Indian River County Florida  
Indian River County Administration Complex  
1801 27th Street, Building A  
Vero Beach, Florida, 32960-3388  
www.indianriver.gov  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Tuesday, February 6, 2024  
9:00 AM  
Commission Chambers  
Board of County Commissioners  
Susan Adams, District 1, Chairman  
Joseph Flescher, District 2, Vice Chairman  
Joseph H. Earman, District 3  
Deryl Loar, District 4  
Laura Moss, District 5  
John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator  
William K. DeBraal, County Attorney  
Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller  
1. CALL TO ORDER  
5 -  
Present:  
Chairman Susan Adams  
Vice Chairman Joseph Flescher  
Commissioner Joe Earman  
Commissioner Laura Moss  
Commissioner Deryl Loar  
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF  
THE ARMED FORCES  
2.B. INVOCATION  
Pastor Jim Gallagher, Calvary Chapel of Vero Beach  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Chairman Susan Adams  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
Moved Item 7.A. to Item 5.D.  
Moved Item 5.A. to be heard after Item 5.D.  
Moved Item 14.C.1 to be heard after the Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS  
[Clerks note: Item 5.A. was heard after Item 5.D.]  
24-0123  
5.A.  
Presentation on the Process for Establishing a Quiet Zone to Address Train Horn  
Noise  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners provide direction to staff  
to begin the process on whether or not to establish a County wide quiet zone and also  
provide direction on whether the quiet zone should be all day (24 hours) or nighttime  
only (10 PM - 7 AM).  
Attachments: Staff Report  
County Traffic Engineer Erik Ferguson was joined by Metropolitan Planning  
Organization (MPO) Staff Director Brian Freemen and Rory Newton, Safety  
Inspector, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Mr. Ferguson utilized a  
PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the process of establishing a Quiet Zone to  
address train noise. He stated complaints from County residents about train horn  
noise had increased starting in September 2023 when Brightline began high-speed  
passenger service between West Palm Beach and Orlando. There was an average of  
53 trains, 32 serving Brightline passengers and 21 carrying freight for the Florida East  
Coast (FEC) Railway that traveled through the County each day. The horns currently  
were sounded at all 32 railroad crossings in the County. Federal regulations, known  
as the “Train Horn Rule,” required locomotives to sound a horn 15 to 20 seconds  
before entering a grade crossing and no more than a quarter-mile in advance at a  
decibel level between 96dB and 110dB.  
Under discussion, the Commissioners voiced strong opposition; Commissioner Moss  
stated she was not convinced that quiet zones would be as safe. She dismissed the  
argument that the County could mitigate safety concerns by posting signs warning  
motorists and pedestrians that approaching trains might not blow their horns. Vice  
Chairman Flescher questioned the wisdom of removing a safety measure that could be  
the difference between life and death. Commissioner Earman stated he did not think  
that it was the time to take the safety measures that the horns provide away; it would  
be a step backward.  
Chairman Adams stated the County had a number of safety measures in place along  
the rail corridor that Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway share. The County  
received $31.6 million in safety improvements from Brightline and the Florida  
Department of Transportation (FDOT) in 2021 in a settlement of its last remaining  
lawsuit against Brightline. Those improvements included additional gates, sensors,  
signs, sidewalks, and traffic signals at crossings. She stated the County had worked  
hard to make those safety improvements. She questioned why would the County  
take away this safety measure after fighting so hard to get the ones the County had in  
place.  
Inspector Newton, who specialized in assisting communities seeking quiet zones, told  
the Commissioners he would not recommend the County pursue one if he were a  
member of the community. He stated a quiet zone was not viewed as a safety  
improvement; it was a degradation of safety at a grade crossing. Yet, he understood  
the quality-of-life issues people who live near the railroad tracks endure.  
Commissioner Loar urged the Board not to entertain any further consideration of the  
quiet zone as a remedy for the inconvenience stemming from train horn noise; safety  
was more important. He stated he could not support the creation of a quiet zone and  
saw no reason to continue the discussion.  
