Richard Freeman

The Board adopted Resolution 2026-4, which revised Rules of Procedure to align with current statutes. Furthermore, the Board adopted Resolution 2026-5 to amend the fiscal year 2026 budget to include hog trapping measures. Resolution 2026-6 was adopted, initiating the fiscal year 2027 budget process and setting the assessment rate, while also discussing capital planning for lake management, fountain and aerator replacements, and ongoing landscaping maintenance for the community. Additionally, Resolution 2026-7 was adopted to authorize a statewide mutual aid agreement for disaster relief. Other discussions included potential repairs to perimeter fencing and managing reimbursement claims for drainage work performed on district property.

The board conducted public hearings to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and impose special assessments. Key agenda items included the approval of an annual appropriation resolution, designation of the meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2027, and approval of agreements with PFM Management Services LLC and PFM Financial Advisors LLC. Staff reports detailed operations, including progress on wild hog removal, cane toad control, fountain and aerator system maintenance, and landscaping improvements along the US 41 buffer. The meeting also addressed inquiries regarding perimeter fence repairs and drainage issues, as well as the implementation of a statewide mutual aid agreement.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items requiring consideration. A public hearing was scheduled regarding the adoption of Revised Rules of Procedure (Resolution 2026-4). The Board was set to consider amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (Resolution 2026-5) and the proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which included setting a future public hearing date (Resolution 2026-6). Additionally, the agenda covered authorizing the adoption of the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement (Resolution 2026-7). Staff reports included updates from the District Attorney regarding legislative session bills and ethics training deadlines, and various financial statements for recent periods ending in 2025 and 2026.

The primary focus of the meeting was the consideration of refinancing the District's Series 2018 Bonds. The Board reviewed a financing alternative presented by MBS Capital Markets intended to lower the interest rate from approximately 3.8% to 2.212%, resulting in an estimated net present value savings of $2.512 million and an annual debt service reduction of approximately $287,000 for residents. The costs of issuance, estimated at $357,835, are to be covered by existing reserves. Following discussion, Resolution 2021-7, authorizing the issuance of Series 2021 Special Assessment refunding Bonds to refund the Series 2018 Bonds, was adopted. Additionally, the Board approved the Greenberg Traurig Fee Schedule and their appointment as Bond Counsel for the refinancing. The Asset Manager provided a report noting a proactive approach to water quality management, resulting in a 50% reduction in algae bloom compared to the previous year's baseline across seven lakes, with a 100% reduction in chemical use.

The meeting addressed several key administrative actions. The Board accepted the resignation of Ms. Joanne Lekas from Seat 3, effective January 12, 2024, and subsequently appointed Ms. Suzanne Sadowski to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. Ms. Sadowski also took the Oath of Office and received instructions regarding the required Form 1 filing and Code of Ethics training. Resolution 2024-1, re-designating officers, was adopted following the appointment. The Board approved the May 11, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes as corrected. The Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2023, which received a clean opinion with no findings, were accepted. Resolution 2024-2, affirming the adoption of an Electronic Records Policy and a Policy on the Use of Electronic Signatures, was adopted. Staff reports included updates from the District Attorney regarding pending legislation concerning sovereign immunity limits and potential requirements for lobbying procedures and performance measures. The Asset Manager provided updates on landscaping enhancements, new lighting installation along the boulevard, repairs to entrance fountains, and security measures for pump sheds. Discussion also covered lake maintenance and the removal of utility location flags placed by the County. The District Manager provided information on changes to Form 1 filing requirements, noting that filing is now online and outlining ethics training requirements for the Board.