Meeting Minutes for August 19, 2026
Laguna Lakes
Community Development District
The Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Public Hearing, the Fiscal Year 2027 O&M Assessment Public Hearing and the regular meeting of The Board of Supervisors of the Laguna Lakes Community Development District was held at the Laguna Lakes Clubhouse, 15300 Lakes of Laguna Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida and also via web conference on August 19, 2026.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Mike Cutler – Chair
Michelle Martel – Vice Chair
David Williams – Assistant Secretary
Bruce Given – Assistant Secretary
Also present were:
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Joe Vasquez – Advanced Aquatics
Jeff Kelley – Resident
Also attending remotely:
Megan Wolff- Assistant District Manager, PDM
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
Michael Miller
The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken at the Laguna Lakes Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors regular meeting.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 4:29 p.m., and District Manager Mandie Rainwater called the roll. Present and constituting a quorum were Supervisors Cutler, Martel, Given, and Williams. Supervisor Busa arrived later. Also in attendance was District Manager Mandie Rainwater and Resident Jeff Kelley. Joining online were Engineer John Baker, Field Manager Chris Pepin, Assistant District Manager Megan Wolff, and Michael Miller.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was amended with additions: 8Aiii.9Ci and ii, 9Di and ii, 9E,F,G, and H.
On MOTION by Supervisor Given, seconded by Vice Chair Martel, with all in favor, the Board approved the agenda as amended.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
Resident Jeff Kelley inquired about the status of the Southern Berm project. Chair Cutler explained that the work is ongoing and noted that a proposal is on the agenda to install additional jasmine groundcover in areas that were not previously covered.
Supervisor Busa joined the meeting at 4:34p.m.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Public Hearing
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board opened the 2026/2027 Budget Public Hearing at 4:38p.m.
A. Budget Hearing Notice Affidavit
District Manager Rainwater reported that the Affidavit of Publication was in the agenda packet, confirming that the public hearing notice had been duly published as required by law.
B. Presentation of Proposed Budget
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the proposed FY 2027 budget and reported that the budget is balanced with no anticipated assessment increases. Investment interest is projected to decrease slightly based on current market conditions.
Chair Cutler reviewed the District’s financial position, noting that current operating funds and spending trends indicate the District is expected to maintain a healthy reserve balance through the end of the current fiscal year. He stated that the projected fiscal year 2027 ending fund balance of approximately $188,000 appears to be accurate.
C. Public Comment
There were no public comments.
D. Resolution: 2026-06: Adopt FY 2026/2027 Budget Appropriation
District Manager Rainwater presented Resolution 2026-06, adopting the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget, authorizing budget amendments, and providing an effective date.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, Seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-06, Adopting FY 2026/2027 Budget Appropriation.
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, Seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board closed the Public Budget meeting at 4:44p.m.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2027 Ou0026amp;M Assessment Public Hearing
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, Seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board opened the 2027 Ou0026amp;M Assessment Public Hearing.
A. Presentation of Assessment Rates
District Manager Rainwater reported that the Fiscal Year 2027 O&M assessments and debt service assessments will remain unchanged.
B. Public Comment
There were no public comments.
C. Resolution 2026-09: Approve Fiscal Year 2027 Assessment Levy
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, Seconded by Vice Chair Martel, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-09, approving Fiscal Year 2027 Assessment Levy.
On MOTION by Supervisor Given, Seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board closed the 2027 Ou0026amp;M Assessment Public Hearing.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion
Chair Cutler asked to pull the Irrigation Work Orders Log.
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board approved the remainder of the consent items.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
The Board moved ahead to Item 10Biii, Advanced Aquatics – Joe Vasquez, to accommodate his attendance.
Joe Vasquez left the meeting at 4:58p.m.
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for July 15, 2026
ii. Financial Statements for July 2026
iii. Irrigation Work Orders Log
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
Engineer Baker provided an update on the District’s BMAP compliance efforts, advising that the District is expected to receive a notification letter from FDEP regarding unmet targets. He noted that the District has been proactive in submitting project information and that additional guidance and potential corrective actions will be discussed with FDEP once the letter is received. Engineer Baker also reported that another CDD has recently achieved success in the program, which may provide useful strategies moving forward.
The Board discussed the current status of compliance, and Engineer Baker indicated that it is too early to determine potential impacts until additional information is received from FDEP. He expects to have more information at the next meeting.
