What's supposed to Good morning. Uh the regular board of county commissioners meeting of Tuesday, July the 1st, 2025 will now be called to order. This is our first meeting in our second 100 years.
We'll begin with a moment of silent reflection for the first responders and members of the armed forces followed by an invocation by Pastor Randy Fullerton and Vice Chairman Law will give us the honor and lead us in the pledge. Please
rise. Dear heavenly father, as we come to you this morning, we thank you for your greatness and the blessings that you place upon us. We pray today that as we uh gather here that you would bless these commissioners
and you'd give them wisdom to make the proper and right choices that would honor you. As we have just stood in silence, Father, this morning for the uh first responders and members of the armed forces, uh I say a special prayer for the families of those two
firefighters that perished in Idaho. Lord, I thank you for our first responders here in Indian River County and every day they uh put their lives on the line for us, never knowing what it may bring. We pray your hedge of protection around them. I thank you for
this county and for this city. I thank you for uh the blessings that you've given us as we come upon this weekend, this Fourth of July, that we might remember what liberty is all about and not just take it for granted that it's
hot dogs and hamburgers. Father, walk with us now. Let us do those things that will please you. For Father, we know that your kingdom is more eternal than this earth. And go with us. We ask in Christ Jesus name.
Amen. 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.
Thank you. Now move on to any uh additions uh deletions to the agenda. Um I was speaking to Representative Robbie Brackett who's here today and uh I I
would like to uh add some of his statements. uh give him an opportunity to uh bring us some good news and I I believe we should place that at 5C. Mr. Chairman,
sir, uh 9S needs to be pulled. I spoke with Sean Liski last night. 9 ins and then 9T actually needs to be removed and relocated to SWID's agenda which would be uh 16B4
9T to SWID and you want that place where sir 16B4 9T and 9S pulled they'll be brought back work they're continuing their work with HDR engineer hearing and 9 p.
Okay, Mr. Chair, if there's no other changes, I'll be happy to move approval of the agenda as amended. Second. We have a motion by Commissioner Adams, second by Commissioner Moss. Anything further?
All in favor? I opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Um well, we'll begin with uh again just uh we we've celebrated our 100 uh
yesterday and uh well there's another group that has a 100th anniversary and I believe we'll get an explanation as to the the date and time and when it all happened
and some good fun stuff. But we're very pleased. We noticed that uh yesterday during the ceremony, not one swat was observed. So, I think our mosquito control district is doing a fine job. And uh
it's my honor to present uh this proclamation to our mosquito control district. Would you like to uh be here to receive? And I I see some fine folks in some blue shirts. Um, I'd like them to
join you. Why don't y'all stand up? We're going to We only get one shot at this hundred years, so we're going to That's correct. We're going to get as much mileage out of as possible. Want to make it right for you. Yeah. So, now on behalf of I'll begin to uh I'm sorry.
Present the proclamation and then we'll look for some great input from the mosquito control district. celebrating 100 with the 100th anniversary of Indie River County Mosquito Control District. Whereas
Indian River Mosquito Control District established in 1925 has consistently upheld its commitment to excellence, service, and progress throughout the past century. Whereas over the course of its 100 years, the
Indian River Mosquito Control District has made significant contributions to Indian River County, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of its constituents while maintaining the core values of accountability,
innovation, and stewardship. Whereas the collective achievements of Indian River County Mosquito Control District over the past century have created a legacy of positive change, created a safer environment for the
countless individuals and communities. Whereas as we celebrate this momentous occasion, we reflect on the milestones, the challenges, and the triumphs of the past century while looking forward to the continued growth and success of
Indie River County mosquito control district in years to come. Now therefore be a proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indie River County, Florida, that July 1st, 2025 shall be officially recognized as the 100th
anniversary of the Indian River Mosquito Control District. We encourage all citizens to reflect on the enduring commitment of Indie River Mosquito Control District and the vital role it has played in protecting public
health and enhancing the quality of life of our citizens. Let us come together to honor the legacy of this remarkable institution. Acknowledging the dedication and the service of all those
who have contributed to the success and the celebrate the continued impact it will have on our community for the next century and beyond. adopted this first day of July, 2025
and signed by all five county commissioners. Good morning. Good morning. On behalf of the uh Indian River Mosquito Control District Board, our
executive director and staff, uh we are appreciative of the county commission presenting this proclamation to us. Uh we're very proud of our past 100 years and we look forward to serving for many many years to come.
Well, we uh we appreciate everything that the district is doing. Again, I uh made a remark that yesterday we did not have that swatting moment. And uh I I know that the citizens appreciate the
fact that we're keeping everything under control. because there's a whole lot more to mosquitoes and uh what what they can do to us other than just make us have a little wealth and uh we we're very
deeply appreciative of all the efforts that you're doing to keep us a better place. Well, thank you. Thank you to you. Thank you. Thank you. Morning
shirts. I love those shirts. We made it. Yeah, right. Almost was an L at one point. That's what I heard. All right. Thank you all. And we continue on with a proclamation declaring
July 19th through the 27th as Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Village in week in Indie River County. and goman has the honors of presenting.
Come on up everybody. Well, it's good to see familiar faces and see that you're back again with us this year to do this. This is always a great event. I participate most of the time. I've missed a few, but but it's
always a great great event and it's amazing how much debris and and trash that they clean up every year on the waterway for this event. But again, welcome and uh I'm going to read the proclamation. This is a proclamation
declaring July 19th to the 27th, 2025 Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Week in Indian River County, Florida. Whereas the Marine Industry Association of the Treasure Coast Incorporated in the Florida Inland Navigation District
are deeply concerned with keeping Treasure Coast waterways clean for all to enjoy. And whereas the 18th annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup will be held on Saturday, July 26th, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And
whereas over,00 volunteers as well as numerous waterfront homeowners association and civic groups will participate in cleaning up our waterways out of 25 designated sites throughout Martin, St. Lucy and Indian River
counties. Whereas since these efforts began, over 100 tons of trash have been collected from approximately 125 miles of waterways along the Treasure Coast and the sustainability of
our waterways is dependent upon efforts such as this so future generations may also appreciate and enjoy them. Now therefore be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of any river county Florida that the board declares
July 19th through the 27th 2025 the Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Week in Indian River County and encourages all citizens to participate in this important event and commends the sponsors and volunteers whose
contributions to this effort are so important to success. adopted this first day of July, 2025 and signed by all five county commissioners. Welcome back and welcome our staff and Andy and CCA. It's it's just awesome.
And thank you all for um taking this opportunity to um proclaim this week again Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Week being our 18th year. Um we have some good news to report is that we continually are finding less and less trash on our waterways. So, um, in the
first quarter of our 18 years, we were averaging well over 10 tons of trash with half the volunteers we have today. We are now easily in the three-tonon average per year with uh twice the amount of volunteers. So, we're definitely working in the right direction and it's due to um just
long-term longevity of teaching personal responsibility out on the waterways and also the fact that we're not the only ones that are out there doing it. It's a popular thing for people to do and that's what we were all about in the first place, creating good habits and this is about creating good habits when
you're out using our resources whe whether you're on the water or on foot. So that's really what we're all about and we have a great team. Our team does only gets better from year after year which this year we're very proud that we have CCA. We have uh both Andy
Steinbergs and um Zack Batley with us today from CCA. And we also have your team and that is opening the Round Island uh site for us for the first time this year which we're very excited about and there's already a lot of enthusiasm
with that site. So we have uh Sarah Wapes. We have I'm and I'm terrible with names, Kylie Lula and Melissa Meisenberg with us today. I hope I got everybody's names right. And we're very happy to have them on our team. And like I said,
the enthusiasm is um is there for this new Round Island site. So, we're very excited about um getting our number of Boers up, which we have more Boers than we've had in past years. That's been our focus this year. Plus making sure that you know all those people on the land
that come in and help us someday get the opportunity to um get out on the water if they'd like which happen is going to happen at Round Island this year because Chicken Kayaks has come on board and they're going to actually get people out on the water to help with the cleanup um
at no charge to our volunteers that come out that morning. So, we got some really exciting things going because of your team. We're excited to be part of your team and have you on our team this year again in Indian River County. And if there's anything you need regarding boating or the marine industries, know
that the Marine Industries is a resource locally here for you. And thank you again. And thank you to our amazing team. Don't know ladies mornings. I have the tall guys at the end. This may go on your refrigerator. I want
to make sure Thank you. Appreciate it once again. Thank you. discussion with uh the honorable Robert Brackett um about the long hours uh up in Tallahassee
and uh he advised that there was some fruit that was developed in Tallahassee. So I'd like to like the citizens to know what's going on and what's coming down to Indian River County.
The honorable Robert Brackett, our state representative. Good morning. Morning, sir. Appreciate the opportunity to show up today and congratulations on your birthday, Mr. Chairman. You don't look a day over 65. I didn't realize you were 100 yet. Oh, thanks. Um
there's um as many of you know, u this last year in Tallahassee was was interesting to say the least. um of of a 60-day session. We ended on day 105. So, we went 45 days over uh which was um
worthwhile in a lot of ways. We got a lot of stuff done that needed to be done. As I told folks about the delay was mainly on the budget and and I had a lot of questions asked on my journeys back home here during the weekends and my comment to them was listen the citizens of Florida will win either way.
the House and the Senate disagreed on a couple things, but either way, it was going to help uh the citizens of Florida and in the end and it did. We we passed a budget and it cut over three and a half billion dollars in spending the state of Florida. Um which is phenomenal
in my opinion. Okay. Um if you know, if every local government, municipality could do that'd be great. Some don't need to do it. Some do a good job as it is, but we needed to do it there. We had an influx of money coming in in Tallahassee and just because we had extra money coming in doesn't mean need
need mean that we need to spend it. We need to be uh uh financially conservative and and do the right thing fiscally conservative. And so we did that. Uh that budget includes putting uh a record level of funding into the rainy
day fund. That fund has increased three over threefold since the last six years. Um, it includes a number of tax breaks, additional sales tax breaks to citizens in included in there. A lot of them are now permanent sales tax breaks. There'll never be sales tax charged on certain
items from here on out. Uh, and so we're we're happy with that to put money back into the citizens pocket. Um, I'm a firm believer that you know how to spend your money better than I do. Okay? You know what you need and your family needs and so we're going to put that money back in their pocket. Um, we did a lot. Let me
say this, there's more to be done and we'll continue to work on that. I'm a firm believer and you know, we've been bringing extra money. We are planning at the city state of Florida that the income that we have coming in will decrease in the next two to three years. Not because we're anticipating a large
recession of any kind. Don't let me scare anybody, but we're anticipating at some point in time the thousand people a day that are moving to Florida is going to slow down, okay? We just don't have that much room. Uh so that will slow down which will decrease our revenue from the state side, not necessarily a local side. Um the other big thing we
did is we got rid of business rent tax finally. We're the last state in the country uh the only state left that had business rent tax on our business. And so we had 2% was the last number we got rid of that completely. Um, and we're hoping that's about a $2.5 million
billion dollar savings to businesses and we we're looking for that money to be reinvested back into their communities with hiring employees and and and and serving their community. And that's that's our hopes there from that standpoint. Um, the good news is appropriations. Uh, we
were able to to bring a fair amount of money back to this county, to this district. Um, we worked handinand with St. Lucy and Martin County for transportation appropriations for the for elderly and the needy. It will come here through senior resource center. Uh
and the total amount for the for the treasure coast was $6 million that we'll bring back in here. And so that for that one transportation need alone is a big number and and desperately needed. Uh and I know they're all thrilled to have that. and we worked very closely with Kathy Copelan who works for the county
as a legislative affairs director and she did a fantastic job and has by the way throughout all the appropriations have been a big support and a big help with everything we've done. Um in addition to that uh we brought back a million dollars to Sebastian Inlet. We brought back a million dollars to
Treasure Coast Food Bank. We brought back a half a million dollars to mental health association. Um the Human Park Boardwalk got $350,000. Um, I'll just throw a little caveat there. I hope that I know that you guys have contributed there or have made a commitment to contribute there. I know
there's a provision to offset that based on what I brought back from the state. I would hope that you'd still be a major contributor to that project and give that consideration from that standpoint. Um, Beach Police Department um with new uh communication system got $350,000 and
so we'll continue to bring this money back. We brought back with the 6 million a little less than uh uh $12 million back to the district. Uh we'll continue our efforts to do uh in in a fiscally responsible way, but when the money's needed, it's needed. The mental health,
for example, you know, we have the only walk-in clinic in three counties, the Treasure Coast, where you can walk in 247 to get help if you need it, no cost. And that was very important uh for our our area. And so we'll continue to do those things that we we can. In addition to that, I think it's uh I'll bring to
light, you probably all know this already, but um there was discussion brought to me and this is this is a a way that I believe that that government works at its best. Uh two constituents called me about a year ago and wanted to meet in my office. They came in and said, "Listen, we're going to put a new
bridge over the Sebastian Inlet. We have to tear the old one down." years ago, the county filed for permits and got three reef permits, if I understand it correctly, for artificial reefs offshore. Two were built, one was not ever used, but the permit was still active and it was right close to the
Sebastian Inlet. They said, "Could any way we can take a lot of this debris that is allowable and build a new reef, artificial reef in that spot?" I thought, "Well, we can certainly try." Okay. Uh, I came to Kathy and she set up
the meeting with the folks in visual. I pretty much put it back in the hands of of of the county and said, "Do what you have to do. Let me know if I can help you in any way. If I need to make phone calls or set up meetings in Tallahassee, I'll do that, but let me know what you can do." Um, a year later, I'm here to tell you that
you, again, you probably know this, but that reef has been approved. It was an additional $200,000 in cost. FWC picked up a very large portion of that. Uh I think it's all been paid for by outside uh grants. Uh and so that bridge when it's demolished will be hauled off a
portion of it that can be to the reef and will make be made into an artificial reef right off the Sebastian inlet. Um which is great for the for the environment. It's great for our citizens. is great for everybody around and and uh so uh because a couple of concerned citizens came to me and I was
able to come to to your staff and talk to Kathy and different folks involved with those departments uh and they took the ball and ran with it. Um it's a beautiful project and that's exactly how we want government to work. I say that to say this. I encourage anybody that has an idea, come talk to us, talk to
me, talk to to each one of these commissioners, talk to staff level, do something. Uh let's try to find a way to get things done. Um, again, that being said, at the state level, there's a lot more intricate into the budget I could give you, but we'll wait and I'll talk to each one of you individually if you want to. There's a lot of other things
that were done with boating laws, marine activity, lagoon stuff, the water projects were big around the whole state. Uh, and so, um, you know, with that, I'll take questions if you have questions. Anyone have any questions?
I mean, we always have lots of questions about what's going on in Tallahassee, but probably best for some of those one-on-one meetings. Well, you you know me well enough to know that anybody that wants to meet, I will be more than happy to meet. Um, I know that and I will be I will be reaching out to each one of you. There's
been a lot of talk and I'll just bring up the elephant in the room about property taxes. Okay? Um, and so I will meet with you all. I have been appointed to that committee. I'm on the special committee to review property taxes. Uh our intent is to do some uh uh town
halls, but more more town halls with local elected officials because our intent is by no stretch of the imagination to uh to hurt what's happening on the local level. Okay. Uh it's it's a question. Can we do better? Can we find a way to help the cost of
living in the state of Florida? And so we're going to look under every rock and see what we can find out. Uh I asked personally to be on that committee as someone who has local government experience. I know what property taxes do for a municipality or a county government at the city of Euro Beach. It was about 30% of our revenue. I don't
think it's much different here, John. 30 below 30s somewhere. That's pretty standard what I found around 30 to 35% 37 in some of the smaller counties. Um but we'll continue to look at that and just you know look under the rocks and see the way we can bring the cost of
living down for citizens of the state of Florida. That's our ultimate goal. I just wanted to say I I appreciate that. Um I also sit on the Florida Association of Counties uh task force on property taxes. So I do appreciate the fact that you have that municipal
background. Um not everybody in Tallahassee has that. Um and it it makes that conversation a little bit easier. So I look forward to to working with you and talking to you about, you know, how we can work together to bring something forward that's beneficial for everybody. Thank you. And that's our goal. Um I've
talked to our property appraiser Wesley Davis here and and I know the property appraised association is also forming a committee to meet with us and talk to us um and speak on behalf of the the property apprais. The county uh Florida League of Cities is doing the same thing. And that's what we're trying to encourage. Let's get together and all
have a conversation and just say is there something we can do? Um you know eliminating property taxes is going to be super difficult. And we're talking about even on homesteaded property about a $2 billion ask statewide. Um and and I don't know how we recoup that entirely,
but that's what the committee is formed to see how if there's a possibility of what we can do. Uh but we do want to put forth every effort to help the citizens of the state of Florida uh and and make a home buying more affordable uh for not only our young people, but especially for our seniors that are on fixed
incomes. Thank you for the good words. Um and a lot of lot of great work that was done in Tallahassee. We appreciate it. Me many uh citizens and as well as
ourselves. Uh we're we we're awaiting the the great information and I I appreciate the fact that you came today and uh talked about it. Uh you know, it was funny you said, you know, all you
have to do is call. Uh, I can't imagine Robbie Bracket asking people a call because you are always there. You're available, approachable, and you do respond. So, we appreciate it and thank you. As my wife reminds me, she said,
"You signed up for the job." And I said, "I did, and we're going to do the job to the best of our ability." Well, well, you you need to be thankful that the uh the cell minutes uh there was a time where you used to be charged for every minute on the cell phone. And if that's the case, I think it would have been a
budget buster for you. Thank you, Robbie. Thank you for everything you do. Have a great day. We'll move on to the uh regular meeting minutes of May the 20th, 2025.
