Meeting Minutes for May 20, 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, May 20, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Larry Roth – Chair
Norman Reno – Vice Chair
James Meek – Assistant Secretary
Attending remotely:
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Also present:
Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Mandie Rainwater – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
David Schmitt – Engineer, Bowman Engineering
Five Residents
Attending remotely:
Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Two 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
Chair Roth called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., and the roll was called. Three Board members were present, and Supervisor Gibson attended remotely. Also in attendance were Cal Teague, the District Manager; Mandie Rainwater, Assistant District Manager; Chris Pepin, the Field Manager; David Schmitt, the Engineer; and Five Residents. Attending remotely were Greg Urbancic, the Attorney; Melissa Gindling, Assistant District Manager; and Two Residents.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved Supervisor Gibson’s attendance remotely.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
An Amended Agenda was presented.
Add 5D Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for April 15, 2025
Add 6Cv Well Pump Proposal
Add 6Eiv Change Order from Bowman for Road Project
Add 7Hi Proposal to Pressure Wash Guardhouse
Add 7I Letter from Resident
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as amended.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
There were no Audience comments on Agenda items.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to Be Pulled for Discussion
No item was pulled.
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved all Consent Items, as presented.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for April 15, 2025
Line 96 Incorrectly identified Chair Reno as making the motion. Supervisor Meek made the motion. The Minutes were amended.
ii. Financial Report for April 2025
District Manager Teague stated that the District’s financial position is very good. They are nearly fully funded and will likely have all funds by June. Chair Roth asked where the interest earned is deposited, and District Manager Teague stated it is in the general fund.
iii. Project Tracking Logs
iv. Audit Engagement Letter
District Manager Teague stated this is the standard letter notifying the District the audit is now underway. It has been some time since it was submitted. Chair Roth asked what the remaining time is on the auditor’s contract, and District Manager Teague stated it is approximately a year. Attorney Urbancic will work with staff, if the Board would like to develop an RFQ for a new auditor.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Staff Reports
A. Irrigation Contractor
District Manager Teague stated that Aaron from Insight has been unable to provide a quote for the alternative irrigation control system. They are also back logged in proposing snail treatment and possible scheduling. There have been some reports of snails throughout the community, and Field Manager Pepin will investigate.
B. District Manager
i. Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget
Assistant District Manager Rainwater stated that staff applied overruns to the clock tower and reserves. It was suggested to reactivate the Guardhouse R&M with a budget of $10,000. Supervisor Gibson suggested adding $5,000 for aerators. It was also decided to designate $50,000 for R&M Lakes. All will be drawn from the Emergency Reserves.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved reactivating the Guardhouse R & M at $10,000, adding $5,000 for aerators, and $50,000 for R & M Lakes.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board approved retaining the assessment rate at the current level.
a. Resolution 2025-03: Approving Proposed Budget and Setting Public
Hearing
The resolution is to approve the Proposed Budget and set the Public Hearing date at August 19, 2025. Attorney Urbancic suggested sending the Budget and Resolution to the Village of Estero as well.
On MOTION by Supervisor Gibson, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2025-03, approving the Proposed Budget and setting the Public Hearing at August 19, 2025.
ii. District Voter Count: 2,860
Assistant District Manager Rainwater stated that Florida Statutes require reading the number of registered voters in the District into the Minutes each year before June 1st.
C. Field Manager
i. Current Field Report
Field Manager Pepin reviewed his report, and the following was discussed:
He stated that the two Oaks planted by Estate have died and will be removed. Supervisor Meek inquired about a warranty, but Field Manager Pepin stated it might be difficult to prove.
He reported that the lakes and the stormwater system are in good condition.
There are no new issues with aeration, and the remaining smaller issues will be resolved.
The exposed drain pipes on Lake 9 were buried, and the washout on the east side of Lake 12 was repaired.
Chris reported that the cul-de-sac landscaping approved last month has been installed by Estate.
He suggested adding more cordgrass between 21001 and 21049 Bella Terra Boulevard, and he will obtain a quote.
Chris stated that he will obtain proposals for pressure washing and replacing 5 tiles on the guardhouse.
Chair Roth asked about obtaining a new provider to fix the gate for the pump. Field Manager Pepin will investigate.
