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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/06/2024 (2)Indian River County Florida Indian River County Administration Complex 1801 27th Street, Building A Vero Beach, Florida, 32960-3388 www. indianriver. go v �LORI�O�' Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, February 6, 2024 9:00 AM Commission Chambers Board of County Commissioners Susan Adams, District 1, Chairman Joseph Flescher, District 2, Vice Chairman Joseph H. Earman, District 3 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 February 6, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER Present: 5 - Chairman Susan Adams Vice Chairman Joseph Flescher Commissioner Joe Earman Commissioner Laura Moss Commissioner Deryl Loar 2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 2.B. INVOCATION Pastor Jim Gallagher, Calvary Chapel of Vero Beach 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Susan Adams 4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS Moved Item 7.A. to Item 5.D. Moved Item 5.A. to be heard after Item 5.D. Moved Item 14.C.1 to be heard after the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Moss, to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar 5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS [Clerks note: Item S.A. was heard after Item 5. D.] 5.A. 24-0123 Presentation on the Process for Establishing a Quiet Zone to Address Train Horn Noise Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners provide direction to staff to begin the process on whether or not to establish a County wide quiet zone and also provide direction on whether the quiet zone should be all day (24 hours) or nighttime only (10 PM - 7 AM). Attachments: Staff Report County Traffic Engineer Erik Ferguson was joined by Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Staff Director Brian Freemen and Rory Newton, Safety Indian River County Florida page 1 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Inspector, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Mr. Ferguson utilized a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the process of establishing a Quiet Zone to address train noise. He stated complaints from County residents about train horn noise had increased starting in September 2023 when Brightline began high-speed passenger service between West Palm Beach and Orlando. There was an average of 53 trains, 32 serving Brightline passengers and 21 carrying freight for the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway that traveled through the County each day. The horns currently were sounded at all 32 railroad crossings in the County. Federal regulations, known as the "Train Horn Rule," required locomotives to sound a hom 15 to 20 seconds before entering a grade crossing and no more than a quarter -mile in advance at a decibel level between 96dB and 110dB. Under discussion, the Commissioners voiced strong opposition; Commissioner Moss stated she was not convinced that quiet zones would be as safe. She dismissed the argument that the County could mitigate safety concerns by posting signs warning motorists and pedestrians that approaching trains might not blow their horns. Vice Chairman Flescher questioned the wisdom of removing a safety measure that could be the difference between life and death. Commissioner Earman stated he did not think that it was the time to take the safety measures that the horns provide away; it would be a step backward. Chairman Adams stated the County had a number of safety measures in place along the rail corridor that Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway share. The County received $31.6 million in safety improvements from Brightline and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in 2021 in a settlement of its last remaining lawsuit against Brightline. Those improvements included additional gates, sensors, signs, sidewalks, and traffic signals at crossings. She stated the County had worked hard to make those safety improvements. She questioned why would the County take away this safety measure after fighting so hard to get the ones the County had in place. Inspector Newton, who specialized in assisting communities seeking quiet zones, told the Commissioners he would not recommend the County pursue one if he were a member of the community. He stated a quiet zone was not viewed as a safety improvement; it was a degradation of safety at a grade crossing. Yet, he understood the quality -of -life issues people who live near the railroad tracks endure. Commissioner Loar urged the Board not to entertain any further consideration of the quiet zone as a remedy for the inconvenience stemming from train horn noise; safety was more important. He stated he could not support the creation of a quiet zone and saw no reason to continue the discussion. Indian River County Florida Page 2 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Inspector Newton stated the FRA had recommended the communities impacted by the Brightline-spawned increase in train -horn noise wait a year before deciding whether to seek quiet zones. He stated officials in St. Lucie and Martin counties have decided they would wait a year and gauge their experiences with the increase in train horns before deciding whether to seek formal quiet zones from the FRA. A resident of Vero Beach expressed his disappointment that a quiet zone would not be implemented and urged the Board to consider the quality of life of those living near the train crossings by implementing a nighttime ban on train horns in the quiet zone. The Board reached a consensus to not move forward with establishing a Quiet Zone for train horn noise. The Chairman called for a recess at 10:20 AM and reconvened at 10:27 AM with all members present. 