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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/27/2026 (2)Indian River County, Florida Indian River County Administration Complex 1801 27th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 indianriver.gov Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:00 AM Commission Chambers Board of County Commissioners Deryl Loar, District 4, Chairman Laura Moss, District 5, Vice Chairman Susan Adams, District 1 Joseph Flescher, District 2 Joseph H. Earman, District 3 John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER Present: 4 - Chairman Deryl Loar Vice Chairman Laura Moss Commissioner Joseph Flescher Commissioner Joe Earman Absent: 1 - Commissioner Susan Adams 2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 2.B. INVOCATION Pastor Tracy Moore, Vero Beach Church of Christ 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman 4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS Item 5.B. and 9.L to be heard together Item 9.A. Moved to Item 13.E.1. Item 9.I. Pulled A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman Absent: 1 - Commissioner Adams Clerk Note: Commissioner Adams joined the meeting at 9:04 a.m. 5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS 5.A. 26-0119 Presentation of Proclamation for Vero Beach Museum of Art 40th Anniversary Recommended Action: Recommend read & present. Attachments: 01.27.25 VBMA 40th Anniversary Suzanne Seldes, Deputy Director, Vero Beach Museum of Art, expressed her gratitude for the visionaries who created the Museum for the community's enrichment. She spoke of the 40th anniversary of the institution and its future. Indian River County, Florida Page 1 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 Read and Presented by Commissioner Flescher 5.6. 26-0188 Presentation for Quail Valley Charities and Other Charitable Organizations' Commitment to Fund the Design and Construction of the Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club [This Item was heard in conjunction with Item 91.] Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito introduced the initiative to create a youth training center at the County's Sandridge Golf Club (Sandridge) which aimed to introduce underserved youth to golf and develop sports and life skills. The project would be a collaboration among youth -based charities such as the Indian River Golf Foundation, Quail Valley Charities, and pro golfer Paul McGinley's McGinley Foundation. Staff requested the Board's approval of a Resolution in support of the Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club, which would be funded entirely through charitable efforts. Bella Nagy, Golf Professional at Sandridge, highlighted the evolution of youth programming at the facility, which had grown to include year-round offerings and established Sandridge as a hub for junior golf in Florida. A video presentation detailed the charitable efforts of the collaborators, including a message from Mr. McGinley discussing his interest in youth golf and Indian River County. Kevin Given, General Manager at Quail Valley Golf Club, expounded on the partnership and the Quail Valley Charities' initiative to raise up to $4 million for the training center. Commissioner Flescher echoed the importance of the initiative, comparing its potential impact on youth development to opportunities provided by Major League Baseball. Presented 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6.A. 26-0152 Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting of September 10, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 09102025PrelimBdgt Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.113. 26-0154 Final Budget Hearing Meeting of September 17, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Indian River County, Florida Page 2 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 Attachments: 09172025FinalBdgt Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Fiescher, to approve the Final Budget Hearing Minutes of September 17, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.C. 26-0156 Regular Meeting of October 07, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 10072025BCC Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.D. 26-0158 Special Call Meeting of October 20, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 10202025SoecialCall Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Special Call Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.E. 26-0160 Regular Meeting of October 21, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 10212025BCC Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.F. 26-0161 Special Call PZC Joint Workshop Meeting of October 23, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 10232025 PZCWorkshop Draft Indian River County, Florida Page 3 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Special Call PZC Joint Workshop Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.G. 26-0165 Regular Meeting of November 04, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 11042025BCC Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.H. 26-0169 Regular Meeting of November 18, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 11182025 BCC Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 6.1. 