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, April 8, 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  
Commissioner Deryl Loar, Vice-Chairman  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Commissioner Adams,  
to approve the Agenda as amended, moving Item 12.A.1. to be heard after Item  
15.A.2. 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  
Presentation of Proclamation Honoring the Moonshot Community  
5.A.  
Recommended Action:  
Receive Presentation  
Marie O'Brien, Coordinator of the Moonshot Community Action Network (MCAN),  
emphasized the importance of community engagement in addressing literacy  
challenges, stating that schools alone cannot solve these issues. She invited Healthy  
Start Coalition CEO Megan McFall to share insights, noting that the County received  
national recognition for its initiatives. Ms. McFall encouraged the Board to envision a  
world where every child could achieve their potential through literacy, highlighting the  
benefits for families and neighborhoods. She expressed gratitude for the Board’s  
commitment to the Moonshot journey, which empowers change for future  
generations.  
Presented by Commissioner Adams  
5.B.  
Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing April 2025 As the 50th  
Anniversary of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast  
Recommended Action:  
Read & Present  
Carol Kanarek, Chair of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), along with Vice  
Chair Sarah Connors and Founder Ann Marie McCrystal, received the Proclamation  
celebrating 50 years of service. Ms. Kanarek highlighted the VNA's dedication to the  
community and commended Ms. McCrystal for her long-standing commitment to the  
organization. She expressed gratitude to the Board for the recognition.  
Presented by Commissioner Earman  
5.C.  
Proclamation Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunications  
Week  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present  
Sheriff Eric Flowers discussed the recognition of dispatchers as first responders,  
highlighting a bill sponsored by Senator Grall that supports this initiative. He  
acknowledged the challenging work of dispatchers and their role as the first point of  
contact during emergencies. Dispatcher Lee Bruce expressed gratitude for the  
Board's support and advocated for recognition through the 911 SAVES Act bill,  
inviting the public to experience a day as a dispatcher. Chairman Flescher encouraged  
citizens to participate in this opportunity. Vice Chairman Loar noted that Sheriff  
Flowers' team manages police calls in Fellsmere and public safety in Indian River  
Shores, stressing the value of their work in animal control as well.  
Presented by Vice Chairman Loar  
Flood Awareness Week Presentation  
5.D.  
Recommended Action:  
Receive Flood Presentation  
Floodplain Coordinator Kari Cundiff emphasized Indian River County's involvement  
in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the Community Rating  
System (CRS). She added the County holds a Class 5 designation, which provides  
residents with a 25% discount on flood insurance. She explained to maintain this  
discount, the County must effectively enforce its Land Development Regulations.  
Denise Boehning, Manager of the Florida Floodplain Managers Association, used a  
PowerPoint presentation to showcase Indian River County's efforts in enhancing flood  
awareness and protecting residents from flooding. Participation in the NFIP allows  
residents to secure flood insurance, access hazard mitigation funding, and receive  
disaster assistance. Ms. Boehning noted the importance of adequate regulations to  
ensure safety and resilience, ultimately benefiting the entire community.  
Presented  
[Clerks note: The Board went into recess for the Time Certain 10:00 a.m.  
Security Plan closed Shade Meeting. The Board reconvened in the Chambers at  
11:05 a.m. The Chairman concluded the Shade meeting and reopened the Board  
meeting with all members present, resuming with Item 12.A.1.]  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
Event Calendar  
7.A.  
Recommended Action:  
No action required  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS (EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC  
HEARINGS)  
9. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
9.A.  
9.B.  
9.C.  
Approval of Checks and Electronic Payments February 8, 2025 to  
February 14, 2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued for the time period of  
February 8, 2025 to February 14, 2025  
Approved  
Approval of Checks and Electronic Payments March 1, 2025 to March 7,  
2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments for the time period of March 1,  
2025 to March 7, 2025  
Approved  
Approval of Checks and Electronic Payments March 8, 2025 to March 14,  
2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued for the time period of  
March 8, 2025 to March 14, 2025  
Approved  
9.D.  
Approval of Checks and Electronic Payments March 15, 2025 to March 21,  
2025  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued for the time period of  
March 15, 2025 to March 21, 2025  
Approved  
9.E.  
