Meeting Minutes for May 21, 2025
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 May 21, 2025.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Mike Cutler – Chair
Bruce Given – Assistant Secretary
David Williams – Assistant Secretary
Jonathan Busa – Assistant Secretary
Attending Remotely:
Michelle Martel – Vice Chair
Also present were:
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Mandie Rainwater – Assistant District Manager, PDM
David Schmitt – Engineer, Bowman Engineering and Consulting
Three Residents
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 Assistant District Manager Gindling called the roll. Four Board members were present, and Vice Chair Martel attended remotely. Also attending were Assistant District Managers Melissa Gindling, and Mandie Rainwater, David Schmitt, the Engineer, and Three Residents.
On MOTION by Supervisor Given, seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved Vice Chair Martel’s attendance remotely.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Agenda was approved, as presented.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
Diane Derby-McDonnell commented on the midge flies and mosquitoes around her home.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion
No items were pulled.
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved all of the Consent Items.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes for April 16, 2025
ii. Financial Statements for April 2025
iii. May Field Report
iv. Irrigation Work Orders Log
v. Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Report
vi. District Registered Voter Count: 963
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
A. Drainage Concerns at 8880 Paseo De Valencia
This area started having drainage issues after both neighbors had pools installed, and both homes now have gutters discharging towards the small catch basin. Engineer Schmitt stated that he conducted 2 site visits, and he presented his report and photos. He noticed a small depression in one area, and recommended televising the drainage pipe to see if there is a bad joint or clog. If the inspection does not show any issues, the next step he recommends is to add flumes to slow down water. The third step would entail more extensive work, such as building a bulkhead to direct water.
B. Easement for Drainage Pipe Near Clubhouse
After reviewing a request from the HOA, staff realized the drainage pipe that runs between Lakes 8 and 1 is CDD-owned. Based on current research, it appears the CDD does not hold an easement specifically for this area, and both the Attorney and Engineer recommend acquiring one. In addition, the HOA is considering building a basketball court in this general area.
Engineer Schmitt stated that he recommends having an inspection of the pipe completed, to ensure it is in good condition, and to locate one end of the pipe. The cost for this inspection is included in the proposal under item 5C below. Next, a legal description and sketch would be developed for the easement, at an estimated cost of $7,000. There will also be some attorney fees related to drafting and recording the easement document.
The Board had some reluctance to proceed with the easement immediately. The HOA is only in the initial planning stages of the installation of a basketball court. They also wondered if the HOA Master Declaration allowed for a blanket easement for underground drainage. Engineer Schmitt noted that another option would be to request a blanket drainage easement to cover the entire community.
After discussion, the Board decided to ask Attorney Cohen to review the Master Declaration, and provide a recommendation for how to proceed. This will be tabled until after Attorney Cohen has reviewed the document.
C. Stormwater ROV Inspection Proposal
FL GIS provided an estimate of $1,400 to inspect the drain lines which had been suggested by Engineer Schmitt. The Board initially approved this proposal, but asked for a split of the cost between the two locations. They would like 8880 PDV inspected right away, but wait on the clubhouse area until more details are received from Attorney Cohen. Engineer Schmitt will follow up.
On MOTION by Chair Cutler, seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board approved televising a pipe, not to exceed $1,400.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Irrigation
i. Irrigation Monitoring and Schedule Update
Several reports were in the packet and additional materials. Chair Cutler mentioned some of the clock issues that occurred this month. Vice Chair Martel asked staff to send a strongly worded letter to the Pebble Beach Board regarding the tampering at the valve box that was reported by No Limit. There were no objections, so staff will draft a letter for Chair Cutler’s approval.
ii. Reduced Watering Needs for Winter
Chair Cutler discussed the 80% irrigation run time change completed by Insight over the past few weeks due to the drought. He suggested it may be prudent to reduce watering schedules to 70% run times next dry season. He also discussed how water bills have increased this month, but there should be reductions once the rainy season begins.
Chair Cutler stated that, if there is not much rain in the rainy season when working on the eastern berm, it would be prudent to have a plan established to water when necessary.
iii. Insight Irrigation Contract Renewal
Insight Irrigation’s current contract expires at the end of the month, and their contract renewal does not include a rate increase through December. The current rate is $2,012.50 per month. Insight informed staff that next year’s pricing will increase to $2,300 per month.
On MOTION by Chair Cutler, seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved the contract renewal with Insight Irrigation, extending the contract until the end of 2025 at the current rate of $2,012.50.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Midge Fly Treatment Proposals
The Board and staff received a residential complaint regarding the midge flies, so we obtained an estimate to treat the larvae within the lakes. Aquatic Weed Control provided two quotes, one for only Lake 5 and the other for all 8 lakes. During Field Manager Pepin’s inspection, he observed a heavy presence of midge flies in different parts of the community, including Lakes 4, 5 & 6.
The Board approved the proposal to treat all lakes for $4,845.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Chair Cutler, with all in favor, the Board approved treatment for midge flies in all lakes, not to exceed $4,845.
Vice Chair Martel also suggested adding midge fly treatment to next year’s Budget, since it appears that the Board will need to do this yearly.
Resident Diane Derby-McDonnell commented further about the concerns she had regarding midge flies and mosquitoes on her property near a District’s lake. She stated that she sprays her yard up to the lake bank. She strongly suggested the Board also consider installing fish to help eat the larvae. Another resident commented about similar issues.
