01/31/2023 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 31, 2023 H. Utilities Services 13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS 13.A. 23-0077 City of Sebastian - Graves Brothers Annexation Update Attachments: Staff Report Draft Annexation Agreement County Comments on Draft Agreement County Attorney Dylan Reingold referred to the City of Sebastian's (City) latest draft of the Graves Brothers annexation agreement, which was attached to his memo dated January 23, 2023. Attorney Reingold discussed adding a potential 20,000 people to the area, and the County's responsibility to provide essential services such as roads, water/sewer, and firefighters. He expressed disappointment the language addressing those needs was eliminated from the agreement, and sought direction from the Board in addressing the County's concerns. The Commissioners weighed -in with the need for consistency with the County's Visioning Plan, and the concern the County may not be able to meet the infrastructure expectations of future development. They agreed on the need to have a plan before annexation, and supported outlining their concerns in a letter to the City. Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske stressed the importance of advance planning, and recommended getting a commitment from the developers to set aside land for future utility needs. Interim County Administrator Michael Zito mentioned concerns over being able to expand the County's Consumptive Use Permit (CUP). Sebastian Council Member Bob McPartlan received information from Mr. Lieske regarding the fact that current water capacity was spoken for, and the County did not have capacity for the scale of development being contemplated. Mr. Lieske reiterated the need to specify an allotment of land for future utility infrastructure. The Chairman opened the item to public discussion. The following people expressed their concerns with the annexation agreement: Graham Cox, Sebastian resident Dan Lamson, Executive Director, Indian River Neighborhood Association Dr. Richard Baker, President, Pelican Island Audubon Society Donna Halleran, Executive Director, Pelican Island Audubon Society A motion was made by Commissioner Loar, seconded by Vice Chairman Adams, to approve directing staff to send a letter to the City of Sebastian, in advance of the February 8, 2023 City Council meeting, outlining the County's concerns Indian River County Florida Page 15