HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/13/1991BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1991
9:00 A.M. - COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBER
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
1840 25TH STREET
VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Richard N. Bird, Chairman
Gary. C. Wheeler, Vice Chairman
Margaret C. Bowman
Carolyn K. Eggert
Don C. Scurlock, Jr.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
James E. Chandler, County Administrator
Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney .
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk to the Board
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *.*
9:00 A.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - James E. Chandler
County Administrator
4. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA/EMERGENCY ITEMS
Appointment to Transportation Disadvantaged Local
Coordinating Board, Consent Agenda, Item F.
5. PROCLAMATION AND PRESENTATIONS
None
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Special Meeting of 7/16/91
B. Regular Meeting of 7/16/91
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Occupational Licenses Collected Month of July, 1991
(memorandum dated August 2, 1991)
B. Release of Utility Liens
(memorandum dated August 5, 1991)
C. HUD - Administered Rental Rehabilitation Program
for Small Cities
(memorandum dated August 5, 1991)
D. Bid Award: 91-106 Potable Water Distribution
12th Street Area
(memorandum dated August 6, 1991)
E. Release of Retention - Design of I.R. . Blvd. Ph. III
(memorandum dated August .5, 1991)
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RUC .13 1991
BOOK 84 FAIRE U2
8. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
None
9:05 a.m. 9. PUBLIC ITEMS
A. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
10. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S MATTERS
None
11. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS
A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
None
B. EMERGENCY SERVICES
None
C. GENERAL SERVICES
HRS Request to Lease Space - I.R.C. Health Clinic
(memorandum dated August 1, 1991)
D. LEISURE SERVICES
None
E. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
None
F. PERSONNEL
Request for Board Consideration: Medical Services RFP
(memorandum dated July 26, 1991)
G. PUBLIC WORKS
Request for Extension of Lindsey Lanes Subdivision
Phase II, Land Development Permit
(memorandum dated August 1, 1991)
H. UTILITIES
1. Agreement between I.R.C. & Peter W. Busch for
payment of oversizing a water main
(memorandum dated July 31, 1991)
2. Water service to I.R.C. Middle & High Schools at
C.R. 512
(memorandum dated July 29, 1991)
3. Ixora warehouse project - final pay request
(memorandum dated August 1, 1991)
12. COUNTY ATTORNEY
A. I. R. Mosquito Control District - Special Election
(memorandum dated August 2, 1991)
B. Train whistles
(memorandum dated July 29, 1991)
13. COMMISSIONERS ITEMS
A. CHAIRMAN RICHARD N. BIRD
B. VICE CHAIRMAN GARY C. WHEELER
C. COMMISSIONER MARGARET C. BOWMAN
D. COMMISSIONER CAROLYN K. EGGERT
E. COMMISSIONER DON C. SCURLOCK, JR.
14. SPECIAL DISTRICTS
A. NORTH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT
None
B. SOUTH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT
None
C. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT
1. SWDD petition hearings
(memorandum dated August 7, 1991)
2. 91-98/Tire Shredder/Conveyor/Generator
(memorandum dated July 31, 1991)
15. ADJOURNMENT
ANYONE WHO MAY WISH TO APPEAL ANY DECISION WHICH MAY BE MADE
AT THIS MEETING WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF
THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND
EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL WILL BE BASED.
BOOK
AUG 13=1991
uE
��cJ
Tuesday, August 13, 1991
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County,
Florida, met in Regular Session at the County Commission Chambers,
1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, August 13, 1991,
at 9:00 o'clock A. M. Present were Gary C. Wheeler, Vice Chairman;
Carolyn K. Eggert, Margaret C. Bowman and Don C. Scurlock, Jr.
Absent was Richard N. Bird, Chairman, who was on vacation. Also
present were James E. Chandler, County Administrator; Charles P.
Vitunac, County Attorney; and Patricia Held, Deputy Clerk.
The Vice Chairman called the meeting to order.
James E. Chandler, County Administrator, led the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA/EMERGENCY ITEMS
Commissioner Bowman requested the addition of Item F to the
Consent Agenda regarding appointment to Transportation
Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Bowman, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) added the above item to
the Consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Vice Chairman asked if there were any additions or
corrections to the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 16, 1991.
There were none.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) approved the Minutes of
the Special Meeting of July 16, 1991 as written.
L AUG 13 1411
BOOP' UJ0 Y
'AUG 13 1991
BOOK 84 FA,.
The Vice Chairman asked if there were any additions or
corrections to the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 16, 1991.
There were none.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Bowman, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) approved the Minutes of
the Regular Meeting of July 16, 1991 as written.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Occupational Licenses Collected - Month of July, 1991
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) accepted the following
report from Tax Collector Gene Morris:
.'MEMORANDUM
TO:
Board of County Commissioners
i
'FROM: Gene E. Morris, Tax Collector
SUBJECT: Occupational Licenses
DATE: August 2, 1991 •
Pursuant to Indian River County Ordinance No. 86-59, please be
informed that $2,201.05 was collected in occupational license
taxes during the month of July, representing the issuance
of 139 licenses.
B. Release of Utility Liens
The Board reviewed memo from Lea Keller, CLA, dated August 5,
1991:
2
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM:
Lea R. Keller, CLA, County Attorney's Office
DATE: August 5, 1991
RE:. %, CONSENT AGENDA - B.C.C. MEETING 8/13/91
RELEASE OF UTILITY LIENS
•
a..
I have prepared the following lien related documents and request that
the Board authorize the Chairman to sign them:
1. • ;Release of Special Assessment Lien from
ROCKRIDGE SEWER PROJECT in the name of:
Releases of Special Assessment Liens from
CITRUS GARDENS in the names of:
t FREI •"'`
} SIMONETTI ' .••_';r:
1 HEATH
4r DUNAYCZAN
•. DENIKER ,•
MISLICK
GUNDERSEN & HEALY
t y, Satisfaction for Payment of , Impact Fee Lien
4'" Extension in the name of:
... Via• , ,, .
FITCHETT
4. Release of Special Assessment Lien from
12th STREET WATER PROJECT in the name of:
SCHLITT, JR.
