Meeting Minutes for March 18, 2026
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 March 18, 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)
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
John Baker – Engineer, Bowman
Vickie Rose – Resident
Jeff Kelley – Resident
Also attending remotely:
Caller 01
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, and District Manager, Mandie Rainwater called the roll. Supervisors Cutler, Martel, Given and Williams were present and constituting a quorum. Also in attendance were District Manager, Mandie Rainwater, Assistant District Manager, Melissa Gindling, Engineer John Baker, Resident Vickie Rose and Resident Jeff Kelley joined at 4:42 p.m. Also, Caller 01 joined remotely at 4:38 p.m.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved the agenda as presented.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
There were no audience comments.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
The February financial statements were not yet available.
On MOTION by Supervisor Given, seconded by Chair Cutler, with all in favor, the Board approved the consent items as presented.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for February 18, 2026
ii. Financial Statements for February 2026
iii. March Field Report
iv. Irrigation Work Orders Log
v. Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
A. Drainage Concerns at 8890 Paseo De Valencia Follow-up
The topography survey has been completed, and Engineer Baker presented a topography map to the Board. He reported that the grading in the side and rear yard is sloped as expected.
District Manager Rainwater noted that the resident provided additional photos of the sod and surrounding area and the concern was if it had too much dirt. Engineer Baker advised that replacing the sod should not significantly impact the existing grade or drainage. He further noted that drains could be added to connect the gutters to the underground piping; however, he recommended first evaluating whether the recent improvements and debris removal adequately address drainage during the upcoming rainy season.
Caller 01 joined the meeting remotely at 4:38 p.m.
B. BMAP Program Update
Engineer Baker reported that he received an email update from the BMAP Program Coordinator; however, as the prior deadline had already been met, there were no significant updates to report.
Resident Jeff Kelley joined the meeting at 4:42 p.m.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Irrigation
i. Irrigation Monitoring and Schedule Update
District Manager Rainwater reported there are several reports in the agenda packet and irrigation is currently running 2 days a week at 80%. Insight plans to increase this to 100% later in the week.
ii. Update on Controller Replacement and Consolidation
In February, Insight reported that Clock #3 was not functioning. No Limit conducted a review shortly thereafter, resetting the clock and breaker while also investigating the wiring and power source. Although power was confirmed, the display screen would not turn on. It was determined that the clock had shorted out and was no longer operational. Given the proximity of Clock #3 and Clock #5, it was determined that their wiring could be connected, allowing the two clocks to be consolidated. Chair Cutler and District Manager Rainwater approved the replacement of Clock #3, which has since been completed and is now operational.
No Limit is currently reviewing the wiring and will provide a proposal to bore under the roadway to connect the wire paths and consolidate both clocks into the new unit. It was also noted that parts from Clock #5 may be repurposed.
The Board requested that staff obtain pricing for a new controller, along with updated cash flow reports. They would also like budget options and recommendations for irrigation clocks and upcoming berm plantings.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board approved the consolidation of clocks 3 and 5, allowing the Chair to sign a proposal between meetings, not to exceed $5,000.
iii. Hoover Maintenance Program Proposal
Hoover submitted its maintenance renewal proposal at an annual cost of $2,590, consistent with last year’s pricing. The proposal includes an option to pre-authorize repairs up to $750.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved the Hoover maintenance proposal at an annual cost of $2,590, with the option to pre-authorize repairs up to $750.
Assistant District Manager Gindling read an email from Angie from Insight, explaining that irrigation run schedules are determined based on factors such as temperature, soil conditions, and other environmental considerations.
B. Easement for Drain Pipe Update
Staff requested an update from LLCA, however, the latest information indicates their attorney is still reviewing the document. Staff will also forward the easement document to Community Association Manager Ana for follow-up.
C. Stormwater Pipe Cleaning Update
i. Catch Basin Report from FL GIS
District Manager Rainwater reported that the catch basin report and accompanying photos are included in the meeting packet. Plastic debris was removed, and Catch Basin #120 was successfully uncovered. However, the cast iron grate was not removed and Shenandoah has been asked to provide a separate proposal for its removal. Catch Basins #128 and #8 were located but not uncovered due to depths exceeding six inches. Field Manager Pepin is currently obtaining proposals to address this work.
ii. Revised Proposal from Shenandoah
Shenandoah will submit a separate proposal for the removal of the grate from the structure. The original proposal may be returned to the vendor so that the approved work can be scheduled as soon as possible.