Approval of Funding Agreement and Grant Application for Next Generation  
911 Core Services for PSAPs  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the DMS Agreement for PSAP Upgrade  
Project, and the Florida Emergency Communications Board (FECB) 911 State Grant  
Application, and authorize the Chairman to execute both, after review and approval  
by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency. Staff also requests the Board  
authorize the Emergency Services Director to execute any necessary documents  
related to the grant, after review and approval by the County Attorney as to form and  
legal sufficiency.  
Approved  
Award of Bid 2025030 for Hobart Park Baseball Field Improvements  
9.F.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board award bid 2025030 to Proctor Construction Company,  
LLC, approve the sample agreement, and authorize the chairman to execute the  
agreement after review and approval of both the agreement and public construction  
bond by the county attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Sample Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
Fire Station 11 Renovations, Change Order #1  
9.G.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends approving the Change Order #1, for an increase in the Contract  
amount of $13,775.69 for a total of $525,287.69.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
Southeastern Fastpitch Inc. License Agreement  
9.H.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully requests that the Board of County Commissioners approve the  
Parks Recreation & Conservation License Agreement with Southeastern Fast Pitch  
Inc. and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement after review and approval  
by the County Attorney.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
9.I.  
St. John's River Water Management District Project Agreement  
Amendment for the South Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully recommends the Board accept the Project Amendment for Contract  
38600 for the South Oslo Floodplain Restoration Project, and authorize the Chairman  
to execute the Amendment after review and approval by the County Attorney.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
9.J.  
Work Order with MBV Engineering, Inc., for Design of 43rd Avenue  
Sidewalks  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the work order with MBV Engineering, Inc. for  
design of the 43rd Avenue sidewalks and related improvements and authorize the  
Chairman to execute the work order.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
9.K.  
John & Kara Gillespie’s Request for Affidavit of Exemption (AOE) Approval  
with Dedications to the County for the KNJ AOE [AOE-23-10-02 /  
2003050066-95328]  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners accept the dedication of  
the limited access easements and authorize the chairman to execute the KNJ Affidavit  
of Exemption.  
Attachments: Location Map  
Approved staff's recommendation  
9.L.  
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 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 MOA and authorize the Chairman to execute the  
same.  
Approved staff's recommendation, and Resolution 2025-013, authorizing the  
Chairman’s execution of the Right-of-Way Acquisition Memorandum of  
Agreement 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.  
9.M.  
Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., Work Order No. 19  
IRC-1761 Aviation Boulevard Extension Alternative Alignment Study  
Revision  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order No. 19  
with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.in the amount of $46,720 and authorize the  
Chairman to execute the work order.  
Approved staff's recommendation  
10. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
11. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
PROOF OF PUBLICATIONS FOR THESE HEARINGS ARE ON FILE IN THE  
OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD.  
[Clerks note: this Item was heard following Item 12.A.1.]  
11.A.1  
Second Public Hearing - Proposed Developer’s Agreement Between DRP  
Bookbinder Multistate, LLC and Indian River County (Legislative)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board review the Proposed Developer’s Agreement, open the  
public hearing for comment, close the public hearing and make a motion to approve  
the Proposed Developer’s Agreement with DRP Bookbinder Multistate, LLC.  
Attachments: Aerial Photo  
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado presented the second public hearing regarding  
the proposed developer's agreement between DRP Bookbinder Multistate, LLC and  
Indian River County. She explained that the first public hearing had occurred during  
the March 25, 2025, Board meeting, and this was the same developer's agreement  
previously reviewed for Harmony Isle; the only difference was that the owner had  
changed. Therefore, it was necessary to update the agreement to reflect the new  
owner.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the Chairman  
closed the Public Hearing.  
There was no further discussion on this Item.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, 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  
11.A.2  
Second Hearing Concerning the Special Assessment Providing for The  
Replacement of Culverts for Waters Edge Phase II Subdivision  
(Legislative)  
Recommended Action:  
County staff recommends that the Board approve the resolution confirming the  
Special Assessments in Connection with the Replacement of Culvert Piping in Waters  
Edge Phase II Subdivision; and providing for special assessment liens to be made of  
record. Further, Staff recommends the Board sit as the Equalizing Board to review  
complaints and make decisions on adjustments to the special assessment.  
