Draft Meeting Minutes for November 17, 2025
Colonial Country Club
Community Development District
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Colonial Country Club Community Development District was scheduled for November 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Media Room of the Colonial Country Club at 9181 Independence Way in Fort Myers, Florida, and also via web conference.
Supervisors present and constituting a quorum:
Sally Hefti – Chair
Giovanna Scuderi – Vice Chair
Joe Zajac – Assistant Secretary
Howard Klein – Assistant Secretary
Tim Worthington – Assistant Secretary
Also present were:
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, PDM
Attending remotely were:
Christopher Dudak – Client Services Manager, PDM
Arriving later:
Jef Fornaro, volunteer on Colonial Country Club Facilities Committee
“Bonnie” – attending remotely
The following is a summary of the actions taken at the Colonial Country Club Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors meeting.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
The Colonial Country Club Community Development District Meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m., and District Manager Rainwater called the roll. Five Board members were present and constituted a quorum. Attending remotely was Client Services Manager Christopher Dudak. Also, “Bonnie” joined online at 1:04 p.m. and Jef Fornaro, volunteer on Colonial Country Club Facilities Committee arrived at 1:12 p.m.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The Agenda was approved as amended, adding Agenda Item 6A-Annual Vegetation Cutback Proposal.
On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Supervisor Worthington, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda as amended.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
There were no audience comments on agenda items.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of Meeting Minutes
A. Draft Meeting Minutes for October 27, 2025
On MOTION by Vice Chair Scuderi, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board approved the Draft Meeting Minutes for October 27, 2025, as presented.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Discussion of Tony DeSantis Memorial
In the handouts was a proof from Fred’s Award World showing the proposed format and text layout for the plaque honoring Tony DeSantis for his time on the Board of Supervisors. Field Manager Pepin noted that the top slat on each bench is the appropriate location, providing a usable height of 4 inches. The vendor recommended acrylic material for durability in outdoor conditions, and staff felt that black with gold lettering was the most suitable option. The Board confirmed that the material, colors, size, and text were acceptable, and noted that a Not To Exceed amount of $500 had been approved at the previous meeting. The current cost is approximately $60, and Field Manager Pepin will install the sign at no charge. Staff will proceed with the order, and Field Manager Pepin will handle installation.
Bonnie joined the meeting online at 1:04 p.m.
The Board would also like to coordinate an unveiling for Mr. DeSantis’s family and requested that the Master publicize the event to the community. District Manager Rainwater advised that if more than one Board member plans to attend, the event should be advertised to avoid the appearance of a Sunshine Law violation. The Board suggested covering the plaque with a cloth for the unveiling. Staff will coordinate the arrangements with the Chair.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Annual Vegetation Cutback Proposal
In the handouts was a proposal referenced on page 11 of the current Field Report. The proposal is for cutting back vegetation encroaching along approximately 4,700 linear feet of perimeter fencing behind homes on Shadow Glen Way, at a cost of $1,848.00. The Board asked whether a weed killer could also be applied to slow regrowth and whether this would result in an additional cost. The proposal was tabled pending clarification on the herbicide option and any associated costs.
Jef Fornaro entered the room at 1:12 p.m.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Financial Report for October 2025
Supervisor Klein noted that there was nothing significant to report on the financials, as the District is only one month into the new fiscal year.
On MOTION by Supervisor Worthington, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board accepted the October 2025 Financial Report, as presented.
B. Resolution 2026-01: FY 2025 Budget Amendment
The amendment adjusts overages in interest income, tax collector interest, and miscellaneous revenues, recaptures some unspent funds, and primarily addresses higher-than-budgeted costs in several areas: R&M–Stormwater System, R&M–Fountain, and R&M–Preserves. As a result, only $39,239 in excess revenue over expenditures will be placed into Reserves. This amount may later be assigned to the boardwalk reserve fund through an Allocation of Fund Balances resolution.
Supervisor Zajac expressed satisfaction with the improved legibility of the report. Supervisor Klein remarked that the resolution primarily reallocates funds. District Manager Rainwater noted that adopting the amendment also satisfies auditor expectations by demonstrating the Board’s awareness of budget overruns and shortfalls.