Move approval. We have a motion by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Lure. All in favor? I opposed. Motion carries unanimously.
Onformational items. We have an event calendar that used to be able to be discussed very swiftly and quickly. There was only a few items, but our event calendar is many pages long. If there's anything that anybody would want
to point out. Uh otherwise I want to thank staff for providing many of these programs and uh encouraging the part participation of our citizens and I refer everyone to take a look at the
website. There's a lot of things of interest and a lot of fun exciting things that are happening. If not just pass the reader board uh over at the uh IG center. There you go. On Oslo Road you'll get it all.
Um any other discussion on anyformational items? If not, we'll move on to public comment. This is your opportunity if you uh and
again this is for any agenda related items. If you wish to speak uh and if you can't stay uh for later on in the uh the meeting, this your opportunity if you want to talk about anything on the
agenda except for public hearings, of course, you'll have to wait for that. Having given ample opportunity, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Is there anything of interest
with the understanding of the pulled items that will be brought back later or moved? Sir, we have a motion by commission, seconded by myself. Any further discussion?
All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We'll now move on to constitutional offices and governmental agencies. We have a request for authorization for
trade in cash management uh devices. There we go. Good morning, sir. Morning, commission. Oh, morning, commissioners. Good morning, Mr. Tanic. Meler, uh Brad Newman, finance director for the Indian River County Tax Collector's Office. Uh
the request we have before you today is to trade in three of our existing cash management devices. Uh these machines each dispense an opening till for all of our customer service representatives. Uh and at the end of the day, they deposit that till into that machine. and it provides us a clear audit trail of
all of the cash transactions that have occurred throughout the day. Make sure there's no missing money. U so with that being said, open to any questions. Anyone have any questions? No. No. I'm just uh very pleased that we're going to
be exchanging them out to uh get the uh the best dollar uh for the trade in. Uh again, our tax collector is known for uh I could say this, dumpster diving when it comes to getting materials for the uh
service that uh is rendered by our tax collector and this is another case of efficiency and getting it getting it done at the least cost for the tax the taxpayer. Absolutely. Thank you. And uh proud to report these are the oldest
machines in service in the state of Florida. They've been in use for 10 years now. So we're due for uh for something new. An upgrade from the hand crank model. Yes sir. You could have put them in the time capsule yesterday. Yes. Mr. Chair, move approval. Second. That's a motion
by Vice Chairman Law, seconded by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Brad.
Well, we'll move on to uh public items. Uh we'll have a public hearing to consider the master capital project and the service assessment ordinance. This is legislative in nature. I'll take it from here. Thank you,
councelor. I was just looking to see if we had a a counselor at the podium. It's me. Um commissioners, um local governments utilize nonadalorum uh special assessments to uh fund certain services and and and improve
capital improvements that specially benefit property. Um in in Indian River, we have a number of different special assessments that fund things like road paving, street lights, storm storm water improvements. Um we also have some solid
waste uh disposal uh special assessments and um in order to be valid a special assessment has to specially benefit property and has to be reasonably and fairly aortioned among the properties that are benefited. So really what we
have here is just a new master capital project and service assessment ordinance. Um, right now we've got a lot of different provisions in our code uh that are scattered that address special assessments. Um, we have different departments kind of doing their thing
all over the county. And and my my goal here is to kind of come up with a more comprehensive consistent process that ensures that we are meeting all the requirements in um Florida statutes, the uniform method for levy collection and
enforcement of advalor assessments. So, we've got some updates in here and just really to make sure that there's due process for property owners. So, I have met with each of you um in at length to explain this um
procedural ordinance here. It's not we're not forming a new special assessment. We're really just setting out the procedures on how we do special assessments. So, I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. Um if you if you don't have questions, this is a
public hearing. I recommend that you open up the public hearing, take comments from interested people, and and adopt the master capital project and service assessment ordinance. Thank you, councelor. Does anyone have any questions of
council? Everybody's got their own mic. All right. Well, we'll open up the public hearing. Good morning, commissioners. Good morning. I'm Allison Gerardano,
president of W's Edge Phase 2 Homeowners Association, reside at 3643 Second Place Southwest, and I come before you today deeply frustrated and compelled to call out our county's failure in in handling an assessment matter with our W's Edge
residents. The process has been unacceptable, lacking transparency, marked by poor communication, and consistently falling short on follow through. which should have been a straightforward and cooperative effort has instead become a
prolonged and mismanaged ordeal. Our HOA has actively been engaged with the county for more than five years. Regarding the canal along First Street Southwest, which is entirely located outside of our property boundaries, despite our continued efforts, this
matter has been plagued by persistent dysfunction and apathy within the county. High turnover, including two county administrators, three county attorneys, and several public works directors have resulted in unacceptable delays and a sharp increase in the cost
for necessary repairs. Throughout this process, we have often been given assurances by the county that were not followed through. Promised actions failed to materialize, and our requests for clarification were sometimes ignored or deflected. And multiple times we were told that an agreement would be
presented to the HOA. Yet no such agreement was ever delivered, discussed, or signed by Wat's Edge residents. One county attorney even stated previously that funding was available for these culverts. Most recently, we were made aware that a public hearing related to
our assessment was held in April and the county's own recorded minutes state that the residents were to be notified by mail and no such mailing was set. A clear violation of 206.06. So, it calls into question the validity
of the process itself. Even more troubling is the county's failure to recognize that this canal and associated culverts serve a much broader public purpose. These improvements do not provide a unique or exclusive benefit to W's edge residents as confirmed by our
legal council. Special assessments must be based on specific benefit to assessed properties and imposing this cost solely on W's Edge is neither fair nor legally sound. So given the serious procedural flaws and disregard for statutory requirements, we strongly urge you to
immediately re-evaluate the assessment role and to ensure that all future proceedings comply fully with notification laws and basic standards of fairness. This situation demands correction before any further action is taken. And I'm more than happy to speak to anybody about everything we've
experienced. Uh this assessment role is not finalized, so there's still time to correct it. and I implore you to do the right thing. And that's all I have to say. Thank you. Um I do have another comment from another resident who asked me to share
her side. This is uh Leticia Wood, resident of WER's Edge. As a member of Hispanic Conservatives of Indian River and a 21-year resident of W's Edge community, I am appalled by the lack of transparency and communication regarding
the W's Edge Culvert project. It is unconscionable and e ethical to expect the w's edge community which consists mainly of retired residents to bear the financial burden of this project particularly as the canal in question and its flow of water affects homes outside of the neighborhood as well. As
a member of the Hispanic conservatives of Indian River County I pledge to be a voice for the W's edge residents and to expose any unethical practices exhibited by the board of commissioners during this project which will be a critical factor in their reelection. So, thank you for your time.
Thank you. I've been given ample opportunity. Public hearing is now closed. council. Yes. You'd like to once again explain why we're here uh regarding the change?
Yes. And and and again, this isn't uh about any one special assessment. It is an effort to improve our special assessment process, make it more comprehensive, um consistent and and and to improve due process. So my goal is is
to enhance um the public's opportunity to engage with these types of financial mechanisms and this and what you have established in in this directive is a reset
uh for and guidelines to ensure that we have full clear transparency and uh any cases that are reheard or under the new guidelines. That's right. Once you adopt this new master
ordinance, you will be repealing your prior provisions and creating a new process. And my recommendation to the board is that any new special assessment be considered under this process.
And that would include the the W's edge. the board would have an opportunity um to reconsider the W's edge, just simply do it again under this new process, which would make sense. And that would provide the community an opportunity to
say what they have to say in that neighborhood. And we um I'm getting a little bit off topic, but we have communicated that recently to um the maybe the pro property manager that we were go going to make that
recommendation to you that we just do it under this new ordinance. Thank you, councelor. Appreciate that. Hope that it addresses the concern. Is there anything further with approval? Second.
We have a motion by Commissioner Adams, seconded by myself to go forward. Is there anything further? All in favor? I opposed.
Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Next item is uh 11 A2 uh which is a positial
action and it is a request to amend the county's comprehensive plan uh future land use map from Rural Residential potential to C3
uh conservation 3 and a request to reszone approximately 36 acres from agricultural one agricultural district to con 3 which is conservation
district. This is a quasi judicial proceeding. The parties of the proceeding are Indian River County and the Indian River Land Trust Incorporated, also known as the applicant.
We do have a checklist. Um, and I need to ask all the commissioners uh if they can disclose any exparte communications, site visits, or independent investigations. We'll begin with the left. None of which I'm
aware. No. None that I'm aware of. No sir, on the number I'm aware of. Very well. I'd also need to confirm the commissioners have an open mind and are able to base their decision on the evidence presented
and applicable law. Can Canon will Can and will. Can and will. Can and will. Can and will. Thank you all. I'd like to open up a public hearing. I will ask the clerk to swear in anyone
that wishes to speak during this hearing. They need to be sworn in. So if you anticipate having the opportunity to speak, u please rise now.
You swear to tell you. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Good morning, commissioners. First, I want to see if Patrick, did you intend to say anything before we I guess it's public comment. So, uh yes, sir. I have
a presentation to make. Okay. I thought so. I was a little confused there. So, thank you, Mr. Joe. You confused me. So, thank you, sir. Okay. We'll begin with, uh, a presentation by county staff. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. For the
record, Patrick Murphy, chief of long-range planning. Uh, thank you for setting the stage for for us, Mr. chairman on this item. U on the map before you, you'll see the property laid out with its natural surroundings and the adjacent lands. It's outlined in red. Subject property is approximately
35.73 acres in size. It's located immediately south of the Sebastian Highlands unit 11, approximately 1300 ft north of County Road 510 and roughly 1 and a half miles west of 66th Avenue. The area is characterized by sparsely developed properties and large
undeveloped tracks of land. Medium density residential development is located to the north of the property on the north side of the Elkcom waterway. Future land use map before you again highlighted in red. The orange property or tan property is the Rural
Residential. Uh the yellow is L1 low density residential. You see a light blue C1 conservation and then the green AG1 agricultural. All of the gray property is the city of Sebastian. And the zoning map shows the property
A1. It is agricultural district allowing density of one unit per five acres. A1 zoning abuts the east side of the property. To the west and south are currently zoned A1 but will be administratively reszoned in the future by the city of Sebastian to a mixeduse zoning district. Sebastian Highlands to
the north is zoned RS10 single family residential allowing up to one unit per one quarter acre. This particular property consists of old growth cypress trees, mature oaks, and native cabbage palms. An existing natural water course cuts through the parcel flowing from the southeast corner of the property to the
northwest corner. Portions of the property were previously used as an orange grove but have been vacant for many years now. So the purpose of this redesation request, the Indian River Land Trust owns the subject property is seeking a reimbursement from the Florida
Communities of Trust, which is a state funded land acquisition program. One of the stipulations for the reimbursement is that the land must be reszoned for public conservation. To that end, the purpose of this request is to secure the necessary land use and zoning designations to reflect the property's
public conservation ownership. The goal of the land ultimately is to open this property to the public so that it can be enjoyed for a future 6 mile nature trail, wildlife observation platform, picnic pavilion, interpretive kiosk, and
seating benches consistency with a comprehensive plan. In evaluating a future language designation amendment, the most important consideration is future laneous element policy 1.43. This policy requires that one of the established four criteria must be adhered to to
approve a request to redesate a future link category. The proposed amendment meets policy's third criterion. In this case, the subject property was purchased specifically for conservation purposes. As such, the acquisition of the property by the land truce constitutes a
substantial change in circumstances that affect the subject property. Next, we look at what designation is most appropriate. Future language element policy 1.5 states that the conservation land use designations shall be applied to those areas which contain or possess lands with qualities and features which
play a vital role or essential role in the normal functioning of the county's ecosystems and merit preservation as vestages of once common county ecosystems. As you saw in the aerial map, this is a very very nice existing property that has water cars cutting through it. does connect to other
properties that have a vital ecosystem uh goal. In continuing to look at the conservation plan, future laneous Elmate policy 1.6 limits the use of C3 designated land to conservation and passive recreational uses. A site owned
by the public land trust containing wetlands and native upland habitat would indeed meet those criteria. For that reason, the request is consistent with future language element policies 1.5 and 1.6. The property's existing land use designation of Rural Residential allows
for single family development at one unit per acre. The proposed land use designation of Con3 conservation also allows single family development but at a density of one unit per two and a half acres. So, it's a lens less dense and less intense category. The site's
existing land use designation offers limited environmental protection mostly in the form of open space requirements. In contrast, the applicant's proposal will preserve the entire area of the site and development will be limited to conservation and passive recreational uses by prohibiting most types of
development per this reasonzoning. The proposed request will ensure that the environmental quality of the property will be preserved. A quick comparison of the zoning districts since we have two things going on here, both land use and zoning. The A1 zoning district is intended to provide opportunities for residential
uses at very low densities to promote housing opportunities in the county. It allows traditional single family residences, agricultural based uses, institutional uses, and very limited commercial uses. In contrast, the Con3 zoning district is intended to promote the management and protection of natural
resources and systems, promote public awareness of the importance of ecologically sensitive lands, and provide limited use of publicly held lands for conservation and recreation uses. It also allows for traditional single family residences, resource management, conservation education, and
limited commercial uses of a conservationbased nature, mostly in the terms of civil culture or aquaculture. In conclusion, future land use element policy 1.43 also states that the board of county commissioners shall resone land only in a manner that's consistent
with future land use element table 2.14. This table lays out all the zoning districts that are consistent and compatible with each of the established land use categories. Within this table, the concrete conservation zoning district is the only district that aligns with the C3 land use category.
