09/26/2023 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2023 Homeowner Insurance Ms. Copeland reported that House Speaker Paul Renner was focusing on the significant rise in homeowner insurance costs, which had increased by 120%. Virtual Meetings Ms. Copeland recommended requesting the legislature to permit a Commissioner to participate in official governing business through interactive electronic media if they were out of town on official County business and a quorum of the Board members was physically present. County Administrator John Titkanich added that participation in public business by governing body members was discussed due to several Attorney General views. Still, there had been no ruling by the courts or legislation related to it. The issue dates back to around 1986, and in 2006, a change to the law was made stating that a member must be physically present unless they were severely ill. This change was made without any judicial or legislative determination. Given the current circumstances, it has become clear that more explicit guidelines were needed for participation in public business. As long as there was a physical quorum present, any member should be able to participate in the general business of the governing body. Septic to Sewer Ms. Copeland expressed concern regarding House Bill 1379, which would have significant financial implications for the County and the County residents. At the Joint County -City of Sebastian meeting, there was discussion that the cost for only the City of Sebastian to upgrade from septic to sewer would be $420,000,000 to $450,000,000 at current prices. The Department of Health has advised that the six regional offices of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) were understaffed, which would create a permitting backlog; there was discussion by FDEP of an intent to transfer the permitting to the Counties. She explained this could, in turn, create a backlog for the County if they don't have the staff to do the permitting, permitting review, and inspections. In discussions with Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske, concerns were raised regarding the enforcement of the program. Ms. Copeland stated another issue was that the County should not be subsidizing this program. Some residents on central sewer were already paying for it. If the County subsidized the septic program enforcement, it would mean those already paying for central sewer would also be funding the septic program. Therefore, it was important to keep an eye on this matter. Grants Ms. Copeland discussed several water quality grant programs the County had applied for and those still under discussion. Ms. Copeland thanked Dr. Duane DeFreese and Indian River County Florida Page 15