Minutes of the July 14, 2026 Meeting

Board of Trustees of the Beacon Meadows Special Dependent Tax District

Northdale Park & Rec, 15510A Hooting Owls Place., Tampa, Florida

​

AGENDA

​​

Trustees Present:        Steven Castry (President), Dena Galyardt (Vice President), Barbara Appel (Treasurer), Penny Phillips (Secretary), Carlos Espinel (Trustee), Michael Spinelli (Trustee)

Trustees Absent:         None

Public Present:            Denita Schweinzger (4810 Cypress Tree Dr.)

 

The meeting was called to order by Steven at 7:07 p.m.

​

Secretary's Report

The minutes of the June 2026 Board meeting were read in advance by Trustees. Michael made a motion, seconded by Dena, that the minutes be approved.  The motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. 

 

Treasurer’s Report (June  2026) (rounded to nearest dollar)

Revenue from previous month:  $949

Expenses: 

     Utilities - $103 (43.00)

     Landscape maintenance - $825 (46.00)

Cash in bank:  $69,661

Available to spend:  $63,041

 

Old Business

 

Florida Commission on Ethics Financial Disclosure Form (due July 1) – All Trustees reported that they filed the on-line form on time.

 

Trustee Recruitment Efforts – Update – Denita Schweinzger, who responded to the recruitment postcard, agreed to become a Trustee. She shared pertinent personal information about herself. Penny made a motion, seconded by Michael, that Denita Schweinzger be appointed to vacant Seat #5. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. Penny will update the County Special District Information Form and distribute it to the appropriate agencies to notify them of this appointment.

 

Postcard Communicating District’s Responsibilities for Maintaining Beacon Meadows Walls – Update –So far, no questions or concerns have been received from any of the postcard recipients. This topic will be removed from the agenda for the next Board meeting.

 

Potential Acquisition of Easements for Property on which Casey Rd. Monuments and Wall were Built– Penny reported that she had been in touch with David Wright, TSP Co., since the June Board meeting. Mr. Wright sent an e-mail to Mary Mahoney at County Management & Budget inquiring if the County Commission needed to be involved in this project in any way. No response had yet been received from Ms. Mahoney. This topic will be tabled until the next Board meeting.

 

Potential Change in Lawn/Entrance Maintenance Service – This topic had been tabled until the July Board meeting for further discussion.  Steven reiterated that it appeared Gator Property Management of Tampa Bay was doing a satisfactory job, and there had been no complaints about the work. Therefore, the Trustees who had been in favor of considering a new service agreed that no further action should be taken at this time.

 

New Business

 

Submission of FY27 Budget Package to County – Steven reported that he submitted the package to Mary Mahoney at County Management & Budget by e-mail on July 5, 2026, which was prior to the deadline date. As Penny has done in the past, she will contact Ms. Mahoney in a few months to inquire about the date of approval of the budget by the County Commission.

​

Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices at Both Entrances – Penny received notification from Affordable Backflow Testing that the cost of testing had not increased. Therefore, she gave the go-ahead for this annual testing required by the County. She expected to receive the test results and invoice later in the month of July.

 

Trustees’ Monthly Task Update

• Lights/Irrigation Systems at Entrances –

  • Casey Rd. (Michael) – No issues identified.

  • Gunn Hwy. (Carlos) – No issues identified.

• Planters at Entrances (Steven) – No issues identified.

• Signs at Entrances (Dena) – No issues identified.

 

Barbara commented that it appeared one or two bushes at the Gunn Hwy. entrance had died. It was agreed by Trustees to wait until August to consider replacing the bushes.

 

Annual Tax Assessment Certificate to Roll – Barbara reported that she submitted this to the County Tax Collector and County Property Appraiser on May 12, 2026, prior to the deadline date.

 

Other Business

 

Community Event in Beacon Meadows Park – Michael asked if there was an update on a possible event sponsored by the District. He was reminded that money cannot be allocated from the budget for this type of event. Therefore, there was nothing new to report. Penny mentioned that a County mini-grant may be a potential source of funds, but Barbara checked on the deadline date for applying for a mini-grant for this year and it had already passed.  Carlos suggested that residents of the subdivision be asked about their interest in this type of event at the next community yard sale in October 2026. It was suggested that Michael take the lead on this project. This topic will be returned to the agenda when Michael can provide an update.

 

There being no further business, Denita made a motion, seconded by Dena, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:03 p.m.  The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0.

 

Steven Castry, President_____________________

 

Penny Phillips, Secretary_____________________

​