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, October 21, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Present and constituting a quorum were:

Larry Roth – Chair
James Meek – Vice Chair
Matthew Elliott – Assistant Secretary
Linda Lea Gibson – Assistant Secretary
Jenny Licht – Assistant Secretary

Also present:

Cal Teague – District Manager , (PDM)
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, PDM
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
6 Residents

Attending later:

John Baker – Engineer, Bowman Engineering

Attending remotely:

Greg Urbancic – Attorney, Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.
Melissa Gindling – District Manager, PDM
2 residents

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

Chair Roth called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm and Assistant District Manager Mandie Rainwater called the roll. In attendance were Supervisors Roth, Meek, Gibson, Licht, and Elliott. Also in attendance were DM Cal Teague, DM Mandie Rainwater, John Baker, Engineer, Chris Pepin, Field Services Manager, and 6 residents. Online were ADM Melissa Gindling, Greg Urbancic, Attorney and 2 residents.

DM Rainwater informed the Board that there are additional materials, but they did not cause the agenda to be amended.

Brenda Njiwaji, representing the residents at 13097 Cardeto Court, addressed the Board regarding the width of the littorals in the lake behind her home. She provided a photo showing that the lake is nearly obscured from view. FSM Pepin explained that the lake narrows to a point in that area, and noted that some of the littorals had already been treated once; he will schedule an additional treatment.

Stephen Schwab, 21137 Bellaterra Boulevard, spoke on behalf of the Single-Family HOA. He read a letter submitted on their behalf (included in the supplemental materials for the Supervisors). He reported that a large number of single-family homeowners experienced turf damage as a result of the roadway project and they feel this was due to the irrigation system being turned off for an extended period of time. The Single-Family HOA requested that Estate conduct a full inspection of the landscaping, wait through the rainy season, and then perform a follow-up inspection.

A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion

No items were pulled.

B. Motion to Approve Consent items

All consent items were approved.

C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion

D. Consent Items

i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for September 16, 2025

ii. Draft Audit Selection Committee Minutes September 16, 2025

iii. Financial Report for September 2025

DM Teague informed the Board that the financial statements were delayed due to computer issues. He noted that the District is 100% collected and that overall finances are in good condition. The financials were distributed just before the meeting, and paper copies were provided to the Supervisors.

iv. Project Tracking Logs

A. Irrigation Contractor

i.  Multi Year Flushing Agreement Update

Included in the agenda packet was the multi-year algae treatment agreement previously requested. The agreement had been reviewed several times by Aaron from Insight and Mr. Urbancic, resulting in a version that both parties were satisfied with.

Just prior to the meeting, FSM Pepin shared a proposal from Insight Irrigation for a comprehensive evaluation of the District’s entire irrigation system. The $30,000 proposal would allow the vendor to assess the system and identify opportunities to install additional isolation valves and treatment points and if needed add more individual loop systems or private loop systems.

FSM Pepin noted that the scope of services could be narrowed if the Board desired. Supervisor Gibson asked whether the evaluation would determine the system’s lifespan; FSM Pepin responded that while it might not, it could identify potential vulnerabilities. Supervisor Meek inquired whether Estate has been updating the GIS system when discrepancies are found. It is currently unknown if any updates have been submitted.

FSM Pepin also reported that he is still waiting for the purple markers for the isolation valves. Once installed, Estate will identify any missing isolation valves, after which Insight Irrigation would proceed with the proposed work. Supervisor Licht requested that Insight Irrigation be available at the next meeting to answer questions, and FSM Pepin suggested a video conference, which the Board agreed to.

This item was tabled.

District Manager Teague informed the Board that ADM Rainwater is a newly Certified District Manager. She will assume responsibility for conducting future meetings.

