08/04/2026 Board Meeting Minutes

(Public comments will be limited to 3 minutes and may not be answered by a supervisor or Staff member. However, all public comments will be captured for the record, and the General Manager will address your issue/concerns after the meeting within 72 hours.)

Public Comments:
Mr. Norcross addressed the Board regarding the proposed golf range project. He stated that numerous rumors were circulating within the community and requested additional information about the proposal. While expressing support for initiatives that could generate revenue for the District, he questioned whether sufficient space existed to accommodate the project, including necessary parking, security, and other operational considerations. Mr. Norcross also referenced comments made by two Board members concerning former employees and stated that those remarks raised questions regarding previously circulated communications about employee departures. He noted that earlier statements indicated the District was not an incompatible or toxic work environment and questioned what circumstances had changed between July 10 and July 28 that resulted in a different assessment by the General Manager. He stated that residents deserved transparency and clarity regarding those matters.
The Board President advised that comments regarding the General Manager's performance evaluation would be more appropriately addressed during the agenda item scheduled later in the meeting.
Mr. Edlow expressed appreciation for the positive improvements made within Sun 'n Lake since moving to the community in 2019. He thanked District staff and leadership for their efforts to enhance the community and encouraged residents to become more involved by volunteering, offering constructive suggestions, and supporting District initiatives rather than focusing solely on criticism. He also suggested considering additional recreational amenities, including ping pong and billiard tables, to further enhance community offerings.
Mr. Johnson commended the District's Utilities Department for its exceptional customer service. He explained that District staff contacted him after detecting unusually high-water usage indicating a significant leak at his residence. After initially determining the leak was likely located between the water meter and the home, Utilities personnel responded again the following day when the leak became visible. Mr. Johnson stated that Utilities Director Brandon and his staff promptly arrived, located the leak, completed the repair within approximately one hour, and resolved the issue at no cost to him. He noted that their assistance allowed him to cancel a previously scheduled private leak detection service, avoiding an estimated $500 expense. Mr. Johnson expressed his appreciation to the Utilities Department and recognized the District's commitment to providing responsive customer service to residents. He also praised for providing complementary Notary Services, he stated that he previously paid $50 for the same service where he previously lived. He stated that he was grateful for the District offering this service to residents and appreciated the courteous assistance he received.
Highlands County Commissioner Scott Kiruac, representing District 3, provided updates on several County initiatives affecting Sun 'n Lake and Highlands County residents.
Commissioner Kirouac reported that the County approved a new solid waste assessment as part of its renegotiated waste collection contract. The annual assessment for single-family residences will increase from $236 to $280, which he noted remained below the