Bermont Drainage District
Annual Landowner Meeting and Regular Board Meeting
January 14, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
January 14, 2026, Annual Landowner Meeting and Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 6:20 pm
at the Paradise Park Meeting Room at 46900 Bermont Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33982
2. PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Proofofpublication that the notice of the Meeting had been published in the Daily Sun on Friday
December 19, 2025, is attached.
3. 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 Nicholas Bixler, General Counsel from Lewis, Longman & Walker “LLW”
4. ANNUAL LANDOWNERS MEETING
A motion was made and passed unanimously electing Austin Bessete as Chairman for the Annual
Landowners Meeting
Determine number of Voting units represented or assigned proxy
Mr. Bessette noted that Linda McHugh’s term as supervisor expires on Jan 31, 2025.
Mr. Behn asked if anyone would like to fill the Supervisor position, and a motion was made by Ariel
Morales and seconded by Linda McHugh for Jack Porter to fill the open position immediately and
unopposed. He was sworn in effective 01-14-2026 and expiring 01-14-2029.
Officers for the remainder of the fiscal year of the District ending Sept 30, 2026 were then elected. On
motions made, seconded and unanimously carried the following individuals were elected to the noted
offices.
The Annual Landowners meeting was then recessed, and the Regular Board Meeting was opened.
5. REGULAR BOARD MEETING
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 Nicholas Bixler, General Counsel from LLW
A motion was made by Mr. Austin Bessette, seconded by Mr. Jack Porter and passed unanimously
approving the minutes of the May 21, 2025, Regular Board Meeting, as presented.
The FYE 09-30-25 and Fiscal Year to date 9-30-26 Financial Results were presented by Linda McHugh,
Treasurer. The Board Members had no questions.
The Supervisors then considered various maintenance projects for the current fiscal year. There is
$10,000 in the budget available for repairs.
• Prioritize repair & maintenance for next 9 months (remainder of fiscal year). First priority is the
2 Bermont owned Drain Pipe blockages. See attached map# 1 & 3.
o After the 2 blockages are completed. Kevin Ostrander of Knockout Siteworks, LLC &
Ariel Morales will send other proposed repairs to Austin Bessette. He will approve
invoices and forward to Linda McHugh, Treasurer, for subsequent payment.
o Open items
■ Send legal letter to 2 landowners who have blocked culverts.
■ Can we remove trees without owner approval that are in or alongside the ditch
and block access for repairs?
6. OTHER COMMENTS FROM LANDOWNERS
• Ron Dittleberger, Paradise Park asked if we were required to have a District Engineer.
o Nick Bixler, Attorney pointed out the small size of our S298, that we would likely not be
required to have an engineer.
o Linda McHugh reminded everyone that funds are currently not available and would need
to be added to future budgets. Estimates attained in prior years were $10,000.
o Ariel Morales presented a map (see attached) that laid out primary ditches and drain
pipes. This agrees with original engineer drawing created in 1985 (available at
bermontdd.org) and there have been no changes since then.
7. COMMENTS FROM SUPERVISORS
There were no comments at this time.
8. NEXT BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:30 pm at the Paradise Park Meeting Rooms
Topics: Determine Ad Valorem Rate and Prepare and Approve Annual Budget for next fiscal year.
10. Meeting adjourned Jan 14, 2026 at 7:10 pm .
For more information regarding this document, email Bermont Drainage District at bermontdd@gmail.com.