Attachments: Draft Resolution  
Assistant County Attorney Chris Hicks presented the second public hearing, during  
which the Commission would act as an Equalizing Board to hear any challenges to the  
assessment or requests for different levies from affected individuals for the  
replacement of culverts for Waters Edge Phase II Subdivision. He noted that the  
public had been notified and was encouraged to attend.  
He stated that the request was that the Board reassess each property individually, as  
stated in the original Resolution, to ensure there were no ratios involved. Each  
property was to be charged a flat amount, which would continue for the next 15  
years. He noted that, if approved, a third hearing would be had upon project  
completion to review the total costs. An estimate from an earlier report, was  
approximately $6,200 per lot. In addition, a reserve fund had been included in the  
budget to ensure that the project would be completed.  
Vice Chairman Loar thanked Attorney Hicks for shepherding this project and stated  
that it was a successful operation in partnership with the community and the County.  
Attorney Hicks confirmed to Chairman Flescher that a notice had been sent to all  
affected parties and advertised in the paper.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the Chairman  
closed the Public Hearing.  
There was no further discussion on this Item.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Commissioner Adams,  
to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution 2025-014, confirming the  
special assessments in connection with the replacement of culvert piping in  
Waters Edge Phase II subdivision in Indian River County, Florida; and providing  
for special assessment liens to be made of record. 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  
12.A.1.  
Requested Salary Increase -  
Chief Medical Examiner, District 19  
Recommended Action:  
Review and consider the information contained in this agenda item, staff recommends  
supporting the requested increase.  
County Administrator John Titkanich shared that in February 2025, St. Lucie County  
Administrator George Landry had written a letter to inform him of Chief Medical  
Examiner Dr. Patricia Aronica's requested salary increase and resignation plans. In  
response, Administrator Titkanich included the matter in a budget amendment,  
proposing a salary increase for Dr. Aronica from $367,143 to $495,000, resulting in  
a total increase of $127,857. This proposal was contingent upon unanimous consent  
from the four involved counties, as stipulated in the Interlocal Agreement (ILA)  
governing budget increases. The total financial impact on Indian River County for this  
fiscal year would be $43,734. Administrator Titkanich expressed regret for failing to  
send a copy of Administrator Landry's letter to the Board beforehand. He reiterated  
his support for the proposed salary increase, emphasizing the potential impact if Dr.  
Aronica were to accept another job offer. He mentioned the backing from various  
stakeholders who had confirmed their support for Dr. Aronica.  
Chairman Flescher expressed his deep respect for Dr. Aronica, acknowledging her  
significant contributions to her profession. He questioned the salary study, noting that  
it was linked to St. Lucie's recommendation and had not been formally vetted. He  
discussed the challenges faced by the Medical Examiner and the new state-of-the-art  
facility being built, voicing concerns about potential changes in workload. He valued  
the input from stakeholders but emphasized that critical questions about the  
decision-making process and salary methodology remained. He noted the potential  
for bias in salary studies and expressed concern that the decision may have seemed  
predetermined.  
A lengthy discussion ensued between the Board and the County Administrator,  
primarily focusing on the deliberations regarding the proposed salary increase for Dr.  
Aronica, especially in light of budget constraints and negotiations with other Counties.  
The Board expressed skepticism about the proposed increase, noting that the  
decision had been made without thorough vetting. Despite Dr. Aronica's  
accomplishments, the absence of a detailed salary study further fueled concerns,  
highlighting the influence of external pressures on the decision-making process.  
Dr. Aronica presented her case for the salary increase, detailing her five years in the  
role, during which she helped achieve accreditation with the National Association of  
Medical Examiners. She highlighted her commitment to employee health, recent mold  
remediation efforts, and an upcoming building project that was set to enhance safety  
and services across the four counties. She addressed her concerns regarding a fellow  
medical examiner in District One, who earned $417,000 despite having less  
experience. With 18 years in the field and significant responsibilities, she believed her  
expertise placed her among the top medical examiners nationally. She expressed her  
willingness to negotiate her salary increase.  
