Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Super feeling. Heat. Heat. If you wish to speak to any item on the agenda, or during the public comment portion of the meeting, please fill out a speaker card. Each person addressing
the board shall have three minutes to complete his or her comments on each agenda item for which he or she has filled out a card. The chair has the discretion to determine or alter the time limits on any agenda item. The Board of County Commissioners requests that speakers appearing under the public
comment section of the agenda limit their comments or presentations to matters relating to county business that are within the board's control, authority, and jurisdiction. >> Thank you and welcome to our county commission meeting. I'd like to recognize Pastor Steve Young uh with the
Islander Alliance Church to lead us in the invocation this morning. Thank you. And I want to just thank you for the privilege and the opportunity to be able to open the meeting in this way and acknowledge that your job can be both a blessing and a challenge. Um but
we appreciate the the service that you do for our county. Let's pray. Father God, we thank you for this day. We know this is is your day and Lord God, we just ask that your will would be accomplished. Lord God, we pray for this meeting. We pray for the decisions that
will be made. Lord, we pray that you would give each of the commissioners wisdom and guidance that they would be seeking it from you. And Lord, we pray that and we acknowledge that you are in control of all things. And Father God, we just pray that the outcome of this meeting would be the the praise and the
honor and the glory of you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Okay, please stand for the pledge. Pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. I'd like to formally call the meeting to order. We do have uh minutes. Uh, and by the way, before we do that, we need a motion to accept uh, Commissioner Goodson's appearance here
telephonically. >> I'll make a motion, sir. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor say yay. >> I carries unanimously. Thank you. Okay. Uh we have the minutes uh for December 16th
regular meeting uh January 29th budget workshop February 5th 2026 zoning meeting March 5th zoning meeting. >> I make a motion to approve mo motion and a second to approve uh minutes. Any
debate, corrections, deletions? Seeing none, all in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. Okay, we have a number of resolutions. We want to move one up. We'd like to hear E6 first. Commissioner Felner.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. And uh we have Manurva Rogers here today. Welcome to come up. I'll read the resolution and then we'll we'll pass it and um then the chair will recognize you to speak. Okay. I have a resolution for myioitis
awareness month. Whereas residents of Bvard County are among those affected by myioitis and other rare diseases because nearly one in 10 Americans have rare diseases. And whereas idiopathic inflammatory myopathies collectively referred to as
myioitis are rare chronic autoimmune muscle wasting diseases. And myioitis often features debilitating muscle inflammation and other symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and trouble swallowing. And meiocyitis can result in meiocyitis
associated interstatial lung disease. And whereas meioitis is difficult to diagnose. So treatment is often delayed and individuals generally experience difficulty finding a health care provider with expertise in their condition. And whereas all who suffer
with meioitis experience reduced quality of life, especially as no cure has been found and life expectancy is shortened, especially for those with inclusion body meioitis and women with PE and people of color with all forms of myioitis
experience particularly pronounced health disparities. And whereas the Myioitis Association is the leading international patient advocacy organization serving the myioitis community focusing on patient services, education, research, and public
awareness so as to achieve a world without meioitis and the myioitis association is organizing a nationwide observance of myioitis awareness month from May 1st to the 31st, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Bvard
County Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 2026 as meioitis awareness month in Bvard County and that all citizens of Bvard County are encouraged to come together, learn more about all forms of myioitis and its
symptoms and support the families in our community who will benefit from greater awareness of these rare diseases. Dun order adopted in regular session this 19th day of May, 2026. With that, Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> There's a motion and second to approve
the resolution. All in favor say yay. >> Day. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. >> You're you're invited to speak. >> Good morning, Commissioner Fner, members of the commission, and everyone present.
My name is Minurva Rogers. I am a Bvard County resident, a meioitis patient, and a proud advocate and volunteer with the myioitis association, also known as DMA. Um, what is myioitis? Uh, myioitis is a
rare incurable group of autoimmune disease diseases causing chronic muscle inflammation, severe pain, chronic fatigue, and mobility issues. Because it is so rare, it is deeply misunderstood, leaving many patients fighting in the
dark. I know the fight firsthand. In 2024, I was diagnosed with dermatommyioitis and lupus overlap. When I stood before you last year, I was navigating a terrifying period of transition, struggling with rapid hair
loss, severe skin rashes, muscle weakness, and a shaken sense of self. But today I return to you with a heart full of gratitude and significant progress. Thanks to a dedicated medical
team, my support system and vital resources of TMA, my condition is stable. My journey has evolved seeking help to providing help. I now co-lead Adilante, a national TMA support group for Spanish speaking patients.
Furthermore, I recently co-authored a scientific abstract presented at the National Health Council Science for Patient Engagement Summit, and my story on using mindfulness to cope with chronic illness will be published as an
article by TMA on May 26. While I'm finding my footing, many of our neighbors are still in the invisible, terrifying stages of this battle. According to the Florida um department of health rare and the rare
disease advisory council, one in 10 fidians or about 2.2 million people live with a rare disease. They are sitting in our clinics living in our neighborhoods and feeling completely unseen. By
declare declaring May 2026 as myioitis awareness month in Brebar County, you are helping us reach those who feel dismissed. You are directly supporting TMA's national proclamation 50 campaign to spark awareness in every corner of
our nation. I want to deeply uh thank Commissioner Fner, his team, and his entire commission for recognizing the importance of this cause. This proclamation is not just words on paper. It is a lifeline. It is
a step toward earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and a stronger, more compassionate community. Today, we send a clear message to every every resident fighting an invisible illness. You do not have to fight alone. With awareness
come action, and with action comes hope. I invite you to join us at uh www.mmyasitis.org and follow the myioitis association Facebook page and to stay informed and curious. Thank you so much and blessings
to all >> and we have framed a resolution for you here. Okay. Excuse me. See you soon. >> Thank you for being here and bringing awareness to such a important issue.
Thank you. Okay. Our next uh resolution is resolution under E1 resolution for fire chief Pat Volultter. >> Commissioners, if you will um bear with me a moment, I want to say a couple of things before I read my very long
resolution. Um for starters, I want to say uh just so we all know, the next new hire group for BCFR is going to have 30 people in it. So that brings us to only 10 short staff of 500 plus.
Um this is light years beyond where we started before this current contract. Thank you. Um 42 candidates have already started this year. Of the 13 separations that we've had in 2026, nearly half were retirements or involuntary. So people
aren't leaving because they want to now. Fantastic. Um, in calendar year 2025, hires versus separations broke even. So far in 2026, there have been 60 personnel gained when accounting for the separations. Between 2025 and 2026, we are averaging
a 91.5% new hire retention rate. That's up from 45% in years 21 through 24. So that's I mean that shows what Chief Voltera has done. Thank you. Um, I consider myself fortunate to have had
the opportunity to work so closely with you. You've gotten me out of a couple of silly things. I appreciate that. Um, at this point, I'm able to consider you a friend. Um, and I admire your dedication to the community and the county that you serve. Of course, you're not going to get
forgiven for leaving so soon because you promised me you wouldn't. But there you go. All the good ones do. Um, Chief Voltter is the leader of BCFR. Um, you left your mark here. Everybody says so. And I want to take this time to personally thank you for everything that
you've done. Sorry. >> Best of luck. You'll be missed. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Now, I'm going to read this. Whereas that's so long that my chief of staff didn't want me to. She didn't want to type it. It was so long. So, I had to get Brian to do it.
a resolution on behalf of the Bvard County Board of County Commissioners recognizing and honoring the exceptional service of Fire Chief Patrick Voltater. Whereas Chief Pat Voltater began his career as a fire EMT in March of 2000. And whereas since that time, he has
advanced through the ranks holding positions of fire, EMT, fire medic, lieutenant medic, district chief, assistant chief of fire operations, and fire chief. And whereas Chief Volutter's service has spanned the entire county,
including stations 63, 89, 47, 88, 22, 64, 47, 45, 80, and finally countywide. Whereas, in addition to Pat's immense practical experience, he has also attained impressive educational credentials, including a masters of
public administration and an associate fire science, along with graduating from the Bvard County Executive Leadership Institute. Whereas the combination of his education experience have allowed for outstanding achievements such as launching the county's first BCFR marine program, creating the comprehensive
technical rescue team, improving the sponsorship program for more effective hiring and recruitment of local talent, upgrading BCFR from ISO class 4 to class 3, and securing auto aid agreements with every municipality in the county.
Whereas Chief Voltier has also led the county's response to over 100 fires and mutual aid incidents in command role. And whereas Pat has extremely valuable numerous commissioners has been extremely valuable to numerous commissioners as they develop their understanding of BCFR and the role the
commission can play in helping the department thrive. Whereas Chief Volutter has decided to retire in July of 2026. And whereas Pat's intelligence, compassion, humor, institutional knowledge, pragmatism, and leadership will be sorely missed by both
BCFR and by the board. Whereas the board agrees with public safety director Matt Wallace in saying that Chief Voltter lived up to his leadership philosophy of be a good human every day and with every decision that he made. Pat managed to lead a thriving professional life while
also keeping his family first. whereas he has always demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his wife Ally and never failed to support and be present for his children Gabrielle and Ryder in their education, extracurricular activities, personal lives. Whereas excelling
personally and professionally is no small feat and Chief Volater's ability to do both clearly shows why he is such an exceptional individual. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Bvard County Board of County Commissioners is thankful for the service of Chief Patrick Voltater and readily
acknowledges that Bvard County is a safer and better place because of his years of diligent and dedicated service. Dun ordered and adopted in regular session this 19th day of May, 2026. Have to make a motion. I'd like to make a motion.
>> Yes. And I'll second. >> There's a motion for approval of the resolution. Um, all those in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Passes unanimously. Thank you, >> Chief. We'd love to hear from you.
>> Oh, man. Thank Thank you guys. Um, it's it's been a great uh six and four years as the fire chief. not that long ago. It feels like I stood here in front of Commissioner Zanka and uh you know started you start as a fireman and you never really expect to be here but
things happen in your life and you go to school and and here you stand and through through that time you learn to be uh the fire chief and the leader but I couldn't have gotten here without like you said friendship. I consider all you you guys friends and the trust that
you've put in me to lead Bvard County Fire Rescue means the world to me. Uh you know, I walked into my first director's meeting and I got to give thanks to all all my friends over here. Uh all the successes that you spoke of
for Bard County Fire Rescue, every person in this room, every director has had a piece in that Bvard County Fire Rescue and their success uh is countywide. It takes all the all the other directors over here, as much as they, you know, get tired of hearing
about fire rescue, they've all lended a hand to help us be successful. Um, the achievements you talked about, none of that would be possible. I was just lucky enough to hold the steering wheel and have the vision, but uh, these guys, holy cow, I didn't realize that many of
y'all showed up. Uh, sorry I looked back there now. I'll be a little more nervous, but uh it it was their heavy lifting that really saw all those great initiatives through the marine program, the ISO, and that's only going to continue to get better uh as time goes
on. Um so, thank you all for for everything and your support of fire rescue and of of me in this journey as fire chief. And uh I would be remiss if I didn't thank, you know, my mom and dad for the beginning for helping me go to fire school. I wouldn't have gone to fire school if it wasn't for, you know,
their support and help. And then uh the most thing probably if you ask what I look forward to the most is uh I've been married to this job as much as I have my family and the opportunity. Uh I mean the county manager knows that I, you
know, I text him all the time and keep him a breast of things happening in the county. So, uh, I've stayed very in tune with, and you you guess I call you guys, too. Um, you know, many dinners I've ran away from from the house, uh, many
Sunday nights. Uh, I've been on duty 247 for the last six years, and my wife has not batted an eye when I run away from a family dinner or a trip or whatever to make sure that Bvard County is safe. So, uh, I look forward to giving that time
back to my family and I appreciate and thank their understanding through the last, uh, six years that I've that I've done that. So, thank you to my family. I think they're watching and, uh, thank you to you guys for your support and thank you to all you guys. Thank you so
much. Okay. All Ready? So sorry. >> Thank you so much. Chief, I just want to say uh you were here in some of the most challenging times and he always you always conducted
yourself at the highest level of professionalism and courtesy and uh level-headedness. So, thank you for for your work and we'll be greatly missed. Okay. Resolution acknowledging National Public
Works Week in Bvard County. >> All right. I think we got half the room that's going to come up. I think you're welcome to or their representative anyways, Commander Bernath. Okay.
All right. I'm I'm honored again to do uh resolution recognizing public works association week. All right. Whereas the year 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works
Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. And whereas this year's theme is rooted in service powered by community. And whereas there are growing critical infrastructure needs that are outpacing available resources at the local, state, and
federal level, requiring alternative and innovative solutions. And whereas now more than ever, public works professionals are recognized as being first responders and are part of the fabric that ensures the proper functioning and serviceability of our
vital infrastructure, facilities, and services that are critical to the public's health, high quality of life, and well-being in Bvard County. And whereas these infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts
of these public works professionals who at all levels of government and the private sector are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation's transportation, water supply, water treatment, and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other
structures and facilities essential for our citizens. And whereas it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and children in Bvard County to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of
the importance of public works and public works programs in their communities, as well as celebrating their essential role in safeguarding health, safety, and quality of life. And whereas the Bvard County Public Works Department maintains 1,159
mi of paved roads, 80 mi of dirt roads, 714 mi of sidewalk, 9 mi of curb and gutter, 1,58 mi of drainage ditches and swells, more than 20,000 drainage pipes,
48 bridges, over 65,000 signs, 370 traffic signals, 667 street lights, 200 traffic warning beacons and school zone flashers, and 4.4 million square feet of county buildings. And whereas the Bvard
County Solid Waste Management Department handles 4,000 tons of solid waste daily, disposing of 1.2 million tons per year and diverting more than 1 million tons annually through recycling efforts. And whereas the Bvard County Natural
Resources Management Department protects the county's water resources by sweeping more than 6,000 lane miles of curb streets, maintaining 485 storm water treatment facilities, overseeing the design, permitting, and
construction of 125 capital improvement projects and 800 active homeowner agreements for pollution reduction, removing 8.5 million pounds of nutrient nutrient-rich aquatic vegetation from storm water ponds and conducting
thousands of inspections annually to safeguard local water quality and ecosystems. And whereas the Bvard County Utility Services Department works to ensure compliance with all federal and state environmental laws while maintaining and upgrading essential water, sewer, and reuse systems for the
safety and benefit of current and future residents. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of county commissioners of Bvard County does hereby designate the week of May 17th to the 23rd, 2026 as National Public Works Week done ordered and adopted in regular session
this 19th day of May 2026. And with that, Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion for approval. >> I'll second. >> Motion second. Um, is there any debate? All in favor say yay. >> Yay. carries unanimously. Thank you.
