Meeting Minutes for April 21, 2026
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, April 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Larry Roth – Chair
James Meek – Vice Chair
Matthew Elliott – Assistant Secretary
Jenny Licht – Assistant Secretary
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Also present:
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman Engineering
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
12 Residents
Attending remotely:
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, (PDM)
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.
3 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 at 3:30 pm by Chair Roth and District Manager Mandie Rainwater called the roll. In attendance were Supervisors Roth, Meek, Licht, Gibson and Elliott. Also in attendance were District Manager Mandie Rainwater, John Baker, Engineer, Chris Pepin, Field Manager, and 12 residents. Online were Assistant District Manager Melissa Gindling and Attorney Greg Urbancic.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was presented amended adding 6Biv.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as amended.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
Mr. Bob Vaa expressed concerns regarding ongoing irrigation issues within the community. He stated that irrigation valves should be capable of isolating individual zones and noted that the community’s landscaping condition has declined from its prior standard. He suggested that the original GIS system developer may have records identifying valve locations. Mr. Vaa also questioned the proposal to replace 50 HP pumps with 30 HP pumps while current irrigation problems persist.
Mr. Lou Tancredi concurred with Mr. Vaa’s comments regarding irrigation issues. He reported that his front lawn appears dead and overgrown with weeds and stated that it has not received irrigation for several weeks. He requested that the Board address the irrigation concerns.
Mr. Dean Learned expressed concern regarding pipes located near his property on Martone Court. He stated that the pipes are unsightly and questioned why they remain in place. He requested that the pipes be relocated.
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 Vice Chair 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 March 17, 2026
ii. Financial Report for February 2026
iii. Project Tracking Logs
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
i. Breakage Discussion – Follow Up
District Manager Mandie Rainwater provided follow‑up on proposals for an irrigation system evaluation and reviewed a list of pump stations provided by Field Manager Christopher Pepin. She reported that Kapur Landscaping confirmed they are local and would not incur additional travel costs. As of the meeting, no responses had been received from the other vendors. District Manager Rainwater also advised that she contacted Hoover based on recommendations from the previous meeting and that Nathan Dreher of Hoover is expected to provide a pump station evaluation for the District.
District Manager Rainwater further reported that she spoke with James McCord of Kapur Landscaping regarding the potential cost to replace the entire irrigation system. Mr. McCord referenced Gateway as a comparable community currently replacing its irrigation system at an estimated cost of approximately $5 million.
The Board reviewed three proposals to provide a comprehensive system evaluation, including deliverables intended to assist with future budgeting, replacement planning, and system recommendations. The proposals reviewed were from Kapur Landscaping in the amount of $51,000, Bowman in the amount of $49,980, and Insight in the amount of $30,000.
Supervisor Licht asked Field Manager Pepin to define a “big break.” Mr. Pepin explained that both a crack in a six‑inch pipe or a joint failure could be considered significant, noting that the most recent break involved a crack at a T‑joint. Vice Chair Meek requested that photographs accompany future reports of irrigation breaks.
Field Manager Pepin also discussed ongoing efforts to locate isolation valves throughout the community. In response to a question from Supervisor Licht regarding valve failure, Field Manager Pepin explained that when isolation valves do not function properly, the pumps must be shut down. He further noted that some valves may be closed or partially closed, which could be contributing to low irrigation pressure.
In response to questions regarding pump sizing, Mr. Pepin stated the system was originally overbuilt for a planned golf course. He further clarified that Naples Electric Motor Works is not a Hoover supplier. Approximately half of the valves have been located, with others potentially buried or unmapped. Mr. Pepin stated he would contact FLGIS regarding a GIS overlay to track irrigation breaks. Supervisor Gibson questioned whether nearby blasting activity could be impacting pipes.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved No Limit to find all the irrigation valves in the community, exercise them, and make a proposal for any repairs needed, not to exceed $10,000.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved Kapur Landscaping to perform an evaluation of the community’s irrigation system after the valves are located in the amount of $51,000. Staff to send this proposal to the attorney for a contract to be written and returned to the Vendor.
B. District Manager
i. Draft Proposed Budget FY 2027
District Manager Mandie Rainwater presented the draft FY 2027 budget, noting there were no proposed assessment increases at this time. She advised that potential increases may be needed in lake maintenance, irrigation distribution, and clock tower expenses.
The Board discussed various projects included in the draft budget and reached a consensus that an increase to the O&M assessment rate may be necessary to address irrigation deficiencies and lake erosion. District Manager Rainwater modeled several assessment scenarios and reviewed the potential revenue impacts. Mr. Urbancic advised that a pending increase to the State sovereign immunity cap from $200,000 to $350,000 per person and from $300,000 to $500,000 per occurrence and may impact insurance rates during the upcoming renewal period in August or September.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Elliott, with all in favor, the Board approved increasing the non-ad valorum assessments by $125.00 to $860.69 per unit.
