Heritage Pines CDD approves $19,200 Premier Lakes algae-treatment contract

The Heritage Pines Community Development District board voted Oct. 15 to contract Premier Lakes, Inc. for pond algae treatment, approving a $19,200 agreement that the board said will save about $3,200 a year compared with the district's existing SOLitude contract.

District Manager Chuck Adams presented the proposal and summarized the transition timeline. Adams said the Premier Lakes proposal represents an "overall cost saving of $3,200 per year" compared with the SOLitude contract and that, if approved, he would initiate SOLitude's 30‑day termination clause to end services on Nov. 30, 2024 and have Premier Lakes commence service on Dec. 1, 2024. When a resident asked what chemical SOLitude uses, Adams said, "a copper-based product is used to target algae," and explained that associated odors come from algae degasification and typically last a few days.

On a motion by Supervisor Michael Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Carol Vaughan, and "with all in favor," the board approved the Premier Lakes proposal for pond algae treatment in the amount of $19,200. The board's vote was recorded as unanimous among the five supervisors in attendance. Adams said he will initiate the contractual steps to terminate the SOLitude agreement and begin the new contract on the stated dates.

Residents and supervisors asked follow-up questions about treatment details and reporting. The board noted that Premier Lakes will provide a more detailed report on pond treatments going forward. The district manager also said he will contact SOLitude about its recent performance and the possibility of seeking compensation related to treatment concerns.