6:00 pm regular board meeting agenda · 5/16/2016 · lehigh acres, florida april 18, 2016 let it...

May 16, 2016 – 6:00 PM – REGULAR BOARD MEETING Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District Barrett Room 601 East County Lane Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 This meeting is open to the general public.

AGENDA

1. Preliminaries A. Roll Call B. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance C. Public Comment for Agenda Items D. Move, Remove and Add Agenda Items raucous E. Approval of Agenda F. Presentation of Awards –Employee of the Month and PR Awards G. Action on Removed Consent Items H. Approval of Consent Agenda

2. Consent Agenda A. Invoices and Change Orders B. Approval of Minutes –April 18, 2016, Regular Meeting

3. Action Agenda A. Good Cause B. 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Audit-Purvis, Gray & Co. C. SFWMD Cooperative Funding Grant Application

4. Discussion A. Old Business

1. FDOT JUSMSA Agreement, Segments 3 & 4

B. New Business 1. Draft 2015-2016 Capital Improvement Plan 2. Draft 2015-2016 Strategic Plan 3. Draft 2014-2015 Budget Projection 4. Hendry Canal Widening Update to FDOT Standards TY Lin

C. Commissioner’s Request D. Engineer’s Report E. Attorney’s Report F. Staff and Financial Report G. Treasurer’s Report H. Secretary’s Report I. Public Comment, Public Forum J. Adjournment

YELLOW SHEET # AIS16-070

SUBJECT: 2A - Invoices and Change Orders

Meeting Date 5 /16/2016

Agenda Item# 2A

CONSENT ACTION OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner ATTORNEY

BOARD MANAGER ENGINEER AUDITOR

Recommended motion:

Move to approve all invoices as stated on the Summary Sheet.

What the action accomplishes:

Approves all invoices that are outside the approval limits of the Treasurer and Manager.

Fiscal impact: As listed on the Summary Sheet.

Staff comments:

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER

WATER RESOURCE MANAGER

CANAL MAINTENANCE MANAGER

APPROVED DENIED DEFERRED

Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District

AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY

Request Initiated By:

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2

3

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5 Staff review and recommended approval:

Bonacolta Deetscreek Stout Welch

6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson

Lehigh Acres, Florida April 18, 2016 LET IT BE KNOWN that the “Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District” held its regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting at 6:00 P.M. in the Barrett Room, 601 East County Lane, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936, with various members of the public and the following Commissioners and staff present: CHAIRMAN: Kenneth Thompson VICE CHAIRMAN: Michael Welch TREASURER: David Deetscreek SECRETARY: Michael Bonacolta BOARD MEMBER: J. Nathan Stout

STAFF: Dave Lindsay, District Manager Michael Cook, Assistant District Manager Kathy O’Brien, Comptroller

Bill Walker, Field Operations Manager Carla Brantley, Deputy Secretary ATTORNEY: Mary Viator Esq., Caldwell Pacetti Edwards Schoech & Viator LLP

ENGINEER: Lee Flynn, Aim Engineering and Surveying

AGENDA

1. Preliminaries A. Roll Call B. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance C. Public Comment for Agenda Items D. Move, Remove and Add Agenda Items raucous E. Approval of Agenda F. Presentation of Awards G. Action on Removed Consent Items H. Approval of Consent Agenda

2. Consent Agenda A. Invoices and Change Orders B. Approval of Minutes –March 21, 2016, Regular Meeting C. Permit #16-04, Century Link Bore under Remora Canal D. Lee County Tax Collector Agreement

3. Action Agenda A. Good Cause B. Letter to LBOCC, Negotiation on Powers C. SW Lehigh Weir Bids D. SW Lehigh Weirs, Award Contract to Coastal Concrete Products, Inc.

4. Discussion A. Old Business B. New Business

1. FDOT Agreement Segment 3 and 4 C. Commissioner’s Request D. Engineer’s Report E. Attorney’s Report F. Staff and Financial Report G. Treasurer’s Report H. Secretary’s Report I. Public Comment, Public Forum J. Adjournment

1. PRELIMINARIES

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District April 18, 2016 Regular Meeting

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A. ROLL CALL Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 5:59 p.m.

B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was given by Commissioner Stout. Commissioner Welch led the pledge.

C. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR AGENDA ITEMS Resident Mohammad Yasin addressed the Board.

D. MOVE, REMOVE AND ADD AGENDA ITEMS Dave Lindsay asked to remove 3A as there are no “good cause” items.

E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Move to approve the Agenda as amended Commissioner Welch moved Commissioner Deetscreek second

Motion was approved unanimously

F. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Chairman Thompson acknowledged that Steven Ciampaglia is the employee of the month for March 2016. Mr. Ciampaglia has been with the district for more than 20 years. He is always a willing volunteer on special projects and has been Shop Stewart for a number of years.

G. ACTION ON REMOVED CONSENT ITEMS

None.

H. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Stout noted that when Manager Lindsay first came to the District the two of them

met with the then seated Lee County Tax Collector to negotiate the 1 percent rate down from 2 percent. He noted this has been a great savings for the District over the years and is pleased it can continue.

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Bonacolta moved Commissioner Deetscreek second

Motion was unanimously approved

2. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Invoices and Change Orders Move to approve all invoices as stated on the Summary Sheet

B. Approval of Minutes, February 22, 2016 Special and Regular Meetings Move to approve the minutes for the March 21, 2016and regular meeting.

C. Permit #16-04, Century Link Bore under Remora Canal Move to approve Permit 2016-04, Century Link Bore under Remora Canal with any listed stipulations.

D. Lee County Tax Collector Agreement


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Move to approve the agreement between LA-MSID and the Lee County Tax Collector.

3. ACTION AGENDA

B. Letter to LBOCC, Negotiation on Powers Manager Lindsay provided an overview of the discussions with Lee County regarding the Powers and a draft letter. Motion: Move to approve the letter to Lee County Board of County Commissioners to negotiate on powers listed in F.S. 2015-202 Laws of Florida and for the LA-MSID Chairman to sign the letter.

Commissioner Bonacolta noted the letter was made available in the public board packet at the same time as the Board of Commissioners received it.

Commissioner Welch noted this is a complicated process and there are areas that need further research. He requested that Manager Lindsay provide updates on the process with Lee County to the Board of Commissioners periodically through emails or the monthly Manager’s report. Commissioner Welch noted the importance of forming an understanding for all of the idiosyncrasies of this process and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Commissioner Welch noted the mutual understanding with Lee County should hold more importance then a timeline.

Commissioner Stout moved Commissioner Welch second Motion was unanimously approved

C. Southwest Weirs Bids

District Manager Lindsay provided an overview of the bid process for the Southwest Lehigh Weirs project constructing 26 weirs.

Motion: Move To: 1. Receive and file six (6) Bids received for construction of the Southwest Lehigh Weirs

project “A.B.S.O.R.B.” submitted on March 17, 2016; 2. Waive any minor irregularities in the six (6) bids received; 3. Accept the recommendation from Richard H. Thompson (RHT Engineering) dated April

4, 2016 and award contract to the lowest, most responsible and responsive bidder, Coastal Concrete Products, LLC. dba Coastal Site Development in the amount of $3,128,000.00. Commissioner Stout noted that Coastal Concrete Products, LLC. dba Coastal Site Development is a new contractor and asked the Manager if staff has done due diligence in researching the company and verifying that the company can post the performance bond. Manager Lindsay noted staff verified all references for the contractor.


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Commissioner Deetscreek moved Commissioner Stout second

Motion was unanimously approved

D. Southwest Lehigh Weirs, Award Contract to Coastal Concrete Products, Inc.

Motion: Move to approve the Coastal Concrete Products, LLC. dba Coastal Site Development contract for the Southwest Lehigh Weirs (ABSORB). Project in the amount of $3,128,000.00, subject to final legal review.

Commissioner Welch moved Commissioner Stout second

Motion was unanimously approved 4. DISCUSSION AGENDA

4A. Old Business Nothing to report.

4B. New Business Manager Lindsay provided an update on the agreement with FDOT. 4B1. FDOT Agreement Segment 3 and 4

4C. Commissioner’s Request

None.

4D. Engineer’s Report As submitted. 4E. Attorney’s Report As submitted. 4F. Staff and Financial

As submitted.

4G. Treasurer’s Report Ahead on collections.

4H. Secretary’s Report None.

4I. Public Comment None.

J. ADJOURNMENT


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Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Welch seconded by Commissioner Bonacolta at 6:21 p.m.

Reviewed by: Michael Bonacolta, Secretary

ADOPTED ON: May 16, 2016 Ken Thompson, Chairman


SUBJECT: 2B - Minutes


Agenda Item# 2B




Recommended motion:

Move to approve the minutes for the April 18, 2016 Regular Meeting.


Memorializes the Board Meetings as per Florida Statute.

Fiscal impact: 4 hours staff time.

Staff comments:

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER




Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


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3

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6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson


SUBJECT: 3B - 2014-2015 Fiscal Audit - Purvis, Gray & Company


Agenda Item# 3B




Recommended motion:

Move to accept the Basic Financial Statements Together with Report of Independent Auditor Year Ended September 30, 2015 as audited by the firm Purvis, Gray and Company, LLP.


Required by Chapter 218.39, F.S., Provides for an independent certified public accounting firm to audit the accounts and records of the District and assess it's financial condition per 10.554 Rules of the Auditor General.

Fiscal impact: ?? Kathy

Staff comments: No management letter comments for ninth consecutive year.

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER




Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


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6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson


SUBJECT: 3D - SFWMD Cooperative Funding Grant Application


Agenda Item# 3D




Recommended motion:

Move to approve the Moving Water South Project, Phase 2 and the submittal of the SFWMD Cooperative Grant application.


Provides up to $250,000 matched grant funding for stormwater projects.

Fiscal impact: $250,000, to match.

Staff comments: Match is made available through the FDOT JUSMSA, segments 3 & 4. A modeling contract to follow.

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER




Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


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2

3

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6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson


SUBJECT: 4A1- FDOT Agreement, Segments 3 and 4


Agenda Item# 4A1


COMMISSIONER ATTORNEY


Recommended motion:

Move to approve the JUSMSA, Segments 3 & 4, with the Florida Department of Transportation. See attached draft motions from Frank Palen of Caldwell Pacetti.


Provides for the transfer of easements at several canal connections along SR 82 and for the discharge of allowable flows from the creation of new, impervious surface from the SR 82 Road Widening Project, Segments 3 & 4.

Fiscal impact: $2,359,??? Of ?? Revenue Kathy???

Staff comments: A closing on the easements will occur in the near future.

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER

COMPTROLLER

FIELD SUPERINTENDENT


Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


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3

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Thompson Bonacolta Deetscreek Stout Welch

6 BOARD ACTION

ASSISTANT MANAGER


SUBJECT: 4B1 -Draft 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan


Agenda Item# 4B1




Recommended motion:

N/A


Provides the CIP to the Commissioners review process, in hopes of passage at the June Regular Board Meeting.

Fiscal impact: See plan.

Staff comments:

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER




Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


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2

3

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6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson

Capital Improvement PlanFY2017‐2021

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LEHIGH ACRES MUNICIPAL SERVICES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (Fiscal Years 2017 - 2021)

OVERVIEW

Board of Commissioners:Kenneth K. Thompson ChairmanMichael J. Welch Vice ChairmanDavid Deetscreek Treasurer Michael Bonacolta Secretary J. Nathan Stout Board Member

Introduction

The Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement District staff provides an updated Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan(CIP) every year prior to adopting the next annual budget. This latest revision was prepared in the spring of 2015. Thisplan is only a guiding tool that details how Staff anticipates that these projects will be brought to the Board ofCommissioners for future action. The Board of Commissioners must approve each project individually before theybecome a reality. Fiscal Year 2016 projects are either already approved by the Board or recommended by staff as anecessity. As the CIP moves further into the future, the project reality and timing becomes less clear because of theunpredictability of the funding, design, and permitting needed to proceed with each project.

Background

The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (LA-MSID) is an independent special taxing District andformerly was the East County Water Control District (ECWCD). LA-MSID was created on June 10, 2015 and isauthorized and empowered by Chapters 189, 197, and 298, F.S. and Chapter 2015-202, Laws of Florida for the purposeof preserving and protecting water resources by drainage, irrigation, reclamation, or water management in Eastern LeeCounty and Western Hendry County and also has the ability to activate additional powers. The District is governed by anat-large elected five (5) member Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners administers the District,independent from any other local governing body. The former ECWCD was created pursuant to Laws of Florida Chapter63-1549 through the Circuit Court, as amended, under the provisions of Florida Statutes 298.The District codified Laws ofFlorida 63-1549 and its other special legislation in June 2000 under Chapter 2000-423, Laws of Florida.

ProcessWater Control PlanEvery five years, the District must prepare a Water Control Plan, pursuant to Chapter 298. The purpose of the Water Control Plan is to include any systems, infrastructure or capital improvements that may be constructed and financed creating new debt-service to the District and it's assessment payers. The assessment payers and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) must be notified of the proposed plan and have the opportunity to comment on it prior to adoption by the Board.

Facilities Inventory ReportEvery year LA-MSID Staff and the District Engineer complete a physical review of at least 25% of every building, park,culvert crossing, water control structure and bridge within the District in order to document the existing condition of theDistrict's infrastructure. The infrastructure is then rated on a one-to-five scale, with five being the worst condition and onebeing the best. A final report is prepared with rating sheets, existing condition pictures, and location maps for all Districtinfrastructure.

Capital Improvement PlanThe Capital Improvement Plan is created using information from the Water Control Plan, the latest edition of the FacilitiesInventory Report and Staff recommendations. The items that were rated a five in the facilities inventory report receive ahigher priority for future action. This plan does not include capital equipment purchases.

Yearly BudgetsThe next five fiscal year budgets should utilize the Capital Improvement Plan as a planning tool for budgeting funds needed to plan, design, permit and construct identified capital improvement projects.

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Major Revenue SourcesFDEP Revolving LoanThe State Revolving Fund (SRF) Water Pollution Control Program provides low-interest loans for planning, designing, and constructing water pollution control facilities. Federal and State appropriations have funded the SRF. It is a "revolving" fund because loan repayments are used to make future loans. By federal law, the SRF is to be operated in perpetuity. TheFlorida Department of Environmental Protection solicits potential project information each year. This information is used to establish project priorities for the following annual funding cycle. Funds are made available for Preconstruction Loans and Construction Loans. The Loan Terms include a 20-year amortization and low-interest rates (maximum rate of 80% of the current market rate). Preconstruction loans are available to all qualified communities and they provide up-front disbursements that can be used for administrative services, project planning and/or project design. Over the last couple of years SRF Funding has become very competitive and the program has not been able to keep up with the demand for funding. Stormwater projects will continue to get harder to fund through FDEP. Because of the economy, most agencies are vying for these funds, making it very difficult to secure this funding.

SFWMD Alternative Water Supply ProgramIn 1995, Florida's legislature directed the state's five water management districts to share revenues from property taxassessments with public and private entities willing to develop suitable alternative water supplies.

