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, July 18, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Present (or attending via web conference) and constituting a quorum were:

Larry Roth – Chair
Norman Reno – Vice Chair
Jenny Licht – Assistant Secretary
Joe Napolitano – Assistant Secretary
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary

Also present (or attending via web conference):

Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management, (PDM)
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman Yovanovich Koester, PA
Charlie Krebs – Engineer, Hole Montes, Inc.
Michele Till-Cazares – Bella Terra Master Landscape Committee
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Hank Jakiela – Resident
Residents

The following is a summary of the actions taken at the Habitat Community Development District Board of Supervisors Meeting.

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, Michele Till-Cazares from the Bella Terra Master Landscape Committee, Melissa Gindling from PDM and some Residents. Participating via web conference was Greg Urbancic, the Attorney, and Hank Jakiela, Resident.

Add 6Ciid Fox Tail Palm Replacement

Jim Meek commented that he is concerned with the lack of camaraderie and cooperation between the CDD and the HOA.

Bob Vaa commented that he is concerned that if the CDD and the HOA do not work better together the $26 million addition to the community, and other future projects, will not go well.

Susan Prock commented that visitors have observed that the landscaping in Bella Terra is beautiful, and cooperation and teamwork between the HOA and CDD is needed so that it remains in this condition. She noted that the Landscape Committee works hard.

Michele Till-Cazares summarized the expenditures of the Landscape Committee, and she commented that the committee is working hard to correct the issues with their budget. She also commented that the $38,000 from the CDD will be spent on Estate’s bills.

A. Items to Be Pulled for Discussion

No Items were pulled.

B. Motion to Approve Consent Items

C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion

D. Consent Items

i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for June 20, 2023

ii. Financial Report for June 2023

iii. Projects and Work Order Tracking Logs

iv. FEMA Reimbursement Update

A. Irrigation Contractor

i. Irrigation Maintenance Contract Update

District Manager Teague stated that No Limit had submitted a contract, and the price came in lower that the previous vendor. Per the contract, they will be checking the valves in the evening and will provide treatment for snails on an as-needed basis, and they would like to discuss other options than flushing the system. Field Manager Pepin reported that they have been responsive, but there has only been an emergency issue to address up to this point.

ii. Watering Schedule

District Manager Teague stated that the previous contractor had submitted a watering schedule, but, after discussion, the Board decided that it was not needed. It was noted that Estate controls the homeowner’s watering schedule, so they should handle this project if it is necessary.

iii. Irrigation Phone Line Proposal

District Manager Teague presented a hotline system for reporting irrigation breaks and failures. Supervisor Licht stated that there is already a system in place for reporting any issue, and she wondered if irrigation issues could be linked to it. The Board did not see the need for a different system, because residents can call Alliant, who will route any CDD irrigation issues to the vendor. Field Manager Pepin will confirm that Alliant has updated phone numbers for the new vendor.

B. District Manager

Everything that District Manager Teague would like to address is on the Agenda.

C. Field Manager

i. Current Field Report

Field Manager Pepin reported on the following issues:

The lakes are in overall good condition, but he observed some algae on Lake 3 and some grasses and weeds in some lakes, which will be treated.

The compressor on Lake 2 is loud and will be addressed.

The Lake 3 aerator system is down, and he is waiting for a repair proposal.

There was an air line leak on Lake 6, which has been repaired.

Chris recommended trimming the larger hardwood trees on the shorelines when they are trimming other trees in the community.

There is a tree on Lake 6 that is leaning toward the pump station, and he wonders if it should be removed. After discussion, it was decided to leave it.

He observed several dead pine trees in the preserve, but they pose no threat to nearby homes.

There is a broken light near the guardhouse, and he is waiting for a repair quote.

He is assessing the sidewalks and noting any trip hazards, which will need repair.

He has filled a hole near one of the catch basins, and he will continue to monitor it to see if there is any seepage into the stormwater system.

The manhole cover on a structure on Lake 4 was replaced.

A homeowner had installed drain pipes from his home to the lake, and Chris had no concerns with the workmanship.

