Good morning. The Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 regular border county commissioners meeting will now be called to order. We'll begin with a moment of silent reflection for first responders and members of the armed forces,
followed by an invocation by none other than Deacon Wilfford Hart from the Friend Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and our county attorney, Miss Jennifer Schuler, will lead us in the pledge. At this time, please rise. Move
your cover. Lord, I can ask you to bless this commission and the commissioners in our will. Lord, I can ask you to bless
this community and I will. Lord, the season is now. Thanksgiving is only days away. Many will be without a meal.
Many will be without a home. Many will be without a loved one. Many, Father God, will just be outright lonely. And so, Father God, we're going to ask that you find favor for our community that whatever need, wants, and desires
that we have in this community that it be met. But Lord, I didn't ask you to forgive us of our sins, but I will cuz we've fallen short of your glory. And so, Father God, find favor continuously
on our community so that we can go out and be the apple of your eye. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Allegiance 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 all. Our next item uh is an annual item that
takes place uh in the month of November. Um and we are going to have a reorganization. I just want my colleagues to know that this has been a a unique year. Uh we've had some trials and tribulations and
we've done some good work too. Um it's been an honor to serve as the chairman. Uh this time I I will say that uh well uh I've done it a few times and
this was the one. That's what I want to say. It has been a uh a different kind of uh year, but we got through it. I want to thank you all. With that, I'll
take the gavl and walk it over to our county attorney. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Traditionally, the county attorney will now become the
acting chair to get this meeting accomplished and action. Thank you. >> Thank you. And I'd like to open the floor for nominations for county commission chair. Are there any nominations? >> I'd like to nominate Commissioner Daryl
Lure. >> Okay. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there are there any other nominations? Is there a motion to close the floor for nominations for chair? >> Is there a second?
>> All in favor? >> I on the uh motion to elect Daryl Lure as chair. All those in favor? >> I. >> All opposed? Motion carries. Congratulations.
>> Congratulations. Thank you very much. >> I'd like to accept nominations for vice chair. >> I'd like to nominate Commissioner Laura Moss. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Are there any other nominations? >> Seeing none, uh, is there a motion to
close the floor to nominations? >> Moved. Second. All in favor. >> All those in favor of uh Commissioner Moss for vice chair, please. >> I >> All opposed.
Motion carries. Congratulations. >> Thank you, >> sir. >> Thank you. need that damage to the desk. >> Well, thank you fellow commissioners. I certainly appreciate the uh the trust
that you have. Uh and as Commissioner Flesher mentioned, uh last year was unusual. Uh and I think that this body um held strong on a lot of topics. Uh I think commissioner you led us not only
through the the USB process uh but other uh large contracts that have been u very much publicized uh and we were able as a team to get through that. Oftent times I I think about all five of us I think about the
responsibilities and the roles that the five of us have. uh five individuals out of 175,000 residents and another 60 or 70,000 tourists that visit our community. And the public may not
realize uh there's a lot of responsibility, a lot of angst uh that I know that I have that uh I'm sure each of my fellow commissioners have with respect to the decisions that we make. And I can tell you that we don't always agree on
things, but I genuinely know uh that all five of us have the best interest in this county. Uh and I think as the year goes forward, we will strive uh to continue uh to make this community and this county the best that we can be. Uh
yes, we're going to have our differences from time to time, but at the end of the day, uh we are commissioned uh to lead this community. Uh, and I will do everything possible to make each and one of you proud of this chairmanship and I thank you. >> You already do.
>> Thank you. >> Mr. Chairman, if I may you'll do a great job. There's no doubt about that. But I want to thank our chairman from last year for the difficult job that he had and the things that that we faced. But we faced them
all together and we faced them proudly and uh thank you sir and it's always been an honor to serve with you and and look forward to many years ahead. So, but in the meantime, you know, last week I just went to Mobile, Alabama, you
know, and our chairman's idea, I went to the USS Alabama and saw the ship and went on the submarine and all that sort of stuff. And I went to the gift shop >> and you probably got something like this already, but I thought it was most
appropriate. >> That is >> Thank you. >> So, the little gift, you know, Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're quite welcome, sir. Yeah, I think I've uh said that a few times.
>> That's perfect. >> There you go. Thank you, Joe. Only first I've ever heard say it and it fits. It fits the bill. >> You're welcome. You got me. >> All right. Well, thank you. With that,
we will uh proceed to item four, any additions or deletions of the agenda or any emergency items from this body. >> Mr. Administrator. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Um 9 I we just want to
at the time for the consent pull for quick discussion. >> So 9 I has been completely pulled. >> Not not pull it but just to make sure it's discussed. >> Okay. I thought Okay. I was going to pull that myself. >> And then 10D, uh, the request moving
that down to, uh, make that 10F and moving 10E up to 10D and 10F up to 10E, which would be the sheriff's uh, budget request being the last item under the constitutional officers and governmental
agencies. >> Move to approve as amended. Second, >> we have a motion. We have a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor of the amendment. >> I motion carries. The next item uh item 5A is a
proclamation honoring the Ver Beach Art Club and Judy Bergello uh of the mural creation and restoration. And I will add that we had a wonderful art show last night in this
building on the second floor. if Judy would like to come forward. Welcome. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh Judy, last night it was spectacular. >> Thank you. >> It was a wonderful experience to have
the artists present and yourself describing all of the gifts that are in the mural. It's spectacular. And as I said last night,
you you entered into a culture into our atrium. It is absolutely a wonderful experience. And I invite everybody to take a pass through and just look at some of the amazing detail that was captured by our
artists. And we thank you for the gift. and we will be good stewards and having it in this home uh hopefully for eternity. Thank you. >> Well, thank you too and um it was my
pleasure the whole thing and uh I'm just honored to have um the artwork up there, some of which I did myself, but most was done by other artists. And um I I appreciate that you're you're allowing
it to be there and be viewed by by the public because it wasn't really being seen that much and um especially when the hurricane came and damaged it in the community center. I think it's going to be really safe here. >> Well, it's going to get a whole lot more
exposure. As you know, every day we have the runners running up on the second floor and we have many visitors and it'll definitely be a draw and attractor. >> Good. >> But uh I'd like to present this proclamation honoring the Vero Beach Art
Club and uh Judy Burgera uh for the uh mural creation and restoration. Whereas the Vero Beach Art Club, a longlasting art organization with proud tradition of service to the community,
generosity uh and generously gifted to the community two monumental murals, the history of Indie River County and the habitats of Vero Beach, each spanning 30 feet in length and 8 feet in height to
visually record and celebrate the rich cultural environmental heritage of our region. And whereas these murals painted by dedicated artists Judy Burggalera
and Dawn Mill and Morirana Kataret and Christine Thomas portray a sweeping story of our county's past from prehistoric discoveries and native cultures to Spanish exploration, pioneer
settlement and the natural beauty of our diversity. diverse ecosystems. So the residents and visitors alike may reflect upon the history and the identity. And whereas over the years the murals endured many much uh experience and
damage from environmental conditions and most recently from Hurricane Milton in October 2024 when a tree limb broke through the window of the Vero Beach Community Center and damaged one of the uh habitat panels. Whereas through the
commitment, vision artistry of Judy Burglera and the uh fellow artists, the damaged mural was carefully restored, ensuring that these cultural treasures remain preserved for the
future generations to enjoy. Whereas the restoration and relocation of the murals to the county administration building provide a lasting legacy of community pride, artistic excellence and historical
preservation, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate their beauty and in the safe and prominent public setting. Now therefore be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indie River
County, Florida that we recognize and extend our deepest appreciation to Judy Burglera and for contributing artists for the for from the Vero Beach Art Club for their extraordinary dedicated
talented and generosity in creating and restoring these magnificent murals. which will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of Indie River County residents for generations to come. Duly
adopted this 18th day of November 2025 and it is signed by all five county commissioners. Judy, thank you for the gift. >> Thank you. a presentation. >> We do have a presentation and this way
all the folks can truly appreciate what we have been bestowed. >> Thank you. >> They have been bestowed. the detail. Well, that was a uh a small uh cameo. Uh again, once again, I invite everybody to
look at it. Um, as I said last night, uh, I've taken quite a few walks and I had seen it in the previous location, but every time I look at it, I see another detail >> and a reminder of somebody in our past
or somebody that is currently with us that >> it means a lot. If you don't feel vero, you're not looking. >> Yes. >> Because it you have captured every moment in our history. Thank you. >> Thank you on behalf of all the rest of the artists, too.
>> Thank you, Judy. Come on up. Photo. We have more artists. >> You had some beautiful words last night. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Judy. And as a reminder uh that mural will be upstairs uh for 30 days and we'd encourage everyone to go
upstairs and take a look at it. Our next presentation proclamation will be uh given by Commissioner Man and this is the proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Joe Idellet Jr. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Any of the photo three is there. >> There he is back there in the back. Come >> come on. Thank you. >> It's it's it's an honor to be a part of this. Uh, I know that most of us were at
the at the memorial service out of the church for your dad. And I know Commissioner Fer read this, but I'm honored to read it again for this purpose for y'all because this is a this is a pretty big deal because he was
a pretty big deal himself. So, it's it's my honor to read this proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Joelet Jr. Whereas the board of county commissioners of any river county proudly recognizes the life and legacy
of Mr. Joe Idellet Jr. a true pioneer, civil rights advocate and lifelong resident of Gippard whose courage and determination helped shape the history of Indian River County. And whereas born the great grandson of enslaved people
and the son of a Georgia sharecropper, Mr. I let lived a life rooted in faith, family, and the pursuit of justice, inspiring generations through his integrity, humility, and service. And whereas after serving his country in the
Korean War, Mr. I let returned home and led a courageous fight to end segregation in any river county schools resulting in the peaceful desegregation of public schools in 1969 a defining moment in local history and
whereas his leadership continued as the first African-American elected to the Indian River County School Board where he served 20 years advocating for educational equity opportunity community and unity within the community. And
whereas Mr. Idllet's steadfast dedication guided by his faith at Mount Zion Church and his devotion to his wife Bernice and their family leaves an enduring legacy of courage, compassion, and progress for future generations. Now
therefore, be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, that we do hereby honor and celebrate the life, leadership, and legacy of Mr. Joe Adellet Jr. whose vision and perseverance continue to
inspire stronger, more unified community adopted this 18th day of November, 20 and 25. So with that being said, I can tell you, you know, growing up here in in River County, um I was nine years old
when when the desegregation took place and I was in the school system and it was not without problems, but it was pretty seamless. I mean, as a youngster, I probably didn't pay attention or know what it even meant. I know I couldn't spell it, but it was a it was a pretty
big deal. And I know when Mr. Adlet got elected to the school board, my uh father was uh behind the scenes in in politics at the time. He held an office in on the hospital board, but his his greatest
thing that that he ever did was help Mr. I let elected to the school board. and uh he signed my diploma by the way because I graduated when he was still on the school board and he was chairman. So this is a pretty big deal in the annals
of history of any river county and thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Joe, would you like to say a few words? >> I guess so. My name is Joe the third. So I guess I'm the namesake. So, I'm the
one that's railroaded into saying something, but my family and I, we'd like to thank the uh the county commission as well as the community for this um proclamation. Um we have a lot to to live look live up to, but uh we go we're up to the task
and we like again, we want to thank you all for this acknowledgement for my dad. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Come on up, Joe. Thank you. Thank you. The next item is a proclamation uh recognizing
GIS day. If members of our GIS team could come down, that would be great. This proclamation recognizes November 19th, 2025 as GIS day. Whereas any river county board of county commissioners recognizes that an understanding
uh and the application and geospatial technology is crucial to operating our infrastructure, sustaining our natural resources and eliminating economic not eliminating stimulating economic growth, thus uh benefiting the welfare
of the public throughout the county. Whereas geographic information systems, GIS technology allows us to see and model complex relationships and patterns uh with more integrity and respond to the need. Whereas uh there is a need to
promote GIS awareness, education, tech technological training and to use rapidly developing technology to its full potential. Whereas the board recognizes those that have chosen GIS as their profession as part of their discipline to improve the lives of our
citizens and whereas to recognize and support the efforts of nonprofits who work on activities to improve conservation, human services and various humanitarian efforts to better our world. And whereas having a day of GIS
activities open to the students, citizens and government leaders to help promote STEM education and inspire others in a higher is a higher calling to use technology for the good. And whereas the board is committed to
utilizing GIS information uh to in make better informed decisions to better serve the residents and make the useful geographic information open and easily available in the public as a platform for innovation. Now therefore, be it
proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, that November 19th, 2025 shall be recognized as GIS day in Indian River County, adopted on this 18th day of November, 2025, signed by all five
county commissioners. Welcome. >> Thank you so much, Chairman Lure. Uh, congratulations, Vice Chair Moss. Congratulations to Commissioner Flesher. Thank you for your service, sir. Uh today's a great day to recognize GIS as um a lot of people don't know what it stands for, but I'm going to save that
for our GIS manager Rachel uh excuse me, Relle Benkin to share a little bit more in detail what that's all about, but I can tell you from the time of learning about n land navigation when I was in the Marine Corps to when I was getting discharged from the Marine Corps using a tool called Map Quest. Uh and then my
first days in local government in 2002 when we had one computer with a software program on it that nobody even touched. I don't know why, but I finally figured out by 2006 that it was a tool and it was very valuable to public safety. Uh eventually it's evolved and uh uh as we
continue our efforts here right here in uh Indian River County, modernizing and getting the support from uh our county administrator uh to uh continuing our efforts to again the modernization of that system. But uh it's just come a long ways and I'm just glad to be a part
of that uh that history and contributing to local government in the ways that I have. Rochelle and her team are here today, so I look forward to hearing a little bit more about what they're going to share with you. >> Morning, Rochelle. >> Well, good morning, county commissioners, uh, county staff and leadership, and members of the public.
GIS day is about showing what geographic information systems can do to help make better and quicker decisions, provide services to our county population, and how we understand the world around us. Nowadays, many of many of us use GIS as
we navigate in our cars using ways or using Google Maps. We have web maps on our website for the public to look up bus routes, addresses, parks, and other information that they need and hopefully see how we're trying to improve quality of life in Indian
River County. GIS helps us in emergency management, disaster recovery, permitting, conservation of lands, maintaining healthy habitats for wildlife such as the scrub jay and gopher tortoise. Support water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, flood protection via storm
water management, provide community services like where to get food and housing assistance and many, many other things. As GIS evolves from paper maps to interactive web applications and dashboards to 3D digital twins and
analyzing streaming data, more services can be provided to help leaders with decision-making that can lead to lead to efficiencies in government and better services for our customers. I would like to recognize the staff in the room. They're either full-time GIS staff or
GIS users. Uh would you all please stand up? Well, looks like it's mostly my team, but please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions that rely on data with location. We can
analyze and visualize the information to help make decisions for where there's a wear, there is a way. Thank you. >> Thank you. Let's come on up. Bring the team, please.
Holy Spirit. Thank you again. Okay. Okay, next on the agenda, we have a presentation by the Indian River Community Foundation, the 2025 community needs update. I see Mr. Victing.