5. Releases of Special Assessment Liens from
INDIAN RIVER BOULEVARD in the names of:
SCHLITT (2)
TANEN (4)
SCHACHT (3)
6. Release of Lien - STATE ROAD 60 SEWER
PROJECT in the name of:
HERON CAY
Additional back-up information is on file in • the County Attorney's
Office.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) authorized the Chairman
to execute the Releases of Liens and Satisfaction
for Payment of Impact Fee Lien Extension as listed
above.
COPIES OF SAID DOCUMENTS ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
CLERK TO THE BOARD
3
AUG 131991
BOOK
Fiui. O
AUG 13 t9T
i'' ='r`'''�+_`•'F" Executive Director
I.R.C. Housing Authority
BOOK 84 FAuE 07
C. HUD -Administered Rental Rehabilitation Program for Small Cities
The Board reviewed memo from IRC Housing Authority Executive
Director Guy Decker dated August 5, 1991:
TO: The Honorable Members of the
Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: H. T. "Sonny" Dean, Director
Department of General Service
FROM: Guy L. Decker, Jr.
It is recommended that the data herein presented be given formal consideration by
DATE: August 5, 1991
FILE:
UBJECT: HUD - Administered
Rental Rehabilitation
Program for Small
Cities (Non Formula)
REFERENCES:
the County Commission.
DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS:
;'I�•`The Department of -lousing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a competition and
availability of funds for a HUD Administered Rental Rehabilitation Program for Small
Cities, pursuant to Section 17 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 USC 14370)
which was enacted by Section 301 of the Housing and Urban -Rural Recovery Act of 1938
-.(Public Law 98-81), approved November 30, 1983. A total of $572,000 in Rental Rehabili-
tation Program grant funds and Section 8 Housing Vouchers are available for the Rental
Rehabilitation Program for Small Cities in the State of Florida, In HUD's Circular Letter
91-42 dated July 25, 1991, Indian River County was included in the list of eligible •
'cities and counties.: The deadline for submission is 4:00 P.M. August 26, 1991, and must
Lbe received on that date in the DHUD Jacksonville office to be considered in this year's
•;: competition. • p ; . •
•
hv',f, The program is designed to. assure an adequate supply of standard housing affordable
oto lower-income tenants as it increases the supply of private market rental housing °��•:-
i`'available to lower-income tenants by providing government funds to rehabilitate existing
'units.and provide rental assistance to lower-income persons to help than afford the rent
'of these units. One Section 8 Certificate and/or Voucher can be provided for each $7,500
rof grant funds to help eligible 1ower-income'tenants to pay the rent for rehabilitated r;
•uunits. ^In order to leverage the maximum amount of private capital, rehabilitation
sillies are generally limited to 50 per cent of the cost of rehabilitation, not to exceed
...$7,500 per unit adjusted for high cost areas. - Grant funds may only be used to correct
substandard conditions, make essential improvements, and repair major systems in danger
of failure. Units will be rented at market rents, and no special project rent controls
or restrictions will be used. Within the lower-income and neighborhood targeting re-
, quirements, the Rental Rehabilitation Program leaves broad opportunities for -local
program design and flexibility.
ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS:
This is the sixth year Indian River County has been placed on the eligibility list
to enter the competition for funding, and this type of -program parallels our existing
rehabilitation housing efforts.
. RECOPM ENDNTIONS : .
We respectfully request the County Commission to authorize its Chairman to execute
the application for submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for
this grant.
This program will rehabilitate approximately six (6) -substandard rental units in
the distressed neighborhoods within this jurisdiction and will make available additional
standard units to be utilized by the Indian River County Section 8 Rental Assistance
Program. Our total request for Federal assistance is Fifty-two Thousand Dollars
($52,000.00).
This program requires no additional County funds.
4
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) authorized the Vice
Chairman to execute the application for submission
to the Department of Housing and Urban Development
as recommended by staff.
D. Bid Award: 91-106 Potable Water Distribution - 12th Street
Area
The Board reviewed memo from Purchasing Manager Fran Boynton
dated August 6, 1991:
DATE: August 6, 1991
TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
THRU: James E. Chandler, County Administrator
�nA
H.T. "Sonny" Dean, Director
Department of General Servi
Fran Boynton, Purchasing Manager
Bid Award: 91-106 Potable Water Distribution
. 12th Street Area
.FROM:
SUBJ:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
•Bid Opening Date: July 17, 1991
:Specifications Mailed To: Twenty (20) Vendors
Replies: Eight (8) Vendors
BID TABULATION
Boyce Company
'Clearwater, FL
. • •
P & C Construction
Murdock, FL
TOTAL
$ 993,753.19
$ 999,460.00
"Speegle Construction • $1,007,300.00
Cocoa, FL
,Schopke Construction. $1,014,000.00
'Melbourne, FL
Belvedere Construction $1,029,557.50
West Palm Beach, FL
GBS Excavating $1,041,578.50
Palm City, FL
Underground Ind. $1,093,023.00
West Palm Beach, FL
Jobear $1,156,176.00
Melbourne, FL
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the.bid be awarded to Boyce Company as the
lowest most'responsive, responsible bidder meeting specifications
as set forth in the Invitation to Bid. In addition, staff requests
the Board's approval of the attached agreement when all require-
ments are met and approved as to form by the County Attorney.
TOTAL AMOUNT 'OF BID
BUDGETED AMOUNT:
AUG- 13 rj
$ 993,753.19
$1,142,120.00
5
BOOK [Au tJb•
BOO 84 PAGE 00
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) awarded Bid 91-106 to
the lower bidder, Boyce Company, in the amount of
$993,753.19, and authorized the Vice Chairman to
execute the agreement for the Potable Water
Distribution System, 12th Street Area.
CONTRACT IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
CLERK TO THE BOARD
E. Release of Retention - Design of Indian River Boulevard
Phase III
The Board reviewed memo from Capital Projects Manager Terry
Thompson dated August 5, 1991:
TO: James E. Chandler,
County Administrator
THROUGH: Roger D. Cain, P.E.
County Engineer
FROM: Terry B. Thompson, P.E: S1'
Capital Projects Manager
'SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
Release of Retention
Design of Indian River Boulevard Phase III
DATE: August 5, 1991
DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS
On September 23, 1986 the County entered into a Professional
Engineering Services Agreement with Boyle Engineering
Corporation for the design of Indian River Boulevard between
SR 60 and Barber Avenue (37th Street).
