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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/2026 (2)Tuesday, March 24, 2026 1. Call to Order Present: 5 Indian River County Florida Indian mplexountyAdmineeration � Complex 1801 27th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Meeting Minutes - Final indianriver.gov 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 Chairman Deryl Loar Vice Chairman Laura Moss Commissioner Susan Adams Commissioner Joseph Flescher Commissioner Joe Earman 9:00 AM Commission Chambers 2. A Moment of Silent Reflection for First Responders and Members of the Armed Forces Followed by the Invocation 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Additions / Deletions to the Agenda / Emergency Items 5. Proclamations and Presentations S.A. Presentation of Gifford Historical Museum and Ctiltural Center by Richard Bialosky Johnny May Perry, Executive Director of the Gifford Cultural Center and Museum, presented the latest plans for the Museum alongside Architect Richard Bialosky. The presentation included a video showcasing renderings of the proposed Museum and campus, which were designed to commemorate Black history in Indian River County. Commissioners expressed strong support for the initiative and acknowledged its cultural significance. Read and Presented S.B. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Jackie Robinson and Celebrating the 2026 Jackie Robinson Celebration Game Commissioner Earman presented a proclamation honoring Jackie Robinson and expressing support for the return of the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game on April 15, 2026. Remarks were made by United Way CEO Meredith Egan and representatives from the Jackie Robinson Training Complex regarding the legacy of Jackie Robinson and Major League Baseball. Read and Presented 6. Approval of Minutes 7. Information Items From Staff or Commissioners Not Requiring Board Action 7.A. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Office of Management and Budget Director Kristin Daniels announced that her department had received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 35th consecutive year. The contributions of staff members were acknowledged in this achievement. 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 Earman, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chair Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 9.A. Final Disposition of Temporary Fire Station 7 Approved staffs recommendation 9.B. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Amendment No. 1 to Locally Funded Agreement (LFA) for CR510/85th Street to 58th Avenue FM Nos. 405606-3-42-02, 405606-3-43-02 and 405606-3-45-02 (IRC -2504) Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-016 9.C. Approval of Renewal for a Class "A" Certificate of Public convenience and Necessity for Indian River Shores Public Safety Department to Provide BLS/ALS Emergency Medical Services Approved staffs recommendation 9.1). Amendment 2 to Work Order 3 for South Prong Slough Design & Engineering Services Approved staffs recommendation 9.E. Designation of Excess Equipment as Surplus, Authorization for Disposal, and Approval of Donation Approved staffs recommendation 10. 9.F. Short Term Lease of Property for Animal Control/ Emergency Services Approved staffs recommendation 9.G. Resolution of Support for 28th Court and 49th Street Sidewalk Project Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-017 9.H. Consideration of the 2026 Title VI Program Update for Public Transportation Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-018 9.I. Reclaimed Water Agreement Between Indian River county and The Windsor Club Inc. Approved staffs recommendation 9.J. Florida Gulf Coast University Water Quality Survey Participation Agreement Approved staffs recommendation 9.K. Addendum to Agreement between Indian River County and The Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation, Inc. for Shed Use to Store Side by Side Approved staffs recommendation 9.L. Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners Authorizing Funding for a Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Program Grant for Gifford Dock Park & Conservation Area Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-019 Constitutional Officers and Governmental Agencies 10.A. Petition Verification & Election Fees Supervisor of Elections Leslie Swan requested the allocation of revenue received from petition verification fees and the conduct of the February 23, 2026, Town of Orchid Special Election to be returned to the Supervisor of Elections FY 2025-2026 Budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve the Supervisor of Elections' request. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 10.B. Add an additional polling place and move one existing polling place Supervisor of Elections Leslie Swan requested the addition of a new polling location at the Richardson Center on the Mueller Campus of Indian River State College for Precinct #35. Additionally, Ms. Swan proposed relocating the polling location for Precinct #25 from the Vero Beach Moose Lodge #1822 to Room 112 of the Intergenerational Recreation Center. A motion was made by Commissioner Joseph Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve the Supervisor of Elections' requests. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 11. Public Items 11.A. Public Hearings I I.A.i. Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 04 Office of Management and Budget Director Kristin Daniels requested approval for amendments to the County's Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. She noted that Florida Statutes required cash amendments to be approved through a public hearing. The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Susan Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve staff s recommendation and Resolution 2026-020. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 11.B. Public Notice Items 12. County Administrator Matters 13. Departmental Matters Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, 13.A. Building and Facilities Services 13.11. Community Services 13.11.1. Children Services Advisory Committee Return On Investment Human and Children Services Administrator Megan Kendrick provided an update on the Return on Investment (ROI) for Children's Services, including newly incorporated national and local data as requested by the Board. Ms. Kendrick reported that investments in Children's Services were guided by a five-year comprehensive needs assessment, updated annually, which consistently showed a return of up to $16 for every dollar invested. Her presentation went on to provide data on three key areas: Health and Well -Being, Nurturing Families and Communities, and Success in School and Life, including new research on Disconnected Youth. Community surveys indicated overwhelming support for funding, with top consideration going to after-school programs, housing, and access to mental health services. The County's programs provided over 21,000 touchpoints and delivered 90% of funded outcomes. Ms. Kendrick shared a success story from a partner agency who had utilized the program's Professional Development services. No Action Taken or Required 13.B.ii. Approval of Youth Internship Partnership with CareerSource Research Coast