River Ridge CDD approves irrigation repairs, Seaside drainage scope and switches landscape contractor

The River Ridge Community Development District on Nov. 19 approved several maintenance and infrastructure items: a not-to-exceed $15,000 change order for irrigation repairs, a revised drainage scope with construction imminent, and a contract change for landscape services.

District Engineer Charlie Krebs presented a revised scope for the Seaside & Master Drainage Project intended to preserve the original project intent while allowing operational flexibility. MRI (the prime consultant/contractor) expects work to begin within two to three weeks.

Mr. Krebs also reported ancillary irrigation costs from Irrigation Concepts: $4,002.50 to repair damaged wiring and about $1,300 each to raise seven to eight irrigation heads. On a motion by Mr. Blumenthal and seconded by Mr. Schultz, the board approved an Irrigation Concepts change order not to exceed $15,000 to cover those repairs and adjustments.

An added agenda item addressed landscape maintenance: Mrs. Adams recommended terminating the District’s agreement with Laz's Lawn Service, Inc. for poor performance and engaging GulfScapes Landscape Maintenance Services. Discussion noted GulfScapes’ proposal is $58,500 (about $13,000 over the budgeted $45,000), that GreenScapes declined to execute the CDD contract, and that withheld payments to Laz's Lawn could offset plant-replacement costs. The board voted unanimously to terminate Laz's Lawn and authorize engagement of GulfScapes effective immediately.

Operations and engineering staff will finalize work authorizations and agreements and report back on budgets and contract execution details.