The design of this project is complete and we are now
entering the construction phase. Boyle Engineering is
requesting release of all retention related to the design of
,the project, in the amount of $5,230.87.
.RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUNDING
Staff recommends that all retention related to design be
released. Funding is from account 309-214-541-033.13.
6
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) authorized release of
all retention to Boyle Engineering related to the
design of Indian River Boulevard Phase III, as
recommended by staff.
F. Transportation Disadvantaged Appointment
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) appointed Richard
Stetson to the Transportation Disadvantaged Local
Coordinating Board.
HRS REQUEST TO LEASE SPACE IN IRC HEALTH CLINIC
General Services Director Sonny Dean made the following
presentation:
DATE: AUGUST 1, 1991
TO: HONORABLE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
THRU: JAMES E. CHANDLER
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: H.T. "SONNY" DEAN, DIRECTO
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVI
SUBJECT: HRS REQUEST TO LEASE SPACE
•INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HEALTH CLINIC
,BACKGROUND:
On July 9, 1991, staff took a request from Health Rehabilitative
Services, District 9, to the Board to lease approximately 430 square
feet of office space in the new Health Clinic. The Board instructed -
:`staff to look at the cost of lease space in the local area.
A survey was completed which included three local companies and what
HRS is presently paying in other areas. The results of that survey
,,are as follows:.
1. Westin Reid Company - $9.50 - $10.00
(including utilities)
'2. Ed Schlitt, Inc. - $8.00 - $12.00
(including utilities)
3. Century 21 - $10.00 - $11.00
(plus utilities)
4.. HRS Okeechobee County - 17,000 S.F. @ $8.75
(including utilities)
5. HRS St. Lucie County - 3,000 S.F. @ 13.30
(including utilities)
7
4W31.3 199'
BOC;K 84
0
AUG 13 199'
BOOK
84 F4GE 11
The District Office of HRS also advised that over the state they were
paying a high of $13.00 and low of $11.25. The cap set by the state
is $15.85 per square foot.
Taking all prices quoted above, the average is $10.75 per square
foot.
It was also learned that HRS has advertised and received bids for
office space in Vero Beach on three different occasions. Each time
they have rejected the bids. We were unable to ascertain exactly
what the bids came in at.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Should the Board decide to lease our space to HRS, staff would
recommend the average of $10.75 per square foot. This would equate
to $4,622.50 annually.
Commissioner Bowman asked for clarification, and Director Dean
stated the lease would include custodial services as well as
utilities.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Bowman, with Commissioner Scurlock
voting in opposition and Chairman Bird being absent,
the Board, by a 3-1 vote, authorized leasing
approximately 430 square feet of office space in the
Health Clinic to HRS at a rental of $10.75 per
square foot for a period of two years, as
recommended by staff.
Under discussion, Commissioner Eggert asked who the tenant
would be. Director Dean stated it would be the division called
Developmental Services for the Severely Handicapped.
Commissioner Scurlock explained he voted in opposition because
he felt the County should not be in the rental business. He also
felt there might be a problem in the future when the space is
needed by the Health Department.
Director Dean explained the lease is for two years with a
renewal option and with a sixty-day cancellation clause.
MEDICAL SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Administrator Chandler made the following presentation:
8
TO: James E. Chandler, County Administrator,
`THRU: Jack Price, Personnel Director
.FROM: Beth Jordan, Risk Manager.,'
DATE: 26 July 1991
SUBJECT: Request for Board Consideration; Medical Services RFP
We request that the following information be considered by the;
Board of County Commissioners at their regularly scheduled August',
13, 1991, meeting.
Background
•
Each year, approximately 175 County employees are injured on-the-
job and workers' compensation is called upon to provide for their
medical care, lost wages, etc. As a customary practice, the County
has utilized the services of Doctors' Clinic as the primary medical
services provider although no formal arrangement has ever been
negotiated with the provider. Although fees are paid according to
the State -adopted fee schedule, it is critical to the cost-
effectiveness of the self-insurance program that we have the
ability to manage claims effectively. As a result, on April 18,
1991, Indian River County Request for Proposals #91-85 was issued
to obtain contractual services for the provision of workers'
compensation medical care. Mailed directly to thirteen (13) local
medical care providers and advertised in the local newspaper in
keeping with Purchasing guidelines, we received two (2) responses
by the May 29, 1991, deadline. Responses were received from Philip
Corrao, M.D., and Doctors' Clinic.
•
Analysis
With the.Risk Management staff, a committee composed of Jim Judge,
Emergency Services, Richard Watkins, Clerk's Office, Alma Fred,
Sheriff's Office, and Rex Hailey, Sr., Public Works, met to review
the written submissions and made site visits to the two potential
providers where we discussed the County's needs and their
business's ability to meet those needs. Evaluation criteria..
included: the provider's staff qualifications and availability to
provide services to the County based upon the unique employee
group; accessibility of the facility, including location, hours and
scheduling; return to work follow-up and reports; comprehensiveness
of available services; and costs. After careful consideration, the
staff committee unanimously recommends that the County negotiate
a contract with Doctors' Clinic to provide these services.
•
Recommendation
Staff recommends, in keeping with the contract award practice
established by the Purchasing Division, that staff be authorized
to negotiate a contract with Doctors' Clinic for the provision of
workers' compensation medical services. Following negotiation, the
contract will be presented for Board approval.
9
L AUG 13 1991
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ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) authorized staff to
negotiate with Doctors' Clinic for the provision of
workers' compensation medical services as
recommended by staff.
EXTENSION OF LINDSEY LANES SUBDIVISION PHASE II - LAND DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT
The Board reviewed memo from Civil Engineer David B. Cox dated
August 1, 1991:
TO: James Chandler
County Administrator
THROUGH: James W. Davis, P.E.,
Public Works Director
and
Roger D. Cain, P.E.
County Engineer
FROM: David B. Cox, P.E.,tr.
�..•:.:r ; Civil Engineer
GUD
.SUBJECT: Request for Extension of Lindsey Lanes Subdivision
Phase II, Land Development Permit
DATE: August 1, 1991
DESCRIPTION•AND CONDITIONS
Land Development Permit No. 102C was issued on February 9, 1991 to
(John F. Stolle to construct Phase II of Lindsey Lanes Subdivision.
