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  
Deryl Loar, District 4, Chairman  
Laura Moss, District 5, Vice Chairman  
Susan Adams, District 1  
Joseph Flescher, District 2  
Joseph H. Earman, District 3  
John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator  
Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney  
Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller  
Tuesday, January 27, 2026  
9:00 AM  
Commission Chambers  
1. CALL TO ORDER  
4 -  
Present:  
Chairman Deryl Loar  
Vice Chairman Laura Moss  
Commissioner Joseph Flescher  
Commissioner Joe Earman  
1 - Commissioner Susan Adams  
Absent:  
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF  
THE ARMED FORCES  
2.B. INVOCATION  
Pastor Tracy Moore, Vero Beach Church of Christ  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
Item 5.B. and 9.L to be heard together  
Item 9.A. Moved to Item 13.E.1.  
Item 9.I. Pulled  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Moss, to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
4 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Flescher, and Commissioner  
Earman  
1 - Commissioner Adams  
Absent:  
Clerk Note: Commissioner Adams joined the meeting at 9:04 a.m.  
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS  
26-0119  
5.A.  
Presentation of Proclamation for Vero Beach Museum of Art 40th  
Anniversary  
Recommended Action:  
Recommend read & present.  
Attachments: 01.27.25 VBMA 40th Anniversary  
Suzanne Seldes, Deputy Director, Vero Beach Museum of Art, expressed her  
gratitude for the visionaries who created the Museum for the community's enrichment.  
She spoke of the 40th anniversary of the institution and its future.  
Read and Presented by Commissioner Flescher  
26-0188  
5.B.  
Presentation for Quail Valley Charities and Other Charitable Organizations'  
Commitment to Fund the Design and Construction of the Indian River  
County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club  
[This Item was heard in conjunction with Item 9.L.]  
Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito introduced the initiative to create a youth  
training center at the County’s Sandridge Golf Club (Sandridge) which aimed to  
introduce underserved youth to golf and develop sports and life skills. The project  
would be a collaboration among youth-based charities such as the Indian River Golf  
Foundation, Quail Valley Charities, and pro golfer Paul McGinley’s McGinley  
Foundation. Staff requested the Board’s approval of a Resolution in support of the  
Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club, which would be  
funded entirely through charitable efforts.  
Bella Nagy, Golf Professional at Sandridge, highlighted the evolution of youth  
programming at the facility, which had grown to include year-round offerings and  
established Sandridge as a hub for junior golf in Florida.  
A video presentation detailed the charitable efforts of the collaborators, including a  
message from Mr. McGinley discussing his interest in youth golf and Indian River  
County. Kevin Given, General Manager at Quail Valley Golf Club, expounded on the  
partnership and the Quail Valley Charities’ initiative to raise up to $4 million for the  
training center. Commissioner Flescher echoed the importance of the initiative,  
comparing its potential impact on youth development to opportunities provided by  
Major League Baseball.  
Presented  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
26-0152  
Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting of September 10, 2025  
6.A.  
6.B.  
6.C.  
6.D.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 09102025PrelimBdgt_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of  
September 10, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0154  
Final Budget Hearing Meeting of September 17, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 09172025FinalBdgt_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Final Budget Hearing Minutes of September 17, 2025 as  
written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0156  
Regular Meeting of October 07, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 10072025BCC_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2025 as written.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0158  
Special Call Meeting of October 20, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 10202025SpecialCall_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Special Call Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2025 as  
written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0160  
Regular Meeting of October 21, 2025  
6.E.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 10212025BCC_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 as written.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0161  
Special Call PZC Joint Workshop Meeting of October 23, 2025  
6.F.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 10232025 PZCWorkshop Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Special Call PZC Joint Workshop Meeting Minutes of  
October 23, 2025 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0165  
Regular Meeting of November 04, 2025  
6.G.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 11042025BCC_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2025 as  
written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0169  
Regular Meeting of November 18, 2025  
6.H.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 11182025 BCC Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2025 as  
written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0171  
Regular Meeting of December 09, 2025  
6.I.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 12092025BCC_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2025 as  
written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
26-0139  
Administrator Approved Items  
7.A.  
Recommended Action:  
There is no action required by the Board as this item is being presented for  
informational purposes only. Future reporting will be prepared and provided quarterly  
to coincide with Budget reports.  
No Action Taken or Required  
26-0148  
1st Quarter FY 2025/2026 Budget Report  
7.B.  