Inspector Newton stated the FRA had recommended the communities impacted by  
the Brightline-spawned increase in train-horn noise wait a year before deciding  
whether to seek quiet zones. He stated officials in St. Lucie and Martin counties have  
decided they would wait a year and gauge their experiences with the increase in train  
horns before deciding whether to seek formal quiet zones from the FRA.  
A resident of Vero Beach expressed his disappointment that a quiet zone would not  
be implemented and urged the Board to consider the quality of life of those living near  
the train crossings by implementing a nighttime ban on train horns in the quiet zone.  
The Board reached a consensus to not move forward with establishing a Quiet  
Zone for train horn noise.  
The Chairman called for a recess at 10:20 AM and reconvened at 10:27 AM with all  
members present.  
24-0105  
5.B.  
Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing African American Pioneer Reverend Carl  
L. Darrisaw  
Recommended Action:  
Recommend Read & Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Reverend Carl L. Darrisaw expressed his gratitude to the Board for bestowing such a  
great honor upon him. He mentioned that he never imagined that he would return  
home to be honored in this manner. He also acknowledged that he owes his success  
to the hard work and sacrifices of many great pioneers from the Gifford community,  
whose shoulders he stands upon today.  
Read and presented by Chairman Adams  
24-0113  
5.C.  
Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing African American Pioneer Ernie James  
Grier  
Recommended Action:  
Recommend Read & Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Mr. Ernie Grier expressed his gratitude and thanked the Commission for the  
Proclamation. He humbly expressed that he did not do anything extraordinary, he  
simply enjoyed having fun with his photography. He stated he that was proud to be a  
part of this community and Indian River County.  
Read and presented by Vice Chairman Flescher  
24-0103  
5.D.  
Proclamation Honoring Elise Bruce on her Retirement from the Indian River County  
Sheriff's Office  
Recommended Action:  
Information Only  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Sheriff Eric Flowers and the Public Safety Dispatcher staff joined Ms. Elise Bruce for  
her Proclamation. Ms. Bruce expressed her love for her job and emphasized that it  
was one of the toughest jobs anyone could do, being available and responding to calls  
24/7. She requested the Board to take good care of dispatchers as they were one of  
the hardest working employees for the County. She also acknowledged the  
opportunity to work with some amazing people, including deputies, dispatchers, her  
sister, and her daughter. Ms. Bruce thanked the Board for the recognition.  
Sheriff Flowers expressed gratitude to the Board for taking the time to acknowledge  
the hard work of his employees. He stated it was crucial that the efforts of his team  
were appreciated. However, it was a sad day for staff to see so much experience  
walk out of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, as she will be missed dearly. He  
thanked Ms. Bruce for everything she had done.  
Read and presented by Commissioner Loar  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Chairman Adams,  
to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 05, 2023, and December 12,  
2023 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
24-0129  
6.A.  
Regular Meeting of December 05, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 12052023 BCC Draft  
Approved  
24-0130  
6.B.  
Regular Meeting of December 12, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 12122023 BCC Draft  
Approved  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
24-0103  
7.A.  
Proclamation Honoring Elise Bruce on her Retirement from the Indian River County  
Sheriff's Office  
Recommended Action:  
Information Only  
Attachments: Proclamation  
This Item was moved to Item 5.D.  
24-0110  
7.B.  
Announcement by Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, of the  
Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence  
in Financial Reporting for the FY 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report  
(ACFR) and Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial  
Reporting (PAFR)  
Recommended Action:  
Inform  
Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
24-0082  
7.C.  
1st Quarter FY 2023/2024 Budget Report  
No Action Required  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Staff Report  
1st Quarter Budget Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
24-0116  
7.D.  
Indian River County Venue Event Calendar Review  
Informational item, Board action not required  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
24-0120  
7.E.  
February & March 2024 Special Events at the Intergenerational Recreation Center  
Informational item, Board action not required  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Loar,  
to approve the Consent Agenda as written. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
24-0106  
8.A.  
Checks and Electronic Payments January 12, 2024 to January 18, 2024  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued by the Comptroller  
Division for the time period of January 12, 2024 to January 18, 2024  
Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report  
Approved  
24-0111  
8.B.  