Accordingly, the South Florida Water Management District offers cooperative funding grants which fund up to 40% of thetotal construction cost of capital improvement projects that help implement safe and cost-effective alternative watersupplies.

Applications for each year's funding cycle are available in January for the following fiscal year. The application deadline forthe next cycle will be June 1st, 2016. Projects will be selected in June and July with funding agreements executed inSeptember or October of 2016.

The AWS Program has cooperatively funded more than 480 projects since 1995 with over $209 million in tax revenues,making over 621 million gallons per day of water available. If that amount of water was being produced by a single waterutility, it would be the largest water utility in the State!

These funds are very difficult for East County to qualify for and the funds have mostly been used for Municipal WaterTreatment Plants.

SFWMD Appropriations GrantGrants may be secured directly from the SFWMD budget. Grants are usually made available from a solid lobbying effortand a very worthy project that has a widely desired benefit. LA-MSID must continue to work cooperatively with SFWMD tomeet the watershed needs of the area in order to continue receiving funds. These funds have mostly been cut with the30% reduction in SFWMD spending ordered by the Governor.

SFWMD Watershed Initiative GrantGrants are sometimes made available through the local Watershed Initiative Project. The Florida Legislature makesthese grants available through line items in their budget and the grants are usually administered by SFWMD with a 50%match. The chances of any of these funds being available for a while are very low, for the foreseeable future.

AssessmentsEach year, the district levies a non ad valorem assessment, per acre, or fraction thereof, to fund the current fiscal yearmaintenance and benefit budgets. The current assessment rate is $105.15 per acre or $26.29 for a typical 1/4 acre lot.

Public or Private Partnerships

Contributors:Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement District StaffDavid E. Lindsay, District ManagerMichael S. Cook, Asst. District ManagerKathy O'Brien, ComptrollerWilliam Walker, Water Resources ManagerCarla Brantley, Asst. to the District Manager

AIM Engineering & Surveying Inc. Staff B. Lee Flynn, P.E.

When an opportunity arises when two or more entities can each benefit either from shared infrastructure, cost savings oretc., from a joint project, every effort must be taken to strike a deal. Currently opprotunities exist between LA-MSID andthe Florida Dept. of Transportation, Lee County Dept. of Transportation and DUDA.

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EAST COUNTY WATER CONTROL DISTRICT

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (Fiscal Years 2017-2021)

Yearly Total Sheet

YEAREngineering &

Permitting Inspection ConstructionLand / Equipment

Purchase TOTAL Grant Funding

Assessments / Spoil / In-Kind

Funding Loan Funding Other Funding NEW DEBT SERVICE

2017 397,500 750,000 587,500 3,108,000 4,843,000 3,750,000 635,500 0 457,500 0

2018 75,000 77,120 8,800,000 0 8,952,120 7,000,000 307,000 1,645,120 0 121,024

2019 207,500 21,150 950,000 0 1,178,650 103,750 1,074,900 0 0 0

2020 0 84,600 3,200,000 0 3,284,600 0 200,000 3,084,600 0 226,921

2021 0 20,000 2,200,000 0 2,220,000 0 0 2,020,000 0 226,921

TOTAL $680,000 $952,870 $15,737,500 $3,108,000 $20,478,370 $10,853,750 $2,217,400 $6,749,720 $457,500 $574,866

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Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement DistrictFiscal 2017 Capital Improvement Plan

PRIORITY RANKINGPROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE DESC. PROJECT ACTIVITYSTART / FINISH

FUNDING SOURCE

Engineering & Permitting

Inspection Costs

Construction Costs

Land / Equipment Purchase

TOTAL FUNDING Grant FundingAssessment/ Spoil/ Reserves/In-Kind

Loan Funding Other FundingNEW DEBT SERVICE AMOUNT

DEBT SERVICE

START DATE

Funding Status

1 4019 Rep. D/CCulvert

Replacement Phase IVb

Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in

ongoing 2011 Facilities Inventory Report.

1ST QTR 2017/ 2ND QTR 2017

LA-MSID Reserves

0 0 187,500 0 187,500 0 187,500 0 0 0 N/A Secured

2 4028 New D

Halfway Pond/Moving Water South

PH II

Re-establish flows from the southern areas of

District south towards the Lee County well fields.

1ST QTR 2017/ 3TH QTR 2017

LA-MSID Reserves

57,500 0 0 0 57,500 0 0 0 57,500 0 Unknown Secured

3 4028 New C

Halfway Pond/Moving Water South

PH II

Re-establish flows from the southern areas of

District south towards the Lee County well fields.

4TH QTR 2017-3RD QTR 2018

LA-MSID Reserves

0 0 400,000 0 400,000 0 0 0 400,000 0 N/A Secured

4 New LA

GS 10-Section 10/Greenbriar STA and Basin

Connector

Section 10 can be used to provide an inter-basin

connector, storage and water quality for

Greenbriar, Hickey's Creek and the

Caloosahatchee.

2ND Qtr. 2017/ 3rd QTR 2017

Grant Funding 0 0 0 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 0 0 0 0 N/A Unknown

5 New D

GS 10-Section 10/Greenbriar STA and Basin

Connector

Section 10 can be used to provide an inter-basin

connector, storage and water quality for

Greenbriar, Hickey's Creek and the

Caloosahatchee.

2ND Qtr. 2017/ 3rd QTR 2017

Grant Funding 0 750,000 0 0 750,000 750,000 0 0 0 0 N/A Unknown

6 4020 Rep. DWeir

Replacement Phase IV

Design critical weirs identified in 2011

Facilities Inventory Report

1ST QTR 2017/ 4TH QTR 2017

LA-MSID Reserves

340,000 0 0 0 340,000 0 340,000 0 0 0 N/A Unknown

7 4030 New LA

Purchase Land for Dog/Hendry

Waterways Connection

Purchase necessary land upstream of Dog 1 (S-D-1)

and downstream of Hendry 1 (S-H-1).

3RD QTR 2017/ 4TH QTR 2017

Land Acquisition

Fund /Sale of Land

0 0 0 108,000 108,000 0 108,000 0 0 0 N/A Secured

8 4061 New CWest Marsh Excavation

Inspection for Excavation PI. Coincides with SR 82

Widening SI.

3RD QTR 2017/ 4TH QTR 2018

LA-MSID Reserves

0 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 0 50,000 0 N/A Secured

9 New DHendry

Extension Widening

Update the existing plans to FDOT design level.

3RD QTR 2016/ 4TH QTR 2017

LA-MSID Reserves

176,245 0 0 0 176,245 0 176,245 0 0 0 N/A Secured

PRIORITY RANKIKNGPROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE DESC.START / FINISH

FUNDING SOURCE $397,500 $750,000 $587,500 $3,108,000 $4,843,000 $3,750,000 $635,500 $0 $457,500 $0DEBT

SERVICE START DATE

Funding Status

C = Construction

D = Design / Engineering

PD = Preliminary Design / Engineering

PE = Permitting

PL = Planning / Concept Development

LA = Land Acquisition

* = 4.5% Loan for 20 Years (Bank or FDEP) Estimated

TOTALS

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Item Number Item Name Hendry Extension Widenin

Description Update the existing plans to FDOT design level.

Justification Necessary to Satisfy Joint Use Stornwater Mgmt System Agreement Segs. 3&4 .

Cost Calculation Design $0 as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (7.3%Inspect as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.9%PermitConstructionLand / Equip.

ProposedTotal Cost $176,245 Funding

Grant Funding -$ Assessments Other Fundin $176,245

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement DisCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT JUSTIFICATION

Loa

Hendry

Ext

Canal

ng

%) $176,245.00%) $0.00

$0.00$0.00$0.00

LA-MSID Reserves

$0

strict

an Funding

Item Number 4019 Item Name Culvert Replacement Phase IVb

Description Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in ongoing 2011 Facilities Inventory Report.

Justification These culverts were rated 5 (worst condition). 5 Culverts at $37,500 each = $187,500

Cost Calculation Design $0 as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (7.3%) $0.00Inspect as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.9%) $0.00Permit $0.00Construction $187,500.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $187,500 Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding -$ $187,500 $0

Typical Old CMP Culvert Typical New RCP Culvert

Assessments Loan Funding

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement DistrictCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT JUSTIFICATION

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Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement DistrictCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT JUSTIFICATION

Item Number 4028 Item Name Halfway Pond/Moving Water South PH II

Description Re-establish flows from the southern areas of District south towards the Lee County well fields.

Justification Part of the SFWMD Watershed Initiative and CRWPP. It will also reduce flows that go to the Districts outfalls including the Orange River.

Cost Calculation Design 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%) 57,500 Inspect 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%)Permit - ConstructionLand / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 57,500.00$ Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding 57,500$ Assessment Funding Other Funding

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Item Number 4028 Item Name Halfway Pond/Moving Water South PH II



Cost Calculation Design 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%) - Inspect 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%)Permit - Construction 400,000 Land / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 400,000.00$ Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding Assessment Funding 400,000$ Other FundingLoan Funding

ECWCD

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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT JUSTIFICATION

Item Number 4067 Item Name GS 10-Section 10/Greenbriar STA and Basin Connector

Description

Justification Part of the SFWMD Watershed Initiative and CRWPP. It will also reduce flows that go to the Districts outfalls including Hickey's Creek and Bedman Creek.

Cost Calculation Design 100,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%)Inspect as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%)Permit - ConstructionLand / Equip. 3,000,000

ProposedTotal Cost 3,000,000.00$ Funding Grant Funding

Grant Funding 3,000,000$ 0 0Assessment Funding Other Funding

Section 10 can be used to provide an inter-basin connector, storage and water quality for Greenbriar, Hickey's Creek and the Caloosahatchee.

Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement District

ECWCD

13

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT JUSTIFICATION

Item Number 4067 Item Name GS 10-Section 10/Greenbriar STA and Basin Connector

Description

Justification Part of the SFWMD Watershed Initiative and CRWPP. It will also reduce flows that go to the Districts outfalls including Hickey's Creek and Bedman Creek.

Cost Calculation Design 100,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%) $750,000Inspect as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%)Permit - ConstructionLand / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 750,000.00$ Funding Grant Funding

Grant Funding 750,000$ 0 0

Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement District

Section 10 can be used to provide an inter-basin connector, storage and water quality for Greenbriar, Hickey's Creek and the Caloosahatchee.

Assessment Funding Other Funding

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Item Number 4020 Item Name Weir Replacement Phase IV

Description Design critical weirs identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory Report

Justification These weirs were rated 5 (worst condition).(Estimate 4 Weirs)

Cost Calculation Design $320,000.00Inspect $0.00Permit $20,000.00Construction $0.00Land / Equip. $0.00

Total Cost $340,000.00 Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding -$ $340,000.00 Loan Funding $0.00Assessment Funding

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Item Number 4030 Item Name Purchase Land for Dog/Hendry Waterways Connection

Description Purchase necessary land upstream of Dog 1 (S-D-1) and downstream of Hendry 1 (S-H-1).Purchase 14 lots at $15,000 each = $210,000

Justification Necessary to alleviate flooding on Bedman Creek and further utilize Carlos Waterway.

Cost Calculation Design Legal Fees, Misc. fees, expenses, etc. $0.00Inspect $0.00Permit $0.00Construction $0.00Land / Equip. $108,000.00

Total Cost $108,000.00 Funding Land Acquisition Fund /Sale of Land

Grant Funding Assessment Funding $108,000.00 Loan Funding Other Funding

Doc-Hendry Connection Aerial

Dog-Hendry Connection Aerial

Hendry Canal

Dog Canal

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Item Number 4061 Item Name West Marsh Excavation

Description Inspection for Excavation PI. Coincides with SR 82 Widening SI.

Justification Necessary to expand the capacity of Harns Marsh for future use.

Cost Calculation Design as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9, t2 (5.8%) $0.00Inspect 5000000 as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%) = $50,000.00Permit $0.00Construction $0.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $50,000.00 Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding Assessment Funding 0 Loan Funding Other Funding $50,000

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Lehigh Acres Municipal Servies Improvement District2018 Capital Improvement Plan

PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE

DES PROJECT ACTIVITYSTART / FINISH

FUNDING SOURCEEngineering &

PermittingInspection

CostsConstruction Costs

Land/Equipment Purchase

TOTAL FUNDING Grant FundingAssessments/

Spoil/ Misc/ In-Kind

Loan Funding Other FundingNEW DEBT SERVICE AMOUNT

DEBT SERVICE

START DATE

Funding Status


Replacement Phase IVc

Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory Report.

1ST QTR 2018 / 2ND QTR 2018

LA-MSID Reserves

0 0 200,000 0 200,000 0 200,000 0 0 0 N/A Secured

2 4020 Rep. CWeir

Replacement Phase IV

Construct 2011 Critical Weirs (4 Estimated)

1ST QTR 2017/ 4TH QTR 2017

Loan 0 45,120 1,600,000 0 1,645,120 0 0 1,645,120 0 121,024 N/A Unknown

3 4055 New CHendry Extension

Widening PI

Construction of Three Miles of Hendry Extension Canal

Widening

4TH QTR 2016/ 4TH QTR 2017

LA-MSID Reserves

0 32,000 0 0 32,000 0 32,000 0 0 0 N/A Secured

4 4030 New DDog/Hendry Waterways Connection

Design Canal and Culvert crossing between S-D-1 and S-

H-1.

1ST QTR 2017/ 4TH QTR 2017

Assessments 75,000 0 0 0 75,000 0 75,000 0 0 0 N/A Unknown

5 0 New CGS 10

Caloosahatchee Crosslink

Construct the excavation and infrastructure of Section 10,

connector parcels and Greenbriar.

1ST QTR 2018 / 2ND QTR 2019

LA-MSID Reserves

0 0 7,000,000 0 7,000,000 7,000,000 0 0 0 0 Unknown Unknown

6 4061 New CWest Marsh Structures

Build an inlet in South Marsh, master and 2 low-flow

structures in West and a Flow Measurement Station.

4TH QTR 2018/4TH QTR 2019

LA-MSID Reserves

0 20,000 1,200,000 0 1,220,000 0 0 0 1,220,000 0 N/A Secured

7 4029 New PLHalfway

Pond/Moving Water South PH III

Re-establish flows from the southern areas of District south

towards the Lee County well fields.

3RD QTR 2017/ 1ST QTR 2018

SFWMD/LA-MSID Reserves

100,000 0 0 0 100,000 50,000 50,000 0 0 0 N/A Unknown

PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE

DES FUNDING SOURCE $75,000 $77,120 $8,800,000 $0 $8,952,120 $7,000,000 $307,000 $1,645,120 $0 $121,024DEBT

SERVICE START DATE

Funding Status

Project Type: New or Replacement (Rep.)C = Construction

D = Design / Engineering

PD = Preliminary Design / Engineering 7

PL = Planning / Concept Development

LA = Land Acquisition

TOTALS

18


Item Number 4019 Item Name Culvert Replacement Phase IVc

Description Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory Report.




Grant Funding -$ $200,000 $0



19


Item Number 4020 Item Name Weir Replacement Phase IV

Description Construct 2011 Critical Weirs (4 Estimated)

Justification These weirs were determined to have a 5 (worst condition) rating.