Regarding the drainage grate, Engineer Baker advised that he had contacted Conover and Sons and will inspect the grate during his next visit to the community.
Engineer Baker left the meeting at 5:03p.m.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Irrigation
Chair Cutler noted that the number of irrigation related reports and hotline calls has declined significantly as system issues have been addressed. The Board discussed the limited value of continuing the Work Order Log Program and irrigation hotline, given the reduced volume of concerns and ongoing monitoring by landscaping professionals and irrigation contractors.
District Manager Rainwater confirmed that irrigation issues will continue to be tracked and addressed by staff, and the Board agreed to discontinue the Work Order Log Program and irrigation hotline.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Chair Cutler, with all in favor, the Board approved the discontinuation of the Irrigation Work Order Log Program.
i. Irrigation Monitoring and Schedule Update
District Manager Rainwater reported that irrigation related emails in the agenda packet primarily involved controller alarms and rain related issues. Supervisor Williams expressed concern that recurring alarms affecting homes in Beverly Hills appeared to remain unresolved for an extended period.
Staff will follow up on the reported dry area at 9129 Beverly Hills and investigate why the issue was not addressed sooner.
ii. Update on Controller Replacement and Consolidation
The Board discussed the potential consolidation of Controllers 6 and 7 and expressed support for completing the project this fiscal year.
a. No Limit – Consolidation (Clocks 3&5) – Update
The Board was advised that the controller consolidation project has been completed and is fully operational.
iii. Water Bill Chart
District Manager Rainwater reviewed a chart included in the agenda packet showing water usage and costs for all District irrigation accounts since October 2022. Chair Cutler noted that water usage increased significantly following the Monterey sod replacement project in May 2025, but stated that the irrigation system is currently operating well despite below-average rainfall.
Supervisor Williams noted that the District has received approximately 27 inches of rainfall year-to-date, compared to the typical 37 inches by mid-August. Despite the drier conditions, he reported that six-month water costs have decreased this year, indicating improved irrigation efficiency.
Chair Cutler requested that staff determine whether Lee County Utilities can provide daily water usage data rather than the monthly totals currently reflected on utility bills. Staff will follow up.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Everglades PineStraw Inc – PineStraw Berm – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal from Everglades PineStraw in the amount of $13,857 to install pine straw throughout the berm, excluding the area with newly installed clusia. She noted that portions of the interior berm are overgrown and will require pruning before the pine straw can be installed. Following discussion, the Board requested that the project be deferred until November and directed staff to determine whether the vendor would honor the quoted price at that time. Staff will follow up.
The Board tabled this proposal.
B. Greenscapes – Dead Cabbage Palm Removal – Proposal
A dead cabbage palm located on the berm behind 15660 Laguna Hills Drive was identified for removal and replacement. A proposal from Greenscapes included $300 to flush cut the palm and $680 to install a replacement. In response to Board questions, Field Manager Pepin stated that the cause of the tree’s decline is unknown, but confirmed it was not the result of a fungal disease.
On MOTION by Supervisor Williams, seconded by Vice Chair Martel, with all in favor, the Board approved the Greenscapes proposal for the Dead Cabbage Palm Removal in the amount of $300 and install a new palm for an additional $680.
C. Triple ProWash – Pressure Cleaning – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal from Triple ProWash to pressure wash the interior and exterior sides of the perimeter walls and entrance monuments along Gladiolus Drive and Bass Road, as well as the interior side of the southern wall, for a total cost of $6,995.
Following discussion, the Board expressed support for completing the work in late October or early November, provided the vendor would honor the quoted price.
On MOTION by Chair Cutler, Seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board approved the Triple ProWash – Pressure Cleaning proposal in the amount of $6,995.
i. Just Like New – Pressure Cleaning – Proposal
This proposal was to wash the perimeter wall and monuments at front gate and perimeter wall face and top but not the backside for $7,950.
The Board tabled this proposal.
ii. Comparison Chart
D. CFS – Dead Palm Frond Removal around Southern Berm – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal from CFS in the amount of $2,200 to remove dead palm fronds along the southern berm, noting that the work had previously been handled by Ramirez. The Board expressed concern that the work should be the responsibility of the landscaping contractor and discussed whether expectations had been clearly communicated.
