Indian River County Florida  
Indian River County Administration Complex  
1801 27th Street, Building A  
Vero Beach, Florida, 32960-3388  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Tuesday, June 4, 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  
Leslie Swan, Supervisor of Elections  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
William K. DeBraal, County Attorney  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, to approve the Agenda as amended deleting Item 5.B. 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  
5.A.  
Proclamation Honoring David May on his Retirement from Indian River County  
Sheriff's Office  
Recommended Action:  
Read & Present.  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Officer May expressed gratitude for his fulfilling career, particularly his time with the  
School Resource Team, and thanked his wife for her support. Sheriff Flowers  
thanked the Board for recognizing Officer May and Officer Roger Harrington and  
praised Officer May's exceptional contributions. Fellow officers presented Officer  
May with a Challenge Coin and a plaque.  
Read and Presented by Vice Chairman Flescher  
5.B.  
Proclamation Honoring Roger Harrington on his Retirement from Indian River County  
Sheriff's Office  
Recommended Action:  
Read & Present.  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Deleted  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
7.A.  
Event Calendar  
Recommended Action:  
No Action Required  
Attachments: Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Earman, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended pulling Items 8.J., 8.K.,  
8.P., and 8.S. for discussion.The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
8.A.  
8.B.  
8.C.  
8.D.  
Checks and Electronic Payments April 26, 2024 to May 2, 2024  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued by the Comptroller  
Division for the time period of April 26, 2024 to May 2, 2024  
Approved  
Checks and Electronic Payments May 3, 2024 to May 9, 2024  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued by the Comptroller  
Division for the time period of May 3, 2024 to May 9, 2024  
Approved  
Checks and Electronic Payments May 10, 2024 to May 16, 2024  
Recommended Action:  
Approve the list of checks and electronic payments issued by the Comptroller  
Division for the time period of May 10, 2024 to May 16, 2024  
Approved  
Debt Policy Revisions  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the changes  
being proposed to update the County's debt policy  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.E.  
Additional Service #6, Value Engineering Revise Bid Documents - Sparc Design -  
New Clubhouse at Sandridge Golf Club  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends approving Additional Service No. 6 authorizing the $139,980  
increase to the contract with Sparcdesign, and authorizing the Chairman to sign the  
Additional Service #6 on behalf of the Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.F.  
Dori Slosberg Driver Education Safety Act - Indian River County Traffic Education  
Program Trust Fund Report - Cumulative Reporting Through 03/31/24  
Recommended Action:  
Accept the report  
Accepted  
8.G.  
8.H.  
8.I.  
Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ending 03/31/2024  
Accept the report  
Recommended Action:  
Accepted  
Quarterly OPEB Trust Report for Quarter Ending 03/31/2024  
Accept the report  
Recommended Action:  
Accepted  
Quarterly Tourist Development Tax Report for Quarter Ending 03/31/2024  
Accept the report  
Recommended Action:  
Accepted  
8.J.  
Tourist Development Council 2024/2025 Budget Recommendations  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the funding  
amounts recommended by the Tourist Development Council as shown in Table 2 for  
a total allocation of $1,700,631 and authorize the County Attorney to prepare  
standard grant agreements for all funding recipients.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Commissioner Moss raised concerns about the incomplete vetting process for 75% of  
the Tourist Development Council (TDC) budget, which would not be publicly  
reviewed until August 21, 2024. She emphasized the need for proper oversight and  
highlighted the history of funding for the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) dating  
back to 1989. Commissioner Moss stressed the importance of thorough  
accountability and fiduciary responsibility and stated that she would not support this  
recommendation.  
Vice Chairman Flescher provided a detailed explanation regarding the longstanding  
implementation of the tourist tax generation process. He underscored the significance  
of taking into account the economy of scale, pointing out that each night spent by a  
tourist in Indian River County contributes to revenue through a 4-cent tax on "heads  
to beds". He stated last year, the County saw a remarkable increase in revenue,  
exceeding $4 million from this tax alone. Furthermore, he highlighted the Chamber's  
proactive endeavors in promoting the County and extended an invitation to all to  
attend the upcoming meeting, during which the Chamber would present a  
comprehensive overview of their efforts.  