S-H-2, S-46-29-3, S-BP-1, S-57-4-2

Cost Calculation Design as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.90%) $0.00Inspect as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.82%) = $45,120.00Permit $0.00Construction (Estimated at $400,000.00 each) $1,600,000.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $1,645,120 Funding Loan

Grant Funding -$ -$ $1,645,120Assessment Funding Loan Funding

Typical New Structure

20


Item Number 4055 Item Name Hendry Extension Widening PI

Description Construction of Three Miles of Hendry Extension Canal Widening

Justification Provides for water quality improvements, additional revenue, storage and a match to the watershed.

Cost Calculation Design $0.00Inspect $32,000Permit $0.00ConstructionLand / Equip. $0.00

Total Cost $32,000.00 Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding $0 $32,000 Loan Funding $0 Other Funding $0

Hendry Extension Canal Widening Aerial

Assessment Funding

Hendry Extension Canal Widening

21


Item Number 4030 Item Name Dog/Hendry Waterways Connection

Description Design Canal and Culvert crossing between S-D-1 and S-H-1.

Justification Will provide a waterway to relieve Bedman Creek and further utilize Carlos Waterway.

Cost Calculation Design 400,000.00$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (9.2%) $75,000.00Inspect 400,000.00$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (4.2%)Permit $0.00ConstructionLand / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $75,000.00 Funding Assessments

Grant Funding -$ $75,000 Loan Funding -$ Assessment Funding

Dog-Hendry Connection Aerial

Hendry Canal

Dog Canal

22


Item Number 4067 Item Name GS 10 Caloosahatchee Crosslink

Description

Justification Part of the SFWMD Watershed Initiative and CRWPP. It will also reduce flows that go to the Districts outfalls including Hickeys Creek and Dog Canals.

Cost Calculation Design 100,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%)Inspect as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%)Permit - Construction 7,000,000 Land / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 7,000,000.00$ Funding Grant Funding

Grant Funding 7,000,000$ 0 0

Construct the excavation and infrastructure of Section 10, connector parcels and Greenbriar.

Assessment Funding Other Funding

ECWCD

23


Item Number 4061 Item Name West Marsh Structures

Description Build an inlet in South Marsh, master and 2 low-flow structures in West and a Flow Measurement Station.


Cost Calculation Design as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9, t2 (5.8%) $0.00Inspect 5000000 as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%) = $20,000.00Permit $0.00Construction $1,200,000.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $1,220,000.00 Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding Assessment Funding 0 Loan Funding Other Funding $1,220,000

West Marsh Aerial Typical Sharp Crest Weir

West Marsh

24


Item Number 4029 Item NameHalfway Pond/Moving Water South PH III



Cost Calculation Design 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%) 100,000 Inspect 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%) - PermitConstruction - Land / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 100,000.00$ Funding SFWMD/LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding 50,000$ 50,000$ -$ Assessment Funding Loan Funding

ECWCD

25

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District2019 Capital Improvement Plan

PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE

DES PROJECT ACTIVITY START / FINISHFUNDING SOURCE


Inspection CostsConstruction

CostsLand/Equipment

PurchaseTOTAL

FUNDINGGrant

Funding

Assessments/ Spoil / Misc. /

In-KindLoan Funding

Other Funding

NEW DEBT SERVICE AMOUNT

DEBT SERVICE

START DATE

Funding Status

1 4008 Rep. D/CCulvert Replacement

Phase IVd

Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in

2011 Facilities Inventory Report.

1ST QTR 2019 / 2ND QTR 2019

LA-MSID Reserves

0 0 200,000 0 200,000 0 200000 0 0 0 N/A Secured

2 4029 New DHalfway


Re-establish flows from the southern

areas of District south towards the Lee

County well fields

1ST QTR 2018/ 4TH QTR 2018

SFWMD/LA-MSID Reserves

207,500 0 0 0 207,500 103,750 103,750 0 0 0 Unknown Unknown

3 4030 New CDog/Hendry Waterways Connection

Construct Canal and Culvert crossing

between S-D-1 and S-H-1.

2ND QTR 2019/1ST QTR

2020Assessments 0 21,150 750,000 0 771,150 0 771,150 0 0 0 Unknown Unknown

4061 New CWest Marsh

Excavation PII

Inspection for Excavation PII.

Coincides with SR 82 Widening SII

4TH QTR 2019/4TH QTR 2020

LA-MSID Reserves

0 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 0 50,000 0 N/A Secured

PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE

DES PROJECT ACTIVITY START / FINISHFUNDING SOURCE

$207,500 $21,150 $950,000 $0 $1,178,650 $103,750 $1,074,900 $0 $0 $0DEBT

SERVICE START DATE

Funding Status

26


Item Number 4019 Item Name Culvert Replacement Phase IVd

Description Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory Report.




Grant Funding $0 $200,000 $0



27





Cost Calculation Design 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%) 200,000 Inspect 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%) - Permit 7,500 Construction - Land / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 207,500.00$ Funding SFWMD/LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding 103,750$ ####### -$ Assessment Funding Loan Funding

ECWCD

28


Item Number 4030 Item Name Dog/Hendry Waterways Connection

Description Construct Canal and Culvert crossing between S-D-1 and S-H-1.

Justification Will provide a waterway to relieve Bedman Creek and further utilize Carlos Waterway.

Cost Calculation Design 400,000.00$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (9.2%) $0.00Inspect 400,000.00$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (4.2%) $21,150.00Permit $0.00Construction $750,000.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $771,150.00 Funding Assessments

Grant Funding -$ $771,150 Other Funding -$ Assessment Funding

29


Item Number 4061 Item Name West Marsh Excavation PII

Description Inspection for Excavation PII. Coincides with SR 82 Widening SII


Cost Calculation Design as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9, t2 (5.8%) $0.00Inspect 5000000 as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%) = $50,000.00Permit $0.00Construction $0.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $50,000.00 Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding Assessment Funding 0 Loan Funding Other Funding $50,000

30


PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE


FUNDING SOURCE


Inspection Costs

Construction Costs


TOTAL FUNDING

Grant FundingAssessments/ Spoil / Misc. /

In-KindLoan Funding Other Funding


DEBT SERVICE START DATE

Funding Status


Replacement Phase IVe

Design & Build the next 5 culverts

identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory

Report.

1ST QTR 2020 / 2ND QTR

2020Assessments 0 0 200,000 0 200,000 0 200,000 0 0 0 N/A Secured

2 4029 New CHalfway


Construct waterways and infrastructure and

establish storage areas.


2020

LA-MSID Reserves

0 84,600 3,000,000 0 3,084,600 0 0 3,084,600 0 226,921 Unknown Unknown

PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE


FUNDING SOURCE

$0 $84,600 $3,200,000 $0 $3,284,600 $0 $200,000 $3,084,600 $0 $226,921DEBT SERVICE

START DATEFunding Status

31


Item Number 4019 Item Name Culvert Replacement Phase IVe

Description Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory Repo

Justification These culverts were rated 5 (worst condition)5 Culverts at $40,000 each = $200,000


ProposedTotal Cost $200,000 Funding Assessments

Grant Funding $0 $200,000 $0



32



Description Construct waterways and infrastructure and establish storage areas.


Cost Calculation Design 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (6.2%) - Inspect 5,000,000$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (2.3%) $84,600.00

Permit - Construction 3,000,000 Land / Equip. -

ProposedTotal Cost 3,084,600.00$ Funding LA-MSID Reserves

Grant Funding -$ -$ 3,084,600$ Assessment Funding Other Funding

33


PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE


FUNDING SOURCE


Inspection Costs

Construction Costs


TOTAL FUNDING

Grant FundingAssessments/ Spoil / Misc. /

In-KindLoan Funding Other Funding


DEBT SERVICE START DATE

Funding Status


Replacement Phase IVe

Design & Build the next 5 culverts

identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory

Report.


2020

LA-MSID Reserves

0 0 200000 0 200,000 0 200000 0 0 0 N/A Secured

2 4099 New C Replacement

BridgeBuild a replacement

Bridge


2020Loan 0 20,000 2,000,000 0 2,020,000 0 0 2,020,000 0 148,603 Jan. 2020 Unknown

PRIORITY RANKING

PROJECT NUMBER

PROJECT TYPE


FUNDING SOURCE

$0 $20,000 $2,200,000 $0 $2,220,000 $0 $0 $2,020,000 $0 $148,603DEBT SERVICE

START DATEFunding Status

34


Item Number 4019 Item Name Culvert Replacement Phase IVe

Description Design & Build the next 5 culverts identified in 2011 Facilities Inventory Repo

Justification These culverts were rated 5 (worst condition)5 Culverts at $40,000 each = $200,000



Grant Funding $0 $200,000 $0Assessments Loan Funding

35


Item Number 4099 Item Name Replacement Bridge

Description Build a replacement Bridge (1 Bridge Estimated)

Justification The District has 22 Bridges with the oldest ones built in 1960 and the newest ones built in 1994.

Cost Calculation Design 500,000.00$ as extrapolated on Florida RUS Bulletin 1780-9 (8.0%) $0.00Inspect $20,000.00Permit $0.00Construction $2,000,000.00Land / Equip. $0.00

ProposedTotal Cost $2,020,000.00 Funding Loan

Grant Funding -$ Loan Funding 2,020,000.00$ Assessment Funding

36


SUBJECT: 4B2 - Draft 2016-2021 Strategic Plan


Agenda Item# 4B2




Recommended motion:

N/A


Provides the Strategic Plan to the Commissioners review process, in hopes of passage at the June Regular Board Meeting.

Fiscal impact: See Plan.

Staff comments:

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER




Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


1

2

3

4



6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson

1 | P a g e

LEHIGH ACRES MUNICIPAL SERVICES

IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

STRATEGIC PLAN OCTOBER 1, 2016-SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

June 15, 2016

LEHIGH ACRES MUNICIPAL SERVICES IMPROVEMENT

DISTRICT

Table of Contents

3. Introduction from the Chairman of the Board

4. Executive Summary

6. Contributors

7. Mission, Vision Statements

8. Values Statement

9. Organizational Chart

10. Organization Profile and History

15 SWOT Analysis, Critical Issues and Strategies

20. Weaknesses

25. Opportunities

26. Threats 28. Program Objectives, Strategies, and Goals Deleted: ¶

¶Section Break (Next Page)

Page | 3

Introduction from the Chairman of the Board

XXXX, 2016

Dear Fellow Residents and Assessment Payers:

As Chairman of the Board of Commissioners I am pleased to present the five-year Strategic Plan

adopted by the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District to guide us into the our next five-

year cycle. The Plan is the culmination of hard work, scientific information, and out-of-the-box thinking.

It provides insight into the District’s operational philosophy.

Over the last six years, the Board and staff have worked hard to hold assessment rates at $26.29

per quarter acre while completing all of the necessary tasks of maintaining the water control system. We

have found alternative revenue sources such as our sale of easements to the Florida Department of

Transportation for $3.2 million and a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for

$1.22 million.

These funds will allow the District to complete additional stormwater storage requirements and

update our aging infrastructure. As our population increases the threat of flooding inside and outside of

the District boundaries is imminent. As a result of this threat, the Board is committed to solving the storage

problem in the most efficient way.

The stormwater storage plan and assessment was set in motion in 2006 and is continually updated.

As a result, the Board adopted its mission statement, a set of values and a vision statement.

We update the plan annually to incorporate new regulations, science and ideas. I hope it provides

you with valuable information about Lehigh Acres and the Lehigh Acres Municipal Improvement District.

Sincerely,

Kenneth K. Thompson

Commented [KO1]: How about: “succeeded in holding the”

Commented [KO2]: Insert “Services”

Commented [DL3]: Needs Ken’s text.

Deleted: J. Nathan Stout¶

Page | 4

Executive Summary The Board of Commissioners and staff of the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District are proud to present this 5-year “Strategic Plan” for October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2021. Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (LA-MSID), a Florida Statutes Chapter 189 Special District was created on June 10, 2015 The former East County Water Control District was created in 1958 to drain the land for development. ECWCD had since moved to a more balanced “water control” strategy as the demand for more water has increased over the years. The District has made steady progress building the infrastructure needed to balance drainage, water storage, water quality and aquifer recharge, but there was no real impetus for major change until the 2004-2006 real estate boom. This boom was cause for great concern because the increase in residents meant an increased need for storage and infrastructure. The real estate boom of the mid-2000’s nearly doubled Lehigh Acres’ population and greatly impacted ECWCD’s operations. At full build-out Lehigh Acres would be home to approximately 300,000 people. ECWCD realized that it did not have the science available to make financial decisions that would impact the whole community. During this time, ECWCD became involved in the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) Caloosahatchee River Partners in Restoration and Lehigh Headwaters Initiative. Subsequently, a joint review was conducted by ECWCD and SFWMD which identified inadequacies within the ECWCD water control system that would be exacerbated by the real estate boom and eventual full build-out. Several potential future projects were identified to help mitigate the current system’s shortfalls and plans for the future. The recent recession began in 2007 and some argue that it could be felt more in Lehigh Acres than anywhere else in the nation. The recession led to many foreclosed homes, along with the loss of many jobs in Lehigh Acres, and a reduction in population, prompting a visit by President Obama to the area in 2009. These detrimental factors temporarily limited the need for some large-scale immediate improvements to ECWCD’s system. The recession has slowed the immediate need for large scale projects; however, the needs identified for future build out must still be addressed. An “ADA Engineering Report” from 2007 indicated a potential failure of the Harns Marsh levies during a 100-year storm. Many of the projects listed in the 2015-2016 Capital Improvement Plan are directly related to the results of the ADA study. The report indicated that a shortage of stormwater storage exists and must be addressed soon. The first five-year strategic plan was presented in fiscal year 2007/2008 and has been updated annually.

Commented [KO4]: Do you want to leave all the ECWCDs in here?

Page | 5

The goals, objectives and strategies outlined at the end of this report have reinforced our commitment to:

provide the best level of general maintenance of our conveyance system continue to develop a high-quality, motivated and well-trained work force renew or replace substandard infrastructure plan and progress toward build-out goals secure low-cost financing and/or grant funding for our projects provide a consistent level of services in a cost-effective and efficient manner

The Board of Commissioners have adopted revised prior Strategic Plans on these dates: September 8, 2009 January 22, 2010 June 21, 2010 July 18, 2011 June 18, 2012 June 17, 2013 August 18, 2014 July 20, 2015 Xxxx xx, 2016

Page | 6

Contributors Board of Commissioners: Kenneth K. Thompson, Chairman, Seat 3 Michael J. Welch, Vice Chairman, Seat 1 David Deetscreek, Treasurer, Seat 2 Michael Bonacolta, Secretary, Seat 4 J. Nathan Stout, Board Member, Seat 5 Staff: David E. Lindsay, District Manager Michael S. Cook, Assistant District Manager Kathryn M. O’Brien, Comptroller William Walker, Water Resource Manager Carla Brantley, Assistant to the Manager Consultants: B. Lee Flynn, District Engineer, Aim Engineering & Surveying, Inc. Mary Viator, District Counsel, Caldwell Pacetti Edwards Schoech & Viator LLP

Page | 7

Mission, Vision & Values Statements

Mission Statement

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District’s Mission Statement Adopted 7/20/2015

LA‐MSID is dedicated to preserving and managing natural and community resources by providing: safe, reliable, and high‐quality services to its constituents in an environmentally and financially responsible manner.

