Lakewood CDDs prep for security changes

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Supervisors on two Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts will continue using their current security providers as they hunt for potential replacements.

Lakewood Ranch CDDs 1 and 4 voted Dec. 16 to continue using their existing security provider, Allegiance Security Group, as they better learn what security services residents desire and as they look for potential replacements.

In CDD 1, supervisors voted unanimously to enter into an interim contract with Allegiance, extending its services through mid-April, as they solicit bids from other security providers. The board also is considering altering the scope of contract services, as well as whether CDD 1’s security contract should operate independently from CDD 4. Currently, each CDD has a separate contract with Allegiance but shares Allegiance personnel to extend the hours of coverage in both communities.

In CDD 2, supervisors vote 3-2 to renew an annual contract with Allegiance Security but included a provision to replace them with 30 days notice.

“What this board wants to do is try to take a few steps back and learn what the citizens in our community want for security,” CDD 4 Chairman Michael Griffin said.

Supervisors Nancy Johnson and Stacy White, who opposed remaining with Allegiance, instead supported an option to contract with U.S. Security Associates for a three-month period starting in January as the CDD searches for a new security contractor.

“Our residents have been very unhappy with Allegiance, whether it’s perceived or real,” Johnson said. “To keep with Allegiance just sustains the (discontent) of residents.”

She and White said the proposed contract, which would have cost an additional $4,000 for that timeframe, would have been worth the investment, especially considering U.S. Security’s work in CDDs 2 and 5 has been well received by residents and Town Hall staff.

However supervisors Joe Sidiski, Keith Davey and Griffin disagreed, saying they could not justify spending more money while keeping the same scope of services. They also did not want to put a time restriction on discussions with residents and going out to bid.

At last week’s board meetings, CDD 2 and 5 supervisors agreed to renew their annual contract with US Security Associates.

Contact Pam Eubanks at

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IN OTHER NEWS
CDD 1
• Operations Director Ryan Heise said individuals from Ringling School of Art and Design will be using a section of Summerfield Park on Jan. 15 to shoot a short film. The filming should not affect activities at the sports areas or playground.

CDD 2
• The Safety Committee will hold a meeting at 3 p.m., Jan. 20 at Town Hall with Sheriff Brad Steube as guest speaker. Residents from all Lakewood Ranch CDDs can attend.

• Heise reported carp should be installed in the CDD’s lakes sometime in January.

• Engineer Mike Kennedy reported he had sent a letter to Manatee County about the need to repave portions of University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.

• Supervisors voted to pay Garden Leaders more than $35,000 for landscape work conducted in September. There is a dispute between former landscape contractor, Mainscapes, and the district regarding payments owed for that month, as Garden Leaders began its services partway through September.

CDD 4
• Supervisors continued their meeting to 10 a.m., Jan. 6 at Town Hall to prepare for a Jan. 20 meeting with residents.

• Supervisors approved a contract with EcoTec Surface Systems to repair signs throughout Greenbrook. Repairs come with a 10-year guarantee and will not result in any new assessments. Cost is not to exceed $24,000.

CDD 5
• Heise reported carp were installed in CDD 5 lakes Dec. 16.

• Supervisors asked staff to come up with a plan for addressing ongoing issues with damage to unmanned entrance gates in the district. The item is slated for discussion at the board’s January meeting.

IDA
• Supervisors authorized the chairman to enter into an agreement for professional consulting services with King Engineering Associates, contingent on getting a purchase agreement from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch for property off 59th Avenue East for a maintenance facility. The board also authorized staff and supervisor Jean Stewart to look for other potential sites.