Village Community Development District No. 7 (2025-09-04)

I called the order, uh, district seven board meeting for, uh, September 4th, 2025. Uh, roll call. All supervisors are present. Um, uh, please stand. We do a pleasure, allegiance, and then we're gonna do a moment and of silence. Right at the pleasure. Okay. Thank you. The United States of America. And do the Republic for which stand Individual Liberty. Justice for all. Please seated. We got a very nice crowd. I wanna thank everybody for coming. I appreciate it. All attendees, um, when anything that's on the agenda, police, we will have, you have to, and you have an item or subject that's on the agenda. We have to wait for us to get onto that subject, so you have to wait for that. But anything that's not on the agenda, please, if you'd like to speak now, please raise your hand. You can come up. Anybody got any subject that's not on the agenda? Okay. Saying none. We'll move on. Um, I would do, we have, um, consent, agenda and motion for approval for consent. Agenda is a motion to approve all recommended actions. All matters on the consent agenda are considered routine and no discussion is required unless desired by the board supervisors or members of the public. And we have a few issues. It is approval of minutes, district seven, property casual assurance for a fiscal year, 20 25, 26, and seventh, seventh Amendment, amendment to interlock agreement for the architect review committee. Motion to approve the consent agenda. Second. I Good. I got a quick question on this. Go ahead. Good. What is, what Is the coverage for cyber liability? I, I don't, and then the P-O-L-E-P-L-I. So the, your property casualty insurance. Yeah. That's in the event that you had any type of, um, cyber related, uh, crime or, um, you were harmed in that effect from an economic standpoint, you could file a claim through insurance. Do We even have or own any computers or anything for which that would we would ever be able to file a claim against or for You Have email? Yeah. You, you do have email accounts that each, that is designated to each of the board supervisors. So in the event, any type of action occurred through that, um, whether there was a, a phishing scam or spoofing, anything of that nature, um, you could file a claim against that. And how's that? God, That's a, that's a huge portion of, yeah. I mean, 1800 bucks. Unfortunately, that area has become very sophisticated in terms of, um, cyber related crimes and, uh, scams. So certainly that's something that we would recommend that all, um, elected boards have in place. Have we had the problem with this in the, in, in the past? It is just a new, obviously it's a new issue, but, uh, why? It just came up. Uh, is there A reason? No, no. You've, you've had that in place. Okay. Um, it's, it's, it's really for your protection so that in the event an event occurs, um, we have had isolated incidents in other districts where we have tapped into that Okay. And filed a claim. That's What I, Um, and it, and it's my understanding that it also covers incidents like fraudulent wire, um, transactions. Yes. Um, and that is a real, um, risk that other districts have faced recently as well with all of the cyber hackers. Thank you. And the other thing is, it's not us necessarily, but somebody could pick our city, uh, our district email and use it as a spoof on to send emails to people outside of us. And then they think that we're recommending it and they fall for it and narrow out money And correct Our name that was on it, even though we never did it. Mm-hmm. Redirecting payments, things of that nature. Yeah. Yeah. I'm not worried about what they're sending me. I just deleted, but yeah, it's funny. I just, but we had this before. We're just updating it. Okay. Any other questions on the, Just one quick, uh, we do have bare metal recovery capability, right? Sorry, can you repeat that? We do have bare metal recovery ability. Correct. Bare metal Using the sophisticated, uh, I'm using some of those. In other words, you get slammed down and we can reload everything as of, uh, Oh, computer stuff. A backup. Yes. Reload everything. Have within 24 hours and have everything up to date. Yes. We have backup and recovery in place. That's part of you through your Office 365 email account. That's more than just backup and recovery. This would involve being able to put all the software and hardware programs back on the system. And along with bringing in all the historic data. That's correct. Yeah. You have that recover. Go ahead. I'm thinking you're talking about spoofing beer metal on. Okay. Uh, another one real quick question. Uh, maybe not formed by c the subject is on the agenda for almost three different occasions on the, um, architect review committee, interlock agreement, the Seventh Amendment, what's, gimme some details on why we doing it. What's the details on that? So that will allow District six to, um, leave the Architectural Review Committee. Um, so essentially right now, district six is, has a volunteer space on the a RC committee. Um, however, they have had a vacancy in excess of six months. Um, they just have not been able to secure any volunteers for their alternate or primary position. Mm-hmm. Um, so they are moving towards the paid architectural review officer, where essentially they enter into a contract with a engineer architect that is going to review their applications. But in order to do that, they need consent, um, from each of the participating parties for them to leave the, the committee. Does That affect our program rata share of the cost for running the, uh, a RC over the year? It will just be split amongst the participating parties. Um, however, like your legal expenses are already removed from that, um, pro rata share with a different legal counsel Yeah. And level of participation. Yeah. That, that, that, tell me if I'm right or wrong, Brenda, what happened would be because they all, all the other districts have the same attorney. It's shared attorney fees. Yeah. But course we have a separate attorney. Uh, our is, so it doesn't apply. Okay. And I, I believe all the genesis is for, you know, the district six to Oh. To be excused. The form of the amendment itself will allow any other district, including District seven, to, um, be removed from the, the group should the district choose to do so. Okay. Beautiful. Okay. Now, do we get a motion? Motion to approve the consent agenda? Okay. A second. Still. Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Seeing none. Thank you. Okay. Uh, public hearing. Good morning. Brandy Cook budget. I'm here today to request adoption of resolution 2025 dash zero seven to prove your fiscal year 25 26. Uh, final budget for District seven Board. As you know, the board of supervisors held your public budget workshops on May 15th, and reviewed and discussed in detail your 25 26 recommended budget, five year capital improvement plan, maintenance assessment, schedule, and working capital and reserve balances. After much discussion, the board provided direction to staff to prepare a balanced budget with a 20% change to the maintenance assessment rates with subsequent, with subsequent 5% increases in 26 27 and 27 28. Also included were the request to include a 15% increase with a 10% in 26 27, and a 5% in 27 28, and a 10% increase in 25 26 with a 10% increase in both 26, 27, and 27 28 for a total increase over the three fiscal years of 30%. Uh, the fiscal year 25 26 operating budget included at 20% is $3,068,859, which is a decrease of $499,268 from your current year. Amended budget, mainly due to fewer capital projects included in this budget year based on the capital improvement plan. Staff did continue to work on the budget over the summer, and we included any final cost allocation amounts or any changes to the budget, which are all included within your packet. The additional revenue from the maintenance assessments. We also received additional revenue in the maintenance assessments. We also reduced with the 20% option, the transfers from your reserves to balance your budget for your working capital. If the board elects one of the two alternatives, there are some small changes that are also identified in all three packets are included within your packet. Um, and as you know, the rates that you did set in June were the maximum rates that you could approve at today's public hearing. And that is why we also included the 20%, 15%, and 10% options at the board's request. As you know, the only, uh, maintenance assessment rates you're setting at this public hearing are for fiscal year 25, 26. The future years are in there for informational purposes and will be reviewed for those fiscal years during their budget process. So at this time, staff would recommend approval of one of the three motions for 20%, 15%, and 10%. I'm here if there's any questions, otherwise, I would request that you open the public hearing. Any questions? No. No. Good. Okay. Um, thank you. Okay. Um, we will now open public hearing to hear any comments, comments on using the uniform method of collection and certifying the role. Um, that's to the public hearing. Uh, we were opening up any, um, do you need a motion for that? Nope. We only need a motion. We only need a motion to open. No. Yes. No, it, it would be motion to, It would be preferable. Okay. A motion to open public hearing. Yep. You good? Okay. And second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? It's open. Okay. Anybody in the public, uh, city and the attendees have any questions on our budget? Any questions, any concerns? Uh, police get up. Give your name, address, and obviously your comments. Hi, my name's Bill. I'm my, uh, 20. You talk a little bit into the mic. I'm 25 97 Birch Avenue. Thank you. Um, I've just got a question concerning the, uh, the maintenance of, uh, you know, infrastructure, um, you know, uh, gutter facilities, water retention areas, landscaping, what goes on at the water retention areas that isn't landscaping. I mean, I, I, we see them cutting the grass very nice, keeping it looking good. But what else goes on there? It's, it's a pond that collects rainwater In, in the pond. There are pipes. You don't see them unless the water levels are really low. And those pipes help divert water as part of the water management system. And those pipes will fail up. In Ashland Pond, which is in a different district, they had to replace five pipes. So that's a maintenance fee. So it's not just the landscaping. Also, a lot of the ponds have liners. The liners can get ripped or they can wash out, or there's something wrong with the liners, and they, then you need to pay to drain the pond and then repair the pipes, the liners, whatever else is being done. So there is maintenance other than just the landscaping. Do we, Do we know which ponds have these liners? They all do. They all Do all the, all of the retention ponds, because they're manmade or lines and they all have pipes, Move water. They all have, they all have pipes. They all have big pipes that move water from one place to another. So like when you have a hurricane and they, you see them constantly watering because it's to filter the water and get it out of the pond. So the rain goes, goes in the pond, but all of the pipes that move that water around, Is there an expected light? Is there a life expect expectancy of these pipes? I mean, it's not like, uh, it's sea water where salt is gonna be corroding, yet it's, Well, it's the age of the pipes. I mean, sew lines fail and there's no salt water in those either. Yeah. So it's the age of the pipes. How old are the ponds? What pipe material did they use when they put them in? Mm-hmm. Okay. So here in District seven, has, have these been addressed over these past few years where pipes have been replaced or aligners have been Patched? I think, um, district six or District seven, I think when they, when those districts were created, the material used for those, uh, uh, pipes had changed. I know that there's a more severe issue up to the north of these pipes deteriorating and having to be relied or, or replaced, like six or seven. I think they, they started changing the materials, which has a longer lifespan. Mm-hmm. And Brittany might note for sure on that, but I think that's the situation for us in our district. And They also inspect them. Correct. Always inspected. That's really the big maintenance. Yeah. Isn't it Also, sometimes there's, we, we put chemicals in the ponds to keep the algae down and all that. That would be included in there. That's included within the basin management, making the SI know a number of the ponds have trees growing actually in the ponds, kind of on the very edge. And if the wind blows them over, if they get old die and fall, their root system could easily tear the liner. Mm-hmm. I suspect I'm not an engineer, but I would think that probably Happens, happened. Well, having, having bought 10 years ago, I, the only tree I've seen blow over in a hurricane was on a small pond at Aon, where I spend a lot of time, I fish there. Um, So, you know, and you have fish in the pond because they're put in the pond. So, You know, when was the last time that happened? I have no idea. I don't fish. Right. Okay. So once upon a time they stopped it with some fish. Well, the alligators have eaten those fish and fish do what they do. So maybe they're a baby fish. But as far as this, you know, sounding like all these trees get blown over and can do this and can do that. I, I know it's just anecdotal as far as I'm concerned, but I've only seen one or two trees blown over and I didn't notice any big rush to get them removed or, or taken out. 'cause there might be some damage to a liner or something. So, you know, it's just, uh, just questions I have to ask. Well, and, and now there's lots of things that go on in the pond. Well, I like to see a little algae control in the one in Ardon, because it can be a mess. I don't know what, I know it's only a small pond, but it's one idea. Well, Part, part of the maintenance also is associated with what happens project wide, where a good portion of our maintenance goes to that fund, which also constitutes issues involving the ponds and other infrastructure. So it's not just limited to what we specifically might pay for as it relates to the ponds. But what we might also contribute project for the project wide and throughout the district Being, uh, the largest village DeVol, um, one would think that we would have a larger reserve of funds to call upon because there are more people, there are more taxes, there are more money paid in. Can that be tapped to be used instead of raising the maintenance fee? One of the problems that we have is that we're required to have a certain percentage of funds available in case of emergencies. Mm-hmm. And if you are not monitoring that and raising maintenance fees in small amounts over time, then you get depleted in that. And one of the reasons that we're looking at a larger jump is that we're right on the edge. So we need to make sure we have that 35%. So that's another reason for this. Sometimes it, sometimes people groups don't raise funds because they say, well, we're okay right now, but then last year we got a $360,000 hit from Seco, that money had to come out of, we took a lot of that money out of the reserves. So now the reserves need to be refunded. So part of that is also refunding the reserve so that we are in good shape from now forward next five years. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? Okay. Thank you. Okay. Um, no other comments. We will now close the public hearing. Motion to close. Second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Scene? None. Nope. Brandy? Oh, Brandy. I'm sorry, Brandy. I'm sorry. Sorry Brandy. That's okay. I, I just came back in case there were any questions that I could answer to the board prior to making any decisions. Any questions? Um, when we started this and, and looked at 20%, we were also still wondering about what Seco was gonna do. We were wondering about what we were gonna do about, um, solar. And so many of those questions have been resolved. So do you wanna look at, um, other options? I, I'll be honest, original proposal, as you know, uh, the original proposal was 15. Uh, they forecasted this, they mean staff forecasted because our reserves are low for five year forecast. And, uh, originally it was, um, 15, 10, and five. Okay. And, uh, the board decided to go with 20 now. 'cause there's a rule where if we ask for, we say 10, we can't raise it. So we went for 20, but we could lower it. So we're at this point where we're allowed to lower it, we can't raise it. Now we're thinking, I'm thinking personally, and obviously I want the supervisors to give their opinion, um, the new proposal, uh, with the 20% that we don't agree, you know, I was thinking about we should go 15, 20 is a good, a big hit, but if we go with the 15, then we have to go with five and five, I mean 10 and five, I apologize. 10 and five. If we go with the 20, all we have to do is go five and five. It's really less money if you compound the 20% onto what we have now than do the 10 next year. If you it is compounded, it, it's a little less money for the residents. So I'm up in the air. Should we leave it at 25 and go to 25 and five? I'll go back to the 15, 10 and five now. That's where we're at. Okay. Um, I don't know. What's your opinion? You want to start with the Yeah. Um, Of the three options, um, obviously the 10, 10 10 really puts us in a precarious position in the out years where we are actually short of our, our, uh, target fund balance. Um, the 20% I think is right now is the most favorable. And we don't, we don't know what next year will be. We'll, we'll go through another budget process come next year, and it may not be any need for an increase, or it could be we, we don't know. Um, but financially, to put our district in the best possible, uh, financial fiduciary position, it seems to me that the 20% this year is probably our, our most sound solution. Uh, I know it's distasteful to have that type of an increase, but I think it's necessary for the, for our future, for the district Future. And what's good about that is, though public would know we're only raise five and five for the next two years. Correct. Is that, was the, Those are the projections plan. Correct. For planning purposes, it would be a cumulative 30% increase. Of course, you can't bind any future board to those projections. Yes. But the, this current fiscal year would, as you're discussing, would be 20% and projected five and five in the following Year. That's projected. That's right. Just wanna let the resident know. Okay. It Keeps our reserve healthy, I think. Yeah. Okay. Uh, Steve, as much as I Hate to see the 20%, I'm gonna agree with that And go with that. Do it again. Our goal is to be fiscally responsible. It's the pits, but that's where we need to be. It's, it's nice to be the board that can say, oh, we're not gonna have any raise, but that's not fiscally responsible. So I think that we bite the bullet now and then continue to do what we can do to keep the budget down so that we can hit the bottom and budget darl. Yeah, I agree. I think 20% makes the most sense to do at this particular time. Uh, you know, we got a couple wild cards out there into the future, which we can't really think about or seko do much about, but like SEKO is a big wild card this year And Who knows what's gonna go on in the future with them. Right, exactly. So I think we need to make sure that we are in a sound financial position. 20% to me makes the most sense. And no, just so you know, in the last, I'm doing this 12 years, the last 11 years, we only raised it once. That was two years ago. So that'd be, this would be the second time in 12 years we raised it, which isn't bad. Uh, I obviously, I don't like, uh, the 20%, but we have to worry about the reserve. We have to, and part of the thing about not raising it is that you get to this point where we are today with having to make a major raise. So, um, I think the, the goal is to be fiscally responsible and at least minimize the potential that we'll be asking for 20% somewhere else down the road. Okay. Um, so did we get a motion, motion to approve the 20%? Second? I'll second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Seeing none. Motion. Thank you. You're smiling. Okay. Next we have, we have a public hearing. Good morning board. Jennifer Leon Norris Finance here to request, um, your adoption of resolution 2025 dash zero eight authorizing the use of the Uniform Method of collections approving assessment role, and providing for a certification of the non avalor assessment rule. The district adopted resolution 2025 dash seven earlier in the agenda regarding its budget, which included a maintenance assessment for fiscal years beginning, uh, October 1st, 2025, including a 20% increase in the maintenance assessment from last year to provide necessary funding for the operation and maintenance of the district infrastructure. The district desires to continue to use the procedure provided in Section 1 97 0.3632 Florida statutes called the Uniform Collection Method to levy bill and collect all assessments, beginning with the November 1st, 2025 annual property tax bill issued by the Center County Tax Collector. In addition, by September 15th of each year, the non-ad valor assessment role shall be certified to the tax collector. In order to utilize the Uniform Collection method, certain procedural steps must be taken by a unit of local government in order to adopt this collection methodology. A newspaper ad and individual letters to each affected property owner have been issued. Um, noticing the public hearing to adopt the Uniform Collection Method, a public hearing must now be held in order to complete the process to use the Uniform Method of Collections. Um, the method substantially increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the collection process while minimizing, minimizing cost to the district. Following the conduct of the, uh, required public hearing, it's recommended that the Village's Community Development District seven Board of Supervisors adopt resolution 2025 dash eight authorizing the use of the Uniform Method of Collections, approving the assessment rule, and providing for certification of a non-ad Motion to adopt resolution 2025 dash eight. Electing to use the Uniform Collection Method provided For. So we have to have a public hearing. I'm sorry, I have to have over the public hearing hearing. We're not at this point. Oh my God, at this. No problem. At this point, we will open up public hearing to hear any comments and use of uniform method of collection and certifying the role. Okay. Um, we open a public hearing. Anybody in the public, uh, any attendees have any comments, concerns? Seeing none, we'll move on. Motion to close the public hearing? Yes, you have a motion? Okay. Motion to Adopt resolution 2025 dash oh eight using Uniform Collection Method. I'll show credit and just say second. Okay. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Seeing none. Thank you. That makes a petition. Okay. Now we got, uh, case number D 7 10 25. Good Morning Board, Shannon Boyd, community Standards. Today I have before you case number D seven dash one zero dash 25 Village Community Development District number seven versus Janet a Scen individually. And as trustee of the Janet, a scouting Living Trust dated May 4th, 2018. 2 5 0 4 Dale Loop, unit 1, 3 4, lot five seven violation of the district's rule to bring about deed compliance. And specifically the rule that states owners shall keep their home sites neat and clean and the grass cut, irrigated and edged at all times. Um, if an owner does not adhere to the regulation, then the work may be performed on behalf of the owner and the cost shall be charged to the owner. So We need a motion To open the Public hearing. I you need To Oh, yes. You to swear people in person. Yes. Yes. Just a few things to note for the record. For each of the public hearings held today, the board is acting in a place by judicial capacity to afford due diligence to the individuals noted in the violation of the district's de compliance rules cited in each of the agenda amendment that staff has prepared for you. Um, the process includes providing proper notice to the alleged violator, which, um, as outlined in each of the memos, they've been notified. A violator has the opportunity to be heard and that the board decision is made based upon the evidence presented to you today. And only those evidence, including those staff, um, report for you. And as the board is acting in aqua of traditional manner, would each of the board members go down the line and confirm whether you've discussed this matter with, um, either staff or the homeowner? Uh, I did, I, I ride my bike by that area and I, in fact, I, I, I don't recall if I either wrote or called Matt and, and actually said that I thought the place was out of compliance. So I don't know if that qualifies for that, but that's the only, that's conversation I did have with him. And then he told me that I think he wrote me back or called me and said that there had already been a complaint lodged against that property de compliance. So that was the extent of it. Oh, To me that, you know, sounds like he was, you were just riding by, I mean, as a community member. Yeah. Yeah. Um, that, that's okay. Okay. Yeah, That, that through, uh, no, Steve, Steve. No, no, no. Thank you. I'll turn it over to your, our staff. If anyone is providing testimony in this case, would you please, um, stand and raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony and evidence you're about to given the hearing today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the Truth? Yes, I do. And we will take the motion for to motion to open The public hearing. Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. And opposed. Okay. Good morning Board, Shannon Boyd Community Standards, again, case number D seven dash one zero dash 25 Village Community Development District number seven versus Janet a Scout and individually and as trustee of the Janet a Scout and Living Trust dated May 4th, 2018. 2 5 0 4 Dale Loop, unit 1, 3, 4, lot five seven violation of the district's rule to bring about D compliance. And specifically, the rule that states owners shall keep their home sites neat and clean and the grass cut, irrigated and edged at all times. If an owner does not adhere to this regulation, then the work may be performed on behalf of the owner and the cost shall be charged to the owner. As stated in the Village Community Development District number seven, external deed restriction, definitions and interpretations. Maintenance of landscaping is defined as the exercise of generally accepted garden management practices necessary to promote a healthy weed-free environment for optimum plant growth. On June 27th, 2025, a complaint was received regarding a large plant in the front yard with poison ivy growing on it. The violation was verified and a deed restriction reminder was written on June 30th. Staff encounter difficulties, uh, reaching the property owner directly through conversations with an onsite caretaker. Staff were referred to the caretaker's wife to obtain the homeowner's information. The initial and second letters were sent out on July 11th and July 24th. And after following the procedures of compliance of external deed restrictions, a notice of public hearing was sent by regular and certified mail. On August 19, staff successfully established communication with Katie, the homeowner's daughter who served as the primary point of communication. Katie, um, indicated that she would coordinate with the company that's currently servicing the remainder of the property to address the violation. She also stated that if the company could not resolve the issue that she would personally handle it. Um, when she, um, came to her town, when she came to town in approximately two weeks, during staff's recent inspection of the property on September 2nd, it was determined that the property does remain out of compliance. So staff's recommendation would be to find the owner in violation of the districts de compliance rule. As cited by the deed compliance staff, the owner has seven days to remove the weeds to bring the, uh, property into compliance. If the weeds are removed within seven days of the order of enforcement, case number D seven dash 10 dash 25 shall be closed. If the weeds are not removed and the property is not brought into compliance within seven days of the order of enforcement, authorize the district to maintain the property and impose a minimum of a $250 fine. Or the actual cost of maintenance, whichever is more to be paid within 10 days of the invoice. Authorize the district to maintain the property twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter as needed. And impose a $250 fine each time the district maintains the property. If the owners prohibit the district from maintaining the property, then the owner shall be fined an initial amount of $150 and a daily fine of $50 per day until the property is brought into compliance. It is a property owner's responsibility to contact the Community Standards Department to request a deed compliance officer revisit the property to confirm compliance. If the fines reach $1,500, the case shall be turned over to district counsel to seek all available over remedies, which may include initiating a lawsuit or seeking an injunction against the property owner. The property owner are, is responsible for reimbursing the districts for all attorney's fees, costs, and expenses associated with or related to this order of enforcement and Chairman to execute the order of enforcement. And I'm here to answer any questions that you may have On, um, I'm