Indian River County  
Administration Complex  
1801 27th Street  
Indian River County, Florida  
Vero Beach, Florida 32960  
indianriver.gov  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Board of County Commissioners  
Joseph Flescher, District 2, Chairman  
Deryl Loar, District 4, Vice Chairman  
Susan Adams, District 1  
Joseph H. Earman, District 3  
Laura Moss, District 5  
John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator  
Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney  
Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller  
Tuesday, June 17, 2025  
9:00 AM  
Commission Chambers  
1. CALL TO ORDER  
5 -  
Present:  
Chairman Joseph Flescher  
Vice Chairman Deryl Loar  
Commissioner Susan Adams  
Commissioner Joe Earman  
Commissioner Laura Moss  
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF  
THE ARMED FORCES  
2.B. INVOCATION  
Pastor Anthony Onorato, Calvary Chapel of Vero Beach  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Commissioner Joseph Earman  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
Chairman Flescher noted that Items 12.B. and 12.C. were Executive Sessions which  
would be held outside of Chambers, per State Statute. The items would be heard at  
the end of the regular meeting, after which the Board would reconvene for  
adjournment.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Commissioner Adams,  
to approve the Agenda as amended, noting Shade Meeting Items 12.B. and 12.C.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS  
25-0576  
5.A.  
Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Michael R. Church on His  
Retirement from the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners  
Department of Utility Services, Water Production  
Recommended Action:  
Recommend Read and Present.  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Michael R. Church was joined by his supervisors and colleagues as the Board  
congratulated him on his ten years as an electrician with the Utility Services  
Department. Sean Lieske, Utitliy Services Director, and Rich Meckes, Assistant  
Director, thanked Mike for his hard work and contributions to the Department as  
"CEO", Chief Electrical Officer.  
Read and Presented by Commissioner Adams  
25-0660  
5.B.  
Presentation of Proclamation Celebrating the Centennial of Indian River  
County  
Attachments: IRC Centennial Proclamation  
Chairman Flescher presented the proclamation issued to honor the Centennial of  
Indian River County's, recognizing its establishment on June 29, 1925, and its  
historical significance in Florida’s agricultural and aviation sectors. Michelle Wagner,  
Chairperson of Centennial Planning, shared celebratory events which featured a  
parade, a history fair, and culminated in a special time capsule ceremony on June 30,  
2025. The time capsule would be opened in 50 years from the dedication day.  
Chairman Flescher shared that he had received a gift of an American flag which had  
previously flown over the State Capitol building. The Commissioners agreed to  
publicly display the flag and proclamation following Centennial events. Deputy County  
Administrator Mike Zito, and County Administrator John Titkanich acknowledged the  
work Ms. Wagner and staff put into organizing the celebratory events.  
Read and Presented by Chairman Flescher  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
25-0652  
Regular Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2025  
6.A.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 04222025 BCC draft  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher, to  
approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2025, as written. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0656  
Regular Meeting Minutes of May 06, 2025  
6.B.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 05062025 BCC Draft  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Commissioner Adams,  
to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 06, 2025, as written. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
25-0614  
7.A.  
Florida Public Service Commission Consummating Order  
PSC-2025-0176-PAA-EI  
Recommended Action:  
Information Only  
No Action Taken or Required  
25-0637  
7.B.  
SWDD Closures and Collection Service Changes for the 4th of July  
Holiday  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 4th of July garbage pick up 2025  
Jill Brown, Recycling Coordinator, informed County residents there would be no  
service on Friday, July 4, 2025; the landfill and convenience centers would also be  
closed Friday. Ms. Brown noted County residents who typically have service on that  
day will have their garbage and recycling picked up on Saturday, July 5. Chairman  
Flescher added that the Municipalities may differ.  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS (EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC  
HEARINGS)  
Barbara Parenti addressed to the Board regarding Item 16.B.2. She reported her  
community of Harmony Reserve had received new recycling bins that were too large  
to be stored, and was concerned with safety during storms season. She added the  
yard waste cans were not needed in her HOA community.  
Chairman Flescher advised that the wait time for smaller bins would be sooner than  
August, and details would be given under Item 16.B.2.  