The Board discussed finding a more affordable financial solution than the proposed  
$495,000. They acknowledged the non-confrontational handling of previous budgets,  
citing the Medical Examiner's contributions. However, they were not prepared to vote  
on the requested increase. A joint negotiation involving the Medical Examiner was  
proposed to reach a mutually agreeable figure. Commissioner Adams emphasized the  
difficulty in justifying such an increase to constituents. A proposal for a Budget  
Committee was suggested to ensure alignment, and it was recommended that  
representatives from each County, along with the Medical Examiner, convene to  
discuss further.  
Vice Chairman Loar proposed a 12% increase, which totaled approximately  
$415,000. He believed that this adjustment could help alleviate the Board's concerns.  
Dr. Aronica stated that she would not accept the proposed offer from Commissioner  
Loar, explaining that the amount would not work for her. She expressed that while  
she did not believe $495,000 was the right figure either, the proposed amount was  
not acceptable. Dr. Aronica appreciated the consideration and discussion but  
emphasized the importance of the issue. She expressed uncertainty about the  
potential outcomes while affirming her own value and contributions to her team. She  
concluded by thanking the Board for their time.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to not approve the Medical Examiners salary increase request. The motion  
passed by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
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  
13.H.1.  
Draft Coastal Technology Corporation Boat Ramp Siting Study - Work  
Order Number 1  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully request that the Board review the December 21, 2024, Coastal  
Tech Draft Report for the South County Boat Ramp Assessment and provide  
staff with directions on future project assessment.  
Coastal Technology Engineer Charles "Tem" Fontaine presented the Draft  
Assessment for the South County Boat Ramp using a PowerPoint presentation.  
Mr. Fontaine explained that his team considered several factors when evaluating  
potential sites for a boat ramp, including land availability, parking options, and  
other civil improvements. They also assessed environmental aspects such as the  
location of the Intracoastal Waterway, existing water depths, seagrass beds, and  
mangrove areas. Additionally, the team reviewed the regulatory criteria that  
agencies would use when evaluating possible boat ramp sites. To streamline the  
process, the team identified and ranked various potential locations for the boat  
ramp according to their likelihood of receiving permits. This ranking ranged from  
sites with a high chance of approval to those that posed significant challenges in  
obtaining the necessary permits. This thorough evaluation was deemed crucial and  
marked the first step towards securing approval for a new boat ramp facility.  
Ultimately, Mr. Fontaine highlighted six locations that stood out favorably; the less  
favorable sites faced hurdles mainly due to their proximity to environmental  
resources, which would complicate or even jeopardize the chances of securing the  
needed environmental permits for the construction of a boat ramp facility.  
The Board and staff discussed the options and recognized that there were limited  
alternatives available for a new boat ramp facility. It was determined that the area  
identified as the Par Drive site (site 17), currently owned by the Indian River Land  
Trust, Inc., was the most promising option. However, its development was  
complicated by issues surrounding land ownership and environmental concerns.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Loar, seconded by Chairman Flescher,  
to direct staff to inquire about the PAR Drive Site (site17) availability from the  
Indian River Land Trust, Inc. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
Parks & Conservation Divisions Standard Operating Procedures  
13.H.2.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully requests that the Board approve the Indian River County Parks  
Division Standard Operating Procedure Manual, and the Indian River County  
Conservation Lands Division Standard Operating Procedures Manual, subject to  
any modifications identified by the Teamsters Union via impact bargaining, if any,  
and authorize the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Director to approve  
administrative, non-substantive updates to the Standard Operating Procedures,  
when needed.  
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director, presented the General  
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manual for approval by the Board. This  
manual served as a guide for departmental staff, outlining the department's  
functions, staff roles, and responsibilities in accordance with County policies. Each  
division within the department developed its own SOP, with draft manuals for the  
Parks Division and Conservation Lands Division provided for consideration.  
These SOPs detail daily work responsibilities, facility information, and safety  
procedures. The goal was to establish expected service standards, operational  
requirements, and effective communication while ensuring the maintenance of safe  
and enjoyable parks and conservation areas. Additionally, the SOPs were  
intended to be adaptable and updated as necessary.  