Staff will prepare and distribute an updated draft budget reflecting the approved assessment value.
ii. Damaged Yield Sign
District Manager Mandie Rainwater reported that a traffic sign was damaged in the third traffic circle when a driver swerved to avoid a deer. She advised that the responsible party paid the Lynkins proposal in full and the replacement sign has been ordered. The Board expressed appreciation to the residents for promptly resolving the matter.
iii. Letter to Villas I – Pet Waste Sign Removal
A letter was sent to the Villas I HOA President notifying them of that Estate had been authorized to cut down the waste signs in the cul‑de‑sacs. Supervisor Gibson asked whether all pet waste signs were being removed or only those located in Villas I, noting there are at least 15 signs along the roadway. It was stated that prior discussions with Estate was limited to the cul‑de‑sacs.
iv. Habitat Registered Voters – 2985
DM Rainwater reported to the Board there are 2985 registered voters in the District as of April, 2026.
C. Field Manager
i. Current Field Report
The Field Manager presented the field report. Lakes were reported to be in good condition, with spike rush thinning following treatment; however, Lake 11 currently has no air reaching the air stations.
Letters were sent to homeowners regarding items placed in or near the preserve. A mouse was removed from the emergency gate power box. Rip rap installation and dry detention clean‑up were completed.
Irrigation issues were noted, with isolation valves previously discussed. Several solar markers are missing or loose due to epoxy failure and deteriorating asphalt.
The Board requested a count of missing markers and recommendations for reinstallation; asphalt repair may be required prior to replacement. A leaking chlorine injector and excessive dirt in the fountain pools were identified.
Minor clock tower repairs were completed. The guardhouse inspection revealed no issues; however, a broken door handle was reported upon arrival.
ii. Project Updates
The Clock tower ladder and door repairs were completed, along with replacement of faded stop signs, straightening of two signposts, and repairs to pavers around the clock tower. The ROV inspection is scheduled to begin in early May.
Supervisor Licht asked whether FPL had responded regarding streetlights that remain on; Field Manager Pepin advised response has been slow.
Supervisor Roth inquired about additional speed limit signage in the rear of the community, and Supervisor Meek noted signs are already in place. Supervisor Licht suggested considering smaller pedestrian reminder signage in areas without sidewalks.
Supervisor Roth provided Field Manager Pepin with information obtained at an HOA expo regarding potential clock tower tile cleaning options, and Field Manager Pepin will follow up.
D. Attorney
Mr. Urbancic provided a legislative update, reporting that legislation increasing the sovereign immunity caps and revising CDD supervisor recall rules has passed and is expected to be signed. He advised that the District Goals requirement remains in effect after the repeal measure died in committee.
Mr. Urbancic also reminded the Board that ethics training for calendar year 2026 is required and that Form 1 financial disclosures are due this summer for everyone.
Mr. Urbancic also stated that the bill which proposed eliminating the goals, objectives, and policies requirement did not advance out of committee; therefore, the Board will continue to be required to comply with these requirements.
E. Engineer
i. Lake Bank Restoration Permitting – Update
Mr. Baker reported that an additional round of comments was received from the Village of Estero regarding the coconut matting and maintenance intervals. He advised that Bowman is preparing responses to the comments and that the Village is requesting additional information on the coconut matting. Mr. Baker also stated he will prepare a spec sheet to better align the proposals and remove unnecessary items.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Follow Up – Dry Retention Basin Clean Up
All rip rap installation was completed, and damaged sod was replaced using approximately nine pallets.
B. Proposal – Naples Electric Motor Works – 30hp submersible pumps
The Board discussed the pipes remaining after pump removal. It was determined that the Field Manager will relocate as many pipes as possible to the Serre Drive location, noting that some remain connected to the water system. HOA President Bob Lieberman provided verbal permission to utilize the area for storage.
Discussion followed regarding the proposed replacement of 50 HP pumps with 30 HP pumps. Staff advised the existing pumps may be oversized given the community was originally designed as a golf course. The Board agreed to table the item pending completion of the system study. Field Manager Pepin advised that failure to replace the pumps would likely result in continued low irrigation pressure.
C. Ratification – Napier Enterprises – Removing Submerged Pumps
District Manager Rainwater presented an invoice for ratification for Napier Enterprises to assist Extreme Divers to remove the submerged pumps.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board ratified the proposal from Napier Enterprises for $7,495.00.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
HOA President Bob Lieberman provided the HOA report, noting the HOA annual election was held with no changes to the Master Board. He reported that the cell tower pad has been poured and is currently undergoing stress testing, after which the tower will be delivered.
District Manager Rainwater asked whether Chris Pepin or Russel from Estate had been contacted regarding tying into the irrigation system; Mr. Lieberman was unsure. The Field Manager will review prior correspondence and initiate contact as needed. Mr. Lieberman expressed appreciation for assistance with irrigation and noted the Village requires landscaping at the tower base, where irrigation is not currently available.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisors Request
Supervisor Licht raised concerns regarding rats at the emergency gate and requested that Field Manager Pepin explore engaging an exterminator. Staff will relay this request.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Resident Bob Vaa inquired about the age of the system pumps, but that information was not available at the time of the meeting. He also informed the Board that the Hoover company, which installed the original pumps for the community, is still in operation in Sarasota. Staff will follow up.
Another resident asked which direction vehicles would turn when exiting the emergency gate and was advised that the exit would require a right turn.