TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
THROUGH: Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director
FROM: Wendy Swindell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Assistant Director
DATE: February 20, 2026
SUBJECT: LJA Engineering, Inc. Work Order, Number 3, Amendment 1 for the South Prong Preserve Design and Engineering Services
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
Indian River County purchased the South Prong Preserve in 2006 (Ryall) and 2007 (Stough) through two separate acquisitions, combining to create the 37.5-acre conservation area. These parcels were purchased with environmental bond funds and cost-share grants from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT). The primary purpose and objective of the South Prong Preserve (SPP) project is to conserve native riverfront land and restore citrus grove to native plant communities adjacent to the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River. This land is within the "St. Sebastian River Greenway," as formally designated by Indian River County.
On April 17, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved Continuing Consulting Engineering Services Agreements for RFQ 2018008 between Indian River County and Carter Associates, Inc. On September 15, 2020, the BCC approved Carter Associates, Inc. Work Order Number 3 in the amount of $89,555, which included design and engineering services for public access improvements for the South Prong Preserve. These services included development and approval of a site plan including site access from SR 510, required parking areas, trails to interconnect the amenities, and location of an educational building. The plan did not include the design of the educational building or the design and engineering of a boardwalk system through the forested wetlands on site.
On April 22, 2025, the Board approved Amendment 1 to Work Order Number 3 in the amount of $79,825 for design of the educational building, construction administration services, site survey for the location of the boardwalk, boardwalk design, and boardwalk construction services.
Carter Associates, Inc. has since been acquired by LJA Engineering, Inc (LJA). LJA has provided the County with a proposal for Work Order 3, Amendment 2, which will include design and permitting services for the installation of utilities to serve the proposed pavilion and the existing Ryall house (Attachment 1). The proposal also includes geotechnical services in support of the design of utilities and other structures proposed for the project. This work will include connection of the Ryall House to the sewer system. The removal of the existing septic system will be a water quality benefit as the existing septic system is located in close proximity to the South Prong Slough (headwaters to the St. Sebastian River).
Work Order 3, Amendment 2, in the amount of $43,910.00 has been included as Attachment 2.
ANALYSIS
The attachment provides the scope of services and associated fees for completion of Work Order Number 3, Amendment 2 for design and permitting services for the installation of utilities to serve the proposed pavilion and the existing Ryall house, and geotechnical work for the project.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding for this project is budgeted and available in the Optional Sales Tax/Parks/South Prong Slough Conservation Area account, number 31521072-066390-20009, in the amount of $43,910.00.
|
Revenue Source |
Account Number |
Amount |
|
Optional Sales Tax/Parks/South Prong Slough Conservation Area |
31521072-066390-20009 |
$43,910 |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
18-1698 04/17/2018 Approval of Continuing Consulting Engineering Services Agreements for RFQ 2018008
20-1922 09/15/2020 Carter & Associates, Inc. Work Order Number 3 - South Prong Preserve Design & Engineering Services.
25-0455 02/22/2025 Carter & Associates, Inc. Work Order Number 3, Amendment 1 for the South Prong Preserve Design & Engineering Service
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Consideration of bids for construction of planned amenities.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life; Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve LJA Inc. Work Order Number 3, Amendment 2, in the amount of $43,910, for the South Prong Preserve Design & Engineering Services, and authorize the Chairman to execute the Amendment after review and approval by the County Attorney for legal sufficiency.