Chair Roth also asked Chris to obtain a quote for mosquito fish.
Other issues and proposals were discussed later in the meeting.
ii. Project Updates
a. Storm Water Management System Inspection Update
Chris is still waiting on a cleaning proposal, which was indicated in the inspection report. He hoped to have proposals before the meeting, but they are not available as of yet. Any proposal will be shared before the June meeting.
iii. Hurricane Pre-Authorization Forms
These are hurricane cleanup pre-authorization forms that are to be signed before hurricane season, and they were in the packet. District Manager Teague stated that these forms help secure a spot for cleanup, and place it at the top of the list after a named storm. Supervisor Meek asked who will track the work from the approved companies, and District Manager Teague stated that Field Manager Pepin is responsible.
There was discussion about cleaning up private property, and it was emphasized that residents are responsible for it. They also discussed the difficulties the HOA had with cleanup.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board authorized the Chair to sign the pre-authorization forms for hurricane cleanup.
iv. Verdin Contract Renewal
This is the contract for the semi-annual maintenance of the clock tower clocks at the cost of $765.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved renewing the contract with Verdin, not to exceed $765.
v. Well Pump Control Panel Replacement
The controller no longer operates and needs to be replaced, so the well pump near the clubhouse can be activated. The cost is $3,250. Field Manager Pepin was asked to clarify the warranty for the control panel as it was not part of the proposal.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved the replacement of the control panel on a well pump, not to exceed $3,250.
Supervisor Meek asked about the new lakes. Chris stated that he has been in contact with the vendors to obtain quotes for the lakes’ development and for scheduling regular maintenance plans. Assistant District Manager Rainwater stated that the paperwork has been completed and forwarded to Attorney Urbancic for filing with the County.
D. Attorney
i. Mary Ann Lauria Update
Staff received a certified letter from Viles and Beckman on May 12, 2025 stating they now represent Ms. Lauria. Attorney Urbancic also received a letter, and they seem to be challenging the statute for filing a claim.
iii. Kenneth Jay Riha Update
There is no update.
Attorney Urbancic added information about the legislative session, which has been extended to June. He stated that all of the bills he was monitoring have died in committee. He believes that the discussion in the remainder of the session will be budgetary.
In reference to the Form 1 email sent to the Board, he stated that the system is overloaded, so Supervisors should wait a few days before trying to file.
E. Engineer
i. Road Project Update
a. Letter from TPG Attorney
The CDD received communication from the attorney representing The Pavement Group, which referenced the 4th Change Order. Attorney Alex Figares is drafting a reply, which explains why the CDD believes it is not responsible for the overruns specified in the change order. It also states that the CDD will not pay the $27,159.40 requested until all identified items have been addressed, including cleaning resident driveways and gutters. The Board was also presented with proposals from a pressure washing company to clean the driveways and gutters.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Reno, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved payment for 3 days of pressure washing the specified areas, not to exceed $6,500.
ii. Additional Quotes for Striping and Markers
Chair Roth authorized D&G to install the solar markers as originally planned.
Chair Roth expressed his disappointment with the final striping project because there are still cracks showing that have no striping. D&G agreed to install one layer of yellow over the previously applied paint for a reduced price of $1,360.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved restriping the yellow lines on Bella Terra Boulevard, not to exceed $1,360.
There was discussion about additional core sampling, and Assistant District Manager Rainwater explained the process for obtaining and testing core samples.
iii. Sod Replacement Request: 21441 BTB
The homeowner reached out to Russ at Estate and asked him to write a quote for replacing a pallet of sod in their yard due to a lack of irrigation during the road project. The browning of the grass was not observed on the entire street, nor on both sides of the yard. The quote was written over the phone by Estate and was based only on the resident’s request. Russ mentioned that the grass will probably come back during the rainy season.
After discussion, the Board decided to deny the request.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board denied the request for sod replacement at 21441 Bella Terra Boulevard.
iv. Change Order for Additional Work from Road Project
Bowman Engineering submitted a change order for the extended time needed during the road project. Engineer Schmitt and Bill Boetta spent a great deal more time on site than was anticipated. After discussion, the Board agreed to pay for the extra time.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved Change Order #1 to pay for unscheduled work on the road project.