26-0171 Regular Meeting of December 09, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 12092025BCC Draft A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION 7.A. 26-0139 Administrator Approved Items Recommended Action: There is no action required by the Board as this item is being presented for informational purposes only. Future reporting will be prepared and provided quarterly to coincide with Budget reports. Indian River County, Florida Page 4 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final No Action Taken or Required 7.B. 26-0148 1st Quarter FY 2025/2026 Budget Report Attachments: Internal Agenda for Quarterly Budget Review 1.14.26 Revenue Diversification Options 1st Quarter Budget Report Building Permits Issued Grant Update Quarterly Budget Review 1.14.26 MINUTES No Action Taken or Required 7.C. 26-0168 Treasure Coast Sock Drive Recommended Action: Informational item, no action required. Attachments: Memo January 27, 2026 Lisa McClung announced the eighth year of the annual Treasure Coast Sock Drive (formerly the Vero Beach Sock Drive) which will run from January Ist through February 28th. The event collected new socks and distributed them to local charities; they aimed to collect 20,000 pairs this year. Ms. McClung mentioned collection sites and events in support of the Drive as well as their website, treasurecoastsockdrive.com, which featured an Amazon link. No Action Taken or Required 8. PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA -RELATED MATTERS (EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS) 9. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, moving Item 9.A. to be heard as Item 13.E.1. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 9.A. 26-0197 Approval of SimpliGov Enterprise Workflow Automation Platform Moved to Item 13.E.1. 93. 26-0132 FY 2024-2025 Records Management Compliance Statements Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board approve the Records Management Compliance Statements so they can be submitted to the State. Indian River County, Florida Page 5 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final 9.0 Attachments: SWDD EMERGENCY SERVICES BOCC Approved staffs recommendation January 27, 2026 26-0142 Designation of Excess Equipment as Surplus and Authorization for Disposal Attachments: Excess List for 012726 Approved staffs recommendation 9.11). 26-0146 Award of Bid 2026008 for New Metal Roof for Fire Stations 4 & 5 Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board approve the withdrawal of the Vero Beach Roofing bid, award Bid 2026008 to All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc., approve the agreement, and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement after receipt and approval of the agreement by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency, and after receipt and approval of the required insurance by the Risk Manager. So long as there are no increases to the dollar amount under the agreement, upon adequate completion of the work set forth in the agreement, staff is directed to make final payment and release any retainage to All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc, after review and approval by the Procurement Manager and the County Attorney's Office. Attachments: Sample Agreement Approved staffs recommendation 9.E. 26-0149 Resolution Cancelling Taxes on Property Purchased for Public Purpose — STAR VERO, LLC- 7855 US Highway 1 (Right -of -Way) Recommended Action: Authorize the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to execute the Resolution to cancel certain taxes upon the property purchased by Indian River County for a public purpose, and the Clerk to send a certified copy of the Resolution to the Tax Collector and the Property Appraiser so that any delinquent or current taxes can be cancelled. Attachments: Resolution Cancelling Taxes -ROW ROW Deed - Star Vero Storage - Recorded Approved Resolution 2026-005, cancelling certain taxes upon publicly owned lands, pursuant to Section 196.28, Florida Statutes. 9.F. 26-0150 Florida Department of Transportation Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement for US-1/Federal Highway from North of 87th Street to South of Sebastian Blvd., State Road No.: 5, FDOT Financial Project ID: 449812-1-52-02 Indian River County, Florida Page 6 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for utilities work related to US- I/Federal Highway from North of 87th Street to South of Sebastian Blvd., State Road No.: 5, and the budget of $15,557.07 with $14,676.48 payable to Florida Department of Transportation and $880.59 retained by Indian River County Department of Utility Services, for cost escalations and authorize the Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the approved dollar amounts, staff is directed to make payments to the Florida Department of Transportation. Attachments: 449812-1 UWHCA - Indian River County Additional Signature Pages Approved staffs recommendation 9.G. 26-0159 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Amendment 1 to Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 82nd Avenue/CR619 from 26th Street to 69th Street, Financial Project No. 230879-3, IRC -1756 Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Authorizing Resolution for acceptance of the amended MOA and authorize the Chairman to execute the same. Attachments: Resolution Amended ROW MOA Approved Resolution 2026-006, authorizing the Chairman to execute amended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for acquisition of right-of-way for the construction of 82nd Avenue/CR 619 from 26th Street to 69th Street. 9.H. 26-0162 Florida Gas Transmission Encroachment Agreement -- Amendment 2 for Indian River County Fire Station 7 (IRC 1911) Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve Amendment 2 to the Agreement with Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC, and authorize the Chair to execute the final legal documents of the approved agreement. Attachments: Amendment 2 Encroachment - Fire Station 7 Approved staffs recommendation 9.1. 