[music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music]
[music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Day >> [music] >> 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. >> Okay. Thank you very much and welcome to
the uh county commission meeting. Um, Commissioner Atinson has a motion before we get started. >> Um, I'd like to make a motion to have Commissioner Felner join us. >> Second. >> By telephone. >> By telephone. Thank you.
>> Uh, all those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> And so we have Commissioner Felner here via telephone. Uh, first item on the agenda is the pledge. Please stand. 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. Our invocation um today will be given by Shane Grant
with the local spiritual assembly of the Bahigh. Did I say that right? >> Sean Grant. >> Oh, Sean Grant. Okay. >> Old Irish name gets confusing. Yeah. >> Thank you, uh, Commissioner. On behalf
of the Bahigh of Bard County, we gladly accept that offer. Thank you. Oh thou kind Lord, this gathering is turning to thee. These hearts are radiant with thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated
by the glad tidings of this Lord. Let the American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired material degrees and render this just government victorious. confirm this revered nation to upraise
the standard of oneness of humanity and to promagate the most great peace to become thereby the most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. Oh God, this American nation is worthy of thy favors and is deserving of thy
mercy. Make it precious and near to thee through thy bounty and bestow. Thank you. >> Thank you. First item for action is the minutes for approval for December 2nd, 2025 regular meeting. >> So moved.
>> There's a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. Now we have a resolution I'm really excited about and would like to uh ask
Railen Kemper to step up to the podium. >> [clears throat] >> Whereas Railen Keer, a proud sixth generation rancher with deep roots in the sunshine state and a lifelong love
for agriculture, was crowned Miss Rodeo Florida 2026. And whereas raised in the heart of Florida ranching, Railen Keer grew up showing livestock through 4, working alongside her family on their cattle
operation and volunteering with the Oyola County Cattle Women Association. And whereas as a part of the Miss Rodeo Florida pageant, Railen Keer completed extensive mock interviews, prepared and
memorized the speech, and studied both um both rodeo knowledge and current events. And whereas one of the most demanding aspects of the competition was horsemanship, where she was required to ride horses she had never ridden before.
Through this experience, she won the personality, speech, written test, and horsemanship competition, as well as the Miss Congeniality award. That's fantastic. Um whereas Miss Rodeo Florida 2026 Ray Lynn Keer will travel
throughout the state of Florida and across the nation representing rodeo and agricultural at community events to educate others and help preserve the agricultural heritage and western way of life. And whereas Railen Keer whereas
Railen Keer's platform together we shine focuses on promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities and special needs and reflects her belief that rodeo and agriculture have room for everyone. Now therefore, be it resolved
that the board of county commissioners of Bvard County, Florida, does hereby recognize Ray Lynn Kemper and congratulate her on being crowned Miss Rodeo Florida 2026. Done, ordered, and adopted in regular session this 10th day
of February, 2026. >> So moved. >> There's a motion. There's a second. Second. >> Motion second. All those in favor say yay. >> Yay. I >> passes unanimous. Ray, let me Yeah. [applause]
>> Well, and this is for the whole state of Florida to 23 million people. That's very impressive. And we are a big agricultural state. So, I know the competition was great. Would love to have you say a few words. I'm truly just honored to get to represent our great state this year and
the sport of rodeo and agriculture because it's kind of dwindling now in our state and I feel going to these school visits and teaching the young people about agriculture and rodeo just can get their fire lit and really get our next generation going to support
agriculture. >> Now, is there a Miss Agriculture USA or America coming up? >> So, I will be competing for Miss Rodeo America in December. So, I'll go against all the other states that have a rodeo queen and I'll have a week-long competition for that. And it's a very,
very prestigious title. >> Well, you would be welld deserving of it. Uh, where is that going to be held? >> That'll be in Las Vegas, Nevada with the National Finals Radio. >> Now, where did you go to school here in Central Florida? So, I went to Calvary
Chapel for a little while and then I moved over to Harmony and then I went to the University of Central Florida and I got my bachelor's in psychology with with a business minor there. >> Fantastic. Well, we certainly appreciate you and it's really exciting. What a great honor to have you here today and
we're going to do a picture. >> Yes, that would be amazing. >> Do you want all of us or just you? >> I think all of us. >> Okay. degree in psychology that works well. >> Well, I want to go to law school when I'm done with all this.
>> We're gonna stay back here. >> And you have a fellow right here. >> Sorry. I'm really nice of you. >> You want to >> We're gonna stay back here. >> Okay. Let's try to So, right there's perfect. >> All right, that's that'll work right
there. >> All right, ready. >> Let me get a little closer here. >> Perfect. Thank you. [applause] Are you a horseman or horseoman? >> Either one. >> Okay. I was just saying we have a she
has a fellow horse woman here right on our board. So, okay. Um, we have the consent agenda. Um, do we have any that anyone wants to remove from the consent? >> I do not.
>> I would like to pull F1 and F2 for staff presentations. >> Okay. So, we'll pull F1 and F2 for staff presentations. >> I'd like to make a motion to approve the remaining. There's a motion by
Commissioner Atinson. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Delaney. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> I. [laughter] >> Motion carries unanimously. >> Okay. Um Okay. The we'll have the two items have
staff do a presentation on. Good evening, commissioners. Uh F1 is uh permission to apply for a hazard mitigation grant program, wershed wershed planning program for Salt Lake WHED uh for a master plan. Um we would
have to uh provide a 25% match. We're estimating it's a $400,000 uh project. What this uh will enable us to do if uh act if we actually receive the grant is uh this is the watershed. If you recall back in October we had uh
flooding up in uh district 1 specifically on Parkland Street. Uh but that entire watershed is something that we would um have a consultant look at, look at uh where the water's going now, if there's any blockages, come up with concept uh plans of how we can resolve
it, and then propose at least at a high level um what we can do to fix it, and then uh depending on what results we get, we would look at at funding separate designs for each of the projects that come out of that. >> Chairman De.
