Meeting Minutes for August 11, 2025
Renaissance Community Development District
The Regular Meeting and Public Budget Hearing of the Board of Supervisors of the Renaissance Community Development District was held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at 3820 Colonial Blvd., Suite 101, Fort Myers, FL, and via web conference.
Present and constituting a quorum were:
Doug Dickey – Chair
Linda Stuart – Vice Chair
George Pattee – Assistant Secretary
Chris Bezaire – Assistant Secretary
Also present were:
Cal Teague – District Manager, Premier District Management (PDM)
Melissa Gindling – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Mandie Rainwater – Assistant District Manager, PDM
Tom Hart – Attorney, Knott, Ebelini, Hart
Mark McCleary – Engineer, CE-Site
Steve Epkins – Supervisor Candidate
Savannah Hancock – Attorney, Kilinski Van Wyk
Attending remotely were:
Chris Pepin – Field Manager, Community Field Services
Alex Ortega – Resident
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS Call to Order and Roll Call
The Renaissance Community Development District meeting was called to order, and District Manager Cal Teague called the roll. Supervisors Dickey, Stuart, Bezaire and Pattee were present. Also attending were Cal Teague, District Manager, Melissa Gindling, Assistant District Manager, Mandie Rainwater, Assistant District Manager, Tom Hart, the Attorney, Mark McCleary, the Engineer, Steve Epkins, Supervisor Candidate, and Savannah Hancock, Attorney. Attending remotely were Chris Pepin, the Field Manager and Alex Ortega, a Resident.
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS Approval of the Agenda
An Amended Agenda was presented adding:
9Dvi: Financial Reports for July 2025
13A: Letter from Concert Golf Attorneys Regarding Board Letter
On MOTION by Vice Chair Stuart, seconded by Chair Dickey, with all in favor, the Board approved the Agenda, as amended.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments on Agenda Items
Attorney Savannah Hancock spoke about the recent letter sent by Kilinski Van Wyk to the District regarding Concert’s objections to the letter sent by the District to residents. She asked that the Kilinski Van Wyk letter be included in the record of proceedings, and also asked for collaboration between Concert and the District on the future assessment methodology.
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Public Hearing
A. Presentation of Proposed Budget
The Board discussed the amount budgeted for hurricane expenses as well as reserves. District Manager Teague suggested that a line of credit will be necessary to cover some expenses until the first round of assessment payments are received.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Supervisor Bezaire, with all in favor, the Board opened the Public Budget Hearing at 9:06 a.m.
B. Public Comment
There were no public comments.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Supervisor Bezaire, with all in favor, the Board closed the Public Budget Hearing at 9:07 a.m.
C. Resolution 2025-03: Adopt FY 2025-2026 Budget Appropriation
Resolution 2025-03 was approved as presented.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2025-03, adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.
FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2025-2026 O&M Assessment Public Hearing
A. Presentation of Proposed Assessment Rates
Supervisor Bezaire asked why assessments haven’t been increased for residents this year, and the Board and District Manager Teague commented that a new methodology should be presented before increasing assessments, and also that the increase would have needed to be decided earlier in the year. The rates can be increased next year if needed.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Supervisor Pattee, with all in favor, the Board opened the Public Assessment Hearing at 9:10 a.m.
B. Public Comment
There were no public comments.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board closed the Public Assessment Hearing at 9:11 a.m.
C. Resolution 2025-04: Approve FY 2025-2026 Assessments Levy
Resolution 2025-04 was approved as presented.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Supervisor Pattee, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2025-04, setting the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Assessment Levy.
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consideration of Resignation of Supervisor James Bond, Seat #5
Supervisor Bond’s resignation was in the packet. The Board accepted his resignation.
On MOTION by Supervisor Bezaire, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board accepted the resignation of Supervisor James Bond, Seat 5.
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consideration of Appointment to Vacant Seat #5
The Board received one letter of interest from Colonel Steven Epkins. Colonel Epkins shared that he was interested in joining the Board since he has been a resident of Renaissance for 11 years, has experience with property management, is interested in learning more about the District, and cares about the community.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Stuart, seconded by Supervisor Bezaire, with all in favor, the Board appointed Steve Epkins as Supervisor for Seat 5.
Mr. Epkins affirmed the 2 oaths of office and joined the meeting as Supervisor.
EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Resolution 2025-05: Board Reorganization
The Board tabled this resolution to the October meeting.
NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Consent Agenda
A. Items to Be Pulled for Discussion
No items were pulled.
B. Motion to Approve Consent Items
On MOTION by Vice Chair Stuart, seconded by Supervisor Pattee, with all in favor, the Board approved all items on the Consent Agenda, as presented.