Lindsey Lanes is located on the south side of 49th Street with
ientrances at 47th Court and at 50th Drive. A certificate of
completion for Phase I was issued by the Public Works Department on
June 26, 1991. , Phase I has also been platted with three model
homes currently under construction. Phase II consists of 77 lots
on 22.43 Acres. Stolle Development Corporation has submitted a
written request for an extension of the permit. The permit is due
to expire on August 8, 1991 based on no Phase II construction being
started within 180 days of the permit issuance. This is the first
request for an extension. Extensions are permissible in Section
.913.07(5)(J) of the Subdivision and Platting Ordinance. It is
understood that the construction of the Phase II improvement's will
occur prior to platting of Phase II and therefore no surety has
been posted.
.ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS .
The Department of Utilities Services staff has indicated the
project's Utility Construction Permit will expire on January 15,
1992. The Planning Director has indicated the project's
Preliminary Plat approval is good until June 13, 1992.' The
project's Land Clearing and Tree Removal Permits would be
automatically extended with the Land Development Permit. The three
original conditions of the February 8, 1991 Land Development Permit
approval would also be applied to the extension.
�•;• .
10
Alternate No. ],
Grant extensions of the Land Development Permit and Land Clearing
and Tree Removal Permits, until January 15, 1992, with the
conditions described above.
Alternate. No. 2
Deny extension and require the developer to submit new applications
and review fees for land development, land clearing and tree
removal permits.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends approval of Alternate No. 1.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) granted extension of the
Land Development Permit and Land Clearing and Tree
Removal Permits until January 15, 1992, as
recommended by staff.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY AND PETER W. BUSCH FOR
PAYMENT OF OVERSIZING A WATER MAIN
The Board reviewed memo from Utility Services Director Terry
Pinto dated July 31, 1991:
DATE:
TO:
FROM: TERRANCE G. PINTO
DIRECTOR OF UTILITY �,.....
PREPARED JOSE DIAZ p-Q.G
AND STAFFED PRIVATE PROJECTS GINE
BY: DEPARTMENT OF U LITY ICES
SUBJECT:
JULY 31, 1991
JAMES E. CHANDLER
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY AND
PETER W. BUSCH FOR PAYMENT OF OVERSIZING A
WATER MAIN
:BACKGROUND
The recently constructed subdivision known as Indian Oaks is located
at 4th Street' and 46th Court. Indian Oaks has constructed water
lines necessary for its water distribution system. The line at 4th.
Street had to be continued to the west boundary of that property -as
a 12" diameter water main. •
4 •. t•.
ANALYSIS
As the property of Peter W. Busch, located on the south side of '4th
Street, was so near an existing water line (less than 150 feet), Mr.
Busch requested connection of his property to the County water
distribution system, using a 6" diameter pipe and constructing 160
linear feet of PVC water main.
11
AUG 1,3 1991
BOOK 84 FAH 1
AUG 13
BOOK 84 PACE 15
The water system Master Plan specified that 12" diameter pipe be
installed at 4th Street, from Kings Highway to U. S. 1 to
accommodate planned future growth. As a result of oversizing, the
Utilities Department wishes to reimburse Mr. Busch for the
construction ofthe line at a rate of $2.00/inch/foot for a total of
$12.00/linear feet. (For details, please see the attached
Developer's Agreement.)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Indian River County reimburse Mr. Peter W.
Busch the amount of $1,920.00 for oversizing in the form of an
immediate credit from his impact fee and a portion of the impact
fees paid by other customers connecting to that line.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Bowman, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) approved reimbursement
in the form of immediate credit to Peter W. Busch in
the amount of $1,920 for oversizing of a water main,
as recommended by staff.
SAID DOCUMENT IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
CLERK TO THE BOARD
WATER SERVICE TO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS AT
CR512
The Board reviewed memo from Utility Services Director Terry
Pinto dated July 29, 1991:
12
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
STAFFED AND
PREPARED BY:,
SUBJECT:
JULY 29, 1991
JAMES E. CHANDLER
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
.A
TERRANCE G. PINTO
DIRECTOR OF UTIL �'� 'RVICES
WILLIAM F.
CAPITAL PR
DEPARTMENT
IN
ENGI
ITY SERVICES
AND
ROBERT O. WISEMEN,. P.E.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
DEPARTMENT OF UTILITY SERVICES
WATER SERVICE TO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY MIDDLE
AND HIGH SCHOOLS AT C.R. 512
IRC PROJECT NOS. UW -91 -20 -DS AND US -91 -21 -CS
•
..ti-.
:On ' January 29, 1991, the Chairman of the Board of County•
Commissioners executed the agreement between Indian River County and
Indian River County School Board for utility service connections for.
the above -referenced schools (see attachment). The status of the
items in the agreement is as follows:.
Item 1. The water connection to Citrus Elementary is complete.
Item 2. To be acted upon at the direction of the School Board.
Item 3. Design is being performed. Permitting and connection will
be completed within 80 days.
Item 4. Design is being performed. Permitting and connection will
be completed within 120 days.
Item 5. School Board is to complete this item.
North County Middle School and New North County High School:
School Board has requested both water and sewer service to the
existing North County Middle_School and the new North County
High School in early 1992.
The staff is ready to proceed with in-house design for the water
main, which. will be extended from an existing main approximately 100
feet south of the Kings Highway and North Winter Beach Road
intersection to the school site, through Kings Highway, C.R. 510,
and 90th Avenue (see attached map).
,ANALYSIS:
The staff's preliminary estimated construction project cost is
$1,188,484.00; a preliminary cost breakdown as related 'to cost
sharing is shown below:
1. 10,560 LF of 20" pipe @ $32.00/LF $ 337,920.00 *
2. 13,200 LF of 20" pipe @ $32.00/LF 422,400.00 **
3. 15,840 LF of 12" pipe @ $18.00/LF 285,120.00 **
4. 3 canal crossings, lump sum 35,000.00 **
Subtotal:
10% Contingency:
$1,080,440.00
108,044.00
Total: $1,188,484.00
13
AUG 131991
BOOK
uC r
rn_LL1
Pr"
AUG 13X991
BOOK 84 F'A JE 1 7
* Represents approximately 40% of Phase II of the North County Water
Distribution System (i.e., plant interconnect on North U.S. 1 from
the South County R.O. System) is already capitally budgeted (see
attached map).
