HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/08/2024 (2)Indian River County Florida
Indian River County Administration Complex
1801 27th Street, Building A
Vero Beach, Florida, 32960-3388
www.indianriver.gov
Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, October 8, 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
Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney
Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Shauna James, Deputy Clerk
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 8, 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
2.11. INVOCATION
Pastor Chris Drinnon, Grace Baptist Church
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Susan Adams, Chairman
Chairman Adams announced that a State of Emergency had been declared for Indian
River County due to Hurricane Milton. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
would be fully activated on October 8, 2024, at 8 am. General population shelters
would open at 2 p.m., and the Special Needs Shelter would be located at Treasure
Coast Elementary. Waste and recycling services would be temporarily suspended.
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Moss, to approve the Agenda as written. 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
5.A. 24-0732
Presentation of Proclamation Declaring the Month of October As National Domestic
Violence Awareness Month
Recommended Action: Read & Present
Attachments: Proclamation
Jennifer Fox, CEO of Safespace, Inc., expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Board
for declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She emphasized the
tremendous efforts of the Safespace team in actively raising awareness about
domestic violence in Indian River County, where an average of 250 crisis phone calls
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October 8, 2024
were received every month. She noted that through collaboration with community
partners, Safespace was dedicated to providing comprehensive support services and
aimed to expand its impact through community education.
Read and presented by Vice Chairman Flescher
5.13. 24-0815 Presentation of Proclamation Designating October 2024 As Manufacturing Month In
Indian River County, Florida
Recommended action: Recommend Read and Present
Attachments: Proclamation
Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director at the Indian River County
Chamber of Commerce, conveyed her sincere appreciation to the Board for
acknowledging the pivotal role played by the manufacturing industry in Indian River
County. She underscored the significance of the diverse spectrum of manufacturing
businesses that are actively contributing to the county's economic landscape.
Read and presented by Chairman Adams
5.C. 24-0837 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Month of October 2024 As
Cybersecurity Awareness Month In Indian River County, Florida
Recommended Action: Recommend Read and Present.
Attachments: Proclamation
Acting Director of Information Technology Zac Portwood, expressed his gratitude to
the Board for their time and support. He emphasized the importance of keeping
everyone educated and aware of cybersecurity challenges. He stated the department
had doubled its cybersecurity team and was committed to continuous improvement
through regular exercises and audits, with a focus on education and awareness.
Read and presented Commissioner Earman
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Chairman Adams,
to approve the Budget Workshop Minutes of July 10, 2024, Special Call Meeting
Minutes of August 08, 2024, and Utility Rate Study Workshop Minutes of August 22,
2024, 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. 24-0816 Budget Workshop of July 10, 2024
Recommended Action: Approve
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 8, 2024
Attachments: 07-10-2024 Budget Workshop Draft
Approved
6.B. 24-0818 Special Call Meeting of August 08, 2024
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 08-08-2024 Special Call Draft
Approved
6.C. 24-0819 Utility Rate Study Workshop of August 22, 2024
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 08222024 Utility Rate Study Draft
Approved
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD
ACTION
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Moss, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, pulling Items 8.G., 8.H., and
8.1. for discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner
Moss, and Commissioner Loar
8.A. 24-0802 Checks and Electronic Payments September 7, 2024 to September 13, 2024
Recommended Action: Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued for the time period of
September 7, 2024 to September 13, 2024
Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report
Approved
8.B. 24-0822 Checks and Electronic Payments September 14, 2024 to September 20, 2024
Recommended action: Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued for the time period of
September 14, 2024 to September 20, 2024
Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report
Approved
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8.C. 24-0812 County Capital Asset Inventories
Recommended Action: Approve the removal of the list of assets from the inventory system
Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report
Approved staffs recommendation
8.D. 24-0821 Department of Health Request for Interdepartmental Budget Transfer
Recommended Action: Request Approval
Attachments: Memorandum from Dept of Health
Approved staffs recommendation
October 8, 2024
8. E. 24-0814 Acceptance and Approval of Expenditures of Emergency Management Program
Grant (EMPG) Federally -Funded Subgrant Agreement. Agreement Number: G0558
Recommended Action: Staff recommends approval of the EMPG Federally -Funded Subgrant Agreement
(G0558), associated expenditures, and authorization of the Chairman to execute this
agreement between Indian River County Emergency Management and the State of
Florida, Division of Emergency Management.