>> Yes. Thank you. Uh Mark, could you um I have just a couple questions for for the public's sake. Um this information that we would get from this master plan, we don't currently have the data that is needed
to construct these concept plans to fix some of the flooding issues that are in that area. >> So um let me try to step through this. So there was a study uh about 30 years ago. Uh at this point there's so much um
changes that have taken place that we wouldn't be able to use that. But anytime that you're looking to do uh large scale changes or a design that impacts a basin such as this, you need to have a current relevant model so that
you can uh predicate your design on it. So this will help us look at you know where the water is, what the issues are and then provide us uh with recommendations. >> And um with with this master plan, what
kind of deliberables are we expected to to get back? Um is this everything from maps, ranked projects, um cost estimates, implementation timelines, any any of those things or more? Anything else?
So, you know, really, uh, everything that you mentioned, um, you know, right now we're just applying for the grant. Um, once we get the grant, we'll work on, um, the specifics, and it it's very well possible. It could take a year or
more before we even find out if we get the grant, but we do need board permission to apply for it because there's a match. Uh, but many of the things that you just said would be part of that. um it'd be concept and highlevel estimates um at 400,000. It
wouldn't be detailed projects. >> Okay. And then um this basically frames a plan as a gateway to action um to some of the issues that we were seeing in that area um in October.
>> Yes. If if there are options that are uh e economically uh feasible uh as you know the St. John's River at some point when it rises a lot of uh anything that we can do uh could be cut off. So, you know, we we'll let you know the
consultants look at the data, figure things out, and then if there are reasonable um solutions, propose them. >> Awesome. Thank you. With that, I'd like to make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion by Delaney, second by Akinson. All in favor say I.
>> I. >> I. Motion carries unanimously. Okay. And what's the next item? >> Um item F2, uh Commissioner, this is the um approval uh seeking approval for submittal for congressional funding for
land acquisition. This is specific with land acquisition and corridor acquisition associated with Port St. John's new wastewater plant. Um this is a continuation of the efforts that we're doing associated with that region um
both from the space industry and support of the space industry. Uh we're doing this in collaboration with the EDC and the intent is to submit the appropriation through Congressman Heridopoulos for this request.
>> Okay. Any questions? Any comments? With that, I'd like to make a motion to approve. >> There's a motion by Commissioner Delaney. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Atkinson. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. We have no public comment cards. We have a H1 public hearing. We have two cards. We have a presentation
and we have a questions only card. >> How long do you think you'll need in your presentation? >> Oh, just a just a couple minutes. >> Okay. >> Not not not too long. I apologize. >> Um I appreciate the time. Just wanted to come up and talk about why we're looking
for this uh temporary use permit. You know, I think we've been here before is Lindy. I'm sorry. I I forgot to say my name right. I need to say David Yagielski. Uh 175 East Park Drive, Tanawatada, New York. Apologize. I'm excited to talk about the project, so I just started going into it. Okay.
>> Um as you know, we're we're working on expansion our facility out in Mims to provide more uh industrial gases to the the community and uh businesses in the area. And what we're asking for here is a temporary use permit to allow us to
use some land that's up the street from our current facility for parking for our our contractors as well as laying down some of the equipment as it's coming in to be staged. We're on a very tight site uh where we're putting our plan in. We're trying not to affect um the
property more than we have to. So by using this available land up the street, we'll be able to stage our equipment and bring it in in just when we need it. So, we're um asking for approval for this temporary use permit to allow us to to do that. Um if there's any questions, I'd be glad to answer.
>> Commissioner Delaney, >> I already know the answer to this, but um you guys don't do LG, correct? >> We do not do LNG. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I have one question. >> Yes. >> You're going to put everything back as you found it, right? >> Yep. That's correct.
>> Okay. >> Make a motion to approve. Second. >> There's a motion uh and a second to approve. All in favor say I. I >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um item I1 unfinished business
discussion board requests to post PAS information on the county's website. Okay, >> I'm stalling here as you have Eddie Fontan coming up and hope to give you the review.
>> Hi again, commissioners. Um, so for this item, this is a followup based on the discussion we had at the uh, I believe it was the January 13th board meeting. Um, um, you're going to you're going to
see uh, Hope Brown. She's our environmental and safety supervisor and she is taking lead with our efforts related with PAS and how we're reporting it. you've um Jacob's engineering report and the coordination hope is our point
person. So um if if you guys all don't mind, I'll let Hol take over and um share the layout of what we created. >> Absolutely. We've created a couple of proposed pages for our website. Um this would be the first one. um just making
an update to our current water quality page giving some information about PIFA and what we're doing to monitor that. After this page, there'll be a link where you can go to the PIFA page where it'll give you a little more specific
information about PIA, our most recent testing, and then some info links um give you information um you might find necessary about PAS. We've expanded that here in this PDF just so you can see um kind of
what those would look like. What are paws? How am I exposed? Where are the impacts? All of the links will go to the EPA website. There is one that goes to the D website. Those links
I've put in PDFs here. So the first two links would take you to what our current understanding is for human health and the environment of PIFA. um let you know a little bit about where you can get them, how you can be exposed, the human health effects from the PAS.
The next link would take you to a page where you can learn, [sighs] sorry, learn more about what you can do to reduce any risk that you might have from that, including a link to where you can find water filters that are approved
from the EPA. The next link would take you to D's page where it tells you what the state has for guidance on the PAS. And the very next link will give you there's one number on the PAS that I do
have a lot of questions about. So I felt like it would be necessary to explain that these Gen X chemicals if you see here they're unitless. There's a hazardous index. So I do have a lot of questions about what does this mean? So, we put we proposed to put a link on here with the how are the genetics chemicals
calculated and that's another link from the EPA which is right here where you can get more information on how that information is calculated. >> So, um sorry. So, um so commissioners this is what we've prepared. Um, we're
welcome to feedback, but also um if this is content with the intent, uh, we can go live with this. >> Commissioner Delaney, [clears throat] >> thank you. Um, Hope, could you did you
say that the the first page that you brought up there was already language in there that change that brought in POS? Um it just kind of talks about our water quality monitoring. Um >> but it doesn't directly say anything. >> It does not directly Yeah.
