Heritage Pines CDD approves $600 stump grind behind Heritage Point Drive, accepts unaudited Dec. 31, 2024 financials

The Heritage Pines Community Development District board approved a $600 stump‑grind removal behind 11453 Heritage Point Drive and accepted its unaudited financial statements for Dec. 31, 2024 during a regular meeting on Feb. 18, 2025.

Kathleen Lonergan, chair of the Heritage Pines Community Development District, read aloud the scope of work for Environmental Solutions' previously amended proposal for maintenance inside wetland NWRA‑33, describing hand removal of dead or dying bushes and selective treatment of vines where crews can safely access them: “The task is for removal and disposal of several dead or dying bushes around the perimeter and wetland NWRA‑33… We will also attempt to kill back the vines on the north side and southeast site by both cutting at the water level and selective use of herbicide.” Lonergan emphasized that plants larger than 5 inches in diameter would not be removed inside the wetland absent engineer approval.

District Manager Chuck Adams told the board the ES approach is more labor‑intensive and aesthetic, while A‑Z Tree Service would use mechanical mulching: “They are similar tasks but with different intensities and different methods; the areas done by ES will likely be more esthetically pleasing because it is more of a handwork approach; whereas, A‑Z will use a forestry mulcher, which grinds everything.”

Public comments had raised two localized tree concerns. Resident Tom Martin asked about a dead tree near 18906 Rolling Hills Loop and said it had been an eyesore for two to three years; Lonergan said the District Engineer will inspect and follow up with Grounds Superintendent Tim Gatz. Resident Don Brothers reported an invasive tree and a debris pile behind 11453 Heritage Point Drive and described it as a hurricane hazard; Assistant Secretary Stephen Putman inspected and photographed the area.

The board considered three written A‑Z estimates: cleanup and trim behind 11453 Heritage Point Drive ($350); removal with stump grind behind 11453 Heritage Point Drive ($600); and forestry mulch around the pond at Waterlily Lane and Rolling Hills Loop ($5,475). On a motion by Supervisor Michael Walsh and seconded by Supervisor Stephen Putman, “with all in favor,” the board approved the $600 A‑Z stump‑grind removal behind 11453 Heritage Point Drive.

Adams also reported the district is obtaining quotes to repair a damaged cover from a moving truck; that repair will be discussed at the next meeting.

On finance matters, Adams presented the unaudited financial statements as of Dec. 31, 2024 and answered questions about the BankUnited investment account and the current interest rate. Staff was asked to resend the statements. On a motion by Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes and seconded by Michael Walsh, with all in favor, the board accepted the unaudited financial statements.

The board then amended and approved the Dec. 10, 2024 meeting minutes after four specific line corrections (spelling of Vaughan; deletion of one line; replacing “Mr. Hurley” with “Mr. Gatz”; and replacing “Mr. Walsh” with “Mr. Rhodes”). The board reviewed to‑do items (several ongoing and several completed), received no non‑agenda public comments, noted that District Counsel and District Engineer had no reports, set the next regular meeting for April 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., and adjourned at 2:24 p.m.

Actions taken at the meeting include the A‑Z Tree Service stump‑grind approval for $600, acceptance of the unaudited financial statements for Dec. 31, 2024, approval of amended Dec. 10, 2024 minutes, and a formal motion to adjourn.