Indian River County  
Administration Complex  
1801 27th Street, Building  
A
Indian River County Florida  
Vero Beach, Florida,  
32960-3388  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
www.indianriver.gov  
Board of County Commissioners  
Joseph H. Earman, District 3, Chairman  
Susan Adams, District 1, Vice Chairman  
Joseph Flescher, District 2  
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  
Tuesday, October 17, 2023  
9:00 AM  
Commission Chambers  
1. CALL TO ORDER  
5 -  
Present:  
Chairman Joe Earman  
Vice Chairman Susan Adams  
Commissioner Joseph Flescher  
Commissioner Deryl Loar  
Commissioner Laura Moss  
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF  
THE ARMED FORCES  
2.B. INVOCATION  
Pastor Chris Kollmann, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Joseph E. Flescher, Commissioner  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS  
23-0930  
5.A.  
Presentation of Proclamation Honoring the 2023-2024 Indian River County Fire  
Rescue Lieutenant, Sergeant, Engineer, Firemedic, and Unit of the Year  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Chairman Earman read the Proclamation that recognized the outstanding performance  
of the 2023-2024 Indian River County Fire Rescue award winners. The honorees  
included Lieutenant Brad Eskew as the Lieutenant of the Year, Sergeant Mim Strote  
as Sergeant of the Year, Engineer Blake Bartholomew as Engineer of the Year, Fire  
Medic Tamas Boroczky as Fire Medic of the Year, and the Unit comprised of  
Donald Jones, Garrett Dancy, Bryant Smith, and Mario Navarro.  
Chief David Johnson, the Emergency Services Director, expressed his pride in the  
honorees and the entire department for their service to Indian River County. Chief  
Dave Rattray also thanked the Board for recognizing the hard work and dedication of  
the men and women in the Fire Service and presented each of them with their  
well-deserved awards.  
Each Commissioner and the County Administrator expressed their respect for the  
professionalism and dedication of those who serve in Indian River County Fire  
Rescue.  
Read and presented by Chairman Earman  
23-0947  
5.B.  
Presentation of Proclamation Designating October, 2023, As Manufacturing Month in  
Indian River County, Florida  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director, Indian River County Chamber of  
Commerce, expressed her gratitude to the Board for acknowledging the crucial role  
played by the manufacturing industry in Indian River County. She highlighted the  
diverse range of manufacturing businesses operating in the County, the technical  
nature of modern manufacturing jobs, and the Manufacturing Boot Camp program  
organized for high school students. Joining her were the following representatives:  
- Kristine Burr, Career Specialist from Indian River School District  
- Alison Moody, Career Specialist from Vero Beach High School  
- Carlo Cozzio, Manufacturer at Novurania of America, Inc.  
- Melody Ipolito, Manpower Business Development Manager  
- Christi Shields, Principal, Treasure Coast Technical College  
Read and presented by Vice Chairman Adams  
23-0954  
5.C.  
Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Month of October, 2023, As National  
Domestic Violence Awareness Month  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Aimee Cooper, CFO for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office and Board  
President of SafeSpace, introduced Jennifer Fox as the new CEO of SafeSpace. Ms.  
Fox expressed her gratitude to everyone for acknowledging this month as Domestic  
Violence Awareness Month. She also mentioned that her team was working hard to  
raise awareness about domestic violence in the community.  
Sheriff Eric Flowers thanked the Board for recognizing the issue of mental health and  
domestic violence during the month of October. He mentioned that Indian River  
County was the only County that still followed the tradition of wearing Red High  
Heels at the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser.  
Commissioner Moss expressed her gratitude and stressed the significance of  
spreading the message.  
Read and presented by Commissioner Loar  
23-0945  
5.D.  
Presentation of Proclamation Designating the Week of October 15 Through October  
21, 2023 As National Friends of the Library Week  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Elizabeth “Betsy” Stenger, Director of Library Services, shared information about the  
Friends of the Library and the services they provide. The Friends of the Library raises  
money through membership and donations. They also run used book sales at the  
North County Library and operate the Used Book Depot on Old Dixie Highway in  
Indian River County. In addition, the Friends of the Library gift shop was located in  
the Main Library. The Friends sponsor library programming for all ages. Ms. Stenger  
was joined by Branch Managers Hollie McDougall and Kathleen Bowman, along with  
staff from the Friends of the Library.  
Deputy County Administrator, Mike Zito appreciated the efforts made by Ms.  
Stenger to lead the library system and under her leadership the libraries were thriving.  
With the addition of new staff, the library's commitment to youth and education would  
reach new heights. He also expressed his appreciation for the selfless mission of the  
Friends of the Library and looked forward to their continued relationship.  
Read and presented by Commissioner Moss  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
23-0962  
6.A.  
Regular Meeting of September 12, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 09122023 BCC Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2023 as  
written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0964  
6.B.  
Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting of September 13, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 09132023 Preliminary Budget Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Preliminary Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of  
September 13, 2023 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0966  
6.C.  
Final Budget Hearing Meeting for September 20, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 09202023 Final Budget Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Final Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 13,  
2023 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
23-0949  
7.A.  
