Indian River County  
Administration Complex  
1801 27th Street, Building  
A
Indian River County Florida  
Vero Beach, Florida,  
32960-3388  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
www.ircgov.com  
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  
Michael C. Zito, Interim County Administrator  
Dylan Reingold, County Attorney  
Jeffrey R. Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller  
Tuesday, April 4, 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 Joe Moore, Rivers of Living Water RHEMA Word Ministries  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Dylan Reingold, County Attorney  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
Moved: Item 10.B.1. to be heard in conjunction with Item 13.A.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Agenda as amended. 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  
23-0296  
5.A.  
Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Phillip J. Matson on his Retirement from the  
Indian River County Board of County Commissioners Department of Community  
Development  
Recommended Action:  
Recommend Read and Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Each Commissioner, County Attorney Dylan Reingold, and Interim County  
Administrator Mike Zito shared their personal experiences with Phil Matson. They  
expressed their admiration for his sense of humor, energy, strength, and knowledge,  
and conveyed their sadness at his retirement. Each of them wished him well for the  
future.  
The following people spoke of Mr. Matson with praise for him both professionally  
and personally:  
Bob McPartlan - Sebastian City Council member  
Karen Deigl - Senior Resource Association  
Wilfred Hart - Community Activist  
Joe Paladin - Black Swan Consulting  
Mr. Matson, accompanied by his wife, spoke to the Board, staff, and audience to  
express his gratitude for the support he received in realizing his legacy. He also  
conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the honors bestowed upon him.  
Presented by Chairman Earman  
23-0276  
5.B.  
Presentation of Proclamation - Honoring Kimberly Emmons on her Retirement from  
the Indian River County Sheriff's Office  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present.  
Attachments: Proclamation  
The Board and staff commented they were grateful for all Ms. Emmons had done  
over the years and for being the voice on the other side of the radio for so long.  
Ms. Emmons stated she would miss her job as a 911 Dispatcher and thanked the  
Board for the recognition.  
Presented by Vice Chairman Adams  
23-0218  
5.C.  
Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunications  
Week  
Recommended Action:  
Read and Present  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Sheriff Eric Flowers thanked the Commissioners and expressed his appreciation for  
the Proclamation. Sheriff Flowers vowed he would continue to fight for the  
Dispatchers as they were truly the first responders.  
Presented by Commissioner Loar  
23-0283  
5.D.  
Presentation of Proclamation for April is Water Conservation Month  
Read and Present  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Public Communications Coordinator at St. Johns River Water Management District,  
Laura La Beur along with Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske were present to  
accept the Proclamation. Both spoke about water conservation and thanked the  
Board for the recognition.  
Presented by Commissioner Moss  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
23-0298  
6.A.  
Special Call Meeting of March 3, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Special Call Meeting Minutes from March 3, 2023_Draft  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Special Call meeting minutes of March 3, 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  
23-0274  
7.A.  
Florida Public Service Commission Order PSC-2023-0110-PCO-EI approving  
Florida Power & Light petition for recovery of incremental storm restoration costs for  
Hurricanes Ian and Nicole and approving consolidated interim storm restoration  
recovery surcharge, is available for review in the Office of the Clerk to the Board.  
Recommended Action:  
Information Only  
No Action Taken or Required  
23-0288  
7.B.  
District 4 Appointment to Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP)  
Informational Report  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Commissioner's Memorandum  
O'Bryan Bio  
Commissioner Loar stated Peter O'Brien had agreed to be the District 4  
representative to the Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP).  
No Action Taken or Required  
23-0289  
7.C.  
Indian River County Venue Event Calendar  
Informational item. No Board Action Required  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Event Calendar  
Chairman Earman highlighted the following on the April 2023 event calendar:  
Easter Egg Hunt in the Water  
Conservation Lands Earth Week Program  
Vero Beach Home Show  
Community Drum Circle with Treasure Coast Percussion  
No Action Taken or Required  
23-0293  
7.D.  