Attachments: Internal Agenda for Quarterly Budget Review 1.14.26  
Revenue Diversification Options  
1st Quarter Budget Report  
Building Permits Issued  
Grant Update  
Quarterly Budget Review 1.14.26 MINUTES  
No Action Taken or Required  
26-0168  
Treasure Coast Sock Drive  
7.C.  
Recommended Action:  
Informational item, no action required.  
Attachments: Memo  
Lisa McClung announced the eighth year of the annual Treasure Coast Sock Drive  
(formerly the Vero Beach Sock Drive) which will run from January 1st through  
February 28th. The event collected new socks and distributed them to local charities;  
they aimed to collect 20,000 pairs this year. Ms. McClung mentioned collection sites  
and events in support of the Drive as well as their website,  
treasurecoastsockdrive.com, which featured an Amazon link.  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS (EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC  
HEARINGS)  
9. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, moving Item 9.A. to be  
heard as Item 13.E.1. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
Approval of SimpliGov Enterprise Workflow Automation Platform  
9.A.  
9.B.  
26-0197  
Moved to Item 13.E.1.  
26-0132  
FY 2024-2025 Records Management Compliance Statements  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the Records Management Compliance  
Statements so they can be submitted to the State.  
Attachments: SWDD  
EMERGENCY SERVICES  
BOCC  
Approved staff's recommendation  
26-0142  
9.C.  
9.D.  
Designation of Excess Equipment as Surplus and Authorization for  
Disposal  
Attachments: Excess List for 012726  
Approved staff's recommendation  
26-0146  
Award of Bid 2026008 for New Metal Roof for Fire Stations 4 & 5  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the withdrawal of the Vero Beach Roofing bid,  
award Bid 2026008 to All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc., approve the  
agreement, and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement after receipt and  
approval of the agreement by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency,  
and after receipt and approval of the required insurance by the Risk Manager. So  
long as there are no increases to the dollar amount under the agreement, upon  
adequate completion of the work set forth in the agreement, staff is directed to make  
final payment and release any retainage to All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc, after  
review and approval by the Procurement Manager and the County Attorney’s Office.  
Attachments: Sample Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
26-0149  
9.E.  
Resolution Cancelling Taxes on Property Purchased for Public Purpose –  
STAR VERO, LLC- 7855 US Highway 1 (Right-of-Way)  
Recommended Action:  
Authorize the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to execute the  
Resolution to cancel certain taxes upon the property purchased by Indian River  
County for a public purpose, and the Clerk to send a certified copy of the Resolution  
to the Tax Collector and the Property Appraiser so that any delinquent or current  
taxes can be cancelled.  
Attachments: Resolution Cancelling Taxes-ROW  
ROW Deed - Star Vero Storage - Recorded  
Approved Resolution 2026-005, cancelling certain taxes upon publicly owned  
lands, pursuant to Section 196.28, Florida Statutes.  
26-0150  
9.F.  
Florida Department of Transportation Utility Work by Highway Contractor  
Agreement for US-1/Federal Highway from North of 87th Street to South of  
Sebastian Blvd., State Road No.: 5, FDOT Financial Project ID:  
449812-1-52-02  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the Utility Work  
by Highway Contractor Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for  
utilities work related to US-1/Federal Highway from North of 87th Street to South of  
Sebastian Blvd., State Road No.: 5, and the budget of $15,557.07 with $14,676.48  
payable to Florida Department of Transportation and $880.59 retained by Indian  
River County Department of Utility Services, for cost escalations and authorize the  
Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the approved dollar  
amounts, staff is directed to make payments to the Florida Department of  
Transportation.  
Attachments: 449812-1 UWHCA - Indian River County  
Additional Signature Pages  
Approved staff's recommendation  
26-0159  
9.G.  
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Amendment 1 to  
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 82nd Avenue/CR619 from 26th  
Street to 69th Street, Financial Project No. 230879-3, IRC-1756  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Authorizing  
Resolution for acceptance of the amended MOA and authorize the Chairman to  
execute the same.  
Attachments: Resolution  
Amended ROW MOA  
Approved Resolution 2026-006, authorizing the Chairman to execute amended  
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Florida Department of Transportation  
for acquisition of right-of-way for the construction of 82nd Avenue/CR 619 from  
26th Street to 69th Street.  
26-0162  
9.H.  
Florida Gas Transmission Encroachment Agreement -- Amendment 2 for  
Indian River County Fire Station 7 (IRC 1911)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve Amendment 2 to the  
Agreement with Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC, and authorize the Chair to  
execute the final legal documents of the approved agreement.  
Attachments: Amendment 2 Encroachment - Fire Station 7  
Approved staff's recommendation  
26-0164  
9.I.  
