Meeting Minutes for January 20, 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, January 20, 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)
Chris Pepin – Field Service Manager, Community Field Services
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman Engineering
3 Residents
Attending remotely:
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, (PDM)
“cdd”
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, Gibson, Licht, and Elliott. Also in attendance were DM Mandie Rainwater, FSM Pepin, John Baker, Engineer and 3 residents. Online were ADM Melissa Gindling, Attorney Greg Urbancic, and “cdd”
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Licht, 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 Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Elliott, 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 December 16, 2025
ii. Financial Report for December 2025
iii. Project Tracking Logs
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
i. Breakage Discussion
Insight has not yet provided an updated quote to the Board. The Board acknowledged that the irrigation system is aging and requires repairs and updates. Staff has contacted engineering firms to determine whether they have irrigation specialists available to assist if Insight is overbooked. Field Service Manager Pepin stated that the initial priority should be a comprehensive evaluation of the entire system, followed by development of a prioritized repair list.
ii. Insight Irrigation – updated proposal
The Board discussed whether to wait for the à la carte proposal from Insight or proceed with the original proposal. FSM Pepin stated he would contact Estate to request either a proposal or a recommendation for a vendor who may be able to assist. Engineer Baker said he would reach out to his colleagues to determine whether they could provide a proposal.
Supervisor Licht asked whether the system pressurizes quickly or slowly each time it is turned on and off. FSM Pepin explained that the VFD system regulates pressurization.
After discussion, and once all options for a more expedited inspection of the irrigation system have been exhausted, the Board approved the proposal from Insight Irrigation to inspect the irrigation system at a cost of $30,000.
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Supervisor Elliott, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Insight Irrigation to inspect the irrigation system at $30,000.
FSM Pepin also informed the Board that the purple markers for shutoff valves have been installed. Supervisors noted that the markers were placed in the gutters, rather than in the locations where they expected them to be.
B. District Manager
i. Authorization of Management Changes
a. Acknowledgement of Mandie Rainwater as District Manager and as Custodian of Public Records
District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board that Calvin Teague will be retiring. Premier District Management has put forward Mandie Rainwater as the new District Manager for the community. The Board acknowledged this transition and expressed its gratitude for Mr. Teague’s service and contributions to the District.
b. Resolution 2026 – 02: Board reorganization: Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer
DM Rainwater presented Resolution 2026-02 for the Board’s consideration. She explained that the Board Supervisor positions remained unchanged, as the Board had recently reorganized at the time of Supervisor Elliott’s appointment. However, staff positions were updated. Mandie Rainwater would be named Secretary; Jennifer Miller, Treasurer; Calvin Teague, Assistant Treasurer; Melissa Gindling, Assistant Secretary; and Chris Dudak, Assistant Treasurer. This structure allows Assistant District Manager Gindling to fill in for DM Rainwater at meetings, and Client Service Manager Dudak to be authorized to sign checks. DM Rainwater noted that a typo in the resolution included in the agenda packet had been corrected in the signature version. Mr. Urbancic asked about the structure, and DM Rainwater explained that internal controls prohibit anyone with access to the District’s books from signing checks, and anyone with access to check stock from signing checks.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026 – 02: Board reorganization: Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer.
c. Reaffirming Christopher Dudak as Records Management Liaison Officer
DM Rainwater reminded the Board that CSM Dudak also performs the function of being District’s Records Management Liaison Officer and answers all public records requests.
d. Resolution 2026-03: Check Signing Authority
DM Rainwater presented Resolution 2026-03 to the Board, authorizing Chris Dudak to serve as a check signer along with Calvin Teague. This will ensure bills can be paid in the event of either individual’s absence and in preparation for Mr. Teague’s full retirement in August. Existing accounting checks and balances will remain in place.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-03: Check Signing Authority.
C. Field Manager
i. Current Field Report
FSM Pepin reported that the lakes are in good condition, although some dead littoral plants were observed on Lake 1. A faulty GFCI on Lake 3 was identified and replaced. The compressor on Lake 17 is very loud; FSM Pepin spoke with homeowner Bob Vaa and will obtain a quote for Mr. Vaa to consider regarding relocation of the aerator.
FSM Pepin stated that in December that they were notified by the South Florida Water Management District that a portion of the preserve was not in compliance, and corrections were made within one to two days of notification.
He reminded the Board that homeowners should not plant non-native, exotic, or decorative vegetation near preserve areas. The Board discussed having ARC remind homeowners to be mindful that their plantings do not encroach into preserves. FSM Pepin also reported that sandbags had previously been dumped outside preserve areas. After letters were sent, the bags were removed, but the sand was spread out rather than removed.
FSM Pepin noted that new potholes are forming and that vendor D&G will fill them while working on Serre Drive. The County has been in the community refinishing some pump stations and manholes. Vice Chair Meek reported an odor within the community, and FSM Pepin will monitor the situation. FSM Pepin is continuing efforts to obtain signage from Lykins.
