Meeting Minutes for May 21, 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, May 21, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
William Krukowski – Chair
Clifford Kinnunen, Jr. – Vice Chair
Melody Van Horn – Assistant Secretary
Chris Jenner – Assistant Secretary
Supervisors Attending Remotely:
Robert Geltner – Assistant Secretary
Also present were:
Mandie Rainwater- District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Frank Savage – Engineer, Barraco and Associates
Attending remotely:
Matt Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Mike Eckert – Attorney, Kutak Rock, LLP
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. Present and constituting a quorum were Chair Krukowski, Vice Chair Kinnunen, Supervisors Van Horn and Jenner with Supervisor Geltner attending remotely. Also attending in person were District Manager Mandie Rainwater and District Engineer Frank Savage. Attending remotely were Assistant District Manager Matt Gindling and District Attorney Mike Eckert.
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the remote participation of Supervisor Geltner.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Pledge of Allegiance
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
The Agenda was approved as amended, adding the highlighted portions.
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, 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. Update – Lake Bank Violation
District Manager Rainwater reported that an email was received from Sarah Jackson with the Lee County Hearing Examiner’s Office regarding the amended Hearing Examiner Order. The County does not accept the proposed revised language.
Supervisor Van Horn expressed disappointment over the County’s denial of the District’s Violation Order Amendment.
Chair Krukowski stated that the District should not run into additional problems if progress reports continue to be provided to the County.
District Attorney Eckert reminded the Board that the approach to the Violation Order Amendment was a two-step process. The first step involved attempting to work collaboratively with the County to include the proposed language; however, the County declined to do so. He advised that the second step will occur when the District submits documentation demonstrating progress toward compliance, at which time the requested language may be revisited with the Hearing Officer.
Mr. Eckert will resubmit the Violation Order Amendment with additional information once staff provides the necessary materials.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Counsel Items
A. District Counsel Items
District Attorney Eckert reported that three pending bills, one related to sovereign immunity, one related to recall of CDD supervisors and another regarding the acceptance of electronic payments beginning in January, are awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Chair Krukowski inquired about Homefront Heroes; however, Mr. Eckert indicated that there have been no recent communications with Homefront Heroes.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager Items
A. Update on Stormwater MOU and Maintenance Agreement with COA
District Manager Rainwater reported no updates.
B. Draft Proposed Budget FY 2027
District Manager Rainwater reported that, per the Board’s prior direction, staff prepared a proposed assessment increase from $723.88 to $753.12 per homeowner and applied a $6 increase to Moody East parcels based on the assessment methodology. She noted that the budget must be finalized by August 2026 and that assessments may be reduced prior to adoption but cannot be increased above the proposed amount.
Chair Krukowski noted that there has been no assessment increase in the past four years. Following discussion regarding future project funding needs, the Board approved an increased assessment of $60 for homeowners, bringing the total to $783.88, and a $7 per unit increase for Moody East parcels.
District Manager Rainwater will revise the budget to reflect the approved assessment increases.
i. Resolution 2026-05: Proposed Budget Approval
On MOTION by Supervisor Van Horn, seconded by Vice Chair Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2026-05: Proposed Budget Approval for August 20, 2026.
ii. Revised Draft Proposed Budget FY 2027
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with Supervisor Geltner and Vice Chair Kinnunen voting in favor, with Supervisor Jenner voting nay. The Board approved 4 to 1 to increase assessment for homeowners by a total of $60 per unit and to increase Moody East by a total of $7 per unit.
C. Updated Newsletter
District Manager Rainwater reviewed updates to the newsletter, including revisions to supervisor information, roles, and meeting dates.
Supervisor Geltner requested the addition of language stating that “FY2027 meetings will be determined at the September meeting.”
Motion by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Geltner, with all in favor, the Board approved the publication of the Newsletter on the CDD website.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager Items
A. Lake Bank Restoration Update: Lake 5
i. Update on JJB South LLC – Lake 5 Pipe Extension/ Manhole Cover Raising
District Manager Rainwater reported that, following the Board’s request, staff confirmed attachment methods with the vendor and forwarded the information to the District Engineer. After discussion regarding pipe size, attachments, and scope adjustments, the revised proposal from JJB South LLC increased by $4,057.08 due to the pipe size change.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Kinnunen, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from JJB South LLC. in the amount of a $4,057 increase for the Lake 5 Pipe Extension/Manhole Cover Raising.
B. Lake Bank Restoration Update: Lake 15,16,17,19
District Engineer Savage reported that, based on field observations and a site visit, the original contract appears to include sod as needed and does not support the additional sod charges in the submitted change orders. He recommended that the invoices and related change orders not be approved at this time.
District Attorney Eckert advised that the additional charges may not be required under the contract but suggested the Board consider negotiating with the contractor.
Mr. Savage recommended that staff, the engineer, and the contractor meet on-site to review the project and determine next steps. The Board agreed that the matter should be revisited following a site visit and additional recommendations from the District Engineer. The Board noted that two change orders including sod had already been approved and agreed to revisit the matter following a site visit and additional recommendations from the District Engineer.
District Attorney Eckert stated that Staff should remind contractors that contract terms may not be altered without approval.
i. Talon Change Order – Lake 17
District Manager Rainwater presented a change order for tree removal at a cost of $1,950, which also included additional sod due to lake levels. The Board approved the change order for tree removal only, contingent upon the removal of all additional sod charges.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Kinnunen, seconded by Chair Krukowski, with all in favor, the Board approved the Change Order not to exceed the amount of $1,950 for tree removal only, contingent upon the removal of all additional sod charges from the proposal.
ii. Talon Change Order – Lake 19
District Manager Rainwater presented a change order which includes $1,950 for tree removal and $6,675 to tie in the berm on the south side of the existing berm to block water. The Board approved the change order for tree removal and berm tie-in only, contingent upon removal of all additional sod charges.
