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August 18, 2020 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final County Attorney Dylan Reingold appeared before the Board to provide an update on stalled negotiations for a new wastewater and reclaimed water franchise agreement with the City of Vero Beach (the City) to replace the agreement which expired in March of 2017. Attorney Reingold reported attending the July 14, 2020 City council meeting and receiving an assurance that a document would be forwarded for his review. He further explained that the new agreement sought to formalize the current situation in which the City was servicing residents in unincorporated areas of the County, at County rates. Discussion ensued regarding the timeline of negotiations, details of the proposed agreement, and follow-up efforts. Attorney Reingold explained the ramifications of not having a franchise arrangement in place, and agreed to continue pursuit of a signed agreement. No Action Taken or Required 13.B. 20-1865 Jill Jaynes Litigation The County Attorney’s Office recommends that the Indian River County Board of Recommended Action: County Commissioners authorize the County Attorney’s Office to seek further legal recourse against Ms. Jaynes and her business in order to recoup the losses sustained by her fraudulent billing practices. As this matter will more than likely involve in depth discovery, the County Attorney’s Office recommends that the Board authorize the County Attorney’s Office to hire outside counsel to assist in the matter. Attachments:Staff Report County Attorney Dylan Reingold recapped the case and judgment against Jill Jaynes's fraudulent billing practices from her acupuncture practice in Vero Beach. The County Attorney's Office felt that damages exceeded the $173,000 in restitution Ms. Jaynes was ordered to pay, and sought the Board's approval to pursue litigation in order to recoup additional losses. He advised that hiring outside counsel may be necessary, and provided information on the likelihood of collecting additional money. The Board entered into discussion with Attorney Reingold, expressing concerns regarding the success of litigation and the need for more information on collectability. The Commissioners requested additional due diligence from the Attorney's Office prior to engaging outside counsel. County Administrator Jason Brown agreed that the restitution amount was low compared to damages, and expressed concern that Ms. Jaynes may still be in business. A motion was made by Commissioner O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner Solari, to approve authorizing the County Attorney to file suit, with direction for additional research prior to engaging outside counsel. The motion carried by the Indian River County Florida Page 29