Lakewood Ranch CDD 4 selects security contractor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — After months of deliberation, supervisors on the Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 4 board have selected a new provider for security patrols in Greenbrook.

Supervisors on May 19 voted unanimously to enter into contract with Diamond Mason Evans for security patrol services.

CDD 4 has given 30 days notice to Allegiance Security, and now will prepare for Diamond to take over patrolling responsibilities. The company will provide an unarmed roving patrol for 40 hours a week, once its contract begins.

“I think it’s a good company,” Supervisor Joe Sidiski said. “I felt it was important do something for the community. I think it does provide the community with an added level of service.”

Supervisor Keith Davey agreed.

“We’ve discussed this at safety committee meeting and we have (safety committee) support,” he said.

CDD 4 supervisors have expressed dissatisfaction with the work provided by Allegiance, essentially since the company took over patrols more than a year ago. Board members from both CDDs 1 and 4 in November said they were not satisfied with the responsiveness of Allegiance and wanted to look for another contractor.

CDD 4 officials continued Allegiances’ contract on a month-to-month basis starting in mid-January as they decided what expectations they had of their new provider and what services would be needed.
CDD 1 agreed to hire Diamond Mason Evans in March.

Although Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Director of Operations Ryan Heise said there may be cost savings and other benefits associated with combining security services for CDDs 1 and 4, CDD 1 Chairwoman June Stroup said her board wanted to maintain and manage its own contract.

IN OTHER BUSINESS: 

CDD 1
• Attorney Jeff Russell said although the district owns the tortoise preserve property behind the Summerfield Bluffs neighborhood, the district is not responsible for paying for repairs to the riverbank behind homes. Instead, homeowners would need to be assessed for repairs, according to state statute.

Supervisors will consider whether to initiate the repair process, starting with determining what work would need to be done, at their June agenda review meeting.

• Supervisors asked residents to be on alert and ready to report vandalism they see happening in the district. CDD 1 recently paid $3,600 to repair the doors and locks to bathrooms at Summerfield Park.

• Summerfield/Riverwalk Village Association President Vicky Horswood said the association still is seeking residents to serve on an ad hoc committee to explore Florida-friendly landscaping options.

CDD 2
• Engineer Mike Kennedy reported contractors began repairs to the banks of Lake Uihlein May 23 and will continue work through mid-July.

• Supervisors are considering the installation of speed bumps near the Legacy Guardhouse to slow drivers, minimize damages to the gates and to prevent accidents. Engineer Mike Kennedy will bring estimates for both permanent and temporary speed bumps to the board at its June meeting.

• Operations Director Ryan Heise reported the gate at Masters Avenue and Lorraine Road has been converted from loop-activated to transponder activated.

CDD 4
• Engineer Mike Kennedy will explore a washout along the river and come back to the board in June with estimates for repairs.

CDD 5
• In regard to litigation surrounding settling storm drains in the district, attorney Andy Cohen reported that depositions scheduled for this month have been cancelled so parties can explore additional potential damages.

IDA
• Supervisors agreed to extend a contract for information technology services through July 1. The two-month extension is intended to resolve ongoing issues related to the installation of Jenark property management software.

• Engineering reports show the property on Lorraine Road being considered for a new maintenance facility is build-able.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].