Chairman Adams reminded Commissioner Moss that the Chamber was designated as  
the County's tourism bureau. Although their presentation might not take place until  
August, an application outlining how they intend to spend the allocated funds was  
submitted, as this was a key part of the process. Chairman Adams stated that all the  
necessary information was available for review and included in the packet presented  
to the TDC.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner  
Earman, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
4 -  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, and  
Commissioner Loar  
1 - Commissioner Moss  
8.K.  
General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024 Supplemental Resolution  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the 2024  
Supplemental Resolution, which authorizes the sale and issuance of up to  
$25,000,000 of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Commissioner Earman pulled this item to publicize that the first stage of the General  
Obligation Bonds for the Conservation Bond approved in 2022 had been  
accomplished. The Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP) had reviewed  
seven (7) properties and would move on to the second stage. He stated there were  
17 more properties in the queue for review, making a total of 24 conservation  
properties submitted. He noted that being nominated does not guarantee purchase, as  
owners may not want to sell or may have been nominated without their knowledge.  
Chairman Adams, in a bid to encourage public participation, highlighted the ease of  
the nomination process. She stated that if the public would like to nominate  
properties, they could do so conveniently through the County website.  
There was no further discussion on this Item.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution No. 2024-023,  
supplementing Resolution No. 2023-004 of the County; authorizing the issuance of  
not exceeding $25,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Indian River County,  
Florida General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024, in order to finance the cost of  
acquiring and preserving environmentally sensitive lands and constructing public  
access improvements related thereto within the County; making certain other  
covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance of such bonds;  
providing certain terms and details of such bonds; authorizing the County  
Administrator or the Chief Deputy Comptroller of the County to publish a  
summary notice of sale and to receive bids pursuant to a competitive sale of said  
bonds and award the sale of said bonds to the responsive bidder or bidders  
offering the lowest true interest cost to the County, which shall not exceed five  
percent (5.00%); authorizing the execution and delivery of said bonds; appointing  
the paying agent and registrar with respect to said bonds; approving the  
preparation and use of a summary notice of sale, an official notice of sale, a  
preliminary official statement and final official statement; authorizing the  
electronic dissemination of the preliminary official statement and official  
statement; authorizing the execution and delivery of a continuing disclosure  
certificate; and providing an effective date. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
8.L.  
Partial Release of Regulatory Conservation Easement in Exchange for Substitute  
Mitigation for Lost Tree Village  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the Partial Release  
of Regulatory Conservation Easement in Exchange for Substitute Mitigation, and  
authorize the chairman to sign the document on behalf of the Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.M.  
Approval of FY 2023/2024 EMS County Awards Grant: Purchase of  
Capital/Operating Equipment Using Non-Matching EMS Grant Funds and Grant  
Resolution  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends Approval of the FY 2024/2024 EMS Grant and Resolution to  
purchase the equipment as noted in the attachments. Staff further recommends that the  
Board of County Commissioners authorize the Chairman to execute the necessary  
documents to obtain funds from the Department of Health in the amount of $  
18,251.69 and authorize budget amendments, as required, to receive and expend the  
grant funds. In order to comply with the requirements of this Grant, staff is also seeing  
authorization for the establishment of a unique accounting code designator for all  
County Awards Grant deposits, disbursements, interest accrual and rollover of funds,  
as they are required to be maintained in a separate fund or account for inspection by  
the State EMS Monitoring and Compliance Unit.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2024-024, authorizing the  
application for funding County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) grant awards  
to be submitted to the State of Florida Department of Health, Bureau of  
Emergency Medical Services.  
8.N.  
