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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2026 (2)er Indian River Count Florida Indian Rivlex 180ty 7th Administration y� 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 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 9:00 AM Commission Chambers 1. Call to Order Present: 5 Chairman Deryl Loar Vice Chairman Laura Moss Commissioner Susan Adams Commissioner Joseph Flescher Commissioner Joe Earman 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 A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Chairman Loar, to approve the Agenda as amended, deleting Item S.F. and postponing Item 9.J. The motion Passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 5. Proclamations and Presentations S.A. Presentation of Proclamation Designating April 22, 2026 as Administrative Professionals Day Commissioner Adams expressed appreciation for Administrative Professionals who served as the backbone of the work accomplished in government and business, and were often unsung heroes. Maya Miller represented administrative staff, noting this was her 23rd anniversary with the County, and thanked the Board for the recognition. Read and presented by Commissioner Adams S.B. Presentation of Proclamation Designating April 2026 as Water Conservation Month Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske expressed appreciation for recognizing the importance of water conservation, noting that much of the state was currently experiencing a significant drought. He reminded the public of the importance of using water wisely and of the requirement to avoid irrigation between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., as well as limiting irrigation to two days per week as determined by the address of the property. He added that any actions taken to conserve water helped ensure an ample supply for residents. Read and Presented by Commissioner Flescher S.C. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month Representatives of the Exchange Clubs of Indian River County thanked the Board for proclaiming April as Prevention of Child Abuse Month and described the Clubs' ongoing work to support child abuse prevention efforts. They outlined local programs funded by the Clubs, highlighted the establishment of a new Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Center in the County, and reviewed community awareness activities conducted throughout the month. The Board expressed appreciation for their efforts. Read and Presented by Commissioner Earman S.D. Presentation of Proclamation Designating April 22, 2026, as Earth Day in Indian River County Ms. Kendra Bergman, Executive Director of Coastal Connections, thanked the Board for honoring Earth Day in Indian River County. She recognized several environmental and conservation -based nonprofit organizations, including the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), Pelican Island Audubon Society, the Indian River Land Trust, and the Clean Water Coalition. Ms. Bergman encouraged the community to participate in activities to help protect the environment, and reported on her organization's sustainability efforts. Barbara Schlitt-Ford, Executive Director of the ELC, invited the public to visit and learn more about the center's education programs. Read and presented by Commissioner Flescher S.E. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring The Moonshot Community Marie O'Brien from the Learning Alliance and representatives from the Moonshot Community Action Network thanked the Board for its support of countywide literacy initiatives and described the collaborative efforts of more than one hundred organizations working together to improve kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading outcomes. They highlighted that the County was second in the state for third grade reading performance, as well as national recognition and community engagement efforts, and expressed appreciation for the Board's continued commitment to children and education. Read and presented by Commissioner Adams Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito informed the Board it was National Library Week and encouraged the community to visit a local branch. He also noted the availability of local discounts to those with library cards. S.F. Presentation from Public Works to the Board Deleted 6. 7. 8. 9. Approval of Minutes 6.A. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of March 10, 2026, as written. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 6.B. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the minutes of March 14, 2026, as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None Information Items From Staff or Commissioners Not Requiring Board Action Public Comment: Agenda -Related Matters (Except for Public Hearings) Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, pulling Item 9.I. for discussion, and postponing Item 9.J. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None County Attorney Jennifer Shuler informed the Board she had submitted a Resolution and a revised staff recommendation to Item 9.C. A motion was made by Commissioner Joseph Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Earman, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 9.A. FL Department of Children & Families Rip Current Simulator Grant Approved staffs recommendation 9.B. Self Insurance Funds and Property & Casualty Insurance Program Approved staffs recommendation 9.C. Sandridge Golf Course Group Policy Fee Increase Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-032 9.1). FL[DS] Year 3 Grant Agreement Approved staffs recommendation 9.E. Approval of Florida Department of Environmental Projection Grant Agreement LGOI I for Orchid Island Estates Septic -to -Sewer Project and LGO10 for Hobart Landing Septic -to -Sewer Project, IRCDUS Project IDs 41.24.507 and 21.24.508 Approved staffs recommendation 9.F. Concession Agreement between Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Indian River County Board of County Commissioners for the Indian River County Public Shooting Range Approved staffs recommendation 9.G. Fire Station 7 (IRC -1911) — Change Order No. 1, Final Pay Application/Release of Retainage – Project Closeout Approved staff s recommendation 9.H. Approval of the Budget to Procure Materials and Construct Lift Station Upgrades for Lift Stations 1227 and 1180, IRC Project IDs 21.26.514 and 21.26.516 Approved staff s recommendation 9.I. Pump Out Vessel Program Donations from the Indian River Land Trust and the Clean Water Coalition Natural Resources Director Kylie Yanchula presented donations secured from the Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) and the Clean Water Coalition (CWC) to support County's new pumpout vessel program. Her presentation reviewed the purpose of the vessel, which was secured with funds from the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant, and the history leading to the program's creation; partners included the County's Utility Department and the City of Vero Beach. The Board approved accepting the donations and staff's recommendation to acknowledge the IRLT and CWC on the vessel's hull as well as future planned signage. Ken Grudens, Executive Director of the IRLT, presented the Board with a check for $29, 062.50 to cover the matching funds for the CVA grant, and spoke about the problem of sewage discharge. Judy Orcutt, President of the CWC, presented a check for $10,000 to fund the program and recognized the importance of preventing raw sewage from entering the Lagoon. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, 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 9.J. License Agreement for Resident Deputy at Donald MacDonald Campground Postponed/Continued 9.K. Award of RFQ 2025043 to Amici Engineering Contractors LLC for Progressive Design Build Services for Hobart Landing Septic -to -Sewer Project, IRCDUS Project ID 21.24.508 Approved staff s recommendation 9.L. Approval of Renewal for a Class `B" Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, Inc. to Provide Interfacility Ambulance Transportation Services Approved staffs recommendation 10. Constitutional Officers and Governmental Agencies 11. Public Items 11.A. Public Hearings [Clerk Note: Item I I .A.i.TLC VBCS, LLC's Request for Special Exception Use and Site Plan Approval rescheduled for the May 5, 2026 BCC Meeting.] Chairman Loar advised the Board there were concerns regarding proper public notice regarding this Item. He requested discussion on whether to proceed with or continue the public hearing. County Attorney Jennifer Shuler advised that although legal advertising requirements had been met, notice to surrounding property owners may have been insufficient for a rural area and that some residents reported a lapse in email communication. There was agreement among the Commissioners to postpone the hearing until May 5, 2026, out of an abundance of caution. Attorney Shuler advised renoticing the hearing entirely along with any additional notification as directed by County Administrator John Titkanich. Postponed/Continued 11.13. Public Notice Items 12. County Administrator Matters 12.A. Ratification of Proposed Battalion Chief Collective Bargaining Agreement between Indian River County Emergency Services District and the Indian River County Firefighters/Paramedics Association IAFF, Local 2201, Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027 County Administrator John Titkanich presented the proposed two-year Battalion Chief Collective Bargaining Agreement for Board ratification. The agreement covered October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, and included wage increases, adjustments to paramedic incentives, implementation of Kelly days, reclassification of Battalion Chiefs to non-exempt status, and establishment of a new pay range. The Board expressed appreciation to staff, union leadership, and Fire Rescue administration for their efforts in completing negotiations efficiently and cooperatively. Following the vote, IAFF Local 2201 President Christen Brewer thanked the Board and staff for their support and noted the progress made over the past two and a half years to ensure Battalion Chiefs had protections and benefits consistent with rank -and -file personnel. Fire Chief Dave Johnson also expressed his appreciation for the Board's support and the collaborative process among all parties. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Earman, 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. Departmental Matters 13.A. Building and Facilities Services 13.B. Community Services 13.C. Emergency Services 13.D. Human Resources 13.E. Information Technology 13.F. Natural Resources 13.G. Office of Management and Budget 13.11. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation 13.I. Planning and Development Services 13.J. Public Works 13.K. Sandridge Golf Club 13.L. Utilities Services 14. County Attorney Matters 6 15. Commissioners Matters 15.A. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman 15.B. Commissioner Laura Moss, Vice Chairman 15.C. Commissioner Susan Adams 15.1). Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher 15.E. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman 16. Special Districts and Boards 16.A. Emergency Services District 16.B. Solid Waste Disposal District 16.B.i. Request for Approval of Interlocal Agreement with St. Lucie County for Recyclables Processing and Approval of Alternative Options The Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) presented an updated Interlocal Agreement with St. Lucie County for the processing of Indian River County's recyclables. Due to increased operational and maintenance costs, St. Lucie County requested amendments including a new processing fee of $45 per ton beginning October 1, 2026. This would add approximately $1 million to the SWDD budget, in addition to existing transportation costs. Staff also requested Board direction on budgeting for emergency diversion of recyclables to private processing facilities when St. Lucie County experienced shutdowns, which historically affected up to 25% of material. Diversion costs could total approximately $1.8 million annually. Finally, staff requested consensus to initiate a feasibility study to explore development of a local recycling processing facility, potentially through a public-private partnership, including evaluation of additional options such as waste -to -energy technology. Commissioners expressed strong support for studying long-term solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance local control. The Board approved the Interlocal Agreement and supported the feasibility analysis. Staff was to return with formal pricing for emergency diversion and next steps on the feasibility process. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, 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.C. Environmental Control Board 17. Public Comment: Non -Agenda -Related Matters [Clerk Note: Speakers submitted documents which are on file in the office of Clerk to the Board-] The following people addressed the Board: Laurel Buescher requested the Board's assistance with a private property dispute. She stated that a deeded easement provided access to her undeveloped parcel, but a proposed housing development would eliminate it. County Attorney Jennifer Shuler stated she had replied to Ms. Buescher previously and that further remedy should be pursued through the judicial process. Ms. Buescher mentioned a recently fled affidavit; Chairman Loar noted this venue was not the proper place to address it. Dan Levin addressed the Board regarding a proposed development at 41st Street and US 1. He expressed concern that the proposal was advancing without competent and substantial evidence as required by Florida law. County Attorney Shuler advised that the matter may come before the Board in a quasi-judicial capacity, and comments should be limited. Mr. Leven cautioned that inadequate evidence in the record could expose the County to appeal. No Action Taken or Required 18. Adjournment There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:32 a.m. ATTEST: A�212� Ryan L. Butler Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller By: Z,,� eputy Clerk BCC/RW/April 21, 2026 Minutes Approved: May 19 , 2026