Skip to main content

Meeting Minutes for March 23, 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 March 23, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Center 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, Premier District Management (PDM)
Kyle Roehm – Fountain Kings
Eight Residents

Attending remotely were:

Christopher Dudak – Client Services 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 1:00 p.m., and District Manager Rainwater called the roll. Present and constituting a quorum were Chair Hefti, Vice Chair Scuderi, Supervisors Zajac, Worthington, and Klein. Also in attendance were District Manger Mandie Rainwater and Kyle Roehm from Fountain Kings and eight Residents. Client Services Manager Christopher Dudak attended remotely.

SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Supervisor Worthington, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda as presented.

THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items

  • Donna Turten asked about the CDD assessment rates. The Board explained the operations and maintenance (O&M) and debt service portions, noting that total annual collections are $1,643,511, as reflected in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
  • An audience member asked whether the CDD budgets for fountain repairs. The Board confirmed that it does and explained that both electricity and repair costs are included in the budget.
  • Another resident inquired about the source of irrigation water, which was explained by the Board.
  • A Horse Creek Road resident stated her belief, that fountains help control algae and oxygenate the water. The Board explained its position, supported by professional opinions, that fountains are less effective than aerators, as fountains primarily circulate surface water, while aerators circulate and oxygenate water throughout the entire depth of the lake.
  • There was extensive discussion among attendees regarding the fountains.

FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of Meeting Minutes

A. Draft Meeting Minutes for February 23, 2026.

On MOTION by Supervisor Klein, seconded by Chair Hefti, with all in favor, the Board approved the Meeting Minutes for February 23, 2026, as presented.

FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business

There was no old business.

SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business

A. FLGIS Software Update Proposal

 District Manager Rainwater reported that a proposal from FLGIS for GIS updates was included in the agenda packet in the amount of $2,880. This consists of $1,800 for a general web platform update and $1,080 to update lake shorelines to reflect changes resulting from clubhouse renovations and playing area modifications.

On MOTION by Supervisor Klein, seconded by Supervisor Zajac, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from FLGIS for updates to GIS in the amount of $2,880.

B. Additional Aerators Discussion

Chair Hefti reported to Field Manager Pepin that a resident had observed fish appearing to gasp for air in Lake 21; he was unable to verify this condition but explained that the lakes do not have aeration systems, which can reduce oxygen levels, particularly during drier months. At the Chair’s request, staff began investigating the cost of adding aeration. Field Manager Pepin is awaiting preliminary pricing from Fountain Kings for the equipment and noted that costs are expected to be significant due to the size of the lakes. Lake 21 may require two or three large aeration systems, and Lakes 1, 21, and 22 were identified for consideration. The Board tabled the discussion to the next meeting and requested that the oxygen levels be tested in the lakes prior to any installation.

SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager

A. FY 2025 Financial Audit

The audit letter from Grau and Associates was included in the meeting packet. The full audit report had been distributed via email in advance and was also provided in hard copy at the meeting. The audit was completed on time and received a clean opinion.

Supervisor Klein expressed appreciation to District Manager Teague, staff, and the auditors for accommodating his requests and for modifying the presentation of certain reported items.

On MOTION by Vice Chair Scuderi, seconded by Supervisor Klein, with all in favor, the Board accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 financial audit for submission to the state.

B. FY 2027 Budget Discussion

Staff plans to provide the Board with the first draft of the budget in April. In May, the Proposed Budget must be formally adopted and the Public Hearing date established.

The Board requested that the quote for new aerators be included as part of the budget planning process.

C. Update on Offer of Nonfunctional Fountains

i. Letter to Master

An offer letter to the Master Association regarding the CDD’s potential divestment of fountains as they fail was included in the meeting packet. This letter made an as-is offer of two non-functional fountains to the Master Association. Supervisor Worthington spoke with HOA President Mike Mooney, explaining that the initial intent of the offer was directed to the Master Association, though individual HOAs may also have an interest in assuming ownership of their respective fountains.

Rob Podley subsequently requested copies of the repair and replacement proposals. Staff provided the requested materials, including supporting notes, a summary matrix, and the Fountain Kings report previously presented to the Board. No further response has been received from either Rob Podley or the Master Association.

The Board expressed the need for a response prior to the next meeting to support budget planning for new aerators. It was noted that the two failing fountains will be removed and potentially replaced with aerator installations.

Kyle Roehm was asked to provide a quote for the removal of non-functioning fountains at locations 28 and 50W.

The Board directed staff to follow up with Rob Podley to obtain an official response from the Master Association by the CDD’s next meeting in April.

ii. Inquiries from Residents

There have been some emails to residents that suggested that they may wish to engage their respective local HOA boards to explore potential interest in assuming ownership of the fountains. Supporting documentation, including repair and replacement proposals and cost summaries previously presented at a Board meeting, were provided to Rob Podley and Dr. Anderson upon request.

During public comment, a resident indicated they had not received cost information. She directed attendees to the CDD website for contact information and relevant email addresses to ask for repair information on these two fountains.