B. District Manager

i. Resolution 2026-01 – Goals and Objectives FY 2026

DM Rainwater reminded the Board that they have discussed these goals at the previous meeting. Presented for their approval is Resolution 2026-01 adopting the goals for FY2026. DM Teague mentioned that the State made these a requirement last year. This has been posted on district’s website per Florida Statutes.

ii. Report- Goals and Objectives FY 2025

DM Rainwater presented the report to the Board concerning the FY2025 Goals and Objectives. The Board met all of their goals.

iii. Grau and Associates Engagement Letter

DM Rainwater reported that Grau and Associates had been notified of their selection to perform the District’s annual audit. Mr. Urbancic presented an addendum to the engagement letter reflecting the Board’s request to include provisions for punitive damages in the event the audit is not completed on time. Grau and Associates have agreed to the terms, and both the engagement letter and addendum were presented for the Board’s consideration.

iv. Sod Replacement Proposals

DM Rainwater explained the Estate proposal received for the sod replacement previously mentioned by Mr. Schwab. She noted that staff is still compiling information for submission to the insurance company. Mr. Urbancic informed the Board that the insurance company retains the right of subrogation and should receive all settlement details related to this matter. DM Rainwater indicated that she has included this information as an exhibit for the Board’s review.

Supervisor Meek asked how many additional areas may be affected. Mr. Schwab explained that Estate conducted an initial survey, waited until the end of the rainy season, and then performed a second survey, identifying the areas now requiring replacement. However, he cautioned that there is no guarantee these will be the only affected areas.

Supervisor Roth questioned why the SF HOA had not brought this matter to the CDD before having Estate submit the list, noting that the list itself constituted a request. He also inquired about the possibility of hydroseeding, but it was clarified that the sod type used in the community cannot be hydroseeded.

HOA President Bob Lieberman reported that the Townhomes are in good condition. DM Rainwater concluded by stating that once the necessary information has been sent to the insurance company and feedback is received, she will update the Board accordingly.

C. Field Manager

i.  Current Field Report

FSM Pepin reported that the littorals at 13094 have been sprayed and he will continue to monitor the area. The L4 aerator requires repairs, and a proposal for this work is included later in the agenda for the Board’s consideration. Supervisor Roth asked how many aerators are still original; Mr. Pepin responded that only a few remain, but not many.

L12 was found to contain some exotic vegetation, and a proposal to remove it has been signed and is presented for ratification. Lee County recently repaired one of the depressions on Bosco, and it appears to be holding up well. Mr. Pepin has also contacted the County regarding additional depressions, including one reported by a resident at TDL and BTB.

The pressure washing crew will return to the community this week to perform the annual curb and sidewalk cleaning. Mr. Pepin has also asked that they spray the fountain while on site, noting that the current pool company has been unable to keep up with maintenance of the fountain pools. He is actively seeking a new commercial vendor for this service.

Mr. Pepin further reported that someone has reinstalled the turf blocks at the emergency gate using the broken blocks. Mr. Baker stated that no one from the County had informed him of any repairs, nor had the County been provided with vendor information for replacement materials. Mr. Baker will reach out to the County for clarification.

Supervisor Roth asked whether Mr. Pepin needed any replacement bulbs for the large fixtures, noting that he would be attending the HOA vendor show and could gather information there. Mr. Pepin said he would appreciate that information.

Mr. Pepin also reported that GIS will be on site this week to televise a line near Boccala.

Supervisor Gibson raised concerns about landscapers blowing debris into the crosswalk, noting that it could pose a slip hazard. Mr. Lieberman stated he would add this issue to his list for follow-up.

ii. Project Updates

a. Storm Water Management System Cleaning Update

The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the week. In the additional materials, FSM Pepin provided a worst-case scenario proposal from a vendor to clean out the line on Boccala, should the televising reveal a blockage. He noted that the most costly portion of the proposal would be the dive team, if required. FSM Pepin recommended waiting until after the televising is completed before approving any work.

Supervisor Licht requested that the exact location of the work be added to the proposal if the service becomes necessary, and FSM Pepin confirmed that he would have that included.

iii. Driveway Pressure Washing Update

FSM Pepin reported that the driveways have been pressure cleaned, and the product has been removed from all but one driveway. Premier Pressure Washing cleaned the driveway one day; however, when they returned the following morning, it had been taped off after being sealed the previous afternoon, preventing them from using the hot water system and cleaning chemicals, which could have damaged the sealcoat.

FSM Pepin further reported that Premier Pressure Washing will be on site to begin the annual sidewalk and gutter cleaning. Once this work is completed, it is recommended that the gutters be re-evaluated to determine whether additional hot pressure washing is needed to remove any remaining road product.

D. Attorney

Mr. Urbancic reminded the Board about their ethic training. He also relayed that there is an early legislative session in January, and he would be tracking a number of bills for the District. He will update them as the session progresses.

