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  
Chairman, Joseph E. Flescher, District 2  
Vice Chairman, Peter D. O'Bryan, District 4  
Commissioner Susan Adams, District 1  
Commissioner Joseph H. Earman, District 3  
Commissioner Laura Moss, District 5  
Jason E. Brown, County Administrator  
Dylan Reingold, County Attorney  
Jeffrey R. Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller  
Tuesday, January 12, 2021  
9:00 AM  
Commission Chambers  
1. CALL TO ORDER  
5 -  
Present:  
Chairman Joseph Flescher  
Vice Chairman Peter O'Bryan  
Commissioner Susan Adams  
Commissioner Joe Earman  
Commissioner Laura Moss  
2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF  
THE ARMED FORCES  
2.B. INVOCATION  
Jeff Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller  
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Commissioner Laura Moss  
4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS  
Added: Presentation of Proclamation Honoring David C. Morgan, County Judge,  
19th Judicial Circuit  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman  
O'Bryan, to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS  
21-0161  
5.1.A.  
Presentation of Proclamation Honoring David C. Morgan, County Judge, 19th  
Judicial Circuit  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Judge Morgan was joined by his family as he accepted the Proclamation from  
Commissioner Adams. Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Jeff Smith, along  
with the Commissioners, recounted highlights from the Judge's 40-year career.  
Read and Presented  
21-0117  
5.A.  
Presentation of Proclamation Honoring "For The Love Of Paws" Senior Pet  
Sanctuary  
Attachments: Proclamation  
Chairman Flescher read and presented the Proclamation to Ted Pankiewicz, Jr., who  
founded For the Love of Paws in memory of his late wife, Jessica. Mr. Pankiewicz  
was joined by his family and volunteers as he thanked the Board for recognizing the  
organization's efforts on behalf of the County's elderly pet owners.  
Read and Presented  
21-0142  
5.B.  
Florida Half Century (FHC) Softball Tournament, Indian River County, Florida,  
January 16-17, 2021--presented by Mr. Mike Knowles, Chairman of the Florida  
Half Century Amateur Softball Association  
Kevin Kirwin, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources, presented his  
department's "Return to Play" initiative which outlined steps to reopen youth activities,  
sports and leagues.  
Rick Hatcher, Executive Director, Treasure Coast Sports Commission, discussed  
plans to safely resume sports tourism in Indian River County. A recap of events and  
their economic impact was presented.  
Mike Knowles, Chairman, Half Century Amateur Softball Association, encouraged  
spectators to attend the Florida Half Century Softball tournament on January 16-17,  
2021. He added that this was the first time the event would be held in Indian River  
County.  
Presented  
21-0141  
5.C.  
2020 Conservation Lands Program Update  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Beth Powell, Assistant Director, Parks and Conservation Resources, provided an  
update of the conservation lands projects under construction or recently completed.  
Ms. Powell encouraged the public to virtually attend the Conservation Lands Webinar  
Series at IRCrec.com.  
Presented  
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD  
ACTION  
21-0116  
7.A.  
Proclamation Honoring Sandra Wright on Her Retirement From Indian River County  
Board of County Commissioners Office of County Attorney with Thirty-Two Years  
of Service  
Attachments: Proclamation  
County Attorney Dylan Reingold highlighted Ms. Wright's contributions to the County  
during her 32-year career.  
No Action Taken or Required  
8. CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
21-0134  
21-0146  
8.A.  
8.B.  
Checks and Electronic Payments December 18, 2020 to December 24, 2020  
Attachments: Finance Department Staff Report  
Approved  
Public Official Bond for Carole Jean Jordan, as Tax Collector  
Attachments: Public Official Bond - Carole Jean Jordan  
Public Official Bond - Carole Jean Jordan  
Approved  
21-0126  
8.C.  
Approval of Extension of Memorandum of Understanding between Humane Society  
Vero Beach & Indian River County Florida Inc., and the Indian River County Board  
of County Commissioners  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Extension of MOU for Animal Shelter Services  
Approved staff's recommendation  
21-0131  
8.D.  
Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement between Indian River County and the  
Florida Division of Emergency Management for use of a WeatherSTEM Station  
Attachments: Staff Report  
MOA FDEM-Agency for WeatherSTEM Weather Station  
Approved staff's recommendation  
21-0133  
8.E.  