>> Okay. >> And so did I hear you right when when you said that this page is where you would find the link to the web page? >> Right. On our website there's a thing set up with the links on the right hand
side. So this would be the header site for the water quality and then there would be like a drop down for the POS. >> Is there any way that we could put a section in this about POS um monitoring and then have the link to the website
also like one of the bold sections. Could it be you know like a subsection and POS monitoring or POS results or something along those lines? are the is the the PAS results hope if you scroll
down are listed right I'm I'm just trying to follow you >> so that first page that >> the water quality page >> rather than the public having to like know where to find the link >> could we just put it on there somewhere >> we can
>> okay I think that that would be helpful and then um [clears throat] so I think that Um, I heard it a little differently when when we were discussing, but I know that
there was some miscommunication. Um, and so I'm wondering about the uh direct customer notification through email or bill inserts and um have have we done
any work on that piece? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. And so you would need more board direction tonight >> if it's if it's board's desire that a notification such as that to notify of this website
>> well and about the current results that we that we've have and have had. >> Um so we can it's the logistics. So >> um we we we do quarterly reporting but we also do reporting as the EPA directs
us. >> So >> again this is the board's desire but our thought was if a notification was to go out was the notification to make the um the rateayer know about the website and
the website would be the location of the most frequent information. Okay. Um the I was wondering also about the website and about the the chart that we put up
and it only has a small subset of the most recent results and um I've got some concern because we've been testing since 2023 and I feel like people are entitled to know all the results and um have the
historical data. And so like the um the Orlando uh one, I don't know, Logan, would you mind putting up that that slide with the chart from Orlando?
So it basically has all of the results right there for for their community to see. And I feel like that that is, you know, something more the lines of what I was thinking when I was um when I brought this forward. And so I'm
wondering what the board direction on that would be. Um I I feel like, you know, having all the data out there because this is those results are just one well from each of those places or the worst wells or how did you guys
decide on that data? >> This is the point of entry. So this is the data that the EPA is requiring will be requiring to be reported and it's only on these chemicals and it's only for the point of entry which is the place where it goes into the system out
of the plant. So I don't know how you guys feel about what your opinions are about that. Um I personally would feel better if we put all the information out. Um, but you know, as a board, this is our our decision.
>> Well, I'd actually I'd like to make a motion to approve the website as is for now with the addition of your request for the um the additional link, but I like the simplicity of it. I like the way it looks like it's going to work,
and I think it's going to be an evolving thing as people let us know how it's working well or not well for them. So, I would make a motion to approve it as it is with your request for the link. >> Can I make a friendly motion or a friendly amendment? >> Um, the only other request that I had
was if we could put a link to the study on the website. That way, people could get all the information if they so chose to do so. >> I don't have a problem if that's something that's pretty easy to do for people to be able to read a study that's been previously done. >> That would be my motion.
>> I'll second that. >> So, there's a motion and a second. Any discussion on the motion? All in [clears throat] favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimous. >> I have um also another motion to give
staff direction to look into the feasibility of a direct notification um through email andor um through the bill. Okay. There's a motion. explain that a little more. What you
mean by direct notification? Is it something is a is it a direct notification process that we would have approved if there was an emergency or is this u a direct notification that would
be done now? So >> perhaps the >> what would we be notifying them of? >> We would be not let me pull up from um just that I have an example to give you. [clears throat] There we go.
So this was an example um of what Temple Terrace did and I think I have a slide um Logan for this one as well. Um and it just shows it basically gives the EPA requirement um
UCMR and then uh says what POS is gives the test result um because they were you know pretty high in that area and then um just information what is being done what should I do what is POS
um what are some of the health effects exposure um for more information and it gives a point of contact uh some links to the EPA um and then there's uh EPA set limits so
that people have knowledge of um what what the data says that they're looking at. And so it's just pretty basic. Um, but it's to notify people, hey, we just got these new test results. These were the
results. They're higher than the EPA standard. Um, you know, here's here's what you could do next kind of a thing. And this is going to be required as of 2027. Anyway, >> I have a question. >> This will be added in the water quality
report in 2027. Um, so yeah. So, and and Commissioner, I'm just listening. Um, I think the the um to
keep the logistical to keep the information consistent is we'd like to push people to the website because when EPA renewals or updates occur, the updates would occur automatically. if the intent of the board is to submit
a notification to make them aware of the website to push them to there to see the data, the links and whatnot. Um, you know, just a suggestion, but it's the prerogative of the board. >> If we could do that and then also just
put like a simple um, you know, these were the new these were the newest results that we got that triggered that. But we would have to do that every time we do a test result. So, >> won't you have to do that anyway? In 2027, >> 2027 is a um is a one-time report.
That's a synopsis of the entire year. >> Okay. >> So, I believe those go out and if Hope was here, she would correct me. I think it's April, May of every year. every water producer does it, but it's supposed to identify the high lows of
all the components so that as a water user. Um I I think logistically if we had to do this every time we had a sample it would be um it would be excessive. >> Isn't it only a couple times a year though?
>> Um it's quarterly but again um at the will of the EPA. they can ask us at any point to ask us to do but again it's the desire of the board. >> What if the notification said there are new results go here to find out the
information? Would that be something? Um, we could, but then the question is logistically we would have to put that in a mailer because um the bill cycle and I'm only saying this because I'm here in the bill cycle the um frequency
of when the bills go out and getting the verbiage to the billing contractor might not there might be an um a longer delay than probably what you would want to see, >> right? But it would be more than once a year and it would trigger them to look at the new results. Even if it is a little late,
>> we can put on the bill on the bill notification periodically to notify them of the website and that's very logistically that's uh and we can do that. I could get with my staff and
twice a year just put the verbiage on the bill to say we could put something to make them aware of the website and that way it would be >> and then again it would push them to the website to say let me check. >> Okay. Um I'd like to amend my motion
then to add what Eddie just said to the bill directing people to the website. Um, >> so is that different from your original motion? >> Yes. >> Let's go ahead and just have a a new motion since I don't think we got it.
