machinery. FSM Pepin indicated that it likely does not, but he will look into this possibility for future installations.
FSM Pepin also reported that some solar markers are coming through the asphalt, causing minor asphalt displacement. Additionally, some of the tape used to secure markers has failed. The butyl tape currently used tends to soften in high temperatures, becoming ineffective and allowing markers to slide off. He will obtain a proposal for installing small asphalt patches or squares to allow the markers to be properly secured if they are reinstalled.
B. District Manager
i. Sod Replacement Claim Update
EGIS Insurance & Risk Advisors has denied the sod replacement claim. Letters outlining the rationale for the denial have been sent to all Association Presidents, with direction for those requiring additional discussion to contact EGIS directly.
The Board discussed several issues currently affecting the community, including grubs and other ground pests. Supervisor Gibson reported that the landscape contractor indicated there may be a disease and various weed species contributing to turf deterioration. He noted that multiple types of weeds are present, each requiring a different treatment application, and that the turf continues to show poor results. The contractor suggested the issue may be spread through lawn maintenance equipment.
Supervisor Meek stated that he visited several addresses included on the remediation list and observed that those properties did not appear to require remediation. After discussion, the Board agreed with the position of the insurance company and determined that no further action will be taken regarding the claim.
a. Master HOA Invoice
The Master HOA submitted an invoice for sod replacement in the medians totaling 11 pallets. This invoice was forwarded to the claims adjuster and was also denied. The invoice had previously been shared with EGIS and was included as part of the denial letters sent to the Association Presidents.
C. Field Manager
i. Current Field Report
FSM Pepin presented his field report to the Board. He reported that the lakes are in good condition. There is some overgrowth along the lake banks on the back sides of the lakes; therefore, the annual cutbacks will be conducted, likely early next year.
Regarding lake bank erosion, FSM Pepin contacted three companies specializing in erosion restoration. All three companies visited the lakes in preparation for providing bids. Each recommended a basic restoration approach, including the use of coconut husk material, regrading the banks to the appropriate slope, bringing in and compacting fill material, and installing the necessary coir logs.
FSM Pepin was unable to locate any pathways in the preserves between the two communities. If pathways exist closer to the front, they may be located on HOA property and therefore would not be a CDD responsibility.
FSM Pepin has also been monitoring the rejuvenator applied to the community gutters and noted that it is fading. He does not believe another washing is necessary at this time.
The diseased foxtail palm on Belvedere will need to be removed. Additionally, the County has completed asphalt work in areas where sidewalks are planned.
There were a few mainline breaks over the Thanksgiving holiday while FSM Pepin was out of town, which Supervisor Roth addressed. A leak in the clock tower was also repaired.
Supervisor Roth reported that the alligator nuisance company inspected Lake 25 a few weeks ago and identified a five-foot alligator, it was decided not to remove the alligator.
Lastly, Supervisor Gibson raised concerns regarding crosswalk cleaning and the accumulation of leaves on sidewalks. Landscapers should be instructed not to blow leaves onto walkways or into drainage areas.
ii. Project Updates
a. Electrofishing Survey Update
The work is scheduled to be completed in January or February.
D. Attorney
i. Lauria Update
Mr. Urbancic joined online and reported that he is still waiting for a formal response to the complaint.
Also, he reminded the board that the Ethics training should be completed by the end of the year. DM Rainwater will circulate the link again.
E. Engineer
i. Lake Bank Restoration Planning
Mr. John Baker received a signed proposal for the Lake Bank restoration and will start working on a packet for the Village and once he is finished with it, he will send it to management for review.
ii. Emergency Exit/Turf Block Update
Mr. Baker also reported that he requested an update regarding the replacement of the turf blocks but has not yet received a response. He will follow up and continue to monitor the situation. Once the project is complete, he will assess the condition of the entrance to ensure it is satisfactory.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Gatehouse Air Conditioner Replacement Ratification
DM Rainwater informed the Board that they had obtained a second opinion from Coconut Point Cooling, who provided a clearer explanation of the issue along with supporting photographs. Coconut Point Cooling also advised that the refrigerant for the unit is no longer manufactured. RDS did not provide any of this information.
