Meeting Minutes for July 27, 2026
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 July 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Colonial Country Club Media Room in 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
Supervisors Attending Remotely:
Tim Worthington – Assistant Secretary
Also present were:
Mandie Rainwater – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Dale Prue – Resident
Dan Casciano – Resident
Bruce Bonczyk – Resident
Doug Smith – Resident
Brian Johnson – Resident
Attending remotely were:
Matt Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
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 1:03 p.m., by Chair Hefti and District Manager Rainwater called the roll. Present and constituting a quorum were Chair Hefti, Vice Chair Scuderi, Supervisors Zajac, and Klein with Supervisor Worthington attending remotely. Also in attendance were District Manager Mandie Rainwater and Residents Dale Prue, Dan Casciano, Bruce Bonczyk, Doug Smith and Brian Johnson. Assistant District Manager Matt Gindling attended remotely.
On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Vice Chair Scuderi, with all in favor, the Board approved the remote participation of Supervisor Worthington.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The Agenda was approved as amended, adding Agenda Items 6A: ARC Suggestions Discussion, 7Ai: Proposed (Budget) Updates.
On MOTION by Chair Hefti, seconded by Supervisor Klein, 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.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of Meeting Minutes
A. Draft Meeting Minutes for June 22, 2026.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Scuderi, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board approved the June 22, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. FLGIS ROV Report
District Manager Rainwater reported that, according to FLGIS, ROV Inspection Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in October 2026. She advised that inspection of the additional pipes remains pending due to insufficient water levels, which have prevented proper operation of the inspection camera. District Manager Rainwater stated that she would contact FLGIS to request a return visit to complete the inspection. Supervisor Zajac requested information regarding the anticipated duration of the inspections. Staff was directed to consult with Field Manager Pepin and provide an estimated timeline for completion of the work.
i. Project Updates
District Manager Rainwater reported concerns raised by Field Manager Pepin regarding the Board’s previous direction to postpone the APS pipe cleaning project until the next fiscal year. Supervisor Klein advised that sufficient funding was available within Fiscal Year 2026 to complete the work. Following discussion, the Board concurred that the project should proceed during the current fiscal year. Staff was directed to notify Field Manager Pepin to coordinate with the vendor and proceed with the pipe cleaning work as soon as practicable.
On MOTION by Supervisor Worthington, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board approved to proceed with the previously postponed cleaning for the main and golf course area pipes and to pay for the work within Fiscal Year 2026.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. ARC Suggestion Discussion
District Manager Rainwater reported that Star Revers from the CAM had forwarded a request for feedback regarding proposed revisions to the Architectural Review Committee’s (ARC) Architectural Standards document. She advised that the District’s primary concerns involve projects requiring excavation or work within or near District easements. The Board discussed concerns related to stormwater runoff and the potential for erosion along lakeside properties. The Board requested that the District’s Rule 10-1, located in the Information section of the District website, be referenced in the proposed document revisions, specifically with respect to Sections 12.e and 15.f.vii. District Manager Rainwater noted that comments were due to Cindy Smith by July 31, 2026, and stated that she would provide the Board’s recommended revisions on Thursday July 30, 2026.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. FY 2027 Budget Discussion
i. Proposed Updates
District Manager Rainwater and Supervisor Klein reviewed FY 2026 projections and the proposed FY 2027 budget. The projection includes anticipated stormwater management expenditures through September 30, 2026, resulting in total stormwater management costs exceeding the original budget. Supervisor Klein reported that higher than anticipated interest earnings and lower than budgeted expenditures in several categories, including fountain maintenance, are expected to result in a favorable yearend financial position. He noted that projected unassigned funds could be utilized to strengthen reserves for future capital improvements and replacement projects, including the Boardwalk, fountains, and aerators.
The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes funding for aerator improvements, although reserves could be increased further if those expenditures are deferred. Based on the review, District Manager Rainwater and Supervisor Klein recommended reducing the previously approved assessment increase to $330 while maintaining adequate funding for future capital projects and reserves. Supervisor Worthington questioned the impact on future projects, including boardwalk replacement. Supervisor Klein stated that reserves would remain sufficient to support future improvements and replacements.
District Manager Rainwater reminded the Board that the next meeting would include the public Budget Hearing and Assessment Levy Hearing. She noted that additional public comment opportunities would be available during both hearings, which may result in a longer meeting.
B. Tabled – Financial Report for May 2026
Supervisor Klein requested confirmation that approximately $17,000 had been transferred to the capital reserve account. District Manager Rainwater confirmed that the transfer had already been completed and was reflected in the July financial statements.
C. Financial Report for June 2026
On MOTION by Supervisor Klein, seconded by Supervisor Zajac, with all in favor, the Board approved the tabled Financials from May 2026 and the June 2026 Financials.
D. Resolution 2026-05 – Meeting Schedule FY 2026-2027
The Board requested that staff confirm with Patrick Tohill that the Golf Course will be closed on the proposed ride around meeting dates.