>> I would >> I had a question before. Oh, sure. Yeah, go ahead and just add a new No, I I mean I had a question before, but you answered it. I just go ahead and add a new motion. >> I would like to make a motion to um add the new POS website to our water
bills >> periodically. Periodically. >> Periodic. You want it? Because we can't do that every month, but we could do that two, three times a year. >> Okay. Sure. Two, three times a year. >> Okay. There's a motion. Is there a
second? >> Okay. A second. That motion dies for like a second. Okay. Okay, we have a card for J1, the adoption of Save our Indian River
Lagoon project plan 2026 update. Craig Wallace is the card. Craig Wallace, Bvard Indian River Coalition. I'll make this real brief. Um, I've sat in on all the citizens oversight committee meetings. I've heard all the um testimonials been back and
forth on on these issues. Um, I love the science of this plan and I'm fully in support of it. That's all I Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh any um questions, any comments, discussion, motions?
>> I'd like to make a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve adoption of the Save our Indian River Lagoon project plan for 2026 update. >> Second. >> Motion second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Motion carries.
>> Motion carries unanimously. >> Nay. Sorry. Oh, we have one nay. >> Nay. >> Okay. And the motion carries four to one. Nay. By Commissioner Delaney. Um J2, miscellaneous, the Susan B. Connley speak upward workshop for commissioners to hear
citizen effectiveness and efficiency recommendations. >> Thank you so much. Um Don, would you mind coming up? I was wondering if you could please tell us um how many submissions have been
received, how many per department have been received, and how many out of jurisdiction um have been received. >> Sure. I'll be glad to uh Good evening, commissioners. So, for this year, we received as of uh the end of January 31st, which is the end of the
recommendation period, 61 Sears. Uh 10 of those were for the county attorney's office, 10 for the county manager's office, nine for emergency management, 10 for natural resources, nine for public works, three for parks
and recreation, four for planning and development, and then a couple a few miscellaneous. Uh all of those sears have been uh sent to the various departments that are applicable and they are currently being reviewed. So, at this point, I don't
have a number of any that may or may not be deemed out of our jurisdiction. Just know that all all of the Sears have been assigned and they're currently being reviewed. Thank you. Um, at [clears throat] the last meeting, I requested support in sponsoring a 2026
SpeakUp Revard workshop. We had multiple public commenters and email uh emails supporting this workshop. Um there were a few concerns raised and to ensure that we had we knew the number of submissions
and out of jurisdiction uh submissions um we wanted to give it some more time and so I just wanted to bring up that last year we had 77 submissions this and we only had 13% presenters at the workshop and seven public comments where
this year we have less submissions. Um, not saying necessarily that there'll be less presenters, but um, I think that it's fair to say that, you know, it's I don't believe it's going to be an overwhelming amount of people, uh, to do this. and um
continued board sponsorship would signal would signal our shared commitment to transparency uh civic engagement and two-way communication with the community and help ensure that residents across the county have an identified pathway to
engage with us and to present their recommendations during a dedicated session. And the thing that I love about this is that it's it's all about the citizens. It's a whole um it's a whole day. It's a whole uh workshop
all about civic engagement and um gathering engagement from from the residents. And I I feel like last year it was such a success and I would love to see it um uh this become, you know, a a thing. And
I would like to say that um we even got a speak up regard submission that was advocating for the workshop to be yearly and um so I thought that was pretty cool. Um
and so I would like to um present two dates. March 17th at 9:00 am or April 7th at 5:00 pm or I'm sorry, no those were um those were never mind not those
two dates. I'm sorry about that. Um but we could go forward and get dates together if if there's board support for the uh for the workshop. >> Okay. Um, so I guess what this is then is a
request for a workshop. >> Yes, sir. >> Right. >> Uh, for the commissioners to hear citizen effectiveness and efficiency recommendations. >> Okay. Is there any other thoughts on the workshop? Yes, >> I do have some thoughts. So, I I just
want to be clear about what a workshop would do. So, I'm going to probably make statements and ask questions. So, Jimmer Morris, if I'm out of step, please let me know. Um, so I want to be clear on the process that the voters actually approved. My understanding is that Sears are
submitted. Staff has 90 days to review them. Then the staff brings the results back to the commission for a public review. At that public meeting, the residents have the opportunity to address the commission regarding their individual SEIR that they submitted.