SHIP & SHARP Grants Approved on March 10, 2023  
Inform  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Commissioner's Memorandum  
Commissioner Moss expressed her gratitude to Mr. Phil Matson for his outstanding  
leadership in managing the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program,  
which offers loans to individuals with very low to moderate incomes to support them  
in securing affordable housing. Commissioner Moss provided background on some  
approved grants.  
Commissioner Moss stated it was crucial to ensure that the individuals receiving  
assistance were employed and that the aid they received was directed toward  
purchasing a new home or improving their current living conditions. She felt this was a  
positive step towards resolving the problem of affordable housing for the workforce.  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Loar,  
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0262  
8.A.  
The Moorings Club, Inc. for Hawks Nest Developer's Agreement  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve The Moorings  
Club Inc., for Hawks Nest Developer’s Agreement with the County, and authorize  
the Chairman to execute the agreement to reimburse The Moorings Club Inc. in the  
amount of $17,502.67 for the work performed in the agreement  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Developers Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0267  
8.B.  
Final Pay to All Webb's Enterprises, Inc.  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the final pay and  
release of retainage to All Webb’s Enterprises, lnc., for a total of $64,401.75  
Attachments: Staff Report  
All Webbs Enterprises Final Pay App  
Approved staff's recommendation  
Interlocal Agreement Between Indian River County and Town of Orchid for Beach  
Access for Dune Restoration  
23-0287  
8.C.  
Recommended Action:  
The County Attorney’s Office recommends the Board approve and authorize the chair  
to sign the Interlocal Agreement Between Indian River County and Town of Orchid for  
Beach Access for Beach and Dune Restoration.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Interlocal Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
23-0295  
8.D.  
Release of Easement for Drainage and Satisfaction of Developer’s Agreement for  
Grace Baptist Church of Vero Beach  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the Release of Easement for Drainage and  
Satisfaction of Developer’s Agreement in favor of Grace Baptist Church of Vero  
Beach, Inc., and authorize the Chairman to execute the Release on behalf of the  
Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Release of Easement for Drainage  
Approved staff's recommendation  
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
10. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS  
[Clerk's note: Item 10.B.1 was heard in conjunction with Item 13.A.]  
23-0282  
10.B.1.  
Request to Speak from Paul Westcott re: Disposition of Opioid Settlement Proceeds  
No action required  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: Request to Speak Westcott  
Mr. Paul Westcott brought up the topic of opioid funds and shared some of the  
discussions that had been taking place within the Indian River Hospital District's  
(IRHD) Board of Trustees. Although no decisions had been made, the possibility of  
creating an in-patient medical detox facility and enhancing capabilities at the jail had  
been explored. Mr. Westcott emphasized the importance of collaboration and a  
long-term vision in addressing the community's needs. He also wanted to ensure that  
all relevant entities in the County had the opportunity to participate in the settlement  
funds.  
Mr. Westcott expressed his apologies for speaking without the explicit permission of  
the Board of Trustees. However, he did not want to miss the chance to participate, as  
the IRHD was scheduled to hold a meeting on April 7, 2023. He considered it  
fortunate to have the opportunity to be here and expressed his desire to contribute to  
the analysis.  
No Action Taken or Required  
23-0286  
10.B.2.  
Request to Speak from Bill & Ardra Rigby of West Wabasso Progressive Civic  
League re: Shared Usage of Building  
Recommended Action:  
No Action Required  
Attachments: Public Discussion Request B. Rigby  
Chairman Earman firmly stated to Bill and Ardra Rigby that the Board would not  
entertain any further discussions on the same topic as the previous meeting. If their  
request to speak was regarding the building currently leased to the State of Florida's  
Department of Health, the Health Department was responsible for its management  
until the lease agreement changed. Therefore, any actions related to the building must  
be directed to the State of Florida Department of Health. He stated the Board was  
open to hearing Bill and Ardra Rigby's concerns, but it was important to note that it  
was the Health Department's building, and their rules must be followed. He  
commented the term "shared usage" may not be appropriate as it implied equal  
ownership, which was not the case here.  