Joi Royce, representing Provence Bay, expressed similar concerns to the size and  
number of bins being delivered without adequate storage space.  
No Action Taken or Required  
9. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, pulling Items 9.E. and 9.L.  
for discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0617  
Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 03  
9.A.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the budget resolution  
amending the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.  
Attachments: 2024 2025 Resolution  
Exhibit "A"  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-024, amending the Fiscal  
Year 2024-2025 Budget.  
25-0639  
9.B.  
Request for Ratification of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement  
FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program  
Attachments: FY24 JAG-C Certificate of Participation  
FY24 JAG-C Allocation  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0641  
Fourth of July Fireworks Funding  
9.C.  
9.D  
Attachments: City of Vero Beach Request for Fireworks Contribution  
City of Sebastian Request for Fireworks Contribution  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0619  
Reimbursement Resolution for Sandridge Golf Club New Clubhouse  
Recommended Action:  
The County Attorney’s Office recommends that the Board approve the attached  
resolution.  
Attachments: Reimbursement Resolution.V2  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-025, with respect to  
reimbursement of certain costs and expenditures relating to Capital  
Improvements in and for Indian River County, Florida.  
25-0613  
9.E.  
Acceptance of Amended Sponsorship from Cleveland Clinic for Centennial  
Celebration  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approves the  
agreement with Cleveland Clinic, authorizes the Chairman of the Board or a designee  
to execute the amended agreement and accepts the $5,000 donation.  
Attachments: Sponsorship Agreement  
Commissioner Moss spoke in opposition to the sponsorship, encouraging the hospital  
to spend every penny on patient care.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:  
4 -  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, and Commissioner  
Earman  
1 - Commissioner Moss  
25-0645  
9.F.  
Request Use of Proceeds from the Opioid Settlement to Begin the  
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in Cooperation with  
Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board authorize the Procurement Division to issue purchase  
orders for the listed items and authorize the Department to pursue reimbursement of  
the expenses from the Southeast Florida Behavioral Network under the CORE  
Program.  
Attachments: SEFBHN Amendment_1  
CORE - Indian River 3 LP35 11103394_1  
CORE - Indian River 3 LUCAS 11103417_2  
QT-KA-62997 Indian River Co Fire_3  
QO0037821 XL185P (6) intrinsically safe_4  
QO0037820 XL85M mobile (4) with installation_5  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0628  
9.G.  
Grant Application for Funding Assistance from the State of Florida Beach  
Erosion Control Program - FY 2026/27  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the BCC approval of the attached funding resolution. Staff also  
recommends the BCC approve staff to apply for the grant and to authorize Natural  
Resources Director to sign required grant application documents on behalf of Indian  
River County.  
Attachments: Sector 5 LGFR 26-27 Funding Resolution_2025.06.03  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-026, requesting assistance  
from the State of Florida Beach Erosion Control Program - FY 2026/27.  
25-0620  
9.H.  
Request for Authorization to Submit an Application for Section 5311 Grant  
for Rural Transit Operating Assistance Funds  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the resolution  
authorizing the filing of the Section 5311 grant application.  
Attachments: Authorizing Resolution  
Grant Application  
Grant Budget Form  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-027, authorizing the  
submission of a Grant Application for 49 USC Ch. 53, Section 5311 Public Transit  
Operating Assistance.  
25-0621  
9.I.  
Work Order with Schulke, Bittle, and Stoddard, LLC, for Design of a Transit  
Maintenance Building Addition  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the work order with Schulke, Bittle, and  
Stoddard, LLC, for design of the transit maintenance building addition and authorize  
the Chairman to execute the work order.  
Attachments: Work Order  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0603  
9.J.  
State Highway Lighting, Maintenance, And Compensation Agreement  
Renewal  
Recommended Action:  
Public Works Traffic Engineering and Operations Staff recommends that the Board of  
County Commissioners approve this agreement authorizing the Chairman to execute  
the agreement.  
Attachments: FDOT Lighting Maintenance and Comp Agmt  
Admt No. 1  
HighwayLightingMaintenanceAgmt.2003-048  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0623  
9.K.  
