HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/2025 (2)Indian River County, Florida
Indian River County Administration Complex
1801 27th Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
indianriver.gov
Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
9:00 AM
Commission Chambers
Board of County Commissioners
Joseph Flescher, District 2, Chairman
Deryl Loar, District 4, Vice Chairman
Susan Adams, District 1
Joseph H. Earman, District 3
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
Randi Wardlow, Deputy Clerk
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Present: 5 - Chairman Joseph Flescher
Vice Chairman Deryl Loar
Commissioner Susan Adams
Commissioner Joe Earman
Commissioner Laura Moss
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF
THE ARMED FORCES
2.B. INVOCATION
Pastor Anthony Onorato, Calvary Chapel of Vero Beach
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Joseph Farman
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS
Chairman Flescher noted that Items 12.B. and 12.C. were Executive Sessions which
would be held outside of Chambers, per State Statute. The items would be heard at
the end of the regular meeting, after which the Board would reconvene for
adjournment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Commissioner Adams,
to approve the Agenda as amended, noting Shade Meeting Items 12.6. and 12.C.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS
5.A. 25-0576 Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Michael R. Church on His
Retirement from the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
Department of Utility Services, Water Production
Recommended Action: Recommend Read and Present.
Attachments: Proclamation
Michael R. Church was joined by his supervisors and colleagues as the Board
congratulated him on his ten years as an electrician with the Utility Services
Department. Sean Lieske, Utithy Services Director, and Rich Meckes, Assistant
Director, thanked Mike for his hard work and contributions to the Department as
"CEO", Chief Electrical Officer.
Read and Presented by Commissioner Adams
Indian River County, Florida Page 1
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
5.13. 25-0660 Presentation of Proclamation Celebrating the Centennial of Indian River
County
Attachments: IRC Centennial Proclamation
Chairman Flescher presented the proclamation issued to honor the Centennial of
Indian River County's, recognizing its establishment on June 29, 1925, and its
historical significance in Florida's agricultural and aviation sectors. Michelle Wagner,
Chairperson of Centennial Planning, shared celebratory events which featured a
parade, a history fair, and culminated in a special time capsule ceremony on June 30,
2025. The time capsule would be opened in 50 years from the dedication day.
Chairman Flescher shared that he had received a gift of an American flag which had
previously flown over the State Capitol building. The Commissioners agreed to
publicly display the flag and proclamation following Centennial events. Deputy County
Administrator Mike Zito, and County Administrator John Titkanich acknowledged the
work Ms. Wagner and staff put into organizing the celebratory events.
Read and Presented by Chairman Flescher
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.A. 25-0652 Regular Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 04222025 BCC draft
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher, to
approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2025, as written. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Lear, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
6.13. 25-0656 Regular Meeting Minutes of May 06, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 05062025 BCC Draft
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Commissioner Adams,
to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 06, 2025, as written. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD
ACTION
Indian River County, Florida Page 2
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
7.A. 25-0614 Florida Public Service Commission Consummating Order
PSC -2025 -0176 -PAA -El
Recommended Action: Information Only
No Action Taken or Required
7.B. 25-0637 SWDD Closures and Collection Service Changes for the 4th of July
Holiday
Recommended Action:
Attachments: 4th of July garbage pick up 2025
Jill Brown, Recycling Coordinator, informed County residents there would be no
service on Friday, July 4, 2025; the landfill and convenience centers would also be
closed Friday. Ms. Brown noted County residents who typically have service on that
day will have their garbage and recycling picked up on Saturday, July 5. Chairman
Flescher added that the Municipalities may differ.
No Action Taken or Required
8. PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA -RELATED MATTERS (EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC
HEARINGS)
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Barbara Parenti addressed to the Board regarding Item 16.13.2. She reported her
community of Harmony Reserve had received new recycling bins that were too large
to be stored, and was concerned with safety during storms season. She added the
yard waste cans were not needed in her HOA community.
Chairman Flescher advised that the wait time for smaller bins would be sooner than
August, and details would be given under Item 16.B.2.
Joi Royce, representing Provence Bay, expressed similar concerns to the size and
number of bins being delivered without adequate storage space.