Approval of Fourth Renewal of Third Amendment of Property Lease for Temporary  
Location of Fire Station #7  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends approval of the fourth renewal of property lease.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.O.  
Property Exchange for Right-of-Way Acquisition, 3890 Old Dixie Highway, Vero  
Beach, FL 32960 & 3900 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, FL 32960, Golden  
Eagle Upholstery Services Corporation  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board authorize the Chairman to execute the Resolution  
adopting the exchange of the property, as well as the Real Estate Exchange  
Agreement on behalf of the Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation and Resolution 2024-025, approving an  
exchange of property with Golden Eagle Upholstery Services Corporation.  
8.P.  
Amendment No. 1 to AtkinsRealis Workorder No. 7 for conceptual design of a  
Stormwater Storage/Treatment Facility  
Recommended Action:  
The recommendation of staff is for the BCC to approve Amendment No. 1 to WO  
No. 7 under the Continuing Contract Agreement for Continuing Engineering Services  
with ATKINSREALIS, and authorize the Chairman to sign the Amendment on behalf  
of the County. Amendment No. 1 represents a no cost reallocation of remaining  
funds on the Workorder for use in exploring potential partnerships on TMDL  
reducing projects.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Commissioner Earman agreed with staff's recommendation to withdraw only a  
minimal amount of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Lagoon. He  
voiced concerns about the cost-effectiveness of a $16.5 million bid for a stormwater  
treatment facility and stressed the need to prioritize stormwater projects. He  
emphasized the importance of bringing these projects to the public's attention and  
making them a priority for the County.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
8.Q.  
Authorization for Staff to Pursue Unexpended Balances in the FDEP’s Hurricane  
Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program  
Recommended Action:  
Pending Governor approval on the revised language contained within HRRGP making  
local governments eligible for unexpended funds, the recommendation of staff is for  
the Board of County Commissioners to authorize Staff to apply for HRRGP funding  
for Sector 4 as soon as the application window opens.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.R.  
Termination of Award of Bid 2024033 - Annual Right-of-Way Mowing  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends the Board terminate the award of Section 4 of Bid 2024033  
Fuller’s Lawn Care, award Section 4 to Brightview Landscape Services for the  
remainder of the initial term, and authorize the Purchasing Manager to renew the  
award at the same rates for two (2) additional one (1) year periods subject to  
satisfactory performance, vendor acceptance, and the determination that renewal of  
this annual bid is in the best interest of Indian River County.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.S.  
School District Request for Resolution Calling for Referendum on the General  
Election Ballot of November 5, 2024  
Recommended Action:  
The County Attorney’s Office recommends that the Board approve the resolution and  
authorize the Chairman to execute the resolution on behalf of the Board.  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Lance Lunceford, President of the Taxpayers Association of Indian River County,  
stated that he believed any decision on any aspect of taxation was consequential to  
the community. He pulled the Item to have it discussed and clarified that it was not an  
effort on his part to block the Resolution but felt that it should be discussed.  
Dr. David Moore, Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Indian River  
County (SDIRC), highlighted the school district's progress and achievements. He  
emphasized the commitment to uphold and improve the school system as promised to  
the community. He stated the district had significantly improved teacher pay rankings  
and had implemented rigorous measures to ensure student safety and technological  
advancement. He mentioned that the SDIRC had also seen substantial improvements  
in state rankings and aimed to continue its upward trajectory. Dr. Moore expressed  
gratitude for the community's support and emphasized the district's dedication to being  
responsible stewards of public funds.  
Vice Chairman Flescher stated that the School Board recommended placing the  
referendum on the November ballot in accordance with the legislation which mandates  
that it be included. He emphasized that this motion aimed to give taxpayers the  
opportunity to make a decision on the matter. He underlined that the Board was not  
advocating for or against the referendum but rather fulfilling a request and ensuring that  
voters had the right to make their own decision for the benefit of the children and the  
future operation of the schools in Indian River County.  