>> All right. >> Well, good morning, commissioners. I want to express my sincerest gratitude uh for the board support to recognize the 66th annual National Public Works Week and in particular uh Commissioner Felner for again sponsoring this recognition. Public works extends far
beyond a single department. Today I speak on behalf of the county's five primary departments, their directors, and nearly 800 employees who help keep our community running safely and efficiently. This year's theme, rooted in service powered by community, highlights the strong connection between
public works professionals and the communities they serve, providing reliable, essential services for our residents every day. By recognizing National Public Works Week, we acknowledge the dedication, expertise, and hard work of these often unseen professionals and first responders who
work tireously behind the scenes to support our daily lives and strengthen our community. Again, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. And thank you for all the work you do. So many people takes for granted. I love the resolution where
you listed all the things you do and you keep the you keep the wheels on the bus and keep public safety and public health uh and so many things. >> I I think we should all go down and take a picture with them with the resolution. >> Yes, absolutely. Item E3, resolution acknowledging
National Child Care Provider, Childcare Provider Day here in Bvard County. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. uh for the the group here. Okay, I was going to say Laura Gambino, Alan Bergman, D Hellbig,
Karen Leair, right? >> And we have our own Linda Graham. Okay. Happy to do this recognition for you this year, too. Uh, I have a resolution for provider appreciation day in Bvard County.
Whereas National Provider Appreciation Day, also known as National Child Care Provider Day, is celebrated on Friday, May 8th, 2026. And whereas there are 8,000 children under the tulage and care of these contracted providers represent
30% of the total number of children aged 0 to 5 in Bard County. and child care providers offer the opportunity for parents who live in Bvard County to work, attend school, or participate in a job training program while their children are in highquality nurturing
environments. And whereas the daily care, support, and education of these children by homebased public and private uh providers sets the baseline for a child's success in the future through quality, affordable, and easily
accessible educationally based child care. And whereas there are over 200 child care programs in Bvard County ranging from small and large private businesses, family child care homes, faith-based programs, and public school
settings. And whereas without these providers, thousands of workplace positions in Bvoulevard County would be unfilled by parents and caregivers. The quality child care providers affiliated with the Early Learning Coalition of Bvard County
not only educate young minds but support a vibrant workforce and continued job and economic growth across Bvard County. And whereas the Early Learning Coalition of Bvard County will be honoring their more than 200 contracted child care
providers during provider appreciation day. and it allows Bvard County to honor its child care educators commitment to facilitating highquality care and early learning to our youngest learners. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of county commissioners of Bvard County
does hereby proclaim May 8th, 2026 as National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day done order and adopted in regular session 19th day of May 2026. With that, Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve. >> Motion and second. All those in favor say yay.
>> Yay. >> Yay. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Thank you commissioners. Appreciate and thank you commissioner Felner again for for the second year. We we appreciate the acknowledgement. Um I'm stand before really the leaders of our community that
that do the work. And I would acknowledge our our board members, Linda, our board chair, Alan Bergman, as well as D Hellbig. And D is our um we have two governor appointed seats on our board as well as two mandated seats as is legislatively drawn. And D represents
our faith-based and runs a program called First Friends at um First Baptist Ogalli First Baptist Church. And Harriet is our I said it right. And Harriet is our director of provider services as well here at ELC. We have a special guest and we wanted really to bring I
know she told me not to do this because she was going to cry. Um but we really needed to acknowledge somebody quite special in our community today in acknowledging all of our providers. Um Karen Leair has run the VPK program for 16 years. Um I'm now I'm going to get
choked up at Holy Name of Jesus in Indian Atlantic. And I have to tell you, both of these two providers run a program for our parents and for the children in the community that have made a difference to those two and three and four and 5 year olds as they enter the
K12 system. And that this is our foundation um for our parents and for our children in setting up an educational system here in Bvard County. So I just wanted to take a special thank you to Karen as well for her retirement. We have some special flowers and and
also pretty flowers and also just to thank you as well for your support um and always um believing in the educational system in Bvard County. So thank you. Thank you for that. >> Okay. Get a picture. >> I think we have a picture as well.
>> Okay. Good morning gentlemen. Um which is one point I'd like to add. Not only do we do what we've been doing forever, but we're looking at the future. We're adding basic education to in space science and in rocketry and STEM
research. So, the children have an idea of what the world they're entering will be. They will be qualified to to attend and take part in, which is just as important. And we've been working on that. And we have something called uh a scratch program which is developed by
MIT but we'll be employing it and it's just another step in the progression of educating our children. Thank you. >> Future rocket scientist. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Amen.
>> I'm short. I'll go in the front. at the same time. Thank you so much. Well done. >> Thank you. >> Okay, our next item is E4 recognizing um Brie Emer, the 2025
Division 2 Conference uh Commissioners Association Women's Soccer Ron Lintz National Player of the Year. Bri, please step forward. Did I get that right? EMR.
>> Correct. >> Well, we're with royalty here today, so we thank you for being here. I want to read this resolution. Whereas Brie Emer, a Melbourne native and 2023 graduate of West Shore Junior Senior High School is a national is is a junior forward at
Katawaba College women's soccer team in Salsbury, North Carolina. And whereas EMR was honored as the 2025 Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association Women's Soccer Ron Lynch National
Player of the Year, emphasize national, the best in the nation, becoming the first female student athlete to earn a national player of the year honor in Katawaba athletics history. And whereas EMR was also named a first team
all-American at Ford, the D2 CCA Southeast Regional Player of the Year and South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and finishing her season with 20 goals, including seven gamewinning uh goals and six assists for a total of 46
points. Whereas EMR, who was named the team's most valuable player, helped lead the Kat Kadawaba Katawaba, got that right. Um, Katawa Indians to the undefeated season,
regular season, sweeping the SS SAC regular season and conference tournament titles in route to the first top seed in the NCAA Southeast Regional in program history. Whereas EMR also excelled in the classroom, earning a perfect 4.0 0
cumive grade point average through the spring of 2025 semester in sports medicine resulting in her being named the 2025 South Atlantic Conference Women's Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year and Kata
Wabas Katawaba. Am I saying that right? >> Kataba. >> Kataba. I didn't think I had it right. The Kataba Whitley Award winner for the most outstanding junior senior in sports and health sciences. Now therefore, it be it resolved that the board of county commissioners of Bvoulevard County,
Florida, does hereby recognize Brie Emer for her outstanding achievements both on and off the field. Donor ordered and uh adopted this regular session 19th day of May. And a motion would be in order. >> I'll make a motion, sir. >> I'll second. >> Motion and second. All in favor say yay.
>> Yay. >> Cares unanimous. Thank you. We'd love for you to say a few words. Well, firstly, thank you guys for being uh presenting me with this. It's truly an honor to receive something like this. Also, just a shout out to all my coaches, teammates, trainers, and my
family up there because without them, I wouldn't be here. Especially my parents. Glad to see that, you know, your gas money was well spent. >> And lastly, just thank you to Bvard County for supporting local sports programs because dreams like this can come true. Thank you.
Well, I tell you, just graduating um from Westshore in and of itself is a huge achievement. What a amazing place. So, it's great to have you here and congratulations. We're very proud of you and you've represented the Space Coast extremely well and just wish you the
best in your future endeavors. We'll get a quick picture. I'd like to ask all the commissioners come down. other side. >> Perfect. Thanks. Okay. And she's got another year. So, >> okay. Our next uh resolution, E5
resolution recognizing Florida Tech for earning the military friendly schools designation. three dates in the background. One of them was 18. So, this is a great honor being a former Florida Tech student myself, my favorite
university and our homegrown school. Whereas Florida Tech has earned the military friendly schools designation for 26 27 for the seventh consecutive year, seven years running and also receive the program's military spousefriendly school designation. And
whereas institutions that earn the military-friendly designation invest in active military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses by building sustainable pathways for academic success, and exceeding thresholds for student recruitment,
retention, academic progress, graduation rates, uh career placement, and support services. And whereas uh as of fall 2025, nearly 12% of all Florida Tech students enrolled were veterans. active duty, National Guard Reserve, veteran
dependents or veteran spouses. And whereas the Florida Tech Military and Veteran Student Services provides accessible guidance to key programs the university is engaged with, including the GI Bill, military spouse career advancements, accounts, wisdom warrior
program, and uh for online education, and the yellow ribbon program. And whereas Florida Tech as the Space Coast STEM University remains committed to empowering those who have served this uh country with an education that strengthens the next chapters of their careers. Now therefore, it be resolved
that the board of county commissioners of Bavar County, Florida does recognize Florida Tech for its ongoing innovative efforts to educate men and women who have valiantly served our country. Dor done ordered and adopted this 19th day of May, 2026. A motion being in order.
Second. >> I'll second. >> Motion second. Those in favor signify by saying yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you. Thank you, Chair Alman. Uh thank you,
commissioners. On behalf of President Nicolo, thank you very much for this recognition of Florida Tech's continuing pursuit of excellence. um for our students, our faculty and our staff. Um from the United States Navy at Port Canaveral where we do a lot of research
on a longtime basis to the US Space Force with our continuing graduate programs physically on site at Patrick Space Force Base. Uh to the US Army with our unique partnership with ROC. Um, you know, Florida Tech strives for
excellence in our partnerships supporting our military and our country. Uh, with that, if it'll please the chair, allow me to introduce my friend and colleague, Colonel Stillings, who's a professor of military science at Florida Tech and an inspirational ROC
leader who has dedicated his career to educating future Army leaders. If that's all right, Colonel. >> Good morning. Thank you for allowing me to speak here. I'm Lieutenant Colonel Rob Stillings, the professor of military science at Florida Tech, also a proud Breard County uh resident. Uh, and I'm
proud to have been been able to serve inside this community. Uh, in addition to all of um the work that Florida Tech does for our veterans, uh, which I'm honored to be a part of, uh, we they also train future leaders uh, within the army. So this May I had the privilege
and the honor to commission seven new commissiones. uh those commissiones came from a cohort uh that was the number five cohort in the entire country out of 279 schools. So in addition to the work for veterans, the work for future leaders that Florida Tech is doing uh is
really raising the bar. Um about half of those uh graduates who commissioned into the US Army are Bvard County high school graduates. Uh which is awesome to see them do that. uh and we and along with the the veteran support which we received, we could not do the things
that we accomplished without the the leadership and the support of the university and President Nicholas. So, uh it's very welld deserved and thank you. >> Thank you, >> Colonel that this RTC program, I don't know how many times I know in the past is ranked number one in the nation.
>> Um that's pretty good. Number one in the nation. So, we're very proud of you and honored to have you here. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Oh. Okay, what a great honor. I've really enjoyed those resolutions. Uh, a lot of good things happening here
in Bvoulevard County on the Space Coast. Okay, we now have the consent agenda and we do have a number of things that uh we do have quite a few cards and we do have some items to remove. I Commissioner Atkins, I think you have one. >> Yes, please. Uh, F7.
>> F7. Okay. I'd like to remove U F8. Commissioner, do you have any items? I'm going to Okay. Um F1. I'd like to remove F1,
then F3, F4, F8, F9, F10, F12, F-14. That may be a record. So, um,
>> do we have to remove them? I don't know the process. How does that work? >> Well, these have cards that have asked to be heard. So, I think we we'll we'll remove them and hear them. And why don't we go ahead and take a a vote on the rest of the remaining consent items. Or do you want to hear and then do it at
the end? >> However you want to do it. >> All right. Let's let's go ahead and pass the consent with the exception of F1 3 4 8 9 10 14 and >> 12 >> and seven because we're pulling seven >> and seven.
Okay, motion be in order. >> So moved. >> It's a motion and a second uh to approve the consent agenda with the exception of F13 489710 14 and 12. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. Okay, let's um we have a speaker card on F1. Rick Hellfinger. >> He fell fingering. >> He felling
>> since he has multiple. >> Rick Hefinger, District One. All right. F1. I I'm sorry. I apologize for all the cards, but I feel compelled to uh represent District One with our lack of a commissioner. Um first one, F1. Um,
I think there might be a math problem, but I'm not sure. It says that there's 890,000 from the Department of Commerce grant that's matched by the Merit Island Development Agency for 600 and a site lease revenue for 40. And if I do my
math, I come up to 640,000. But it says that the total cost is $8.90. Although it does say down in the requested action that I think Bvard County picks up in excess of 200 to accomplish the work,
but if I add 200 to 640, I only get 840. So, um, should we should that list 300? >> Um, does the staff want to answer that question? Or maybe we can move on to the next item and let them check that math just to be sure.
>> Okay. Well, I didn't, you know. >> All right, let's go to the next item. U F3. >> F3. Let's see what we've got here. Let me catch up on my agenda. F3. Let's see. That's a district one.
And I have another question. I know this is not question and answer period. I've been told that in the past, but uh Chairman Alman, you've been generous about trying to get questions answered, so I appreciate that and I and I'll push that as far as I can.
