River Ridge discusses storm resilience, NPDES report and drainage easement after storm-related damage reports

Resident Lynda Sorensen addressed the Board during public comment about water intrusion and high moisture beneath her home’s slab at 27123 Sound Way. Sorensen described buckled master-bedroom flooring, elevated moisture readings and ponded water that submerged underground downspouts. She said building inspections found no plumbing or HVAC leak and that a foundation specialist recommended installing drain tiles around the perimeter and extending downspouts 5 to 10 feet; Sorensen asked the Board and HOA to coordinate on a solution.

Mark Zordan presented the Lee County NPDES Permit FLS000035-004 Cycle 4 Year 7 Annual Report, noting Lee County reviewed and approved the report and it will be submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in advance of the Nov. 1, 2024 deadline. Zordan said a new permit cycle is anticipated but timing is uncertain, so staff will proceed into Year 8 and continue monitoring potential changes to water‑sampling requirements.

Eric Long briefed the Board on storm-surge resilience planning and an action plan under development, including an advisory/review panel. Long said a topographic map for a hypothetical Hurricane Milton scenario showed that "a 10' to 12' storm surge could have caused 45% to 55% of the community to be flooded," and asked the Board to designate representatives; the Board agreed that Long and newly appointed Keith Merrill will assist and authorized District Engineer Charlie Krebs to help as necessary.

District Counsel Tony Pires presented a template Proposed Grant of Easement for drainage from PSGRC to the RRCDD; the Board approved the template approach and agreed future specific easements would be brought with sketches and legal descriptions.