Be kind and rewind. >> Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We will call today's Board of County Commission meeting dated Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 to order. We will start with a moment of silent reflection for our members of the armed forces and our law
enforcement and firefighters followed by the invocation by Miss Anita Wheeler followed by the pledge of allegiance by Joe Man. Please rise. Father, in the name of Jesus, we just thank you for your great mercy and love
towards us. We thank you for our county commissioners and we thank you for this great state of Florida that we live in. We ask that you would lead and guide all discussions, Lord. That you would give them wisdom and discernment, every decision that needs to be made, Lord,
over the topics that will be brought up. That there would be peace and unity, Lord, for the greater good of our community. We pray, Lord, that you would continue to provide protection for our first responders, Lord, our military,
all branches of our military, Lord, and that you would continue to watch over Indian River County. And we thank you for this opportunity and freedom to have this meeting today in your mighty name. Amen.
Please join me in pledging your allegiance to the greatest front in your world, the United States of America. >> I 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. Well, thank you, Commissioner Man, and thank you, Miss Wheeler. Uh, moving along to additions and deletions. Uh, commissioners, item 14A, a shade meeting
has been removed uh from the agenda. >> You're welcome. Any other additions or deletions? >> Mr. Chair, move approval as amended. >> Second. have a motion and we have a
second by Commissioner Moss. That brings us to our proclamations and presentations. Uh today is a very exciting week and particularly an exciting day uh for our public service recognition week. Many of our friends that are visiting today may
have seen the flags outside and we have a week of festivities planned for our public employees. I see several in the blue shirts. of you please come down and choose a podium. >> Don't be shy.
Yeah. >> Come on down. >> For our audience. These are members of our uh public employees motivation team and I think it's only fair that since is it is Cinco deayo
and our administrator's assistant's birthday is today >> I think it's fair that the uh to take the chairman's privilege for us to sing to Miss Maryanne Thomas on three two
Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Mar. Happy birthday to you. >> Thank you
so >> Susan. I think we'll probably be paying for that later. Well, it is my honor to read the proclamation recognizing public service recognition. >> Sir, could I go in the record that I had nothing no knowledge that >> whereas public employees at the state,
federal, and local levels conduct the public's business and perform essential services. Whereas public employees improve our quality of life through the efforts in many fields including education, emergency management, public safety, transportation, natural resources, healthc care, as well as the
national defense. And whereas public employees dedicate themselves to the continuous improvement of the quality of the life of flityians and many including military personnel, police officers, firefighters, healthc care practitioners and others risk their lives every day in
our public service. Whereas the efficiency and effectiveness of government depends on the public employees ensuring government services are accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of the residents and the community. And whereas any river county board of county commissioners recognize
the dedication, talents, contributions made and by our public employees working at all levels of the government. And whereas any river county board of county commissioners appreciates dedication, talent, and contributions of our many county employees who by their example of achievement
are focusing on the highest standards of customer service. Now therefore, it be proclaimed by the board of county commissioners, Indian River County, Florida, that the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026 be observed as public service recognition week. And we encourage all Indian River County
residents to recognize these men and women who serve at all levels of the government for the betterment of our great county, state, and nation signed by all five county commissioners. Uh if I would be remiss if we did not uh
mention two that are not here today. Um and Danny Ulie and Stacy Mason and they have been part of our team. We surely miss them. So with that, congratulations. Uh Miss Thomas, you appear like you would like
to address the crowd. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I'm all set. Commissioner, >> we have just one additional thing. Um, as part of public service recognition week, we asked all employees to contribute to designing a pin to
commemorate the week. And we have um a presentation of the pin for the person who designed it. It's Elise Chris. So, this is her pin. >> All right. >> Mr. any comments? >> I just want to say um you know I
appreciate everything that you guys are doing this week to celebrate our employees and public service and I appreciate um everybody that's on our team um out there in the field in this office in offices further away and other areas of the county. Uh you guys make us
look good. you help us provide the services and um we just as commissioners it makes our lives much easier to have such a strong team in Indian County and everyone is very much appreciated. >> Absolutely. I want to second that and I
want to promise Natalie that I will not eat more cookies than I hand out tomorrow. >> We appreciate all of you and it's great that you're here today. There are others that cannot be here today. So, this week
will be a little bit more of an embracement of all of our staff to ensure that everyone understands how important you are to this process, that we have to continue for the greater good
of our citizens. What you do is extremely important. One little spoke makes the wheel and all of you are very valuable to this county. Thank you. We certainly couldn't do this
without our staff. They're they are, in my opinion, the best in the state, if not the country. They work hard to do things every day that probably go unnoticed by a lot of us and a lot of people out there. But it doesn't happen
by magic. It happens by hard work and dedication and they are the epitome of that. Every employee that works for this county and we appreciate it very much. I know I do especially. >> Thank you, Mr. Administrator. >> Uh members of the board, Mr. Chairman, members of the public, I want to thank
you for taking the the time and the opportunity to pause and acknowledge the amazing work that happens across this organization throughout our county every day. Um, I'm frequently say public service is an honorable profession and
it does require a special person that um is committed to making a difference in a community and putting the community's interest above their own. And so, uh, I just am honored and it's it's a privilege to work with each and every one of our employees from whether you're
in the field or whether you're in the office. it just uh it's just an honor to work with you and I'm so proud of everybody and how how far we've come and I just continue to look forward to great things and the service that we provide our residents and the quality of life
that we can improve. So, thank you to all the employees of Indian River County and to the other ones out there that were in your public service. We appreciate and value you. >> Thank you, General C. >> Mr. Mr. Chair, I just want to on a
lighter note tell everybody that John and I will both be in the dunk tank tomorrow. He's uh kicking it off and I'm ending it and I I certainly know that >> Oh, and Commissioner Erman's in the dunk tank, too. >> So, all I've got to say is I know I
irritate some of you. Bring it on. >> Well, thank you. Come on forward. This is not what is >> slide. We're going to get it. Happy birthday again, Mary. >> How are you? Commissioners, our next proclamation
will be presented by Commissioner Adams recognizing foster care awareness month. We have any representatives that like to come down, please. >> Thank you. Yeah, come on up. We'll give it just a second to >> All right.
It's my pleasure to read a proclamation designating the month of May 2026 as foster care awareness month. Whereas in 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued the first presidential proclamation establishing May as National Foster Care
Month. And whereas the state of Florida's community-based care system works to improve outcomes and provide essential services to children and families involved in foster care. And whereas families serving as a primary source of love, identity, self-esteem,
and support are the foundation of a strong and resilient Indian county community. And whereas in Indian County, more than a hundred children in foster care are provided with safe, stable, and nurturing homes through the compassion and dedication of foster families. And
whereas children and youth in foster care benefit from stable relationships, supportive services, and community involvement that help them achieve long-term success and well-being. And whereas there is an ongoing need for additional foster homes and increased
community awareness to support children in foster care and recognize the vital contributions of foster parents and child welfare professionals. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, that the month of May
2026 is hereby designated as foster care awareness month, and all citizens are encouraged to support foster children, foster families, and the dedicated professionals who serve them through volunteerism, advocacy, and community involvement. Adopted this fifth day of
May, 2026, and signed by all five county commissioners. Welcome and thank you guys for what you do in our community um providing foster services to children. Would you like to tell everybody how they maybe could get involved since I know um you're always looking for
>> Yeah. for more volunteers. >> So, thank you so much. My name is Michael Keane. I get to serve as the executive director of Four Kids of the Treasure Coast. We're a nonprofit foster parent licensing agency. So, we get to recruit, train, and license and support foster families here in Indian River
County, but also throughout the Treasure Coast. Indian River County is second only to St. Lucy County in the number of removals of children from their home, uh, which means that we have a lot of work to do. And unfortunately, the 67 children that were removed just last year, not all of them were able to be
placed into a home. Some of them had to go to shelters. Some of them had to be moved out of Indian River County. Some of them even out of Circuit 19, which makes it very difficult for them to be reunified with their family. And the point of foster care is to reunify these children with their biological families.
We want our foster families to be a place where children can land and these families can work together with the biological families to bring them back together because we know that our community is strongest when our families are strong. So when we have breakdown of the family, we have breakdown in the community. So, it takes all of us to
work together, to be able to partner together, to work with one another, to be able to provide safe and loving environments for our children and a great community for them to grow up in. One of the statistics that really blows my mind is that if a child moves more than five times in their stay in foster care, they're 90% more likely to enter
the juvenile justice system. Right now, the state average is just below five, which means that there's a lot of children that are moving more than five times in their stay in foster care, and they will end up in the juvenile justice system. At four kids, we want to change that. We want to make a place where
their experience in foster care is not one of trauma, but one of safety and belonging and security. And it takes not just our foster families to do that, but everybody here to be a part of that as well through opening up your hearts and your homes, opening up uh financial
resources for us to be able to continue to do that. With me, I have Kenya Reinhardt, who's our community engagement officer, and Corey. Uh we work in the community to partner together with businesses and individuals to see how you can make a difference. So, thank you so much. If you're interested in contacting us, you can go
to 4Kids. That's the numbers. us, give us a call. We'd be happy to talk with you. Thank you so much. >> Fantastic. >> Thank you. Come on up. All right. Thank you guys so much. >> Thank you,
>> commissioners. That moves us to a presentation recognizing beach safety week. And everyone knows that Commissioner Man is Captain Man is in instrumental in our beach and shore
programs and he'll be presenting this proclamation. Sir, >> thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's my it's my honor to present this proclamation resizing natural bee safety week. And as you see, we have more of our county employees for public awareness because
lifeguards, they're they're part of the team. Our deputy county administrator and our director of parks and conservation, that's all part of the team. Again, it doesn't happen by magic. This happens by hard work and dedication by all our county staff. And we got three of the
finest right there. So I'll be honored to read this proclamation recognizing National Beach Safety Week. Whereas the beautiful coastal and inland beaches of Indian River County represent a worldrenown recreation resource. And
whereas Indian River County residents and visitors alike are drawn to these beaches by the millions each year for water and beach activities. And whereas the aquatic environment prevents d presents dangers, particularly rip
currents that can be effectively managed through public awareness and the vigilance of professional lifeguards. And whereas for reasons of public safety, an annual reminder of the joys and hazards associated with the aquatic environment is appropriate at the
commitments of the busy summer beach season. And whereas any river county residents and visitors alike are reminded to swim near a lifeguard. Learn to swim. Learn rip current safety. Never
swim alone. Designate a water watcher. Alcohol and water don't mix. Enter the water feet first. Life jackets save lives. Observe signs and flags. And beat the heat and block the sun. So now
therefore be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indian River County, Florida that May 18th through May 25th, 2026 is hereby designated as National Beach Safety Week in Indian River County and all residents and visitors using our
beaches are urged to enjoy themselves while taking the appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children and to always swim near a lifeguard. adopted this fifth day of May, 2026 and signed by all five county commissioners.
Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Good morning, commissioners. I'd like to take a moment since it is employee appreciation month, as well as beach safety. Talk about my team. In River County Rescue has 22 lifeguards, myself, the beach operation supervisor, my lieutenant, eight full-timers, and 12
part-timers. Uh we have three medics on staff, 14 EMTs, 14 emergency medical responders, and two cadetses. Uh last year, as of last summer, we had 990,000 visitors visit our beaches.
660,000 of those went in the water. Uh we had 314 medicals ranging from dislocations to heart attacks, broken bones, things like that. Um we unfortunately had to go in 28 times to get somebody out of the water. But with that said, our motto out at the beach is
a dry lifeguard is a good lifeguard. So what that means is we try to prevent as much as possible by going down talking to a parent that their child are too close to the water or people in a rip current where we can move them over. We had 23,500 of those preventive measures. But the
stat that we're the most proud of, this past summer, we con completed our 35th summer without having a drowning inside a guarded area. So we really appreciate that. And with beach safety week, we're trying to initiate a new rip current simulator program where we got a grant from the department of children and
families. We'll try to get that started hopefully for Junth and hopefully for beach safety week where we will teach rip current safety under a controlled environment. And I appreciate you guys taking the time this evening. >> Thank you. Come on up.
Do you mind if I I just want to um give a shout out to Jonathan. His uh leadership has been remarkable. He is one of the employees that I can always count on uh and depend on to get the job done uh above and beyond the safety
measures that they do every single day. And I really appreciate everything that you've been doing. He has gone above and beyond getting for instance the rip current uh simulator grant. He got an ATV grant which puts yet another motorized vehicle on our beaches which means that we can find children quickly.
We can respond to emergency situations more quickly. And all of that was things that he initiated and he did on his own. And I just appreciate your dedicated service over many many years uh 31 years. Uh but this is the kind of institutional knowledge and expertise
that we depend on and uh it's not as common uh as we would like. But I just really appreciate your service, Jonathan, and your entire team. Everybody always steps up to the plate, and I'm so proud of each and every one of you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving right along, our next
proclamation will be presented by Vice Chair Moss. Recognizing Dodgertown Elementary as a UCF certified community partnership school. Commissioner MS. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chair, and I'm delighted uh to read the proclamation.
Uh before I do, I'd like to explain what a community partnership school is. The partnership is among four parties. the school district uh a university in this case UCF a nonprofit which is children's home society
and healthcare provider. So it it the intention is to provide a broad spectrum of services and resources for the students to become UCF certified. I'm just going to read two sentences from
the letter that the school received just so everyone understands the importance of this. This, by the way, is the certificate. That's what it looks like. It's official. It's a It's an actual certificate. The letter states that the UCF Center for Community Schools
developed its rigorous certification process to ensure that community partnership schools consistently provide quality programming. Earning the title of UCF certified community partnership school is a
distinct honor that represents years of work focused on student success and well-being. and they offer their cons sincere congratulations as I offer mine. I'll read the proclamation now. Proclamation recognizing Dodgertown
Elementary as a UCF certified community partnership school. Whereas Dodgertown Elementary School has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success, well-being, and personal development of its students through innovative programming and strong community
collaboration. And whereas the University of Central Florida Center for Community Schools has awarded Dargertown Elementary the distinguished designation of a UCF certified community partnership school recognizing the school's
fulfillment of rigorous standards and alignment with the community partnership schools model. And whereas this certification reflects years of dedication by educators, administrators, and community partners working together
to provide integrated programs and services that support students and families through the community partnership school model, including over 10,000 tutoring sessions, 12,000 behavioral health sessions, and 17,000
expanded learning opportunities. And whereas the community partnership school model strengthens communities by fostering collaborative partnerships, improving student outcomes, and creating a supportive and inclusive learning
environment for all. And whereas the citizens of Indian River County take great pride in the accomplishments of Dodgertown Elementary School and commend its continued efforts to serve as a model of excellence in education and
student support. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, that we recognize Dodgertown Elementary School for achieving the designation of a UCF
certified community partnership school and extend our sincere congratulations for this outstanding accomplishment. This achievement will have a positive and lasting impact on students, families, and the community as a whole.
Adopted this fifth day of May, 2026, and signed by all five board of county commission members. God bless and congratulations and we're delighted. Thank you. >> I'll be I'll be as brief as I possibly can. Good morning, uh, chair, commissioners, uh, and distinguished
guests. My name is Javar Jarns and I have the privilege of serving as the lead program manager at uh UCF Center for Community Schools with our technical assistance program. Uh it is an honor to be here today to stand before you to recognize Dodgertown in this particular milestone. Uh while they join community
partnership schools network in 2020 today represents something more special. Uh it's proof that this model works. Uh and the certification process isn't just a formality. It's a rigorous data-driven process that evaluates whether a school has built the systems necessary to truly
support students and families. Achieving this distinction reflects years of intentional work, alignment, and accountability. And at Dodgertown, the results are clear. We heard it earlier. They have built a wellness system that doesn't just respond to challenges, it removes barriers to learning. Students
and families have access to medical care, mental health services, basic needs like just food and clothing regardless of their ability to be able to pay. In many cases, students are connected to services within 48 hours. Okay? Uh that is the difference between a program and a system that actually
works. Uh they've also created expanded learning opportunities that go beyond just keeping our young people busy. Uh these programs are intentionally designed to strengthen academic performance and build social skills using data to ensure that students receive the right support at the right
time. And none of this happens in isolation. Uh, Dodgetown operates as a true community hub where partners are not just present, but they are actively invested. Uh, where there's a collection of not just programs, but they're coordinated. Um, and time is used
strategically and not just wasted. Uh, and so I'mma go down to the close because I don't want to spend too much of your time. Um, but before we close, I would like to acknowledge um our leadership team at University of Central Florida, Dr. Amy Ellis, uh, the director of the center along with Dr. Christine Thompson, assistant director of
assessment, evaluation, and certification. Uh Dr. Missy Glavy, assistant director of business. Uh as well as uh Heather Mlen, um our director, assistant director, I'm sorry, of our uh business house. Um while they're not here with us today, their leadership has been instrumental in
making this level of impact uh possible. At this time, I would also like to recognize Miss Erdisha Crossdale, I'm sorry, community partnership school director and the principal uh of Dodgertown Elementary that leadership, partnership and commitment to this work have been critical in bringing this
model to life and ensuring that it delivers the real results for students. In addition, I would like to acknowledge each and every last partner on the leadership team that has made this uh quite possible. And so, uh, this opportunity in front of us, uh, is not just to celebrate success, uh, but to
continue investing in and expanding this level of impact. So, I want to say congratulations to Dodgertown Elementary as a UCF certified community partnership school. >> Come on up. Morning. Yeah, >> I don't know if you can work that.
Thank you. >> Next, commissioners, we have a presentation >> by our chamber of commerce. I think I saw Mr. Ben. Here he is. >> Calvin Broadbent.
>> Yep. We have a special guest. >> Good morning and welcome. >> Good morning. >> I just click it through. Great. Thank you. Okay, enough food. Um, all right. Good morning. Um, thank you so much, uh, chairman, commissioners, and county
staff. My name is Ben. I'm the vice president of tourism and marketing with Visit Indian River County. Christa Hoy, tourism communications manager for Visit Indian River County. Um, and Calvin, the Visit Indian River County pet friendly mascot. Um, so, thank you so much for the opportunity to present today um, for
National Travel and Tourism Week. and I want to share the accomplishments of um the countywide tourism marketing as visit in River County um the official tourism office for the county. Um but we're going to start first because it is National Travel and Tourism Week with
some statistics um and some information for you on what the economic impact of tourism in Inver County is doing for us. And everything is on 2024 numbers. Um they do it in calendar year. Um so 2025 just completed. So, they're working on
that right now. Um, first, um, quick clarification of what we measure and how we classify people. A visitor is someone who travels more than 50 miles, spends time in our community, and engages with all of our businesses. A local visitor is someone who travels less than 50
miles, spends time in our community, and engages with our local businesses. So in 2024, 43% came from out of the state of Florida, 23% were visitors, and 17% were local visitors. And so that represents
all new money, you know, coming into Indian River County. Visitor spending, and this is locally, um that visitation translated into measurable results. Spending is measured through non-cash related transactions.
Um and it's not resident spending. So, it's all these visitors that I just spoke about. Um, it increased again year-over-year. Um, so it's up 1.5% from 2023. Um, and the dollars flow directly into our restaurants at 29%, retail at 24%,
attractions at 29%, and especially our accommodations at 76%. Um, and that's revenue that helps support our local businesses every single day. Um next, so your overall local economic impact um in total um for that 2024
year, 723.4 million in visitor spending um overall for all of those major categories, lodging, restaurants, your transportation, shopping, um and your entertainment and your recreation. And there are 6,300 direct jobs in tourism
supported. So a direct job in tourism is somebody that's working in your hotels, managing your hotels, managing your attraction businesses, your restaurants. There is induced and and nondirect, but your direct jobs are 6,300. And your local and state taxes um most
importantly, tourism reduces um Okay. All right. Um tourism reduces the tax burden on your residents. Um, on average, Florida households saved about $2,000 annually because of tourism revenue in the state. Um, without it,
um, the costs would shift directly to the people that live here. And we know we don't want to increase our taxes. So, um, tourism is good. Um, so tourism isn't isn't just about the people who are visiting and clogging up our streets and taking the reservations at our restaurants. Um, it's about economic
stability for us locally, um, in the state and for all of our businesses. Um, statewide in Florida, the entire state of Florida generated 133.6 billion dollar in economic impact. Um, and saw
143 million visitors to the state. Um, Florida is the number one state for tourism in all of the United States. Um, Florida is also the number one state for sports tourism in all of the United States. Um, so Florida is your tourism destination.
So, how does all of that spending and visitation happen? How do they know about us? How do they research the area? And how do they know where to spend their money on? Well, all of that happens through, um, intentional, strategic, professional, um, and branded tourism marketing. So, um, everything
I'm going to show you and kind of just go over briefly here, our campaigns are creative, they're strategic. Um, it's all developed and executed inhouse. Um, so Kristen and I handle all of this, design it, lay it out, come up with the ideas, and then we have great team of
media partners who then implement it. Um, and so your tourism for Indian River County is two people. Um, we've built a fullfunnel marketing system. Um, very high impact videos with digital storytelling, targeted lead generations, interactive and mobile first
advertising, appealing and high-end print. Um, so here's just some examples of some print ads that we've done. And then we are over the past year, we've evolved our brand and it's become why Indian River County. So with all of
our advertisements, we can use that and then depending on what we're doing and the pictures we're using, um, we can create different check marks of the reasons why you should visit. Um, this is an extension of last year's campaign. So last year's campaign was this is
Indian River County. So now it's this is why we're connecting the two. Um and so it we've created dynamic videos with that. I shared the video last year for National Travels to Tourism Week and it's performing so well and getting great results and getting great feedback
that we didn't create a new commercial this year. So we've decided to expand our stuff with um email lead. Um we're creating mobile fuse games and advertisement with that video and all the reasons why. Um so some great concepts that we're coming up with that.
Um our media performance meta um your social media is key. Um so social media consistently out outperformed industry benchmarks um and in some cases by a quite significant margin. Our pet friendly campaign um saw engagement
rates well above average um with his selfies that he likes to take. um he takes them quite often. He's very good at it. Um so we have a carousel running. We have a video and then our YIRC branded carousel as well.
And then some digital advertising. Digital advertising is key. Um whether that be the ads that are scrolling to the side, um the ads that pop up and you're like, skip. Um we create them all 15 seconds so they're not skippable. um your popups that come up in your news um
things like that and they're all clickable into our website or based on what we're talking about. We started a new thing this year with events and we've highlighted unique events such as the Frog Lake Festival. Um so we created a great campaign around the Frog Lake Festival and all of our advertisements
would click directly to our website, the Frog Lake Festival event page, which then in turn would click out to there so they could get that information. Um so our Google SEM, Google Video, Meta um all delivering above benchmark um impressions there.
So with the performance and the data, it's all backed up by wins um which we're pretty proud of. Um the industry has definitely taken notice of Indian River County. Um in 2025, we've earned additional recognition for our marketing
at um very high levels. state awards through Visit Florida, which is the marketing arm for the entire state of Florida. First place in specialty marketing um for our pet campaign. Um and second place in television television advertising for our This is
videos. Um and television advertising is that's a pretty big deal because that's destinations like Miami, Key West, things like that. um the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals first place in communication and marketing materials for our destination
maps. Um so great um honors there. And our newest um addition turn is um international recognition through HSM AI the hospitality sales and marketing association international with
a silver which is second place Adrian award um in the category of uh consumer brand multi-channel integrated marketing um for our pet friendly campaign. So now he's state and international um award
winner. Um but this award um recognizes excellence in advertising, digital media, and public relations internationally. Um so what there's multitude of categories um that this organization gives out, but it's awarded to brands like Marriott, um your Ritz
Carlton, um your airlines. Um, it's also then destinations like Puerto Rico, your Seattle's, your Alaskas, Hawaii's, all of those destinations as well. Um, so now with that level of recognition, it's definitely putting Indian River County um, in a very competitive, you know, and
now global space. And, um, like to note it because I think it is important that Kristen and I have been here for three years equally in our roles and now have seven awards in tourism marketing under our leadership. So, um, pretty proud,
pretty proud of that. Um, and then we, besides all of that stuff that I just explained, some great things that are happening additionally in tourism marketing here. We have partnerships with Visit Florida, presence both physically and through marketing and PR. We were at both new airline flights,
trade show attendance in our major markets, conference attendance to further our skills and education. We continue our visitor center enhancements, um digital expansion and presence, including upcoming countywide trails and passports, so you'll be able to check in on your phone into these
locations. Um we've expanded our kids quest, a pet friendly trail will actually be rolling out today. Um as well as a website solely devoted to Calvin's favorite things, which is then connects with that trail. Um so you can look it all up. You can also look up all
the places that are pet friendly, all the parks that are pet friendly, all restaurants, hotels. It's got a full complete comprehensive listing on there. Um, and then another huge win for us, Christa, our tourism communications manager, was awarded a full scholarship to the STS Marketing College, which um
is the Southeast Tourism Society. And one person from each state that they represent is chosen to receive a full scholarship to attend this program. um and she was chosen for the state of Florida to attend that program. So um another great highlight with growing
industry recognition that we're doing. So pretty proud of her. She's amazing. She handles all of our social media. All of this stuff is she implements and and does and she's fantastic. So they represent all the way from DC across the south and down the state of Florida.
