River Ridge CDD appoints Keith Merrill, approves gatehouse redesign and advances storm-surge planning

Bob Schultz, chair of the River Ridge Community Development District Board of Supervisors, opened the Oct. 22 regular meeting and led the Board in appointments and project approvals affecting Pelican Sound residents.

The Board voted to appoint Keith Merrill to fill the unexpired Seat 1 (term through November 2026) after Schultz nominated him and Robert Twombly seconded the motion. Mrs. Cleo Adams, a notary and the District's manager, administered the Oath of Office to Merrill, who will serve as an Assistant Secretary under the officer slate adopted later in the meeting.

Why it matters: the appointment restores a full complement of supervisors and the Board immediately took up governance and capital decisions that will affect neighborhood entrances, stormwater infrastructure and routine maintenance.

The Board adopted Resolution 2025-01 to elect officers: Bob Schultz (Chair), Terry Mountford (Vice Chair), Kurt Blumenthal (Assistant Secretary), Robert Twombly (Assistant Secretary) and Keith Merrill (Assistant Secretary). District Counsel Tony Pires reviewed Sunshine Law and ethics filing requirements with trustees following the appointments.

Capital projects and maintenance approvals

The Board authorized Bowman Consulting Group to retain RG Architects, P.A. as a subconsultant to redesign two gatehouses, approving a plan to book an estimated $62,500 of design costs as an up'front deferred/reimbursable expense to be invoiced when financing is issued. Charlie Krebs, the District engineer, said the work will include updated elevations and that new elevation certificates may be required; staff estimated design and permitting will take 12 to 18 months. The motion to authorize Bowman to retain RG passed unanimously.

In a related motion, the Board approved Bowman's proposal for a Pelican Sound master signage program to replace neighborhood monuments and coordinate landscape architecture across the CDD. Krebs noted some monuments will be relocated and several neighborhood signs will be replaced to correct wording errors and address rust.

Storm response and resilience planning

Premier Lakes and District operations staff reported the lakes weathered recent storms relatively well, though one nano'bubbler aerator requires repair and a relocation near a homeowner's lanai will require electrical work. The Board also discussed a longer'term storm'surge resilience plan presented by Eric Long, who said a hypothetical 10'to'12'foot surge could have flooded an estimated 45% to 55% of the Pelican Sound community in a prior scenario. Long asked the CDD to designate Board and staff liaisons to coordinate a multi'year plan and possible intergovernmental partnerships; he and newly seated Merrill were asked to assist and Charlie Krebs was authorized to help as needed.

Emergency cleanup and easements

The Board ratified emergency street'sweeping services provided by Precision Cleaning, Inc., approving a one'time payment of $1,475 and authorizing staff to add additional week'to'week cleanings over the next month if necessary.

District Counsel presented a template Grant of Easement for drainage from the PSGRC to the River Ridge CDD. The Board approved using the template and agreed future easements will include specific sketches and legal descriptions on the agenda when action is requested.

Financial reporting and operations notes

Mrs. Cleo Adams presented the unaudited financial statements through Sept. 30, 2024 and flagged apparent line'item mispostings (for example, General Fund "Engineering" at 209% of budget and "Contingencies" at 421% because of landscaping charges). Mr. Blumenthal requested copies of invoices and a corrected date on the report. The Board ratified Resolution 2024'05A accepting the audited financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2023.

Public comment and next steps

Resident Lynde Sorensen reported moisture and mold under her home's slab at 27123 Sound Way, describing ponded water behind the unit, very high moisture readings and a foundation contractor's recommendation for perimeter drain tiles and 5'to'10'foot downspout extensions. Staff said drain tiles are typically HOA responsibilities but acknowledged ponding and run'off issues may require coordination between the HOA, the golf course and the CDD.

The Board rescheduled the November meeting to Nov. 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. and adjourned at 3:07 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of Keith Merrill to Seat 1 (motion by Bob Schultz; second by Robert Twombly): approved (unanimous). - Resolution 2025-01 electing officers (motion by Kurt Blumenthal; second by Terry Mountford): adopted (unanimous). - Authorize Bowman to retain RG Architects, P.A. as subconsultant and authorize Chair to execute documents after review (motion by Kurt Blumenthal; second by Terry Mountford): approved (unanimous). - Bowman Consulting Group signage proposal: approved (unanimous). - Precision Cleaning street sweeps (one'time $1,475) and authorization for additional cleanings: approved (unanimous). - Grant of Easement (PSGRC to RRCDD): approved (unanimous). - Ratify audited financial report FY 2023 (Resolution 2024'05A): ratified (unanimous).

The meeting minutes show the Board taking routine governance, capital planning and maintenance actions while directing staff to provide follow'up on budget line items, sign replacement and drainage coordination with neighborhood HOAs.