Field Manager Pepin had distributed a mass email to all landscapers on August 7, 2026, with multiple attachments outlining maintenance responsibilities, standards of care, and perimeter maintenance requirements. He noted that he has made ongoing efforts to communicate these expectations but has received little to no response from the landscapers.
The Board tabled this proposal.
i. Greenscapes – Dead Palm Frond Removal Around Southern Berm – Proposal
The Board tabled this proposal.
ii. Comparison Chart
E. Greenscapes – Jasmine Groundcover Southern Berm – Proposal
Field Manager Pepin reported that the original jasmine planting did not provide enough coverage for the entire berm and that the proposal would install additional jasmine plants in areas that were missed during the initial planting. He also reported that the clusia plantings are healthy and establishing well. He explained that the newer plants need time to root and fill in, and that the branches will eventually grow together to form a privacy hedge. While some browning occurred after installation, most plants have recovered, and irrigation is being monitored by Greenscapes.
Chair Cutler requested that Field Manager Pepin discuss the growth and establishment of the clusia plantings with Jeff and provide an update to the Board.
On MOTION by Supervisor Williams, seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Greenscapes- Jasmine Groundcover Southern Berm in the amount of $5,626.80.
F. Greenscapes – Prune Date Palms Front Entrance – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal for the trimming of two large date palms at the Gladiolus entrance in the amount of $150.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, Seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved the Greenscapes proposal to Prune Date Palms Front Entrance in the amount of $150.
G. Greenscapes – Sod Replacement Bass Road Berm – Proposal
District Manager Rainwater presented a proposal to remediate approximately 2,600 square feet of sod along the Bass Road frontage by replacing the existing Floratam sod with Palmetto St. Augustine sod, at a cost of $5,122.
Vice Chair Martel questioned whether the irrigation system in the area was functioning properly. The Board requested additional information from Greenscapes regarding irrigation coverage and the recurring need to replace sod in this area and asked that a landscaping specialist provide a professional evaluation before any work is authorized.
The Board tabled the proposal pending further information.
H. Greenscapes – Fill Holes under Perimeter Wall with Soil – Proposal
This is a proposal to fill animal holes along the berm with soil and topdress the area with pine straw.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, Seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Greenscapes to fill holes under perimeter wall with soil in the amount of $375.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Field Report
Chair Cutler inquired about the status of previously approved projects, including the Bass Road berm foxtail palm replacement and holly tree replacement, which remained listed as open items on the field report. Field Manager Pepin confirmed that the work has not yet been completed.
i. Perimeter Berm Follow-Up Inspection
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
ii. Standards of Care – Lake Banks
District Manager Rainwater noted that the District’s standards and guidelines have been provided to HOA CAMs and landscaping contractors on multiple occasions and include maintenance requirements such as grass buffer standards. She emphasized that contractors are responsible for communicating these requirements to their crews.
B. Project Updates
i. Berm Planting Project
All plantings have been installed, with Greenscapes adding additional jasmine in areas that were missed during the initial planting to improve coverage along the berm.
ii. Greenscapes – Hardwood Tree Trimming Project
The tree trimming project is scheduled for September 10 and 11, 2026.
iii. Advanced Aquatics – Joe Vasquez
Joe Vasquez reported that Lake 3 experienced a significant algae bloom caused by fertilizer nutrient runoff. He advised that the algae should subside over the next several weeks, but treatment must be limited to avoid reducing oxygen levels during hot weather. The Board also discussed compliance with grass buffer requirements in Monterey, and management will follow up with the Santa Barbara and Beverly Hills landscapers. Field Manager Pepin previously issued a community wide email regarding the buffer requirements.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Audit Engagement Letter
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the multi-year audit engagement letter from Grau & Associates for the District’s FY 2026 annual audit services.
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, Seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved the audit engagement letter from Grau u0026amp; Associates for the District’s FY 2026 annual audit services.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
No Attorney update.
THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments
No Supervisor Requests/Comments.
FOURTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Resident Jeff Kelley inquired about the removal of a palm tree on his property and was advised that the CDD does not remove trees located on private property. He also raised concerns regarding the installation of Bahia grass in nearby landscape areas. The Board discussed that Bahia grass had previously been approved as part of a contract with Conover and Sons and noted that any change to that approach would require Board direction.