So that was quick rundown. And I could be here for days talking about how important tourism is in all the stuff that we do. That was just a really really quick overview and highlight, but it's important that um you know, tourism is important and we are the official county designated tourism organization
for the entire county, not just an area, not just a specific event. Um and it's no longer just small, you know, it's not a small agency. It's not just something that we have. You know, tourism is important. Um, it's helped supporting all of our local businesses. Um, it's
helped supporting everything that we're doing here as a community without being Orlando, without being Key West, without being Miami. Um, we focus on all areas, Bureau, Sebastian, and Felsmere. Um, we have proven results in all that we do.
Um, we implement really high level strategic and professional stuff. Um, and to be quite frank, there's just no comparison in what we're doing compared to what other agencies within Indian River County are doing. Um, and so it's just important that people recognize how
important tourism is. And it's not just people with a Massachusetts license plate on the back of their car. Um, and you know, taking up a reservations. It's supporting us all here. And if we didn't have those people coming here, we would be paying all this extra money and taxes
um to support things here and all of your favorite places that you go to wouldn't be open in the summertime. You know, I remember growing up here and seeing things in month of May were closed until October. Um that's no longer the case. Um so we we tourism is important. Tourism is um good to
support. Um it's not just an eventbased thing for fun. Um, it's it's important to our economy and to everybody that lives here. So, that's it. Thank you so much, >> Jim. Yes. Uh, it was uh very
informative. Uh, and thank you for the uh presentation, Christa. Thank Thank you for all that you're doing. Uh, can you imagine if they had a theme park tour? This is they have risen the level of tourism beyond expectation. We truly
appreciate it. If anybody wants to hear the full presentation, you're all invited to the TDC meeting that uh Ben will give a full presentation. >> That was just a small portion. But I did notice and
having been honored as advocate of the year for tourism in the past that I see that there is some I realize that Calvin has a title. >> But I think Cal Calvin's a contender because as you were speaking he was
working the >> I bet he >> Yes. Yes. And we he I'm sure he appreciates that. uh want to thank you for that and the introduction with Calvin into the process. Calvin does
gets the recognition but doesn't get the recognition here as he was busy working the crowd. >> So I understand that you would like to have a a photograph for the >> commission. >> Uh Mr. Chairman. >> Sure.
>> If you'd like. >> May we invite Calvin up to the DAS? >> Come on up. Thank you, man. >> You want to help us with this? >> Has his agent asked for more treats? >> He's easy.
>> Has his agent demanded more treats? >> And can you get him up there? >> Or he can come up here. >> Why don't you give him a commission seat? We could just move a monitor. >> We wanted to give him some face time. Congratulations.
>> Hey, you're awesome, >> Calvin. Thank you, Calvin. >> Commissioners, that moves us on to the approval of the minutes for April 7th. >> Mr. Chair, move approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further
discussion? Hearing none, all in favor? I >> I uh also hopefully you've had an opportunity to review the special call meeting minutes from April 14th, 2026. Move >> approve. Have a motion. We have a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further
discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I. Moving forward is the information items from staff to the commissioners. Commissioners, uh hopefully you've had an opportunity to review 7A with the
administrator's approved items. 7B is the second quarter uh fiscal year 2526 budget report. Uh I would hope that you would read those and keep some of those uh things in mind for the budget
hearings. And then finally 7C is the May June event calendar which is certainly full. >> Mers, next is item eight, public comment. This is for our friends in the audience for any agenda related matters
except for those of public hearings. So except for those of public hearings, >> seeing none and hearing none, commissioners, we will move to consent agenda. What is your pleasure? >> Move approval. >> Second. >> Second.
>> We have a motion by Commissioner Flesher and a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion on consent agenda? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I. >> And the consent agenda passes. Commissioners, with a lengthy meeting
ahead of us at this time, it's 9:50. We will be in recess until 10 a.m. Commissioners, it is 10:00 a.m. We will resume the May 5th, 2026 meeting. Uh, moving forward on to item 11A.
Uh, this is legislative in nature. This is the Reams Glenn amended and reinstated developer agreement. I see Miss Prada. Welcome. Good morning, Commissioner. Susan Praau, deputy county attorney on behalf of Indian River County, Florida. Um, yes, today I bring to you uh Reams Glenn
amended and reinstated developers agreement. This particular developers agreement, it is amended and reinstated as we previously entered into a developer agreement with them a couple years ago. It was approved on um April 20th, 2024. However, there was some
change in circumstances and facts that caused us um to reconsider or staff to reconsider um the developers agreement that was entered into at that time. Um this is just a developer agreement for utility connections for a few properties located in the Reams Glenn subdivision.
In your backup, there was provided a small aerial of the uh different uh houses that were affected. And you can see it's just a small little uh corner lots there. Um so the issue that occurred is that that road there,
Seventh Place and Seventh Street are both private roads um for which you know we don't have any easements or any way to enter or put our utilities in there. Um the the property owner for the few houses there that is trying to develop and get water and sewer to their houses
was unable to obtain easements from the other land owners or the neighboring properties in that subdivision. Um, so instead of being able to put the utilities pipes down through the front and the rightway as is normally done,
um, and as is best practice for the utilities department, they are instead having to use an older utility easement in the rear of these lots that was dedicated via the plat. The rear utility easement on these lots is not preferred. I think my understanding from utilities
department is they're harder to maneuver, harder to get to, harder to maintain when they're in the rear versus having the utilities and sewer up front. However, in an effort to work with this uh developer who has a few homes already built and are sitting there waiting for
this to be done, um they have agreed that they would work with him on allowing them in the back. Um so with that being said, they had to rework some of the amounts that would be due. Um, and so this developers agreement is essentially bringing forth that the developer will go ahead and build and
construct all this infrastructure. Um, and it will be turned over to us, the county, um, so that we can maintain our portion of it. Um, if other neighboring uh, properties wish to connect at that point in time to that infrastructure to
connect into sewer or you know, water, um, they then would pay their fair share. But that's what this agreement is here is that the developer will be constructing. We will then be paying them a portion so that way they're only paying their fair share and nothing more. Um, so at this time, this is the
developers agreement I have in front of you for your consideration. This is the first of two public hearings that's required under Florida statute for any amendments to developers agreement. So today I just ask that the board um go ahead and consider this um take any
comments on the issues um and then we go ahead and have this at the next meeting on May 19th for the second public hearing so that that way we can go ahead and have it adopted at that time should the board so choose. I'm open for any questions.
>> Commissioners, any questions? Yes. Commissioner Mos. >> So, excuse me. We're being asked to approve. Is the amount $146,67925? Is that It says the county be responsible for 46.7% of the cost. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Um because I looked at the original, there weren't any percentages there. And I was just I'm curious um frankly why you know we're getting why we're being asked to pick up the tab for their failure to obtain easements.
>> Okay. So I can tell you that I'm not necessarily sure about >> I can >> the the tab if you will but I know that we can only require them to pay for their fair share. And I believe that Mr. is here as well. But from a legal standpoint, we can only require him to
pay what it costs them to connect and we would have to pick up our proportionate fair share which we would get then reimbursed by the neighbors as they connect from my understanding and I'll let Mr. Lysky explain further. Thank you. >> Yeah, Sean Leki for the record, director of Department of Utility Services. Um
Susan's correct. Um essentially we're paying for the portion of existing homes. are actually existing homes on our infrastructure. And so to connect them and to continue connecting them, we have to pay our portion of that. And then as new homes connect, they will be paying for their fair share as well.
They're paying for their costs of the homes that they are connecting um to that system. And then we would be paying for the other lots essentially that aren't currently connected or those that are connected. So that's where the the breakdown comes into play. >> Okay. But if they had been successful in
obtaining the easements, then we wouldn't have to pay this. >> We would still be paying a portion even if they had been successful in obtaining easements. All the easements would have given us was the ability to put that in the front of lots as opposed to the back of lots. >> Um, which is what we would prefer. Um, it's easier to maintain. It's easier to
operate that way. Um, when it's in the back of lot, people often tend to forget that there's an easement and so they end up putting sheds or things over that line. it kind of can becomes a little bit forgotten um and becomes a little bit more difficult to operate and maintain. Um so we prefer to have it in
the front of lot and so when they went to get the easements they weren't able to obtain that. We would have still been responsible for the cost regardless of whether it was in the front of the lots or the back of lots. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you for the clarification. >> Thank you Mr. Administrator. >> Sean answered it. essentially will
recoup the money over time as others are required to connect or choose to connect on their own. >> Any further questions? Commissioner Sean, uh, where is the funding coming from?
>> It's coming from operating funds. >> Operating funds, not impacts. >> No, it's not coming from impact fees. >> But those that choose to connect will be paying connection fees. They will be paying connection fees and impact fees and everything when they connect.
>> Okay. >> Commissioners, this is legislative in nature. So, we'll be opening for public comments. Anyone with public comments on this particular item hearing? None. And seeing none, public comment is closed. Commissioners, what's
your favor? approval. We have a motion >> to approve and we have a second by Commissioner >> Adams. Any further discussion? I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry, Commissioner to interrupt. We cannot approve today. I would ask that
it be um that we come back for the second meeting. Yes. Yes, sir. Thank you. >> All right. We do have a motion. >> Yes. >> So, >> motion stands >> to just go ahead and approve and set the next the second public hearing for I
think yes. If you would do a motion to continue is for the second public hearing. Um that way we can have it heard at that time to hear this the second time. I'm not sure that we can approve it just yet. If we say we're approving, we may find ourselves in a little bit of gray area. >> We need two hearings. So
>> the motion would be to set the second public hearing for May 19th, 2026. >> For the second hearing >> on May 19th, >> there wouldn't be a motion. >> Second. We got a motion at this time and a second. All in favor? >> I.
>> And the motion carries. Thank you, Miss Pro. >> Thank you, commissioners. >> Mers, the next item is 11 A2. Uh this is a request from TLC Vero Beach Classical School LLC for special exception use and site plan approval to
construct and operate a private K through2 school on land currently zoned A1 Agricultural. This is a quasi judicial proceeding. The parties to the proceeding are Indian River County and TLC Vero Beach
Classical Schools LLC. The applicant This time, commissioners, I'll ask that you disclose any exparte communication site visits or independent investigations. Commissioner B. Um, no site visits. Uh, I have the um traffic
impact study for special exception that was uh prepared by McKenzie Engineering and Planning, Inc., which I obtained from staff. >> Commissioner Adams, >> no site visits. I have received u several emails and phone calls from um
different people regarding this. Um I think everybody has I've had no site visit. I've had a conversation with staff as well as uh members of the community as well as the applicants. Commissioner Flesh.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh no site visits. uh brief conversation with staff and my assistant has received uh many emails which I did not review >> to the nature this is quasi judicial
>> I have uh also driven by the site and visited and received a few emails and and had a couple technical questions that I asked of the of the engineer but other than that that's it. Great. Um, this is now an opportunity to
confirm the commissioners have an open mind and are able to base their decision on the evidence presented by the applicable laws. Commissioner Moss. >> Canon will. Canon will. >> Canon will. >> Canon will. >> Canon will. >> Thank you, commissioners. At this time,
we will open the public hearing and we will ask the clerk to swear in any witnesses collectively. If you plan on testifying, please stand. raise your right hand and be sworn in. >> Okay, we will begin with the
presentation by the county staff followed by any questions by the commissioners or the applicant. I see Brandon is here. Welcome. Good morning. >> Thank you. Good morning, chair, members of the board. Before you today is the Vero Classical School special exception
along with phase one major site plan. The property is located west of 58th Avenue Southwest, north of 13th Street Southwest, south of Oslo Road, and then all the way down to the west is also 66th Avenue. On screen is an area of the site to give
you an idea of what the full phase project will look like with existing conditions on the site. The site is mostly bare. However, there is some slight vegetation that is currently on site. This plan is going to be a three-phased project. Everything that you see in
white is phase number one. So, that's going to include all the storm water ponds. Um, all the majority of the parking um all of the off-site improvements are also incorporated within phase one. There's going to be some uh minor athletic fields, um
playground area, an auditorium for the school, and then also classroom and administration space. Phase number two is everything that you see in blue. So that's going to be the addition of some more classroom and lab space, um some more ball fields, and a tennis court. And then finally, phase number three is
the remainder of the required parking for the site. Um, a proposed multi-purpose space, a larger gymnasium, and then a football stadium and track field. This is uh just a view of the phase one
site plan. So, this was uh recommended for approval by the plan and zoning board um at their meeting at the very end of March. Um this site plan is contingent upon approval of the special exception today. Traffic circulation plan is going to
call for a complete buildout of 58th Avenue Southwest from Oslo Road to 13th Street Southwest. A buildout of 13th Street Southwest from 58th Avenue to approximately 170 ft of the project's driveway west. Uh turn improvements
along both of those roads. And then 58th Avenue Southwest and 13th Street Southwest intersection improvements along the uh drive area along 13th Street Southwest. There's going to be a student drop off and pickup area. The queueing length is approximately 1,313
ft for that. And then there, as I noted, a direct connection to 13th Street Southwest. Um along 58th Avenue, there is a direct connection as well. And that's mainly for bus drop off and pickup. It's going to be approximately 422 ft of queuing length. And then there's also some other parking for
staff and visitors as well. Storm water plan calls for two main storm water ponds. uh one mostly encompassing the whole entire western boundary of the property and and then one in the northeast corner of the property. Landscape plan calls for one continuous
20ft type-C landscape buffer. This is a requirement of the 971 criteria for special exception and the applicant is um maintaining this buffer. I'd like to take special note that educational centers in the A1 zoning district must adhere to specific land
use criteria in section 971.14 subsection 4 of the county's land development regulations. The proposed plans comply with all seven of those listed criteria. Those criteria are listed and detailed in the staff report. And today those sections generally revolve around site selection, increased
building setbacks, landscape buffers, and adequate parking. Staff was also required to publish a legal advertisement in the newspaper, send out notice by mail to all property owners within 300 ft of the subject property, and post a notice sign at the property. So, that was what we originally did for the original uh meeting. For the meeting
today, we were advised that we needed to send out letters within 1 half mile, which we did. We also posted a new sign on the property, and we put a new legal advertisement in the newspaper. So, just to go over the roadway and traffic improvements one more time. So, the applicant is required to construct
50th Avenue Southwest to include paving and striping from the current pavement terminus to 13th Street Southwest. Construct a southbound right turn lane on 50th Avenue Southwest at 13th Street Southwest. Construct 13th Street Southwest to include paving and striping from 58th Avenue Southwest to
approximately 170 ft west of the project's 13th Street Southwest driveway connection. And then construct a westbound right turn lane at the project's 13th Street Southwest driveway connection. And then again, a 20 foot wide type-C
landscape buffer is also required to be installed around the entire perimeter of the property pursuant to section 971.14 subsection 46 of the county's land development regulations. They will also be required to submit to a 30-foot rightaway dedication for 13th Street Southwest. This will take the portion of
13th Street Southwest that is currently within a canal rightway and that is not owned by the county. It'll bring it up into the county rightaway system so that it can be maintained and owned by the county in the future. And then finally, internal and external sidewalks are required for the project. They're required to put sidewalks along the
continuous frontage of both 58th Avenue Southwest and 13th Street Southwest. The plan and zoning commission at their meeting on March 26, 2026 voted unanimously to recommend approval of the special exception use request as proposed along with approving the phase
1 site plan subject to the board of county commission's approval of the special exception. The board of county commissioners at their meeting on April 21st, 2026 made the decision to postpone this item to its next meeting on May 5th, 2026. Staff recommends that the board of
county commission accept the findings of fact outlined in chapter 971 and grant special acception use approval for the VOC classical school with the conditions listed in the staff report. These conditions generally revolve around the dedication of 30 foot of rightway for 13th Street Southwest. All final landscaping, lighting and tree
protection and mitigation improvements, construction of all required off-site roadway and traffic improvements. construction of all other improvements indicated on the site plan. And then also that the maximum student enrollment shall not exceed 1,194 students without county approval. And
before I end, I would also like to note that phases two and three will go through their own separate reviews and approvals. So there could be traffic studies that are also required for those. Um and then they'll either be staff or uh plan and zoning board approvals based on the impervious area
uh for those different phases. I'm available for any questions you may have. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Brandon. Commissioners, any questions? Any questions of staff? >> Mr. Chairman, thank you for the uh opportunity. Uh question for Brandon. Um
how much of this project is within the urban service boundary? >> It is 100% outside of the urban service boundary, but it is next to the urban service boundary, which is directly east, >> contiguous to the urban service boundary. It is. By virtue of discussing the property, we are discussing moving
the urban service boundary. >> Not for this project, but I believe this area may be subject to the Oslo corridor um expansion. >> The uh project will require have certain requirements uh being a commercial
property housing students uh we they will be required to have um water. >> Yes. And so >> and yes, >> it does appear that we're looking at the urban service boundary. This will be
providing urban services. >> Yes. So as I said, this is part of the study area for the Oslo corridor expansion. So if the commission decides to expand the USB in that area, this would be one of the areas that is included >> in that expansion
>> on the um the roadway. Uh we we see that um and you you denoted that there'll be improvements. Uh what's being done to 66th Avenue? >> Uh nothing is being done to 66th Avenue for this project as it's not a required
improvement for this project. >> Well, we're looking at uh phase one 330 students. uh multiply that by the amount of vehicles going over a dirt roadway that historically we have not improved
uh or maintained for nearly 20 years and suddenly will have vehicle impact. It's likely that the vehicles would be coming from the west to the east. Is that a safe assumption?
In theory, it could happen, but um you know, most individuals will probably use the paved roadway system that we already have. Um 13th Street Southwest is completely right now paved from 58th all the way to 43rd. Um so that would be an
avenue. Um the 58th Avenue all the way down to 13th Street Southwest is also going to be paved. So that's going to be an avenue. But could people go west on 13th Street Southwest? In theory, yes. But that's not contemplated by the traffic study. But it could be possibly
in other phases. But this is only for phase one. >> Phase one of 330 students. Yes. Project. >> But we're looking at a sizable increase up the road. So this discussion will probably come into play once again. Uh
just wanted to uh mention that because it it's not been our practice to pave a roadway to at a certain point and then leave an unpaved roadway for the remainder if it's safe to assume that
there'll be enough vehicular flow because then we have to maintain the roadway. As I pointed out, we haven't maintained the roadway in many years. Right. >> So, the reason why we haven't been able to maintain that roadway is because most of it's in a canal rightway that isn't under county jurisdiction.
>> So, it's a rightaway, but it will be turned into a roadway. >> So, everything up to the project's terminus, their west terminus, that will be turned into county right away. It'll be brought out of the canal rightway and that will be maintained and built by the
applicant and then eventually turned over to the county. But everything remaining on 13th Street Southwest 266 is mostly in a canal rightway that we don't have jurisdiction to do anything with. >> I just wanted to point these out because
it does appear that we are moving the urban service boundary. >> Yes, >> Mr. Chair, if I could um >> for the record, Ryan Sweeney, assistant planning development services director, we are not moving the urban service boundary with this request. This is a
special exception outside of the urban service area. >> On the map, we're not. But in essence, if the facility is required to have services, we are moving the urban service
boundary. I think it's a semantical uh concept that we need to address. So current comprehensive plan policies and carried forward in the new earbased amendments, we do have a pol two policies, one for water, one for sewer that allows properties that are directly
contiguous to the urban service boundary to connect without without being brought in >> up to 1500 ft. Yes. >> So and then it is >> it is also in the area that possibly could be brought in, but different timing
>> at at their expense. Commissioner, >> that's correct. Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Commissioner Mos. >> Um, thank you. I have a roadway improvement questions also having to do with the uh things that were cited in the traffic study. So, I'm looking that was by McKenzie again and thank you for
that. I'm looking at Roman numeral one. It's the executive summary and it lists three roadway improvements that are required if not constructed by Emerson Oaks. So is that would is that correct
then? Is that your understanding and should be our understanding that if these roadway improvements are not are not completed by Emerson Oaks then this party will pay for them. >> Yes, Commissioner, that's correct. Um first of all, I do want to just point
out that we do have a relatively large team representing the project, including Mr. McKenzie himself, the traffic engineer. Um, however, those those improvements that are being listed as if not by Emerson Oaks are already um fully approved and bound by a developers agreement. In fact, they'll probably be
under construction very soon. >> Okay. So, we don't have to concern ourselves with that. The paragraph after that says, um, a second southbound left turn lane is needed at Oslo Road and 43rd Avenue. This intersection is projected to fail due to background
traffic growth and committed traffic. In accordance with chapter 163.3180 Florida statute, the street maintaining agency has the responsibility to improve the intersection and it's not the responsibility of the applicant. So that's our responsibility.
>> Correct. In other words, if if a if an intersection is already failing, we can't make a project correct that failure. That was that's on the county. Okay. >> So, that's not due to this project. >> So, it's okay. It does not have to do with the project. On page 11, I think it
was. Let me just go to it. There were two other um issues cited. Uh let's see basic at the bottom of the page page 11 table 4 A shows that 43rd Avenue from Osel Road to 12th Street will be over
the 80% capacity threshold and then the paragraph after that says table 4B shows that 43rd Avenue from Osel Road to 12th Street and 27th a from Oslo Road to 4th Street will be over the 80% threshold.
So it it says that there will be an arterial analysis done. Who like who who does the analysis? When is it done? Who pays for it? And what happens if there is this uh this problem with capacity? >> So those particular segments both 43rd
and 27th have long been already sort of adopted at a failing level of service. It's there's also separate comprehensive plan policies that we have specific to those goes back to uh a number of years ago where it was determined that ultimately it it wasn't conceivable nor
preferred to have 27th or 43rd widened uh for lane in that area of the county. Um but again the county does traffic counts every year on those segments and um there are other projects improvements like turn lanes and intersection improvements that are required by
various different projects. However, fourlaning or widening those two north south avenues in South County have has long since been a policy of this county not to pursue. Well, is this project going to speed up uh the you know the requirement that we improve these
>> I mean is is it contributing in any way? >> There are some >> the requirement that we will I understand what you're saying there. It's already stressed if you will. >> Yeah. I mean there are a number of trips assigned to those segments without a doubt but it's it's dimminimous at best.
>> Okay. And the last question I have from the traffic study uh is on page 16. It has to do with 43rd Avenue and Osel Road. And it said this this sounded a bit ominous. Said this intersection is projected to fail due to background
traffic growth and committed traffic in accordance with chapter 163.3180 Florida statute. The street maintaining agency has a responsibility to improve the intersection. That's essentially the same thing you asked about before where those those that intersection is already
failing and this project you you can't require a project after the fact. Unfortunately, that's how the state uh legislature uh pushed the leg the law making through and that you can't require individual projects after the fact to come back. If you catch it
beforehand, you can. Um, but after that intersection or segment is failing, you can't require new development to retroactively fix the problem that the essentially the county should have fixed to begin with. >> So, are you saying then that this project won't really affect traffic that
much? >> No, I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that >> how well, how how would you characterize it then? What would how how would you what would you say about about this about these intersections and turn lanes and all these other things that are cited in the traffic study the ones that
I just read? >> I I don't think I can characterize it. >> I mean, are you saying that this project doesn't contribute to that situation? >> No. There it does put trips on those um segments. So, I'm saying what this what the Florida state legislature decided,
what the law the state law says is that we can't retroactively acquire improvements for this particular project. What we are requiring is the paving of uh 58th Avenue from essentially the Oslo Osel Road down to 13th uh as well as a turn lane on that
road as well as 13th Street paving and a turn lane on that road. There were just um this final question on the mitigation there were and this was this again is from the traffic study. There were two um turn lanes that I don't see um
reflected in in your current report and that's uh 58th Avenue and 13th Street Southwest a northbound left turn lane estimated cost 320,000. This is on page 22 under mitigation and
this the second one is 58th Avenue and 13th Street Southwest the southbound right turn lane and the estimated cost given there is $160,000. I didn't see those two um mentioned and
and it's and by the way it says above that the applicant proposes to satisfy concurrency constructing needed improvements. The following improvements are proposed to mitigate the applicant's impacts. So, I didn't see those two listed, I don't think, unless I missed
it in what you're presenting right now. So, is that falling by the wayside or do we need to >> I will defer to the traffic engineer on that one? Um, I my my >> expectation is that some of those intersection improvements are also being built with the Oslo uh widening at the
intersection. Um, but I will let Sean answer that second part. >> Okay. >> No, no further questions. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Any further questions, >> Mr. Chairman? Yes. Once again, um
Ryan, I I appreciate the explanation uh as far as we can't look at increasing a the character of a roadway uh due to the fact that it's near failure.
But is that not how we got uh 53rd Avenue uh one of the finest roadways traversing this county to compare with state road 60 >> 53rd Street? >> 53rd. Yes. >> Up by waterway. >> Yes.
