10/11/2022 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 11, 2022 resources. Administrator Brown discussed staffs recommendation to mobilize the County's contracted emergency debris disposal and monitoring contractors. He informed the County had received Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval for 100% reimbursement of the costs to clear public rights-of-way. Administrator Brown and Vice Chairman Earman entered into discussion regarding whether private communities could obtain FEMA reimbursement for clearing private roadways. Administrator Brown voiced concerns which included not meeting the threshold for the extraordinary steps and justifications FEMA required, delays, possible non -reimbursement, and standard levels of service. Commissioner Flescher requested a two-week extension on the waiver of tipping fees, adopted at the Board's October 4, 2022 meeting. Chairman O'Bryan expressed hesitation to have the County remove the debris because of the precedent it would set in the aftermath of future storms. Under discussion, a motion was made by Vice Chairman Earman, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve staffs recommendations, as well as an extension of the tipping fee moratorium, and limiting debris collection to larger piles of vegetation. Louise Hubbard, former Executive Director, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, recounted difficulties she experienced obtaining FEMA reimbursement. Debbie Perez, Govermnent Affairs Manager, Waste Management, reported on the status of the debris and addressed residences that had been bypassed for non-payment. Rich Szpyrka, Public Works Director, cautioned that the requirement to focus on larger piles of debris would cause a logistical problem for staff, as well as complicating the FEMA monitoring process. Administrator Brown supported staffs concerns and commented on the confusion it could cause. Vice Chairman Earman modified his motion to eliminate the requirement to limit debris removal to only larger piles, and Commissioner Flescher amended his second. Chairman O'Bryan reiterated his concern for setting a precedent for County obligations. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Earman, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation as modified to limit debris removal from public rights-of-way only, and to extend the waiver on tipping fees for an additional two weeks past the October 19, 2022 deadline. The motion carried by the following vote: Indian River County Florida Page 10