Engineers and vendor report on lakes, drainage and stormwater after Tropical Storm Debbie

Bill Kurth, a representative of Premier Lakes, reported the lakes "appear to be in very good shape," said crews removed fallen trees from the Florida Power & Light ditch and outfall prior to an approaching tropical storm, and noted the Lake H1-B nano-bubbler would be repaired the following day. Premier Lakes increased service frequency from quarterly to monthly for the rainy season; Mr. Kurth and Operations Manager Shane Willis said they will present electrical proposals for relocating a compressor in the Masters Lake.

District Engineer Charlie Krebs reported MRI’s Pinehurst valley gutter grate replacement is about 80% complete and discussed the new curb style and potential maintenance implications. He said the stormwater system performed and flowed during Tropical Storm Debbie but reached capacity in places after parts of the community received nearly 8 inches of rain in two to three days (roads in the area are designed for about 5½ inches of rain in 24 hours). Mr. Krebs told the board he could add a drainage connection to bypass pipes and let water flow directly into the lake to reduce stress on inlets and pipes.

A resident voiced a belief that standing water from Tropical Storm Debbie is coming up through a slab and causing mold in a unit; Mr. Krebs said he does not believe standing water is the cause because no other units reported the same issue and asked Mr. Long to comment at the next meeting. Resident Christine Mantilia asked whether fire trucks could draw water from the lakes to lower water levels; Mr. Krebs responded that is not typical, could harm plants and fish, and would require approval from the South Florida Water Management District.

Operations Manager Shane Willis said he would review prior minutes regarding a downed tree in a conservation area and asked the resident to send photographs so staff could assess whether work is needed; lighting issues should be reported to The Club. On a separate neighborhood safety item, Mr. Willis said Mr. Long is scheduling staff training on the speed sign project and will provide an update at the next meeting.

Next steps recorded: repair of the Lake H1-B nano-bubbler; Premier Lakes and Mr. Willis to present electrical proposals for compressor relocation; Mr. Krebs to confirm MRI schedule for asphalt patching and to consider adding a drainage connection; staff to follow up with residents who submitted photographs and to report updates at the next meeting.