Attendee Name	Title	Status	Arrived
Robin Fisher	Chairman / Commissioner District 1	Present
Chuck Nelson	Commissioner District 2	Present
Trudie Infantini	Commissioner District 3	Present
Mary Bolin	Commissioner District 4	Present
Andy Anderson	Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5	Present

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INVOCATION

The Invocation was given by Rocky Hambrick, Rockledge church of the Nazarene, Rockledge.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Commissioner Andy Anderson led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Board approved the April 19, 2011, Regular Meeting Minutes. 

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM I.I., RESOLUTION, RE:  RECOGNIZING SCOTTY CULP’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Commissioner Bolin read aloud a resolution recognizing Scotty Culp's 90th birthday.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-092, recognizing Scotty Culp's 90th birthday; and encouraged those whose lives she has touched to celebrate with her in this proud moment.

 

Scotty Culp thanked Commissioner Bolin for the invitation to come before the Board, and all the publicity in the FloridaTODAY.  She stated she is going to be busy doing what she does, which is helping others working at the school; and doing her writing with a typewriter.  She added, she is proud to have with her, Police Chief, Lionel Cote and City Manager, Michael Crotty; and she loves all the people who make up Satellite Beach.   

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM I.A., RESOLUTION, RE:  PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2011 AS HURRICANE AWARENESS MONTH

Howard Tipton, County Manager, read aloud a resolution proclaiming the Month of May 2011 as Hurricane Awareness Month.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-093, as Hurricane Awareness Month and May 22 - 28, 2011, as Hurricane Awareness Week; urged the cooperation of the National Weather Service, all municipalities, School Board of Brevard County, businesses and industry, homeowners associations, condominium associations, manufactured home parks, motel and hotel owners associations in Brevard County, and all media in their efforts to inform the residents and visitors of Brevard County on appropriate awareness, preparedness, and safety measures; and these hurricane awareness steps should include participation in the National Hurricane Awareness Week, and for every person to the best of their ability create a hurricane survival kit, create a family hurricane plan, and to participate in a hurricane preparedness seminar.

 

Ron Ricci, Emergency Management Office, thanked the Commission for its support, and stated emergency preparedness in Brevard County is a very big thing; there are many hazards in the County; and it is very critical all residents have a plan, especially trying to help the people that do not have a plan and cannot help themselves. 

 

Dave Sharp, National Weather Service Science Officer, stated Brevard County finds itself on the threshold of another hurricane season, and as such, one is reminded of the devastating effects that such natural disaster can have upon an area; in 2004, 2005, and 2008 seasons to recall the devastating effects that high wind, storm surge, flooding rain, and tornados can all upon the State of Florida.  He added, although the official forecast is not out yet, indications are, from early words, it is indeed trending towards the weak La Nina, and what that means is one can expect an above normal hurricane season, which means it is apt to be busy this year.  He explained the key to all of this is preparedness, and a particular seasonal preparedness, and as such, he is very happy to be in a league and in strong partnership with Brevard County Emergency Management towards the advocation of disaster planning and preparation, and in particular disaster preparedness kits for families and for businesses.    

 

Mr. Tipton stated for those in the community that have been here a while situations do change; and the recent opening of the Pineda Causeway provides a much improved evacuation route off of the beaches getting onto I-95, and out of the danger zone.  He added, even if one has been here a while, things do change and it is good to check and see what is new; and in terms of the Pineda Causeway, is a great addition to Brevard's hurricane safety plans.       

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM I.B., RESOLUTION, RE:  PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 15 - MAY 21, 2011, AS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

Commissioner Fisher read aloud a resolution proclaiming the Week of May 15 - May 21, 2011, as National Public Works Week.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-094, proclaiming the Week of May 15 - May 21, 2011, as National Public Works Week in Brevard County. 

 

John Denninghoff, Public Works Director, spoke on behalf of Solid Waste, Public Works, Facilities Department, Utility Services, and the Stormwater Program.  He stated everyone tries to quietly go about their work and to provide services to the citizens of the community; everyone is constantly looking for ways to improve and get the most of the money and resources it has; and the County is strained right now on funds, but they forge ahead and do the very best they can for a wonderful community. 

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM I.C., RESOLUTION RE:  PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 23 - MAY 30, 2011, AS NATIONAL BEACH SAFETY WEEK

Commissioner Fisher read aloud a resolution proclaiming the Week of May 23 - May 30, 2011, as National Beach Safety Week.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-095, proclaiming the week of May 23 - May 30, 2011, as National Beach Safety Week.

 

Jeff Scabarozi, Fire Rescue, thanked the Commission for recognizing them; stated it is another year they plan to be out there in full force to protect the citizens and the tourists; and he looks forward to another successful year.   

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM I.D., RESOLUTION, RE:  PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2011, AS NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

Commissioner Nelson read aloud a resolution proclaiming the week of May 21 - May 27, 2011, as National Safe Boating Week.  He introduced Chief Warrant Officer Jim Dubea from the United States Coast Guard Station; George Peek from the United Stated Coast Guard Auxiliary; Sargent Byron Keck, Lieutenant Todd Maddox, and Major Andrew Walter from the Brevard County Sheriff Office/Marine Unit; Commander Kermit Forbe, Lance Vandeberg, and Fred Adame from the Cocoa Beach Sail & Power Squadron; and Captain Steve Wayne from the Florida Wildlife Commission.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-096, proclaiming the week of May 21 - 27, 2011, as National Boating Week; and urged all those who boat to “WEAR IT”, wear your life jacket, learn more about safe boating practices, and always act responsibly while on the water. 

 

Chief Warrant Office Jim Dubea stated they look forward to a successful Boating Safety Week; last year they had an enormous turn out, and this year there are a lot of things scheduled throughout the County during Boating Safety Week; and he expressed his appreciation to the Commission for the recognition.

 

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ITEM I.E., RESOLUTION, RE:  RECOGNIZING DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES DURING MAY 2011 MENTAL HALTH MONTH

Commissioner Bolin read aloud a resolution recognizing Department of Children and Families during May 2011 Mental Health Month.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-097, recognizing Department of Children and Families during May 2011 Mental Health Month; and with Brevard County Together in Partnership, called upon Brevard citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools to recommit to the community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services.

 

Anna Fedeles, Program Administrator with Florida Department of Children and Families, thanked the County for supporting it and this important month; and for recognizing that it has many citizens that may have mental illness.  

ITEM I.F., RESOLUTION, RE:  PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2011 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

Commissioner Anderson read aloud a resolution proclaiming the Month of May 2011 as Older Americans Month.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-098, proclaiming the Month of May 2011 as Older Americans Month.

 

Bill Ternent, AARP District Representative, stated he is grateful for the Board's  acknowledgement of the many contributions that seniors make in the communities across the State of Florida, as well as Brevard County.  He added, in just about any organization in the community there are seniors who are there volunteering; and when one moves to an organization like AARP, it will find there are several thousand who are extremely active across the State, but the larger number of AARP members, which is close to three million in the State of Florida, are very active out there in responding to the needs of the communities.  He pointed out that grandparents are raising grandkids, and that did not take place so much before; seniors are helping folks prepare income taxes during parts of the year; and assist dealing with fraud and scams that are taking place to make sure that folks know how to care for themselves. 