>> Okay. I was I wasn't sure. >> And that was done through an agreement. >> Yeah. And a relative a very large PD um which was you know where that all came about. Um absolutely uh 1,700 homes which was originally
approved >> but not a phase one. >> Correct. Well, we we look at the whole this this traffic study is based on the entire >> all three phases, >> but the agreement was made prior to
commencing and only phase one was established at that point. I'm not >> the roadway was completed back in I believe it was 2010. >> Okay. Yeah. So you're it was constructed with the first phase
>> and it was considered that 53rd was uh uh going to fail if not improved. >> Right. And if you catch it before we can require it. The problem is once it's failed we can't retroactively go after. Are you saying the identification was
early onset and in in time to be able to compel a developers agreement to increase the roadway >> for this project? >> No, for 53rd. >> I I can't speak to that commissioner. It was 20 years ago. I I don't know how
well I I I wasn't involved in that. And plus, I will say that the statutory reference that's much more recent within the past five to eight years. Commissioner, >> just to kind of summarize this so make
sure we're all on the same page of understanding. Um the 43rd Avenue improvements that need to be made at this point are on the county to make because as
development occurred over the years um now we're at a point where the county has accepted through the no I believe a failing grade for that roadway and as I recall that was many years ago I think
before most of our time that that was accepted and that was based on the fact that in order to widen that road, the ride ofway that would need to be taken um the community was not in support of that because it would bring the road right up basically to people's living
rooms. >> Yeah. >> Um so with input from the community at that time, the county changed what they normally would accept as a roadway grade to failing. And I believe we only
have a very few, just those two, um, in the entire county that we accept at that level. Um, and this one >> is because of the constraints of the roadway and the input from the community. I think maybe Commissioner Bleser was here when that discussion happened. I remember Commissioner
>> Op was the cultivation. It began in 2004 and the end of 2006 we were able to extinguish a lot of the acrimony. >> So if that is something that we want to
address in the future, it would be a conversation that would need to start at the MO level um to change what is acceptable for that roadway and that intersection. Um otherwise we are kind of where we are and any
future development since it's already at that level are not required to do improvements there. So where they are required to do improvements is on some of the um collector roads and those ancillary roads that help divert that
traffic and offset those impacts. But some of these larger improvements at least for this particular situation. Now, if they were somewhere else in the county >> and it was a factor like, you know, say off of 66 somewhere,
>> they it would be a different story, but because of that acceptance is what I'm understanding just so everybody's understanding where we are on that particular issue. >> Right. And and just to really clarify, the main the main point that's the the failure is the intersection itself is is
Oslo and 43rd. Um, for what it's worth, both Emerson, which we mentioned, as well as Lakeside West, which is further south, they they are required to provide a number of turn lane improvements um, both on 43rd Avenue as well as the east west streets, just like this project.
So, oftent times turn lane turn lane improvements or other directly related, you know, project requirements that are immediately in front of the project are a requirement of that project. But intersection improvements or widening entire sections of county road um is a
much bigger endeavor. >> And perhaps I know this this section continues to come up with some of the growth in that area particularly um at maybe at no at our next meeting or a future one. we can ask staff to kind of
come in and do an overlay of where all these developer agreements are requiring improvements in that corridor and then look at what when they do go in what that looks like and what we as a county might need to prioritize if this area is something y'all want to address I think
would be the right process to go through. >> Excellent suggestion and Mr. Chairman finally only because I brought it up on 53rd that's within the urban service boundary. >> That's correct. And this is a special
exception outside of the I I I believe that it changes the thought process. It's outside of the urban service boundary. >> Sure. It it is outside. It is immediately contiguous. I I mean I will say that there are other places of
worship, schools, um other types of institutional uses that have been approved just on the other side. And in fact, just a little bit north of this site is, you know, Glendale Christian School. That's on the west side of 58th, but they're technically out. They're also connected to water and sewer. Um,
so when you have a four-lane median divided road immediately in front of you, it's it's hard to kind of say, you know, oh, that's just outside, but we we are holding the line on the urban service boundary. However, this is allowed outside. But it once again with
the I I I understand because I I recall back in 2011 we moved >> Yes. that special policy. Yes. special policy >> and with that policy that 1500 ft within
that we can extend >> it's suns it's sunseted >> that was for water and sewer >> correct >> at the expense of the applicant. >> Yes sir. >> Right. >> Yes. >> Or the homeowner or whoever had requested it most certainly would be not
not coming from the fund. It would come from within. >> Correct. Well it would be coming from the applicant. Absolutely. So if that's the case, u shouldn't it be at least mildly anticipated that
although that rule applies that the institution would be requiring urban services, >> right? An institutional use of this size is Yes. The very first comment
>> things like law enforcement and fire and EMS, >> roads. Yes sir. >> The rest of the package of the urban services. >> Yes. Absolutely. So in essence, we are pushing the urban service
boundary because we're going to be providing urban services to this location. That would not be in the past historically appropriate nor required. And we will have now moved
the urban service found. E expos factor we we moved the urban service boundary because we will be required to provide urban services. We can't just say you know 911 is on a do not call list.
They will be getting urban services. So we are moving the urban service boundary if you look at it in that light. I do want to clarify that that just because if this this uh property connects the next property doesn't get
to say well I'm next to the guy that's next to the guy. So that's not how the policy reads it. You have to be contiguous just to be clear. >> We're not going to domino effect that that >> one personal exception and that's it. >> It says contiguous is the is the way the policyy's written.
>> But it would be contiguous to a location >> contiguous to that's >> urban services. >> You're right. That's not how the policy reads. I just want to clarify that. >> Okay. >> Special exception. >> Special exception. Exception to the policy. >> Special.
>> Yes, it's special. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any further questions from the commissioners presentation from the >> welcome. Good morning. Good morning, chairman, commissioners. Uh my name is Dan Saro. I'm a planner
with Mills Shortan Associates. I want to thank staff for the presentation. I'd like to make one presentation for both the special exception use and the phase one uh site plan improvements. I'm honored to be representing this wonderful project and talented team of local professionals. Our team and school
representatives are available uh here in the audience and available for any questions or clarification after the presentation. The mission of Eurocclassical School is to provide an exceptional Christ-c centered education in the classical tradition that cultivates wonder, wisdom, and worship through the pursuit
of truth, goodness, and beauty. The vision is to see students experience the joy of learning in the grace of Jesus Christ and be equipped to live thoughtfully, humbly, and purposefully in service of God and man. The school is currently leasing space in the city of Euro Beach at the tabernacle facility.
They purchased the subject property and are looking forward to having a campus of their own in a place that they can call home. Project location is South County, just south of Oslo Road. Uh Oslo Road I95 is where the new interchange is being built. This subject property is about
midway between I95 and US1. And you can see that the adjacent development all the way east uh or immediately east of our site all the way to US1. You've got a lot of planned communities, a lot of residential development. There's also some retail and uh industrial uh along
Oslo Road as well. Closer view of the site shows that this parcel is just over 53 acres. It is located south of Oslo on 58th Avenue and 13th Street. And this site is zoned a one. We're not asking
for a reasonzoning this morning. There the school is allowed within this use if you meet the special um exception criteria. And you know this project, this school meets every single one of the special exception criteria.
The school at full buildout will have approximately 1,200 students in all three tiers, elementary, middle, and high school. The campus is well-rounded with several amenities and facilities to support learning and growing mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.
The site plan aerial shows how the site has been laid out spatially and the overall design of the campus. Access to the site and circulation are factors we paid close attention to and analyzed carefully. Along 58th Avenue is where we're going to have the bus loop drop off and
teacher parking lot. This is a full access turning movement. We're doing a right turn lane into the facility and um it's separated from the parent carline drop off and student parking lot which is located off of 13th Street. This is a
directional ingress egress. So you can't go west on 13th Street. You can only go east to 58th Avenue. Uh and you can see on the screen that we've created this large car line and drop off line um that's unencumbered by cars backing out.
It's for a continuous flow. We've worked hard with the school's operational staff, our traffic consultant, and the county's uh traffic engineer to come up with a plan so that there is no queueing or backing out onto 13th Street or 58th Avenue. We're having sidewalks put in
day one and uh as well as turn lanes put in on 13th Street as well. A 3D version of the site plan. You can see that the buildings are consolidated to the center of the 53 acre site. It's really the uh nucleus or the hub of the overall project. That's where the most activity
generators are going to occur. The surrounding area is made up of pvious area, open play areas. We got some storm water retention ponds. Compatibility was our main concern in kind of laying out this campus. We wanted to respect some of the adjacent homeowners and adjacent
uses. So, we've got the type-c buffer going in around the full perimeter of the site. The architectural features can best be described as classic and timeless. Uh, this type of building is not trendy or modern. It will never go out of style.
This is the main administration which has also the library and the classroom building. It's just under 19,000 square feet. It's a two-story building. It's the main thing that you see when you come onto campus. And the water feature in front of it is is a welcoming attraction.
This slide shows some of the outdoor spaces uh located behind the principal structure. We do have age appropriate spaces for the different tiers of education and safety is our number one concern. So, we will have perimeter fencing as well as some of the
individual spaces uh that'll be uh secure as well. The interior of the building is equally impressive with high attention to detail and finishes. These are a couple views of the foyer of the building. And then the gymnasium is
meant to be a multi-purpose facility. We intend on having celebrations, dances, pep rallies, fundraisers, those types of things there to get out of the inclement weather. Here's a rendering of the library. Lots of use of natural light fosters that conducive learning environment.
On the screen is the criteria which your decision today is based upon. This project meets each and every one of the special exception criteria under land development regulation section 971.14D lists the categories and the criteria.
Number one located near thoroughares. 58th is on the county thoroughfare plan. Number two, similar spatial requirements as any Indian River County school that would be built. Dodgertown was here earlier, similar to an elementary school, middle school, or high school. No building closer than 100 ft to the
property line. All of our buildings are approximately 300 ft from the property line. No recreation, parking, traffic circulation, including pickup and drop off queuing that does not adversely affect or impact adjacent streets. We've worked hard to keep all of our queuing, all of our parking, all of our drop offs
on campus. None of that will be backing out onto 58th Street or 13th Street. No school rooms regularly used for housing of students. There are no dormitories on this. We have no housing for students and the facility shall have a type-c perimeter buffer. We are providing this
buffer all around our property. Number seven is not applicable. This project has received staff support and a recommendation of approval. We received unanimous planning and zoning board approval and we're here this morning asking for your approval for the board of county commissioners. On behalf of
the project team, thank you for your time. Thank you for listening to this presentation. And thank you for your support. Commissioner Lur, I would like to request your permission for Mr. and Mrs. Kelly to address the board and explain their commitment to the school and the county and why today's hearing and vote is so important to them if that's okay.
>> We we will get to that in just a moment. >> Yes, sir. First, do we have any questions from the commissioners for the applicant? Hearing no questions by the board. For the applicant, we will now accept input from the public. if you
would like to comment and presentation questions for staff. Uh we have two we have two podiums. So please come up in an orderly and concise fashion. Yes, sir. Name and record for the name
and address for the record. >> My name is uh Jim Moran. Um 1375 Southwest 58th Avenue. Uh that would be the property that is uh one property south of this whole mess.
Um for one, nobody in our area wants this. I mean, who would? You got to ask yourself, we've lived on this property for 50 years. My dad back there built this house on the property in the middle
of the groves with him and a couple buddies. Um, would you want a stadium right next to your house that you've lived in your whole life? Absolutely not. And I mean, if if you wouldn't want it by your house, then I definitely don't want it
by mine. Um, there's many different issues that come to mind because we live in what would be considered a rural part of Indian River County is becoming less rural all the time. But we have zoning
to stop that from happening and this is a a situation where it's not working for the uh for the citizens. Um you know we talk about impact as far as from a pollution standpoint your mind goes to
air um you know water. Uh my mind goes to light pollution. I've looked out my back door and saw nothing but the stars in the sky for the last for my entire life. And now I'm going to have stadium
lights shining in my face, sound pollution. Do I want to hear a period bell seven times a day? Do I want to hear band practice? I mean, I don't and neither does anybody that lives around me. Uh, one thing that
nobody really thinks about is because we're in a rural area and the things that we do as rural citizens and one of them is shoot. I mean, not just me, all of the surrounding neighbors shoot. And we shoot quite a bit. We all have back
stops and we shoot a lot. AK-47, AR-15, handgun, all legal guns, but we shoot The Zurans in the back, they've they've got a long target that they shoot. Sounds like a cannon. What's the school
going to do when we're constantly shooting? You know, are are they going to call the cops every single time? Are they going to tell us that we have to stop our target practicing that we've been doing since I was born?
you know, if uh part of the problem that everybody, especially, you know, you go on Facebook, you see, you know, the good, the bad, and the ugly, but you want to start getting the people that were born in Vero cranked up, start talking about urban sprawl. And if you
want it to look like Port St. Lucy, I mean, this is doing a great job. You got to have a line somewhere. you know, there there's got to be some sort of line to keep us in our way of life somewhat contained. And um yeah,
that's that's you know, I didn't I didn't want to come here to be rude or, you know, to be I'm not I have nothing against the school in general. It's just, you know, this is why we plan things out and we have zoning so that we're not up against this big Walmart of
a building. You can you can dress it up with landscape. You can dress it up with fences, but you know, it's it it's just there's nobody around that area that that wants this. But that's my two cents and I appreciate you listening to me.
>> Thank you. >> Please refrain from Please refrain from your emotions. We're trying to conduct a quasi judicial hearing here. Good morning. Name and address for the record. >> Good morning. My name is Lynn Kefir, 1370 55th Court Southwest. So I live
just off of 13th C Street Southwest and have been out there for about 26 years. Um, it's was an enclave. It is growing up around us. But I want to speak in favor of the project. Um, I have had the honor of meeting the founders of this
project many, many years ago. I think it's a wonderful school. I think they've done a lot of things here to uh try to be accommodating to the area. Uh the main concern I had I u has been resolved in that 55th Court Southwest is being
paved. I it would have to have that happen in order for that road to even be usable. Um things are growing up around us. I have accepted that and understand that. But I do think it is a wonderful school and I am in support of the project.
>> Thank you very much. Yes, sir. >> Come on up. This is an opportunity for those of you that want to express your name and address for the record, sir. >> My name is John Zamry, 1095 South Lakes
Way, South Lakes community. Seven years ago, my wife and I came to Florida for our retirement and we wanted to find a place where we could have peace and quiet. We found South Southwest hero. We
loved it. We've been living here for seven years. Um, quality of life means a lot to me. I'm sure it means a lot to all of us. I find that the school I'm not I'm not anti- education, believe me. and I'm a
Christloving Christian, but quality of life will suffer. I don't want to hear football games mostly at night or some during the afternoon on Sundays. Uh talk about noise pollution.
Uh my bearded friend talked about light pollution. Uh people have been living here for many years and now they have to share with this what I call a monstrosity in the middle of a pristine area. And I
don't u I don't think that we will prosper from this project taking place. I think we will suffer from it. Okay? And again I'm a Christloving individual. It has nothing to do with my feeling about the
school. It's my own personal feeling. I'm sure many people here share my feelings. Uh it's not needed and if if approved, uh I think the the entire area will suffer from it.
>> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, sir. >> Come on down, sir. Name and address for the record, please. >> Hello. Uh my name is Dakota Enrew. I live on uh 3,300 Buckingham Mc Trail, which is not uh near this project, but
I'm here um for the Knight family who are on 6025 9th Street uh Southwest and uh 5855 9th Street. Uh they're the properties immediately to the north of this project. Um I want to echo the
concerns about uh light pollution and noise pollution. Um the Knights are involved with agriculture and have been for multiple generations. Um you know on the seal of this uh county is uh you know the oranges which are mostly gone now but they still have
agriculture livestock out there. I don't think that the um uh activities of the school will be um consistent with um the activities of the surrounding area. Obviously, the Oslo um road expansion
and u the work going on there and the thoughts about uh reszoning are ongoing. But that is uh you know to the north of uh this parcel and it's indicative changing this uh parcel's um use is
indicative of what's going on in the larger area which is more and more sprawl more and more um uh paving over of our uh agricultural um uses that this county is uh very reliant on both for uh
jobs and for uh its nourishment. Um, so, uh, the county, uh, you know, the family hopes that the county will not, uh, go forward with, uh, this project, will not approve this project. And I thank you all for your time.
>> Thank you very much. Yes, ma'am. >> Good morning and welcome. Name and address for the clerk. >> All right. I'm Dr. Joyce D. Roier. I also am a um >> I didn't catch your name. >> Oh, D. Roier.
>> I am a resident within South Lakes subdivision which abuts directly to the 58th that >> we are hoping that this can go forward in that 58th will get paved. I have a page here and
if you don't mind I'd like to read it. a petition that we got uh 22 signatures here um just from the people that live on Riverboat Circle, which is the our
backyards back up to 58th. And the dust that comes off at 58th is so severe. It sounds like I'm exaggerating, but there are times when our backyards are so bad, you would swear it's foggy out. It's
not. It's the dust. And for seven years, we've been riding and trying to get the county to pave the road and to no avail. Um, but with the school coming in, not only do we have a lot of younger
families that are coming into our area, this will give their children a chance to be able to go to a local school instead of having to drive so far. And so that's one thing as far as the children. Um, and I'd like to read this at this point. As a property owner
within South Lake subdivision, I am requesting the board of county commissioners to approve the plans and construction for a K through2 school, specifically Vero Classical School, including paving and widening 58th
Avenue that abuts the west side of South Lake subdivision. The plans are wellconceived, engineered, and designed to maintain the area's harmony. I eagerly anticipate a great school nearby. Over time, our community has
welcomed more young families with children, and giving them the chance for the children to attend a local school rather than commuting a long distance for education will significantly enhance our home values and improve lifestyles.
And then it says the undersigned signature is located on the reverse of this letter accompanied by those of other consenting residents within my subdivision. And I have the signatures and addresses. Uh can I give this to >> Yes, to the clerk, please.
>> Okay, I'll give that to the clerk. >> Thank you, doctor. >> I do understand there's people don't like change. I understand that. But also corridor is coming. Thousands of homes are being built along 43rd. By paving 58th, putting the school there, this is
going to um give another outlet to that 43rd uh intersection that you were also talking about or is going to give another outlet for people eventually. I'm sure down the road
66 they'll get paid. I'm sure that'll come. And so, you know, I just think that this is I would much rather see a school there than than a high-rise apartment building or uh commercial um businesses going in. And so, that was
just my little input. >> I just wanted to make my statement. Thank you for your time to the clerk. >> Thank you, Doc. >> Yes, ma'am. Welcome. Good morning. And name and address for the record. >> Good morning. Janelle Rafino 6180 13th
Street Southwest. I'm actually in the map of the picture on um not directly abuing the whatever that buffer is that they have on the west part, but I'm on second one over. And I'm concerned about us being in the farms. Our whole purpose of
moving there was the farms and the private road that is 13 southwest all the way to 66. Um, it is private and you know how the parents like to go early before they open the gates, which they might have planned for the cars to get in there when the gates are open, but
these parents line up beforehand. And we have almost single lane access on that dirt road that we have to maintain ourselves, which is very expensive. And I just know that that's going to be a huge problem for me trying to get out of my own property. So I don't think they
factor that in the early birders that are going to come down the private road from 66 because I do think that'll be an issue on bullet point 4 there for their special use. So I strongly oppose that and we're trying to keep because I also farm and the livestock it's going to be a huge impact just from the spraying the
maintaining of the lawns of that property alone. So just for the record. Thank you. >> Thank you ma'am. Anyone else please come forward. Good morning and welcome. Name and address for the clerk, please. S uh Curt
Zaran, 6135, uh 13th Street Southwest, everybody's favorite rancher. I'm back. So, um let me start out. Let me just tell you about my experience. And many of my neighbors
will agree with how we were treated. For a private school that has a cross above their name, discipling is not their strongest ability. At the county planning and zoning meeting, I relayed to the board and the school that there was no neighborly outreach to the
surrounding ad community. Not even, excuse me, no neighborly outreach to the surrounding ad community. even though that it was what it was lo to be located not even a howdy. They did however repent and acknowledged myself during
the meeting and came up apologized afterwards. I specifically told the groups of men you need to reach out to the ad community. I guess I was hoping for them to go out and introduce themselves or at least do a mail or flyer maybe have an evening at their
school set aside to introduce themselves and tell us tell us what their school is all about. Few weeks go by. Ask the neighbors if anyone dropped by from the school or mailed you a letter. No curt. No one's come by. Love thy
neighbor. I'm here representing my family. All 12. We do not consent to this project. Major reason negative impact on our cow calf operation and of everyone's daily life. Even if it's just visiting the farm or working it. along with the transformation of
surrounding roads into urban traffic sprawl. 2005 20 years ago, we purchased that property specifically outside the urban service boundary knowing the county zoning limit at most AG1, which
is one house per 5 acres. Yet, here we are today, 2026, county staff has recommend moving the boundary, allowing sewer and water to cross out over to the proposed property. Call it what you Call it what you want, you're still moving
the boundary. Say if my neighbor to the west, immediately west, if he gets a special exemption, can he not tie into that water and sewer or
does it have to be neck and neck? And then what if I'm on the other side of the road and I request a special exemption? So in essence or we're just hopscotching and using your rules against you.
I don't agree with it. So basically we either have an urban service boundary or we don't. Or maybe I'm wrong and I missed a meeting on resoning the whole areas to be a commercial industrial. Our days are non-stop from sun up to sun down like
most. We we are truly blessed that we have 40 acre farm. We all look forward to coming out to the land decompressing and seeing the new babies. Everyone that comes out always enjoys the calmness of watching cows, admiring the sunsets
going down behind the landfill because we see the landfill from our property. It's a reminder of how beautiful the world is and how it goes from 10 to zero in one glance. Aesthetically, from the height and square footage of this building,
approximately 1,600 parking space, car lot, it will turn into a seagull landing zone, field and track stadium with towering lights and PA system become buzzer towers. I say this because we are in the flight path of the county landfield that is approximately a mile
and a half away. Don't forget the crows. They fly from the east at 7 8 a.m. Come back from the landfill from the west at 4 and 6. Outline fields and tennis courts gymnasiums. It's a sports training complex from the outside. That
would not qualify for a special exemption or AG1 zoning. One word school and it does. Same structure, different names. Both appearances lasting. Need verse want. A project of this size
does not require special exemption. It belongs in the correct zoning. Request for a special exemption based on wanting to build a school on reasonably priced land intended for agricultural
zoning use is twisting a municipal code to advert paying market price for correctly zoned sites. the private school does not need to do in this proposed location. Go back to go to the
back of the line. No skipping. Indian River County School Board has made it clear school population is decreasing and are in the process of consolidating student population and closing schools. The last county commission meeting, a proclamation was made for Earth Day. In
the spirit of Earth Day, let's cheer on this private school to recycle and reuse one of those schools soon to be vacated. I can only imagine the community support they would receive from all those who were in attendance for that special proclamation. Continuing with the last meeting,
another proclamation was made for water conservation. Everyone's homes out there in that vicinity of the proposed site depends on wellwater for daily life. Water is life. The project site is approximately 45
plus acres of landscaped grass trees that will require water to stay alive. Whether it comes from a retention pond or well, it's still water taken out of the system and puts undue stress on everyone's well. Friendly reminder, all
non-personal use wells require cut permit. Now, our number one job, commissioners, public safety, and more importantly, child safety, 2,976 daily trips. Now, I'm looking at this as
a complete completed project. That's where this number is coming from the McKenzie traffic study. We went from rural to instant traffic congestion. I cannot believe the county staff nor the school would be okay if an intersection at 13th Street and 58th
Avenue of not having a traffic light, no electronic crosswalk, a correct, safe intersection is the only course of action for all families. Even though county staff approves minimum, doesn't mean you can't do maximum.
Examples of correct intersections that I would like to see would be Imagine School 4th and 58th, Glendial Elementary 8th and 58th, M's Academy 12th and 58th, Charter High School, College Lane and
58. Did I miss any schools that are already on 58th? Between 60 and Oslo, Matland Farms, they're the only one true to the area and it's a preschool. No fences, none possibly around retention pond.
Call it the evaporation pond. Private schools are not required by law to have those. Take a ride around the neighborhood. Note it the fencing and remember this saying good fences make for good neighbors. My fences protects my cows from running out into the road.
Yours will keep anyone from coming in and unannounced. 58th Avenue. Continue the four lanes from the intersection of Ninth Street. Build it out fully to 13th Street Southwest. None of this two-lane road building because it will be at the
capacity the moment it's paved, especially with the new subdivisions on 43rd Avenue from 13th Street to the South County line. 13th Street Southwest between 58th and 66
is not a countymaintained road. It is an access road for Indian River Farms to maintain the drainage canal. Build a proper road on 13th Street Southwest with proper drainage. Do not bring millings or even think about putting asphalt down without road base because
there was some leftover from said job. 20 years of everyone on that road working together to make that road passable without county help. Correct it. If school is granted a special exemption, show South County all proper
completed road projects mentioned before any dirt road or dirt work or construction commences. No interest and promises only results. In closing, to our community, the private school
brings no value to our tight-knit community. It benefits a select few. impact on quality of life irreversible. Once built will have a lasting negative appearance to the area. Comfort altered with unknown vehicles traffic to the
extreme of 2,976 trips in a day. A private school destroys our total vibe we got going out there. My family and everyone in that community, some living out there, others working out there to just get away from
just this scenario. We did not want to live in a private community, let alone next to a priv private high school. My c my parents came to Ver Beach in 1963. They would had plenty of time to find a place next to Vero Beach High School,
but they didn't. Just remember, everyone who drives to that school has the privilege of leaving school and going to the comfort of their home to relax in their own way.
