Laserfiche WebLink
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final April 4, 2023 <br />things to do. <br />Vice Chairman Adams also expressed frustration due to the considerable amount <br />of time and money that had already been invested. She mentioned that a <br />consultant was brought on board to provide additional support and facilitate <br />progress in obtaining the necessary information. The significance of completing this <br />task in a timely manner was to avail state and federal funding for future projects <br />that would be identified in the plan. Brevard County and other counties have <br />already implemented similar management plans, and it was essential for Indian <br />River County to catch up after 5 years of planning. She emphasized that other <br />counties would take advantage of the available funds if Indian River County failed <br />to develop a plan. <br />Director of Public Works Rich Szpyrka assured the Board that his department <br />had been actively working to address the delay in the IRL plan. He explained that <br />several factors, such as staff shortages, Covid-related delays, hurricanes, beach <br />re -nourishment, and turtle season, had contributed to the delay. However, he <br />emphasized that the department was committed to making this plan a top priority. <br />Ms. Meisenburg stated several projects had already obtained permits and staff <br />was prepared to proceed. Those initiatives encompassed seagrass restoration, <br />oyster restoration, and muck mapping for the Lagoon. <br />Chairman Earman mentioned that he planned to speak with the new County <br />Administrator John Titkanich to secure additional assistance. He expressed <br />concern that progress was not being made quickly enough and was determined to <br />take action. <br />The Board and staff discussed the timeline for finalizing the plan, with the goal of <br />having it ready by July 1, 2023, to ensure that the funding opportunity was not <br />missed. <br />Indian River County Clean Water Coalition President Judy Orcutt emphasized the <br />County needs to stay focused and prioritize projects during the unprecedented <br />time of available funding. <br />Heather Stapleton of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program <br />(IRLNEP) stated citizens were understandably concerned about the Lagoon, such <br />as the recurring issue with reliance on septic systems. <br />A motion was made by Vice Chairman Adams, seconded by Commissioner <br />Moss, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the <br />following vote: <br />Indian River County Florida Page 10 <br />