The trail camera revealed someone walking their dog near a lake, and the Board discussed installing signage, which would warn residents of the presence of alligators. They discussed the placement of the signs and the size.

ii. Project Updates

a. Lake Bank Repair

Vice Chair Reno stated that he has observed extensive lake bank erosion, and Chris stated that Pristine Lakes will be making the necessary repairs to Lakes 3, 7 & 9 after the rainy season, because the level of the lakes is currently too high. He stated that these additional repairs will not add to the cost. Chris stated that Pristine Lakes recommended remediation on future erosion earlier in the season.

b. Asphalt Repair Near Clocktower

Field Manager Pepin reported that the County has completed the repairs.

c. Alligator Signage

This was discussed earlier in the meeting. The Board decided to approve a sign for the entrance, and Field Manager Pepin presented an illustration of a warning sign. They will wait to receive more options from Chris for the signs around the lakes.

Concerning the repairs on the guardhouse, it was reported that the sliding door has been ordered, and when it arrives, all repairs will be scheduled at the same time, including the installation of a desk.

d. Fox Tail Palm Replacement

Field Manager Pepin presented a quote for the removal of a fox tail palm tree.

D. Attorney

At last month’s meeting the Board approved a resolution granting the CDD special powers. Attorney Urbancic reported that this has been submitted to Lee County, and he is waiting for the County to inform him of the procedure for incorporating this change.

i. Trip and Fall Lawsuit Update

A resident has sued the CDD regarding the trip and fall incident on Larino Loop. Attorney Urbancic reported that the lawsuit has named Premier District Management dba Habitat CDD, and Attorney Urbancic stated that this is not technically correct. The District’s insurance company is handling the lawsuit, and their attorney has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

E. Engineer

i. Emergency Exit

Engineer Krebs reported that Collier Paving is waiting on the subcontractor to install a pipe in the swale area, so the project can be completed.

ii. Hole Montes Name Change to Bowman

Engineer Krebs stated that Bowman is a large nationwide firm, and it will provide additional services, because they have more resources. He stated that Hole Montes continues to be referred to by the same name until the transfer to Bowman is complete. He stated that Bowman will be presenting an updated contract to the CDD, and he will still be the District’s engineer.

A. Current Contracts Between CDD and HOA

This was previously discussed and acted on at the Special Meeting.

District Manager Teague stated that the HOA disagreed with the CDD that changing a ballast of a light fixture in the guardhouse is routine maintenance. After discussion between the Board, District Manager Teague, and Engineer Krebs, it was agreed that it is part of routine maintenance, and the HOA is required to change the ballast under the agreement with the CDD. District Manager Teague will send the HOA a letter to this effect.

B. Clock Tower Conditions Follow Up

Vice Chair Reno stated that he had cleaned off the calcification of the tiles near the spillway of the clock tower successfully using two different methods, which took 10 to 15 minutes for each tile, and he recommended following this cleaning with a coating or sealant. The Board agreed with this process, and Field Manager Pepin noted that it took a fair amount of time and effort, so the Board asked him to retain a cleaning company or technician to complete the task.

C. Proposal for Additional Lights at Cobble Stone Crosswalk

A proposal had been submitted for installing two additional light fixtures on the cobblestone crosswalk on both sides of Bella Terra Boulevard for $13,500, and, after discussion, the Board decided to table this indefinitely.

D. Guardhouse Cleaning and Repairs

This was discussed earlier in the meeting, and the Board wanted to confirm that the HOA will be responsible for traffic diversion during the repairs.

E. Request for Additional Traffic Cameras on CDD Property

Hank Jakiela withdrew the request because of the previous discussion in the Special Meeting concerning the maintenance agreement, and it was tabled for a future time.

There was no HOA report.

Vice Chair Reno requested the revision of the two proposals from Estate, which are in the packet, to include the job name and the job description. He also requested to add the consideration of terminating the cul-de-sac contracts to the next Agenda.

Chair Roth requested that a date line be inserted next to the signature line on any future contracts.

Suzanne Bennetti requested a longer turn lane in the entrance to the community. Engineer Krebs stated that he will investigate.

Susan Prock requested flashing lights by the crosswalks.

A resident asked if there are rain gauges on the pump stations. Field Manager Pepin stated that there are, but Don from Estate had requested that they be turned off now. She also commented on the placement of traffic cameras.

Diane Meek wondered how the new vendor will get the information when the sprinklers are down. Field Manager Pepin stated that he will ensure that Alliant emails the vendor and himself.

Chair Roth adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Audit Selection Committee Meeting is August 15, 2023 at 3:45 p.m.
The Next Regular Meeting and Budget Public Hearing is August 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.