Approval of Renewal for a Class "B" Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity  
for Coastal Care Corporation dba Cleveland Clinic Advanced Medical Transport to  
Provide Interfacility ambulance Transportation Services  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve  
renewal of the Class "B" Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Coastal  
Care Corporation dba Cleveland LCinic Advanced Medical Transport, to be  
effective for a period of two (2) years from February 11, 2024 - February 11, 2026.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Application  
Certificate  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0121  
8.C.  
Approval of FWC Grant for Indian River County Derelict Vessel Removal Project  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners authorize the Chair to sign  
and execute Contract 23214 in the amount of $31,000.00 on behalf of the County.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
FWC Grant Agreement 23214  
January 2024 IRC DV Removal Map  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0126  
8.D.  
Request for Stormwater Summer Camp 2024  
Recommended Action:  
Staff requests approval from the Board for Indian River County Stormwater Staff to  
participate in and lead Summer Camp sessions hosted at the Pelican Island Audubon  
House in Summer 2024.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0081  
8.E.  
Third Extension and Amendment to Agreement for Operations of the Biosolids  
Dewatering Facility, Sludge Dewatering and Hauling (Bid 2021021)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the third extension and amendment to the  
agreement and authorize the Chairman to execute it, after review and approval by the  
County attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Third Extension and Amendment  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0100  
8.F.  
Approval of Continuing Geotechnical Engineering Consulting Services Rates  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the hourly rates attached for the listed firms,  
and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreements after review and approval by  
the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Rate Schedules  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0124  
8.G.  
Rejection of Responses to RFQ 2024028 for Asbestos Concrete Pipe Replacement  
Program, Area 3  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board reject the response to RFQ 2024028, and authorize  
staff to re-advertise the project.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0118  
8.H.  
First Extension of License Agreement / Florida Institute of Technology  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully recommends the Indian River County Board of County  
Commissioners approve the request for a one-year renewal of the License Agreement  
between The Florida Institute of Technology and Indian River County, through  
January 19, 2025.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
License Agreement  
Letter Extension  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0119  
8.I.  
Release of Retainage Bid 2023063 for Hallstrom Farmstead Habitat Enhancement &  
Parking Area Planting  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully recommends approval of Invoice #R-3516, in the amount of  
$1,041.41, to Sandhill Environmental Services, LLC which will release any further  
obligations of the County from the Contractor  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Sandhill Invoice  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0115  
8.J.  
Divosta Homes, LP’s Request for Final Plat Approval for Preserve at Waterway  
Village POD “X” [PD-21-05-05 / 2004010124-95355]  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners grant final plat approval  
for The Preserve at Waterway Village POD “X”.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Location Map  
Final Plat Layout  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0112  
8.K.  
Information Technology Office & Finance Office Remodel, IRC-2004 & 2205,  
Release of Retainage and Change Order No. 1  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends approval of Change Order No. 1 and payment of Contractor’s  
Application for Payment No. 4 to Jim’s Complete Construction, LLC in the amount  
of $10,478.20 for release of retainage.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Change Order No. 1  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0128  
8.L.  
Change Order to Hinterland Group, Inc. for Construction of Lift Station #5  
Improvements; IRCDUS Project ID: 21.23.504  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Change Order  
Proposal with Hinterland Group, Inc. for $189,970.39, which will increase Purchase  
Order (PO) #96288 to $392,133.78 and authorize the chair to execute the same. So  
long as there are no changes in the dollar amount under the Purchase Order, upon  
adequate completion of the work set forth in the Purchase Order, staff is directed to  
make final payment and release any retainage to Hinterland Group, Inc., after review  
and approval by the Purchasing Manager and the County Attorney’s Office.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Hinterland Group Change Order Proposal  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0134  
8.M.  
Acceptance of Proposed Donation for Children’s Week Event  
Staff recommends the Board accept the anonymous donation.  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Children's Week Activity Flyer 2024  
Golden Impact Award Recognition Save-The-Date  
Approved staff's recommendation  
24-0094  
8.N.  