First Extension of Contract with International Golf Maintenance, Inc. for  
Maintenance Services at Sandridge Golf Club  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the first five year extension to the current  
Agreement with International Golf Maintenance, Inc., including 2 additional services,  
and authorize the Chairman to sign the Second Amendment and Renewal Agreement  
after receipt and approval of the required insurance by the Risk Manager, the receipt  
and approval of the Public Construction Bond in the amount of 10% of the first year  
contract price, the required Human Trafficking Affidavit, and the County Attorney’s  
approval of the agreement as to form and legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Proposed 2nd Amendment to Sandridge Maintenance Agmt  
1st Amendment to IGM Agmt - Executed  
Original IGM Agreement - Executed  
Anti-Human Traffic  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0646  
9.L.  
Engineering and Design of 32nd Avenue, 43rd Place and 44th Street in  
Gifford Neighborhood  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order 01  
to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. (JMT) for roadway and drainage  
improvements along 32nd Avenue, 43rd Place, and 44th Street to 31st Avenue in the  
Gifford Neighborhood, and authorize the Chairman to sign it, after review and  
approval by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Engineering WORK ORDER TEMPLATE - BCC Authorized - WO01  
32nd Ave_Scope - Exhibit A  
32nd Ave - Appendix A (Geotech)  
Public Works Director Addie Javed provided the Board with a progress update of  
the roadway and drainage improvements in Gifford. He stated the next steps were to  
complete the engineering and design, which involved assessing paving options,  
right-of-way (ROW) impacts, easements, permitting, and minimizing drainage issues.  
He expected this phase to take four to six months, and would be expedited where  
possible. Mr. Javed advised the Item would be brought back before the Board with a  
recommendation once the bidding was complete.  
County Attorney Jennifer Shuler spoke of adhering to the acquisition process for  
ROW in the face of expediting the timeline. Chairman Flescher spoke of the County's  
commitment to the project, and assured property rights would be respected.  
Commissioner Adams acknowledged the ROW constraints, and noted there would  
be conversation on the subject before moving forward. Mr. Javed asked the  
Commissioners to encourage residents' collaboration in expediting the project.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0649  
9.M.  
Request for Funding and Authorization to Purchase Equipment for Road  
and Bridge Operations  
Recommended Action:  
Public Works Road and Bridge Staff recommends that the Board approve funding in  
the amount of $559,813.80 for the purchase of following equipment and fleet:  
i) Three (3) 2025 Ford Maverick Super Crew Pickup FWD XL trucks  
ii) One (1) John Deere Brush Cutter Attachment  
iii) One (1) John Deere 5100E Cab Tractor  
iv) One (1) Motor Grader  
v) One (1) Excavator  
And authorize the allocation of funds from the following accounts:  
a) Transportation Fund/County Road and Bridge/Other Machinery & Equipment -  
GL# 11121441-066490  
b) Transportation Fund/County Road and Bridge/ Heavy Equipment - Wheel Track -  
GL# 11121441-066430  
c) Transportation Fund/County Road and Bridge/Regular Salaries - GL#  
11124441-011120.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
25-0653  
9.N.  
Approval of Fifth Renewal of Fourth Amendment of Property Lease for  
Temporary Location of Fire Station #7  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends approval of the fifth renewal of the property lease for temporary  
location of Fire Station # 7.  
Attachments: Fifth Renewal Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
10. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
11. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THIS HEARING IS ON FILE IN THE  
OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD.  
25-0610  
11.A.  
Ordinance Establishing a One-Year Temporary Moratorium on Zoning  
Changes and Comprehensive Plan Amendments in the Oslo Corridor  
Study Area  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the attached  
ordinance establishing a one-year temporary moratorium on zoning changes and  
comprehensive plan amendments within the Oslo Corridor Study Area.  
Attachments: Draft Ordinance  
Exhibit A  
Planning and Development Services Director Chris Balter presented the  
Ordinance in follow up to the Board's approval on May 20, 2025, of the  
one-year temporary moratorium on Zoning and Comprehensive Plan amendments  
in the Oslo Corridor study area.  
Commissioner Moss received information from Mr. Balter on the process of  
implementation which included making a broad outline for the Oslo Corridor  
design based on previously received public input. He stated it was staff's goal to  
allow more uses for the area that were complimentary, while avoiding haphazard  
development. Mr. Balter added that it was too soon to issue a timeline.  
