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Board of Commissioners SWDD Meeting Minutes - Final November 19, 2024 <br />15. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS <br />B. Solid Waste Disposal District <br />The Board of County Commissioners reconvened as the Board of Commissioners <br />of the Solid Waste Disposal District. The minutes will be approved at an <br />upcoming Solid Waste Disposal District meeting. <br />15.6.1. 24-0959 Debris Removal - Hurricane Milton <br />Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) Managing Director Himanshu Mehta <br />requested the Board's direction in resolving a situation which arose regarding <br />debris collection in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. He informed that the <br />County's debris contractor, Ceres Environmental (Ceres), had completed half of <br />the debris removal but faced delays as subcontractors left to work for higher <br />Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) rates; the County paid $9.81 per <br />cubic yard versus FDOT's $14.98 per cubic yard. <br />Mr. Mehta advised that Ceres could finish the job at the contracted rate, but it <br />would extend the timeline to late December. He offered three options for the <br />Board's consideration: 1. Continue at the current rates and accept the revised <br />timing; 2. Increase the rate to match FDOT's at a cost of $131,591 with the same <br />October completion date. The Board was advised that FEMA may not reimburse <br />the County for this expense.; 3. Issue a separate emergency purchase order to <br />Ceres in the amount of $131,591 using emergency general funds to incentivize <br />on-time debris collection; this option was not eligible for reimbursement. <br />Mr. Mehta stated neighboring counties faced similar dilemmas, and most paid <br />additional incentives to get the debris cleared in a timely fashion. The Board was <br />wary of setting precedent by changing contracted rates midway through the job, <br />and expressed they felt they were being placed in a difficult situation. Ultimately, <br />the Board preferred not to delay debris removal in the public's interest, and <br />supported staffs recommendation of Option 3. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman <br />Flescher, to approve Option 3 of staff's recommendation and issue an <br />emergency purchase order in the amount of $131,591 to Ceres Environmental. <br />The motion carried by the following vote: <br />Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Lear, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner <br />Earman, and Commissioner Moss <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 1 <br />