26-0164 Award of Bid No. 2025045 to Treasure Coast Infrastructure for Construction of Floravon Shores Septic -to -Sewer Project, IRCDUS Project ID 21.19.556 Attachments: SECTION 00520 Agreement Pulled from Agenda Indian River County, Florida Page 7 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 9.J. 26-0167 Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 01 Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the budget resolution amending the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Attachments: 2025 2026 Resolution Exhibit "A" Approved Resolution 2026-007, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. 9.K. 26-0173 2026/2027 Budget Workshop/Hearing Schedule Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the budget workshop dates and the dates for the budget hearings for the 2026/2027 budgets. Approved staffs recommendation 9.L. 26-0102 Resolution Supporting the Quail Valley Charities and Other Charitable Organizations' Commitment to Fund the Design and Construction of the Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the proposed Resolution for Support for the Indian River County Youth Training Center. Attachments: Sandridge Training Center Resolution [Clerk Note: See Item S.B. for discussion] Commissioner Earman read the Resolution into the record. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve Resolution 2026-008, supporting local charitable organizations led by Quail Valley Charities' commitment to fund the design and construction of the Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 10. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES 10.A. 26-0163 Supervisor of Elections Leslie R. Swan re: Canvassing Board Appointments Attachments: 2026 Canvassing Board Members Chairman Loar explained that since he was up for reelection this year, he could not serve on the County's Canvassing Board, per Florida Statute. Chairman Loar named Commissioner Earman to serve on the Canvassing Board in his stead. The Chairman then nominated Commissioner Adams as the Alternate Canvassing Board member. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Indian River County, Florida Page 8 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 Adams, to approve Commissioner Adams as the Alternate to the Canvassing Board. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 11. PUBLIC ITEMS A. PUBLIC HEARINGS B. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS 12. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS 12.A. 26-0170 Fellsmere Water Control District Legislation Recommended action: Review suggested amendment language and offer guidance. Kathy Copeland, Legislative and Communications Manager, provided the Board with an update on the Fellsmere Water Control District (FWCD) legislation and the two related House Bills, 4093 and 4095, which were filed January 9th. Ms. Copeland explained there was an opportunity to submit language for an amendment to the bills which established the FWCD as a dependent district, and split off the farm side into its own independent district, the Headwaters Water Control District. Ms. Copeland reviewed the refinements suggested by citizens and leadership including allowing more timely responses during an emergency, establishing a designated level of service, and dredging maintenance specifics. Legally, the recommendations were to discuss limiting liability for the new FWCD, and protecting access to canals using existing right-of-way. The Natural Resources department requested adding language regarding compliance with BMAP requirements. Ms. Copeland concluded by asking the Board to allow staff to proceed with the discussions and refinements presented, and to acknowledge the strike -all bills that would be put forth as amendments. A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the strike -all amendment with the understanding that other changes may be brought back before the Board. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman 13. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS A. Building and Facilities Services B. Community Services C. Emergency Services Indian River County, Florida Page 9 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 D. Human Resources E. Information Technology 13.E.1. 25-1114 Approval of SimpliGov Enterprise Workflow Automation Platform Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board approve the purchase of SimpliGov LLC enterprise workflow automation software, professional services, and support in an amount not to exceed $2,963,275 pursuant to NASPO ValuePoint Contract AR2472 / Florida Addendum 43230000-NASPO-I6-ACS, and authorize the Procurement Division to issue annual purchase orders in accordance with the provided quote. Attachments: RedLief Cover Page Carahsoft Quote for SimpliGov [Clerk Note: Item moved from 9.A.] County Administrator John Titkanich recalled that the County had hired consultants from StoneHill Innovation and RedLeif to explore opportunities for improving productivity and efficiency. In addition to cybersecurity measures, the need for a platform that would streamline and automate workflows across multiple departments was identified. RedLeif had investigated SimplyGov's enterprise platform with the goals of helping the County reduce data silos, centralize management, automate processes, lower costs, enhance security, offer scalable processes, and simplify training. Information Technology Director Erik Harvey confirmed for Chairman Loar that RedLeif would be presenting their recommendation of SimplyGov, and the company had already enrolled the County in grant programs which provided no cost solutions for enhancing cybersecurity. Founder and CEO of RedLeif, Jamie Grant, explained his company's role in identifying solutions, vetting vendors, and negotiating costs. Mr. Grant stated his security work with the County's IT Department led to discussions on automating workflows to empower staff and enhance customer satisfaction. He detailed his company's investigation into SimplyGov's enterprise platform and his company's recommendation to use it to integrate