•
** Project costs relative to Master Planned lines to serve schools
and surrounding areas.
As previously stated, $337,920.00, plus 10% contingency, is budgeted
in Phase II of the North County Water Distribution System. The
remaining $742,520.00, plus 10% contingency, will be funded from the
schools' impact fees (i.e., $112,112.00 in impact fees) and the
:remainder from the Utility Department's impact fee fund, which will
be collected as other customers connect and pay their impact fees.
'The line sizes are taken predominantly from the Master Plan; slight
changes have been made to accommodate the new proposed location -for
the North County Water Treatment Plant. The final line sizes shall
be determined by Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan's North County
Water Distribution System Project. The Utilities Department is
:currently preparing a work authorization with our water plant
consultant (Camp Dresser & McKee) to begin design on a North County
Water Plant. The first phase of this plant will consist only of
;storage, high service pumps, a chlorination facility, and all
associated permitting for the ultimate facility. The first phase of
:this facility will be on line by the middle of 1992; until this
'facility becomes operational, we will only be able to supply the
schools with drinking water, after which we will provide fire flow.
We have outlined the total cost for engineering design .of this
project as follows:
Survey. fee Quotes:
Kimball/Lloyd, Inc. $ 9,240.00
Carter Associates, Inc. 10,000.00
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. $7,900.00
Three quotes for the project surveys were obtained
and are listed above; we are recommending that we
proceed with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for
this work (see attached quotes).
Estimated administrative costs, including postage,
reproduction, and permitting fees
Soil and other additional professional services
(to include canal crossing structural, soil
corrosiveness testing, etc.), with upper limit of
Engineering fees (by County personnel)
Total Estimated Cost:
5,000.00
r
10,000.00
$35.000.00
$57,900.00
RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Utility Services recommends that the Board of
County Commissioners approve proceeding with in-house '=design,
permitting, and bidding to construct the project, and authorize the
Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to execute the
attached agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for
surveying.
14
ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) approved proceeding with
in-house design, permitting, and bidding to
construct the project; and authorized the Vice
Chairman to execute the agreement with Kimley-Horn &
Associates for surveying.
SAID CONTRACT IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
CLERK TO THE BOARD
Commissioner Scurlock wished to clarify, and Utility Services
Assistant Director Harry Asher confirmed, that all design work on
this particular project would be done in-house, with the exception
of the survey.
IXORA WAREHOUSE PROJECT - FINAL PAY REQUEST
The Board reviewed memo from Utility Services Director Terry
Pinto dated August 1, 1991:
DATE: AUGUST 1, 1991
TO:
FROM:
:STAFFED AND
PREPARED BY:
;SUBJECT:
JAMES E. CHANDLER
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
TERRANCE G. PINTO / ZE1'L—,
DIRECTOR OF UTILITY VICES
HARRY E. ASHER
ASSISTANT DIREC 0 • 1 ILITY SERVICES
IXORA WAREHOUSE PROJECT - FINAL PAY REQUEST
BACKGROUND:
On January 29, 1991, the Board of County Commissioners approved the
contract and change order No. 1 with Hunley Hubbard Construction and
change order No. 2 was approved on July 2, 1991.
•
ANALYSIS:
The construction is now complete and the Department has received the
C.O. and the final pay request from Hunley Hubbard Construction. •
Recommendation:
:The Staff of the Department of Utility Services recommends thats+the
Board of County Commissioners approve the attached final pay request
:in the amount of $4,267.00 and authorize the chairman to execute.
15
BOOK f, GE
RUC!i3�9
BOOK
4
ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) approved and authorized
the Vice Chairman to execute the final pay request
from Hunley Hubbard Construction in the amount of
$4,267 for the Ixora Warehouse project, as
recommended by staff.
SAID DOCUMENT IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
CLERK TO THE BOARD
FADE It,
INDIAN RIVER MOSOUITO CONTROL DISTRICT - SPECIAL ELECTION
The Board reviewed memo from County Attorney Charles Vitunac
dated August 2, 1991:
TO:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
. FROM:
DATE:
Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney
August 2, 1991
RE: INDIAN RIVER MOSQUITO CONTROL
DISTRICT - SPECIAL ELECTION
1,:.i
Indian River County has been requested by the Indian River Mosquito
Control District and directed by the Legislature of the State of Florida,
•pursuant to Florida Statute, to call for a special election to be held to
allow the District to expand its boundaries by including the Town of
• Fellsmere,. the subdivision of Vero Lake Estates, and certain
surrounding properties. The election question authorizes • a
not -to -exceed ten mill limit for mosquito control purposes. This limit is
the same as currently exists in the rest of the District.
The District and the Supervisor of Elections Office have agreed that
November 5, 1991, would be an appropriate dateand if the Board so
i
agrees our office will publish the requisite notice n the newspapers for
the election. The District has agreed that a ballot by mail election
would be appropriate if the Supervisor of Elections wishes to hold such
a ballot.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board adopt the
attached resolution, which calls -for a special election to be held
November 5, 1991, at which time the ballot question in section 1 of the
resolution will be presented to the voters of the area to be annexed
into the Mosquito Control District --probably by mail ballot.
16
•
MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Scurlock, to adopt a resolution calling
for a special election to expand the boundaries of
the Indian River Mosquito Control District.
Under discussion, Commissioner Scurlock recalled prior
comments by members of the Board regarding items to be placed on
ballots and, in particular, the timing of such ballots. He
referred specifically to questions from the Land Acquisition
Committee and Children's Services Advisory Committee and asked
whether mail -out ballots would be applicable to that type of issue.
Supervisor of Elections Ann Robinson responded that the only
kind of election for which it cannot be used is when candidates are
on the ballot. She commented that the mail ballot worked out very
well when we first used it in 1988 and it cut the expenses of
opening the polling places. For the specific type of ballot under
discussion, the governing body calling the election (which, in this
case, would be the Board of County Commissioners) must specifically
vote to hold a mail ballot election; the Supervisor of Elections
must agree, and we must receive written approval from the Secretary
of State.
County Attorney Vitunac indicated Section 2 of Resolution
91-94 directs the election to be by mail if the Supervisor of
Elections so determines, and that proviso is there in case there is
a timing problem or your plan is not accepted by the Secretary of
State.