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Vice Chair Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board approved the Change Order for removal of trees and berm tie in only, contingent upon the removal of all additional sod charges from the proposal not to exceed $8,625.
C. FLGIS – Stormwater Inspection Update
District Manager Rainwater reminded Supervisors that they should have received a link to access a shared Dropbox containing all of the additional files and video footage should they wish to view it. She also brought the copy of paper documents used to create the reports should any Supervisors wish to view it.
i. Reports
Field Manager Pepin reported that significant debris was identified in pipes and structures. He recommended prioritizing cleaning of pipes over 40% blocked, followed by removal of remaining debris. Some work may require divers and result in higher costs.
ii. GIS Data
Field Manager Pepin reported that once ROV inspection data is incorporated into the GIS, estimates for cleaning work can be developed if the Board elects to proceed.
Mr. Savage left the meeting at 1:51 p.m.
D. Reported Washouts on Lakes 15 & 17
At the Board’s request, staff was directed to coordinate with the District Engineer and appropriate parties regarding the installation of French drains below the low water line to help reduce washouts. The item was tabled for further discussion. Related discussion also included the community’s fountains and aerators, with associated proposals addressed later in the agenda.
E. Talon Invoice – Final Draw Less Littoral & Deep Lake Trees
This item has been tabled until June.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to be Pulled for Discussion by the Board
Vice Chair Kinnunen asked to pull the Field Manager Report.
i. Public comment on balance items
None were heard.
B. Motion to Approve Balance of Items
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the remainder consent agenda items.
C. Consideration of items pulled for discussion
It was determined that the two items pulled from the Field Report were addressed elsewhere on the agenda and required no further discussion. An additional item was not discussed at the recommendation of District Attorney due to pending litigation.
i. Public comment taken on each pulled item as it is considered
None were heard.
D. Consent Items
i. Meeting Minutes from April 16, 2026
ii. Monthly Financials for February and March 2026
iii. Action List FY2026
iv. Field Manager Report
Motion by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the Field Manager Report.
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Business Items
A. Lakes and Preserves
District Manager Rainwater noted that this item was discussed earlier in the meeting and had no additional updates to report.
B. Maintenance and Repairs
i. Tabled Proposal – Kelleher Gazebo Rust Update
District Manager Rainwater reported that staff contacted the HOA regarding prior rust-related work but has not received a response.
Motion by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Vice Chair Kinnunen, with all in favor, the Board approved tabling the proposal until additional information is received from the HOA.
ii. Proposal – Littoral Replacement
District Manager Rainwater reported that the Board had previously approved a proposal from Advanced Aquatics; however, staff was informed that the vendor would not guarantee the work unless they also perform lake maintenance. As a result, the item was brought back for reconsideration.
Following discussion regarding plant quantities and long-term survivability, the Board agreed to rely on vendor expertise for plant selection and directed staff to request a revised proposal from Pristine Lakes using Canna in place of Bull Rush in Lakes 3 and 4.
Motion by Vice Chair Kinnunen, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, the Board authorized District Manager Rainwater to obtain a revised proposal from Pristine Lakes reflecting changes to plant type and quantity, not to exceed $5,000. The motion passed 4-1, with Vice Chair Kinnunen voting nay.
iii. Proposal – Cypress Cleanup & Removal
District Manager Rainwater reviewed a proposal from Newell Lawn Care totaling $3,800, which included Trim Sabal Palm, TS – Labor – Tree Service and Dump fee.
The Board noted the proposal did not reflect the original request for Cypress tree work only and declined the Sabal palm services. Staff was directed to follow up with the vendor for clarification and revisions.
On MOTION by Chair Krukowski, seconded by Supervisor Van Horn, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Newell Lawn Care, contingent upon revising the scope to include only Cypress tree trimming and debris removal, not to exceed $1,200.
C. No Fishing Signage
The Board held a detailed discussion regarding stormwater signage. Chair Krukowski noted that seven signs had been provided by the HOA, resulting in quotes for 24 additional signs and 30 posts.
Supervisor Geltner recommended updated signage language to include “No Fishing, No Swimming, No Littering, No Feeding Wildlife,” citing safety concerns related to potential water contamination. District Attorney Eckert confirmed that signage for lakes is not legally required, and District Manager Rainwater clarified that nonresidents may be trespassed from CDD property.
The Board also discussed enforcement challenges and placement considerations, including avoiding private property and minimizing impact on residents.
Due to cost considerations, the Board discussed pursuing a lower-cost option for signs and obtaining posts separately. Staff was directed to coordinate with the Field Manager Pepin to provide placement maps to the Board.
The item was tabled for further discussion at a future meeting.
i. Example of Sign Wording
ii. Proposal – Installation for Sign and Post
iii. Sign Options
- Proposal – Fast Signs
- Proposal – SmartSign
- Proposal – Sign and Design Depot
iv. Estimates –Post Options
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor’s Items
No additional items were presented. Supervisor Jenner confirmed he will be punctual for upcoming summer meeting.
Vice Chair Kinnunen indicated a potential absence from the September 17, 2026 meeting.
TWELVETH ORDER OF BUSINESS Public Presentation of Matters by Citizens
A resident of the Moody River Estates inquired on how the District can enforce the no fishing policy on the lakes.