The Board agreed to proceed with the cleaning proposal at the earliest opportunity and to review the grate removal proposal once it is received.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Berm Planting Plan and Proposals
District Manager Rainwater presented multiple proposals for the removal of areca palms and replacement with mature Clusia or Awabuki. Two options were provided: one covering the first 500 linear feet (from the eastern fence to 8870 PDV), and another for the full length of the areca hedge. Proposals were received from Pelican, Terra Nova, and Greenscapes. The Board has budgeted $25,000 for plant replacement in FY 2026.
Chair Cutler expressed concern regarding the clarity of the proposals and requested that staff prepare a simplified spreadsheet outlining current cash flow and all berm planting options with total costs. The Board indicated a preference for Clusia and Jasmine, rather than Awabuki, and asked that future proposals reflect this direction. Staff will also solicit additional bids from other vendors.
B. Resident Request to Trim Olive Trees
A resident at 15670 Laguna Hills Drive reported that the olive trees are creating excessive debris around their pool and inquired about trimming. Field Manager Pepin noted that the trees were last trimmed in November 2023 and explained that seasonal leaf shedding will continue regardless of trimming. The Board requested clarification on whether the trees were both trimmed and thinned in 2023, and staff will follow up with Field Manager Pepin.
After further discussion, this item was tabled pending additional information. The Board directed staff to obtain proposals for trimming and thinning all hardwood trees, including a per-tree cost breakdown. Staff will reach out to Juniper, Johnson’s Tree Service, and any additional vendors recommended by Field Manager Pepin.
C. Fountain Maintenance Report and Proposals
Fountain Kings submitted a maintenance report along with three proposals:
- Installation of a buck-boost transformer on Fountain 1 – $766.14
- Repair of LED lights on Fountains 1, 2 and 6. – $3,692.79
- Discounted wind speed sensor – $1,423.20
- Also included was additional information about the wind sensor.
It was noted that the fountain on Lake 2 is currently non-operational. The Board requested that Field Manager Pepin provide an updated fountain inventory spreadsheet, including the age of each fountain, to assist with future budgeting and planning.
The Board requested that the vendor match the existing light color used throughout the majority of the community and to maintain a consistent LED color at each individual fountain. While it was acknowledged that there is currently a mix of lighting colors across the community, the vendor will be asked to achieve the closest possible consistency.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Fountain Kings for the repair of LED lights on Fountains 1, 2 and 6 in the amount of $3,692.79.
On MOTION by Chair Cutler, seconded by Vice Chair Martel, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Fountain Kings for the installation of a buck-boost transformer on Fountain 1 in the amount of $766.14.
The Board reviewed the third quote for the supply and install of a wind speed sensor that will shut the fountain off during high wind events in the amount of $1,423.20 but the Board declined the proposal.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Project Updates:
i. Trail Camera for Pump Station
Field Manager Pepin reported that the camera was installed during the most recent field inspection, successfully tested, and login information was provided to the District Manager’s office. Access to the camera is available to anyone with the user ID and password, with no limitations on the number of users. All five Board members may utilize the application if desired, and staff can distribute the login information upon request. Currently, Assistant District Manager Gindling, District Manager Rainwater, and Field Manager Pepin have access.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. FY 2027 Budget Discussion
District Manager Rainwater explained that a draft of the proposed budget will be available in the next meeting and asked for the Board’s budget planning priorities, and the following were discussed:
- Increasing the amount of money available for controller replacements
- Berm planting
- Wall pressure washing
- Fuel surcharges
- Updated fountain spreadsheet for fountain repairs
B. Resolution 2026-04: Confirming Use of Lee County Supervisor of Elections
District Manager Rainwater stated that Resolution 2026-04 will allow for the Lee County Board of Elections to administer the election for the CDD.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-04: Confirming Use of Lee County Supervisor of Elections to administer the election for the CDD.
District Manager Rainwater reported that Seats 1, 2, and 4 are up for election and reminded the Board that candidates must file an Affidavit of Intent, and a $25 filing fee is required. The candidate qualifying period runs from noon on June 8, 2026 through noon on June 12, 2026.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
No comments were received from the Attorney. District Manager Rainwater reported that the legislative session has concluded. A new bill that may allow CDD Supervisors to be recalled was discussed, but it has not yet been signed into law. Proposed property tax bills were also discussed.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments
Chair Cutler commented that the wet check report from Pelican was excellent and expressed hope that other landscapers would provide reports of similar quality.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Jeff Kelley commented on the berm planting project and offered to provide additional vendor names for the tree projects. The topography map was provided to Mr. Kelley, and it was noted that his roof drains could potentially be connected to the underground pipe, however, the Engineer would prefer to evaluate how the current improvements perform during rainfall before proceeding.
Mr. Kelley also noted that Conover and Sons installed Bahia sod in his area, while the remainder of the community has Floratam sod. District Manager Rainwater will investigate this sod discrepancy.