Community Development District Overview
The River Ridge Community Development District is a local, special-purpose government entity authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes as amended, and established on February 12, 1996 by Lee County Ordinance #96-02 as an alternative method of planning, acquiring, operating and maintaining community-wide improvements in planned communities. A CDD provides a solution to Florida’s need to provide community infrastructure generated by growth without overburdening other governments and their taxpayers. Community Development Districts represent a major advancement in Florida’s effort to manage its growth effectively and efficiently. This allows a community to establish higher standards while providing a long-term solution to the operation and maintenance of the improvements and facilities.
The River Ridge CDD encompasses an area of approximately 630 acres located in Southwest Lee County, Florida. The District is surrounded by residential, preserve, agricultural, public and undeveloped land uses, including Willams Road) to the south; Estero River to the North; U.S. 41 to the east; the West Bay Club community to the west; and Koreshan State Park to the northeast.
CDD organization
The River Ridge Community Development District is organized similar to other local governments in Florida, in that the governing body is composed of a five-member board, known as the Board of Supervisors. The Board establishes the policies of the District in accordance with Florida law. The Board, by law, must hire a District Manager and District Counsel. The Board, through review of advertised Requests for Qualifications, ranks and selects a District Engineer to perform the engineering needs of the District. The District Manager and the District Attorney administer the operations of the District and implement the Board’s policies and contracts. Community Development Districts are not unlike other forms of local government, such as cities and counties, however, similar to other special taxing districts their powers are limited solely to the provision of infrastructure and services for master planned developments.
The District Manager's responsibilities include:
- Preparation and submittal of a proposed operations and maintenance budgets for Board review and action.
- Preparation of contract specifications for District operations.
- File all required forms and documents with state and local agencies.
- Attend all Board of Supervisor meetings – implement the policies of the Board.
- Additional duties as directed by the Board.
CDD Services
The District funds, operates and maintains community infrastructure including lake and wetland preserve enhancements, irrigation supply system enhancements. As well as street lighting, landscaping/hardscaping and roadway services outside the gates of Pelican Sound. Service levels for the CDD services are directly related to the annual operating budget. During the fiscal year staff monitors the budget to maintain operational efficiency. During the annual budget process staff reviews what was budgeted against what was actually spent, and recommends increases and decreases as appropriate. The Board of Supervisors, with input from the public, reviews staff’s proposals and has the final decision for the budget constraints that will determine the levels of service. The budget process typically begins in the spring and concludes in the summer, after a public hearing to ensure resident participation.
Water Management System Enhancements - the District appropriates funds for the purposes of improved stormwater quality and wetland preserve habitat. This is currently achieved through the introduction of enhanced planting plans around the perimeter of the lakes and within sections of the preserves.
Irrigation Supply System Enhancements - the District appropriates funds for irrigation water quality improvement and alternative supply programs.
Street Lighting - the District provides for the costs of bulk electric service for street lights along Pelican Sound Drive. Between the maingate and US 41.
Landscaping, Hardscaping and Roadway Services - the District contracts with highly qualified, licensed and insured contractors for the maintenance of the landscaping, hardscaping (main entry signage/fountains) and roadway between the maingate and US 41.
River Ridge CDD Board of Supervisors
Richard Costabile, Chairman - Seat 5 - E-mail
Terry Mountford, Vice Chairman - Seat 4 - E-mail
Tom Schoenheider, Assistant Secretary - Seat 1 - E-mail
Rusty Demeules, Assistant Secretary - Seat 3 - E-mail
Bob Schultz, Assistant Secretary - Seat 2 - E-mail
River Ridge CDD Staff
Chuck Adams, District Manager
Cleo Crismond, Operations Manager
Anthony Pires, Esq., District Counsel
Charlie Krebs, District Engineer
River Ridge CDD Contact Information
Wrathell, Hart, Hunt and Associates, LLC
9220 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 214
Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Telephone: (239) 498-9020 |