Renewal of Agreement for Food Concession Services and Lease at Sandridge Golf  
Club  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully requests that the Board approve the renewal term under the existing  
lease and authorize the Chairman to execute the document.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Renewal Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
10. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THESE HEARINGS IS ON FILE IN THE  
OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD.  
24-0117  
10.A.1  
County Initiated Request to Amend the 5-Year Capital Improvements Program  
and the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the Period  
of FY 2023/24-2027/28 - [LEGISLATIVE]  
Recommended Action:  
Based on the analysis conducted, staff recommends that the Board of County  
Commissioners approve the update to the 5 Year Capital Improvements Program  
for the period FY 2023/24-2027/28 and supporting data and analysis of the  
Capital Improvements Element (CIE) of the Comprehensive Plan by adopting the  
proposed ordinance.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Ordinance  
Draft 2023 Capital Improvement Element  
Appendix A  
Appendix B  
Appendix C  
Appendix D  
Chief of Long Range Planning Chris Balter utilized a PowerPoint presentation to  
explain the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan text amendment in order to  
comply with the yearly Capital Improvements Element (CIE) update requirement  
of State law and the County Comprehensive Plan Policy. He explained that the  
CIE adoption process differed from standard plan amendments as it only required  
one public hearing and no review by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC)  
or State agency. Mr. Balter highlighted the following changes being updated: 1)  
Existing Revenue information; 2) Revenue Projections; 3) Appendix A: Indian  
River County Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for  
FY 2023/2024 to FY 2027/2028; and 4) All tables, figures & corresponding  
text. He stated that the total expenses for the 5-year CIP had gone up by a mere  
3%. It was incredible, considering the inflating costs of projects and other factors.  
Mr. Balter stated that in 2016, the Board directed staff to commit to spending  
20% of the proceeds of the first five years of the extended one-cent local option  
sales tax on lagoon-related projects. The proposed 5-year CIP would allocate  
more than 20% of project one-cent local option sales tax revenue to  
lagoon-related projects during FY 2023/24 - 2027/28. The following were some  
of the lagoon-related projects he mentioned:  
·
·
·
·
North Sebastian/Highlands/West Wabasso Sewer  
Floravon Shores Septic to Sewer  
North Indian River Drive Stormwater Treatment  
Indian River Lagoon Greenway Boardwalk and Wetland Restoration,  
Replanting  
·
·
·
·
Lost Tree Islands Restoration, Replanting  
Captain Forster Hammock Renovation and Improvements  
Prange Island Improvements  
North Relief Canal Treatment System, Stormwater Marsh Projects,  
TMDL/Lagoon Treatment System  
Chairman Adams agreed that this indicated a strong financial position for the  
County. She expressed satisfaction with the 3% deal that was secured over the  
past year.  
Chairman Adams opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the  
Chairman closed the hearing.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Earman, to approve staff's recommendation and adopt Ordinance 2024-003,  
amending the text of the Comprehensive Plan's Capital Improvements  
element by updating the County's 5-year Comprehensive Plan Capital  
Improvements Program (CIP) schedule and related data and analysis sections  
and providing severability and effective date. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman,  
Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
24-0127  
10.A.2.  
Consideration of an Ordinance of Indian River County, Florida, Amending the  
Zoning Ordinance and the Accompanying Zoning Map  
for +65.13 Acres from A-1, Agricultural-1 District to  
RM-6, Multiple  
Family Residential District (RZON96050010-95752) [Quasi-Judicial]  
Recommended Action:  
Based on the analysis, staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend  
that the Board of County Commissioners approve this request to rezone the  
subject property from A-1, Agricultural-1 to RM-6, Residential Multiple-Family.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Zoning Map  
Future Land Use Map  
Application  
Ordinance  
As requested by Chairman Adams, each commissioner disclosed ex parte  
communications, site visits, or independent investigations. The Commissioners  
also affirmed that they are open-minded and can base their decisions on the  
evidence presented and the applicable law.  