sorry, go ahead. When does summer and winter, what? You said summer twice a month and then winter once a month. So what, how do we define That here? It, it, it's difficult because of the weather. Um, it, it tends to be more of a October, november time when the grass tends to go dormant. It is roughly when and when it needs to be maintained. Staff on those property staff continually goes out monthly to check on them. So if we do see that it needs to be maintained, we'll maintain it. Okay. Does the resident is aware or the owner is aware that the, uh, they have seven days now from the time that we decide to fix this problem, they should be able to fix this problem within the next seven days. Am I right? They are aware of that, correct. Well, once you make, if you Yes, they will be aware Of that, then they will be aware. Yes. We will let them know that they have seven days. Quick Question. Yes. Unless I was asleep. Did we go through the staff recommendations for oh 8 25? The one on No, we're on the, yeah. D seven dash one zero dash 25. But didn't we start with oh 8 25? No, no, that's the sec. That's the second. Um, community standards public hearing. Yeah. But when you asked the question about if it had any contact, it was regarding Holly Berry place. No. Was it not? No. It was regarding seven seven dash 10. Not It was answered or changed. Okay. Note noted for the record. All right. Okay. But the answer still, So any other responses, questions? Uh, boy, no. Any, uh, I just one question. I, you said the daughter is aware, she said she'd take care of it if it wasn't correct. When did that occur and when is she gonna take care of it? It's obviously not been changed. Correct. When she had stated that, that was in the end of July. Oh, okay. Mm-hmm. So it's been, so it's been some time 30 days, correct? Yes, sir. And, and she's not done anything. Okay. I, I can't see them. And once she's aware that she has seven days, I, it's not too bright for her to let this go. I, you know, so I hopefully we won't hear about this once we, uh, so I agree with the recommendation. Does, does, uh, hear something I Okay, Judy Ann? I'm fine. Yeah. Everybody good? Do I get a motion to, uh, go with their, uh, rep, uh, requirements In regard to case number D seven dash 10 dash 25? I move that we accept the, uh, recommendation district and proceed court. You get Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Thank you. Okay, now we got the case number 7 8 25. Sorry to let you know, Okay. So I have case number D seven dash zero eight dash 25 Village Community Development, district number seven versus Kenneth C. Robinson, 1 5 7 5 Holly Berry Place. And, um, I will note for the record that supervisor, um, Coleman would likely make the same remark as he did, um, earlier and each of the other board members note for the record whether you've had any communications with the homeowner or staff. Not that I recall. Now you're badge, Steve. No. No. None. No, none. Thank you. Okay. Good morning Board. Shannon Boyce, community Standards. Is anyone is gonna testify in this case? Would you please stand and raise your right hand? Do you solemnly swear affirm that the testimony, wait Second. Okay. If You, are you able to submit? Thank you. Do you solemnly swear and affirm that the testimony and evidence you're about to give in the hearing today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Yes, I do. And a motion for, um, opening the public hearing? Yeah, I would like motion public hearing. Motion. Second. Second. All in favor? Any opposed? No hearing is open. Okay. Good Morning Board, Shannon Boyd, community Standards case number D seven dash zero eight dash 25 Village Community Development District number seven versus Kenneth C. Robinson. 1 5 7 5 Holly Berry Place, unit 1 4 6, lot one four. Violation of the district's rule to bring about deed compliance. And specifically the rule that states owners shall keep their homicides neat and clean and the grass cut, irrigated, and edged at all times. If an owner does not adhere to this regulation, then the work may be performed on behalf of the owner and the cost shall be charged to the owner. As stated in the Village Community Development District number seven, external deed restriction definitions and interpretations. Uh, the definition maintenance of landscaping is defined as the exercise of generally accepted garden management practices necessary to promote a healthy weed-free environment for optimum plant growth. On May 12th, 2025, a complaint was received regarding dead grass, weeds, and mold on the home site. The violations were verified in a deed restriction reminder was written that same day. The initial and second letters were sent out on June 18th and July 2nd. And after following the procedures of compliance of external deed restrictions, a notice of public hearing was sent by regular and certified mail on July 23rd and Reno again on August 18th, staff spoke to one of the neighbors who indicated the homeowner had passed away and were unaware of any relatives attempt to reach the emergency. Contacts on file were unsuccessful. One phone number was no longer in service, and the other, uh, contact has not returned. The voicemail messages left during a recent inspection of the property on September 2nd. It was determined that the property remains out of compliance. Staff's recommendation would be to find the owner in violation of the district's de compliance rule. As cited by the deed compliance staff, the owner has seven days to remove the weeds to bring that portion of the property into compliance. If the weeds are removed within seven days of the order of enforcement, that portion of case number D seven dash zero eight dash 25 shall be closed. If the weeds are not removed, then that portion of the property is not brought into compliance within seven days of the Order of enforcement. Authorize the district to maintain the property and impose a minimum of a $250 fine, or the actual cost of maintenance, whichever is more to be paid within 10 days of the invoice. Authorize the district to maintain the property twice a month in the summer, once a month in the winter as needed, and impose a $250 fine each time the district maintains the property. If the owners prohibit the district from maintaining the property, then the owner shall be fined an initial amount of $150 in an additional $50 per day until the property is brought into compliance. The owners have seven days to remove the mold from the home and rear patio to bring that portion of the property into compliance. If the mold has been removed from the home and the rear patio within seven days of the order of enforcement, that portion of case number D seven dash zero eight dash 25 shall be closed if the mold is not removed from the home and rear patio. And that portion of the property is not brought into compliance within seven days of the order of enforcement, authorize the district to maintain the property and impose $150 per maintenance hour fine, plus a hundred dollars administrative fee to be paid within 10 days of the invoice. The owner has 30 days to reseed or resaw the dead and missing grass to bring that portion of the property into compliance. If the grass is reseeded or ODed, and the dead grass and bare spots no longer exists, and that portion of the property is brought into compliance within 30 days of the order of Enforcement, that portion of case number D seven dash 0 8 25 shall be closed. If the property