Completion of September 2023 Derelict Vessel Removal  
Recommended Action:  
There is no Board action needed under the Derelict Vessel Project update  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Melissa Meisenburg, Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist, utilized a PowerPoint  
presentation to provide an update on the Derelict Vessel Removal Project. She  
explained the due process outlined in Section 705.103(2) and highlighted the negative  
impacts these derelict vessels have on waterways, such as creating navigational  
hazards, debris, pollutants, and damaging oyster reefs, shoreline plants, and  
submerged aquatic vegetation. Ms. Meisenburg also provided the locations of the  
three derelict vessels and showed a short clip of one vessel being removed, noting that  
Outlaw Maritime, LLC was contracted to remove the vessels at a cost of $31,295,  
and the work was completed on September 29, 2023.  
Commissioner Flescher inquired about the procedure for recovering expenses  
incurred in removing vessels. Melissa explained that the County receives a 100%  
reimbursement from a Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) grant once the  
contractor has finished the removal process.  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, pulling Item 8.D. for  
discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0923  
8.A.  
Approval of Interlocal Agreement between the Indian River County Board of County  
Commissioners and the Indian River County Sheriff's Office to Provide Meals for  
Declared and Local Emergencies  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends approval of the Interlocal Agreement between the Indian River  
County Board of County Commissioners and the Indian River County Sheriff's Office  
(IRCSO) to provide meals for declared and local emergencies.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Interlocal Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0927  
8.B.  
Approval of Treasure Coast Fire Chiefs Association Interlocal Agreement to Provide  
Mutual Aid for Fire Protection and Emergency Rescue Services  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends Approval of the Treasure Coast Fire Chiefs Interlocal Agreement  
to Provide Mutual Aid for Fire Protection and Emergency Rescue Services.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
TCFCA Interlocal Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0938  
8.C.  
United Against Poverty, Inc., Memorandum of Understanding  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully requests the Board of County Commissioners approve the  
Memorandum of Understanding with United Against Poverty for the Human Services  
Food Voucher Program and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement after  
review and approval by the County Attorney for legal sufficiency.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
MOU - Food Voucher Program  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0939  
8.D.  
Addition to Administrative Policy Manual - AM-505.1 Tuition Assistance Policy  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully requests the Board of County Commissioners approve the addition  
of AM-505.1 Tuition Assistance to the Administrative Policy Manual and the  
associated funding request.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
AM-505.1 Tuition Assistance  
Vice Chairman Adams stated it was commendable that the County was promoting the  
professional growth of its employees and investing in its staff. The aim was to retain  
staff for longer periods and provide them with a fulfilling career.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Adams, seconded by Commissioner Moss,  
to approve the addition to the Administrative Policy Manual and the associated  
funding. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0940  
8.E.  
Revision to AM-501.1 Disclosure of Benefits  
Recommended Action:  
Staff respectfully requests the Board of County Commissioners approve the revision  
to AM-501.1 Disclosure of Benefits.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
AM-501.1 Disclosure of Benefits  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0958  
8.F.  
Amendment to Meeks Plumbing, Inc. Contract, RFP 2023007  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Amended  
Exhibit 1 to the Agreement - Pricing for the Meeks-Indian River County contract.  
Upon satisfactory completion of the customer connections in West Wabasso Phase  
3A and 3B sewer connections, staff is directed to make final payment and release any  
retainage to Meeks Plumbing, Inc., after review and approval by the Purchasing  
Manager and the County Attorney’s Office  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Amended Exhibit 1 - Pricing  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0959  
8.G.  
Atkins North America, Inc. Work Order No.1 - West Regional Wastewater  
Treatment Facility Clarifiers 1 and 2 Rehabilitation  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order  
No. 1 with Atkins North America, Inc. (Atkins) in the amount of $222,313.70 to  
provide technical services for replacement of the mechanisms for Clarifiers 1 and 2  
and authorize the Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the  
dollar amount under the work order and upon adequate completion of the work set  
forth in the work order, staff is directed to make final payment and release any  
retainage to Atkins, after review and approval by the Purchasing Manager and the  
County Attorney’s Office  
Attachments: Staff Report  
WO #1 – WRWT Facility Clarifier #1 and #2 Rehabilitation  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0960  
8.H.  
Bowman Consulting Group, LTD. Work Order 14 Amendment 1 - North County  
24-Inch Force Main Replacement  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve Amendment 1 to  
Work Order 14 for Bowman Consulting Group, LTD., to provide additional services  
to change the alignment of the North County 24-inch force main in the amount  
not-to-exceed $20,296.34, and authorize the Chairman to sign on their behalf  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Amendment 1 WO 14  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0944  
8.I.  
FDOT Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) Agreement and Resolution  
Authorizing the Chairman’s Signature for Construction and CEI of 43rd Avenue (12th  
Street to 18th Street) IRC-1818, FM No. 444270-1-54-01  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Small County  
Outreach Program (SCOP) Agreement and Resolution and authorize the Chairman to  
execute the same.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Indian River County Grant Form  
Authorizing Resolution  
SCOP Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2023-065, authorizing the  
Chairman's execution of Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) with the  
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for construction and CEI of 43rd  
Avenue (12th Street to 18th Street).  
