HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/17/2023 (2)Indian River County Florida
Indian River County Administration Complex
1801 27th Street, Building A
Vero Beach, Florida, 32960-3388
www.indianriver.gov
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Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
9:00 AM
Commission Chambers
Board of County Commissioners
Joseph H. Earman, District 3, Chairman
Susan Adams, District 1, Vice Chairman
Joseph Flescher, District 2
Deryl Loar, District 4
Laura Moss, District 5
John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
William K. DeBraal, County Attorney
Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Shauna James, Deputy Clerk
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
Present: 5 - Chairman Joe Earman
Vice Chairman Susan Adams
Commissioner Joseph Flescher
Commissioner Deryl Loar
Commissioner Laura Moss
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF
THE ARMED FORCES
2.B. INVOCATION
Pastor Chris Kollmann, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Joseph E. Flescher, Commissioner
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Moss, to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS
5.A. 23-0930 Presentation of Proclamation Honoring the 2023-2024 Indian River County Fire
Rescue Lieutenant, Sergeant, Engineer, Firemedic, and Unit of the Year
Recommended action: Read and Present
Attachments: Proclamation
Chairman Earman read the Proclamation that recognized the outstanding performance
of the 2023-2024 Indian River County Fire Rescue award winners. The honorees
included Lieutenant Brad Eskew as the Lieutenant of the Year, Sergeant Mim Strote
as Sergeant of the Year, Engineer Blake Bartholomew as Engineer of the Year, Fire
Medic Tamas Boroczky as Fire Medic of the Year, and the Unit comprised of
Donald Jones, Garrett Dancy, Bryant Smith, and Mario Navarro.
Chief David Johnson, the Emergency Services Director, expressed his pride in the
honorees and the entire department for their service to Indian River County. Chief
Dave Rattray also thanked the Board for recognizing the hard work and dedication of
the men and women in the Fire Service and presented each of them with their
well-deserved awards.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
Each Commissioner and the County Administrator expressed their respect for the
professionalism and dedication of those who serve in Indian River County Fire
Rescue.
Read and presented by Chairman Earman
5.B. 23-0947 Presentation of Proclamation Designating October, 2023, As Manufacturing Month in
Indian River County, Florida
Recommended Action: Read and Present
Attachments: Proclamation
Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director, Indian River County Chamber of
Commerce, expressed her gratitude to the Board for acknowledging the crucial role
played by the manufacturing industry in Indian River County. She highlighted the
diverse range of manufacturing businesses operating in the County, the technical
nature of modern manufacturing jobs, and the Manufacturing Boot Camp program
organized for high school students. Joining her were the following representatives:
- Kristine Burr, Career Specialist from Indian River School District
- Alison Moody, Career Specialist from Vero Beach High School
- Carlo Cozzio, Manufacturer at Novurania of America, Inc.
- Melody Ipolito, Manpower Business Development Manager
- Christi Shields, Principal, Treasure Coast Technical College
Read and presented by Vice Chairman Adams
5.C. 23-0954 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Month of October, 2023, As National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Recommended Action: Read and Present
Attachments: Proclamation
Aimee Cooper, CFO for the Indian River County Sheriffs Office and Board
President of SafeSpace, introduced Jennifer Fox as the new CEO of SafeSpace. Ms.
Fox expressed her gratitude to everyone for acknowledging this month as Domestic
Violence Awareness Month. She also mentioned that her team was working hard to
raise awareness about domestic violence in the community.
Sheriff Eric Flowers thanked the Board for recognizing the issue of mental health and
domestic violence during the month of October. He mentioned that Indian River
County was the only County that still followed the tradition of wearing Red High
Heels at the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser.
Commissioner Moss expressed her gratitude and stressed the significance of
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
spreading the message.
Read and presented by Commissioner Loar
5.D. 23-0945 Presentation of Proclamation Designating the Week of October 15 Through October
21, 2023 As National Friends of the Library Week
Recommended Action: Read and Present
Attachments: Proclamation
Elizabeth "Betsy" Stenger, Director of Library Services, shared information about the
Friends of the Library and the services they provide. The Friends of the Library raises
money through membership and donations. They also run used book sales at the
North County Library and operate the Used Book Depot on Old Dixie Highway in
Indian River County. In addition, the Friends of the Library gift shop was located in
the Main Library. The Friends sponsor library programming for all ages. Ms. Stenger
was joined by Branch Managers Hollie McDougall and Kathleen Bowman, along with
staff from the Friends of the Library.
