Indian River County

Administration Complex

1801 27th Street, Building

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, May 11, 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

Pastor Alex Pappas, Ocean's Unite Lutheran Church

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Jason Brown, County Administrator

4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS

A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Moss,

to approve the 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

5. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

21-0499

5.A.

Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Nancy Mossali on Her Retirement From

Indian River County Board of County Commissioners Office of County Attorney with

Thirty-Five Years of Service

Attachments: Proclamation

Commissioner Adams read and presented the Proclamation to Ms. Nancy Mossali,

and congratulated her on her retirement following thirty-five years with the County

Attorney's office.

Each Commissioner, in turn, thanked Ms. Mossali for her time and commitment to

County staff. County Attorney Dylan Reingold expressed the highest praise for the

talent and knowledge she brought to the County, and also for the wonderful person

she is. County Administrator Jason Brown added his appreciation for Ms. Mossali's

accuracy and professionalism, and thanked her for always serving the community with

excellence. Deputy County Attorney Bill DeBraal, who shared memories from their

many years of working together, suggested that Ms.Nancy Mossali should have a

street named after her.

Read and Presented

21-0504

5.B.

Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing May 09-15, 2021 as National Police

Week and May 15, 2021 as Peace Officers Memorial Day

Attachments: Proclamation

Chairman Flescher read and presented the Proclamation to Indian River County

Sheriff Eric Flowers, Deputy Chief Lonnie Rich, Deputy Chief Milo Thornton,

Captain Kent Campbell, and Undersheriff Thomas Raulen. Sheriff Flowers

expressed to the Board his appreciation for the honor.

Read and Presented

21-0488

5.C.

Presentation of Proclamation Designating May 9 Through May 15, 2021, As

Economic Development Week In Indian River County

Attachments: Proclamation

Commissioner O'Bryan read and presented the Proclamation to Helene Caseltine,

Economic Development Director with the Indian River County Chamber of

Commerce (the Chamber). Ms. Caseltine, who was accompanied by volunteers,

investors, and staff, spoke of the Chamber's accomplishments over the years, and

thanked the Commission for their continued support.

Read and Presented

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

7. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM STAFF OR COMMISSIONERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD

ACTION

8. CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Moss,

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

21-0503

8.A.

Declaration of Unity of Title for County Owned Property Known as the Hallstrom

Farmstead Conservation Area

Attachments: Staff Report

Declaration of Unity of Title

Exhibit "A" to Declaration of Unity of Title

Request for Parcel Combination

Approved staff's recommendation

9. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

21-0505

9.A.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers re: Financial Items

Attachments: Memo to Board

Hayes Construction

Thompson's Remodeling

Plexi-Chemie

Sheriff Eric Flowers addressed the Board to discuss financial items that involved

reallocating and/or expending funds. He referred to his memorandum dated May 5,

2021, to detail his request. The Board had no questions for Sheriff Flowers.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Chairman Flescher,

to approve the Sheriff's request to have $100,000 reallocated from within the

Capital Improvement Plan to fund a kitchen floor improvement project; $55,502

expended from the DEA Equitable Sharing Fund to equip the Special

Investigations Unit; and $30,000 expended from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund

to purchase additional law enforcement protective equipment. The motion

carried by the following vote:

5 -

Aye:

Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner

Earman, and Commissioner Moss

10. PUBLIC ITEMS

A. PUBLIC HEARINGS

PROOF OF PUBLICATION OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE HEARING

IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD

21-0496

10.A.1.

Request from Turbo Transport Services LLC for a Class "E" Certificate of Public

Convenience and Necessity to provide Wheelchair transports originating from

Indian River County - Administrative

Attachments: Staff Report

COPCN Application

Emergency Services Chief Tad Stone referred to staff's memorandum dated May

4, 2021, to present the Board with an application for a Certificate of Public

Convenience and Necessity (COPCN).

Mr. Shardy Sauveur, representing Turbo Transport Services, LLC, addressed the

Board via Zoom to provide his company's credentials.

Chairman Flescher opened the public hearing.

There being no speakers, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

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

B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS

21-0495

10.B.1.

