Meeting Minutes for July 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, July 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Larry Roth – Chair
James Meek – Vice Chair
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Jenny Licht – Assistant Secretary
Matthew Elliott – Assistant Secretary
Also present:
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman Engineering
5 residents
Attending remotely:
Megan Wolff – Assistant District Manager, (PDM)
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.
Nathan Dreher – Hoover
Bob Knight – Resident
Jim Murry – Resident
Caller Art
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 Rainwater called the roll. In attendance were Supervisors Roth, Meek, Gibson, Licht, and Elliott. Also in attendance were District Manager Mandie Rainwater, Field Manager Chris Pepin, and District Engineer John Baker and 5 residents. Online were Assistant District Manager Megan Wolff, District Attorney Greg Urbancic, Nathan Dreher from Hoover, Bob Knight, Jim Murry and Caller Art.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was presented amended adding Sections 6Ciic, 7Bi, 7Biv, and Section 7H.
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
No Audience Comments on the agenda items.
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 Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved the consent agenda items.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for June 16, 2026
ii. Financial Report for May 2026
iii. Project Tracking Logs
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
i. Breakage Discussion – Follow Up
a. Hoover – Pump Station 6 Replacement – Update
Field Manager Pepin reported that preparations for the Pump Station 6 replacement project were underway and that the installation was scheduled to begin on July 27, 2026.
a. Estate – Landscape/Irrigation for PS6 – Ratification
The Board considered a proposal from Estate to remove existing Viburnum shrubs and a tree stump behind Pump Station 6, install replacement Clusia plantings, and evaluate irrigation coverage upon completion of the work.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board ratified the Estate Proposal in the amount of $6,149.62.
b. Talon – Fence/Stone for PS6 – Ratification
The Board considered a proposal from Talon for site restoration work associated with Pump Station 6, including replacement of the chain-link fence, grading and site preparation, stone removal and relocation, and removal of existing materials from the site.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, seconded by Supervisor Elliott, with all in favor, the Board ratified the Talon invoice in the amount of $8,652.50.
b. Hoover – Pump Stations 2-5, & 7 – Replacement – Proposals
Nathan Dreher of Hoover discussed proposed replacement options for Pump Stations 2 through 5 and 7. He reviewed the scope of the project and answered questions regarding the anticipated performance and longevity of the replacement infrastructure. The Board discussed the benefits of moving forward with the project, including improved system reliability, reduced maintenance concerns, increased energy efficiency, and an expected service life of approximately 30 years.
Staff advised that the pump station replacement project must be competitively bid through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process due to the estimated project cost. The RFP will be advertised for 30 days, after which the District will review and evaluate submitted proposals. The Board discussed the selection process and noted that proposals will be evaluated based on qualifications, experience, and overall ability to complete the project, in addition to cost.
Staff indicated the RFP documents would be prepared and advertisement would be available in the near future. Proposals are expected to be received and presented to the Board for consideration during the September or October 2026 meetings. The Board also expressed support for pursuing a future resolution authorizing the use of reserve funds or other available funding sources following completion of the RFP process, if warranted. Following discussion, the Board directed staff to proceed with the RFP process for the pump station replacement project.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, Seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved moving forward with the Request for Proposals process for the pump station project.
c. West Coast – Pump Station Inspection Estimate – Proposal
The Board considered a proposal from West Coast Electrical to inspect the power sources and electrical components at the District’s five irrigation pump stations. The inspection is intended to assess the condition of the existing electrical systems and identify any potential issues requiring attention.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, Seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved the West Coast Proposal for the Pump Station Inspection, in the amount of $1,750.
d. West Coast – Pump Station 3 ER Electrical Repair – Ratification
The Board considered a proposal from West Coast Electrical to inspect the power sources and electrical connections at the District’s irrigation pump stations following recent equipment failures at the Cecina pump station. The inspection was recommended to evaluate the condition of the remaining electrical systems and identify any potential issues before additional failures occur.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, Seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board ratified the West Coast invoice in the amount of $5,185.