Vision Statement

Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District’s Vision Statement Adopted 8/11/2015

LA‐MSID, through the efforts of dedicated elected officials and employees, will deliver the highest quality services, provide a fair and orderly system of governance, and protect the area’s environmental and community resources.

Page | 8

Values Statement January 11, 2007

Diversity of our workforce We want to maintain the diversity of our workforce to be consistent with the diversity of our community.

Integrity We take pride in our work and are accountable and trusted to carry out our responsibilities with honesty and integrity. We believe highly skilled and ethical managers are the foundation of a solid team.

Service Our ultimate responsibility to our assessment payers is our commitment to maintain District Property and Natural Resources at the highest possible level.

Teamwork We believe that the basis for an effective team is built with well-qualified, well-trained individuals that take the initiative to seek personal development. Employees must feel free to show initiative, take leadership and make suggestions to solve problems.

Respect We are committed to building an honest, fair and ethically sound relationship with both public and private organizations. All individuals are unique and important, and will be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

Innovation We are committed to using innovation, technology and best management practices to provide excellent service to all our residents.

Community Involvement We strongly believe in community involvement and actively participate in various local civic organizations.

Trust We promote open communication, cooperation and teamwork which are shared responsibilities that are essential to the successful performance of our employees.

Page | 9

Deleted: ¶

Page | 10

Organization Profile and History

The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District

Prior to the 1940’s, eastern Lee County and Western Hendry County was a sparsely

populated agricultural area comprised of virtually flat land dotted with pristine pine flat-woods

and pocked with numerous wetland areas. This type of eco-system allowed the 110 square mile

area now known as the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (LA-MSID), to

provide a significant amount of groundwater recharge. State Road 82 was a ridge and an old

cattle route used for bringing herds of cattle to Punta Rassa for shipment to market. During the

period leading to the1960’s, water was seen as the common enemy of the State of Florida and the

primary objective was to drain it and prepare the land for development.

Inspired by the ingenuity of Lee Ratner, one of Lehigh Acres’ original developers, and the

concern of the state, Judge Archie M. Odom handed down an order on May 5, 1958 creating

ECWCD – a political sub-division of the State of Florida. At that time, the State of Florida allowed

developers to create drainage districts that would operate under Chapter 298 of the Florida

Statutes. Chapter 298 allowed ECWCD to sell bonds, develop drainage infrastructure, operate and

maintain the infrastructure and assess non ad-valorem taxes to pay for the work, among other

powers. Enabling legislation was added that provided for five Supervisors to govern the new

district.

As Lee Ratner and “Lee Land and Title” (Lehigh Corporation) developed roads and the other

necessary infrastructure to prepare Lehigh Acres for development, East County Water Control

District was engaged to implement the creation and maintenance of a drainage system. During this

era, the method of electing the Board of Supervisors for ECWCD was by one-acre, one vote. Lehigh

Page | 11

Corporation owned the vast majority of the land and therefore controlled ECWCD. The Board for

Lehigh Corporation was also the Board for ECWCD. As the land was platted for development, the

canals, lakes, and other infrastructure were dedicated to ECWCD (other canals and lakes that were

owned by Lehigh Corporation were also deeded to ECWCD).

It was not until the mid-1970’s that the State of Florida discovered damage due to the “over-

draining” in Lehigh Acres and the overall negative effect that this was having on Florida’s water

resources. In 1975, steps were taken to correct the situation when the State and Federal agencies

performed a rapid investigation on the practice of wetland drainage. Their final report determined

that there was extreme “over-draining” of stormwater from ECWCD lands. Governing agencies

forced the ECWCD to install water control structures in their canal system to better manage the

stormwater.

In 1979, ECWCD evolved from a drainage district to a water control district in order to

preserve and protect water reserves using a combination of drainage, storage, and water best

management practices. In 1988, Lehigh Corporation began to lose control of the Board’s decision

making power when legislation was approved to change the election of ECWCD Board Members to

a general, popular vote. Lehigh Corporation completely lost power of ECWCD by 1990.

ECWCD plays a crucial role in the community by preserving and protecting water resources

in an area burdened with both intense drought and rainy seasons. Lehigh Acres averages 52 inches

of rain per year, with actual totals ranging between 36 and 80 inches per year. The rainfall is

seasonal with three to four months during the summer contributing the majority of rain, with

tropical systems also contributing to the total (Scholl).

All of ECWCD’s stormwater discharges through one of the four (4) existing outfalls to the

Caloosahatchee River. From west to east they are: 1) Orange River 2) Hickey’s Creek 3) Bedman

Creek 4) Carlos Waterway. The Caloosahatchee River transitions into the Gulf of Mexico in areas

known as estuaries. These estuaries are sensitive to an overabundance of salinity and/or fresh

Page | 12

water. ECWCD’s stormwater may contribute to the problem of too much freshwater during the

rainy season.

Lehigh Acres experienced a construction and real estate boom beginning in 2005 that

preceded the boom nationwide. Real estate prices increased tremendously, the population swelled

and ECWCD, along with all governments began revising their Capital Improvement Plans to reflect

the rapid growth. Practically all delinquent ECWCD assessments were paid as the underlying land

gained value and ECWCD revenues exceeded budget projections. ECWCD was also able to sell spoil

(dirt) to support the construction boom. These factors and others helped ECWCD keep assessment

rates low.

During the real estate boom, a modeling study was commissioned and performed by ADA

Engineering, to analyze population growth and future flooding potential. This report was

completed in 2007 and indicated that ECWCD will be approximately 15,000 acre-feet short of

needed storage when Lehigh Acres is completely built-out. Following the completion of this study

the ECWCD Board immediately began to look for solutions to the District’s stormwater storage

problem. ECWCD has been striving for affordability and effectiveness as it pursues innovative

solutions to issues that were identified in the modeling report. Beginning in 2007, signs of a

recession began to become apparent and by the summer of 2008, the nation was in a full-blown

recession.

In May of 2008, the Lee County 20/20 Program agreed to purchase 200 acres adjacent to

Harns Marsh (known as the West Marsh). Lee County has allowed ECWCD to create a stormwater

system on this parcel to provide better water quality in the Orange River and provide additional

storage for high-flow rain events. Preliminary design was completed in 2010 and the District signed

a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for

Maintenance of the West Marsh on 12/11/2008. The final design and permit submission for the

West Marsh were completed in April, 2015.

Page | 13

In April 2012, funds became available from the South Florida Water Management District to

design and construct a pump station at Halfway Pond, also known as “Moving Water South, Phase

I”. This project was identified in the 2007 ADA report as part of the storage solution. The

construction for this project was completed in October 2012 and contributed at least 1,000 acre-

feet towards reducing the District’s storage deficit. along with providing freshwater relief to the

estuaries in the Caloosahatchee River.

In 2014, the recession had run its course. Existing abandoned homes were being bought,

new were being built, home prices were on the rise and the State of Florida was realizing a

substantial revenue increase. The Board and staff were as determined as ever to accomplish their

mission, while being sensitive to the current economic pressures that were still facing our residents

and the world around us.

On June 10, 2015, Governor Rick Scott signed Chapter 2015-202 into law. With this action,

ECWCD was dissolved and the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (Lehigh Acres

MSID) was created. All acts, property, obligations, and liabilities of the former ECWCD were

transferred to the newly created Lehigh Acres MSID.

What this change in law and the creation of the Chapter 189 special district helps achieve is

a more clearly defined scope of our services – which remain what they have always been: drainage

and flood control; conservation and mitigation; irrigation; navigation; roads/bridges; and limited

parks powers. The new law was significant as it provided the potential to oversee streetlights,

sidewalks, community signage, local planning, and water and sewer for the Lehigh Acres

community.

As part of this change, legislators provided language that would allow Lehigh Acres MSID to

study these new powers. However, these are not automatic powers. If the results of the study are

favorable, the Lehigh Acres MSID must first enter into an agreement with Lee County and present

our community with a referendum vote in a regular general election.

Page | 14

Great consideration was given to the powers added into Lehigh Acres MSID’s legislation;

consequentially, with the passage of this bill it is clear legislators felt these powers could be

appropriately governed by the expertise of our board and staff.

The five-member, publicly elected Board of Commissioners of ECWCD will continue to serve

as the Lehigh Acres MSID Board of Commissioners and their terms of office will remain the same.

ECWCD was funded previously through non-ad valorem assessments – an annual flat-rate tax that

is based on the size of a parcel, not its value— and this will continue to be the same manner in which

Lehigh Acres MSID is funded.

Deleted: ECWCD

Page | 15

Understanding This Strategic Plan

This strategic plan utilizes a traditional SWOT-style analysis. The acronym SWOT stands for

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Strengths are internal and are assets, resources or conditions of our District that the

Commissioners or staff can control and give us an advantage over others; they can be budgetary,

controls, activities or policy driven, etc.

Weaknesses are internal and are assets, resources or conditions that the Commissioners or

staff can control and improve upon; they can be budgetary, controls, activities or policy driven, etc.

Opportunities are external and are factors or conditions that the Commissioners or staff can

exploit to its advantage such as things that are controlled by other agencies, private entities or the

public, that is or can be a benefit for LA-MSID. They can be county or state policy, commodity

pricing, the economy or public attitudes, etc.

Threats are external and are factors or conditions that the Commissioners or staff cannot

control; or things that are controlled by other agencies, private entities or the public, that is or can

be a detriment to LA-MSID. They can be county or state policy, commodity pricing, the economy or

public attitudes, etc.

Program Objectives, Strategies and Goals (OSG) make up the final section. Each of these

OSGs are directly derived from the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats listed herein.

These OSGs will guide the District to become stronger over the next five years.

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Critical Issues and Strategies

SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS (Internal)

1. Professional Staff

LA-MSID staff members are highly-trained in their field. The list below highlights some of LA-MSID’s in-house skills. Our employees bring with them a variety of additional skills that have been a great help in special projects:

Five operators with skills on many types of heavy equipment: track hoe, loader, dozer, grader, skid steer, back hoe, TRUXOR, dump truck, low boy

Six skilled slope and flat mower operators, plus back-ups Four licensed pesticide applicators, plus back-ups Three experienced telemetry technicians Six welders and fabricators Two mechanics Highly skilled and educated administrative staff with members holding a combination of six

bachelor or master’s degrees in: Public Administration, Business, Public Relations, Engineering Technology in Construction, Engineering Technology, Accounting, Management and Supervision, etc.

Three with varying levels of accounting experience Very knowledgeable and active public relations staff

LA-MSID strives to hire quality employees and provide the proper level of training, while also striving to maintain a motivated workforce with positive attitudes.

2. Use of Technology – The Commissioners and staff believe in the “do more with less” philosophy. LA-MSID is an organization that prides itself in regularly using technology to be more efficient and/or save money as indicated in the following areas:

The District’s web site was developed and is maintained by District staff.

Software: AccuFund Accounting Suite, on-line banking with positive pay which eliminates check writing fraud, Excel, Access, telemetry, GIS, RTA vehicle maintenance software, GPS Tracking, Time and Attendance Management, Word Press, Microsoft Project, newly developed LA-MSID-specific databases and Outlook.

Herbicide chemicals: selection, testing, invert spray rig, many staff innovations.

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Heavy equipment: modernized upon replacement, invert spray trucks, increased fuel efficiency, skid steer with many attachments, AQUA-BARRIERS and the TRUXOR amphibious vehicle and attachments.

GIS: budgeting, mail outs, mapping, tax roll certification, reporting, permits, and facility

inventory.

Databases: complaints, maintenance records, parcels, permits, agenda item sheets, publicly available database use.

Telemetry: water control structures, weather stations, video

Communication: website, community outreach events/education, news releases, weather

station

Information Technology - two-way radios, wireless laptops, GPS tracking systems on most vehicles and equipment

Procurement Card Program: Makes transactions simpler, accounts payable processing more

efficient; reduces bank fees, reduces check stock and postage expense and can provide a return of funds based on spending. The program also allows the District to monitor credit card usage and easily change individual credit levels on an as needed basis.

Paperless processes and reporting: Board meetings, financial reporting, scanning archives and web site.

Mobile Management and rights-of-way inspections: The Water Resources Manager is much

more efficient and can access the Lee County Property Appraiser website etc., to allow them to “Manage on the Move”.

Time-clock using new technology: provides the District with a method of tracking employee

time and attendance, complimented by auto entry into our accounting software, eliminates exhausting and error-filled paper methods while enhancing security along with saving staff’s precious time.

Culvert replacement: Staff has completed five culvert replacement projects using a new slip-

lining method that will save time and money. Staff is utilizing new “aqua-barrier” technology to quickly and efficiently coffer-dam our projects.

LA-MSID strives to stay on the cutting edge of technology, specifically when LA-MSID can save valuable time and money or provide a superior service. Staff needs to stay current with changing technology and only recommend purchases to the Board that make fiscal and practical sense, under all economic conditions. Highly-trained staff, at proper operating levels, must be retained to ensure the efficiency of data entry and the overall accuracy and location of our data. Staff needs to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the technology as replacement of equipment becomes necessary.

3. Open and Progressive Board of Commissioners – The Board realizes that they must always look to the future population growth and to employ long-range planning efforts. They have commissioned several studies that will provide the science and facts needed to make the most prudent decisions, even though the decisions made may not be popular to all. The Commissioners

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also act on issues based on the state of the economy and the understanding of how tax assessment increases affect the residents of the District. LA-MSID strives to increase the community education effort, so that the public can continue to support the work of the Board.

4. Central Location and Modern Facilities – LA-MSID’s campus sits on an 8.7 +/- acre parcel that is very centrally located. The District’s campus is comprised of three modern buildings which are home to the District’s administrative facility. They include an administration building that, in addition to office space, houses a multi-purpose room that is used for public board meetings and a polling place; a fleet maintenance facility which includes a fuel station and wash-bay; and a renovated chemical storage facility.

5. , providing staff with a the most efficient work site. The District’s facility upgrades have allowed staff to complete projects as quickly as possible, and in turn helps to keep assessments low. Staff has recently completed a new equipment storage facility to keep dormant equipment out of the weather, resulting in a much longer lifespan. The campus is fully serving our current needs. There is also undeveloped land for two additional buildings on our site for future growth, if needed. The site work that is in place provides for all stormwater, sanitary sewer, potable water and space for parking needs of any additional buildings. The Board and staff should continue planning over the next several years to anticipate any necessary growth.