Request to Speak from Connie Clark re: Utility Bill at 4776 34 Ave

Attachments: Public Discussion Request Clark

Director of Utility Services Vincent Burke provided the Board with an overview

of the item involving a proposed payment plan to clear up consumption charges,

an unpaid sewer impact fee loan, and penalty and interest charges for three (3)

accounts on parcels of property owned by the now deceased Ms. Odessa Clark.

Per the guidance of County Attorney Dylan Reingold, Director Burke made it

clear that prior to drawing up a payment plan, Ms. Connie Clark, daughter of the

late Ms. Odessa Clark, would be required to work through the legal process of

changing ownership of the properties to a family member.

Ms. Connie Clark was present to answer questions from the Board. She

responded to Vice Chairman O'Bryan's inquiry that although a 12-month payment

plan dollar amount would not be feasible, she agreed to a 36-month payment plan

to satisfy the base dollar amount plus 10% of the interest and penalties that were

owed to the County to avoid foreclosure action.

Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Jeffrey R. Smith recommended that

Ms. Clark contact the Civil Department Supervisor, Ms. Linda Bickford, to

discuss the legal process involving estates and transferring property ownership.

Mr. Smith also provided contact information to Ms. Clark, and he agreed to do

what he could to move the process along swiftly to avoid foreclosure action.

The Board reached consensus to grant a 180-day extension on the

foreclosure action at 4776 34th Avenue, and to direct staff to work with Ms.

Connie Clark on a 36-month payment plan agreement to collect fees that

were due to the County.

C. PUBLIC NOTICE ITEMS

11. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MATTERS

12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS

A. Community Development

B. Emergency Services

C. General Services

D. Human Resources

21-0492

12.D.1.

Addition of Surgery Plus Benefit as Optional Benefit for Individuals Insured on the

County's Group Health Plan

Attachments: Staff Report

Proposal Overview

Sample Agreement - City of Sebring

Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll referred to staff's memorandum dated

May 2, 2021, to discuss the SurgeryPlus Benefit, which would realize an

estimated annual cost savings of $298,000-$695,000 to the County's Health

Plan. She made it clear that all covered members would be eligible for the $0

out-of-pocket cost benefit, and they would also have the option to continue

utilizing the Florida Blue network.

Vice Chairman O'Bryan requested to see a list of physicians and hospitals that

were participating in the SurgeryPlus network, and he inquired about why

surgeons would accept a lesser dollar amount for their services.

Ryan Burke, SurgeryPlus representative, explained that the list of providers and

hospitals in the Surgeons of Excellence network could only be provided to Human

Resources until the County signed on to be their client. Regarding the Vice

Chairman's inquiry about surgeons agreeing to a lesser payment, Mr. Burke stated

that the limited number of providers in the network was an advantage that would

lead to the specialist being chosen more frequently. He included that the

providers were paid efficiently, within 10 days of performing the surgery. Mr.

Burke went over the process a member would experience if they were in need of

surgery, pointing out that a care advocate would be assigned to arrange

everything necessary for the member.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner

Earman, 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

21-0497

12.D.2.

Medical and Pharmacy Benefit - Recommendations for Plan Year 2021/22

Attachments: Staff Report

Pharmacy PBM Marketing Savings Summary

Suzanne Boyll, Human Resources Director, referred to staff's memorandum dated

May 3, 2021, while providing a detailed overview of the medical and pharmacy

benefit changes for the year 2021/2022. She included the plan's performance

through March 2021 to project the additional funding that would be needed. Ms.

Boyll presented two (2) options for consideration: Option 1, staff's

recommendation, which included a contribution increase to the employer and to

the employees enrolled in the Premier Gold plans; and Option 2, which included

an increase to the employer contribution only.

Discussion ensued among members of the Board, with Commissioner Earman

recommending approval of Option 2, a $0 increase for all members, and a $0

increase for retirees. If Option 2 could not be agreed upon by the Commission,

he suggested an increase to only the members enrolled in the Premier Gold and

Silver Single plans. Vice Chairman O'Bryan was in favor of Option 1, but added

that the retiree contribution increase should be smaller than the employee

contribution increase. Chairman Flescher and Commissioner Moss supported the

recommendation made by Commissioner Earman.

Director Boyll provided clarification as to how the retiree rates were established.

County Administrator Jason Brown addressed the retiree subsidy and

contribution amounts, and he relayed his concern for future rates.

Chairman Flescher opened the floor for public comment; there were no speakers.