The Deputy Clerk administered the Oath to all persons who wished to speak at  
the hearing.  
Long Range Senior Planner Cindy Thurman utilized a PowerPoint presentation to  
explain the Riverfront Groves, Inc. rezoning request. The property was  
approximately 116 acres and of these, 50.87 acres were outside the Urban  
Service Boundary (USB), and 65.13 were within the USB. The request was to  
rezone the 65.13 acres from Agricultural-1 (A-1) to Multiple Family Residential  
(RM-6) to enable permitted development within the RM-6 district. Ms. Thurman  
displayed the current zoning map and the future land use map; the requested  
RM-6 Zoning District would limit the density to six units per acre. The existing  
A-1 Zoning District would limit the density to one unit per five acres. She stated  
the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommended approval at their  
January 11, 2024 meeting.  
The Commissioners and staff discussed future land use designation, vested rights  
to receive water and wastewater treatment services, the outcome of the traffic  
study for 2025, and the traffic's impact on 90th Avenue.  
Chairman Adams emphasized the importance of understanding that this particular  
area was not intended for development and that there was a future land use  
designation in place. However, it had been observed that other projects in the  
surrounding area had started to take advantage of this designation. She stated the  
current residential development plans aligned with what was expected years ago.  
Nonetheless, the sudden surge in development, especially from 13 units to 390  
units, was still surprising.  
Planning and Development Services Director Andy Sobczak anticipated that  
residential development would be needed near State Road 60 and Interstate 95.  
However, due to active agriculture, this plan was put on hold. Now that  
agriculture is no longer active, the current residential development plans align with  
what was expected years ago.  
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing.  
Attorney Peter J. Sweeney, Block & Scarpa, representing the applicant,  
complimented staff on the excellent job they have done and Indian River County's  
advanced planning process. The M-1 future land use included A-1 and RM-6  
zoning, which were compatible uses, and every parcel within the County now had  
zoning and future land use. He stated his client owned approximately 116,117  
acres, divided into two parts by the Urban Services Boundary (USB). He stated  
his client was fulfilling their obligation to build within the designated utility area,  
regardless of any additional costs. Mr. Sweeney strongly believed it made sense  
to build within the USB for this project and respectfully requested the Board’s  
support.  
Joseph Paladin, President of Black Swan Consulting, expressed his support for  
the project and pledged to continue to support the project.  
There were no additional speakers; the Chairman closed the public hearing.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Loar, to approve staff's recommendation and adopt Ordinance 2024-004,  
amending the Zoning Ordinance and the accompanying zoning map for  
approximately +65.13 acres located along 98th Avenue, lying north of 12th  
Street, 1.36 miles south of S.R. 60, approximately one-half mile west of I-95;  
from A-1, Agricultural-1 to RM-6, Residential Multiple-Family; and providing  
codification; severability; and effective date. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman,  
Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS  
24-0122  
10.B.1.  
Request to Speak by Judy Greenberg of Roseland Women's Club, Inc. re:  
Roseland Celebration on February 17, 2024  
Recommended Action:  
No action required  
Attachments: Request to Speak Roseland Women's Club, Inc.  
Ms. Judy Greenberg of the Roseland Women's Club presented a personal  
invitation to the Board for the Roseland Celebration Event on February 17, 2024.  
The event was meant to commemorate 132 years of Roseland's history, including  
the struggles of early settlers and the perseverance of developers through land  
booms and busts. Ms. Greenberg stated the celebration would be of great  
importance as it would help shape the future of Roseland for generations to come.  
The Board thanked Ms. Greenberg for the invitation and looked forward to  
attending.  
No Action Taken or Required  
C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS  
24-0125  
10.C.1.  
Public Notice of Public Hearing for February 20, 2024, to Consider an  
Ordinance Amending Indian River County Code §305.11, Imposition of  
additional court costs in criminal cases pursuant to Section 939.185, Florida  
Statutes (2004), as amended.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Read into the record by County Attorney Bill DeBraal  
11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS  
12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Community Services  
B. Emergency Services  
C. Human Resources  
D. Information Technology  
E. Natural Resources  
F. Office of Management and Budget  
G. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation  
23-1155  
12.A.1.  
