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Home My WebLink About06/16/2026 (2)Indian River County, Florida IndianRiverCounty 27th Strstration Adm�,NvEft Complex 1801 Street G2 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, June 16, 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 Added: Item 12.B. Emergency Addition Regarding Senior Resource Association Tabled: Item 13.I.i. Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C -PACE) Program A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairmad Moss, to approve the 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 [Clerk Note: Item 17 was added as an Emergency Item during discussion.] 5. Proclamations and Presentations 5.A. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Craig R. Sawyer On His Retirement from the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners Department of Utility Services, Wastewater Collections Craig Sawyer was joined by his family and members of the community as he was honored for nearly 33 years of service with the County's Utilities Department. Following the Board's proclamation, President of the Rock Ridge Property Owners Association Doug Oberbillig delivered a community -initiated proclamation recognizing Mr. Sawyer's assistance during hurricane recovery efforts and his long-standing support of residents. Commissioners and members of the public expressed appreciation for his dedicated service. Read and presented by Chairman Loar 6. Approval of Minutes 6.A. Regular Meeting Minutes of May 05, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 05, 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 May 19, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 19, 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. 4th of July Solid Waste Disposal District changes No Action Taken or Required 7.B. City of Sebastian, Notice of Voluntary Annexation Ordinance O-26-03 No Action Taken or Required 7.C. Honoring Victoria Potter on her retirement from the Indian River County Clerk of Court and Comptroller with 27 years of service. Chairman Loar made mention of Victoria Potter's 27 years of service with the Comptroller's Office, and thanked her for her dedication. No Action Taken or Required 7.D. City of Sebastian, Notice of Voluntary Annexation Ordinance O-26-10 No Action Taken or Required 7.E. Florida Public Service Commission Consumating Order PSC-2026-0155-PCO-EI No Action Taken or Required 8. 9. Public Comment: Agenda -Related Matters (Except for Public Hearings) There were no comments. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Chairman Loar, 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. Approval of Indian River County Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for Rights -of -Way Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2026-041 9.B. Amendment No. 5 to Work Order No. 1, Masteller & Moler, Inc. — Hobart Park Baseball Fields — IRC-1759/CP-2512 Approved staffs recommendation 9.C. Quarterly OPEB Trust Report for the Quarter Ending 03/31/2026 Accepted 9.D. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ending 03/31/2026 Accepted 9.E. Dori Slosberg Driver Education Safety Act - Driver Education Program Trust Fund Report - Cumulative Reporting Through 03/31/2026 Accepted 9.F. Quarterly Tourist Development Tax Report for the Quarter Ending 03/31/2026 Accepted 9.G. Award of Bid 2026023 — Annual Bid for Bulk Carbon Dioxide for Water Production Facilities Approved staff's recommendation 9.H. Approval of Temporary Emergency Supply Storage Interlocal Agreement Approved staffs recommendation 9.I. Approval of Modifications to the Procurement Manual Approved staffs recommendation 9.J. Award of RFP 2026007 for SHIP Housing Program Inspection Services Approved staffs recommendation 9.K. Award of RFP #2026016 — Computerized Maintenance Management System Software and Implementation Services, IRCDUS Project ID: 00.23.541 Approved staffs recommendation 9.L. Easement and Bill of Sale of Utility Facilities for Nopetro Eco District, LLC Approved staffs recommendation 9.M. Approval of Chase Merchant Agreement Approved staffs recommendation 9.N. Fire Station #2 Dock Improvements - Bid No. 2025049 — Change Order #1, Final Pay Application/Release of Retainage — Project Closeout Approved staffs recommendation 9.0. Tourist Development Council 2026/2027 Budget Recommendation Approved staffs recommendation 9.P. Amended Initial Assessment Resolution for Rain Tree Corner Subdivision Culvert Replacement Project Approved staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-042 9.Q. Award of Bid 2026009 Emergency Operations Warehouse Addition Approved staffs recommendation 10. Constitutional Officers and Governmental Agencies 11. Public Items 11.A. Public Hearings 11.A.i. FY 2026 Grant Application for Capital and Operating Assistance (Section 5307) and Bus Replacement (Section 5339) from the Federal Transit Administration Brian Freeman, Director, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), presented the Board with background information on the County's GoLine and Community Coach transit services, and the County's partnership with the Senior Resource Administration. Notably, ridership increased by 17 percent over last year while maintaining the lowest operating expense per passenger trip in the State. Mr. Freeman continued his slide presentation with details of the grant application requests and details of the capital and operating budget. He highlighted the use of matching funds and credits, which resulted in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) covering 100 percent of the system's capital expenses. The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-043. 