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
10. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
23-0950  
10.A.1.  
Public Hearing: Amending the Code of Indian River County, Section 102.04,  
Order of Business Agenda for County Commission Meetings; and Amending  
Section 901.03 Definitions in Alphabetical Order (Legislative)  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board open the public hearing, take input from any  
interested parties and approve the Code amendment and authorize the Chairman  
to execute the code amendment on behalf of the Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Proposed Code Amendment  
Affidavit of Publication - Amending Code 102.04 Order of Business  
County Attorney Bill DeBraal explained that the ordinance amendment would  
identify the newly added departments, rename other departments, and eliminate  
the General Services Department. This was achieved by adding two definitions  
instead of modifying 110 items in the code that refer to either the Community  
Development Director or the Community Development Department in Section  
901.03.  
The Chairman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the Chairman  
closed the hearing.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Loar, to approve staff's recommendation and adopt Ordinance 2023-014,  
amending the Code of Indian River County, Section 102.04, Order of Business  
Agenda for County Commission meetings; together with amending Section  
901.03 Definitions in Alphabetical Order; and providing for codification,  
severability, repeal of conflicting provisions, and an effective date. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher,  
Commissioner Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS  
C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS  
11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS  
23-0935  
11.A.  
Joint Meeting - City of Vero Beach and Indian River County  
Recommended Action:  
Review, discuss and approve the topics for discussion with the City of Vero Beach  
Attachments: Staff Report Joint City County Meeting  
County Administrator John Titkanich announced that the next joint meeting with the  
City of Vero Beach will be held on October 24th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the  
County Main Library. The proposed topics will cover utilities, service territory, plan  
capacity, septic to sewer, park recreation opportunities, and potential acquisition of  
services. Other topics may include roadways, Building Department, Fire Marshall,  
and regional growth impact.  
Commissioner Moss requested that if there was extra time during the joint meeting,  
could a discussion be had regarding the County lobbyist's matters in Tallahassee that  
would affect both parties in the interest of good governance and intergovernmental  
cooperation.  
Vice Chairman Adams pointed out that the County had always worked  
collaboratively with lobbyists and advocates whenever issues affected the City and the  
County. She believed that having more people advocating, whether for an  
appropriation or a policy change, would be helpful. However, she expressed concern  
about adding this to the official agenda because the conversation had not been had  
with the City of Sebastian. She did not want the other Municipalities to feel like this  
was a unique relationship between the County and the City of Vero Beach. Ms.  
Adams cautioned that when items were added specifically to the agenda, it may  
appear that the County would only do this with Vero Beach, but not with Sebastian or  
Fellsmere. She believed this topic was already covered under the umbrella policy of  
working together as a community.  
Commissioner Flescher questioned why the County would raise an issue with one  
municipality when the County had not done so in the past. He stated the County had a  
good relationship with the Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshalls and a great  
inter-relationship with municipalities. He asserted it was unnecessary to include these  
topics on the agenda. He further stated he was hesitant about presenting our lobbyist  
as a topic for discussion with the city where the County had not had that conversation  
with other municipalities.  
Chairman Earman agreed to work collaboratively on fundamental issues for citizens'  
betterment and to discuss legislative issues in future special call meetings.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Chairman Earman,  
to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0937  
11.B.  
Four County Joint Resolution  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners  
adopt the resolution to hold a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners  
for St. Lucie County, the Board of County Commissioners for Martin County, and the  
Board of County Commissioners for Okeechobee County to discuss joint legislative  
priorities in anticipation of the State of Florida's 2024 legislative session.  
Attachments: Staff Report Four County Joint Meeting  
Resolution  
County Administrator John Titkanich stated a meeting had been scheduled between  
the County Commissioners of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee  
counties. The meeting would take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 10:00 am at  
the Indian River State College Pruitt Campus' STEM Center Auditorium in Port St.  
Lucie, Florida. This meeting would be held in accordance with section 125.001 of the  
Florida Statutes, which permits the Board to hold a joint meeting with the governing  
bodies of adjacent counties or municipalities to discuss issues of mutual interest.  
Administrator Titkanich outlined several topics for discussion during the meeting,  
including biosolid waste to energy, septic to sewer, the impact of House Bill 1379,  
potential funding opportunities by 2030, legislative approach for affordable housing,  
Senate Bill 102, removing permitted rights in residential and industrial zoning districts,  
and an update on the medical examiner facility and the plans for its construction in  
2025.  
There was no further discussion on the Item.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve topics for discussion and Resolution 2023-066, authorizing the  
Board of County Commissioners for Indian River County to participate in a Joint  
Meeting with the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, the Board  
of County Commissioners of Martin County, and the Board of County  
Commissioners of Okeechobee County, to discuss and plan matters of mutual  
interest; and providing for an effective date. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Community Development  
B. Emergency Services  
C. General Services  
D. Human Resources  
E. Information Technology  
F. Office of Management and Budget  
G. Public Works  
H. Utilities Services  
13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS  
A. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman, Chairman  
B. Commissioner Susan Adams, Vice Chairman  
C. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher  
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 10:10 a.m.