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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/2026 (2) Indian River County, Florida Final Meeting Minutes 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 Indian River County Administration Complex 1801 27th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 indianriver.gov Tuesday, May 19, 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 [Clerk Note: Commissioner Flescher appeared via Zoom] 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 Vice Chairman Moss, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Agenda as amended to add Items 5.E. Presentation by the City of Vero Beach, and 5.F. Presentation on Affordable Housing. 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 5.A. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing National Safe Boating Week Representatives from U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 56 were welcomed and thanked for their ongoing outreach and safety efforts. Jim Vaughn, Flotilla Commander, encouraged safe boating practices throughout the season, and made mention of the Auxiliary's boating safety classes. Page 1 Read and presented by Commissioner Earman 5.B. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month Representatives of the Mental Health Association highlighted the need for improved access to services, early intervention strategies, and continued destigmatization of mental health conditions to remove barriers for those seeking treatment. Commissioners thanked the Association for its ongoing work and commitment to local families. Read and presented by Commissioner Adams 5.C. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Peyton Cooper as the 2026 Youth of the Year Ms. Cooper was unable to attend the meeting due to her first day of work as a CNA. Kevin Dorsey of the Boys and Girls Club expressed appreciation to the Board on her behalf. He praised Ms. Cooper's academic and professional accomplishments, including earning her high school diploma and associate degree concurrently, as well as her plans to attend the University of South Florida as a pre-med student. Read and presented by Chairman Loar 5.D. Presentation from Public Works to the Board Public Works Director Ronnie Jones and Assistant Public Works Director David Schryver presented a plaque in appreciation of the Board and County Administrator for their support following the recent loss of two employees, Mr. Danny Ooley and Ms. Stacie Mason. Commissioners expressed condolences and gratitude to Public Works staff. Presented 5.E. Presentation by Vero Beach regarding the Fourth of July Representatives from the City of Vero Beach outlined plans for the community’s July 4th celebration and 250th anniversary events. Events included the traditional “Swim to the Wreck,” a Fourth of July parade, a birthday celebration, an antique car display, and a student art exhibit. Council member Aaron Voss delivered remarks regarding the time capsule ceremony scheduled for July 3rd at the Heritage Center. Presented 5.F. Presntation on Affordable Housing The Commissioners received a presentation from Ms. Bethany Fortunato, Board member of Indian River County Habitat for Humanity, regarding affordable housing needs and opportunities. Ms. Fortunato outlined her background in multifamily affordable housing and presented a proposal for utilizing county-owned property at 1840 25th Street to support workforce housing through the federal tax credit program. She emphasized the gap between wages and housing costs, the benefits of the location, and the need for action. The Board accepted the presentation, noting that dialogue would continue through the County Administrator. Presented Page 2 6. Approval of Minutes 6.A. Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Earman, to approve the regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 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 7. Information Items From Staff or Commissioners Not Requiring Board Action 7.A. Notice of Third Extension to Contract for Construction of Required Roadway Improvements (Re: Right-Of-Way Permit No. 2022031525) - Project: Lucaya Pointe - Developer: GRBK GHO LUCAYA POINTE, LLC No Action Taken or Required 7.B. Announcement of District 5 CSAC Appointee, Ms. Mariam Michael No Action Taken or Required 7.C. Route 60 Hyundai Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department Sponsorship No Action Taken or Required 7.D. Request for Closed Litigation Session - Indian River County vs. Twenty-Two Beachfront Properties, Located Between, And Including, 9586 Doubloon Dr., And, But Not Including, 1820 Wabasso Beach Rd., Vero Beach, Florida, 32963; And Summerplace Improvement Association, Inc.Case No.: 31-2018-CA-000881 No Action Taken or Required 8. Public Comment: Agenda-Related Matters (Except for Public Hearings) There were no comments. 9. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Earman, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 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. First Amendment to Agreement for Continuing Professional Surveying and Mapping Services (RFQ 2022064) Approved staff's recommendation Page 3 9.B. Designation of Excess Equipment as Surplus and Authorization for Disposal Approved staff's recommendation 9.C. Extension and Amendment to Agreement for Disaster Debris Monitoring Services (RFP 2019062) Approved staff's recommendation 9.D. Amendment No. 2 to RFQ No. 2022072 (IRC-1505B) Consor North America, Inc. (f/k/a Consor Engineers, LLC) CEI Services for 66th Avenue (69th Street to CR-510/85th Street) Approved staff's recommendation 9.E. Unrivaled Baseball Network License Agreement Approved staff's recommendation 9.F. Jones’ Pier Interpretive Center Release of Retainage to Ritacco and Chan Architecture LLC – Bid 2024014 Approved staff's recommendation 9.G. Award of Bid 2025056 for Replacement of (4) Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tanks Approved staff's recommendation 9.H. License Agreement for Resident Deputy at Donald MacDonald Campground Approved staff's recommendation 9.I. General Obligation Bonds Series 2026 Supplemental Resolution Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2026-037 10. Constitutional Officers and Governmental Agencies 10.A. Request for Emergency Repairs to the Correctional Facility Fire Suppression System County Administrator John Titkanich summarized the Sheriff’s request for emergency repairs to the fire suppression system at the County Jail. The Administrator described the severe corrosion discovered during renovations and the associated safety concerns. The emergency repair estimate was $343,772. A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Earman, to approve staff's recommendation. 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 Page 4 11.A. Public Hearings 11.A.i. Local Option Gas Tax Interlocal Agreement/Ordinance Adoption (Legislative) Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado presented information to the Board regarding the Local Option Gas Tax revenue, which was shared among the County's five municipalities. Attorney Prado stated this hearing was required every two years to approve revenue distribution, and informed the Board that the State had revised the revenue distribution formula. All municipalities agreed to the changes in the distribution formula. The Ordinance revised the effective date, and included updated Interlocal Agreements with all the County's municipalities. The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve staff's recommendation and Ordinance 2026-008. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 11.A.ii. Reams Glen Amended and Reinstated Developer Agreement Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado stated this was the second of two required public hearings for the amended and restated Developer's Agreement with Reams Glen. The first public hearing was held on May 5, 2026. Attorney Prado recapped the changes which relocated utility installation from the front to the rear lot lines of the properties. 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 Chairman Loar, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 11.A.iii. Ordinance Authorizing the Extension of a Temporary Moratorium on Zoning Changes and Comprehensive Plan Amendments in the Oslo Corridor Study Area (Legislative) John Stoll, Planning and Development Services Director, presented the Board with staff's recommendation to extend the temporary moratorium on Rezonings and Comprehensive Plan map amendments within the Oslo Corridor Study Area to December 31, 2026. Progress on land use analysis, overlay district development, and infrastructure evaluations was presented to the Board. Staff believed the additional time was necessary to ensure the final product was comprehensive, consistent, and ready for adoption without unintended gaps or errors. The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing. Page 5 A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman Loar, to approve staff's recommendation and Ordinance 2026-009. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 11.B. Public Notice Items 12. County Administrator Matters 13. Departmental Matters 13.A. Building and Facilities Services 13.B. Community Services 13.C. Emergency Services 13.D. Human Resources 13.D.i. Group Health Insurance Recommendations for Plan Year FY26/27 Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll addressed the Board with a follow-up presentation to the one given at the May 5, 2026 BCC Meeting regarding group health insurance recommendations for Plan Year 2026–2027. Her presentation reviewed plan performance, rising costs, loss ratios, high-cost claimants, GLP-1 medication expenses, and funding projections. The projections showed an estimated $8 million shortfall for the coming year due to increased high-cost claimants and rising pharmacy costs. The shortfall amount would rise to $11.4 million if the County continued covering GLP-1 weight-loss medications, which represented 27 percent of prescription spending. She noted the fund had not increased rates since 2021, but would have to increase them to cover the deficit. Insurance Partner Lockton proposed cost-saving strategies, including deductible and out-of-pocket adjustments, ER co-pay increases, provider changes for specialty drugs, elimination of GLP-1 weight-loss coverage, implementation of the Lantern program for elective joint/spine surgeries, expanded nutrition services, enhanced mental-health telehealth options, and Medicare transition support for eligible retirees. Other cost-saving ideas included changes to employer contributions and evaluation of a silver-tier-only plan