River Ridge CDD adopts loan amendment and $173,368 ditch‑cleaning contract after Pinehurst residents press for urgent flooding fixes

At its June 25, 2024 meeting, the River Ridge Community Development District Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution 2024‑05 to amend the use of proceeds from its Improvement Revenue Note, Series 2024, and approved an MRI Construction, Inc. estimate of $173,367.78 to clean dry retention flow‑way ditches adjacent to River Course holes No. 6 through No. 8, actions the board said will fund drainage work raised by Pinehurst residents.

Pinehurst residents pressed the board during the public‑comment period. Resident Mike Dugan read a prepared statement saying Pinehurst has experienced “routine flooding over the past three years” and warned: “Short of a quick absolute commitment from River Ridge that Pinehurst flooding is now a #1 or co‑#1 priority, regardless of cost, we will be forced to explore legal options.” Resident Ed Nowak said the redesigned system shifted problems from the Masters to Pinehurst, described streets becoming impassable after recent tropical‑storm rainfall and demanded a final redesign and expedited resources.

District Engineer Charlie Krebs said he inspected Pinehurst after videos were provided and found debris on grates and blockages in pipes that left some drains more than 25 percent obstructed. Krebs said MRI inspected and removed leaves from a grate the day after the storm and flushed debris from the pipes, and he recommended MRI perform inlet and pipe cleaning where blockages remain. “The problem is the blockage and perhaps some of the drains along Pinehurst have blockages above 25% that need to be cleaned,” Krebs said. Chair Bob Schultz asked Krebs to prepare a written plan and estimated timeline for the board, Eric Long and Pinehurst NVR.

Board discussion about scope and funding included a staff explanation that loan proceeds from the Series 2024 note — amended by Resolution 2024‑05 — will cover drainage projects and that the irrigation project was included with a 10% contingency in the revised scope. On motions recorded in the minutes, the board adopted Resolution 2024‑05 (motion by Kurt Blumenthal, seconded by Terry Mountford) and approved the MRI Construction estimate (motion by Kurt Blumenthal, seconded by Robert Twombly); both votes were recorded as “with all in favor.”

The board also discussed, but did not act on, a revised McCullers Construction Services quote of $277,550 to install a new well; staff noted South Florida Water Management District restrictions and long‑term water‑use considerations and said the well item will be reconsidered in the future. Premier Lakes reported minimal algae and planned littoral plantings in about two weeks; staff will also inspect noisy aerators. The board accepted unaudited financial statements as of May 31, 2024 and reviewed the proposed FY2025 budget, with staff reporting the General Fund balance was used to keep assessments flat.

The board requested Krebs provide the written remediation plan and a timeline for completion. The meeting adjourned at 2:43 p.m.; the board next meets July 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.