Staff has determined that the proposed land use map amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan is compatible with all surrounding land uses and will cause no adverse impacts on the provision of public services. The proposed feature land use and zoning conditions will ensure that environmentally sensitive and important
habitat will be preserved and for those reasons planning staff supports the request. recommendation. Based on the analysis, staff and the planning and zoning commission recommend that the board of county commissioners approve the request to amend the comprehensive plan feature land use map from our rural rural
residential to the C3 conservation 3 future land use destination and to resone the subject property from the A1 agricultural zoning district to the con 3 conservation dish. This concludes my presentation. Be happy to answer any questions you may have. The applicant is also in attendance. Thank you. Thank
you. Commissioners, do you have any questions of staff at this time? Oh, I do actually. How are they going to access this property? So, they are actually accessing this property currently through the south through an easement, but I believe they are looking
at purchasing additional properties to come from the southeast. Uh I believe uh Rose West and Ken are here today and they can let you know what their future plans are because this parcel is going to be connected to some other parcel that they're going to own to create a larger um walkway through the property
as part of a sort of a blueway greenway type trail. Does the applicant have any questions of staff? Moving on to any input from the public uh questions uh
that may arise if you were sworn in. Most certainly this your opportunity. Is this going to come up? Well, yeah. Well, we we were asking if any
questions by the applicant. Presentation. We have some comments, but no questions. This would be the this would be the opportunity for the applicant to make any comments, presentation. Good morning, commissioners. You can
tell we don't do zoning reszoning very often, so thank you for your patience. Uh, I want I just want to thank the staff for a very thorough job in explaining uh what this is all about. But I just want to step back for a second and I'm Ken Guden's, executive director of the Indian River Land Trust,
3150 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach. And this is really about uh something that the county has taken on some years ago. In 2006, the county adopted the St. Sebastian River Greenway Plan. This was a plan that was developed with a series
of partners that really looked to uh create a trail system uh whether it be one single trail or multiple trails that move through and along the St. Sebastian River. uh really from the headarters which are south of 510 all the way up
really to the to the mouth of the river. But our focus has been on protecting land, acquiring properties and working with various partners and stakeholders to create tra a trail or
trails that run between Route 510 and Route 512. uh some of our partners in the Marine Marine Resources Council, City of Sebastian, of course the county because they've got two critical pieces uh that straddle 510 uh working with
private land owners. And to do that, we acquired this property in 2023 and applied for reimbursement for some of those funds that we uh spent on the property. And as uh Patrick mentioned, the FCT requires the
reasonzoning to better ensure that when they submit, you know, when they award the funds that this property will remain in, you know, conservation. So that's that's just the bigger picture there. And if you if you have any questions, I I look to Rose West, our land acquisition manager, who really has
been running this project. Are there any questions at all about what I presented or what you heard today? questions uh by the commissioners. I just the question on how you were going to access it, right? So, uh as
mentioned, we do have legal access from 510 uh across private property to our piece, but the concept really is to create a series of trails that connect. We have three potential trail heads for this
system. The primary one would be the Marine Resources Council, which has a piece of property that they acquired with FCT funds nearly 20 years ago, and they, as part of those plans, they're going to have a parking lot trail head. We recently acquired the property just
south of uh the MRC property, which is only two properties removed from the property that we're discussing. So the long-term plans is to connect from other trail head parking to this property, but we do have that legal access. We do plan
to run tours on that property uh with working with partners like the environmental learning center and we do have that access on there. So it's sort of a sort of long-term planning. We eventually would connect through other trails. How wide is that access?
Uh 20T. So, it's not it's not set up for creating a parking lot or that kind of that kind of access, but uh right now the idea is to connect from other properties to this property with trails
and no vehicular parking. So, there be no vehicular flow anticipated at this time. This other property that's acquired. Correct. At this point, it's a
pedestrian biped event. Correct. Okay. Is the marine is the Marine Resource Council property across 510 or is it on the north side? I'll let Rose speak to MRC. So, the MRC property is
north of 510 off of 86th Avenue. Okay. Just curious how you're putting it all together. I mean, I know you've been working on it for some time, so glad that this is moving forward, but just trying to visualize how it all all going to work. I I have a map I can share um
if it helps. It's a the original concept map. So the the green line with the arrow, it's actually a the whole entire trail system as it was envisioned was or the greenway system is a fivemile system from the Sebastian Inlet um going south
along the south prong of the St. Sebastian River by the state park and of course you have um 512 and under 512 and then the the green parcels that are kind of in the middle of the map. Those are the areas that we're talking about now.
That's the section we're focusing on between 510 and 512. Awesome. Thank you. You're welcome. Any staff have any questions of the applicant? No sir, we do not. I did want to point out that I did receive seven
phone calls all from residents of Sebastian Highlands inquiring about those requests and once explaining what the requests actually were, they were all very much in favor. They were glad to see there wasn't any more development going to be encroaching onto their subdivision and were happy that it was going to be kept in public ownership.
That's it. Thank you, sir. Thank you. And there might have been a bit of confusion, but we haven't discussed that. No, sir. Thank you. and thank you for addressing it. Well, with that, we'll move on to any uh
input from the public. Any questions uh if any by commissioners, county staff, or the applicant, seeing hearing none, uh we can move on to final presentation and any arguments
if necessary. County staff. No, sir. Rest. The applicant. Thank you. I want to ensure that all documents and tangible evidence uh if any have been admitted to as evidence
and are in the hands of the clerk. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Including that uh map document that was presented. County staff agenda materials and are automatically admitted into evidence uh
unless there is an objection. At this point, we will close the public hearing. Commissioners approval. Second, sir. We have a motion by Commissioner Adams and seconded by Vice Chairman Law. Any
further discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Motion carries unanimously. We'll now take a brief recess before the next public hearing. I'll be called back to order and we'll
be moving on to item 11 A3. This next item on the agenda is an appeal of the planning and zoning commissioners commission's decision to deny a conceptual plan development a PD a plan
and a PD reszoning and a concurrent preliminary PD plan for the project known as Floresta Gardens PD. This is a denovo hearing and a quasi judicial proceeding
which means it's a new hearing. The parties of the proceeding are In River County and Kovnanian uh Southeast Florida Division LLC also
known as the applicant. We have to do the customary checklist which will include asking all commissioners to disclose any exparte communications site visits or independent investigations.
Begin with the left. Yes sir. Um I watched the uh video and actually this is incorrect on the agenda. It says that uh it includes the minutes from the May 15th, 2025 meeting. The meeting was
actually on May 22nd. Uh the staff report is May 15th, but the meeting was on May 22nd. So I watched that. I watched that video. Uh I requested the traffic study which was prepared by Pinder Troutman
Consulting Inc. And I spoke with uh Mark Mooer who is my appointee to the planning and zoning uh commission. Okay. Commission Adams. None that I'm aware of. I'm aware of the um BNC meeting. Uh, I
did not watch it in its entirety and I have nothing else to disclose at this time. No discussions. I haven't had discussions, Mr. Chair. I watched the PNZ meeting and I watched
the PNZ meeting afterwards, the following meeting. I've read the minutes obviously and I live a half a mile from here and I travel 8 Street a lot especially on my trips to Home Depot on a regular basis.
So I'm very familiar with the area. I'm very familiar with the people in the area. I'm very familiar with what the area area can do. So that that has been my extent other than I have had a conversation with my appointee to the also to the Mr. Williams also the
appointee for the county planning and zoning. Thank you. With that can we confirm that all commissioners uh can have an open mind and are able to base their decision on the evidence presented
in applicable law. Can and will. Can and will. Canon. Well, and well, thank you. At this time, we will open up the public hearing. I'm going to ask, Madame Clerk, to swear in anyone who anticipates speaking
during this proceeding. Presentation by staff. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the commission. For the record, Ryan Sweeney, assistant planning development services director. This is an appeal of the planning and zoning commission's decision to deny a PD resoning, conceptual PD plan, and preliminary PD
plan for Floresa Gardens plan development. Just a brief slide on the process and how we got here today. uh at their regular May 22nd, 2025 meeting, the planning and zoning commission did vote to deny the applicant's request for PD resoning, conceptual PD plan, and
preliminary PD plan ultimately by a roll call vote of 4 to three. Um the applicant asserts that the denial was not based on competent substantial evidence and that the staff's recommendation of approval shall be upheld. And per sections 902124D
and E, an appeal of the planning and zoning commission's decision to deny the resoning shall be heard by the BCC. In such hearing shall be heard denovo, meaning the public hearing will be conducted a new with the BCC hearing. All presentations and testimony as if it were being considered for the first time
and therefore we'll move along to basically what our normal presentation would look like. So the plan development resoning process includes the PD resoning and conceptual PD plan which is a planning and zoning recommendation. In this case it was a recommen recommendation for denial because it was
a resoning specifically. It did not automatically come to you all. It had to get to you all through appeal. Uh but the board will render the final decision today. Also the PNZ did vote to deny the preliminary PD plan but should that you know decision be overturned then the preliminary PD plan would also be
approved. Then the land development permit or waiver is reviewed and approved at the staff level. And as of today, final PD plan PL plat will actually uh become administratively that's a a state law that just took effect today. So um technically you all will no longer be reviewing final PD
plan plats. The project site is located on the south side of 8th Street in between 43rd A and 58th A. And you can see it here in the white dash line. Um, moving forward from here on, the all slides will now be oriented with north
to the right. Here's an aerial showing the existing conditions of the site with the uh project overlaid at top. So, just a summary of what the proposed development includes. It's roughly 18 acres with proposing 44 single family units at an overall density of 2.43
units per acre. Uh the through the PD process, the applicant is requesting reductions in minimum lot size, minimum lot width, minimum building setbacks, and maximum building coverage on each individual lot. Uh to offset those improvements, there are public benefits including off-site improvements,
enhanced landscape buffers, preservation of the natural environment in select areas of the property. Again, north is to the right. So you see the conceptual PD plan laid out um with the 44 lots and basically a standard loop road with a single connection to
8th Street. The stormwater plan puts the uh wet storm water area along the east property line between the uh subdivision road and the property to the east. The traffic circulation plan includes a full driveway access connection to 8th
Street and an internal loop road. uh dedications, improvements, and other conditions. So, the project is required to improve 8th Street with including a type F curb on the north and south sides of 8th Street from the east end of where the Hampton Park PD uh com improvements
stop to 45 ft east of the proposed projectway and includes milling and resurfacing of that same segment. Internal sidewalks and street, you know, subdivision lighting. landscape plan includes a a 30 31 foot wide type B buffer along the west
property line, a standard 25 foot wide type B buffer with six foot opaque feature along 8th Street as well as along the east property line. But again, the uh project's storm water is also along that east property line with the exception of two lots. And then along
the south, which butts another existing subdivision, there is a 50 to as wide as 150 foot 155 foot wide um conservation easement area that will serve as a a sub substantial buffer through the PD process. The project is
requesting waiverss from we do provide the A1 which is the current zoning as well as the RS3 which would be more of what we would likely see in the L1 lane use and then the proposed um lot widths and setback. So they are requesting a mixture of 70 foot wide and 62 foot wide
lots. The 70 foot wide lots would have a 20 foot front, 7 and 1/2t side and 10 foot rear. And the 62s will have a 20 foot front, sixt side and 10t rear. And then there's also reduced setbacks for accessory structures like pools, patios, and screening enclosures.
And in order to offset those waiverss, the uh applicant through negotiations with staff, rather lengthy negotiations, have agreed to additional 8th Street improvements beyond their required improvements further to the east. So, they're going to include additional curbing, milling, and resurfacing,
replacing some uh storm water pipes that go under Eth Street, and some enhanced crosswalk and signage, particularly to serve uh the elementary school on the north side. Also, that enhanced tree preservation conservation area along the south side of the property. Uh they're also going to provide a a more enhanced
covert crossing that will access their project, but it will also um provide access to one private individual lot that currently has a an old covert that more than likely needs to be replaced anyway. So, they will be securing access through the project. Uh in significantly
increased open space, and there is a 10-ft pedestrian easement at the northwest corner of the site. Uh this applicant group is also working on a different project in the area and there may be a a future possibility of connecting the two and providing a sidewalk improvement on the south side
of 8th Street which is currently a canal but may be piped in the future and provide a better pedestrian connection on the south side. Um the applicant did uh they're certainly not required but through
recommendation and and sort of uh a sentiment did uh host a town hall meeting with uh surrounding property owners was held on April 29th at 6 p.m. Approximately 30 uh property owners attended. Um the applicant and county staff did attend. It was really the
applicants meeting but staff was there to observe and you know answer any big picture questions. No design changes were requested or or implemented through this particular project. the other the project they also discussed did agree to an additional item but we'll we'll
discuss that when it gets to you all in the future and there were some operational type you know construction hours and stuff like that questions that were answered but there was no significant push back to this specific project from the surrounding property owners
and staff's recommendation is that the board grant approval of the PD reszoning request and the concurrent conceptual PD plan and preliminary PD plan for Floresa Gardens PD with conditions listed in staff's report and those include final tree mitigation plans and recording of the proposed
conservation easement, final street lighting design, landscape and buffer plans through the LDP, the final eighth street improvements through the rightway permitting process and construction and installation of all required improvements. Thank you.
Thank you. Anybody have any questions of staff waving? Thank you, sir. Um, with regard to public benefit, the enhanced uh tree preservation,
would you please speak to that? Sure. Oh, no. That's Yeah. Go to the PowerPoint, please. So primarily it's the area again along the south side and this is sort of a dual purpose uh in that not only is that sort of where the best vegetation is on
the property but it's also again a budding uh another subdivision that it was actually approved as a PD as well back in I want to say the '9s but they didn't go to smaller lots. They actually have 90 foot wide lots. So in order to both provide compatibility between this
project and the project to the south, but also to preserve additional uh green space, um this area as well as the the portion that is at the north west corner is over and above what's required and does help to protect um you know the the
natural habitat within the project and surrounding area. Um, in total it just it doesn't look like there's a lot of green um area. That's that's what I'm wondering. It's enhanced by how much? Right. So the open space calculation
that would be required per the underlying land use which is L1 is 40% and the project and the staff report is is 58 almost 60%. So it's 20% more than what's required. Well I guess 50% more than what's required. So how much space
is that? I don't have quantitatively uh well just shooting from the hip with math that's about 10 10 acres out of the 18. So what what are they counting as as open space? I mean to look at just to
look at this it doesn't appear to be uh significant open space what what are you counting as open space? Right. So you would so all of the perimeter buffers as well as the storm water the the upland side of the storm water um they are also allowed to account the on the lot open
space within each lot that's not lot coverage so it's in including the storm water correct is that what you said yes all right well because it'll have lal zones and and function as a sort of a natural area
and that benefit in your opinion that benefits It's the public. No, the No, that's a required improvement. It's the It's the enhanced areas at the Well, I said more open space that was listed as a public benefit. Yes, ma'am. And but if we're including
the storm water, um that doesn't it doesn't drive the the total is it's not benefiting the community, you know, at large. The community at large public benefit. Okay.
And let me just see one other thing on the street improvements. How um how many feet is that? I mean what's you know what what is really being improved? Right. So you're it at some point it mentioned I think it was 45 ft. No no that's that yeah that's 45
ft um is um from where Hampton Parks improvements currently terminate to 45 ft east of the um proposed project driveway. Then there's another I believe it's another 200 feet further uh east to the school driveway also technically oh
are we adding the two of them together or is it 245 ft then that's being 45 is the limit of the project required improvement. So it's 200 feet in addition to where the current terminus. So it's so we're talking about 200 feet then plus the portion that is this
parcel u because technically there's a there's a home that it kind of goes around. They're technically not on the hook for this segment here. But in order for it to be a continuous piece that's another 150 ft of lot width on the portion that's not their frontage. So
it's about 350 total feet of additional 350 ft. Correct. Okay. Thank you. And that's again that's mil it's curbing on both sides, milling and resurfacing replacement uh pipes underneath. It's basically going to have I don't know if you you've traveled the segment of 8
Street that is in front of Hampton Park, but it's going to have that type of u roadway segment compared to what's further east, which is a very narrow uh two-lane zero shoulder roadway. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Chairman, I have no questions. Um Ryan, a couple of questions in this development. They were there's two options. I I would assume they chose PND, the other's RS3. Can you
kind of explain the difference between the two? Yes, sir. M Mr. Chair, Commissioner Man. Um, so yes, with the underlying land use of L1, presumably they would be able to reszone to RS3 just through a conventional reszoning and then proceed
with a conventional subdivision. Um, the minimum lot width for RS3 is 80 ft wide. So they would yield fewer lots. However, um, they would not be required to do any significant buffering on three of the four sides. So, east, south, or west,
they would not have to do the 25 ft or in this case, 31 to 50 to 150 ft wide buffer. Um, they would have to do the 25 foot buffer along 8th Street, but that's just a very short segment. Um, additionally, they would not they would only be required to do what's truly
required of code, which would be again the eighth street improvements along their frontage only. Um, and no other signage or drainage uh off-site improvements. um we I can assure you we would not see the amount of preserved
area on site uh because they would want to capitalize on to develop that area. Okay. but in turn going to PD which PD under what I've always read was supposed to be
more beneficial to the buyers the the county and the developer self allows more creativity more u more leeway with the ex some some stricter policies by us such as buffer
open spaces and things like that is that correct that is correct Okay. So, we had those two options. My next question is traffic. Sir, we month or so ago, we had a area
down on 43rd Avenue off of before you get to the county line that I questioned about why are we dumping all the traffic on 43rd Avenue? you know, we we got we got through that and I think we're going to talk about it later. My my question on
this one is I'm very familiar with 8th Street. I'm very familiar with Heron Crest. I'm very familiar with with other ones. Heron Crest of course Hampton Park
Laurel uh Laurel Oaks down there all those subdivision plus a school being down there. So this is 44 units, 44 homes they want to put in here. Is that correct? Yes, sir. 44. 44. So that's
additional traffic and on a street again. What are we getting in the PND for enhancements to improve the traffic on on 8th Street? Because 8th Street from obviously for those subdivision,
those schools, 8th Street's also a main road all the way to 82nd Avenue because it's we're we're paving it this fall, I believe, from 66th all the way to 82nd. So, you've got all those people that
that travel down that way to get to 58, go to uh all the subdivisions down there like Pine Tree Park, all the homes that are there in that direction. Sure, they use Fourth Street, they use 12th Street, too, but but but 8th Street's getting a
lot of work yet. What are we what are we getting in enhancement for for adding a another PND subdivision? Sure. Uh, Commissioner German. Uh, so the 44 units, um, single family homes generally
generate about 10 trips per unit, give or take. Um, so our our threshold for even requiring a traffic study is is 400. Uh, the trip gen on this was 415. So it barely even tripped the threshold of requiring a traffic study. The traffic study did not require any
off-site improvements in terms of turn lanes or or other items. It's also tough because this site is on the south side uh of the canal. So they don't have the right they don't have the ability to dedicate right away to create an area. Um however I would I would say that the
just the milling resurfacing and curbing will certainly enhance the uh birectional traffic flow in that area. Again if you travel a little bit further east on 8th Street it's I mean it's hard to even keep the tires on the road. It's it's extremely narrow. there's no shoulder
whatsoever. Um, so it will be a better section of road, but it won't include turn lanes. And 8th Street at 58th and Fourth Street or um 43rd are both signalized already with left turn lanes. So there's really no intersection improvements that would would help uh of
a project this size. Okay. And what about say the internal sidewalks within the subdivision? What about I think the sidewalks are on the north side that correct with the school. The sidewalks on the north side and and and uh there's existing sidewalk for the
subdivision on the north side and then that serves the school, but there will be internal sidewalks with an enhanced crosswalk marking and and signage to to serve this subdivision if if there are any school age kids to go north to the the elementary school.
