Bermont Drainage District Annual Landowner Meeting and Regular Board Meeting January 9, 2025
- CALL TO ORDER
The January 9, 2025, Annual Landowner Meeting and Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm at the Paradise Park Meeting Room at 46900 Bermont Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33982 - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Proof of publication was presented that the notice of the Meeting had been published in the Daily Sun on Friday December 27, 2024. - ESTABLISH A QUORUM
It was determined that attendance of the following Supervisors constituted a quorum, and it was in order to proceed with the meeting.
Also present was Seth Behn, General Counsel from Lewis, Longman & Walker “LLW” - ANNUAL LANDOWNERS MEETING
A motion was made and passed unanimously electing Seth Behn as Chairman for the Annual Landowners Meeting.
Mr. Behn noted that Michelle Loch’s term as supervisor expires on Jan 31, 2025. Ms. Loch does not desire to run for the open position.
Determine number of Voting units represented or assigned proxy.
Mr. Behn asked if anyone would like to fill the Supervisor position, and a motion was made by Brad Lewis and seconded by Jack Porter for Austin Bessette to fill the open position unopposed. He will be sworn in at the next meeting on July 24, 2025 The new officers for the board will be selected at that time.
The Annual Landowners meeting was then recessed, and the Regular Board Meeting was opened. - REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The FYE 09-30-24 and 1st Quarter of FYE 09-30-25 Financial Results were presented by Linda McHugh. The Board Members had no questions.
Seth Behn, from Lewis, Longman and Walker “LLW” provided an update on the renewal of the district. The bill language has been submitted to House bill drafting. A notice of Intent to Seek Legislation has been posted in the Sun Newspaper on January 10, 2025. LLW is preparing a local bill along with an Economic Impact Statement that is required by the House by Jan 22. Chris Lyon, from LLW will represent us at that meeting. In addition, Mr. Lyon has had favorable meetings with Vanessa Oliver, House District 76 and will be meeting with Senator Ben Albriton and Representative Danny Nix prior to the meeting. - COMMENTS FROM LANDOWNERS
The maintenance of the ditches and roads alongside the ditches were brought up and discussed. As in past meetings, the question was asked if the county could maintain our roads. Many landowners have contacted the various county departments and all report the same response. They will not maintain our ditches and roads, even if we were a MSBU. Everyone was reminded that BDD has limited funds until the district is renewed. Linda McHugh estimated at the current ad valorem rate of $10 per acre that it will likely be December of 2026 before excess funds are available.
The issue with the trash bins was brought up. Everyone was reminded that ad valorem taxes are assessed by Charlotte County Sanitation Unit and is not a part of the Bermont Drainage District. - COMMENTS FROM SUPERVISORS
There were no comments at this time. - NEXT BOARD MEETING
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Paradise Park Meeting Rooms
Topics: Budget preparation for next fiscal year, Review Status of District Renewal, Review Fiscal YTD Financials. - Meeting adjourned Jan 9, 2025 at 7:45 pm.
For more information regarding this document, email Bermont Drainage District at bermontdd@gmail.com.