 

Ron Morgan, Brevard County Commission on Aging, stated the National Association of Counties (NACO) prescription program started in 2008, with the Board's permission; and in two and a half years, 200,000 residents in Brevard have utilized the card, filling over 380,000 prescriptions at over 125 local participating pharmacies.  He added, there are currently 1,375 participating counties in the nationwide program; Brevard County has been honored by being ranked first in the nation in resident usage, and fourth in the nation in direct savings to the residents; and Brevard residents have saved a total of $2.4 million in prescription drug cost by using the Brevard card.  He explained the money saved by the residents has been utilized for such items as, electricity, gas, travel to work, food, daycare, to assist the under insured, and with the purchase of life sustaining medications.  He stated the County population is approximately 11 percent at this time, resulting in approximately 130,000 uninsured residents; during these tough times the Brevard card has become a necessity and a lifesaver for many of the residents; and as a result, the success it has had is strictly due to the community, volunteers, the pharmacies, and everyone else who has been participating.  He displayed a the nationwide NACO Newspaper put out to the 1,375 counties, and they have been honored to be the first to be spotlighted in the news for the accomplishments of Brevard County; and the Housing and Human Services Department has been also submitted an outstanding performance award.  He thanked the Commission for always being supportive and making this possible; stated it is always interested in outreach and additional areas and businesses that the card can be provided to residents.  He advised he recently reached an agreement with Theresa Clifton, Director of Central Brevard Humane Society, and she has agreed to sponsor the card at the Humane Society; this is the only card that he knows of that provides prescription discount on medication prescribed by a veterinarian; and he is going to get the North and South Human Societies, which will be a perfect source of distribution of people who are not necessarily in the senior realm or who do not necessarily already have some type of prescription program; but this is for pet owners through out the County.      

 

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ITEM I.G., RESOLUTION, RE:  PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 15 - MAY 21, 2011, AS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK

Commissioner Anderson read aloud a resolution proclaiming the week of May 15 - May 21, 2011, as Emergency Medical Services Week.

 

 

A representative from Brevard County Fire Rescue Emergency Medical Services stated everyday that goes by, they strive not to just meet, but to exceed the expectations as it pertains to the medical care they provide; and with acknowledgement like this, it means a lot to everyone in the Emergency Medical Services.  She expressed her appreciation to the Board.   

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-099, proclaiming the week of May 15 - May 21, 2011, as Emergency Medical Services Week. 

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM I.H., PRESENTATION, RE:  TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

 

Rob Varley, Director of Tourist Development Office, stated this week is National Tourism Week and he thought it would be appropriate to present to the Board tourism research that he recently conducted; and also to speak on how the Tourist Development Office (TDO) is marketing the community, and some of the future projects to deal with some of the issues Brevard County is facing.  He explained the mission is to increase Brevard County's share of Florida visitors, thus increasing local spending and economic activities; and to increase visitor's length of stay by providing easy access to information and a quality tourism product.  He added, the benefits of tourism are additional tax revenues to the County; it creates jobs and workers incomes brings in new money, creating growth, and it promotes business development; and today's visitor may be tomorrow's investor.  He stated he knows several people who came to Brevard as visitors and moved to open a small business; small businesses are the backbone of the Country; and tourism is a $2.8 billion industry.   He addressed the challenges; stated tax revenues have dropped dramatically since 2007; and hotel occupancy is flat, but he thinks it is going to start seeing some positive movement on an average daily rate, which means hotels are getting a better bang for their dollar.  He explained intercept surveys were done for the research; the largest grouping being from Florida, 26 percent; the second largest grouping were foreign nationals; and the triangle that Brevard County Tourism enjoys, business from Illinois down I-75 and down I-95 is really their concentration of business.  He noted almost 67 percent of the travel parties are adults traveling without children; the good news is Generation X and baby-boomers are most likely visitor's, so the youth is coming to enjoy; the real good news is Brevard is seeing a repeat visitors of 62.9 percent, which means it is taking care of the people when they come to Brevard; and they want to come back.  He added, visitor's stay an average of 2.4 nights, mostly a drive market; and they are here for the beach, and of course dining, and shopping.  He stated the likes are being at the beach/ocean, cruise convenience, which Port Canaveral was rated the number one Cruise Port by Carnival guests, and it is just the atmosphere; and dislikes are limited dining options, shopping, and that they have a hard time finding their way around.  He explained he is working on a signage program, but he has had to put it on hold because of budget issues.  He went on to say the average daily spending for the visitors is $432.00 per day; some of the things affecting tourism nationally is the economy and the price of fuel; the price of fuel could also be to the County's advantage, because it is a drive market and Florida is our number one market; and he believes a lot of people who normally decided to  take a long drive with the family out-of-state are going to stay in-state.  He stated the weather is always a factor, as well as the status of beach and accessibility; one thing he likes to promote to potential customers is it has some of the best accessibility to beaches in the State of Florida; the increased flights into Melbourne International Airport and other surrounding airports, and the cruise ship activity is really increasing the chances of having a positive tourism industry.  He addressed what TDO promotes in Brevard County; such as beaches, and proximity to Orlando; Brevard named itself closest beaches to Orlando, changed the Beeline to Beachline, and is trying push to rocket launches, especially the new SpaceX; working with Cape Canaveral, and the nature-based activities, culture and history, and sports venues.  He noted the Chain of Lakes has helped boost the sports program; and they are bringing a lot of events to Palm Bay, which has a lot of venues for the sports area.  He explained how they promote Brevard County with traditional advertising, magazines, newspaper, radio,  television, billboards, printed material, distribution, visitors guide, adventure guides, and the internet is really big.  He noted, the website is averaging 30,000 visitors a month; it has a search engine optimization program; right now it has invested almost $10,000 a month; and it is really helping build up tourism.  He went on to explain the promotional devices, such as public relations, trade shows, sales missions, and fan tours, bringing in travel agents, meeting planners, and travel journalists has an integrated marketing plan, with the bulk of it being advertising; nine percent is vested in public relations, and eight percent in sales; nationwide, the TDO does research and they compare themselves to other destinations of similar budget size; and the average budgets spend about 17 percent of marketing budget on advertising, but Brevard County spends 44 percent of the total budget on advertising.  He believes they get a bigger bang for their buck than a lot of places, and part of the reason is co-op partners; the Commission is so important because it saw the move to bring in the fifth cent that allowed the Tourism Development Commission (TDC) to increase their marketing efforts and stay competitive with the neighbors; it was the Commission's foresight to earmark some of the dollars to Brevard Zoo; and the Zoo has turned out to be a world class zoo, and a great attraction.  He mentioned the Zoo is going to have a new attraction, which will be a zip-line through the entire Zoo.  He stated Port Canaveral has really become a strong partner, they have stepped-up and want to do the international sales mission and trade shows; traditionally is has been the TDC, Melbourne International Airport, and Kennedy Space Center; and it has three different hotel associations putting money in.  He advised the TDC gets a total of $500,000 worth of co-op dollars from the partners; the EDC is working with them trying to get new attractions; the Space Hall of Fame is about to double their size, and he thinks they are going to become a great new partner; and he is looking at them to see if he can bring in Police Associations meetings.  He advised of the new tourism industry partners, Victory Casino Lines, Florida Institute of Technology, and the City of Titusville, invested $25,000 in a billboard campaign; and different billboards were displayed around Brevard County.

