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 January 21, 2026.

Present and constituting a quorum were:

Mike Cutler – Chair
Jonathan Busa – Assistant Secretary
David Williams – Assistant Secretary
Bruce Given – Assistant Secretary

Supervisor Attending Remotely:

Michelle Martel – Vice Chair

Also present were:

Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman
Jeff Kelley – Resident

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, Busa, Given and Williams were present and constituted a quorum, with Vice Chair Martel attending remotely. Also in attendance were District Manager, Mandie Rainwater, Assistant District Manager, Melissa Gindling, Engineer John Baker and Resident Jeff Kelley.

The agenda was approved as presented.

Mr. Kelley had comments about the drainage in his yard, located at 8890 Paseo De Valencia and the Board indicated they would allow him to speak during item 5A.

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 December 17, 2025

ii. Financial Statements for December 2025

iii.  January Field Report

iv. Irrigation Work Orders Log

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

Mr. Kelley, who resides at 8890 Paseo De Valencia, shared photos of previous flooding in the area and expressed concern that debris blocking the drains is the primary cause. Mr. Baker explained that debris has been collecting in the inlet, causing water to pool outside the inlet along the yards during smaller rainfall events. During heavier rainfall events, water has accumulated to the point of reaching the back porches. He noted that the drainage system is operating as designed; however, due to the area’s configuration, water will naturally collect temporarily before routing into the drainage system. The key issue is debris obstruction.

Mr. Baker stated that installing the mesh box/covers increase the surface area available for water to enter the inlet, reducing the likelihood that debris can fully block water flow during larger rainfall events. However, routine debris removal will still be necessary.

After a lengthy discussion, the Board directed staff to:

• Research alternatives to pine straw along the berm, including groundcover options. Oyster plants and Asiatic jasmine were mentioned. Vice Chair Martel noted that many groundcovers in the community have been eaten by rabbits, although oyster plants have survived. It was also noted that oyster plants are considered invasive.
• Remind landscapers that during weekly mowing visits they must also remove vegetative debris from the drains, with particular attention to this area.
• As part of the berm planting project, staff will research alternatives to areca palms, which shed debris, and consider privacy-providing plantings such as clusia and other suitable options.
• The Board requested that the Engineer provide an estimate for a topographic study of the area, including between homes. Depending on the results of the study, additional drainage solutions may be considered, such as French drains.

B. BMAP Program Update

Engineer Baker submitted the first set of projects for the Laguna Lakes BMAP in advance of the initial deadline. He also followed up with the BMAP coordinator, Evelyn, to ask when feedback may be expected on the materials that were uploaded. The first two projects submitted focus on education efforts on meeting county ordnances and South Florida permits related to water, where the conceptual permit reflects treatment of a lower water quality volume than what was ultimately installed under the original neighborhood plans. An additional project involving the use of reclaimed water is currently in progress and will require further staff research before it can be finalized.

C. Easement for Drain Pipe Update

The Engineers have completed the drain pipe easement sketch and legal description. This has been sent over to the Attorney, and they are drafting the easement document for recording. Once drafted, the document will need to be signed by the CDD and HOA.

Vice Chair Martel left the meeting at 5:21 pm.

A. Irrigation

i. Irrigation Monitoring and Schedule Update

District Manager Rainwater reported that a leak was identified on one of the pump station filters. Hoover has been contacted to schedule a maintenance visit. In the meantime, the pump has been shut off until Hoover is able to perform the necessary service.

Chair Cutler asked staff to provide an estimate for the installation of a second trail camera, aimed at the pump station for monitoring.

ii. Update on Controller Replacement and Consolidation

No Limit has provided the quote to replace Clock 5, and this was signed by Chair Cutler in between meetings. No Limit has the controller in stock, but has not replaced it as of last week. Staff is also waiting for them to complete the wire mapping for consolidation.

iii. Lake Level Discussion

Hoover adjusted the calibration of the lake level switch to align with the staff gauge reading. This can be confirmed and refined periodically using updated photos. Insight has been asked to provide guidance on how to determine the appropriate shutoff level and the best shutoff timing.

iv. Weather Station Proposal Update

At the last meeting, the Board asked Insight and staff to work on an updated proposal that included the proposed locations for the weather sensors. Field Manager Pepin suggested that, since the CDD does not own any sodded property, one possible location could be within the landscaped islands along Laguna Blvd, with other locations potentially at Board members’ homes for easier monitoring. The exact locations cannot be determined without a field visit from Insight, which is part of the project. Insight’s current recommendations include a station at the gateway near the pump station/controller and sensors near the clubhouse.

Permission from the HOA will be required before installing sensors on HOA property. The original quote was approximately $3,500.

The Board expressed interest in seeing one of these stations installed in person before making a commitment and potentially coordinating with the HOA for installation. Staff will investigate whether there is a reference community that could be visited or contacted, and will also explore alternative products that may be less obtrusive.

Vice Chair Martel rejoined the meeting at 5:22 pm.

A. Stormwater ROV Inspection Follow-up

A proposal was received from FL GIS Solutions to remove debris and various items from the catch basins and to locate several buried structures. If the structures are found to be more than 6 inches below grade, Felipe will mark or flag the locations only, as fully exposing them could create safety hazards due to elevation drop-offs. In those cases, a contractor will need to be hired to excavate the structures and raise them to the proper grade. If the structures are less than 6 inches below grade, Felipe will proceed with uncovering them.