5.13. 24-0105 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing African American Pioneer Reverend Carl L. Darrisaw Recommended Action: Recommend Read & Present Attachments: Proclamation Reverend Carl L. Darrisaw expressed his gratitude to the Board for bestowing such a great honor upon him. He mentioned that he never imagined that he would return home to be honored in this manner. He also acknowledged that he owes his success to the hard work and sacrifices of many great pioneers from the Gifford community, whose shoulders he stands upon today. Read and presented by Chairman Adams 5.C. 24-0113 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing African American Pioneer Ernie James Grier Recommended action: Recommend Read & Present Attachments: Proclamation Mr. Ernie Grier expressed his gratitude and thanked the Commission for the Proclamation. He humbly expressed that he did not do anything extraordinary, he simply enjoyed having fun with his photography. He stated he that was proud to be a part of this community and Indian River County. Read and presented by Vice Chairman Flescher 5.D. 24-0103 Proclamation Honoring Elise Bruce on her Retirement from the Indian River County Sheriffs Office Indian River County Florida Page 3 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final Recommended Action: Information Only Attachments: Proclamation February 6, 2024 Sheriff Eric Flowers and the Public Safety Dispatcher staff joined Ms. Elise Bruce for her Proclamation. Ms. Bruce expressed her love for her job and emphasized that it was one of the toughest jobs anyone could do, being available and responding to calls 24/7. She requested the Board to take good care of dispatchers as they were one of the hardest working employees for the County. She also acknowledged the opportunity to work with some amazing people, including deputies, dispatchers, her sister, and her daughter. Ms. Bruce thanked the Board for the recognition. Sheriff Flowers expressed gratitude to the Board for taking the time to acknowledge the hard work of his employees. He stated it was crucial that the efforts of his team were appreciated. However, it was a sad day for staff to see so much experience walk out of the Indian River County Sheriffs Office, as she will be missed dearly. He thanked Ms. Bruce for everything she had done. Read and presented by Commissioner Loar 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Chairman Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 05, 2023, and December 12, 2023 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar 6.A. 24-0129 Regular Meeting of December 05, 2023 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 12052023 BCC Draft Approved 6.B. 24-0130 Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 12122023 BCC Draft Approved 7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION 7.A. 24-0103 Proclamation Honoring Elise Bruce on her Retirement from the Indian River County Indian River County Florida Page 4 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Sheriffs Office Recommended Action: Information Only Attachments: Proclamation This Item was moved to Item 5.D. 7.B. 24-0110 Announcement by Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, of the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the FY 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) Recommended Action: Inform Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report No Action Taken or Required 7.C. 24-0082 1 st Quarter FY 2023/2024 Budget Report Recommended Action: No Action Required Attachments: Staff Report 1st Quarter Budget Report No Action Taken or Required 7.D. 24-0116 Indian River County Venue Event Calendar Review Recommended Action: Informational item, Board action not required Attachments: Staff Report No Action Taken or Required 7.E. 24-0120 February & March 2024 Special Events at the Intergenerational Recreation Center Recommended Action: Informational item, Board action not required Attachments: Staff Report 8. CONSENT AGENDA No Action Taken or Required A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Loar, to approve the Consent Agenda as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Indian River County Florida Page 5 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar 8.A. 24-0106 Checks and Electronic Payments January 12, 2024 to January 18, 2024 Recommended Action: Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued by the Comptroller Division for the time period of January 12, 2024 to January 18, 2024 Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report Approved 8.B. 24-0111 Approval of Renewal for a Class "B" Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Coastal Care Corporation dba Cleveland Clinic Advanced Medical Transport to Provide Interfacility ambulance Transportation Services Recommended action: Staff respectfully recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve renewal of the Class "B" Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Coastal Care Corporation dba Cleveland LCinic Advanced Medical Transport, to be effective for a period of two (2) years from February 11, 2024 - February 11, 2026. Attachments: Staff Report Application Certificate Approved staffs recommendation 8.C. 24-0121 Approval of FWC Grant for Indian River County Derelict Vessel Removal Project Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners authorize the Chair to sign and execute Contract 23214 in the amount of $31,000.00 on behalf of the County. Attachments: Staff Report FWC Grant Agreement 23214 January 2024 IRC DV Removal Map Approved staffs recommendation 8.D. 24-0126 Request for Stormwater Summer Camp 2024 Recommended action: Staff requests approval from the Board for Indian River County Stormwater Staff to participate in and lead Summer Camp sessions hosted at the Pelican Island Audubon House in Summer 2024. Indian River County Florida Page 6 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Attachments: Staff Report Approved staffs recommendation 8.E. 24-0081 Third Extension and Amendment to Agreement for Operations of the Biosolids Dewatering Facility, Sludge Dewatering and Hauling (Bid 2021021) Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board approve the third extension and amendment to the agreement and authorize the Chairman to execute it, after review and approval by the County attorney as to form and legal sufficiency. Attachments: Staff Report Third Extension and Amendment Approved staffs recommendation 8.F. 24-0100 Approval of Continuing Geotechnical Engineering Consulting Services Rates Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board approve the hourly rates attached for the listed firms, and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreements after review and approval by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency. Attachments: Staff Report Rate Schedules Approved staffs recommendation 8.G. 24-0124 Rejection of Responses to RFQ 2024028 for Asbestos Concrete Pipe Replacement Program, Area 3 Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board reject the response to RFQ 2024028, and authorize staff to re -advertise the project. Attachments: Staff Report Approved staffs recommendation 8. H. 24-0118 First Extension of License Agreement / Florida Institute of Technology Recommended action: Staff respectfully recommends the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve the request for a one-year renewal of the License Agreement between The Florida Institute of Technology and Indian River County, through January 19, 2025. Indian River County Florida page 7 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Attachments: Staff Report License Agreement Letter Extension Approved staffs recommendation 8.1. 24-0119 Release of Retainage Bid 2023063 for Hallstrom Farmstead Habitat Enhancement & Parking Area Planting Recommended Action: Staff respectfully recommends approval of Invoice #R-3516, in the amount of $1,041.41, to Sandhill Environmental Services, LLC which will release any further obligations of the County from the Contractor Attachments: Staff Report Sandhill Invoice Approved staffs recommendation 8.J. 24-0115 Divosta Homes, LP's Request for Final Plat Approval for Preserve at Waterway Village POD "X" [PD -21-05-05 / 2004010124-95355] Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners grant final plat approval for The Preserve at Waterway Village POD "X". Attachments: Staff Report Location Map Final Plat Layout Approved staffs recommendation 8.K. 24-0112 Information Technology Office & Finance Office Remodel, IRC -2004 & 2205, Release of Retainage and Change Order No. 1 Recommended Action: Staff recommends approval of Change Order No. 1 and payment of Contractor's Application for Payment No. 4 to Jim's Complete Construction, LLC in the amount of $10,478.20 for release of retainage. Attachments: Staff Report Change Order No. 1 Approved staffs recommendation 8.L. 24-0128 Change Order to Hinterland Group, Inc. for Construction of Lift Station #5 Improvements; IRCDUS Project ID: 21.23.504 Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Change Order Proposal with Hinterland Group, Inc. for $189,970.39, which will increase Purchase Order (PO) #96288 to $392,133.78 and authorize the chair to execute the same. So Indian River County Florida Page 8 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 long as there are no changes in the dollar amount under the Purchase Order, upon adequate completion of the work set forth in the Purchase Order, staff is directed to make final payment and release any retainage to Hinterland Group, Inc., after review and approval by the Purchasing Manager and the County Attorney's