 

Mike McBride, McBride Marketing Group, stated the next step of advertising is print advertising and it does a lot of the well-targeted publications, including visitor guides; it is a continuation of 'I Dream of Campaign', which has targeted families; and therefore, mostly women, and it ends up in publications such as Oprah, Women's Day, and Ladies Home Journal, in addition to different markets such as AAA, which is for heavy travelers.  He displayed an ad that used next generation technology, such as the Microsoft Tag (MS tag), which people can scan with their smart phone and actually go to a mini website that tells them more about the Space Coast.  He advised it has a lot to showcase and tries to do that with unique imagery; it so easy to do advertising for the Space Coast; there is just stunning images no matter where one looks; and it reaches, with their current campaign, about 50 million people.  He stated on-line it takes advantage of packages and opportunities through Visit Florida and ends up in a number of well- targeted and traveled on-line destinations; on television commercials and programs it reaches over 190 million people through current television efforts, in markets like Orlando and Tampa, which are number one and two origination markets.  He added, it is running 30-second stops in those areas and it is also on WFTV with both 15 and 30 seconds; and he just recently completed a 30-minute TV episode that is aired on the Discovery Channel; and in addition to that, it has a one-hour special on the last shuttle launch that is coming up through WFTV; and it is currently working on How to do Florida, another 30-minute program about the Space Coast.  He displayed a video on Florida's Space Coast. 

 

Trevor Marshall, Public Relations for Office of Tourism, stated she along with Donna Balancha, have been charged with the task of getting positive media coverage for the destination, and it has been a very exciting initiative; and she wanted to talk to the Board about some of the things that have been happening with their Public Relations.  She went on to state that 50 percent of American's, according to the U.S. Travel Association, use travel media to plan their vacations; 31 percent of them say they specifically chose a destination by reading about it or watching it in the media; and that is encouraging information.  She added, what they do is work with the media and get them excited and educated about the destination so that others will choose Brevard County; in 2010 they were able to successfully place 174 stories nationally, internationally, locally, and regionally on Brevard County; more than 117 million impressions, which means that more than 117 million people, were reached through those various forms of media; if they had to take the actual size of the articles and the length of the coverage on television and radio and actually access an advertising value to that would have been more than $3.2 million; and their focus is on the free publicity.  She advised one of the things they are most proud of is the list of publications as they are some of the most well regarded publications in the United States that have featured Brevard.  She explained what is being done for 2011, they have secured 54 stories so far on the Space Coast, more than 30 million placements, and again in some well regarded international and local and domestic publications; and one of them is a daytime television show which is syndicated to over 110 markets nationally, which featured Brevard, as well as USA Today.  She added, a story set up for June will come out in USA Today about Brevard.  She noted there are unique advantages here such as the beach; she and Donna spent a lot of time cultivating the events in Brevard and turned those into travel entries; they are able to send out monthly newsletters and information to media of events taking place here, and have actually seen media coverage; one of the stories, which was in Travel and Leisure Magazine featured the Eggfest here in town; and they are proud to turn those events into travel opportunities.  She stated it is a pleasure to continue to be involved in promoting this destination to the media and see there is enough interest from major international publications to continue to cover them.

 

Mr. Varley stated their partners do a great job in supporting the Tourism Office's efforts; he recognized the Space Coast Sport's Commission that brings in the sporting events in July; because of youth sports, July is the second busiest month for tourism; another grassroots promotion program, is a 40-foot RV called the Beach Bus; it has been in Washington, D.C., and New York City, and it is used for a lot of promotions; there are 210 events a year with the Bus; and they go up to the Florida Welcome Center where it is a magnet to people.  He added a lot of times it will be parked in Downtown Disney.  He went on to say the international sales is typically U.K., Canada, and Germany, but there also some emerging markets in India and China; Jimmy Zowell with the Red Dragon in Suntree has been instrumental in helping breaking into the market; they have had over 3,000 Chinese students over the last two years visit here; they stay in Titusville; and they spend an average of five nights and tour the Kennedy Space Center.  He explained they do a lot of co-op travel trade shows with Visit Florida, Port Canaveral, Melbourne Airport, and KSC; and presentations and one-on-one appointments with tour operators and travel agents.  He listed some of the domestic sales to the Board.  He stated there is a perception that KSC is closing due to the Shuttle Program retiring, so they are working hard with them; there have and will continue to be special events; there is great television coverage in that market; Runaway Country was a big hit, which may grow into something; and there are boat races, Fireball Run, and World Beach Running Championships.  He went on to state that many of these folks who come into the community end up investing the community and they have money; that is a real economic development opportunity to show off what kind of a community Brevard is; and every car in the Fireball Run has a picture of a missing child on it; and in the last three years, they have recovered 35 children because of this program.  He stated they are going to re-package existing tourism assets; in the Board's package it has a series of hidden gems; these are going to be on tear off pads in hotels; they are testing the first seven out to see how they are received; but it is a way to get people out there and find the things that people may not even think about from history to nature.  He explained this is a research project they did with Herb Hiller who is well known in the eco-tourism industry; there is an abundance of EEL sites; and that is what they are looking for.  He added they are looking to develop new partnerships the with private sector, cities, and the County to develop and improve sports venues and new attractions; the I-95 Visitor Center is one the County has been a big help in pushing that project; they are now developing architectural and engineering plans for District 5; Port Canaveral’s expansion and the new ships are going to help draw more people into it; and of course there are the A1A corridor improvements. 

 

Commissioner Nelson advised this is his second time to serve on the TDC, and he is amazed how aggressive Rob and his staff are, as well as all of the support they get; there are a lot of locally-owned hotels, which maybe is a driving force in that; it is not about corporate, it is about the community; and he appreciates Rob and his staff.  He added, the other thing he was impressed with is their ability to change directions based on circumstances; with the economy and different things that have happened in this community, having that flexibility has been remarkable; and he expressed his congratulations on all the Tourism Office has accomplished.

 

Mr. Varley advised they feel they have to be flexible; when working the tradeshow market, if it is not good, it is thrown out the door; and they are always willing to try new markets to test the water.  He expressed his appreciation to Ernie Brown, Natural Resources Management Director, and his team for the beach re-nourishment program and for doing a great job of making sure the beaches are there for the tourism.  