So in turn for this they the applicant is requesting you know to get the PND uh zoning on this they're requesting waiverss for lot size. So the lot size will actually become smaller. I know you explained the RS3 but the actual lot
size would be would be would be smaller. So we're looking at this you're looking at 10 foot width five foot easements on each side of the house or probably uh so total so on the smaller lot on the 62s it's a 6ft set setback but you got to double that
so it's 12t between the homes for the 70s it's 7 and 12 so it's 15 ft between the homes uh conventional RS3 would be 15t side which would be 30 between the homes RS6 which is another single family subdivision zone zoning is 10 foot size,
so 20 ft between the homes. So, it is it is reduced, but it's not, you know, it's not as low as some other subdivisions or plan developments. Okay. Um, you know, I've had this discussion
privately, not about this particular project, but about PND in general. Yeah, Mr. Sure. Um, Commissioner Man, not to conf Let's stay focused on this particular project, but we we will be bringing a a memo. The PNZ requested to have a a workshop with you all to
discuss the PD process in its entirety, which we're hoping to do in the fall. But excuse me, I'm just trying to make a point. I'm not talking about a discussion. I'm just trying to make a point on the PND. With regards to PND, we get a lot of PND requests for different reasons. We're getting a
PD request on this. I'm just saying some of the the PND requests on this mirror a lot of the other ones that that we've done that that we've approved. My point is I'm trying to make is yes, I
think in the further we need to relook at our P&Ds and and see what we're doing about that. So that's that's that's my point that that I'm I'm trying to make. And with that,
I also want to say that just because and I can tell the commissioner just because it's a land, we've got egg land wanting to change to a PND zoning it. We encourage that you know to try to fill up their urban service boundary
what we have but also it says in our comp plan we can also remain have you know remain some some egg area within the urban service boundary and also that too after reading the minutes of of this I
see some good points and bad points I think I mean I'm impressed you know there's their storm water looks like like it's like it's going to be well taken care of. But to use that as open space, I I don't know. I just I see a lot of
red flags here. I've gotten a lot of calls in the community about this. The people that I know that have lived there for many years. There's some there's some there's some uh you know, some some serious doubts about
that. and and I'm going to stick to my traffic thing because if you remember when we talked about the property to the down south on 43rd, my inclination is, you know, why are we always dumping this traffic on two-lane roads? And I think
that's that's uh not a good thing. And then what I was also saw in the u the minutes were that some of our planning and zoning commissioners Adams brought some good points such as Mr. Vot on the
six foot wide set on the side setbacks and other things and um I I just I just have some reservations about the character of this of this uh project.
So, I'm I'm I'm going to end it there and listen to what the rest of y'all have to say or if you have any more comments or even what the applicant has to say before I make a decision. Mr. Chair, thank you and and good morning
uh to Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Balter. So, we have to look at this as a singular project. Uh so somebody who I don't know purchased 18 acres and somebody uh has spent um I think in the PNZ I
heard over a year chatting with our staff about their plans. Um when we look at this as a singular item in that uh they are quote playing by the rules that we've established our comp plan uh
within the USB of course uh they have additionally indicated that these homes are between 6 and $800,000 proposed. uh they have met the requirements that we have established outside of anything
else any personal feelings any influences that you may have about adjoining neighborhoods and the like they have demonstrated uh I think the Mr. Sweeney is it 2.43
43. Yes, sir. Which this body has approved uh lesser densities. Is that correct? Excuse me. We've we've approved lesser than two. You've approved high or you've approved lesser or you've approved around we have in the past with similar
similar situated. Um, we've also, isn't it true we've we've uh included uh storm water in our calculations in other projects before percentage- wise? Yes, sir. That is part of the open space calculation, right? And that would be somewhat of a county recognized industry
standard, if you will. Yes, sir. We've also uh included as part of the PD we hear about what the public benefit is and absent uh the additional um improvements that we make would that
be born by the county. It's hard to say but eventually yes I I would I would venture to say. Right. So the the property owners who who knows who they are they have some some property rights to this property. Yes
sir. And development rights. Is that right? So if we look at it again singular and they have met with you continuously and they have met the four corners of the paper
and we have previously approved these and I agree with Commissioner Man. There may be some work we should do in the future with respect to PDS, but we're talking about a particular uh project today and we will make that decision
today. So they have met the requirements that we have established. In other words, if you wanted to build anything anywhere in the county and in fact they have met the requirements that that we've established, how can we as a
body say because we don't like uh you know for whatever reason we don't like this particular layout. We don't uh like uh I think the PNZ had expressed some um some concerns. In
fact, I think one member actually said, "I think I let my personal feelings get involved." Friends, we're not in the business of personal feelings. We're in the business of doing what is outlined not only by our comp plan, uh, and sticking to what we have done in the
past until some type of changes are made in the PD. Um, additionally, um, essentially this is a turnkey project for the county with respect to utilities, paving, curbing, uh, and water containment. Uh, and I
think that's important important that is not being borne by the county as well. Um, with respect to, um, the green space, if you will, uh, they are over and above what I read, which is required
by the county. That's correct. Yes, sir. So for this body I you know we all have different feelings and philosophies. Of course this is within the the USB and in fact I think the previous item we
turned 36 acres of something in the USB into uh environmental. Is that is that right? That's correct. So, we have a situation here where we're gaining and we're losing, so to speak, green space.
They're allowed to build this this subdivision by existing standards. And I'm not so sure how we can deviate from that. Um, I think uh briefly I spoke with general counsel about this yesterday uh about some things that that
could occur in the future absent us approving this. And the fact is we've approved very similar projects uh in this county. So that's something that this body must consider
and I'll yield my time chair. Thank you. I did have a follow-up question um and a comment. I'll start with the comment one. I would agree with Commissioner Earman and Commissioner Lure that we need to have a discussion on
public benefit and what that means and what everybody's understanding of what that means because in some instances a public benefit is a benefit for the public at large and then it's some instances a public benefit is
more of a benefit to the public that surrounds that particular project. um we all need to be on the same page as to as to what that means and understands and I would encourage us also as part of that discussion to discuss how green
space is calculated, how open space is calculated um and what goes into that because we have to be consistent in how we apply that here. staff is consistent and I appreciate that, but I think there
might be some um misunderstanding about what counts is is what. Um and if we don't like things that are being counted, then we need to change that policy. But right now, the policy is what it is. Um
so I appreciate you guys bringing that up and I really look forward to that conversation. Um my question, there's been some discussion um and there as I'm looking at the minutes, there was some discussion at the at the um planning and
zoning meeting about um compet substantial competent evidence for um making decisions on hearings. So I guess my question is is to the attorney. What constitutes
substantial competent evidence on which to base a decision? So I think um you're really looking at more factbased things when I've brought it up in the past when the when you're getting you
know 20 people out here saying I just don't like it. Saying I don't like it and I don't want to be like St. Lucy or something that's not competent substantial evidence. I do think um facts about the project. I think it's um important to if there if the board has
concerns that they that they articulate things maybe in the comp plan that that is a guiding factor. um policies that the county has. The in this case, this is a PD and that there is a purpose and intent section here of factors that the
boards to con, you know, can consider when granting a PD. It's kind of long. I'd be happy to read it, but I would urge people to um put their comments in a in a way that's kind of based on some based on facts, based on legitimate
known, you know, established policies of the board. Um, I don't I don't think it works just to say I don't like this. Okay. And I I just wanted to ask the county attorney to go over that because as we go through this, it's very
important to the process and the steps that things are tied to that part of the decision-m to substantial competent evidence to factual decisions. Um, I know
Commissioner Lure indicated that he had had a discussion with the attorney about what could happen, but um, I think we've all been through situations where if you are making decisions not based on the parameters of the playing field in
which this project is coming forward, it can end in a much different way than what you intend. I will just leave it at that. Commissioner, would it would it help if I read the purpose and intent language for the boards? Um, if the other
commissioners would like to hear it, that's that's totally fine with me. Um, the purpose and intent of this is your PD. The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish alternate schemes of land use controls via plan development zoning overlay district and
development process or a PD special exception approval process which promote the health safety comfort order appearance convenience and general welfare of Indian River County in a manner consistent with a comprehensive plan. This chapter is intended to one
protect the environment by affording opportunities and incentives for preservation of environmentally sensitive and important areas. Two, allow a diversity of uses, structures, facilities, housing types, and open space, buffers, and conservation areas
in a manner comping compatible with existing permitted and planned uses on adjacent properties. Three, allow for the residential development of agriculturally designated areas with a more compact design, which clusters units and preserves open space. Four,
encourage and allow for creative, innovative designs that promote more efficient and environmentally sensitive use of the land than generally achievable through conventional zoning and development regulations. Five, ensure that development will be compatible with existing permitted and
planned uses on adjacent properties by having projects according to limitations and mixtures of use, design, density, open space, conservation areas, and other elements stipulated in an approved development plan. Six, encourage and
allow a more efficient use of public services and facilities through designs not generally achievable through conventional zoning and development regulations. Seven, encourage the preservation and conservation of environmentally sensitive lands by
allowing the transfer of density from environmentally sensitive lands to uphold areas. And eight, encourage the provision of affordable housing by allowing a density bonus for projects containing affordable housing. So, I do think that your code um your land
development code has sort of outlined these types of um beneficial features and that's what I would urge the board to speak to as opposed to just sort of these generalizations. Thank you. And again, commissioners,
if our policies are not resulting in the projects or programs or whatever it is that we want to see, whether it's development or public works or utilities or whatever the case may be,
it is our job to change those policies. But when they come forward, this is where it stands and what we have to make that decision on today. Correct. Mr. Chair, so
essentially the PNZ did not give a reason to vote down this project. Are you directing that to Yes, ma'am. I I didn't actually watch the PNZ. I don't normally I mean I staff you the
board and my job is here to make sure it's a fair process and you understand what your code says but I don't another member of our staff. We try to keep it separated. I can't I can't staff the P and ZNU. I understand but I don't know
what they said but there was essentially no substantial reason to vote down this. I I don't know. Okay. I'm sorry. Um, for Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Balter, how often um
are we faced with these types of situations where PNZ has an adverse vote to staff recommendation? Uh, my 11 and a half years here, sir, once. Right.
Um, and you and your staff have hours and hours into this singular project. Yes, sir. And again, board, I'll I'll recognize that uh we're only as strong as our professional staff that we have.
We have to uh believe in our staff, uh our well-trained professional staff. and any indication that is not flamboyant to disagree with our staff. Um, the success of this agency depends upon trusting and
believing in our staff. Mr. Lord, I would also say we need to trust our planning and zoning people. They get a chance to look at this more in depth actually than we do. I would say it's all a a process. You have staff planning and zoning and then us. I would
say I would I would agree with equally important. I would agree with you as well. However, I would I would I would u take into consideration the um the relatively new members of the PNZ that perhaps haven't faced uh uh
something if we want to call this complex. And it also would uh weigh the staff's daytoday operations uh greater than I would the the PNZ board. Mr. Chair, just like to ask another
question. Um following up following Thank you. Following up on uh Commissioner Man's uh comments on traffic with regard to the traffic study, I'm looking at uh exhibit 4A and and exhibit 4B. And that has to do with
AM peak hour project traffic assignment and PM peak hour project traffic assignment. And with regard to 8th Street, this is the same uh on both in both exhibits. Uh the roadway in question is 8th Street.
The link is 58th A to 43rd A. And the last column is significant impact with a question mark. And the answer is yes. And it's highlighted in yellow. I did not highlight it. It's highlighted in
yellow. And that's for both AM and PM. It's actually a double yes for PM. uh peak hour project traffic assignment. So would you comment on uh the traffic
element of it? Uh also if I understand it correctly these are there are threecar garages. Is is that correct? I saw that somewhere Mr. Chair Commissioner Moss. Yeah, that that is what the applicant indicated. It's not a
requirement. Our our parking requirement is two per unit but I they did Will it be three? Is it that's that's the intent. So it'll be three. And could you comment then on on these significant impact uh yes and double yes on AM and
PM peak hour project traffic? Commissioner, I I cannot comment to that. Those are not my markings. Um that traffic study was approved by Eric Ferguson in his capacity as traffic engineer when he was here. Um but I can't claim to know what those markings
u really mean. I I mean I it's well just I I mean obviously just from reading it there it will be significant impact. I mean that's what it's indicating. So do you want to comment on traffic generally? Sure. The only thing I'll comment on is that the traffic study that was approved
by by Eric did indicate that no offsite improvements were required. Well, there was uh in the video I think the uh during the public comment uh portion of it, if I remember correctly,
there was someone who commented on traffic and traffic concerns in the town hall meeting. What concerns um if any uh were expressed? I know there were no design changes. I understand that. But you know
what? What concerns, if any, were expressed at that town hall since we didn't have the benefit of that. Commissioner Moss, I was actually at the town hall. Chris Balter, planning and development services director. Uh there was generalized traffic questions. They weren't generally uh focused on this
project. It was actually the other project that was a much larger project. Um there was general discussions of what the capital improvements element is and then our actual uh capital projects and how those overall projects feed into the traffic system as a whole. How we
program in over the 10-year period all of our cap uh capital projects and how they affect the road system as a whole. Um there was a slight discussion on both projects on any of the actual traffic related items that would be required out of any of the traffic studies. Um,
obviously any project that requires traffic improvements is required to do those as part of the approval. And then anything as a public benefit above and beyond that is what the applicant offers up to offset any of those um requests or
reductions in what our normal code is. So, it's a give and take and a back and forth process between the county and the developer to uh enter into that agreement of what they're willing to do and what the county is willing to accept for said reductions. Okay. Not to do with this project, but I
just want to um comment on my other my colleagues um interest in a workshop. Um I also am interested workshop on on this. Mr. Chair, may I make a statement, please? I I did want to make sure the
board understands that this is technically an appeal of the planning commission, but it's a hearing denovo, which means that you're hearing this matter a new. So I, you know, I've spoken with each of you because I've urged you to be open. Even though I think actually when you read Florida
statutes and quasi judicial hearings about land use matters, there's you considerable a lot more leeway um on expartite communications. you know, I've spoken with all of you and and said I want you to say on the record what it is that you've looked at so that the
applicant understands, but I do want uh just to make the point that you your purpose here is to consider the evidence in front of you and and and I know the applicant hasn't had a time to address. So, I just um I just wanted to put that in there. That's coming soon.
Thank you, Council. Anything further? Um, could could you put up the the map of the proposed subdivision? So, Mr. Chair, this is the where it's
located. Um, and then perhaps you the aerial or just the layout. That's what I was looking at. Um, okay. And again, north is to the right. Eight streets on the right there. So, how many units is that? Still 44. Excuse me. It's still 44.