Welcome. Thank you. Can you all set? Great. Thanks. Uh, good morning. Um, first of all, congratulations, uh, Chairman Lure and Vice Chairman Moss. And >> thank you, >> fellow commissioners. Thank you so much for your service to our community. It means a great deal to me to see people
as dedicated to our county as you. Um, all the time you put in, it's incredibly appreciated by not only our organization, by all the nonprofits that we serve in the community. For the members of the public who don't know me, I'm Jeff Pickering. I'm president and CEO of Indian River Community Foundation. Our mission is building a
better community through donor-driven philanthropy. Together with our clients, since our inception in 2008, we have awarded more than $150 million to charities, most of which are right here in Indian River County to improve our quality of life. Uh, in addition to generous philanthropic support and
awarding grants, one of the other things that we do as part of our strategic priorities is to develop and share knowledge about Indian River County, the needs, and the effect of charitable organizations meeting them that merit financial support. And so today I'm pleased to present the results of our
most recent effort, the 2025 community needs update. Uh each of you have been provided a printed copy. Um we started this work back in 2019 uh by conducting a 12-month project that involved an independent research consultant, six community funders, including the county,
50 local charities, 12 in-depth focus groups, and more than 1,400 survey respondents in English, Spanish, and Crayole. And the project assessed the needs of children, adults, and seniors and focused primarily on the fields of health, education, economic opportunity,
and housing. And results were published and distributed in 2020. And here were some of the key insights back then. We were in a county with a growing and aging diversifying population, increasing wealth disparity, some progress in areas like infant maternal health and third grade reading
proficiency. But there were some persistent problems. Most significant one being poverty. Since then, several additional needs assessments or surveys have been conducted by various community organizations to meet statutory requirements related to uh specific demographic populations uh such as
children or seniors here in the county, certain fields of interest, including health, education, housing, and the environment. And the slide here shows um what we've produced subsequently in an effort to provide a simple one-stop shop uh for resources about community
stakeholders and needs. We've developed a community needs database called Indian River Indicators. It does use quite a bit of the GIS data that's available to us to help people understand in our community where we're making progress, which organizations and proven programs need to be scaled up or sustained, and
where we're not making progress, maybe which neighborhoods or which areas of our community uh need to develop be developed or address gaps. So, on to the 2025 community needs update. Uh it builds on these efforts and with financial sponsorship from three funders, the Corbett Foundation, Indian
River Community Foundation, and the United Way. Um including uh data support from the hospital district and the school district. Um the methodology we used uh involved two perception surveys that were conducted by Clear View Research. One was conducted back in
January which focused specifically on health care needs and perceptions of our residents in our community. And then another was done in February with um assessing the general needs of our county and the perceptions of a um representative population in our community. And then finally, we did a
comparative data analysis going all the way back to available data to 2010 to now. And the results of these perception surveys and the data analysis overwhelmingly indicate that twothirds of our respondents believe that the quality of life in Indian River County
is headed in the right direction and that includes the quality of health care services. Despite relatively high satisfaction overall, however, specific areas of concern include the following. Health care access and affordability, especially among target subgroups like
lower income families, women under 50, and parents with children living at home. Quality child care and early childhood education access and affordability, low wages and transportations to maintain good paying jobs, housing affordability, and then finally public safety. specifically
concerns of black residents about violent crime and concerns of residents overall about infrastructure related to traffic and pedestrian safety. Now, before looking at trends, there were some outlier observations that we thought were worth mentioning. Ones
related to infant and maternal health and the importance of local maternity services. After a perception survey and several town hall meetings, an overwhelming majority of residents believe that local maternity services are a necessity for public health and
safety in our county and also essential to Indian River County's overall well-being. Furthermore, there's strong support for the use of taxpayer funds to keep these services in our community. Another outlier observation is related to K12 public education. While
approximately twothirds of survey respondents were satisfied with K12 public education, one-third of the respondents were not. This is in a school district that has achieved an A rating three years in a row that ranks fifth out of 67 Florida districts that is led by Florida Superintendent of the
Year and one of three national finalists for the same accolade. Despite our best efforts to improve quality, to engage parents, and to offer more choice, we still can't seem to please everyone. And finally, there were outlier observations related to affordable
housing that gave us a stark image of the new face of homelessness in our community. Now, while the 2025 point in time count conducted by the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council reported the lowest number of homeless people ever in its annual one-day count, which was 198 people, both adults and
children, the number of students who reported experiencing homelessness at some point during the school year was the highest ever. 655 children attending some us our public schools spent at least one night last year doubled up or tripled up in
someone else's home that was not their own in a shelter in a car or sleeping outdoors. And the fact that most of these students were missed in the annual one-day count speaks to the absolute resilience of these families who are willing to do anything to ensure that these episodes of homelessness for their
children remain brief. And when it comes to trends and demographics, you may be familiar with some of these. The total population has gone above 170,000. 48% of our residents are male, 52% female, 73% are white, 27% are people of color,
with the fastest grow grow growing race or ethnicity being the Hispanic population. 34% of our county's residents are seniors, the fastest growing age demographic. That's almost twice the Florida average. 17% are disabled and 10% are v veterans. Both of
those last two statistics were higher than Florida's average. And now on to the 2025 update. Let's start by taking a look at the latest trends in health. We saw some promising trends that include more yearly checkups thanks to the expansion of community- based healthcare
providers like Treasure Coast uh community health and whole family health. improved health care, health care provider ratios, improved infant and maternal health, and then a decrease in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use among adolescence and teens.
Some concerning health trends that we saw include high-risisk pregnancies. Still, 30% of pregnant women in our community receive no prenatal care in the first trimester. We've seen persistent struggles with mental health with adult hospitalizations for mental
disorders, 60% higher than Florida's average. And then high food insecurity. 72% of the households with children in poverty do not receive SNAP benefits. And 50% of seniors live more than one mile away from fresh food. Now, on to
education. Some promising education trends include increased preschool enrollment, improved reading proficiency, improved math proficiency, record high school graduation, and fewer high school dropouts. The concerns include the fact that 44%
of our students still arrive in elementary school unprepared for kindergarten. And 32% of public school students are considered chronically absent, which means missing 10% or more of the school days in a year. And with that 32% that's actually better than the
Florida average in terms of economic opportunity and employment. One of the only real significant statistics that we were able to determine from the data was that overall median household income has risen in the
county to $72,000 a year. And this is driven primarily by higherp paying jobs in professions like finance, insurance, and of course one of the largest employers in the county with Cleveland Clinic Medicine. Some concerns include the fact that we
have at the time of the study this last year more people in poverty and a growing Alice population although a slight decline when adjusted for COVID relief last year that wrapped up and also the increase in the median income.
uh too many economically disadvantaged students, lower wages than state average, and then about 1% higher unemployment at four 4.7% compared to Florida's 3.7%. Now, finally, we'll take a look at housing, a topic that really seems to be
on everyone's minds. Um, some promising housing trends. As I mentioned earlier, that one-day count of homeless people was lower. Um, but then also we had a reduced rate of domestic violence compared to prior years. Some concerning housing trends include we've experienced
the highest number of homeless students ever, more evictions than ever, we have more housing costs burdened owners and renters, people paying more than 30% of their income for housing expenses, and then increasing senior isolation.
So, it's finally with some observations and recommendations that we have. um building a better community, a prosperous, healthy, and more generous community. It is hard work and there are no simple solutions. And solving some of our community's most intractable problems requires community leaders that
are committed to reviewing additional data, as we did several years ago when we had one of the highest infant mortality rates. We studied it and it's come down. uh commissioning additional research as we're doing now, looking at that issue of 44% of our children aren't ready for
kindergarten. We're partnering with the Florida Chamber of Commerce led by childcare resources and looking at how we improve early childhood education and the importance of early childhood educators in our workforce. We're engaging a diverse representation of community residents as we're doing to
increase third grade reading through Moonshot Moment. We're working across sectors as the city of Vero Beach is doing through an innovative public private partnership to prevent economic and environmental disaster for low-income homeowners through a septic to sewer conversion project. And as our
arts and cultural organizations like the one we recognized this morning along with Ballet Vero Beach, Riverside Theater, Vero Beach Museum of Art, and Vero Beach Opera are doing to make arts accessible to everyone. We're marshalling resources as we did when the hospital district through public dollars
and the Cleveland Clinic through its own private money did to save our community hospital or as the United Way continues to do when disaster strike like last year following Hurricane Milton. And finally, we're shaping public policy to ensure that government resources are aligned with the most effective
solutions to the problems in our community or that government regulations or lack thereof create opportunity for the health and prosperity for all residents. Another observation we have is that to build a better community, we must preserve a balance between public and
private financial resources. Unlike many rural communities throughout the country, Indian River County's quality of life depends on an unusually high level of household giving by generous donors and philanthropist, which supplements public dollars allocated to addressing community needs. Last year,
contributions from donors made up 41% of the $384 million in revenue collected by Indian River County's top 200 501c3 nonprofit charitable organizations. This was followed by 39% of earned income to
those organizations, while 15% was provided by government and 5% from investments. When problems arrive, generous donors will likely continue to respond. And despite this hopeful source of support, philanthropy, however, is not an
adequate replacement for the efficiency and reliability that public dollars provide to operate systems that so many Indian River County residents depend on. And then finally, to build a better community, we must continue to encourage civic engagement. Indian River County recently celebrated
its centennial. As many of you know, it's hard to imagine the dedication required by early settlers to start the process of turning a hot, humid, sandy, mosquitoinfested place into the county that this has become. If we look at just the last 10 years of Indian River
County's history alone, there are plenty of examples of the impact of civic engagement. A community hospital was saved. A public school district was turned around. Dozens more acres of shoreline have been preserved to protect the Indian River Lagoon. Arts and the
cultural institutions are thriving and reaching a broader audience. There are many more. During the same time period, however, the community's strong tradition of civic engagement has also frayed. Despite national recognition of excellence for our supervisor of elections office, voter turnout has
ebbed and flowed. Ballot measures to sustain critical programming for local children have failed. Federal and state mandates imposing costly requirements for our local health, education, and and housing systems have gone unfunded. Iconic servant leaders like Dan
Richardson, Amaly Ly, or recently Joe Adellet Jr. are gone. There are plenty of community needs that cannot be addressed alone by one person. So, we're asking the community, whatever inspires you to give or get involved,
give and get involved. The future of our Indian River County community depends on it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jeff. Appreciate everything that you do. Any questions or comments by the board? >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Jeff. Great day. Uh, moving right along. We have uh approval of the minutes for item number six for the minutes of September 9th, 2025. >> Miss Chair, move approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Any
further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? Uh, and the motion carries. Any information items from staff or commissioners not requiring board action? Hearing none. And seeing none, opportunity for public comment on any
agenda related matters except for public hearings. Seeing no participants, we will move on to the consent agenda. Board members, what's your pleasure? Mr. >> Chair, move approval. >> We do have the exception of the
administrator requesting item nine. I >> uh >> as amended >> motion as amended. We have a second. >> Second. >> Have a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I. Mr. Administrator, item 9A.
>> Yes, Mr. Chairman. Uh members of the board, just want to take an opportunity to highlight that on this particular item, it is a work order for the county to uh undertake a feasibility study for the Sebastian city of Sebastian septic
to sewer conversion. Uh and this is consistent with if you recall the city reached out to the county earlier this year on two items. the CRA septic to sewer project of which that is actively being managed and worked and the other
item was the evaluation and the ability for the county to undertake you know the septic to sewer conversion in accordance with the mandate that we're facing in 2030. uh we indicated at that time in
June that we would undertake a study and an feasibility study and I just want to point out that this is this is the reflection of that commitment that we made to the city of Sebastian in June. It was budgeted in and now we're undertaking it. So I just want to point
that out and I know we have I saw Brian Benton and the new mayor Mr. Fred Jones here. >> We have utilities director Sean Liskkey here. Sean, welcome. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Uh Sean Lei, director of Department of Utility Services. I did just want to mention
that as we embark on this process, we do fully intend to engage Sebastian and their staff in the process. Um I think they're going to be an integral part of this. So, as soon as we get the act go ahead and get the notice to proceed, we're going to engage them and make sure they're part of the the process. So, um
we certainly plan to include them in this. Um really what we're going to be doing is evaluating the feasibility of of septic to sewer conversions for the entire community. Um and kind of at a high level looking at what those costs might be um to to do that process. So
and we'll be looking at a variety of different options including you know low pressure force mains um gravity sewer as well as um vacuum sewer. So, we'll be evaluating all the options um what's feasible, what makes sense, and what's possible and then kind of coming back
with a high level um estimate of what those costs might be. So, >> great. Thank you. I see our partners from Sebastian. Gentlemen, do you have any desire to comment on this topic? >> Congratulations, Mayor Jones. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the
board. Move approval and let's get the job done. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Flesher. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> We have a second by Vice Chair Moss. Any further discussions on this topic? Hearing none, seeing none, all in favor.
And the motion carries. >> Thank you, >> Miners. That moves us to constitutional officers and governmental agencies. Uh, I do see I did see the honorable Wesley
Davis, property appraiser, is here. See him now. >> It's harder to see him, harder to recognize him. >> Half the man he was. >> Good morning. Good morning. >> First of all, Commissioner, Chairman, Sairman Flesher, thank you for your service last year and congratulations,
uh, Chairman Lure and Vice Chair. Congratulations. Uh it seems like just a month ago I was here doing this, but I guess it is the end of a fiscal year and start of a new and uh I'm pleased to say that uh we're we did in the property
appraisers office mission accomplished. That is we produced a tax role that was on time that was accurate and under budget. And this year the underbudget amount is $585,2543. And as I stated last year, this is not a function of poor budgeting. This is a
factor of having open positions that in the event the talent comes available that I need to be able to strike. I can say we had success with that last year in two positions. We were able to hire a commercial appraiser. The commercial appraiser came to us from South Florida down in Broward County. Came to us with some uh the credentials of a certified
Florida evaluator. What does that mean? That's a designation that's given by the that's earned not given but by the department of revenue of the state of Florida. takes two years to get that and u it hurts whenever we have that talent leave our office but it's nice whenever we have that talent come already into our office with that certification.