No Action Taken or Required
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner
Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, pulling Items 9.E. and 9.L.
for discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
9.A. 25-0617 Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 03
Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the budget resolution
amending the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
Attachments: 2024 2025 Resolution
Exhibit "A"
Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2025-024, amending the Fiscal
Year 2024-2025 Budget.
9.B. 25-0639 Request for Ratification of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
Attachments: FY24 JAG -C Certificate of Participation
FY24 JAG -C Allocation
Approved staffs recommendation
9.C. 25-0641 Fourth of July Fireworks Funding
Attachments: City of Vero Beach Request for Fireworks Contribution
City of Sebastian Request for Fireworks Contribution
Approved staffs recommendation
9.D 25-0619 Reimbursement Resolution for Sandridge Golf Club New Clubhouse
Recommended Action: The County Attorney's Office recommends that the Board approve the attached
resolution.
Attachments: Reimbursement Resolution.V2
Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2025-025, with respect to
reimbursement of certain costs and expenditures relating to Capital
Improvements in and for Indian River County, Florida.
9.E. 25-0613 Acceptance of Amended Sponsorship from Cleveland Clinic for Centennial
Celebration
Recommended Action: Staff respectfully recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approves the
agreement with Cleveland Clinic, authorizes the Chairman of the Board or a designee
to execute the amended agreement and accepts the $5,000 donation.
Attachments: Sponsorship Agreement
Commissioner Moss spoke in opposition to the sponsorship, encouraging the hospital
to spend every penny on patient care.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,
to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, and Commissioner
Earman
Nay: 1 - Commissioner Moss
Indian River County, Florida Page 4
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final
9.F.
9.G.
9.H.
9.1
25-0645 Request Use of Proceeds from the Opioid Settlement to Begin the
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in Cooperation with
Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN)
June 17, 2025
Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board authorize the Procurement Division to issue purchase
orders for the listed items and authorize the Department to pursue reimbursement of
the expenses from the Southeast Florida Behavioral Network under the CORE
Program.
Attachments: SEFBHN Amendment 1
CORE - Indian River 3 LP35 11103394 1
CORE - Indian River 3 LUCAS 11103417 2
QT -KA -62997 Indian River Co Fire 3
Q00037821 XL185P (6) intrinsically safe 4
000037820 XL85M mobile (4) with installation 5
Approved staffs recommendation
25-0628 Grant Application for Funding Assistance from the State of Florida Beach
Erosion Control Program - FY 2026/27
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the BCC approval of the attached funding resolution. Staff also
recommends the BCC approve staff to apply for the grant and to authorize Natural
Resources Director to sign required grant application documents on behalf of Indian
River County.
Attachments: Sector 5 LGFR 26-27 Funding Resolution 2025.06.03
Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2025-026, requesting assistance
from the State of Florida Beach Erosion Control Program - FY 2026/27.
25-0620 Request for Authorization to Submit an Application for Section 5311 Grant
for Rural Transit Operating Assistance Funds
Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the resolution
authorizing the filing of the Section 5311 grant application.
Attachments: Authorizing Resolution
Grant Application
Grant Budget Form
Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2025-027, authorizing the
submission of a Grant Application for 49 USC Ch. 53, Section 5311 Public Transit
Operating Assistance.
25-0621 Work Order with Schulke, Bittle, and Stoddard, LLC, for Design of a Transit
Maintenance Building Addition
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board approve the work order with Schulke, Bittle, and
Stoddard, LLC, for design of the transit maintenance building addition and authorize
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final
the Chairman to execute the work order.
Attachments: Work Order
Approved staffs recommendation
June 17, 2025
9.J. 25-0603 State Highway Lighting, Maintenance, And Compensation Agreement
Renewal
Recommended Action: Public Works Traffic Engineering and Operations Staff recommends that the Board of
County Commissioners approve this agreement authorizing the Chairman to execute
the agreement.
Attachments: FDOT Lighting Maintenance and Comp Agmt
Admt No. 1
HighwaVLightingMai ntenanceAgmt.2003-048
Approved staffs recommendation
9.K. 25-0623 First Extension of Contract with International Golf Maintenance, Inc. for
Maintenance Services at Sandridge Golf Club
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board approve the first five year extension to the current
Agreement with International Golf Maintenance, Inc., including 2 additional services,
and authorize the Chairman to sign the Second Amendment and Renewal Agreement
after receipt and approval of the required insurance by the Risk Manager, the receipt
and approval of the Public Construction Bond in the amount of 10% of the first year
contract price, the required Human Trafficking Affidavit, and the County Attorney's
approval of the agreement as to form and legal sufficiency.