We can give them as much time individually, I understand, as as we might want. It doesn't have to just be three minutes. Um, and that meeting would be sometime in April. Is that is that the right sort of timing? >> A April or May. >> Okay. So, even if we had a workshop
before that meeting, we can't do anything, right? Because once those Sears are submitted, we even if we're if we have the public in front of us telling us something about the SEIR, what they may have actually meant or or whatever, we can't we can't do anything at the workshop. We can't
change the sear that they they wrote. >> The charter provision uh provides for a formal written recommendation process. >> Um and so written recommendations are received by the county and the charter
compels the county commission to review and then take a formal vote to either accept accept with revisions or reject the written recommendations themselves. So, you're correct that nothing that's said verbally at a workshop after the
written recommendation has been received would change what it is you're reviewing or what the charter compels you to act on. That said, after the commission acts on any sear, if a citizen felt like they were misunderstood or maybe didn't um accurately describe in writing what
their intent was, they have all sorts of opportunities to outreach and clarify what was intended at any, you know, they don't have to wait until SEIR. could at the same meeting under public comment say, you know, [snorts] I appreciate that you reviewed my SER, but I think
you should have also considered this or maybe I really meant to say that >> to do that. >> Absolutely. And and you're correct about the process. They absolutely have to be heard at a public hearing. So, um, one way or another, the board at a formal board meeting is going to have to review this and accept input from citizens and
and vote at that meeting. >> And that's when we can do something about it. We we could make a motion or a vote to do something different about that SEIR at that time >> at a board meeting. >> At a board meeting, right? So, may I? >> Yes, absolutely. >> So,
this board, I mean, the five of us, we we already rejected the idea of changing the process um which was approved by the voters. So I don't want to change the process as long as the public has the opportunity to to say what they need to say in a
form where we can do something about it. So that's my thought. >> Okay. >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Um thank you for that. Um, one of the things that I just want to mention is that in previous years, um, the SpeakUp
Bvard submissions, that meeting, it's either been on consent and just passed through, um, without any discussion or it's been presented at the end of a end of a meeting with not much discussion. And so I
prior to about two three years ago um when myself and my chief of staff um kind of started promoting this program there wasn't a whole lot of uh interaction with it because people
didn't know about it and I personally I would just hate to see this go away again. And so I'm While the charter has a requirement and a must, I think that
also um there's there's some wiggle room in the can. And so I just feel like you know why not breathe more life into this? Give it more visibility. And um
the uh um the thing about the workshop is is that none of the workshops that we do can we uh make votes. So, while I understand that we can't change anything, what we can do is give the give the public the
opportunity to get a couple more minutes to um share what their what their ideas are. um while staff is coming up with their recommendations because maybe there's a something in their presentation that comes out better
verbally or more clearly verbally rather than um you know in writing because not everybody uh communicates the best that way. So it gives it gives people another opportunity to share their idea idea more broadly and um
>> yeah thank you. >> Yeah. Yes. Go ahead. >> I I appreciate the idea that you've breathed more life into this so that people feel you like like they have an opportunity um and a venue. I don't want to have people standing here in front of us thinking we can do something at that
minute and we can't because when we went through that last year, I've I kind of felt really deflated. So I when I say that I don't think that we should change the process that the voters approved. I don't. But it doesn't mean that the five of us couldn't enhance it, right? We could make sure it's not stuck at the end. we could give them a few more
minutes to speak. So, I don't I don't want to lose the public engagement. I don't want to limit what they have to say, but I want to make sure when they're saying it, we can do something about it. So, is that a piece of the conversation that you guys would like to have tonight
about um when this comes back before the board? Can we um give board direction or make a motion that we're going to give people so many minutes or have a dedicated meeting or a um
you know I'm just floating around ideas of what what could be possible >> or I guess it could be a d it could be a meeting that's regularly scheduled but then we have a dedicated portion of that meeting where
we actually commit to hearing um the public input in these proposals so it's just not part of a consent or buried in an agenda could have a separate time so to elevate it that level I think that's a reasonable
request I could support that >> sounds good we need a motion for that or is that just board direction >> um what Mr. Chair >> Mr. Chair, could I say something? >> Absolutely. >> You hear me? >> Absolutely. >> I'm I'm sorry. You could if if the board wanted to decide tonight that um when this comes up at a future at a future
meeting, you could have a time certain for it. That's that's the way it's been handled um you know, years ago for items like that. Just my two cents. >> Exactly. That's sort of what we're thinking about. I think it's good input.
>> Can you explain that a little bit more? I'm sorry. What do you mean by a time certain for it? Well, if we had a board meeting, let's just say it's the evening board meeting and it's uh 5:00 and we have, you know, we have an agenda, not not like this one. It's a little bit smaller, but maybe we have a heavier
heavier agenda. And we just say time certain 6:30 we're going to have the SEIR the SEIR program. And so no matter where we are in the agenda, we'll probably take a break say at, you know, 6:20 and then just go to the item at
6:30 and so all the people who came for Sears that night, they know that it's going to be at 6:30 on that agenda that meeting. I think that's how you could do it. That's my two cents. >> I think that sort of achieves what you wanted to. It's just part of a regular schedule.
>> For sure. And would we be able to give people a couple more minutes? Is that >> I have no problem with that. Okay. Like five minutes. >> That would be fine. >> Okay. >> Be good. >> And is that um do we need board a board vote on that or do is the direction
[clears throat] enough? >> Why don't you make a notion motion and and we'll formalize that so we can plan ahead. I'd like to make a motion to have a time certain for the speakup boulevard item when it comes back before us after
staff recommendations and for the um speakers to have five minutes. >> I'll second that >> motion and second. Is there any discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> I. Motion carries unanimously.
>> Thank you board. >> Oh, there was an A. Okay, Commissioner Goodson has a nay. Okay, we have an add-on for J3 is a discussion on funding options and directions to
county staff with legislative intent. And uh we have Craig Wallace uh has filled out a speaker card. >> I'm sorry. >> Changes. Are you back?
>> Sorry, I was just gonna say I'll pass on that. >> Okay. All right, I'll pass. >> Okay, so this is an add-on and a discussion item. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Um, I wanted to bring forward this item um
because I introduced this uh item following our January 29th budget workshop where we learned that there are some very real time constraints. um staff has to work within in funding changes um that are going to be considered.