Um I guess my question is, were any impact fees waved for this project or is it too early since this is just approving the site map or the plan? Because we have a Well, I have a certain
issue with impact fees as you know. I I don't I don't know. We'll have staff answer that question and they'll get the uh get get the answer and we'll move on so they can answer both those and I and I had another one on that one too that
there was a attachment and uh I'm not sure which one it was subdivision infrastructure contract. It said the principal agrees to impose description below and then there is no description below and I was wondering if something's missing. I
>> I don't know what work that is that the county would mandate that they do. >> We'll have them work on those two those two items. That way we can Yeah. F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F4. And I'll ask you to just sit down here on the front row. I don't know if she has anything, but Kim Rosena, did you I saw
her here earlier? >> No. >> Hey, we'll just let you sit in the front row while they're getting that information. >> Oh, she's going to come out. She's pulled the card. Okay. >> Yeah. F4. >> Yeah. F4. I don't know if you spoke or not. >> Not yet. You want to go? She's gonna go. >> Well, we'll let you go first. >> Who? >> You.
>> Oh, outstanding. >> You're already up there. >> I'm all prepped and I got my stuff laid out. Um F4. Again, this is another impact fees, but I think I understand the impact fee waving on this one. This is considered a lowcost housing development, 55 and over, nobody under
the age of 18. Sounds like a good reason you would wave the impact fees for the schools. So, I got no problem with that one, right? because I don't think anybody Well, I don't know. Nobody's going to to the school system. They're going to university if you're you active at 55. But, uh, under 18, I wouldn't
imagine. Well, I don't Yeah, they're they'd be going to school, but 18 over wouldn't be. So, that that one's fine. Um, I guess I also have a question about it talks about the different levels of low income, and I'm not quite sure. I mean, I could just get this at at some later
date, but the uh percentages and I remember last meeting maybe that uh we had a presentation about the level of average income in our area and it was really high. So, is that the number they're using to determine lowincome
housing? Because that would mean that number is pretty high if we're factoring all those people that work out at the Cape and work in the space center and work at, you know, the highpaying jobs. And we keep getting more of them. So, I guess this number keeps going up. That's terrible for the people on a fixed
income. Um, but waving that impact fee. I like the way the language works. I'm learning about all this stuff. the fact that you're going to hold them accountable that if anybody sells that property, there's a lean on that property. I like that. So, this is the first time I've actually had an opportunity to look at one of these. So, I like that. But again, that that issue
about what the uh what the income level used to determine that the price of those units is a little bit boggling to me. Um I think that that's all I had on F4. So, I guess she's next. >> Yes, Kimber Zen.
Morning chairman, members of county commission. I represent HTG, the developer for this project. HTG is a affordable housing uh developer. This is 55 up. The school board has agreed to the waiver of impact fee for schools.
And um as to the question requested actually in the impact fee deferral agreement it says on page two project has 80 residential units eight will be reserved for occupants with a gross annual income that does not exceed 40% of the area
median and the rest are for those that do not 60% of area median income. So, this is a true affordable housing supported by the Florida Finance um council up in Tallahassee. We would ask that you approve these at this time.
>> I have a question. >> Yes, sir. >> Now, those are typically set forth in statute, aren't they? >> Well, the statute says low income is 100 can be up to 120% of area median income. >> This is a true affordable at 40 and 60%. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Okay. All right, why don't we backtrack to F1 and three? I'm sure staff has those answers. >> Good morning, commissioners. So, in F1, the um agenda is for the board to
receive a grant of $890,000 from the Florida Department of Commerce. There will be a match from Merit Island Redevelopment District of 600,000. Plus, there's a lease site of $40,000,
which brings a total to1,530,000. The $200,000 that Mr. Hyperpicker was talking about was for to allow the county manager's office to approve any budget changes over that amount. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any questions?
>> Any questions from the board? Okay. Um F3, we'll get those answers if they haven't ready. F3 is for final platin contract approval. It has no relationship to impact fees whatsoever. There's no waiver and deferral of impact fees
associated with the request. Uh I'm not aware of any impact fee deferrals or waiverss in the development in general, but I can look into it and get back with you. But the the certainly the board's action has no no relationship whatsoever to impact fees.
>> Okay, great. Thank you. Okay, let's move on then. Uh we will and by the way, that's a great shirt. We can brighten something F8. Uh Rick Hefinger. All right. All right. Again, Rick
Hufffinger, District 1. Um, whenever we play around with payraises, that's not a one-time event, right? So, we thrown some money at a pay raise from the tourist capital facilities fund.
And what's going to happen? I guess my question is what happens in after 2526? Those guys have gotten a pay raise, so that's going to be a reoccurring cost. And I was wondering if anybody actually tried to what that would do to the cost of that funding effort in the future
because we know it's going up by what 25 grand to help pay those guys. I'm not sure how many employees that is and how much the raise is, but that 25 is going to be reoccurring every year after that with the fire with the life guard guys. So I was just wondering if anybody had done that math.
Um and that was pretty much the question I had on that one. I'll attempting to answer that on behalf of the TDC. >> Um, so fire rescue has already decided to give the lifeguards a a raise as as a means for us to stay competitive because
we're competing with area schools to hire or or area pools, excuse me, to hire um the lifeguards for the summer. What I did at the TDC was to ask uh for the $25,000 to to help shore that up um
for this summer, but going forward, um I I don't I don't envision a time where we're going to be paying lifeguards less. And and so that's uh something that that fire rescue will will build in the budget in the future. Um I would imagine that um tourism tax will
continue to contribute toward the lifeguard cost >> and that should go up. >> Yes. >> Well, let me ask you a question. >> Oh. >> Oh, no. I can't do that. No. >> Are you upset that we gave our lifeguards a raise? >> No. I think Well, I I don't have the
history of it. I don't know what they're currently making. I don't know how much they got. I don't know >> I don't know what 25 The 25K does go toward that salary, right? That's not something. Is that a reserve that they could get above >> later? Yes. What what we did, so you know, um uh we've had some serious uh
deaths on our beaches. Yes. >> And we're underst staffed tremendously. I had also pulled this item because I wanted to thank staff for the incredible work they've done. >> Uh they were able to look at reserves and funds and and provide for an
increase in pay. and um it's really enabled us to to fill a serious backlog that we have and it's going to save lives. So, I think it's I think it's uh good that we did this. And to answer your question, yes, these pay raises
will not go away. And um and what was the pay scale? We went from one I think that was part of the question. It was a good question. Okay. >> Um the lifeguards are being paid about $16 an hour. We went up to 20 $21 an hour. and you've gotten tremendous response >> and we've already Yeah, I'm getting the
thumbs up from the guys in the back says we're already getting positive response of recruiting from it. >> Tough to fill those positions and it's a very very difficult job and um I was reading the requirements too to be a life lifeguard. This is serious and many
of EMTs. So, I think it's good and I hope we continue to pay our lifeguards uh a wage that's affordable and we get the best and brightest because beach safety is so important. And I want to thank Commissioner Felner for what he
did on the TDC. I think we have some real challenges out there and this is not I mean we probably have a lot more we need to do and um I think it's um I think we need to get everybody pulling in the same directions and uh we
need a diverse and broad form of funding because the beaches we have more beach than any other county in the state and u so the economic impact too of tourist dollars if we start seeing a lot of this one year I think we had nine just a it.
Um, fortunately, um, our our, uh, lifeguards have been really incredible in preventing deaths and so this will help them. >> I'm excited about this. I want to commend staff. >> Okay. Well, just a little add a little note. I went to the mayor's breakfast
and I enjoyed Sheriff Ivy's speech, but there were a couple comments made taking shots at this stas about not funding certain beaches and I don't know where we are on that. Do you anticipate any more TDC funding some of those beaches that had cried about not have enough the
cities that because I'm not sure exactly where which beaches the lifeguards are currently on that Bvard County through the TDC. >> I think we're going to have a lot of discussion about that. Okay. I can't predict what happened but as we go through the budget process um I I I'm hopeful that we can um continue to look
at making our beaches safer. >> Okay. I I have to say that uh it's amazing that our staff and our lifeguards have done as good a job as they have with the resources that we we've given them and I'm hope we can continue to give them more.
>> Are all those lifeguards fire rescue types or or do you take college kids and part-time them or >> could I say real quick that we we rely pretty heavily on high school students um when they're out of school to cover
to cover the summer. So, in fact, we celebrated were they two 16-year-old uh students, I think, at your um fire rescue awards just a few weeks ago. >> Okay. So, they go through a course offered by fire rescue to certify them for that.
>> Yes, I'm getting the nods from the back there. >> Thanks. I think that one answered that one. >> Okay. >> Do I stay here? >> You might as well. Unless you're trying to get more steps in. >> Well, yeah. Well, you might be getting a lot of >> I don't have a pedometer on, so I can't
get paid. So, I guess I don't want to do that. >> F9. >> F9. Let's see. Um, follow grant. I think I had tagged this one for salary adjustment has long-term effects as well.
All right, this is What exactly is this one? Okay, they did the 26. Did I have a problem with No. Um, one of the things that I did want to kind of bounce off of this one was that I think we had a county commissioner that used to work here and she was advocating for
some transparency or additional transparency on the agenda and no, this ain't one of them. Well, the money's not there, but I think the title's good. I got to comment on the next one about the title. Um well the total fiscal impact was not
listed under the fiscal impact and it could have been done there. I had to I in other words I had to read through to get the total was 322,156 and that was not totaled up. I mean that's a nitpick really right? But it wasn't totaled up in the fiscal impact
for 2026. So, that was just I was just trying to bring that back up that it would be nice if the agenda had those numbers on it, too, because when I see big numbers, I like to zero in. So, that just helps me to figure that where I want to go. And that's all I had on F9.
>> Okay. Um, and F12. >> I did I I had 10, too, right? >> Yes. >> Oh, I missed 10. Okay. Yes. Let's Let's do F10. >> RF10. I'll make the same comment. This says approval RE budget amendment. It
doesn't say what it's for. And it would be nice to say approval RE budget amendment to mosquito control operations resources. And you could actually pull the fiscal impact for the text of that statement
because it says that we are going to have to draw on the mosquito control operational reserves for 375 for additional pesticide chemicals. Um, one question is how big is the reserve for mosquito control? I guess you could say how much is it before and how much is it
after the poll? Does just a kind of an idea. I mean, every department, I assume, has a reserve, right? I mean, the county has a reserve, too. >> Well, we'll we'll have that number. We'll move on. Um, and I'm going to bounce down the F-14 since you're already standing here. We got a speaker
card. Well, you got a 12, too. >> I got 12, too. >> Okay. All right. While they're getting that number, we'll go to F12. >> Um F12 is about the the funding for the
guys that the Economic Development Commission. Didn't they do a pitch about when I mentioned about the cost of the average salary and whether or not we incentives were good because we had a high level of salary. So, we're good target for incentivizing um when we hire good paying jobs. I I
just had one question that I I ran their little numbers here that and in in the six-month period that they reported October 1 through March 31, they spent all their money. They spent 697 697,430
and they were advocated Bvard County grant of 700. Are they going to need to do another pull of asking you guys to fund them for the rest of the year or was that their entire billing period or are they just going to ride it out and this is all these are salaries and stuff that are already covered for the year? I
wasn't sure if they're out of money or if this is a total allocation for a whole year and they just burned through it in 6 months. >> Well, I um um let's back up. I think we were getting
an answer on F10. We have another card in F12. We'll hear that and then we'll get the answer. >> So yeah, I the question was uh what was the amount of reserves in mosquito control and that amount is currently 737,524.
>> Good. Okay. All right. Um we have another car on F12. They can work on that question you had. But let's hear the other card, too. >> 12. >> Yeah. Uh, Sandra Sullivan. Oh, wait a minute. I'm going to get all jumbled.
>> Good morning, Sandra Sullivan from Waves Action. Yeah. So, we're paying currently EDC $1.4 million. Uh, and that's expected to go up a little bit. Um, we were about 700 and something. So, I just wanted to
mention that. Commissioner Atkinson had in her list uh a discussion of whether uh u that should be cut and um I was just going to say I'm I'm a little disappointed by the performance of what they are delivering. They're a private
organization funded by special interests. Um and you're looking at busting the cap and raising our taxes. I think it's appropriate to look at cutting costs. This is certainly one. So, this is their financial statements.
You doubled the amount that they got. In addition, they got 1.81 million towards uh a study uh for the regional sewage plant. Um and there's concerns about that. There's concerns with uh seemingly
the original location which was at Tao. According to the Black & Beach study, the first study that they did that they didn't consider that airports have rules that you within 1.19 1.19 miles you
cannot have a sewage treatment plant because it's a bird attractant. And yet that was the plan to where to put it. And then, you know, interestingly enough, when uh FAA came back and said, "Nope, can't do this." That, you know, Bright Line
sold that $ 38 million piece of property for like 6 million. So, um I don't think they're doing a good job and I think that it should be cut back to what it was, which is half. That's my two my two cents on it. Thanks. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Do we have another question? Um, is that it? We'd have F-14, but did we get that F12 answer? I don't know your question. >> Um, uh, I'm sorry. I I'll just jump in on F-14. EDC gets a grant. Miss Sullivan mentioned it's $1.4 million a year.
>> Okay. All right. Good. All right. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. They get a grant from the board of county commissioners for $1.4 million a year. >> Okay. Uh, F14. That's me. >> That's Rick Hefinger.
>> All right. F14. That's Jill over there, right? Jill Hayes. >> Yes. >> Okay. I thought Jill Hayes was the budget director. That not true. >> She's the assistant county manager. >> Did she move? >> Mhm. >> Yes. We
>> Oh, we gave her Congratulations. Well deserved a welldeserved promotion. >> Okay. I I I miss that. Um Mr. Neater Neer has a very good resume. I like to see like I saw that happened that I was a little disturbed about one time when we
seemed to I guess you guys for continuence and for rewarding people that have been here. You progress. You hire from within. I don't have a real big problem with that. Um well I did have a problem with that. Um,
but this guy must be a sharpshooter. He managed to get himself all the way up to the manager in just nine years. So, he's done well. He must be really good. Look forward to
good things from him. And, uh, I guess we've got a challenging budget coming up, too. So, I hope he's up to the task. And that ought to be interesting to see. And that's all I had on that. Well, I'm glad you brought that because I know I I had the opportunity to work with Mr.
