Laguna Lakes
Community Development District

The regular meeting of The Board of Supervisors of the Laguna Lakes Community Development District was held at the Laguna Lakes Clubhouse, 15250 Lakes of Laguna Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida and also via web conference on February 18, 2026.

Present and constituting a quorum were:

Mike Cutler – Chair
Michelle Martel – Vice Chair
David Williams – Assistant Secretary
Bruce Given – Assistant Secretary

Supervisors arriving later:

Jonathan Busa – Assistant Secretary, arrived at 4:32 p.m.

Also present were:

Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman
Vickie Rose – Resident
Rudy Bailey – Resident

Also attending remotely:

Cal Teague – PDM

The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken at the Laguna Lakes Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors regular meeting.

The meeting was called to order, and District Manager, Mandie Rainwater called the roll. Supervisors Cutler, Martel, Given and Williams were present and constituted a quorum, with Supervisor Busa arriving at 4:32 p.m. Also in attendance were District Manager, Mandie Rainwater; Assistant District Manager, Melissa Gindling; Engineer John Baker; Resident Vickie Rose and Resident Rudy Bailey. Attending remotely was Cal Teague (PDM).

The agenda was amended with two additions: 7E: Estimates for Miscellaneous Vegetation Items from Field Report, and 7F: Fish Die Off in Lakes.

There were no audience comments.

A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion

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 January 21, 2026

ii. Financial Statements for January 2026

iii.  February Field Report

iv. Irrigation Work Orders Log

A. Drainage Concerns at 8890 Paseo De Valencia Follow-up

i. Estimate for Topography Study

Engineer Baker presented a proposal from Bowman to obtain field topography of the top of grates of 3 drainage structures at the rear yard of 8880 and 8890 Paseo De Valencia St. and to obtain ground elevations to depict the flow of the new grading between the two houses and the rear yards in the amount of $2,500.

Supervisor Busa joined the meeting at 4:32 p.m.

ii. Groundcover and Vegetation Options for the Berm

Field Manager Pepin provided several recommendations as the Board considers the next round of berm plantings. He suggested using clusia or awabuki plants to provide privacy. Asiatic jasmine was noted as an acceptable groundcover option, however, landscapers would need to trim it regularly to prevent it from encroaching into homeowners’ yards. The irrigation system in this area will also need to be investigated to determine whether it can be reactivated. It was noted that clusia will require routine trimming as well.

The Board agreed with these recommendations and requested that staff provide two to three proposal options for the south berm using these plant types. The Board expressed a preference for clusia over awabuki, and noted that mature plant size should be considered when determining placement.

B. BMAP Program Update

Engineer Baker reported that the first report has been submitted to the portal and no comments have been received at this time. For the next cycle of submissions, the potential use of reclaimed water will be investigated as a possible project.

A. Irrigation

i. Irrigation Monitoring and Schedule Update

Assistant District Manager Gindling reported there are several reports in the agenda packet and additional material to review.

ii. Update on Controller Replacement and Consolidation

ADM Gindling reported that the circuit breaker for Clock 1 is back online. No Limit replaced the faulty breaker and receptacle. Controller 5 is scheduled to be replaced this week.

Resident Rudy Baily commented that the eastern berm appears very dry in several areas. It was noted that the electrical issues with Clock 1 may have contributed to the lack of irrigation, along with recent cold weather. Mr. Baily also stated that while the sod in the community appears to be doing well, some of the plants may require additional water.

The Board inquired about when the last system flush had been performed, and staff will follow up with No Limit. Supervisor Williams stated that he does not believe 50 degrees is a low enough temperature to justify running the irrigation only once during that week. Staff will also follow up with Insight to determine why 50 degrees is considered the cutoff for reducing the irrigation schedule.

iii. Weather Station Proposal Update

ADM Gindling reported that during the last meeting, the Board requested the names of other communities that utilize this weather station. Staff has asked Insight Irrigation if they can provide references or other communities that could be contacted. Angie Smith from Insight reiterated that the weather station is not an emergency requirement and that she can perform her job effectively without it. However, it is an additional tool that can be utilized if desired.

iv. Cellular Trail Camera Estimate

ADM Gindling remined everyone that during last month’s meeting, the Board requested that staff obtain an estimate for installing a second trail camera pointed at the pump station for observation. The current trail camera operates using a memory card, which FM Pepin retrieves monthly for review. If the Board would like real-time visual monitoring, a cellular-enabled camera would be required.

FM Pepin suggested a camera for $330 with a yearly cell plan of $175.

B. Easement for Drain Pipe Update

District Manager Rainwater reported that the proposed easement agreement drafted by Attorney Cohen is included in the agenda packet on page 78. The agreement will need to be reviewed and signed by both the CDD and LLCA. Staff has provided a copy to the LLCA, and they indicated their attorney will review the document prior to signing. The item was tabled until next month to allow the LLCA time to provide any comments following their legal review.

A. Estimate for Stormwater Pipe Cleaning

DM Rainwater reported that two estimates were received for the work: Sewer Viewer for $26,625 and Shenandoah for $11,970. The Board discussed the different approaches proposed by each contractor.

DM Rainwater explained that Shenandoah plans to attempt cleaning the pipe using a jet-vac system; however, their estimate does not include dewatering if the jet-vac method is unsuccessful. DM Rainwater noted that if Shenandoah’s equipment is unable to access the pipe, the process could escalate to requiring divers to enter the lake and manually remove debris from the line.

Sewer Viewer is recommending installing plugs, removing the water from the line, and then cleaning the pipes.

The Board discussed wanting to try the more affordable option first to see if it works.

B. Estimate to Remove Large Shady Lady Trees

Greenscapes submitted a proposal to remove large Shady Lady trees for $2,500 plus $400 if the Board decided to grind the stump. Pelican has also provided a proposal for this project for $1,875 also with the stump grinding. The Board approved the Pelican proposal.

