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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final May 18, 2021 The majority of Commissioners expressed a preference for the east lawn around the turtle statue, with Commissioner Earman suggesting an expansion to include the area around two palm trees near the front sidewalk. Commissioner Adams requested that Dr. Baker include a 6 -month guarantee on the plants. Commissioner Moss suggested that having a plan in -hand may be a way to satisfy the Board's concerns regarding the appearance and professionalism of the landscaping. A motion was made by Commissioner Moss to have the Pelican Island Audubon Society return to the Board with a landscape plan for approval before committing to installation. The motion failed for lack of a second. Dr. Baker was in agreement with the suggestion to expand the east area beyond the turtle statue to include the two palm trees. Chairman Flescher noted that the Public Works Department would maintain the landscaped area after completion. County Attorney Dylan Reingold received confirmation that the landscape design plan would be brought back before the Board before implementation, and suggested drawing up an agreement between the County and the Pelican Island Audubon Society. Vice Chairman O'Bryan agreed with the Board's direction, but expressed skepticism regarding the amount of influence the garden project would have, and proposed an idea for future consideration. He suggested having the Audubon Society create sample buffer landscape designs utilizing native plants that could then be implemented by developers in their new communities. A brief discussion was had regarding the ideal location for the proposal, with agreement to revisit the idea at a future meeting. Joseph Paladin, Real Estate Developer, supported the idea of involving developers, noting that most were unaware of native plants and their benefits. Dr. Baker was also supportive of producing this concept, and agreed it would be impactful. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman Flescher, to approve the Native Plant Garden Project proposal with the following amendments: 1) the planting would be located on the east side of Building A with an expansion to include the front two palm trees; 2) a design plan would be obtained for the west lawn area of Building A for future consideration; 3) the landscape design would be brought before the Board for approval before installation; 4) the Pelican Island Audubon Society would guarantee the plants for six (6) months following installation; and 5) the County Attorney would follow up with an agreement between the Pelican Island Audubon Society and Indian River County. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss Indian River County Florida Page 12