6. Great Backbone Drainage System – Construction of LA-MSID’s drainage system began in the 1950’s when water was considered the “common enemy” of the State of Florida. The State determined that following the construction and operation of the canal system, LA-MSID’s system over-drained the land, forcing LA-MSID to build a weir system. In the 1990’s LA-MSID changed its philosophy to water control, rather than stormwater drainage only. Our goal is for all LA-MSID weirs to operate at a lower elevation to provide flood protection in the wet season. In the dry season, our goal is for all weirs to operate at a higher elevation in an attempt to hold more water in our system and to recharge the surficial and sandstone aquifers, as well as provide adequate aquaculture for native flora and fauna. LA-MSID’s system will continue to be maintained and improved when practicable, to provide the maximum storage, flood control, aquifer recharge, aqua culture and water quality for the assessment payers and the environment. District staff operates under a maintenance plan (updated every year) and a facility operations manual. The District is always looking for opportunities to expand its storage capabilities.

7. Necessary Capital Projects and Purchases – LA-MSID has been very diligent for more than a decade, constantly rebuilding ailing infrastructure and replacing capital equipment. We have replaced or constructed 21 water control structures (weirs). We have replaced 96 culvert crossings. Our capital equipment is replaced on a revolving plan and is kept up to date. We have sought out and cemented partnerships with peer organizations/agencies to secure funding for crucial capital projects without the need to increase assessments. LA-MSID will continue its program of a 5-Year Facilities Inventory (inspecting one-quarter of our infrastructure, every year), 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (updated every year), Strategic Planning (updated every year), District modeling (updated as necessary) and a 5-Year Capital

Deleted: They include a multi-purpose room that is used for public board meetings as well as a polling place and a maintenance facility which includes a fuel station and wash-bay, along with a renovated chemical storage facility

Commented [KO6]: 1/5? Or is it a 4-year inventory? Or do you

take a year off?

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Purchase Plan (updated every year). The District is also completing its fifth year of in-house culvert replacements (total of 27 culverts replaced in 5 years).

8. Sense of Community – While the Board of Commissioners and staff have always put F.S. Chapter 189 and 298 powers prescribed by the state and its special acts at the forefront, they are also very much in tune with community organizations and their activities. If there is any way to provide a win-win situation for LA-MSID and the local community, the Board will seriously consider the action. The Board and staff attempt to always be in-tune with the community’s needs. LA-MSID needs to continue its collaboration with all related planning organizations to ensure the best potential outcome for our residents, as it relates to our powers. The Community Project Specialist has implemented several community based educational events that have been widely applauded and well attended.

9. Good Relationships with Agencies and Entities – The Board maintains great relationships with our local legislators and County Commissioners. The staff has many contacts with various departments in Lee County, South Florida Water Management District, FDEP and FDOT. We feel it is vitally important for us to keep all working relationships intact regardless of the local political climate. Relationships with other elected officials, agencies and entities will continue to be maintained and nurtured. Staff will provide data and assistance to these agencies while cooperating on Inter-local projects that can save tax dollars while providing an overall benefit to both agencies.

10. Financial Position – LA-MSID has enjoyed an unqualified audit for many years and has received “no management comments” for the last seven years. LA-MSID have been no assessment increases for six-years running. The District has received the Distinguished Budgeting Award for six years, as presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of North America. The District’s mission is to preserve and protect water resources. As the needs of the community, environment and staff change, the Board must acknowledge those needs by evaluating crucial projects and assessment rates.

11. Ability to Raise Revenue – LA-MSID is a multi-county, Chapter 189 Special District, and as such has the power to levy non-ad valorem assessments. The Board weighs necessary improvements to our system to the assessment rate needed to achieve these actions. The Board of Commissioners is always very conservative when determining the assessment rate for the property owners. 2015-2016 is the seventh year that assessments have not been raised. Due to LA-MSID’s independent special district status, there is very little budgetary oversight from local government agencies. Should LA-MSID have a crisis, we have the ability to identify the needs as well as the means by which revenue can be raised. LA-MSID’s legislative language should remain intact so as not to disturb the ability to levy non-ad-valorem assessments that are necessary to complete our mission.

Commented [KO7]: reword

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12. Steady Revenue Stream – Whereas other agencies (that depend on ad-valorem taxes as their main source of revenue) experienced a ballooning of their revenue during the economic and real estate boom and a collapse of revenue during the bust, LA-MSID’s revenues have been steady. By relying on non-ad valorem assessments (based on lot size) as our main revenue source, LA-MSID has remained at a reasonable and healthy revenue level. The nation and Lehigh Acres have been decimated by the housing slump, higher property taxes and fluctuating fuel prices. Other governments have been forced to limit their revenues by new general legislation. The legislature has not limited the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District’s ability to raise revenues if necessary to maintain its infrastructure, operations and future projects to preserve and protect water resources. LA-MSID will continue to be active with the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD) and be willing to participate and/or support actions by the FASD that will protect LA-MSID, its objectives and goals. We must work with our local delegation members to educate them about LA-MSIDs public benefit and increase their awareness of the steps we take to keep our assessments affordable while providing necessary services.

13. Ability to Maintain our Equipment and Infrastructure – The LA-MSID owns and maintains its

own fleet of heavy equipment, mowing tractors, spray equipment, vehicles, and smaller mowing equipment. LA-MSID has the responsibility and ability to maintain 311 miles of canals, 25 lakes, 386 culvert crossings, 22 bridges, 78 water control structures and 1298 acres of preserves in a manner that the community can be proud of. We are always looking for ways to further enhance our maintenance practices.

LA-MSID strives to retain highly skilled employees. We strive to preserve the necessary institutional knowledge and to provide needed services in an efficient manner. The District continually reviews needed projects. Management evaluates both cost benefits and reviews staff’s advanced skills to try and bring projects in-house when possible. Currently, the District is able to replace failing culverts with in-house staff. The in-house replacement of culvert crossings saves the District approximately $50,000 per culvert. LA-MSID needs to continue this in-house replacement process. LA-MSID’s staff also has the skills necessary to perform many of the maintenance and repair activities needed to maintain our fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment that is essential to maintain the District’s infrastructure.

14. Additional and Improved Policies – LA-MSID has an extensive list of policies and procedures in place and is constantly updating them to stay current. There has been a lot of discussion at the Board table about additional policies. Staff should pursue drafting new or updated policies with vigor, as the need arises.

15. Potential of New Powers - In 2015 the potential to oversee streetlights, sidewalks, community signage, local planning, and water and sewer for the Lehigh Acres community was added to law. As part of this change, legislators provided language that would allow Lehigh Acres MSID to study these new powers. However, these are not automatic powers. If the results of the study are favorable, the Lehigh Acres MSID must first enter into an agreement with Lee County and present our community with a referendum vote in a regular general election. The Commissioners can weigh-out the need for, available facts and the mood of the District’s residents if they should decide to consider adding any of these new powers.

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WEAKNESSES (Internal)

1. Lack of Stormwater Storage – LA-MSID has charged AIM Engineering and ADA Engineering with the task of modeling LA-MSID’s stormwater system. The main goal of the model is to simulate build-out in Lehigh Acres, along with simulating various 25 to 100-year storm events to determine what will happen within LA-MSID’s borders as well as the impact to areas downstream of LA-MSID. The model results indicate that LA-MSID will be approximately 15,000 acre-feet short of storage at full build-out of Lehigh Acres. That is equivalent to a lake that covers six-square miles, four feet deep. The Board commissioned an extensive update to our District-wide model in March, 2015. LA-MSID should continue modeling efforts to become more precise. In addition, we need to evaluate various project options and take the most responsible course of action to alleviate the storage shortfall and any other concerns. The Board and staff are working diligently to find, design and build the proper infrastructure to stay ahead of this shortfall, while being sensitive to the economic conditions. The Harns Marsh, Phase I and II projects, Southwest Lehigh Structures, West Marsh, Halfway Pond/Moving Water South and our Water Control Structure rehabilitation projects are great evidence of this effort.

2. District’s Identity Is Not Clear – While this item has not transitioned to a District strength, we are making great strides in our efforts to raise awareness of the District. The agency has been in operations for 58 years and until the mid-2000’s public education was not an objective of the District. We understand educating a diverse and growing population with limited resources/budget will take time. Staff has created and maintains a website, puts out news releases, creates and delivers community presentations and educational programs to help identify LA-MSID. In 2015, we were faced with an entity name change and took great efforts to educate the community about ECWCD’s services and the transition to LA-MSID. The Assistant to the District Manager works with community partners to create educational opportunities for residents and key target audiences. We have developed a District mascot, Able Otter, to help brand LA-MSID and educate residents and he is a hit! LA-MSID’s Community Project Coordinator has been very active in a strong attempt to make this a District strength. With increased and improved news releases, we have seen progress in community awareness, but a majority of the public is still not responding significantly and accurately to LA-MSID’s identity and mission. News releases are regularly sent to the news media whenever possible. District activities usually get good coverage. Staff needs to brainstorm about new methodologies to clarify and improve our recognition. Staff has organized many successful special events, secured grants, and prepared multiple public relations plans and grants but, perhaps suffers somewhat by the lack of funding for District-wide outreach activities. Staff had provided a small outreach budget but a majority of funding comes from grants and community sponsors to implement outreach programs. LA-MSID educational, public, and internal programs have received regional and state awards and recognition. In 2015, LA-MSID earned several local and state honors/awards for its Internal Health and Wellness Program and public service project – Weather Station. The fifth year of the “WOW Nature Festival” made large strides toward increasing the public’s ability to discover Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District! The Supervisor of Election’s use of our facility as a voting precinct has made an impact on the public in that zone of where and who we are. Other local

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government agencies have displayed a growing interest in hosting meetings and events in the Barrett Room.

3. Enclaves and border parcels benefiting from LA-MSID – Currently, there are approximately 40 enclaves in LA-MSID of various sizes, ranging from five acres to eighty acres that are benefiting from our water control system on different levels. As these parcels develop, staff needs to keep a watchful eye to determine if they are discharging into LA-MSID’s water control system. Border parcels may also be either directly or indirectly discharging into our system. District staff has identified and eliminated some major illegal discharges into our system in 2012/2013. As development picks up again, staff will be more proactive with the local engineering firms in order to educate them on our permitting requirements. LA-MSID must take any opportunity to bring an enclave or border parcel into LA-MSID boundaries. LA-MSID should consider charging mandatory fees to illegal dischargers, or take the necessary steps to eliminate the discharges. We are not absorbing any enclaves in 2015. With the widening of State Road 82, discharges from Hendry County and outparcels south of the widening will be re-directed from LA-MSID’s drainage system.

4. Vulnerability of Failing Infrastructure - While the District has done a good job in repairing or replacing failing culverts and water control structures (weirs), there is an abundance of culverts and bridges in our system that could fail over the next 20 years. The cost of replacing each one of our 22 bridges could be $2 million to $4 million, when you factor in both the design and construction cost. In addition, we have approximately 260 metal culverts in our system that could start to fail at a rate of 14 per year. Currently, they are failing at a rate of 5 per year. Staff must continue its infrastructure inspection efforts by inspecting one-quarter of the District’s infrastructure each year. The Board needs to stay apprised of all developments related to failing structures. The Board will need adequate lead time to make preparations for funding and replacement. Staff should continue its efforts to repair and upgrade water control structures each year. Talks should continue with Lee County with an emphasis toward their ownership, and participation in the replacement projects.

5. Lack of Adequate Maintenance Space on Right-of-Ways – When LA-MSID and Lehigh Corporation dug our canal system in the 1950s through the early 1990s, attention was not given to ensure that canals were dug in the centers of the rights-of-ways. In some isolated cases, just enough land was secured for the width of the canal, rendering maintenance nearly impossible with conventional methods. The end result is that the District has approximately 100 miles of canals with little or no room for District equipment to access and maintain the canals. The District currently has a 12+ mile circuit that a weed-eating crew maintains. That type of maintenance is inefficient and dangerous and today’s circuit distance will surely grow. During 2014-2015, the District purchased a TRUXOR amphibious vehicle with mowing attachments, that staff expects will cure at-least 90-percent of our weed-eating woes. Assistant District Manager. Michael Cook. has researched and orchestrated the purchase of the TRUXOR Amphibious Tool Carrier that eliminates 90% of the weed eating circuit. Staff must continue to develop new and innovative ways to achieve more efficient maintenance methods, while eliminating existing inefficient maintenance areas using “outside of the box” solutions.

6. Deficient Data Collection for Select Maintenance Activities – LA-MSID has reliable computer programs to collect data for accounting, time-keeping and vehicle maintenance. For many years,

Commented [CU8]: Anything new for 2015-16?

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LA-MSID has relied in staff-developed Microsoft Access databases and Excel spreadsheets to collect data, from mowing, spraying, canal clean-out, water quality, etc. In 2013, These databases began to fail and become unreliable. Staff turnover also contributed to this data-collecting deficiency. Staff has continued to provide on-paper records for daily maintenance activities. Staff has been working with an independent database developer for some time now. Inventive Tech Services has completed the customer service database on My Sequel® and has moved on to the spray database. Staff should continue to engage the Inventive Tech Services to develop all needed customized databases and continue with a long-term relationship for maintenance of those databases.

7. Succession Plan Not Complete Although staff has completed the succession plan for the Comptroller, the remainder of management positions have not completed this exercise. Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key business leadership positions in the company. Succession planning increases the availability of experienced and capable employees that are prepared to assume these roles as they become available. Staff has received succession plan training and we plan to use the training in the coming year to provide yet another internally-driven plan to the many that we already have. We will opt for more training as it becomes available.

8. Insufficient Automation of Operational Field, Financial and Human Resource Reporting

Although our financial reporting requirements have been met for quite some time now, the method of completing the tasks are quite archaic. These many reports are manually assembled and finalized on a monthly basis and are susceptible to human error and waste much time. Many of these reports can be automated and be as simple as “one stroke of the keypad”, leaving chances for error at almost zero. Staff will work with Accu-Fund on a prioritized list of programming needs. A budget for programming will be added to the 16/17 fiscal-year budget.

9. Administrative Storage Space Growing Short Our administrative building is three to four years young, but we are quickly running out of storage space. Storage items include: hard-copy paper records which we must maintain to satisfy public records laws; events equipment and materials; electronic equipment, chairs and tables. The Barrett Room is growing in popularity and we often need to temporarily store excess items while the room is in use. Staff will continue to consolidate and reorganize as long as possible to delay the implementation of an additional onsite storage option.

10. Scrivenor’s Error in Boundaries In the CY 2000 Codification of our several special acts, an scrivenor’s error accured, which described a quarter section of land twice and failed to describe an adjacent quarter-acre of land that had been inside the District bounderies for several years. During the name-change process, this scrivenor’s error was discovered. The Commissioners and staff should go through the necessary steps to correct this scrivenor’s error (i.e. Water Control Plan, Legislation and etc.).

Commented [DL9]: Name of new company?

Commented [DL10]: Add reference to wikipedia

Commented [CU11]: Do you want to note turnover/retirement

cross training issues - they go beyond accounting.