B. District Manager
i. FY2027 Budget Discussion
District Manager Rainwater advised that the next meeting will include the public budget hearing. The Board may modify budget line items and reduce the proposed assessment rate, but the assessment cannot be increased above the amount previously noticed to residents. Staff also noted that the assessment includes funding for lake maintenance.
C. Field Manager
i. Current Field Report
Field Manager Pepin reported that the District’s lakes remain in generally good condition, although significant algae growth was observed in Lakes 3 and 4 and shoreline weed treatments are ongoing. He also reported a malfunctioning aeration compressor at Lake 8 that may require replacement, while a repaired air line at Lake 3 restored system operation. The Board expressed concerns that littoral vegetation around the lakes was being trimmed too aggressively and directed staff to monitor future landscape maintenance activities.
Additional updates included ongoing shoreline landscaping improvements, replacement of damaged signs and signposts, sod and irrigation repairs, and preparations for the Pump Station 6 replacement project. Mr. Pepin advised that the ROV inspection of the lakes is underway and expected to be completed by the end of the month.
The recently installed replacement motor at Pump Station 4 is experiencing a possible bearing issue, and Field Manager Pepin is working with the vendor to determine whether the motor will be replaced or refunded.
Staff was also directed to obtain proposals for curb and sidewalk cleaning.
ii. Project Updates
a. Road Pavement Markers – Update
Field Manager Pepin reported that the road pavement marker project has been completed. Since installation, three solar markers have become dislodged. He will continue monitoring the markers and plans to complete a second application after the summer season, if necessary.
b. Estate – Sod Replacement – Update
The sod replacement project has been completed.
c. Insight – Snail Treatment Update
District Manager Rainwater reported that the scheduled snail treatment has been postponed and is expected to take place August 6-10.
D. Attorney
i. CDD Legislative Summary
Attorney Urbancic recapped recent legislative updates, noting that legislation related to sovereign immunity and CDD supervisor recalls is expected to become law.
E. Engineer
i. Lake Bank Restoration Permitting – Update
District Engineer Baker provided an update on the lake bank restoration project, reporting that the plans have been revised to include more detailed information on products, quantities, and installation requirements to support a more accurate and competitive bidding process.
District Manager Rainwater advised that staff is coordinating with engineering to gather the additional information needed to prepare bid documents, including measurements, quantities, and site-specific details.
Staff anticipates advertising the project once the revised plans are finalized, with construction expected to begin after water levels recede. Engineer Baker also noted that the most critical shoreline areas will be prioritized and that additional evaluation of the existing coconut matting will determine whether repairs or full replacement are necessary.
The Board then considered a proposal from Bowman to provide construction oversight services, including 2 site inspections, punch list development, and final project inspection, and the proposal in an amount not to exceed $2,500.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, Seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved the Bowman Proposal not to exceed the amount of $2,500.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Gatehouse Damage from Stolen Vehicle – Update
i. Estate – Landscape repair – Ratification
District Manager Rainwater reported that Chair Roth approved the Estate proposal between meetings for landscape replacement work related to the gatehouse damage.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, Seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board ratified the Estate invoice in the amount of $3,377.48.
ii. Kelleher – Sign Post Replacement – Ratification
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, Seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board ratified the Kelleher invoice in the amount of $373.50.
B. Clock Tower
i. SEMCO X-Bond Micro Cement – Clock Tower Resurfacing – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater reported that a Request for Proposal was issued for the clock tower resurfacing project, resulting in a proposal and site visit from ARZ Builders. The proposed product includes a five-year warranty and requires specific maintenance procedures, including maintaining the water’s pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to preserve the finish.
Field Manager Pepin advised that the system currently averages a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0 and utilizes an automatic acid injection system to help regulate water quality. The Board also discussed maintenance requirements, design options, and the potential addition of a water softener to improve long-term performance.