Attachments: Proposed 2nd Amendment to Sandridge Maintenance Agmt
1st Amendment to IGM Agmt - Executed
Original IGM Agreement - Executed
Anti -Human Traffic
Approved staffs recommendation
9.L. 25-0646 Engineering and Design of 32nd Avenue, 43rd Place and 44th Street in
Gifford Neighborhood
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order 01
to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. (JMT) for roadway and drainage
improvements along 32nd Avenue, 43rd Place, and 44th Street to 31 st Avenue in the
Gifford Neighborhood, and authorize the Chairman to sign it, after review and
approval by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
Attachments: Engineering WORK ORDER TEMPLATE - BCC Authorized - W001
32nd Ave Scope - Exhibit A
32nd Ave - Appendix A (Geotech)
Public Works Director Addie Javed provided the Board with a progress update of
the roadway and drainage improvements in Gifford. He stated the next steps were to
complete the engineering and design, which involved assessing paving options,
right-of-way (ROW) impacts, easements, permitting, and minimizing drainage issues.
He expected this phase to take four to six months, and would be expedited where
possible. Mr. Javed advised the Item would be brought back before the Board with a
recommendation once the bidding was complete.
County Attorney Jennifer Shuler spoke of adhering to the acquisition process for
ROW in the face of expediting the timeline. Chairman Flescher spoke of the County's
commitment to the project, and assured property rights would be respected.
Commissioner Adams acknowledged the ROW constraints, and noted there would
be conversation on the subject before moving forward. Mr. Javed asked the
Commissioners to encourage residents' collaboration in expediting the project.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,
to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
9.M. 25-0649 Request for Funding and Authorization to Purchase Equipment for Road
and Bridge Operations
Recommended action: public Works Road and Bridge Staff recommends that the Board approve funding in
the amount of $559,813.80 for the purchase of following equipment and fleet:
i) Three (3) 2025 Ford Maverick Super Crew Pickup FWD XL trucks
ii) One (1) John Deere Brush Cutter Attachment
iii) One (1) John Deere 5100E Cab Tractor
iv) One (1) Motor Grader
v) One (1) Excavator
And authorize the allocation of funds from the following accounts:
a) Transportation Fund/County Road and Bridge/Other Machinery & Equipment -
GL# 11121441-066490
b) Transportation Fund/County Road and Bridge/ Heavy Equipment - Wheel Track -
GL# 11121441-066430
c) Transportation Fund/County Road and Bridge/Regular Salaries - GL#
11124441-011120.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
Approved staffs recommendation
9.N. 25-0653 Approval of Fifth Renewal of Fourth Amendment of Property Lease for
Temporary Location of Fire Station #7
Recommended action: Staff recommends approval of the fifth renewal of the property lease for temporary
location of Fire Station # 7.
Attachments: Fifth Renewal Agreement
Approved staffs recommendation
10. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
11. PUBLIC ITEMS
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THIS HEARING IS ON FILE IN THE
OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD.
11.A. 25-0610 Ordinance Establishing a One -Year Temporary Moratorium on Zoning
Changes and Comprehensive Plan Amendments in the Oslo Corridor
Study Area
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the attached
ordinance establishing a one-year temporary moratorium on zoning changes and
comprehensive plan amendments within the Oslo Corridor Study Area.
Attachments: Draft Ordinance
Exhibit A
Planning and Development Services Director Chris Balter presented the
Ordinance in follow up to the Board's approval on May 20, 2025, of the
one-year temporary moratorium on Zoning and Comprehensive Plan amendments
in the Oslo Corridor study area.
Commissioner Moss received information from Mr. Batter on the process of
implementation which included making a broad outline for the Oslo Corridor
design based on previously received public input. He stated it was staffs goal to
allow more uses for the area that were complimentary, while avoiding haphazard
development. Mr. Balter added that it was too soon to issue a timeline.
