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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 17, 2023 <br />had been filed with the court which specified the City would not interfere with the <br />Town talking to the County and the ability of the County to serve the Town. <br />The following citizens spoke in opposition to the Franchise Agreement and urged the <br />Board to vote against it: <br />Doug DeMuth - Vice President of the Taxpayers Association <br />Laurie Barkhorn - Resident <br />Bob Auwaeter - Councilman, Town of Indian River Shores <br />Brian Foley - Mayor, Town of Indian River Shores <br />James Harpring - Town Manager, Town of Indian River Shores <br />There was an alliance amongst the speakers that the 30 -year term was too long and <br />requested more time to investigate the Agreement and study other options. <br />Rob Bolton, Director of Water and Sewer for the City of Vero Beach spoke in favor <br />of the agreement. <br />Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske conveyed the cost associated with service <br />rates in the future with new development and infrastructure needs. He felt the Board <br />needed to look at this from a financial standpoint. He commented it was not <br />unreasonable to have a 30 -year franchise agreement, as the County had one with the <br />City of Sebastian. He stated this objection to the 30 -year term was much ado about <br />nothing, but understood the concerns. <br />Discussion ensued between the Board and staff on the agreement and costs, each <br />adding their comments. Commissioner Flescher and Commissioner Loar sought to <br />table the item to allow additional time to review the feasibility study. <br />Commissioner Moss debated with Commissioner Flescher to have the initial study <br />that was released in January 2023 discussed at this meeting. <br />Commissioner Adams expressed her frustration as the County had been trying to <br />come to terms on this franchise agreement for at least five (5) years and felt there had <br />been plenty of opportunity for everyone to be involved. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Vice Chairman Adams, <br />to approve the proposed franchise agreement for water, wastewater and <br />reclaimed water between Indian River County and the City of Vero Beach. The <br />motion carried by the following vote: <br />Aye: 3 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, and Commissioner Moss <br />Nay: 2 - Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Loar <br />Indian River County Florida Page 18 <br />