On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Vice Chair Scuderi, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-05 – Meeting Schedule FY 2026-2027.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. July Field Service Report
District Manager Rainwater reviewed the Field Manager Report and the following items were discussed:
- Lake 50 – reported receiving a resident inquiry regarding lake cleanup efforts. The Board directed staff to follow up with Field Manager Pepin regarding a proposal to remove algae from the east end of Lake 50 near the pickleball courts.
- Lake 50 – Staff was also asked to inquire with Field Manager Pepin about replacing the currently inactive old fountain instead of repairing it, if it makes sense financially.
- FloridAquatic will continue treating spike rush growth exceeding the permitted five-foot width, and littoral plant installation is anticipated by the end of July 2026.
- Littoral Plants anticipated to be installed by end of July 2026.
- Lake 25 – a high presence of shoreline weeds was reported.
- High presence of filamentous algae on Lake 50 and moderate presence in Lakes 21, 27, 28, and 29.
- Lake 6 – 4 of the 5 aeration stations were operational. The issue with the remaining station has been reported to Fountain Kings.
- Lake 7 – The central and southern aeration stations remain inoperative and have been reported to Fountain Kings for repair.
- Lake 20 – A proposal from West Coast was submitted to replace the electrical panel serving the compressor system.
- Lake 50 – The east fountain was reported as non-operational and referred to Fountain Kings for diagnosis; however, Chair Hefti advised that the issue had since been resolved.
- Chair Hefti made a note that the irrigation to the Butterfly Gardens need to remain operational, even during the dry season.
District Manager Rainwater was asked to follow up with Field Manager Pepin on the District’s non-compliance letter as the invasives cleanup is now complete. Also, the Board requested that Field Manager Pepin obtain a proposal for the installation of larger riprap around the dry retention catch basins to help prevent debris from covering the drainage grates.
B. Proposal – Electrical Panel Lake 1
District Manager Rainwater reviewed a proposal to replace the deteriorating electrical panel serving Lakes 18 and 20, with the potential to also serve Lake 1. The Board noted that the proposal inaccurately referenced only Lake 1 and directed staff to obtain a revised proposal that accurately reflects the scope of work.
The Board also requested that staff discuss alternative, rust-resistant materials with Field Manager Pepin to determine whether a longer-lasting option than a metal enclosure is available.
On MOTION by Supervisor Worthington, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board approved Chair Hefti signing off on the updated proposal from West Coast Electrical, not to exceed $2,400.
C. Proposal – 4 Dead Pine Trees
On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Vice Chair Scuderi, with all in favor, the Board approved the Pristine Lakes and Wetlands proposal for the removal of the 4 dead pine trees in the amount of $1,200.
D. Proposal – Rip Rap Installation Along Perimeter Fence Line
The Board directed Field Manager Pepin to advise the vendor that large rip rap should be used for the project to prevent animals from displacing the stones and compromising their effectiveness.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Scuderi, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board approved the Pristine Lakes and Wetlands proposal to install rip rap stone along the designated perimeter fence in the amount of $1,200.
E. Follow-up Items
i. Lakes 1, 21, and 22 Update
District Manager Rainwater confirmed that the Board had no further concerns regarding Lakes 1, 21, and 22 and, by consensus, agreed to remove the item from future agendas.
ii. Vegetation Management Update
As the information related to vegetation management had been addressed during the Field Manager’s report, the Board agreed that this item was no longer necessary and could be removed from future agendas
F. Project Tracking Logs
Supervisor Klein confirmed that the information contained in the logs appeared satisfactory.
G. Skyview Way Drainage Update
District Manager Rainwater reported that staff provided Shawn Goekler with the vendor’s proposal and contact information. Staff was unable to address certain questions and connected Mr. Goekler directly with the vendor for follow-up. The Board requested confirmation that discussions between the vendor and Mr. Goekler are ongoing.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
A. 2026 CDD Legislative Summary
District Manager Rainwater informed the Board that HB 145 was a pending reform of Florida’s sovereign immunity laws, which was not signed into law by the Governor.
Also, SB 1180 is the new recall process which has been signed into law, and District Manager Rainwater explained the reasons why a Supervisor may be recalled by the constituents of the District.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
There was no update from the Engineer.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments
- Supervisor Worthington noted that he will return to meetings in person starting October.
- Supervisor Worthington asked for Field Manager Pepin to look into trimming the shrubbery along the banks of Lake 50.
- Vice Chair Scuderi requested that Field Manager Pepin contact Fountain Kings to investigate the cause of large bubbles coming from the aerator in the small lake near the community entrance.
- District Manager Rainwater confirmed there will be at least 3 board members present for the August meeting.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
- A resident expressed concern about the inactive fountain on Lake 50, previously discussed during the meeting.
- A resident recommended that staff consider PVC electrical panels.
- A resident inquired why District meetings were not listed on the community calendar and was informed that meeting information is available on the District website.