INUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2022 WORKSHOP MEETING OF SUPERVISORS OF THE CENTRAL CHARLOTTE COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT
The Workshop Meeting of Supervisors of the Central Charlotte County Drainage District was held on Thursday, December 15, 2022. The meeting was held at the Charlotte County Public Works building conference room, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950.
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Mr. Vincent Boccio, president of the District. All of the supervisors were present as follows, David Anthony, Vicent Boccio, and Carol M Nevling. Also present at the meeting were Judy Uhland, secretary/treasurer (via telephone), and Edward L. Wotitzky, Esq., attorney for the District.
Due and proper notice of the meeting was established. Attached to these Minutes is a copy of the Notice of Workshop Meeting and a copy of the Publisher’s Affidavit of Publication confirming the Notice was published on November 23, and December 2, 2022.
The first order of business before the supervisors involved maintenance projects which are ongoing in the District. The only maintenance being performed is herbicidal spraying of the ditches by Lake Doctors. A completed Work Order Information Sheet was reviewed regarding recent work performed by Lake Doctors. The report, a copy of which is attached, indicates that the Grove ditch was treated for grass and weeds; however, access to the Pelican ditch was precluded due to the presence of construction vehicles. A great deal of discussion then ensued concerning the Lake Doctors contract and work. The supervisors suggested that Mr. Boccio contact Matt Lewis from Lake Doctors for the purpose of confirming the work being performed. The supervisors noted a field meeting with Matt or another representative of Lake Doctors would be beneficial to assure work is properly performed. Judy advised she would provide Mr. Boccio with the contract for Lake Doctors and a map of the ditches being sprayed or maintained by that Company.
Ms. Uhland then reviewed the financial condition of the District. Attached to these Minutes are the bank statements and financial statements for the period ending November 30, 2022. Also attached to these Minutes is the balance sheet as of December 14, 2022.
Ms. Uhland indicated the fund balance of the District is $45,587.00, of which $20,000.00 constitutes an informal maintenance reserve. She advised that tax revenues were coming in rather slowly until the last couple of weeks. She also noted there are no expenses which are foreseen that would prevent the District from staying on budget through fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.
Mr. Anthony then noted that the Lake Doctors Contract should be further reviewed to confirm the number of sprayings which are covered. He noted that although the Contract apparently provides for two sprayings per year, an additional spraying would provide much better results, and that four sprayings per year would be dramatically more effective.
Mr. Wotitzky then noted that during the next year, further discussions should be held concerning an extension of the term of the District. Unless the corporate existence is extended, the Drainage District will be dissolved as of January 5, 2026. He noted that for the District to be extended, a Circuit Court order would be required. Mr. Boccio asked whether the State or County would have a say in whether the District should be extended. Mr. Wotitzky advised he would look into that matter. He also noted that a discussion with the County concerning the ramifications of ending the corporate existence of the District should be scheduled.
Mr. Anthony then inquired about the possibility of maintenance projects or culvert replacements being required which would require an expenditure of funds greater than available by the District. Mr. Wotitzky noted the Board of Supervisors has the authority to levy special assessments; however, any special assessments which are not levied pursuant to the uniform method of collecting taxes would require the District to take steps to collect any such assessments directly from the land owners. The uniform method of collecting the District’s assessments has been previously approved, pursuant to which the Charlotte County Tax Collector collects the assessments for the District on the annual tax bill. The maximum amount which can be levied pursuant to this procedure is currently set at $20.00 per acre.
A discussion then ensued concerning the 2023 Annual meeting. Assuming facilities are available at the Public Works building, the supervisors determined that the Annual meeting will be scheduled for June 15, 2023.
There being no further business before the supervisors, the meeting was, on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Judy Uhland, Secretary
Approved: Vincent Boccio, President