Aerial Photo  
Document Demonstrating Location and Surrounding Zoning  
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado presented details of the Developer's  
Agreement (Agreement) between the County and Meritage Homes of Florida,  
Inc. for the Lakeside West Planned Development to be located on 43rd Avenue,  
north of 25th Street SW. This was the second required public hearing to approve  
the Agreement which listed improvements Meritage Homes was required to  
provide. The presentation began with an outline of what was included in a  
Developer's Agreement and what was not.  
Attorney Prado entered into discussion with the Board regarding vested rights of  
a developer to build on their land, the time limit for those rights, and the effect of  
tolling because of natural disasters; agreements were typically seven years long.  
County Attorney Jennifer Shuler clarified the difference between property rights,  
which entitled development within zoning allowances, and vested rights which  
were calculated through the permit process and were tied to the land.  
Commissioner Moss referenced the Planning and Zoning Commission's (PZC)  
minutes from June 3, 2022, about Lakeside West's approval and inquired about a  
2004 traffic analysis. The Commissioner and staff entered into discussion  
regarding PZC's review of the traffic study, details of the developer's obligations,  
and the agreed-to contribution of $90,000 for local park improvements. Further  
discussions addressed stormwater management and flood insurance for buyers.  
The presentation resumed with an overview of the benefits of developer's  
agreements. Planning and Services Director Chris Balter shared the project  
timeline starting in 2004 as Tripson Trail, planned for 288 homes under the South  
County Initiative, now modified to Lakeside West with 201 units. County  
Engineer Joseph DeFonzo reviewed a 2004 trip generation study, noting fewer  
units would mean fewer trips. Commissioner Adams suggested the County  
benefited from the 2004 study's higher trip count, prompting more improvements  
from the Developer. Mr. DeFonzo confirmed this with data, noting traffic  
conditions could change.  
Following the presentation, discussion ensued regarding traffic and service levels,  
and the meaning of the grading system. Attorney Prado explained the ways  
developer's agreements had to balance community needs with development rights,  
according to state statutes. The Board shared traffic concerns in the County and  
discussed the impact of the Oslo Road interchange to travel patterns in this area.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing for comment.  
Residents addressed the Board with concerns for increased traffic at 43rd  
Avenue which was nearing capacity, suggested paving local roads or adding  
traffic lights to provide relief, requested consideration for improving infrastructure,  
and spoke of concerns for the impact from the Oslo Road/I-95 Interchange.  
The following County residents spoke before the Board:  
Jeanne Koontz, Fountains at Amber Lakes  
Marie Chauvin, Fountains at Amber Lakes  
Tracey Hatch, 21st Street SW  
Wesley Mills, Engineer of Record with Mills Short and Associates, appeared  
before the Board to answer any questions.  
There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing.  
Commissioner Earman expressed concern for incoming and outgoing traffic along  
43rd Avenue, and suggested the County consider improving 58th Avenue south  
of Oslo Road. The Board discussed the issues surrounding roadway  
improvements, and outlined the path forward.  
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  
25-0377  
11.A.2.  
First Public Hearing - Proposed Developer’s Agreement Between DRP  
Bookbinder Multistate, LLC and Indian River County  
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  
bring the Proposed Developer’s Agreement back to the Board for the required  
second public hearing on April 8, 2025.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Aerial Photo  
Proposed Developers Agreement with DRP Bookbinder Multistate,  
LLC.pdf  
Traffic Study  
Special Warranty Deed to DRP Bookbinder Multistate, LLC  
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado introduced the first public hearing for the  
proposed Developer's Agreement (Agreement) between DRP Bookbinder  
Multistate LLC (DRP) and Indian River County; the second public hearing was  
scheduled for April 8, 2025. Attorney Prado noted this was a unique situation as  
the property had been sold to DRP before the Board-approved Developer's  
Agreement was signed by previous owner Riverfront Groves, Inc. for the  
Harmony Isles planned development. She informed the only change was to  
ownership of the property, and the project was still planned to include 237  
single-family lots and 147 townhomes to be located at 1375 98th Avenue.  
Chairman Flescher inquired whether anything was known about DRP, the  
property's new owner. Attorney Prado informed the new developer was not  
requesting any changes. Her office verified signing authority and ensured the  
company was in good standing in their home state. Commissioner Adams  
received confirmation the Board was being asked to take a Developer Agreement  
that was already approved and assign it to a new owner.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing.  