Commissioner Moss stated that she had checked previous to the meeting on how the  
school board had voted on this issue and confirmed it was a unanimous decision on  
this particular matter.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Loar, seconded by Vice Chairman  
Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation and Resolution 2024-026, to call an  
election for a referendum to be placed on the ballot of the general election to be  
held on November 5, 2024. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner  
Moss, and Commissioner Loar  
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
10. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK  
TO THE BOARD  
10.A.1.  
Community Baptist Church, Inc.’s Request for Special Exception Use and Site Plan  
Approval for a K-12 Private School [SP-SE-23-03-10 / 96010103-95990]  
(Quasi-Judicial))  
Recommended Action:  
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners grant special exception  
use and site plan approval for the K-12 private school, with the following conditions:  
1. A formal review of the life safety plan shall be conducted by the Indian River  
County Building Division, and must be approved prior to issuance of a change of  
occupancy permit to convert the existing building into a school. 2. The maximum  
student enrollment shall not exceed 90 students. 3. Any future request to add outdoor  
lighting to the playfield area or to construct new principal use buildings will require a  
new/separate special exception approval (PZC review and BCC approval).  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Chairman Adams introduced the parties for the proceeding as being Indian River  
County and Community Baptist Church, Inc. (Applicant). Each Commissioner, as  
requested by the Chairman, disclosed ex parte communications, site visits, or  
independent investigations. The Commissioners also affirmed that they have an open  
mind and can base their decisions on the evidence presented and the applicable law.  
Chairman Adams stated that she had received a phone call from Jeff Klein, who had  
expressed his concerns about the project. He was invited to the hearing so he could  
convey those concerns.  
The Deputy Clerk administered the Oath to all persons who wished to speak.  
Patrick Murphy, Senior Planner, Current Development, stated that Community  
Baptist Church, Inc. sought approval to convert a 4,000-square-foot building into a  
K-12 private school. Mr. Murphy, using a PowerPoint presentation, showcased the  
site, which was located at 12534 Roseland Road and currently has a church, parking  
facilities, a pastor’s residence, and accessory buildings. The proposed school would  
have nine classrooms, offices, and bathroom facilities with a maximum capacity of 90  
students. No additional parking would be required as existing parking was sufficient  
for the school and the church.  
The presentation included a detailed traffic circulation plan, which featured a  
full-movement driveway connection to Roseland Road. Minor enhancements to turn  
flares were also suggested to improve traffic flow. Traffic Engineering and Fire  
Prevention approved the plan to ensure smooth vehicle flow. As the school was not  
expected to generate high traffic volume, a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) was deemed  
unnecessary. Additionally, no offsite traffic improvements, such as turn lanes, were  
required or proposed.  
Mr. Murphy explained that the project's stormwater management design included a  
main system consisting of four interconnected areas that direct stormwater runoff into  
the system. He stated the applicant was not proposing additional impervious areas, no  
expansion or improvements were required. The landscaping plan for the project site  
had a mix of trees, including several large oaks. The County's Environmental Planning  
staff approved the plan, noting that the densely vegetated southwest side of the  
property would serve as a buffer from the neighboring residential area, and no existing  
trees would be removed.  
Mr. Murphy stated that at its regular meeting on May 9, 2024, the Planning and  
Zoning Commission (PZC) had voted 7-0 to recommend the Board grant special  
exception use and site plan approval with the conditions recommended by staff.  
The Chairman opened the Public Hearing.  
Pastor John Stevens shared that he felt a divine calling to establish a school at  
Community Baptist Church. He recognized the community's need for private  
education, and the church was committed to providing this option. He highlighted the  
church's involvement in numerous community outreach initiatives.  
Roseland resident Jeff Klein stated he strongly supported the school but was deeply  
concerned about the potential increase in traffic. He recommended that students be  
dropped off from 512 instead of US1 Highway 1. Additionally, he felt the County  
should take measures to address the deep swales, emergency vehicle congestio