Bruce Bonczyk, a newly elected member of the Master Association Board (speaking in an individual capacity and not on behalf of the Master), inquired about the process for setting and increasing assessments, including whether they are capped. He also asked whether the District utilizes an engineering firm. The Board confirmed that the District works with AIM Engineering & Surveying.

D. HOA Email Blast on Pool Discharges Rule Update

A follow-up email from Star Revers and Rob Podley was included in the meeting packet, as the initial communication from the Master Association to the residents had been incomplete. The revised communication includes the key information: a new rule is in effect, residents are responsible for identifying and complying with the requirements, and a permit from the City is required for pool water discharge.

With the necessary information now provided, this item will be removed from the agenda.

E. County Run Election Resolution 2026-04

This resolution contains the seats up for election in 2026, asks the county to continue running elections on behalf of the district, and establishes the text of the Qualifying Period advertisement.

On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Supervisor Worthington, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-04.

EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager

A. Current Field Inspection Report

District Manager Rainwater reviewed the field manager’s report and the following items were noted:

  • On Lake 3 there is currently a high presence of Spike Rush dying off around the lake. The Spike Rush may have been impacted by the cold weather we experienced, or it was chemically treated. Field Manager Pepin will contact the lake management company to ensure more selective weed treatment practices. It was noted that Spike Rush typically regenerates quickly.
  • Lake 60 Spike Rush Trimming Update: Following last month’s report that Spike Rush had been cut behind residential properties, Chair Hefti communicated with the HOA and landscaping teams. During the March inspection, new growth was observed along the full shoreline. The HOA indicated they were not responsible for the trimming.
  • Overall, there is a low presence of weeds and algae this month. An exception was noted at Lake 13, where a moderate amount of cattails was identified and treated.
  • Fish reported to be gasping for air on Lake 21. This issue was addressed earlier in the meeting under the aerator discussion.
  • On Lake 6, a buried valve box along the shoreline, previously covered by the golf course, has now been flagged. Patrick Tohill will have his crew uncover it.
  • Lakes 9, 17, 4 & 40, and 26 aerators continue to have ongoing issues with open aerators remain unresolved. With Fountain Kings beginning service on April 1, the Board anticipates more timely resolution compared to the previous vendor.
  • The Board is awaiting a proposal for repairs to the Lake 22 fountain light. Fountain Kings will assess this issue after commencing service on April 1.
  • Lake 22 Sod replacement – In response to Field Manager Pepin’s suggestion to plant littoral vegetation instead of replacing sod, the Board requested additional clarification regarding the purpose and benefits of replacing sod with littoral plantings.
  • Unauthorized vegetation placement was reported behind properties at 10012 and 10014 Oakhurst Way. Staff issued notices to both residents. The resident at 10014 denied involvement, while the resident at 10012 accepted responsibility and removed the vegetation. Field Manager Pepin will verify that the removal has been completed.
  • Additional notices were sent to residents at 9158, 9126, and 8092 Shadow Glen Way regarding preserve dumping. These matters are addressed in follow-up items below.

B. Follow-up Items

i. FLGIS ROV Report on Additional Found Pipes

Field Manager Pepin reported that Felipe Lemus is in the process of compiling the reports, with hard copies to be delivered to staff in the following week.

ii. Fountain and Aerator Vendor Change Update

Fountain Kings will assume services effective April 1. Staff issued the termination notice via certified mail to the current vendor. Field Manager Pepin also informed Alex Kurth directly; he expressed disappointment but acknowledged the change.

iii. Yard Waste in Preserve Several Locations Updates

Staff sent three notices earlier in the week regarding yard waste in preserve areas. The resident at 9158 Shadow Glen Way responded, attributing the issue to their landscaper, GreenCare, and stated that they have been directed to remove the debris. No responses have been received from the other two homeowners to date.

District Manager Rainwater asked Mr. Roehm if he had any additional input during the fountain discussion. He stated that he will inspect the lights at Lake 22 and recommended that staff coordinate with the lake management company to conduct dissolved oxygen testing.

C. Project Tracking Logs

There were no outstanding items to discuss in the logs.

NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney

There was no report from the attorney, but District Manager Rainwater reported that the legislative session has concluded. A new bill that may allow CDD Supervisors to be recalled was discussed, but it has not yet been signed into law. Also, the sovereign immunity limits may have been raised.

TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer

There was no report from the engineer.

ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments

Supervisor Klein requested follow-up regarding the delay in receiving the FLGIS report, noting that the process has taken several months.

TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments

Jane Little of Iron Horse Way (Lake 28) inquired about the number of aerators in the lake. Based on the Field Management matrix, there are two aerators. She also suggested that dissolved oxygen level testing be conducted at locations away from the aerators for more accurate readings.

THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Adjournment

On MOTION by Supervisor Zajac, seconded by Supervisor Worthington, with all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 2:19 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting: April 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.

Secretary/Assistant Secretary
Chair/Vice Chair