Neer and he is incredibly qualified and really excited about his role. Got some big shoes to fill. I'm happy we still have Jill with us. So, we were we're really well equipped to tackle this upcoming budget process and I'm sure we'll be seeing you throughout that
process as well. >> Oh, I I think you will. Good. >> And and Jill, don't forget if he taps you for information, charge him overtime. Okay. Thank you so much. >> All right. >> Okay. U let's go ahead and u have a
motion on all those items that we had removed. Do I need to repeat those? F1, F3, F4, F8, F9, F10, 12, and 14. A motion
>> to move to approve these and then discuss seven. We haven't disc we haven't heard seven. Huh? Let's approve these and we'll go back to seven. Okay. All in favor of the motion or is there a motion? Move >> to approve the ones you just described. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second.
>> All those in favor say yay. >> I carries unanimously. Thank you. Let's back up to F7. Um Tourist Development Council marketing support program funding. Morning, commissioners.
>> I'm the one that pulled that and I was hoping that Peter could go over it with us. >> Sure. Good. Good morning. Um, so yeah, marketing support program grants are uh similar to what we've had the last two years. They're cultural and sports grants. Um, this uh request is to
approve the budget for $740,000 of which 120 thou,000 is allocated um to the five commissioner districts. So there's 20,000 each district that they can use for for their purposes if they would like. Um it's not a requirement,
but they can. Uh in the last uh couple of years, I think four out of the five commissioners have done that. Um and then there's also some uh changes to the criteria, some some strengthening of of the wording in in the criteria relative
to what is allowable and also some clawback language now that we have in there. Uh, so that's that's the gist of it, but I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Okay. >> I do have one question if I may. >> Um, were there any applicants who were
qualified um who didn't who aren't going to be receiving their funds? >> So, uh, this is for next fiscal year. for this fiscal year, all uh applicants who did qualify um were going to receive funds except
for there's one event that isn't occurring on the sports side. Okay? So, they won't be getting their funding obviously um and that's provided for in the criteria. If they if an event doesn't happen for some reason, obviously there's no ability for them to get reimbursement. >> Okay. So there's there's no event that
qualified that our $100,000 that the commissioners are getting to distribute is taking away from? >> Uh not that I'm aware of. No, ma'am. >> Okay. Um so my issue is that I brought this up last year because each commissioner district is getting $20,000
um to award to events that didn't meet the minimum qualification. So last year I gave my districts 20,000 back. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And now we have 25,000 to give to lifeguards, which is handy. Um
I had an issue partly because my understanding is that the TDC didn't even discuss my concerns last year. Is that is that also true? You guys didn't have an opportunity to discuss them? >> Um we went through the full criteria. I don't believe there was a any real
discussion on that particular issue, but but it was brought up. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Um, if the TDC last year found $100,000 to allow commissioners to distribute and they did again this year,
does that mean that we can do it every year and all of a sudden it becomes recurring funds and we could give that $100,000 a year to lifeguards? I know that's a future question, but that that's my issue with this. You know, could I say something? Uh, I've
only tried to, first of all, it's not the, uh, commissioners who appropriate the money. The board of county commissioners votes on it. I, we have only sought to get input from each of the commissioners because historically over many, many years, there were
commissioners who said, "Hey, uh, I think that um, in my area, this this thing isn't being supported, and I think it's good." So, I I'll tell you what we could do today. uh possibly to uh satisfy things. We could eliminate the
whole $100,000 towards um the small grants that don't meet those criterias um for for all the various things that were funded last year. And we could put all the lifeguards and I would make that motion today if that's what you like. Support that. >> All right. Is that your motion?
>> That is my motion. >> Okay. Fine. >> Okay. There's a motion and a second. Is there any other discussion? I I just want to address a couple of the things that were brought up. Um the
minimum criteria. These organizations in my mind were even more capable than even some of the items that was funded. These were wonderful programs that provided a lot of resources to our community and many of
them were significantly financial strapped. I think they were good programs. I think that um the minimum criteria was somewhat of a loophole because it's a broad-based set of criterias and some of them may apply, some of them not. And um so I don't
think it was a misuse of public funds. Secondly, I think is it was very is very helpful that the people that are elected, people that the public votes for that are vetted more than any other group has a voice and they know what's
the need in their local communities. By the way, this money just didn't go to local communities. I know I recommended uh a a program that wasn't not even in my district, but it was so important, so critical, and they're so strapped that I
felt it was appropriate that that I just didn't look at the district. >> Um so I I just want to point out that this having our involvement was very healthy and very very good. Um
I think that um going to lifeguards is not bad. Although that 100,000 is not going to solve the lifeguard problem and there are other things other funding sources that we must look at beyond the TDC. I don't think you can expect that
to fully fund that. I think that um um that we should have a broad-based level of participation and and it should be specifically related um on how we provide those services and who benefits. I think
everyone needs to have a little skin in the game and it doesn't solve the problem that uh that we are going to need to solve. this appropriation, as small as it was, did solve some significant problems for some of the smaller uh organizations.
>> And I I'll say one thing if I could, Mr. Chair, the 25,000 that I asked for in the last TDC meeting, uh that was an unplanned thing, but we were we were in that moment trying to do a raise for the lifeguards because we're we're competing
with area pools. And so the 25,000 that the TDC appropriated for that um that we're is on the agenda today, we took from the capital fund. And we did that because we agreed uh as a council that we weren't going to spend money on
capital this year because we had less than a million dollar. So somewhere in the $900,000 range and so we wanted to wait until that was sort of replenished. So from those funds is what we took the 25,000 from to to help shore up the lifeguards this year. Just uh >> Thank you.
>> Does that sound right, Peter? >> Yes, sir. And I was going to ask for clarification on this 100,000. It does come from the cultural budget. So if that's the budget where you want to move dollars to lifeguards, that would that would be great if it was part of the motion.
>> I'll amend the motion to take the 100,000 from the cultural fund uh to fund lifeguards. I'll second the amendment. >> Now, are we able to do that? Are those funds specifically designated for that area? And do we have the legal ability
to do that? Because I know it's a a formula that was passed by the public and it's provided for in statute. >> Under state law, we can. We'll have to take a look at the uh budget ordinance, our local one, to see if that needs to be amended or adjusted.
>> Yeah, that's the um that's the part of the budget where it says up to. And so those funds could move to marketing and then then from there be directed to lifeguards. >> They just won't go directly from cultural. They'll they'll pass through to another fund where they >> So we'll look at it. If there's a problem, we can address that. Uh is
there any other debate on the motion? >> All those in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Motion passes. >> Motion passes unanimously. Okay. Thank you. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. And then we need the motion with the requested action
minus the 100,000 for the for the marketing support program. >> What I what I heard you took 100,000 out of that for lifeguards. Now we need approval if you so choose to approve the marketing support program. >> Okay. So for the rest Any other questions on the TDC? >> Nope. >> Yep. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Should I make a motion for the rest of the TDC marketing program? >> Okay. I make a motion for the rest of the TDC marketing program. >> And I'll second that. >> Thank you. And how much is that? >> 640,000. >> Okay. Okay. Quick question. Did we need
a specific motion on the 100,000 too? Is that what you were saying? >> Uh, no. You made the motion. >> We did that. We're good. Okay. All right. Any discussion on the motion and second? All those in favor say yay. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. Now, do
we need a motion on that item >> since it was on the consent? Did we do that? We're fine. Okay, good. Okay, now we will proceed to public comments. Do we have any
public comment cards? All right. Um, Jackie McFillips and the next speaker will be Dr. Lance Armstrong. Good morning. Um, Jackie McFillips and
for many years I've been an affordable housing developer. Uh currently for the last several years I represent nonprofit organizations that are developing affordable uh both rental housing and and subdivisions of
first-time home ownership. Um, and there what I passed out to you is there's and you're probably aware of this, but there's some new laws coming down the pike that our Florida legislature um did one was House Bill 399, the other
Senate Bill 594. Uh, one of which really has to do with uh, changes in every local government's um, LHAPS as far as allowing factory
built, excuse me, factory-built homes are now going to be allowed as of uh, January 1, 2027 and other extended areas, residential developments. Um, the other law
primarily deals with SHIP funds and currently Florida housing had a 20% cap on the amount that any local government could give of their SHIP on manufactured homes. Uh, so it will deal with that.
It's repealing that. So local government could give any amount that they want. Um, we're seeing a lot of things coming down the pike having now to do with factorymade housing for affordable housing because
of the sheer cost of land escalating, the construction costs escalating and it's getting more and more difficult to develop true affordable housing with income limits and so forth. So, I think our state government is trying the best
they can to come up with some new provisions that will open up or help create more affordable housing both for rental and especially for first-time home ownership. Um there is going to be I believe it's the coalition on uh June
23rd. We'll be hosting a um a webinar that I think all local governments, counties as well as cities will be listening into because it's going to be basically a tutorial explaining the law, how it affects local government and the
citizens and so forth. Um, and I'm sure the uh Department of Housing and Human Services will will be on that call as well. One of the items which has to do with SHIP is why I'm here today. As I
understand it, after discussions with uh Nicole Tenpenney, who as I'm sure you all know is the um director of the uh not for profofit that um works with all eligible applicants for SHIP, qualifying
them and so forth. Um right now, if I unders Oops, I think I passed it. Finish that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> They're they're serving less than about half of what they used to just because of the higher cost. She's very much in favor and the request is to please
reconsider allowing ship dollars to be used on manufactured homes no differently than sightuilt homes. That will ex allow many more families to be served with your ship. >> Okay. Thank you. That's good input. Any questions?
I'm sure this will be something we'll look at in the future. Thank you. >> One last thing, if I may. We've been invited to go to one of two factories that are built here in Florida for manufactured by executives of the Florida manufactured home. Uh the
Florida Housing Coalition introduced me to them. They've offered graciously to do a private tour. Um I will be bringing not for-profit organizations myself. I'm going to reach out to your staff to see if maybe some of them would like to to become more educated on today's
manufactured and if any of our commissioners would like to attend. >> That'd be great. And now it's my understand we're not just talking about mo mobile homes. Some of these manufactured homes are >> mobile homes look like a beautiful >> trying to get educated now more on the whole subject
actually stopped being built in 1976, 50 years ago. >> Uh they were more mobile. They kept the wheels on. Manufactured primarily are now being permanently affixed. They're made much much better, a much higher quality supposedly very similar to frame
sight built for wind and and every other factor, energy efficiency. That's why I want to do the tour. Excellent. Florida Housing did the tour and now they're going to have a pilot program because they were so impressed for a community
of firsttime home buyers with manufactured housing. >> Great. Thank you so much. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. >> Okay. Dr. Lance Armstrong. >> Hello county commissioners. I'm accompanied by Amanda Hearn. We are representing Rolling Thunder, Florida,
Chapter 1. >> You might want to pull that up. You're a little bit taller than the last. We need a longer mic, I think. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I think we need to turn it >> 90 degrees. Will it fit?
>> Here, we'll get the staff help you out there. And then we can slide it up as just as he talks. Okay, good. All right, we won't use that against your time. Okay, let >> me reset reset that. >> Rolling Thunder is a Florida
>> is the largest chapter in Florida, the third largest in the nation of a nationwide organization that's simply an advocacy group. We're not a motorcycle club. We are searching for our missing troops like my cousin, a pilot who took off in World War II.
Our organization has done a lot to help the US DoD restructure under one roof and Hickham, where many of the remains found are brought for proper identification, preparation for burial, and return to family soil. Our organization in this area has led the
nation in posting that P flag under the American flag in all 84 schools. We are posting the statement that we want our missing returned. There's almost 80,000 plus since World War I. Of that number, we believe approximately 27,000 can be
found. Annually, we would go to Washington DC for 32 years. And in 2019, when 1.7 million motorcycles showed up, the FBI organized a little statement to us that said, "Don't do this again.
Please make it staterun. We've played by that rule for five years and I've been asked to run it two of the five years in 2021 and 2023. It's also been in Daytona, Port Charlotte, and Ponta Gorta. I screwed it
up so bad they've locked it on us here for the next five years. So, I'll be coming back to you over year after year. But this is our big first year, and I want to thank this county and its commission for letting us use the brand new 8.2 2 million amphitheater for one
of the three major events we have going on this weekend. Like in Washington on Friday night, Gold Star family members would carry a beautiful flame of freedom in front of the Vietnam Wall. About 30,000 of us would go there, not one
speaking. We've upped the quality of that night by having Texas Roadhouse complimentally feeding Gold Star family a dinner. These folks will come together, meet, break bread and heel and
then we will ride in from Fish Lips and Sandbar where we're doing our ride registration and escort them after dark about 8:30 on that walk. If we have patriotic people in Bvard County that wish to support our Gold Star family, please consider being at the Bvard
Veterans Memorial Center Friday night at about 8 o'clock. Saturday is our festival and that's where we have some great music vendors and we hope the public comes and enjoys the music there at the Veterans Memorial Center. And then Sunday is our ride for freedom.
We are riding down State Road 3 from the Veterans Memorial Center just like last week's law ride, but we're going to turn left and go across Pineita Causeway to A1A and up through Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach PD will escort us. Every sheriff
in every location has supported this, but Sheriff Ivy says he cannot. He'll help us get on State Road 3 with a couple of deputies. But I just want the folks who reside on State Road 3 south of 520 to know that we're coming down
that route Sunday at about 11:00. We're leaving the VMC. And so please consider coming out front waving waving an American flag supporting our organization in that manner. And as we come up through Cocoa Beach, we hope the same will occur again as it has those two years.