E. Engineer

i. Lake Bank Restoration Planning

Mr. Baker distributed a handout to the Board outlining various products under consideration for the upcoming lake restoration project. He reviewed a map of the lakes and observed the different damage levels. He explained that any lake work will require a Limited Development Order (LDO) from the Village of Estero. The material selection for the lake must be identified as part of the LDO process; however, the LDO can likely be structured to allow the District flexibility to modify the repair type or material on a lake-by-lake basis. Mr. Baker estimated the permitting process would cost approximately $8,000.

Mr. Baker reminded the Board that no more than 20% of the shoreline may consist of hardened materials, such as riprap or geotubes. He noted that the Filtrex product is highly recommended among his peers and was recently used in the Spanish Wells community, while Flexamat has been utilized within the Gateway community. DM Teague added that the coconut mat method was recently implemented in Moody River Estates.

Supervisor Licht inquired whether the Board could visit these locations, and DM Teague offered to arrange site visits for interested Board members. Staff was also directed to collect photos of the different methods, and Mr. Baker will gather additional images as available.

Supervisor Gibson asked about the life expectancy of the various products, and Supervisor Meek responded that it is estimated to be approximately 70 years.

Supervisor Elliott then asked Mr. Baker for an update on the installation of the lightning rod at the guardhouse. Mr. Baker stated that he had been unable to reach anyone at Bowman who could provide an opinion on the installation and suggested obtaining a second opinion from another electrician.

A. Proposal – Lake 4 Aerator

FSM Pepin reported that the cabinet is rusting, and the compressor and cooling fans are nearing the end of their service life. It was recommended that these components be replaced at a cost of $3,343.

B. Proposal – Lake 4 Electrofishing Survey

As requested, management obtained an estimate to conduct a fish study on one of the larger lakes. The cost of the study is $5,250, and the scope of services is outlined on page 1 of the proposal.

The Board inquired whether there was a record of species introduced when the lakes were originally established; management indicated that no record exists. The process for conducting the study was explained to the Board.

C. Ratification – Treatment of Exotics

FSM Pepin reported that the CDD property just south of Lake 12 has new Brazilian Pepper growth. He noted that the area needs to be retreated before the trees blossom and produce seeds to prevent further spread.

D. Landscaping Naturalization Proposal

Supervisor Licht provided a brief overview of water flow in Southwest Florida and discussed how greater naturalization of landscaping in Bella Terra could benefit residents, the environment, and help reduce water usage.  Supervisor Licht is asking the Board, as a community, what can be done to restore some areas with native plants.

Supervisor Roth asked how the CDD Board could assist. Supervisor Licht responded that she was not certain at this time but wanted to gauge Board support as she works with a subcommittee of the landscaping committee to develop a plan.

Various locations within the district were discussed as potential areas for naturalization. Supervisor Roth suggested that the process could also be accomplished through plant attrition as existing plants need replacement, to which Supervisor Licht agreed.

Supervisor Licht stated that more information would be provided to the Board as the plan is developed and thanked the Board for their support.

HOA President Bob Lieberman was present to provide updates. He reported that a HOA budget vote is upcoming and noted that the HOA is considering adding new equipment. President Lieberman also indicated that residents have expressed concerns regarding enforcement of community rules.

Supervisor Roth inquired about the cell tower. President Lieberman stated that the Village requested revisions to the permit, which have been submitted and are awaiting approval. He noted that the tower has been built and is ready for shipment to the site, with hopes for completion by December.

Supervisor Meek expressed concern about e-bikes being operated on sidewalks in a dangerous manner. ADM Rainwater suggested that the District monitor how other cities are addressing this issue, noting that new legislation is currently being developed regarding e-bike use. DM Teague added that the District could consider rulemaking to regulate e-bikes on sidewalks, though ADA compliance would need to be ensured.

Supervisor Roth congratulated DM Rainwater on achieving her District Management Certification, and DM Rainwater thanked the Board for their continued support.

Mr. Schwab asked about rain sensors in the community. DM Rainwater indicated that there are rain sensors, but the inability to turn on and off parts of the irrigation lead to a problem and their use was discontinued. It is hopeful that working with Insight Irrigation may allow for them to be used again.

The next Regular Meeting: November 18, 2025 at 3:30p.m.