Residents urge action on Pinehurst drainage; board directs engineer to inspect

Residents raised recurring drainage and ponding concerns during public comment at the River Ridge CDD meeting on July 23.

Resident Shari Perkins told the board that a week after a pipe was plugged drainage problems persist at the Pinehurst monument area and that water has been overflowing there; she said resident Fred Kronke reported a retention pond between River 8 and River 9 appears non-functional with water nearly a foot above the drain. The Board asked whether video exists of water bubbling out of the drain; Perkins said she would provide photographs and video to district staff.

District Engineer John Baker explained that before the inlet was plugged water from one system was backing up into a lower system; plugging removed that forced inflow but left no clear outlet for accumulated water, creating what he described as “a very tiny pond in a pipe.” He said resolving the issue will likely require additional study and recommended photographs or video to help staff identify the precise failure point. The Board directed the District Engineer to view the drainage firsthand.

Separately, Mr. Adams presented MRI Construction Estimate #C060-24 for $10,692.88 to install a Type 9 inlet top to reduce debris blockage; staff indicated an additional proposal is being obtained and the item was retained on the agenda for future action.

The district confirmed that the pipes in question ultimately discharge into the Estero River via ditches that run across the golf course and into the River Club. Staff will follow up with the engineer after reviewing the footage and the additional contractor estimate.