Sharon Gorey expressed concern for the increased traffic along SR 60 and  
received confirmation the project had already been approved for development.  
Pete Sweeney of MTC Law, representative for DRP, thanked staff for their  
assistance.  
There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the public hearing.  
Commissioner Moss reiterated her previous opposition to the development.  
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  
The Chairman called for a recess at 12:18 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 12:27  
p.m. with all members present.  
25-0390  
Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 02  
11.A.3.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approved the budget  
resolution amending the fiscal year 2024-25 budget.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
2024 2025 Resolution  
Exhibit "A"  
Public Hearing Advertisement  
Office of Budget and Management Kristin Daniels presented the second  
miscellaneous budget amendment for fiscal year 2024/25, as required by Florida  
Statute.  
Vice Chairman Loar requested discussion on line item 22, a $127,857 salary increase  
requested by the District 19 Medical Examiner, which the Board had only just learned  
of. Ms. Daniels and County Administrator John Titkanich provided additional  
information, referencing a memo and study from St. Lucie County previously received  
by the Administrator. It was noted the County's portion would be $14,578 for the  
remainder of the fiscal year.  
The Board expressed their discomfort with the budget amendment, and displeasure  
for the way the matter was handled. The proposed salary increase sparked discussion  
over transparency in decision-making processes and the need for collaborative  
discussions among partner counties before approving substantial financial adjustments.  
The County Administrator informed the item did not go into effect until June 1st and  
could be brought back as a separate matter. The Board requested additional  
discussion with information on the process used to justify the increase, and  
representation from St. Lucie County so the Board could have their questions  
answered.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Moss,  
to approve Resolution 2025-012, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget, with  
the exception of line Item 22, District 19 Medical Examiner's salary increase. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Moss,  
to approve additional action directing staff to return with line Item 22 of Budget  
Amendment 02, District 19 Medical Examiner's salary increase, as a separate  
Agenda Item with additional information. 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  
13. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Building and Facilities Services  
B. Community Services  
25-0391  
CSAC - Return On Investment  
13.B.1.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board acknowledge the return on investment for  
children’s programs.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Return on Investment and Research Informed Deceisions 2025  
Community Services Director Cindy Emerson and Human Services Manager  
Megan Kendrick presented the Board with information on the return on  
investment (ROI) from the Children's Services Advisory Committee's (CSAC)  
programs. Ms. Emerson first thanked the Board for supporting the funding of  
programs that supported children and families in the County.  
Ms. Kendrick used a PowerPoint presentation to show quantified impacts of the  
County's funding of CSAC's 46 programs which reached over 20,000  
touchpoints. Return on investment for each of CSAC's funding priorities (Health  
and Well-being, Nurturing Families and Community, and Success in School and in  
Life) were detailed, noting the data-driven assessments, increased accountability  
and measured outcomes. It was estimated that every dollar spent on programs for  
disadvantaged children yielded a return between $4 and $16.  
Commissioner Moss took issue with the fact that some references cited were ten  
years old. Ms. Emerson noted that many studies had been halted during the  
pandemic, and assured her department had done their due-diligence in finding the  
most up-to-date studies on ROI. Ms. Emerson welcomed any additional research  
the Commissioner had for their review and dissemination.  
Acknowledged  
C. Emergency Services  
D. Human Resources  
E. Information Technology  
F. Natural Resources  
G. Office of Management and Budget  
25-0370  
Children's Services Funding Allocation for Fiscal Year 2025/26  
13.G.1.  
Recommended Action:  
The County Administrator recommends the Board approve funding for Children’s  
Services agencies at the current 0.1250 millage rate which would generate  
$3,479,492 in funding for FY 2025/26. This amount provides a 15.2% increase  
or $458,951 additional dollars when compared to the current year’s funding.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Children's Services Funding History  
Director of Management and Budget Kristin Daniels presented the Children's  
Services Advisory Committee's (CSAC) funding allocations for fiscal year  
2025-2026. She informed the allocation was based on the previous year's taxroll  
with the millage rate remaining at .1250, which was under the .2500 millage cap.  
