INDIAN ASISPNONES OFFICIAL MINUTES REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY,JUNE27,? 2024-9:00AM TOWN OF INDIAN RIVER SHORES 6001 HIGHWAYA1A INDIAN RIVER SHORES, FL 32963  The regular monthly meeting of the Indian River Shores Town Council was held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Council Chambers, 6001 Highway A1A, Indian River Shores. Councilmembers present were Brian Foley, Mayor; Sam Carroll, Vice Mayor; Bob Auwaerter, Councimember; and. James Altieri, Councilmember. Also, present were James Harpring, Town Manager; Heather Christmas, Deputy Town Manager/Town Treasurer; Peter Sweeney,  Town Attorney and Janice C. Rutan, Town Clerk.  1. Call to Order a. Invocation b. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call  Vice Mayor Carroll offered the Invocation. Mayor Foley led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Town Clerk called the  roll. All Councilmembers were present except for Councilmember Smith. 2. Agenda Reordering, Deletions, or Emergency Additions  With no request for reordering, deletions or emergency additions, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Carroll, seconded by Councilmember Altieri, and unanimously passed (4-0) to approve the agenda as presented.  3. rsematon/Podamtons  a. Town Manager- - Health Insurance Update  Town Manager Harpring explained that during preparation for the 2025 budget, staff estimated an increase of 10% for employee health insurance. The renewal came in with a 30% increase. Brown and Brown, the Town's health insurance brokers, had researched seven alternative options and were able to find suitable coverage, maintaining consistency of care and providers at a 17% increase. Manager Harpring explained that the industry wide increases were not unique to the Town of Indian River Shores. One factor for the increase was a regional increase for prescription drugs as well as al high claim amounts. It would be his recommendation that the Town Council approve the FY24-25 Employee Health, Dental and Life Insurance renewal ont the Consent Agenda. He will continuei to pursue other options such as getting undert the County/sumbrella. Inr response to Councilmember. Altieri, ManagerH Harpring responded that he was unaware of a distinct public/private cost differential in health insurance but did note that hel knew age average played ai factor in costs as well as nature of business, i.e., first responders, etc.  Comments From the Public Regarding Agenda Items/s)  None.  4. Consent Agenda  a. Approval of Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes dated April 25, 2024 b. Approval of Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes dated May 13, 2024 Approval of Resolution No. 24-08 Building Department Permit Fees d. Approval of Resolution No. 24-09 Cybersecurity e. Approval of Resolution No. 24-10 Budget Amendment Approval of FY: 24-25 Employee Health, Dental & Life Insurance Approval of Work. Authorization 2024-10 Kimley-Horn Engineering Services  Ar motion was made by Vice Mayor Carroll, seconded by Councilmember Auwaerter, and unanimously passed, (4- 0) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The TownClerk called the roll. All members present voted in the  affirmative.    5. Mayor'sReport  Mayor Foley reminded all that requests for mail in ballots would need to be resubmitted annually and urged those to be sure to reapply for an absentee ballot if they want to vote in the August primary. He suggested that voters visit the Supervisor of Elections website as it has information on early voting as well. He reminded all that He noted the continued road work along A1A. Understanding that the continued road work and heavy equipment crossing the sidewalks resultedi in damage to the sidewalks, her reported Town Manager Harpring was working with The City of Vero Beach had included the Water Quality Reporti in their recent water bills. He noted the report was  government starts at thel local level.  the FDOT to get them repaired as their current state is not aesthetically pleasing for the Town.  worth reading and confirmed safe drinking water.  6. Councilmember Items  a. Councilmember Auwaerter - Sebastian Inlet Bridge Update  Councilmember. Auwaerter presented aj power point presentationtot the Town Council ont the Sebastian Inlet Bridge. The slide show was conclusive with all phases of the project what the finished bridge would look like. He explained in detail the parameters of the project and added that the design included shared use paths for pedestrians and bicycles as well as overlooks. Traffic on the existing bridge will continue throughout construction. He commented  that the design was verywell done. 7. Discussion with Possible or Probable Action  a. Ordinance No.5 570 HB 1379 Comprehensive Plan Change  (Second Reading)  Attorney Sweeney read the title. He noted the adoption of this Ordinance, which amends the Town's Comprehensive Plan, was mandated by the enactment of HB1379. With no public comment the Mayor called fora vote. Ar motion was made by Councilmember. Auwaerter, seconded by' Vice Mayor Carroll, and unanimously passed  (4-0) to approve Ordinance No. 570 on second reading. The Town Clerk called the roll. All present voted int the affirmative.  b. Ordinance No. 572 Stormwater, Erosion, Sedimentation Control  (Second Reading)  Attorney Sweeney read the title. There being no public comment. A motion was made by Councilmember Auwaerter, seconded by Vicel Mayor Carroll, and unanimously passed (4-0)toapprove Ordinance No. 572onsecond  reading.  The Town Clerk called the roll. All present voted int the affirmative. Ordinance No. 573 Cemetery Grave Markers  (First Reading)  Attorney Sweeney read thet title. A motion was made by Councilmember Auwaerter, seconded by' Vice Mayor  Carroll, and unanimously passed (4-0) to approve Ordinance No. 573 oni first reading. The Town Clerk called the roll. Alli in attendance voted in the affirmative.  