C. Consideration of Items Pulled for Discussion
D. Consent Items
i. Draft Regular Meeting Minutes from June 9, 2025
ii. Financial Reports for May 2025
iii. Financial Reports for June 2025
iv. Project Tracking Log
v. Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Report
vi. Financial Reports for July 2025
TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Old Business
A. Lake 6 Shoreline Stabilization Project Update
i. Work Completed by Pristine Lakes
There are two locations that continue to wash out due to a homeowner’s overflow pool drain and another homeowner who did not opt into having a catch basin installed on their property. Letters have been sent to both homeowners with no reply yet. Staff asked one homeowner to replace sod near their pool drain, and requested permission from the other homeowner to install a catch basin on their property. Field Manager Pepin reported that a small row of littorals will be planted to test how they grow within the shell material.
ii. Seabreeze Mutual Release Update
Attorney Hart reported that Seabreeze only had a patent application rather than a registered patent. Tom is of the opinion that the application is likely not patentable. He suggested that the Board authorize the District Manager to sign a general release, if the Attorney recommends it and if it becomes appropriate to do so. The Board authorized this course of action.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board authorized the District Manager to sign a general release with Seabreeze, if the Attorney recommends it and if it becomes appropriate to do so.
B. Lake Bank Restoration Proposal Follow-up
At the last meeting the Board tabled this discussion to see how the seashell repair would hold up through rainy season. There was discussion on the type of restoration method to use, and the Board decided Lake 10 should be completed next. Field Manager Pepin suggested March or April for the repair, and Mr. Pepin will get updated proposals to do the entire shoreline of Lake 10.
C. Rest Area Expansion Follow-up
There were no updates, and the Board asked staff to remove this item from the agenda.
D. Encroachment Agreement with 12450 Vittoria Way Follow-up
Staff is still waiting for the homeowner to sign the agreement. Staff spoke with him several times and he had some questions/concerns, but seemed agreeable to signing after he speaks with his realtor. The homeowner is planning to sell his house, and staff will continue to follow up with him again.
ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS New Business
A. Wall Panel Repair Update/Proposal
The tree was cut down over the weekend. Field Manager Pepin will reach back out to the wall company to have the panel and posts repaired.
B. CDD Goals Workshop and Brainstorming Discussion
This was a request by the Board at the last meeting. After discussion, the Board decided there is a lot of other priorities at the moment, and this topic was tabled for a later date.
C. Lake 2 Fountain Repair and Replacement Quotes
The fountain pump and motor are no longer functioning and need to be replaced. Pristine Lakes has provided two proposals, one to just replace the 7.5hp pump and motor for $11,286.28 and another proposal to install a brand new 5hp fountain for $13,915.00. Field Manager Pepin suggested the first option, and the Board approved this proposal.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board approved the proposal from Pristine Lakes to replace the 7.5hp pump and motor for $11,286.28.
D. Fish Stocking Proposal to Help Reduce Snail Population
Valerie Nolin with the Community Association has asked the CDD to stock the lakes with Shellcracker fish as they are known to help reduce the snail population. The golf club is having snail issues within the irrigation system and the fish would help reduce the snail population within the system. The proposal included 81,520 fish at the cost of $1,100.52.
The Board discussed whether this was a CDD responsibility or not, since the CDD does not control irrigation. They also had concerns about potential environmental impacts of releasing new fish into the lakes. Engineer McCleary suggested there was a modification that could be made to the intake pipe that may also help reduce snails. The Board asked for Paul Halverson and Engineer McCleary to be present at the October meeting so they could learn more about these options before making a decision.
E. Request for Lake Sign Installation
Valerie Nolin has asked the CDD to install two signs for the lakes at the entry to the community. She would like them to say “No Swimming & No Fishing, Alligators may be Present.” Attorney Hart agreed this would be a good idea. The Board approved the installation of these two signs, not to exceed $350.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Supervisor Pattee, with all in favor, the Board approved the installation of two signs near the lakes at the entrance of the community, not to exceed $350.
F. Assessment Methodology Proposal Discussion
There are funds in the budget to cover a new assessment methodology report. A draft of the advertisement is included if the Board would like to proceed. The Board asked if the proposals could be due in November, and then reviewed at their meeting in December. Presentations by bidders will be requested. Staff will proceed with advertising the RFP and contacting potential firms.
G. Audit Selection Process
i. Establish Minimum Qualifications
ii. Appoint Committee
iii. Authorize RFP and Audit Selection Committee Meeting: 10/13/2025 at 8:45 a.m.
District Manager Teague suggested the Board choose a new auditor for next year.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board appointed themselves as the Audit Committee, authorized staff to advertise the RFP and scheduled the Audit Selection Committee Meeting for October 13, 2025 at 8:45 am.
TWELFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Field Manager
A. Field Manager’s Report
Field Manager Pepin presented his report, including:
The lakes are looking better this month. The littorals will be planted in Lakes 6 and 8 by the end of the week. Some trash is present within the lakes.
There are some aerator issues this month that were reported to the contractor.
The Lake 10 fountain was previously running 24/7, but the issue has been fixed.
A homeowner has painted one of the CDD control boxes green, presumably to have it blend into the landscaping better.
The Lake 8 fountain was repaired via warranty.
The shoreline landscaping looks good. The Board reported that some of the landscapers are still blowing grass clippings into the lakes, and Field Manager Pepin will send a reminder to Dale.
Lake 6 repairs were discussed earlier, and Field Manager Pepin noted that contractors have kept a little dirt and shell pile on the empty lot for repairing any additional washouts. This will be cleaned up once everything is stabilized.
Field Manager Pepin presented two washout repair quotes for Lake 10, but since the Board would like to repair the entire shoreline next fiscal year, he will have those repairs included in the proposal.
He noticed some morning glory in the preserves.
The vines on the perimeter fencing will be sprayed back later this month.
B. Follow-Up Items
i. Aerator Repairs
All previously approved repairs have been completed, however during the most recent field inspection several new issues were noticed. These issues have been forwarded to the maintenance company and they were onsite last week addressing what they could.
ii. Lake 10 Fountain Replacement
The new fountain was installed last month and has been operational since.
iii. Lake 7 Shoresox Concerns
This will be repaired sometime this month.
iv. Cypress Tree Uplifting on Lake 10
The cypress trees were uplifted early last month.
Following a question by Alex Ortega, there was a discussion about responsibility for water quality within the lakes. Attorney Hart reported that the CDD is responsible for ensuring the water quality is not a nuisance, but since the golf course holds the water use permit and the Renaissance Community Association controls resident irrigation, additional water treatments for snails should probably be a cooperative effort between the entities. Further research is needed before providing a definitive answer.
THIRTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Attorney
A. Letter from Concert Golf Attorneys Regarding Board Letter
Attorney Hart recommended the Board advertise and hold a shade meeting as soon as possible to decide how to respond to this letter.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board scheduled a special meeting on August 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Attorney Hart also stated he will be retiring soon, and is resigning as District Counsel. He noted that he will still be available for any ongoing issues and to help with the transition, and recommended the Board hire an attorney to attend the meeting on August 27. District Manager Teague reported a few attorney names that he has worked with before.
On MOTION by Supervisor Bezaire, seconded by Supervisor Pattee, with all in favor, the Board hired Attorney Brian Williams for the interim, specifically to assist on the topic that will be discussed at the August 27 meeting.
FOURTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Engineer
Engineer McCleary reported he will survey Lake 10 prior to the bidding process for that lake. He will coordinate with staff.
FIFTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS District Manager
A. Review of Legal Expenses
This was included in the packet.
B. Cash Flow Update and Consideration of Line of Credit
A cash flow update was presented in the additional materials, and District Manager Teague reported the District has about $35,000 available right now. A requisition from the construction fund has been requested from US Bank, and he recommends that the Board approve a line of credit. The Board approved a line of credit up to $200,000, and the plan is to take out $50,000 to begin with, and draw more only if necessary.
Vice Chair Stuart left the meeting at 10:46 a.m. and rejoined the meeting at 10:48 a.m.
On MOTION by Vice Chair Stuart, seconded by Chair Dickey, with all in favor, the Board authorized a line of credit up to $200,000 from Valley Bank.
C. Resolution 2025-06: Setting FY 2026 Meeting Schedule
The proposed meeting schedule is in the packet. The Board decided to change the meeting schedule to the second Monday of every month, and keep the meetings at the Premier District Management office.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Supervisor Bezaire, with all in favor, the Board set the Fiscal Year 2026 meeting dates for the second Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m. at the office of Premier District Management.
Supervisor Bezaire left the meeting at 10:53 am.
D. Resolution 2025-07: Adopting FY 2026 Goals and Objectives
Due to recent legislation, the Board needs to once again set goals for the upcoming year by October 1. Then, by December, staff will present the post-fiscal year “report card”, showing what was accomplished in the previous fiscal year. This will be posted to the CDD website. The Board approved the goals as presented.
On MOTION by Chair Dickey, seconded by Vice Chair Stuart, with all in favor, the Board approved Resolution 2025-07, adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Goals and Objectives for the District.
SIXTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Supervisor Requests/Comments
New Supervisor Epkins thanked the Board for the appointment, and noted he had much to learn about the District. The other Board members suggested Supervisor Epkins take a ride-around tour with Field Manager Pepin to view District assets, and ask questions of staff.
SEVENTEENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS Audience Comments
Attorney Savannah Hancock commented that with no filed litigation, a closed session is against Florida law.