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. Solid Waste Assessments - Collection and Disposal Ordinance Amendment County Attorney Jennifer Shuler presented the Board with amendments to the Solid Waste Assessment and Disposal Ordinance under Part II of Chapter 204 of the County's code. Attorney Shuler explained that the amendments cleaned up old sections of the code so it aligned with the County's Master Assessment Ordinance. She added that these changes would ensure uniformity in the annual assessment process created under Chapter 204. 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 Commissioner Adams, to approve staffs recommendation and Ordinance 2026-010. 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. St. Lucie County Housing Finance Authority Bonds Hearing - Orchard Grove - TEFRA Assistant County Attorney Chris Hicks presented the Board with a request to authorize the St. Lucie County Housing Finance Authority (HFA) to issue tax-exempt bonds for improvements to an existing affordable housing complex within Indian River County. He explained that the St. Lucie HFA was required to receive permission to operate in Indian River under the IRS's Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA), and that taxpayers would not be paying for improvements at the Orchard Grove Apartments Project. The Chairman opened the public hearing for comments. There being none, the Chairman closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to approve staffs recommendation and Resolution 2026-044. 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 12.A. Deputy County Administrator Employment Contract There was no discussion of this item. 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 12.B. Emergency Addition Regarding Senior Resource Association County Administrator John Titkanich referred to a letter received from the Senior Resource Association (SRA) concerning an emergency request for additional operating funds. President and CEO of the SRA Karen Diegl appeared before the Board to provide details of the requested $263,000 in local operating support for the GoLine public transportation system. She attributed the request to increased fuel costs, a gap in block -grant timing, and reduced local operating support stemming from previous COVID- 19 funding. Chairman Loar added that he and Administrator Titkanich confirmed fuel costs had increased by more than 40 percent over this time last year. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve the Senior Resource Association's emergency request for additional local operating support for the County's public transportation system. 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.D.i. Group Health Insurance Plan Funding, Plan Design, and Premiums for FY26/27 Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll provided an extensive presentation regarding the County's Fiscal Year 2026-27 group health care plan, following up on a previous item from the May 19, 2026, Board Meeting. Her report covered insurance plan funding, plan design, and premiums; details of employee outreach were also included, representatives from consultant Lockton were on hand to answer the Commissioners' questions. As previously reported to the Board, the plan was projected to run a deficit of $11.4 million if GLP-1 funding remained in place, or $8.1 million with the removal of GLP-1 drug coverage. The bulk of the deficit was attributed to an exceptional number of high -cost claimants and GLP- 1 utilizers. Ms. Boyll recommended several changes to the Board for their consideration, referred to as "Plan A" in staffs memo dated June 16, 2026: modifying the deductible, out of pocket maximums, ER co -pays, and mental health benefits; Specialty Medical Benefit Management; elimination of GLP-1 coverage with added support from Rightway Pharmacy for direct -to - consumer pricing; mandatory usage of Lantern Surgical Centers of Excellence for elective spine and joint procedures; expanded virtual nutrition services; expanded mental health support; Allsup voluntary Medicare education and plan assistance; increased employee premiums of 25%; and increased retiree premiums ranging from 20% to 60%. Commissioners engaged in lengthy discussion with Ms. Boyll and representatives from Lockton. Concern was expressed regarding the Lantern's mandatory usage, citing limited provider choices, lack of detailed outcome data, and removal of choice for those already undergoing treatments. The Board was also disinclined to raise premiums for retirees in the interest of fairness, and in light of the fact that some treatments required former employees to stay on the plan for 10 years into retirement. Ms. Boyll informed the Board that capping retirees' rate increase to 25% would cost the County more than $144,000. There was also dissatisfaction regarding the heavy use of consultants, the lack of tailoring to the County's needs, and contingency fees. Commissioners expressed a desire to see stronger strategies to address the cyclical nature of high -cost claimants. The following people spoke in front of the Board: Rick Lane, retired Fire Captain Christen Brewer, President of Indian River County Firefighters Commissioners reiterated the need for better outreach and communication with retirees and active employees. County Administrator John Titkanich sought clarification from Ms. Boyll regarding Plan A's components. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Flescher, to approve Plan A with modifications to cap retirees' premiums at 25%, and to have Lantern Surgical remain optional for spine and joint procedures. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 -None 13.D.ii. Marathon Health Center Update Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll presented a performance report for the County's Marathon Health and Wellness Center (Center). The Board approved creation of the Center in 2023 with the objectives of employee retention, convenient access to healthcare, and long-term healthcare plan savings. Ms. Boyll reviewed the services offered and presented a slideshow which indicated that the Center had served more than 4,000 current and retired employees. The report indicated high employee utilization, improved chronic disease management outcomes, use of preventive care services, savings on care, and a return on investment of nearly 2 to 1. Ms. Boyll also noted that scheduling and communication could improve based on employee feedback. Micah Moughon, Client Success Manager with Marathon Health, used a PowerPoint presentation to review the Center's successful performance against Marathon's metrics of member usage, experience, positive health outcomes, and financial impact. The presentation included an analysis of how the more than two million dollars in value was distributed. The Board acknowledged the positive outcomes of the Center, which offered services at no cost to employees. No Action Taken or Required 13.D.iii. Group Life and Voluntary Benefits for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll presented the renewal recommendations for the County's group life, disability, and voluntary insurance benefits. All other employee benefit programs, including medical administrative services, pharmacy, dental, vision, flexible spending, COBRA administration, the Employee Assistance Program, the Lantern surgery agreement, identity theft protection, and the legal plan were unchanged. Lockton conducted an RFP for life, disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverages. After analysis, staff recommended remaining with Mutual of Omaha due to competitive pricing, enhanced benefits, a strong service history, and an overall projected savings of approximately $173,000. Chairman Loar expressed his positive experience with Mutual of Omaha. 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 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.I.i• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C -PACE) Program Consideration for 9055 17th Place Tabled 13.J. Public Works 13.K. Sandridge Golf Club 13.L. Utilities Services 14. County Attorney Matters 14.A. Consideration of a Sale Agreement for the Purchase of the 9.7 -acre 12300 -Archie Carr site through the Environmental Lands Acquisition Bond Assistant County Attorney Chris Hicks presented the request for consideration of a purchase recommended by the Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP). The "12300 -Archie -Carr" property was located on AlA within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. The purchase would prevent private development, and would be used for environmental conservation and passive public recreation. Attorney Hicks explained that there could be opportunities for grant reimbursements, and informed the Board that approval would require four (4) votes because the purchase price exceeded the average of the two appraisals. Staff recommended approval of the purchase. Discussion ensued among the Commissioners who were concerned with the $5.5 million price, the mostly submerged nature of the parcel, the cost of demolishing an existing structure, and the uncertainty surrounding reimbursement opportunities. Wendy Swindell, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation, provided details on the Conservation Fund's potential 50-50 matching grant stemming from Deep Water Horizon funds, and Hazard Mitigation Grant funding for removing the existing structure. Ms. Swindell did not have a signed agreement with the Conservation Fund, though she stated it was highly likely the County would receive the grant. The adjusted cost was estimated to be $2.7 million after all potential reimbursements. A motion to approve staffs recommendation was made by Commissioner Earman, and seconded by Chairman Loar for discussion. Discussion continued as the Board acknowledged the environmental value of the parcel's location bordering on turtle nesting grounds, but the uncertainty of the grants and submerged nature of the property were still concerning. Resident Bob Bruce addressed the Board regarding the Conservation Fund grant. Commissioners discussed possible motions, including the risks of delaying the item, seeking additional documentation from the Conservation Fund, or requesting an extended due diligence process. Chairman Earman withdrew his earlier motion and made a new motion directing staff to request an extension to the letter of intent and to attempt to get a commitment regarding the Conservation Fund's grant. A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman Loar, to have staff request a six-month extension to the Letter of Intent, and to have staff work with the Environmental Fund to secure confirmation of a matching grant. The Item was to be brought back before the Board for reconsideration with additional information from staff. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 1 - Vice Chairman Moss 14.B. Consideration of a Sale Agreement for the Purchase of the 36.99 -acre Winter Beach 73rd St. site through the Environmental Lands Acquisition Bond Assistant County Attorney Chris Hicks brought forth the ELAP (Environmental Land Acquisition Panel) "Luther" parcels, located at 73rd Street in Winter Beach, which previously had been approved for purchase by the Board. During closing, issues with the title were discovered, and the Board approved canceling the contract on April 7, 2026. The title issue had been resolved, and Attorney Hicks re -presented the contract to the Board with no changes. A motion was made by Commissioner 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 16. 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 Special Districts and Boards 16.A. Emergency Services District 16.B. Solid Waste Disposal District 16.B.i. Annual SWDD Preliminary Rate Resolution County Attorney Jennifer Shuler presented the preliminary rate approval Resolutions for the Solid Waste Disposal District under the recently created master assessment Ordinance. She explained this was the first step in adopting both the collection and disposal special assessments. Attorney Shuler noted CPI -based adjustments were incorporated into next year's collection and disposal rates, which had been previously approved by the Board. Vice Chairman Moss expressed opposition against universal collection. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Chairman Loar, to approve staff's recommendation and Resolutions 2026-001 SWDD, and 2026-002 SWDD. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 1 - Vice Chairman Moss 16.B.ii. Request by Nopetro Eco-District, LLC for Commercial and Environmental Improvements for Landfill Gas Collection CEO of Nopetro Energy Jorge Herrera appeared before the Board to discuss an improvement at the landfill. He explained that gas generation at the landfill had been lower than projected in prior scientific assessments, and proposed an expansion of landfill gas wells. His company planned to invest $1.5 million to increase gas capture, and that no permit modifications were required. Staff confirmed the request was in accordance with the existing contract, which required Nopetro to 10 present any proposed improvements to the Board for approval. A motion was made by Commissioner 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.C. Environmental Control Board m 17. Public Comment: Non -Agenda -Related Matters Marchon Green, Executive Director of Pioneering Change, Inc., addressed the Board requesting support for Gifford's application to be designated as a Florida Children's Initiative (FCI) community. Ms. Green asked the Board to adopt a Resolution to recognize Gifford as an area that would benefit from additional resources to support children and families. Ms. Green reviewed the history and purpose of the FCI program, established under Florida Statute 409.147, and summarized the steps of the planning process conducted in Gifford. She outlined the eight priority areas included in the required strategic plan. Commissioners discussed the request and the statutory requirements referenced in the draft resolution. County Attorney Jennifer Shuler advised that the statute appeared to assign significant responsibilities to local government. Ms. Green clarified that the application was being submitted through the nonprofit pathway, which differed from the county - sponsored route, and referenced other communities which had followed a similar model. Attorney Shuler noted that an internal meeting was scheduled for the following Monday to better understand potential County obligations. She suggested adding this request to the agenda as an emergency item so that action could be taken. A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Chairman Loar, to approve adding an Emergency Item to the Agenda for Pioneering Change's request for a Resolution of Support to designate Gifford as a Children's Initiative Community. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 -None Further discussion followed regarding process, timing, statutory findings, state approval, and the need for clarity before Board action. Commissioners considered options including delegating approval authority to Chairman Loar or holding a special call meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Flesher to direct the County Attorney to prepare the Resolution for the Chairman's signature. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Earman for discussion. Chairman Loar sought to ensure the County would not have any financial obligations. Attorney Shuler read the statute into the record. There was support to schedule a special call meeting before the June 30th deadline. Chairman Loar opened the floor for public comment; there was none. Commissioner Flescher withdrew his motion, and Commissioner Earman withdrew his second.The Board spoke in favor of a special call meeting, and came to an agreement on the date. A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman Moss, to approve holding a Special Call Meeting on June 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to consider approval of a Resolution of Support designating Gifford as a Children's Initiative Community. Staff was directed to conduct due diligence research into any unknown constraints or obligations related to the request. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner Earman Nay: 0 - None 12 18. Adjournment There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 1:45 p.m. ATTEST: Ryan L. Butler Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller By: Deputy Clerk BCC/RW/June 16, 2026 Minutes Deryl Loar, Chairman Approved: kist 4, 2026 14