It was 44 in the beginning. And you said that it'll generate uh how many trips per day? 415 total ADT. So, that's throughout the course of the day. I don't have the AM PM peak hours in front of me. Um, I apologize for that. It would be considerably less. I I just
want to make sure all the the facts are out there. The public benefit is that green space area and an improved roadway. Correct. What what's bullet pointed in the staff report, Mr. here is enhanced
tree preservation. Um the enhanced access and covert crossing specifically for the project that provides access to the one individual lot as well as um the eighth street improvements which is curbing on both sides, milling and reservicing, replacing two pipes
underneath 8th street which eventually could fail and then the you know the county's on the hook for uh and the 10-ft pedestrian easement which is probably a marginal benefit at this point unless the other project comes to fruition. In addition, uh, so
and one of the public benefit benefits is a an enhanced roadway, an improved roadway, and it is bringing on about 4 and what was that number? 415 415
additional trips on a roadway. Um I I know uh Eric Ferguson did the analysis, but you're here. Eric is not here. So what was the what was the level
of service that is calculated for that roadway? Mr. T, I'll be completely honest. I don't have the traffic study in front of me, but I do recall seeing level of service C at the inter correct. So, so we we're starting out with just about
a passing grade. Yes, sir. Just about a passing grade. Um and uh look at other projects and we we encourage
the roadway improvements, the developer agreements to ensure that we're far above that in the past. We we never strive for CD or E or F. Right,
Mr. Chair? our our level of service that is deemed acceptable does go all the way down to D. It's acceptable, but it's right at the edge. It's just a passing grade at this point. Okay.
Thank you. So, but we established the public benefit is the open space, including the pond site and an enhanced roadway. Yes, sir.
Okay. Sidewalks. What was that? Sidewalks. Oh, well sidewalk the crosswalk for the school. Yes. And uh a burm around the entire subdivision which would be foliated
and apparently the appearance will be enhanced. Yes sir. And that may be considered a public benefit too. A little costly for the trees. All
right. Well, uh, with that, is there any questions? Uh, any further questions here? If not, does the applicant have any questions of staff before we get to
the presentation by the applicant? Okay, I can ask a question. Staff, what is the acceptable level of service for roadways? What level of service do you approve, Mr. I really don't like wearing my traffic engineer hat given that I'm not a professional engineer. Do we have
somebody here that that can Let me just let me just suggest level D is acceptable, right? Yes. our comp plan allows level of service D except for one intersection which is E plus right so I just wanted to point out by asking that question when you say it's barely
passing that's that's not a correct understanding of what level of service means it's not like grades in a school it it can go all the way down to D you could probably add a thousand trips to this pro to this roadway and it might not get to level of service D so I just wanted to point that out and then
secondly um thank you word that Okay. It just wasn't clear to the public that you were aware of that the way the way you made answered stated your position. But second, Mr. Sweeney, are we comparing zero to 44 lots or under RS3,
couldn't there be as many as 37 homes on this property? Sure, Mr. Chair, Mr. Bquette. I mean, yeah, the underlying land use does allow for up to three units per acre. I would say, as I've said on the record before, if you were going to go conventional, typically you're going to yield about
two units per acre. So, I would say 36 units compared to 44 would be. So, so when you're when you're talking about the impact to the road, we're not talking about the difference between zero and 44. You're only talking about the difference between 37 and 44 because
eventually this property is going to be zoned to a minimum RS3. And so when you talk about the impacts to the road, please don't think of it as zero versus 44 homes. It's really 37 to
44 homes. But I just want to make those two points and and I'll make make the rest of my presentation when you when you allow me to present something as opposed to asking questions. Please you have any more questions to staff, sir? No, just those two for now. Thank you. Thank you, counselor, and I
appreciate the uh clarification. We'll now uh move on to a presentation uh by the applicant. Oh, you're back, council. It's me. Thank you. For the record, uh Bruce Bquette. I practice at Collins Brown Park Bquette
at 756 Beachland Boulevard. I'm here representing the applicant. Um I appreciate the comments of Commissioner Lure and Commissioner Adams. And I I want to point out this is not a situation where the applicant is trying to say we threaded
the needle. Haha, you have to approve it. A bad project. This that's not this situation. This is a situation where we're saying we have a very good project that we've worked closely with staff and with the neighborhood to to not only meet the requirements of code, but to
provide a good project for Indian River County. And as I said, the the the difference between what is being proposed here and what would be proposed in a standard RS6 RS3 zoning is a matter of maybe seven homes. But what you're
getting in exchange for that is probably summarized best in the ST county staff report. And I'm just going to read it for from a section from the report. says, "While the the density of the proposed PD may be similar to the RS3 zoning district, the difference is that
through the PD process, a project is held to stricter standards and staff has the ability to shape the project to minimize the impact it may have on the surrounding area through things like site design, increased perimeter buffers, and the requirement for public
benefits. So, that's the trade-off that Jurassic the and the and the ask in this case is not great. It's they're not this applicant is not seeking to exceed the minimum density. I mean, it's only two and a half units per acre versus three units per acre, which is permitted. It's
significantly lower than the the density that's permitted. I also want to point out that as your attorney pointed out, this is a denovo hearing. We're here because of a quirk in your code. Your code says if a if a a reszoning goes before planning
and zoning commission, their recommendation goes to you only if they recommend approval. If they recommend denial, you have to appeal that. That's a that's a quirk in your code. Every other code, planning and zoning only makes a recommendation. This wouldn't be an appeal. This would be just a regular
hearing in front of you, but for that quirk in your code. So, as your attorney said, this is a denovo hearing. It's really a brand new hearing. So, what was said at the PNZ, you you can read it. It's relevant. What the commissioner said is not competent substantial evidence. What
your staff report says is competent substantial evidence. That's based upon many, many, many Florida court decisions. The staff report constitutes competent substantial evidence. Um, I want to thank staff. I think Brian and and Chris and I think u
uh uh Brandon at the P&Z meeting did a really good job and they gave a thorough recommendation for approval. Um we were basically here to answer questions but but since you raised some issues I wanted to points out something else. It's not a policy that you recognize the
stormwater management plan stormwater management as open space. That's a code and that's not just for PDs. storm water. Storm waters are considered open space whether it's a standard subdivision or site plan. That's that's not a policy. That's code. You're not giving us any special benefit by
recognizing storm water as open space. You do that for everybody whether it's a PD or not. I just wanted to point that out. Um, again, as as Ryan pointed out, the applicant met with the the neighborhood of the neighborhood and there were uh several neighbors and and there and
although um there was some there were some issues about there were some questions about traffic. There was no serious objections as I understand it. and this and the applicant is has agreed to all of the staff recommendations and and supports the staff um the staff uh
recommendation for approval. I think um I do have Angie Vidder, the project engineer here, who could probably address more about traffic if you need her to, but traffic is a really good example of competent substantial evidence because as your attorney pointed out, it's got to be bas
competent evidence is evidence presented by somebody who knows what they're talking about basically. And substantial evidence is evidence that's related to the project. So, for example, if somebody came to you and said, "We don't like yellow homes." Well, that wouldn't be substantial. And if they said if a lay person said we're concerned about
traffic, well that's why you have a traffic study. You you you can't all due respect you don't have the authority to say we're concerned about traffic so we can't approve this. You have a code and your code says if you submit a traffic study and the traffic
study indicates that no external improvements are required and that the level of service will not be diminished below our acceptable standard by this project. That's your competent substantial evidence. You you honestly and I I I hate to argue with commissioners because you guys get to
vote and I don't. But you don't have the legal authority to say we think there's going to be too much traffic regardless of what the traffic engineer said. That's not based upon competent substantial evidence. I'm sorry. Again, I hate to argue with you guys, but that's just what the law is and that's what's fair. As Commissioner Laura
pointed out, this applicant has been before the planning zoning staff for more than a year to work this out. and you're getting, as Ryan pointed out, approximately 350 feet of improved roadway. And that's not for 44 homes. That's for six or seven homes. That's the
difference between RS3 and what this PD is. I can offer one more concession, Mr. Bar Nova, and his is in the audience. And he said, "If it's really bothering you that there's smaller setbacks on the 70 foot lots, which are the perimeter,
that's the only thing anybody from the outside can see, they can they could agree to 10-ft setbacks instead of seven and a half foot setbacks. Don't really prefer to do that. But if that's something that really is a a deal maker for you guys, then the we could agree to that modified condition on the perimeter
lots, which are the 70 foot lots, which are the only lots that anybody outside this project will see if they can see through the enhanced buffers, they could agree to 10 foot setbacks instead of seven and a half foot setbacks if that's a condition that you'd prefer. So with that, like I said, I've got Angie
Vidder, the project engineer. Um, I've got um Phoebe Prer, the uh landscape architect here, and I've got the applicant. Uh, we can answer any any questions you might have. Council, thank you. U, you suggested
that uh if the setbacks were increased, it may uh please the board or it may push this off the center line. one one of the issues that the county that the planning zoning board raised which I don't agree with because I've been to
you know I've been doing this for 35 years and I can tell you that once this project is built nobody's going to care and nobody from the outside is going to see it but if you think it's important the 70 foot lots which are the lots on the perimeter of the site plan Ryan if you put that up
there if you pull up their presentation So you see all the all the lots around the perimeter are 70 foot lots there. Most of them they can be raised those 70 foot lots can have 10-ft setbacks if
that's important to you. I don't think it makes a difference. I don't think you should require it. But if that's that's one of the issues that the planning and zoning commission raised. They were concerned about setbacks. Those could be 10-ft setbacks if necessary. That's all. And was that was that intention to be
negotiated at that time? No. No. He just mentioned it to me now when you guys were talking about it and said, you know, if that's if that's critical, we could make that change. Perhaps maybe it could have changed the outcome that moment. No, I don't think so. That that No, sir. It would not have changed the outcome at that moment. I I can tell you
I've read the I've watched the meeting and I've read the minutes. The commissioners that spoke against us said we don't like PDs and we don't like smaller lots. Period. There was nothing that was going to change their mind. That's my opinion. So, I mean, you know, I've always been honest with you guys. That's my honest
opinion. I You know what? You just made a very honest statement. You have Thank you. All right. And clear. And I I appreciate your uh clarification and and let me know if you have any questions for any of my uh experts. Excuse me, councelor. Let me know if you have any questions for any of my experts out
here. We can provide some more competent substantial evidence if you like. Representative board members have any questions of the applicant? I would like a explanation of the roadway improvements a little more
detail what we're what we are doing rather than just curbing. I'll bring up Miss Angie Vidder from MBV Engineering to explain that to you please. Hi, thank you commissioners. Thank you staff. I'm Angie Vidder with MBV Engineering. at 1835 20th Street, Bureau
Beach. And thank you for your question about the roadway improvements. We are going to be adding a type F curb and gutter. So it adds two feet on either side of the road. So it's going to widen the the path through 8th Street and give it a a better feel of, you know, you
have the road and not have just that straight off into the canal. It'll have that curb and give a little bit of safety for it. And we're also doing a midblock crossing for any kids that happen to uh join Floresa Gardens. They could cross that street and we're going
to be putting up those beacon midblock crossing where it's going to have the little light and it just be a very obvious this is a crossing that you need to pay attention to. And then if we're going all the way to Glendale Elementary with these improvements and we're going
to be restriping the school the school. Sorry, I talk with my hands. reriping the school zoning and adding some more signage. And we also worked with staff to help um the idea of a lower speed limit on this road. Right now it's at a
45 and that obviously during the school times it's at 20. Um but at other times it's 45. So it would be great for that to be reduced. That's going to be a county, you know, coordination thing, but we will be putting up the sign change for that and notifications for that as well. Um let me see what else.
And then we are improving the culvert. There's a culvert out there that you could actually see there's a little dip in the road already. So there's potential for that culvert to fail. And that's something that the county would have to do in the near future. And it's something that the the applicant agreed
to to do as part of this project. How big how big? Sorry. How big of a culver? It's um it's an 18 inch, but it's a CMP. It's corrugated metal pipe and those corrode. So we're going to be putting it in RCP. It's a concrete pipe. those last hundred years. So, it's a it's a great
improvement for that. And it is the the way the 8th Street drains into the canal. So, if it were to fail, it would, you know, would cause some drainage issues on 8th Street. 18 is big enough. Oh, yeah. That's it's currently functioning. Yes. Yeah, it's adequate.
Yes. And I don't know if if you would mind putting up the presentation while I'm here. Of course, I'll take any more questions that you have, but I just wanted to mention that this project is really unique in that there are no homes on any local roads. This project has
over 230 ft until you get to the first home. So, it's a really beautiful project. We have a park on the left of the entrance and we have the pond on the right. So, as you're driving down 8th Street, you know, it'll just look like a pretty green space with a pond. you know, you're not even going to see these
homes that, you know, maybe that's the concern that they're smaller lots and smaller setbacks, but those that won't you won't even see unless you're someone that is willing to buy, you know, interested in buying in there, then you'll be able to to see that and you know, you'll but it's your choice. You
know, if you want to live there, then then you buy there. That's the that's the point. But the the public at large won't even see these homes because they're too far back from the road over 230 ft. And then another thing that I um
wanted to mention is the enhanced I know you guys were you know concerned about the open space calculation. Oh yeah I can get to these two. The native preserve is more than required and we're providing 25% n uh preservation of native community
plant community on site and 15% is all that's allowed. So, we're 10% more on this project. And so, that's a that's a great benefit to nature and the public that we're providing more. Um, we're doing I mentioned a bunch of these other things. Um, and the Millionary Surface,
so the whole road will will have the appearance of being new. You know, that it's a benefit to the public that that portion of 8 Street all the way from Hampton Park to Glendale Elementary will have be mil and resurfaced and, you know, look new. And then the last one I just wanted to
point out real quick while why while we're doing these presentations. So this is a PD that was it's that was built about 19 years ago. And this image here shows the buffer. It's a 25 foot buffer. And you can barely even see a roof. There's like one tiny roof you can see.
So I just wanted to let you know that, you know, this is visual evidence of a PD that was approved in the past that these buffers work. They they're meant to buffer so that it's compatible with the surrounding uses and that you're you know you don't you have that feel of a
nice buffering and it's not all these row homes that you maybe have a visual visualization in your brain. That's not what you're going to see. You're going to see, especially on this project with the homes being so far back, you're going to see a nice buffer. And we have the landscape architect here that should
be happy to help you visualize even better than I can as the civil engineer as to what it will look like in the future. But it it'll be a really nice product, a really nice setting. Any other questions? You mentioned the RCP uh pipe uh for the
covert. That's a requirement, correct? No, sir. Not for not for we do go with Let me still go with galvanized. We we require RCP for county required improvements. Yes. But that's that would not be a requirement. No, I I understand that, but I just you know, we would not
allow CMP. We we do not authorize the That's correct. Gal galvanized pipe. Correct. Because of the deterioration factor. Yes, sir. Okay. Yes. Certainly. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? Anything else? Mr.
Chair, may I make just another statement, a couple statements about this process and your approval authority? Thank you. Okay. Um because u Mr. Barquette mentioned um what competent st substantial evidence is. I
mean I will say that the PD process is it's an optional zoning process and I read you the types of um purposes that so what it says in your code is waivers to various when it comes to you
for approval waiverss to various land development regulations may be approved by the board of county commissioners. In addition, the board may impose on plan development project approvals such other conditions or restrictions which the board feels necessary, notwithstanding that such restrictions or conditions may
not be expressly provided for in the county's land development regulations. In other words, this is a a little bit of a different um land use process where you're kind of negotiating with the developer. And I would I would urge you to I if you feel like you're not getting
the benefit you're looking for that's that's enumerated here that you express what it is the public benefit you're looking for. In other words, I think that is the a type of dialogue that is is um helpful or could be done
in this type of process because this isn't a zoning of right. Um you're trying you're trying to get to that. Staff's tried to negotiate that for you. So I I did want to inject that so there's a better understanding of this. Okay. Thank you,
Mr. Chair. You know, I like the I mean the 10 foot setbacks are a plus for me. I mean I I understand we probably nobody would probably notice, but that's a that's a plus. Well, they said they would entertain
that if that was a game changer. I don't know if that's actually proposed. They just proposed the proposal. Yes. The the applicant has offered to provide 10 foot setbacks on the 70 foot
lots. Yes. doesn't really want to do it but agreed to it. Yeah. Thank you councelor for the clarification. Further here from the board. If not
we'll move on to any public input. If you were duly sworn in we encourage you to make any statements regarding this matter. Seeing none, given ample opportunity,
we'll now go to uh any final presentation or argument if necessary by county staff. None, sir. Rest. Anybody the applicant? Thank you.
