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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final March 7, 2023 (IRLEP) specifically on conservation lands. Consequently, County staff had identified a SORCA impoundment was no longer part of the Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) process, and that removal of this perimeter dike would restore a natural connection to the IRL. This re -connection would allow for the open exchange of waters, which would benefit wildlife habitats, specifically fisheries. The re -connection also increases the resiliency of the system by reducing the potential for long-term flooding. Ms. Swindell reported that current funding was $100,000 from the Federal Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and $50,000 from SJRWMD, and additional grant funding could be pursued toward the construction of the project. Chairman Earman thanked staff for their hard work and agreed that when the water cannot move back and forth naturally, it debilitates the resources. A motion was made by Commissioner Loar, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Loar, and Commissioner Moss 12.C.2. 23-0202 Indian River County Environmental Bond - Review Committee Selection Process Recommended Action: Staff respectfully recommends that the Board provide a timeline for providing the five (5) designated district appointees to the ELAP to the County Attorney's office. Additionally, it is recommended that the Board initiate the application process for selection of the (4) "at large" positions on the ELAP. Staff will assemble the list of applications and present the list at a future BOCC meeting for consideration. Staff respectfully requests that the BOCC provide direction on the time frame for approval of the ELAP members. Attachments: Staff Report Conservation Lands Manager Wendy Swindell referred to Resolution 2022-016 which called for a Board Referendum Election for the issuance of general obligation bonds. Ms. Swindell stated in March 2022, the Referendum was put on the November 2022 ballot and passed providing $50 million in environmental bond monies towards the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands. Staff was directed to update the Environmental Lands Program (ELP) Guide. She stated the draft ELP Guide proposed the formation of an Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP), which would be comprised of five (5) members: One (1) from each of the Commissioner's districts and four (4) at large positions with specific expertise that would aid in reviewing environmentally sensitive lands. Indian River County Florida Page 14