After discussion, the Board agreed to ask Field Manager Pepin to obtain a proposal for fish stocking, and to recommend the timing of installation of the fish. They authorized Chair Cutler to sign a proposal up to $10,000 for this installation, so it could be completed as soon as possible, if recommended by Field Manager Pepin.
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, seconded by Supervisor Williams, with all in favor, the Board authorized the Chair to sign a proposal for stocking fish, contingent on the Field Manager’s recommendation, not to exceed $10,000.
B. Hurricane Cleanup Preauthorization Forms
These are the forms that are signed every year so vendors can begin cleaning up CDD parcels as quickly as possible after a named storm. Historically, the Board has approved all forms, and Field Manager Pepin coordinates with the vendors to choose the appropriate and most responsive team for each cleanup task. The Board approved both forms.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved all pre-authorization forms, allowing vendors to begin cleanup as soon as possible after named storms.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
Field Manager Pepin included several project suggestions in his Field Report:
- The Lake 6 washout and ruts on Lake 7 should be filled in sooner than later. He estimates the cost of $100 for the washout and $100 for the ruts.
- Vegetation debris left on the berm, estimated at $50 for removal.
- There are dying arecas that should be replaced, which could be delayed until the next fiscal year. Chris estimated around $500 to remove old areca and replace them with new trees. He is not sure how many arecas are currently in this state, maybe 7-10. Supervisor Williams also reported there is an open area at 8880 PDV where several arecas were blown down during the last hurricane. Planting new vegetation has been requested. Staff suggested adding this to the berm planting plan for next year.
The Board approved the repair of the Lake 6 washout, the ruts on Lake 7 and the vegetation debris cleanup.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved the repair of the Lake 6 washout, the ruts on Lake 7, and the vegetation debris cleanup, not to exceed $250.
Chair Cutler mentioned a washout that had formed after a mainline break at 9220/9230 Belleza Way. It was determined that the CDD is responsible for the repair. Engineer Schmitt and Field Manager Pepin will inspect the area and determine what restoration is needed.
A. Project Updates
i. Width of Littorals in Lakes
Aquatic Weed Control has been given the remaining locations where the spikerush needs to be pruned back. They will begin treating these areas later this month.
ii. Dead Palm Tree at 8900 Paseo De Valencia
This task should be completed by the middle of next month.
iii. Maple Tree Replacement at 9150 Red Canyon Drive
This task should be completed by the middle of next month.
iv. Fountain Repairs
The Lake 3 fountain has been repaired and was back up and running during the last field inspection. It was discovered during that inspection that Lake 1 was down, and Chris put in a service call to Fountain Kings to further diagnose it. There were no updates as of yet.
v. Semi-Annual Palm Frond Cleanup
There are also still palm fronds lying on the Southern berm. Staff sent a letter to the CAM of Santa Barbara and Beverly Hills a few weeks ago, requesting the landscaper to clean this up. The CAM stated they would take care of it, but shortly after, staff received notice that the CAM was no longer representing the neighborhoods. Therefore, letters were sent to the new CAMs. Rudy Bailey confirmed with staff that the Beverly Hills landscaper will be asked to clean up the fronds.
vi. Berm Plantings
The plantings are scheduled to start towards the middle of June. If it is still very dry and there is minimal rain, staff will postpone the installation until we see more rain in the forecast, and possibly request additional irrigation time from Insight.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget
A few suggestions were made by Vice Chair Martel:
- Increase the R&M-Lake line item to allow for a yearly midge fly treatment
- Increase assessments a little more to cover the 4% discount
The Board discussed the Budget and the need to increase assessments. Inflation was mentioned, as well as the fact that the District had been overbudget the last few years. They agreed it was a fair budget, and an assessment increase was needed.
The Board approved 2 changes to the Proposed Budget:
- Increase assessments by $210, rather than the increase of $200 that was presented
- Allocate $15,000 for midge fly treatments, and add an R&M-Pest Control line item
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved the increase of assessments by $210.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Martel, seconded by Supervisor Busa, with all in favor, the Board approved the addition of an R&M-Pest Control line item, allocating funds for midge fly treatments, in the amount of $15,000.
The Board also asked staff to ensure the line of credit is still available.
i. Resolution 2025-03: To Approve Proposed Budget and Set Public Hearing
The Board approved Resolution 2025-03 to approve the Proposed Budget and to set the Public Hearing date for August 20, 2025.
On MOTION by Supervisor Given, seconded by Chair Cutler, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2025-03, approving the Proposed Budget and setting the Public Hearing for August 20, 2025.
B. Resolution 2025-04: Transfer of Funds from Debt Service to General Fund
This is a formal authorization of the fund transfer the Board approved at the April meeting. This resolution was approved.
On MOTION by Supervisor Busa, seconded by Supervisor Given, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2025-04, transferring funds from Debt Service to the General Fund.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
As was discussed above, Attorney Cohen will be asked to review the drainage easement options, along with the Master Declaration.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments
Chair Cutler thanked everyone for making some tough decisions during the meeting.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Resident Diane Derby-McDonnell thanked the Board for listening to her concerns. She also stated that the fish should be installed in spring or summer, and they would live for 1-2 years. Staff will investigate and determine if the fish are sterilized or not.