Meeting Minutes for January 15, 2026
Moody River Estates
Community Development District
The Regular Meeting of The Board of Supervisors of the Moody River Estates Community Development District was held at the Clubhouse at Moody River Estates, 3050 Moody River Boulevard, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903, and also via web conference on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
William Krukowski – Chair
Robert Geltner – Assistant Secretary
Melody Van Horn – Assistant Secretary
Clifford Kinnunen, Jr. – Assistant Secretary
Supervisors arriving later:
Chris Jenner – Vice Chair, arrived at 1:31 p.m.
Also present were:
Mandie Rainwater- District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Doug Tarn -Construction Engineering Manager, Barraco and Associates
Phillip Schwartz – Talon Construction
Attending remotely:
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Michael Eckert – Attorney, Kutak Rock, LLP
Kubra Metin – Attorney, Kutak Rock, LLP
Richard Paolo – Landshore Enterprises.
The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken at the Moody River Estates Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors regular meeting.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Krukowski called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m., and District Manager Rainwater called the roll. In attendance were Chair Krukowski, Assistant Secretary Geltner, Assistant Secretary Van Horn and Assistant Secretary Kinnunen. Vice Chair Jenner arrived at 1:31 p.m. A quorum was established.
Also in attendance were District Manager Rainwater, Construction Engineering Manager Doug Tarn and Phillip Schwartz, from Talon Construction. Attending remotely were Assistant District Manager Gindling, District’s Attorney Eckert, Richard Paolo from Landshore Enterprises and Attorney Metin.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The agenda has been amended to include sections 7Ci, 7Cii, 10Biii, and 10Biv. Chair Krukowski requested that Section 7a be moved to Section 7c, Section 7c be moved to Section 7a, and that the Lake Bank proposers be moved ahead of Other Business on the agenda.
On MOTION by Supervisor Geltner, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda as amended.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Public Presentation of Matters by Citizens on Agenda Items Only
There were no Audience comments.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS DIstrict Engineer Items
A. Proposal – Topography Map on Canal Side of Seaside Harbour
District Manager Rainwater reported that Mr. Savage had provided a revised proposal to have a topography map created for Seaside Harbour covering the entire side of the street, highlighting which addresses were going to be included, and it would cost the district approximately $4,500.00 to have this map created.
Discussion followed, during which Chair Krukowski questioned whether preparation of the topography map was necessary. Supervisor Kinnunen said it was due to resident concerns of pooling on that side of the community. Supervisor Geltner said there are 42 lots, is this something the residents should be asked to pay for. Supervisors were reminded of the memo that spelled out responsibilities and this inspection can be a baseline that will be added to the GIS system once complete. Supervisor Geltner expressed his concern that this study may be the beginning of a larger issue.
Mr. Tarn believes that the original issues in the Moody North neighborhood were solved already.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Counsel Items
A. District Counsel Items
Mr. Eckert informed the Board that he received an email from counsel for the Homefront for Heroes (HFH) group requesting further changes to the agreement. HFH is asking that O&M assessments begin in October 2026 and that boat ramp payments not begin until 2027. They also object to including a CPI adjustment on the boat ramp payment, even though the adjustment would not take effect for three to five years. In addition, HFH also requested that payment of past-due assessments and fees associated with revising the agreement be deferred for 90 days following execution of the agreement.
Mr. Eckert stated that he does not recommend agreeing to the delayed payment request. He explained that payment should be made at the time the agreement is signed, especially since one of the documents will be recorded. He noted that recording a document without payment could create issues if payment is not made and the document later needs to be undone.
Supervisor Geltner expressed ongoing concerns about the boat ramp being used in a manner different from its original intent. Also discussed were concerns related to HFH’s land use and feedback received from the surrounding community.
Mr. Eckert stated that he will communicate with HFH’s representatives and advise them that the Board is agreeable to changing the assessment start dates, is not agreeable to delaying the required payments, and that some type of cost adjustment will be required if the CPI adjustment is removed.
Mr. Eckert also advised the Board that he requested an update on the construction schedule. HFH responded that they do not have a start date, as they are currently fundraising for the project, and that construction will not begin this year.
Vice Chair Jenner arrived at 1:31
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager Items
A. Lake Bank RFP Discussion (sent under separate cover)
i. Talon Construction Questions
ii. Landshore Enterprises Questions
DM Rainwater reported that the bid opening went well. A representative from Landshore Enterprises attended in person, and Talon Construction submitted its bid package a few days prior to the meeting. Supervisors Van Horn and Geltner attended the meeting remotely.
DM Rainwater introduced Philip Schwartz of Talon Construction, who was present in the room, and Richard Paolo of Landshore Enterprises, who attended online. Both were available to answer questions from the Board.
The Board asked both vendors questions regarding their shoreline restoration methods.