Chairman Flescher asked County Attorney Jennifer Shuler if the moratorium was  
extendable. Ms. Shuler advised against extending the moratorium due to the Bert  
Harris Act which provided relief if government regulations unfairly limited the use  
or value of private property.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no comments, the  
Chairman closed the public hearing.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Earman, to approve staff's recommendation and Ordinance 2025-009,  
authorizing a temporary moratorium for one (1) year, within the  
unincorporated areas of Indian River County specific to the Oslo Corridor  
Study area prohibiting the filing, acceptance, processing and/or  
consideration of any application or request for a zoning change or  
Comprehensive Plan amendment; providing for the implementation of  
administrative actions; providing a savings clause; providing for  
noncodification and scrivener's errors; providing for conflicts; providing for  
severability; repeal of conflicting provisions, and providing an effective date.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0624  
11.B.  
FY 2025 Grant Application for Capital and Operating Assistance  
(Section 5307) and Bus Replacement (Section 5339) from the Federal  
Transit Administration  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the resolution  
authorizing the filing of the FY 2024/25 grant application for the Section 5307 and  
Section 5339 programs.  
Attachments: Authorizing Resolution  
Grant Budget Form  
Mark Vietze, Senior Planner, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO),  
presented the Board with background information on the County's GoLine and  
Community Coach transit services, reviewing how the fare-free system was set  
up, the County's partnership with the Senior Resource Administration, and  
performance metrics. Notably, ridership was estimated to reach 1.5 million by  
2027 while maintaining the lowest operating expense per passenger trip in the  
State. Mr. Vietze then went on to detail the grants which would provide $6.5  
million for capital and operating assistance, and $571,386 for bus replacement.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing.  
Karen Deigl, CEO, Senior Resource Association, thanked the Board for their  
support. Chairman Flescher commended Ms. Deigl and her team for operating  
the GoLine in an efficient and conservative fashion.  
There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing.  
Commissioner Earman thanked the team for their excellent management of the  
system.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman  
Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-028,  
authorizing the filing of applications for grant funding assistance from the  
Federal Transit Administration. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0627  
Local Provider Participation Fund Approval (Legislative)  
11.C.  
Recommended Action:  
County staff recommends that the Board open the public hearing, take public  
comment and then vote whether to approve the Local Provider Participation Fund  
Resolution and the FY 25-26 Letter of Agreement.  
Attachments: 09-24-2024 Agenda Item Number 10-A-2  
Assessment Roll 2025  
Final Indian River County - Resolution  
Affidvit of Publication - LPPF June 17th Hearing.pdf  
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado presented the Renewal of Agreement letter  
for the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) which helped local hospitals  
recover greater reimbursement for Medicaid services. Ms. Prado informed the  
Board the renewal was being brought forward earlier than in previous years due  
to impending state legislation.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing.  
Colleen Ernst, Adelanto Healthcare Ventures, expressed thanks for the Board's  
support the past five years. Ms. Ernst informed the Board that hospitals were able  
to increase reimbursement for Medicaid services from 60 percent to 80 percent,  
and up to a full 100 percent this coming year, at no cost to taxpayers.  
Cortez Whatley, Orlando Health, thanked the Board for supporting the hospital in  
improving patient quality of care.  
Joseph Ianotti, Cleveland Clinic Indian River County, thanked the Board for their  
support.  
There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the hearing.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-029, authorizing and  
adopting a non-ad valorem special assessment within the County limits for  
the purpose of benefiting assessed properties through enhanced Medicaid  
payments for local services; finding and determining that certain real  
property is specially benefited by the assessment; collecting the assessment  
against the real property; establishing a public hearing to consider imposition  
of the proposed assessment and the method of its collection; authorizing and  
directing the publication of notices in connection therewith; providing for  
certain other authorizations and delegations of authority as necessary; and  
providing an effective date. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
B. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS  
12. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS  
25-0615  
12.A.  
Request from Indian River Mosquito Control District to use Commission  
Chambers October 1st, 2025, or October 15th, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Respectfully request that the Board grant permission to the Indian River Mosquito  
Control Board to utilize the Commission Chambers this October, 2025.  