[gasps] We heard a lot that day about public works and natural resources, about infrastructure needs funding gaps and the consequences of continuing to defer some of this work. Some of the funding options that came up required direction to staff in February just to
preserve our ability to cons to consider them later. [snorts] This isn't about making final decisions today, but we may want to determine legislative intent to start a process. Um, if there are options this board wants to even keep on
the table, whether it's a certex uh referendum or adjustments to existing assessments, uh, we need to give staff direction now so that we don't lose flexibility down the road. Um, I'd like to use this agenda item as a
board discussion with a focus on timeline sensitive funding. But first, I think it would be helpful um to have brief staff overview. Um, Mark, uh, could you walk us through the slide you shared at the workshop that outlines
the funding triggers and the timelines? And Logan, if you wouldn't mind putting that up on the um on the screen for us. [snorts] >> Thank you. So, uh, commissioners, uh, as I was
saying during our, uh, presentation, um, during the last, uh, workshop, if the board, uh, wanted to see either the charty charter county and regional transportation system discretionary sales sir tax or the local government
infrastructure discretionary sales s tax, uh, there are a number of steps that are required. And so I briefly laid out during um our meeting that we would need legislative intent and permission to advertise an ordinance in February
that in March and April uh we would have to have a public hearing and we would have to have interlocal agreements with the cities. Um in April we'd have to meet the deadline for the county commission to approve um said ordinance and resolution. In May, we would need to
uh meet the deadline for the final ordinance or resolution in order to be able to submit it to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability. And then in August, uh that would be the deadline to file ballot language with the supervisor of elections. And then obviously election
day in in November. So out of um the the options up there um I was um saying that in order to do the two sir taxes uh really we would need um a board decision in February to get some of that staff
work done in order to meet the uh office of program policy analysis and government accountability uh deadline. And so that would mean that if we wanted to change any make any substantive changes to the current sorrel um tax or
if we decided we wanted to do a 1% versus a half cent or if we wanted to do a second half cent um for the infrastructure or if we wanted to do the um transportation
uh sir tax. Is that correct? Yeah, I I believe so. I guess let me just summarize what I I think I heard. So um for Sorrel um if the board decided to do the lo local government infrastructure discretionary sales serve
tax because the sorrel tax is that then yes you would need to consider it because you can only do one um one referendum. >> So we wouldn't even be able to do two half cent.
>> No. >> Okay. So we would we would have to make a decision if we would like to um change the existing language within the half cent to include a more broad infrastructure package or bump up to the
1 cent to allow for that same thing but just give us more money to uh fill the needs that that we have. >> Is that what I heard? Because it's a countywide sir tax, we'd also have to negotiate agreements with
all of the municipalities for the distribution of any funds for the infrastructure when it's pretty easy with Sorl, they all want to participate in the same countywide program. I suspect that with a broader infrastructure when they're all going to want their piece of the pie, >> right? Well, I know that from the TPO
meetings, um, all the jurisdictions are pretty passionate about their roads and, um, so I I mean, I I can't say for sure, but, I feel like there would be support out there to, uh, to get some of these issues tackled.
So, what I hear you saying is if we want to have that as an option, and I do think that's a viable option, we've got to act really quickly or that option goes away. And so, I I would support doing that. Is that something that we would put on as a
on the agenda at a commission meeting real soon or >> I would think that it would have to come back for legislative intent at the next meeting? >> It would have to come back. I'm trying to understand the options. Is the options 1 cent tax or replace the sorrel
with an infrastructure tax? That's honestly what caught my ear at first. That's what I'm trying to get um board direction on. If there's any desire to change what we're doing to um more broadly take care of the needs of the
community >> because I'm sorry, Mr. Mr. chair because it the way you have sorrel now it's a renewal setup so if you include it in a 1 cent tax then that's becomes a new tax and I'm assuming we would also have to go back to all the cities and renegoti
renegotiate the interlocals just for the sorrel along with whatever the infrastructure may be >> I'm sorry I think that we're um talking about two different things I >> that's what I'm trying to understand [laughter] so
>> I'm saying that we would um we would change the language because from what Morris says is that we can't have two infrastructure sales taxes. >> So we have to decide do we want to change our current one um that is sorrel
at the moment to create more opportunity to fill the need and do we want to stick with the half cent or do we want to go with the full scent? Yes, Commissioner Atkins. >> So, I have I have an issue with this
because this this add-on is pretty problematic because it was released to the public on Friday at 5:15. So, if we're talking about things being transparent and we want public participation, we can't tell them on Friday at 5:15 that we're going to talk about tax increase on Tuesday afternoon.
So, we have another meeting in February we can bring this back to after we do a little bit more research because clearly I need to. So, >> and to I'm sorry to I I wasn't trying to not be transparent. This was new information that I learned from staff
and I wanted to make sure that we had the time to talk about this publicly and um to have time to bring things back at the next meeting. >> So, you're not asking for any decision here, just correct that we need to start thinking about it. Yes. >> Okay.
>> Mr. Chair, I'll go back. Um Well, I'll wait. Sorry. >> Oh, go ahead. No, I'm I'm still trying to Are we looking at a one cent infrastructure tax or a half cent that changes sorrel? That's I heard that twice now because what you have
>> I think what she's saying is that we turn the half cent into one penny and it it's a broader infrastructure initiative, >> right? >> So you're you have one item on the ballot, >> but it's a broader it item. And what
you're saying is if we do that right now it's just a renewal. >> We don't have to do it. We don't have to do another in we don't have to negotiate with the cities. >> Correct. >> We can just do that. >> Make sure we're have the broader infrastructure tax then
we have to start negotiating and you I think you said that >> which makes it um more involved. I have a question related to that. If we wanted to do an infrastructure sales tax, and I'm not saying this is a wise thing to
do. I'm just trying to vet our options if we wanted to keep sorrel the way it is. So, it's just a renewal. Would we be able to have another half cent infrastructure sales tax on the ballot or we prohibited from doing that?
>> A local government may only have one. It can be up to 1 cent, but it has to be one. HS it can cover >> broad areas but there can only be one. >> So we can't have like 10 one/10en of a penny. >> No sir two half pennies. Okay.