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OPPORTUNITIES (External)

1. Bank, State and Agency Funding – A few years ago, this was perceived as a threat. LA-MSID had

received many grants and low-cost loans from Banks, FDEP and SFWMD during the early to mid-2000s. These sources had been drying up due to poor economic conditions and the general apprehensive nature of these entities. More recently, various funding has increased, with even lower interest rates and many SFWMD grant programs have been created. The State of Florida has created funding sources for stormwater projects through changes in the constitution and other means. LA-MSID staff must stay in compliance with its existing loan and grant agreements and should also attend any educational opportunities offered by the funding sources in order to stay current. The Board and staff will continue efforts into improving our budgeting format to satisfy lenders changing requirements. We have worked well with Fifth Third Bank to secure a low-cost loan. The balloon payment for this loan is coming due this fiscal year. Cooperative grant opportunities from other agencies are becoming available because of forced planning efforts due to the poor economy and “out of the box” thinking by District staff. The District has secured a $1.22 million FDEP grant in 2014 and a $3.2 million easement purchase fee in 2015.

2. Political and Resident Support – LA-MSID enjoys an era of very favorable status with Representatives and Senators in the Legislature. We also have experienced a rather long period of smooth operations due to system improvements and a Board that has worked very well together for a long time. This provides an overall favorable opinion of the District. Although LA-MSID has a very advanced and celebrated public information program, the District needs to continue to step it another notch through the use of the media information program and also continue to educate the public through the use of brochures, PowerPoint presentations etc. Information can also be disseminated through the school system and other suitable public forums. LA-MSID may consider a professionally produced DVD.

3. Cooperative Efforts with Entities – There are several entities that need LA-MSID’s support or cooperation to help cut the cost of their respective projects. FDOT and LDOT often need fill dirt and stormwater storage ponds for road projects. LA-MSID can help them in their endeavors by thinking “outside of the box”. Developers need access to our water control system in order to provide a positive drainage outfall; Lee County Parks Department needs additional land for park projects, etc. Offering our assistance to these different entities can also pave the way to strengthening our professional relationships. Cooperation through memberships, awards; assistance with grants; working with Cathy Olson and the Bird Patrols at Harns Marsh; Lehigh Community Initiative in community trash removal events; and other projects can benefit LA-MSID and our assessment payers. SFWMD has always been a great partner with LA-MSID through the Caloosahatchee River Watershed Program and the Lehigh Headwaters Initiative. Continued efforts with FDOT with their road-widening efforts can vastly benefit both agencies.

4. As entities contact LA-MSID for assistance with permitting, easements, etc., negotiations should ensure that our efforts will also facilitate the entity helping LA-MSID meet District goals. East County should

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continue working on a long-term relationship with FDOT and the State Road 82 widening by forging the SR 82 Widening Agreement, Segment 3 and 4, which could prove to be very favorable.

5. Increases in Technology – Technological breakthroughs can allow LA-MSID to complete tasks

more efficiently, lower costs and use less manpower. Our automated TRUXOR Amphibious Tool Carrier is a good example of this. Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. We must continue to keep our eye to the horizon with publications and organizations that stay current with new technology. Gaining Additional Powers – LA-MSID always keeps the needs of the residents within our District in the forefront to determine when help is needed. In fiscal year 2012-2013, the Legislature passed a Bill that would have provided street lighting and sidewalks powers to LA-MSID but was vetoed by Governor Scott. In 2015, Representative Matthew Caldwell championed House Bill 1255 in order to change East County Water Control District (ECWCD) from a Florida Statutes Chapter 298 drainage and water control district to a Florida Statutes Chapter 189 improvement district to provide a more clearly defined scope of services. On Wednesday, Jun 10, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 1225 into law dissolving ECWCD and transferring all of its acts, property, obligations, and liabilities to the newly created Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (Lehigh Acres MSID). As part of this change, legislators provided language that would allow Lehigh Acres MSID to study new powers in limited areas such as: sidewalks, street lights, and community signage, local planning and water and sewer services.

LA-MSID must continue to consider the needs of the District and the assessment payers to determine if adding powers will meet their needs.

6. Working with Hyacinth Control District – Hyacinth Control taxes all Lee County residents for aquatic plant control, including all land “inside” LA-MSID’s borders and only provides minimal services in Lehigh Acres. There should be resources available from the Hyacinth Control District to help LA-MSID with some of our aquatic vegetation problems. Staff has and will continue to make contact with Hyacinth Control to discuss working in cooperation to extend their available resources to LA-MSID for mutual benefit.

7. The Economy – The nation and the residents inside of our District had been decimated by the housing slump from 2007 to 2012. This led to many foreclosures and up to 6% of uncollected assessments. Some residents experienced higher property taxes and all faced higher fuel prices, and moderate inflation. During 2014/2015 the economic outlook has greatly improved. The vast majority of delinquent assessments have been paid, housing prices have increased significantly and unemployment has decreased.

LA-MSID has reduced its percentage for uncollectable assessments in the 2016/2017 taxes and has a

surplus of revenue from 2015/2016 that can be designated to future needs, i.e.: Construction, land

purchase, etc.

Deleted: Should the need be apparent, the district should consider a change in legislation to accommodate that need.

Deleted: .

Deleted: transfering

Deleted: vetoed that Bill.¶

Deleted: ¶

Deleted: 5

Deleted: 6

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THREATS (External)

1. Union-Management Conflicts – LA-MSID Board and staff have worked hard to provide a fair labor contract for the employees and the assessment payers. A delicate balance must be maintained in the future. The District negotiated a new 3-year contract in FY 2014-2015 and will go another round in 2017/2018. The Board and staff must maintain open communication with union representatives and shop stewards while staying in compliance with the current Union Contract. Maintenance of a well-trained, educated, content and hard-working workforce is essential to LA-MSID, while providing salaries and benefits comparable to other agencies with the same general mission and/or activities.

2. Loss of Chemical Labels or Availability/New Non-Native or Invasive Plants – There are several EPA approved chemicals that LA-MSID currently uses to combat undesirable vegetation in our canal system. Chemical companies must spend big budgets to maintain the testing needed to continue to sell their products. Sometimes they determine that it is not worth their efforts or they realize that they are a sole-source provider and raise their price to a point that LA-MSID cannot afford the chemical. Currently the EPA is requiring chemical manufacturers to change their safety labeling programs. This changes the National system of MSDS sheets to a Global Harmonized System (GHS) known worldwide as SDS sheets. These changes alone will have a negative impact on the cost of chemicals in the future. Southwest Florida’s climate is ideal to support new plants as they are introduced to the area. Several species have been running rampant for years.

LA-MSID must adapt as needed in order to utilize the least expensive chemicals available to maintain the canals. Staff should locate and use large entity’s established bids to secure the lowest possible bid prices. Staff will use the three quote process to obtain the lowest chemical price available. Chemical pricing has become so volatile over the past 5 years that manufactures are pulling chemicals off of active bid sheets. Staff also looks at application rates and the duration of plant control of all chemicals. This helps to determine which will provide the most cost effective and efficient means of plant management available. The chemical manufacturers will hopefully continue to develop products that will be safe and effective to combat the need to control these new non-native or invasive species.

3. The Bond Market – As the economy continues to be unstable, the bond market will continue to be unstable. This could cause a hardship for LA-MSID because it reduces one of the viable funding options that LA-MSID has successfully utilized in the past. The Board of Commissioners and staff should perform a cost-benefit analysis before authorizing capital projects. They should consider all avenues for funding. LA-MSID should examine the Bond market, bank loans and push hard for grants and budget requests from the legislature to help fund the projects.

4. Population Growth – The population within LA-MSID’s borders was approximately 87,500 in 2010 and seems to have been increasing over the past few years. There is a potential that our population has topped 100,000! As the existing abandoned homes become occupied, LA-MSID’s population will be at the highest point in its history. Existing real Estate prices are close to real value, there are many new construction starts which should indicate that we are fully out of the recession. If the population continues to grow, the workload for employees will increase.

Deleted: ¶

Commented [DL12]: Bill to review

Deleted: be

Deleted: R

Deleted: have begun to increase

Deleted: recently

Deleted: possibly

Deleted: ing

Deleted: beginning to pull

Deleted: out

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LA-MSID has considered a “built-out” scenario to determine storage priorities. Land acquisition priorities must be established. Design and construction can occur subsequently as our population increases. LA-MSID could make necessary land purchases while land prices are low and the population is not experiencing large growth. If LA-MSID delays land acquisition, LA-MSID may have higher land costs in the future. LA-MSID’s Capital Improvement Plan can slow the planning for its immediate stormwater storage needs, while closing the need for storage for a current 100-year storm. The staff and Board must continue to plan for its future needs, while taking advantage of opportunities now during the current recession.

6. Fuel Costs –LA-MSID can be affected by fluctuating fuel costs as much or more than other entities, because the heavy equipment and vehicles used in our daily operations consume large amounts of fuel. 2015-2016 has proven to be a very unusual year for gas prices. This particular fluctuation has benefitted the District. LA-MSID needs to maintain its current fuel capacity or more in the future in order to maintain its current level of service. LA-MSID considers fuel efficiency when purchasing new vehicles and equipment. Alternative fuel options will be purchased when practical. Recently, LA-MSID has constructed a fuel station on site that has made the staff even more efficient. Budgeting practices should allow for more than modest increases in fuel costs.

7. Loss of Access to Maintain ROWs – As Lehigh Acres “builds out”, LA-MSID will lose access to some of its rights-of-way. Currently District staff can access waterways and easements through adjacent vacant lots. Maintenance areas with limited access will cost LA-MSID more to maintain. Staff must continue to perform a District wide assessment to determine areas that will have no maintenance access and what the best solutions are for providing service.

8. Annexation into District Borders – The City of Fort Myers borders a large portion of LA-MSID’s western boundaries. Lehigh Acres’ Industrial Park is in LA-MSID’s boundaries and is a possible target of annexation. LA-MSID must be aware of any attempts by the City of Fort Myers to annex inside Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District and to become active in dialogues to determine the best course of action. HB 1255 by Matthew Caldwell has a non-annexation provision to protect LA-MSID in this regard.

9. Creation of a Stormwater Utility – In the past, Lee County has proposed a stormwater utility for the unincorporated area of the County that could nullify Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District’s authority and potentially dissolve LA-MSID. LA-MSID must stay involved in any discussions that Lee County may have involving the creation of a stormwater utility in Lehigh Acres and to help determine the best outcome for Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District and the residents of Lehigh Acres.

10. Incorporation - There has been in the past and will be future attempts to incorporate the Lehigh Acres

area. The creation of a city may include the absorption and dissolution of the Lehigh Acres Municipal

Services Improvement District if a public works department is established.

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Commented [DL13]: Did this pass and what is the F.S. law #?

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LA-MSID must keep a vigilant eye open for attempts to incorporate Lehigh to make sure that the new charter does not include the immediate and/or total absorption and dissolution of the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District.

11. Community Development Districts – Community Development Districts can hold almost as many powers as a city and have been reasonably easy to create. They can be created by Lee County Government inside of LA-MSID’s boundaries if they are under a certain acreage threshold or otherwise created by the state. CDD’s can erode LA-MSID’s powers. LA-MSID must stay in contact with Lee County (creator of most CDDs) and local legislation for attempts by developers to create CDD’s in Lehigh Acres and to do what is necessary to guarantee that they do not conflict with the powers of the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District.

12. Water Quality Issues - Different components from the Clean Water Act of 1964 are moving ahead simultaneously. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL’s), Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and the Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) Standards for Water Quality will be imposing standards for sampling and/or an impetus for capital projects in the future. The District water quality is very good, but the standards may be set so low that we can’t meet them. The Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) may be so rigid that we may have to improve our water quality, even if we meet the water quality standards. The potential unfunded mandate may require that capital dollars be spent, which can severely affect our assessment rates and the ability for our residents to pay them. LA-MSID will stay involved in the process of rulemaking by EPA and FDEP to both lessen requirements while ensuring that water quality standards are fair and obtainable. Future budgets may have to be adjusted to reflect the addition of water quality projects if very strict standards are adopted. Currently the District has met the BMAP requirements for the first five year period on the estuarine portion of the Caloosahatchee River. Future requirements will have to be met for the Freshwater portion of the Caloosahatchee River and any NNC requirements on state wide waterbodies. Community outreach and education efforts are necessary parts of meeting these requirements.

13. Legislative Mandates Special districts and their issues periodically come within the sites of legislators that wish to slash the overall tax burden for tax payers. Other types of governments have been forced to limit their revenues by new legislation. The legislature has not limited the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District’s ability to raise revenues and to pay its bills. Other, potentially unfunded mandates, may be enacted by the Florida Legislature or the Federal Government and may fiscally or otherwise impact the District, either intentionally or as an unintentional consequence. Staff and the Board need to monitor the bills that are presented during the legislative session in an attempt to impact the outcome for the residents of the District. We can do this by staying engaged with the Florida Association of Special Districts, the Florida Stormwater Association and through our District Counsel.

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Program Objectives, Strategies and Goals Goals: are statements needed for every key result that LA-MSID deems necessary for success.

Objectives: are strong, target ends for stated goals or final results of a strategy.

Strategies: are a pattern of measurable actions and resource allocations designed to achieve the objectives of the LA-MSID.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE GOALS Goal A1: To provide administrative staff the resources necessary to complete the mission of the

Board of Commissioners. Objectives:

1. The District must create or modify policies to ensure that the Policy and Procedure

Manual is accurate and current. Current, accurate, fully encompassing policies are essential to provide staff with the tools to operate, regulate and implement the Board’s intended approach when dealing with the public and employees.

Strategy: Staff needs to either create, review or update at least three policies, Collective Bargaining Agreement or Employee Manual for Non-Bargaining Unit in this fiscal year.

2. LA-MSID will hire and maintain the best employees possible with the budget

available. LA-MSID will provide necessary training to all District employees in Administration, Finance and in Field positions. Staff should receive accounting, human resources, management, record keeping and public relations training on an annual basis. Strategy: All employees will receive at least one training session during this fiscal year. LA-MSID will provide a fair and current collective bargaining agreement.

3. The District will work hard to keep personnel expenses low. The District can save money by not allowing employees who have been discharged for just cause from collecting unemployment. Strategy: The District will have no more than one new paid unemployment claim in fiscal year 2015-2016.

4. District Staff will use the campus to be as efficient and effective as possible. The

Commissioners have provided a modern campus that provides utilitarian administration space, a multi-purpose room, up-to-date maintenance facilities, and a fuel station.

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Commented [CU14]: These are all admin training. Perhaps list

any annual field training ..

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Strategy: Management and support must correct any damage to campus facilities immediately. Regular maintenance must be performed to ensure that the campus retains its “new” appearance and workability.

5. District Boundaries should expand to include parcels that benefit from LA-MSID. There are many enclaves and border parcels that are not in our boundaries that benefit from the LA-MSID drainage system and do not pay assessments. Strategy: Staff should look for opportunities such as new requests for culvert access or new drainage requests to require parcels to petition for inclusion in the District boundaries. This the second year of a five-year goal, we should add two parcels in the next four years. District Boundary Scriveror’s Error Should Be Reversed The Scrivenor’s error that occurred in CY 2000 needs to be reversed in order to accurately reflect the intended boundaries. Strategy: Staff shall plan for the Water Control Plan Revision when fiscally feasible, fllowed by a glitch bill filing in Tallahassee.