workflow and data solutions across all the County's departments. Chairman Loar began the discussion by stating his main concern was resolving the issues with the Building and Permitting department's workflow; staff had already researched options for new software. Administrator Titkanich recounted his discussion with Mr. Grant where the County's need for a unified development review process was identified, and SimplyGov was proposed as a flexible solution that could work for all departments. A notable concern was the $2.9 million cost Indian River County, Florida Page 10 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final V January 27, 2026 over five years. Mr. Titkanich pointed out that the County currently used 13 different software applications, which cost approximately $732,000 a year. Mr. Titkanich then elaborated for the Chairman the ways that adopting an integrated system was consistent with the goals and objectives of the County's Strategic Plan. Mr. Grant added that there was a paradigm shift happening in technology where the focus was on documented workflows that could be accessed by anyone rather than being dependent on specific talent to run a niche software solution. In response to Chairman Loar's query, Mr. Grant and Administrator Titkanich provided examples of Al components that could reduce employee workloads. The Chairman also received information about the cost and terms of the agreement, including what considerations had been made for terminations, fixed renewals, rate caps, and deliverables. Mr. Titkanich confirmed that the County would retain its data in case of termination. Commissioner Earman expressed concern for ensuring prudent use of the County's budgeted dollars to provide customer service and to empower staff. Mr. Grant elaborated the advantages of shifting to a no/low code solution rather than continuing with specialized software. He added there were also cybersecurity advantages achieved by limiting access points and reducing vulnerablilities. Commissioner Adams was informed that SimplyGov was not a solution that Building and Permitting had considered because it was not a specific permitting software. During RedLeif s discussions with IT staff, it was uncovered that an enterprise platform may be a better solution than specific software for each department, as was the status quo. In response to Chairman Loar, Mr. Grant advised that the research done for Building and Permitting need not go to waste. He explained how SimpleGov could provide optionality and act as a framework for all the County's other workflow needs. Mr. Grant acknowledged that this was the first presentation the Board had received on SimplyGov, and there was a lot of information to digest. Chairman Loar wrapped up discussion by stating the Board needed additional information and analysis before they could consider adopting a new system. The Chairman requested staff to return before the Board in February with a deeper analysis of the savings and efficiencies that could be achieved by changing tacks to an enterprise platform. Postponed/Continued to February 10, 2026 Indian River County, Florida Page 77 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 F. Natural Resources G. Office of Management and Budget H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation The Chairman called for a recess at 10:27 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:05 a.m. I. Planning and Development Services 13.1.1. 26-0130 Consideration of the Indian River County Economic Development Strategic Action Plan Recommended action: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners adopt the Indian River County Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, drafted by TIP Strategies, Inc. Attachments: EDSAP Executive Summary IRC EDSAP Ryan Sweeney, Assistant Planning and Services Director, introduced Jeff Marcell, Senior Partner with TIP Strategies, who would be presenting TIP's recommendations for a ten-year Indian River County Economic Development Strategic Action Plan (Plan). The County contracted development of the Plan in order to better target industries which would grow the local economy and foster employment opportunities while maintaining the County's quality of life. Mr. Marcell displayed slides as he began with an overview of TIP's process which included research and community engagement before diving into the specifics the Plan. The Plan, titled "Treasured Tomorrow", included a three-point action framework, a matrix which would prioritize strategies and actions, and guidance on creating strategic partnerships within the County. The first step in the framework was to target industry development in the areas of aerospace, finance and insurance, agriculture/aquaculture, and healthcare. The second point detailed catalyst projects to drive economic progress in the following areas: Oslo corridor, Indian River Mall, County Road 510, I-95/SR-60 commercial node, and the County's two regional airports. The third point involved enhancing the County's organizational capabilities through economic development, tax base diversification, land use and purchasing, and permitting processes. The report also contained strategic analysis research on the County's demographics, a list of incentives Indian River County, Florida Page 12 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 policies, and performance metrics. Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado requested amendments to the Incentives Policy portion of the report. Referring to Figure 10 in the report which listed an "Existing Incentives Toolbox", Ms. Prado informed the Board that some of the items were not allowed by the existing Code, and Ordinances would need to be created. She specified the Traffic Impact Fee Financing, Financing for Water and Sewer Impact Fees, and Utility Department Waivers as examples. She requested caution and better communication regarding Impact Fees which had Statutory rules. In response to Chairman Loar's request, County Administrator John Titkanich discussed amending the Code to allow for impact fee financing, not elimination, to assist in business development. Attorney Prado added that Ordinances would still need to be created to allow for financing of impact fees which were regulated. County Attorney Jennifer Shuler requested that these three items be removed from the toolbox until they were codified. Chairman of the Economic Development Council (EDC) Lance Lunceford spoke about collaboration, community feedback, and quality of life. He stated the EDC recommended adoption of the plan with any amendments from the Board. Vice Chairman Moss requested acknowledgement of workforce housing, and Administrator Titkanich recommended drafting language to encourage affordable housing. Mr. Marcell discussed the challenges with affordable housing. Commissioner Adams pointed out that the EDC had referenced affordable housing during this report's development, and detailed collaboration with other County agencies focused on housing. The Vice Chairman then commented and received additional input from staff on the following report sections: 1.3.3. transitioning citrus growers; 2.1.2. Urban Service Boundary (USB) and Oslo Road Corridor Development Planning; 2.6.2. regular meetings to discuss new opportunities; 3.3.5. evaluating potential USB expansion; Figure 7, employment by industry sector; and Figure 12, summary of SWOT analysis for Indian River County, Florida. She requested reconsideration of the repeated mentions of USB expansion, and noted height restrictions were not considered a weakness by residents. Mr. Titkanich suggested moving the items mentioned by the Attorney's Office out of the toolbox and into the bullet point details, and creating partnerships with the municipalities regarding ad valorem tax abatement exemptions. Chairman Loar requested a clean copy with amendments mentioned. Mr. Indian River County, Florida Page 13 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 Titkanich added comments on partnering with municipalities. Commissioner Flescher expressed concern against limiting options by being overly cautious with word choices. Further discussion was had by the Board with Commissioner Adams suggesting sharpening the focus on economic development with regard to USB expansion, and limiting flexibility on height limitations to the commercial sector only. Mr. Marcell indicated he would corroborate any changes with staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan with the changes discussed by the Board. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman J. Public Works K. Sandridge Golf Club L. Utilities Services 14. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS 15. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS A. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman B. Commissioner Laura Moss, Vice Chairman C. Commissioner Susan Adams D. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher E. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman 16. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS A. Emergency Services District B. Solid Waste Disposal District A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Loar, to approve the following Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting Minutes: Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025; Final Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2025; and the Meeting Minutes of October 07, 2025, November 04, 2025, and December 09, 2025. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner Earman Indian River County, Florida Page 14 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 16.6.1. 26-0153 Approval of the SWDD Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 09102025SWDDPre1imBdgt Draft Approved 16.8.2. 26-0155 Approval of the SWDD Final Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 09172025SWDDFinal Bdgt Draft Approved 16.6.3. 26-0157 Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of October 07, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 10072025SWDD Draft Approved 16.6.4. 26-0166 Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of November 04, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 11042025SWDD Draft Approved 16.B.5. 26-0172 Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of December 09, 2025 Recommended Action: Approve Attachments: 12092025SWDD Draft Approved C. Environmental Control Board 17. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON -AGENDA -RELATED MATTERS Walter McNulty asked the Board to consider incentivizing agricultural uses such as cattle ranches for undeveloped, agriculturally -zoned property. Indian River County, Florida Page 15 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 18. ADJOURNMENT Karen Osborne was concerned about affordable housing and mentioned the high rent on new apartments being constructed near her. She also expressed reservations about extending economic discounts to businesses looking to relocate here. Lamarre Notargiacomo reported there was support for keeping building heights low. She urged the Board to address improving the County's infrastructure, and requested written answers to the public's questions regarding Epic Estates. No Action Taken or Required There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:11 p.m. Indian River County, Florida Page 16 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2026 NVO MIN '0�� 0�� Ryan L. Butler Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller By: Deputy Clerk BCC/RW/2026 Minutes �ph1MlSS/0 Deryl Loar, Chairman :moo •. Approved: March 10, 2026 Indian River County Florida Page 17