Chairman Flescher asked County Attorney Jennifer Shuler if the moratorium was
extendable. Ms. Shuler advised against extending the moratorium due to the Bert
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
Harris Act which provided relief if government regulations unfairly limited the use
or value of private property.
The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no comments, the
Chairman closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner
Earman, to approve staffs recommendation and Ordinance 2025-009,
authorizing a temporary moratorium for one (1) year, within the
unincorporated areas of Indian River County specific to the Oslo Corridor
Study area prohibiting the filing, acceptance, processing and/or
consideration of any application or request for a zoning change or
Comprehensive Plan amendment; providing for the implementation of
administrative actions; providing a savings clause; providing for
noncodification and scrivener's errors; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; repeal of conflicting provisions, and providing an effective date.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
11.113. 25-0624 FY 2025 Grant Application for Capital and Operating Assistance
(Section 5307) and Bus Replacement (Section 5339) from the Federal
Transit Administration
Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the resolution
authorizing the filing of the FY 2024/25 grant application for the Section 5307 and
Section 5339 programs.
Attachments: Authorizing Resolution
Grant Budget Form
Mark Vietze, Senior Planner, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO),
presented the Board with background information on the County's GoLine and
Community Coach transit services, reviewing how the fare -free system was set
up, the County's partnership with the Senior Resource Administration, and
performance metrics. Notably, ridership was estimated to reach 1.5 million by
2027 while maintaining the lowest operating expense per passenger trip in the
State. Mr. Vietze then went on to detail the grants which would provide $6.5
million for capital and operating assistance, and $571,386 for bus replacement.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Karen Deigl, CEO, Senior Resource Association, thanked the Board for their
support. Chairman Flescher commended Ms. Deigl and her team for operating
the GoLine in an efficient and conservative fashion.
There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final
June 17, 2025
Commissioner Earman thanked the team for their excellent management of the
system.
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman
Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation and Resolution 2025-028,
authorizing the filing of applications for grant funding assistance from the
Federal Transit Administration. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
11.C. 25-0627 Local Provider Participation Fund Approval (Legislative)
Recommended action: County staff recommends that the Board open the public hearing, take public
comment and then vote whether to approve the Local Provider Participation Fund
Resolution and the FY 25-26 Letter of Agreement.
Attachments: 09-24-2024 Agenda Item Number 10-A-2
Assessment Roll 2025
Final Indian River County - Resolution
Affidvit of Publication - LPPF June 17th Hearing.pdf
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado presented the Renewal of Agreement letter
for the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) which helped local hospitals
recover greater reimbursement for Medicaid services. Ms. Prado informed the
Board the renewal was being brought forward earlier than in previous years due
to impending state legislation.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Colleen Ernst, Adelanto Healthcare Ventures, expressed thanks for the Board's
support the past five years. Ms. Ernst informed the Board that hospitals were able
to increase reimbursement for Medicaid services from 60 percent to 80 percent,
and up to a full 100 percent this coming year, at no cost to taxpayers.
Cortez Whatley, Orlando Health, thanked the Board for supporting the hospital in
improving patient quality of care.
Joseph Ianotti, Cleveland Clinic Indian River County, thanked the Board for their
support.
There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Chairman Flescher,
to approve staffs recommendation and Resolution 2025-029, authorizing and
adopting a non -ad valorem special assessment within the County limits for
the purpose of benefiting assessed properties through enhanced Medicaid
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
payments for local services; finding and determining that certain real
property is specially benefited by the assessment; collecting the assessment
against the real property; establishing a public hearing to consider imposition
of the proposed assessment and the method of its collection; authorizing and
directing the publication of notices in connection therewith; providing for
certain other authorizations and delegations of authority as necessary; and
providing an effective date. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
B. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS
12. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS
12.A. 25-0615 Request from Indian River Mosquito Control District to use Commission
Chambers October 1st, 2025, or October 15th, 2025
Recommended Action: Respectfully request that the Board grant permission to the Indian River Mosquito
Control Board to utilize the Commission Chambers this October, 2025.
Attachments: Chambers Request
County Administrator John Titkanich sought the Board's permission for the Mosquito
Control District's use of Chambers, as required by recently adopted policy. Chairman
Flescher received confirmation from Administrator Titkanich that there was no conflict
on either of the requested dates.
