Residents take control of CDD

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The decision is now in the hands of the people.

Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 6 took a dramatic shift Nov. 20, when three residents were sworn in to public office, replacing developer representatives from Neal Communities and forming the district’s first resident-only controlled board.

James Hill and Doug Ferry, who were appointed following the resignations of two developer representatives, joined Jane Bruyer, who was elected to a four-year term, on the board.

“We’ve worked hard in anticipation of this date, and are pleased with the selection of these board members and the election of Ms. Bruyer,” Supervisor Bob Burstein said. “I’m confident, as we move forward, the CDD has a firm grasp of our responsibilities and looks forward to carrying them out.

“On behalf of the board of supervisors, I would like to thank the departing Neal Communities supervisors and internal staff for their co-operation dedication and service to the CDD,” he said.

Supervisor Richard Williams, one of the board’s original resident members who also serves as the district’s representative on the Inter-District Authority board, agreed.

“We’re just pleased to be resident-controlled and making our own decisions,” he said. “We have some great people (on the board).”

Bruyer, a resident of the Wexford community, was a travel manager for a major corporation for 20 years, overseeing a $6 million budget, before working in fundraising and event planning for the American Heart Association. She has lived in CDD 6 for four years.

Hill, who was selected to fill a four-year term, has a doctorate in chemistry and has worked in applied polymer research, plant-process development, management and related roles since 1968. He most recently served as president of Bellex International Corp., a specialty chemicals, polymers and electronic materials trading company, before retiring in 2000.

“It’s not enough to just take pride (in your community); you need to contribute,” Hill said of why he applied.

Ferry, who was selected to fill a two-year term, lives in Lismore. He retired from Eastman Kodak in 2001 and volunteers twice weekly at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. He also has been involved in the Country Club West’s homeowners association.

“I really want to do this job and help the community out,” Ferry said.

After swearing in the board’s new supervisors, board members elected new officers, naming Burstein as board chairman; Williams as vice chairman; Ferry as treasurer; and Bruyer and Hill as assistant secretaries.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

In other business:
• District managers are transferring files and other CDD documents to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, which will begin to oversee the district’s business Jan. 1.
• Supervisors delayed putting out a request for proposal for engineering services until January.