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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2021 <br />Vice Chairman O'Bryan spoke of the concerns and suggestions he had after <br />attending the IRSWCD meeting. He suspected, based on comments he had <br />heard, over -permitting of wells by the District was happening in certain areas <br />which could result in a large expense to the residents of Indian River County. <br />He was in agreement with Commissioner Earman that the geohydrologic survey <br />could be done if it was not a large expense to the County. <br />Chairman Flescher was equally concerned that the District was writing permits <br />and not doing the well monitoring they were responsible for. He did not <br />support spending taxpayer dollars on the geohydrologic survey. <br />Dr. David Cox, Board Member of the IRSWCD, requested an open and <br />embracing approach to the water issue in order to be productive. He was <br />hopeful that the cost associated with a study by the USGS would be minimal so <br />that together with the Plan by the District, there would be detailed and valuable <br />information for moving forward. <br />County Attorney Dylan Reingold was appreciative of Dr. Cox's request that all <br />parties take an open approach in finding a solution; however, he expressed <br />confusion due to a person approaching him prior to the discussion to question <br />the integrity of the work being done by Director Burke with regard to the item. <br />Dr. Cox did not have a response related to Attorney Reingold's concern. <br />Director Burke clarified the Comp Plan requirements regarding water updates <br />per the Florida Statutes, and he stated that the District was working on the Plan <br />which was required of the District and expected to be completed in <br />approximately 30-60 days. <br />Jim Andersen, Principle Hydrogeologist, JLA Geosciences, discussed the <br />aquifer in the area which is unique and "a precious gem". He was in full <br />support of a study by the USGS for the highest and best use of fresh water <br />resources. <br />Vice Chairman O'Bryan inquired and received confirmation from Mr. Andersen <br />that the District would make the determination as to the highest and best use of <br />fresh water resources. <br />Commissioner Earman received input from Mr. Andersen on the detailed <br />process of getting results from the USGS. The Commissioner objected to <br />paying a large sum of money and possibly waiting a long time for those results. <br />He was anxious to hear the information included in the Plan from the District. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 22 <br />