January 21, 2025, the Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm at the Paradise Park Meeting
Room at 46900 Bermont Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33982, The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Austin Bessette was administered his oath of office.
It was determined that attendance of the following supervisors constituted a quorum, and it was in order
to proceed with the meeting.
The original meeting date of July 24th had to be rescheduled as the deadline to submit FYE 9-30-2026 Ad
Valorem rate to Charlotte County is July 10th
. Further, we bad some immediate ditch maintenance needs
that needed to be addressed.
The notice of the May 21, 2025, Meeting had been published in the Daily Sun on Monday May 12, 2025.
See attached. The meeting was also posted on the district website: Bermontdd.org Landowners who
had provided emails were also notified via email. The following landowners attended the meeting: Kevin
Ostrander, Ariel Morales, AJ Anthony, Eileen Leary-Fussleman for Paradise Park, Patrick Osahn (via
phone in) for Lady Moon Farms.
The meeting began with a discussion of Ditch Maintenance needs through September 30, 2026, so that we
could determine the Ad Valorem rate required to support our budget needs.
The Supervisors listened to landowners attending the meeting regarding maintenance related to ditches
and culverts that were not flowing properly. Ariel Morales, provided a map of areas with reduced flow.
The general consensus was that these were the primary areas and that we could do this work for an
estimated $10,000 that we would have available if we make no change to the Ad Valorem tax rate. To
accomplish this work at this cost, the following individuals volunteered to provide their services: Kevin
Ostrander, Ariel Morales, AJ Anthony and Patrick Osahn.
Discussion then ensued on how to approve these maintenance costs. With the advice from our attorney,
Seth Behn of LLW, the Supervisors determined that Kevin Ostrander and Ariel Morales will consult with
Supervisor Austin Bessette regarding suggested repairs and costs. Austin will approve costs and Linda
McHugh as Treasurer will provide payment.
Next the board listened to landowners about whether we should proceed with hiring an Engineer at an
estimated costs of $10,000 to provide further input regarding recommendations for future maintenance.
The general consensus was to postpone this for one year, until after we have paid the remaining $20,000
due to our attorneys LLW for the renewal of our district. Mr. Behn indicated that the District could make
its final payment to LLW once it has received sufficient revenue from the tax collector at the end of the
year, or early next year if necessary.
A motion was made by Austin Bessette to keep the current ad valorem rate of $10 per acre and $4.50 per
parcel for Paradise Park and approve the proposed budget based on the rate and prior comments. Linda
McHugh seconded the motion. Please see attached final budget for FYE 09-30-2026.
Prior and Current Supervisors (Linda McHugh, Austin Bessette, Marie Thomlinson, Michelle Loch) were
reminded that they are required to file their Annual Financial Disclosure and Ethics by July 1, 2025
The current Supervisors (Linda McHugh, Austin Bessette & Marie Thomlinson) were reminded that they
must complete Ethics training for the current calendar year by December 31, 2025
Next Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, at 6 pm at Paradise Park Meeting Room.
• Annual Landowners Meeting
• Vote for Supervisor position expiring Jan 3 I . 2026
• Review FYE 09-30-2025 Financial Statements
The Meeting was adjourned May 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Linda McHugh
Treasurer
For more information regarding this document, email Bermont Drainage District at bermontdd@gmail.com.