>> So but we could have a local infrastructure keeping sorrel the same and then we could do a half penny um uh county and regional transportation system so we could do our roads. But it sounds like we'd have to
renegotiate the entire thing. Is that what we're >> We could keep Sorrel the same though. Correct. >> If the That would be if the cities would agree to that, >> right? >> So that way Sorrel would be untouched and then we could get money for um our
transportation system. We could do a half cent there um through that other tax. Is that right, Mark? That is my understanding, but obviously I'm looking to Morris. Um I I I believe that we can negotiate that one
separately. Um but again to Jim's point, whether they agree is a separate issue, >> right? If the cities agree, just note that because it's um obviously it' be a significant change over what we have now with Sorl. So it wouldn't be considered a renewal. would be considered
uh local government infrastructure sir tax enacted for the first time which has some different procedural requirements on the front end. That's >> only if we change the infrastructure tax though because they're two different things. >> One is transportation. It's the charter county and regional transportation
system sir tax, >> right? I'm talking about only only if you change the local government infrastructure sir tax. Only if you change the soral tax right now to go up to 1 cent for example um to include infrastructure then it's like adopting it entirely a new
>> so basically we have some choices. We could do a a 1- cent tax for the for the local infrastructure sales tax. That would include renegotiating with the cities, changing um the wording in the current sorrel plan. Or we could go
forward with the um sorrel plan as is. Um and then we could go forward with the transportation system sir tax for a half penny. But that would have to be negotiated with the cities.
>> But it would have to be one ballot question, right? It would be one >> one ballot question. >> Well, they're two different things. If if we're just talking about the local government infrastructure sir tax then yes it has to be one ballot question but there's a separate provision
that would be separate and apart from the local government infrastructure sir tax for the >> maybe have this on the agenda >> let's go and schedule it on our next commission meeting and give Morris time to
>> put this in to a legal opinion with all the associated information supporting it commissioner goodson Thank you. The only concern I would have about all doing all this is where is the state going to be? You know, right now he's talking about eliminating property tax. So, you might
want to make sure you cover your behind with the state of Florida because you might be funding a lot more. And when you start putting all these ballot questions on a [clears throat] vote, I'm afraid you're going to harm >> the lagoon because people are going to
get tired of this. they're going to say, uh, you know, I ain't voting for nothing. So, I don't know. >> That's a That's true. That is a risk, a big risk. So, something we need to consider when we when we decide. >> So, is this item, could this be
considered a county item now that is brought back to the board to give all the options and the legal analysis that Commissioner Altman asked for? >> It's whatever the board direction may be. Sounds like all the work's been done. Just we can put it in writing so we can
read it and absorb it and think about it >> and let the public know to be here to talk >> and let the public know. Exactly. So, >> okay, let's we'll put that on the agenda. >> I'm sorry. There was one more thing too that um the storm water uh is Amanda
here? I'm sorry. Or is Virginia here? the um the storm water was also under this February time crunch as well. Um the fees for storm water. And so um I just figured that if the board does decide that we want to look into this
that um we we would give staff direction to possibly do the same thing for for next meeting. Virginia, would you mind sharing? I believe it was only like a a $20 um
increase uh if it if it brought us up to average, but I'll let you explain more because you'll have right >> better information. the budget workshop. Amanda explained that the the county storm order utility fee was adopted at
$64 back in 2014 and it has remained at a constant um $64 with no CPI or anything over the intervening decade. um we are now about 40% below the statewide
average for stormwater utility rates and um if you calculated the what the rate would be if we had kept up with CPI it would be $85.80 80s instead of $64.
And that would generate an annual revenue increase of 2.7 million that could go towards both water quality and flood control. And the ratio of how much the board wants to spend on flood control versus water quality could also be adjusted.
>> Chairman, mayor. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Um, and so is did you also say that this is something that each individual district can decide on as well as far I mean we would still need a board vote um three you know to to
approve that but you could do one district versus another. You don't have to do the whole county if you decided not to. >> When the fees were originally adopted back in 1990 and 1991 the districts different districts adopted in different
years. So unless there's been a legal change in that intervening time period, then yes, the fees could be could be different from one district to another. >> Okay. >> Okay. I think those are all good points and we'll have them on the agenda and in
time for us to look at the legal issues and talk to Morris if we need to. Is that okay with the board? >> Yes. >> Okay, good. Thank you for bringing that up. Okay, now we're at public comments. I don't think
>> we have no cards for public comments. That leads us to board reports. Uh, county manager. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. I do have one report. It's a heads up. Um, there's been discussion on the burn ban. Um, we have the policy or the practice that the
burn ban goes in effect once the drought index number hits 500. We'd present that to the chair. The number is 469 right now. We've been monitoring each by week. If you want to do Patville terror math, we could be hitting it next next week. Um we um so we do it automatic and we
get the notice out unless the board desires to do it earlier than that. But otherwise, once it hits 500, it's an automatic. We give it to the chair and then Don Walker and public and uh fire rescue will get the notice out to everybody. >> There's a lot of dead vegetation out there. So, I would go whatever the staff
recommended if they feel they need to implement it now. I think we're extremely vulnerable, but it's up to >> Yeah, I I would defer I'm looking deferred to the chief. I will tell you, we've had wildfires. What each of the last two weekends that we've been dealing with in different parts of the county?
>> Chief, why don't you come up and talk to us? >> Like uh like the county manager said, I think this is quicker walk. Um we're, you know, we're very close within a week. Um it's good with me e either way.
Honestly, the uh the problem is right now with the freeze that we've had, it creates kind of a different threat than the key by index that the drought index is based on. Um you know, the freeze comes through and freezes that top
layer. The number that we deal with is a below soil duff moisture content. So the the reason basically is we have that freeze, we have the vegetation on the ground, it freezes, it dries up even more and it's even more volatile. Um I
think if we want to implement it today, that's fine. Duval County uh implemented it at about the same number that we are today. Um conversely, other counties have waited till they were closer to 600, uh which I am definitely not a fan of that.
I'm I would support going ahead and implementing it. Now, this is a pretty serious Yeah. >> hate to be bureaucratic, but then if we can get a motion on that, please. >> Okay. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> It's a motion and a second to implement
the burn ban immediately because of the excessively the surplus dead vegetation from the freeze. Um, all in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed? Carries unanimously. and we thought this might happen. So, I have the document right here for you. [laughter]
>> Okay. Yeah. Okay. Good. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> You have two copies of that, Pat. >> I need a pin, too. >> We'll make a copy back. >> Sign as soon as we're finished. Okay. Great. Thank you.