Engineer Baker reviewed the ROV report and agreed with the recommendations provided by FL GIS. He stated that the broken joint should be repaired when feasible. Since roadway repairs are anticipated within the next one to two years, he strongly recommended coordinating the joint repair at the same time, as roadway excavation will likely be required.

Chair Cutler inquired whether Bowman could provide roadway repair engineering services for the HOA, and it was confirmed that this is a service Bowman offers.

Engineer Baker confirmed that drainage cleaning is considered routine maintenance under the permit and therefore does not qualify for BMAP credit. He indicated that fountains and aerators may be viable future projects eligible for credit and will conduct further research.

B. Ratification of Proposals Signed Outside of Meetings:

i. No Limit Estimate #1949: Replacement of Clock 5

A proposal was received by No Limit for the replacement of Clock Five, and was signed for $7,450. Chair Cutler had already been authorized to approve up to $10,000.

C. Palm Tree Pruning Project Discussion

Greenscapes completed the palm tree pruning project four weeks ago. Per their proposal, the branches were to be cut below a 9-3 angle. Vice Chair Martel received several comments that the work appeared sloppy. FM Pepin noted that most of the trees were cut to the 9-3 angle, but the previous contractor had pruned the palms at the 10-2 position. The Board agreed they would prefer the trees be cut at a 10-2 angle next year, and staff will make a note of this for next year’s proposal.

D. Resident Request for Removal of Large Trees

A resident reported that two very tall Shady Lady palms on the CDD berm are leaning toward a homeowner’s pool cage and requested that they be removed. FM Pepin has requested a proposal for their removal and supports this course of action, noting that the vegetation in the area is already dense with areca palms. Removing the trees would also allow more light to reach the grass, promoting healthier growth. The Board agreed and requested that the trees be flush cut, with the roots left in place.

A. Project Updates:

i. Overspray on Cocoplums

Greenscapes is offering to plant 30 new cocoplums. However, they noted that there may not be sufficient water available to establish the plants at this time, so it may be best to schedule the planting at the beginning of the rainy season. The Board agreed with this suggestion.

ii. Overgrown Bushes on Exterior Eastern Berm

The mature and extremely overgrown cocoplums along the eastern berm have not been pruned for at least a year. They are blocking the irrigation heads, resulting in minimal water reaching the plants. This issue has been brought to the attention of the CAM, Ana, who is addressing it.

Supervisor Williams checked just before the meeting and reported that the bushes still have not been trimmed. He will remind Greenscapes to cut them to the height of the fence.

iii. Vegetation Growing from Entrance Monument Column

During the field inspection, FM Pepin cut back and removed most of the Ficus growing out of the monument. A portion of the root remains in the monument, and he has asked Greenscapes to chemically treat it in hopes of killing it. This remaining root has also raised the column cap by approximately one inch on the back side. FM Pepin will continue to monitor the situation.

iv. Fountain Overspray

DM Rainwater reported that the fountain spray cannot be reduced and the cable is at its maximum length, so the fountain cannot be moved any further from the control panel. Fountain Kings has provided a proposal for a wind sensor as an alternative, at a cost of $1,779. The sensor will measure high wind and automatically shut off the fountain.

Fountain Kings will also perform the semi-annual maintenance this month, during which they will check the fountain for mold or algae build-up. It was noted that some algae is expected due to the natural environment. Any presence of mold will be reported.

The Board expressed interest in the wind sensor but requested additional information before approval:

• What wind speed (mph) will trigger the fountain to shut off, and can it be adjusted?
• Does the sensor detect wind direction?
• Where will the sensor be installed?
• Can a technical sheet for the sensor be provided?

The Board tabled this item for the next meeting, when more information could be presented.

DM Rainwater reported that Staff renewed the Board email boxes for 3 years for a 30% discount.

A. Authorization of Management Changes

i. Acknowledgement of Mandie Rainwater as District Manager and Custodian of Public Records

DM Rainwater reminded the Board that Calvin Teague will be retiring. Premier District Management has put forward Mandie Rainwater as the new District Manager for the community and Custodian of Public Records. The Board acknowledged this transition and no motion was needed.

ii. Reaffirming Christopher Dudak as Records Management Liaison Officer

DM Rainwater reminded the Board that Client Service Manager Dudak also performs the function of being District’s Records Management Liaison Officer and answers all public records requests. The Board acknowledged this and no motion was needed.

iii. Resolution 2026-02: Board Reorganization: Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer

DM Rainwater presented Resolution 2026-02 for the Board’s consideration for reorganizations of Staff positions that were updated. She noted that the Supervisors also have the option to reorganize if desired. The changes are that Mandie Rainwater would be named Secretary; Jennifer Miller, Treasurer; Calvin Teague, Assistant Treasurer; Melissa Gindling, Assistant Secretary; and Chris Dudak, Assistant Treasurer. This structure allows Assistant District Manager Gindling to fill in for DM Rainwater at meetings, and Client Service Manager Dudak to be authorized to sign checks.

iv. Resolution 2026-03: Check Signing Authority

DM Rainwater explained the current invoice process with multiple safeguards. Christopher Dudak is being added as an additional check signer, and a back-up for Cal Teague.

The Board wondered if another check signer will be needed once Cal Teague fully retires. DM Rainwater explained that would not be necessary because he will continue as Assistant Treasurer.

The Attorney is drafting the drainage easement document.

Vice Chair Martel thanked FM Pepin for the quick response to the monument concern.

Chair Cutler commented that the meeting was long, but there was a lot of good discussion.

There were no audience comments.

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