Mr. Ardra Rigby from the West Wabasso Progressive Civic League (League) raised  
an ongoing concern that was related to Chairman Earman's opening statement. He  
expressed his worry about decisions being made without the input of the League, as  
the League had been operating from the same building for over thirty years. He raised  
concern that a significant decision was made without considering its impact on  
League.  
Mr. Bill Rigby expressed dissatisfaction with the League's property usage limitations  
and the new liability insurance requirement. Additionally, he perceived the Health  
Department's actions as unjust.  
Chairman Earman stated the Health Department had planned to expand its services in  
that area and throughout the County for the betterment of the community. Staff  
decided to follow the agreement and have the Health Department take over as the  
leaseholder, and welcomed the League to use the facility.  
Miranda Swanson, Indian River County Health Department, stated the Health  
Department Facility Use agreement applied whether it be to the main site or the  
Wabasso site. Liability insurance was standard for a non-profit, and was required to  
make sure that the organizations that were meeting within the site were consistent with  
the mission and vision of the Department of Health. The Department of Health  
prohibits any sort of political activities on their campuses. The Use Agreement was  
required for everyone, not just for the League.  
Interim County Administrator Mike Zito explained to the Rigbys that Liability  
Insurance was an easy process and all that was needed was a Certificate of Liability  
to have their meetings held in the Health Department's building.  
No Action Taken or Required  
C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS  
11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS  
12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Community Development  
23-0277  
12.A.1.  
Consideration of Marotech USA's Request for a Local Jobs Grant  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve a local job  
grant of up to $35,200.00 for Marotech USA, Inc.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Marotech Draft Jobs Grant Agreement  
In a presentation given by Andy Sobczak, Interim Community Development  
Director, he provided an overview of the Local Jobs Grant Program, explaining  
the program offered financial incentives to certain industries that establish or  
expand in Indian River County, provided they offer a minimum of five job  
openings. Mr. Sobczak explained that the program came in three funding tiers:  
$3,000, $5,000, and $7,000 grants, based on the wages of new hires. He also  
emphasized that the County conducts thorough due diligence on all grant  
applicants to ensure there were no financial or legal concerns, and in the case of  
Marotech USA, Inc., no issues were found. He added the company had  
proposed to add ten (10) new jobs, with nine (9) at 75% of the county's average  
wage, qualifying them for a $3,000 grant, and one at 100% of the wage,  
qualifying them for a $5,000 grant. Furthermore, the proposed location for the  
business was in the Indian River County Vero Beach Enterprise Zone in Gifford,  
making them eligible for further benefits, making the total proposed Grant  
$35,000.  
At the Economic Development Council (EDC) meeting, Vice Chairman Susan  
Adams reported that everyone was in favor of welcoming the applicant and his  
company to the area, with hopes of creating new job opportunities.  
Helene Caseltine, Director of Economic Development for the Indian River  
Chamber of Commerce, expressed appreciation to the Board for their attention  
and evaluation of the application. She mentioned that this project may be smaller  
in scale, with only 10 new job opportunities, but it would still make a considerable  
impact on the economy. The project was estimated to generate around $425,000  
annually in new salaries, which would circulate throughout the economy.  
Ms. Caseltine introduced Martin Robitaille, President and General Manager of  
Marotech USA, Inc. Mr. Robitaille expressed his gratitude for the program and  
extended his thanks to the Board for their time and consideration.  
Chairman Earman extended his gratitude to Mr. Robitaille for selecting Indian  
River County and expressed eagerness for a mutually beneficial and lasting  
partnership.  
Commissioner Moss stated the County aims to promote the manufacturing  
industry and was delighted to welcome this company to the area.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, 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  
The Chairman called for a recess at 10:33 a.m., and reconvened the meeting at 10:44  
a.m. with all members present.  
B. Emergency Services  
C. General Services  
D. Human Resources  
E. Information Technology  
F. Office of Management and Budget  
G. Public Works  
23-0284  
12.G.1.  
