Board orders legal review after concerns raised about candidate 'coffee' event

The Heritage Pines Community Development District board on Sept. 17 directed staff and counsel to review an HPCA‑scheduled candidate event after Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said the event appeared to be a campaign‑style forum that could risk violating the Florida Sunshine Law.

Rhodes said a notice showed resumes and bios attached for three candidates and relayed the candidates' stated reasons for running as recorded in the distribution: "Necessary changes from current direction, priorities and results," said Mr. Steele; "Work together to enhance the community," said Mr. Putman; and Mr. Kleeman said he observed "discord between the CDD and Heritage Pines." Rhodes also cited attendance records he said show two prospective candidates attended few or no recent CDD meetings and asked who instructed HPCA staff to schedule the Oct. 9 event. HPCA General Manager Herb Hurley told the board the candidates requested the event.

On a motion by Rhodes, seconded by Supervisor Carol Vaughan, the board unanimously directed the District Manager to review the implications of outside candidates and alleged hostile relationships and asked District Counsel to provide a legal opinion. District Manager Chuck Adams said he will ask counsel to prepare a memorandum and reminded board members not to reply to the email chain discussing the event.

The board did not take additional action at the meeting; Rhodes asked that his presentation on the issue be included in the minutes. District Counsel's written opinion was requested for a future meeting.