Following discussion, the Board directed staff to obtain additional information regarding water softeners and alternative protective coverings and tabled the item for future consideration.
ii. West Coast – Clock Tower Electrical Inspection – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal from West Coast Electrical to inspect the entire electrical system. Field Manager Pepin explained that recent electrical issues at the Cecina Drive pump station highlighted the need for a comprehensive review, noting that the system had not been inspected by an electrician for several years.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, Seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved the West Coast proposal for Clock Tower Electrical Inspection in the amount of $3,200.
iii. Estate – Clock Tower Drain Cleaning – Update
This has been completed.
iv. VIP Pool Care – Clock Tower Geyser Motor Replacement
The Board considered the VIP Pool Care proposal for replacement of the clock tower geyser motor. Discussion focused on the condition of the existing equipment and the need for additional information regarding repair and replacement options. An initial not-to-exceed amount of $20,000 was discussed should the replacement be deemed urgent; however, the Board determined that additional information was needed before taking action. Field Manager Pepin was directed to obtain further details regarding whether the existing impeller could be replaced or if a complete motor replacement would be required. Following discussion, the Board tabled the matter until the next meeting for further consideration.
C. 20001 Larino Loop – Survey Request
District Manager Rainwater reported that the homeowner at 20001 Larino Loop had renewed a request for inspection and potential repair of the concrete gutter located in front of the residence due to standing water concerns.
The Board discussed the matter and directed the District Engineer Baker of Bowman to survey the area and evaluate drainage conditions and identify any necessary improvements.
D. Naples Electric – Pump Station Monitoring – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal to renew the cellular monitoring service for the District’s existing pump stations. Field Manager Pepin explained that the service provides online monitoring and control capabilities and will be needed until any pump station replacements are completed. He noted that the Serre Drive station no longer requires the service and that the monitoring system would not be needed for new pump stations.
The Board discussed the annual cost and the possibility that the contract may not be cancellable once renewed.
On MOTION by Supervisor Licht, Seconded by Supervisor Elliott, with all in favor, the Board approved the Naples Electric Proposal for Pump Station monitoring in the amount of $5,000. rnrn
E. Guardhouse Cameras NVR – Damaged by Lightning – Discussion
District Manager Rainwater reported that the HOA had requested the District share in the cost of replacing the guardhouse camera NVR, which was damaged by a lightning strike on July 1, 2026.
The Board discussed the request and approved cost-sharing with the HOA for replacement of the equipment.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Meek, Seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board approved paying half of the Key Security proposal in the amount of $1,619.75.
F. HOA Request for Guardhouse Door
District Manager Rainwater reported that the HOA had requested District assistance with repairs to the guardhouse door, which has become difficult to open.
The Board discussed the request and determined that the repair was likely not a District responsibility under the maintenance agreement.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, Seconded by Supervisor Licht, with all in favor, the Board denied the request for CDD assistance with the repair of the Guardhouse Door.
G. Landscape Committee Minutes
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the Landscape Committee report provided by Supervisor Gibson. Updates included plans to replant the island near the gatehouse entrance, correction of an exposed wire, spraying of common-area landscaping for pests and disease, discussion of rock cleaning and fountain drain maintenance, upcoming snail treatment, phased replanting of common areas, and a request for support of the Keep Bella Terra Beautiful campaign.
H. Estate – Cul-de-sac Plant Replacement – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the proposal for landscape enhancements, including plant replacements in select cul-de-sacs and tree trimming and canopy lifting in several common areas.
On MOTION by Supervisor Elliott, Seconded by Vice Chair Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved the Estate proposal for Cul-de-sac Plant Replacement in the amount of $605.02.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
HOA President Lieberman reported that the HOA has engaged an electrical engineer to evaluate four areas within the community. He also provided an update on the Verizon project, noting it is approximately 80% complete with antenna installation forthcoming, and reported that AT&T has signed on.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisors Request
Supervisor Gibson inquired about recurring drainage issues and the status of diseased palm tree removals. Field Manager Pepin confirmed that the drains had been cleaned during the week and reported that most of the affected palm trees in the townhome areas had been removed, with more resilient replacement trees being considered.
Supervisor Licht expressed concern that the interval between meetings was too long and suggested meeting every three weeks. District Manager Rainwater noted that other communities meet monthly but workshops could be added and that any change would need to be addressed through future contract negotiations.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
There were no audience comments.