Attachments: Chambers Request  
County Administrator John Titkanich sought the Board's permission for the Mosquito  
Control District's use of Chambers, as required by recently adopted policy. Chairman  
Flescher received confirmation from Administrator Titkanich that there was no conflict  
on either of the requested dates.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Moss,  
to grant permission to the Indian River Mosquito Control Board to utilize the  
Commission Chambers this October, 2025. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0631  
Executive Session to Discuss IAFF Negotiations - Battalion Chief Unit  
12.B.  
Recommended Action:  
N/A  
The Chairman announced the Executive Session would follow Item 16.B.4.  
No Action Taken or Required  
25-0633  
Executive Session to Discuss IAFF Negotiations - Rank & File Unit  
12.C.  
Recommended Action:  
N/A  
The Chairman announced the Executive Session would follow Item 16.B.4.  
No Action Taken or Required  
13. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Building and Facilities Services  
B. Community Services  
C. Emergency Services  
D. Human Resources  
E. Information Technology  
F. Natural Resources  
G. Office of Management and Budget  
H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation  
I. Planning and Development Services  
J. Public Works  
K. Sandridge Golf Club  
L. Utilities Services  
14. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
15. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS  
A. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman  
B. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Vice Chairman  
C. Commissioner Susan Adams  
D. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman  
E. Commissioner Laura Moss  
The Chairman called for a recess at 10:07 a.m, and resumed the meeting at 10:18  
a.m. with all members present.  
16. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS  
The Board of County Commissioners reconvened as the Board of Commissioners of  
the Solid Waste Disposal District. The minutes will be approved at an upcoming Solid  
Waste Disposal District meeting.  
A. Emergency Services District  
B. Solid Waste Disposal District  
25-0607  
Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of April 08, 2025  
16.B.1.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 04082025 SWDD draft  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to approve the Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2025  
as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0634  
16.B.2.  
Request to Amend the Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection  
Franchise Agreement between SWDD and Waste Management, Inc. of  
Florida  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) Board  
approve the implementation of an earlier cart swap program and to allow the  
Contract Manager to grant yard waste cart delivery and service exemption to  
Homeowner’s Associations within unincorporated Indian River County with  
direction to staff and the County Attorney’s office to return at a future SWDD  
Board meeting to ratify an amended Agreement for these approved changes.  
Attachments: WM Letter  
Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske began his presentation with a recap of the  
County's decision to implement Universal garbage collection service with Waste  
Management (WM) through a 10-year contract starting October 1, 2025. This  
included delivering new carts for recycling in June/July, yard waste carts in  
August, and garbage carts in September. Residents raised concerns which led to  
staff negotiating two amendments to the contract, presented for the Board's  
approval.  
Mr. Lieske detailed the modifications starting with allowing Home Owners  
Associations (HOA) to opt-out of receiving yard waste carts for all of their units.  
The decision could not be reversed for the length of the contract, and HOAs had  
to inform WM by July 15, 2025. It was noted that opting out of yard waste  
collection would not change the total cost of service. The second amendment  
regarded the delivery of 65-gallon recycling carts which were too large for some  
residents. Initially, people could request a swap for a smaller cart starting on  
January 2, 2026. The modification allowed swap requests to start August 1,  
2025, with deliveries during October 2025. Mr. Lieske explained the cost for this  
earlier delivery would be handled as a credit against future administrative charges.  
Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Lieske, along with Debbie Perez,  
WM Government Affairs Manager. Topics included the effect of WM's credit  
balance, concerns regarding unneeded yard waste containers, problems storing  
multiple or too-large carts, timing of cart deliveries, and customer service options.  
Ms. Perez informed residents who were not in an HOA community that they  
would receive yard waste carts, but could call to have them reclaimed if not  
needed. She also gave details regarding the delivery of new recycling carts, and  
the coordinated pick-up of the old ones.  
The following people addressed the Board:  
Gary Wilbun felt it was unfair to pay for services he did not want or need, and  
expressed concern for family members living on a fixed income. He later received  
confirmation that the Convenience Centers would remain open.  
Tom Surat explained new recycling bins were too large to fit in his garage, as  
required by his HOA. He requested an earlier date for swapping.  