ITEM VII.E.1., PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE ORDINANCE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION, RE:  CREATION OF THE NORTH BREVARD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE ZONE

 

Chairman Fisher expressed his appreciation to the Board for allowing him time to speak about the creation of the North Brevard Economic Development Enterprise Zone proposal; and he presented a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of two buildings in the north end of the County that are vacant, and are in definite need of some economic development.  He stated there are several buildings and businesses in the area that are closed up or are in some hard economic times; and stated he started with 60 pictures in his slide presentation and ended up with only a couple.  He stated would like to set the tone for North Brevard being a very unique place, and it has some difficult challenges ahead; and even though there are concerns, he does not want to paint the picture today of the sidewalks being rolled up, boarding up, or leaving town because of the perception of some people thinking that is going to happen to the community.  He stated there is much needed help and support; and he is present today as District 1 Commissioner, but also as a Commissioner who represents Brevard County.  He went to say there have been historical contributions made, just as he has made for the greater good of Brevard County, as well as contributions made from the public; some examples are SEMATECH which was funding that the Board agreed to support with 5:0 vote, that really did not benefit the north end of the County as much as it did the Palm Bay area; the beach renourishments that have happened over the years with TDC dollars, and other dollars going to that; Embrear incentive funding is very much supported by all; St. Johns Heritage Parkway funding, which he was originally not for, but Commissioner Anderson got him where he needed to be with it, and he is very supportive of that project; Community Redevelopment Districts have $4.1 million going to Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) in the community today; and there has always been support for Tax Abatements for incentives.  He stated as the Enterprise Zone is talked about, he would like to lay some groundwork of what is being dealt with throughout the County, but especially in the northern end; Brevard County's unemployment rate is 11.1 percent, with the majority of it being Kennedy Space Center (KSC) layoffs still to come; he thinks an interesting thing about that is a lot of those people are still getting severance packages; the full impact has not been seen with those lay offs, which will be happening a lot in his District of North Brevard; it is thought to be 35 to 40 percent affecting North Brevard; and the projected layoffs in North Brevard equal a loss of $100 million in annual income that is going to be impacted by those layoffs with a rippling effect from each job loss at KSC in the community for an additional 1.8 jobs.  He distributed a map to the Board to show more than 50 percent of the land in North Brevard being exempt from property taxes; he explained the interesting thing about the map is it is totally different from any other District; the map is a diagram of the County showing District 1 in red; the boxes on the left signify the colors on the map; the City of Titusville is a CRA, so it is a tax-exempt government property; the City of Cocoa, which is one of the things that is being asked to not be included in this proposal, because it would be tax-exempt; then looking at federally-owned land to east is KSC; but there is no tax from that area, all of the green is not taxable, and all of the purple is not taxable, as it is State owned land.  He added, the map shows 50 percent of his District is non-taxable; the question may come up of why is District 1 such a wide enterprise zone; and advised the challenge is he does not have the commercial base that other Districts have that creates it.  He explained the numbers show $3.5 billion of taxable value in his District, which is about one-tenth of what is actually in the whole County; the challenge is, he does not have the commercial base; the white and grey areas are pretty much all District 1 has that is taxable; he thought it was interesting because if each Commissioner looked at their own District, it would show the difference of the commercial areas being exempt; he has a population of 100,000-plus, along with everyone else having the same amount in their Districts; but he has only one-tenth of the taxable value.  He advised part of the challenge is about jobs and that is why he is present today; jobs are needed in the northern end of the County, in a very, very bad way, and it is known that the way to get the jobs is to create incentives; his proposal is different than other CRA proposals because those proposals are taking a blighted area, like a downtown or a certain section of a community, and trying to change it; and this is about economical development, creating jobs, and creating incentives to help with it.  He stated his proposal is the establishment of an Economic Development Enterprise Zone with tax incremental funding allowing the North Brevard area to formulate and focus a strategy on economic development and job creation that is desperately needed in the wake of the current and anticipated KSC layoffs; and the tax incremented revenues generated by the establishment of the Enterprise Zone would be administered by a dependent special district focusing on North Brevard and the City of Titusville community.  He added, there are 19 CRA's in Brevard County with some District's having two, three, four, or five, but District 1's current tax increment funding is $280,559, that is 6.84 percent of a total Countywide CRA funding, which is $4.1 million; District 2's current tax increment funding shows $1.6 million; District 3's current tax increment funding shows $678,771; and a couple of weeks ago the Board voted 5:0 to expand the West Melbourne CRA, with the anticipation of more dollars being created by this tax incremental funding; District 4's tax increment funding shows $1,066,061; District 5's tax incremental funding shows $396,461; the total CRA funding and incremented financing that is going on in this County is a total of $4.1 million, and District 1 is getting less than seven percent of it; and part of what he is asking today is to change the equation, not to take anything away from anybody, but trying to also create some economic incentives.  He stated effective economic development and community redevelopment requires the establishment of a dedicated funding mechanism; the County's competitors do this all the time; he thinks everyone knows the SEMATECH deal was lost when because New York came to the table with $100 million, and there was an incentive that drove that situation; Fort Myers has a billboard in an airport, and around the town that says it has $25 million available to help businesses locate and expand; and if the fine print is read, it says, "The initiative is performance-based and specifically created to promote and develop high valued business projects here in Lee County"; and $25 million is being offered for any business that is willing to relocate and expand.  He stated enterprise zones are not totally new; Manatee County has one and they did it by offering incentives in an effort to stimulate growth and development of businesses in some areas and residences; he knows each Board Member cares deeply about this whole community in North Brevard, and the entire County, as he does too; he has some very unique challenges in his District, and over the last two years he has been very supportive of any initiative that brought jobs to the community; and he hopes the Board will take that into consideration when considering this proposal.  He mentioned one of the things that sometimes happens is when a news stories leaks before being able to tell the real side of the story; Channel 9 ran a story that was somewhat confusing; he knows the Board has a lot of questions and concerns of what the truth actually is versus what is fiction; he would like to clarify a few things before the audience comes up so there is awareness of what happened; Channel 9 reported the County Chairman wanted to turn his entire District into an Enterprise Zone; and the facts are the two Community Redevelopment Districts in the City of Titusville are excluded from this proposal, the City of Cocoa is excluded from this proposal, and land south of State Road 528 is excluded.  He added, he would like for everyone to realize over 50 percent for his District's property is actually 100 percent tax-exempt, so the area is not as large as it appears; another fiction told is this proposal is going to funnel much of the County's tax money to District 1; the fact is not one penny of the $200 million that the County currently collects in property taxes will be redistributed to the Enterprise Zone and this proposal would only utilize funds from new construction generated within the Enterprise Zone; another fiction is people in the southern part of the County will pay a lot more taxes for people in the northern part of the County; and the facts are only Enterprise Zone taxpayers fund the economic incentives and no taxpayers living in Central or South County is required to pay additional taxes to this Enterprise Zone.  He went on to say another fiction is if North County became an Enterprise Zone and Port St. John's library decided it needed more librarians, the money to hire them would not necessarily come from the North County, it would come from the South County; the fact is this proposal only applies to new construction tax valued within the District as arrived from the General Fund tax rate, as approved by the voter, and as a matter of law; dollars generated through the General Fund tax rate cannot be transferred to the Library Department; and the Library Department has a specific tax that law cannot provide funds to these types of districts.  He advised another fiction is it would leave all of South County paying a disproportionate share for deputies, firefighters, and the jail; and the facts are, only district taxpayers fund the activities of the Enterprise Zone, no taxpayer living in Central or South County will be asked or is required to pay additional taxes for the Enterprise Zone; and road deputies are funded through a specific law enforcement tax which is not affected by this proposal.  He stated there were some questions like that floating around; he knows it is confusing, and he wanted to clear those questions up; he thinks this is a very unique situation; he is inquiring if the Board will consider allowing a resolution to pass, to move forward to May 24th for the public hearing portion; he is trying to figure out a way to create jobs to have economic development in the northern part of the County; and based on the challenges of the layoffs, the current economic situation is the perfect storm, and there is help needed.