is not receded or recited, and the dead grass and bear spots still exists, and that portion of the property is not brought into compliance within 30 days of the order of enforcement, impose $150 fine to be paid within 10 days of the invoice and impose a $50 daily fine until the property is brought into compliance. If the weeds are removed, the mold on the home and rear patio has been removed, and the dead and missing grass has been receded and re resetted all within the timeframe specified herein. Case number D seven dash zero eight dash 25 shall be closed. It is a property owner's responsibility to contact the Community Standards Department to request a deed compliance officer, revisit the property to confirm compliance. If the fines reach $1,500, the case shall be turned over to district counsel to seek all available remedies, which may include initiating a lawsuit or seeking an injunction against the property owner. The property owner is responsible for reimbursing the district for all attorney's fees, costs, and expenses associated with or related to this Order of enforcement chairman to execute the order of enforcement. And I'm here to answer any questions that you may have. Any Questions? Uh, uh, this might just a quick question. Now that the, the owner has passed away, who is, who is the owner in, in reference to all these, the staff recommendations? Currently it is still listed as Ken c Robinson as the homeowner. Okay. All right. Thank you. State any questions? No. Julianne? No. There. So there's been no, as far as we know, there's been no, no probate set up Or any other No, we, we've checked for that. Um, so we haven't seen any type of probate. We haven't been able to locate any type of family members. Um, we did try the emergency contact one. We haven't heard from the other one. The phone number is disconnected. Oh. I mean, I don't know if you'd have a crystal ball, but in that case, what ultimately happens here, I mean, after seven days, doesn't look like we're gonna be able to have some resolution or would obviously the owner's not gonna be doing anything. That's where you would authorize the district to come in and maintain it. We would go ahead. We'd, uh, take care of the grass, the weeds, and the mold on the home and on the patio. Uh, we don't address. That's a good question. How long does that go on? Until they Have find accumulation? Eventually you'll put a lien against the property. No, no, Not a lien. Um, but we would work with legal counsel to see if there's any other opportunity once, because there is an expense associated with seeking any type of, um, you know, lawsuit or injunction. So you'd, you'd wanna ensure that the fines that were accumulated met that threshold to proceed with any type of action? Uh, yes. The amount we're talking about it likely is just a small claims court claim. Um, but it'll be, it'll be through the judicial process at that point. I mean, it could, it could go up pretty quick. I mean, if in the fact that we don't have anyone to contact, I mean, in theory We have this in the past, is that, is Brittany, had this ever happened in District seven or any district where we just go on and, you know, what happens? I saw somebody in the paper had $26,000 accumulated. Correct. They're There. I think they're there just refusing to do the work here. In this case. We're, We never had that problem for six seven yet. Right. Where we had somebody that put up prolonged, uh, for years. And I mean, yeah, It varies throughout the district, but I will say, just for reference, the fine that is imposed is not the actual cost to maintain that the district incurs. Yeah. Yeah. So they would reimburse, eventually the estate Will Reimburse all of it. That's, I mean, theoretical typically at the time that a, um, A house. Correct. When they're looking for an estoppel and they're looking for any type of outstanding fines, they work with the community standards departments or a finance department. Because typically it's not just, it may be community standards related fines. It could be past due amenity fees, um, utility fees, things of that nature that would all apply to the outstanding balance on the property. And what's the difference between that and a lien? You know, wouldn't that be the same as a lien? You know? Yeah. Uh, no, I don't mean to get into the nuts and bolts, but I'm just saying, you know, a A a lien would pass with the title, um, whereas the, the fines that we impose are not, um, necessarily tied to that. Yeah. Um, I do wanna remind the board and, and staff that there was another, uh, member of the public who wished to speak on this. See, This is gonna come before us again. I, yeah. So next. Yes, please come up, give you name. Yeah. One quick question. I Why is there, is there a mortgage on the property? Not that we have. It's been able to, yeah. Know So much for a bank. Thank you. Give your name, address, please. Thank you. Sandra Hanselman, 1566 Holly Berry Place. Um, I live across the street from the property. Quite a few neighbors are here too, and it does look terrible. I do have a letter from the property next door. Um, they had to move back to be closer to their daughter. So they're trying to sell their property, which you can understand could be very difficult with what's next door. So there is a letter from Jim and Sue saying this letter formerly reports on the neglected property of 1575 Holly Berry Place. There are concerns about the ongoing issues stemming from the neglected property. The impact of this neglect is on the neighborhood, includes decreased property value, safety concerns, unpleasant aesthetics, and the potential for attracting crime. There can be no doubt that this abandoned, deteriorating home is having a profound effect on the value of our property, which is adjacent. Um, it goes on just to explain, you know, how severely overgrown everything is. Um, they did receive a response from Matthew Armstrong. Dear Mr. Fields, let me start by apologizing for 1575 Holly Berry Place. It should have been on the, on August agenda. Many of us came here last month, but somehow it didn't make the agenda. So we're back. I'm Sorry. I must apologize. I did get, somebody emailed me and I gave that to, uh, the manager or director of, uh, the compliance, which is Armstrong. Now I do remember. Yes. Okay. Get it. We have recognized the, our, and we are working towards steps to ensure that it doesn't happen again, which we're here today at the public hearing. Community standards will ask the board to enter into an order of enforcement where we can maintain the property for its condition, which will include mowing, edging, weeding, and power washing with regard to reviewing current processes for property such as this. We are reviewing if there is a way to expedite timelines for possible abandoned homes. We're also requesting a change to the deed compliance process that will be brought up at this coming September board meeting for the board to consider. Again, I apologize for the error. We take concern seriously and as always want to find resolution when it comes to our attention. If you would like to discuss further, he gives his phone number. So I guess the thought is how quickly can they make that property look half decent so at least they can have the potential to sell their property, you know, for a fair market price. I mean, right now someone might buy, but they're probably gonna really low ball them because of the property next door. Good