Another area of specialty that we were able to to strike on was a GIS app proposed GIS day. Uh we've we we have a second position now in that in in our office on that. Um and we're just trying to to build the bench build the backup team that um that we know is coming in
the office. We have approximately seven people that are in drop right now. So, we're still looking for talent. Uh, when you have seven people out of a a a staffing pool of 39, that's a lot of people. But more importantly, some of that institutional knowledge goes back, well, you know what? I'm even going to
go back to the number of years. Goes back to three property appraisers. But more importantly, I put it in times that everybody that's elected in here can understand. That individual started with a property appraiser that was an elected Democrat. That's how far back that goes. So, just
with that said, u we we're having to start uh to um start to build the bench. And so, with that, um I'll take any questions that you may have. I thank you for funding the budget. And I do want to also say I understand everybody understands that as the elected
official, we could use this money any way we see fit. But again, the lion share of this is in staff and um and I'm I made a commitment to the taxpayers. I made a commitment to you as the commissioners. and that is that uh I'm not going to say I'll never use that money for anything else, but I can promise you that if I do, it'll be made
publicly in this forum with everybody understanding and be able to ask me any questions about it. So, thank you very much for your time, your consideration, and uh thank you for all you all do for our community. And if you have any questions, I'll take be more than happy to answer. >> Well, thank you, Property President
Davidson. We certainly appreciate your explanation and the the need to fill those talented positions. We understand that uh totally here at the county. So, thank you, sir. Any questions from fellow commissioners? Hearing none. Thank you. >> We get a picture all at once or
>> whichever. >> Well, go ahead and take run through all of them and then that way we'll just do them. >> Sure. >> Whenever you wish. >> Uh next we have the Come on down, Wes. Let's go ahead and take that. Okay. >> Take yours.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> You said you were going to bring us to the new millennium. >> Wesley, put them in front of the TV screen computer. There you go. Drop it down. >> Uh, take the professional advice.
>> She's done the big check many years. Thank you. Thank you guys. >> Next commissioners is our honorable tax collector, Miss Carol Jean Jordan. >> Welcome. >> Good morning and congratulations, Mr. Chairman.
>> Thank you. And madame vice chairman, big jobs. Um, I do want to mention for the public that's watching, there's a huge huge web service that's h uh went down during the night. We don't know yet
what's happened, but it's affected uh the country. It's nationwide. And right now, we can only take transactions with checks. It's really strange. We can't do road test. We can't do driver's license. It's all due to uh it's a web-based
service that most uh many many many people use. So, just so you know, so the public knows, we're trying to reschedu everything. And again, we can't take cash because we have no way to track it. We can't take credit cards because there it's it's up and down. I think Dan was saying it's it's there, but it's uh
squiggly. Would y'all like an explanation what exactly it is because Dan's here and he can tell you as far as the company? >> I think we're okay. >> You good? >> Yeah, we're fine. Okay. >> You'll overcome it. >> Excuse me. >> You're going to overcome it. >> Certainly. They're actually Grant Street
is already Dan, come explain it to him. I'm so novice on this. >> Dan Dan Baker is our director of it. He's amazing and the greatest thing I can say about him is he keeps us safe. >> Everyone uh yeah uh our our payment
software is up and running. It's just uh as far as any sort of uh credit card transactions right now, we're trying to uh stay with PCI compliance. So, we've asked not to process anything right now. Um once that comes back up, I mean, it
should be at some point today, but um >> yeah, >> about the company, >> the the company is Cloudflare. It's a it's a web service that a lot of uh vendors use. Yep. So right now our website's impacted with that or from this uh issue which they at this point
have not uh determined what the cause is yet but hopefully some point today it would be back up and running. >> And MVI which is the Department of Motor Services new system is web- based. So three of our offices are on MVI and I
guess fortunately our main office is not. It's still on for us and so we're able to do things here that we're not able to do at the branches. Again, I don't know what's going to happen with web- based service when all the four offices are what are we expecting, April or something? All four offices would be
online web-based through Tallahassee. Then this kind of thing happens. It's scary. We're very sophisticated and very not. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? >> He's so good. >> No ma'am. Um, good morning again. I want
to clear up uh any uh im any misinformation uh referencing our budget that we've kind of talked about over the past few months. Uh on your screens when you do your budget work, you you have a number up there. It's5 $600,000 and it's
10% or 5% of our budget allocated to the tax collector. I kind of call it um I don't know if it was Reagan or Bush that called it voodoo economics because it's whatever you all do and it's not it's not what we do. It's
totally uh different numbers that way. But um our our tax collector office is a feebased office and I'd just like to put into the record and let you know where this comes from. It's Florida statute
195.87 87 and it requires tax collectors feebase to submit a budget to their offices operation to the department of revenue. This budget is due by August 1st of each year. When the department receives the tax collector's budget request, it performs a comprehensive
analysis and review. The department is responsible for reviewing the budget request and may amend or change the request as necessary. So the budget will be neither inadequate nor excessive. The description of the Florida
legislature gave the department this authority as part of its general oversight of county tax collector's offices. The department property tax oversight PTO program administers this oversight and its mission is to ensure a fair, equitable, and uniform property
tax system in the state of Florida. I know it's a lot of words, but I think it's important. Tax collectors collect property taxes which fund local governments and school districts. PTO ensures adequate resources are provided for tax collectors to carry out
their statutory duties and perform services for Florida agencies, including the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Services, which is the one we're having trouble with today, the Department of Health, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the
Department of Revenue, and others. Tax collectors who submit their budget requests to the department operate and fund their budget based on the fees and commissions they receive for processing transactions on behalf of the state,
local, and taxing authorities. Importantly, now this doesn't apply to us, but we're good at this budget process also separates power in local government. So the taxing authorities which set the millage rates do not have
financial or budgetary influence over tax collectors or property appraisers actually who collect taxes uh levied locally. And that's the information on who we are and what we do financially.
Um just wanted to get that in there to kind of explain. It's it's kind of different because it is a fee based office and that's the authority that we have on it. Um I'd like for Brad to come up
and give you all our budget information for 2425. >> Morning commission. Uh so for fiscal year 2425 we had approved revenues of 10.157 million. We our actual revenues amounted
to 10.785 million. Uh that's in excess of $628,000 there. Our approved budget was just over 8,814,441. Our actual expenses amounted to 7,97,34. The expenses below budget were 107,3107,37.
And then our excess fees that are being returned to the board amount to 2.8 878 million $2,878,000700 sorry 200 2,878,726 uh the BOCC is receiving $2,586,000
of that with $292,000 going back to the other taxing districts. Um with that being said, be happy to answer answer any questions for the board. >> Have any questions from the board? >> All right. Thank you, Brad. And I would just like to say that's that's all
possible because of staff, because of Brad, our director of finance, because of Dan, because Adria, because of Eder, who's not here, and all the different ones because they work so hard to make sure that whatever we have in the budget. We don't necessarily spend it. We try to conserve, but we are a good, I
believe, good conservative fiduciary office. And I just I just thank all of them because they make it happen. And it's not easy. It is a lot of money and we balance to the penny every day even when crazy things like today happen. So I just like to say total we've given
we've given over $47 million back to our taxing districts and I'm just so proud of that and again all behalf of them. So thank you and any questions? Well >> we thank you tax collector Jordan. You like a photo? >> Thank you.
>> Come on y'all come up. Good job. It makes sense. Thank you very much. Next on the agenda, commissioners will be our supervisor of elections, uh, Mr. Leslie Swan.
>> I'm sorry, out of order. Yeah, >> I'm sorry. Lesie, our clerk, Ryan Butler. Clerk, >> welcome. Ryan, my first day. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Madame Vice Chairman, congratulations. Members of
the board, um 98% of the funds that we are returning today to the taxpayers represent the excess fee revenue that we receive from our recording department. Now, deeds and mortgages are the bread and butter of the revenue that we receive at the recording department. And
as you know, that revenue can be highly variable from year to year. When I stood here last year, we were facing some headwinds. Mortgage rates were high. Home sales appeared to be slowing. Other clerks around the state were reporting
drast drastic decreases in their recording revenue. Uh, so we really didn't know what to expect for for this year because of all that uncertainty. So, we budgeted accordingly and we looked for ways to keep the expenses down. And I'm proud to report that thanks to the good work of the
employees in the recording department as well as my chief deputy comroller, Alyssa Naggie, and her staff at the comrollers's office, we are able to return to the taxpayers today $592,37960. This is the the largest return that we've had to the taxpayers in at least
10 years. That's as far back as we looked. I suspect it's longer than than 10 years since you've seen a check that big from us. This actually represents about 39% of the funds that the board budgeted to the clerk and controllers's office last year. So, I think by any measure that's a pretty good return. And
for once, we're finally giving back more than Wesley. So, uh we're very happy about that. We're never going to catch Carol Gan, but at least we finally caught Wesley. So, I'll be happy to entertain any questions you may have about the funds. >> We appreciate it, uh, Clerk Butler. We
also appreciate, I know I do, uh, the quarterly updates that you provide this body. Uh, that is something that I don't believe happened in the past and we're certainly grateful for that information helps us make uh, better decisions. So, thank you. I want up for a photo.
Thank you again. Now we'll get to our supervisor of elections, >> Leslie Swan. Welcome. >> Good morning. Congratulations, Chairman Lure and Vice Chairman Mos. >> As always, I'd like to thank you for your continued support of the
Supervisors of Elections Office this fiscal year. Your continued commitment to ensuring that our office has the resources necessary to fulfill our statutory responsibilities is both recognized and deeply appreciated.
With the growth of our county, having the ability to apply new tools to streamline the voting process has allowed for efficiency in voting in our county. And with this budget cycle, it encompassed the presidential election
last November. And we had over a 100,000 voters turn out for that election. And it was an 82.85% turnout. And it was a really smooth election thanks to my amazing staff. We're small, but we're mighty. And also
our election workers who are phenomenal um that work the polls in our county. on January 1st of 2024, all um voters that had a mail ballot request on file, it expired, those requests did. And our plan at the
elections office was to send out a notice through the US Postal Service for those 28,000 voters whose uh request had expired. We kind of pivoted this time and we were able to if they had an email address, send them a reminder through
email. and for those who didn't um if they had a phone number on file. And I tell you, we worked those phones. We made over 17,000 phone calls. And that resulted in a savings of approximately $20,000 when you look at the stationary,
the printer ink, and the postage that would have cost us. We were also able to secure uh grant funding for our Albert server, which was $11,000. So today um our office is returning $68,363
and I have to say that's the largest amount we have ever returned since I have been the supervisor of elections. So on behalf of my entire team at the supervisor of elections office, we want to thank you for your collaboration, your confidence and your continued
support. And if you have any questions, >> we thank you. Thank you Leslie very much and commissioners. It's our pleasure to also address uh supervisor election Swan's next item. >> Do you want me to
>> take the picture first? >> If you want to take a photo first. >> I don't have a picture. >> Bring a check. Okay. >> So we'll go down. We'll go on to 10F then. Welcome again. >> Okay. With the carpeting. >> Certainly. Uh Mr. Chair, members of the
board, um, and when in one of our conversations, super elections informed us about some of the issues related to the carpet in their office, our facilities management staff, which I see Anthony and and Dr. Chadward Bacon back there. Uh, they they went and I thought
I saw John Evans as well, but they went and investigated, looked at it, and determined that it did need to be replaced. Uh the budgetary impact is $16,6906. Uh this will be made available via budget amendment to the general fund facilities management maintenance count.
Uh so staff's recommendation is to approve the supervisor elections floor request for replacement flooring in the amount of $16,6906. Um I'll return to the board. >> Thank you, Mr. Administrator. And uh the
backup does indicate that uh the bidding process did occur uh and our staff did examine the flooring. So with that, >> Miss J approval. >> We have a motion by >> second. >> Pleasure. We have a second by Vice Ch Moss. Any further discussions?
Hearing none. Those all in favor? I. >> And the motion passes. >> Thank you. We got 18 good years out of that corner so far. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. Uh, next constitutional officer is Indian River County Sheriff Eric
Flowers. Welcome. >> Good morning and congratulations, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chairman. Uh, I submitted a memo providing a potential solution to our ongoing budget wos and uh, working with county administrator. We had a meeting at my office.
Appreciate him taking time to do that. Uh, we've again reduced the initial request down from 5.2 to uh to a $2 million some the money that was returned today uh asking for some additional funds out of the general fund. Um it's in the memo. There's really not much for
me to add to that. I um really tired of talking about the budget, tired of uh you know having this conversation and this is an opportunity for us to end it today. I'd really love to uh get this be able to move forward and get on to doing what we need to do. >> Appreciate your time. Thank you,
>> Mr. Chair. If I may comment. Yes. >> Um, I've taken the opportunity to read the letter any number of times and I think if we can step back a minute and we all know this has been a long and and winding road, but I think if we can
step back a minute, we'll think about what we're really talking about our responsibility. We have two actually. we have to balance on the one hand fiscal uh responsibility to the community and on the other hand we certainly need to
support uh the sheriff and the uh Indian River County Sheriff's Office. Um so in trying to balance the two I was I was actually reminded by Carol Jean Jordan and I want to thank her. She said there's another part of this and maybe
this is the background of of the entire matter and that is that you know we've always worked together constitutional officers we've always worked together in the best interests of the community. Um I'm proposing that in the best interest
of the community that we return to the sheriff's department simply what he returned to us last year. And I'll read that sentence from the letter. I have returned $1,417,9516 in excess funds for fiscal year 202425
to the general fund. So that's money that's come back to us. Um so if we return that to him, and I've confirmed this with the county administrator and perhaps he cares to comment after I do, we're not, you know, I understand what we said originally. We didn't want to and I agree with it agree with it. We
don't we did not want to use um anything out of the reserves or anything for recurring expenses. These are not recurring expenses. Um we're giving it to capital non-recurring expenses. Um and you know, frankly, we might have
gotten nothing back. I mean, for the community, there's there have been years when the sheriff's department returns nothing, and we never know what that amount is. Uh it's a you know it's a pleasant surprise many years for any of the departments um any of the constitutional officers. So you know I'm
happy to to have this amount but we don't one other thing we discussed you may recall was well if we increase what we're going to give to the sheriff we'd have to raise taxes. We don't have to do that. I confirm that with the county administrator. If we return to to him
what he returned to us, we can do so without um spending anything additional, without raising taxes. Um and you know, hopefully begin to repair the relationship and that's important. Um
it's yes, the numbers always important and I talked about that initially. We need to be fiscally responsible and I'm in agreement with that. However, there is there are things beyond that. There's the relationship among the constitutional officers and our overall
relationship with the community. So, that's my comment. If the county administrator would care to comment on what I have said, we did have a conversation. We did have a conversation and um yes, the sheriff
is uh is returning $1,417,9516. Um the conversation we had was that $495,66463 is rollover for purchases that were made in fiscal year 2025 for which the office has not received uh the equipment you
know body armor I think was that and vehicles were probably the primary expense drivers there. uh and that I will say and I shared this with all of you that that's something that we have traditionally done ourselves and with others if they do not receive the
equipment they have purch purchased it but it hasn't arrived yet that we have rolled over those. Uh the other request was 963 808.69 uh for equipment. When you total the the 495 and the 963, it comes out to about
1,459,000 and in essence it's about 42,000 less than uh what the or more than what the sheriff has uh is returning at 1 point uh 1 million 1.4 million. So, uh that
it's just that's kind of how it could break down where you could provide those funds. One the rollover and then two the other is and does note that it it's for um they they don't recur annually. It does
probably recur on a couple multi-year basis but not on an annual basis because I think some of them are like replace some body armor last about 5 years and vehicles and some of the other stuff and the sheriff in his office did provide and I provided it to you all the
printout of the the purchase orders uh as it relates to uh the 495,000 and then I know it was very small because it was a large spreadsheet u it's about $1.3 million of uh equipment and what was informed to our budget
office through the CFO is that they would have to they would prioritize you know what that would that would entail in terms of what they were able to purchase with that. So that's conversation I have with Commissioner Moss. I think I kind of generally spoke to each of you about that as well.