We hope though that the public knows that this is a center for the state of Florida. This is a Florida event, but we're not playing by that rule this year. That's the Texas emblem and they're talking to Mississippi. Both North and South Carolina chapters are
considering and Georgia is coming. And so this might be turning into the Southeast United States Memorial Day weekend rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom event. And I hope the county will be aware of that for the next four or five years. Thank you for your support. And if I may ask, we're considering the it's
about a 20 foot wide median on Sykes Creek and we would like just a little sign there that's lit that says Rolling Thunder event this direction. And we hope that's allowed. >> Okay. We have, by the way, just for those listening or here, the Gold Star
family is a family who's lost a loved one um uh in in the service of their country and they've paid the ultimate sacrifice and we certainly appreciate them and can't do enough for them. And I thank you for that quite >> Can I ask Doc Arms Doc? Um, now do you
have the sign? You're asking if you can put it out there or >> it's it's waiting to be rented. >> It's waiting. So >> it's just a little trailer sign that says event this way type thing. We can't borrow them from the county, you know, but >> it's an electronic message board sign. >> No, not a it's just a lit sign. Rolling
Thunder event this way. We >> would a motion be appropriate to allow them temporarily to do that >> because yeah, I have no idea what a sign ordinance might be. So, yeah. >> Okay. So, uh an exemption from the sign ordinance for this event is that
>> I can guarantee you it would not block any sort of public view. >> I think roadway anything like that. >> It's just it's I I still today mention Bard Veterans Memorial Center to many of my patients and they go, "Where's that?
I think Tad's got something. >> It sounds like the sign's going to be placed in the rightway. So, if he wants to work with Mark Bernaf's group, we can get him the appropriate permits to have that happen. >> It's back from the intersection on the media. >> Do we need a motion? >> Do we need any kind of motion to allow
them to do that for this event? >> Ye. Yes. Let's >> I'll make I'll make that motion then to >> and wave and wave the fees >> and wave any necessary fees so they can have the sign temporarily for for the event. Okay. My motion. Motion to allow for the sign wave the fees. Is there a
second? >> I'll second that. >> Second. All in favor say yay. Yay. >> Cares unanimously. >> Okay. >> On that note, thank you. Also, I understand there may be a fee for using the amphitheater next year and we thank you for waving that for organization this year.
>> Thank you for what you do. >> We'll put this in the back if anyone wants to shoot a picture or something. and see you Friday morning. >> Thank you. Yes, thank you. Okay. Um, next uh item um G3, Dana
Blinkley. She here? Yep. Over there. You almost got that last name right. >> Commissioner said you almost got that last name right. >> Um, thank you for listening to me today to talk to you about facilities which I
know you guys know that we're um having some serious wos in the facilities that uh most of the constitutional officers reside in. So, I want to specifically talk about um the Titusville facility at 400 South Street. Um that building was
constructed. Matter of fact, the first time I occupied that building, it was 18 years old and I was 18 years old. It was in 1986. Um it is classified as a class A or class B commercial building with an economic life of about 60 years. Now
that's based on Marshall and Swift um which is the gold standard for um valuation or cost estimates um for both residential and commercial construction. So the last 10 years have been the most challenging um and we are now at a place
where we're pretty much well dire straits. Uh, Commissioner Alman, you just happened to be there on a day where we took on hundreds of gallons of blackwater waste coming from some cast iron uh waste pipes that gave way on the
sixth floor and that end up in my lobby of the fifth floor. So, let me say this. Um, in the time that I have been property appraiser, I have never worked with a county manager that has been so supportive and communicative about any issues related to anything, but but
certainly facilities. So, we are thankful uh for Jim's support and for facilities support. They are trying to make lemonade out of um kumquats and it's just impossible. So, unfortunately, I did not get um my videos to you guys
in time, but I do have See if I can get this right. That is one piece of the latest reach that we had of galvanized waste pipe uh that burst on uh the sixth floor.
So all of that about 20 foot of pipe um was removed. This is one piece of it. look like throughout. Now, I'm not saying that every pipe looks like that, but every pipe has the same age. The
result of that was several several gallons of waste, black water that ended up in our lobby. Of course, we had to shut down operations. The tax collector and the property appraisers office have had to shut down operations for a total of five five six
days either due to the temperature in the building being in the 80s high 80s where we we we cannot work or service customers um and of course water intrusion. You guys have been very cooperative. We are moving our servers
um that are in a a space located on the floor below that one that also had a flood. Thank goodness it was in one half of the server room that doesn't have the server rack. So you guys are working with us to move the server out of that building and into your EOC building.
We've moved our redundancy uh to Barbara Pill. I did that shortly after taking office. So at least we've got those infrastructure uh potential major um deficits covered. But this is not getting better. And we're just at at a crossroads now where
you know unfortunately no fault of the five people that sit here today but the combination of the people that have sat there before you for whatever reason have made decisions to ignore uh the mechanics the major mechanics of this building and it is now failing.
So um there's only so many more blackwater spills we're going to be able to take on to where it's not habitable. And so we're we're playing Russian roulette every day. I'm not here to be Chicken Little. Um it's just that I've got to have operations and I've got to open and I am very uh sympathetic for
the tax collector because I don't have 300 appointments that I have to um try to move. The Sarno location that we're in that is also had ACOS um is in the same condition and it was built in 1968. So, we just have some construction um
that the remaining economic life is zero um at this point. So, um you know, I'll continue to communicate with the county, but something has to be done. it it eventually it's not going to be habitable and I'm only going to be shut down so many times for operations before I'm going to have to make some moves and
contact the department and say I've got to have some facilities and potential look for lease spaces which I don't want to do um because it makes it more challenging for our customers that need to do other things in those other offices. So it's nice that we're located together. So thank you for letting my
time run over and I'm certainly here to answer any questions that you may have. So I have a question now. When you say black water, you mean sewage? >> Yes, sir. >> So you're you're not like chickens. It's not like the sky is falling. Uh
something else is falling on your head. >> Yes, sir. >> Pretty abortant. And I do want to shout out the staff for their rapid response because ironically I happen to be there. And I'm I certainly personally am committed to doing what we could do to
restore that that that courthouse. It's part of our legacy. It's our county seat and we need to take care of it. I know it's a big undertaking and I know we'll probably have a lot of discussion about that as we go into the budget hearing. Any other comments or questions? Well, I
I know that we appropriated some money for the sixtory uh at the midyear, my recollection, maybe in the last month. Um, now remind us of of what that was going to and I'm sorry, maybe that's a a mark question. Um,
>> it may a million and a half million eight somewhere in that. >> I thought it was a million eight. >> Yeah. For the HVAC and something else, too. I'm sorry. I apologize. I don't have it off the top of my head. >> The chiller project. >> Yeah. mainly mainly the chiller. We we
we're running a piece of equipment >> to the tune of and again this is absolutely not a facilities fault. It's costing us 20,000 a month to keep temporary chillers um for the north building um in an office that has fluid
mechanics that look like what I just showed you there. So um we don't have a choice. you know, you can't operate um when the temperatures are in the 90s um with a with an inside inside temperature in the high 80s. You know, we just can't do that. Um so, it's not like we have a
choice not to be paying that, but but we are paying $20,000 a month for a temporary chiller. And that's just in the north end. I don't know what we're paying for the Sarno complex, but it's how we're existing today. As I stand here and talk to you, we've got temporary generators or equipment running the HVAC system at Sarno.
>> Yeah. Um and um commissioners um your new budget director texted me 1.8 million >> for the VAV which Mark can tell you is HVAC and that and then and the properties correct. Um I talked about the last board meeting uh I was
panicking. I think it was a million dollars but the at least the fix the permanent fix for Sarno was about $150,000 but that's like six weeks away still. 6 to 8 weeks has been a couple weeks. So that's why we're running chillers or whatever the the tubes are in that in that office building too.
>> And also my recollection I think at the Melbourne courthouse we it was it was something like $400,000 for the HVAC just in just in the last year um that that we replaced >> some somewhere somewhere in that neighborhood. >> That could be I've had a lot of
discussions on HVAC with the staff. >> Yes. >> Well, thank you for being here and bringing us to our attention. I'm sure we'll be having a lot of dialogue in the future and um hopefully we can get it fixed. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Okay. Um next public comment, Rick Hufflefinger. Rick Hefinger, District 1. What a fine segue into my topic for public comment. We've talked about kicking things down the road and I think Dana's description
was quite nice that it's not your guys' fault, but some things have been seriously neglected. Where are we going to get the money? There's one place we could have gotten money that I was really disappointed it's not on the agenda today. Didn't we
talk about an impact study that was going to adjust those impact fees? That's not going to fix it this year. I understand that. We'd start collecting those at some other point. Is is the study done? Do do I understand it right that there's a study and these impact fees this is see I'm getting this stuff
off the internet. So correct me if any of this is incorrect. We haven't updated impact fees in 25 years and now is your opportunity to do that. And I'm afraid we're going to miss it because I think the state's going to step in and they're going to limit how much you can do that in a failed swoop.
Now, if you don't do that and we don't correct the problem in the future, that's all going to fall on us, the taxpayers, because these people that are coming in, these people, these these organizations, these builders, building these big housing outfits, bringing in big buildings, bringing in space stuff
maybe as well, they're they're not being hit enough to cover the impact they have to our community, right? The roads, the wow, the water treatment plants. Holy crud sewage and and water resources. So,
if you guys don't do that, this I think here's here's my ask. Why don't you make a motion to conduct an emergency meeting next month when you should be off and bring that study up and make a decision if you're going to fix the problem or not? I would like to
see you guys do that because you that whole thing about the buildings, right? you you're talking about 100,000 to fix this 100 that's structural failure there that's probably eroded concrete maybe you don't pull pipes in a building easily right that that's going to you
know that that's huge and those numbers aren't even going to touch it I bet if you if you actually got I don't know has anybody got an estimate on redoing the plumbing in that building it's four stories high right holy crap six are we going to suggest we knock it down is that going to be cheaper sounds like
it might be cheaper Right. That's the cost study you got to do. I I hate to say that because you know what? We ain't got no money to do that. That sounded like an emergency. Oh, that's perfect. We can bl we can bust the cap with an emergency. So that she set that up nicely. But it really is an emergency.
But if we don't if there's no light at the end of the tunnel, there's going to be another emergency after you build that building up. You you sock it to us. You get that building on other buildings and other projects. I mean, like there are a lot of projects that we're talking, "Oh, it's terrible." And it and
it is. She has pictures. It's terrible. So, I' I'd like to see you guys have a meeting when you're supposed to be off and bring that issue up so we can talk about it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Sandra Sullivan. >> Good morning, Sandra Sullivan from Waves
Action on Facebook. So I've been coming to these county commission meetings for about eight years. The impact fees that which is developers share what they pay has not been updated in over 25 years for fire and EMS. We had a lot of
struggles with the with that not being able to pay them a fair wage um and not having the infrastructure. I mean it goes to infrastructure for impact fees, but so we in 1998 a study was done to recommend that we increase those
impact fees to $25 per resident. It's still $98. It hasn't been updated in so long. The can has been kicked down the road and you've created a crisis.
And in 2022, I came before you and said, "We'll hit the day when we have a crisis." In 2016, there was an impact fee feasibility study before the former commission that sat here and they said no. It was recommended a 79% increase to
transportation and they said no. You know what they did? They busted the cap and they put it on the taxpayers to pay the increases while the developers got off. Well, you know, it's been another 10 years since then and now you're supposed to have an impact fee study. It
was supposed to take nine months. It was supposed to be done a couple months ago. Well, there's a new law that goes into effect the first of July that will limit you to 100% increase over four years. You've purposely, my allegation, has
delayed this and not put this on this agenda today. And what are you doing? It's a repeat of 2016. You're going to bust the cap and you're going to tax the people. The developers get off and our taxes go up. And you want to talk about affordability
because you know who it affects? You're on the affordable housing board, Miss Atinson. It affects the elderly the most. That is the highest group of people that have homelessness. And that's what you're doing. You're pushing the veterans and the homeless
out of their homes with the increase of cost. You're going to increase garbage 12%. You're going to increase storm water a lot for put the burden on us for the flooding impacts because you develop wetlands. You're going to you're going to bust the cap and put that to new
levels. And there are other taxes. That's all I have to say. You guys, I I I repeat what Rick said in good conscience. You guys need to schedule an emergency meeting and put bring forth that impact fee feasibility study. It's
been over 25 years and put that because otherwise the burden is on us the taxpayers. Thank you. Oh, the next meeting is the 7th of July which is 7 days after the new law goes into effect.
>> Okay, that's all of our public uh hearing cards. Let's uh it's time for a break. Let's come back at 11:00. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. talked to >> Michelle about she said she thinks it's a great idea.
>> Okay, we will proceed uh to H1 from public hearings. H1. >> Good morning, Mr. Chairman. A H1 is a public hearing for adoption of amendments to chapter 102 article 2 entitled business tax receipt and repealing and reserving section 62-1155
entitled zoning approval for business tax receipt approval of home occupations. >> Okay. >> We don't have any cards. >> We have no cards on that. >> If there's no questions or cards, um,
make a motion to approve. I'll second. >> All in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. H2. >> Good morning, commissioners. Um H2 is a public hearing that does not require a
vote. It is just simply the announcement that we are accepting citizen um input for our 2026 2027 annual action plan per HUD. This is for our CDBG and um home dollars. The public meeting will be held
today one at CDBG and then the second public hearing will be July 21st during a commission meeting. >> Okay. Uh we have no cards here. Um, any discussion? Motion be in order. >> There's no vote.