Commissioner Moss inquired about Florida-friendly Best Management Practices  
for Green Industries, focusing on water resource protection. She stated that the  
original edition was published in 2002, and recent references were lacking, and  
the content did not emphasize water conservation. She expressed her concern  
about adopting this document as a guide for new employees, considering it was  
inadequately relevant to current issues. She sought to know if there were better  
information resources available.  
Ms. Powell informed Commissioner Moss that Green Industries' Best  
Management Practices mainly focus on training commercial landscapers. While  
this training was beneficial, it was not mandatory for County staff. She suggested  
adding water conservation guidelines to the SOP. Introducing these guidelines,  
especially concerning the operation of irrigation systems in parks, would be easy  
to implement.  
Ms. Powell and Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito expressed their heartfelt  
gratitude to Brad Dewson for his remarkable 18 years of service with Indian  
River County as he prepared to retire at the end of the month. Staff appreciated  
his leadership and dedication and wished him the best in this new chapter.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, 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  
I. Planning and Development Services  
J. Public Works  
K. Sandridge Golf Club  
Award of Bid 2025026 for Sandridge Golf Club New Clubhouse  
13.K.1.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board award bid 2025026 to Quest Contracting, LLC,  
approve the sample agreement, and authorize the Chairman to execute it, after  
review and approval of the agreement and required public construction bond by  
the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency, and after the contractor has  
reactivated its registration with the Building Division. It is further recommended  
that staff be directed to secure sufficient construction bond financing to complete  
the project upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners of the  
appropriate bond resolution.  
Attachments: Sample Agreement  
Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito presented a proposal for a new $11.2  
million clubhouse at Sandridge Golf Club (Sandridge) to replace outdated facilities  
and enhance event hosting. Director of Golf Bela Nagy highlighted a revised  
construction plan that resulted in estimated savings of $1.8 million. The project  
included a commercial kitchen, expanded dining space, parking improvements, a  
standby generator, and the demolition of the existing clubhouse. Mr. Nagy stated  
that Sandridge hosts over 40 competitive and charitable events annually and has  
experienced increased demand for improvements. Upon completion, the new  
facility would feature a pro shop, restaurant, bar, and event space for up to 200  
guests. Chairman Flescher emphasized the project's value, while Commissioner  
Earman expressed eagerness for construction to begin. The Board was optimistic  
about the project’s potential for community enhancement and revenue generation.  
It was suggested that the County Attorney be authorized to initiate bonding  
processes.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, 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  
L. Utilities Services  
14. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
15. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS  
A. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman  
15.A.1.  
Time Certain 10:00 am - Security Plan Closed Shade Meeting on  
4/8/25  
Recommended Action:  
Read notice of shade meeting into the record  
Chairman Flescher initiated the process for entering into a closed Shade meeting  
regarding the County's Security Plan. This closed Shade meeting was scheduled  
for Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., during the regularly scheduled  
meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida.  
This meeting was exempt from the Sunshine Law under Florida State Statute  
286.0113(1) and was closed to the public as it involved discussions with the  
Indian River County Sheriff concerning threat response planning.  
The closed Shade meeting included all five County Commissioners, Sheriff Eric  
Flowers, the County Attorney, the County Administrator, and representatives  
from various departments, including Emergency Services, Public Works, Utilities,  
Information Technology, and Building and Facilities.  
The estimated duration of this Shade meeting was one hour, and a certified court  
reporter was present to record the entire meeting. Upon concluding the Shade  
meeting, the Board of County Commissioners would return to the Chambers to  
resume the regular Agenda.  
No Action Taken or Required  
B. Commissioner Deryl Loar, Vice Chairman  
C. Commissioner Susan Adams  
D. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman  
E. Commissioner Laura Moss  
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  
16.B.1.  
