Laserfiche WebLink
ON MOTION by Commissioner Davis, SECONDED by <br /> Vice Chairman Wheeler, the Board unanimously found <br /> that the Lobbyist was stifling public discussion regarding <br /> the City of Vero Beach electric utility issue . <br /> Bea Gardner questioned why the County Attorney was giving an opinion on the e-mails <br /> since they were from a private citizen. She did not feel it was proper for a taxpayer to come to <br /> the Board to receive an opinion from the County Attorney, and did not believe the County <br /> Attorney should be spending his time or the taxpayers ' money on this issue . <br /> Chairman Solari clarified that all the citizens of Indian River County were being <br /> represented, and wanted this to be made public so the stifling would stop . <br /> Commissioner O ' Bryan stressed that 60 % of the electric utility customers are County <br /> residents, which is a broad significance to the Board . He also revealed that the County is a <br /> customer of city electric, which means every taxpayer in the County pays for the County ' s <br /> electric bill . He felt there was significant public interest in the proposed sale of the City electric <br /> utility; which justifies the Board and staff' s involvement . <br /> Commissioners Davis , Wheeler, and Flescher reiterated Commissioner O ' Bryan ' s <br /> comments, and believed this was a County issue of utmost public concern . <br /> County Attorney Polackwich disclosed that as a County Attorney, he does not get <br /> involved in private citizen disputes , and solely takes direction from the Board of County <br /> Commissioners . He said if Dr. Faherty had called him and asked for an opinion, he would not <br /> have provided it. He also noted that when the Chairman put this item on the Agenda, his staff <br /> invested about two hours on the issue to ensure he was prepared to discuss it . <br /> October 11 , 2011 12 <br /> 8 141 PG 530 <br />