>> There's no vote. We don't need a vote. >> We don't need a vote. >> All right. Good. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> H3. Good morning, commissioners. This item asks the board to consider placing before the voters a referendum to renew the existing halfsent
infrastructure sales tax that funds the Save Our Indian River Lagoon program. In 2016, Bvard County residents chose to invest in restoring the Indian River Lagoon following a series of harmful algooms, fish kills, and significant seaggrass loss. The voter-approved sales
tax created a dedicated trust fund that allows the county and our municipal, private, and non-governmental partners to implement projects that reduce nutrient pollution, remove legacy muck, upgrade wastewater and septic systems, and restore natural ecological
filtration systems. Over the past decade, the program has completed more than 130 projects, leveraged over 127 million in state and federal grants, and helped thousands of homeowners and businesses reduce nutrient pollution on their private property. During this
time, excess nutrient levels have declined, harmful algo blooms and fish kills have lessened, and seaggrass and fisheries recovery has begun. While this progress is encouraging, continued pollution reduction is necessary to meet water quality targets and restore lagoon
health. The current sales tax expires December 31st. Renewal, if approved by the voters, is estimated to generate approximately 800 million over 10 years for continued lagoon restoration efforts. The actions before you today would approve the ordinance placing
renewal referendum on the November 3rd ballot, extend the existing interlocal agreement with municipalities contingent upon voter approval, and approve the ballot language for transmission to the supervisor of elections. Approval of these items does not renew the tax. It
will provide Bvard County voters the opportunity to decide whether they wish to continue this locally dedicated investment in restoring and protecting the Indian River Lagoon. With that, staff is requesting the board's consideration of these three recommended actions and I'm happy to answer any
questions. >> Okay. Do we have any questions on behalf of the board? We will move to public hearing. We have a substantial number of cards. Um, our um, first one, Mitchell Roer.
>> Oh, >> that's rare. >> Nice to see you, everybody. Um, my name is Mitchell Raer. I live down in Melbourne Beach, 6025 Highway 81A. Um, I received my doctorate in biological oceanography from the Rosensteel School
in Miami. I've since served 20 years in the NASA biodiversity uh science team and I'm presently on the STEM council as part of the IRA council. The save our our Indian liver lagoon program plans prioritizes and delivers project that
reduces pollution, removes legacy nutrient loads to and would like to restore natural filtration systems while tracking progress uh and effectiveness over time. What's important about this plan in addition to looking at the science is um it provides transparency.
Transparency through projects, citizens oversight, public meetings, educational tools are provided for the residents to understand what's really going on. It doesn't take much for someone to know what's happening with the lagoon, particularly with this program, just to go on the website. um try to stay away
from some of the the uh false information on Facebook, but go to the website itself, which really shows what's going on. Um depending on who you're talking with, it's taken 30 to 50 years to get to this point in lagoon, and it's certainly going to take this
much time to get the lagoon to get to back to the point where it can help restore itself. There's nothing we can do other than stop the pollution to actually go get it back to the natural cycle. that's we hope to do as scientists. So, um it's important to
know that um the IRL provides and I think you know this that it provides a strong economic um boost to the county as well as the county health depends on it. Not just the health of the animals associated with the lagoon, but the people around Lagoon influenced by algo
blooms as well as eating the fish that may be uh toxic themselves. So, I'm here to hopefully you would support putting this half cent um tax back on the referendum for the taxpayers and hopefully we can continue the good management that Virginia and her staffs
have been doing for the last 10 years. Guys, it seems 10 years has gone by so fast and we're just barely touching the problem. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Our next >> shaking is not from my nervousness. It's due to his coldness in this room. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Freezing.
>> All right. It is a little bit chilly. >> Talked to a lot of people over the years. >> All right, >> Jim Moyer. >> And the next speaker will be Phil Stac. >> Thank you, commissioners. Good morning. Um, I'm Jim Moyer. I am with the Marine Resources Council and I'm also the
Indian River Keeper. I live in Martin County. Um I I was very engaged in the early days of of the Sorrel program and I applaud that commission and I applaud you all for continuing to to keep the
sorrel program going. Other counties up and down the seven counties that live on the Indian River Lagoon look up to you. what you guys have done truly sets a high standard for how a community really cares about the Indian River Lagoon and is willing to do something about it. I I
really hope that you you know persist and continue because we're beginning to see progress. We're beginning to see that this program actually has worked and has reduced some of the negative inputs that that decades of misuse have have allowed the Indian River Lagoon to
become what it had. Um, thank you very much for for considering the resolution and I hope you move forward with it and I hope that you actually exceed the goals of $800 million. That's an amazing amount of money that you can actually leverage to get something positive done
for something that we all care so much about. Thank you. >> Thank you for coming up all the way from Martin County. >> Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Alman. uh commissioners and commissioner Goodson and the great beyond. We're glad that you're here. Thank you so much for your
service to our community. It's amazing that my my name is Phil Stac Island. Uh 10 years ago, uh I and many of my friends that are here today stood before the commission and asked
for the support of this wonderful program. The program works. One of the things that that we have to also say thanks to is Virginia Barker and her team for making this reality. The Indian River Lagoon estuary is the beating
heart of Bvard County. We know that it has been in trouble. I think probably 80 years ago the decline began. As people moved into this community, we began impacting the community in negative ways. And it has literally only been in the last 10 years that we as a group,
thanks to the courage and the leadership, the wisdom of the previous commission back 10 years ago, that we were able to begin reviving the beating heart of our community. And now 10 years later, we all get up and we look in the mirror and we say, "Oh my gosh, if 10
years gone by, yep, they sure have." And here we are again. But it's now up to you. We're looking to you to have the courage, to have the wisdom, to have the leadership to bring the Save Our Indian River
Lagoon back to back to the people, back to to vote again in November for this half cent sales tax. The cost is minuscule. The benefits are awesome. I can speak to this personally. Over the
years, I've been a oyster gardener. I've uh worked on a spoil island. I've I've done cleanups on the shore. I've spent hours diving on the bottom of this lagoon cleaning it up. I've seen it with my own two eyes. I
felt it with my own hands. The Save Our Indian River Lagoon program works. We're measuring the res restoration of the seagrasses. We're seeing fish return. It's going to take a lot more than just this amount of money
that we've done over the past 10 years. It's going to take another 10 years. It might take 10 more years beyond that. But half cent sales tax, it's a very simple solution to a very complex problem. And so once again, 10 years
later, we're standing here and we're asking you again, please say yes to bringing the Save Our Indian River Lagoon back the the program back to the voters so that they can say yes. Do you have any questions?
>> Any questions? No. Thank you for >> Thank you very much for saying yes. >> Thank you. >> Gordon Nelson is our next speaker and after him Blair Wiggins. Thank you and good Morning.
I'm here uh and in district 5 and uh am in the hamlet which is uh near the southeast corner of Lake Washington and Turtlemound. Now Turtle Mound is the watershed boundary west boundary line.
We thus are three miles from the lagoon. There are 59,438 septic tanks within the watershed of Bvard County. Sorl estimates the nitrogen from our properties and there are 50 properties
in Hamlet. 12 properties are 1.6 pounds per year. 12 properties are 3.1 pounds per year. 18 are under 10 pounds per year. And eight are near the uh the county average. uh at 31 pounds. That
yields 210 pounds per year for 42 homes plus 248 pounds for the eight. The cost to upgrade 50 properties is $1.1 million at 22k average, which is in fact not
going to be enough. Clearly spending 1.1 $1 million is a waste of money. The current process of giving grants of $20,000 to high emitters, but only $6,000 at the low end is blatantly
unfair. In fact, 42 uh low emitters of our properties should not be required to replace their systems with all the environmental damage that will be involved. The average emitter in the county is 29 pounds per year. 65% of
that is 18.9 pounds per year. 42 of our properties are already lower than that will be achieved by the average perimeter after upgrade. If one looks at NSF245, which is the
test for septic systems, if you look at systems with low nitrogen influent, nitrogen is actually added to the test to assess whether the septic systems get
65%. You're actually adding nitrogen. It is not established, therefore, that low influence systems achieve any reduction. replacing 60,000 septic tanks at $20,000
is $1.2 billion. The current state legislated date of July 30th will clearly not be met by far. It will not be met. The plan for the next decade has 233 million to
improve sewage treatment uh convert uh septic to sewer and upgrade sewer uh upgrade septics. That is far from the billion dollars uh or $1.5 billion dollars that's going to be needed. Vero
Beach has a hybrid system for 1500 homes. That step system has half the cost and with minimal installation and environmental damage. Bvard needs better technology. The renewal and the sales tax is not
ready for prime time given the sales that the septic tank issues that I mentioned. A rational comprehensive plan needs to be in place and it's not yet there or homeowners may well vote no.
Our next speaker, Blair Wiggins, and after Blair Wiggins will be Vince Lamb. >> Good morning, commissioners. Thanks for hearing us out today. And I just want to say I'm Captain Blair Wiggins, host of Blair Wiggins Outdoors, lifelong resident of Cocoa Beach and Bvard County
here, and uh founder of the Indian River Clam Restoration Project. And uh I just want to say that my fans and myself are in support of keeping the halfsent sales tax on the ballot. uh the programs that Sorrel is funding now would hate to see those go away and uh I'll keep it short
and sweet since it's been a long day and I just want to say that we are in definite support of keeping the sales tax on the ballot. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you, Vince Lamb and um Garyina.
I'm sure I'll be corrected when you get up here, Gary. >> Okay. Good morning, commissioners. Vince Lamb and I'm speaking today on behalf of the Bvard Indian River Lagoon Coalition. Uh I'm sure you can remember uh back in March when we requested assistance from
the from the trust for public land to come forward and uh and perhaps help us with some of the elements of campaigning for this. So, I want to share with you that uh uh that the trust that the uh the trust for public land conducted a public opinion survey of likely 2026
November ballot to Bvoulevard County voters and believes based on these results that the renewal of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon halfent sales tax has a very good chance of passing. Uh therefore we recommend that the Bvard County Commission place the uh place the
measure on the November 3rd ballot. Most people uh recognize the efforts of the past nine years uh of the Save Our Indian Indian River Lagoon program have resulted in seaggrass recovery of more than 10,000 acres.
Many people believe that the Bvard County portion of the Indian River Lagoon remains in poor to fair condition. substantially improved from 10 years ago, but uh but not yet back to anything resembling good condition. The
Bvard Indian River Lagoon Coalition is prepared to launch a campaign to uh to inform voters about about this referendum and why they should vote for it. As we did in 2016, we are we're currently recruiting volunteers to get ready for a very
active campaign in September and October. So, uh, uh, we, uh, you know, we appreciate your consideration of this matter today and we look forward to getting to work on it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you,
>> Gary. And then after Gary, Matthew Nyl. >> Hi, Gary Auanaga. >> Um, so I'm a longtime resident of Bvard County since the 60s. Um, I live on the Indian River Lagoon presently in Coco.
Um, marine engineer by degree and a many, many hours a year volunteer. Um, with all the many programs that all these great organizations and scientists and engineers and other folks do to have helped try to turn this lagoon around.
Why am I here? I'm here because I care deeply about this lagoon. I grew up when it was pristine and I would love to preserve that for my children and their children. Um, also I care deeply about this county and I
think it's pretty clear, I think someone said that this lagoon is the heartbeat of the county, but the direct tie to the long-term well-being and viability and economic viability of this county is critical to have a healthy lagoon in
terms of property values, in terms of inward growth, development, business success, um, tourism, It doesn't work with a dead lagoon. And so I'm here to ask you all to please
consider not only approving this to be on the ballot, but to do it unanimously and to as you go about and are able to use your circles of influence to please help raise awareness of just how
critical this issue is to our county. I think it's critically important at this point uh after 10 years that as others have said there is visible evidence now there's scientific evidence and visible evidence
that it's beginning to work but to stop funding now would present such a huge challenge as we've just begun this I think would be devastating uh not only financially but to the
hundreds and thousands of volunteers who have gotten behind this team effort to try to turn this lagoon around. The root causes haven't been solved yet. There's lots of reactive fixes between the filter feeders like clams and oysters and seaggrass growing etc. But we still
have far too many septic systems. We still have a huge storm water runoff problem. We have municipalities that have municipalities that have been a bit slow to require low impact development with developers etc. And the more concrete and asphalt we put down the
more storm water runoff and nutrients will go into the lagoon in the future. So I think now's the time to double down, continue what we started and do the right thing. Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. Matthew Nylan
and next speaker after Matthew would be Ann Conroy. >> Good morning, commissioners. I'm Matt Nylan. I um I'm from the Bvard Democratic Environmental Caucus. Um and I'm here to uh just quickly say I want
to thank the commission for the public and transparent process that has brought us to this critical point of decision um on the renewal of the Sorrel program. Um, I'm confident today in a positive outcome from you and I look forward to
the opportunity to build a broad coalition of Boulevard County residents who value the quality of life in the county and share our view that the Indian River Lagoon is the crown jewel that anchors the area's environment. So, thank you.
>> Thank you. and Conroy and Elizabeth Neville will be the next speaker. >> Good morning, commissioners. Um, and Conroy Bader and on behalf of the Space Coast Chamber of Commerce, we support allowing the citizens of Bvard County
the opportunity to vote on the renewal of Sorrel for an additional 10 years. We're already seeing meaningful meaningful outcomes from sorrel through critical infrastructure improvements, water quality projects, septic to sewer conversions and restoration efforts taking place throughout the county and all backed by
data and transparency. Continuing this momentum is important not only for the environment but for the long-term economic health and resiliency of our region. The health of the Indian River Lagoon is directly tied to our community's quality of life, environmental sustainability, tourism industry, property values, and long-term
economic vitality. A healthy lagoon supports local businesses, attracts visitors and talent, helps retain that talent, and protect one of our region's most valuable natural economic assets. And with the economic and population growth Bvard is forecasted to see in the next 10 years with the accompanying
environmental stresses, it's more important than ever that this essential work continues. The chamber believes that the residents of Bvard County should have the opportunity to decide on the future of the lagoon. Thank you for your service. >> Thank you,
>> Elizabeth Neville. And our next speaker will be Lisa Ruckman. Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and for your service to the county. My name is Elizabeth Neville. I'm the director of environmental law and policy for Save the Manity Club. We are a nonprofit
dedicated to protecting manatees and their habitat. Um, we strongly support placing the sorrel referendum on the ballot to allow the Bvard County voters the opportunity to continue investing in the long-term health of the Indian River Lagoon. Since
its creation, Sorrel has funded critical restoration and water quality improvement projects throughout the lagoon wershed. These investments have supported septic to sewer conversions, muck removal, storm water improvements, wastewater infrastructure upgrades, and
habitat restoration projects aimed at reducing nutrient pollution entering the lagoon. Together, these projects are helping improve water quality and ecosystem health across the region. These efforts are especially important for manatees. As you well know, over the
last decade, the Indian River Lagoon has experienced catastrophic seaggrass loss largely driven by nutrient pollution and harmful algaal blooms. Seagrass is a primary food source for manatees, and its decline has had devastating consequences on the east coast manatee
population. Between December 2020 and April 2022, Florida experienced the deadliest unusual mortality event on record during which 1,255 manatees died, primarily from starvation
linked to this severe seaggrass loss in the lagoon. The sorrel program provides funding for projects that improve water quality and restore submerged aquatic vegetation, directly supporting the recovery and long-term survival of our state marine mammal.