Recommendation for Award of the Operation and Maintenance of  
Indian River County Landfill (Bid No. 2025028)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that its Board approve the following:  
a) Award Bid No. 2025028 to Republic Services of Florida, Limited  
Partnership as the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder for the  
Operation and Maintenance of the Indian River County Landfill to be  
operated 7-days per week with the vendor providing cover material for  
an annual grand total in the amount of $5,591,681.08.  
b) Authorize the County Administrator and his designated staff to negotiate  
on behalf of the SWDD Board with Republic Services to optimize the  
sample agreement for the overall benefit of all county residents; and  
c) Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the sample  
agreement, as presented, pending receipt of the required bonds and  
insurance, and final approval of a negotiated Agreement by the County  
Attorney’s Office as to form and legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Sample Agreement  
Himanshu Mehta, Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District  
(SWDD), presented a PowerPoint on the new Invitation to Bid (ITB) for landfill  
services, which included services for the landfill and litter control. The ITB  
requested bids for Class I landfill services on a per-ton basis, specifically  
excluding landfill gas operations. Vendors were asked to submit a per-ton price  
based on a five-year average of 220,000 tons, including estimated costs for cover  
materials and various operational costs.  
All three vendors submitted the required documents and were considered  
responsive bidders. Republic Services emerged as the lowest bidder for all  
options. Mr. Mehta noted that closing on Sundays could save $99,000 annually,  
and using SWDD-supplied cover materials could save an additional $44,000.  
However, due to the negative impact of a Sunday closure, staff recommended  
awarding the contract to Republic Services for seven-day operations, which  
would require them to supply cover materials. Vice Chairman Loar was in  
support of maintaining the landfill operations seven days a week.  
No further discussion took place.  
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  
16.B.2.  
Recommendation for Award of the Operation and Maintenance of  
Indian River County Customer Convenience Centers (Bid No. 2025029)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that its Board approve the following:  
a) Award Bid No. 2025029 to Republic Services of Florida, Limited  
Partnership as the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder for the Operation and  
Maintenance of the Indian River County Customer Convenience Centers without  
residency verification for a grand total in the amount of $5,074,332.  
b) Authorize the County Administrator and his designated staff to negotiate on  
behalf of the SWDD Board with Republic Services to optimize the sample  
agreement for the overall benefit of all county residents; and  
b) Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the sample agreement, as  
presented, pending receipt of the required bonds and insurance, and final  
negotiated Agreement by the County Attorney’s Office as to form and legal  
sufficiency.  
Attachments: Sample Agreement  
Himanshu Mehta, Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District,  
announced that the current hours of operation for the Customer Convenience  
Centers (CCCs) will remain unchanged. All five CCCs would continue to operate  
five days a week from 7 AM to 6 PM, except during holiday closures. The  
Gifford, Winter Beach, and Roseland CCCs close on Tuesdays and  
Wednesdays, while the Oslo and Fellsmere CCCs close on Wednesdays and  
Thursdays.  
Mr. Mehta utilized a PowerPoint presentation to outline the overall scope of work  
specified in the CCC Invitation to Bid (ITB). This was aligned with current  
practices for ensuring safe operations, delivering quality customer service, and  
managing the transportation of various materials from the CCCs to the landfill.  
He presented a list of the policies and procedures included in the CCC ITB:  
1. Verification of IRC residency at the entrance.  
2. Presence of at least three trained attendants at all times.  
3. Strict acceptance policies for materials.  
4. Introduction of new containers at CCCs.  
5. Proper packaging of certain waste for collection by third-party vendors.  
Mr. Mehta stated that Republic Services was recognized as the lowest bidder,  
offering annual savings of $535,980. Staff recommended not requiring additional  
personnel at the entrance gates of the CCCs to verify IRC residency and  
suggested negotiating further cost savings with Republic Services. He advised  
evaluating the impact on the use of CCCs at intervals of 6, 12, and 18 months  
after the implementation of Universal Collection in Unincorporated Indian River  
County. He noted that closing the Roseland and Winter Beach CCCs could save  
the County approximately $1.4 million annually, with potential savings allocated to  
improve the remaining CCCs.  
The Board and staff discussed the operation of the convenience centers, with a  
focus on customer service and operational efficiency. They agreed to opt out of  
residency verification to avoid potential complications and public dissatisfaction.  
The Board planned to monitor the impact of the upcoming Universal Collection  
Services on CCC usage.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, 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  
C. Environmental Control Board  
17. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON-AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS  
There were no public comments  
18. ADJOURNMENT  
There being no further business the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 2:02 p.m.