C. Ratification of Proposals Signed Outside of Meetings:

i. Hoover Estimate #SPN104550.0: VFD Screen Replacement

The ratification of a Hoover estimate for a VFD screen replacement in the amount of $635.86.

D. Fountain Wind Sensor

Fountain Kings provided project updates regarding the wind sensor, which are included on page 91 of the agenda packet. The Board discussed the proposed options and expressed concern that the sensor could cause the fountain to turn on and off too frequently, potentially placing stress on the motor. The Board also asked whether this type of sensor has been installed in other communities. The item was tabled pending responses to these questions.

E. Estimates for Miscellaneous Vegetation Items from Field Report

FM Pepin requested the following estimates for items he observed during his Field Inspection:

1. Adjacent to the south end of Lake 4 / east of 15680 Laguna Hills Drive we have a dying areca palm that needs to be removed.  $225
2. Behind 15370 Laguna Hills Drive we have an unknown tree growing on the berm that needs to be dug up and removed.  $225
3. Behind 8689 Spring Mountain Way there is a Hong Kong orchid growing with the hedge that needs to be flush cut and removed. $85

The Board approved all 3 proposals, and asked that the Hong Kong orchid is fully removed, since it appears to continue to grow back.

F. Fish Die Off in Lakes

Chair Cutler observed several dead fish around multiple lakes, and similar comments were received from residents and other Board members. FM Pepin confirmed that the fish are tilapia and noted that small numbers are currently dying off throughout Lee County. He explained that the recent drop in water temperature likely caused the lakes to turn over, temporarily reducing oxygen levels in the water, which can lead to tilapia die-offs.

FM Pepin advised that, if the Board wishes, he can notify the lake management company of the fish kill and request that they schedule a cleanup. The cost for this service would be $75 per hour per technician, with a minimum of two technicians and a three-hour minimum.

The Board agreed that birds are currently removing the dead fish, but authorized Chair Cutler and DM Rainwater to approve a cleanup if the odor becomes excessive.

A. Project Updates:

i. Replacement of Cocoplums

Greenscapes acknowledged the over spraying on the cocoplums and reported that they will replace approximately 30 cocoplums closer to the rainy season. The Board noted that irrigation along the berm should be checked prior to replacing the cocoplums.

ii. Overgrown Bushes on Exterior Eastern Berm

During the most recent field inspection, the cocoplums along the eastern berm were still observed to be overgrown. Supervisor Williams reported that the hedges were trimmed on February 11, 2026. Photos documenting the condition are included in the additional materials.

iii. Catch Basin Debris Removal and Unburying

FM Pepin reported that the catch basin debris removal and unburying was completed on February 13, 2026. Once onsite, Felipe noted that the grate inside the basin is larger than the current grate opening and cannot be removed unless it is cut into smaller pieces with a blow torch. Felipe indicated he would reposition the grate inside the basin so that it does not impede water flow or collect debris.
It was discussed that removal of the grate may require Shenandoah to perform underwater work, potentially including diving and underwater welding, unless the grate can be pulled free. However, it appears the grate may be buried within the structure.

The Board asked whether Shenandoah could complete this task and add it to their proposal. Vice Chair Martel motioned to grant Chair Cutler authority to add this task to Shenandoah’s schedule for an amount not to exceed $5,000. The motion failed due to lack of a second motion.

Staff will confirm whether the vendor can complete this task and will bring a proposal back to the Board at the next meeting.
Additionally, several of the young Simpson stoppers appear stressed, and irrigation in the Monterey area should be checked.

A. FY 2027 Budget Schedule

DM Rainwater reported that the proposed FY 2027 budget schedule is included in the meeting packet. She advised that if the Board has any goals or suggestions for items to be included in the budget, they may bring them to the next meeting or email DM Rainwater or ADM Gindling.

DM Rainwater explained that a draft of the budget will be available in April. The draft will incorporate all items discussed and requested by the Board, allowing staff to present a preliminary budget outlook. This will help determine whether the current assessment levels are sufficient or if adjustments would be required, as well as which proposed projects can reasonably fit within the budget.

The Board discussed several potential budget items, including the replacement of one irrigation controller per year and the development of a berm planting plan.

B. Election 2026 Information

Three seats are up for election this year: Seat 1 (Bruce Given), Seat 2 (Michelle Martel), and Seat 4 (Jonathan Busa).

DM Rainwater reviewed key dates provided by the Board of Elections for the 2026 election and shared the link outlining candidate requirements. She noted that most candidates file using the Affidavit of Intent (Special District Candidate Application) and submit the required $25 filing fee. She noted that November 3, 2026 is election day.

None

Supervisor Williams reported that he submitted three work orders to No Limit on Monday and is awaiting updates.

Supervisor Given reported that there is a new landscaper working in Santa Barbara. He also noted that the decoder at his address is still not included in the irrigation schedule. Additionally, he asked whether the blowout valves on the irrigation system are being utilized.

Supervisor Given also commented on irrigation scheduling for newly installed sod. He inquired whether a single property could have its own irrigation schedule. Staff advised that this may be possible if a request is submitted along with the specific zone number.

Chair Cutler commented on the upcoming election and expressed hope that the current Supervisors would run for re-election. He also inquired about the filing deadlines for Form 1 and DM Rainwater stated it has to turned in by July 1, 2026.

DM Rainwater reported that ADM Gindling has a direct link to a page on the website that landscapers can use to report issues quickly. She has already emailed it to all the new landscapers. The page allows them to indicate zones and describe any problems, and it automatically notifies ADM Gindling while also adding the information to a spreadsheet for tracking.

There were no audience comments.

The Next Regular Meeting is March 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.