Uh, any other report from county manager? Okay. Thank you, sir. >> Uh, county attorney, >> I have no report, Mr. Chair. Commissioner one. >> Thank you. Um I just wanted to let everybody know that um my new Substack is going to feature some of the SpeakUp
Revard submissions and um also one of the submissions is that um somebody is requesting that we uh give reports more frequently on the boards that we sit on, which I thought that's kind of cool. Um
and uh I recently went to the quarterly MOAC meeting uh which is basically our transportation meeting for Central Florida and um it was a lot of great information. Secretary Tyler came and
gave a great presentation about the different projects that are going on across the state and um some some cool things about like uh we're about to live in the Jetsons. uh with some of the new aircraft that's um uh going to be coming
available, which is just crazy. Um delivering packages and things like that and eventually transporting people. Um think about Uber for aircraft. Um and then uh Georgina and Sarah, they
were both there with me. And so um thank you guys for for being there and participating in that. And uh we had the meeting with the FT um about the Blue Origin uh permit and there were about 300 people there which
that was really great. Um I know that, you know, there was there were some people that I spoke with that were not so happy about the way that the um meeting was set up, but they were um you know, glad that they at least got to
give their public comment. And um I had some great dialogue with some of the people that are uh in charge of the permit and some of the conversations we had were things that they said, you know, oh, we didn't think about that. So, um you know, it'll be really
interesting to see what happens next. And so, I hope we uh we we get to hear pretty soon hopefully what what they decide. So, thank you. >> Thank you. District two. No report. District three.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. >> So, um, many of you probably know last night we had a manity stuck in a baffle box in Melbourne Beach. Thank you, Logan. Um, and who knows how long it had been there before we got there, but I I I received
a call and and I live three blocks away. And I just want to say that I was so proud to be Bard Boulevard County last night. It was it was kind of amazing. Once we got the go-ahhead to get something done, we just did it. And county um public works was was there and
fantastic. Um fire rescue, natural resources. We even had some staff who came um Melbourne Beach Fire Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Save the Manatee organization, and Jack's Record Service, who I didn't know that we use when we might not have the equipment
that we want. They were fantastic. Everybody was fantastic. And I had FWC saying to me, >> we have never seen county departments work so well together. >> So I was like, "Yay, good for us, right, as a team." Um, but now I'm going to be
a pain. And I'm going to actually name our team that was out there. And I I'm sorry for anybody that I forget. Um, but we had some superstars for sure. Um, Mark Bernath, our public works. We had Rachel, um, Brian Mertz from Road and
Bridge. We had James Aino, Tori Miller. The superstar of the evening was a gentleman named Austin Bryant. Um, he was one of our heavy operator uh, equipment operators. He was kind of the superstar. His skills were pretty fantastic. Should you get the opportunity to watch any of these on
YouTube and what he was doing, he was pretty cool. Um Joey Perkadaro, Victor Arc, John Clark, Don Dicus, all amazing. We also had um jeez, BCFR,
we have our hazmat teams out there. And what's funny, Chief, correct me if I'm wrong, but they were actually undergoing training that afternoon for large animal rescue. And then when they got the call, so the team came out. We had um our
hazmat teams out there were um hazmat 1, heavy rescue 48, engine 64, and I'm going to name some of these people. Um Noah Vanep, Ken Appling, and Fergus Kelly. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they were
they were in charge of the confined space, like getting down in there because we didn't want the manatee to roll and hurt anybody obviously. So, they were in charge of that. Seth Maher, Curtis Harding, Chris Brown, Ty Yeeton, Ben Buckles, Pat Fenomore, Chris Baker,
Ryan Adams, Steve Cano, Cam Johnson, Austin the Superstar, um, Jeff Butler, uh, Brian Knight, Mike Camali, and Mike Delgado. Probably a bunch more,
but thank you. Like I said, you guys made me proud to be out there to say I worked for Bvard County. So, thank you everybody. [applause] Oh, and by the way, the manatee is alive and I'm told today is eating. So, I'm going to say it's doing better. >> And Commissioner, can you share with me
that the hole is already fixed? >> Oh, shoot. Yeah. Yeah. So, I just got a picture from my neighbor. You guys might not even have it yet, but I got a picture from my n neighbor Lisa who shows the intersection. I'm sure it's a temporary fix. It's permanent. Well, look at us. It's
already fixed. So, good job, Mark. Thank you. [applause] >> I was watching the evening news and the guy that went down in that little tight hole. Oh my goodness, that was amazing. >> Do you know who that was? That particular >> either Chris or Pat.
>> Yeah. So, >> amazing. Amazing. I'm so happy. I was hoping you'd give a report on the manatee. Uh thank you to the county staff. Uh I as well attended the Blue Origin uh hearing. Um it um I thought
all in all it went well. I I I was not a fan of the process, but I have to say FWC blue um and all those involved. Um D really did a good job and they answered
my questions and the U a extension service did a wonderful job. They accommodated well. The hospitality was fantastic and it was it did suffice. There was adequate parking and the space worked out good. So there were concern.
Give thanks to the D for listening to us and doing the public hearing after we made the request. So I think it was positive. It will be interesting to see uh what happens from this point forward. And that's my report. Oh wait.
>> Oh my gosh. District four. You're not here. You're on the phone. Sorry about that. That That's all right, Mr. Chair. Thanks for letting me uh attend remotely. I promise you, you don't want what I have, so it's in your interest. Thanks very much. >> Appreciate that.
>> Do you have a report? >> He's already signed up. >> He's signed up. Okay, he's all right. I think that's our meeting. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you. The opinions expressed by any member of the public during any period of public comment do not necessarily reflect the
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