Office. Attachments: Staff Report Hinterland Group Change Order Proposal Approved staffs recommendation 8. M. 24-0134 Acceptance of Proposed Donation for Children's Week Event Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board accept the anonymous donation. Attachments: Staff Report Children's Week Activity Flyer 2024 Golden Impact Award Recognition Save -The -Date Approved staffs recommendation 8.N. 24-0094 Renewal of Agreement for Food Concession Services and Lease at Sandridge Golf Club Recommended Action: Staff respectfully requests that the Board approve the renewal term under the existing lease and authorize the Chairman to execute the document. Attachments: Staff Report Renewal Agreement Approved staffs recommendation 9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES 10. PUBLIC ITEMS A. PUBLIC HEARINGS PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THESE HEARINGS IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD. 10.A.1 24-0117 County Initiated Request to Amend the 5 -Year Capital Improvements Program and the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the Period of FY 2023/24-2027/28 - [LEGISLATIVE] Recommended action: Based on the analysis conducted, staff recommends that the Board of County Indian River County Florida Page 9 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Commissioners approve the update to the 5 Year Capital Improvements Program for the period FY 2023/24-2027/28 and supporting data and analysis of the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) of the Comprehensive Plan by adopting the proposed ordinance. Attachments: Staff ReDOrt Ordinance Draft 2023 Capital Improvement Element Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Chief of Long Range Planning Chris Balter utilized a PowerPoint presentation to explain the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan text amendment in order to comply with the yearly Capital Improvements Element (CIE) update requirement of State law and the County Comprehensive Plan Policy. He explained that the CIE adoption process differed from standard plan amendments as it only required one public hearing and no review by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) or State agency. Mr. Balter highlighted the following changes being updated: 1) Existing Revenue information; 2) Revenue Projections; 3) Appendix A: Indian River County Five -Year Schedule of Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for FY 2023/2024 to FY 2027/2028; and 4) All tables, figures & corresponding text. He stated that the total expenses for the 5 -year CIP had gone up by a mere 3%. It was incredible, considering the inflating costs of projects and other factors. Mr. Balter stated that in 2016, the Board directed staff to commit to spending 20% of the proceeds of the first five years of the extended one -cent local option sales tax on lagoon -related projects. The proposed 5 -year CIP would allocate more than 20% of project one -cent local option sales tax revenue to lagoon -related projects during FY 2023/24 - 2027/28. The following were some of the lagoon -related projects he mentioned: • North Sebastian/Highlands/West Wabasso Sewer • Floravon Shores Septic to Sewer • North Indian River Drive Stormwater Treatment • Indian River Lagoon Greenway Boardwalk and Wetland Restoration, Replanting • Lost Tree Islands Restoration, Replanting • Captain Forster Hammock Renovation and Improvements • Prange Island Improvements • North Relief Canal Treatment System, Stormwater Marsh Projects, Indian River County Florida Page 10 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 TMDL/Lagoon Treatment System Chairman Adams agreed that this indicated a strong financial position for the County. She expressed satisfaction with the 3% deal that was secured over the past year. Chairman Adams opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the Chairman closed the hearing. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Earman, to approve staffs recommendation and adopt Ordinance 2024-003, amending the text of the Comprehensive Plan's Capital Improvements element by updating the County's 5 -year Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvements Program (CIP) schedule and related data and analysis sections and providing severability and effective date. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar 10.A.2. 24-0127 Consideration of an Ordinance of Indian River County, Florida, Amending the Zoning Ordinance and the Accompanying Zoning Map for +65.13 Acres from A-1, Agricultural -1 District to RM -6, Multiple Family Residential District (RZON96050010-95752) [Quasi -Judicial] Recommended Action: Based on the analysis, staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve this request to rezone the subject property from A-1, Agricultural -1 to RM -6, Residential Multiple -Family. Attachments: Staff Report Zoning Map Future Land Use Map Application Ordinance As requested by Chairman Adams, each commissioner disclosed ex parte communications, site visits, or independent investigations. The Commissioners also affirmed that they are open-minded and can base their decisions on the evidence