TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Quintin Bergman, Coastal Resource Manager
DATE: October 30, 2025
SUBJECT: Change Order 1 - Work Order No. 2018029-13 - APTIM, Sector 5 Hurricanes
Ian and Nicole Dune Restoration Pre-Construction and Engineering Services
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
On April 3, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a contract (RFQ#2018029) with Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC. (APTIM) for professional coastal engineering and biological support services related to the management and restoration of the Sector 5 (City of Vero Beach) beach project area. The Sector 5 project area is a 3.1 mile critically eroded section of engineered shoreline that extends just north of Tracking Station Beach Park and ends just south of the Riomar Beach Access. The Sector 5 Project Area suffered significant storm related losses to the beach and dune system from the impacts of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole during the 2022 hurricane season. These storm-related impacts, combined with prescribed maintenance activities to address background erosion, has created the need for a Sector 5 Beach and Dune Restoration project.
On May 20, 2025 the BCC approved Work Order No. 2018029-13 Sector 5 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Dune Restoration Pre-Construction and Engineering Services, which includes Task 5: additional late-season sea turtle monitoring to prepare the project area for construction activities beginning in November. An increase in late-season sea turtle monitoring services from APTIM is needed due to the higher than average sea turtle nesting activity this season. Change Order No. 1 to Work Order No. 2018029-13 in the amount of $53,374.46 is for increased services associated with the required sea turtle monitoring.
ANALYSIS
Indian River County beaches have received more green sea turtle nests than expected surpassing the previous 2023 nesting record of 4,105 nests. As of October 30, 2025 a total of 4,636 green sea turtle nests have been recorded. County beaches have received a total of 11,417 nests across all three turtle species this season. The increase in nesting density in Sector 5 necessitates additional services to maintain permit compliance.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Local funding for beach restoration is provided by a portion of Tourist Tax. Funds in the amount of $11,742.38 are budgeted and available in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget in the Coastal Engineering Fund/Hurricane Ian Sector 5 account, number 12814472-066510-22601, along with $41,632.08 in the Coastal Engineering Fund/Hurricane Nicole Sector 5 account, number 12814472-066510-23007.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Recommended Selection of Consultant for RFQ 2018029 - Engineering and Biological Support Services for Sector 5 (City of Vero Beach) Beach and Dune Renourishment, March 6, 2018.
Approval of Agreement - Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. for Engineering and Biological Support Services for Sector 5 (City of Vero Beach) Beach and Dune Renourishment Project. RFQ# 2018029, April 3, 2018.
Approval of Work Order No. 2018029-13 - APTIM Sector 5 Pre-Construction and Engineering Services
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of a future 2026 Environmental Monitoring Work Order
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
The Sector 5 management area is one of the 8 management areas outlined in the Beach Preservation Plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the BCC authorize Change Order No. 1 to Work Order No. 2018029-13 in the total lump sum amount of $53,375.46. Additionally, staff recommends the BCC authorize the Chairman to execute Change Order No. 1 to Work Order No. 2018029-13 on behalf of the BCC after legal sufficiency approval by the County Attorney.