District Manager Heather Dilley began the meeting with a reminder about the new structure for audience comments. Comments are now permitted at two intervals during the meetings with a 3-minute time limit. Dilley added that those rules also apply to the workshops to allow the CDD time to discuss important business.
In his Field Manager Report, David Sylvanowicz said that a proposal for additional signposts for Brompton Drive was on hold while conversations on “no parking” signs continued. He then informed the board that the control structure for the new fountain in West Park Village is currently down due to two recent incidences of kids putting soap suds in the fountain. When they were diagnosing the issue, the maintenance team noticed corrosion and the system stopped functioning. The owner of the fountain company came out to troubleshoot to no avail. Sylvanowicz said they have figured out how to prevent the issue going forward, but four electrical components need to be replaced at a cost of $8475.
Barrett asked if the structure should be raised to prevent flooding and raised concerns about spending the $8450 and running into additional costs once the pump is running. Dilley said the board could set a not-to-exceed amount. Lewis asked Sylvanowicz to research how owners of similar fountains are combating this issue. Regarding deterring the behavior, Sylvanowicz said he had spoken with Deputy Gundersen and there is not much his team can do. Supervisor Reggie Gillis said the HOA should send out a message to help deter the behavior. Following the discussion a motion to accept the proposal at a not-to-exceed amount of $12,000 and explore reconfiguration of the control-panel was approved 5-0.
Sylvanowicz said that the CDD’s landscaping company maintains the pool/tennis areas managed by the WCA and the WCA reimburses the CDD $1800 annually (dating back to 2006). He said current numbers for that service would be $51,600 for landscaping and $43,000 for tree service. Supervisor Greg Chesney explained that the arrangement was to ensure consistency, but the new management company has asked for additional services.
Barrett asked what the rationale was of complicating the situation when the residents pay for it either way. Lewis agreed. Pam Wilcox of the WCA’s Swim & Tennis Committee said the areas aren’t being maintained as they should be and the association is looking to do major landscape improvements.
Sylvanowicz clarified that Red Tree is just responsible for maintenance, not upgrades. He said, as a policy, they aren’t going to do more if they don’t have a contract. Barrett suggested having the WCA get bids for any additional work. Lewis said the caveat would be that additional improvements could increase future maintenance.
The board then approved two change orders ($5,000 each) for work to restore the sump in West Park Village that had been overgrown with Brazilian pepper. Engineer Robert Dvorak said woven fabric had been installed to deter future erosion.
Dvorak reported that there had been a very productive meeting with the homeowners on Pond 120 in West Park Village, where private property had encroached on the pond over the years. He added that the homeowners were very understanding and were focused on how to get it resolved. Dvorak said he let them know that dredging, which is critical at this point, could cause damage to seawalls, etc. and they discussed a “hold harmless” agreement in case there is damage. District Counsel Erin McCormick added that they left the meeting with an understanding that there would be a letter of agreement. She said the board could authorize the chair to enter into an agreement with the property owners after they review the letter and ratify it at the May meeting. A motion to that effect passed 5-0. The board then approved a proposal for $41,000 to complete the dredging.
Turning to Pond 125 in Sturbridge, Dvorak said he met with the county regarding the long-term plan. The Water Resources and Environmental Protection departments each had additional requests. Dvorak said he is waiting on the meeting notes and then will meet separately with those departments. He said he also has a meeting with TECO on May 9 to get an update on the dirt road they are building behind Glenfield to access their lines.
In her report, McCormick updated the board on the off-duty officer agreement with HCSO. She said she will submit a certificate of insurance to get a reimbursement for worker’s comp payments that date back to August 2025. McCormick closed by letting the board know she would be tabling the discussion on the cell tower consent to lease assignment to Vertical Bridge.
In her report, Dilley said she would send the preliminary budget to the board to review prior to the May 5 meeting. She informed the board that there are four candidates interested in taking over Seat 1 following Greg Chesney’s retirement. Interviews will be held at the April 21 workshop, and one will be appointed on May 5.
In the final audience comments, Barry Anderson spoke as a resident (not a VM) to encourage the board to request a site-specific maintenance plan in writing from Vertical Bridge before signing a consent to lease agreement. McCormick agreed that would be helpful. Anderson added that Vertical Bridge should attest on an annual basis that they are complying with government and permitting requirements (putting that back on them). He closed by stating that, if Vertical Bridge is inheriting the current lease with a 5-year transfer clause, they could potentially transfer the lease again. He encouraged the board to look at having them start from ground zero with a 5-year plan in place.