Award of Bid No. 2025045 to Treasure Coast Infrastructure for  
Construction of Floravon Shores Septic-to-Sewer Project, IRCDUS Project  
ID 21.19.556  
Attachments: SECTION 00520 Agreement  
Pulled from Agenda  
26-0167  
Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 01  
9.J.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the budget resolution  
amending the fiscal year 2025-26 budget.  
Attachments: 2025 2026 Resolution  
Exhibit "A"  
Approved Resolution 2026-007, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.  
26-0173  
2026/2027 Budget Workshop/Hearing Schedule  
9.K.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the budget  
workshop dates and the dates for the budget hearings for the 2026/2027 budgets.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
26-0102  
9.L.  
Resolution Supporting the Quail Valley Charities and Other Charitable  
Organizations' Commitment to Fund the Design and Construction of the  
Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf Club  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the proposed  
Resolution for Support for the Indian River County Youth Training Center.  
Attachments: Sandridge Training Center Resolution  
[Clerk Note: See Item 5.B. for discussion]  
Commissioner Earman read the Resolution into the record.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve Resolution 2026-008, supporting local charitable  
organizations led by Quail Valley Charities’ commitment to fund the design and  
construction of the Indian River County Youth Training Center at Sandridge Golf  
Club. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
10. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
26-0163  
10.A.  
Supervisor of Elections Leslie R. Swan re: Canvassing Board  
Appointments  
Attachments: 2026 Canvassing Board Members  
Chairman Loar explained that since he was up for reelection this year, he could not  
serve on the County's Canvassing Board, per Florida Statute. Chairman Loar named  
Commissioner Earman to serve on the Canvassing Board in his stead. The Chairman  
then nominated Commissioner Adams as the Alternate Canvassing Board member.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve Commissioner Adams as the Alternate to the Canvassing  
Board. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
11. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
B. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS  
12. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS  
26-0170  
Fellsmere Water Control District Legislation  
12.A.  
Recommended Action:  
Review suggested amendment language and offer guidance.  
Kathy Copeland, Legislative and Communications Manager, provided the Board with  
an update on the Fellsmere Water Control District (FWCD) legislation and the two  
related House Bills, 4093 and 4095, which were filed January 9th. Ms. Copeland  
explained there was an opportunity to submit language for an amendment to the bills  
which established the FWCD as a dependent district, and split off the farm side into  
its own independent district, the Headwaters Water Control District.  
Ms. Copeland reviewed the refinements suggested by citizens and leadership including  
allowing more timely responses during an emergency, establishing a designated level  
of service, and dredging maintenance specifics. Legally, the recommendations were to  
discuss limiting liability for the new FWCD, and protecting access to canals using  
existing right-of-way. The Natural Resources department requested adding language  
regarding compliance with BMAP requirements. Ms. Copeland concluded by asking  
the Board to allow staff to proceed with the discussions and refinements presented,  
and to acknowledge the strike-all bills that would be put forth as amendments.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the strike-all amendment with the understanding that other  
changes may be brought back before the Board. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
13. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Building and Facilities Services  
B. Community Services  
C. Emergency Services  
D. Human Resources  
E. Information Technology  
25-1114  
Approval of SimpliGov Enterprise Workflow Automation Platform  
13.E.1.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the purchase of SimpliGov LLC enterprise  
workflow automation software, professional services, and support in an amount  
not to exceed $2,963,275 pursuant to NASPO ValuePoint Contract AR2472 /  
Florida Addendum 43230000-NASPO-16-ACS, and authorize the Procurement  
Division to issue annual purchase orders in accordance with the provided quote.  
Attachments: RedLief Cover Page  
Carahsoft Quote for SimpliGov  
[Clerk Note: Item moved from 9.A.]  
County Administrator John Titkanich recalled that the County had hired  
consultants from StoneHill Innovation and RedLeif to explore opportunities for  
improving productivity and efficiency. In addition to cybersecurity measures, the  
need for a platform that would streamline and automate workflows across multiple  
departments was identified. RedLeif had investigated SimplyGov's enterprise  
platform with the goals of helping the County reduce data silos, centralize  
management, automate processes, lower costs, enhance security, offer scalable  
processes, and simplify training.  
Information Technology Director Erik Harvey confirmed for Chairman Loar that  
RedLeif would be presenting their recommendation of SimplyGov, and the  
company had already enrolled the County in grant programs which provided no  
cost solutions for enhancing cybersecurity.  