Goal A2: Provide the infrastructure and programs necessary to deliver optimum flood protection, aquifer recharge, water quality enhancements and habitat for the current and built-out scenarios. Objectives:

6. The District should continue the process for increasing storage in the West Marsh, in FY 2015/2016. The preliminary design and Land Stewardship Plan was complete and accepted by Lee County by the summer of 2013. A design firm will be selected soon after. Strategy: During 2016-2017, LA-MSID should complete final FDOT design and permitting of the West Marsh. Over the next four years, LA-MSID’s portion of construction should be complete on the West Marsh.

7. LA-MSID should alleviate intermittent flooding on Bedman Creek. The District needs

a conveyance diversion from Dog Canal to Hendry Canal and Carlos Waterway, when Bedman Creek is at full capacity. Strategy: This is the second year of a five-year goal and the District will acquire land by purchase or other means and be complete with construction of a Dog-Hendry Connection canal to help alleviate flooding on Bedman Canal, within the next four years.

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Goal A3: Provide for the lowest possible assessment rates, while providing the necessary services for the residents inside and downstream of the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District borders. Objectives:

8. Staff will try to increase revenue without raising taxes. LA-MSID has no imposed caps on the amount of assessments we can charge, however, we have not raised assessments for seven—years running. The District has been very creative in finding new revenue sources in the past. We need to look for new sources such as cellular towers, tree and mulch sales companies or fees for discharges from outside of our borders. Staff has been working with the Florida DOT on the SR 82 widening and will be receiving the second infusion of fees from Segment 3 & 4. Staff is also working with Lee County DOT and their Homestead Rd. Widening Project for storage and discharge availability, LA-MSID will receive funding to rebuild our Amberwood 2 Structure. One new alternative revenue source should be added in FY 2015/2016. Strategy: Staff will identify one additional alternative revenue source in FY 2016/2017. Staff will hold strategy meetings and may attend seminars relating to alternative revenue strategies.

9. Projects identified in the Capital Improvement Plan should continue to progress

forward and projects that are designed and permitted should find a revenue source and be built. Projects such as the Southwest Lehigh Weirs, Hendry Extension Canal Widening West Marsh and Moving Water South, PII are either in or nearing construction need to continue that process. Strategy: Staff will continue the construction process on all projects funded by outside sources. Southwest Lehigh Weirs construction should be complete this fiscal year and ground should be broken on the West Marsh.

10. LA-MSID will use hard-thought discretion with the potential new powers. ECWCD was dissolved and LA-MSID was created on June 10, 2015. The powers of sidewalks, lighting, planning and water and water and sewer can be exercised through an agreement with Lee County and a majority vote from the voters in a referendum. Strategy: The District will observe conditions within its borders and the opinions of the residents to determine the optimal time to begin the process to exercise a power. LA-MSID should work with legislators to find a low-cost alternative to mail-out costs in the water control plan process. This could make the willingness to gain new powers more palatable.

Goal A4: The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District should be a visible and integral component statewide, within Lee County and especially with the residents of the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District. Objectives:

11. LA-MSID will continue to increase name recognition and awareness of its mission, vision and goals. The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District shall

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Deleted: need to find a funding partner and be built prior to the lapse of their permits.

Deleted: construct at least one major project funded by an outside revenue source. Grant funding is preferable prior to considering a low-cost loan or bond, if necessary.

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initiate and host town hall meetings, groundbreaking ceremonies, school education, etc. as the opportunities arise. LA-MSID should try to produce news articles as often as possible. Strategy: LA-MSID will hold one public relations for students, one community event, and will make presentations at five organizational meetings in FY 2016-2017.

12. Financial staff has to remain diligent in their analysis of the District’s financial

records and the ever-changing rules of accounting. Strategy: Maintain an unqualified audit opinion with zero management letter comments and will be awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the GFOA for our FY 2016-2017 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget.

13. LA-MSID or its successor agency will remain to be a viable, independent and pertinent agency in Lehigh Acres. As the population continues to grow: (1) more impervious surface is created, a greater need for stormwater management will exist, and (2) a potential increase in restructure of existing government agencies may arise. Strategy: LA-MSID should stay strong, stay connected to all surrounding and related agencies and continue to support FASD and their lobbying efforts.

14. LA-MSID needs a finalized Succession Plan. Staff skill-sets have improved vastly over the last 10 years. Consequently, when a staff member is lost, there is a substantial learning curve for the new employee, hired from the inside or outside. Staff should make all efforts to have an understudy cross-trained to eliminate or lessen the impact of losing a key employee. Strategy: LA-MSID should complete the Succession Plan for key employees in the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

15. LA-MSID should automate its routine reporting functions. Operational Financial & Human Resources reporting functions for the most part are done manually and some of the necessary components are missing completely. Staff would be way more efficient and effective if they did not routinely assemble necessary reports manually. Strategy: LA-MSID should review and/or program three report functions in the fiscal year.

16. Air conditioned storage space is becoming scarce. LA-MSID has become self-sufficient when it comes to providing for outside events and flexibility in the multi-purpose room. Staff has been creative when storing the addition materials needed for those events. Should the District procure additional items or hire additional administrative staff, a space issue will become needed. Strategy: Staff should take all measures to organize and consolidate all necessary storage items as to not need outside storage space in this fiscal year.

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STORMWATER OPERATIONS

GOAL F1: To provide Field staff the resources necessary to complete the mission of the Board.

Objectives:

17. LA-MSID will adhere to the latest Five-Year Capital Replacement Plan. Adherence to this plan is necessary to ensure that the District’s maintenance can be performed in the least amount of time with current staffing levels. Strategy: The District will purchase all items identified in the 2016/2017 Capital Replacement Plan. Fuel efficiency shall be a strong consideration when specifying new vehicles or equipment for purchase.

Goal F2: District Field staff will strive to provide the highest necessary maintenance levels on

District Lands as prescribed by the Board, the economic conditions and requested by the public. Objectives:

18. A mowing and weed-eating strategy for District lands must be adhered to. The mowing crews shall mow the flat areas and the slopes where LA-MSID has adequate maintenance access, District wide. This is necessary to 1) provide stability for slopes, 2) maintain conveyance, 3). Provide visibility for herbicide treatments; 4) safety; 5) water quality and 6) community pride. The weed-eating crew shall maintain slopes with little to no maintenance access that have been identified by management. The Field management staff shall continue to do their best to eliminate “down time” and keep the mowing crews operating for a large percentage of the growing season. Special projects should not cut into the mowing crew’s time. Strategy: LA-MSID will complete three mows and three weed-eating circuits per year.

19. Herbicides should be used at label strength to control exotic and/or nuisance

aquatic vegetation to compliment mechanical cleaning. The plant control staff should maintain LA-MSID canal and lake systems at least twice a year for emergent, and submersed, plants that are invasive or non-native or nuisances. Staff should provide chemical mowing and broad-leaf control on slopes and flat areas, yearly. Strategy: LA-MSID will conduct at least two complete plant control treatments, as needed and where needed, to maintain conveyance. The Field management staff should make sure the canal inspections will be ongoing and that each canal will be assessed and treated for its individual vegetation needs. The District will stay in tune with organizations that promote the use of herbicides and manufacturers of herbicides to help to insure that effective and cost-effective herbicides are available in the future.

20. Mechanical cleaning should be used to clean decomposed, exotic or nuisance

vegetation to compliment the herbicide program. The canal cleaning process involving the track hoes and the bulldozer clean-up, shall make the rounds through LA-

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MSIDs entire canal and lake systems approximately every seven years, as prescribed by the NPDES Permit. Strategy: LA-MSID will mechanically clean or inspect to determine the lack of need to clean 1/7 (approximately 14.3% or 44.43 miles) of all canals per year. We should mechanically clean or inspect to determine the lack of need to clean 5/7 of the District canals in the next five years. The Field management staff shall do their best to keep the track-hoe and dozer crews operating on canal clean out for a large percentage of the year. Special projects should not cut into canal cleaning time.

21. Financial research has proven that weed-eating is not a viable long-term solution for

miles of canal bank maintenance. We are in the fourth of five years of a project that systematically assesses each canal right of way for the best solution in each situation. It is anticipated that there will be several solutions to deal with different circumstances. Staff shall find solutions to the ever-mounting problem of maintenance on canal rights of way with no or narrow maintenance access. Strategy: Staff has purchased the TRUXOR Amphibious Tool Carrier to eliminate the vast majority of weed-eating on District canals and lakes. 2015/2016 will be our trial year in the Truxor program. Also, LA-MSID will reduce 1 mile of canal from the weed eating circuit in FY 2016/2017.

22. Staff has gotten behind in preserve maintenance over the last 15 years and needs to catch up. The District needs to allocate more staff that may include temporary workers to reach this goal. Strategy: LA-MSID will remove exotics on 10 non-maintained acres this year and for the next five years, while not losing control of acres cleared since 2008.

23. LA-MSID will continue the culvert replacement program. Corrugated metal pipes

culverts are failing at 5 to 6 per year and should fail at an increasing rate over the next 15 years. These “rebuild” projects must be completed to “keep up” with the potential growing amount of failing culverts District–wide. Strategy: Field staff will replace five or six more culverts “in house” each year, for the next five years.

24. The District will fully understand and comply with the current and future requirements from State and Federal authorities on water quality law and issues. The District has had 5 out of 6 years in a row without comments on our annual NPDES Report. Strategy: Strive to have zero comments on our Annual NPDES Report, and be the most compliant and diligent co-permittee on the Lee County NPDES Permit.

25. LA-MSID shall maintain the integrity of our field data and will keep our telemetry

sites operating at their full level. The telemetry employees will fully test each site and will comply with all FCC regulations. Data will be secured in newly-developed maintenance and work order software.

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Commented [CU15]: Check dates….

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Strategy: Staff shall work with an outside contractor to secure maintenance and work order software that is user-friendly, efficient and comprehensive in 2016/2017.

26. The District’s bridges need to be kept in the highest possible condition. Our 22

bridges were built from 1963 to 1992. Every two years, the State hires an engineering firm to inspect our bridges. We now have the latest report that identifies deficiencies. The good news is that we have no serious problems with our bridges. Strategy: The District shall repair all items identified in the 2016 Bridge Report, by spring of FY 2016/2017.

27. The District will continue to clear its rights-of-ways. With the lack of clear and

correct plats, for many years, on some canals, the District has maintained the wrong side of the canal. There was no easy or cheap method to determine where our rights of ways were. With the advent of GIS and the Lee County Property Appraiser Site, we can easily identify our rights-of-ways. Strategy: The District will clear one (1) mile of right-of-way this year.

28. LA-MSID must continue to service our vehicles and or equipment at recommended hours or mileage intervals. The District has purchased RTA Software which tracks “service” data related to the vehicles. This ensures that service is performed at the right time. Strategy: The mechanics will service all vehicles when scheduled within a 1,000 mile window prior to and after the due date as tracked by the RTA Software.

29. The District shall provide easier and safer maintenance access roads along our infrastructure. The District’s access roads are often blocked by a Lee County road ditch. That may force staff to back up their equipment and find an alternative route to continue their work. A considerable amount of time is lost because of this. Strategy: The District will install 30 pipes in Lee County outfall ditches and Lee County will provide a match of 30, this year.

30. LA-MSID’s infrastructure (culverts, weirs, buildings, etc.) needs to be inspected on a regular basis. The District needs to protect the assessment payer’s infrastructure to protect their investment, their properties and the water resources of the District. Our NPDES permit also requires regular inspections. Strategy: District staff will inspect at least 25% of the culverts, water control structures, parks and buildings annually.

31. Providing good resident service is essential for the District’s image. Resident issues

are called in on almost a daily basis. These issues are logged in a database by issue and resolution to ensure that all issues are resolved. Strategy: The staff shall resolve all known resident issues prior to a resident coming to a Board Meeting if it is within staff’s power.

Deleted: Per the FCC, the District will upgrade the radios on the 13 highest priority sites

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32. The District’s water control structures (weirs) need to be kept in the highest operation readiness condition. Staff needs to look at items such as structural integrity, painting (where necessary) and reconditioning moving parts. Strategy: Staff will recondition two water control structures per year, for the next five years.

33. Trash on District lands continues to be a big problem and must be kept under

control. Because of remoteness and the fact that water bodies are at a lower elevation than surrounding lands, our infrastructure is a collection point for illegal dumping along with windblown garbage and floating trash. Strategy: The District will remove at least 50,000 pounds of trash in FY 2016/2017.

34. Wash-outs in our canal system must be corrected within a very narrow window

because of their ability to disrupt conveyance and increase our liability. Washouts are generally caused by the loss of bank stabilization (usually vegetation). Vegetation can be destroyed by poor mowing techniques, ATV and four-wheeler traffic, misuse of chemicals and general debris on the canal banks. The resulting wash-outs can become rather large, allowing for poor drainage along with being a vehicle and pedestrian hazard. Strategy: There will be no reported accidents, injuries or flooding due to washouts.

35. Special Projects Must be Completed Yearly. During the dry season each year, the District staff re-gears itself to complete necessary special projects. The projects are identified by October prior to dry season. Strategy: Staff shall complete at least 90% of special projects identified in the October Gantt chart. Special projects should not cut into mowing, spraying or mechanical clean-out goals.

36. Conservation Easement Needs to be Cleared. The District accepted an approximately 2 acre land donation with a conservation easement, directly adjacent to LA-MSID’s Blackstone Preserve. This land has a considerable amount of exotic vegetation and the conservation easement has a 5-year time-line for removal of those exotics. Strategy: Staff will clear this donation site of exotic vegetation prior to 2021.

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Deleted: that have been reported.


SUBJECT: 4B3 -Draft 2016 -2017 Budget Projection


Agenda Item# 4B3




Recommended motion:

N/A


Provides a copy of the current budget projected to year end, September 30, 2016.

Fiscal impact: Gain or loss? Kathy

Staff comments:

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER




Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


1

2

3

4



6 BOARD ACTION

COMPTROLLER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Thompson

YELLOW SHEET # AIS16-073Meeting Date 5 /16/2016

Agenda Item# 4B4


COMMISSIONER ATTORNEY


Recommended motion:

Move to approve Purchase Order #1 to the Pre-Qualified Engineering Contract of TY Lin International.


Provides for the Hendry Canal Widening plans to be updated to FDOT standards, as required by the JUSMSA for SR 82 Widening Segments 3 & 4.

Fiscal impact: $176,247

Staff comments: The JUSMSA agreement for Segments 3 & 4 had secured $200,000 for this item.

MANAGER

ATTORNEY

ENGINEER

COMPTROLLER

FIELD SUPERINTENDENT


Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N


AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY


1

2

3

4


Thompson Bonacolta Deetscreek Stout Welch

6 BOARD ACTION

ASSISTANT MANAGER

SUBJECT: 4B4 - Hendry Ext. Canal Widening Update to FDOT Standards, T

May 9, 2016

Board of Supervisors


601 East County Lane

Lehigh Acres, FL 33936

Re: Engineer’s Report for May 2016 Board Meeting

Dear Board Members:

The status of current projects involving the District Engineer is outlined in the following.

General Consulting

AIM has participated in coordination between LA-MSID Staff and FDOT regarding

the development of the next Agreement for Segments 3 & 4 of SR 82.