8. Department Reports a. Building Department No comments. b. Finance Department  Heather Christmas, Town Treasurer/Deputy Town Manager presented the Finance Report. She reported that property values had increased by 13.1 percent. She would have the proposed 2025 budget available for Council review within a week. Councilmember Auwaerter reported that all the Town's pension funds were funded more than 100%. It was confirmed that the increase in property values included the homestead exemption. Discussion followed. Town Treasurer Christmas explained that all ARPA funding had to be obligated by December 31, 2024, but expended by! December of 2026. Mayor Foley noted that the Budget Workshopi inJ Julywoulda allow for sufficient    time to make a final decision on reserves versus rollback. He expressed his appreciation to the Finance Committee Deputy Chief Mark Shaw reported that in support of one oft their own obtaining triple certifications, the entire shift He announced that he had been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Treasure Coast Red Cross. Deputy Chief Shaw next reported on the various frauds taking place in Town that many of our residents have fallen victim to. There was already one arrest and a warrant issued for the gold bar scams. Flyers would be going out to the residents alerting them to the various scams taking place as well as the recent vehicle burglaries. He has been meeting with FDOT about the crosswalk at the 7-11 and has had positive conversations with the lead Discussion followed regarding the scams and car burglaries. Staff will include warnings in the newsletter. Larry Bryant, Director of Public Works was present and reported briefly on the water pressure issue with the COVB reclaimed water. Councilmember Auwaerter expressed his appreciation to Mr. Bryant for returning to work after hours to help clear a tree limb that had fallen off a trailer completely blocking a lane on A1A. He commended Mr. Sergeant Jake Maikrantz addressed the Town Council. He reported on the recent beach lighting survey and its effect on sea turtles. They had found several violations and have issued letters to those properties in violation. He explained that he was working with the residents for compliance and education. He explained the town'sprocess  and looked forward to their comments. Public Safety Department  showed up at the Fire School graduation of Public Safety Officer Stewart.  engineer.  d. Public Works Department  Bryant for his immediate response int taking care of the problem.  e. Code Enforcement Department  and referred to state statute. Discussion followed.  f. Town Clerk None. 9. Town Attorney Report  Attorney! Sweeney updated the Town Council on the bills recently signed by Governor DeSantis. The Vacation Rental bill was still on his desk and if not signed or vetoed, would become effective Jany 2, 2024. Many other bills will become effective. July 1, 2024. Specific to the Vacation rental bill, much of the enforcement would be relegated to the State. The bill allows for the hiring of five inspectors statewide which will render them woefully understaffed. He reported briefly on the passage of HB 729 HOA Associations. He said the bill would limit what the Homeowner Associations can enforce, such as limitation of vehicles, etc. The bill affects only Homeowners Associations and not Town Manager Harpring updated the Town Council on the contract for Solid Waste that will become effective October 2025. The Board of County Commissioners will act on the contract with Waste Management at their July 2, 2024, meeting. He intends to have the matter on the Town's July 25, 2024, Town Council agenda for approval. He will make a full presentation to Council at that time. Right now, they were still looking at the multi-family and roll off rates, however, it looked as though single-family residences will see a substantial decrease in costs going The Pebble Beach paving project in conjunction with the COVB and HB 1379 is moving forward. There will be an  He will keep the Council updated as to the status of the bill. As of July 1, 2024, he will serve as the Chair of the Florida Bar Association.  Condominium Associations. 10. Town Manager Report  from 44.00 per month down to approximately 18.00 per month. 12. Councl/Committee Reports or Non-Action Items  open house held on August 12, 2024, open to Pebble Beach and neighboring residents. a. Call for Committee Reports, Informational Updates or Comments  Mayor Foley reported on the Treasure Coast League of Cities Meeting. He commented that there was a good presentation/ discussion on how to deal with the media offering media training tips. There was also a discussion on Mayor Foley had also attended the Public-School Planning Elected Official Oversight Committee meeting. He reported that Florida is the first state to offer the school voucher program. Although there was an increase in  in-person attendance at meetings.    population, it has not affected school age children or the need to increase capacity of the schools in Indian River Councilmember Auwaerter announced he had attended the Beaches and Shores Committee meeting. The last beach preservation plan had been done in 2019. The part of Sector 3 that was completed did contain a small piece of IRS. The Sector 4 project is moving forward. They were still waiting on the Army Corp of Engineers and for the bids tol bel let. Presently, the committee wasl looking ata a 2024/2025 window fort the project. He announced that Eric Councilmember Auwaerter had attended the MPO meeting where highway priorities were discussed. Route 510 (a He next reported on the City of Vero Beach Utilities Commission meeting that was canceled by the City Attorney due to al lack of quorum even though one oft the members did show up, however, late. They were supposed to talk about the cost oft the new facility which he heard is upwards of 133 million. He remains concerned over their lack Councilmember Auwaerter next reported on the ongoing construction on 37th Avenue by the hospital. The project Andrew Arroyave, Beachcomber Ave: Mr. Arroyave addressed the Town Council. He wanted to make a complaint against a person who he said had questionable business dealings with his mother who is elderly. That person had caused damage to their property. He was looking for community support or assistance in finding someone who could help him manage his rental properties. It was explained that the Council could not advise him in those types ofmatters, however, they suggested Mr. Arroyave meet with Deputy Chief Shaw for his concerns overe elderly abuse  County.  Charest, the County's Beaches, and Shores liaison willl be moving to another department.  former County Road) will be taken over byt the State of Florida.  oft transparency. 13. Call to Audience  has been extremely delayed. He brought it up at the MPO meeting for discussion.  as well as consider hiring legal counsel.  14. Adjournment Approved:  With no further business to come before the Town Council, the meeting adjourned 10:15 a.m.  July25,2024  Janice C.Rutan, Town Clerk  3801