Revised Outline for Indian River County’s Lagoon Management Plan  
Recommended Action:  
Staff is requesting feedback from the Board on the revised IRL Plan Outline and  
is requesting approval to move forward with the Plan Development Phase. If  
approved, staff will continue to work with Tetra Tech to develop a plan  
highlighting the key factors identified in the Research and Review Phase, including  
identifying projects and recommendations for on-going management strategies.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Revised IRL Management Plan Outline  
Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist Melissa Meisenburg provided an overview  
of the Indian River County Lagoon Management (IRL) plan using a PowerPoint  
presentation. The IRL plan was approved by Commissioners on June 19, 2018,  
and involved coordinating the efforts of various County departments, including  
Public Works (Coastal and Stormwater), Utilities, Conservation Lands, and  
Community Development. On September 7, 2018 staff entered into a work order  
with Tetra Tech to develop the revised outline for the IRL plan. The Board was  
presented with an initial outline on May 7, 2019, and a revised outline on July 16,  
2019, which highlighted key stressors affecting the Lagoon.  
On September 21, 2021, the Board approved seventeen (17) key factors  
impacting the Lagoon with quarterly updates being provided to the Board. Ms.  
Meisenburg stated staff, along with the Tetra Tech Consultants, had prepared five  
focal areas: water quality, conservation lands, utilities, sustainability, and resiliency.  
A timeline was presented showing that the research and review phase had been  
completed, in progress was the plan development, estimated to take nine (9) to  
twelve (12) months for a draft review, with the implementation phase following.  
Chairman Earman, conveyed his frustration with the process and emphasized the  
urgency of the matter. He stressed that it must be the top priority on the list of  
things to do.  
Vice Chairman Adams also expressed frustration due to the considerable amount  
of time and money that had already been invested. She mentioned that a  
consultant was brought on board to provide additional support and facilitate  
progress in obtaining the necessary information. The significance of completing this  
task in a timely manner was to avail state and federal funding for future projects  
that would be identified in the plan. Brevard County and other counties have  
already implemented similar management plans, and it was essential for Indian  
River County to catch up after 5 years of planning. She emphasized that other  
counties would take advantage of the available funds if Indian River County failed  
to develop a plan.  
Director of Public Works Rich Szpyrka assured the Board that his department  
had been actively working to address the delay in the IRL plan. He explained that  
several factors, such as staff shortages, Covid-related delays, hurricanes, beach  
re-nourishment, and turtle season, had contributed to the delay. However, he  
emphasized that the department was committed to making this plan a top priority.  
Ms. Meisenburg stated several projects had already obtained permits and staff  
was prepared to proceed. Those initiatives encompassed seagrass restoration,  
oyster restoration, and muck mapping for the Lagoon.  
Chairman Earman mentioned that he planned to speak with the new County  
Administrator John Titkanich to secure additional assistance. He expressed  
concern that progress was not being made quickly enough and was determined to  
take action.  
The Board and staff discussed the timeline for finalizing the plan, with the goal of  
having it ready by July 1, 2023, to ensure that the funding opportunity was not  
missed.  
Indian River County Clean Water Coalition President Judy Orcutt emphasized the  
County needs to stay focused and prioritize projects during the unprecedented  
time of available funding.  
Heather Stapleton of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program  
(IRLNEP) stated citizens were understandably concerned about the Lagoon, such  
as the recurring issue with reliance on septic systems.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, 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  
H. Utilities Services  
23-0268  
12.H.1.  
Work Order No. 9 to Atkins - North County Inline Pump Station Evaluation  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Work  
Order No. 9 to Atkins to provide professional services for the North County  
Inline Pump Station Evaluation in the amount, not to exceed, of $83,433.00, and  
authorize the Chairman to sign on their behalf  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Work Order No 9 with Atkins  
Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske utilized a PowerPoint presentation to  
provide a history of a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant now being  
used as a pump station. Director Lieske showed photos of the burst pipeline due  
to corrosion. He stated the pump station was open-air and exposed to the  
environment. Further using a wastewater treatment plant as a pump station was  
not an ideal situation as it could not handle the massive inflow. His  
recommendation was to replace this system with a similar one as Pump Station 89  
at the Oslo Water Treatment facility. Director Lieske outlined the steps to be  
taken going forward: 1) equipment selection and project management; 2) the  
design work; and 3) construction.  