Commissioner Eggert asked for clarification on the cost
estimate, and Ms. Robinson responded that the $20,000 estimate
would be for a County -wide election, and that cost would be
primarily for postage. Supervisor Robinson further explained that
a county -wide election would require using the punch card system.
Supervisor Robinson asked the Board to authorize a paper
ballot for the mosquito control district expansion because it would
cut costs.
Further discussion ensued regarding the timing of questions on
ballots. Ms. Robinson reported that there will be four elections
in 19921and questions about land acquisition or children's services
could be placed on any one of those ballots.
Vice Chairman Wheeler suggested the subject should be placed
on the agenda and discussed at a future meeting.
Supervisor Robinson reported the mosquito control district
election cost would be approximately $2,000, which cost would be
borne by the district. She had received a check from them for
$1,000 and requested approval from the Board to accept the check
.
AUG _3x`'91
17
BOOK 84 FAvE
AUG 199
BOCK 84 FSE 21
and to deposit it in the special elections account. Ms. Robinson
recapped three requests: One, vote to hold an election by paper
ballot and, if possible, by mail; two, adopt the Resolution so
that it can be included with her letter to the Secretary of State;
three, accept the check for $1,000.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) adopted Resolution 91-94
calling for a special election to expand the
boundaries of the Indian River Mosquito Control
District; approved an election by paper ballot, to
be by mail, if possible; and accepted the $1,000
check from the Mosquito Control District.
RESOLUTION NO. 91- 94
A RESOLUTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY,
FLORIDA, CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO
EXPAND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE INDIAN RIVER
MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT TO INCLUDE
FELLSMERE, VERO LAKE ESTATES, AND
ADJACENT PROPERTIES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE
DISTRICT TO IMPOSE AN AD VALOREM TAX OF
NOT -TO -EXCEED TEN MILLS ON SUCH NEWLY
INCLUDED PROPERTY.
WHEREAS, the Indian River Mosquito Control District (hereinafter
DISTRICT) has recommended to the County that the City of Fellsmere, the
unincorporated area known as Vero Lake Estates, and adjacent properties
be incorporated within the DISTRICT boundaries to provide mosquito control
services within those areas; and
WHEREAS, pursuant Section 388.211, Florida Statutes, the Board of
Commissioners of the DISTRICT may request the Board of County
Commissioners in each county to change the boundaries of the DISTRICT;
and
WHEREAS, Indian River County has approved such boundary change by
Resolution No. 90-99, adopted on September 4, 1990, and to expand the
DISTRICT's boundaries to include the area described in Resolution No.
90-99; and
WHEREAS, by Chapter 91-337, Laws of Florida, the Legislature
confirmed the addition of Fellsmere, Vero Lake Estates, and adjacent areas,
as described in Resolution No. 90-99, into the DISTRICT boundaries subject
to a referendum of the qualified electors in the area to be included; and
18
WHEREAS, Florida law requires that before any special district can
impose an ad valorem tax that there be a referendum approving such levy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AT THE REQUEST
OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INDIAN RIVER MOSQUITO
CONTROL DISTRICT, that:
1. A special election be called within the territory to be added to the
DISTRICT, i.e., as described in Resolution No. 90-99, to be held on
November 5, 1991, at which the following question will be presented to
the voters:
SHALL THE INDIAN RIVER MOSQUITO CONTROL
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES BE ENLARGED TO INCLUDE
THE TOWN OF FELLSMERE, VERO LAKE ESTATES
SUBDIVISIONS, AND ADJACENT AREAS WITH THE
ABILITY TO IMPOSE AN AD VALOREM TAX OF
NOT -TO -EXCEED TEN MILLS ON THE PROPERTIES SO
INCLUDED, ALL FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE
DISTRICT WAS ESTABLISHED?
YES For Approval
NO For Rejection
2. The Supervisor of Elections is authorized to hold this election by mail
ballot or by regular ballot, as she best determines.
The resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Scurlock ,
and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Eggert , and, upon being
put to a vote, the vote was as follows:
Chairman Richard N. Bird Absent
Vice Chairman Gary C. Wheeler Aye
Commissioner Don C. Scurlock, Jr. Aye
Commissioner Margaret C. Bowman Aye
Commissioner Carolyn K. Eggert Ay e
The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and
adopted this 13 day of August , 1991.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
By
19
3 1991
Com/ E'er
Gar C. Wheeler
Vice Chairman
o
BOOK F'��E
AUG 13 '99
�a
BOOK 84 FACE 23
TRAIN WHISTLES
County Attorney Charles Vitunac made the following
presentation:
TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Charles. P. Vitunac, County Attorney
July 29, 1991
TRAIN WHISTLES
• The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Adminis-
tration, has issued an emergency rule requiring the Florida East Coast
Railroad to sound its whistles. at crossings along the east coast of
Florida regardless of any city or county ordinances to the contrary.
The rule specifically claims preemption over local regulation of
regulation of railroad whistles, pursuant to the authority of the Federal
Railroad Safety Act of 1970. ;° • ; .: '.) •'t;$:'
Since the rule was issued in an emergency fashion, the rule will ' be
- subject to • further review in a noticed hearing pursuant to the federal
administrative • procedures act. It is possible for the County to •
intervene and participate in any such rule hearing if. the Board of
County Commissioners so desires. If the County does not actively
participate, we would have to wait for a permanent rule to be enacted
and should then repeal or amend our existing ordinance depending on
what the permanent rule may say. i • • ,:•,;. 4' .�
Staff . requests direction from the Board whether to intervene in any
rule hearing or not. • If intervention is recommended, staff would .•
suggest that the County enlist the aid of the Florida Association of
Counties and the Florida League of Cities. • •
Commissioner Scurlock asked whether the Florida League of
Cities or the state association has taken a position on this issue.
County Attorney Vitunac did not think so and added that the
problem involved only the east coast counties because this rule
covers only the Florida East Coast Railroad.
Commissioner Scurlock felt we would not want to waste
resources opposing the rule if those groups were in favor of the
rule.
Commissioner Eggert led a discussion regarding statistics of
accidents. She asked if anyone knew of a fatality which did not
involve suicide or someone who ran the gates and flashing lights.
Administrator Chandler recalled no injury or death as a result
of the lack of gates or lights.
Commissioner Eggert also asked whether we have a crossing that
does not have gates.