No Permits are included into the Board Packet for consideration this month.

AIM has been working with District Staff on estimates & descriptions for the next

round of the SFWMD cooperative funding agreement.

Weir 57-4-6 Replacement

The Construction was advertised, and a contract was awarded to J.P. Murphy at the March

Board meeting. A pre-construction meeting was held on April 12th , and materials

submittals have begun to be processed. The Board will be updated on construction progress.

Southwest Lehigh Groundwater Recharge and Aquifer Restoration The Southwest Weirs Project has been presented to FDOT as potential stormwater storage

for the nearby SR 82 widening project. Potentially, FDOT could build the project at a

smaller overall cost than traditional stormwater ponds typically needed for this type of

project. This would benefit the District by having the project constructed by others, and

realizing the surface water storage and water quality benefits. It appears that SR 82

segments 1 & 2 will go to construction in late 2015. Funding for the Southwest Weirs

Project is included in the initial JUSWMSA Agreement between FDOT and the LA-MSID.

AIM discussed refinements with Staff such as addressing construction details and adding

telemetry at certain structures. Staff is working with a prequalified Engineering Consultant

to have the refinements and additions completed. Also, additional modeling work was

performed to check final structure locations and elevations. Weekly progress meetings were

held with the project team to monitor progress leading up to ERP submittal to the SFWMD

that occurred in June. Revised project plans (including refinements for FDOT coordination)

and specifications were completed. The project construction bid was advertised, and bids

were received and reviewed. A Construction Contract with Coastal Concrete Products, LLC

was executed at the April Board meeting. The pre-construction meeting is scheduled for

May 16th. The Board will be updated on Construction progress.

Hendry Canal Extension Widening

This project will be included in the next Agreement with FDOT to provide both stormwater

attenuation and embankment material for the State Road 82 Segments 3 & 4 roadway

improvement projects, and we will continue to update the Board as progress is made. The

existing plans will also need to be refined to add additional design elements desired by the

District, and details necessary so they can be bid by FDOT. The District will be utilizing

one of their prequalified engineering consultants for this task, and Scope coordination is

underway. An Agreement will be brought to the Board for Consideration.

Halfway Pond – SR 82 Segment 3 FDOT recognizes the value in time and cost savings to participate in the regional partnership

with LAMSID and SFWMD. Ultimately, FDOT can save time and money by constructing

and utilizing various ECWCD water storage projects in lieu of proceeding with the standard

process of acquiring additional Right-of-Way for stormwater pond sites. The LA-MSID

Halfway Pond Phase 2 Project has been identified as a mutually beneficial project that can

provided stormwater attenuation for the FDOT SR 82 Segment 3 improvements while

improving the LAMSID system. AIM has participated in discussion between District Staff

and FDOT personnel heading the Segment 3 & 4 State Road 82 improvements from

Alabama to Homestead.

The Halfway Pond Phase 2 improvements are anticipated to include a pump station to

transfer surface water south of SR 82 and into preserve and other wetland areas. However,

the Phase 2 improvements need to be further defined before the second JUSWMSA

Agreement can be executed between FDOT and the District. The District must verify that

the Phase 2 improvements can meet the stormwater needs of the SR 82 design so that

traditional stormwater ponds are not required. Hydraulic modeling services necessary to

further define the Halfway Pond Phase 2 improvements are underway. Model Calibration in

the study area has been improved, and we are working to set up scenario analysis.

West Marsh Design

AIM and our sub consultant have completed work on the existing conditions hydraulic

model and confirming calibration. New structures were added into the model that have been

replaced over the last several years, and design storm events have been run. Hydraulic

modeling of the proposed project configuration has also been performed. AIM and District

Staff evaluated the results to select the design alternative details. The proposed

configuration provides certain water storage, fill generation, cost, and environmental

benefits and liabilities. AIM has prepared design plans and an ERP submittal package for

the SFWMD, and the package was submitted in June. An RAI letter was received from

SFWMD in August, and we met with SFWMD Staff to discuss the sufficiency comments.

Many of the comments will have to be addressed once the redesign for the FDOT project

changes is underway (explained below). We will keep the Board updated on permitting

status.

Also, the fill material generated from the project has been identified as a source to meet fill

needs for the SR 82 Segments 1 & 2 projects. The West Marsh Preserve is actually closer

(as a fill source) to Segments 1 & 2 than the northern portion of Hendry Extension Canal.

Therefore, FDOT has selected the West Marsh Preserve Project, and the project is included

in the initial JUSWMSA Agreement between the two agencies. AIM is working on revising

the project to meet the FDOT requirements and prepare the project to accompany the SR 82

bidding and construction. Phase 1 60% plans were submitted to FDOT their initial review,

and we received comments back from FDOT on the submittal. Revisions were made, and

Phase 1 90% plans were submitted by March 31st. Phase 2 60% plans were submitted to

FDOT by the end of April, as Phase 2 construction will follow some time later.

In addition, LAMSID, FDOT, and Lee County have entered into a separate agreement to

define responsibilities, benefits, and liabilities for each entity related to the West Marsh

Preserve Project.

JUSWMSA Agreement - FDOT

FDOT prepared a draft inter local type Agreement for the joint project, and it was revised in

several iterations between FDOT and District Staff. This agreement structure will be used

for the other phases of SR 82 improvements, and the LA-MSID projects that will be

constructed as surface water improvements for the road. The final Agreement was approved

and executed at the December Board meeting. The closing related to the Agreement

occurred on the day of the February Board Meeting.

The summary of Costs associated with SR 82 segments 1 & 2 stands at $3.15M. The LA-

MSID Projects included in the Agreement are the Southwest Weirs and West Marsh

Preserve.

FDOT and District Staff are finalizing the second JUSWMSA Agreement related to SR 82

Segments 3 & 4, and the Halfway Pond Phase 2 and Hendry Canal Extension Widening

projects.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please call me at (239) 332-

4569, Extension 257.

Sincerely,

AIM Engineering & Surveying, Inc.

B. Lee Flynn, P.E.

Vice President

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Board of Commissioners,


FROM: Caldwell Pacetti Edwards Schoech & Viator

DATE: May 5, 2016

RE: Legal Status Report for May 16, 2016 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting

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The following is a summary of the work in progress and the status thereof, for the Lehigh Acres

Municipal Services Improvement District:

During the past month, our Firm has provided legal services to the District

regarding the following items:

1. Coordinated with District Board and Staff regarding Agenda issues and

outstanding items, including:

a. Review and Comment on implementation of Chapter 2015-202 (HB 1255)

and related matters

b. Fire District Assessment Exemption and Action taken to preserve District’s

rights and continued efforts at resolution of same

c. Tax Collector Agreement

d. Annual Audit Letter

e. FDOT SR 82 JUSWMSA Segments 3 & 4

f. Timetable of Implementation of New Powers and Coordinated Information

from Lee County including Planning Powers

g. Lee County ILA, Harns Marsh Regional Park

h. Lee County ILA, Able Canal Greenway

i. Meadowbrook Estates Lot Donation/Hartwick

2. FIRE DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS: A lawsuit for declaratory and injunctive

relief was filed on behalf of LAMSID naming the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue

CALDWELL PACETTI

EDWARDS SCHOECH & VIATOR LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW

ONE CLEARLAKE CENTRE

250 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AVENUE

SUITE 600

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401

MANLEY P. CALDWELL, JR.

KENNETH W. EDWARDS

CHARLES F. SCHOECH

MARY M. VIATOR

WILLIAM P. DONEY

FRANK S. PALEN

JOHN A. WEIG

───────

OF COUNSEL

BETSY S. BURDEN

RUTH P. CLEMENTS

PARALEGALS

EMILIE PEARSON, CP

________

www.caldwellpacetti.com

________

TELEPHONE: (561) 655-0620

TELECOPIER: (561) 655-3775

May 3, 2016

District as Defendant. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the assessments imposed by the Fire

District on lands owned by LAMSID. It was necessary to file suit within 30 days of the Fire

District’s adoption of its Resolution imposing the assessments. The Fire District’s response to the

lawsuit has been to propose that LAMSID and the Fire District enter into an Interlocal

Agreement whereby both Districts agree to not bill the other for Special Assessments. An

Attorney Client Session was held on August 17, 2015, to address settlement negotiations/strategy

in an effort to resolve this matter. Representatives of the Fire District and LAMSID have met in

an effort to resolve this issue. The parties have agreed to stay the litigation while the Fire

District seeks to have legislation enacted that will address and clarify the issues in the lawsuit. In

the meantime, the fire District has paid LAMSID’s 2015 assessment and has agreed that

LAMSID shall not be responsible for payment of the 2015 Fire District assessment. Discussions

are ongoing.

3. RIGHT-OF-WAY ISSUES: We continue to work with District Staff regarding

legal issues pertaining to the District’s right-of-ways.

4. MISCELLANEOUS: We continue to work with District Staff on various

miscellaneous day-to-day issues and attend the Meetings of the Board of Commissioners,

including public record requests and Sunshine Law issues.

J:\BOARD MATTERS\PACKETS\FY 2016 Board Meetings\2016-05-16\4F - Staff and Financial\A - !ManRepMay2016.docx - 1 -

LEHIGH ACRES MUNICIPAL SERVICES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

MANAGER’S REPORT May 4, 2016

NEW BUSINESS SFWMD Cooperative Funding Application – Staff will submit an application for the Moving

Water South project by May 20th, after consideration by the Board at our May 16th Board Meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

FY 2014/2015 Audit – The District received the data for GASB 68 on April 11th. The auditors will finally be

able to finish.

Southwest Lehigh Weirs – The District celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony on May 4, 2016.

GS-10 Caloosahatchee Crosslink – The study is complete. The project will be able to store 1500 to 2000 acre/ft. of stormwater during the wet season and will prevent it from reaching the Caloosahatchee River. There are other ancillary benefits. Direct budgetary funding from the State was not secured. We are working on some other sources. A task force of agencies is forming to find the necessary funding to purchase the tract.

Homestead Road Widening –The agreement is finalized and the easement purchase is closed. The

contractor will be breaking ground soon. Commissioner Mann has requested that we attend their Homestead Widening Groundbreaking to accept the ceremonial check.

Contract Renewals – Renewal dates for the Board’s consultants:

AIM Engineering – December 13th of each year Caldwell Pacetti – September 30th of each year Sensenig Law Firm – December 31, 2016 David E. Lindsay – August 2, 2018

FDOT Discussions – AIM and ADA are still working on the modeling. Further negotiations may be necessary because of a potential shortage of storage generated by the project.

Harns Marsh & Greenways – The County has accepted money from the FDOT Greenways project to study the feasibility of the Able Canal Greenway. The study began in March. LA-MSID has sent back the latest draft agreement to the County at the end of April.

Dog-Hendry Connection - We will keep you posted.


Community Outreach Education LA-MSID is continually researching community outreach, NPDES and other relevant grants that could benefit the District. CPS continues to build relationships with other governmental, media and community groups in order to enhance LA-MSID’s image and raise awareness. The District has been getting great media coverage this year. CPS is continually working with staff to identify newsworthy items.

Earned Public Relations Awards

On April 19, the Southwest Florida Public Relations Association held its annual Image Award Ceremony. The Local Image Awards competition is conducted annually to recognize outstanding public relations programs throughout -Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. Winning public relations practitioners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning, and design.

The CPS and LA-MSID have earned several awards from the annual FPRA Images Awards program. We earned:

• Judge’s Award - presented by judges for an outstanding entry that achieves maximum results while using a minimum amount of money

• Image Award - presented to the top-scoring entry in each category if the entry meets predetermined criteria of excellence set by the judges

The awards were earned in the Public Relations – Public Service Category for “LA-MSID: Legislative Changes, Community Solutions and a New Special District” The Image Awards have become a standard of public relations excellence in the state of Florida and is highly competitive. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design. The awards competition includes four divisions of categories: Public Relations Programs, Printed Tools of Public Relations, Audio/Visual/Online Tools of Public Relations and Student Projects in Public Relations. To qualify for judging, an entry must incorporate sound public relations research and planning. Entries also must meet the highest standard of production, execution and evaluation of results and budget.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Southwest Lehigh Weirs/A.B.S.O.R.B Project was held on Wednesday, May 4. We had a wonderful turnout with a number of dignitaries, elected-officials and community members in attendance.

The Southwest Lehigh Weirs project, otherwise known as the Aquifer Benefit and Storage for the Orange River Basin (A.B.S.O.R.B) project, provides construction of 25 weirs in Lehigh Acres through a strategic, multi-agency partnership between, the State of Florida the Florida, the Department of Transportation (FDOT), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (Lehigh Acres MSID). It is a crucial step to making tangible improvements in the health of the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary (Tidal and Estuarial Basins) through improved water quality and aquifer recharge and increased storage for the Orange River Basin.


Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Southwest Lehigh Weirs/A.B.S.O.R.B Project

LA-MSID Board of Commissioners

R to L: David Lindsay, LA-MSID District Manager; Brent Setchell, FDOT; Representative Matt Hudson; LA-MSID Commissioner David Deetscreek; LA-MSID Commissioner Michael Welch; LA-MSID

Commissioner Ken Thompson; LA-MSID Commissioner Mchael Bonacolta; LA-MSID Commissioner Nate Stout; Lee County Commissioner Frank Maan; Represenative Kathleen Passidomo; Michael

Nachef, Adie to Senator Richter; Rickey Nelson, Field Representative for Congressman Clawson; Jon Iglehart, FDEP; Mary Viator, District Attorney; Maritiza Aguiar, Coastal Concrete; and Michael Cook,

LA-MSID Asst. District Manager


EMPLOYEES Employee of the Month for March 2016 – Felix Segarra. Felix is a great worker and is always will always

willing to help out. He was a temporary worker that stuck it out and filled the Canal Maintenance Technician position. He has done a fantastic job operating the TRUXOR and mentoring our current temporary employee.

Safety Committee Meeting We had a safety meeting on February 25, 2016.

Hurricane Committee

There will be a pre-season meeting this month. Employee Meeting

We had an employee meeting on May 5, 2016 Meetings Attended:

Dave Lindsay Rotary (Past Chairman, Past Secretary), FASD Board (Chairman), Lehigh Chamber of

Commerce, Lehigh Headwaters Initiative, Caloosahatchee Project Meeting, Core Group Mike Cook Florida Stormwater Association, Caloosahatchee Partners for Restoration, Stormwater

Improvement Task Force, Lehigh Headwaters Initiative, Lehigh Architectural Review Board, Caloosahatchee Project Meeting, Core Group

Bill Walker Southwestern Coastal Monitoring Re-engineering, Water Quality Task Force Meeting

Carla (Ulakovic) Brantley Florida Public Relations Association, SHRM, (Society of Human Resource

Management); Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce; Lee County BOCC Entity Representative

Upcoming Events:

2016 FASD Annual Conference Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Sarasota, FL June 6-10, 2016

Please contact the District Office for more details.

http://www.cvent.com/d/0fqjpm

http://sarasota.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

6:00 pm regular board meeting agenda · 5/16/2016 · lehigh acres, florida april 18, 2016 let it...

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