Environmental Land Bond - Introduction to the ArcGIS Hub/Dashboard  
No Board Action is requested for this item.  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Conservation Lands Manager Wendy Swindell expressed her appreciation for the  
ArcGIS Hub platform and Dashboard, a valuable resource that provided  
transparency to the process. With a vast amount of information presented, it was  
readily accessible. She mentioned that Systems Division GIS Analyst Paige  
Lester had been working diligently and showcasing her amazing skill set, and  
deserved a special mention. She stated the $50 million bond issue to acquire  
environmentally significant lands was making steady progress. Ms. Swindell  
stated that on December 12, 2023, the Board approved the Environmental Lands  
Program Guide, which contained policies and procedures related to acquiring and  
managing environmentally significant land. The guide included the launch of a  
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Dashboard to map, analyze, and manage  
data during land acquisition. The software program from Environmental Systems  
Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) was developed to produce and analyze GIS data.  
The data would include property information, aerial imagery, locations of listed  
species, habitat types, canopy coverage, water features, and other features to  
help analyze data tied to a specific area. Ms. Swindell stated by using ESRI  
software and GIS data, the environmental land acquisition process would be  
optimized by storing and presenting data for this process, which would be made  
available to (1) the Board, (2) the Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel  
(ELAP), (3) staff, and (4) the general public in an online platform. The ArcGIS  
Hub was developed for use in the environmental land acquisition process; ESRI  
defined an ArcGIS Hub as an “easy-to-configure cloud platform that organizes  
people, data, and tools to accomplish goals and initiatives.” This platform would  
be widely used to provide up-to-date information on large-scale projects,  
programs, and initiatives.  
Ms. Lester provided a preview of the new ArcGIS Hub platform and Dashboard.  
She stated one of the great achievements made with the Hub was recognizing all  
of the project partners and projects that have links to all sorts of information.  
There were various permission levels available, so staff could use this for all of the  
data sourcing and it would eliminate the need for multiple data storage locations.  
Additionally, the data would be updated continuously as new information was  
received, which was typical in GIS enterprises. The goal was to simplify the  
process as much as possible. She believed this would save the staff time as  
people could log on and find all the information about the active projects and  
access the data that had been collected.  
No Action Taken or Required  
H. Planning and Development Services  
I. Public Works  
J. Utilities Services  
13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS  
A. Commissioner Susan Adams, Chairman  
24-0135  
14.A.1.  
County Attorney Recruitment Process  
Request discussion and support.  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Commissioner's Memo  
Chairman Adams initiated a discussion for the County Attorney recruitment  
process. She suggested having a job description to share with the Bar and  
Association of County Attorneys. She stated Human Resources Director Suzanne  
Boyll had shared job descriptions from other counties. Chairman Adams  
proposed working with Ms. Boyll to create the job description and update the  
2013 version. She requested feedback from the Board to determine how to  
proceed and was willing to work with Ms. Boyll to share some of the information  
and bring it back for the Board’s approval at a future meeting. She stated she was  
concerned about who would review the applications and resumes once the Board  
started receiving them. She stated it would be helpful to have a recruiting process  
to ensure only qualified candidates are considered.  
County Administrator John Titkanich reported receiving a quote for the  
recruitment process for just over $24,000.  
Commissioner Loar proposed consulting with the County Attorney’s office to  
help identify the legal areas where the County has been subcontracting litigation in  
recent years. The aim would be to prioritize the top three or four areas and obtain  
the necessary documents. This would assist the Board in making an informed  
decision and possibly reduce the need to subcontract attorney fees.  
Commissioner Earman recommended hiring a professional recruiter with  
knowledge of Florida and Government law to vet candidates for the attorney  
position. The HR staff does not have expertise in finding legal professionals. The  
compiled information could be passed on to those interested in the role, and local  
attorneys could apply through the county or the recruiter. HR staff should not vet  
candidates, he stated.  