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Moss,
to grant permission to the Indian River Mosquito Control Board to utilize the
Commission Chambers this October, 2025. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5- Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
12.13. 25-0631 Executive Session to Discuss IAFF Negotiations - Battalion Chief Unit
Recommended Action: N/A
The Chairman announced the Executive Session would follow Item 16.13.4.
No Action Taken or Required
12.C. 25-0633 Executive Session to Discuss IAFF Negotiations - Rank & File Unit
Recommended Action: N/A
The Chairman announced the Executive Session would follow Item 16.13.4.
No Action Taken or Required
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
13. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS
A. Building and Facilities Services
B. Community Services
C. Emergency Services
D. Human Resources
E. Information Technology
F. Natural Resources
G. Office of Management and Budget
H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
I. Planning and Development Services
J. Public Works
K. Sandridge Golf Club
L. Utilities Services
14. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS
15. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS
A. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman
B. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Vice Chairman
C. Commissioner Susan Adams
D. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman
E. Commissioner Laura Moss
The Chairman called for a recess at 10:07 a.m, and resumed the meeting at 10:18
a.m. with all members present.
16. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
The Board of County Commissioners reconvened as the Board of Commissioners of
the Solid Waste Disposal District. The minutes will be approved at an upcoming Solid
Waste Disposal District meeting.
A. Emergency Services District
B. Solid Waste Disposal District
16.13.1. 25-0607 Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of April 08, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve
Attachments: 04082025 SWDD draft
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher,
to approve the Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2025
as written. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
16.13.2. 25-0634 Request to Amend the Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection
Franchise Agreement between SWDD and Waste Management, Inc. of
Florida
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) Board
approve the implementation of an earlier cart swap program and to allow the
Contract Manager to grant yard waste cart delivery and service exemption to
Homeowner's Associations within unincorporated Indian River County with
direction to staff and the County Attorney's office to return at a future SWDD
Board meeting to ratify an amended Agreement for these approved changes.
Attachments: WM Letter
Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske began his presentation with a recap of the
County's decision to implement Universal garbage collection service with Waste
Management (WM) through a 10 -year contract starting October 1, 2025. This
included delivering new carts for recycling in June/July, yard waste carts in
August, and garbage carts in September. Residents raised concerns which led to
staff negotiating two amendments to the contract, presented for the Board's
approval.
Mr. Lieske detailed the modifications starting with allowing Home Owners
Associations (HOA) to opt -out of receiving yard waste carts for all of their units.
The decision could not be reversed for the length of the contract, and HOAs had
to inform WM by July 15, 2025. It was noted that opting out of yard waste
collection would not change the total cost of service. The second amendment
regarded the delivery of 65 -gallon recycling carts which were too large for some
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
residents. Initially, people could request a swap for a smaller cart starting on
January 2, 2026. The modification allowed swap requests to start August 1,
2025, with deliveries during October 2025. Mr. Lieske explained the cost for this
earlier delivery would be handled as a credit against future administrative charges.
Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Lieske, along with Debbie Perez,
WM Government Affairs Manager. Topics included the effect of WM's credit
balance, concerns regarding unneeded yard waste containers, problems storing
multiple or too -large carts, timing of cart deliveries, and customer service options.
Ms. Perez informed residents who were not in an HOA community that they
would receive yard waste carts, but could call to have them reclaimed if not
needed. She also gave details regarding the delivery of new recycling carts, and
the coordinated pick-up of the old ones.
The following people addressed the Board:
Gary Wilbun felt it was unfair to pay for services he did not want or need, and
expressed concern for family members living on a fixed income. He later received
confirmation that the Convenience Centers would remain open.
Tom Surat explained new recycling bins were too large to fit in his garage, as
required by his HOA. He requested an earlier date for swapping.
Cynthia Ketcham told of her difficulty in getting correct information. She explained
she did not need pick up service, could not afford it, and was overwhelmed by
another expense.
Paul Freeman suggested Waste Management apply their savings from HOAs
which were not receiving yard waste pick-up, as credits for those who could not
afford service.