Commissioner Adams, Board liaison to the CSAC, expressed pride in what the  
CSAC team had accomplished, and spoke of the coming year's focus.  
Commissioner Moss informed she had reviewed video of the February 11, 2025  
CSAC meeting and raised concerns about potential staff retaliation against  
agencies that questioned certain practices. She requested the County  
Administrator address these issues to foster an open and inclusive dialogue.  
Commissioner Adams addressed Commissioner Moss' concerns, explaining the  
agency in question acknowledged they mistakenly sought funding under the wrong  
category. She stated it was a misrepresentation to suggest staff had the power to  
retaliate, as CSAC members were the only ones who had a role in setting  
requirements and approving funding. Commissioner Adams went on to defend  
staff's record, suggesting comments were taken out of context, and noted  
Commissioner Moss had not necessarily been the biggest supporter of CSAC's  
programs or funding.  
The Commissioners endorsed improvements made to the CSAC system, and  
encouraged understanding and support for staff's commitment to CSAC.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Earman, 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  
H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation  
I. Planning and Development Services  
J. Public Works  
25-0404  
Options for Paving of 32nd Avenue in Gifford Neighborhood  
13.J.1.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners review the presented  
options and provide guidance on the preferred approach for paving 32nd Avenue  
in the Gifford Neighborhood  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Opt 1 - 32nd Ave Neighborhood Rwy Const. - 43rd Pl  
Opt 2 - 32nd Ave Neighborhood Rwy Const - Full  
Right-of-Way Impacts Map - 43rd St-32nd Ave  
Public Works Director Addie Javed appeared before the Board to present the  
requested paving options for 32nd Avenue north of 43rd Street, as outlined in the  
Gifford Neighborhood Plan. A key consideration was addressing a protruding  
utility manhole near 43rd Place and 32nd Avenue. Staff prepared three (3)  
options for the Board's review and guidance, which were outlined in staff's memo  
dated March 25, 2025. Mr. Javed noted the proposals were a broad outline and  
sought guidance from the Board on which option to pursue further.  
The Commissioners entered into lengthy discussion with Mr. Javed as they sought  
clarification of the options. Most of the discussion centered around Option 2:  
paving of 32nd Avenue from north of 43rd Street to 44th Street, connecting to  
31st Avenue, along with paving 43rd Place between 33rd Avenue and 32nd  
Avenue ($1M), and Option 3: all improvements in Option 2 with additional  
drainage enhancements ($2.5M).  
The Board's main concerns included cost, drainage requirements when paving,  
lack of easements, and the best use of funds. Mr. Javed informed that Option 2  
would include open swales to mitigate drainage, though it would not completely  
resolve flooding. The lack of right-of-way was concerning, and complicated by  
the fact that 32nd Avenue was a private road without easements, save for a 10  
foot utility easement. Chairman Flescher noted the County was committed to  
paving the road beyond millings, and suggested a hybrid solution of chip-sealing;  
the drainage requirements for this option could be met by open swales. The  
Commissioners requested additional information such as surveys, impacts to  
resident's property, drainage requirements, and the full scope of costs in order to  
make a quality decision.  
Planning and Development Services Director Chris Balter, advised the larger  
stormwater remediation solutions detailed in Option 3 could be tackled later in a  
phased plan following the paving of this road. County Administrator John  
Titkanich requested giving staff the opportunity to pull together the requested data  
and a timeline for Option 2, and return to the Board at the next meeting.  
Tony Brown, representing the Progressive Civic League of Gifford, urged the  
Board not to get bogged down in stormwater issues and urged them to take  
action. He suggested Option 2 with chip-sealing seemed like a reasonable option  
in terms of cost and timing, and encouraged directing staff to return with more  
details.  
The Board was in consensus to direct staff to pursue Option 2 and to return with  
a timeline and requested details at the April 22, 2025 Board meeting.  
The Board directed staff to return with additional details and a timeline for  
Option 2, paving of 32nd Avenue from north of 43rd Street to 44th Street,  
connecting to 31st Avenue, along with paving 43rd Place between 33rd  
Avenue and 32nd Avenue.  
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  
16. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS  
A. Emergency Services District  
B. Solid Waste Disposal District  
C. Environmental Control Board  
17. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON-AGENDA-RELATED MATTERS  
18. ADJOURNMENT  
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 2:17 p.m.