Commissioner Moss agreed with Commissioner Earman and favored hiring a  
professional recruiter.  
Commissioner Loar and County Attorney Bill DeBraal discussed what process  
the attorney's office had used to recruit and hire the recently hired Assistant  
County Attorney Keith Jackman. Attorney DeBraal stated that the same method  
as being discussed along with advertisements with the Florida Bar Association,  
and three (3) very qualified candidates were received.  
Vice Chairman Flescher suggested the Board hire from the three foundations with  
suitable candidates already available, instead of spending $24,000 to vet external  
candidates. He stated there were qualified individuals within the organization,  
including the Florida Bar and fraternal organizations. He suggested an assessment  
organization may be a better choice than a recruitment organization.  
Deputy County Attorney Susan Prado thanked Chairman Adams for bringing the  
matter forward. However, she expressed her concern over the significant  
turnover in the office following the County Attorney's departure in a few months.  
She appreciated the initiative taken by the Chairman and emphasized the  
significance of the position being discussed. Ms. Prado briefly touched on the  
subject of outsourcing items in their office. She stated that the bigger litigious items  
were outsourced, and they handle the rest in-house. Ms. Prado urged everyone to  
consider the staff's workload when looking at outsourced items. As the person  
who will be left after Mr. DeBraal retires, Ms. Prado wanted to inform the Board  
that litigation may take away time from other areas. She suggested the new  
County Attorney should look into the matter and possibly consider hiring another  
person to help fill that role if they wanted an in-house litigation person.  
Chairman Adams stated that the Board's next course of action was to  
communicate their requirements to Ms. Boyll, review the job descriptions, and  
gather all necessary information. The Board would discuss and approve the job  
description in the next meeting and have it ready by that afternoon. She also  
requested County Administrator Titkanich provide the actual proposal from the  
recruitment firm that spells out what the firm would and would not do in this  
process.  
The Board reached a consensus on the following actions to be taken: 1.  
Provide Human Resources with the desired skill set for the County Attorney  
position; 2. County Administrator John Titkanich to obtain a proposal from a  
recruiter; and 3. Approval of the job description to take place at the February  
20, 2024 Board of County Commissioners meeting.  
B. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Vice Chairman  
C. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman  
[Clerks Note: Item 14.C.1. was heard after the Consent Agenda]  
24-0132  
14.C.1.  
Propose Installation of Drown Zero  
Discussion  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Commissioner's Memo  
Commissioner Earman brought forth his support for the Sunrise Rotary Club of Vero  
Beach's request to install Drown Zero stations on Indian River County beaches. He  
stated these flotation device stations had been successfully implemented on beaches in  
Brevard County. Each station had an orange life-saving ring to provide beaches  
without lifeguards (unguarded or off duty) a means to assist distressed swimmers.  
The Drown Zero Program hoped to raise awareness of ocean hazards, such as  
riptides, that are estimated to contribute to over 100 deaths yearly.  
Sunrise Rotary Club (Club) President Justin Lefebure was joined by Debbie Avery,  
Executive Secretary, to request permission from the Board to install Drown Zero  
Stations on Indian River County Beaches. Mr. Lefebure stated that the Club would  
maintain the station weekly, and if a ring was lost, stolen, or deteriorated, the Club  
would replace it. He stated during high season, the rings would be checked daily to  
ensure their availability. Tamper rings were also in place to prevent unnecessary  
removal. The Club would maintain the rings at their own cost, along with sponsors  
who help cover the installation costs.  
Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito stated it would be a collaboration between  
the Sunrise Rotary Club and the Parks and Recreation Department to facilitate the  
placement of the poles.  
Mr. Lefebure responded to Vice Chairman Flescher's question that the cost to  
sponsor a pole was $500 annually.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner Moss,  
to approve the installation of Drown Zero stations on Indian River County  
beaches. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
D. Commissioner Deryl Loar  
E. Commissioner Laura Moss  
15. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS  
A. Emergency Services District  
B. Solid Waste Disposal District  
C. Environmental Control Board  
16. ADJOURNMENT  
There being no further business the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:22 P.M.