Vice Chair Reno stated that PDM still needs to submit a bill for the extended time needed for the project. District Manager Teague indicated that there are approximately 100 extra hours that the Management office has spent on this project at the cost of $5,000.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with all in favor, the Board approved a payment to Premier District Management, not to exceed $5,000.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Action Items
A. Auto Chlorinator Installation Update
The auto chlorine system has been operating for approximately a month now, and the water in the pools appears very clear. Vice Chair Reno asked staff to send him water bills for analysis, which they will do.
B. Clock Tower Refurbishment Discussion
i. Proposal to Replace Bad VFD Drive for Geysers
VIP Pools reported that the VFD drive needs to be replaced, and the geysers are no longer operational.
On MOTION by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Chair Roth, with all in favor, the Board approved replacement of the VFD drive on the geyers, not to exceed $4,980.
C. Lakes to be Transferred from HOA to CDD Follow-up
This project has been completed. Supervisor Licht will be naming the lakes as soon as she returns, and they will be placed on the maintenance schedule. This was also discussed in the Field Manager item.
D. Utility Easements Update
Staff is still working on the legal verbage for the HOA inspection document.
E. Estate Proposal for Locating Irrigation Valves
Estate provided an estimate for their irrigation technician to map out all the isolation valves throughout the community. The cost is hourly and $5,525 is an estimate. Field Manager Pepin recommended that No Limit place purple road markers first, so that it indicates which isolation valves have already been identified. This should also reduce the cost. Estate was given access to the GIS system, which indicates all the valves already identified. Supervisor Roth made a motion to approve NTE $5525.00 for Estate to locate valves after No Limit places purple RPMS down.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the Board approved Estate to locate irrigation valves after No Limit places purple RPMS, not to exceed $5,525.
F. Estate Cul De Sac Improvement Update
Field Manager Pepin stated that the plants were installed last week. However, Supervisor Licht reported that she is not happy with the installation. She believes that an inventory of what was installed should be taken to compare against what we were billed for. She also ascertained from her ride around that many of her requests have not been completed. She was not at the meeting and will elaborate more at the next meeting.
G. Supervisor Identification Lanyards
In recent ride arounds and inspections it was noted that residents are not familiar with Board members and wonder who is inspecting and walking on their property. Chair Roth suggested identification lanyards similar to those used by the HOA Board. Staff can create, custom make, and print them at the cost of approximately $30.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved staff to create identification lanyards for the Board members, not to exceed $200.
H. Guardhouse Window Tint and AC Replacement Proposal
The window tinting was approved and has been completed. There was a proposal submitted for a new AC unit for the guardhouse at the cost of $4,995. A maintenance plan will be at the cost of $310 per year and includes 2 visits a year. The Board asked for more quotes and tabled the item.
i. Guardhouse Pressure Washing Proposal
A proposal for pressure washing the entire guardhouse was quoted at $400.
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Supervisor Gibson, with all in favor, the Board approved pressure washing the guardhouse, not to exceed $400.
I. Letter from Resident at 21583 Bella Terra Blvd
A resident recently purchased a home at 21583 Bella Terra Boulevard, and believes an aerator is too loud and would like it moved. Field Manager Pepin submitted a rough estimate for the cost of $10,000 to $12,000 to move the aerator.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Reno, seconded by Supervisor Meek, with 3 in favor, and Supervisor Gibson opposed, the Board denied the request to move an aerator at 21583 Bella Terra Boulevard.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS H.O.A. Report
Norman Arflack stated that there is nothing to report at this time.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests
Supervisor Gibson asked Field Manager Pepin to investigate the crosswalk closest to the clubhouse, because it is covered with debris. She believes the landscapers may be responsible. He will investigate and report back.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
A resident asked about areas with yellow paint that have been installed to discourage parking. She also asked Field Manager Pepin questions about irrigation issues. She will contact him directly with additional questions.
Supervisor Meek left the meeting shortly before adjournment.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Adjournment
On MOTION by Chair Roth, seconded by Vice Chair Reno, with all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
The Next Regular Meeting is on June 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.