Public Works Director Jim Davis responded that we do not have
crossings that do not have gates.
20
Commissioner Scurlock remarked that the statistics did not
detail whether these figures are associated with all crossings or
with crossings that actually had guard gates.
Commissioner Bowman felt there were important details missing.
For one thing they don't say how much heavier the traffic has
become during the night hours. They don't take that into
consideration at all. Another point is the increase in population.
Commissioner Eggert and Commissioner Scurlock agreed there are
several components which were not taken into consideration in
arriving at these statistics, such as, while there may be a one
percent increase in deaths, there may be a ten percent increase in
traffic, or the accidents may have occurred at crossings that do
not have a guard gate.
Vice Chairman Wheeler stated we have gates at every crossing
with flashing lights and bells clanging, and between ten at night
and six in the morning, if you do not see the lights, you are
asleep at the wheel. He felt our ordinance to ban the train horns
from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is reasonable.
Commissioner Bowman remarked that, although she thought the
figures are wrong, she voted against stopping whistle blowing and
would do the same thing today. She was not convinced that we do
not need that extra precaution. As far as the noise, she is not
bothered by the trains, and felt people who live near the tracks
have no trouble getting accustomed to it.
Vice Chairman Wheeler recounted his experience of living in a
house near the tracks. He felt, with the new technology of
automatic gates and flashing lights and bells clanging, plus the
headlight of the train moving up and down and from side to side,
there is no need for trains to blow a whistle or horn.
Commissioner Scurlock emphasized the Board's responsibility is
to our constituency. He personally is not bothered by trains but
realized some people are bothered significantly by the train horn.
Vice Chairman Wheeler recognized those who wished to be heard
in this matter.
Dr. Juanita Bailey, 555 4th Street, Lot 16, Woodlawn Manor
spoke on behalf of signers of petitions to stop the train whistles.
She did not believe the Board would make decisions on a personal
basis or what affected them directly because they were elected to
represent the people. Dr. Bailey said that when this issue came ups
she went around with petitions and brought in 43 signatures and
then 28 signatures. She spoke of living in Chicago near a turn of
the elevated tracks and hearing the trains screech as they came
around the turn, and somehow lived with that noise. When she
returned to Vero Beach and was working in her office till 12:30
AUG 13
99
21
BOOK 84 FAE
AUG 1.3 199
BOOK 84 ,AcE 25
a.m. she mentioned four trains going past (at various times) and
blowing their horns (some loud and some louder) and speeding, all
of which prevented her from falling asleep. Dr. Bailey described
herself as a loyal citizen of the United States who has had all
kinds of honors for the recruiting service. She stated she is here
to represent the people who signed the petitions in favor of our
ordinance. She felt the federal government issued this rule
without notice, and she appealed to the Board to make decisions
based on the wishes of the people who signed the petition.
Bill Koolage, 815 26th Avenue, suggested that the railroads
were interested in protecting themselves from lawsuits and
suggested we should work to get them immunity from the foolish acts
of people who impatiently go around the crossing gates.
Commissioner Scurlock thought
railroad in a better position.
Discussion ensued regarding placement of railroad track
crossings and the cost and the fact that Florida East Coast
Railroad dictates the placement of crossings, constructs and
maintains the crossings, and sends the bill to Indian River County.
We have no ability to take bids or negotiate contracts to save tax
dollars.
Mike Moore, 13085 Bay Street in Roseland, spoke of a rule
which prohibits the engineer of a train from applying his emergency
brake until impact. Apparently this was put into effect because of
the many incidents of cars being on the track and playing
"chicken"; that is, the engineer applied the brake, stopped the
train, and the car drives off. In the meantime, the train may have
jackknifed. He felt this is more important than the whistle. Mr.
Moore reported incidents where people had knocked on his door
saying they had just been in a train accident. He also witnessed
the train come down at full speed and not hit the brakes until
after impact. He asked the Board to investigate the speed of
trains and the law pertaining to stopping on impact; then we may be
able to fight the blowing of train whistles. Mr. Moore described
an experiment of a hypothetical situation where his sister-in-law
would have to remove her three children from their' car seats, and
even if the whistle were blown, there would not be enough time to
get the children out of the car.
Commissioner Scurlock asked if his point is that allowing the
emergency brake to be applied would have more impact than the
whistle blowing. Mr. Moore responded that people would have a
better chance to get out of the way.
Vice Chairman Wheeler felt applying the brake would be futile
because it takes a quarter to a half mile for the train to stop
our
ordinance
placed
the
22
after the brake is applied. In addition, you run the risk of
derailing the train and causing personal injury to other people.
Mr. Moore argued that trains stop in stations; so, again,
speed is the factor.
Vice Chairman Wheeler stated there are speed limits for
trains.
Mr. Moore would like the Board to investigate safe speed
limits and when to stop the trains.
George Corley from Brevard County distributed a report
entitled "FEC Whistle -Ban Potential Crossings." He pointed out
there had been a decrease in accidents experienced in Indian River
County since the ban on train whistles between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
He mentioned noise abatement in airplane traffic and also mentioned
that in Europe there is no commercial trucking on the weekends. He
stated the report lacks the details of the accidents: whether they
were playing Russian roulette or under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, or breaking the law and being chased by the police. Mr.
Corley thought it important for the Commissioners to check with the
police department and sheriff's department and the coroner for
these details.
Mr. Corley described an experiment of being in his car at a
crossing with his windows closed and air conditioning on and radio
going and noted that by the time he heard the last blast of the
train horn, the engine was already through the crossing. In other
words, the train whistle is not as effective as the flashing
lights. He pointed out the biggest increase in accidents was in
Dade and Broward Counties. He also pointed out the data in the
report does not reflect the increase in train traffic, which is a
point that should be considered and advised that when he brought up
the point of the increase in population, he was told there was no
increase in accidents during the daylight hours. His retort was
that during the daylight hours people are not spaced out or drunk.
He also would like the data to indicate whether it is Saturday
night.
Doris Waring, 1256 42nd Avenue in Vero Beach, informed the
Board that her son was killed by a train. During the investigation
of the accident, the statements indicated the gate had been going
up and down all day, so Mrs. Waring does not know whether the car
went around the gates, and will never know. Mrs. Waring remarked
there will always be young people out after 10 p.m., children on
buses going on field trips, to ballgames, bands coming back late at
night. She felt most parents would like to hear the horns blow.