 

Stephany Eley stated there are two reasons why she wanted to speak about this proposal today; one, she believes in the whole concept of incremental tax financing because it is new money; it is not being accessed anywhere; and just as Chairman Fisher said in his presentation, it is not money that is being taken from anyplace else; with the reality being without doing something, that money is not going to be generated because those buildings seen in the slide-show are not going to generate money on their own; and unless they are improved, they are not going to generate new tax dollars for Brevard County.  She stated she wishes there was data captured for Merritt Island because it is so dramatic the difference between before and after; and if there was knowledge of how much money is being generated by that new tax base, all of this discussion would be over, because by investing and reinvesting it is creating that kind of tax base.  She noted she has lived through the ending of the Apollo Program; when her father brought the family to Brevard County she was in elementary school; the street she lived on had approximately 30 children when they moved into the community of Eau Gallie, with virtually all of the children's fathers working at KSC; and when the project ended, her world changed because families moved away because they were impacted by the closing of the Apollo mission.  She stated Brevard County is a family and she has never been parochial with her feelings about the County; she believes it needs to be looked at as a whole family situation, and sometimes there needs to equity; she uses equity at Christmastime with her children, not only for the monetary provisions that she provides for them, but even down to how many gifts they get, so there is never any controversy; and she believes sometimes the County needs to be equitable in its distribution of funds.  She stated Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) needs to be equitable in that, which is just a little plug from West Melbourne, but sometimes the need has to be looked at; she has four children and her youngest son has not grown as fast as her oldest son did; and when new shoes are needed she goes out and buys new shoes for the child that needs new shoes, which means every child does not get new shoes only the one who needs them.  She stated there is a need in North County and everyone should recognize that; sometimes something needs to be done for the area that needs new shoes; and she believes North County needs new shows and this is a worthwhile project; it is not taking money from anybody, especially not the south end of County because it is money that does not exist today, it is not going to impact the rest; and from her perspective, she supports Chairman Fisher; and she expressed her thanks for the support of the U.S.192 initiative.

 

Jim Tulley, Mayor of Titusville, stated the City Council of Titusville has not taken up this issue; the City has not reached consensus on it; and he is not representing the City of Titusville in any way.  He stated he is present today representing himself as a concerned citizen of Brevard County.  He stated he heard it said that this is a divisive issue; he would argue that it is anything but divisive, in fact he thinks it is inclusive, family oriented, and downright neighborly; but it is about the allocation of resources and the allocation of resources is rarely linear, and sometimes one place needs to be given more than another; if everyone was more linear there could be equations created and it all be turned over to Howard Tipton, County Manger, to allocate all of the resources, and the Board would not even have to worry about it.  He stated it is never easy, which is why public officials are elected to figure out how to allocate resources in a way that benefits the entire community; there are analogies all over place, such as if the wind blows off his roof at home he does not use his average maintenance dollars to try to repair the roof over 10 years, he diverts resources from something else, he fixes the roof because he knows if he does not have a properly functioning roof, the rest of his house is at risk; and the point is, with the layoffs from KSC, the north end of the County is going to be more adversely affected than the rest of the County.  He stated the north end needs a jump start and he thinks it is the Board's responsibility to help provide that jump start; if the north end of the County suffers, it is adversely affecting the rest of the County, with no doubt in his mind about that, but if the jump start is given and the north end of the County prospers, it will then certainly, positively impact the rest of the County; and an example is if the Harris Corporation were to pick up and move to California, he inquired what would the effects be in the south end of the County; and he thinks there is no doubt the same asking would take place for the same kind of thing, and it would the north end of the County's responsibility to help the south end of the County because everyone is family and neighbors and should be supporting one another.  He advised the best analogy he can give the Board is the old analogy of a barn raiser with neighbors coming together when one farmer needs a new barn built; North Brevard County's barn is broken, it needs a new barn, and it needs a hand; he thinks it is not at all divisive, it is inclusive, it is neighborly, it is the right thing to do; and he encourages the support.

 

Reverend Glenn Dames, C.E.O. of Blessed Boundaries Community Development Corporation, stated the corporation helps create jobs in Brevard County; Chairman Fisher is a Commissioner, and not a doctor, but it seems that he is operating really hard on North Brevard County; he expressed his appreciation to Chairman Fisher because in these particular times, Brevard County needs a shot because the whole body is breaking down with the unique situation of the shutting down of KSC; the shot is needed badly to keep the County alive and running; and he thinks Chairman Fisher has done a marvelous job of thinking outside of the box, and helping to create the right antibiotic to keep the County alive.  He stated he knows that all the Commissioners are capable to get with Chairman Fisher and help him operate on North Brevard to come up with the right mix of components to help keep Brevard County alive; it is about life and living; and there needs to be some help to navigate through this very unique situation.  He mentioned the nation is facing a similar situation, but the County situation is more unique because not only is it dealing with what is going on in the nation, the County has its own special sickness that is eating away at its very fiber; and the County needs help injecting the right formula to keep it alive.

 

Reverend Earl Medlen stated he is against the proposal; he is in favor of growth in the County because he is the one that brought the idea of bringing Caterpillar, Inc. to Brevard County; there are already incentives to get people here; in this proposal of many things he has a picture to show the Board of sidewalks to be installed in an area where there is absolutely no development, it is a forest in Mims; and a sidewalk is to be built to keep all the kids in those homes off the street so they can walk on the sidewalk.  Chairman Fisher advised the picture has nothing to do with this issue.  Reverend Medlen stated it does have something to do with it because there is going to be development; it was said that there are 19 CRA's; he thinks they are not doing their job and are not working; the one thing that was going to draw businesses here more than anything was giving tax incentives for a while; they need to be shown there is no income tax, corporate taxes are lower than anyplace else in the United States; and as governmental officials, it needs to get the Code Enforcement Nazi's and building codes out of businesses way, out of their way, out of their wallets, off of their backs, out of their lives, and leave them alone so they can function.  He added, the economy will develop because they do not need the County having their fingers in every part of it; just get out of the way and let them function; and quit punishing them for trying to do something.  He stated Cocoa Beach wonders why they have empty stores and lots; he thinks it is because people will not move in there because of the County's policies of being on their backs all the time; and they need to left alone.

