Kevin McKendree

The board discussed license agreements for the RiverTown RipTides Swim Team and the St. Johns Enrichment program. Staff reports included updates on landscape maintenance, district engineering projects, and management fee structures for the upcoming fiscal year. The board also addressed capital project planning, including potential improvements to tennis and pickleball courts, and considered cost-share requests for various district amenities. Additionally, the joint meeting covered the landscape and irrigation maintenance RFP and security service options, involving multiple community development districts.

Key discussions included audience comments regarding the HalloCrawl event, noting host feedback about increased restrictions making the event unsustainable, and concerns about crowd size and logistics. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included the minutes of the November 2025 meeting and financial statements. Staff reports covered landscape maintenance, particularly addressing trash in ponds which was attributed to fireworks residue, and updates from District Counsel on legislative monitoring, including bills related to sovereign immunity and property tax reform. The District Manager proposed a joint meeting with Rivers Edge II and III to discuss security rate increases and the landscape RFP. The General Manager reported on damages to the reclaimed water system caused by a new booster pump station, outlining the process for filing a reimbursement claim with JEA/City of Jacksonville for piping repairs and water overages. The Board ratified the engagement letter for the Fiscal Year 2025 audit. Significant discussion focused on establishing policies and potential fees for resident clubs, specifically addressing wear and tear from usage and equipment storage at the RiverHouse, with staff directed to return with recommendations. The Board also considered setting a public hearing for new rental rates, including potential separate fees for all-day rentals like wedding receptions, as existing timelines were fully booked. Resolution 2026-03 was approved to instruct the Supervisor of Elections to conduct the 2026 General Election for two seats. Further, the Board discussed license agreement renewals for a home-school program and a swim team, debating the imposition of a 10% fee on the for-profit entity to offset wear and tear. Finally, the Board approved a cost share request for palm tree boot trimming.

The agenda for the Board of Supervisors meeting includes several key items. Under consent agenda items, approval is sought for the previous month's minutes and financial statements from December 31, 2025, and year-end statements from September 30, 2025. Staff reports will cover landscape maintenance, District Engineer, District Counsel, and District Manager updates, including proposed rates for FY 2027. Major discussion points involve setting a public hearing for FY 2027 rental rates via Resolution 2026-02, establishing policy for District Vehicle use, reviewing FY27 Capital Projects, considering cost share requests (including for lap pool dividers and mulching), and evaluating license agreements with the RiverTown RipTides Swim Team and Saint Johns Enrichment. The Board will also consider a request from Mattamy for conveyance of a portion of an offsite stormwater pond and a request to amend the CDD boundaries.

The audit committee meeting focused primarily on the review and ranking of audit proposals received from two proposers: Berger Toombs and Grau & Associates. The evaluation criteria were discussed across five categories, resulting in total scores of 87 for Berger Toombs and 95 for Grau & Associates. Consequently, Grau & Associates was ranked as number one, and Berger Toombs as number two.

The Board of Supervisors meeting agenda included several key items. Discussions were scheduled regarding the Rivers Edge Club Policies and Procedures, consideration of resolutions for setting a public hearing to adopt rental rates and instructing the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections regarding the 2026 General Election. The Board also planned to discuss the preliminary draft of a Landscape Request for Proposal (RFP), License Agreement Renewals, a Cost Share Request for Palm Tree Boot Trimming, and the HalloCrawl Event. The agenda also covered staff reports from the District Engineer, Counsel, and Manager, and the ratification of an engagement letter with Grau & Associates for the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit. The Audit Committee meeting minutes from November 19, 2025, addressed the review and ranking of audit proposals, selecting Grau & Associates as number one. The regular November 19, 2025 meeting addressed staff reports including approval of a proposal for the Public Facilities Report, updates on District II boundary amendment discussions, the receipt of a refund from St. Johns County, and approval of an aged invoice from Yellowstone. Cost share requests were approved for pool deck furniture and Sternwheel Park benches, while the Welcome Center Fountain Replacement was eliminated. Two maintenance vehicles were considered, with one approved outright and the second contingent on approval from Districts II and III. Resolution 2026-01 amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget was approved.