Attachments: Staff Report
EMPG - #G0558
IRC Grant Form
Approved staffs recommendation
8.F. 24-0820 Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal
Recommended Action: The Department of Information Technology recommends that the Board approve the
agreement with Insight Public Sector and authorize the Chairman to sign it after review
and approval by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency. Our yearly cost
will be $476,654.87. The services provided from Microsoft through Insight will cover
all of the County's needs for the coming Fiscal Year.
Attachments: Staff Report
Microsoft Agreement and Supplements
Insight Public Sector Quote
CDW Quote
SHI Quote
Approved staffs recommendation
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8.G. 24-0827 New Cingular Cell Radio Lease for King's Highway
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the approval of this Reinstated and Amended Agreement.
Staff asks that the board authorize the Chairwoman to execute the agreement on their
behalf.
Attachments: Staff Report
Lease Agreement Kings Hiwy
Original Lease
Second Amendment
Third Amendment
Commissioner Moss inquired about the calculation and negotiation of revenue and the
changes to the contracts over time due to varying start dates and lengths.
Assistant County Attorney Chris Hicks explained that the County had hired James
Kennedy, CEO of SteepSteel Consulting, to negotiate the tower rates based on
height and availability. He mentioned that the Gifford Tower, owned by T -Mobile,
required $100,000 for structural repairs and upgrades. Mr. Kennedy negotiated
$150,000 for the tower's upgrade, and the County had upcoming negotiations with
Verizon. Attorney Hicks assured Commissioner Moss that he was maintaining regular
communication with Mr. Kennedy to oversee the progress of these agreements.
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Vice Chairman
Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner
Moss, and Commissioner Loar
8.H. 24-0829 MetroPCS Cell Radio Lease King's Highway First Amendment
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the approval of this amended agreement. Staff asks that the board
authorize the Chairwoman to execute the agreement on their behalf.
Attachments: Staff Report
MetroPCS Lease Agreement First Amendment
Original Lease
[Clerks note: See Item 8.G. for discussion]
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Vice Chairman
Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner
Moss, and Commissioner Loar
8.1. 24-0831 T -Mobile Cell Radio Lease Gifford Third Amendment
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8.J
8.K.
October 8, 2024
Recommended action: Staff recommends the approval of this renewed agreement. Staff asks that the board
authorize the Chairwoman to execute the agreement on their behalf.
Attachments: Staff Report
T -Mobile Lease Agreement Third Amendment
Original Lease Agreement
[Clerks note: See Item 8.G. for discussion]
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Vice Chairman
Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner
Moss, and Commissioner Lear
24-0832 Blanket Travel Authorization for Commissioners, County Officers, and Staff for Fiscal
Year 2024-2025 (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025)
Recommended Action: Approval is recommended for Commissioners, County Officers, and Staff to travel
out -of -county for current and future assigned committee meetings and the programs,
meetings, and hearings listed on the staff report in the Description and Conditions
during the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
Attachments: Memorandum
Approved staffs recommendation
24-0834 Grant Agreement for the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical
Resources Small Matching Grant for the Gifford Parks "Tour Through Time."
Recommended action: Staff respectfully recommends that the Board of County Commissioners accept the
Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources Small Matching Grant
for the Gifford Parks "Tour Through Time," and authorize the Chairman to execute
the Agreement between the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical
Resources and Indian River County after review and approval by the County
Attorney.
Attachments: Staff Report
Grant Award Agreement
Grant Form
Approved staffs recommendation
8.L. 24-0828 Request for Release of an Easement at 8815 Lakeside Circle
Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Board, through adoption of the attached resolution,
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 8, 2024
approve the subject release of the County -dedicated drainage and utility easement at
8815 Lakeside Circle.
Attachments: Staff Report
Location Map
Draft Resolution
Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2024-063, releasing an
easement (or portion thereof) on Lot 57, Sea Oaks River Homes subdivision Unit
IIIB.