On MOTION by Supervisor Klein, seconded by Chair Hefti, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-01, as presented.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Current Field Inspection Report
The Field Report was included in the handouts, reviewed by the Board, and the following items were noted:
- On page 4 , Field Manager Pepin reported on several aerator repairs. Lake 14: The air station on the north end of the lake is malfunctioning, producing larger oxygen bubbles instead of micron bubbles. The air station needs replacement, and a proposal is still pending.
- Field Manager Pepin is coordinating with Pristine Lakes on sod replacement at Lake 22.
- Lake 26: Field Manager Pepin is obtaining a proposal to remove Climbing Cassia and Brazilian Pepper growing on the northeast corner of the lake. This area is jointly owned by the CDD and the Master Association.
- Exotics have been treated in the preserve, and Field Manager Pepin is awaiting a proposal for additional exotic removal near Hemmingway Lane.
- Field Manager Pepin will clean the signs at the Butterfly Garden.
- Preserve Noncompliance Update: Treatments have been completed, and the District is awaiting reinspection by SFWMD.
- Page 10: The golf course has installed rip rap around a catch basin at 9025 Shadow Glen Way which will help prevent dirt from washing into the basin.
- Storm drain markers are being replaced. Field Manager Pepin noted that heat degrades the adhesive and vehicle tires can dislodge the markers.
B. Follow-up Items
i. Stormwater System Cleaning Pipes between 3-4, 5-6
Field Manager Pepin had reported that the drain is now exposed, and Extreme Divers has been asked to complete the cleaning before the golf course reopens. Supervisor Zajac noted that the golf course is scheduled to open in approximately one month.
ii. ROV Stormwater System Inspection in Phases 1 and 2
Field Manager Pepin reported that the inspection is scheduled to begin sometime in December. The Board was reminded that these two phases cover the golf course areas, as approved at the last meeting.
iii. Lake 50 Fountain Update
Field Manager Pepin had reported that the fountain is back up and running, but the light system is currently down and has been sent back to the manufacturer for a warranty repair.
iv. Raising the Catch Basin Buried by the Club
Field Manager Pepin had reported that, as of his field inspection, the basin had been uncovered and was being prepared to be raised. This update was noted on page 9 of his report.
v. I-75 Exotics Cutback Update
Field Manager Pepin had reported that this is scheduled to be completed in the next week or so. The crew has been onsite conducting the regular preserve maintenance this month. Supervisor Zajac wanted staff to confirm that this is not for the entire length of the perimeter wall, but only along the walking path.
C. Project Tracking Logs
This item was included in the handouts, and there was little to report at this early point in the year.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
A. Memo on Open Carry
This item was included primarily for informational purposes. While open carry of handguns is now legal in Florida, this recent ruling does not change the current law prohibiting handguns, whether openly carried or concealed, from being brought into public government meetings. Long guns currently fall under a loophole, which the Florida Legislature may address in the future. Privately owned properties may establish rules restricting weapons on their premises. However, the Board must comply with federal and state laws, and attempting to prohibit long guns at meetings could expose Board members to personal liability and potential fines.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
There was no report from the engineer.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments
Chair Hefti reported that Robert Podley indicated an HOA email blast will be sent in January to inform homeowners that they are responsible for reviewing and complying with the updated rules regarding pool discharges and pool renovations. Chair Hefti confirmed that these rules are included in the bylaws.
Vice Chair Scuderi inquired about the use of chlorine for driveway and roof cleaning and whether the CDD should be concerned. Other Board members and Bonnie noted that the amount of chlorine used likely evaporates and becomes diluted. Bonnie also mentioned that a biocide can be applied to roofs and left in place.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Bonnie noted that homeowners had already been informed of the rules change affecting all pool discharges. Chair Hefti added that a previous notice from Robert Podley, included in the meeting notes a few months ago, had only highlighted the Master Association’s rule change. The upcoming email blast will provide more detailed guidance on homeowners’ responsibilities for obtaining proper permits and managing pool discharges.
Jef Fornaro discussed a perimeter fence issue he has been investigating. He inquired whether any CDD property is directly adjacent to the Treeline Avenue gate and north. It was confirmed that no CDD property exists in that area. Vice Chair Scuderi suggested planting Bougainvillea along the fence to deter people from climbing over, and Mr. Fornaro indicated that the committee was aware of this option. He also requested a copy of the large map of the entire community maintained by the Board.