question, Brittany. There's a way where we could expedite us. Of course, we do have it within seven days now, which obviously after the seven days, can we have the village come in and clean our property up? Yes. Currently that staff's recommendation, the board does have discretion to shorten that time period. Um, it's just an opportunity to provide someone to come into compliance within a certain amount of time after you sign the order of enforcement. Um, but as it stands right now, what's included in there, if after seven days there's no, um, attempt or improvement to come into compliance, um, staff will initiate sending the, the, the landscaper out to address the property. Okay. So the question is, do the, the board, do we wanna wait the seven days or do we want to, uh, expedite it and do it right away? I, I'd just like to make a motion that we immediately let them go. It's clear there's nobody to contact. Right. There's nobody. And so, you know, emergency action, whatever, get 'em out there today if possible And start fixing it up. And I, because I, it's going to take a, a bit of days And I just wanna ask staff if, if we've exhausted every option that we have to contact somebody along the, uh, chain of title. Okay. Four months. So I recommend that we do it right away. Yeah. Okay. So we That's somewhere in the, when we make the motion. Yeah, we, yeah, because that's on the agenda. So we could That is, am I right about that? Yeah. Everything's closed up and then we make a Decision. Yes. But my point is we do have this subject on the agenda now, uh, Brady, don't we? It's coming up. You do. But the order of enforcement, I would say Right now is Based on our timeline as the administrative just procedure, I would say tomorrow. Yeah. Just, yeah. Are you Comfortable with that? Okay. They have no contact. Okay. We have, there is another item on the agenda about changing the whole thing. Yes. But for this one, we can make that emergency. There we go. Saying it's obvious nobody's coming in the next week, so why wait a week? Yes. Let's get it done. So it would be effective September 5th? Yes. Yes. Okay. Okay. Okay. Uh, before, before we do that, let me close, uh, right. Any, any more comments? Any any more comments? Uh, yes. Okay. Um, any more comments on this issue? Please come up. Okay. He needs to be sworn in. She needs to be sworn in. Yeah, He, if if it is public commenting On it, why do They need to be sworn in? Yeah. It's a public comment If they're gonna provide evidence and testimony during the Quas judicial. I'm just asking if anyone speaking during these types of public hearings. Okay. Okay. Raymond Jones, 1598 Hall, very please, Please. Um, please solemnly affirm that the testimony and evidence you're about to give in the hearing today will be the truth, truth, nothing But the Truth. Uh, sure. Okay. Name? Yes. So, I have a question. I can speak up into place. I'm sorry. Yeah, I have a question. Uh, 160,000 people. This had to happen some other time here in the villages. So who takes over to the state takeover the county? So there's different scenarios. If there's no mortgage on the property, it is a more of a challenge. Um, I would say there's the opportunity that there's unpaid taxes, that it goes through a tax deed sale through the county. Um, that's a hypothetical. Not knowing if they have any type of auto debit set up. Um, if they're behind on their utility payments, their amenity fees, there's other opportunities to, um, take action to, you know, on the asset. Yeah. To repay the fines. Well, One of the things occurs to me is like if you have no electricity, you have no ac, you got mold on the outside, you're gonna have mold on the inside, in the roof and everything. So that means if something doesn't happen soon, you're gonna have to gut that house. You may clean up the outside, but whoever's going to get it inherited or whatever, I don't think there's gonna be inheritance. But the inside is gonna be terrible too. So without some kind of action to address that issue, it's just gonna get worse and worse. And, I mean, you've gonna have to gut it. And as it is right now, the siding looks like would need to be taken off the house and replaced and God, god knows what else. I just wanted to make that point because it's only gonna get worse. You can pretty up the outside, but it's not gonna work. I would say it's a legitimate point. This board only has the authority to enforce it. Covenanted, um, restrictions. Right. Um, currently the property is going through the probate process, which is a relatively length process. Right. Takes a long time. Yes. Um, so then after that process is taken over, the taxi sale could happen, like Brittany says. But, um, the, this board does not have any authority to weigh in on any of those. Okay. I just wanna make that point. 'cause it's not gonna get better and Yeah. Her view is only exterior, not interior. Okay. Alright. Thank you very much. Thank You. Yeah. Okay. Do, uh, any other mo uh, issues? Okay, we're gonna close the public hearing motion to close the public hearing. Second. Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? None. It's closed. Okay. Let's do, um, board, board discussion and termination. Alright. Will we determine? Yeah, I, I I think we should, um, go ahead, um, and approve the, the staff recommendations with the caveat that They proceed that it as Soon as possible. If that means tomorrow the fifth, that's, that's fine. But, Uh, I agree, Steve, I'll agree and let's get It taken care of yesterday. Yeah. Okay. Judy Ann? Um, I'm fine with that. Yep, I agree. Okay. Get motion to, um, follow the recommendation of property management, right? Is that what I'm Case? Um, staff's recommendation. Staff's recommendation, but the effective date of the order of enforcement. September 5th. Yes. That, Okay. Good. Second, and I'll second. You got a second? Okay. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Seeing none, Thank you. Board. I Don't have to do. Okay. Okay. New business, new business, Brittany? Yes. Good morning. Board members. So on your agenda is the adoption of your goals and objectives for fiscal year 25 26? Um, this is the second year, um, in accordance with state statute. Um, the statute change requiring, um, the boards to adopt these. Um, so these do mirror what were adopted in fiscal year 24, 25. Um, your current year goals and objectives will be reported on in December. And this will be for fiscal year 25, 26. Um, we did take a look at other districts throughout the state of Florida. These are in alignment, um, with most of the goals and objectives that we reviewed. We wanna make sure that they are attainable, um, and that when we report on them, you are successful in achieving them on an annual basis. I think this the first time we've done this goal objective last year You did them last year, and that was the, that was as a result of the statute change that you were required to adopt them. Okay? Yes. Do we have the, I guess the, the systems in place empirically to, you know, actually measure these goals and objectives and know whether or not they've been attained or not? I mean, these are, you have to set up performance measures, which I think we talked about this almost a year ago. And, you know, they're really not performance measures per se, but, you know, if that's as, as stringent as, you know, the government wants to, uh, move forward. But in, in all of these that we have, do we have the, the systems