presented and the applicable law. The Deputy Clerk administered the Oath to all persons who wished to speak at the hearing. Long Range Senior Planner Cindy Thurman utilized a PowerPoint presentation to explain the Riverfront Groves, Inc. rezoning request. The property was approximately 116 acres and of these, 50.87 acres were outside the Urban Indian River County Florida Page 11 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Service Boundary (USB), and 65.13 were within the USB. The request was to rezone the 65.13 acres from Agricultural -I (A-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM -6) to enable permitted development within the RM -6 district. Ms. Thurman displayed the current zoning map and the future land use map; the requested RM -6 Zoning District would limit the density to six units per acre. The existing A-1 Zoning District would limit the density to one unit per five acres. She stated the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommended approval at their January 11, 2024 meeting. The Commissioners and staff discussed future land use designation, vested rights to receive water and wastewater treatment services, the outcome of the traffic study for 2025, and the traffic's impact on 90th Avenue. Chairman Adams emphasized the importance of understanding that this particular area was not intended for development and that there was a future land use designation in place. However, it had been observed that other projects in the surrounding area had started to take advantage of this designation. She stated the current residential development plans aligned with what was expected years ago. Nonetheless, the sudden surge in development, especially from 13 units to 390 units, was still surprising. Planning and Development Services Director Andy Sobczak anticipated that residential development would be needed near State Road 60 and Interstate 95. However, due to active agriculture, this plan was put on hold. Now that agriculture is no longer active, the current residential development plans align with what was expected years ago. The Chairman opened the Public Hearing. Attorney Peter J. Sweeney, Block & Scarpa, representing the applicant, complimented staff on the excellent job they have done and Indian River County's advanced planning process. The M -I future land use included A -I and RM -6 zoning, which were compatible uses, and every parcel within the County now had zoning and future land use. He stated his client owned approximately 116,117 acres, divided into two parts by the Urban Services Boundary (USB). He stated his client was fulfilling their obligation to build within the designated utility area, regardless of any additional costs. Mr. Sweeney strongly believed it made sense to build within the USB for this project and respectfully requested the Board's support. Joseph Paladin, President of Black Swan Consulting, expressed his support for Indian River County Florida Page 12 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 the project and pledged to continue to support the project. There were no additional speakers; the Chairman closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Loar, to approve staffs recommendation and adopt Ordinance 2024-004, amending the Zoning Ordinance and the accompanying zoning map for approximately +65.13 acres located along 98th Avenue, lying north of 12th Street, 1.36 miles south of S.R. 60, approximately one-half mile west of 1-95; from A-1, Agricultural -1 to RM -6, Residential Multiple -Family; and providing codification; severability; and effective date. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS 10.8.1. 24-0122 Request to Speak by Judy Greenberg of Roseland Women's Club, Inc. re: Roseland Celebration on February 17, 2024 Recommended Action: No action required Attachments: Request to Speak Roseland Women's Club, Inc. Ms. Judy Greenberg of the Roseland Women's Club presented a personal invitation to the Board for the Roseland Celebration Event on February 17, 2024. The event was meant to commemorate 132 years of Roseland's history, including the struggles of early settlers and the perseverance of developers through land booms and busts. Ms. Greenberg stated the celebration would be of great importance as it would help shape the future of Roseland for generations to come. The Board thanked Ms. Greenberg for the invitation and looked forward to attending. No Action Taken or Required C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS 10.C.1. 24-0125 Public Notice of Public Hearing for February 20, 2024, to Consider an Ordinance Amending Indian River County Code §305.11, Imposition of additional court costs in criminal cases pursuant to Section 939.185, Florida Statutes (2004), as amended. Attachments: Staff Report Read into the record by County Attorney Bill DeBraal 11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS 12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS Indian River County Florida Page 13 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 A. Community Services B. Emergency Services C. Human Resources D. Information Technology E. Natural Resources F. Office of Management and Budget G. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation 12.A.1. 23-1155 Environmental Land Bond - Introduction to the ArcGIS Hub/Dashboard Recommended action: No Board Action is requested for this item. Attachments: Staff Report Conservation Lands Manager Wendy Swindell expressed her appreciation for the ArcGIS Hub platform and Dashboard, a valuable resource that provided transparency to the process. With a vast amount of information presented, it was readily accessible. She mentioned that Systems Division GIS Analyst Paige Lester had been working diligently and showcasing her amazing skill set, and deserved a special mention. She stated the $50 million bond issue to acquire environmentally significant lands was making steady progress. Ms. Swindell stated that on December 12, 2023, the Board approved the Environmental Lands Program Guide, which contained policies and procedures related to acquiring and managing environmentally significant land. The guide included the launch of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Dashboard to map, analyze, and manage data during land acquisition. The software program from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) was developed to produce and analyze GIS data. The data would include property information, aerial imagery, locations of listed species, habitat types, canopy coverage, water features, and other features to help analyze data tied to a specific area. Ms. Swindell stated by using ESRI software and GIS data, the environmental land acquisition process would be optimized by storing and presenting data for this process, which would be made available to (1) the Board, (2) the Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP), (3) staff, and (4) the general public in an online platform. The ArcGIS Hub was developed for use in the environmental land acquisition process; ESRI defined an ArcGIS Hub as an "easy -to -configure cloud platform that organizes people, data, and tools to accomplish goals and initiatives." This platform would be widely used to provide up-to-date information on large-scale projects, Indian River County Florida Page 14 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 programs, and initiatives. Ms. Lester provided a preview of the new ArcGIS Hub platform and Dashboard. She stated one of the great achievements made with the Hub was recognizing all of the project partners and projects that have links to all sorts of information. There were various permission levels available, so staff could use this for all of the data sourcing and it would eliminate the need for multiple data storage locations. Additionally, the data would be updated continuously as new information was received, which was typical in GIS enterprises. The goal was to simplify the process as much as possible. She believed this would save the staff time as people could log on and find all the information about the active projects and access the data that had been collected. No Action Taken or Required H. Planning and Development Services I. Public Works J. Utilities Services 13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS 14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS A. Commissioner Susan Adams, Chairman 14.A.1. 24-0135 County Attorney Recruitment Process Recommended Action: Request discussion and support. Attachments: Commissioner's Memo Chairman Adams initiated a discussion for the County Attorney recruitment process. She suggested having a job description to share with the Bar and Association of County Attorneys. She stated Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll had shared job descriptions from other counties. Chairman Adams proposed working with Ms. Boyll to create the job description and update the 2013 version. She requested feedback from the Board to determine how to proceed and was willing to work with Ms. Boyll to share some of the information and bring it back for the Board's approval at a future meeting. She stated she was concerned about who would review the applications and resumes once the Board started receiving them. She stated it would be helpful to have a recruiting process to ensure only qualified candidates are considered. Indian River County Florida Page 15 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 County Administrator John Titkanich reported receiving a quote for the recruitment process for just over $24,000. Commissioner Loar proposed consulting with the County Attorney's office to help identify the legal areas where the County has been subcontracting litigation in recent years. The aim would be to prioritize the top three or four areas and obtain the necessary documents. This would assist the Board in making an informed decision and possibly reduce the need to subcontract attorney fees. Commissioner Earman recommended hiring a professional recruiter with knowledge of Florida and Government law to vet candidates for the attorney position. The HR staff does not have expertise in finding legal professionals. The compiled information could be passed on to those interested in the role, and local attorneys could apply through the county or the recruiter. HR staff should