River Ridge board adopts loan amendment and approves $173,367 ditch‑cleaning after Pinehurst residents demand action on repeated flooding

The River Ridge Community Development District Board of Supervisors on June 25 adopted a loan‑amendment resolution and approved a $173,367.78 contract for dry‑retention flow‑way ditch cleaning after several Pinehurst residents urged immediate action over repeated flooding.

Resident Mike Dugan opened public comment, reading a prepared statement that said Pinehurst has experienced “unprecedented flooding” during the June 12–14 storm and demanded that the district make Pinehurst a top priority “regardless of cost,” warning residents may pursue legal options and take interim protective measures if the Board does not act. Resident Ed Nowak followed, urging a “final, proper redesign” and saying the current system is “flawed and unacceptable.”

Charlie Krebs, the district engineer, said he inspected the area after receiving videos and found debris at grates and blockages in some pipes that were impeding outflow. “The problem is the blockage and perhaps some of the drains along Pinehurst have blockages above 25% that need to be cleaned,” Krebs said, and he told the Board MRI Construction would clean the inlets and affected pipes. Chair Bob Schultz asked Krebs to prepare a written plan and an estimated timeline and provide it to the Board, staff and Pinehurst representatives.

Separately, District Manager Chuck Adams presented Resolution 2024‑05, which authorizes an amendment to the use of proceeds from the Improvement Revenue Note, Series 2024, and a first amendment to the loan agreement with Synovus Bank to revise the project scope. On motion by Kurt Blumenthal and seconded by Terry Mountford, the Board unanimously adopted Resolution 2024‑05.

Immediately afterward, the Board considered MRI Construction’s estimate to clean the dry retention flow‑way ditches adjacent to River Course holes #6–#8. On motion by Mr. Blumenthal and seconded by Robert Twombly, the Board approved the MRI estimate for $173,367.78 (motion carried unanimously). Board discussion in the item referenced debris removal, the weir and control structures, and funding sources; staff said loan proceeds will cover the drainage projects and that irrigation work had been added into scope with a contingency.

The Board also instructed staff and the district engineer to keep Pinehurst residents informed. The agenda did not record a vote tally by individual supervisor (motions were recorded as passed “with all in favor”). The district staff said the drainage easement sketches and legal descriptions are being prepared and that easements will be obtained as part of planned October work. The Board requested the engineer’s written remediation plan and timeline before proceeding with additional measures.

The Board adjourned at 2:43 p.m. and scheduled its next regular meeting for July 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.