A Concerned Resident received information regarding swapping recycling bins,
and requested a copy of the opt -out letter for his HOA.
A Concerned Resident told the Board he did not want the yard waste container,
and felt he should not have to pay for the service. Chairman Flescher explained
this was a package of services for the benefit of the community, and did not have
a la carte choices.
Christopher Mackie requested the Board include COAs (Condominium Owners
Associations), along with HOAs, in the contract for legal reasons. He also voiced
the following concerns: seasonal residents could not receive/swap bins,
liability/insurance impacts, and wildlife access to accessible trash bins. He asked if
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
delivery could be held until the smaller bins were ready.
Jayne Killian, Waverly Place, informed the Board her community did not receive
the mailing explaining the new system, and residents were unprepared to receive
new bins. She asked how to improve communication and to receive correct
information. Chairman Flescher apologized for the miscommunication, and offered
direct communication with her community.
Donna Keys expressed her displeasure with the schedule of cart delivery, and
received answers to her questions regarding opting out of the yard waste
container, the inability to receive a delivery date for a specific community, the
inability to change delivery dates to later in the season, and the revised October
date for receiving smaller carts. The Board and staff entered into discussion with
Ms. Keys, asking her community to work together to find solutions for snowbird's
cart storage.
Joi Royce explained her community's difficulty handling and storing the large
recycling bins, concerns with wildlife access, and asked the Board to consider
delaying more cart deliveries to HOAs.
Ms. Perez spoke of the value WM placed in its partnership with the residents of
the County, and explained the intricacies of manufacturing and delivering 200,000
new bins.
Commissioner Adams received a recap from Mr. Lieske of the issues the Board
was being asked to consider.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman
Loar, to approve staffs recommendation, as amended to include COAs in the
contract revisions. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
16.13.3. 25-0638 Final Pay to Geosyntec for Work Order No. 5 — Permit Compliance
Monitoring and Reporting Indian River County Landfill Facility
Recommended Action: Solid Waste Disposal District staff recommends that its Board approve
Geosyntec's final invoice amount of $11,552.29.
Attachments: Geosyntec Completion Letter
There was no discussion regarding this item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman
Loar, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
16.113.4. 25-0650 Annual SWDD Rate Study Update
Recommended action: Staff recommends that the SWDD Board approve Scenario 4 of the KCI annual
SWDD rate study update as presented with an increase of 15% in service
assessments as well as a 15% increase in tipping fees in years 1 du u 3 with 6%
increases in both service assessments and tipping fees in years 4 thru 5. This
would result in a base service assessment increasing to $79.12 per WGU and the
recycling service assessment increasing to $45.94 per WGU.
Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske introduced the Item, and handed the
presentation over to Peter Engel, Senior Consultant with Kessler Consulting, Inc.
(KSI). Mr. Engel used a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the Solid Waste
Disposal District (SWDD) Rate Study. The study was done within the context of
new Waste Generation Units (WGU) Rates set to start in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027,
and did not include the new Collection Assessment with Waste Management
which was fully funded.
Mr. Engel noted the study focused on adjustments to the Service Assessment
Rate (landfill and convenience center operation, landfill leachate, and yard waste
composting) and tipping fees to ensure required revenue and reserves were
sufficient. The report included four different scenarios of various rate increases
and their effect on revenue and reserve balances. Commissioner Adams
requested details of the fourth scenario as it would impact residents the least. Mr.
Engel discussed the rate increases which would take effect FY 26 through FY 30,
the impact to homeowners, and tipping fee comparisons.
Vice Chairman Loar stated his reasons for supporting Scenario 4, as
recommended by staff.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher,
to approve staffs recommendation of Scenario 4. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner
Earman, and Commissioner Moss
C. Environmental Control Board
17. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON -AGENDA -RELATED MATTERS
18. ADJOURNMENT
The Board returned from their closed sessions with all members present to end the
meeting. There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 4:06
p.m.
Indian River County, Florida Page 16
Board of County Commissioners
ATTEST:
Ryan L. Butler
Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
By: \` �� � b ✓ �
Deputy Clerk
BCC/RW/2025 Minutes
Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2025
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Fleseher, Chairman-_,.
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Approved: Amt 18, 2025
Indian River County Florida Page 17