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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 3, 2025 <br />Chairman Flescher inquired about the property's leasing timeline, revealing a history of <br />dock licensing since the 1990s, with varying lease rates. It was noted that <br />leaseholders mistakenly believed they owned their docks, though property deeds did <br />not confer such rights. <br />Commissioner Earman suggested either abandoning the property or selling the slips, <br />emphasizing that the County should not manage a marina. Vice Chairman Loar <br />reminded all that the discussion was public and no decisions would be made, stressing <br />the need to investigate the parcels further as they lacked separate parcel numbers. <br />Ms. Prado confirmed efforts to assign specific addresses to recognize the properties <br />as taxable parcels, highlighting the situation's complexity. Overall, the discussion <br />focused on navigating legal implications, potential revenue generation, and the <br />importance of public benefit in decision-making. <br />Attorney Barry Segal represented residents and dock users at Country Club Point, <br />shedding light on the area's unique legal situation concerning the docks. He pointed <br />out that the area was developed in 1957 and echoed Commissioner Earman's <br />sentiment that current regulations have evolved significantly since then, making County <br />involvement unnecessary. Mr. Segal argued against the County's management of the <br />docks, urging the County to drop any claims since homeowners have invested in them <br />without any support from the County. He highlighted that homes with dock access <br />tend to have higher values, ultimately benefiting the County's property tax revenue. To <br />streamline management, Mr. Segal suggested forming a Dock Owners' Association to <br />take on the responsibility of overseeing the docks. <br />Attorney Bruce Barkett, speaking as a neighbor rather than in his professional <br />capacity, agreed with Mr. Segal's points and offered to assist in forming a Dock <br />Owners' Association. He believed this was the best solution for managing local dock <br />responsibilities. Mr. Barkett emphasized that turning the area into a public marina <br />would likely create more problems, such as parking issues. He supported having an <br />association composed of local homeowners to address those challenges effectively. <br />Charles King and Bob Webster, representatives of the Riverboat Club Association, <br />raised concerns about the dock situation in their community, which consisted of 20 <br />homes. Mr. King highlighted the significance of local property taxes for County <br />finances and mentioned the issue of an uncashed lease payment check. Mr. Webster <br />added that their homes were valued at approximately $800,000 due to their access to <br />docks. He pointed out that the community has fulfilled its lease obligations for 25 <br />years and has managed maintenance independently, without relying on County <br />resources. Both representatives urged the County to consider their community's <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 14 <br />