 

Robert Jordan stated he has been in Brevard County for 31 years; he expressed his appreciation to the Board for its time to allow him to speak; he would like the Board's unanimous support of the resolution for this Agenda Item; it is a bold attempt to support fellow citizens to the north that have and will suffer great economic harm in the coming days, months, and years; and he thinks in order for Brevard County to climb out of this hole and enjoy the richness of Florida's environment and its people, the people must be successful in their quest to live beyond the shuttle program.  He stated Brevard County must teach and demonstrate to the children that it will be resolved and it will not be let down; and a plan needs to be in place to ensure success in the coming years, with boldness and willingness to concentrate on things that will have a lasting effect on the economy to cultivate growth.  He believes this resolution is a great step in the right direction; it embodies out-of-the-box thinking; he applauds Chairman Fisher for his vision; and he knows Chairman Fisher will do the right thing for Brevard County, and his fellow citizens in North Brevard.  He stated he has chosen to dedicate his earnings and life to making a recently purchased business grow and thrive so that he could hire fellow citizens in North Brevard to keep their homes and property; and this resolution supports his view to shore up any economy incentive that brings new businesses to the north area and support the existing ones.  He stated he wanted all the citizens to realize their dreams, understand their challenges, and ensure domestic tranquility; his company and family stand ready to help; but they need the Board's support to pass this resolution.

 

Trey Gordon, Hope for North Brevard, stated he works with youth services and community development; he represents the faith community because he works with church students; one thing he appreciates about Chairman Fisher is he is not putting all the hope in this CRA development, but he has rallied the troops of the community to say this needs to be done together; and the reading he has done on community development takes a public/private partnership for revitalization to happen.  He added, Brevard County is in desperate need and if anyone does not believe that, he or she needs to drive though the communities to see the help needed; his understanding of public/private partnerships and revitalization projects is it takes the public sector to take the lead for the private to go in and invest; it could be $1 from the public and $15 from the private sector; if the public sector would make that investment on the front-end, it is an incentive towards an up-hill battle; and there are committees working together with Chairman Fisher to help draw business to Titusville and North Brevard.  He concluded, it is going to take all-hands-on-deck; he is a conservative; he is not into big government; but this will help improve the community; and he is all in favor of it and encourages the support.

 

Pat Pasley stated she has been researching CRA's and Enterprise Zones to try and understand exactly what it is; she would like to have more time to understand what she has been reading, but she found a number of reports that say it does not work, or if it does, the benefits are for a short period of time.  She encouraged the Board to take its time, to do its own research before voting because there are plenty of reports out there; she is concerned about who is going to benefit from the CRA or Enterprise Zone because it seems to her that there are some people who may have some major real estate holdings in the area that could benefit more than the area itself; and there needs to be no conflict of interest with anyone that may be on the Board, or anywhere else in Titusville that may be on their advisory board.

 

Penny Canales stated she understands the perplexity and the complexity of the County's finances in all of the five districts; the presentation showed all the wonderful, beautiful things offered in Brevard County; and the citizens have spent millions of their hard earned money into CRA's, CDBG, environmental programs, parks, golf courses, and beach enrichment programs, to build a community to attract desirable businesses here and increase the property values.  She added, after all of these high paying jobs and millions of dollars that were sunk in the community from the taxpayers, other tax increment programs have now created a crisis; this crisis did not occur overnight; it has happened before; and it should have learned from experiences when the Shuttle went the first time.  She noted, she sees this as another request for a big government program that is going to be controlled; she has looked at www.floridaenterprisezones.com, it basically said that this would be controlled by an outside agency; the Board's job would be to implement a strategic plan for Brevard County to make important decisions concerning the enterprise zone; and it will have a local coordinator to perform duties to ensure addresses on buildings are correct, marketing the area, and filing paperwork for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  She believes it is big-government at its finest who is selling out the urban areas for a trade off to draw business to a specific district; she has also noticed a standard incentive refunds under the frequently asked questions (FAQ) where somebody wanted to know if they could increase it from $5000 per individual; yes, it can be increased to $10,000 per individual if 20 percent of the employees live in the enterprise zone.  She questioned if this will create a vacuum; residents in businesses that simply pick up from one district and move to another for the incentives; and is it going to starve the rest of the County, is everything going to move up to District 1.  She stated she does not like the engineering of counties and communities, she does not like the dictating of land use, she does not like the controlling of private property; and it has not benefited Brevard County, or the nation in any way.  She went on to say property values have been destroyed; the market has been flooded with foreclosures; Brevard County is in financial ruin; the Board has reduced ifself to use tax dollars to purchase jobs; can it stop and deregulate, lift some of the burdens that are on some of the businesses now; and to allow them to operate freely, enterprisingly.  She believes Brevard County has the talent and the knowledge, and the skill set in the citizenry here, and is does not need to be propped up by government funding, or the skimming of taxes from the General Fund; with the tax increment, the new taxes, all those new people, all those new buildings they are going to create a need for more infrastructure; and inquired where does that money go.  She inquired how does one pay for that infrastructure if it is taking extra money off what should be put back into that zone, and the rest of the County.  She concluded, she cannot support it; she thinks there are going to be more beneficial ways to build pride and dignity in Brevard County; and give the citizens ownership of what it has here, rather than giving the government ownership of what one has.     

 

Frank Meyer stated he has heard a couple of phrases, enterprise zone, community redevelopment districts; he is not sure what everyone is talking about, but he has read an audit from February 22, 2010, and it is seems like it is a scam or a slush fund.  He added, there are some districts that have existed for more than 20 years, and if they have existed that long they should be utopia, and not what they are today.  He pointed out Cape Canaveral has been here over 40 years and has not been taxed; it should have been developed when people were there with jobs.  He opined any time government got involved in a blighted area it just returned back to a blighted area; and what brought most of the neighborhoods back was when private industries developed it and the government had nothing to do with it.  He mentioned District 1, like every other District and everyone in the room, should live within their means and do with what they have coming in; everyone knows inflation is up; and he does not think the government has any part in developing.  He stated let the free market stand, let the free market do what it is going to do; and if someone can go into the areas and develop and make a profit, let them; and he does not support this.

 

Walt Johnson, Vice Mayor of City of Titusville, stated he is not representing the City because it has not been brought before the City Council; as the Board has been told, there is a very difficult situation in North Brevard; on top of a historically bad economy, it is facing thousands of layoffs; and many are citizens in North Brevard.  He added, everyone has been looking for ways to deal with it and ways of rebuilding the economy; North Brevard can not do it alone, it needs help; and it simply does not have the resources to replace the hundreds of dollars that are being lost in salaries on its own.  He thanked Commissioner Fisher for thinking 'out of the box' on this issue in coming up with a proposal that could help tremendously; what one wants to do is market what it has now and what it has not been able to do in the past; the biggest problem its had in the past is Kennedy Space Center (KSC); the problem is bringing new businesses in; and diversifying the community was very difficult because, it was fighting something called "Davis-Bacon Act", which means wages higher than the community they are in.  He went on to explain businesses would come in and realize what the wage scale was at KSC and did not want to stay in the area, unfortunately; he was in his own business at the time and lost people that he trained in management out to KSC.  He stated the proposal is unique and because of that it is controversial, but all of the Commissioners should look at it with an open mind; and especially think about the numbers that were given, and the proportionate share of funds for North Brevard that have been coming in the past.  He concluded neighbors need help, and he believes helping North Brevard will strengthen the economy for all of Brevard; and it is a good thing to help ones neighbor, and in helping ones neighbor can help themselves.