A brief discussion was had between Vice Chairman Adams and Director Lieske  
regarding the master plan and moving forward.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, 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  
13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
23-0290  
13.A.  
Opioid Settlement Proceeds  
Recommended Action:  
The County Attorney’s Office recommends that the Indian River County Board of  
County Commissioners vote to approve a spending plan for the use of the opioid  
settlement funds, which includes using funds for 1) addressing opioid use disorders in  
the jail, 2) the Substance Abuse Center, 3) the Mental Health Association, 4) assisting  
the District with the increased cost of drugs used to resuscitate opioid overdose  
victims, along with enhanced training opportunities for the District crews, 5) obtaining  
a new device that could scan substances inside of sealed packages, 6) increasing  
accessibility to the drug court and the hiring of a screener who could meet with clients  
at the time of intake to determine who is eligible for the various problem-solving  
courts, and 7) for Narcan (a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of  
opioids) in auto-injectors.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Memorandum of Understanding Proposal - Opioid  
County Attorney Dylan Reingold referred to his March 29, 2023 memorandum  
regarding the Opioid Settlement Proceeds. He shared that in the summer of 2021, the  
County had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of  
Florida, and as part of the MOU the County received $139,604 for its portion of the  
city/county fund. Attorney Reingold anticipated Indian River County would receive  
approximately $158,000 one-time payment as part of the Walmart settlement in 30 to  
90 days. Also, the County would receive year-two funding of approximately  
$140,000 in August or September 2023.  
Attorney Reingold stated the Sheriff’s office was interested in using the funds to  
address opioid use disorders in the jail. He added the Emergency Services Director  
recommended using the funds for the Substance Abuse Center and the Mental Health  
Association to assist the district with the increased cost of drugs used to resuscitate  
opioid overdose victims and enhanced training for the district crews. Additional ideas  
were for Narcan as an injectable versus the inhaler, and scanners to identify the drug  
substance. He specified it was important to note in his conversation with the Attorney  
General’s office, it was revealed that Fellsmere, the Town of Orchid, and Indian  
River Shores had not signed the agreement. The Attorney General’s office was very  
concerned, if a city had a population of 10,000 or less and they did not sign the  
agreement, their funds would flow directly to the County. Since speaking with the  
Attorney General’s office, the City of Sebastian had verbally committed County staff  
to sign the agreement.  
Attorney Reingold sought direction from the Board on how they would like to see  
these funds used with the reporting deadline being in July 2023.  
The Board and Attorney Reingold engaged in a discussion regarding which  
organizations should receive the funds.  
Attorney Reingold expressed the need for guidance from the Board to determine the  
next steps. He hoped to deliver a satisfactory proposal by June 2023.  
Commissioner Loar stepped up to take the lead to create a spending plan after  
Chairman Earman commented Attorney Reingold's recommendation for an approved  
spending plan for the settlement funds was considered to be good.  
The Board returned to the discussion at hand following Mr. Westcotts’ comments.  
(Item 10.B.1.)  
Commissioner Flescher stated the use for an atomized or injected Narcan saved lives  
and is done daily in many jurisdictions, but it does not address the problem. He felt  
the funding needed to be used for education and support in order to fix the problem.  
Carrie Lester, Executive Director of the Indian River County Substance Awareness  
Center, expressed her gratitude to Attorney Reingold for presenting the matter to the  
Board. She emphasized that the issue at hand involved human lives and that the  
situation in the community was extremely concerning. Ms. Lester believed that this  
presents an opportunity for the Board to carefully consider and plan an intentional and  
strategic approach for utilizing these funds.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner Loar,  
to appoint Commissioner Loar as the liaison and to direct staff and the County  
Attorney’s office to move forward with option five (5) and develop a spending  
plan with a focus on drug and mental health court and hospital district, and bring  
back the plan to the Board at a future meeting. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0294  
13.B.  