Yes. >> So if we look at this in two separate issues, the dollars that he had he has from FY2425, in other words, the dollars that he was
allocated but did not spend. What is that amount? >> 1,417,9516. >> Okay. And then the additional would come from fund balance reserves. >> That would be if if if the board wanted
to increase that amount to 42,52236, >> right? >> Uh what I would say is this is all related to capital equipment. It is non-recurring. So I just think there would probably be I think we've there's an understanding that this would not re
this would not reset the base of the budget for next year because it just I know that was one of the issues we had prior years with the billion dollars. So it just kind of you know that was a concern expressed that it would increase the what the budget was for next year
automatically to you know which Commissioner Moss and many of you brought up about the the need that the conversation that was had during the public workshops is that it would require you know in all likelihood uh put greater pressure on the board to
increase the military and maybe at a higher rate than the board may need to depending on where revenues come in next year. >> Thank you, Commissioner Adams. >> Mr. Chair, um a clarification point for Commissioner Moss.
What is your motion? Because I think John's talking about two separate >> Yes. >> pots. Your motion was solely for >> the 1.41751.16, >> right? To return the excess funds. >> Nothing with the additional from the
reserves. Okay. >> No, nothing. Nothing from the reserves. just to return to the sheriff what he would be returning to us. >> Okay. I just wanted I just wanted clarification. >> Sher Moss, is that >> motion? >> Yes, I'm making that motion. Thank you.
>> We have a motion on the floor. Do we have a second? >> Hearing none. That motion dies. >> Mr. >> Yes, sir. >> Mr. County administrator, can you spell
it out one more time for us how how how we're at this point? >> I mean, I know that he asked for this, but where we are at this point. Can you kind of spell it out because I I'd like to hear if there's any more dialogue from my fellow commissioners. I I didn't
say because I I just feel I need more information right now. >> So, kind of take us from You received the letter. Yes, we received the letter. Uh we actually met and we reviewed what was the amount that was available from
with all the constitutional officers coming in. Uh the the sheriff's returning 1,417,9516 of which $495,000 of which then he's asking that 495,000
and 66 664 be returned for the purposes of the purchases that were made in FY2025 that have yet to be received. Um, so that's that's that's the one amount. And then the other amount, the other request
outside of the whole 2.5 million was the additional $963,88 out of reserves for uh purchasing equipment that was not annually recurring. So
in my what I was getting at is if you provided the 1417 they would it would be short but it would still provide 1.47 compared to the 1.459 which would budget which would fund his equipment request
and his carryover request. I definitely, if you're asking me, I would definitely, you know, recommend that you you do the uh the roll the rollover or carry forward request because again, I think those purchases were made. They all have
a 2025 date on them and they're just waiting and we have the same issue in our ourselves when we buy some equipment, vehicles, they don't come in in time. And so I just think out of fairness and equity, you know, that it's just being consistent that at a minimum
you should do that. >> That's a 963. >> That's the 49566463. >> 495. >> So in other words, of the 1.4 that he is returning, he's only got
400 and change encumbered. >> $495,000 encumbered. >> Right. And if we were if we were to return the 1.4 and change to him, that would complicate what he was funded
FY2425. That correct? >> It's about I guess 900. What is it 900,000 or somewhere around there? just under that roughly additional funds that you'd be adding to his budget for this current fiscal year if you if you return
the full 14 1.417 417, >> right? And I I believe the past practices over the last two years have been to return uh any of those dollars. >> Last year the carry forward last year >> two years ago was a million dollars.
>> We did do a million dollars two years ago and and we we spoke about this. That's one of the things that kind of I think we realized later that that kind of reset the base of that budget year but for for the budget going forward because it wasn't limited to capital but
the point is we have always done the from my research we've not when it's available we've done the the p the rollovers to cover those costs since they were incurred we had not received the he's not received the equipment in
you know by September 30th Mr. >> Commissioner, please. >> So, uh, what is that number again as far as the non-returning funds that you're you're
talking about? >> So, the the total number that the sheriff is returning is 1,417951, >> right? >> So, then I'll subtract out the He's requesting >> use this iPhone. I don't think Cloudf
Fair is going to affect it. >> And you had the opportunity to speak weriff and see that these items were ordered and >> yes and I we matter of fact uh thank you to uh that's important. >> Sheriff and his staff are providing a
detailed spreadsheet and you'll notice in there that all the PO numbers begin with 2025. These are all 2025 uh POS. I don't have the exact date, but uh it's, you know, in speaking with U Kristen, who also participated in the meeting
that we had with the sheriff, which we very much appreciate. Uh her and Amy spoke at the CFO and these some of these vehicles ordered early in the year. It just as we know, we've seen it ourselves, there's been a delay even through the FSA contract.
>> Well, we we went through this uh during the economic downturn. We went through it uh during the uh the co experience uh when there were many supply delays uh distribution um delivery change in equipment change
in availability of equip equipment. So, uh, we're talking about 4 and $495664. And the difference that would remain that the sheriff would be returning is
922,28653. >> And that's the number you looking for. And so this this action does not um change uh any of the previous uh travels and journey to the governor's
office. It doesn't change any budgetary challenges. Uh it does not change uh any direction. uh we as we await the uh information back from the or
directive from the governor's office. But in in all fairness uh Mr. Mr. Chairman, I I I believe that uh we should roll that number back and uh
have the sheriff apply it to those previously uh requested uh purchases >> and that will not change the budget as it was developed for the fiscal year 2026.
>> And by no mean so it won't change the the budget. And in addition, um, again, it doesn't bring the sheriff where he intended to be, uh, or originally requested to be or is currently appealing to be. Uh, but what this is
just it's budgetary fairness. It's paying for an expense that was incurred in fiscal year 25, but the equipment and the capital has not been received yet by September 30th. So I I' I'd make make a motion to to do so. Mr.
Chairman, >> we have a motion and clarify your >> I'll second. >> We have a second to clarify your motion >> that that the original intended funds that were encumbered and applied
uh in the in the uh purchase decisions and agreements by the sheriff uh should be afforded to be satisfied. Okay. >> So, in other words, Commissioner Flesher, the 14 that he is returning
today goes back to him. >> Not at all. >> He's saying 465 >> 465 495,000 >> is attached to purchase orders. Is a purchase to request uh is attached to in
intended supplies. Uh not I'm not talking about the uh 1.4. I'm just just the uh 465 because >> 495 >> 495 >> 495 the 495 was already incumbent
intended and uh it's on paper uh you looked at that sheriff you're stating that >> yeah 495 it's split between so the the general fund and OST >> optional sales tax
>> I think it would be disingenuous not to satisfy that the sheriff has committed. So that's my motion. >> We have a motion. We have a second by Commissioner Earman. Any further discussion?
>> Yes, Commissioner. >> I don't h I don't have a problem with the returning of the money of this encumbered funds. I think that's that's what we do and I have no problem with that. I did have a question and I don't know maybe it's more appropriate after you take the vote. I had a question to
the sheriff in regards to Commissioner Moss's proposal and his letter and I don't know where right point to ask that. >> Okay, we can we call the question and then >> Okay, that's fine.
>> So, we have a a motion by Commissioner Flesher and a second by Commissioner Man. >> All in favor? I >> I >> Was that unanimous and the motion? >> Sure. Sounded it. Thank you.
>> That's for $465,000. >> 95 49 >> 95 >> 95 >> 400 It's for the record. $495,66463 and it's split between the general fund and optional sales tax funds. >> Yes, Commissioner Adams. So my question
um of the 1.4 which now there's 900 left >> 22. Yes. 922. Yes. >> Um that Commissioner Moss had proposed originally. Um your letter indicates that if the board approve the original
request which I guess is about approximately 3.5 >> total >> something like that. >> Yes ma'am. >> Um you will agree to withdraw both the appeal and the writ of mandamus. >> Yes ma'am. Does that hold for the 1.4 that you've returned of which
now there's 900 left? >> No, ma'am. That doesn't get us to where we need to be for the budget purposes. >> Thank you. >> That's what I need to know. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Okay. Any further comments? >> Thank you, guys. >> Thank you. >> Hearing none, it is 10:30. We will
resume promptly at 10:35. No nonsense law. >> Yeah, if >> we can all be seated, please. >> Hit it hard. >> That's hilarious. >> All right. >> Oh, that's so scary. >> Yeah,
>> I don't. >> The meeting is now called back to order. >> Thank you. >> Promptly at 10:36. Okay, the next item is public items. We do not have any public hearings or public notices. That brings us to item
12, the county administrators matters. Uh Mr. Tat. >> Yes. Uh Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Um just this is regarding the Felsville Water Control District. Subsequent to the uh the county's uh or
you know the legislative delegation uh meeting and the county approving its priorities uh an issue has been raised that uh Kathy and myself you know believes warrants a discussion and some direction by the board of county commissioners.
The issue essentially at hand is that there's been multiple conversations that involve the maintenance of the canals within the jurisdiction of the Felsme water control district. Uh obviously we are aware of instances where flooding has occurred in the past and the county
you know working with the city and the district has mobilized our resources to render aid to address flooding issues. It's our understanding that some solutions are being uh considered uh legislatively uh regarding the future of
Fels Water Control District as as potentially a dependent special district and then transferring the responsibilities of the district, you know, to either the jurisdictions of the city of Felsmere or or the county. Uh we we we've had
conversations with the city of Felsmere. We do believe that the county is probably in the best position to to take on that responsibility. And so the purpose of the agenda items twofold to make sure the board's aware because this is an evolving issue that's kind of come come about and it's our understanding
that there may be a legislative dele a second legislative delegation meeting to discuss this and we kind of believe it's critical that the counties involved in those discussions especially if we're potentially handed the keys to a problem and if there because it's we've been
told that the district could just be dissolved and then the jurisdictions would have to take care of that it would require a lot of inter an interlocal agreement or some inter interur jurisdictional issues because the canals don't stop at the jurisdictional line.
So uh so with that we just we would we we think to ensure the county's interests are you know protected among the various issues that may come about uh we would like your permission we would recommendation is to authorize staff to engage in conversations and
participate in the review of any legislation proposed to convert or transfer the Felser water control district to a dependent special district with the governing operational responsibilities transferred to Indian River county. I'll return to the board and I will say
that Representative Brackett did request that we put an item and bring this before the board so you all have an opportunity to discuss this as they consider various solutions and options. >> Exactly. This is simply a discussion and going on the record that we've
acknowledged this issue. Uh Commissioner Adams, your district. >> Yes, sir. Um I appreciate this conversation. And I appreciate uh Representative Brackett and Senator Gro working with uh the jurisdictions, the county and the city as well as the
property owners in the area to try to come up with a solution um that is beneficial to all involved and also allows responsiveness needed as we've seen in the past several years. Um the only ask today is just to get the okay
for staff to participate in that legislative process as something is crafted and move forward. I think it's very important that we have a seat at the table um so we can make sure that not only the county's interest but the residents interests are protected in the
process um and be a collaborator with that solution. So that would be the request to basically allow staff a seat at the table and participate through this process. >> Okay. This item does not require a motion, but do all five of us agree to proceed with the commissioner and the
legislative aid? >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the board. >> Does that cover what you need? >> Oh, actually sorry. >> We are requesting a motion. Is that correct? >> No. I think it's just I think the
consensus and direction is appropriate. >> This is legislative >> Kathy Copelan legislative and communications manager. >> I think commissioner I mean representative bracket and senator crawl would like a sense of the board about
your feeling on a dependent district and an independent or splitting them out and that what's getting the most traction right now is just converting it to a dependent district. But there are some people who would like to see it split
apart. And so I think they would like to know kind of where the board where they sense that it would be the best for the citizens of the county. And that was a conversation I think that some would like to have. Um we don't have to have a vote or anything. They just wanted to
make sure that if you're in support of a dependent district that that it's talked about. >> Miss M Oh, go ahead. No, >> Mr. Chairman, can I address what a dependent special district is? Because um actually the so so a dependent is
when you you the say the county has one that the there's different factors that make it dependent, but that you would have the same board of directors or that you would appoint the people on the dependent special district. You'd
control the financing. But I will say that they're formed either by ordinance or they're they can be formed by legislative act with the consent or at the request of the county. So it's not something that uh is done without your
cooperation necessarily versus an independent special district which is something that's legislative created. And I think um for the board's in background and information, you know, SWID solid waste disposal district is an example of a dependent district. Um we a
a dependent district allows us um a funding source and oversight. Um I think it's probably the cleanest um way to move forward. The city of Felsmere um at this point has been supportive of that. Um, I think what we're looking to do is
is this has been an ongoing issue for many many many a year for many different reasons, not only from the drainage, but but also from some of the other ways that uh we are intertwined with them through road maintenance and and right
ofways and things of that nature. So, um, our my goal my goal is for this not just to be dissolved and then dumped on us without any kind of plan of action or or funding source. Um, so I do think at
this point of of the options kind of being swirled around the dependent district is is probably the better option. Um, and I think keeping um that system as intact as possible um is in
the betterment of that drainage system as a whole. Once you start kind of dividing them up, sometimes it gets squirly. So, >> and that was my conversation with Representative Brackett that it would be a conversion that includes all assets,
monies, and the boundaries would stay the same. >> Yeah. And I just I would go back to the comment that I had about if it was dissolved and turned over to the city of Felsmeir for what's in their jurisdiction and then what's in ours. Again, the water knows no boundaries. So
when even on the issue of is part of indep independent district to the west dependent district to the east I kind of am total agreement with commissioner Adams that I think leaving the boundaries as is as a dependent district
and making sure that we have the resources available to address the needs of which I think arguably we've heard from citizens residents of Felsmere and elsewhere that they're not being addressed right now appropriately. So I think that's why this issue's come to light.