 

Mark Conklin, President of Titusville Main Street Association, stated he is in support of Chairman Fisher's North Brevard Economic Development Enterprise Zone; and he is looking at a bleak landscape, as far as some of the funding strategies to implement Main Street programs.  He advised he works specifically in the CRA, it is a microcosm of what the County is experiencing, as far as 50 percent of the property being within the tax schematic, and the other 50 percent standing outside of it; and dealing with vacancies rates and diminishing commitment to expand or develop new businesses within the CRA.  He added, he is looking at any strategy today to try to encourage new business growth in the Main Street corridors; speaking to the reality of today, businesses are not locating in there exclusively because of bureaucratic impediments; economic environment is that bad in the area that if businesses get tax abatements and forego some of the permitting processes, they still choose not to locate in the area, so it has to raise the bar; and there has to be some economic incentives to continue to develop some of the strategies to diversify.  He explained the problem is it needs to keep this within the perimeters of the immediate future; the rate of some of the growth proposals look as though they are at 15 to 20 years timescapes before businesses start adding additional employees, or experiencing some success; and the fact is businesses are closing, and some of the businesses are re-purposing what they are doing because that simply cannot maintain in the present economic conditions in the City of Titusville.  He added, with some of the economic incentives it hopes to grow an arts district in the CRA area; real statistical factoid's about trails, parks, recreational opportunities are available, simply stating that it is building roads to nowhere; and businesses are looking at cities and urban areas for the recreational opportunities before locating.  He went on to say it still has to maintain the tax abatements for new businesses to locate; it still has to maintain possibly reducing some bureaucratic impediments to locating a business, but it also has to add something to our recipe for success, it has to have some economic incentives; and it has to have available funding to support that.  He concluded the plan helps introduce some parity to our funding structures in the County comprehensively; it is alarming to him that District 1 is only receiving 6.7 percent from the $4.1 million, and still maintains the population, and that it is only subject to 50 percent of the property within that District; and he is really in support of Chairman Fisher's efforts.                

  

John Titkanich, Community Development Director for the City of Cocoa, stated he is here to voice his support for the proposed North Brevard Economic Development District; redevelopment districts are smart public policy; there are numerous studies that suggest they are an investment in the community's future.  He added, Chairman Fisher is to be commended for taking action now as he is building the foundation for building for the future success of the community; and it was only last July at a special workshop by the Commission that most of the redevelopment agencies of the County were here detailing activities and highlighting projects happening in the districts.  He advised, it benefited by Carol Westmoreland, with the Florida Redevelopment Agency discussing purposes of the redevelopment districts; she summed it up best when she argued, "but for the reinvestment of redevelopment dollars, private sector would not invest by themselves; it helps create environment; it is an economical development tool that helps an area master plan itself and control its future."  He went on to say it also enhances the economic viability of the area; and it is an investment of the future of the area, and its residents and businesses.  He highlighted a couple of projects that his redevelopment agency of Cocoa have undertaken that have significantly improved the community, and have made it more sustainable and economically more friendly environmentally to attract private capital investment; and without a doubt, two of the most significant accomplishments are the downtown historic streetscape project, and Riverfront Park; and additional improvements include the redevelopment of the former Whitley Bay Marina into the Whitley Bay Condominiums, and the Cocoa Village Marina.  He added, one of the things redevelopment areas do is acquire property; the City of Cocoa CRA did this on Brevard Avenue, and right now it has a project called 'The Factory'; in this current market it has entered into development agreement with a private developer who is going to develop 17,000 square feet of commercial retail, and 24 industrial lofts in the heart of Cocoa Village.  He advised it already has a commercial specialist and retail developer that is already leasing the bottom floor, that is how confident they are in terms of when the market is coming back; and that would not happen without a private/public partnership because these agencies create the opportunity for communities to come together.  He stated the U.S.1 corridor redevelopment agency has taken a 55-acre stormwater retention pond, and turned it into a community amenity by making it an open space and passive recreation area; also, it is focusing on their main efforts of the Phase II widening of U.S.1; and have purchased property back in 2003, and now have a development across from Brevard Community College (BCC) campus.  He added, they are working on plans to build 120 multifamily units, and 10,000 square feet retail; and yes, it takes some time but it requires vision and bold action; also, the Diamond Redevelopment Agency area represents a most economically challenged and distressed area in Cocoa; it undertakes programs to encourage home ownership, focuses on crime prevention youth programs; and it has acquired land to build affordable housing, and is beginning to focus on Stone Street and SR 520 to insure it is successful.  He stated he believes the most underlying purpose of a redevelopment agency is to serve as a catalyst, and to help create an environment that induces private capital investment; in reality it is pay now or pay later, because if a local government waits until later more lives are negatively impacted, especially businesses and jobs; and inevitably the cost will be much higher and greater to address economic restructuring.  He commended the Commission by being bold and thinking toward the future; by thinking long term and being visionary it will create a better environment for economic development, the inducement of private capital investment, creation of jobs, and improvement of Brevard for all residents.  He concluded with two words best describing the impact of economic development, catalytic and transformative; and stated it takes leadership to do this.          

 

Keith Rigler stated he has been in Brevard County since 1969; a lot of the CRA's have been around forever; it seems like a form of protectionism, they seem like pretty nice areas and he knows a lot of other areas that are worse.  He pointed out Brevard County pays the EDC $1.5 million; they talk about competition from the other big cities and counties; and reiterated the County's paying the EDC $1.5 million to bring in business.  He added, Palm Bay has an economic development that citizens pay for, along with Melbourne; inquired how many does one need to compete against each other in the County; and stated a lot of the people from the Cape live in Merritt Island and other places in the County.  He went on to say it is using non-taxable government property to get money for economic development, and he knows it was voted in, but the Board supports EEL's to take taxpayer money property off the tax rolls; and he finds that a little ironic.  He added, the EDC should be chasing places like the 14 roller coaster place that got turned down in Orlando; once tourists go to the beach and get sunburned there is not much else to do; and it should be private not government.  He stated the $4.1 million comes off the tax rolls, and it is a protected, it gets reinvested into the community; when it comes out of the General Fund, the Board is already cutting the General Fund and wanting to raise taxes so citizens have more services; and businesses who are struggling now and have been here for years, their taxes go up so it can give incentives to new businesses. 