There also are people going back and forth to work between 10 p.m.
23
•
AUG 13199'
BOOK 8
AUG 1 199
BOOK 84
i� FE
and 6 a.m. and they could be hit by a train. Furthermore, trains
would not have horns if they were not meant to be blown.
Matt McAndrews, 4115 Indian River Drive, also lost a child at
an unprotected railroad crossing. He felt safety has precedence
over inconvenience. Mr. McAndrews believed we have to protect
ourselves from the railroads because the railroads have had
precedence with the federal government. Mr. McAndrews corrected an
earlier comment; there is no law that says a train cannot apply
their brakes in an emergency situation; that is not true.
Commissioner Scurlock pointed out our ordinance allows an
engineer to sound the horn if he sees an emergency; so, it is not
an absolute ban.
Mr. McAndrews was concerned about malfunction and felt the
horn is the last safety precaution. During electrical storms, for
instance, the gates come down and people do stupid things. He also
commented that if you cannot hear a whistle in your car, how can
you hear it in your home with windows closed and under blankets and
pillows.
Commissioner Scurlock asked whether the engineer receives a
signal that a grade is not functioning.
Public Works Director Jim Davis believed there is a visible
signal that the train engineer can see.
Commissioner Scurlock also pointed out that under our
ordinance, in torrential rains, the engineer is allowed to blow the
whistle.
Director Davis added that the FEC continually upgrades the
signals in our County at the crossings and they bill us when they
do. We spend about sixty thousand dollars a year paying the FEC
for signals.
Commissioner Wheeler said there is a lot he agrees with and a
lot he disagrees with and felt there is quite a bit of difference
between being in a car on a Saturday night with the windows up and
the radio on, and being in your bed at two in the morning, and
awakened from a deep sleep. He reiterated his belief that the
whistle is not as important as the headlight on the train and the
flashing lights at the crossings.
Jack Graham, 59 Woodland Drive, corrected a misnomer; there
has not been a train whistle in forty years. These are train horns
and there is a great difference between a train horn and a whistle.
He said he had been eagerly awaiting the figures Mr. Corley
brought, which tell us that there are great increases in accidents
in Dade and Broward Counties, but that in Indian River and many
other counties there have been some increases and some decreases.
He compared the federal rule on sounding train horns to forcing
24
us to increase our police force because Dade and Broward Counties
have a crime problem, or spanking all the kids because one kid did
something wrong. FEC and FRA should get together with the Dade and
Broward County people and solve their problem down there. Trains
should be forced to reduce their speed. We know that the gates and
the lights are effective. We have plenty of proof of that. He had
been told by the railroad people that if there is an electrical
outage all the safety equipment is backed up with batteries, and if
there were some other types of malfunctions the gate would be
lowered automatically. All these backups seem to stack up in favor
of doing away with the horns.
Paul Spencer, 37 Pine Arbor Lane, Number 207, in Vista Royale
thought it was wonderful when they stopped blowing the whistle in
1987. He agreed with the previous speakers that the statistics
show increases pertaining to Dade and Broward Counties and involve
DUI or foolhardy people going around gates which are down and
flashing. He felt if a car goes around closed gates, the train
crew could blow any number of whistles in the world and you would
still get hit; the whistle itself is not going to stop you.
Accidents increase at night because during the day, normally,
people are working or, at least, not drinking. He did not think we
should have to pay for Dade and Broward problems, and he felt
reinstituting the whistle blowing has ruined the quality of life up
here, at least for the residents of Vista Royale.
Commissioner Scurlock asked if staff have the numbers in terms
of day trains versus night.
Director Davis did not have the data at hand but felt the data
does not represent the conclusion that reactivating the horns would
be that beneficial. However, there is more train traffic at night
than in the daytime.
Vice Chairman Wheeler asked how many accidents we have had
since we enacted the ordinance banning train whistles between 10
p.m. and 6 a.m. Director Davis did not have that specific
information at hand but the report distributed by Mr. Corley
indicated six accidents; one accident between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.,
which was in Sebastian, and five accidents during daytime hours
when the whistle blows.
Commissioner Eggert thought it interesting that the report
skipped all the accidents which happened in areas where the
whistles are blown.
Mr. McAndrews stated the Board cared enough to put the gates
and lights at the crossings, which saved lives; he asked the Board
to care enough to do the horns.
25
AUG 131091
BOOK F�A,E :/,)C)
AUG 13 1991
BOOK ,4 f'AI,E
Commissioner Scurlock asked if there are any crossing gates
which eliminate the possibility of going around them.
Director Davis said there are not. There are various types of
gates, the most visible being the cantilever type like the one on
16th Street which covers not just the roadway but also the
pedestrian path. It's difficult to go around them because they do
overlap when they close.
Commissioner Bowman questioned the cost of taking any action.
Attorney Vitunac suggested, since this temporary rule just
came out about ten days ago, one method may be for us to wait and
see what the rest of Florida does.
Commissioner Eggert suggested we inquire of FACO and the
League of Cities as to what their plans are, express this Board's
feelings on it, and not involve ourselves in any expenditure of
funds at this point.
Vice Chairman Wheeler agreed, if we have a clear position, we
should let FACO and NACO know where we stand and wait and see.
Commissioner Scurlock took the position to support our
ordinance, to convey that to the state association of Florida, the
League of Cities, and other appropriate groups which are involved,
and investigate the potential cost to litigate because we do not
want to spend money to litigate the issue and be unsuccessful.
Attorney Vitunac was hopeful that if some major county, like
Dade or Broward, decides to challenge the rule, we can join in as
a signatory to their appeal and not have to go to Washington or
wherever this is. He agreed to check into both aspects and the
FACO and the League of Cities.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by
Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously (4-0,
Chairman Bird being absent) agreed to support our
ordinance; confer with appropriate bodies that may
be considering litigating the matter; convey that
position to FEC as well as the federal government;
evaluate our position; and revisit this matter for
action in the future.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT
Vice Chairman Wheeler announced that immediately upon
adjournment the Board would reconvene sitting as the Commissioners
of the Solid Waste Disposal District. Those Minutes are being
prepared separately.
26
There being no further business to come before the Board, on
motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at
10:15 o'clock A. M.
ATTEST
27
An 3 199
BOOK