not vet candidates, he stated. Commissioner Moss agreed with Commissioner Earman and favored hiring a professional recruiter. Commissioner Loar and County Attorney Bill DeBraal discussed what process the attorney's office had used to recruit and hire the recently hired Assistant County Attorney Keith Jackman. Attorney DeBraal stated that the same method as being discussed along with advertisements with the Florida Bar Association, and three (3) very qualified candidates were received. Vice Chairman Flescher suggested the Board hire from the three foundations with suitable candidates already available, instead of spending $24,000 to vet external candidates. He stated there were qualified individuals within the organization, including the Florida Bar and fraternal organizations. He suggested an assessment organization may be a better choice than a recruitment organization. Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado thanked Chairman Adams for bringing the matter forward. However, she expressed her concern over the significant turnover in the office following the County Attorney's departure in a few months. She appreciated the initiative taken by the Chairman and emphasized the significance of the position being discussed. Ms. Prado briefly touched on the subject of outsourcing items in their office. She stated that the bigger litigious items were outsourced, and they handle the rest in-house. Ms. Prado urged everyone to consider the staffs workload when looking at outsourced items. As the person who will be left after Mr. DeBraal retires, Ms. Prado wanted to inform the Board that litigation may take away time from other areas. She suggested the new County Attorney should look into the matter and possibly consider hiring another Indian River County Florida Page 16 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 person to help fill that role if they wanted an in-house litigation person. Chairman Adams stated that the Board's next course of action was to communicate their requirements to Ms. Boyll, review the job descriptions, and gather all necessary information. The Board would discuss and approve the job description in the next meeting and have it ready by that afternoon. She also requested County Administrator Titkanich provide the actual proposal from the recruitment firm that spells out what the firm would and would not do in this process. The Board reached a consensus on the following actions to be taken: 1. Provide Human Resources with the desired skill set for the County Attorney position; 2. County Administrator John Titkanich to obtain a proposal from a recruiter; and 3. Approval of the job description to take place at the February 20, 2024 Board of County Commissioners meeting. B. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Vice Chairman C. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman [Clerks Note: Item 14. C. 1. was heard after the Consent Agenda] 14.C.1. 24-0132 Propose Installation of Drown Zero Recommended Action: Discussion Attachments: Commissioner's Memo Commissioner Earman brought forth his support for the Sunrise Rotary Club of Vero Beach's request to install Drown Zero stations on Indian River County beaches. He stated these flotation device stations had been successfully implemented on beaches in Brevard County. Each station had an orange life-saving ring to provide beaches without lifeguards (unguarded or off duty) a means to assist distressed swimmers. The Drown Zero Program hoped to raise awareness of ocean hazards, such as riptides, that are estimated to contribute to over 100 deaths yearly. Sunrise Rotary Club (Club) President Justin Lefebure was joined by Debbie Avery, Executive Secretary, to request permission from the Board to install Drown Zero Stations on Indian River County Beaches. Mr. Lefebure stated that the Club would maintain the station weekly, and if a ring was lost, stolen, or deteriorated, the Club would replace it. He stated during high season, the rings would be checked daily to ensure their availability. Tamper rings were also in place to prevent unnecessary removal. The Club would maintain the rings at their own cost, along with sponsors who help cover the installation costs. Indian River County Florida Page 17 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 6, 2024 Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito stated it would be a collaboration between the Sunrise Rotary Club and the Parks and Recreation Department to facilitate the placement of the poles. Mr. Lefebure responded to Vice Chairman Flescher's question that the cost to sponsor a pole was $500 annually. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Moss, to approve the installation of Drown Zero stations on Indian River County beaches. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar 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 12:22 P.M. Indian River County Florida Page 18 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes — Final February 6, 2024 ATTEST: Aw;�Zolz X�111 Ryan L. Butler Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller By: Deputy Cle Approved: April 9, 2024 Indian River County Florida Page 19