For those who live out there and come home, comfort will never be the same. I just got to say, leave us alone. We ask for none of this. We may be a small numbers, but no one is going to bully anyone out there.
Combined all of us, we all own more land than just 50 acres. We are an ad community of Indian River County where we still ranch and farm for income or pleasure. Horseback riding those dirt roads or going to the neighbors in a side by side and just feeling pity for
that kid trying to pedal that bike in that soft dirt on those back roads. What a shame to miss 10 opportunities because that's what it's that's what it's zoned for. It would be 10 houses max out there, one per five. What a
shame to miss 10 opportunities for future families with kids to grow up and experiencing farm life. I know one thing, no matter what decision we make as adults for our children, we will reap what we sow. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir.
Anyone else? >> Come on. Come on down. >> Clark, could you please swear her in? >> I didn't. >> Do you swear to tell the truth? >> Thank you. Name and address for the record, please.
>> Um, good morning, county commissioners. I'm Gina Canola. Um, I live off of uh Fifth Street Southwest, 350 38 Square, Fifth Street Southwest. Um, I'm here as a member of the public, but also as a
parent of two elementary kids that attend Bureau Classical. Um, I've heard all the concerns from the individuals who live out in that area. Um, and I will say in all honesty, they're hard to hear. Um because I am born and raised in
this county. I know the couple in front of me has been here for seven years. Um my grandfather, my mom's father moved here right after World War II. Um he was only 23 years old. Um he purchased a little bit of farmland with his dad and
they started a tomato um crop and he ended up going on to involve himself in real estate. Mr. and you probably would have known him, Jim Coffee. Um, and in return, my mom 15 years later was born.
So, she's almost 70. So, my family essentially has been here for a very, very long time. My dad was actually in agriculture. Um, he owned an irrigation company. He bought and sold citrus fruit. So, my experience of living and being raised in this community was
driving through the citrus groves almost every afternoon after school. My dad was always testing fruit. um he had uh his his life was in the groves and so therefore in exchange my life was there as well. Um so I will say that it has been honestly difficult to see so much
of development taking place over the last 40 years. Um but I think the honest truth is is that's the reality of change. That's the reality of growth. Um, and I just want to just testify to this committee about um, our experiences
as a family at Bureau Classical. Um, I know it's easy to look at blueprints and facts and numbers and so forth, but I can testify to um, the children that are part of this school and the contribution that they will ultimately make to our
small community in the years to come. Um my son and my daughter have almost completed their first year at Verocclassical. Uh we have tried every sort of education. We've done private school. We've done a Catholic school. We've done Beachland. We've done Imagine. Um and we've also homeschooled.
And this is the first year that my children and my family has felt unbelievably settled. And I believe that it's because of the profound impact, the anointing of the Lord Jesus Christ on the individuals that are building up this school and attempting to turn it
into what God wants it to be. Um, and so I know there's lots of change that's going to come to this area, but it's good change. Um, and I know you don't know me, um, but I can tell you that the impact this is having on the children
that are in the seats every day at this school, the truth that's being instilled in them, um, and then them going home to their families, to their parents, and that truth spreading to their families and their families spreading to their extended family and so forth. It will
have great impact in our community. Um, having been involved in the school, there is nothing like this school in our community. Nothing. Um, I went to St. Edwards my whole elementary, my whole middle school. I graduated from high
school there. It's a private school, but it's not like this school. Um, I had friends who went to public school, so it's also not like that. It's different. Um, and I think that that's why it's very um important that the the families
who are here, the community who's here, who's giving their testimony about um their input is that they understand that it's it's bigger than just current generation that it goes and it extends past that. >> Um, and so I just would like the the
commission just to understand that there's um a face behind every child. there's a family behind every child that's already been impacted by the school. And then there's future families that will also be greatly impacted. Um the leadership of this school is solid.
They're good people. Um and they do have the surrounding community's heart. They do have their best interest at heart. Um and so that's all I have to say, but thank you. >> Thank you very much. Good morning, ma'am. Name and address for the record.
>> Connie Stevens. I'm speaking on behalf of my sister FA Jones at 1375 58th Avenue Southwest. That's lovely. Everything she had to say I agree with 100%. I'm all for school. I'm all for Christ. That's perfect. But
that's not what this is about. This is about doing it correctly and you all doing your jobs. That's why there's boundaries and things set up. You're going to have growth and development, but you have to control it. And I think the county has done a great
job so far. Bl. I born and raised here. But I'm also a trainer for the prevention of child sexual abuse through darkness to light if any of you all are familiar with that. And that is all about boundaries.
You set the boundaries. If people cross them, they're not invited back. um do a lot of training for churches and you have to have those boundaries and that's what this is about doing it correctly. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. >> Good morning ma'am. Name and address for >> Good morning. Elena Buisu 606521st Street Southwest and I am in the neighborhood two blocks south of this proposed location and me and my family
do support this project. We're I'm here today to strongly support the approval of this new private Christian school campus allowing the opportunity to bring a full K through2 classical education to our community. This is not simply a request to build
another school. It is the chance to provide something that does not exist within an hour of Vero Beach, a true classical private K through2 education. Families like mine have intentionally chosen this path for our children
because classical education offers something different and deeply valuable. It emphasizes strong academics, character formation, critical thinking, discipline, leadership and a foundation of v virtue. It teaches children not
just what to think but how to think. It develops capable young people who are prepared for careers and meaning meaningful lives of service. Currently, our school is operating in a temporary makeshift space while we wait for approval to build a permanent
campus. We are making it work because we believe in this mission. But our children deserve better. They deserve classrooms built for learning, safe space for growth, extracurricular offerings, and the opportunity to remain in one stable
environment from kindergarten through 12th grade where we can grow academically, socially, personally, and spiritually. I understand the concern from neighboring residents regarding the use of agricultural land. Change can be difficult, but I would ask everyone to
consider what the project truly represents. This is not highdensity housing. This is not commercial overdevelopment or something that diminishes the character of the area. This is a school,
a place dedicated to children, families, education, and community. Schools strengthen communities. They bring families together. They increase long-term community investment
and create a lasting positive impact that extends far beyond property lines. A thoughtfully planned private school campus such as Bler Classical School will serve generations of families while preserving the values that make this
area special. It gives our children opportunity. I respectfully ask that you support this project and help make this future possible for our children. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Anyone else?
Yes, ma'am. Name and address for our clerk. Good morning. >> Camille Green, 895 Reef Road. Excuse me. I um my husband is a farmer in agriculture. I don't know if you remember Barney and Harriet Green. This is Griffin Green and his wife. So I understand agriculture and we too have a
a cow calf operation. We had thousands of acres of citrus and we're desperately trying to hang on to that couple hundred I think three or 4 hundred acres of citrus. So I understand that agricultural side of what you're trying to hang on to and the the uh wonderful
life you're trying to hang on to. But I am also a retired ed educator and my last 30 years was at St. Edwards and that is a private school and I get where you're coming from and I even hear the little bit of disdain in your um voice of that and I understand that
because not everybody can afford that. Um we had four daughters and they all went there and um I agree with the other u Miss Marine there that said that this is not a private school in that way. It is a way to get children a very special
education that is not that is much more affordable. Uh these are some very special folks and I um I don't know you can't hide the educator in me. Um so I went there sniffing around for my grandkids to go in there and I was very impressed very
touched by what is going on there. It is a very special place. Um, and you'll hear that from them and they're very passionate and I'm right there right there behind them. But what really made me sad here today is like the missed opportunity. I think when something change happens, we're like I'm not for
it and I'm, you know, not in my backyard and all that stuff. But what makes me sad is, you know, with the potential that could happen if we work together. You know, we had a birthday party for my grandkids out at our land and those kids
had a ball. They were looking at the cows and looking at the land. And I I kept thinking, this would be so cool when when this works out to get together with the neighbors for the kids to see, you know, what's going on in agriculture, you know, for the get together with the neighbors for them to
see what's going on in agriculture because those kids, I think the party went over three hours. what that was supposed to be. Um, and for the to get some volunteers out there to come in to the school and work together, you know, as neighbors are supposed to work
together. And it just makes me sad anymore that we're just always automatically against each other instead of like that could be magical out there. We're It's not It's not going to be wild stadium lights that are never on Sunday Chick-fil-A.
Um, but I just think magic could happen, you know, if you work together as neighbors out there. Um, because that these are some special folks and that could be a special place. Um, and it would be great for these kids to see what is a little bit of left of some
peace and quiet in agriculture. And I know these people are so special that they would work together with their neighbors. And I think it would be a great place for the kids to work and um, grow with these special folks right here. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much.
Anyone else? Yes, sir. Good morning. Name and address for the record. >> Good morning. Joel Mullinary, 1025 54th Avenue, Hero Beach. Um, I'll try to be concise. Um, real quick on traffic. We
um had the last meeting. I took an opportunity to drive down that road out of the where the school property is to the west. And I will tell you right now that anybody who's bringing kids to that school is not going to be
traveling. There's not going to be a traffic issue that way in the sense of I I have a really nice I think it's a nice truck. It's four-wheel drive off-road. I went down that road and I'm like, "Yeah, no, there's no family vehicle going to go down that road on a regular basis.
just not going to happen. Now, if you live there, yeah, you're going to go and you're going to go slow. It's not going to be a thoroughare. It's just not going to happen. The way that road is set up currently, so there's not going to be a traffic issue that direction. Um, uh, I think Mr. Zuran mentioned that,
um, I don't know, he said something about neighborly. I just took some notes. Um, I do want to say because if he he' come to me privately, I'd have said it privately, but I'll say it publicly because he said it publicly. He got a lot of phone numbers that night when we were here and um I didn't get a
call, but I did drive up and down the road a couple times, several times. There's a there's a gated house there, so I you know, I'm not going to intrude on someone's private property. Anyway, we I did go down there. Um I didn't send a note, but he had my number. I didn't
get a call. Um I'm still glad to talk to him about all this, but it sounds like that's kind of a moot point at this at this time. Um, I'll say this that I I don't know. Um, I I don't know. I'm not going to ask
you. You guys are professional. You're you're you're good at your jobs or you wouldn't be sitting there. Um, I I would hope you'd make this decision based on not because of this fantastic team that's sitting here that's done all this work um that have given their time and
talent and treasure towards the project. not be and and not disapprove of it because there's any because it is emotional and and there are people who have absolute great points of view and and valid. I'm not going to invalidate anyone's point of view, but I hope you
look at this project and say, "Have we done what is needed to be done?" Walk through those sorry, walk through the places and answer the questions. We've been required to do a lot and we've tried to do every single thing we've been asked to do in a timely fashion and the county has been great to work with.
So I would ask you to pass this. I'm obviously in support of it, but pass this because we've done the things that are needed to be done. It is within the guidelines. It's it's within the statutes. it's within the u the restrictions put on us or the freedoms
allowed us that those facts line up and you say you know this is they've done what they need to do and this is this is our decision to move this along. So thank you commissioner. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes sir. Good morning. Name and address for the record.
>> Good morning. Chris Hill. Address 2745 Weerill Lane. I am the owner's rep for Vero Classical. I'm also a board member for Vero Classical School and I'm also a adoring parent of two children at uh Vero
Classical School. Camille Green and Griffin Green. Uh they happen to be my uh mother and father-in-law. Um and as you know, they're deepseated in agriculture. Uh my lovely wife Lindle is sitting to their left.
Um, I'm going to tag along on to what uh Mr. Molinari said. What my job was to do is to make sure that this was a merit-based uh school and every level of the organization, every level of the school.
So, when we um went for a special exception, we understood the criteria. We worked with the planning and zoning department. We came in and met with had multiple meetings with their entire department and individual meetings, but had 17
people in one meeting asking what can we do to make sure that we dot every eye and cross every tea to make sure that when we got to this stage, when we looked you guys in the eyes, that we knew that we had done everything we
possibly could to make sure this was the correct move for the school and for the county. We would not be here, I can assure you, if we did not check every box that was required. So, what I'm asking for, I could go into all of the
um the the family environment that this school has helped us create um and the the benefits of our children and and the impact that it has had on this community. um my father and and mother Toby and Tony Hill, they understood what
community was, what it was about and furthering the community. Um I um was unbelievably blessed to have them as mentors and I take that very seriously. We are very involved in the community. This school from a merit-based
standpoint um checks every box and from a fundamental core value standpoint checks every box that this county stands for. We will be good neighbors. The individuals that run this school I've had the pleasure of knowing for the last
three years. They are impeccable. Their character is unmoved. Um and they will make you guys proud each and every day that they run this school. the leadership uh does not change based on
the circumstance. It is pure and it is guided by the one thing that is true in this world and that's the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I thank you for your time. Um and I uh I ask for your approval on this. Thank you. >> Thank you sir.
Anyone else? >> Yes ma'am. Good morning and welcome. Name and address for our clerk. >> Good morning, commissioners. My name is Halley Hedis. I live at 310 Legend Trail. Um I was born in here in Bureau Beach. My family, my kids are fifth and
sixth generation Flidians on either side. We've seen a lot of change. Um, we realize the concerns, but with the growth that Vero is experiencing, let's not forget that there are kids
that education is not one-sizefits-all. Uh, our middle son is currently at Bureau Classical, and I cannot even begin to describe the blessing that that has been to our family.
We are so lucky that he is able to go to school there. The school will be a blessing to the community and it is not a field of dreams situation where if you build it they will come. They are here so we must build. Thank
you. >> Thank you. Any more comments from the public? Good morning, sir. Name and address for >> Good morning. Gianati Lady Jinski, 6455
Lily Lane Southwest. I'm about not even a mile south of where this project is slated for. Um, and I do have some concerns. One of them being why at that location,
I haven't heard anyone actually speak of that reason. you know, why choose a agricultural slash uh 5 acre parcel location uh to be there? I I haven't heard anyone mention why you guys want to be here. Uh
what's what's the reason behind it? I haven't heard anything. Um being a good neighbor, that's great. I agree with the whole school process amongst everybody else that probably agrees the same way. However, um when I purchased my land and
built my property, knowing the fact that it's zoned for a 5 acre parcel where I could have peace and quiet, uh I specifically bought that land and built there for that purpose. Uh I'm sure other people have done the same thing.
Um I'm a big fan of agriculture. I'm not a farmer. I appreciate farmland. I appreciate uh trees. I appreciate the growth that we used to have and I feel like we're at a point where we're losing
all of it. Um, and the more that uh special exemptions come into play, uh, another, you know, really, uh, good school might turn around and say, you know what, we want a special exemption, too. Um, and we'd like to build a 53
acre property just like um, this school wants to build. So, when do we stop special exemptions? How far does it go? Uh, road study um stops at
170 ft west of the entrance for the school on 13th Street. Road study stops. No one's concerned about that because we're not using that as a guide. So, we can't talk about it. Even though some people will say, "Well, we can't travel
down that road because it's so bad." Yes, the people have been down that road know how bad it is. Um, I'm not sure if you realize what teenagers are all about. I'm not sure if you realize that, you know, some people will travel down that road because they feel like they
should. Um, I feel like change is good, but we haven't done enough. We haven't done enough to see how this change really impacts the
community. The road study talks about 43rd, which you guys are so concerned about, so far away from the actual project. It's a built intersection. Why aren't we talking about
intersections that are right there? I drive down 58th Street sometimes. Lots of schools there. And I drive down during release time when students are getting released. I don't know what studies people have been
doing. And I don't know what studies people can point to that say that the intersection is not going to get backed up. If you actually driven down and participated, you're going to see a line of cars
down 58th Street that are actually picking up students. So, whatever study was actually done back then and claimed that it's not going to impact the road, I'm not sure if you could believe that.
So, I'm concerned about all these things. Is the school in the right location? Maybe not. Maybe they could choose a location that's actually fits their purpose better. But if they do choose this location,
they have to go further and the county needs to go further in determining whether this location is going to be the right fit for its neighbors. I know people will say, "Oh, well, you know, like we're going to be good neighbors."
Great. Like a lot of other people here have said, I haven't heard anything. No one stopped by my house. No one said, "Hey, we're looking to build out here. I'm a pretty good neighbor. I listen really well." But no one's done that to me. I haven't heard anything. Whether
the school's going to be good for the community and that it's very a good school, good name, students really are good there, great. I'm all for it. That's all good. But location is what the argument is
about here. And location is where we need to figure out is the location correct? Are they doing enough or is the county ready to do enough for the infrastructure of where this location is
going to be? 13th Street, not nearly enough. 58th, one block, one mile of paving and that's going to really work. Probably not. Not enough. If they want to be part of the community, how are kids going to
get there that are local from people that live there on dirt roads? Are they going to walk? No. There's no infrastructure for that. Cars go by on dirt roads, kick up dust. Zero people
walk down these roads. It's all driven roads. Where's the infrastructure for that? I don't see any. I don't see any other than 58th and a section a section of 13th Street. It just does not go far
enough. We must go further. If this place is to exist, they have to go further in finding out what other ways do we need to work with
the community to make sure that we go far enough in order to accommodate this school. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Good morning, sir. Pete Clemens, 1535 Coington Road, Run Road Southwest. Um,
commissioners, thank you for your service to the community and sacrifice you make for family time and all that you do for our community. We thank you very much. Um, I'm the president of our property owners association in Coington Run. Coington
Run run runs from 17th Street Southwest and to the north backs up to 13th Street Southwest. Kind of caddyy corner from when the school property is uh proposed. Um I know a little bit about Barrel
Classical. Solid people, good people. I love the alternative that this school offers our community uh to the public school system. I'm supportive of them. However, with that said, um
I bought out there and built my home on five acres because I liked that rural one home on 5 acre agricultural quiet community setting. We have that pretty well developed on both north and south
of Oslo Road corridor. 5 acre parcels. It's pretty well built up with five acre parcels and there's a reason that everybody gravitated out there. Some have significant, you know, investments in their
properties. Um, my concern is more of the precedent setting of the special exception. And as some others have said, you know, where does it stop? I had the opportunity to attend some of the cheretses that were held a few months back about how we're going to develop
the Oslo corridor and I took that opportunity to talk to of a couple of the commissioners were there and staff and expressed you know my viewpoint that I think the stage is already set from 43rd Avenue
west half acre or more residential development. That's what it is. And that's why people have been buying out there and investing in setting their families up in those
locations. Um, I am not for any commercial growth from 43rd. I understand there'll be some commercial growth out by the new uh 95 interchange. I know that's inevitable, but between that 95 interchange and 43rd, leave it
alone. leave it alone. U whatever you decide with verocclassical um I personally see some good positive and negatives to it for me selfishly but um I'm more concerned about
precedent setting moving forward. You know I hope that this doesn't if you move forward with it that it doesn't allow for other development outside of the A1 intent in that area. Thank you for your time.
>> Thank you. >> Any further comments? >> Does Mr. They was mentioned that Mr. Kelly, who's one of the principles, may want to speak. >> He's welcome to speak. Jameson Kelly. Do I have to give my
address? 1855 28th Avenue. I don't live super close. Um, founder of Euro Classical School. Um, I just want to take an opportunity to talk to you guys about what how beautiful classical Christian education is and why we were so passionate that we are willing to
give all of our time, energy, talent, treasure to this project. Um, it's the education that we wanted for our children and it's not available in Vero Beach and it's not available even within an hour, hour and a half drive of where we live. So, Verocclassical School is
born out of a very passionate desire that we have for how our children would be educated and they would be in an educational environment where there the people who are teaching at the school are partners in disciplehip for our kids. Um, and
Bureau Classical School is born out of the desire for that to be available to anybody in the county that wants that education. Um classical Christian education is a beautiful way to educate children. It champions what is good and beautiful and true through um wonderment
through developing wisdom and discernment and ultimately the idea that all knowledge is God's knowledge and anything that we learn that produces wonder and develops wisdom would lead to worship of the creator. So I really want to be super clear that the purpose of
Euro Classical School is service of the community. It is to provide an opportunity for anyone who desires Christian classical school to be available for their children. Um and so it's hard to sit in any meeting like this where it sounds almost like like an
ugly thing that we're doing. It's hard for me to even say that because of the level of sacrifice that it's taken um from us as a couple and everybody involved in getting the school off the ground. It's been a really hard fought three years to um to make this school happen going from K4, K5, K6, and we
will only be adding a grade a year um until we are full K12. So even when we go on to step foot onto that first phase, it will only be a K8 um and slowly growing from there. And and also I just have to say because of the numbers thing, um we have 114 kids
right now and all of those kids are encompassed by 70 families. And of those 70 families, usually only one of the parents is bringing someone to school. So the population of a possible,00 kids is not representative of 2,000 cars every day. Um anyways, the the purpose
of the school is to produce children who are generative, who don't just appreciate goodness, truth, and beauty, but contribute to those things. And it is really only to the benefit of Vero Beach. And honestly, any ripple effect that these kids might have as they go on
to be professionals, it it is it will hopefully be people who graduate and are humble and serviceoriented and purposeful in the way that they do things and are citizens who care about uh the least of these and serving their neighbor and all of all of those things. And so I just want to reiterate again,
it is a beautiful thing that we're trying to do in a beautiful building. Um, and we will do everything we can to be good neighbors because that is the heart behind everything we're doing at that school. >> Thank you so much. >> Great job. Uh, ju just to answer the question that was asked for for why that
piece of land where where is he there? There you go. Good. Uh, just to answer that directly, this this process started two years ago, you know, when we it wasn't our this moved a lot faster uh because of the huge the huge demand. Um, we wish uh you know, we didn't have to
do this. Um it's it's been a huge personal sacrifice um from time, from money, from all these things. It's been it's a nonprofit in every sense, right? Jameson works 40 hours a week. She's unpaid, right? Hundreds and hundreds of thousand dollars, millions of dollars now are all private donations that are
going back to this project. This is this is not nothing that we're asking from the county except for the this the space to be able to do this. And so two years ago, we went to uh the county with 12 different spots. Um I shared this with some of the neighbors after last meeting, Mr. Rigginson. We had 12
different spots that we wanted that were that were that were that had more land. It was more affordable. It was further west. It was out of the way. That that's what we wanted. We we wanted the space to have farmland and have plants. We had that right now. We have a garden in the back that we have eggplant and tomatoes.
This is all growing out of pickle buckets from Chick-fil-A that we have in our backyard right now at the school as as we try to do these things. We wanted 100 acres of land. That was a plan. So, we went to the county and we said, "Hey, here are our spots." And we had what 15 of us in the room and we had them all the board and they and you know what they did? They said, "No, no, no, no,
no, no, no. Ah, that's that's the only one that you can even do." And we thank Mrs. Collins. She's in the room. She's waving and she's smiling big. This is this is the land owner. And we we thank her thank her for that forever for the chance to to purchase that. Um and and that and that and that's how it went
down. And so it was um I know it can feel like an attack and we apologize for that and we apologize for not reaching out sooner. Um, but this is a this is the last option that the county said that they would even consider. And so after being told no and no and no again, it was the same story in terms of going
to churches, right? We went to 12 different churches. We we started at First Methodist Church and we start and we went to uh Joel's Church Central. We went to the King's Baptist. We went to all these different churches just to find a space that would allow us to even have a school, right? And this is no no
no. Over the course of that, we picked up all different board members from different denominations. Like a really neat God moment where he ordained that they the just we're now are an interdenominational board, an interdenominational school, all serving one God, one creator. But that's how our
board formed. People from all these different churches that said, "Hey, we know that the county, the city won't allow you to operate a school in this facility, but we love what you're doing. Here's here's a board member and let's let's try to figure this out." That's why we landed at Tabernacle. The only reason we could land at tabernacle is
because we were grandfathered in because it had an existing school. Otherwise, it was a ton of work to have these special acceptance and all this work that we were running out of time. And that's our story is we had three three young boys. Uh they're now 12, 11 and and eight. Um and we couldn't afford to wait the two
to three years because I mean look today we we we opened in prayer. What a beautiful thing. Are we are we allowed to do that in the public school system? Does that still happen? I don't know. I don't think so. like like this thing that that the nature the nature of what we're doing, right? Like like what a great thing. We prayed for wisdom. We
prayed for his discernment. We asked for his blessing, right? Beautiful prayer to start the day asking for the Lord's blessing. And the Lord has brought this beautiful work into fruition. He's enabled us to land at tabernacle. He's enabled us the generosity of the Collins family to to to have this peace. And that was that was after being denied at
all these other places. And so it it is it is not an attack. Mrs. Green, thank you so much for the for the for the spirit of which we should all have, which is just like like what a great opportunity that we're missing, right? It it has become so divisive and and the opportunity to come together um as a
community like you look you look at our board and the makeup of our kids are all a kids and a grandkids, right? I know I know Dan Richie would speak if he was here, he'd be speaking on our behalf with his grandkids there, right? And he sat in those seats as board as a county commissioner and he's got his grandkids there and he says it's the absolute best thing that that could ever happen to be
beach and he would say that. he's spoken up on our behalf. Um, and it's it's it's great people in our corner and we just want the the continuation of our culture and the culture of Ver Beach that's happened for the last, you know, 100 something years. Um, what they want of their kids, grandkids, great caring kids
to espouse those values and carry those values forward. Um, in terms of giving back, it's already happened. We had it last week that every year there's a hands, hearts, and head >> nights in service. >> Nights in service where we go out and you can speak to the places we were at. Um, go ahead. But >> um kindergarten and first grade went to
assisted living, singing, bringing cards, offering smiles. Um and then second grade went to Salvation Army. Third grade went to um the birthday what's called little birthday angels. Little birthday wrapping presents for um >> we appreciate that if you could sorry.