FDOT Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) Agreement and Resolution  
Authorizing the Chairman's Signature for Construction and Engineering Inspection  
(CEI) Services Resurfacing 69th Street from 66th Avenue to SR5/US-1, Project No.  
IRC-1639, FM No. 438073-1-54-01  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Indian River County Grant Form  
Authorizing Resolution  
FDOT SCOP Agreement  
Approved Resolution 2021-005, authorizing the Chairman’s execution of Small  
County Outreach Program (SCOP) agreement with the Florida Department of  
Transportation for construction and CEI (resurfacing) of 69th Street from 66th  
Avenue to SR5/US-1.  
21-0144  
21-0145  
8.F.  
Renewal of Agreement with John Brown & Sons, Inc. for Natural Areas and Exotic  
Vegetation Management/Mowing - Bid Number 2019007  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Renewal of Agreement  
Approved staff's recommendation  
8.G.  
Resolution Cancelling Taxes on Property Purchased for Public Purpose:  
Right-Of-Way for 58th Avenue Improvements from Manzul Rahim, an unmarried  
man  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Resolution  
Approved Resolution 2021-006, cancelling certain taxes upon publicly owned  
lands, pursuant to Section 196.28, Florida Statutes. (Rahim)  
9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES  
10. PUBLIC ITEMS  
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS  
C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS  
County Attorney Dylan Reingold read the Public Notices into the record.  
20-2222  
10.C.1.  
Public Notice of Public Hearing Scheduled for January 19, 2021 to Consider  
Adoption of an Ordinance re Face Covering Requirements and Exceptions -  
LEGISLATIVE  
Attachments: Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
21-0120  
10.C.2.  
10.C.3.  
Notice of Scheduled Public Hearing for January 19, 2021 Board Meeting to  
Consider a Proposed Land Development Regulation Amendment to Chapter 904  
(Nonconformities) - Legislative  
Attachments: Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
21-0137  
Notice of Scheduled Public Hearing for January 19, 2021 Board Meeting to  
Consider Miscellaneous Budget Amendment 005  
Attachments: Staff Report  
No Action Taken or Required  
The Chairman called for a recess at 10:12 a.m., and reconvened the meeting at 10:21  
a.m., with all members present.  
11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS  
21-0155  
11.A.  
Provide Update Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations  
County Administrator Jason Brown reported on the COVID vaccination efforts in  
Indian River County. In his report, he reviewed Governor Ron DeSantis' Executive  
Order (EO 20-315) regarding who was able to receive the vaccine, and noted that  
the County's biggest challenge was the limited number of vaccines available.  
Administrator Brown told of staff's efforts to make improvements to the registration  
process with new software that would include a wait list option and appointments via  
lottery or first-come, first-served basis.  
Public Health Officer Miranda Hawker provided information regarding vaccinations  
for healthcare workers, the plan to administer second doses, and the difficulty of  
establishing a schedule with so few vaccines to provide.  
Discussion ensued among Commissioners regarding the public's requests for a more  
effective registration system, and the need for patience from the community.  
Following discussion, the Board reached consensus to direct the County  
Administrator to continue researching a system that would allow residents to register  
on a wait list for a vaccination appointment. Staff was directed to consider operating  
the appointment wait list either on a first-come, first-served basis or as a lottery  
system, as the vaccines become available.  
Board Reached Consensus  
12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS  
A. Community Development  
B. Emergency Services  
C. General Services  
D. Human Resources  
E. Information Technology  
21-0148  
12.E.1.  
End Point Protection (EPP) / End Point Detection & Response (EDR) and  
Managed Detection & Response Procurement Recommendation  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Information Technology Director Dan Russell indicated the October 22, 2020  
cyber-attack on the County's network exposed the need for upgraded software  
to assist with detection and response to future cyber-attacks. He presented a  
comparison of the software options and costs, and concluded with staff's  
recommendation.  
Under discussion, the Board and staff received additional information regarding  
the strength of the new software, and expressed support for the IT Department's  
crisis response and their recommended solution.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner  
Moss, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams,  
Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
F. Office of Management and Budget  
G. Public Works  
H. Utilities Services  
13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS  
21-0147  
13.A.  
2021 Committees Vacancies  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Vacancies List - Info Only  
County Attorney Dylan Reingold requested the Board's consideration of applicants to  
fill the 2021 Committee Vacancies. The Commissioners discussed and decided to  
vote on each committee's nominees separately.  
