of Sebastian to upgrade from septic to sewer would be $420,000,000 to
$450,000,000 at current prices. The Department of Health has advised that the six
regional offices of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) were
understaffed, which would create a permitting backlog; there was discussion by
FDEP of an intent to transfer the permitting to the Counties. She explained this could,
in turn, create a backlog for the County if they don’t have the staff to do the
permitting, permitting review, and inspections. In discussions with Director of Utility
Services Sean Lieske, concerns were raised regarding the enforcement of the
program. Ms. Copeland stated another issue was that the County should not be
subsidizing this program. Some residents on central sewer were already paying for it.
If the County subsidized the septic program enforcement, it would mean those already
paying for central sewer would also be funding the septic program. Therefore, it was
important to keep an eye on this matter.
Grants
Ms. Copeland discussed several water quality grant programs the County had applied
for and those still under discussion. Ms. Copeland thanked Dr. Duane DeFreese and
Kathy Hill from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program for their help with
the grant applications.
Roadway Projects
Ms. Copeland stated the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at the
Florida Association of Counties meetings presented which funds were being pursued
at the federal level for roadway projects, and discussed partnering with the Counties
for the federal dollars available.
Fire Rescue/Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Ms. Copeland stated it was important to remember the significance of the EOC
located in the fire rescue building. Not only was it essential to the County, but it was
also used by municipalities. Unfortunately, last year's EOC expansion project was
vetoed due to federal funds being allocated to the West Coast after Hurricane Ian.
The County closely was monitoring funding opportunities to ensure the legislature
knew the funds were still necessary.
Central Indian River Lagoon, Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)
Ms. Copeland stated that the BMAP should be the primary focus of the County's
regulatory efforts. Indian River County faced challenges in meeting the requirements
set forth by the current BMAP regarding credits for septic-to-sewer projects. To
receive BMAP credits for these projects, the FDEP required the ArcNLET model to
be applied. Applying this model to septic-to-sewer projects appeared to reduce the
number of credits the County could receive.
Commissioner Moss received confirmation from Ms. Copeland that the amendment