>> Mr. Chair, can I >> Yes. >> Just pop in one more time. I am a little bit interested how they're contemplating that this would work between the city and the county because normally like it with a in my experience, but I'm still doing my reading and research the
dependent is we control what's in our boundaries, but the this current um water control board is also in the city and in the county is what I understand. So, I'm just I'm I'm interested in what they're proposing and how that would
work. I don't know if you know any more details about that. >> There's no they're talking about legislation right now and and they're going to put something in draft is my understanding. Representative Brackett asked his staff to do that. And until you actually see something in writing,
it's hard to react to it. So, that's the reason why we're suggesting that we really need to have a seat at the table. And of course, we would bring anything back that's not that is outside of what we're discussing here, but I don't know the exact answer to that question. >> And I would just add that um currently
the city of Fels mayor is basically has a seat at the table. Um so we're asking for the same and that's part of how that legislation will maneuver through, but um it might be some language, it might be something completely different, but >> but the city has indicated that they are
comfortable with the county being the oversight. >> Okay. >> I think uh again, Commissioner Adams, I think you were Mayor Adams at the time uh when uh we had the uh painful um
meetings. I saw uh Commissioner I saw Commissioner Davis here today and it brought back some memories and now you are bringing it full circle. It was rather a difficult experience talking about road maintenance, access points
and uh whose whose responsibility it was in the city of Felsman. >> Yes. >> And uh we all got involved engulfed and uh it was a very difficult time and I think this action eliminates that
burden. Mr. >> Chairman. >> Yes sir. >> I I think this is a a really good idea. And I'm going to get ahead of myself a little bit and say that I hope this is a spin-off to
looking at some of the other districts we have in the county >> that basically don't um serve the purpose that they were chartered for many years ago. But I think to to Commissioner Adams uh thing, it says right here in the backup staff
recommendation authorize staff to engage in conversations to participate in the review of any legislation proposed to convert the Felsme water control district to a dependent special district with a governing and operational responsibilities transferred to any
river county. So I think that's I think that sums it up right there. I think that's unless anybody has the objection. I assume she made the motion, but that's what you're making a motion on, right? >> Yeah, we we if we can make it clean and go ahead and and make a motion um
>> per staff recommendation. >> Okay, we have a mot. We have a motion by Commissioner Adams, a second by Commissioner Man. Any further comments? Hearing none. All in favor? I. Motion passes. Thank you, Kathy. Next up is
Natural Resources Item 13F, uh, the Nature Conservancy Runoff and Resilience Pilot Project. Uh, welcome, Miss Yamchula. >> Uh, good morning, commissioners. Kylie Yenchula, natural resources director for
the record. So, I have a brief presentation and Mr. Burn is here to provide you some background. So, the natural resources department has been helping to facilitate getting this uh runoff to resilience pilot project here
in Indian River County. So, I am going to pass it off to him to give you a little background on the project itself and then they're asking for a letter of support from the board for their legislative budget request. So, thank you.
>> All right. Good morning. My name is James Burn. I'm with the Nature Conservancy. I'm our director of strategy and policy in Florida. If you don't know who the Nature Conservancy is or familiar with us, we're the largest conservation organization work in over 80 countries. Have been here in Florida
for over 60 years doing conservation work. We have an opportunity to look at a project here in Indian River County. One of the things we're looking at are the two main things for conservation that we're focused on in Florida is
development and water quality issues. Those two combine a lot of often. And one of the things we're looking at is in Florida, is there a way to look at storm water that's coming off of developments and improve how they're retaining
nutrients? And there's an opportunity here to really kind of take storm water ponds. There's over 11,000 of them in the Indian River Lagoon and that's a private held entity. Most of them are. And can we actually look at how those
are managed and add some new technology that's come out to improve the ability for them to reduce nutrient runoff into it. The we modeled out all those ponds across the whole Indian River Lagoon. Came up with which areas would actually
work out the best happen to be right here in Indian River County. So, we're looking at starting this pilot project here. It's really looking at trying to go in and work with private HOAs to improve how these stormwater ponds are managed and how they're working. And
it's building off technology and other examples that we've been doing across the country and where it's coming in. And it's also a great opportunity to work with partners across this area. The county natural resources, Indian River Lagoon National Estary Program, St.
John's word man district bring them together. So what are we trying to do? Most storm water ponds are a passive system. So basically they have a block and when the water gets too high the water overflows and goes into the canal.
The longer the water stays in the ponds the more nutrients they retain from it. So the idea is can we use this new technology? It's called a CMAC which is uh continuous monitoring adaptive control. It's basically a computer computer module that goes in and opens a
gate there so that it can actually take data that comes in the actual weather forecast for that spot and look to see how to maintain the water level in that area at its optimal level to keep more nutrients in and less going into the
lagoon. These have been deployed in several places. We've actually worked with Pepsi up in Orlando area, Amazon up in Jacksonville with some of their stormwater ponds and shown that it works on a single pond and it works really well. You can get a lot more
improvements on nutrients coming out. But one of the neat things about Florida and especially here in Indian River County, all these stormwater ponds are connected to each other. So our idea with our pilot project is can we look at multiple of these ponds together and see
how they would work as a network together so that way we could actually even maximize even more nutrients being retained out of it. So that's what this pilot project is really looking at and we're like we're starting to have talks with three HOAs that are all connected.
They've got a total of about five stormwater ponds between them that are interconnected and we want to deploy these systems in there, use the technology to come in, model it out, and then see if we can actually get even more nutrient reductions and reduce the amount of nutrients going into the
Indian River Goon from this. So, that's what the pilot project is. We're at the stage right now where we're talking with those HOAs trying to get their approval to do this. We don't want it to be an investment on their part. So, we're raising private funds to cover majority of it. Well, we've asked the Florida
legislators for some funds to be in a legislative request to cover the infrastructure deployment of this. So, it's a good private public partnership to do this. And that's what we're asking for your support on is that legislative budget request for the infrastructure
deployment um of this pilot project. So, with this um we're also partnering with the University of Florida who will be monitoring this. So we'll actually get real detailed data that shows live amounts about the nutrients coming out
and how much we're reducing it based on what the baseline is. And the idea is that with this working, it'll be out a way to actually help the county and state meet their BMAP requirements, get more nutrients reduction coming out of
this infrastructure that already exists by retrofitting them with this new technology and then hopefully expand it across the Indian River and to other storm water ponds across the area to really get a a impact at scale and have a healthier lagoon in the end. So that's
what our pilot project is. It's an exciting piece and our request for you is to give us a letter of support that we can get this legislative budget request in. >> Mr. is a draft letter uh for your review
and I will entertain any discussion. >> Mr. Chairman, this is Mr. Burman brought this to the Indian River Lagoon Council and and asked the river council to support it. we are supporting it as a
group. He came to people individually and I forward the the information to our natural resources department and uh I'm going to assume they support it because they brought it forward. So this is a no
cost to us per se at all. Uh they're doing they're doing all the leg work. Anything we can do for to reduce the B mapaps and all that sort of stuff in the lagoon whether it's small scale or large scale is what we need to do. I just like
I said I spent all last week in Mobile Alabama with the entire estuary program from all over the United States and uh Mobile Bay's issues were storm water and sediment runoff. That's what that's the issues they had. And
they're they're really big and they're on a grand scale. They're doing various things, things like this, things uh making streams. It's just incredible of what they're doing in in Mobile Bay for for storm water management. But I think this is a great idea. I think we'd be
remiss if we didn't support it. So with that, I'll make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Man and a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion? Commissioner Moss, I'm sorry. >> Any further discussions? All I can say is the University of
Florida is involved. It's going to be a great project. >> Further comments, call the vote. Applause for the football team, sir. >> And the motion carries 5. >> Thank you, sir. And thank you, Kylie, very much for your time.
>> Next commissioners is 13H. I thought I saw Beth earlier. >> Wendy, they're there. >> Beth and Wendy are here. And consideration of the sale agreement for the purchase of 36.99 acres in Winter Beach 73rd Street site through
the environmental land acquisition bond, also known as the ELAP. Welcome, ladies. >> The next item. >> Thank you. >> Good morning, commissioners. Uh congratulations and uh to Commissioner Moss, Commissioner Lure, thank you uh
for hearing the item today. So we have the consideration of sale agreement for the purchase of the Winter Beach 73rd uh site. We presented uh in my absence, I think uh you heard from uh Wendy and uh Mr. Zitto the uh the details of the
property. We're happy to review any of those details if you have questions. Otherwise, we're looking for the board to approve the sale agreement uh now that we have ended the uh public notice uh time frame for uh the appraisals to be uh made available to the public which
has been done. >> Thank you, >> Mers. If you recall, this item came before us a few weeks ago. U for discussion. >> Chairman, um this is a this is a great piece of property as we all know that
we've already reviewed it. Um, >> thank you. >> I support it. But it's it's time to ask. Maybe not today, but it's time to ask maybe in a written report of where we're at financially, >> where we're at with any, >> you know, additional money leverage or
any of that stuff. Just >> Yes, sir. That that information will be provided in the next item. >> Okay. Oh, in the next s I had a chance to read that completely, but no, this this is a great idea. So, I'll make a motion to approve. Second. We have a motion by Commissioner Man and a second
by Commissioner Flesher. Any further discussion hearing? None. All in favor? I. Motion passes unanimously. Next item is 13H3 environmental or I'm sorry, the ELAP
ranking list environmental lands acquisitions properties for nomination for this period. Thank you. >> Thank you. The information that Wendy is handing out will be provided in a slide and also
can be made available to the public um under uh the environmental lands acquisition dashboard. I see that we have uh some folks here who um are in the audience. So, if you'll indulge me, I'm going to go through uh some of the basics of the environmental land
acquisition uh program so that everyone has that information handy. Thank you. And some of this information is redundant. However, it's important that uh we're letting the public know about the process as we are uh seeing
increased engagement uh to our public meetings to the uh ELAB meetings. And now that we're uh moving through multiple parcels, we really look forward to having uh public engagement uh folks asking questions about the process so
that they can be more and more engaged. So the environmental land bond uh program has uh was started in early 2000. We're on our third bond referendum. This allows for the purchase of environmentally significant lands in any river county. The second bong
referendum actually included uh historically significant properties as well. However, this bond referendum is limited to just environmentally significant lands. Uh through the previous two bonds, we've acquired uh over 2,300 acres that the county
directly manages. Uh we have f over 5,500 acres that are managed through leases and management agreements. And then we have other uh properties uh just over 3,700 acres that were protected through conservation easements. So these
very successful bond referendums have led to the 2022 environmental lands bond referendum. Uh this was approved by the voters and uh when I talked to the supervisor of elections, the math is math. It's depends on how you answer the question and how many people voted etc.
But the bottom line was the majority of voters uh felt that the quality of life uh segment of environmental land acquisition was important enough to pass a $50 million bond. And for that we're very grateful because this certainly is going to contribute to uh all of the
things that um many of us hold dear in terms of green space, natural area, areas to do passive recreation, etc. Uh so this was passed in November of 2022. Uh we initiated the improve uh the update to the environmental lands program guide which is basically um our
guide book and uh all of the policies and procedures for how we nominate prop properties how they are evaluated etc. And the environmental land acquisition panel was established. The uh program guide is available on our
uh dashboard and on our website if anybody has questions. We always encourage people to reach out to us. We have also done educational programs so that people can come in and learn how to use the dashboard and nominate. We rely at this point in time solely on uh the
public to make nominations and all of that can be done either in person, they can give us a call, they can nominate it online or they can email us uh any parcel that they think uh deserves review and consideration under the program.
Uh each of the properties that are nominated go through a thorough evaluation uh primarily through our environmental land acquisition panel. Uh there are matrix evaluation factors that are clearly outlined in our environmental land uh program guide and
this allows for uh certain waitings uh on things that are important uh to these environmentally significant lands so that we can establish a tiered ranking system which you're going to see in just a minute for properties that are nominated. We also have life cycles
built in so that uh every six months we have a process by which there's always uh open nominations. You can nominate any time and then we close that nomination period and start the new one simultaneously. But that allows staff to be able to evaluate and consider the
properties and for the ELAP to rank those. And today's meeting is one of the ranking periods where you're going to see the nominations. You're going to see uh the tiered uh ranking and then you'll approve uh based on your review of that information how you would like staff to
proceed with nominations period 2 and three. This is just a sample of the ranking uh sheet that each of the uh ELAP members uh receives and they go through and uh rank every property based on this uh form.
Again a detail of the qualitative and quantitative factors. We also have property acquisition considerations. All of this is detailed in the environmental land uh program guide. It's available on our dashboard and if anyone has questions, we certainly encourage people to reach out to us.
So, uh, Commissioner Man, based on uh your comment, staff have put together a uh summary of pending agreements. We understand that it's difficult as you're receiving each of these nominations as they're coming in to kind of see where we're sitting in terms of the first and
second trunch of the environmental bond. So, for those of you that may not know, the bond is $50 million and we uh issued the first trunch or $25 million that we have accessible and available to us at this time. We're not limited necessarily
by the 25 million. we would work with budget if we needed to exceed that for any reason. But based on the uh pending agreements and also uh some that are uh current pending offers, you can see that with the current pending offer, including the pageant branch easement,
which is currently in negotiations, we're sitting um at about $19.5 million of expenditures. I will also note that these are just the sale prices so that it doesn't include all of the additional cost for surveys and for the environmental uh appraisals etc. We'd
certainly be happy to drill down into those numbers and to give you more exact figures if you'd like. And one thing that I would note is that uh we do intend to go out for grant funding where we'll be uh using uh the bond funds to
match other opportunities out there. However, we're not able to move forward with those grant applications until we start to uh get into the acquisition process. So, now that we have some properties that are teed up like Durance Place, Hail Grove, Jungle Trail, Island Club Manor, now we can start looking at
where uh there are grant programs available. For instance, the NEP and Dwayne Defreeze has many, many times encouraged us to reach out and start to use their grant writers, which we fully intend to do with some of these properties so that we can leverage the
bond funds, which then would be put back into the bond. And that balance will change based on uh grant funding that's available and received. But that is a process that takes time. and uh a lot of research, a lot of our funding opportunities has shifted and changed over the last 10 years since we did our
last bond referendum. So, we'll be starting out through that process. And it all depends on the type of property that's being acquired, whether or not there are funds perhaps for resilience like the St. John's uhou that you approved earlier under consent today. So, there may be funds that are uh
delegated for restoration activities and then there are also funds that are available for outright uh acquisition. So, we'll be working through those processes and then we'll be bringing that information to you uh for approval. Based on this chart that you have in
front of you, could I answer any questions that you might have at this time? >> Any questions? >> It's moving right along. They're they're doing a great job and the committee is focused and
I it's working like it should. We appreciate your involvement, Commissioner Herman. >> Is that Is that a motion? >> Motion. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Herman. We have a second by Commissioner Flesher. >> Any further discussion?
>> Hearing. >> Oh, excuse me. Would you like us to review uh the properties uh prior to approval of the ranking and nominations? We could either do that or we have the um table at the very end of our presentation that summarizes the
ranking. Um whatever we have one slide per project um to go over but if you you did get a large binder from me again. Um so if you feel com comfortable with that information just please let us know whatever you >> I think they
>> just pull the >> recommended motion is to approve the attached ELAP final ranking and tiered list uh to pursue tier one rank properties for acquisition with the elapse recommendation.
>> So I'm quickly flipping through >> include the table. Yeah, I'm quickly flipping through the properties here. We're happy to answer any questions. Wendy can give you some more detail. This is the nomination ranking. So, at the last ELAP meeting, uh the panel was
able to rank and put together uh the breaking points for tier 1, tier 2, tier three. So, for your consideration today is uh each of these properties, these are new properties that will now be considered. They're basically blended
into our existing ranking list with the different tiers and uh the properties that are um we've color we've highlighted these in a color coding um so that you can see the blended list basically the tier one properties then
we have tier 2 properties and tier three properties. Then we also have properties that have come out of consideration from the pre previous nomination period. So those are in sort of the pink color. So those have been removed uh from consideration, but they're going to remain on the list. Sometimes things
have changed. So for instance, the uh Hobart scrub property uh was in nomination period one, but we did not have a willing seller at that time. So when we became aware of a willing seller opportunity, that then became uh a
ranked parcel and included in your uh new list here. and we'd be happy to go through each of the properties if you would like to hear that. You had received the binder with all of the environmental reports and all of the detail and information. All of that information for the public is also
available on our dashboard. So, uh and also uh previously presented at the last ELAP meeting. And >> just to clarify, our motion includes approval to start negotiations with the tier one properties um as we did last
time. Okay. We have all the backup. I I think we're level comfortable in it. Uh we have a motion by Commissioner Man and a second by Commissioner Flesher. All in favor? Thank you, ladies. It passes unanimously.
>> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Next up, commissioners will be our county attorney matters. County attorney Schuler. Thank thank you commissioners. Um the first item we have to present to you
today is our annual member reappoints for board committees and um boards. And this is one of the main functions of the committee monitor. And I appreciate Christina Moore putting a lot of hard
work into this. Um what one of those functions is to uh contact the board and committee members who are appointed whose terms are set to expire in the um Jan January and determine whether they want to be reappointed and then to
present to you a list of the members requesting reappointment and then you can make a decision about those. Um, and once we have any other vacancies, we'll continue to uh make those available on the county website and invite
applicants. So, I'm not quite sure how you all want to go through this. I've attached the members who uh are requesting reappointment. Um, we can go committee or board by board or if the
bo, you know, if the board is comfortable with reappointing all these, I suppose you could do it in one fell swoop. So, how would you like to proceed, >> commissioners? What's your pleasure? >> A motion motion to approve the uh entire
sheet is submitted by the county attorney's office. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Herman. Second. >> Have a second by Commissioner Flesher. Any further discussion on this topic? Any members of the public wishing to discuss this topic? Hearing none. All in favor?
>> I. >> Commissioners, the time now is 11:11. We will take a 5m minute break before the next topic. We will return promptly at 11:16. All take our seats. It's 11:16. This meeting is now called
to order. The next topic involves Kolkata docks with Deputy Attorney Susan Prada. Welcome. >> Thank you, Chairman, commissioners. Good morning. Um yes this morning we have on
the agenda this is for Kolkata docks and looking for disposition of Kolkata docks. Um, as this board I think has been well verssed over the past couple of year, this last year especially about Kolkata docks um and the history of them
um and the way in which the county kind of took over the docks and uh have now have certain lease agreements with certain um docles that are I believe a number of them are here today. Um, we were recently approached by the a
newly formed Country Club Point and I'm sorry, I'll probably butcher the name, the Country Club Point Dock Association. Um it's a non-for-profit association that was recently formed and they have asked that if we would in a similar fashion to a riverboat club in essence
deed over whatever we have um in any title and right to them as a doc association so that they can in essence step into our shoes and in essence run the docks. Um you'll find as backup um in your documents there that there are
the articles of incorporation that have been included that do discuss the docs and how that is being proposed to be run. There's a full list you can see there's an arrow and there's a full list of all the current doclesses there. Um
so I want to bring that to your attention. Um the manner in which this would be done it would be a disposition. The county has several ways in which it can dispose of property. One of them which many people think of is you know
Florida statute 125.25 uh 35 forgive me. Um but how we're looking to seek that this property be disposed of uh pursuant to 125.38. Um, and that's because this is to a non-for-profit organization that's there
for promoting community interests and welfare. This non-for-profit organization is there seeking to promote the community interest and welfare for their community and their welfare. Um, there because they are a very small tight community. It consists of the two different two different communities there. I think it's Country Club Point
unit one and unit two. It's two separate plots that are there making that one community. Lastly, I think and I had stated this in our last meeting we had about this is that most importantly this these docks really only serve the people in that specific community. They do not
hold a public interest for the overall general public of the county. So there is no real public benefit there for us to continue overseeing them. Um, and that is the reason why we are recommending that these do be turned over to the stock association who will
then be able to see to their community interests, benefit, and welfare that they are being maintained. Um, and as stated, we are allowed to do that pursuant to 125.38 Florida statutes, and we are allowed to do that at a nominal nominal value. So, I am ready for any
questions. I do have um I know that the attorney for the association is here along with others if anybody has any other questions um or any other concerns and what we're seeking is that the doc be turned over that the chair be allowed to execute the quick claim deed. There's
a resolution here where the board would essentially find that it's not in the public's best interest to keep this because there is no public interest and that would be best served by turning it over to a non-forprofit association being the doc association that would oversee for the community interest and
welfare pursuant to Florida statute 125.38. Oh, and before I forget on one other note, I'm sorry. We did have three other well, I should say four, but three submissions um that came in. I will from one was from Jimmy, sorry, Debbie and
Joe Bidenhorn. Um and these are submissions. This one is in support of turning over um the docks area to the dock association. There is another one from Clarence Yates
uh which is the same and shows concern for a particular individual um in that area. Um the same thing with uh there's another one from Jennifer Rossmell who shows support for the doc association
and I would like to submit these in. If you all would like to read them I can put them up on the Elmo for your convenience or pass them around. Um there are letters that are from other members that live in that community that would like to see it turned over. And we
have one that is um objecting uh we have a letter that we received and I know it was directed to all of you commissioners um by an attorney um who is representing Mr. Bass who is the only person he is not a doc leie but is on the dock waiting list and he does have his
objections um to us to the county turning this over to the ADOC association. So I don't want to leave this out either so that way the board has the full entire gambit of the facts and the evidence before it makes any sort of decisions. >> Commissioners, I believe we've all had
an opportunity to talk about uh these Kolkata docks for years and years. Um, and I believe Miss Prada uh has and Miss Schuler have done a fantastic job in laying down the groundwork uh
specifically with an item that we heard uh two weeks ago. So with that uh any discussions? >> It's been a very long discussion, Mr. chair. And u I I will say I I want to I want to do thank council
uh and councelor and uh all of the individuals that we've had the opportunity to speak with. Uh it's probably this decision, this uh arrangement was probably the most misunderstood
understanding of the past. It definitely predates that beautiful mural up on the second floor. >> It has been uh quite a ride for a couple of years and I think it's very encouraging to see the solution finally
come into play. >> Mr. Mo. >> Yes. Thank you. I have some questions. Um what happens to the uh last last we looked 14 people on the quotes current dock waiting list? what happens to the waiting list of folks.
>> So, I will let Mr. If it gets turned over, I will let Mr. I'm sorry, Seagull address that because he's the one that's more familiar with the doc association documents and what exactly would happen with those on the waiting list if this were to be turned over. >> Morning, sir. Name and address for the
record. >> Uh Barry Seagull. Barry Gagle, PA 3096 Cardinal Drive, Beach, Florida 32963. Um I do have some presentation materials. That said, I'd be happy just to jump in and answer um vice chairman's um question.
What if this is turned over, what we have established is is instead of having a waiting waiting list, each owner or each user of a dock that is desirous of separating or separating their interests and and getting rid of their dock will now put it into will notify the association. The association will notify
then all of the potential members um in the Country Club Point area. And so that's basically those that live on one of the streets that don't have direct dock access themselves or don't already have a dock. It will then be put out to a silent auction. And so it's going to
give each of the individuals an economic opportunity to acquire an interest in the docks. It's going to foster most likely the turnover with these docks. Whereas the weight list is normally a 30 35 year process. This will actually foster because it's going to now create an economic incentive to sever a doc
interest from a property whereas that did not exist before where you just handed it to the next doc owner. There was no benefit to doing so. And so the waiting list yes will go away. Um those that are at the end of the waiting list will have the same right as those that have been on the waiting list for a period of time. We understand that that
um is an issue, but it also it adds an economic and capitalistic um bent to this that allows it to be resolved more amicably. >> So who who would keep the funds raised by the auction? >> All of the funds that would be raised
would actually go to the prior user of the dock. So the association is a not for-p profofit. It doesn't make any money. It would be it's an incentive then for for example all of these people that are here and and I and I want to take a time to thank them for coming out of their busy day. You know Country Club Point is is a working neighborhood. So
they're all here showing you the importance of this matter to them by missing work right now. The the in they've all paid money for their property that is includes the value of these docks. And so the idea is that
they can recover that investment from what they've paid for their properties when they now have to sell a property that no longer has it. So the idea is that it direct funds to the the doc user. >> I'm in favor of an auction, but I think that the county should be the one auctioning it, not uh the nonprofit.
>> So here's the concern that I have with that is is the county does not have anything to auction. We my clients actually in a different position than the county. The county doesn't own anything here. Uh the county at best has the rights of course to Kolkata Drive,
but the repairarian rights to the water are se are belong to the to those that actually have the property that touches the water and that is not the county. The county has nothing here to sell or if the county were to offer something for to sell take consideration and take money from someone now you have to
warrant the title to it. I don't think that the county has any ability to do that really interest for the county to do that. I don't think the county really wants to get in the auction business. On top of it, these people all have a user interest. They actually have something that is sellable, that is transferable,
and that's what makes them different than the position that the county sits in. And that's why I don't think the county can auction these. >> Can I I just want to make sure I answer that very quickly as well. From um the county standpoint, I can tell you that we have looked back to see where exactly
this came from. It would require a judgment from a judge to make that determination as to the ownership whether it be the county or anyone else because as it currently sits um yes we do maintain the road and so yes therefore we would have the roadway um
but there is nothing that is clear or legible on the plat um and also when it comes to for example like a maintenance map um which is how we have the roadway there's questionable as to the um as to the riparian which is why the request
for the quick claim deed to any and all interests that we may have um because we're not holding out that we have some sort of warranty deed claim um to this. That is the reason why we have that language because it is um it would require a judgment from a judge in order
to say definitively that we are the warranty deed holders or that the current docies are the warranty deed owners um of the property. I'm fine with doing that. Have you done a title search? >> No, ma'am. There there has been title
work done from my office and myself going back to the initial titles back all the way to I don't know if you recall from the last meetings I have done titles from the very first initial owners from the HOA or the person that built it out up into the recent ones. And that is how I had seen them change
hands. Um, and from there it's not clear as to who necessarily owns that because it's not mentioned in there. Uh, which is why we looked to the plat and the plat is illeible. Well, I think yeah because this is becoming a legal matter not only with Mr. Seagull but also uh
Block and Scarpa are are involved and I think everyone got the letter. So, it's going to it's going to become a legal matter and I think it should be decided uh by the judge because it is a legal matter and not by us because it's
legislative here and it's really a legal matter and I don't see how that I know one thing that there is no unowned property in the state and anybody can Google it and look that up. So everything's got an owner and if nobody
has a title then it reverts to the county is my understanding. >> So I would have a judge decide um this is we're what it's a bit convoluted and perhaps ironic. On the one hand we're saying it has no property and no excuse
me no no value so just you know give it away. And on the other hand when something comes up they're going to auction it. They're not going to give it away. you know, we're giving it away, but they're not going to give it away. They're going to auction it. So, the association. So, that's it. You know, it doesn't make
sense and it's not fair to everyone in that area. It should be available. If if we auctioned it, then anyone who lives in that community could uh, you know, potentially purchase it. And that being said, this argument that there's no
public benefit, um, you know, you know very well because you were at the meeting when we're talking about plan development and trying to define public benefit was very difficult. But public benefit as we currently view it has to do with a a neighborhood. It doesn't
have to do with the entire county. So to say that there's, you know, no public benefit, so we should get rid of it. um that doesn't mesh or jive with what we've been discussing other places. And for those who haven't seen it, it's all
on videotape. So I I'm I really think this is a legal matter. It should be decided by the judge. I don't think we should be deciding this. We already have two law firms involved. I don't want the county
to get into a lawsuit over this. Let the you know, let let just let the judge decide. It's it already is becoming a lawsuit and you already have, you know, 14 people unless someone's deceased on on a waiting list. So, we're not talking about one person. We're talking about
14. >> So, that's my opinion on I can't support this. >> Commissioner Flesher, >> just a couple of things with talking about public benefit. Um, Captain Joe is in his boat and he wants
to pull up to the community. Can he use the dock >> if someone would allow him to to I mean, if there's not a boat there and if someone says Captain Joe can do that, >> invitation. >> I'm sorry.
>> By invitation as an invited guest, >> right? >> Okay. Um I I don't bring you up because you you own a boat. We don't you know I never >> anyway uh with that in mind so visitors
can stop by and and pull up to the docks on invitation. So it brings the point is uh and looking back at early history of this county when this decision was made uh when it was given from the HOA
to or the uh subdivision operators to the county. Um it there was no sale. We had no investment. And it this is to me we had discussed
this many times before. This is a rented or leased event. That's what this is. And and I know uh again I'm not I'm not a real estate attorney, but you can't sell a
rented or leased property. you go to sell your car that's leased, uh, they're going to come get you. So, we never owned this. We just took the responsibility of having it so we can improve the
roadway in front. Correct. I mean, that that was about it. We we never owned it. The people of Indie River County never owned this property. I I cannot answer that definitively,
Commissioner. That's why the problem is is that we don't know how it came to us. There's no written I mean >> from there probably I was thinking it's probably a handshake. Yeah. known the way that things were done um back then, but there is no written legal
documentation that I could find that demonstrated anything other than the fact that we have held ourselves out as the presumptive owner of this property because of the fact that we took over the road and therefore as the road is what abuts the canal presumptive owners
of the canal. So that that's where that came from and that's why I have said the only person that could truly determine this would be a judge and it would take a judgment um in order for that to come out to its finality which is again why we would be doing not a warranty deed but a quick claim deed which they have
agreed to take which um basically would be any and all interest which could be none. You're correct. It could be some it could be none. It could be all. We don't know. It's it's in essence it's whatever we have >> in and Mr. chair and during that process
many of these docks have some have become in disrepair and others and we talked about that with the maintenance and inspection in past meetings uh and I don't know if we got to that action with the leasing uh
but as far as uh what has transpired the uh some of the docks have been greatly enhanced. That's the investment. They have done that. We didn't do that.
So, I don't know if if that adds to the ownership quotient or not. Uh we just this whole thing just rode through and some of the docks are very nicely done and uh well attended and well maintained.
>> That's why I think though, thank you for making those points. That's why I think this should be judicial, not legislative. And I do have another question on this. We all received this email uh from Block and Scarpa and it's to address to us. I'll read it for the
community. Dear commissioners, please find my attached comments regarding the proposed relingment of the Kolkata Drive docks to the county, excuse me, Country Club Point Dock Owners Association, Inc. I respectfully request that these
comments be included in the public record for consideration at the upcoming Inie River County Board of County Commissioners meeting on November 18th, 2025. So, has that been done? Is it included? I did. That's was what I
said a few minutes ago was we had some some stuff I said that's she's one of the ones that has been included. This is one of the comments that have been included. One of the objections. Okay. They were the only objecting party. Okay, Mr. Chair, may I address the ma finished? I didn't want to interrupt the
question about legal liability. I I I would say this that you know we have entered into contractual relationships with the people who've built the docks out there and in reliance on that they've expended monies to make improvements. And I do think when we're
looking at legal liability, we would be in a more precarious situation if we uh tried to interfere with those interests. And um and with respect to Mr. Bass. And I understand the people that have been
on the waiting list are frustrated, but I guess I would question his standing to challenge us in court um based on the fact that we have not entered into a contractual relationship with him and he has not built something in reliance on it. And that's part of
the reason why I have or our office has taken the position that we think the most responsible thing to do is to cooperate with the dock owners association to try to uh protect their interests and to move this to a a place
where we can expend less staff energy and also uh respect the legal relationships we've been forming over the years. >> Thank you, Miss Schuler. And I'd also remind the board that we can talk about law firms externally, but we also have a
fine law firm internally and we should be recognized for that. >> Commissioners, any other questions for either of these parties? >> I do. >> Yes, Commissioner. >> Susan Counselor, didn't we do this with the Sebastian group? Same thing
>> we did. >> Just did like a month or two months ago. >> Yeah. Yes, we did. No, because that was a common dock that anybody could go to. These will be individually owned. So it's not the same thing. >> The yacht club was is not >> No, it's not.