Mr. Schwartz stated that he personally viewed the lakes and that Talon Construction has experience with this type of project. He explained that the company uses high-quality fill material and compacts it using either a skid steer or a plate compactor. He noted that Talon subcontracts the planting of littoral vegetation to a specialized company that is familiar with proper plant types, quantities, and placement. Talon proposed using a basic coconut mat restoration method and indicated they could begin work within one to two weeks. Talon Construction submitted a proposal of $126,741.60 to repair lake banks on Lakes 15, 16, 17, and 19.
Mr. Paolo explained that Landshore Enterprises uses a geotube restoration method, filling the tube with clean sand and then cutting it open to create a sloped shoreline, along with other restoration techniques as needed. He stated that compaction is performed using a plate compactor. Mr. Paolo noted that Landshore specializes in shoreline restoration and consists of general contractors and engineers focused on stabilization products. He stated that Landshore does not install littoral plants or perform lake maintenance and would need to subcontract or recommend a landscaper for those services. Landshore indicated they could begin work once the contract is signed. Landshore Enterprises submitted a proposal of $225,645.36 to repair lake banks on Lakes 15, 16, 17, and 19.
Supervisor Van Horn asked whether Talon had sufficient information to fully price work related to catch basins and culverts. DM Rainwater responded that some change orders could be expected during the project. She explained that both vendors may need to access the lakes to better assess the number of catch basins required based on final grading, and that pricing for this work was not included. She also noted that there may be issues related to incorrect plant species.
Talon would replace any landscaping damaged during construction but would charge separately for the removal of cabbage palms. Landshore reported that their proposal includes a contingency for landscaping, sod replacement, and sidewalk repairs.
DM Rainwater asked both vendors whether they reviewed the lakes and developed staging plans. Both vendors confirmed that they had evaluated the lakes for staging purposes. She emphasized that scheduling and communication will be critical to the success of the project.
Attorney Eckert stated that the project is below the competitive bid limit and that no protest rights apply. He explained that the scoring process is used to help the District determine what is in its best interest. He further noted that while vendors may voluntarily choose to leave the meeting after their presentations, the Board cannot ask anyone to leave a public meeting.
The Board was provided with scoring sheets and evaluation criteria. All Supervisors selected Talon Construction.
Talon and Landshore left the meeting
On MOTION by Supervisor Geltner, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved Staff to negotiate a contract with Talon Construction for the restoration of lakes 15, 16, 17 u0026amp; 19.
B. Update on Stormwater MOU and Maintenance Agreement with COA
DM Rainwater reported that the District sent the documents to HOA counsel for consideration in November, and to date no response or additional revision requests have been received. Staff was informed that the Voting Representatives have met once but have not considered any items from the CDD.
DM Rainwater further reported that the proposed property reassignments to place the preserve in the CDD’s name are no longer being considered until the HOA corrects all violations cited by the County. The HOA has hired Newell to address the violations, which include issues in the preserve area near Lake 7, where Ficus trees and other items were required to be removed. Additional violations were identified in a preserve area between two homes, where the County determined that residents’ lawns had encroached into the preserve and that landscapers had been maintaining grass within the preserve area and hopefully these have been corrected.
C. Authorization of Management Changes
i. Acknowledgement of Mandie Rainwater as District Manager and as Custodian of Public Records
DM Rainwater stated that district management duties are changing from Cal Teague to her and there is a resolution to present for a Reorganization of the board. In the additional materials, a “blank” reorganization is included.
The Board mentioned that is has been a pleasure working with her and she has been doing a great job and the Board also wanted to extend their gratitude for Cal Teague and it has been a pleasure working with him all these years. .
On MOTION by Supervisor Geltner, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved to acknowledge District Manager Teague is replaced by District Manager Rainwater as District Manager and as Custodian of Public Records.
ii. Resolution 2026-02: Board reorganization: Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer
On MOTION by Supervisor Geltner, seconded by Chair Krukowski, with all in favor, the Board approved the staff changes on Resolution 2026-02.
Vice Chair Jenner told the Board other obligations will continue to causer him to be late and is stepping down as Vice Chair. He nominated Cliff Kinnunen as Vice Chair.
On MOTION by Supervisor Jenner, seconded by Chair Krukowski, with all in favor, the Board Reorganized naming Supervisor Kinnunen as Vice Chair.
iii. Reaffirming Christopher Dudak as Records Management Liaison Officer
On MOTION by Supervisor Geltner, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved to reaffirm Christopher Dudak as the District’s Records Management Liaison Officer.
iv. Resolution 2026-03: Check Signing Authority
DM Rainwater explained that adding Mr. Dudak on to the District’s check signing authority it would allow him to fill in for Cal Teague in the event of his absence.
On MOTION by Supervisor Van Horn, seconded by Supervisor Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board approved to adopt Resolution 2026-03 adding Christopher Dudak as a check signer for the District.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager Items
A. Lake Bank Restoration Update: Lake 5
DM Rainwater provided an update from Field Service Manager Pepin regarding Lake 5, stating that Shenandoah has not yet been able to schedule a return visit to the community; however, they have provided a map. FSM Pepin indicated that the work appears to be far enough from the concrete to avoid issues, and the map shows activity occurring above the washout area.
