River Ridge Board accepts audit, hears persistent Pinehurst drainage complaints and lake maintenance update

The River Ridge Community Development District Board of Supervisors on July 23 adopted Resolution 2024‑05 accepting the audited financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2023, and discussed ongoing drainage problems in Pinehurst, lake maintenance and budget items ahead of the Aug. 27 budget hearing.

Ben Steets of Grau & Associates presented the audit and told the Board there were “no significant instances of non‑compliance and the internal controls over financial reporting appear to be operating as intended.” He noted one exception: actual expenditures for the Special Revenue Fund exceeded budget and recommended amending the budget within 60 days. Steets also confirmed the Series 2019 note was retired on April 24, 2024 and that principal and interest payments required as of fiscal year end were made on time.

During public comment, resident Shari Perkins asked the Board to address two drains at the Pinehurst triangle monument, saying, “A week after the street drains were plugged, the drainage issues persist; water has been overflowing in the triangle monument area.” Perkins said a retention pond that drains between River 8 and River 9 appears non‑functional, with water pooling nearly 1 foot above the drain, and that she will provide photographs and video to CDD staff.

District Engineer John Baker described the situation before the inlet was plugged: water from a higher system was backing up and flowing through the pipe into a lower system. He said the plugged inlet means there is no longer a pushing action and the result can be “essentially akin to a very tiny pond in a pipe.” Baker recommended additional study and requested photos or video of the flooding so staff and the engineer can investigate. The Board directed the District Engineer to view the drainage firsthand.

The Board also received an update from Premier Lakes. Bill Kurth reported lakes, preserves and dry retention areas are in generally good shape though seasonal algae was observed. He said a cabinet installed around a compressor at Masters Lake reduced measured sound levels “from 64 to 52 decibels.” Operations Manager Shane Willis cautioned that the tone of the aerator remains noticeable and recommended exploring relocating the compressor; Willis will coordinate with Premier Lakes and report back at the next meeting. On littoral plantings for Lake E‑4A, supervisors agreed to delay installations until an agreement with the Edgewater Condo Association is reached and to avoid planting canna lilies.

Staff presented MRI Construction Estimate #C060‑24 for a Pine Hurst inlet top to keep debris from blocking the structure; the estimate is $10,692.88 and the Board left the item on the agenda while staff seeks an additional proposal. The Board reviewed the draft FY2024/2025 budget and Mr. Blumenthal’s updated five‑year Capital Improvement Plan; no final budget action was taken at this meeting. Mrs. Adams reminded the Board the next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., when the FY2025 budget adoption hearing will occur.

Votes at a glance: On a motion by Mr. Blumenthal, seconded by Mr. Twombly, the Board adopted Resolution 2024‑05 accepting the audited financial report for FY2023 (unanimous). The Board previously approved authorization for Supervisor Schultz to attend remotely (motion by Mr. Mountford, seconded by Mr. Blumenthal; unanimous) and approved the June 25, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (motion by Mr. Blumenthal, seconded by Mr. Gilman; unanimous).

Next steps: Staff will accept photos/video from residents documenting the Pinehurst flooding, the District Engineer will inspect the drainage in person, staff will seek a second estimate for the inlet repair, and Premier Lakes and operations staff will report back on compressor relocation and littoral planting options at a future meeting.