Anyway, so our whole intent is to give back. Um last lastly for other other I saw the big theme that was mentioned was the lights, right? Like like noise pollution, light pollution. I want to be really clear on today, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, is is this is phase one that that that that football
field is is is a dream. That's phase three. We're going to have two more of these approval meetings before that phase three happens. So, I I know when you see it all on on on stage, it's it's it's overwhelming. It's it's like, oh, all this light pollution, all these football lights, all this band. That's not until the third phase. And so, as
you as commissioners, as you vote today, know that is specifically for phase one. And we're going to have so much more time to get to phase two where there's still not a football field or or a pan or any of that or a second gym or any of these lights. And then we have another one again which is phase three. And I think that's so important to kind of to
to to relay today, right? And like that that could be a future thing that could be a problem. The lights may never come and today this the lights are are 100% not being approved and it's not being asked for. And so I think that clarity is important because that was an overarching theme that I saw presented and I heard that and I and hey shoot
we're we're here to we're here to hear it but today that is not what is being asked. Um thank you. >> So yeah thank you for your time. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you all. >> Anyone else hearing? None. Seeing none at this time it'll be the final
presentation by county staff Mr. Creek and I have nothing further chair >> final presentation by the applicant in closing chairman and commissioners I think Mr. Kelly summed it up well. We're asking for special exception criteria.
We meet every criteria for the special exception for this particular site in this part of the county. Phase one improvements are not dealing with lighting. They're not dealing with some of these future things that this board has a decision to say we don't want any lighting. At a future application, we'll
have to come before you and address the board and address some of those concerns. We're not asking for that this morning. We've got a great project, a great team. be great for the county. We thank you for your deliberation and your support. Thank you. >> Thank you, madame clerk. Have all the
documents and tangible evidence been admitted into evidence and are in your hands? County staff, is all agenda material automatically admitted into evidence unless there is any other objections?
>> Yes, sir. Everything has been admitted. >> This time we will now close the public hearing. Uh commissioners, uh we are exactly commissioned to make tough decisions uh
depending on it being a budgetary item or a policy item. We've all heard compelling arguments on either side of this particular issue. Uh and it is us to legislate this matter. Commissioner Adams,
>> I have a question um for staff. This is whichever staff. I'm not sure. >> I'll start. >> Um okay, so phase one, this includes a parking lot. >> That that is correct, Commissioner. >> And that parking lot will include lighting. >> Uh it would be Yes. much minor lighting
directly. >> Okay. So my question is um it's a special exception. So, can we put conditions on the special exception? >> Yes, ma'am. You can. >> Can if the lighting is a concern, can we
ask or require that um dark skies lighting policies be be um like followed and adhere to. For instance, parking lot lights that are fully shielded and aimed directly at the ground. lighting that's only bright
enough to perform the job that it's performing. I don't know if that's currently something, but I am sensitive to the lighting issue. I know we're not talking about the baseball field and all that other stuff, but we're still talking about parking lots that will
need to be lighted lit that are in what is currently, >> you know, >> relatively unlit area. >> An unlit area. >> Uh yes. So our our current code already requires direct direct uh down and shielding. However, um one thing that we
could impose would be like hours of operation as well. They are allowed to you know dim or turn off certain um amount of lighting overnight. >> I think that would be um I think that would be a good idea because I there's I I don't think and probably would save
them on their electric bill too, but I don't think you need to have lights on out there. I'm sure the neighbors would probably appreciate having the lights turn off at a reasonable time until the next day. So, >> and clarify, sorry, didn't mean to cut you off, but this is specifically for parking lot lighting and probably
building light, exterior building lighting for phase one. We will address phase two and three in the future, probably with more stringent hours. >> If we can work those hours into phase one, I think that would be helpful. >> Sure. >> Thank you, Commissioner Adams. Commissioner Moss. Um so this is the
first time it comes before us. It will come before us two other times. Is that correct? >> Each each phase will come before county commission. >> No ma'am to to to clarify that will go to either staff or planning and zoning commission level. >> Yeah. >> Um for the individual site plans for
phases two and three. However, we would have the ability to impose certain conditions for compatibility. >> All right. because I I I know I was getting the impression from some of the things that were said that it was coming back to us.
>> Yeah. Again, just to clarify, it would be either at staff level or planning and zoning commission, not the board of county commissioners. This is the final time you all would be hearing it for special exception purposes >> because I, you know, I agreed with what was being said about and Commissioner
Adams has addressed it about light pollution and also noise pollution. Sure. Um, and I think that there should be buffers for both. And I guess we have to talk about all of it now since it's not coming back to us. Um, whatever we need to say, we need to say it now. But
I I support buffers, you know, for both, for light and for noise. I think there were very legitimate concerns that were raised. >> Mr. Mr. Chair, Commissioner Adams, and Commissioner Moss, I I would encourage you all to empower staff for the
planning and zoning commission to impose those additional uh noise and lighting uh limitations per each phase, which will will allow us to impose those conditions without having come to back view. >> That's why I was bringing it up today. So, I would
>> I wanted to lay out what my expectation was moving forward like clearly. So, >> yes, and I would include that in any motion. In addition to staff's recommendation, >> I'm assuming that Commissioner Moss would like the same attention. >> And I would ask that the applicant at least sort of, you know, acknowledge
that agreement or lack thereof. >> Well, can you require, not just ask? >> I I won't know that we can require, but I'm sure they'll probably oblige. So, I just want to afford the opportunity before you ought to make the vote. >> Yes, general counsel. I
>> I think you can require it at this point. Um because as part of this process, if you were to approve the special exception, you need to make findings and part of those findings are that you it's would not adversely affect the surrounding areas.
So I think it's appropriate for the board to put conditions on what you're allowed to do. >> Understood. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I may. >> Yes, Commissioner. can help maybe a little bit with the the lighting
situation. And because as you well know, our recreation department, we've been working on this for three years. We're doing a $3.5 million lighting project to all our parks. That's just not the ball fields themselves, but it's walkways,
it's parking lots, it's everything that we're doing with with with with South County Park, uh a few others all the way up to to North County Park. It's a $3.5 million project. The lighting systems that they have in
place today for parking lots, ball fields, exterior lighting are just unbelievable scientific. They're also very expensive, but it's uncanny how well the lighting can be directed to a
certain spot. When you see when when Parks and Rex gets this done and you go and you'll see the and I'm not talking about the ball fields for this project right now, but when you go out there and you can go to Homeman Stadium right now and you can see the lights, they're in a
specific location. They're just not clouding the sky like like like they used to. So, I just want you to to keep that in the back of your mind that I, you know, we just require something like, you know, the the most sophisticated lighting or something like
that that's out there because it's very uh it's very scientific how that how that is done now. It's done with laser beams and everything else. It's just uncanny how they do it. Since I have the floor, I'm going to express some of my concerns and some of
my pros and cons with with reference to this. I don't think as a commissioner since I was elected in 2020, other than maybe one or two others that have been vetted like this project has been vetted
since it started. I remember Mr. Kelly and Mr. Mills come into my office two and a half years ago and we talked about this and you know we talked about some of the concerns we had and all that stuff but I don't think I've seen a
project more more vetted than this by our staff by the engineering firm and the and the folks that are involved in this to to make this happen. So, I'll say that it's just been absolutely incredible the way it's been
policed and embedded. As for the location, if you've been out there, the location, I'm very familiar with the project is in my district. That the fact that this is old Citrus Grove. It's not the
prettiest land you see in the world. There's not any wetlands on it. There's not cypress trees. There's not large oaks and everything. a lot of pepper trees and a lot of lot of stuff. So, it's not the it's not the nicest piece of property in the world, but I think it it will be transformed into that should
this project go forward with the with with the landscape details and the buffers and things like that and the buildings that they have. Um that that being said, that's happening a lot in Ann River County. the the developments on 43rd Avenue were former Citric Roads and have
been sold by Pioneer families for development. I've also would tell you that if we don't probably put a school here, even though it would still stay zoned agriculture, it may not be this board
and one of us is leaving this year, but the rest of us, we probably won't see it, but it eventually, my fear is it'll have 250 homes on it. I would rather see a school than 250 homes on that property.
That would that would be my first fear. And if I was the neighbors out there, that would be my fear that it's, you know, if something's going to get built, we want it to be something that that we can control and look at. I live in a neighborhood and I was born here. Fourth generation River County
resident and I was born here and I remember when the school board built Glendel Elementary School just within a half a mile of my house down on down on 8th Street and and and almost to 58th Avenue. It was in a neighborhood. It was
formerly agriculture. Times were different back then, but there was there was no there was no push back on something like that for this area. And there were five acre tracks. There were 10 acre tracks there. I mean, I I could go on and on. So,
a school is not intrusive. Neighborhoods and rooftops are intrusive. And this is this is a very positive thing in my opinion. 58th Avenue being paved. Whether you live in South Lakes or whether you
don't, but I have felt the pain of the people in South Lakes for three years now about this. 58th Avenue off of Oslo is probably the worst road in the county. We pave it, we we don't pave it, we grade it one day, put material down
because of the traffic on it. It's washboardy the next day and it's horrendous and the dust is horrendous. the lady was right that mentioned it that it's absolutely terrible. So, this will be a benefit of that. Sure, the county could could pave it. We haven't paved it because of the cost of it. This
is being borne by the by the development of this school. That's a positive not only to the neighborhood there, it's a positive to us is is the county commission, too. So, that so that's also that's also a positive. But again, I will go that this possibly one day could
have rooftops on it and not be agriculture. Agriculture as we know in Indian River County is very tough right now. I I I know many of the sister groves or the green family sitting right here. Griffin Green could probably give you a two-hour, you know, speech about
how tough it is to be in the in the in the grove and citrus business. That doesn't mean you can't have cows, you can't grow gardens. Schools schools don't impact that. but it would, you know, due to due to due to the fact that the agriculture that that I grew up with that was a staple in county doesn't
exist anymore. So, those those are all things that are that are very important to me. I I like this project. I I'm going to vote for this project. I think it's a I think it's a it's well done. Again, it's well vetted. The uh folks involved are
very good people of this community. They've done do a lot for this community and this county other than just build a school. They they they're very charitable in that that sto that fashion. But that's got nothing to do with the fact that this is a project has been vetted. They've jumped through
every hoops and done everything they need to do. So with that being with that being said, with regards to the special exception, I can name many other places that have had special exception that exist on 58th Avenue north of of this
area and and and other things that we've granted a special exception for. The special exception, and this was vetted not only by staff, was also vetted by the planning and zoning board who vetted who who voted it in favor of it seven to nothing. And it's just u I I think it's
a positive change. I don't think the community down there that lives down there who's in my district and I understand I feel for you, but I don't think you'll be in negatively impacted whatsoever. Matter of fact, sometimes schools even raise the value of your property should you ever want to sell
the property someday. So, I know we could debate this and I'm sure that on both sides, but I think the project has merit and I personally would would like to see it move forward and that's my statements right now. >> Commissioner,
>> yeah, I just I just want to add a couple things quickly to the conversation. Um, I think that not just with this project, but with several projects that have come to us lately, it seems like the commission and
the community has struggled with um special exception uses, things that are happening within certain zoning designations, whether it's industrial or commercial. And it is our job to look at what those allowable uses are. And if we
don't agree with the allowable uses or situations have changed within the community that maybe that allowable use is not something that we want to see, then >> we have to bring that forward and make that change. >> Otherwise, when applications are put in,
they can avail themselves of the process that is set up in this situation. and I live in an A1 designation, so I understand the concern and I'm seeing citrus groves around my house, you know, turning into different things. But
looking in the A1 zoning, you can have a child or adult care facility. You can have a place of worship. You can have a correctional institution, a college or university, a country club, a dude ranch, a commercial hunting and fishing
lodge. You can have driving ranges and veterary clinics and airports and airirst strips. Those are all allowable uses in some process, whether it's permitted, administrative, or special exception. So, if there's an issue with those allowable uses, then I would
encourage commissioners to start having those conversations, not just in agg but in other zoning districts as well. Otherwise, if a applicant comes and they meet all the requirements of that process, whether it's
administrative, permitted or special exception, we we cannot not allow it. We cannot deny it unless we make some finding of fact that it doesn't meet those requirements or it
doesn't meet those requirements to our standard that we would like. In this case, I I feel like they have demonstrated that they have met those requirements. Um,
I will would like the lighting included and I think Commissioner Moss would like some mitigation for future noise um that may come in subsequent phases. But other than putting conditions on the process or extra
conditions, there's not much because of growth management laws in the state of Florida that we have options to do within this process. So, with that being said, I would encourage the commissioners to look at allowable uses within all of our
zoning districts and make sure that they're compatible, especially Commissioner Moss, I know you um are very passionate about the agricultural area. Um, so if there's stuff in there that's incompatible with your vision, then that might be a conversation to have. But other than that, based on
staff's presentation and the requirements of this special exception, you know, I don't they have the right to do what they're doing and they're doing it to the standards in which they're being asked
to do. I would like to go ahead and make the motion to approve with the condition that the lighting adheres to, you know, some type of dark sky type of requirement. I I don't care what kind of technology it is, but just to mitigate
light intrusion to the neighbors and in subsequent phases that noise u mitigation is discussed and required. Does that sum up everybody's kind of comments in one motion? Okay, >> it does. And thank you. We have a motion
by Commissioner Adams. >> May I make a second? A second. >> And just to I'd like to draw your attention to staff's written um recommendation because that has your required findings in it. >> Okay. I'm so sorry. Let me um get back
to that point and Okay. I will make a motion that we make a finding that the board is empowered under the provisions of LDR chapter 971 to review the special exception and that granting it will not adversely affect
the public interest. The board further finds that both the general and specific criteria for the review of special exceptions have been satisfied and that adequate special conditions have been imposed to ensure compatibility between the special exception use and surrounding land uses based on the
criteria included in LDR section 971.057 sub7 sub A through D. Um, based on this, I will move for approval with the conditions included in the staff report and the two extra conditions. Um, I just
included verbally. >> We have a motion. I'll second. We have a second by Commissioner Man. Any further discussion by this body? >> Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Pleasure, >> I still have
an understanding of what was presented. Knowing many of the individuals who spoke, I want to say that the the project in itself is stellar. Stella,
well written, well defined, well conceived as far as what it stands for. Again, you all know that I wasn't born and raised here in the citrus industry.
Uh actually I I did attend a Christian school. It was a prochial school and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I think a lot can be done with an establishment
that is perceived all that great to be said about what it stands for. I don't necessarily agree that we're not pushing the urban service boundary, placing another burden,
and looking at possible infrastructure concerns that do not exist today. Although uh Molinari pointed out uh he's got a an
advanced vehicle and he can ride those those roadways or rightway as we determine. Um I probably would be more embracing
of the motion and second if if would include something to do about that roadway because I think that that's going to be a concern. One of the speakers said, you know, you have younger individuals,
you can't determine how they're going to drive if they're in that category. You can't direct them not to go down a certain road. They're going to want to go down that road. and the road is not fit for
that type of process, that type of roadway activity. Uh I think that I would again, it was pointed out by staff that, you know, we can't legally
demand that that roadway be improved. I would be far more comforting comforted for the citizens who reside there and the future citizens and the future attendees of a school site if the
roadway was included uh with the process. Um I I understand that we can't and I also understand that we're opening up um a a trend
that may very well beginning and we've had a lengthy discussion about the urban service boundary with Oslo Road and uh much to do about it with the Sheretses and uh with the general
discussion and the uh community input. But I think that this is just a different way of making it happen. Uh yeah, it was pointed out that I
probably won't see phase two and three uh unless I'm at 18,000 ft. I appreciate that. That's a subject for a different day. But I I just can't get around that we're
moving the urban service boundary again. It's a wonderful plan. Wonderful plan from the concept artist rendition strategy discussion.
Just think that it is not the right place unless we grow with it. that we take care of the infrastructure and make it not a special exception, but
to move forward and to make that decision, but stand by that decision and not at a major cost to the current residents, the taxpayers or not only financial
But for the lifestyle change that it may represent exactly where it's at. So I understand that it's me I went to parochial school so I can
count now. Uh I can see the numbers. It's always great to have a project go forward at a 50. It's tough for me to do with a clear conscience knowing that we're moving the urban service boundary
even though it was said that we have not that we are not actually doing it that it's it's adjacent to the urban service boundary. Wonderful way to describe it but we are moving the urban service boundary.
Okay. And maybe more of this will happen. This happens today, it will happen again and again and again. And I think that and I agree uh we have to be open-minded as to what's available, what's
allowable, what's buildable, doable, because we are looking at a different future than we have in the past. And I I just think that a little bit more could be done to ensure that the
infrastructure is intact and involved with the urban service boundary if it's in the urban service boundary. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Flesher. We have a motion and we have a second. And just
for the audience, we will be taking a recess immediately following this vote. We will reconvene at 12:30. Motion in a second. All in favor? >> I say
it's opposed. Commissioner Flusher's opposed. The item passes four to one. Thank you. Good afternoon, commissioners. It's now 12:30. We are reconvening the May 5th, 2026 Board of County Commission
meeting. The next item on the agenda is a request from Habitat for Humanity to reszone properties comprising approximately of 7.79 acres from RS6 residential single family and RMH
residential mobile home to RM6 multiple family residential. This is quasi judicial proceeding. The parties to this proceeding are Indian River County and the Habitat for Humanity.
Commissioners, I now ask to each of you to disclose any exparte communications, site visits, or independent investigations. Commissioner Moss, >> none of which I'm aware. >> None other than speaking to staff. Uh have not spoke to Habitat.
>> None that I'm aware of. >> None that I'm aware of. This will confirm that each of us has an open mind and are able to base their decisions on evidence presented by applicable law. Commissioner Moss. >> Can and will. >> Can and will.
>> Can and will. >> Can and will. >> Can and will. >> Can and will. At this time, we will open the public hearing. We will ask the clerk to swear in any witnesses that may be testifying today.
Madame clerk. You swear to tell the truth, the whole truth. >> All right. >> Good morning, Patrick. I see you. We'll be presenting for the county. >> Uh, good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, and distinguished commissioners of this
board. Uh, Patrick Murphy. I'm the chief of long-range planning, and for the past year, I've presenting to you all of the long range planning matters. Um, but in my uh division is this gentleman to my left, Lawrence Andrews. He's been a planner in Long Range for about a year now. Uh, I don't write all of his
reports. He writes quite a few of them. He presents a lot to the planning and zoning commission. This is his first time presenting to the board of county commissioners. So, very, very happy and excited to turn the floor over to Mr. Andrews today. Lawrence, you take it away. >> Good afternoon.
>> Good evening. Um, chairman and the rest of commission. Uh today we have Indian River um county's Habitat for Humanities resoning request uh to go from RS6 single family residential and RMH residential mobile home district to RM6
multi-family residential. Starting off with the development pattern and its zoning history, the 7.79 acre site is located within the urban service area on the north side of 45th Street. Mhm. >> Approximately 0.45 miles east of 58th
Avenue with a future land use designation of M2 medium density residential up to 10 units per acre with a current existing split zoning of RS6 and RMH8. The applicant, Habitat for Humanity, proposes to reszone the property to RM6
multifamily residential to eliminate the split zoning and allow a mix of housing types to include single family in support of affordable housing objectives. So in this instance, the density is not changing. It is just the housing types that are changing. The
surrounding area reflects a diverse residential pattern along the 45th Street corridor characterized by older mobile home developments established single family neighborhoods and nearby community serving uses within Gford. Adjacent to the west along 45th Street are multiple RH8 zone parcels developed
with mobile homes primarily established within the 1980s. To the northwest lies the Shannon Walk subdivision uh created in 2000 in zone RS6. Directly north in is the Lindsay Lake subdivision, also created in 2001, zone RS6. And further
northeast are the community facilities, including the Gford Aquatic Center and Sports Complex. Adjacent to the east is Cavillier Estates, a historic RS6 zone single family residential subdivision created in 1953.
Further along east on 45th Street and south across the site lies the Gford industrial node including general industrial zoning and west Gford industrial and commerce overlay. The proposed resoning is compatible with its surrounding land uses and consistent
with the locational criteria outlined within the future land use policy 1.43 43 of the comprehensive plan with the subject property located along 45th Street and adjacent to the Gford industrial node. Some important things to note uh before
I start this slide is that the comprehensive plan does specify under single family on page 15 that overall commercial and industrial uses in the Gford area are located along US1 Dixie Highway corridor and on the two major
east west roads 41st Street and 45th Street. As referenced in the housing element, this area has a large number of incompatible land uses with inadequate buffering between them. The housing element also identifies Gford as an area
that contains a large number of persons below the poverty level and living in substandard housing. The conser comprehensive plan also specifies under medium density page 118 that medium-density areas are located along
major transportation routes near shopping and employment uh centers located along US1 um and along SR60 and in Gford. These land use designations are intended for multifamily apartments, condominiums, town houses and mobile home
developments. So existing versus proposed zoning, its current zoning is RS6 and RMH8. Um RS6 permits single family residential up to six dwelling units per acre and RMH8 is residential mobile home district
uh permitting up to eight units per acre. Um their proposed zoning is RM6, which is multifamily residential zoning allowing up to six units per acre. The zoning and flu consistency per table 2.14 of the
county's comprehensive plan. The above zoning districts are permitted under the property's M2 future land use designation. Therefore, the proposed reszoning torm is consistent with the future land use designation. And um on the right you can see a table
which compares the zoning district standards uh between the zoning districts. So following our analysis per chapter 902.1203 item A staff found no conflicts with the applicable land development regulations
for the requested RM6 zoning. RM6 is an appropriate zoning district for the parcels M2 future land use designation. Item B. The proposed resoning is consistent with all elements of the comprehensive plan aligning specifically
with policies 4.1, 2.2, 1.13, 1.14, and 1.43. Item C, the proposed resoning is consistent with the existing and planned land uses in the area. The subject property has a future land use
designation of M2, which allows residential development up to 10 units an acre. and RM six is an implementing zoning district under this future land use designation. The request does not change the residential use or density of the property, but allows for a different
housing type. Items D through K. Staff has identified no inconsistencies with these standards of review as it relates to the county's thoroughfare plan, roadway LOS, environmental conditions, public services, natural resources compatibility or compliance with C
county plans. All resoning review criteria A through K have been satisfied. Conclusion and recommendation. The requested RM6 zoning district is compatible with the surrounding area, consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the county's adopted
comprehensive plan, consistent with the county's land development regulations, deemed suitable for the subject property, and overall supported by staff. Staff in the planning and zoning commission recommend that the board of county commissioners approve this request to reszone the subject property
from RS6 and RMH8 to RM6. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Any questions of staff? >> None at this time. >> Hearing none. Any presentation by the applicant. >> Good afternoon. I don't have a visual
presentation, just a short statement to make. Uh, for the record, my name is Rebecca Grohal. I'm with MBV Engineering, 1835 20th Street, Viro Beach, Florida. As this is a quasi judicial hearing, I would like it noted in the record that I have a master's
degree in urban planning and that I am an AICP certified planner um, since 1997. So, my career has spanned several decades in local government as well as private sector representation. On behalf of Indian River County Habitat for
Humanity, I'm excited to be here today uh and to help Habitat bring their vision for this parcel to life. I'd also like to introduce Trevor Lumis. He's the CEO of Habitat for Humanity, and he's here today if you have any questions about the parcel and the future
development plans. We believe this is going to be a quality development offering a variety of single family homes as well as some duplexes and triplexes and this zoning is the mechanism to make that happen. I appreciate the presentation and support of staff. They have done a great job
being a partner to Habitat. Um I'm here today to ask for your support in approving this resoning and we agree with the findings of staff and the facts they have presented here today. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have and I will be um pleased to let you
know that the site plan is the next step for us in this project if the zoning moves forward and is approved. Um and thank you again for your support. I'm also here if there's any questions from any members of the audience. Thank you. >> Thank you Rebecca commissioners. Any
questions for the applicant? Hearing none. Any questions by county staff and again or the applicant? Any input from the public on this matter? Hearing none. Seeing none, final
presentations by staff. Um chairman, we have no further to present. Uh we do fully support this request. It does meet all the comp plan policies and believe it will allow for much needed affordable housing in the area. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any final presentation by the
>> We have nothing further. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, madam clerk. We're making sure that all the documents and tangible evidence have been admitted in evidence and are in your hands. >> The record reflect that all tangible evidence is in the clerk's hands. County
staff agenda materials are automatically admitted into evidence unless there is any other objection. No sir. All items have been entered. At this time, we will close the public hearing. >> Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Flesher.
