Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drainage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
River Ridge approves $173,368 ditch‑cleaning contract, amends Series 2024 loan after Pinehurst residents demand action
Summary
The River Ridge CDD on June 25 adopted Resolution 2024‑05 to amend use of proceeds from its Series 2024 improvement revenue note and approved a $173,367.78 MRI Construction contract to clean dry retention flow‑way ditches adjacent to River Course holes 6–8 after Pinehurst residents urged immediate action on repeated flooding.
The River Ridge Community Development District Board of Supervisors on June 25 adopted Resolution 2024‑05 to amend the use of proceeds for its Improvement Revenue Note, Series 2024, and unanimously approved MRI Construction’s $173,367.78 estimate to clean dry retention flow‑way ditches adjacent to River Course holes 6–8.
The actions came after multiple Pinehurst residents told the board that recurring flooding has created unsafe conditions and prolonged standing water in their neighborhood. Resident Mike Dugan read a prepared statement saying June 12–14 storms produced “unprecedented flooding” and demanding that River Ridge make Pinehurst a top priority "regardless of cost," warning residents would explore legal options if the district did not act. Resident Ed Nowak said he believes a post‑Hurricane Irma redesign shifted drainage problems to Pinehurst and urged a final redesign and an expedited response.
District Engineer Charlie Krebs said he inspected Pinehurst after videos were provided by Mr. Long, found debris on grates and partial blockages in pipes, and had MRI perform inlet and pipe cleaning. Krebs said some drains may be more than 25% blocked and additional cleaning is required; he told the board MRI would clean the inlets and pipes. Chair Bob Schultz requested Krebs prepare a written plan and an estimated timeline for resolving the issue and provide it to the board, Eric Long and Pinehurst neighborhood representatives.
Chuck Adams presented Resolution 2024‑05, described as an amendment in the use of proceeds of the Series 2024 Note and as authorizing a first amendment to the loan agreement with Synovus Bank, the purchaser of the note. On a motion by Kurt Blumenthal, seconded by Terry Mountford, the board adopted Resolution 2024‑05 by unanimous vote. On a motion by Mr. Blumenthal, seconded by Robert Twombly, the board then approved the MRI Construction estimate for $173,367.78 for dry retention flow‑way ditch cleaning; that motion also passed unanimously.
The board and staff framed the ditch‑cleaning work as part of larger drainage improvements tied to the Series 2024 financing. Mr. Krebs and staff discussed debris removal, weirs and control structures and noted easements and legal work remain necessary for portions of the broader improvements. The board did not provide a detailed construction schedule at the meeting beyond the requested written plan from the engineer.
The board also recommended the Fining Committee review homeowners who removed littorals from lake banks in a separate action, signaling enforcement of lake‑bank protections alongside the drainage work. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2024, when staff is expected to report further on the engineer’s written plan and any implementation steps.