Vice Chairman O'Bryan pointed out that due to the formula used to calculate the

retiree contribution amount, an increase to the employer contribution would

automatically increase the retiree contribution. Commissioner Earman indicated

that he understood and made it clear that he was in favor of a $0 increase for

everyone involved, including the employer.

A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Chairman

Flescher, to approve the Medical and Pharmacy Benefits for Plan Year

2021-22 with a $0 increase to the contribution from the employer, the

employee, and the retiree. The motion carried by the following vote:

3 - Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss

2 - Vice Chairman O'Bryan, and Commissioner Adams

Aye:

Nay:

Chairman Flescher called for a recess at 10:44 a.m., and reconvened the meeting at

10:59 a.m., with all members present.

21-0498

12.D.3.

Results of Employer Clinic Survey and Next Steps

Attachments: Staff Report

Clinic Survey Results

Lockton Clinic Proposal

Human Resources Director Suzanne Boyll referred to staff's memorandum dated May

4, 2021, as she read the results of the Indian River Employer Clinic Interest Survey,

which had been sent to County employees as well as employees of the Constitutional

Offices.

Chairman Flescher acknowledged the employee interest in having the option to visit a

clinic, however he pointed out the difficulty involved with employees providing

responses without knowing more of the relevant details. He made mention that the

employer clinic for the School District of Indian River County (the District) was slow

in the beginning but had since resulted in a cost and time savings for the employees,

and a reduction in costs for the District.

Commissioner Earman discussed the obstacles of offering a new option to employees,

yet he agreed that an employer sponsored clinic could be successful. He inquired

about retirees who were enrolled in the County's plan also being eligible to utilize the

clinic.

Ms. Boyll responded that upon Board approval of further evaluation by Lockton

Companies, decisions would have to be made regarding the inclusion of use by

retirees, the hours of operation, where the clinic would be located, etc.

Although supportive of further evaluation, Vice Chairman O'Bryan stated that a large

number of employees were concerned the plan costs and employee contributions

would increase if an employer sponsored clinic was offered; he asked Ms. Boyll to

relay the concern to Lockton Companies.

Commissioner Moss added that her only concern was that the clinic would be a

"money pit."

A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman Flescher,

to approve further evaluation of an employer sponsored clinic by Lockton

Companies at a cost of $75,000. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Aye:

Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner

Earman, and Commissioner Moss

21-0500

13.A.

Children’s Services Dedicated Millage

Attachments: Staff Report

Children's Services Dedicated Millage

County Attorney Dylan Reingold referred to staff's memorandum dated April 29,

2021, to discuss moving forward with putting the Children's Services Dedicated

Millage up for consideration by the voters as a referendum on the November 8, 2022

ballot. He provided an overview of the draft ordinance, which included the areas of

expertise desired for establishing the 15 member Children's Trust Advisory Board

(Advisory Board), and the funding schedule for the 12 years the Children's Trust

would be in effect. Attorney Reingold made mention that the municipalities would be

asked to approve the referendum prior to moving it forward. He requested that the

Board provide him with further direction regarding changes to the proposed draft

ordinance.

Chairman Flescher inquired if there was an alternative to pursuing the approval of the

municipalities. Attorney Reingold responded that he had researched the matter and

was not aware of an alternative if the Board wanted a separate line item on the tax

roll. Attorney Reingold added that he would gladly accompany the Children's Trust

representatives when meeting with the municipalities.

Vice Chairman O'Bryan pointed out that all municipalities did not have to approve the

referendum to have it placed on the ballot. He then offered clarification as to how the

line item would appear on the tax roll and the transparency it would provide to the

taxpayer.

Jeffery R. Smith, accompanied by fellow members of the Children's Trust Exploratory

Committee (the Exploratory Committee), thanked the Commissioners, Attorney

Reingold, and County Administrator Jason Brown for meeting individually with them

and for providing valuable ideas and support. He reported that the Exploratory

Committee had received positive input from individuals throughout the County. Mr.

Smith also discussed transparency and the benefits of generating the funding by way

of a line item on the tax roll. He then suggested changes to the qualifications of two

(2) of the proposed Advisory Board members: 1) Proposed Member #14 would not

be limited to only an Accountant, the member could be a certified financial expert; and

2) Proposed Member #13 should be replaced with an additional Member-at-Large,

due to the perception of involving a member from the Taxpayers' Association Board.