With that, we want to make sure that uh all documents uh and tangible evidence, if any, have been admitted into evidence and are in the hands of the clerk. Madame clerk, thank you. County staff uh
agenda materials are automatically admitted into evidence unless there is objection. Seeing none at this time we will close the public hearing. Mr. Chair, I would move approval staff
recommendation with the uh recommendation that Mr. Barquette has recently identified. 10 foot 10 foot. That's my motion, sir. We have a motion. We have a second for discussion. I guess my question is for my fellow
commissioners. What What are you guys looking for in this that you're not seeing or what's I'm well for for instance please go ahead just the uh okay the the the
potential for traffic and the traffic study I mean Mr. Marquette made it clear. I mean, I may drive it, but I'm not a traffic engineer, but uh I just continue not with just this subdivision,
but all our subdivisions or plan developments that we need to take a harder look and get more up toate traffic information for this. That seems to be the biggest complaint that I'm hearing is more traffic on the roads. I mean, this this
property was once a citrus. It was it was nothing spectacular in regards to um what it was. It was just a you know, it was the Robertson's uh citrus grove on
both sides of 8 Street there. She on both sides and the Hire's family obtained it from the Robinson family when they're when they all passed away. and um you know the one of them has become the Hampton Park on one side and
this side now wants to be another one. So that that's that's just my biggest thing with that. I'm I'm glad to hear some of the improvements. Um I've heard from some of our folks down there that have contacted me that
they they didn't like it. But of course, we all know that nobody that lives here likes new development um per se. But uh that's Commissioner Adams. That's where kind of where I'm at right right now with this whole thing. And that you
know, frankly, I mean, I'm going to say it. I I don't I just as as long as this is not turning into what I saw a PND be on the other side of the road at Hampton Park. Um, for myself, I'm not seeing uh
sufficient public benefit. And I understand from our conversation, uh, the board's conversation that can be viewed different ways. Um, but for me, um, I I don't see significant or sufficient, uh, public benefit.
If I can ask a followup, Commissioner Moss, what would be a sufficient public benefit? I'm not prepared to state that at this point. And I haven't spent a year, you know, studying this. So, I was just curious what what would what would be a
I mean, this, you know, enhanced tree preservation and that kind of thing. I'm just, you know, I'm not I'm not seeing it. I'm not seeing it. I mean, the diagrams that were shown, um, you know, these things, it's easy to say, but to to quantify it, I'm not seeing it
quantified. You know, some of some of the things that were said. Okay. And then um I have a question to follow up on Commissioner Earman's comments about traffic and and traffic studies I guess for um
you guys. When a traffic study is done, walk me through that in like kindergarten terms. When a traffic study is done, um, it indicates whether or not that road can handle the additional
trips that might come from the project, whether it's a commercial or residential project. Correct. Yes. In its most basic terms, certain roadway configurations have a a capacity that they're able to
util or to to handle. And then the project is also u there's a set amount of trips that are generated depending on use and those it's it's a mathematical and if a traffic study indicates that that roadway does not have the capacity
for the project the project is required to make upgrades to meet capacity. Yes, they would have to provide a capacity producing improvement. Is there ever a time when a traffic study indicates that
there's not capacity and the project is not able to have the opportunity to make the changes to build that capacity and then is not able to move forward in rare instances but more often than not there the capacity producing
improvement is identified like a turn lane or additional adding additional travel lanes if it were something sizable. And who sets who sets that cap that level of service and capacity? Our comp plan and our
code. Our comp plan in our code. So if we wanted to adopt a different level of service and base future projects on or capacities and traffic studies on that. That's the commission's prerogative. Prerogative. Correct. Okay.
So right now the traffic studies indicated that in order to meet capacity for this project X Y andZ traffic or improvements need to be made and that's what has been included in this PD plus additional ones for the
surrounding area. Correct. Okay. So, I I understand and I don't necessarily disagree with some of the points that Commissioner Moss and Commissioner Earman have made as far as what's a public benefit. Like for me, we hear
this in the in different projects that they're putting in a clubhouse. Well, a clubhouse to me is not necessarily a public benefit because it's just for that group. And then you have the other argument, well, but now they're not on the roads going to parks, so maybe it's keeping trips down.
And I can understand, and that's not in this situation. I'm just walking through my definition of public benefit. And I can understand, you know, sometimes that additional buffer might not be what we would think is a public benefit because the public can't
really see it. It's in the back or the sides of that project. But the counterargument to that would be that the people behind it and on the sides, you know, avail themselves of that. And those are trees that may not be, you know, torn down that might otherwise would have, which is why I I do think
having some kind of conversation about what everybody can agree to moving forward would be very beneficial to prevent some of this. But as far as the the traffic goes, Commissioner Erman, I don't I guess to both of you, I don't feel like we have
I guess we y'all we can all do whatever we want, but based on the parameters and the policies that we have in place right now, it it meets those requirements. Um, for me, does it meet the requirements in the most magical way I'd like it to meet
it? Not necessarily. But, you know, that's the that's the playing level that that's those are the rules of the game that we have. And they've they've met the rules and done a little bit more. Um, would I want to live in a house that
has small setbacks? No. But I I don't want to live in town either. That's why I live all the way out, you know, by C-54 where I don't have to see people. Um, but that is, you know, that's a that's a choice. And so not every house is for
every person. Um but you know, so th those are just I really do understand where you guys are coming from. Just for me, I I worry about if everybody's meeting what they're supposed to be doing. I feel like it's our job to change those rules
if we don't like them. But if somebody's meeting those rules and then to tell them that's that's not good enough, that's us not doing our job of setting the rules right that we can agree to so everybody knows what they're dealing with when they come to the
table. Mr. Chair, thank you for that. U please, just as a reminder, this is a singular project. If you recall, months and months of studies of the USB included our traffic
uh studies as well when we discussed that in length. Um this particular project we must be focused on if we want to talk about things in the future and that's for us to adjust uh our code and our land use I suppose with with staff and a consensus.
But today we're talking about a singular topic uh that meets the criteria as established by our existing rules and policies, if you will. And to deviate from that would be to
contradict our professional staff's recommendation. perhaps well said, but um there are still concerns and I've heard uh uh some accounts and you made one today about um
I let my personal feelings get in the way uh that you heard one of the individuals had stated. Um and and and and I understand that there are personal feelings. Uh again uh
we have to uh make a determination on as we are obligated to do on what's available, what's allowable. Um the debate on uh
public benefit was uh I I think it was uh very interesting and I think that it needs to be addressed. uh we need to identify uh it's very difficult to place a barometer on hey wow look at this
public benefit. It's not always a theme park. It's not always recreation. It's not always accessibility to uh a conservation environment. Uh it's not free passes to the pool. It's there are
many different levels of public benefit. And that's why I wanted to point out what the public benefit is here or perceived is an enhanced roadway to offset the increased traffic
and some open space which will not be really accessible to the public uh in any great fashion. So, how could we place any
element of assessment on the public benefit? I I just don't see how we can we don't have the tools in the toolbox to be able to say, well, this counts as a a six on the public
benefit scale or this one in increases the value of our consideration on another element of because it is public benefit. I believe it's very difficult and we're outclassed with uh with the
absence of an assessment tool, an evaluative process to ensure that we have that. We we do assess traffic. Um, I have a different concern and I I appreciate the the council's
um uh assessment and uh again clarification that a level C is not equivalent to the level C that some receive in a parochial school. Uh I I get it. Uh, and again, we
can go back to grade school and when you hear level C, that's what we we hear. Um, but in all actuality, it's still not an increased value. The public benefit to that we would have at that
intersection. Um the area has been um known for increased congestion, increased the area, not that particular site. Uh and uh it's always a concern as
we're hearing so many times uh about uh developments any developments impact. Uh again, we've had uh some discussion. It's debatable, but um that's my primary
concern just by appearance of seeing the layout of of this uh plan. uh that this could be an incubator for uh a heavier element of traffic especially when we're
talking about uh these are not um uh considered the and we haven't even discussed that but these are upper end homes so you're going to have people that are getting back and forth to uh
workplace and uh activities ities. Uh I I see a lot more congestion. Uh I see a lot more congestion than just the evaluative process of well it's a level C. Um again we have those in many areas
in in River County where uh it has been assessed staff has assessed uh the traffic engineer has assessed that we'll be at a certain level and it turns out those intersections
uh have to be redone and redone again. Um again, um while the intersection has nothing to do with, um with this, uh decision,
uh I will just recall back how many times have we enhanced some of the our major roadways. So, I don't I don't want to be shortsighted about the traffic burden.
I would like to look at the long-term effect and uh it still has concern. I'm encouraged by the the setback uh the increase. Uh I I think that'll give a
better appearance, but that also doesn't offer another public benefit. Again, what I'm trying to say is uh we don't have the information or we don't have
the tools to be able to evaluate that public benefit. I I'm not excited about the public benefit. Um and it's not a personal uh matter. I just it's a numerical Gotcha.
assessment. Add one. Oh, please. it. We've talked about public benefits and we we've heard I don't I don't know this would help your argument, but I I believe a 44 homes with a minimum $10,000 impact fee and then
perpetual property tax on 6 to $800,000 of 44 homes, you'd probably have, you know, $8,000 in property taxes. Uh, and I know with your past experience, generally speaking, if you have a
neighborhood of $600 to $800,000 homes, uh, your call for service volume is decreased. If if you want to look at that as a public and we've always said that that uh, growth should pay for itself. I think this is a fine example
that growth is paying for itself. That's hard to argue. It's hard to That growth pays for itself. Development pays for itself. Growth. Well, this is within the USB. Of course,
within the USB. Yeah, I understand. Anything further? Yes, sir. So, we have a motion on the floor and a second. Motion by vice chairman and seconded by
Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Opposed? Nay. Motion fails. Two to three.
with commissioner airman, commissioner moss and myself the same thing. Thank you all. Anybody need a break before we continue on? We will recess briefly.
meeting will now be called back to order and we're up to uh item 13G1 which is uh through uh the offices of the uh manage office of management budget changes in administrative policy manual section 400
expenses. Good morning, commissioners. Yes, barely. Just barely. Jennifer Hyde. I'm the procurement manager for the county. Um, at the administrator's request, um, he and I and the county attorney have been meeting with, uh, the clerk and his
staff and a lot of our department heads just to look at all of our different procurement related practices and policies and and find ways that we can make them easier, better, and uh, more transparent. So, um you'll be seeing some specific changes to the purchasing manual and the code presented to you um
in August is our plan. Um but right now we wanted to get your buy in on some changes to uh the existing travel policy and also the addition of a uh food purchase policy. So, our travel policy was last updated in 2017 and there's a redline version of that um in the agenda
packet. Um, a few of the the changes proposed are one an extension of that policy's applicability outside of just county staff and the commissioners. Um, we want that to also apply to any contractors who are traveling on our
behalf, consultants, um, adviserss, and then also folks that we're bringing in to interview for some executive positions. We want everybody to be playing by the same rules. Um, another change that we've always presented, the uh, county administrator and the county attorney have always presented their
agendas or their itineraries for out of travel, out of state travel as one agenda item. And so we kind of reflected that in the policy to that to be standard policy. Um, we eliminated some restating of items and specific dollar amounts that are already that are
detailed in statute. And so we just refresh reference the statute itself. Um changes related to actual travel um include as an exciting feature, we're allowed to use PECards now for airfare, conference and event registration fees and parking
fees. And we also clarified that we shouldn't be using valet parking on the county's dime unless that's the only option available. We should be self-p parking. Um and one other significant change is that um reimbursement for uh mileage for folks who uh are already
receiving a vehicle allowance was uh not possible unless travel was outside of the county. That's kind of been updated to make it just a 50-mi one-way uh window. Um those are the key changes to the travel policy. Did y'all have anything
any questions or anything you wanted to discuss about the changes? Does anybody have any questions of the updates and changes? Nope. Thank you. Okay, great. Then I'll move on to the purchase
vehicle like travel to Fort Pierce or Stewart is that not so if if you're getting a vehic if you're getting mileage allowance or a vehicle allowance as part of your pay and it's not more than 50 miles one way then you wouldn't
be getting reimbursement for it. So the the only other thing I would add is that some of the authorizations have been distributed down. It's not all resting on the county administrator. It'll be relying upon the deputy county administrator or assistant county
administrator and then at certain levels are department heads. So everything doesn't have to flow and like get wait to come all the way up to the chain. But it will still be reported to you ultimately. Yes. Yes. And especially for out of state travel
too. All out of state travel, right? Where authorization uh may may take place at that level. Uh you as the county administrator will be noticed of these transactions as it relates to probably more likely out of state travel
because even some certain day travel I don't not aware of on a daily basis if if it's approved. But um but this is just kind of when it comes to the out of state travel, we're really kind of So you you're not removing your um
obligation and authority. Uh it's it's a matter of uh making it easier for operation. And in addition, uh again, at the end of the day, uh you're you're still totally accountable
and this won't be reported to you after the fact. Yeah, I mean we're essentially trying to put power down into the department heads and the count the deputy and the assistant county administrator's hands to make those decisions and if there's any issues certainly I'll be aware of
them. Okay. I I just want to make sure that there's an open line of communication and and that uh you since we hold you accountable for these expenditures that uh you it is reported to you in some way, shape or form. um
before the fact. Is that accurate? Yes. For especially because the out of state travel I can tell you the upcoming budget you'll find that I don't think there's any out of state travel and and I I I agree that the the authority should lie uh closest
to the front line uh as far as the uh approval process. But uh I just want to ensure that you're you're still notified of of these matters. Yes. And and then on the front end I review in the budget review
process all the requests for travel and the travel budgets. Thank you. Yeah. Further. Well, okay. Um, I'll move on to the uh food items policy, which will be a new section 403.1 in the administrative
policy manual. And this is to address the need for food at special events such as those hosted by our recreation department. Um, for employee training meetings and for times of extended operations when staff can't leave where they're working uh to get food and we need to make sure that they're getting
uh food so they can keep going. Um and then also the goal is to allow for stocking of food items for resale to the public. Um the whole entire food policy is aligned with our procurement policies and they all require a pre-authorization
by the department head. Um some highlights of the policy for training events. The purchase of meals is to be authorized only if the session will go more than four hours and attendees can't leave. The maximum per person spent is going to be $6 for breakfast and then $12 for lunch or
dinner period. For special events, the cost of the food's got to be justified by the revenue that's going to be brought in by the events. Purchases can be used by either purchase order or the use of the county pec card and following our standard procedures. So, this is just kind of putting a a
line of steps to to purchase food in front of our our staff. And again, we use a pre-approval form as documentation and justification and to document the approval. Um, the policy addresses an established maximum tip percentage of 20%.
And, uh, we think it's really going to be great to help streamline f stuff, especially for our recreation department. Um, so if there are questions about the food items policy, I'm happy to answer them. Um, otherwise, staff recommends the board approve the revisions to the travel policy and the
addition of the purchase of food items policy in the administrative policy manual. Although about six and 12 anymore that matches the amount as it relates to actually travel that's in the the statute for the state that the state establishes. But I agree.
that I stay with the the I believe in staying with the guidelines and again but sounds like you might have to pack a lunch you know but uh uh that'll cost you $5.