Founder and CEO of RedLeif, Jamie Grant, explained his company's role in  
identifying solutions, vetting vendors, and negotiating costs. Mr. Grant stated his  
security work with the County's IT Department led to discussions on automating  
workflows to empower staff and enhance customer satisfaction. He detailed his  
company's investigation into SimplyGov's enterprise platform and his company's  
recommendation to use it to integrate workflow and data solutions across all the  
County's departments.  
Chairman Loar began the discussion by stating his main concern was resolving the  
issues with the Building and Permitting department's workflow; staff had already  
researched options for new software. Administrator Titkanich recounted his  
discussion with Mr. Grant where the County's need for a unified development  
review process was identified, and SimplyGov was proposed as a flexible solution  
that could work for all departments. A notable concern was the $2.9 million cost  
over five years. Mr. Titkanich pointed out that the County currently used 13  
different software applications, which cost approximately $732,000 a year.  
Mr. Titkanich then elaborated for the Chairman the ways that adopting an  
integrated system was consistent with the goals and objectives of the County's  
Strategic Plan. Mr. Grant added that there was a paradigm shift happening in  
technology where the focus was on documented workflows that could be  
accessed by anyone rather than being dependent on specific talent to run a niche  
software solution.  
In response to Chairman Loar's query, Mr. Grant and Administrator Titkanich  
provided examples of AI components that could reduce employee workloads.  
The Chairman also received information about the cost and terms of the  
agreement, including what considerations had been made for terminations, fixed  
renewals, rate caps, and deliverables. Mr. Titkanich confirmed that the County  
would retain its data in case of termination.  
Commissioner Earman expressed concern for ensuring prudent use of the  
County's budgeted dollars to provide customer service and to empower staff. Mr.  
Grant elaborated the advantages of shifting to a no/low code solution rather than  
continuing with specialized software. He added there were also cybersecurity  
advantages achieved by limiting access points and reducing vulnerablilities.  
Commissioner Adams was informed that SimplyGov was not a solution that  
Building and Permitting had considered because it was not a specific permitting  
software. During RedLeif's discussions with IT staff, it was uncovered that an  
enterprise platform may be a better solution than specific software for each  
department, as was the status quo.  
In response to Chairman Loar, Mr. Grant advised that the research done for  
Building and Permitting need not go to waste. He explained how SimpleGov  
could provide optionality and act as a framework for all the County's other  
workflow needs. Mr. Grant acknowledged that this was the first presentation the  
Board had received on SimplyGov, and there was a lot of information to digest.  
Chairman Loar wrapped up discussion by stating the Board needed additional  
information and analysis before they could consider adopting a new system. The  
Chairman requested staff to return before the Board in February with a deeper  
analysis of the savings and efficiencies that could be achieved by changing tacks to  
an enterprise platform.  
Postponed/Continued to February 10, 2026  
F. Natural Resources  
G. Office of Management and Budget  
H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation  
The Chairman called for a recess at 10:27 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:05  
a.m.  
I. Planning and Development Services  
26-0130  
13.I.1.  
Consideration of the Indian River County Economic Development  
Strategic Action Plan  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners adopt the Indian River  
County Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, drafted by TIP Strategies,  
Inc.  
Attachments: EDSAP Executive Summary  
IRC EDSAP  
Ryan Sweeney, Assistant Planning and Services Director, introduced Jeff Marcell,  
Senior Partner with TIP Strategies, who would be presenting TIP's  
recommendations for a ten-year Indian River County Economic Development  
Strategic Action Plan (Plan). The County contracted development of the Plan in  
order to better target industries which would grow the local economy and foster  
employment opportunities while maintaining the County's quality of life. Mr.  
Marcell displayed slides as he began with an overview of TIP's process which  
included research and community engagement before diving into the specifics the  
Plan.  
The Plan, titled "Treasured Tomorrow", included a three-point action framework,  
a matrix which would prioritize strategies and actions, and guidance on creating  
strategic partnerships within the County. The first step in the framework was to  
target industry development in the areas of aerospace, finance and insurance,  
agriculture/aquaculture, and healthcare. The second point detailed catalyst  
projects to drive economic progress in the following areas: Oslo corridor, Indian  
River Mall, County Road 510, I-95/SR-60 commercial node, and the County's  
two regional airports. The third point involved enhancing the County's  
organizational capabilities through economic development, tax base diversification,  
land use and purchasing, and permitting processes. The report also contained  
strategic analysis research on the County's demographics, a list of incentives  
policies, and performance metrics.  