I'm excited about the presentation. It addresses many needs that we're confronted with. Whether you call it attainable, reachable, workforce, sustainable,
viable, livable. It does it all. And Habitat has a consistent and clear record of being able to perform many of those attributes in a
fashionable way. Uh I I very excited uh to fully support this and at this time I make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner
Flesher, a second by Commissioner Man. Any other comments? We'll close the public hearing. All in favor? I. And the motion carries. Thank you staff. Thank you, Rebecca.
>> Thank you, commissioners. That moves us locally to 13D, human resources. This will be a discussion about group health insurance. An update
on our plan experience through February 2026. I understand there may be even more recent information. I see Director Bole. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon, commissioners. I'm
Suzanne Bole, human resources director. Uh I do have a presentation to hand out to you and we'll also make sure that the uh clerk receives a copy as well. Uh back in March 24th, 2026, we I came
before the board to discuss our group insurance plan performance and uh we showed that we were at a $2 million um well actually more than that, a deficit back at that time. Uh we ended the plan year with a $2 million deficit uh
through December 31st, 2025. and uh we agreed that staff would come back on May 5th, 2026 and provide you with the most recent plan performance. At the writing of this agenda item, we thought we might be able to make um have the information through March of 2026,
but at the time of this agenda item, we only had through February. We have since received some March information, and I'll review that with you as well. So, um I'd like to just kind of walk us through the information, uh that I've handed out to you.
So it's important to understand um that just since 2017 we've kind of been operating under some guiding philosophies uh for our group insurance program. One of those is that it remains affordable that it is competitive so that we can uh
continue to use it as a recruiting um tool for uh um enticing people to come to our beautiful county here in Indian River and that it is sustainable. So those are kind of our guiding principles that we um we look at when we approach
our group insurance annually. The discussion topics today, we're going to talk about health plan performance historical and current through February 2026. We're going to talk about our large claimants through February 2026, but I've also got an update um for those
through March. Uh we're going to talk about our weight loss GLP utilization. We're going to talk about components of the health plan trend that we're seeing and we're going to be looking at um the information through February 2026, but
there's something called a runout period. So, the things that you pay for like in January and February are actually for things that happened in December. So, we're going to be looking at a prior 12-month period as well as comparing it to our our current 12-month
period that we're looking at. We're going to discuss the funding projections that we're going to need based on all this data that we've received. And then we're going to talk about some renewal strategies uh to potentially manage increased costs for the upcoming plan year in October.
And then lastly, we're going to talk about contribution strategies for this upcoming plan year in October. Um, I do want to let you know that we do have uh Rachel um with Lockton, we have Tresa with Lockton, and we have Shay.
Um, and Shay, your last name. >> Richardson, who is an actual pharmacist in case you have any clinical questions that you'd like to ask at this time. Um, so the first thing we're going to look at is this uh the the chart reflecting our plan cost versus our
budget. You're going to see a blue bar and a and a black bar. And the blue bar is the cost of the plan. And the black bar has been our budget, our funding that we've been allocating. And you can see that since uh 2021, we've been doing really, really well. Um but it has
progressively increased a little bit in our cost until we reach the current plan year that we're now in. Uh and we look at what we see as the blue is far exceeding our funding. So essentially, our year-to- date plan
costs are 22% over the 202425 plan year and 33% over the the prior plan year to date. In our fisc year 2425 plan that ended this past September, we had a $2.5 million deficit and that translates to
110.4% loss ratio. That means for every dollar that we're spending, there's an additional 10 10.4 cents that was paid out. Now, through February uh 2026, we had an increase in our high-cost claimments
since the last time I reported. Uh we moved up to 38 people uh with $4.9 million in net claims after our stop-loss reimbursements. >> Those 38, >> pardon me, >> I'm sorry, for those 38 people.
>> That is correct. So 38 members out of over 4,100 members attributed for $4.9 million in expense. That's through February. Um we did uh uh see that our GLP weight loss expenses accounted for
26% of all of our pharmacy claims. Um the February financials also reflect a $3.6 million deficit, which is 133.6% loss ratio. So now we're spending 33.6 six cents more in than what we're
bringing in to pay for uh these medical expenses. In March, um we did have a slight financial improvement. Um instead of being below by like six or $700,000 for that month, it was like a 69 thou
$69,000 um margin, you know, that we were over budget for that month. But it didn't change the um we were still $3.6 6 million short. Uh it improved our loss ratio a little bit to 128.6% loss ratio.
So I asked the question of locked and did it change anything for the future year and the num the number came back. No it it did not. Um I do want to talk to you about our fund balance. Uh we did have a a substantial drop um this second
quarter. It reduced by 20.31% uh to a balance of $17,123,154 down from 21,485,959. Now, this fund balance still remains strong. We're required to fund uh for our runout period. So, like a a certain runout period of funding, and this well
exceeds that. So, I don't want you to be alarmed, but it is a reduction. Um, our updated projections for the fiscal year 2526 plan year reflects a projected deficit of the $ 8.1 million or uh we're anticipating that we're
going to end the plan year um 31.6% over budget. So, a breakdown of those um uh financials is reflected here for all plans. You're going to see on the far right the actual versus the budget and
you can see that loss ratio has been consistently high uh for every month. Uh down below you're going to see some numbers that um the blue the first blue box on on the far right is the 133
uh3.6% loss ratio. The prior year to date uh was 100.3%. Um that's and then we have the prior plan year at 110.4%. So um the numbers that we're seeing I
have not seen numbers like this since I've been here where we have this many months consistently above budget. So this is very new for us. Um if we go back to that uh first slide, we don't have to go back, but when if we think back to that slide, since 2021, 2020
2021, we've been doing very very well, but our particular plan um is experiencing high-cost medical costs in addition to um some pharmacy spend. So um as of February, our large uh cost
claimants, these are claimants that are over $50,000. So, these are people who are having some serious things that are that are happening to them. I had three members who actually exceeded the um the stop loss of $300,000. So, you can see
those claims. Um we have hit into our stop-loss and we are receiving reimbursements from our stop-loss insurance for those. So, any additional claims for those members um now we receive stop-loss reimbursements on those. But what this means is this third these 38 large uh claimants. It's $5.1
million in spend. It's 2.1% of the group accounting for 37% of our gross claims. And compared with the prior year to date, we had 29 uh claimants, $2.8 million spend. Uh 1.7% of the group
accounting for 22% of the gross claims. So you can see these claims are a little bit more substantial than we had in the prior year to date. And then this is my March 2026 information that uh just came in on the screen. Uh it has now increased to 51 high-cost claimments up
from the 38 high-cost claimants. Now we have five members who have hit stop loss. So the the the fourth and the fifth spot, those were likely the ones that stepped up into um the the over the $300,000.
So we are now at a $6.8 8 million spend. Uh with with our stop-loss reimbursements, it's going to be reduced a little bit to $6.3 million. Let's see the uh weight loss medication utilization. Uh you'll see that we had
um an uptick in the utilization uh to 226 uh total spend of $1.15 million. um and that 26% of our total claims. Uh as of March, uh we now have 259
individuals um with a plan cost of 1.45 million and it's now representing 27% of our total claims on the pharmacy side. Some additional information related to components of the health plan trend. This is really interesting because
you're going to see there's a box that says HCC. You probably have guessed it stands for high-cost claimant. Um you're going to see that um period 1 is the December 23 to November 24 period that
represents claims paid through February of 2025. And then period two is the most recent period, December of 2024 through November of 2025, reflecting claims paid through February of 2026. You're going to see a column that says on the allowed
total claims a percent change. You see that none of my percent change is in a negative. It's all up. Um so across all lines, we're seeing uh increases under our plan. our inpatient, our outpatient,
our professional uh services, non-speety pharmacy, and specialty pharmacy. All of these areas are increasing. So, uh period one, the grand total was 26.8 million. Period 2 is basically $34.4
million. So, you can see how um we're we're just being hit across all lines on the plan. Another way to look at it is um if you look at these gray boxes, these are the ones that um are out of
the norm. So uh it's bolded categories, they're out of the norm. And uh you can see our inpatient hospital was pretty substantial. The outpatient surgery is very substantial. um outpatient non-surgery, emergency rooms, our brand
name pharmacy, which does also reflect that GLP-1 medication, and then the specialty pharmacy, uh which treats a number of of usually very high cost conditions. So, with that, I'm going to pause and see if you have any questions that you'd
like to ask about plan experience. When was the last time we raised the rates on the plan? >> Over five years ago. >> So, kind of coincides with the graph. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Okay. So, we're going to talk about our projections for the upcoming year. Um, this first slide reflects if we did if we didn't make any changes to the plan covered everything that we had today. Um, we'd be looking at needing uh
essentially 11.4 4 million in funding for the upcoming uh year. Um these there are assumptions that are made in here by the um the actuary for the plan. Uh they look at um you can see that there's an annual trend assumption that your
medical is going to go up about 8%. That your uh pharmacy will go up 11%. There's some uh various adjustments that are made. Um, and then they come up with a with a number that is based on the number of members and that's how we get
to that total bottom line number of $36.9 million in um funds that we need for the projected plan year. >> Yes. You >> you said that you hadn't seen numbers
this high consistently, >> right, >> in your career? >> Well, not in my career since I've been here. Um, this is my first uh um experience with a self-funded plan. I've seen it on fully insured groups. Uh but
on a self-funded plan. >> And you were able to get the the March data? >> Yes. >> Just recently. >> Yes. So, I don't know if you have you had the time to look at some of the what we would consider
elective uses of prescriptions and how that impacts the overall cost factor to the plan for our employees. >> Right. So, I'm I'm not sure what you
mean by elective uses of prescriptions because they're they're prescribed medications. >> You know exactly probably you could figure out exactly what I'm talking about. Uh about a year and a half ago, we were talking about a perceived car
crash uh with the plan. Uh we had talked about a certain prescription um quite frequently and it was said well we're going to wait and see and the prices are going down
and there's options and there's new options available and uh I think the discussion regarding what the federal government was wanting to do with certain cost factors with >> sure
>> some of the controlled and uncontrolled substances. But >> I think my next slide will probably answer your question. >> You think so? >> I think so. >> So then you know exactly where I'm going and what I'm talking about. >> Uh the expense related to the GLP1
>> the car crash. >> The car well the expenses related to the GLP and how it impacts the plan. >> Yes. >> That's my next slide. >> Let it roll. >> All right. So this one was 11.4 4 million. This next slide, we uh by removing the
GLP1, we drop down to the 33.6 million. >> What's the budget? What um could you just >> for what the prior amount was, what the difference is, >> how would that affect the blue line and the black line? >> Um it would take away 3.1 million,
>> right? Well, I I see the number. So, but it would balance it out. >> No, we're still quite short with projections based on just people with the medical expenses. We have some really high-cost claimants that are going to be expected to be some
recurring expenses going into the next year. Uh, Lockton has actuarily analyzed those claims. and if you'd like a little bit more information about what we're seeing on the medical side of things, but but taking the GLP off the plan doesn't doesn't fix the problem. And
it's not necessarily a problem. It's this is what our insurance is for. It is to provide for coverage when people are having terrible health situations that they're dealing with. And we have some substantial situations based on these high-cost claimments. none of us would
want to be in the situation of these individuals that are facing these high-cost claims. So, um the plan is there to provide that benefit. But, um and we haven't had these types of high-cost claims this many of our group going through so many serious uh medical
situations. So, it is it is a different thing for us. I'm sure it's happened in the past historically before I came here, but this is the first time I've seen it this big um uh in today's market. The last time we had this discussion was when we were also
experiencing some highcost claims. Maybe not as much as we are now, right? >> But the last time we had to look at where we were as far as insurance rates and fund balance and all that >> was the exact same thing. Yes. And
to be honest with you, we we've kept it pretty even ke >> way longer than most businesses and and other institutions and agencies have done. >> Um and then you know the the higher cost of
just medical care in general is going up and we haven't addressed that year over year. So >> that's kind of why we're here to be honest with you is that we just we haven't addressed the ongoing increase in cost. >> Right. And it's really interesting because what we're going to have and and
um Shay can speak more to this. There are always going to be medications that are going to be coming down the pipeline that are going to be coming into um our group and and they look at that. They actually say you need to be, you know, this is this this is going to be coming
at you. And um uh the difference was with the GLP1s um many plans covered it. Uh many plans didn't. Um a good majority of the people that covered it when they started seeing it, they had to make some decisions uh just like we might have to
make here today. Um uh but I I don't want us to think that the GLPS are the issue independent of what my medical experience is showing just related to my high-cost claimants and the medical
situations. Um the GLPS that's a that's a lowhanging fruit if we would call it that. Um, but I still have a lot of things on the plan um, happening that that we're going to need to address. >> Over $3 million is lowhanging fruit.
>> Well, when I use that term, I don't want to take away from the number. It's a sub low hanging fruit. >> I did I what I meant by that is it's it's something that's that's um, >> uh, solvable. Whereas my other issues, those are medical situations that you
you can't really remove them from the plan. If if that translates, that's that's where I'm coming from with that. I don't want to minimize the expense related to the GLP1s, but I just wanted to let you know
that uh while they are $3.1 million, it is something that going into the next plan year, you could have an immediate cost reduction going into the plan year. So, and one other question. So, in
comparison to last year, you've analyzed the amount of GOP1 that has been increased decreased and I I don't think the decrease happened, but >> No, it did not.
>> So, as far as the increase, >> yes. >> What dollar amount would you put on that as far as in in ratio? And again understanding I understand that the constitutionals also use a plan. Is that is that a safe statement too?
>> Absolutely. All the members have access to the same medications. >> Right. So h how is how is our numbers with that one specific uh substance affected? I I understand you only said over $3
million, but how much has it changed from last year to this year? >> Do we have that information? I know we have the slide that translates um if I go back uh right there, we can look at um these
are monthly drops uh in the expenses. So, you can see it's kind of gone up and down, up and down. Um, >> a lot of >> So, if I look back in
>> March of well, February of 2025, you can kind of see where it was at. It's been a steady increase. >> Yeah, it's a lot mostly up. that was >> and then you can see back in October 2024
um you know 135 uh members but in February of 2025 157 and um then it jumped to 184 and uh now we're at 259. So we have more people who are utilizing that medication than we did a year ago
and the cost has has um correspondingly increased >> like an epidemic. >> Okay. >> So um we were at 23% of total claims now at 27% of total claims just to kind of translate it.
>> Wow. And as far as the current plan, there are certain substances that are eliminated or not coverable. I can tell you from person experience, but u there there are some that are not
be because >> um well Shay can probably speak to that. It's it has to do with formularies and things of that nature. >> Yes, absolutely. >> And sorry. Oh, it looks like it's on. >> Okay. >> Yes, that that definitely has to do with
formularies and and >> can you explain what a formulary is? >> Yeah. So, a a every pharmacy benefit manager that helps manage the pharmacy plan is going to have a specific formulary of drugs within a certain
class that um they prefer to use. and they get better pricing on those drugs if they limit that formulary to maybe a handful of drugs within a certain class. So, let's just say for diabetes drugs, they're going to pick two or three or
four drugs within that class that have demonstrated efficacy and narrow that down. And that's how they get better pricing from the manufacturers. if you open it up and allow every single drug that is out there, you're going to get a
little bit worse pricing on each of those drugs. So, they build their formularies very carefully. And then typically, we've got options within um each each vendor that we work with to either have a more narrow formulary or
to have an open and broad formulary. And when we're looking at drug rebates that come back, that's where it makes a a big difference. We're going to get a higher rebate on those medications when we have a more narrow restricted formulary.
>> Doc, while you speaking, so there are alternatives that can be looked at uh performing the same e efficacy >> for for GLP1s for weight loss. Yes,
>> there are not. No, >> there are not. >> No. Um, we've got alternative weight loss medications that do not fall in the class of GLP1s. Sorry. Um, but they do not work as well and they have not got
the same efficacy. So, if you'll think back, um, a lot of those there there are a couple. There's Cucmia and Contrave, which are both oral pills. they work completely differently and don't achieve the same level of weight loss that we see with GLP ones.
>> So they're less of value. So >> they're they're less value clinically. Um some people can have bad reactions to them. One is an amphetamine based. So kind of think of our old weight loss drugs that we used to have a long time
ago that kind of decreased appetite. And then the same thing for Contrave. It works a little bit differently in the brain to make you not crave food as much. We just do not see all of the health benefits and physiological benefits that we see with that GLP-1
class when it comes to weight loss. >> Thank you. >> Okay, so um the 33.6 6 million is what the projected funding needs are going to be for the
plan year beginning in October. And um any questions on that on the funding? Okay. Um Locked In has uh also uh provided us with some cost savings renewal strategies. You're going to see uh several different um options. They
call them levers. Um the the first one is related to the plan design. Um you can see that it involves uh a increase in the deductible and out-ofpocket maximums uh and the ER co-pay. Um and by
uh making the changes under option A, it would be an estimated net savings of $749,000. I have another slide that'll actually visually show you what we have today and what that move is. Um, that's a locked in recommendation. Um, the disruption or
the the the friction uh would be a medium one. Nobody likes to pay more in deductible or out-ofpocket max. Um, but it it is a standard uh way of modifying your your uh plan design to mitigate your your cost, your overall plan costs.
Um option B uh takes it a little bit higher on the uh increase in those categories and um it would be a little bit uh almost like a $1.1 million in savings. Um there's also a section down in it
says medical it's Bluec Cross Blue Shield specialty medical benefit management. This one I'm going to let um Rachel explain because it's a little bit more complicated. I had a lot of questions and so Rachel kind of explain what that is. >> Sure. So this is an additional layer of
support that Blue Cross Blue Shield can manage for the plan where essentially it will help to steer members towards a lower cost of care for high cost infusion medications. So naturally when you have higher cancer spend on the plan as you all are experiencing that also
drives up the cost of infusion medications. And so these medications sometimes have to take place in an inpatient setting, but there are certain opportunities where they can be purchased on a less expensive basis and given either in a home or professional
setting that would be more comfortable for the member and lower costs for the plan. And so this program puts an additional safeguard in place to help with that steerage towards those lower cost settings. So it's a small additional administrative cost of about $7,000 per year. estimated savings just
based on planned spend and the infusion medications today is $40,000. But it's um an important way to think about it that it helps future potential of a medication that may be purchased for 10 times the the price it should be at an impatient setting when that really could
have gone through an outpatient or at home setting. So it's it's a good safeguard for the future as well. And Rachel, of this bolded information, the data insight, is this currently a $ 1.5 million spend for these types of infusions? >> So that's the total medical specialty
spend. That's correct. So a portion of those would be eligible to relocate. Um, obviously it's a small portion looking at that 40,000 in savings, but again, future opportunities could exist as well. >> Do you have any questions about these
things so far? Okay. Um then we drop down to the GLP1. Um a couple of options here uh to remove the GLP1 from the plan. Um we're looking
at a $3.3 million savings uh on that. And then we are also uh looking at um a secondary option would be to provide a level of support to our employees to get um access to direct to consumer pricing.
Uh we have um reached out to Rightway who's our pharmacy benefit manager and they have a pilot program that they have had it in the works for a few months and um they would be willing to turn that on uh for us um and basically provide um
assistance with getting our members from where they are today to to accessing these uh direct to consumer pricing programs and facilitate that. Um explain a little bit more about that, Rachel, please. Yeah. So, it's called the right pay, rightway cash pay card. And so,
essentially, they would provide members with a separate card that would be funded with the member's credit card information. And to have that card, Indian River County would be assessed a small admin fee of $10 per fill. And that would essentially take Rightway's current customer service health
advocates and work with those members to direct them to that direct to consumer pricing. So now they would be able to access those same GLP ones they're getting today for less cost than the plan is paying. But of course it would be an increased cost to the member based on the co-pay that they're paying today,
but it would take out the administrative burden for the member to have to vet that process themselves. So what we were hoping to do is is uh provide our members with support uh because when something's removed and you're left with the now what? uh we were wanting to make
sure that we had something in place to help these 259 members with getting access to their medications. It would be off our plan. It would not be hitting in our claims experience. The member would be responsible for the um out-ofpocket
cost. Um so we would not see it come through as far as claims. Um but there would be a small administrative fee for for rightway to serve in that capacity uh under this program. Rachel, what's the difference in the cost they're
paying now what they would pay on this? >> Yeah. So, right now, um, before rebates, the charge to the plan is typically about $1,000 to $1,300 per fill. And then with the direct to consumer programs, the base price starts at about $150 for kind of an introductory dose.
Um, it steps up to there. So, the highest cost would be more in the $450 range and that would be for Zepbound. And I do have a slide up on the screen representing that information and you also have it in the handout that um we
provided. >> So in other words, Susan, if we uh first of all, we look at this globally and we look at uh you mentioned lowhanging fruit. I think we're all hyper sensitive over the GLP, but we can't get lost in that. Fact is that's, you know, there's
another 74% that we should be concerned about. And historically, when we look at our trends, if you will, the 38, >> whatever we want to call them, high claimates, if you will, >> 51, >> we know historically that those numbers
uh are unusually high this time of >> the timeline that we're looking at. In fact, a few years ago, I think we were uh kind of quasi celebrating that our numbers were low. And this is an inherent peak coupled with what commissioner Adams said with the cost of
everything, right? So, commissioners, we're tasked today with looking at uh solving a problem. And collectively, I believe through the administrator and Suzanne, they have in fact came up with that. When you talk about the GLP1
pricing, I look at as a as a soft landing for some 259 employees, that not only would save us money, but they would also be afforded uh essentially that a soft landing with the ideas and the hope
that at some point um there would be a complete reduction of that. That would be as Commissioner Flesher mentioned uh an immediate savings. Uh but in the interest of something that this agency has started, instead of uh ripping the
rug out from under them, so to speak, and saying all of a sudden we're done, this in fact is a soft landing that would in fact cost them and not the county as much. It's not lost on us that there's over 200 uh GOP
participants in our uh in our constitutional officers arena, not just here. In fact, if you look uh per capita from our agency to collectively the other con the five constitutionals, in fact, they're greater than we are. So
that needs to be mindful although that's separate and distinct with with the cost that we're realizing. However, uh we are at a crossroads now where we have to make a decision on how we are going to go forward. Everyone's seen the chart.
Uh it reminds us some other charts that we've seen and as Commissioner Adams mentioned uh we haven't raised our premiums and I believe it's five years. uh we're going to be looking at unfortunately uh inevitably an increase in premiums,
an increase in deductibles. Um and that unfortunately is the facts. uh we are adverse into uh using fund balance uh because of the trends that we're seeing and
we've already have used in my opinion too much of our reserve in the last three years. I do think uh instead of removing completely the GLP by having this uh
this factor through through write aid uh I think is a soft landing for our employees >> and we we have some additional um cost savings renewal strategies that Lockton is also uh proposing on this next slide.
Um you're familiar with Lantern? >> Yes. Um we are uh seeing that the data insight is that we had 512,000 in uh joint uh surgeries on the plan for 20 members and uh $593,000
in uh the spinal uh uh spend for 10 members with surgeries. Um there is an opportunity to uh do a narrow uh you know narrow that to where um it's required under the plan to uh have those
types of surgeries and procedures uh performed through Lantern. It would be a a net savings of $627,000. We are already paying Lantern a a fee uh to be there for us and to voluntarily
take care of some of these issues for us. Um I'll let Lockton speak to uh why they are uh recommending this type of a change. >> So it would help with providing this as a center of excellence for these types of surgeries. Um it would help to reduce
overall costs by ensuring that you're going to a highquality lowcost provider that's associated with Lantern's process. It would also help to reduce any rates of um kind of repeat visitors as far as these spine and joint procedures which have a rate of members
having to go back for other surgeries or having complications. So that is where the savings come from kind of a combination of those um lower cost providers that are delivering high quality and you know working for lantern as a um kind of bundled surgery high
quality arrangement. Now, it would be disruptive to these members because they would no longer have that choice. So, anytime you take away that choice from a member, there could be some noise. Um, but with that, we would have the opportunity to educate them ahead of time and let them know that this would be the new process and um the positives
of using a a surgical center of excellence. Now, the positives related to that there there's a lot of member benefit to it because it does not hit the plan. Uh you don't have to meet your deductible. You don't have to pay co- insurance. You don't have to pay
co-pays. Um it's a it's a completely covered by Lantern. And um there's no out-of-pocket costs. And uh members receive a a card that is preloaded. It covers gas. It covers if lodging is
needed. Uh it covers food. So with all of that, no out-of-pocket cost for the member. Um covers transportation if if somebody needs to drive a little bit. Um, it gives members choice within the network of Lantern. Uh, they they typically will send you three
specialists who have been vetted out as being top surgeons performing that type of procedure. They transfer all of your medical records for you. They arrange for your appointments. It's it's it's pretty high touch. And um in the time that we've done it through a voluntary
basis, the individuals who have utilized this benefit have there's been I I've received no complaints uh regarding it. >> So this would be if I want if I have to get gallbladder surgery, I do it the regular way, but if I want to get my
knee replaced, I go through the lantern. >> Yeah, you could actually do gallbladder either way. >> Right. Right. >> But yes, you're correct. only the spine and joint related procedures would be what would be mandatory and that would be discovered at you know the point of where the provider is calling bluecross
to pre-authorize and blue cross would have that in their plan documents that you need to contact lantern to authorize this procedure and then at that point the member would be connected with lantern and that's the process would begin with lantern >> oversearily
on on joint stuff right >> spine and joints yep here. >> Yes. >> Where are these centers of excellence located? Because you talked about having to travel, >> right? So, we've had um uh orthopedic surgeries happen here in Vero or
Sebastian. Uh we've had them happen uh over towards Orlando. We've had people that chose uh out of the providers um to go to Orlando. Uh they can go to Tampa, they can go to Miami, they can go up to Bard County depending upon >> are there local providers i.e. in Dune
River County. >> Yes, we we've actually have orthopedic providers uh through Lantern that are at um Orlando Health in Sebastian. I don't know if we have >> So, there's not in Vero. >> I I would have to we'd have to get that information from
>> So, my only concern is limiting people's choices. >> Yes. and then they have a doctor that they are working with that has diagnosed them and now it's time for surgery and now you're pushing them into a whole separate process with a whole separate
doctor that they have no familiarity with. >> Right. >> So >> I I understand exactly where you're coming from. >> I have a problem with that. If I was somebody that was going to be having surgery, I would be very unhappy if that was the case and my current doctor
wasn't able to perform said surgery. >> Right. And and I I completely understand where you're coming from. This is um this strategy is a centers of excellence strategy. Um it is one that is uh uh it's a lever that is used by many many
groups. um they look to do narrow send a high quality um uh cost-e effective providers. Um so it's just it's just an option. >> And Commissioner Adams, I resp I respect what you're saying about Lantern. Uh but
remember again, we are tasked with trying to figure out the be in the best interest, highest quality, least cost for our employees. And unfortunately sometimes these concerns occur.