Donation of County Property to the Florida Department of Transportation to be Used  
as Right-of-Way for the County Road 510 Improvement Project  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board approve the Donation of Property to the Florida  
Department of Transportation Form for Parcel 100, approve the Resolution for the  
parcel and approve the County Quit Claim Deed for the Parcel 100 and authorize the  
Chairman to execute the documents on behalf of the Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Color Map Depicting Parcel  
County Quit Claim Deed  
Resolution  
Deputy County Attorney Bill DeBraal stated the Florida Department of  
Transportation (FDOT) planned on widening and improving County Road 510 from  
the Wabasso Causeway all the way to County Road 512. The FDOT had asked the  
County to dedicate Parcel 100 for the first phase of improvement. Construction was  
scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024. All told it was 3.587 acres of property on  
either side of County Road 510 with FDOT paying all of the costs for the  
improvement. An aerial photo depicting Parcel 100 was displayed.  
No further discussion was had.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Loar, seconded by Commissioner Flescher,  
to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution 2023-012, conveying County  
owned Parcel 100 to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, Commissioner  
Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
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  
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  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, to approve the Solid Waste Disposal District meeting minutes of  
January 31, 2023, and February 7, 2023, as written. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher,  
Commissioner Loar, and Commissioner Moss  
23-0237  
15.B.1.  
Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting Minutes of January 31, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 01312023 SWDD Draft  
Approved  
23-0259  
15.B.2.  
Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2023  
Approve  
Recommended Action:  
Attachments: 02072023 SWDD Draft  
Approved  
23-0291  
15.B.3.  
Solid Waste Assessment and Tipping Fee Rate Study  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends Option 5 as it is written in the staff report  
Attachments: Staff Report  
KCI Technical Memorandum - Rate Study 2022  
Himanshu Mehta, Managing Director of the Solid Waste Disposal District  
(SWDD), explained that the SWDD receives revenue from tipping fees and special  
assessment fees and that the rate structure for those fees had not been updated  
since being established in the year 1995. A thorough study was conducted by  
installing scales on two Waste Management trucks to gather data from different  
sectors in the community. The purpose was to accurately determine the amount of  
waste generated. This waste generation data was utilized by Kessler Consulting,  
Inc. (KCI) to develop scenarios going forward for the next five (5) to ten (10)  
years on how to we make some adjustments to the current fees.  
Chas Jordan, Senior Consultant, KCI, presented background on the SWDD  
assessments, scope of project, methodology, data on waste generation, and  
recommendations. KCI's report recommended both increases and decreases  
which were more closely aligned with the amount of material applied from those  
properties being managed by the landfill. The study also considered the tipping  
fees for the materials coming to the landfill that was not being paid for by  
assessments. Mr. Jordan discussed several rates scenarios based on the study  
data. After analysis, staff recommended Option 5; implementation of  
recommended WGU rates to be applied over a three-year period. This would  
include a revision to the WGU’s of 50 percent of the proposed change in FY  
2024 and the remaining 50% of the change in FY 2027. This scenario also  
implemented the new proposed tipping fees as presented in Scenarios 2 and 3  
with a 3% increase per year in tipping fee rates through the ten-year period. In  
this scenario the impacts of increasing the tipping fees positively impacts the  
reductions in revenue due to the WGU rate change and the fund would not go  
below the minimum fund balance threshold of 35% in the ten-year period.  
A brief discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Jordan regarding some of  
the increased fees on certain items such as tires, illegal dumping, and uncovered  
loads.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, 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  
23-0292  
15.B.4.  
Approval of Engineering Consulting Services Agreement for IRC Landfill and  
Work Order No. 1 to Geosyntec for Segment 3, Cell 3 Engineering Services  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that its Board follow the recommendations listed in the staff  
report  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Agreement  
Geosyntec Work Order No 1  
There was no discussion on this Item.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Adams, 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  
C. Environmental Control Board  
16. ADJOURNMENT  
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:33 pm