8.M. 24-0806 11th Drive and 37th Street Roadway & Intersection Improvements, (IRC -2001) -
Final Payment, Release of Retainage and Change Order No. 2
Recommended Action: Staff recommends approval of Change Order No. 2 and payment of Contractor's
Application for Payment No. 2001-16 to Dickerson Infrastructure, Inc., dba
Dickerson Florida, Inc. in the amount of $188,070.91 for final payment and release of
retainage.
Attachments: Staff Report
Change Order No. 2
Approved staffs recommendation
8.N. 24-0835 Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Work Order 8 Amendment 1 for Floridan Aquifer
Well S-1 Replacement, IRCDUS Project ID 11.22.503
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
approve Work Order 8 Amendment 1 to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in the
amount of $98,949.00 for Floridan Aquifer Well S-1 Replacement project, for
additional engineering services for bid and construction phase services, wildlife site
survey, extended hydrogeologist work hours, and final deliverables, and authorize the
Chairman to sign it on their behalf
Attachments: Staff Report
Work Order 8 Amendment 1
Approved staff's recommendation
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
10. PUBLIC ITEMS
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THIS HEARING IS ON FILE IN THE
OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD.
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10.A.1. 24-0830 Emergency Addition under PUBLIC HEARINGS - Ordinance of Indian River
County, Florida Amending the Zoning Ordinance, and the Accompanying Zoning
Map for Approximately ±7.97 Acres from CG, General Commercial District to
MED, Medical District (99070136-96957) [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 CG to MED.
Attachments: Staff Report
Zoning Map
Future Land Use Map
Rezoning Application
Draft Ordinance
2024-11-13 request for continuance
Chairman Adams stated the Item proposed an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance. Each Commissioner, as requested by the Chairman, disclosed ex parte
communications, site visits, or independent investigations. The Commissioners also
affirmed that they have an open mind 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.
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing.
Chief of Long Range Planning Chris Balter stated the applicant had requested to
postpone the Public Hearing until theTuesday, November 19, 2024, Commission
meeting.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Moss, to postpone the public hearing to the November 19, 2024, Commission
meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman,
Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Lear
B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS
10.B.1. 24-0813 Request to Speak by R. Wooten re: Metal detectors and planned lawful
concealed carry harassment at the Firefighters County Fair
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Recommended Action: No action required
Attachments: Request to Speak R.Wooten
Fellsmere resident Robert Wooten, a retired military officer, raised concerns
about the plan to implement metal detectors and baggage checks at the upcoming
Firefighters Fair. He believed this plan may constitute harassment and violate
certain laws and constitutional rights. Mr. Wooten urged the County Commission
to consider a Resolution affirming the right to carry concealed weapons on
County -owned property. Mr. Wooten stated that if the plan proceeds, he would
seek a court-ordered injunction to stop these actions, emphasizing the potential
financial impact in terms of legal expenses and damages for the County.
No Action Taken or Required
10.8.2. 24-0824 Request to Speak from B. Rigby regarding Federal and State Funding
Recommended Action: No action required
Attachments: Request -to -Speak B. Rigby
Bill Rigby, a member of the West Wabasso Progressive Civic League, spoke to
the Board about the need for fair treatment of minority-owned and disabled
veteran -owned businesses. He pointed out that these businesses were being
excluded from County contracts and urged the Board to address this issue. He
also suggested that the County was misusing grant funds and claimed that the
County's request for proposal (RFP) for recycling collection program was illegal
and invalid. Mr. Rigby requested transparency regarding the County's receipt of
Federal and State funding grants and asked for documentation related to
contractual agreements.
In response, Chairman Adams advised Mr. Rigby to file a public records request
for the grant and contractual agreement information. Deputy County Attorney
Susan Prado offered to assist Mr. Rigby with his request.