option. Lengthy discussion ensued between the Board and staff regarding the need to balance employee health benefits with long-term financial sustainability and the necessity of addressing multi-year deficits. Commissioners expressed concerns regarding the utilization of consultants, lack of employee outreach and engagement, the absence of strategies for high-cost claimants, clear communication to employees regarding GLP-1 access changes, Lantern requirements, and retiree transition support. There was additional discussion regarding timelines, funding impacts, and employee communication strategies. Staff outlined a stepped communication plan involving email notices, pharmacy benefit mailings, outreach calls, and focused support at the upcoming employee health fair. The Commissioners debated on whether to vote on the proposed cost-saving proposals or to Page 6 continue the item while evaluating plan impacts and employee communication. Staff advised that any benefit changes would not take effect until October 1 and that additional deliberation could occur without delaying the budget timeline. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Moss, seconded by Commissioner Earman, to continue the item to the June 16, 2026 BCC Meeting. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 13.E. Information Technology 13.F. Natural Resources 13.G. Office of Management and Budget 13.H. 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 14.A. Vero Lakes Estate MSTU Advisory Committee (VLEMSTUAC) Vacancies Appointments County Attorney Jennifer Shuler presented the Board with information regarding the reactivation of the Vero Lake Estates MSTU Advisory Committee. The MSTU, originally formed to support drainage and roadway improvements through a $50 annual assessment, had not convened since 2013. The Vero Lake Estates Property Owners Association has requested the revival of the committee, as all prior projects have been completed and a fund balance of approximately $2.5 million remained. Twelve applicants submitted their interest in filling the seven available seats. Commissioner Adams made the following recommendations for committee members and one alternate: • Lisa M. Coontz • William J. Davies • Richard M. Klipstine • Dede S. McCaslin • Dale A. Ruopp • Chad J. Sharpeta • M. Sue Valenza • Mark Hayek - Alternate The Board expressed their agreement with the recommendations. Attorney Shuler confirmed that Page 7 staff would coordinate the committee's first meeting with support from the Attorney's Office as needed. A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve the nominees to the Vero Lake Estates MSTU Advisory Committee. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 15. Commissioners Matters 15.A. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman 15.B. Commissioner Laura Moss, Vice Chairman 15.C. Commissioner Susan Adams 15.C.i. Update on District 1 Commissioner Susan Adams provided an update on ongoing issues within District 1. She began by addressing the Fellsmere Water Control District (FWCD) legislation, noting that the statutory change enabling the County’s assumption of responsibilities was still awaiting the Governor’s signature. In the interim, the County and the current FWCD have executed an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to manage the transition period. The Commissioner detailed the ILA's components, and noted it would be placed on the next agenda for the Board's approval. Commissioner Adams also updated the Board on the City of Fellsmere’s formation of a property tax working group, consisting of one staff member and one elected official from each municipality. While legislative developments have been paused, the group expanded its focus to explore collaboration on appropriations requests to ensure Municipalities and the County pursued coordinated priorities. No Action Taken or Required 15.D. 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. Annual CPI Adjustment for SWDD Agreements Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) Himanshu Mehta reported that several existing solid waste contracts included annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment clauses. The annual adjustment period varied by vendor, but all were being brought forward earlier than usual to support preparation of the County's budget. Mr. Mehta reviewed the annual CPI-based contract adjustments for the following vendors: Atlas Organics, Indian River Page 8 Sustainability Center, Waste Management, Republic Services, and Bulk Express Transport. He informed the Board that these vendors represented approximately $32.5 million of the SWDD's budget, and the CPI adjustments accounted for rising fuel, labor and operational costs. Mr. Mehta informed the Board that the percentage increases between vendors varied due to varying contract ages and differing CPI comparison periods. He added that as new agreements were signed, they were being modified to align with a January to January time frame. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve staff's 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 There were no comments. 18. Adjournment There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:00 p.m. Page 9 Ryan L. Butler Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller By: eputy Clerk BCC/RW/ Approved: Jule 16, 2026 Page 10