Utility Advisory Board

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 2026, 9:00 A.M. 120 LAISHLEY COURT PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950 MEMBERS PRESENT: David Abderhalden, Chair David Hooper, Derek Rooney, George Ruchti, Gary Skillicorn CITY STAFF PRESENT: Kristin Simeone, Finance Director; Tom Spencer, Utilities Director; City Clerk Welch CALL TO ORDER Chair Rooney called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Election of Chair and Vice Chair Exhibits: Cover Page Chair Training City Clerk Welch provided a brief training on the responsibilities of Chair and Vice Chair, opening the floor for nominations on Chair. Member Ruchti NOMINATED Member Abderhalden, SECONDED by Member Rooney. City Clerk Welch confirmed there were no further nominations, announcing Member Abderhalden was appointed Chair by acclamation. She then opened the floor for nominations on Vice Chair. Member Ruchti NOMINATED Member Rooney. City Clerk Welch confirmed there were no further nominations, announcing Member Rooney was appointed Vice Chair by acclamation. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.a November 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes. Exhibits: Cover Page November 24, 2025, Minutes Member Skillicorn MOVED to approve the November 24, 2025, minutes, SECONDED by Member Hooper. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. 2) REPORTS 2.a Utilities Operational Data Exhibits:

Cover Page JAN2026 MOR Tom Spencer, Utilities Director, reviewed the utilities operational data for January 2026, noting there had been an error in certain reservoir data and an updated copy would be provided in the future. He indicated the City was under Block 1 minimum flows and levels (MFLs) restrictions. He stated the reservoir levels were at 5.08 feet, noting testing at the new plant was going well. 2.b Drought Conditions Report Exhibits: Cover Page January 2026 Drought Report Tom Spencer noted Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) had implemented a modified version of Phase 2 due to the severe water shortage, reviewing the water conservation measures currently in place. He stated Utilities and Code Compliance staff were enforcing the restrictions, and issuing fines for violations. Member Hooper questioned the number of staff involved in compliance efforts. Tom Spencer replied 1 in the morning, with 4 meter technicians also working as code enforcement. He explained there were currently 4 hours of overtime between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Member Skillicorn expressed concern residents may be unaware of the changes for watering, further expressing concern reduction in water usage would reduce revenues. He then inquired as to forecasting on future availability of water. Discussion ensued regarding weather forecasting as it related to water, particularly the impact of El Nino and La Nina. Member Rooney recommended information on the historic nature of the drought be shared on the City's website. He discussed the damaging effects of the spread of misinformation, providing an example he had recently seen circling social media with people saying the City provided water to Cape Coral. Tom Spencer clarified the City did not provide water to Cape Coral, stating same was water from a mine outside of City limits and the utility service area. Derek Rooney spoke on the potential use of mines for water supply if same could be adequately treated, suggesting the City could entertain working with a mine to establish a reservoir. Tom Spencer opined availability of land and funding for a reservoir would be prohibitive for same. Member Rooney clarified his suggestion was for the City to approach a mine for land which was no longer productive. Chair Abderhalden noted in addition to restrictions on water, the City's year- round resident population had increased. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of future development and current entitlements on water. Chair Abderhalden noted Cape Coral was under a different water management district than the City, stating the populations of the municipalities varied drastically as well. He emphasized that water was not an infinite resource. 2.c TDS Chart Exhibits:

Cover Page JAN2026 TDS Tom Spencer reviewed the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) data, noting TDS increases were standard for this time of year. Member Rooney requested a diagram explaining the dynamics of deep injection wells and brackish wells. Tom Spencer replied he would work on same, clarifying the City did not pull fresh water from the aquifer. 2.d Utilities Agenda items for City Council Exhibits: Cover Page JAN2026 COUNCIL Tom Spencer shared information on a development agreement provided at a recent City Council meeting, noting same had been approved. Member Skillicorn noted language in the agreement which indicated same would end March 31, 2026. Tom Spencer stated same was being extended through July. Member Skillicorn then objected to the City paying for septic-to-sewer conversion projects in County. Member Rooney noted the mismanagement of sewer systems in Charlotte Park had affected water within the City's canal systems. He recalled prior discussions of funding septic-to-sewer projects, questioning if it would be helpful to the City if Florida legislators authorized payments for State Revolving Fund (SRF) with the costs of funding such projects being passed on to users. Discussion ensued regarding funding the septic-to-sewer projects. 2.e Utilities Financial Report Exhibits: Cover Page Kristin Simeone, Finance Director, stated the reports for January would be provided at the next meeting, noting revenues were up and staff was working on applications for SRF grants. 3) GENERAL BUSINESS 3.a Board Training Exhibits: Cover Page Annual Member Training - Utility Advisory Board Utility Advisory Board Bylaws (01.2026) City Clerk Welch provided annual board member training. Discussion ensued regarding the Sunshine Law and Florida Public Records Law. 3.b Draft City/County Interlocal Agreement for Coordinated Water Supply and Wastewater Planning Exhibits:

Cover Page Utilities Draft Interlocal Tom Spencer provided an overview of the proposed City-County interlocal agreement for coordinated water supply and wastewater planning, noting same generally solidified processes already in place. Member Abderhalden questioned how House Bill 4077 proposed by Representative Vanessa Oliver would impact the draft interlocal agreement. Tom Spencer replied same would help address the concerns which led to the draft bill, noting a draft of the interlocal agreement had been provided to State representatives. Discussion ensued regarding House Bill 4077, the process to establish the joint water supply plan, and plans to address increased demand within the County. Member Ruchti MOVED to recommend approval of the draft proposed interlocal agreement, SECONDED by Member Rooney. Member Abderhalden confirmed the County had performed a cursory review of the agreement. Member Rooney noted, per Florida Statute, the interlocal agreement would need to be recorded in order to become effective. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. STAFF COMMENTS City Clerk Welch noted the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee meeting, where House Bill 4077 would be discussed, would livestream on the Florida Channel. Tom Spencer reported that City Council had recommended staff reach out to the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority regarding the purchase of water during the period the reverse osmosis treatment plant was being expanded. MEMBER COMMENTS Chair Abderhalden questioned if there was an update on the water meters. Tom Spencer replied staff was working on specifications for the procurement process. Member Ruchti inquired if legal action was being pursued against Zenner. Tom Spencer replied he did not have an update at this time. Member Skillicorn expressed confusion as to the role of the Board, also expressing dissatisfaction he had not received a response to his request to review the draft statement of work and specifications for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. Member Rooney questioned if staff would find value in presenting scopes to the Board for review prior to projects being put out to bid, further questioning if a member of the Board could be part of the group reviewing bids. Kristin Simeone stated scopes could be shared prior to projects going out to bid; however, same could cause a delay to projects. She stated a member may be able to serve on the Evaluation and Selection Committee. Discussion ensued regarding oversight of projects by staff versus contractors as well as the potential for a Board member to participate in the Evaluation and Selection Committee. Member Hooper noted Utilities staff had answered every question he had asked, suggesting they be allowed to do their job using the typical processes as they were professionals. He acknowledged the frustrations between residents and staff regarding personnel and governmental processes; however, options and funding were prohibitive of same.

NOTE: Chair Abderhalden left the dais at 11:32 a.m. and Vice Chair Rooney assumed the gavel. Discussion ensued regarding the duties of the Board and their benefit to City Council, with Member Rooney suggesting developments be presented to the Board prior to presentation to City Council in order to discuss ways to maximize the benefits of those projects to the City. City Clerk Welch reminded members of their duties, noting anything outside that scope should be referred to staff or City Council. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:42 a.m.Chair Board Recorder