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado requested amendments to the Incentives  
Policy portion of the report. Referring to Figure 10 in the report which listed an  
"Existing Incentives Toolbox", Ms. Prado informed the Board that some of the  
items were not allowed by the existing Code, and Ordinances would need to be  
created. She specified the Traffic Impact Fee Financing, Financing for Water and  
Sewer Impact Fees, and Utility Department Waivers as examples. She requested  
caution and better communication regarding Impact Fees which had Statutory  
rules.  
In response to Chairman Loar's request, County Administrator John Titkanich  
discussed amending the Code to allow for impact fee financing, not elimination, to  
assist in business development. Attorney Prado added that Ordinances would still  
need to be created to allow for financing of impact fees which were regulated.  
County Attorney Jennifer Shuler requested that these three items be removed  
from the toolbox until they were codified.  
Chairman of the Economic Development Council (EDC) Lance Lunceford spoke  
about collaboration, community feedback, and quality of life. He stated the EDC  
recommended adoption of the plan with any amendments from the Board.  
Vice Chairman Moss requested acknowledgement of workforce housing, and  
Administrator Titkanich recommended drafting language to encourage affordable  
housing. Mr. Marcell discussed the challenges with affordable housing.  
Commissioner Adams pointed out that the EDC had referenced affordable  
housing during this report's development, and detailed collaboration with other  
County agencies focused on housing.  
The Vice Chairman then commented and received additional input from staff on  
the following report sections: 1.3.3. transitioning citrus growers; 2.1.2. Urban  
Service Boundary (USB) and Oslo Road Corridor Development Planning; 2.6.2.  
regular meetings to discuss new opportunities; 3.3.5. evaluating potential USB  
expansion; Figure 7, employment by industry sector; and Figure 12, summary of  
SWOT analysis for Indian River County, Florida. She requested reconsideration  
of the repeated mentions of USB expansion, and noted height restrictions were  
not considered a weakness by residents.  
Mr. Titkanich suggested moving the items mentioned by the Attorney's Office out  
of the toolbox and into the bullet point details, and creating partnerships with the  
municipalities regarding ad valorem tax abatement exemptions.  
Chairman Loar requested a clean copy with amendments mentioned. Mr.  
Titkanich added comments on partnering with municipalities. Commissioner  
Flescher expressed concern against limiting options by being overly cautious with  
word choices. Further discussion was had by the Board with Commissioner  
Adams suggesting sharpening the focus on economic development with regard to  
USB expansion, and limiting flexibility on height limitations to the commercial  
sector only. Mr. Marcell indicated he would corroborate any changes with staff.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Flescher, to approve the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan with  
the changes discussed by the Board. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
J. Public Works  
K. Sandridge Golf Club  
L. Utilities Services  
14. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
15. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS  
A. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Chairman  
B. Commissioner Laura Moss, Vice Chairman  
C. Commissioner Susan Adams  
D. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher  
E. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman  
16. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS  
A. Emergency Services District  
B. Solid Waste Disposal District  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Loar,  
to approve the following Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting Minutes:  
Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025; Final  
Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2025; and the Meeting  
Minutes of October 07, 2025, November 04, 2025, and December 09, 2025. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Loar, Vice Chairman Moss, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Flescher, and Commissioner Earman  
26-0153  
16.B.1.  
Approval of the SWDD Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of  
September 10, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 09102025SWDDPrelimBdgt_Draft  
Approved  
26-0155  
16.B.2.  
Approval of the SWDD Final Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of  
September 17, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 09172025SWDDFinalBdgt_Draft  
Approved  
26-0157  
Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of October 07, 2025  
16.B.3.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 10072025SWDD_Draft  
Approved  
26-0166  
Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of November 04, 2025  
16.B.4.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 11042025SWDD_Draft  
Approved  
26-0172  
Approval of the SWDD Meeting Minutes of December 09, 2025  
16.B.5.  
Recommended Action:  
Approve  
Attachments: 12092025SWDD_Draft  
Approved  
C. Environmental Control Board  
17. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON-AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS  
Walter McNulty asked the Board to consider incentivizing agricultural uses such as  
cattle ranches for undeveloped, agriculturally-zoned property.  
Karen Osborne was concerned about affordable housing and mentioned the high rent  
on new apartments being constructed near her. She also expressed reservations about  
extending economic discounts to businesses looking to relocate here.  
Lamarre Notargiacomo reported there was support for keeping building heights low.  
She urged the Board to address improving the County's infrastructure, and requested  
written answers to the public's questions regarding Epic Estates.  
No Action Taken or Required  
18. ADJOURNMENT  
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:11 p.m.