Michael Kent, also representing the Exploratory Committee, expressed gratitude to

the Board and County staff for the collaborated effort to better care for the kids of the

community. He requested consideration for not only the change to the proposed

Advisory Board members, but also to the 12-year funding schedule by proposing a

two (2) step phase-in that would provide for 2/8 or 1/4 (0.2500) of a mill for the

initial four (4) years, and 3/8 (0.3750) of a mill for the remaining eight (8) years.

Vice Chairman O'Bryan suggested that the proposed 14th member of the Advisory

Board could be an Accountant, a Certified Financial Officer, a Certified Financial

Planner, or a person with proven financial experience. He agreed with replacing

proposed Member #13 with an additional Member-at-Large person to keep 15

voting members on the Advisory Board, as proposed in the draft ordinance. He was

also in favor of the two (2) step phase-in with the initial four (4) years at .2500 of a

mill and the remaining eight (8) years at .3750 of a mill.

A discussion ensued when Commissioner Earman, who fully supported the dedicated

millage, mentioned that he was also open to putting a one (1) mill cap on the funding.

Vice Chairman O'Bryan advised that dedicated millage would allow the Advisory

Board to know the amount of funding available each year. Mr. Smith again

addressed the Board to state that per Florida Statutes, they were limited to 0.5000 of

a mill, and after the Exploratory Committee considered the options, dedicated millage

was the preferred method of funding. Administrator Brown provided Commissioner

Earman with a recap of the more recent adjustments to the Children's Services

funding. Each of the Commissioners stated their support for the dedicated millage

referendum.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner

Adams, to approve staff's recommendation with the following changes: 1) To the

15 member Children's Trust Advisory Board: a) Member #14 will be an

Accountant, a Certified Financial Officer, a Certified Financial Planner, or a

person with proven financial experience; b) Member #13, proposed to represent

the Taxpayers' Association of Indian River County, will be deleted; and c) an

additional Member-at-Large will be added, bringing the number to two (2)

at-large voting members; and 2) Funding for the Children's Trust will be based

on a two (2) step phase-in, an ad valorem tax of 0.2500 of a mill for the initial four

(4) years, and 0.3750 of a mill for the remaining eight (8) years. The motion

carried by the following vote:

5 -

Aye:

Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner

Earman, and Commissioner Moss

14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS

A. Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman

B. Commissioner Peter D. O'Bryan, Vice Chairman

C. Commissioner Susan Adams

21-0501

14.C.1.

Approval of Special Rate for Use of the Fairgrounds Following Events at

Sandridge Golf Club

Attachments: Commissioners Memo

Commissioner Adams introduced a special rate for groups renting the Indian

River County Fairgrounds in conjunction with an event at Sandridge Golf Club

(Sandridge). She noted that the special rate would only be effective if the

clubhouse could not accommodate the number of people attending the festivities

that followed a golf outing, and it would sunset upon completion of the Sandridge

Clubhouse Addition Project. Commissioner Adams recommended a special rate

of 75% of the non-profit rate, but upon question by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, she

agreed that the same discounted rate could be applied to for-profit group events.

Assistant County Administrator Mike Zito was in favor of including for-profit

groups when setting the special rate, however he noted that most events held at

Sandridge were purposed to benefit a charity.

A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Chairman

Flescher, to approve a special rate equivalent to 75% of the non-profit rental

rate and 75% of the for-profit rental rate for events at the Indian River County

Fairgrounds when booked in conjunction with an event at Sandridge Golf

Club, with a sunset date upon completion of the Sandridge Clubhouse

Addition Project. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Aye:

Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams,

Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss

D. Commissioner Joseph H. Earman

E. Commissioner Laura Moss

15. SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS

A. Emergency Services 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.

B. Solid Waste Disposal District

21-0493

15.B.1.

Final Pay CCNA2018 WO No. 7 to Geosyntec for One Year of Groundwater

Monitoring/Reporting and Related Consulting Services at the Former South

Gifford Road Landfill

Attachments: Staff Report

Project Completion Report and Final Invoice

There was no discussion on this item.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner

Adams, 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, Chairman Flescher adjourned the meeting at 12:05

p.m.