Deputy County Administrator, Mike Zito appreciated the efforts made by Ms.
Stenger to lead the library system and under her leadership the libraries were thriving.
With the addition of new staff, the library's commitment to youth and education would
reach new heights. He also expressed his appreciation for the selfless mission of the
Friends of the Library and looked forward to their continued relationship.
Read and presented by Commissioner Moss
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.A. 23-0962 Regular Meeting of September 12, 2023
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 09122023 BCC Draft
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman
Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2023 as
written. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
63. 23-0964 Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting of September 13, 2023
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 09132023 Preliminary Budget Draft
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
Adams, to approve the Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of
September 13, 2023 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
6.C. 23-0966 Final Budget Hearing Meeting for September 20, 2023
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 09202023 Final Budget Draft
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman
Adams, to approve the Final Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 13,
2023 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD
ACTION
7.A. 23-0949 Completion of September 2023 Derelict Vessel Removal
Recommended action: There is no Board action needed under the Derelict Vessel Project update
Attachments: Staff Report
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Melissa Meisenburg, Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist, utilized a PowerPoint
presentation to provide an update on the Derelict Vessel Removal Project. She
explained the due process outlined in Section 705.103(2) and highlighted the negative
impacts these derelict vessels have on waterways, such as creating navigational
hazards, debris, pollutants, and damaging oyster reefs, shoreline plants, and
submerged aquatic vegetation. Ms. Meisenburg also provided the locations of the
three derelict vessels and showed a short clip of one vessel being removed, noting that
Outlaw Maritime, LLC was contracted to remove the vessels at a cost of $31,295,
and the work was completed on September 29, 2023.
Commissioner Flescher inquired about the procedure for recovering expenses
incurred in removing vessels. Melissa explained that the County receives a 100%
reimbursement from a Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) grant once the
contractor has finished the removal process.
No Action Taken or Required
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman
Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, pulling Item B.D. for
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final
8.A. 23-0923
8.B.
discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:
October 17, 2023
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
Approval of Interlocal Agreement between the Indian River County Board of County
Commissioners and the Indian River County Sheriff s Office to Provide Meals for
Declared and Local Emergencies
Recommended Action: Staff recommends approval of the Interlocal Agreement between the Indian River
County Board of County Commissioners and the Indian River County Sheriffs Office
(IRCSO) to provide meals for declared and local emergencies.
Attachments: Staff Report
Interlocal Agreement
Approved staffs recommendation
23-0927 Approval of Treasure Coast Fire Chiefs Association Interlocal Agreement to Provide
Mutual Aid for Fire Protection and Emergency Rescue Services
Recommended action: Staff recommends Approval of the Treasure Coast Fire Chiefs Interlocal Agreement
to Provide Mutual Aid for Fire Protection and Emergency Rescue Services.
Attachments: Staff Report
TCFCA Interlocal Agreement
Approved staffs recommendation
8.C. 23-0938 United Against Poverty, Inc., Memorandum of Understanding
Recommended Action: Staff respectfully requests the Board of County Commissioners approve the
Memorandum of Understanding with United Against Poverty for the Human Services
Food Voucher Program and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement after
review and approval by the County Attorney for legal sufficiency.
Attachments: Staff Report
MOU - Food Voucher Program
Approved staffs recommendation
8.D. 23-0939 Addition to Administrative Policy Manual - AM -505.1 Tuition Assistance Policy
Recommended Action: Staff respectfully requests the Board of County Commissioners approve the addition
of AM -505.1 Tuition Assistance to the Administrative Policy Manual and the
associated funding request.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final
Attachments: Staff Report
AM -505.1 Tuition Assistance
October 17, 2023
Vice Chairman Adams stated it was commendable that the County was promoting the
professional growth of its employees and investing in its staff. The aim was to retain
staff for longer periods and provide them with a fulfilling career.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Adams, seconded by Commissioner Moss,
to approve the addition to the Administrative Policy Manual and the associated
funding. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
8.E. 23-0940 Revision to AM -501.1 Disclosure of Benefits
Recommended Action: Staff respectfully requests the Board of County Commissioners approve the revision
to AM -501.1 Disclosure of Benefits.