Coconut Point Cooling had a replacement unit in stock, in the correct color, and completed the replacement within a few hours. The service includes two years of maintenance, with the first year provided at no cost and the second year at half price, resulting in a total maintenance cost of $95 for two years.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliot, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved to ratify the mini split replacement of gatehouse air conditioner at a cost of $4,395 including 2 years of maintenance.
B. Electrical Outlets Around the Clock Tower Update
FSM Pepin provided a diagram in the meeting packet illustrating a potential power source that could be used to supply electricity to the clock tower.
The Board received a proposal from West Coast Electrical and Lighting Services in the amount of $13,735.00 for the installation of electrical outlets at the clock tower. West Coast has already been onsite to identify available power sources that could be utilized.
Supervisor Licht requested the proposal; therefore, the Board agreed to defer action until her return to confirm that the proposal aligns with her request.
This item was tabled.
C. Serre Drive Utility Driveway Paving Quotes Update
Two proposals were received for installing new asphalt at the Serre Drive Utility Driveway. Collier Paving submitted a proposal for $14,339.62, and D&G submitted a proposal for $5,400. Both companies proposed the same scope of work and specified FDOT S-III Asphalt.
Supervisor Roth asked whether there were other utility driveways that might require similar repairs. It was noted that the other utility drives are grassed areas, and this is the primary, most frequently used driveway. The proposed work would allow the area to be cleaned up and maintained in that condition going forward.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Supervisor Elliot, with all in favor, the Board approved to the D&G proposal to repair the utility drive at Serre Dr. to not exceed the cost of $5,400.
D. Proposal – Estate Apply New Mulch Cul-De-Sacs
The Board received a proposal from Estate for new mulch for all 21 cul-de-sacs. The proposal includes 450 two-cubic-foot bags of mulch, including labor, for a total cost of $2,851.48. The proposal listed both black and brown mulch options, with a preference expressed for black mulch.
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Supervisor Elliot, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Estate for black mulch for all the cul-de-sacs at a cost of $2,851.48.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
HOA President Bob Lieberman provided the HOA Report. He informed the Board that the cell tower has been fully approved, the village permit has been received, and installation is scheduled to begin in January.
Mr. Lieberman stated that during the HOA meeting, several recommendations were made. One recommendation approved was to change the clubhouse entrance and exit to a one-way exit. In addition, benches previously approved by the CDD for placement on CDD property have been finalized and are on the way. He also noted that he was aware insurance would deny the sod claims.
There was discussion regarding ongoing connectivity issues with Hotwire, noting concerns about the reliability of Hotwire as an internet provider due to continued service problems and better communication on outages.
DM Rainwater asked a question on behalf of Supervisor Licht regarding HOA leadership procedures once they are notified of irrigation disruptions. Concerns were raised by the Landscaping Committee that the CDD does not adequately communicate these disruptions.
DM Rainwater explained that the CDD communicates disruptions through leadership channels to a certain point, after which notifications are distributed by designated staff. Mr. Lieberman stated that the irrigation issues were emergencies and that all parties handled them appropriately. DM Rainwater indicated she would relay this information back to Supervisor Licht and clarify the communication flow. If committee members are not receiving notifications, they should ensure they are subscribed to the appropriate communication distribution list.
FSM Pepin was asked to include the Master Landscaping Committee in future irrigation and related notifications.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisors Request
Supervisor Gibson asked FSM Pepin about the pavers that were removed from behind 13695. FSM Pepin responded that the pavers were discarded. Supervisor Gibson stated she wished the pavers had been provided to the Landscaping Committee for recycling.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Mr. Bob Vaa expressed concerns regarding changes to the irrigation system over the years and stated that he believes the system was previously more functional. He also stated that he possesses historical irrigation documents and provided District Manager Rainwater with a box of documents for review against PDM records. It was noted that system components are documented in GIS, with approximately 30 locations identified, though additional improvements may be needed. Recommendations discussed included installing additional filters and increasing the ability to electronically isolate irrigation sections.
Mrs. Diane Meek reported that she has spoken with other residents who received the EGIS insurance letter and encouraged the CDD to continue pursuing the matter. DM Rainwater read a portion of the letter, noting that recipients are instructed to contact the insurance adjuster if further discussion is desired. She clarified that the insurance claim has been denied and that responsibility for further communication rests with the individual recipients listed on the letter.
DM Rainwater advised that paperwork regarding changes to her position and District Manager Cal Teague will be presented at the next meeting as part of his planned retirement.