in place to collect the data necessary to evaluate? Correct. And we ensured that the goals that you are adopting, that we have the justification and proof to show that you have in fact achieved them. They are in a yes no format. Um, the statute is very vague. Mm-hmm. Um, it does not, it essentially requires you to adopt them. It doesn't say the, um, extent or the depth of them other than they just have to be reported on annually. Okay. I don't remember us doing a, a list of goals. Oh, uh, for this, for last year. For this year. Am I correct? It's the same. It's the same As this one, right? It is. They are the same. They were adopted for the first time last September. Okay. And they will be reported on in the annual report in December. Okay. Okay. So we will know, we met them goals until we see the December, uh, report. So all of the goals are functions that are already performed. Okay. So You can go home and rest assured that You pass. Okay. That's fine. Okay. Next one is the, do we need to, we Yeah, we have to, yes. If we can get a, please get a motion to adopt though. Motion To motion to adopt the board Governance and accountability objective. Is that what they're Yes. For fiscal year 25, 26, 26. Goals and measurements. Yeah. You get second. Second. All favor? Aye. Any opposed? Seeing none. Motion add. Okay, next we got the, uh, um, four B. Yes. The next item is consideration to adopt a resolution establishing the board's, uh, meeting cancellation policy. Um, in accordance with your general and procedural rules? Um, because of the rule amendment process is more cumbersome than adopting a resolution. We indicated in there that your meeting cancellation policy would be by resolution. So in the event you ever wanted to change it, it could be noticed on a meeting without a a public hearing format. Um, so this is really to, um, solidify how you would like to proceed with any type of cancellation policy. As you're aware, we very rarely have a situation where there's no new business. Um, but in the event there is, or in the event of inclement weather, things of that nature, this would establish the procedure that staff would follow. Um, so there are three options that are available to you. Um, I will tell you that the districts throughout the community all select varying options that are listed there. Um, the first option is that staff would contact the chair, um, inquire within each supervisor and the chair would make the final determination. Um, I do wanna put on the record, we, we would not be polling on whether or not you are in favor or, um, not of holding the meeting. It would be to identify if there were any items or residents that you expected to attend that staff was not aware of before the meeting was canceled. Um, the op, the second option would be that it would be at the, um, chair's discretion, that staff would contact the chair. Um, we would still provide notification to the board that the meeting was canceled, but it ultimately would fall to the chair. Um, and option three is that no board meetings would be canceled due to lack of actionable items. Um, we do have some boards that are adamant that regardless of the date, time, location, that no meetings are canceled. Okay. Would you, ed, what's your view? I, I think I would probably leave it up to the chair Yep. To decide. I think that's the most direct and least cumbersome and probably the, I'll be Honest, the most streamlined Being the chair. I honestly, and I honestly believe that, I like the idea of asking the other supervisors because we don't talk to each other, but we are not allowed because of, uh, the Florida, uh, sun Sunshine. Yeah. Sunshine Law. We can't talk to each other. Uh, any item that made that is on the agenda come up on board supervisor. Yeah. So I like the idea. You may have something, somebody on this board may have something that's hot or they wanted to come up that month. Um, it's only right that you have the right to have your, you know, and obviously then you come back to this chair. But I honestly like to be, uh, So if, if one, the second one, if one, if one board supervisor wants to hold it, that it would still be held, then Yeah. They would have the wherewithal. Yeah. Because, you know, you're elected fix just like I am. And, uh, I honestly believe that you should have say, and that's my opinion. Okay. I can, I can go ahead along with That. It's a, the Idea if we've taken, I'm sorry. No, no, please go ahead. Uh, the idea of just canceling, because there's nothing on the agenda I have a problem with, because the first thing we ever do is see if there's any comments from the community. If there's a hot issue. If you want to ask the person to wait for two months, I, I don't think that's a good idea. I Agree. I agree. I mean, Julian, generally speaking, if we're having a hurricane, then, you know, the rec center's closed, that would be a reason to cancel a meeting no matter what's on the agenda. Sure. And you can just reschedule it somewhere around that. But I, I mean, I know that the districts that like don't meet in December or whatever, we've always met because we always have a hot stuff. No, we canceled. We canceled I think one time, uh, we canceled, we more canceled on that Christmas month than, than had a meeting, I think one month in the last 12 years. I think we had one meeting in Christmas month. Right. So, but there's nothing on those agendas. Yeah. But Steve has a good, a good, but there may be something hot that you don't, I don't know that, you know, Brittany's coming. So I get an email saying they want to come and discuss something. I can't tell you that they're coming to discuss. Right. And I don't have time. You tell Brittany and she Yeah. And I don't have time to put it on the agenda. 'cause it's seven days. You gotta have it in advance if that happens. I, so, yeah. But that's just my opinion. No, I, I'm not questioning that. We should all be contacted individually and asked, but I don't foresee that where Yeah. I, I don't see us canceling meetings with agendas other than, uh, seriously. So, yeah. And in this, regardless of the circumstance, it would set the, the expectations of how we would communicate. 'cause we can't arbitrarily cancel your meeting. Right, exactly. Yeah. Why not? Yeah. So I, I, I really question. I I think Steve makes a great comment or great point, because we never know what, who's gonna attend and what they might bring up. And as a perfect example is today we had the, uh, the Holly Berry place. Mm-hmm. Somebody could have come, I mean, we got pictures going back into June when this place was totally out of compliance back then. One of the residents could have come up, brought it up, and it would've been advanced. It would've been resolved in the June meeting. But in the July meeting, we would've for sure, in all likelihood, made an emergency resolution to get it fixed up. And it would've gotten taken care of a lot sooner than it is going to get taken care of now. So, So what option would we like to go with? Option is option two, the one where Right. You would notify all of us. No, I think Option one. Option. That's option one. Option one. Option option one. Motion to approve Option one. No. Was that the motion that we discussed where they Yeah, I, I go along with that, I think, and that would, uh, motion one. Okay. Yeah. Gotcha. Okay. Now do I again, motion. Motion to approve mo option one. Okay. Second. Second. All in favor A. Aye. Any, uh, disapprove or op