No, that or a granola boss, but uh I I don't I don't believe it's uh it's it's wise to go beyond that. Um again, you can either make do uh uh again and show the
respect and be good stewards for the taxpayer dollar. often times uh choose not to travel if the if the benefit is not sufficient. So when it comes time for the pedam
uh I'm I'm I trust you'll you use the entire day's pam on one meal but u that's the way it is and we have to be conservative. Anything else? Second. I have a motion
by Vice Chairman Law, seconded by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion? All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Move on to uh I guess we have the the
National Golf Foundation Report. Uh yeah, it's good afternoon, Mr. you. Yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and commissioners. I have Bella Naggi, our director of golf here, and Richard Singer from the National Golf Foundation. Uh, this is an opportunity for us to open a discussion
on what we'd like to see, uh, as far as a business model is concerned once the Sandwich Clubhouse construction is completed. Um we have in our bond financing securing that commitment uh have already made a decision to bring
the food and beverage operations in house because our legal advice is that you cannot have a certain amount of private activity benefiting from a publicly financed endeavor. So, we are excited in so far as this is a um
rebirth or um rejuvenation of the model that made Sandridge successful when it first opened in 1987. Um we'd be seeking the reinstatement of the liquor license that supported that operation and the uh food and beverage
services that were offered in house. uh that was from 1987 through 2016 when we endeavored to privatize it to a concessionire and as all of our privatizations will be very sensitive to that transition and the employees that are affected. Um but today we're just
going to kind of open a discussion for you and then ultimately give you the report from the National Golf Foundation. So I think we have just a few slides to give you um an idea of where we're headed. Okay. 1987. So, uh, trivia question here
is that this is not the second clubhouse to be constructed. It actually will be the third clubhouse. You're looking at the first clubhouse that was um, established in 1987. um you know and along our fiscally conservative roots
and badge of honor that we wear in maintaining that philosophy as we just heard with the food policy u this building is still in use today and actually serves as the um staffing headquarters at the Donald McDonald
campground and um is also home to our amateur radio club. So u just a little bit different uh in the bottom picture you'll see but again uh as I said at the groundbreaking this is a sandwich is is the is the idea brainchild of the commission. So I want to thank you
again. January 18th 85 commissioner Dick Bird received a market evaluation from none other than the national golf foundation who was here today recommending the creation of a golf course for Indian River County. Uh the dunes course opened for play in ' 87.
Lakes open for play in '92 along with the current clubhouse. And this is our current organizational chart um that shows you the various duties that are shared amongst myself, Bella, and John. Um you know, it's a 364
day operation. Um it has currently four full-time employees um and several um part-time employees. And it's very consistent with how we manage our venues across the county with a model that has
ownership, if you will, in the uh permanent or full-time employees that are responsible for the operation and then they manage with several part-time employees. I'll let Bella talk about the total rounds and revenue. You can see um the
chart speaks for itself, but um Bella, why don't you present this slide? All right. Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. Um, yeah, prior to CO, we're pretty much uh the same for rounds of revenue for many years and then COVID hit and all of a sudden golf just
experienced this huge boom uh not just here but all across the country. Uh where last year we did 129,000 rounds of golf and $5.6 million in revenue which uh we we justcliped 4 million in 2021 for the first time ever. Then the
following year uh two years later 5 million. So it's been a huge huge success uh last 5 years um since co uh and we're on track this year to to beat that revenue um by quite a bit and our
rounds about being about the same. Um yeah, we host many events. We just got done this past weekend with the Florida State Golf Association Public Wings Championship uh which had 75 participants from all around the state. uh the AJA which is the American Junior
Golf Association which is a national event for and probably the PJ tour for uh junior golf as well as a division one uh women's event back in March u plus many other you know with 44 um outside events uh including the United Way uh
chamber of commerce Mary Schneider golf tournament more and then there's our events that we put on ourselves including our Treasure Coast Amber Championship which is our flagship event that Bob Kamarinet started many many years ago go. Um, and this weekend's red, white, and blue uh tournament, which is uh been sold out for more than
a month and a half. Um, plus many leagues uh for men, women, children, and uh couples uh that we have uh throughout the year. So, it's a busy place, and I'm I'm really welcoming the opportunity with this new clubhouse to take us up to
another notch. So this is just a list of the current venues that we operate under the current model. Formerly known as the general services department, which I acted as department head over the years enhancing and building these venues. Um they're all run very similarly in that again
they have um a handful of full-time employees that manage several part-time employees at various um 7-day operations. Um but now I think it's time to um take it up a notch into the next level of sophistication in managing what
now will be a full-scale restaurant. Uh a fullscale banquet facility, a mobile beverage service on course and then a turn building uh food and beverage um operation that will be on site between
the courses for ease of pace of play. Um so all all of these will be managed by different um um positions that will be uh created over the next year. Ultimately it may just line up with the
um fiscal year um budget if we if the construction lines up. We could be planning this in March and actually uh cutting ribbon and uh working within the 27 fiscal year budgets. it may just line up just right.
Uh but we'll have to have some flexibility in that regard. Uh but we we won't be able to continue to operate as we have and all these venues are thriving. It's just this one is going to take um a higher level of service. So uh with that um we have the National
Golf Foundation's report. Bella will let you introduce the foundation and Mr. Singer. And I will tell you as a spin-off of the foundation um Bella has established the Florida Municipal Golf Association and that is a professional association now that much like many that
we all belong to is uh thriving and is has um probably over 30 members throughout the state and we do meet twice a year and we collaborate and that's how we u engaged Mr. Sanger for this report. Bella. Yeah. Back in 2004 is when I started the Florida Municipal
Golf Association. In 2011 uh met Mr. Singer um who's with been with the National Golf Foundation since 1989 and he does a lot of statistical research and consulting for a lot of uh municipalities uh who are considering building golf
courses or renovating and uh we brought him on board to uh help us out with this project. So without further ado, I want to introduce Mr. Richard Singer. Yes. Thank you, Bella. and um great to be here uh to before you all. I know that you're a lot of you are seeing me
for the first time, but I can certainly tell you you all have been a big part of my life for for the last couple of months in in working on this project. Um it's been an honor to be your uh to be your consultant on this and as I find out we my company was also your consultant when you first built this
project uh before I even came to the NGF even though I've been there for a very long time. Um, we had prepared a very thorough uh report for you for Indian River County on the uh on the clubhouse uh edition and the potential upgrade of that. And a significant part of that
report was talking about how important it was for you to modernize and to create a facility where you have a match of quality with the quality that you have on your golf course playing area to make sure that your clubhouse and support amenities match that quality.
And it sounds like from everything I'm hearing that that everybody uh in the county seems to be on board with that. Um so um it, you know, it seems like you're going in that direction. So I think there were other things in the study that I wanted to um bring to your
attention. Um primarily two key areas of focus in our study uh for you about the implications of adding a new clubhouse to the San Ridge golf club. I think first we had presented some case studies for you. Uh some research that we had
done on some other municipalities in the South Florida area that have added new clubouses to their municipal golf courses in recent years. Uh particularly in North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Martin County. And um we presented
you with some kind of lessons learned, if you will, about some of the things that had gone on with those um with those uh developments. And um I think a lot of it involved really just some basic involvement of staff in the development,
design, and construction process of building new clubouses. Um I heard a lot of complaints from um staff members who you know they didn't ask me they didn't involve me when they designed this or when they built this. And there are basic logistical flows and simple things
that really uh you know you could really avoid by having your staff involved in the design and construction process of a new clubhouse. Um so the operative word is no surprises. I think that's what a lot of the staff were were conveying to me that they were surprised by certain things in the design and construction
where closets were located, where storage was located, how the kitchen was laid out. All of that really um you know took them by surprise and it and it created problems for them. Um I think secondly, we want to make sure that you understand how this is going to change
your operational profile of the Sand Ridge Golf Club. It's more than just adding a new physical space to to the property. you're going to have to think about how you're going to change the entire operational profile of San Ridge Golf Club going forward. And we tried to lay that all out for you as part of this report as to what that is going to look
like. And I'll have a little more about that in just a minute. Um and the third thing is um in these case studies, in each case with North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Martin County, they all engaged a private vendor to run their food and beverage operation uh
through a contract situation. And in all three cases, they had to either eliminate or adjust that and either go back to a self-operation model um or at least adjust the uh the contract model that they had. It just it wasn't working. I know North Palm Beach has
replaced their um uh food and beverage operator and Palm Beach Gardens has gone through at least two or three different contracts and Martin County eliminated their private operator and tried to take more direct control over their situation with the new clubhouse. So, I think it was a really interesting little bit of
case study and lessons learned um about how, you know, the the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, right? I mean, it's the idea that we'll have somebody else run our food and beverage for us. It's it's not necessarily the uh the best solution. U the second key piece and you and you
can go is um going back to the idea about how the operational profile is going to change. Um, in our report, we had presented a pretty detailed um, organizational chart and staffing plan for the new Sandridge Golf Club with the new clubhouse. And I'm really pleased to
see from what your staff has uh, presented is that they seem to be matching with what the NGF has recommended for for staff in in this uh, in this new situation. Um, you know, it looks like you're taking seriously what what we had recommended for it. Um, I
think that it's a appropriate move for the evolution of this property and to create that match between the golf course playing area and the support amenities like the clubhouse. Um, and it looks to me like the uh, you know, the county has taken that all very seriously
and you're starting to to get your ducks in a row, so to speak, to be ready to move in uh, when the new clubhouse is open and and ready to go. And um, it looks like the staff is going to be adequate for what we had recommended for you. And it looks like your your staff
has decided to to make a match for that, the on-site staff with the um you know with the food and beverage operations. So I I think that uh was was covers it and um the basic key pieces of that report and uh I guess we're all available for your questions. Richard, if I may, the the yellow represents the
new positions and the green is the existing positions. Now of course we in any county always look for efficiency. that department head may share some other duties. Um, we've had some preliminary discussions about establishing an Indian River County Sports Commission. That's all
with the cooperation of the existing play treasure coast. The dialogue is uh very positive and um, you know, that potentially could fall under this umbrella along with the management of the um, Major League Baseball's Jackie Robinson Training Complex. So we we'll
seek to gain as much economy of scale as we can out of that department head. And then of course the yellow is the support staff on the food and beverage side that we'll need to move forward. Richard. Yeah, I'm good. And we'll take your
questions if you so choose. Yeah, I have questions. So go back to that slide. So, are you planning to turn Sandridge into its own department then? Is that what this indicates? Uh, it's a generic term. I mean, it's going to have to have
some executive oversight um to run all these divisions. And we're planning to add a food and beverage manager and then an assistant, an executive chef, a special events person, and a grill manager. So, we're
getting into the hospitality business. That's the recommendation in the NGF report. So, this just reflects that. That's why we're here to discuss or discuss over the next several months. Okay. I thought we I thought the idea
last I spoke to you guys was to contract that out. We're going to bring it in house. We have a restriction under the financing um obligation that if 10% of the uh revenues are go to a private entity
that we does not qualify for financing be considered a private activity their interest rate and you lose some of the tax exempt status. There's a couple models that maybe we should discuss that that that was the advice we got from bond. Okay. Well, I'm just saying
this as somebody who if you want to bond operates food and beverage services and also operates one that is freestanding and one that is in another venue that does a lot of
special events. I I I I have a lot of concerns about how this is going to look and who is going to have the knowledge to oversee that and make sure that it is running on the level that you
guys want it to run on. There's a lot of money in those positions. Those are going to cost you a lot. So, I just I I don't know what the end like I wasn't really prepared for this conversation today. I didn't realize
that what this was going to be, but I Well, I got this back up this morning. So, I don't I don't know when you might have gotten it, but I also would have thought that that would have been done maybe
before the design of the building. So I I it's just it's going to cost a lot of money to do this. I don't know. I guess we are not we are going to we're going to be more than just a municipal golf facility. Our goal is to compete
with like Quail Valley and John's Island and those types of things with this type of thing. That's not that's not it. Okay. No, I mean it those um those establishments are at a much higher level than Sam Ridge could ever I I
didn't know because you have a special events person and then an executive chef and then a food and beverage manager which perhaps Richard can expound on how uh you know this is all in your report Richard so what led you to these um recommendations yeah I think that what we were looking at is to try to help you
match the service profile with the physical space that you're creating um that has been uh some of the feedback that we got also from our case studies was making sure that you had the service to match. That was one of the main reasons why in Martin County, for example, why they ended up changing from
their private food and beverage operation operator and taking it back in house is that the service profile didn't match that that the customers weren't getting the the appropriate level of service. But I think you're adding new physical spaces and you want to make maximum use of them. So, I don't think
it necessarily brings you into a whole new area of facility, but it is enhancing what you're offering both in terms of enhancing the golf and the aftergolf experience that people might have uh to come in and utilize these facilities after they've played a round of golf or if they're hosting their
event there, that kind of thing. But there is also a whole non-golf avenue that has been opened up by the addition of this property to and to have some type of special events and banquetss and parties and things like that that you can do at these properties which is very common for facilities like this both in
the public and private sector. So um I think you want to make sure that you match your service profile to to what you've done. It would be a shame to have built all of this and make it so beautiful and nice like you've done and then not have the service to match it. I think that's what we were concerned about. So, so I have a question because I did
review and I didn't see the department structure. I didn't see this chart prior to this and I do on page 39. You know, you know, you note that there's a facility full-time facility general manager full oversight of three departments when I had crossed off wrote
divisions. So, I didn't envision I mean that we're looking at this. So, maybe there's some more conversation that needs to be had internally. because I'm not sure this matches 100%. You have facility general manager and
then oversight of three divisions which is golf and range operations, golf course maintenance, and food and beverage clubhouse operations. Mr. Sure. What I think he wants to No, you want clarification. That was just I just I
think sometimes terms are interchangeable. We use department versus division, but none neither of these three are considered departments to be divisions and then the whether it be facility general manager, whatever the case might be. I think we just need
we need to work on this to Commissioner Adams point. maybe look at the structure and then talk a little more about it. You know, again, this is 18 18 months away. That's why we're here as early as possible to have talk in 2027. Certainly. Yeah.
You know, I u let me say that um I I've never played the game of golf. Okay. I hope that didn't offend you. Doesn't offend any. We've had a golf
club, but it I have never been on a course with a golf club, not on San Ridge or anywhere else. I have attended a lot of functions at golf courses
and some of them were municipally golf courses. Um, I I think I'm qualified to say that I would compare Sand Ridge with the reason why people go over to Scotland.
It it is uh it is wellmaintained. It's very inviting and it's a a preferred course. Um, let's just go by what I hear and what I see at at the events.
What it was lacking was an environment, a concession environment other than a snack shop. And that's what we move forward. we move forward to have um a a catering venue
and a day-to-day restaurant um which is almost synonymous with alcoholic beverages. Um it's it's a day outing. It's also
going to be um a great venue. I believe it's earmarked for uh up to 200 uh people in attendance the the venue. Um it's going to take a lot to operate
that. Um I don't think that we should all be concerned about if you bring out the um the org chart again. I don't think that we should be concerned about the org chart with
dollar signs to each one of those designations. When we see the word executive, um well, what would your expectation of the word executive mean? Commissioner, you're you're in the
business. Um I did as well in hospitality and restaurants. um not all are created in the same level of expectation. If this is done where uh you do have a
full-time person operating and you have uh you can fill in the gaps and the voids uh with individuals, you don't have to have uh a day-to-day staff of 50
or 60 people. And if that's the envisionment, I I don't believe that that's the envisionment. Um I I believe that it will have to be responsive to the needs and those salaries would be
salaries or commitment would be justified because currently I mean we've had a vendor there uh which can serve um some sandwiches maybe some warm stuff.
Um again maybe uh we can go back to their predium they can satisfy but it was almost a delivery of having a coke and a granola bar on on the trip. Uh
this will be a heightened experience. It probably would be uh I I actually what you've uh consulted and assessed is probably more of um a country club, a
venue. Um it'll be adaptable. It will be uh a spot to go to. And uh I I I the attendance at the San Ridge has been explosive particularly with the
youth the youth program has just taken off. Um you you you see uh young individuals. I travel that road just about two or three times a day and uh there's
constantly young individuals going to learn golf to play golf to complete compete in golf and uh that's one aspect but a lot of our our citizens rely rely
upon that place and then they go elsewhere elsewhere to dine. to relax relax. Uh I believe that this could be done in in a uh a very user-friendly way at a respectably
u or I would say uh being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar and providing a service that is not overabundant where this becomes the main event. Uh so you maybe you don't have to staff it as
much. That's my perception of what you have laid out. Um, but I I I think that when you see an organizational chart with all these boxes, I think that uh we might be placing dollar signs into each
one of those boxes that were maybe uh farreaching. Just my interpretation. it could start in in a manner and then build uh the same way as you know I guess the sports commission was mentioned um I was
involved with the treasure co sports commission early on in 2006 uh they used to take pieces of paper and uh estimate how many people stayed in hotels for heads to beds they have a
mechanized computerized system that can give you the results immediately and most of the events unfortunately were geared towards St. Lucy, where there was that type of environment where you could
have events and dining and uh more activity when we had uh we had I think law enforcement fire games and uh a few other events that uh again because we
had a lack of a venue, a lack of uh I mean even we we we mentioned the uh the the veterans tournament We we ship everybody over to the fairgrounds to the the the Fleetwood Pavilion and
set it up as a dining facility. Uh I I ju I just see that having that ability cap will move capacity well beyond our expectations. U I'm not not saying that again uh there
is caution. you're looking at all the boxes and if you place dollar signs in each one and especially when you're looking at administrative salaries, but if that can be uh geared uh to an appreciable level of uh commitment to
delivery of service and expectation as well as cost factor, uh I think it's it's operationally sound and very encouraging. Yeah. And there's also a significant revenue implication for this, too. I mean, the the the Sanri
Golf Club is essentially self-supporting now with a pretty large um net income. And uh I think that that that that is sustained through this through this process when you when you add all these positions and you add all this um new uh
new amenities and services. Uh the NGF report had identified both direct and indirect revenue from the new clubhouse. that is that the clubhouse itself will generate new revenue for you, but I think you're going to find that the having the clubhouse will help help you sell more golf as well. Um, we've seen
that certainly um played out in a number of the case studies and some other research that we've done that it makes the entire property more appealing and more and more important and um indirect revenue is also enhanced in most of these cases and we certainly have
projected that for you as well. You know, I just and I wanted to mention because we we start talking about cost factor and um long vision or shortsight in this when you look at uh this building and it's a beautiful building
and there has been some updates and it's was completed in 2007 and we've made some adjustments over the years and had to replace a roof and many other uh aspects of this building. But I want to
draw our attention towards uh we had a restaurant here and in in the design which is currently houses staff. Uh in the design there was a a lack of an element uh for a vent system.