Attachments: Staff Report
AM -501.1 Disclosure of Benefits
Approved staffs recommendation
8.F. 23-0958 Amendment to Meeks Plumbing, Inc. Contract, RFP 2023007
8.G.
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Amended
Exhibit 1 to the Agreement - Pricing for the Meeks -Indian River County contract.
Upon satisfactory completion of the customer connections in West Wabasso Phase
3A and 3B sewer connections, staff is directed to make final payment and release any
retainage to Meeks Plumbing, Inc., after review and approval by the Purchasing
Manager and the County Attorney's Office
Attachments: Staff Report
Amended Exhibit 1 - Pricing
Approved staffs recommendation
23-0959 Atkins North America, Inc. Work Order No.I - West Regional Wastewater
Treatment Facility Clarifiers 1 and 2 Rehabilitation
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order
No. 1 with Atkins North America, Inc. (Atkins) in the amount of $222,313.70 to
provide technical services for replacement of the mechanisms for Clarifiers 1 and 2
and authorize the Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the
dollar amount under the work order and upon adequate completion of the work set
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
forth in the work order, staff is directed to make final payment and release any
retainage to Atkins, after review and approval by the Purchasing Manager and the
County Attorney's Office
Attachments: Staff Report
WO #1 — WRWT Facility Clarifier #1 and #2 Rehabilitation
Approved staffs recommendation
8.H. 23-0960 Bowman Consulting Group, LTD. Work Order 14 Amendment 1 - North County
24 -Inch Force Main Replacement
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve Amendment 1 to
Work Order 14 for Bowman Consulting Group, LTD., to provide additional services
to change the alignment of the North County 24 -inch force main in the amount
not -to -exceed $20,296.34, and authorize the Chairman to sign on their behalf
Attachments: Staff Report
Amendment 1 WO 14
Approved staffs recommendation
8.1. 23-0944 FDOT Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) Agreement and Resolution
Authorizing the Chairman's Signature for Construction and CEI of 43rd Avenue (12th
Street to 18th Street) IRC -1818, FM No. 444270-1-54-01
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Small County
Outreach Program (SCOP) Agreement and Resolution and authorize the Chairman to
execute the same.
Attachments: Staff Report
Indian River County Grant Form
Authorizing Resolution
SCOP Agreement
Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2023-065, authorizing the
Chairman's execution of Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) with the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for construction and CEI of 43rd
Avenue (12th Street to 18th Street).
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
10. PUBLIC ITEMS
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.A.1. 23-0950 Public Hearing: Amending the Code of Indian River County, Section 102.04,
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
Order of Business Agenda for County Commission Meetings; and Amending
Section 901.03 Definitions in Alphabetical Order (Legislative)
Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board open the public hearing, take input from any
interested parties and approve the Code amendment and authorize the Chairman
to execute the code amendment on behalf of the Board.
Attachments: Staff Report
Proposed Code Amendment
Affidavit of Publication - Amending Code 102.04 Order of Business
County Attorney Bill DeBraal explained that the ordinance amendment would
identify the newly added departments, rename other departments, and eliminate
the General Services Department. This was achieved by adding two definitions
instead of modifying 110 items in the code that refer to either the Community
Development Director or the Community Development Department in Section
901.03.
The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the Chairman
closed the hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Loar, to approve staffs recommendation and adopt Ordinance 2023-014,
amending the Code of Indian River County, Section 102.04, Order of Business
Agenda for County Commission meetings; together with amending Section
901.03 Definitions in Alphabetical Order; and providing for codification,
severability, repeal of conflicting provisions, and an effective date. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher,
Commissioner Loar, and Commissioner Moss
B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS
C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS
11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS
I I .A. 23-0935 Joint Meeting - City of Vero Beach and Indian River County
Recommended Action: Review, discuss and approve the topics for discussion with the City of Vero Beach
Attachments: Staff Report Joint City County Meeting
County Administrator John Titkanich announced that the next joint meeting with the
City of Vero Beach will be held on October 24th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the
County Main Library. The proposed topics will cover utilities, service territory, plan
capacity, septic to sewer, park recreation opportunities, and potential acquisition of
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
services. Other topics may include roadways, Building Department, Fire Marshall,
and regional growth impact.