Human and Children Services Administrator Megan Kendrick provided the Board with an overview of a proposed partnership with CareerSource Research Coast to host youth interns within County departments. CareerSource Workforce Coach Teri Graul explained that the Youth Connections Paid Internship Program served disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 24, including those unemployed, lacking a diploma, or facing anxiety and confidence challenges. The program offered academic support, career exploration, vocational certifications, life -skills training, and job readiness assistance. Participants may complete a paid internship earning $15 per hour for up to 32 hours per week, with CareerSource providing all liability and workers' compensation coverage. Ms. Kendrick wanted to pilot the program in the Human Services Department, and would offer job shadowing and hands-on work experience while introducing youth to public -sector careers. Ms. Graul added that CareerSource would continue to coach participants for 12 months after program completion. County Administrator John Titkanich recalled his previous successful experience with a similar youth internship program which helped build a long-term workforce pipeline. A motion was made by Commissioner Susan Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 13.C. Emergency Services 13.1). Human Resources 13.D.i. Group Health Insurance update March 2026 Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll presented the March 2026 group health insurance plan update. She reported that for the first quarter of the plan year (October—December 2025), the health plan was operating at a deficit. However, the health trust remained well -funded with a balance of $23.8 million. The primary financial pressures included more than $700,000 spent on GLP-1 weight -loss medications during the first quarter and a substantial rise in high-cost medical claims. Ms. Boyll invited questions and comments from the Board. The Board held an extended discussion following the update, and focused on the escalating cost of GLP-1 weight -loss medications and their financial impact on the County's health plan. Commissioners noted anticipated health gains related to obesity had not materialized and claims seemed to be trending upward despite increased utilization of GLP-1 medications. Commissioners debated whether to delay action until second-quarter data was available or move more quickly given rising costs. County Administrator John Titkanich explained that second-quarter data should be ready by late April, enabling a decision at the first meeting in May. He agreed that employees should be given prior notice that the Board was considering changes to GLP-1 medication coverage. Lockton consultants provided industry insight, stating that most employer clients who once covered GLP-1 weight -loss medications had removed them due to cost escalation and had shifted members to lower-cost direct -to -manufacturer programs. Commissioners requested a deeper analysis of GLP-1 utilization, cost trends, alternatives, and employee impacts before making any changes. The Board reached consensus to receive full second-quarter data and prepare for a decision in early May, noting the importance of timely decisions for the upcoming budget cycle. Board Consensus Reached 13.E. Information Technology 13.F. Natural Resources 13.G. Office of Management and Budget 13.G.i. Children's Services Funding Allocation for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Office of Management and Budget Director Kristin Daniels presented the recommended Children's Services funding allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027. She explained that, in accordance with the Board's previous direction, staff recommended maintaining the Children's Services allocation at one-eighth of a mil. This allocation resulted in an increase of $299,346, or 8.6 percent, for a total of $3,778,838 in funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioners briefly discussed the proposal and noted the need to remain mindful of potential legislative changes affecting future fiscal years. County Administrator John Titkanich reminded the Board that the funds being allocated for FY 2026-2027 were collected during the current fiscal year, not from future revenue. A motion was made by Commissioner Susan Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 13.11. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation 13.I. Planning and Development Services 13.1 Public Works 13.K. Sandridge Golf Club 13.L. Utilities Services 14. County Attorney Matters 15. Commissioners Matters 15.A. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman 15.B. Commissioner Laura Moss, Vice Chairman 15.C. Commissioner Susan Adams 15.D. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher 15.E. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman 16. Special Districts and Boards 16.A. Emergency Services District 16.13. Solid Waste Disposal District 16.B.i. Approval of Bring Down Certificate for Nopetro Eco District, LLC Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District Himanshu Mehta presented the request for approval of the Bring Down Certificate related to the Nopetro Landfill Gas Project. He explained that the certificate was a procedural requirement between the bank and Nopetro to confirm that no outstanding issues remained from the County's perspective. Staff and the County Attorney's Office had reviewed the matter and confirmed that the County had taken no exceptions to the agreement and that all obligations had been fulfilled. Mr. Mehta noted that the landfill gas facility was fully operational, as evidenced by the recent ribbon -cutting ceremony. A motion was made by Commissioner Susan Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 16.B.ii. Approval of Change Orders to SCS for the Landfill Gas Wellfield Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District Himanshu Mehta presented the request for approval of change orders related to landfill -gas well installations. Staff reported that two change orders were approved administratively, and the project exceeded the original authorization by $36,323. The total project cost would be $596,323. Mr. Mehta noted that the landfill continued to grow and required periodic expansion of the gas collection system to manage odors, reduce fire risk, and maximize gas recovery. He added that Nopetro had expanded its capacity and was beginning to participate in funding for future gas system enhancements. Commissioners discussed gas output, system monitoring, and Nopetro's operational capacity, including recent temporary limitations related to the Florida City Gas pipeline. Mr. Mehta confirmed that the team continued to actively monitor well performance and worked closely with partners to maximize gas capture. A motion was made by Commissioner Joseph Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 16.C. Environmental Control Board 17. Public Comment: Non -Agenda -Related Matters 18. Adjournment There being no further business, the Chiarman adjourned the meeting at 10:42 a.m. ATTEST: Ryan L. Butler Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller By: " 00,�,�, eputy Clerk BCC/RW/March 24, 2026 Minutes ............ .;.'..0.t1MS •. Deryl Loar, Chairman 'yL9• rye `.R COONr Approved: April 21, 2026