FSM Pepin will obtain a proposal for the District to have the dry retention areas cleaned up, as many have significant vegetation debris buildup and the riprap is barely visible. He also recommended extending the vegetation curtain on Lake 14, as the area appears to receive insufficient sunlight due to canopy coverage from a Shady Lady tree.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved the purchase of a new vegetation curtain on Lake 14 by FSM Pepin.
Continuing his report, FSM Pepin discussed installing a new hose bib at the clock tower fountain. Supervisor Elliott suggested modifying the connection point by extending the pipe higher off the ground to help prevent future damage.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved for Field Service Manager Pepin to obtain a proposal to replumb the area where the bib is attached to move it off the ground.
ii. Project Updates
a. Electrofishing Survey Update
FSM let the Board know this was scheduled for January 23,2026 on Lake 4.
b. Serre Drive Utility Driveway Repaving Update
Due to the county working within the community paving was delayed and rescheduled for 1/26/26.
D. Attorney
i. Sod Replacement Claim Appeal
Mr. Urbancic joined the meeting remotely and reported that SFHOA representative Mr. Schwartz submitted an appeal letter to the Board in response to the claim denial issued by the CDD’s insurance carrier. DM Rainwater addressed Mr. Schwartz’s questions regarding funding for the road project and the settlement the District previously entered into with the project vendor.
Mr. Urbancic reminded the Board that their ethics training requirement is due for calendar year 2026. Chair Roth expressed his opinion that the available courses are outdated and should be revised.
Mr. Urbancic further advised that his office will be monitoring the upcoming legislative session as it begins. He also reported that there is no update at this time regarding the lawsuit.
E. Engineer
i. Lake Bank Restoration Planning
Mr. John Baker provided staff with the application, STRAP listing, and affidavit for the Village of Estero, related to the proposed lake restoration project. He explained that the project involves approximately 20,000 linear feet of restoration and is intended to address the identified lakes in need of repair. Mr. Baker noted that his plan set outlines a five-year approach, with the work divided into five roughly equal phases.
DM Rainwater reported that, while the permit is still pending, staff have begun coordinating with vendors in preparation for the project.
Staff also requested approval of the $400 permit application fee, and asked that the Board ratify this fee.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved to ratify the $400 permit application fee for the Village of Estero permit process.
ii. Emergency Exit/Turf Block Update
Mr. Baker showed the current layout of the walkway is approximately 10 feet farther from the emergency exit than originally planned. He noted that grading may require additional attention and, from an engineering standpoint, expressed concerns about the current path alignment, swale depth, and proximity to the swale centerline, stating the grading work appears incomplete and not yet stabilized. He will follow up with the County and provide an update at the next meeting.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Electrical Outlets at Clock Tower
This item was tabled from the previous meeting waiting for Supervisor Licht to be available. The cost was $13,750 for a total of four outlets. After discussions, it was decided that this was too much to add the outlets and the Board declined the proposal. This item will be removed from the agenda.
B. SFWMD Non-Compliance Letter Update
FSM Pepin let the Board know that he has addressed what was within his responsibility from the non- compliance letter. Some items were under the responsibility of the HOA or residents. SFWMD has been contacted to reinspect.
C. Estate Letter of Renewal Rate Increase
Estate notified the Board of a 5% rate increase for 2026. The Board directed staff to review current contracts and, while accepting the increase for this year, indicated a desire to negotiate rates for the following year.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved the 5% rate increase for Estate but requested Staff to review current contracts and negotiate for next year.
D. Cul De Sac Ride Around Report
Supervisor Licht presented her cul-de-sac ride-around report, noting that landscaping vendor Russ from Estate has made significant progress and that previously identified plants of concern now appear healthy.
Supervisor Gibson asked Supervisor Licht about the Terra EcoWise group she is involved with, offered assistance, and suggested the group could develop a list of recommended plants for consideration by the Landscaping Committee.
Mr. Urbancic cautioned Supervisors Licht and Gibson regarding potential ethics considerations related to jointly serving on committees.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
HOA President Bob Lieberman presented the HOA Report. He advised that installation of the cell tower remains in progress and is tentatively scheduled for February 15, 2026. He also reported that the front of the clubhouse will be converted to one-way traffic, with the addition of golf cart parking to improve safety.
Additionally, the benches previously approved by the CDD for HOA installation have been installed.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisors Request
Supervisor Gibson raised concerns regarding the crosswalk and its lack of upkeep. FSM Pepin stated he can clean the area, but landscapers must stop blowing debris back onto the walkway. He suggested that a screen over the grate might catch more debris, though he noted that without regular cleaning, the issue would persist.
Supervisor Gibson also inquired about two payments on the financial report for pressure washing the gutters. It was clarified that two checks were issued because one was lost in the mail; both are currently reflected in the financials.
Supervisor Licht requested that KJ Moses be included on irrigation-related emails and expressed interest in exploring micro-parks with native plants and benches.
Vice Chair Meek noted that the dog waste station signs at the front of the cul-de-sac islands are unsightly. He added that they are permanently positioned and would be difficult to move.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Mr. Bob Vaa expressed concern about the District’s lack of information regarding the clock tower, noting that the original engineer, Banks, should still have design documents for the community. DM Rainwater reported that review of the documents provided by Mr. Vaa is not yet complete.