Regarding the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), Attorney Reingold  
noted that there were no qualified applicants for the vacancies. The Board noted that  
the Planning and Zoning Commission members may have suggestions for a suitable  
candidate. Following this discussion, the Board reached a consensus to allow  
members of the Planning and Zoning Commission to choose the most qualified  
candidate to serve as their representative on the Affordable Housing Advisory  
Committee.  
Board Reached Consensus  
Walter Thomas Jerkins, Jr. was brought forth as the only applicant for the position of  
"Citrus Representative" on the Agriculture Advisory Committee (AAC). Vice  
Chairman O'Bryan expressed concern with the nominee based on his performance in  
past negotiations, and possible conflict of interest with ongoing development projects.  
As Commissioner Liaison to the AAC, Commissioner Adams suggested postponing  
the vote in consideration of a reevaluation of the structure of the AAC to reflect the  
changes in the County's agriculture business. The Commissioners and County  
Attorney Dylan Reingold agreed to collaborate on the revisions, and return to the  
Board with their recommendations.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman  
O'Bryan, to waive recommendations for the open "Citrus Representative"  
position, and directed the County Attorney to work with Commissioner Adams on  
recommendations for a revised Agriculture Advisory Committee structure. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner  
Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
Two candidates for the position of "BCC Appointee" to the Beach and Shore  
Preservation Advisory Committee (BSPAC), Bob Auwaerter and David L. Cox,  
appeared before the Board to discuss their qualifications.  
The Board received additional information from the candidates on their experience  
and education.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Vice Chairman  
O'Bryan, to appoint David L. Cox as the "BCC Appointee" to the Beach and Shore  
Preservation Advisory Committee. The motion carried by the following vote:  
4 -  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, and  
Commissioner Moss  
1 - Commissioner Earman  
The Commissioners each in turn discussed and advocated for their choice to fill the  
position of "Member-at-Large" on the Children's Services Advisory Committee  
(CSAC) before agreeing on a candidate.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman  
O'Bryan, to appoint Susan Blaxill-Deal as the "Member-At-Large" to the  
Children's Services Advisory Committee. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
4 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, and  
Commissioner Moss  
1 - Commissioner Earman  
Nay:  
Board discussion turned to the unfilled seats on the County's Committees which  
required candidates with specific qualifications: Code Enforcement Board (CEB) -  
Architect; Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals (CBAA) - Mechanical  
Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, and Architect; and Economic Development Council  
(EDC) - Representative from Local Tourist Industry.  
County Attorney Dylan Reingold offered clarification on the regulations regarding  
these positions, and noted that there was some flexibility in the Committee's structure  
should a qualified candidate not be available. The Board reached consensus to direct  
Attorney Reingold to return with information regarding loosening, clarifying, and  
possibly modifying the way Committees were set up.  
Vice Chairman O'Bryan then sought and received clarification on the role of  
Committee alternates. Following discussion with Attorney Reingold, the Board  
reached consensus to direct staff to have alternate Committee members attend  
meetings in place of any unfilled position, regardless of qualifications.  
Board Reached Consensus  
14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS  
A. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman  
B. Commissioner Peter D. O'Bryan, Vice Chairman  
C. Commissioner Susan Adams  
D. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman  
E. Commissioner Laura Moss  
15. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS  
A. Emergency Services District  
B. Solid Waste Disposal District  
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.  
21-0129  
15.B.1.  
Approval of Minutes Final Budget Hearing of September 23, 2020  
Attachments: 09232020 SWDD Final Budget Hearing_Draft  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner  
Adams, to approve the Final Budget Hearing Minutes of September 23, 2020  
as written. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams,  
Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
21-0138  
15.B.2.  
Final Pay for Bid 2020027 - Old Dixie Highway-Landfill Wetland Mitigation Site  
Perimeter Fencing  
Attachments: Staff Report  
Change Order #1  
Final Pay Invoice  
Vice Chairman O'Bryan received clarification from Director of Utility Services  
Vincent Burke regarding the property's prior use for wetland mitigation, and the  
possibility of converting the lot into conservation land.  
A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Chairman  
Flescher, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
5 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams,  
Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss  
C. Environmental Control Board  
16. ADJOURNMENT  
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.