Environment and economics are deeply entwined when it comes to the benefits of lagoon restoration. The lagoon generates approximately 28.3 billion in economic value and attracts millions of visitors annually, meaning water quality
decline can carry serious economic consequences for these surrounding communities. Poor water quality and harmful algo blooms contributed to average property value losses of approximately $36,000 per home and roughly 2 $2.7 billion in total housing
mark market losses in just eight years during the crisis in some save the manity club strongly supports um placing the swirl renewal referendum on the ballot. Sorrel is making a measurable difference, but the work is far from complete. And with
state and federal funding in flux, we cannot afford to lose local investments. For the sake of our manatees, our environment, our economy, and our communities continued commitment to the Indian River Lagoon remains essential. Thank you so much. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, >> Lisa Ruckman. And our next speaker will Laura Lee Thompson. Hello. Um, thank you so much for um for everything that you guys do for the county and I'm also appreciating the um all the county staff members. Every time
I've called with a question, they've always been very helpful um and making sure that the um my my questions are answered. Um I'm a volunteer with the um Lagoon Coalition but also with um the East Merit Island Community Association um which is basically the east um zip
code for Merit Island. Um and we've uh we have seen improvement with the lagoon and we're happy to see that um you know we're seeing the the progress that's been happening. Um, but they're still looking forward to having um the waters
be more clear, to having our dolphins be a little healthier because I know that they're they're struggling a little bit somewhat um and being able to, you know, be able to see the fish in the water and and um have healthy fish to be able to fish again as well. We have um a lot of
the homes that are near the water on Merit Island, of course, and many of them have um still have the the septic tanks that are in probably too close proximity to the to the lagoon. So, um we're grateful for the projects that
have been happening that are still going to be happening in our area and um and also for the financial assistance because it can be a big deal um for people who are um replacing their um replacing their septic tanks to either um a better septic tank or for the ones
that are being able to connect to the to the new um the newer sewer conversion. Um we also like for our tax dollars that um the Saver Lagoon program has been really working hard at focusing on um finding those things which are going to
make the most impact and trying to use our our finances uh strategically. And we're also concerned about our property values. And as people have already mentioned before, um so many of the things that are are um improving the um
the lagoon um will make the the property values increase. And if things are not handled well and we end up having more algae blooms and that sort of thing, that that will not assist with our property values. So, um, we'd like to be able to continue and we see success in
all the education that's been done with the program, um, the cleanup and all the restoration efforts. Um, and, um, in fact, we've got a project starting in our neighborhood, um, right now, and we have a meeting in East Merit Island on Tuesday where we'll have staff come to speak to us. So, thank you so much.
>> Thank you, >> Laur Thompson. And our next speaker will be Keith Winston. Thank you. >> What's up? >> Lori Thompson. Um I live in Mims. Um longtime river rat and I brought you proof. You know, this is absolute proof
and the timing is wonderful for St. John's River Water Management District to to do this press release a couple of days ago, you know, showing that absolutely the seaggrass is increasing in the in the Indian River Lagoon. And
and so based on this is a 2025 update. They do these updates every two years. So the next one will come in 2027. um you know they've shown that um in in uh 2023 there was 24,000 acres of
seaggrass which was a huge increase over the survey before and then in 2025 last year they have 42,000 acres. So that's like a 18,000 acre increase in two years. And what I've seen, I watched it
start out in southern Mosquito Lagoon and then creep over to the northern Indian River Lagoon and then last summer we had seaggrass all along the shoreline in Titusville. And so the the seaggrass growth is slowly working its way south.
It's it's you know it was um above the NASA Causeway last year, but it and now it's creeping below the NASA Causeway. you guys that don't have seaggrass down here yet, it's coming. It's coming. And you know, the um water management
district did a um seed survey a couple of years ago and and found that there there are seeds in the um sediments all up and down the lagoon. So, we just got to keep steady, you know, keep with the plan. There their transsect links have
increased. That tells me that the water's getting clearer. um the density of the seaggrass in this in the transexs is getting denser. Everything's pointing towards a huge success with the sorrel um program. So I hope that you will keep
it going. And then you know finally we had um the uh seahorse that the fisherman found off of Kelly Park in his in his shrimp trap. I I knew that there were seahorses in the northern Indian River Lagoon because the crabbers have been seeing
them in their traps for a couple years now, but to see that one has shown up down in the central Banana River is really, really good. And again, it shows that it's working. And so I hope you guys will keep it going. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Lorie. >> Keith Winston. Keith Winston. And the next speaker, Sandra Sullivan. So, as elected officials and as county employees, I think most of the time you only hear it when people think government gets something wrong. And I
just want to say this has been sort of a great day hearing how government is getting a lot of things right. Uh from the fire chief you just honored this morning to the piece about public works and the Sorrel program is a fantastic example of that. The original ordinance was well put together. The structure,
the oversight, the approval, the impact you have seen step and step. Again, this is government getting something right and you've heard it and the two the two meetings that you held in the north and the south side of the pot county. You heard it from everybody there. I think there was one speaker against out of 60
plus speakers. So, I just want to commend you all for getting this whole process right, getting the review right, continue active. This is a great government program and we should all be proud of that. Um, and it involves thousands and thousands of people helping it. So, I want to recognize all of you today for your role in that um
and pushing it forward. I know you're going to put on the ballot and let the people decide and we're pretty confident what the people will say, but thanks for giving us that chance and thanks for imagining such a great program from staff to the commissioners. You've done a fantastic job with this. Thank you. >> Thank you,
Sandra Sullivan. And next speaker, Bruce Moya. Can >> you turn that on for me? >> Oh, this you start my time. Sorry. Okay.
Can you start my time again? Thank you. Sandra Sandra Sullivan uh with Waves Action. So, that was me leaving my community this morning. In uh 2024, the county stopped spraying the ditches with herbicides. Um this drains directly out
to the lagoon. We've had no seaggrass since the law changed uh in 20 special session November of 2010. That was uh HB981 to start spraying. And so the county
stopped spraying the ditches uh here, Tropical Trail, US1, etc. that drain to the lagoon. And so I posted at the time I said, "But you want to make a bet. The the seaggrass is going to make a recovery and this is being done at a
time to show that the lagoon tax is working." So I'm not in favor of the lagoon tax. And um one of the things uh that I want to talk about is um the impact of we know that the herbicides
uh feed or phosphorus food source that feed algae blooms that kill the seaggrass. We lost you know over 90% of our seaggrass after we started spraying. Other counties do not have a lagoon tax. We're the only one with a lagoon tax and
we had the worst deg. So, you stop spraying and now we have good recovery. Now, we have good recovery. Um, starting with the lagoon, but it's not the lagoon tax. I call it the muck tax because I don't know how many people in this room
have actually read the lagoon plan, but I have. $2 billion dollar worth of muck dredging projects and $600 million worth of storm water projects at the Cape and Patrick's base force base. I call it the
military muck tax because one of the things that's missing in our lagoon tax is POS contamination. Yet, if you read the NEP, EPA approved CCMP, their plan, we're required as part of the Indian River
Lagoon Council to have certain pollutants in our plan, which we do not have. So, a big one missing is POS. So, lo and behold, in 20 in 2010 to 2015, we did studies that that mock acts like a
sink to attract POS. And then PE then Patrick comes out with their remedial assessment in the beginning of 2015 and you guys that you were on the you were a part of this newspaper article. You created the you were like we're going to create the muck tax and that's what you
called it in the newspaper article and it said it's not legal to do it that we have to go and change legislation so that we can create the muck tax to remove muk. Well, guess what? It failed twice in appropriations. So, I question whether it's even legal to have the muck
tax. We got mocked. >> Okay. Our last speaker, Bruce Moya. >> By the way, I have no recollection ever using the term muck tax. I'll have to if you give me a copy of that article, I'd love to read it. I'm sure you can find me. I'd love to see it. Okay. Thanks, Bruce Moya.
>> Yes. Good morning. Um, probably surprised to see me here. No, not normally here to talk about environmental issues, but um this one's very important to me as a Bvard native. Um I've enjoyed this river my whole life and uh I I I want to make sure that it's
going to be even healthier than what I remember back when I was young for my grandkids uh you know and their and their grandkids. So uh this is this is very very important. Um it it and to see the progress that some of the people that have talked about this, it brings
me joy when I open up the paper and I see an article about how the rivers, the lagoons coming back, seaggrasses, the seahorse. It's yeah, so exciting to just to read that in the paper in the morning and hopefully more to come. So um you
know, I I'm obviously in support of this. I think it's it's very much needed. If I wanted to see anything different, I would hope that the the adjoining counties would would also tax themselves as we do. We clean up our mess. I wish they would clean up their mess. That'd be awesome. And then um
maybe tax more of the people that have been polluting that river for over 60 years would been kind of nice, but we're getting there. And we'll one step at a time. So, thank you. And we hope that you approve this for the ballot. Thank you. >> Thank you. Well, that's our last card. So we will
bring this to the board. Uh first we'll start out with any discussions or questions uh from the board. >> I think a few points today. Um Mr. Chair, if I if I might. Um with regards
to other counties and uh their tax or the lack of the the fact of it the matter is um because the uh this sales tax does exist in Bvoulevard County uh we have gotten much
more um support from the state from St. John's federal uh agencies because um we they're they're willing to match and it's a much harder conversation when you go to Tallahassee and you say we want
you to spend money here and they say how much have you raised at home? Nothing. And that is an impossible um ask when you get when you go to Tallahassee. So, I I think that's one of the the the most significant um
uh benefits of having this at the local level is that we get a lot of additional support uh for the lagoon. I think it's taken, I've said this several times, three generations to make the river dirty. I think it's going to take this one to clean it up. And I think we're
we're partway into it, but um we we are making um progress. uh a lot of people here uh today were came to the two workshops that we had. So, we've we've made a lot of effort to uh reach out to
the community and talk about this and we had great participation in Titusville and then uh again in Palm Bay and uh so I I feel like the the county is going to um this this is sort of the the end of a
chapter for us and then uh the issue will go before the voters and the the voters will will write the next chapter. Thank you. Thank you. >> May, Mr. Chair. >> Yes, absolutely. >> So, um, you all have put me on the Indian River Lagoon board, and I will
tell you, every time I go to a meeting, I sit there and it takes me the longest to say all of the progress that we've made in Bvard County compared to all of the other board members. And I'm always proud to be able to say how much money Virginia has gotten extra in addition,
but only because, like you said, um, Commissioner Felner, because we have the money to put up as well. do we get those extra funds? So, um I fully support allowing the the voters to make the decision. >> Okay.
I agree with that. U it's a wonderful um statement on behalf of Bvardis and its citizens to show that they care so much for this very precious resource and very unique environmental uh treasure that we have here in in
Boulevard County. I certainly support putting this back on the ballot. >> Any other discussion? >> Okay. Um, >> Mr. Chair, if there's no more discussion, I would like to move to approve.
>> Okay. There's a motion. Um, is there >> I'll second. A motion and a second for approval of the ordinance to place the referendum on the November 3rd, 2026 ballot to renew the uh 1/2 cent infrastructure sales tax for the Save
Our Indian River Lagoon program. Okay. >> And Mr. Chair, >> I knew there might be more. Okay. Just to be clear, that includes the other two components of the requested action as well, I assume, which is approve extension of the existing sales tax use and distribution interlocal agreements with the municipalities,
uh, subject to voter approval, obviously, and approve the ballot language included in the ordinance. >> Yes. >> Is that included in >> my motion includes all three? >> Okay. That's included. Okay. Great, Virginia,
we got you. Okay. All right. Uh any debate, discussion, debate? All in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, we'll move on to u no
no item I unfinished business J new business uh development environmental services group J1 >> good morning uh board uh so J1 is a contract for sale and purchase from >> go ahead go ahead we can hear you
>> uh from Miss Meyer uh this is for a sorrel project on Merid Island zone G septic to sewer conversion project um and it's for a vacant parcel at uh 1485 South Oak Drive for $299,000 to do a
critical uh project for a pump station. >> Okay. Any discussion? Motion be order. >> I'll make I'll make the motion. >> Make a motion. >> Yeah, I thought he was going to >> here. Commissioner Goodson, >> I'll second it. >> Yes, I would like to make a motion for
approval. >> Okay. Thank you, Commissioner. >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Commissioner Felner. All those in favor say yay. Yay. >> Yay. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. J2. Good morning, commissioners.
Item J2 um is concerning the solid waste collection contract. Uh the contract has an initial 7-year term that runs through September 30th of 2027 with a single provision for a three-year extension to extend the contract through September
30th of 2030. Uh the current collector waste management has uh requested that extension and requested a revision to the um price adjustments on an annual basis. And we're requesting the board to um approve one of the following options.
Option one is to approve legislative intent to consider the three-year extension of the current solid waste collection contract. Authorize advertising a public hearing and notification to property owners of a potential increase to the non-advalorum solid waste collection assessment and hold a public hearing in the future
during a regular meeting to consider approval of the contract extension and the associated assessment increase. Option two is to authorize purchasing services to advertise a request for proposal to competitively select an a solid waste collection provider and to authorize the county manager to
establish a selection and negotiation committee at which staff will bring back a negotiated contract for the board's consideration. Option three is any other action as determined by the board. I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Okay. Do we have any questions? Okay.