>> Um the next thing that we're looking at and it's another uh support for for individuals that are are looking to manage weight. Um it's uh virtual nutrition services. Um so we have uh we're suggesting that we um uh modify
our plan to provide uh zero co-pay coverage um for the first three visits. uh for this service and um then after three visits uh prior authorization would be required to continue beyond that. Um and it coverage would be
available uh with a diagnosis of diabetes, kidney disease, celiac disease or obesity. And then we're also looking to expand our TEDoc which is currently available to our employees um uh through um to provide uh registered dietitian
support through that as well. Um there's it it's a lowcost item. Uh when you look at managing people with um uh digestive disorders, um the the savings could be anywhere up to $100,000 depending upon
the severity of the issue. Um and we would be looking at uh some vendors who are really really good at this. I actually had one of my employees test this out. Um, one of it is nourish is uh virtual um registered dietitian support
and um my staff member actually had two two visits um and was very impressed with with what they did. It's it's one-on-one. It's personal. It's uh coming up with meal plans, lifestyle, those types of things. So, it was it was pretty interesting. Rachel, do you have anything to add on that? Yeah, just that
these are good levers to pull as far as when you're especially when you're looking at removing coverage for weight loss GLP1s. It's important to have other avenues in which to steer your members so that they feel supported in other ways. Um certainly not the same as
having the weight loss GLP-1 medication, but helpful to give them another mechanism in which to support their lifestyle. So that's the the goal with adding this additional coverage >> and this coverage would only be available with these specific diagnosis
C's. >> So we're looking at additional opportunities to expand this beyond just this diagnosis and provide overall nutrition coverage from a preventive um facet. So that's continuing to be vetted right now and we'll bring back more
information about that. But for right now, the prior authorization process and this proposal would exist for these diagnoses. >> Okay. Well, I would encourage us to look at
expanding that to any member of the plan because I know those are your traditional if you're looking at it from a weight loss perspective, but there's other needs for nutrition. Um, counseling, pregnancy support is a big
one that comes to mind. um there's other things whether it's vitamin deficiencies or or other similar things that nutrition is very important for. So I I would just hate to limit it solely
to those four diagnosises >> and that was a discussion we had on Friday. Um in fact that was my last uh that's when I got the information related the March information and and yes that's why they're exploring that. uh we just didn't have enough time to get anything back to you, but hopefully
by our next meeting, we'll be able to bring you some additional information. Uh but we believe that's important as well. And then um on this page, we also have uh expanding our uh TEDOC uh to provide
mental health support um for ongoing u behavioral health uh therapies to happen. So, we're trying to really support our workforce with access to to the care that they might need. Um, this would have a slight administrative cost, $5.6,000.
Um, so less than $6,000. Uh, but when you're, uh, looking at what depression costs could be on the plan, you could be looking at about $12,000 to manage a case of depression on the plan. So uh we would expect an ROI on that uh
investment into people in supporting mental health. And then my last slide is uh related to Medicare education. Uh we have approximately 280 uh retirees on the plan. A portion of those retirees are
age 65 and Medicare eligible. Um currently they're paying um their uh Medicare part A. Well, you have part B which is coming out of of them. Um that's 200 and something I think a
month. In addition to um the premiums that they pay to stay on the plan, there are opportunities uh for them to save uh money from a premium perspective, but they might not know what those opportunities are. So, what we're looking at is uh partnering with ALEP um
to do outreach and provide one-on-one consultative assistance to our Medicare eligible retirees to walk them through the options that are available and um assist them with evaluating whether or not it might be a good uh choice for them to transition from the plan to a
Medicare plan. Um, we think that's one of the reasons why people stay is they just don't know what's out there and it's it's kind of a difficult uh path to navigate. There are volunteers through the Shine program, but you it it takes some work to kind of connect up with
that and it still seems very um it it's you know very unknown and this would help people to really get access to uh dive into the type of plan design that would work for them and look at if if there are cost-saving opportunities for
our retirees and our retirees are going to be impacted by a rate increase. So, we wanted to be able to put that support out there for our retirees as well. And um if people the members that we think would transition uh and go to the
Medicare uh plans um that could be looking at um a $196,000 savings. Um overall, the recommendations that Lockton's proposing uh are $4.8 million in recommended savings. Um, but
3.3 of that is uh the GLP uh removal, >> but you're you're still $6 million short or something like that. >> Yes. So there I guess that's a really
good point. um when we think about what we're still going to need to fund um and Locked in is recommending uh the funding to the $8.1 million because of the rising costs um and and what we're
looking at um for for uh the next year. So um any questions related to these renewal strategies? Uh, no. S Suzanne, thank you. Um, you know, it's it's an uncomfortable conversation to have. Uh, there's
certain things that some of us may like, some of us may not like, >> right? >> Uh, but the fact is we've had this discussion for at least two years and we've seen kind of the direction that we've been going. Uh, so now it's our responsibility to cure it.
>> All right. Well, let's move on to uh our plan and where we're at. This is an interesting slide. In the middle, you're going to see some benchmark data um where we look at just general uh employers that are between 1,00 and 2500
uh members. Um uh you'll see that um that benchmark, that 84% uh what that refers to is how much the health plan actually covers on health care expenses. Um and then the the number to the right, there's $173
uh premium. That's a monthly premium amount on average for employers of this size. Then you have a government services benchmark which the plan's covering about 86% um on average and uh the cost is $144 a
month for coverage for an 86% plan. That's single coverage. Um then you can look at our two plans. Um you'll see uh that we are uh the gold plan is 88.6% 6% uh with premiums at $110 a month for
single coverage. And then our silver plan provides a lower benefit and has a lower uh cost as well. So it's an 82.9% plan with a $15 um cost on the um the uh
monthly premium. So uh the the arrow on the right, that's the employee contribution amount, and then the the arrow on the bottom is richer benefits. So the further you go over to the right, the higher the benefit level is going to be under the plan. And then the higher
you go up on the chart is the co the higher the cost would be to the to the employees. So that's just to let you know where our plan is today. Um and then this is uh showing you the options of the proposed plan designs
that Lockton uh suggested. Um option A is the one that um it would take our current plan of um 88.3%. Which is the gold plan um and it would transition to an 86.3%
plan which is still uh well within the benchmarks um still providing very high levels of coverage. And you can see the highlighted uh columns are the ones that reflect what the changes would be in both um the gold and the silver plan.
The silver plan would move from an 82.5% plan to an 81.3% plan. So there's a little little bit of a change in um how rich the benefits are under the plan. Um but as we as we look back to those renewal savings, this um option A was
the believe that was $749,000 in savings and option B was the um about $1.1 million in savings. Um this is a decision uh coverage guide, a a GLP-1 coverage decision guide. It
just kind of shows um a little in a little bit different way what what the options are um how it's going to impact the people and then um that direct to consumer pricing um option that we're looking at.
Um I showed you this slide previously. Um thank you Tresa for getting that together. Um I knew it would be important for you to understand what the pricing is. It's important to know this is just as of May. So uh this is direct uh to consumer um pricing um and the uh
manufacturers can can modify those programs you know as the market changes. Um this is a slide that represents the lantern uh mandatory spine and joint um recommendation. You can kind of see what
the costs are. Um so uh we had 10 folks with the joint replacement and then the spinal surgeries were at six and then what that translates to um had those procedures uh come through on the um
on the lantern benefit. You can kind of see the difference the average procedure cost and then the average lantern cost. And that the interesting thing about the lantern model and what was being spoken of uh before is the the the rate of
reinfection or the need to revise surgeries is very very low with lantern because they vet out those those um surgeons and and they deal with surgeons of excellence. So their model is is one that has a very low uh reinfection or
revision rate to it. It's high quality care. Um, this is a a slide that represents the virtual nutrition services. Um, the nourish or the fay. Um, it's one-on-one. It's personalized. Um, like I said, we
had somebody try it out and and uh she just said it was really really good. Um, and then of course the te the TEDoc benefit. Um, this would be a zero cost share. We will definitely bring back some additional information about what it what it might be to the plan to
expand the the access to um registered dietitionian coverage without those diagnoses. Um it's going to um uh it also covers all brick and mortar. So it's brick and mortar and virtual. So you don't you're not you don't have to
do it virtually. Uh for the people that want to go and speak with a registered dietitian that's in network, they can do so. And then this is just a little overview slide of the ALUP uh uh services for providing Medicare eligible retirees
with education support and um okay any questions so far before we move on to contribution strategy recommendations. I do want to add I'm not um asking for any decisions today. We will be back in
two weeks to allow you time to um uh ask any additional questions. This is a lot of information to take in all at once uh to be able to reach out. U we'll provide you with any additional information that you might need before we come back and and meet again in two weeks. So, um the
the contribution strategy, this just tells you where we're at today. Um under the gold plan, employee coverage is $110 a month. Family coverage is $400 a month. The county pays 700 uh for the single coverage and $1,15
for the family. Um uh that is uh then we drop to the silver. The cost to the county for the silver plan is the same. Uh but the members cost, this is our our affordable plan. Um $15 uh out of pocket for employees uh single coverage and
$27.50 50 cents for um single coverage. You can see the break family coverage. You can see the breakdown. Um the members are bringing in uh almost $5 million in contributions for the year and the
employer uh currently is at $20.5 million. And if we look at going into our next year, oh in order, we already discussed this, but the current level of benefits would require $1.4 4 million in additional premiums to get us up to 36.9
million. And uh if we removed the GLP1, it would be reduced to 8.1 million uh and we would be looking at $33.6 million in uh funding needs.
So, uh what we did is um we uh put in place um information related to um the contribution strategy to get us to where we need to be from a funding perspective. Um you can see the current
is on the left and on the right it's the 2027 monthly rates which would give us the 33.6 million. My uh the employee contribution uh is being recommended to increase to $137.50
for single coverage under the gold and 500 for family. That's an increase of 27.50 a month for the single coverage and $100 a month for the family. Um under the silver plan we would increase to $1875
uh for single coverage and 25938 for family coverage. So it's an additional 375 a month for single and 51.88 uh for family. Uh this represents a change in the employees premium of 25%. Uh down below on the bottom left I
annualize that so you could see annually what that would be. uh an employee on single coverage uh under the gold plan would pay an additional $330 a year and the county would pay an additional $274287. So the county is is taking on the lion
share of the the premium increase. Um family coverage would go up to uh it'd be an extra $1,200 a year for family coverage. uh with um the county paying an additional $4,5947 under the gold plan. Dropping down to
the silver plan, it would be um uh a change for the employee of $45 annually uh for the employee on the single plan silver and $62,22.50 uh employee change or annual change uh
for family coverage under the silver. And then the county would be paying an additional $4,356.69 um in order to get us to our $33.6 million uh that is needed to fund our benefits. Um the uh just to kind of go
over the um the way that the gold plan and the silver plan are performing. Um if we look back at our March financials, um the gold the silver plan is um performing well. you know, it's coming within budget. Um, the gold plan is
exceeding budget um because it's it's providing a higher level benefit uh to a larger number of members than uh the silver plan is. Um, and I don't have it in there, but I wanted to let me refer
to it really quickly just so you know. Okay. Plans 12 months. Yeah. So, the gold year-to-ate loss ratio is 145% and the silver plan is 87%.
>> So, that's why there's a difference in the amount of the increase. Even though it's 25%, it's 25% of a lower lower premium. Thank you, Rachel. Mhm. So um recommendations for you to
consider uh as we uh you know prepare for the next meeting uh are the plan design changes the uh specialty med medical benefit management which which is related to the infusion medications
uh the GLP uh and um you know piloting that direct to consumer program the lantern uh spine and joint procedures, making that a mandatory thing. Um the changing the nutrition counseling and we will be
bring back information on expanding that coverage as as suggested. Um the TEDoc mental health support uh partnering with ALOP to provide Medicare eligible retirees with plan selection assistance and education. and then um considering
our contribution uh increases that are needed uh for the upcoming plan year. And with that, if you have any questions that you'd like to ask. >> Just one question. What if Suzanne, if a particular employee
did not want to utilize Lantern, uh they wouldn't be penalized. they would just have to pay substantially more. Is that correct? >> So I had asked that question and um
under this particular model it would be a mandatory. So if they went outside that there wouldn't be coverage under the plan. Now um I don't know if it's an option to provide a um an out of network benefit. Um I'm I'm not sure. I'd have
to defer to Lockton for that. Yes, it would most likely be considered out of network because essentially you're making your the network lantern. So if they did not go through lantern, it would be considered out of network. So they would incur a higher cost.
>> And that's for a specific uh procedure. >> Yes. >> And we had 200. How many of those did we have last year? >> So we only had a total of 16, I think, is what we were we were looking at. >> 16. >> But it was over a million. Was it over a million in spend? 1.5 million. Yes. For
those 16 procedures. >> You say out of network, that's usually what >> that's higher out of pocket cost >> and he's on a dollar basically, right? Being realistic when you say they're compelled to go out of network basically
going to give >> it reduc it increases your co- insurance your co-ay your out of pocket max >> because you're out of network >> right you still will have insurance you're just going to pay more than go to lantern >> right Suzanne for I'm just asking for
those mandatory >> substantially >> more substantially >> and then anytime you go out of network you always have the risk of balance build. So you don't have the protection of having those provider contractual arrangements. So while you have your
plan designed to protect you, um the provider does have the option to bill the member the difference between what they're charging and what what the member is paying. So the member would want to work that out upfront with the provider to ensure that doesn't happen.
My my question was just on the mandatory procedures for are there local providers for all those mandatory procedures because I'll I'll just speak from experience. I use lantern for my shoulder replace. It's awesome. I use the man in Sebastian but I have talked
to employees who've told me that all of the doctors that they were offered were out of the area and that's disruptive. I mean I'm not it's this is not a pol policy choice of mine but I did I have I did get that feedback from people. So with these mandatory procedures would
they all have local choices or >> so it would depend on the lantern network and um we could get some information on that and bring it back to the next meeting. >> We can bring back a detailed analysis so you can see exactly where the disruption lays and it is it is a disruptive tech
lever to pull. So certainly, you know, disruption comes with that $627,000 in estimated savings. But to Suzanne's point, we just wanted to make all levers available. >> But it in the end, the answer is no. That we don't have every condition that
might be needed local for a physician or surgeon local >> and and I was just asking for the mandatory ones. >> Yes, >> the mandatory one. You wouldn't have a choice with you have to use lantern. Perhaps what we will do is bring back the the local lantern network doctors
provide that to us so we can kind of get a a feel for what is available locally. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Commissioners, we have our homework for the next two weeks. Uh >> director Bole, do you have any further?
>> I don't think so. No, that's it. >> Commissioners, >> thank you. No >> questions concerned. >> Time is 1:49 p.m. We will take a recess until 2:00 p.m. Time is now 2:00 p.m. On
May the 5th, 2026, we will resume the normally scheduled board of county commission meetings. And up next, fellow commissioners 13F, natural resources, and I see Quinton Bergen present. >> Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Quinton Bergman, your coastal
resource manager in the natural resources department. Today we are here to present an update to our beach preservation plan. It is this is our 2026 beach preservation plan. Today we're presenting the draft plan. It's
important to note that later on over the summer we'll be bringing this plan back to you. We are currently in a public commenting period. That public commenting period is going to end in two weeks time on May 19th. We're encouraging um anyone and everyone to
comment on our plan and then over the summer months um our team here will be incorporating those comments back into the plan and then present it back to this commission at a later date. So the beach preservation plan is our datadriven planning document that
provides the foundation for our beach management program here in Indian River County. It guides our resilient long-term shoreline stewardship and enhances our coastal resiliency while continuing to support our county's economic vitality as well as our
environmental resources. It's important to note that the the existence of this plan does help us with future funding opportunities. Our plan is is very complex. Managing the coastline is not an easy feat. So
there is lots of multi-level coordination and partnerships with m local municipalities, regulatory agencies, and the such. Why is the beach important? In my all of my public outreach, I always say that the beach is important for three main reasons. upland
infrastructure protection, economic engine for tourism and recreation and also it provides wildlife habitat for a number of species. Our plan and our program also provides a sense of stewardship for our residents. It
provides we prov the county provides public access to the beach. We provide education as well as safety as you heard in the proclamations this morning. Our coastline is very unique. We have some very interesting natural resources um on the on the shoreline as well as in
the water nearby. We'll talk a little bit more about those um later in the presentation, but it's important to note that the natural resources are in considered when we're evaluating all of our coastal projects. So, back in 1988 is when the first beach
preservation plan was adopted by the county. As you can see here, this is the sixth update we're bringing towards the bringing up now. Um, why does why do we update these plans? Um, it's really important to note that
we are always evaluating the evolving science and engineering. Our capital projects, our coastal projects are um very complex and could use a lot of different tweaks here and there. So, not sticking with one system and always
sticking towards that. Storm impacts are a big consideration. Funding opportunities, utilizing the data that we've been collecting, the semiannual beach profiles that we collect every uh twice a year, as well as making sure that we're staying up to date on any regulatory changes and then dealing with
the actual erosion itself. It is not a static um impact. So making sure all of that is incorporated as we update our plans. So I want to introduce this our study team. This effort has been going on for almost two years now. Um myself
is project manager on this one and I have a team of two Dr. Johnny Sabin and Dakota Wheelen who couldn't be here today but are supporting from afar. And then our our leaders Kylie Dr. Kylie Yula as well as Eric Cherist leaders of our natural resources department. And
then our from our consulting team, we have Bill Lynch with us, Dr. Christopher Bender, Wendy Laurent, and Nicole Filipau. The between the four of them, they bring in many decades of expertise in coastal systems and processes. Lots
of experience throughout um the state of Florida as well as beyond. Um very happy with the results that we've gotten from our our consultants. and I'll be handing it over now to one of our consultants, Wendy, to deliver the rest of the presentation.
>> Thank you. All right, so now getting into the thick of things, uh, this report, if you you haven't looked at it yet, it is very dense. Um, there's a lot of information in it. There's 11 chapters and it's also accompanied by a series of technical
appendices. So, if there's something you're very interested in, most likely there's even more information in these appendices um that you can go read more about. Um it's all very datadriven um all of these analyses. And today I'm going to go over four of them. So, the
beach conditions update, uh the risk analysis, beach management strategies, and finally end with some recommendations and uh looking forward into the future and some items to think about. So, first the beach conditions update.
Um, here we have a cross-section of the beach. So, the way we look at a beach and really analyze its performance is looking at historical surveys. Uh, so typically surveyors go out and they survey consistent transexs along the beach, allowing for comparison. Um, so
this cross-section, it's it's a slice of the beach that we're looking at. Um, on the upland side, we have the dune. Here we regularly uh look at the dune toe position that's represented by that blue dot as well as the average elevation of this feature. Very important for storm
protection. Moving across the beach, we then have the beach berm. This is where the public typ typically likes to recreate. So here we look again at the average elevation of this feature as well as the width. We define the width as the distance between the dune
position and the mean high water position. That's the MHW on the plot. That's the approximate high tide line. This is uh we also call it the shoreline position. You'll hear me reference that throughout this presentation. Um and it's a really important metric because really that that's your buffer that the
beach is providing and also the recreational space. We then have mean low water. That's the approximate low tide line. And in the nearshore, we have that really significant hard bottom resource. So that's very unique to the county and spans majority of the county's
shoreline. And then the final um component that we typically look at is beach volume. So we'll look at that in some different areas. Um just the dune, just the burm above mean high water, land word of the hard bottom. Um so that's all contained in this report.
For this analysis, we decided to take a look at five surveys and four different comparison periods. Um, for each one of these, we took a look at the countywide scale as well as broke it down into the beach planning sectors. I've been told you're you're all aware of the beach planning sectors. Um, these have
historically been used um and provide a really great comparison and it's also really how the coastal division um manages these assets, breaking them down into these smaller sections. Um, so first we have our May 1997 to summer 2024 period. Um, this is the long-term
period that we're looking at. We then have two intermediate periods. So we took a look at the August 2004 survey as well as the summer 2014 survey to provide um two different metrics. The first of which is about 20 years and then about a decade. Notably the 2004
survey was before the intense storms in 2004. So that's a really great baseline as well as that 2014 survey was before hurricanes Matthew, Irma, all those recent memories of really large storms. Um, and then finally, we have our last
comparison period, which is summer 2019. And that's really what's changed since the last plan update. So now taking a look at our countywide results here and breaking it down almost as simple as possible as I can. Um we
have either them listed as positive, neutral or negative for the dune toe position, the mean high water shoreline position, the volume above mean high water and that volume landward of the hard bottom edge. So over the longer term comparisons uh you see pretty
positive results. Uh that's that's great. That's a direct result of all of the actions that the county has taken for the beaches. In the more near term, um there there's pretty stable neutral results throughout. Um and those two red minuses might be catching your eye, but
really when you compare the the dune toe position over those near-term comparisons, they're neg five6 feet. But over the long term, we have 13 feet. So, uh a net positive there. I'm looking at it now, breaking it down on a sector by
sector basis, what's been occurring since 2019 or since the last plan update. Um, notably in planning sector one, Sebastian Inlet District um helps to manage this area through sand bypassing from the inlet. Um, so thanks
to that, we've seen some minor dune retreat and overall a stable shoreline with minim minimal volume changes. Um and then however in planning sector 2 we are seeing some shoreline retreat and average volume losses. Um and that will come out a little more in our
recommendations. So planning sector 3 um there have been multiple placement events here. You can see those down in the the right hand corner and that's really led to dune growth as well as a stable shoreline in this area and volume gains. planning
sector 4. Um, we're seeing significant long-term dune retreat here as well as shoreline retreat and volume losses. However, I do want to mention that a project has recently been completed there in 2025 and that was not captured by um this survey. So, it would be
interesting to go back and assess that in the next year. Looking at planning sector five, um we are seeing some moderate dune retreat but overall a stable shoreline and um minimal volume change. And then planning
sector 6, this is really uh the anomaly here. This is where South Beach Park is and um we're seeing very significant shoreline advance and significant volume gains here. Planning sector 7. Um we I think you are
all aware that this is an erosion hot spot. Um there's significant erosion in this region and that is also what the data is reflecting. And then planning sector 8 um pretty minimal changes here um with some average volume gains. So that's a positive.
Switching gears and now moving on to our risk analysis. So um we decided to run a risk analysis and in order to do this our methodology uh we first set up a few vulnerability parameters. We looked at these on a parcel by pararcel basis and then
averaged them to um create an overall community risk index for each one of the sectors. Uh so I'm going to go through a few of our vulnerability parameters. The first of which is shoreline encroachment. This is the horizontal distance um between upland infrastructure and that mean high water
approximate high tide position. Um next we have infrastructure exposure that is that vertical change. Um so for that instead of looking at mean high water and that distance between the infrastructure and the ocean we actually took into account a storm water level.
So we used the Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Comprehensive Coastal Studies 1% annual exceedence probability still water elevation level. That's a very very complex way to say approximately the 100red-year storm water level. So if a piece of
infrastructure fell within 1 foot of that water level, uh we marked it as vulnerable. We took into account the historical erosion rate that's been occurring since 2019 in that last plan update as well as numerous other factors um including is is the parcel armored?