Cynthia Ketcham told of her difficulty in getting correct information. She explained  
she did not need pick up service, could not afford it, and was overwhelmed by  
another expense.  
Paul Freeman suggested Waste Management apply their savings from HOAs  
which were not receiving yard waste pick-up, as credits for those who could not  
afford service.  
A Concerned Resident received information regarding swapping recycling bins,  
and requested a copy of the opt-out letter for his HOA.  
A Concerned Resident told the Board he did not want the yard waste container,  
and felt he should not have to pay for the service. Chairman Flescher explained  
this was a package of services for the benefit of the community, and did not have  
a la carte choices.  
Christopher Mackie requested the Board include COAs (Condominium Owners  
Associations), along with HOAs, in the contract for legal reasons. He also voiced  
the following concerns: seasonal residents could not receive/swap bins,  
liability/insurance impacts, and wildlife access to accessible trash bins. He asked if  
delivery could be held until the smaller bins were ready.  
Jayne Killian, Waverly Place, informed the Board her community did not receive  
the mailing explaining the new system, and residents were unprepared to receive  
new bins. She asked how to improve communication and to receive correct  
information. Chairman Flescher apologized for the miscommunication, and offered  
direct communication with her community.  
Donna Keys expressed her displeasure with the schedule of cart delivery, and  
received answers to her questions regarding opting out of the yard waste  
container, the inability to receive a delivery date for a specific community, the  
inability to change delivery dates to later in the season, and the revised October  
date for receiving smaller carts. The Board and staff entered into discussion with  
Ms. Keys, asking her community to work together to find solutions for snowbird's  
cart storage.  
Joi Royce explained her community's difficulty handling and storing the large  
recycling bins, concerns with wildlife access, and asked the Board to consider  
delaying more cart deliveries to HOAs.  
Ms. Perez spoke of the value WM placed in its partnership with the residents of  
the County, and explained the intricacies of manufacturing and delivering 200,000  
new bins.  
Commissioner Adams received a recap from Mr. Lieske of the issues the Board  
was being asked to consider.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Loar, to approve staff's recommendation, as amended to include COAs in the  
contract revisions. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0638  
16.B.3.  
Final Pay to Geosyntec for Work Order No. 5 – Permit Compliance  
Monitoring and Reporting Indian River County Landfill Facility  
Recommended Action:  
Solid Waste Disposal District staff recommends that its Board approve  
Geosyntec’s final invoice amount of $11,552.29.  
Attachments: Geosyntec Completion Letter  
There was no discussion regarding this item.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Loar, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
25-0650  
Annual SWDD Rate Study Update  
16.B.4.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the SWDD Board approve Scenario 4 of the KCI annual  
SWDD rate study update as presented with an increase of 15% in service  
assessments as well as a 15% increase in tipping fees in years 1 thru 3 with 6%  
increases in both service assessments and tipping fees in years 4 thru 5. This  
would result in a base service assessment increasing to $79.12 per WGU and the  
recycling service assessment increasing to $45.94 per WGU.  
Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske introduced the Item, and handed the  
presentation over to Peter Engel, Senior Consultant with Kessler Consulting, Inc.  
(KSI). Mr. Engel used a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the Solid Waste  
Disposal District (SWDD) Rate Study. The study was done within the context of  
new Waste Generation Units (WGU) Rates set to start in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027,  
and did not include the new Collection Assessment with Waste Management  
which was fully funded.  
Mr. Engel noted the study focused on adjustments to the Service Assessment  
Rate (landfill and convenience center operation, landfill leachate, and yard waste  
composting) and tipping fees to ensure required revenue and reserves were  
sufficient. The report included four different scenarios of various rate increases  
and their effect on revenue and reserve balances. Commissioner Adams  
requested details of the fourth scenario as it would impact residents the least. Mr.  
Engel discussed the rate increases which would take effect FY 26 through FY 30,  
the impact to homeowners, and tipping fee comparisons.  
Vice Chairman Loar stated his reasons for supporting Scenario 4, as  
recommended by staff.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to approve staff's recommendation of Scenario 4. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
C. Environmental Control Board  
17. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON-AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS  
18. ADJOURNMENT  
The Board returned from their closed sessions with all members present to end the  
meeting. There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 4:06  
p.m.