Commissioner Moss requested that if there was extra time during the joint meeting,
could a discussion be had regarding the County lobbyist's matters in Tallahassee that
would affect both parties in the interest of good governance and intergovernmental
cooperation.
Vice Chairman Adams pointed out that the County had always worked
collaboratively with lobbyists and advocates whenever issues affected the City and the
County. She believed that having more people advocating, whether for an
appropriation or a policy change, would be helpful. However, she expressed concern
about adding this to the official agenda because the conversation had not been had
with the City of Sebastian. She did not want the other Municipalities to feel like this
was a unique relationship between the County and the City of Vero Beach. Ms.
Adams cautioned that when items were added specifically to the agenda, it may
appear that the County would only do this with Vero Beach, but not with Sebastian or
Fellsmere. She believed this topic was already covered under the umbrella policy of
working together as a community.
Commissioner Flescher questioned why the County would raise an issue with one
municipality when the County had not done so in the past. He stated the County had a
good relationship with the Sheriffs Office and Fire Marshalls and a great
inter -relationship with municipalities. He asserted it was unnecessary to include these
topics on the agenda. He further stated he was hesitant about presenting our lobbyist
as a topic for discussion with the city where the County had not had that conversation
with other municipalities.
Chairman Earman agreed to work collaboratively on fundamental issues for citizens'
betterment and to discuss legislative issues in future special call meetings.
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Chairman Earman,
to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by.the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar, and Commissioner Moss
11. B. 23-0937 Four County Joint Resolution
Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
adopt the resolution to hold a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners
for St. Lucie County, the Board of County Commissioners for Martin County, and the
Board of County Commissioners for Okeechobee County to discuss joint legislative
priorities in anticipation of the State of Florida's 2024 legislative session.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
Attachments: Staff Report Four County Joint Meeting
Resolution
County Administrator John Titkanich stated a meeting had been scheduled between
the County Commissioners of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee
counties. The meeting would take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 10:00 am at
the Indian River State College Pruitt Campus' STEM Center Auditorium in Port St.
Lucie, Florida. This meeting would be held in accordance with section 125.001 of the
Florida Statutes, which permits the Board to hold a joint meeting with the governing
bodies of adjacent counties or municipalities to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Administrator Titkanich outlined several topics for discussion during the meeting,
including biosolid waste to energy, septic to sewer, the impact of House Bill 1379,
potential funding opportunities by 2030, legislative approach for affordable housing,
Senate Bill 102, removing permitted rights in residential and industrial zoning districts,
and an update on the medical examiner facility and the plans for its construction in
2025.
There was no further discussion on the Item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman
Adams, to approve topics for discussion and Resolution 2023-066, authorizing the
Board of County Commissioners for Indian River County to participate in a Joint
Meeting with the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, the Board
of County Commissioners of Martin County, and the Board of County
Commissioners of Okeechobee County, to discuss and plan matters of mutual
interest; and providing for an effective date. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner
Loar. and Commissioner Moss
12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS
A. Community Development
B. Emergency Services
C. General Services
D. Human Resources
E. Information Technology
F. Office of Management and Budget
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
G. Public Works
H. Utilities Services
13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS
14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS
A. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman, Chairman
B. Commissioner Susan Adams, Vice Chairman
C. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher
D. Commissioner Deryl Loar
E. Commissioner Laura Moss
15. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS
A. Emergency Services District
B. Solid Waste Disposal District
C. Environmental Control Board
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023
ATTEST:
Ryan L. Butler
Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
By: 74��
Deputy Clerk
•y X061 ..gSlo.,.
Jose an, LhZirman
Approved: December 5, 2023
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