Let's >> do >> you want to hear Let's hear the cards and then we'll have questions. Okay. Um Rick Hefinger is our speaker. Sandra Sullivan will be our next speaker. >> District one. >> I think Sandra mentioned what brought
her to this commission and started her little quest to get things straightened out. This brought me to this commission seven years ago. Um, I've also made some recommendations, not necessarily through
a SEIR, but through the online page. There's some things that need to be fixed in the contract, and one of those is somebody else hauling away our stuff. Waste management has had a monopoly on this. They hold they hold the tight
reigns of recyclables. I don't think there's anybody else that can do recyclables. And if I remember correctly, it was the county that gave them an incentive to build that facility. Wonderful facility, but they own it. I don't think anybody else has got one. So, they're going to get
recyclables. I think unless we just want to do away with the recyclable program. I don't think we want to do that. Those recyclables taken out of the landfill should extend our landfills if if they are in fact taken out. Maybe we don't have the greatest, you know, participation, but we can work on that.
And I think the uh solid waste department has worked to do that. Um so they've got this monopoly. The last time we did this contract, there were other biders and I said, "Why don't we go with some of those other biders? They're cheaper."
And the decision was made by that commission at the time that ah you know what? We we just don't we don't know if we have confidence in those biders. They don't have enough trucks. Well, that's the reason you get a contract. You get a contract, you win the contract, you buy trucks. if you take the contract away from somebody else, I'll bet you they're
selling trucks. So, that was a my my view that was not a good answer. Um, if we break the contract up, I realize that's a pain in the butt. You got to manage potentially three contracts, right? That's a pain in the butt. But
we're paying for the fact that we're being extorted, if you will, by waste management. Their service is not good. Their service was not good during the last contract. that how many people still have piles of debris left over from the frost?
The county actually cut him some slack, gave them a two-eek extension. You can blow the the date you give somebody on the phone or through one of the requests. We'll give you two weeks. We still got piles of stuff. The grass is dying underneath. We're going to get into hurricane season. Where's that stuff all going to go? They're not doing
a very good job. They don't they don't follow the contract as it is. I know you guys, we have that little system where you can ding them if enough people complain that they missed the pickup. I made some money last year. I think I got one of them where I where I got enough people in the neighborhood to say, "Hey, we didn't get picked up, right? Every put your thing in there. We get enough.
We get money." Got one of those. But you don't have any idea how many complaints I had about the way that they leave the garbage can when they're done picking it up. The lid's supposed to be closed. Nobody seems to be compliant with that. Nobody's pushing. You guys manage the contract. I don't see any effort to to
smack them down. I did get one feedback that that they did that, but we need to break that monopoly. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Sandra Sullivan. Uh, next speaker and Joanne Stanley after Sandra. >> Good morning, Sandra Sullivan. So, um,
my request today is that you go out to bid, you do, um, goodbye the people of Bvard, and you go out to a competitive bid. And because we're looking at next year 12% increase 12 12% increase on the
taxpayers. So from a fiscal perspective doing due diligence and seeing what you can get as competitive bids would be the rightful thing to do. It's not lost on me the lobbyists that are here, lobbyists that have contributed to your
campaign. So, it'll be really interesting whether you are fair and equitable by the people of going out to competitively bid for the best deal. My residents in in Wilton Manners, they've switched from waste management. Other entities have switched from waste
management. Put it out to the competitive process. That's all. Just don't do what the lobbyists say. You know, like, you know, your phone during the vote for the hospital where you got a text message, here's who to vote for.
Jordan Stanley. Uh Joanne Stanley. Um Jordan Chandler will be the next speaker. Good morning. Joanne Stanley. Sorry. Joanne Stanley Republic Services. Um we are a $16 billion environmental services
company that picks up solid waste and recycling. We're in 42 states. We have 18,000 trucks and we pick up about 5 million homes a day. So, we are a viable option for the county to actually put this out for RFP. And um we have about a
99.5% pickup rate. So, our service is excellent throughout the throughout the state and the country. And we ask you to pick option two and put out a competitive RFP for your services. Thank you.
>> Jordan Chandler. Good morning, uh, Chair Alman, Vice Mayor Atinson, uh, Vice Chair Atinson, Commissioner Felner, Commissioner Goodson, uh, Jordan Chandler. I am the government affairs manager for, uh, WM and a lifelong resident of Bvard County and a very proud constituent of District
5. Um, first and foremost, let me say that Waste Management is proud to serve Bvard County, uh, not just as a service provider, but truly as an integral part of this community. Uh we have more than 300 employees who just don't work here.
Uh they live here, they raise families here, and they show up every single day to serve their neighbors. Our team members in your neighborhoods before sunrise, interacting with residents, helping solve problems, supporting school events, and giving back through
charitable endeavors across this community. So I can simply say that we are not just of this community. We are truly in this community making a difference every single day. And while we know that no service operation is
ever perfect, what defines us is our commitment, every day we work to earn the trust of the community and also to grow together. So simply our ask today uh is that we're respectfully requesting the board to
pursue option one uh and consider approval of the three-year renewal that is outlined in this current and existing franchise agreement. This extension would take the contract through September 30th, 2030 and after which it will go out to a competitive RFP. This
is the only renewal option built in the current contract and it provides a structured pathway forward and we're asking you to ultimately pursue that. So what's really important here? Um we service 92,000 households.
Continuity of service is important and a renewal ensures at this particular point in time zero disruption during a critical time. What's important here? Reliability. You can count on
transitioning providers at this particular point in time introduces operational risk, staffing disruption and potential service gaps and renewal ultimately um and renewing this current agreement ultimately avoids those risks alto
together. What's important here? cost predictability staff I think has done a phenomenal job in outlining the potential fis fiscal impact that uh uh there ultimately could be if this were to go out to competitive RFP RFP at this particular point in time
due to the market volatility. And so in closing uh this decision today is about certainty versus uncertainty, continuity versus disruption and a trusted relationship versus transition risk. This renewal keeps a proven system in
place, maintains maintains reliability, provides cost stability and strong and preserves strong community engagement. So we respectfully once again ask that you at this particular point in time consider option one and as stated once again 2030 this will go out to comp
competitive RFP. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Dean Olrich. >> Hey, good morning. I'm uh apologize. I'm a little under the weather right now, but um uh Dean Yolich, I'm the division manager for Waste Pro uh here in Bvard County. Um
I'm also a Bvard County uh resident. Um and we are encouraging you to put this out uh for a competitive bid. Uh obviously we um uh would like to see that uh Waste Pro is nowhere near the size of Waste Management or Republic. Uh
but we are more than qualified uh have substantial resources enough to do this to do the job. Uh we are a Florida based company headquartered in uh Longwood. Um we are celebrating our 25th year uh right now. So, we're uh very pleased
with the growth uh that goes on here. Uh we have u right now in Bvard County, we have six municipal contracts and so we are uh again, we're not as large as the others, but we are fully capable of providing the service uh for everybody.
We do operate uh much larger operations around us, so the resources are there. Um uh we have large divisions in um basically that surround Bvard County. So we're down in uh uh Port St. Lucy, we've got Orlando, we've got Sanford and Daytona that all the way around us. So
um so we have again plenty of resources that we can pull from and we encourage you to put this out uh put this out for a bit. That's what I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, that's our last card that I can
see. Um we'll bring this back before the board. What is the the desire of the board? Any discussion? I'm sure we have questions. Yes. >> Um, >> Commissioner, >> thank you. My question, um, experience,
um, and your experience, who has gone out to bid recently, and do you know what the results of those have been for other municipalities, other counties? >> Um, I know there are three other counties that have gone out to bid recently. Um, which recently in this
case is 2024. >> Um, excuse me. Uh, I believe that Lake County ended up with a 42% increase on their their renewal of the contract. Orange County ended up with an 82% increase. Um, Valuchia County ended up
with only a 7% increase. And the reason why is the difference between whether they have a cost adjustment um, allowance or a low cap in the cost adjustment for annual cost adjustments. Um, Valuchia County, I believe, had a a 5% cost adjustment. So the the collector
was able to keep up with the um with the consumer price index yeartoear. >> Mhm. Okay. Thank you. >> Um on that question u similar build on that. How about the municipalities in Bard? I know
>> I am not aware of of um any of their recent uh contracts. I know that that um the I believe the city of Coco or is it may be Cocoa Beach is currently out for an RFP. >> Okay.
Okay. Any other questions? Uh see no questions. Is there motion? >> I would like to make a motion um to approve option number one. I'll second. >> Okay. Uh there's a motion for option
number one. Uh any debate? I will be voting against that. I would have preferred option two because I think it's do I'd like to see us competitively bid especially due to the nature of the length that uh time that's
passed since we did not bid. But all those in favor say yay. >> Yay. Nay. Um nay nay. Motion passes 31. Okay. Uh that
uh closes that item. Let's move to J2. Um I'm sorry, J3. Uh approval option agreement for sale and purchase of uh piece of property.
>> Thank you, commissioners. Good afternoon. This uh agenda item is asking for approval for the sale of purchase of the Bernardet Rebel and Jason Taro property up in Mims. It's about 10 acres of property for $119,000.
This is for inclusion of that property underneath the EELS conservation program fully funded by Eels referendum dollars. Available for questions. >> Okay, we do have one card. Uh Lori Thompson. >> Thank you. Lori Thompson, Mims, Florida.
So, um this property is right around the corner from where I live on Hammock. I don't live on Hammock Road, but I travel on Hammock Road all the time. And it is a gorgeous piece of oak hammock. You know, there's not a lot of oak original maritime oak hammock left along the
Indian River Lagoon. And it's also a really good price, you know, because I know what kind of um price, you know, land in that part of Mims is going for and $100,000 for 100 acre I mean for 10
acres is a really good deal. So I would recommend picking this up. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. If there's no other discussion, sir, I'll make a motion to approve with all four of the um requests that the that's in the agenda packet.
>> I'll second that. >> Okay, there's a motion and a second for approval with the four requests in the agenda packet. Did we cover everything? Okay, good. All in favor say yay. Yay.
>> Motion carries unanimously. Okay, J4. >> Thank you, commissioners. Similarly, J4 is a request to purchase another property. This was in the south end of the county in Malibar at the south end of the Malibar scrub. It is
approximately 2.1 acres uh for the price of 28,000. This is part of the scrub habitat, so it will enhance that area down south. Again, available for questions. >> Excellent. You don't you don't have a card on. I
thought that was >> no cards. >> Okay. If there's no discussion, I'll make a motion to approve. >> Motion >> motion and second to approve uh opt agreement for sale and purchase of u plan one inc property through the conservation fund.
>> All those in favor say yay. >> Motion c passes unanimously. Fantastic. Okay, we will move to J5 education facilities impact fee agreement with school board and LAR Corporation.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, Lenar Corporation is in the process of developing a large 55 and up active adult community in the city of Palm Bay, now known as Timbers at Everlands. the school board and the city of Palm Bay granted uh an exemption for that
development because it is an age restricted active adult community for residents 55 or older from the school facilities impact fee. Unfortunately, Bvard County, we administer the impact fee program for the school board. No one alerted us to the exemption and LAR
mistakenly paid the school facilities impact fee on some 300 units to the tune of a little over 1.5 million. The agreement before you is an agreement between LAR, the school board, and Bvard County that will allow LAR to receive a
credit for those mistakenly paid impact fees uh for future LAR development within the Southern Bard County impact fee benefit district. The school board approved this at their meeting last Tuesday. >> Okay, any discussion?
>> I make a motion to approve if there's no questions or discussion. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. and a second. All in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. Okay. Now we'll go to
K. Public comments. I think >> we have no K cards. Okay. We'll move to board reports and we'll uh county manager. >> Uh yes. Thanks, Mr. Chair. Uh, as I mentioned earlier, we have a solution to
the HVAC system at the Sarno complex. So, we don't need to come back to talk about reserves. I mentioned that the last meeting. >> Yes. >> Don't need to come back. So, I just want to let you know we're not coming back. >> Great news, especially since we're getting close to June. >> Uh, county attorney.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, we've discussed with commissioners at least individually before in briefings a situation with change healthc care which was our previous vendor for collecting EMS billing for fire rescue. Uh they had a data breach that resulted in a long
delay in billing. Uh to some extent it's resulted even though eventually they resume billing. Uh there's some bills that were rejected because they were not properly build within 90 days and some insurers uh have a provision to reject. I had been looking into our alternatives
once we are able to uh you know fully evaluate our potential losses resulting from that activity. Um I've been assessing our remedies through litigation and otherwise. Currently, there's multi-dist litigation pending in a district in
Minnesota uh regarding other issues, non-local government providers who were harmed by this data breach. I very recently at a meeting late last week learned that there's a movement now for local
governments to be included perhaps in a prong of that. Um, I may need some flexibility in June where the board doesn't meet to take action to get us involved upfront to best preserve our rights and put us in the best position to recoup as much as we possibly can.
So, I'd just like to ask the board for preliminary authorization now for me to engage class counsel and to uh at least take initial steps to participate in that litigation and then I'll bring back more information to you in August or
July, I'm sorry. uh may not need to do this, but I want to be in a position that if I need to act quickly in June when the board isn't meeting that I'm able to do that and and not potentially uh I I'm sorry, I should say be in the best position to put us in a in a good
place to get everything we can. >> Do you want that in a motion? >> That that would be good if I >> make that. Sorry, I don't mean that. >> No, go ahead. >> I I'd make that motion. Okay. >> Motion second. Um on the request of the county attorney. >> Thank you very much.
>> All those in favor say yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Yay. >> Carries unanimously. Thank you. >> And I will return to the board with information on what happened, of course. Thank you. >> Okay. Next report will be district two. Commissioner Goodson.
>> None sir. >> Okay. Commission district three. Commissioner Atkinson. No report. Four. Commissioner Felner. No report. And I have no report either. So show the meeting adjourned. The opinions expressed by any member of
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