Supervisors Krukowski and Kinnunen noted the presence of large trucks in the community near the manhole covers. It was reported that Lee County has contracted with two companies to perform work on lift stations and county owned manholes.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion by the Board
Supervisor Kinnunen asked to pull the Field Manager Report.
i. Public comment on balance items
There were none.
B. Motion to Approve Balance of Items
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board approved the remainder of the Consent Agenda items.
C. Consideration of items pulled for discussion
i. Public comment on balance of items
D. Consent Items
i. Meeting Minutes from December 18, 2025
ii. Monthly Financial Summary for December 2025
iii. Report on Pond Watch
iv. Maintenance Reports from Aquatic Weed Control
v. Action List Fiscal Year 2026
vi. Field Services Report
Supervisor Kinnunen inquired about the cabbage palms and “No Fishing” signs. The Board requested that FSM Pepin obtain a quote for the “No Fishing” signs and a separate quote for cleanup of the cabbage palms around Lake 18. Chair Krukowski stated that he will remove the cactus that was planted by Lake 18.
DM Rainwater reported that staff received a report of a resident backing a truck up to one of the lakes to fish.
Staff was also asked to follow up with FSM Pepin regarding an alligator that may have been moving the aerators.
On MOTION by Supervisor Van Horn, seconded by Supervisor Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board accepted the Field Services Report.
vii. Aerator/Fountain Log
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Business Items
A. Lakes and Preserves
DM Rainwater stated that there were no updates beyond what was included in the Field Services Report and the RFP presented today, but noted that the lake levels are being monitored.
B. Maintenance and Repairs
i. Concrete Repair at Gazebo/Sidewalk Update
DM Rainwater reported that as of January 12, the epoxy contractor was on site applying the product and indicated that the work would be completed that day, with a required 24-hour curing period. The Board expressed satisfaction with the contractors’ work on both projects. The benches are scheduled to be shored up on Friday.
Supervisor Geltner raised concerns regarding the gazebo and possible rust spots on the poles and banisters. Chair Krukowski noted that he had previously discussed these concerns with FSM Pepin, and staff will relay the information and determine whether proposals are needed.
DM Rainwater thanked Chair Krukowski for sanding graffiti from the sidewalk.
ii. Ratification – Additional Lighting Repair
DM Rainwater reported that Aaaction Electric inspected for additional lights not working and found that 3 were broken and the wires were also degraded. It was noted that the damage was most likely caused by the HOA’s landscaper.
The work was approved between meetings while the vendor was already on site and could perform the repair without additional mobilization. The proposal was for $884.33, and this amount will be charged to HOA landscaper.
On MOTION by Supervisor Kinnunen, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the ratification of the lighting repair proposal from Aaaction for a cost of $884.33.
iii. Proposal – Regrading 12931 Seaside Key
DM Rainwater reported that FSM Pepin received a proposal from Pristine to regrade the areas identified by Barraco on the Seaside Key topography map for a cost of $1,800.00. The work would be completed by hand, as machinery cannot access the area.
On MOTION by Supervisor Geltner, seconded by Supervisor Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Pristine to regrade for a cost of $1,800.00.
iv. Proposal – Removal of Ficus Trees
DM Rainwater reported that the County identified an invasive Ficus and other exotic vegetation along Seaside Key. She stated that this was likely discovered during the County’s attempt to re-inspect the HOA’s violations, prompting a closer review of the area.
The Board discussed the need for clarification regarding the locations of the invasive trees and shrubs, noting that while the proposal references Seaside Key, the accompanying photo shows Sandy Key.
The littoral portion of the proposal was also discussed. It was noted that the vendor had previously installed 3,000 littorals in the lake and transplanted additional littorals from other lakes.
Chair Krukowski suggested bringing in a company that specializes in aquatic plantings to assess the existing littorals, provide recommendations on the current plantings, and advise on the best approach moving forward in March.
Chair Krukowski asked whether another company, such as Talon or Pond Watch, should be consulted regarding the littorals. The Board requested that Pristine Lakes provide a revised proposal for only the primary work (Item 1), excluding lake enhancements, and to consider whether Newell could perform the work or if they have the authority to do so.
Staff will ask FSM Pepin to request the amended proposal.
On MOTION by Supervisor Kinnunen, seconded by Chair Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved to allow Chair Krukowski to sign the proposal once it has been amended for clarification.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor’s Items
Supervisor Kinnunen would like to see more vendors proposing on projects than just Pristine.
Chair Krukowski would like to not hold 12 meetings this year and is requesting the Board to check their schedules. He would also like the Board to begin thinking about the Budget and any project ideas for Fiscal Year 2027.
TWELVETH ORDER OF BUSINESS Public Presentation of Matters by Citizens
There were none.