>> You could you could not you go to one of these docks in your boat unless you had permission from the owner of the dock. >> Well, okay. But I think we did a similar thing with regards to
>> it. It's similar. the the factual distinction is that those dock there was basically one dock for each house that didn't have a dock in the river boat and this one there's not enough docks for each house that doesn't have a dock is essentially what it boils down to >> from the facts we we turned over repairarian
>> rights >> what whatever we owned because >> the only difference between them and this is that them the language was on the plat but the language also was um not clear it was whether we owned or
didn't own or it wasn't sure if they sent us fees simple, if it was a right of way. It was very um let's just say unclear as to what exactly we owned. So, we wanted to make sure that we just kept the right of way similarly to what we would be doing here, but give the um the
canal or the riparian back to the association that would oversee all. I would also tell each of you how many times have we had this conversation. >> It always comes back to the same thing
that we don't need to be in the marina business at all. I don't care how big or how small it is. You know, that's the city of Rur Beach is in the big marina business. This is a very small marina business. These people are all very
capable of doing what needs to be done to have this facility for them. And if there are issues with how you get a dock or how you don't get a dock, we don't need to be deciding that. This group needs to be deciding that. We need to
get out of it somehow and we need to get out of it today. >> I think we all I think we all agree on that. >> So >> that's why I'm proposing that we auction it. >> That's my Commissioner >> Fletcher. I I don't know if any
speak, but I can make a motion to approve. >> We have a motion from Commissioner Flesher. >> Second. >> We have a second from Commissioner. >> And that's the motion to approve the staff recommendation just to clarify. Thank you. >> Staff recommendation. >> Yes. >> Would be approved. Anything else?
>> Commissioners, any comments on the motion? Hearing none. All in favor? I >> motion passes >> opposed. I'm opposed. >> Motion passes 4 to one with Commissioner Moss dissenting. >> Thank you for your time, ladies and
gentlemen. Our next item is the quarterly updates by the comm county administrator as well as the county attorney. Uh I'll let the county administrator decide who Uh, who wants to go first?
>> Could we um Mr. Chair? >> Yes, ma'am. Could >> Could we decide how we're going to do this? Um, I'm thinking that they should put it on the agenda quarterly. >> Yes, ma'am. That discussion was had yesterday with myself and the administrator. They are going hence
>> for otherwise it ends up being five performance reviews a year if they're doing it quarterly and then we do an annual one. It was turning into that at any rate. So, I'm happy to hear that. Thank you. >> Well, thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the board. Pleased to present this
update. Certainly been a busy year. Um, dominated probably more than other years by the budget cycle. Um, I would say this update reflects the collective efforts of our departments, uh, staff and leadership to advance the the county's
mission of service excellence and guided by our core values of integrity, responsiveness, and collaboration. I first just to kind of it's probably a little bit more than just an orderly update since we're at the encompasses most of the fiscal year. uh we you know
we started off the year uh with our that you approved in September 24 the 2025 centennial celebration that kicked off in January and I would just submit after many amazing events and opportunities to celebrate the county's history and
heritage with much success. The celebration concluded with the ceremony to honor our pioneer families uh as well as a very fitting parade. So my thanks I think and to Michelle Wagner the many staff and volunteers made it possible.
So getting into the heart I think just talking about some infrastructure and capital projects and at in fiscal year 25 we paved 26 miles uh of roadway uh large largely due to some additional ARPA funds but a substantial increase
from the 10.2 2 miles from the previous years. And the difference I think in the last couple years, we've been working off of a pavement condition analysis with an index to focus on the roads that are in in most need of repair. Uh we revised the capital improvement planning
process and adopted our capital improvement plan in February to align closer to the budget process to ensure more strategic and timely investments as it's related to in terms of timing of the budget. Uh as you recall, we did create the building facility services
department. I believe that's been a success. It's enhanced our quality uh to monitor and manage our cap manage capital projects uh more effectively and inhouse. Uh among many examples I would say one being take sand you know golf
club house and the event venue that were that you all approved the porter porter coach earlier. From a customer service and permitting standpoint, I believe we've made measurable progress in reducing permit times and improving our customer service satisfaction.
I will tell you over the past uh year that the county has uh had 23,834 permits and over 70% of them were completed within eight calendar days. And that's you know we so I think the putting a system in place to start
measuring and keeping track of data wise has helped us improve our performance and I would like to note the building department which has been man they they they've been the punching bag because they're the one that receive all the documents um is once that was once seen as
inefficient I believe is now our top performer handling nearly half of all reviews with an average turnaround of just 5.1 days. Uh we continue to see the overall time under review improved during the last fiscal year. 18,342
permits were received and and as of today four or well as of October uh September 3rd, 454 open and under review. So I think that's pretty impressive compared to where we had been in the past where we were several thousand at one point in time. uh since
launching our customer service satisfaction last December, we've received nearly 800 responses and I think uh it's you know uh one of the things that it's it's encouraging to see the overall rating of satis satisfaction service rise from the initialist 65.6%
to 76.3% and those very satisfied going from 53% to 63%. timeliness of project uh and process uh rising from 59.4% last year to 74.3%
this year. Um uh well throughout the year I guess we'll say but measuring December of last year to now. Uh and then staff response in in a timely manner that's up from 58% 50% to 68%.
and then staff providing alternatives and suggestions uh up from 50% to 66.1%. Again, I think the survey helps us identify opportunities for improvement. And as you recall with the permit reports, we have the ability to drill
down and if we see one that's hanging out there for a while uh and we do still have some, but some of those were waiting on documents out of those 454 uh open permits. uh in terms of HR and administrative policies in this past you know we've made some I'd say some pro
some good progress on some key initiatives as you know we implemented the compensation and classification study we're currently working on updating all every job description you know in the county uh and just by way of example when we went to uh advertise the
public works director previously the job description was like four sentences so we've gone through and we're working on that as well as updating it and making it a more meaningful performance evaluation instrument. We think I I think right now I've shared with each of you I I don't think it's well designed
and it really doesn't you know lend itself to really provide you know um just I think we can do better and so we're working on that. We're about 75% complete in developing a specific employee handbook, extracting those
policies from the APM. So an employee will understand clearly their expectations and they have one simple handbook rather than trying to go through that big APM or administrative policy manual, figure out what well what am I supposed to do, not do, what are my
rights or what's the process. So we're we're doing that and we're again we're about 75%. If you recall, we've updated, revised and drafted new policies, the at will termination, customer service policy, uh, behavior, uh, discipline,
travel policy, new food policy, and then we probably the largest one that we did was, uh, take on the procurement policy, you know, as well as working with the county attorney's office doing the ordinance. Just from a planning and community initiatives and perspective,
we've advanced several long-term issues or planning efforts. Uh develop adopted the parks and recreation master plan this year, stormwater management plan. Uh I know we discussed the uh and presented the urban service boundaries study which was updated for the first
time in a long time like since 1990. Uh we were able to get the Oslo quarter study completed. There's currently the moratorum in place. We know June is our deadline. We're aware of that and staff uh John Stall when he comes on board uh it will be working on that to get that
framework in place. Uh in addition to evaluating our comp plan, we did our earbased amendments in a timely manner. Actually, we're I think tomorrow is the day that we're hoping to receive the letter from Florida Commerce and the other state agencies. We've the integrated water master plan. I think
that's critical for the county and that's underway. You keep getting quarterly updates now with from Sean so you know where that is. And then the other thing, I mean, we've continued to work to work with and uh the Gford community to advance improvements related to the Gford neighborhood plan.
Uh we met just recently uh 30 the 32nd Avenue design. Looks like it's going to be a one-way street. Uh we're at 40% design and our attorney's office has completed all the title work. Uh 43rd Avenue sidewalks, the pedestrian and and
drainage improvements project. You know, there's funding coming forward for that. and then also the 41st Street sidewalks with the FDOT county project uh feasibility study that's going to be funded this upcoming year from a workforce staffing because I know this
is a big issue and I'm kind of in terms of not just it we know our workforce our employees are a backbone of our of our organization and I think we've made some strategic investments in leadership and development and I think it's paying off this year we hired 222 new hires uh this
past year we promote oted 105 employees. I know the chair and I have had conversations about building our bench and as the more we can do that I think the better. Just we just had training for managers and others that wanted to attend as it relates to interviewing employees you know not just you know the
the mechanics of it but also the process as it relates to HR and our system. So we're trying to build that bench as we you know as we as we grow. We did have 25 retirements last year. Uh we've watched our turnover rate reduced to 7.9%
which has reversed a multi-year upward trend. Last year was 8.7% the year before was 8.5%. Uh we filled some key leadership positions. I I could go through a list of them but I think you I'll share this more in a written form for you all. Uh employee development engagement. We have
30 members of team IRC uh that have completed the national association counties high performance leadership academy. We have 13 currently enrolled and nine more that will be completing it uh in this fiscal year. Uh we've
reinstated the inperson employee orientation in this past June. It took some time. Uh feedback's been overwhelmingly positive and today more than 80 new employees have been welcomed into our organization through a proper in-person orientation. still a little
bit hybrid some of the stuff that they can do online like some of their forums and all that but this is still giving an opportunity for you know for us you know I get to meet with every one of these employees uh some of our department heads where they rotate through and come come by so they see what's happening and they talk and they spend a good day
learning more about the organization uh and then I would just say our annual or events that we have going on uh the holiday lunchon obviously continues but we've also the service awards but we've got the employee appreciation day. We received some positive feedback.
Uh I think they remain important touch points for our employees uh to recognize them and then u as you know this is our second consecutive after it was gone for about I think five years and maybe four years uh annual employee health fair in
person. Uh just overview. So I just in closing I just really want to thank the board for your your uh continued support. Uh, I thank our staff for their dedication, their work, their hard work, their professionalism. I really believe together we are building the a stronger,
more responsive and more resilient Indian River County and as an organization. I I see the the move to where you have that dichotomy of some that maybe well I'm kind of waiting to see what happens in terms of uh the commitment to the culture and we're
seeing people that are just by looking at the some of the survey numbers moving towards being more responsive and being more willing and flexible. U is the work done? No. You know Jeb Bush reform is never is never final. You know it's you
just keep keep working at it. So that and that's what we're going to continue doing and uh so I look forward to the this upcoming year working with all of you. >> Thank you commissioners. Any comments? Any questions of the administrator? Thank you Mr. Administrator. General
Counsel Schuler. >> Thank you. Um, well, I'd like to start off by celebrating the fact that our office is now fully staffed. And in this last quarter, we welcomed our staff for assistant Carly Cop, who previously
worked as a accounts payable specialist for the clerk, and we we appreciate her. She's a well-rounded employee, but we also appreciate her expertise in financial software and systems. Um, I did want to um talk just a a minute
about litigation. Um all three attorneys in our office have tried to take more initiative to handle litigation in house. Um obviously this doesn't eliminate our need for outside counsel but it is our effort to not just control
costs but be more involved in the issues that are facing the county. We also continue to strive to expand our areas of expertise. In the last quarter, Chris Hicks, who's our assistant county attorney, attended the public employment
labor relations conference, which is a comprehensive uh public employment law um conference that covers lots of different areas, including collective bargaining. And again, we we still rely on out outside counsel and the expertise
of Mr. ZTO, but we're hoping to be more active and offer more assistance to our county in that regard. We continue to be very involved in real estate matters, and I know that traditionally that we've the county attorney's office has always been
involved in preparing and reviewing leases, sale, and acquisition documents. But I do want to say that we are committed to taking a more proactive um approach to for instance due diligence to make sure that the
properties were purchasing we're we're touching checking off all those boxes. And of course we um have our land acquisition and lease specialist Emily Draw. I'm going to talk more just briefly uh about her in a minute about what she's been working on. She's a new
employee. But I did want to say that a goal for us in 2026 that we've identified is to review and revise um our county code with regard to land real estate procedures. You know, we we are driven by state statute in that regard,
but we also have a lot of opportunity to develop our own um procedures and approaches here and I think our code needs some updating. Um, Emily De Bral is is a welcome asset to our office and I'm not going to go in
depth, but I did want to kind of talk a little bit about the things that she's been working on. Um, she has created a master spreadsheet to track the county's leases and agreements regarding all of our real estate docks and writeaways.
That's in um that's in she's in pursuit of that right now. I'm sure it'll be a a continuous process, but um she's also gotten a lot more active in drafting leases um coordinating between departments. Uh as far as the Gford uh
paving project, she did we did have some outside title work, but she really comprehensively uh reviewed that and presented that to our office so that we understand the kind of um issues and challenges we might encounter if we need to u buy some
of that land or or use eminent domain. So um again, we're we're happy to have Emily. She's got a lot of great expertise. We continue to work closely on legislative matters with your legislative team, uh, tracking bills,
uh, providing feedback, and also, um, you know, as you know, our legislative session is heating up, and also identifying challenges. If I were to talk about an obstacle or a challenge, one of, and I know I'm a broken record, but one of the biggest things that we've
been grappling with is SB80. Um, this is that new law that really broadly prohibits procedures, land development rel regulations and plan changes that are considered more restrictive or burdensome in hurricane zones. And you
can see on a statewide basis that this is the department of commerce is using this as just a bludgeon against local governments to try to stop any changes including routine comp plan changes. So, you know, the county strategy had not been to join uh statewide litigation.
Instead, to try to be more cooperative with our legislators in the hopes that we would have a a glitch bill. We're not really optimistic or seeing much in that regard. Um but I'm hoping that's forthcoming. Um lastly, I you know, we talk about
public records. We always give you our updated numbers. Our numbers are quite a bit up this year. Last year at the same time in November we had 1,828 public records requests. This year we've got 3,042.
