05/10/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2022 the remainder of the property to the Economic Opportunities Council under a separate agreement of which would not be impacted by the change. He indicated the Civic Club challenged the termination of the lease; however, the Health Department has offered the Civic Club use of the facility for occasional meetings similar to past practice as long as it was not political. County Administrator Brown indicated the DOH facility was provided by the County through an Interlocal Agreement. He confirmed the County would take on the support and maintenance of the Old Douglass School facility. Chairman O'Bryan received confirmation from County DOH Officer Miranda Swanson that the political events including candidate forums, were not currently allowed at the Health Department's current site; the same prohibition would apply to the Dasie Hope location. However, if presented with the situation, Ms. Swanson stated she would certainly consult with the DOH Attorney. Ms. Swanson commented on the DOH expanding their services in Wabasso, their long term partnership with the residents of Wabasso, and the various agencies who would bring their programs and services to the new site. She felt it was a privilege for the DOH to partner with Dasie Hope. In response to Commissioner Flescher, County Administrator Brown confirmed there was funding for replacement of the roof and two new air conditioning units in the amount of $250,000. Chairman O'Bryan asked if there was anyone from the public who wish to speak. Vernon Reason, Board Member for the Progressive Civic League, expressed his concern that the County bypassed notifying the leaders of the community of the DOH's proposal. He pointed out the Civic Club has always maintained authority over the Old Douglass School facility, and he acknowledged Dasie Hope was not the only organization on the lease. He opined the Civic Club should have been notified that the DOH was making a presentation concerning the West Wabasso area as stated in the order established. He requested the Board table the item so the Civic Club could notify the community on the pros and cons of the DOH's proposal. Ardra Rigby, President of the Civic Club, echoed Mr. Reason's statement and referred to the language contained in the lease pointing out that Dasie Hope voluntarily terminated the lease. Ronald Reeves, Parliamentarian of the Civic Club, expressed his concern over the validation of the signature on the lease and that Dasie Hope voluntarily terminated the lease in order to bring in the DOH. Bill Rigby, Vice President of the Civic Club, informed the Board that Dasie Hope was not the initial holder of the lease and that Dasie Hope had sent a letter to the Civic Club requesting to be included on the lease. He stated all the Civic Club wanted was for the County to add their name to the lease because of the concern that eventually the DOH may not allow the Civic Club to meet at the facility. Indian River County Florida Page 9