The Annual Meeting of Landowners & Supervisors of The Central Charlotte County Drainage District was held on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at the Charlotte County Public Works Building, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950. The attorney for the District, Edward L. Wotitzky, called the Meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Roll was taken, and it was determined a quorum of Supervisors and Landowners were present. Supervisors who were present included David Anthony and Carol M. Nevling. Also present at the Meeting were the District’s Secretary/Treasurer, Ms. Judy Uhland and the District’s attorney, Mr. Edward L. Wotitzky, Esq.
Due and proper Notice of the Meeting was established. The Notice of the Meeting was published in the Charlotte Sun newspaper on May 24, 2019 and May 31, 2019. The Publisher’s Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Meeting is attached to these Minutes.
The Minutes of the June 14, 2018 Annual Meeting and Minutes of the January 24, 2019 Workshop Meeting were then reviewed and considered. After review, and on Motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the reading of the Minutes was waived, and the Minutes were approved as submitted.
The Landowners then proceeded to elect one (1) Supervisor. Mr. Wotitzky advised the term of Robert “Bucky” McQueen expires on September 30, 2019. An election of a Supervisor to fill that position was held.
The floor was open for nominations. Mr. Robert “Bucky” McQueen was nominated to serve an additional three (3) year term. There were no other nominations, and on Motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, Mr. Robert “Bucky” McQueen was elected to serve as a Supervisor of the District for a three (3) year term commencing on October 1, 2019.
As a result of the election, the following individuals constitute the Supervisors of the District for the noted terms:
Name of Supervisor, Date of Term Expiration
- Carol M. Nevling, September 30, 2020
- David Anthony, September 30, 2021
- Robert “Bucky” McQueen , September 30, 2022
The Supervisors then proceeded to elect officers for terms commencing on October 1, 2019. After discussion, and on Motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the following individuals were elected to the noted offices:
- President: Robert “Bucky” McQueen
- Vice President: David Anthony
- Secretary/Treasurer: Judy Uhland
The financial statements for fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, were then discussed. Ms. Uhland noted the financial statements had previously been provided to the Supervisors. After discussion and on Motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the financial statements were approved.
The budget for fiscal year commencing October 1, 2019 was then considered. Attached to these Minutes are suggested budget options prepared by the District’s Treasurer, Judy Uhland.
Mr. Wotitzky advised that the budget calling for a Twenty Dollar ($20.00) per acre annual assessment or maintenance tax was the only option which could be considered. He noted the District is utilizing the uniform method for collection of non-ad valorem assessments and taxes. He reviewed the procedures and requirements for utilizing that method and noted the District had previously complied with the provisions of Section 197.3632 of the Florida Statutes and adopted a Resolution calling for a maximum rate of non-ad valorem assessments to be Twenty Dollars ($20.00) per acre.
Mr. Anthony suggested that a three (3) year business plan be adopted based on anticipated costs for cleaning and maintaining the ditches. In connection with the three (3) year plan, the Supervisors would be in a position to determine whether to increase the maximum assessment amount.
Based on the foregoing considerations, and on Motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the option one budget set forth on the attached budget option material be, and the same is hereby approved and adopted. It was further
RESOLVED, that assessments be levied at the rate of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) per acre for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019.
The Supervisors then reviewed and considered action regarding maintenance of the District’s ditches. The Supervisors reiterated the advantage of establishing a three (3) year plan to be considered at the next Workshop Meeting which will be scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.
The attorney for the District then noted concerns regarding the establishment of the ditch and canal locations. He advised the ditches and canals which have been maintained by the District and which have been established were not established in accordance with formal easement documents. There may be a need to establish legal descriptions for the ditches at some future date.
There being no further business for the Landowners and Supervisors, the Meeting was, on Motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted, Judy Uhland, Secretary
Approved, Robert “Bucky” McQueen, President