That's a 66.4% increase. Um despite those increasing numbers we are uh really um almost at 100% completion rate. You know obviously and and most 90% of them we are
completing in less than 5 days. Although I acknowledge that, you know, people that have a lot of requests that they've put into us or have larger requests are having to wait a longer, but we are committed to meeting our statutory requirements. I'm happy to answer any
questions about this update. >> Thank you, fellow commissioners. Any questions, comments for general counsel? We do appreciate your help. Uh, general counsel Scheler and welcome back. U we're glad to have you. Uh moving
forward, commissioners, we will rapidly uh go through any other uh special districts and boards. We do not have this opportunity for any public comment that anyone in the audience may have. Yes, ma'am.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Welcome. And name and address for the record, please. >> Yes. Yes, sir. Good morning. My name is Vivian Bryant. I live at 1486 24th Place Southwest, Vero Beach, Florida. I've been living there almost 31 years. Um,
>> good morning, Vivian. We've >> Good morning. >> We We've talked. >> Yes, sir. We have. >> Good morning. >> And and also Yes, sir. Um, you know, I filed uh it was kind of quasi complaint because of the new taxation system that
you all have applied to our taxes. And since I've been living in the Vero Beach Highlands for 30 years, I never have, you will not find any document that indicates that I have ever received pickup services for garbage. I'm a one
person household at this point. It was never more than two or three. And the bottom line is my issue is I feel I haven't uh received a right to due process because if you file a complaint, you don't have to be satisfied. But if
you have a complaint, you need to have someone listen to all the extenduating circumstances to make a plausible decision as to do you does your complaint have uh any validation uh any measure whereby there can be an
accommodation. So I don't think I've gotten that and that's what I'm here to respectfully uh request uh because I my situation is totally different. I explained that to Mr. Flesher. He talked to me. Thank you sir. Uh for an extended period of time and we never came to a
consensus as to what I was expressing to him uh that could be really validated. My issue is since I never received those services ever. There's nothing to document on the record for 30 years that
I received any pickup services other than what they started recently with the blue bins for recyclables. When that happened, I questioned why I was even getting a blue bin because I have always
taken my recyclables to the uh convenience center right adjacent to Whistling Palms where I used to live. When I came back and um purchased a home in the Hollands in 1995, I took it upon myself. I don't have a lot of garbage,
so I took it upon myself to be frugal. Uh also to be responsible and take my things up there myself. That includes at the time all of my recyclables, any paint, any batteries. I take those anyway. I still take my garbage up there
now because I don't have enough to be picked up. Uh, additionally, when it comes to uh cardboard uh to put it in with recyclables, it would mess it up. So, what I do, I break the boxes down and I take them up there myself because you if you don't find a
recyclable system that's going to work and become profitable to me, you're just putting everything all together and it's just a big mess. And therefore, that's when I talked to the gentleman who hands the recyclables. He indicated that
things are better now uh when it comes to the methane in in the system because if you compound so much garbage, it's going to develop all kind of toxicities including methane and that's going to it's not good for the environment. So I was telling him if you do that and
you're shipping all of the things for recyclables down to Fort Pierce, how can it become a profitable system for Indian River County? I don't know what the oversight is or those particulars. But what I'm saying for myself, I am put in
a precarious situation right now, ladies and gentlemen, because I'm been told that I have to pay for something that I never paid for. And that's a burden for me because I'm a retired u state worker. Uh I was a probation officer for 30 years, but all
all in all, I worked for the state for almost 35 years. Uh almost 35. And therefore that gives me some pause because you're saying now I got to add all these additional monies to my tax bill which may seem simplistic and not
much to some people but if you're on a certain income and uh that's what you're living with. I don't like the thought of being homeless because I can't pay taxes. So, I don't think that I've been given enough redress to my concerns
relative to not ever having ever used those services whereby I'm now required to pay for it. And I would uh respectfully ask that that is given consideration. And due process is not just in the court system. It has to do
like with most people now mediation, arbitration. And if you all can do that, I would ask that you do that on my behalf because my circumstances are are more extinguating than some of the others. Just like my neighbor to my
east, Mrs. Cheryl, who lives right there adjacent to me, she's a one person house. We don't have that much garbage. You'll see around our homes, we don't have garbage out there. Nobody complains about us because we don't bother people. But we're trying to do our due diligence. Even when I first retired,
uh, and when I've been living there all these years, when we walk around the community, we'll pick up recyclables and take them to, uh, the convenience center. That's what we did. Uh, if it's anything that we got to like plastics and what have you, whether it be peanut
butter, all we soak them out and we take them up there so they can really be recycled. And that's why we were wondering why they told us, "No, these blue bins recyclables. We just want everybody to recycle. They're free of charge. So therefore, you will never
find anything on the record that reflects that I've ever used the pickup services for any type of garbage in Indian River County. >> We appreciate that, Miss Bryant. Know that for the last decade, the blue bins
have been for recycling and those in fact have been included uh in the property tax roles. So uh secondly know that there were numerous numerous public meetings about uh the roll out of the
universal pickup. Uh third and finally >> may I say something sir I hate to interrupt. Yes ma'am. >> Um >> that may have been the case but because I never got any information or never had pickup service I was never apprised of that. I'll tell you unequivocally, if I
hadn't known about any of those meetings and how it was going to affect me personally, I would have been here just as I am today. >> And the only reason I've come today is because I didn't think you all heard me. I I I asked Mrs. U Brown, I think her name, is to make sure that every
commissioner received a copy of my email. >> Not because I'm special. I I am not thinking that. >> Not. But I think everybody has a voice and if we don't use it to benefit ourselves, we're not doing our due diligence as citizens or residents. And
so that's why I'm coming before you today respectfully asking that my concerns are addressed because of that. We were not notified of those meetings. I don't know how many people came in here to even be concerned uh and and
discuss these things. And it may have been hundreds. I don't know. But I don't hear anything. And my neighbors and a lot of people I've spoken with, they had no idea. We are not cognizant that any of these meetings were set. I finally heard about it on uh TV after the fact.
And everybody is up in arms about these extra taxes, especially in St. Lucy County, in Vero Beach, of course, some in Martin County. Uh and as I was telling the gentleman who's over the refuge management, when you look at
counties and you I had discussed it with you uh for a moment. Yes, ma'am. >> Uh Palm Beach County uh they're very profitable. I know it's a huge huge county in comparison, but they they've earned this year alone $15 million. And if you have those extra monies that can
be put within the system to alleviate some of the burden to taxpayers especially not just because we're senior citizens because young people have problems too but we're trying to uh hopefully amelate the situation in lie of burdening burdening us more so where
we have to pay extra taxes. You know what? Last year mine was 500 and something because I usually paid uh in January, but now it's almost 800. You know, some people who make a lot of money, they don't think that's a big deal. Well, to me, it is a big deal. Three almost $300 is a big deal for me.
And uh I think if I don't speak up for myself uh to at least express it, whether you change your mind or not, uh I just feel we have to go to the limit to ask for due process. so you'll understand my situation better.
>> Well, we certainly appreciate that and this body uh understands that recycling is an evolving process. Uh we also understand that we are commissioned uh to make as good of decisions that we can for over 170,000 people. Uh we don't
have to get into the industry standard of what's recognized statewide with respect to universal uh service. Uh we certainly do appreciate your time coming before this body and sharing your thoughts. >> Yes sir. May I say one other thing too? Yes ma'am.
>> Uh most recently and several times uh the governor governor de Sanchez has also indicated when you think about all of the senior citizens and other people who've bought property. He said anybody over 65 should not even be paying
property taxes. Uh he also indicated there's enough influx of extra excess monies within the state of Florida that people who buy their homes I pre I purchased mine in 1995 but I paid it off in 2011 and it's a little old house. It's not
it's nothing new. It was built in 1982. Uh and the whole point is I recently had the storm windows put in to hopefully increase the value of the home. And you know what? We as homeowners have to continue to do that. You look on the record, I have always paid my taxes,
homeowners in uh insurance and even um your vehicle insurance, they have you know increased exponentially but no one is looking at us who are doing these things but the ones you all sitting in authority but you know what are you really concerned about the residents who
don't have as much as you have and I'm not trying to uh plead uh negativity. I'm not trying and it's nothing as an affront to you all. What I'm saying is when we try to express what we have and those circumstances are totally
different. It's like a sycamo sign pass by. Nobody wants to listen to what we're saying, but I want you to hear me and that's why I'm I'm asking for a due process hearing so you understand my particulars. I'm not saying change the circumstances. But that's why everything
is all laws, Florida statute included, ordinances are under opaces of the constitution. And you know what? When we look at that, that's why there are amendments to the constitution. So therefore, when these things happen and we are asking nicely, we're asking
according to the rules because when I notified you all, I followed your procedure as to how to come before you all uh via the notification process and we we spoke but nothing happened. So I'm
trying to understand if I am able to express those particulars that may affect change, why can't I do that? >> Well, those again, those opportunities were were provided to every resident. They were well attended. Uh our
apologies if you weren't notified specifically. Um this um decision has been made and has been implemented and we certainly do appreciate uh your comments here today. Uh but with respect to the comment over property taxes, the
Florida legislature starts January 13th. That will be a hot topic. Uh and this conversation may not exist this time next year. Uh so we will keep you posted on that and I'm certain. >> Yes, sir. But what about my excuse me, I don't mean to be intrusive. What about
my request for a due process hearing? I mean due process is what the law is made of >> and you are not you have not answered as to my complaint and so I'm just trying to understand if everything is fair everything is fair within society why
can't you have that I I don't need attention I'm a quasi introvert but I have to believe just like the Bible says he God said stand and after you've done all to stand he said stand ye therefore with your loins gout with his truth I believe that he also said that
everything lawfully is not expedient. That mean it's not always profitable for everyone and sometime it's a bad thing when I don't want to be one of those people old people out there without property because somebody thought it was
okay to send a human vulture in there to take my property if I could not pay it. That's my concern. >> Miss Bryant, let me defer to general counsel with respect to due process. >> And and so Mr. chair, this uh this fee that as she's discussing is
your new solid waste special assessment and that was noticed on people's trim bill um so that they were apprised of when the public hearing would be to come and protest or speak in favor. And so that's kind of it. There's not the board
went ahead and adopted that special assessment. It went on people's tax bill. There's not an an appeal process for that. >> Was there a buck slip in with the >> Excuse me. What is trim? >> Trim is your um >> truth and mill.
>> Truth and millage that you get from the property appraiser that gets sent through the mail in August. >> In August, it tells you when the hearing dates are and what the proposed mill rates are. >> I just recently got that in with >> That's what you just received is the tax bill.
>> You get something that precedes that. different a the county appraiser is different from from the tax collector >> and therefore you believe you should receive two different things. Now I'm not a very astute to tell you that I totally understand all those particulars
but they're two separate documents and I don't feel that I was a prize of it because I never received those things. I never received anything to reflect that we have the meetings and I don't think this is a it's a ludicrous thing. I think I should be taken seriously. I am
a citizen of the United States. I'm a resident of Florida. I've always paid taxes. And you know what? When we file a complaint, I don't If you could show me something in writing where it says I don't have liberty if I file a complaint to due process, I I I'd understand that.
But you're saying just because you made a rule, it's Why do you think the Constitution has had so many amendments? Because there are reasons for rules changes. their corporations do the same thing. >> Miss Bryant, we appreciate your comments. Uh if you'd like, >> it's just like you're shooting me down
as >> we're not shooting. There's nothing there. We're not shooting you down. No, ma'am. At all. There's nothing that we can do at this juncture uh with uh the decisions that have been made for the betterment of this county. Uh we appreciate your time. If you'd like to
perhaps come back and and address us again, we would certainly understand that. Uh but at the end of the day the tax the millage rate has been set. Your taxes have been set. This body uh unanimously decid decided that this
would be the progress forward. Uh this is a 10ear and 10ear prog program that we've been uh examining over the past and we're unfortunately u sorry that you feel this way but we do appreciate your time and thank you. I
don't think listen I don't think you're sorry that I feel this way but you don't give me a right to due process to me that doesn't make sense >> Bryant this is not a this is not an item for due process as general counsel has >> well may I have something to validate that please >> it has been valid validated by this body
and it has been validated by becoming uh an action on your >> so we as citizens who don't know I'm not a jur I don't have a jurist doctorate but I'm asking may I ask the attorney may I have something to validate why we don't have a right to due process because even and most of these things
are going through a uh you know you know arbitration most of the time some type of things that's not relatively in the courts why can't we have something to validate it I'm asking nicely sure >> okay you did have a right to due process during the hearings unfortunately you
missed those that that time frame so the opportunity for due process has come and gone and how do I find it so I can validate this is in fact that I don't even have that right now. I'm asking nicely. I don't have those particulars. You're saying them and you're saying
take my word for it as if it's the gospel, ma'am. And I'm not trying >> I don't think there's nothing that I'm going to be able to provide you. I don't think based on this conversation that's going to satisfy what you're looking for. You'd have to go to the property appraiser and ask him for a copy of your trim notice and find out why you did not
receive it. And he's he's across the parking lot. I'm sure there'll be more than there's no need to be patronizing, ma'am. And you know what? I didn't come in here with a pugilistic attitude. I came in with uh respect >> and all I'm asking for is that I have
due process of you know what, due process of law does not mean you have to be in a courtroom to attain justice. >> I I'll just say, ma'am, um you know, I understand what you're saying. Um it was not unanimous. I voted against uh the
universal collection. My parents uh lived in VR Beach Highlands uh property owners association. They lived in that area. So I understand and my mother had you know my father was gone and my mother had one little bag of garbage and
so I understand exactly what you're saying. Um but as I unfortunately as as I recall something like 87,000 postcards were sent out. I'm sorry. Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry you didn't get one. You know, apologies.
Apologies that you didn't get one. >> Um, but there it was a pretty good turnout. I think there were over a 100 people. >> 100 people in compared to 170,000 is not much. >> Well, we we couldn't fit 87,000. But anyway, I'm not trying I understand what you're saying. Yeah. And you know, of
course at this point I'm sorry because you know what people don't understand you all who people don't who pay taxes >> and we pay taxes and I don't think it's ludicrous, Mr. Flesher. It's not ludicrous. You said some of the things I said in my letter you didn't like.
>> I didn't say >> yes you did tell me that I never used the word ludicrous. Ma'am, I'm not going to argue with you. You're being very combative about it. I spent over an hour with you explaining that we had six or seven meetings regarding this.
>> I we covered the topic infinitum and over 87,000 letters went out. There was a statement in your trim notice. >> You had to have gotten something. >> No, you just pointed me out saying that I found you ludicrous. I never said such
a thing. >> Sir, you taught me just like you did on the phone. I never did that either. >> There was a witness in the room as you were speaking and that didn't happen process that everybody not going to allow you to put that on the TV as well too.
>> The whole point is you know what you DOING TO PEOPLE BUT I DON'T WANT TO BECOME AN old I'm I'm probably older than all of you. I'm almost 74 years old and the whole point is I want to keep my home. >> I want to be able to pay taxes. I don't want to walk around here homeless
because you take my home that I paid for myself. State of Florida didn't pay for my home. Indian River County didn't pay for my little home. I paid for it myself. I pay taxes. I'm a law-abiding citizen. I've never been arrested a day of my life. I've done my due diligence.
And when I stand up for myself, I have that right according to the Constitution of the United States of America. Surely my race was not included at the beginning, but we should have those same inalienable rights of these life we can pursue.
>> Miss Bryant, we've had this discussion has lasted over 20 minutes. We do appreciate your time. Uh >> well, you should take this time to consider giving me right to due process. You have a blessed day. >> Thank you for your time. Any other public comments? Hearing none, fellow commissioners, I
wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and this meeting is adjourned.