River Ridge reviews gatehouse, monument and well plans; $2.5M loan likely

Board members reviewed a revised Long Range Plan outlining multiple neighborhood infrastructure projects, including monument replacements, gatehouse renovations and a backup irrigation well.

Eric Long described the completed traffic-calming project (radar sign and camera, $26,739) and said the backup irrigation well project is near completion with an additional estimated cost of $291,500. Long said the new well is expected to become the primary well after pump installation and planned water-quality testing. He said staff will remediate landscaping and sod damaged during construction contingent on coordination with a pending South Florida Water Management District stormwater project.

Long and District Engineer Charlie Krebs also presented cost estimates for monument replacements (probable cost about $250,000) and gatehouse renovations (estimated $615,775 in FY2026 and $407,240 in FY2027). Krebs noted the gatehouse project exceeds the sealed-bid threshold of $550,000, triggering a sealed-bid procurement process. District Manager reported the CIP changes will likely necessitate a construction loan of approximately $2.5 million; Chuck Adams said he will provide a term sheet for a $2.5 million loan with $50,000 costs of issuance at the next meeting.

Board discussion included timing, ownership of Corkscrew Road right-of-way, and aesthetic considerations. Board members directed staff to coordinate permitting and contractor selection and to pursue required Village of Estero permits and HOA coordination.