River Ridge CDD approves solar speed‑radar signs, temporary aerator power and new landscaper

Bob Schultz, chair of the River Ridge Community Development District Board of Supervisors, opened the board’s Nov. 19, 2024 meeting and led votes on a package of operations and maintenance items that included traffic‑calming equipment, an interim electrical solution for a lake aerator, irrigation repairs and a change in landscape contractor.

The board unanimously approved a contract with My AV‑Tech LLC to wire and install three permanent 15‑inch solar-powered digital speed-radar signs and one mobile unit, with associated camera and messaging hardware and a cloud-device service priced at $1,500 per device per year. Operations Manager Shane Willis presented the AV‑Tech estimates and Eric Long, PSGRC general manager, recommended adding a mobile unit and relocating an existing unit; the board approved the combined proposal for a total of $105,000.

Why it matters: the signs are part of a multi-year traffic‑calming plan and the board discussed funding sources, siting and enforcement. The minutes note $150,000 is budgeted for traffic calming and that PSGRC could receive and retain covenant‑enforcement revenues to offset some cloud‑device costs.

The board also addressed relocation work for an aeration system in Lake E1‑C. Willis presented Premier Lakes’ revised work order and a Bentley Electric proposal that would add roughly 125 feet of electrical work. After weighing a full relocation estimate of about $10,755 against a smaller interim option, the board voted 3–2 to install a temporary electrical "zombie box" at the existing aerator location for $3,098. The motion passed with Schultz, Twombly and Merrill voting in favor and Mountford and Blumenthal dissenting.

Irrigation repairs were approved in a separate action. Charlie Krebs, district engineer, presented ancillary costs from Irrigation Concepts—$4,002.50 to repair damaged wiring and approximately $1,300 each to raise seven to eight irrigation heads. On motion by Kurt Blumenthal and seconded by Bob Schultz, the board approved a change order not to exceed $15,000 to complete those repairs.

Landscape services also changed hands. Citing poor performance by Laz’s Lawn Service, Mrs. Adams recommended terminating that contract and engaging GulfScapes Landscape Maintenance Services. Board members discussed that GulfScapes’ proposal of $58,500 exceeds the current $45,000 budget by $13,000, and that withheld payments to Laz’s Lawn could be applied to plant replacement costs. The board authorized the termination of Laz’s Lawn’s agreement and immediate engagement of GulfScapes with all members voting in favor.

The board reviewed unaudited financial statements dated Oct. 31, 2024, and noted the Series 2022A note will be closed and funds applied to prepay bond debt. Supervisor Kurt Blumenthal asked why the Oct. 1 annual insurance payment did not appear in the check register; Mrs. Adams said she would investigate and report back.

Votes at a glance: • Resolution 2025‑02 (electing officers): adopted unanimously (motion by Terry Mountford; second by Kurt Blumenthal). • Aerator temporary 'zombie box' installation: approved 3–2 (motion by Bob Schultz; second by Robert Twombly). • My AV‑Tech LLC sign system (Estimates 24150 & 24151): approved unanimously (motion by Bob Schultz; second by Kurt Blumenthal); total approved $105,000. • Irrigation Concepts change order (repair wiring/raise heads): approved unanimously, not‑to‑exceed $15,000 (motion by Kurt Blumenthal; second by Bob Schultz). • Termination of Laz’s Lawn Service and engagement of GulfScapes: approved unanimously (motion by Kurt Blumenthal; second by Bob Schultz); GulfScapes proposal $58,500.

The meeting record shows staff will follow up on the missing insurance payment entry and return with details; the board also scheduled its next meeting for Dec. 10, 2024.