Does it have a seaw wall that's present? Um how does it respond during storms? And we we also made a table of other important information that helps decision makers such as community demographics, public access points, etc. So getting into our results, your eyes
are not going bad here. Um I wanted to walk you through this table before I show you the results. So on the left we have each of the planning sectors and a top across the top we have the vulnerability parameters. Um, in order to actually make this a metric, we uh decided to apply points and and bin
these into high, medium, and low risk. Um, we determined those bins based on the data and the results that are specific for Indian River County. We then um decided that two of these parameters are more so primary um while the other vulnerability parameters
parameters are secondary and assigned a waiting. So, uh, overall a higher total score means higher risk. And the way the results shaked out, planning sector 5 is the most at risk. Um, primarily due to the the limited buffer between upland
infrastructure, um, and that high tide line. Um, followed by that we have planning sector 7. This is a highly erosive area. Um, and you see three high designations across those secondary parameters. And then planning sector 2.
moving into some management strategies. So, how can you manage your uh coastline? What are what are all the tools in in the toolkit? So, we took a look at 10 different options of how coastlines are typically managed and different strategies that
you can take into account. Um so, in our report, we mention um what is the function of each one of these strategies. We mentioned if there are benefits or drawbacks associated with them. What is the risk and uncertainty as well as is this really feasible within the county and at a larger scale
where the county would also take action. Across the bottom um in this table we have a summary of existing management strategies and future considerations. So currently the county is implementing um no action in some sectors. So, not doing
any actions. Um, also doing beach and dune nourishment more so in a non-impacting design. I'll get to that in a second. Um, completing vegetative plantings and uh the pep reef in Vero acts as a breakwater and a nearshore
artificial reef. Um, homeowners are also implementing their own actions. So some homeowners are completing dune nourishments with vegetative plantings and others have some more structural solutions in front of their properties such as seaw walls, revetments or geo tubes. And some considerations um that
we recommend within this report include uh structural relocation uh if needed. Uh sometimes if a parcel or a piece of infrastructure is getting far too close to the limit of erosion uh that opportunity could present itself to buy that lot and turn it into a public
space. So that is included. Um although it's it's maybe not a top recommendation but something to consider. Um we also have beach and dune nourishment more so an impacting design. So I'm talking about larger projects here. Right now the county is focused um more so on dune
and smallcale berm projects primarily because of the nearshore hard bottom resource. So this would be projects that impact that resource and mitigation would need to occur. um how extreme that mitigation is, that would all come out in the permitting process. So, it's very
well vetted. Um you work together with the permitting agencies and it's often in the form of creating another reef structure elsewhere. And then on here I have two structural solutions, groins or breakwaters. Um so these would we would only recommend at
very very limited portions of the shoreline. We would also recommend that they need to be studied extensively through coastal MA modeling studies to make sure that any structures that are being put in actually meet the goals of helping to stabilize the beach. And
these would also likely need to be uh paired with sand placement events that are recurring as well. So, moving into our summaries and recommendations, there's a lot of information on each one of these slides. Um, due to time, I'm not going to go all
of it, but I do want to note that there are highlights. And within these highlights, um, there's some really important aspects, um, including public beach access, as well as what percentage of the shoreline is designated as critically eroded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Um, so those are really important when it comes to funding, availability, and competition. Uh so within planning sector 1, we do recommend to continue to coordinate with the Sebastian Inlet District and um keep an eye on this area. The same goes for planning sector
2 um and if necessary within these sectors to supplement these bypassing activities um with a truck hall or a project of that nature. Within planning sector 3, we recommend to continue doing the beach and dune nourishment events that are occurring
here. And um also this could be a planning sector that might be uh a good candidate for one of the impacting larger scale beach nourishment events. Planning sector 4. Um as I mentioned earlier, we we saw losses in our beach conditions update, but that didn't
include the most recent nourishment. So keep an eye on the performance of that and renourish as needed. Planning sector 5. Um similar to planning sector 3, we identified this as another planning sector that may benefit from a larger scale um beach nourishment
project um and also to continue completing maintenance as as needed and uh for that beach and dune project planning sector six. So this is the sector that's really been growing and seeing a lot of accretional trends. Um right now we we recommend no action but
to continue to monitor this area and should the trends change um adjust your plan accordingly. And then in planning sector 7 this is the one of the um erosion hotspots and experiencing a lot of difficulties um throughout this sector. Uh we at this
time we recommend no action without community support primarily through signed easements. Um it's very challenging and very costly to complete a project if there are holes within the project area um because that that limits
rights to accessing that property along the shorefront. Um if we if you are able to gain that community support which I know the coastal division is working really hard to do that uh we would recommend sand placement here and also um to look more into structural measures
in in part of this sector not throughout the whole sector um but again potentially look into stabilizing the shoreline through structural alternatives. And then in planning sector 8, uh we have no management at this point in time, but keep an eye on it. If things
do change, um potentially implement a project there. I do want to mention that um Round Island is in this area and that was a formerly used defense site. So that complicates projects a little bit more and just something that should be taken into consideration.
So now some future challenges. Um the first of which is funding. Uh that's always always a big question. Um right now we have the current funding mechanisms, the primary funding mechanism being the tourist development tax. Um but there is the option I believe to use the local option sales
tax as well, but the division hasn't used that. Um we've also received state and federal monies um primarily in response to major events. Um I do want to note that construction costs are increasing across the board. costs are increasing, but really marine
construction is getting quite pricey. Um, also grant funding, these are competitive programs. Uh, so public access comes into account. Uh, the that critically eroded shoreline comes into play when you're talking about state monies. Um, and they do require a local cost share frequently. So, that's
something good to take take into consideration when looking at these projects. Next, we have our environmental and developmental constraints. So, um, first you're limited to the east by that nearshore hard bottom resource. It's a great resource. Um, but that does limit what
you can do in your beach footprint. Next, upland to the west, we have development right along the beach. I mean, that's that's a lot of the reason people want to live here. Um, they want to enjoy this coastline. And then also too within all the permits for these
projects, there are regulatory author authorizations that need to be completed and additional work to make sure there are no impacts to turtles uh shorebirds as well as that nearshore hard bottom resource. Looking forward too, um sea levels are
rising and by 2050 we do estimate that there will be an additional 8 to 10 inches of sea level rise in Indian River County. And also um hurricanes and norers are always a big question mark um what what is going to come next. Um they might be more intense, they might be
more frequent. So always being prepared for those events. And finally um this challenge is sand and industry availability. Uh typically the counties used upland sand sources. Uh those are located by those yellow triangles on the map. Um and those are
limited resources as well with offshore. So, if if a larger scale project, beach nourishment project, uh the county did want to look into that, we would recommend looking into an offshore sand resource. So, using a dredge instead to pump sand onto the beach. It would be
much more economical if using um an offshore sand resource for a larger project. But for the smaller scale projects, you are limited in nature as to um what sand is available. And really truck hall at this point in time does seem to be the most economical.
>> Um this construction is really unique. It's the marine environment. It's a dynamic environment. So there is a very high demand for these contractors and a limited number of the contractors that can complete this work. Um notably too there are projects all over Florida as
well as all over the United States and and typically following a storm we'll see very high demand for these contractors. I know that there are currently projects still being completed that are actions from Ian and Nicole two years ago. So, um there is high demand
and prices are high. So, some key conclusions I don't want to end on all doom and gloom. Um some of these are quite positive. Um and and really what we saw through updating this plan is that the proactive management works and overall the beach management
program here has successfully maintained shoreline stability average on a countywide basis. But local vulnerabilities still exist. Um those are highlighted in our risk assessment. Uh they're primarily due to ongoing erosion, limited buffers, as
well as infrastructure being located right along that shoreline. I didn't get a chance to go over this, but within our report, we do have a chapter on the economic value of beaches directly related to tourism in Indian River County. And Dr. James Houston
completed this section of the report for us. and he is um known worldwide uh for these economics of beach tourism in specific locations and found that here in Indian River County uh there is $248
million in annual economic impact directly related to beach tourism and it supports 9,000 jobs. That's that's pretty incredible and really shows why um making this investment in your beaches and your coastline is very important.
Overall, nourishment remains the most effective strategy. It's the most reliable, environmentally compatible um and it's what we recommend throughout this report. Coordination with local stakeholders as well as the communities is essential and
critical. Um the the county is doing really great coordination with all the local stakeholders. Um and there is a huge achievement in here with planning sector 4 and gaining almost 100% of the per perpetual beach easements. That makes it so much easier to go out and do
projects in the future. They can react as quickly as possible because they don't need need to go out and collect new easements with each project. Um so that's that's really a goal um and a gold standard there. adaptive management is necessary. The
county has been doing that, but it it's important to remain flexible um and also look into new options. So, we do recommend looking at impacting designs. Um and with that too, to continue monitoring and make updates um so it's,
as I said, it's a very dynamic environment. Things change quickly on the beach. Um so, you do need to make uh changes there. And uh I do want to note before I pass it back to Quinton, it's been really wonderful working with your team here at the county. Um and we we
thank you for this opportunity. >> Thank you, Wendy. Um for anyone watching at home, um we do have some QR codes that are going to come back on the screen here. So, anyone watching at home or anyone in the audience would like to read this wonderful document. It's only 140ome
pages. Um, you can scan this QR code to take you to our website where you can uh download that and read it at your pleasure. Um, we have a project page, indianriver.govpp. And then we also have are inviting folks to leave us a comment. We have a digital comment and we'll also take email
comments as well. My email uh our our division email is there at the bottom of the page coastalindian.gov. So, the second QR code that will take you to our public commenting portal. And again, just a a quick reminder for those. Um, public commenting is going to
end on the 19th of this month. With that, all I have next is our staff recommendation that the board of county commissioners provide comment on the draft beach preservation plan 2026 update for the incorporation into the final document, which will be brought
for adoption at a later date. and I would love to take any questions if you have them. >> Commissioners, I'm sorry. >> Yeah, that's quite hard. Um, historically, we've employed beach renourishment
following storm events. So, it seems to me that we'll be entering a new stage or phase where we will routinely uh be renourishing beaches. Is that is that correct? >> Yes. So, >> that's the plan. That's the
recommendation. >> Okay. Then my question Okay. No, I I I I agree with that here. Here's what I'm wondering. Um, historically, since we relied on, um, you know, funding, grant funding, because it was a an event, a
storm event. If we're just doing routine maintenance, >> I would think going forward we're going to rely more heavily on tourist tax and whatever other if we can use the uh the optional sales tax. Have you looked at that yet? I mean in terms of what the
projects will cost to uh for routine maintenance compared to what we are taking in in tourist tax. Have you has anybody looked at that yet? So, I think I think uh Kylie will chime in here, but we are planning after this this project
is done, um we're planning to do a financial sustainability analysis on this program to understand what our expenses have been in the past and then looking forward into the future and trying to project what our expenses are. Now, when it comes to hurricanes and
storms, it gets it's it gets kind of wild because we don't can't expect them uh or when they're going to happen. So, it's important that we maintain our projects and when an opportunity arises after a declared storm event to utilize
the FEMA public assistance opportunities if if that still is applicable. Um, but I'll hand it over to Kylie to chime in as well. Is that what well I as I was reading this I was thinking well if we are going to go to more routine maintenance >> then perhaps we should be looking at how
we allocate the tourist tax on an annual basis much as we um evaluate seesac for example on an annual basis. we we decide you know what amounts go where and maybe instead of leaving tourist tax on autopilot um you know with the pennies and 16th of
a penny and by the way the pennies you know maybe on its last breath anyway I don't I don't know but I I still love the penny and I don't know about the 16th of a penny not as fond of that but the point being perhaps it's something we want to look at annually so I'll I'll
leave that you know for people to think about for the the board and the staff to think about look at tourist tax allocation annually instead of leaving it on on autopilot. Um because I think you know some beaches have more wear and tear for example sector 5. um you know
as compared to sector 7 which doesn't have public access. Uh but that leads me to to another point um and I didn't hear it brought up today but I think it was it was I think it was stated somewhere in the plan that one of the goals also
should be to um shore up if you will property values and that certainly applies to sector 7. I mean they don't have public access so uh they don't have you know tourists per se but uh tourism is not you know our our sole economic
concern tourism and its byproducts I mean also we need to be concerned with property value and preserving that probably also I'm guessing it's probably also an issue in sector 4 where you might not have as many you know tourists or or beach visitors and and by the way
do are we able to distinguish how many visitors there are per sector. Do we have any idea of that? >> Yeah, we've got some as far as the visitors go, the lifeguards do take some
metrics down. Um, and we can scale those and estimate those up forward to current standards. Um, but I don't know if it's specifically listed in here because we did not do a specific survey of the public accesses to understand how many people are. Well, I think for you know,
it might be interesting to know for the future and uh you know, just and going forward since we're looking at revising some things and and hopefully doing doing things better. >> Yeah. And I just wanted to um Kylie Anchula, natural resources director, for
the record. Um a point of clarity on our beach management projects and how we strategize the funding and whatnot. So, we do typically try to pair um pair a repair event with a maintenance event. So we're reducing mobilization costs. So
basically a portion of the project is considered maintenance, a portion of the project is associated with storm damage. So that's a way that we can go ahead and try to leverage every dollar. >> Yeah, that's great. Um I don't I don't remember now if this was mentioned in
the plan, but what um how many easements or what percentage uh do we need for sector 7? I mean I I think I think you mentioned at the meeting like the Army Corps of Engineers needs 100%. >> Yeah. >> But that's what that's that's if they're funding it.
>> Yeah. I >> So all right. So So Army Corps of Engineers decide if it's being funded from other sources. What um I I don't recall now what what is the what is a healthy percentage of thesements obtained? We have some flexibility because our projects are what's
considered locally sponsored, meaning that we're putting this project on and that the Army Corps is not a participant in the funding or construction oversight. We still receive Army Corps permits, but for a federally sponsored project, the Army Corps, all intents and
purposes, drives the boat. They fund it. They get a they have a lot more say in the construction oversight. back to what our projects are as locally sponsored. We have some flexibility in what our easements what how many easements we can
uh allow to go un unnourished, how many parcels can go unnourished. So back in the day, this this commission actually set a goal of 90% of easements as a a benchmark for us to aim towards for sector sector 7. Now, all of the other
beach projects that we do have, we don't have any that are at 100%. Sector 4 is the closest. We have um I think it's 87 out of 88 parcels with a perpetual beach easement, which is great. Sector 3, we have sufficient amount of easements that
allows us to make to construct a worthwhile project. Same in sector 5. Sector 5 is a little bit unique because there's so much public access and and and city property that the overall length of the project is still worthwhile. Now, when we get to sector
7, it's 82 single family home parcels with zero publicly owned parcels, zero public parks. So, that um we are constantly looking at to see what is a constructible project. the easements we have we currently have staff does not
recommend nor their engineer recommends moving forward on a project because there would be too many gaps. It would be too much of a checkerboard and if we were to put that sand it if we went ahead and put sand in sector 7 on the easements we currently have we would estimate that sand to disappear in about
two to three years. So costbenefit analysis shows that we want to get more sand out there when we have the opportunity. So we're looking for for more easements than what we currently have. Can you recall the percentage that you have currently percentage of easements for sector 7
>> approximately? It's >> in the >> 62% we have 62%. Okay. Well, um I mean the most important thing about sector 7 here is constructibility. So as Quinton was saying so you have certain geographic limitations that are present
in sector 7 that make the northern part of that critical in terms of getting a project that's going to perform well. And by perform well we mean last the five to seven years. So basically without the northern section participating
really your constructibility factor is eliminated. >> Also have been a a proposal from the community that um funding would come from the community itself. It could come from sector 7 itself. It could come from something that's spread over the
coastline. um similar to an uh you know mun municipal services taxing unit similar to that. >> Um do you want to com I know you I know you've you've heard it um you've heard about this. Could you would you comment on that?
>> So when we had our public workshop there were some individuals from sector 7 who were present and they handed out some paperwork to other sector 7 residents with an MSBU proposal. So, it was something that they were interested in.
So, um I met with Jennifer, we discussed it a little bit and um basically we would like to see a petition of some sort if that's the route that they were interested in going. Um a lot of our neighbors have adopted through ordinance
some percentages in terms of what that uh petition would look like. We don't have a specific percentage adopted, but that could be board directed in the event that you wanted to entertain that as a proposal. Um, we don't have any individuals here, I don't believe. So,
um, you know, that is something that could be considered. >> Okay. But regardless, the one important factor that Eric was kind enough to remind me of is that even if we were to establish an MSBU through the petition
process and etc following our procedure that we still require legal access to property in order for sand to be placed. So that is really a significant challenge that remains. So, um, perhaps the period of performance matters less
in that circumstance, but you still really need that legal access to property because we need to be able to draw. And I don't just mean legal access from pavement to the beach. I mean legal access along the beach to actually do the sand placement. >> So, you've got two things that you're
missing there. So, you've got the construction access, which may not be insurmountable, but then you also have the access to place the material on the actual sand. So, you know, regardless, the easements is is critical. >> Yeah, thank you for explaining that.
>> I will I will uh uh add on to that comment too that we have we we're throwing around the word access a lot. We have three different types of access that is really required for a construction project to move forward.
Legal access is in the terms what we're using is the beach easement. So that is access to the sandy portion of the property um where the vegetation line stops or the seaw wall stops towards the water. That is the easement area, not
the lawn, not the yard, the driveway. None of that area is included in the beach easement. Um so legal access is required for us to trans traverse our equipment on the beach north and south. Very important to note. Then we have a construction access which we are going
to use to get equipment, material, supplies from the roads, pavement over to the beach. That is something we can uh pursue at a later date once we have sufficient easements, the legal access established. And then lastly to the the
term public access. We are referring to a public park, something that has a parking lot, possibly a bathroom, a sufficient amount of parking spaces. That is the public access aspect. I just wanted to clarify that for the record and for everyone watching
at home as well um on that. But >> yeah, thank thank you. I appreciate that, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. what you've heard our staff say is the battle that we've been fighting
you for six years now on on seven um I'm not going to repeat anything they've said they've covered it all with the that with the problems we're facing and everything else the beach and shore committee is very aware of it gets discussed almost every meeting and
tomorrow myself and some of our staff are going to go meet with some of sector 7 people that are the ones that are trying to to lead this battle to to get the easement signed and things like that. Um it it's ongoing. Nothing has
really changed in in in the last year, the last two years. Nothing's really changed with it. We understand the beach and shore committee understands. I think you all understand. We all understand how bad we do need sand there. But we are up against some tough very tough obstacles
in reference to to basically some of our some of the basically the people that don't live on the beach that live in say Seagrove for instance are being held hostage by those that won't sign the easement to do that. We're thinking of other options of what to do with regards
to this easement thing. Um, I might try even personally contacting and I may ask Commissioner Moss's help on this to contact each individual person that hasn't signed one maybe personally that we go. Um, there's no doubt in my mind that would be like some of the issues in
John's Island that we had when we did sector 4 that once they see the sand being put on the beach, they're like, "Oh, now I see what you're doing. We'll do it." But the problem down there is again, let's go back to access and and other things. It's it's a very tough to
literally put it between the old uh saying we're in between a rock and a hard place on this >> and it's very difficult to to move forward. So, but we're going to we're going to have a discussion tomorrow. It might be a lively discussion, but we'll see. >> Thank you for that, Commissioner Man,
and thank you for the staff, not only for the sequentials that you have to back brief us before these meetings. For that, I say thank you. something that uh was brought up about the the tourist tax. Uh I believe
it was about two years and about a month or so past that that we increased the dollar amount that would be going to beach reourishment. Thank you, Captain. uh
it it did add significantly but never to the value in which we have incurred in the past. Uh I can remember numbers of $19.5 million $32 million to sand nourishment projects.
Thank you to the federal government and to the state uh and to the also to the inlet district. We have been able to meet those means. There may be room for
more of the tax of the tourist tax dollar to be able to be diverted in that that would require uh significant amount of work here. I don't think it would match uh the financial needs and
complete the uh financial burden of uh replenishment but it would significantly improve and again every dollar that we can put in will also be a satisfaction for the match that would may be
available with your hard work. Correct. Thank you for that. >> It's something up the road. >> All right. Anything further? >> We'll be available for questions if
anyone has them. Um, happy to uh bring this back when it's ready. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for your time. And for our guest and visitors, thank you. A >> lot of smart people in here this afternoon. >> Yeah.
>> Always get nervous around smart people. I don't see you so sure. >> Rightfully so. >> Commissioners, that moves us to the next item. As you know, the shade meeting was cancelled. Cancelled that about 12 hours
ago, it seems like. Uh, next up is Commissioner Matters and that will be with Commissioner >> Joseph Man. Good afternoon, >> Mr. Chairman. Thank you. I'm going to make this as fast as I can, but I do
need to read the section that talks about the nomination to name the old Dodgertown golf course property after the Omali family. I think this is very relevant and it's very important that that uh that we do something like this.
So, let me let me let me read a part of I'm not going to read the whole thing. Hopefully, y'all read it. talks about the the various history behind this and why it's important to our culture. So, any river countyy's commemorative works policy allows for a special request for name dedication to be considered by the
board of county commissioners upon showing a special circumstance or good cause as presented and sponsored by a county commissioner holding office. As any river county begins a process of developing the former Dodgertown Golf Club property into a public park, I
would like to present and sponsor the name of this park as the Ali Park in recognition of the Omali family whose impact on any river county and the city of Vero Beach extends far beyond baseball and whose legacy helped shape both our community and our nation.
Walter Rali, a longtime owner of the Brooklyn Mural Neck of the Woods and the Los Angeles Dodgers, played a transformative role in establishing Indian River County as a nationally recognized destination. Beginning in the late 1940s and solidified through a
long-term commitment back in the 1950s, early 50s, the Ali's brought the Dodger Spring Training to Vero Beach facilities which are still operating today as the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. So for more than six decades, this relationship
brought economic vitality, national attention, and unique identity to our county. But Walter Omali and his family's legacy is not defined by baseball alone at a time when segregation was deeply entrenched across the South. Walter Ali made the
deliberate and courageous decision to foster equality within the Dodgers organization. He required that players of all races live, train, and dine together, creating one of the first fully integrated environments in professional sports. So in 1965 when
African-American players were not allowed to play on local golf courses, I add to you at the time the only golf courses in the county were the Ver Beach Country Club and the Realar Country Club on the beach. All races could play together. It became one of the only integrated recreational spaces in the
area at the time serving as a quiet but power step forward in bridging racial divides within our community. This was not simply about golf. It was about fairness, access, and dignity. This golf course was open to the public after completion. It was open to everybody and
people from all races and walks of life. It was only closed when there was a home spring training games when the Dodgers had his spring training games or Mr. Ali had a special forsome or match with friends of dignitaries and some of those are legendary the money that was bit and
the people that they played with it. So many county residents played their first round on that particular golf course. It was the first and only public course available until Safari Pines and Dodger Pines was was built and now now Sand Ridge is open. It was where I personally
played my first rounds of golf to learn the game and it hasn't improved much since then, but but that's where I learned to play. Former county commissioner Richard Mbird or Dick Bird was the first golf professional of that golf course and the general manager of
the of the nine-hole course. So today we carry that legacy forward in a new meaningful way as a property is transformed into a public park. It will become a place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors and also reflect and it'll invite people
to learn and to do all those good things that parks do. This recommendation is especially meaningful giving the location of the park. So naming this Omali Park would recognize the family who created this very property, preserve the historic significance of the
Dodgertown Golf Club site, honor a legacy of inclusion and civil rights leadership, create a lasting connection between recreation, education, and community identity. So it's more than just a name. It's a story tied directly to our community and a vision for how
the story can continue and to honor all that was Dodger Town. So for these reasons, I respectfully recommend the adoption of the name Omali Park in honor of the Amali family so that the area owned by Annie River County that lies
within 43rd Avenue on the west, 26th Avenue on the north, and the main canal on the south >> and Holman Stadium and Jackie Robinson complex to the east, formerly known as the Dodgertown Golf Course, be ensuring that history of this site
and the values it represents are not remembered but generations to come be named as such. Omali Park and that's my presentation and I will tell you that that there was more to read on that and I got to give credit to Steve Barco with
the uh with the recreation department. Steve helped me with this. He he pinned a lot of this. I added a lot to it. It adds some of the historical data but but Steve did this. So um yes, I would I would make a motion to name it as such.
>> Second. So would like Mike Zitto, you know, want to comment on this because he's he's talked to Mr. Omali, Peter Ali, Walter Ali's son personally about this. >> Thank you. It's um really nice to hear you read those words. It means so much. Makes me proud to serve this commission,
this administration. Uh with respect to Mr. Ali, I can tell you none of this is his idea. Uh he's one of the most humble men you'll ever meet. Um he's very concerned that we if we're going to name the park that we honor the family and not him personally. Um and I know he's
watching from afar and is very proud today. So >> given the length of the day, I'll spare you some of the sentiment and save that for another time. Um but I I'm just grateful for your motion, sir. Thank you. >> We thank you, Mr. Zto. We thank you,
Commissioner Man, for bringing this forward. We have a motion. >> Motion, >> second by Commissioner Flesher. Any further discussion? >> I just want to say what you wrote was really great, Joe. >> Well, thank you. >> I I enjoy I enjoyed reading it. It's
very very nicely done. >> Thank you. We have a motion and we have concluded our discussions. All in favor? >> I I >> And the motion carries. This time we'll have an opportunity for public comment on anything that is non related matters. Bill, now is your
opportunity. >> Hearing none. Hearing none. And seeing none, the time now is 2:52 p.m. We are >> journal.