So the concessionire could not provide for cooked food, for fried food, for heated food uh and basically was reliant upon sternos which we couldn't uh h have
on a daily basis. It's a fire hazard and it was a beautiful little place where the school board came to eat as well as all of our employees and it was quite busy. But when they couldn't diversify,
it collapsed. And that's the short shortsightedness I'm talking about because we've had to again spend more money and convert it into office space because even at a dollar a year, a dollar a year, the concession air could
not make a profit, provide a service, a dollar a year. That's what they were paying. And they still couldn't make ends meet. And it I just wanted to bring it out. I don't know if you're all aware. I just watched this thing deescalate to well and now it's
abandoned. And you know, if you look at a good investment that will show great promise and uh the ability to deliver a service that's very much sought after and needed and will complement the
existing uh uh profit margin of a golf course. Um, I I think everybody was excited to see the building go up or the intentions of the building go up at the groundbreaking and the plans. And it is
encouraging to have a facility where you can have up to 200 people in an event. It's not to say it's going to be used every day, but to have a day-to-day restaurant, they will come and this will be justified. It's just a matter of
setting it up properly and looking at the span of control uh at at the very beginning and in in a basic level to move forward and upward and build this thing into an incredible place. Mr. Chairman, what you're seeing today is
just projecting out, you know, the ultimate plan. Uh we'll obviously we'll dedicate what resources we have available under the budget constraints, the county administrator's authority, your vision of what you want to see out there. If you turn the clock back just
10 years, Sandwich was running its own concession and liquor license, sandwich shop. It was a sandwich shop, but it also hosted the a number of events which have now grown to 44 events. That model has to go somewhere. So, we're building the space so that those 44 events that
we host will have an aftergolf experience that we all desire. But then you have this beautiful event space that we see revenue potential and we see demand from the community to rent it.
So, that's there either way. how much banquet business we want to do and who we want to hire to support the development of that business. That, you know, is a business decision. Um, but what you're what we're doing in this this project is just expanding the
clubhouse model that we have now into a more functional space that's been needed for arguably over 10 years. And now once that's complete, we'll have instead of the cafe, we'll have a restaurant. Instead of the patio, we'll have a
banquet facility to house the aftergolf functions. And then what we do with it after that is again a business decision for the commissioners and the administrator to to make. But we're we're it's really the same model that was in existence in 2016. It's just
better. You know, I want to say in 2006 or 2004 there was discussion. And then in 2006 there was another discussion about the uh intergenerational facility and uh again 2012 it came to fruition.
Started out at about we put $2.4 million aside and we said earmarked well maybe it would be $4 million. That project cost $10 million closer to 12. Well then there's amendments and adjustments. I remember
it very well because we live through it and this is what I'm trying to avoid for the county or those who succeed me because we opened that that 40,000 square foot facility that was open 73 hours a week with four full-time hires.
Not realistic. And the manager burnt out and resigned in in 18 months. How many employees are down there now? It's it's all it has its own budget, but it's recreation, but it's grown and we've enhanced it and it's it's functioning well now. But when we opened it, we
opened it with four employees. It was open seven days a week. Not not realistic. And earlier today, we discuss I discussed the event calendar, sir. It used to be the event calendar used to be four items, six items, eight items. Did you see how
many pages are on the event calendar? It's a lot of that is happening at the IG center. It's number one hot spot in South County. Uh it it's very versatile and it provides for a very much needed
service. So again I I just you know if we have a vision uh even just to accept the information the conceptual approach again we we may need further discussion on it but certainly I'm I'm very excited
about this m I don't think it's it's overreach and overcommitment. Mr. Chair, if I may clarify because it seems that my comments perhaps touched a nerve that was um
I got this study this morning when I got here. So I have not seen it. I was unprepared for the slides that were presented because this this was not I did not have this yesterday when I was here. So it
was a one that's the first thing. The second thing is I think everybody's very supportive of the expansion of the clubhouse. Nobody is is not supportive. where I'm just a bit
maybe surprised is the am the what I what what I understood two weeks ago about the food and beverage is is not what's here now that's fine if you guys have a plan I
just you know the food and beverage revenue according to this is estimated assuming an average of two small groups at $500 each and one to two large groups at $2700
each per week beginning in fiscal year 2028. And we're talking about adding um at I guess top out 16 new positions. So with total labor expenses according
to this totaling $480,000 since fiscal year 2027 with an annual increase of 4% through 2031. So yes, I understand we want to play on a certain level and we want to
provide a good amenity to the community and I know we have been constrained on space in the current location. Nobody disagrees with that. I was just a little taken aback. So I apologize if perhaps I offended some of
you guys. But my question is, is thisformational today or are we being asked to make a decision? Is this just introducing it and then we will have further discussions. What's the objective for today? simply introducing I mean again this is 18 months away but
since the study was completed now was the time to bring it and open some discussions and you know it's it's a white canvas and we'll just mold the clay as as you see fit. Um the one thing that we do have to uh the
uh agenda item does ask the board to uh direct staff to begin um researching and applying for the liquor license because that is an endeavor that we will have to have in place. um even even going so far as to have our current concessioner
operate under that license so that when it comes time to transition um we don't have to switch licenses at the time we're opening the doors. So that that is a action item for you today or we can bring that back under a
separate um item with the county attorney who's assisting me in that application process if you prefer. So to take the current recommendation to make consistent with what Mike is saying is I would recommend that you that recommendation be staff recommends the
board accept the NGF report and direct staff to implement the process to uh uh to apply for and secure a four COP liquor license and then the related to the just
eliminate the direct staff to develop the revised staffing. That's something that we're going to be doing as part of the budget process. Let's be mindful that this is an enterprise fund. And at the end of the day, the the the revenue supported by the enterprise would have to be able to support the staffing level
and we're just taking on debt right now uh for the facility. So, I mean, the one of the comments I had in here when I read it was the coordination with OM to validate the expenses, you know, and so I mean, I I think there's still more to
be worked out on that side, but I do think accepting the report and to Mike's point, starting the process, authorizing staff to start the process for a 4 COP would be appropriate. Commission, Mr. Chairman,
Chairman, no, I I do. Okay. I I want you to know that you did not touch a nerve. I want you to know I did. No, no, no, no. I And and I want you to know I I have a great appreciation for this. Um,
nobody knows the make or break of uh food provision service than you do. I I agree. you're a restaurant tour and I've had the opportunity to uh manage a facility and
produce the food too but at a different time and I know that it could be a make or break point. This is an enterprise fund as you state stated there, county administrator. And um I I just wanted
everyone to know because today we're talking about what the consult consultant has viewed as to what our operation could be and we're we're accepting that. However,
we got into the weeds a little bit and but I want you to know you didn't touch a nerve. You perhaps uh maybe the term would be you were a gasast by so much information that was washing over me and I was just
taking it all in. It it's kind of like getting a budget amendment in the in the morning of the hearing. Uh I you know it's like well how do I absorb this and how I be a good steward and
representative of the uh of the people we serve over last minute information. Kind of like yesterday when we were doing last minute adjustments before we we delivered the 100th anniversary of
this fine county. Things happen on the fly like that. and and I apologize if I uh came off in that fashion of addressing the concerns, but I want the public to know that we have a vision
that uh maybe perhaps it should have been two weeks sooner uh to to absorb it and digest it, but you didn't touch on it's great to discuss it, Mr. Chairman. Yes.
Um, Sand Ridge amazes me overall. It just amazes me how many rounds we do and all that sort of stuff. And being a golfer, not a good one, but a golfer, um, I appreciate everything they do up there. You You have to have the
ingredient first of a good good golf course, and we have a great golf course up there. you have to have the facilities that that people want and we're doing that with a new clubhouse. So, we've got that done. If you're going to have food and I'm not in the
restaurant business, but I know people that are and I know other people that have been in the restaurant business. I know my my dad and M Jim Coffee owned the truck stop out west of town and on 90th and 60 how hard it was to manage a
restaurant. That is a hard hard business to do because you're only good as the product you serve. One bad meal people remember. They don't remember all the good meals. True. And um that's going to take time to nourish and and get started. Maybe the organizational chart
that we saw is maybe you know Mike and Bella are going to revise it and maybe there may be something that needs to be done. So, I I think this sets it in motion and I think we need to to to let uh Mike and and and Bella run with this
thing and make it what it is today. I don't think it'll ever be any less. I think it'll be a top-notch and even better place because Mike I always told Mike and I told John this about the clubhouse. It's just like the movie Field of Dreams that was baseball. This
is golf. you build it and they will come and they will come and I think it'll I think it'll be I think it'll be even better. So with that said, I would volunteer the services of our resident restaurant consultant up here on the board to to to give advice when asked if
y'all have a question on how to do it. I think that would be awesome because she runs a a great product. So thank you can thank me later for that. Yes, be sure I will thank you. But uh the pie. know, in all seriousness, I think this is a a great thing and I think this is just to
to lay the the blueprint to start. I think there'll be many changes between now and then, but I would make the recommendation that the county the motion that the county administer made to accept the national golf report and move forward with what has to be done to
make Sand Ridge move ahead, whether it's the liquor license and many other things to move ahead and start processing this processing that would be my motion. Right? Because that's what you need. We do. Now again, uh it's just so you know where
staff is. This is not an easy lift for us. The current model is much easier to manage amongst other duties that we all have. Um it was it was only upon the financing discussion that we were told that this formula is not going to work
unless we take it in house. Now, we could go up for different financing, I suppose, and we could, you know, continue the concessionire model that we have now. Um, I can tell you that's not a plus at Sand Ridge right now. With all due respect to our concessionire who
works within the limitations of the facility, um, there I mean, we're earning just over 50,000 a year in our split with those concessions and the potential is so much greater. But yeah, we would
love to have a concession air out there. Let me just tell you that. But we'll take it on. I mean, it's we do what we do. We've always taken it on and we'll continue to do that. But you need the motion today to also include applying for the liquor license. I think you can if Right. That's what you Yes. Okay.
That's that's the recommendation. Yes. Is that part of your motion? the the National Golf Foundation report and to have staff move ahead with obtaining the liquor license and working on the operational setup of the whole San Ridge facility.
Second, no administrator can't make No, I know. I understand that. But he can make recommendations and he can give insight. I may have. All right. So, we have a motion by
Commissioner Airman, second by myself. Any clarification needed? Any further discussion? All in favor? Opposed? Motion carried unanimously. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. See you, Dick. All right. Okay. Now, we'll be moving on. We're going to change hats uh and we'll move over to uh other districts. Uh we're
going to begin with the work order number nine to Geocentric for one year of groundwater monitoring and reporting. Mr. Chair, I think I have an item. Oh. Oh, you know what? I missed your item. And you know what? You're here and you
should have the opportunity and I I apologize. You were excited for this moment, too. Okay. This is uh County Attorney Matters. Uh uh apologize. And that's item 14A, which
is environmental control board ECHB officer appointment. And the attachments are as follows. And we do have a recommendation and an applicant of Heather Waters counselor. Right. And and
I'll I'll be quick. We we do have an environmental control hearing board. Um it's a creature of a special act of the legislature and really um it is to work with the it's this is where the county and the health department work together to enforce our environmental and public
health laws. The board um under this special act um appoints the environmental control board members and it also in appoints the environmental control officer. Um but in doing so the
board uh the statute provide or the special act provides the board shall consider the recommendation of the county health director. So, this environmental control officer is really the one that's prosecuting these environmental control cases, is doing the investigations.
And in this case, um, and there's a little typo in my item I just noticed, but the current officer, Julianne Price, is retiring. And the Department of Health has recommended, um, that Miss Heather Waters, the um, DOH
environmental manager, that the board appoint officer. So, that is the request in front of you that the um you review that that letter of recommendation and that you determine whether to appoint Miss
Heather Waters as our new environmental control officer. Uh councelor, I appreciate that. Uh, Heather Waters has uh quite the impressive uh background, experience
and the obvious dedication factor uh necessary for this task. So I am pleased and honored to move forward that appointment. Motion to approve. That's a second. I can make the
appointment. Did it on this? Okay. I'm sorry. I'll second when it comes to only on appointments. Correct. I'm your man. You want to take it then? I'm got it. I'm second. Okay. Robert's rules of All right. Okay. So, we have uh a an
appointment and a second. Further discussion. Congratulations. All in favor? I I opposed. So appointed unanimously. City of Bokeh employee of the year. Yes.
Yes. Ah, you did read the backup. Believe it or not, I You know what? It's very impressive. Appreciate it. Congratulations. You want to say a few words?
No. Sure. I'll approach the podium. I've been in here many times in front of the environmental control board. Uh, not being prosecuted, but testifying. Um, I
appreciate that you guys have all worked well over the years with Miss Julianne Price. Um, she is leaving big shoes to fill and um, and I appreciate the opportunity to try my best um, to
continue her good work. Thank you very much. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Serve us well. I will. Thank you. Thanks so much. Now the next item will be item 16B1. You want to do those uh
consent items first? Chair. Oh no. That well that consent item is going to go right right at uh Okay. 16B4. Just trying to be a vice chair. Okay. So you get a little good grade for
trying. Anyway, so this is work order number nine to Geocentric for one year of groundwater monitoring reporting at the former South
Gford Road landfill. Move approval. Was Was that an honorable Bob Solari? It was. This is Bob's favorite agenda item every year. So, I want to make sure that I got that motion in there. Okay. So, Bob couldn't make the motion because he's not here. So, Commission Adams made
the motion and Vice Chairman Law seconded it. All in favor? I opposed. Motion carried unanimously. Next item is final pay for geocynic for work order number six groundwater monitoring reporting and related
consulting services at the south gifford road landfill. Have approval. That's a motion by commissioner Adams and seconded by Vice Chairman Law. Any further discussion? All in favor? I opposed.
Motion carries unanimously. Approval of the SWID meeting minutes of May 20th, 2025. Move approval. Second. And we have a motion by Vice Chairman Law, seconded by
Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion? All in favor? Opposed. And finally, we have the item that was moved from 9T Tango, which is the final paid for
geocentric for work order number one, amendment one, two, and three for the segment three cell three line min liner construction and in any river county landfill facility
up. If you need explanation, I see that uh there's approval. A manu's back. We have a motion by Commissioner Adams and seconded by Vice Chairman Law. Any further discussion?
All in favor? I. Does anyone have any other business that they would like to address? And is there any member of the public that wishes to speak? So 9 S was combined with 9
eliminated. eliminated one. Yes. Okay. Yeah. 9S was removed u at staff's request and 9T was uh placed under consent and then moved
to uh the SWID because it must be heard at the the SWID section. Councilman, good afternoon. Aaron Voss. Um just want to say personally thank you for uh last
commission meeting that you approved on your consent agenda of funding for the fireworks show and I want to say thank you so much for your participation in the event. Uh we've got uh we did have one major sponsor drop out but we had some other sponsors come back in. uh
sponsors including Jackie Robinson Training Complex, Got to Go Green, Bolt Aquatics, Educational Connections, and an addition of Breeze and Piper are now participating as sponsors for the fireworks. So, thank you very much. Really appreciate it. Okay. Well, thank
you. Anyone else? Mr. Vice Chairman, you have anything from Sebastian. Okay. He's grateful as well. Yes.
Okay. Seeing none, this meeting is journed.