No Action Taken or Required
C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS
11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS
12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS
A. Community Services
B. Emergency Services
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C. Human Resources
D. Information Technology
E. Natural Resources
F. Office of Management and Budget
G. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
H. Planning and Development Services
I. Public Works
J. Utilities Services
13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS
13.A. 24-0770 Resolution For Special Assessment Providing for The Replacement of Culverts for
Waters Edge Phase II Subdivision
Recommended Action: County staff recommends that the Board approve the draft Resolution authorizing the
Special Assessment to cover the costs of the Waters Edge Plat Two (Waters Edge
Phase II) Culvert Replacement and requiring compliance with the procedures outlined
in Chapter 206 of the Code.
Attachments: Staff Report
Draft Resolution
Special Assessment Plat
Assistant County Attorney Chris Hicks stated that in October 2006, the Waters Edge
Phase II Subdivision transferred ownership of the roads and road easements to the
County, making the County responsible for maintaining and repairing the roads. This
transfer did not include the subdivision's drainage infrastructure, specifically the
culverts allowing passage of the Indian River Farms Water Control District
Sub -Lateral B-5 Canal on 1st Street SW. The culvert pipes at both entry points into
the subdivision were deteriorating and needed to be replaced.
He noted that on June 18, 2024, the Board approved a contract with Timothy Rose
Contracting, Inc. to construct replacement culverts at a total cost of $1,366,739.45.
The County and the Waters Edge Phase II Homeowner's Association reached an
agreement to share the replacement costs. The County would cover the majority of
the project, contributing $828,764.95 (including a contingency fund of $100,000.00),
and the residents would be responsible for the remaining $537,974.50 (including a
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contingency fund of $80,000.00).
Attorney Hicks stated that the County and Waters Edge Phase II HOA negotiated a
special assessment, allowing property owners to pay their share of $6255.52 per lot
over 15 years at a rate of $417.04 per year. Upon project completion, hearings
would be held to readjust the amounts owed based on unused reserves.
Commissioner Loar thanked Attorney Hicks and Deputy County Attorney Susan
Prado for bringing this to fruition.
The Board and staff discussed that this process was not setting a precedent, as the
precedent had already been set. Unfortunately, it placed a heavy financial burden on
residents. Based on recent history, this practice had become standard.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Loar, to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution 2024-064, providing for
Waters Edge culvert replacement for Waters Edge Plat Two subdivision (Waters
Edge Phase ll) in Indian River County, Florida; providing the total estimated cost,
method of payment of assessments, number of annual installments, and
description of the area to be served. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner
Moss, and Commissioner Loar
14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS
A. Commissioner Susan Adams, Chairman
14.A.1. 24-0840 Proposed Proclamation Policy Proposal
Recommended action: Request Discussion and Support
Attachments: Commissioner's Memo
Proclamation Policy (Current)
Proclamation Policy Proposal
Chairman Adams discussed potential changes to the Proclamation Policy. She
proposed the introduction of a Certificate of Recognition to streamline the process
of achieving recognition objectives. Additionally, she highlighted the need to
enhance the submission process for Proclamations to manage recognition requests
effectively. Chairman Adams also provided an overview of the specific
requirements for both Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition, clearly
outlining the criteria.
The Board engaged in a detailed dialogue focusing on the distinctions between
Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition. The discussion also delved into the
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possibility of issuing impromptu Proclamations and the associated flexibility.
Furthermore, the Board deliberated on acknowledging acts of heroism and
extraordinary achievements, emphasizing the Chairman's discretionary authority in
such matters.
Chairman Adams requested that the County Attorney formalize the Proclamation
Policy proposal according to legal and grammatical standards.
A motion was made by Commissioner Loar, seconded by Vice Chairman
Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation and the County Attorney to
formalize the document according to legal and grammatical standards. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman,
Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar
B. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Vice Chairman
C. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman
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 10:17 am.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes — Final October 08, 2024
ATTEST:
Ry-aDButler
Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
0By: 0/,
Deputy Clerk
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Approved: December 17, 2024
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