 

Mike Knievel stated he is in support of the resolution; it seems the Commissioners are facing difficult choices, and the first difficult choice is what to do with the resources it has under its span of control, to facilitate economic recovery revitalization and redevelopment throughout the County; and of course, it wants to avoid any disproportionate or unbalanced economic recovery and development in any portion of the County.  He added, it is a challenge; and as a member of the public he appreciates the awkward and difficult position it puts the Commission in, but it is after all its job.  He noted, Chairman Fisher has presented the County with an opportunity to capture a timely opportunity to cartelize business industries redevelopment in real estate in North Brevard.  He stated it strikes him as an opportunity, because it is time to buy low for that opportunity when in the future one will be looking at people who will be selling high perhaps; and the real estate prices seem to be at an opportune time for reinvestment.  He disagrees with the members of the public who have said that it is private; all of the projects that he has been familiar with throughout his career in public service, have been a masterful blend of public/private, and non-profit partnerships; he would urge the Commission to continue in that vein; it has done very well with regard to all of the partnerships that it has established in the past; and he thinks this is an opportunity to do that again.  He urged the Board to vote for the resolution.

 

Laurilee Thompson stated she is grateful to Chairman Fisher for taking the leadership role that he has done in this.  She advised her business is definitely suffering from what is happening;  the publicity surrounding the job losses at the Cape has been so prolific that even people who are not in jeopardy of losing their jobs are bummed out; and people are not spending money in the community.  She advised she is a fortunate business person who is part of the bright rosy tourism future and believes there is a great future in tourism; but she also depends on locals, as tourism is seasonal; a percentage of the business is from tourism, and a percentage depends on locals; and the locals are not spending money in the community.  She went on to say she is one of the larger employers in the north end of the County; she has not had to lay anyone off, but she is not hiring anyone to replace someone who leaves; she is working more at the restaurant because she cannot leave her business; and that makes her sad because she enjoys moving around the community.  She enjoys coming to the south end of the County because she learns something every time; she sees signs of life in the south end; she sees signs that the rest of the County is pulling out of the economic recession, but one does not have those signs in the north end of the County.  She concluded she is not asking to take away from anyone in the rest of the County; she is asking for an opportunity to have the same thing that others have in the County; she wants economic development also; and she would appreciate the consideration of the resolution.

 

Connie Smith stated right now government is not the answer; government took all the property off the tax rolls; and asked if there was any way that Brevard County can sell the property and generate a tax base.  Chairman Fisher stated the State of Florida owns the property in question.  Commissioner Nelson pointed out it is the St. Johns River that she is looking at on the map.  She opined Rob Valey is who the Board needs to hire; she understands the enterprise zone will just go to Titusville; and that the tax base will go back to Titusville.  Chairman Fisher clarified it is going where it is created.  She asked if the money comes out of the General Fund.  Chairman Fisher advised it is tied to new construction; once it has new construction the County continues to have the tax base it currently has, and any increase that is generated in the community stays in the community.

 

Reggie Correll stated she is part of the Space Coast Patriots Tea Party Movement; she is concerned because it wants the citizens to be involved; and she does not trust government at all.

 

Matt Chesnut stated he represents Space Coast Economic Development Commission; he commends Chairman Fisher for coming up with a plan like this; he knows investment and reinvestment in economic development is the key, as someone who is out there on the front lines everyday of economic development.  He advised when he is working to recruit businesses, or helping local businesses to expand, which is where a lot of efforts are going right now because as one knows, 80 percent of new jobs will probably come from local businesses that are existing, he goes out there having the tools in the tool bag, whether that be tax abatement, tax credits, those types of things are important.  He added, this is another tool he can put in the bag from Chairman Fisher; businesses like to come to areas that are not only offering these types of incentives, but are looking to the future and how they reinvest back into their community; and what Chairman Fisher's plan does is reinvest back in the community.  He stated it is a business approach; taking future profits and investing back into business, which is what it is doing; and taking the future growth of the taxes, and putting it back into the community to further grow, which is what it does not have now.  He added, Brevard County has a lot of the things he can go and tout for the area; he can tout the workforce, availability of land, quality of life, and the great area; and it has some wonderful opportunities for people who live here to enjoy every day.  He noted, the bottom line is financing and how it can help encourage businesses to come to North Brevard; and it shows one is interested in the businesses growing here, and how it is re-investing back in the community.  He concluded, himself being a citizen of North Brevard and Titusville, he supports this resolution; it is an effort that needs to be undertaken; and it gives one the opportunity to help themselves in North Brevard grow and continue to make the community as great as it is.

 

Rodney Honeycutt stated he heard one person say, "Do you go to Titusville?"; well, that is what one is trying to do is attract people, because if he wants to go to Olive Garden he has to go to Merritt Island, or Melbourne; he rides through the other communities, Palm Bay or Melbourne; and Titusville needs help with its community.  He added, Titusville is going to pick itself up with its boot straps and make things better; what it is asking for is some seed money to help with some things it needs to do, and that is to help bring jobs and improve our community; and everyone who is working very hard on this would appreciate the support.  He concluded Merritt Island is what it is today because of the redevelopment agency, and he thinks it is great.

 

Mark Ryan, City of Titusville Manager, reiterated that the Titusville City Council has not acted upon the issue.  He thanked Chairman Fisher for bringing the item to the Board's attention; it brings the opportunity to address some of many different issues facing North Brevard; one has some opportunities to utilize this dedicated funding source, this tax increment financing, for new growth in the region; not just for Titusville, but North Brevard region to help energize and bring the growth to the community; and it will benefit all of North Brevard.  He added, it has a great EDC that has brought businesses like Embarer to Brevard County; and certainly Embarer received some financial benefit from all of Brevard County; but most of the jobs, if not all of them, are in South Brevard; and so it has an opportunity to provide a dedicated resource to provide the incentives to bring the jobs and redevelopment to North Brevard.  He noted, not just  Titusville, but all of North Brevard, whether Mims, Scottsmoor, or north of Canaveral Groves, it is all of North Brevard; and it is an opportunity to use the tax increment financing that is generated in that area, to replenish it back into the District to help energize the community.  He concluded by commending Chairman Fisher. 

 

George Mikitarian, President and CEO of Parrish Medical Center, stated Parrish Medical Center is the public hospital, and the only hospital in this County where one bears legal responsibility for its governance.  He advised, the Commission, along with the City Council of Titusville have proven their success in helping govern the only public hospital in the County; he is proud to say Parrish Medical Center is incredibly successful because of its support; and the support has spanned for over 50 years.  He pointed out not only is Parrish Medical Center the only public hospital, but one of the very few public hospitals that does not tax the citizens that live within the community; and because of its diligence, participation, and along with the City Council of Titusville, has proven partnerships work.  He stated as the CEO of a public hospital, the hospital cannot remain viable, strong, and successful amongst a community that is sick and dying; and the hospital can only be successful when its community is successful.  He added, the hospital is having increased difficulty in recruiting physicians to the community; it is losing people from the hospital either because loved ones are being transferred, or seeking employment elsewhere; and the bad debt, and charity levels are increasing by the millions of dollars each and every year.  He mentioned the State of Florida has made great reductions in reimbursement to the hospital this year, as well as Federal Government.  He thanked the Board for supporting the public hospital; but is also asking for assistance in the community, because the community needs to be strong for the hospital to stay strong and viable, and to do the work it has asked it to do and that it has done admirably over the years, well into the future.  He supports not just the resolution, but multiple efforts that will be needed over the coming years, not just for North Brevard, but for the entire County; this may not be the last issue that the Board will be talking about to keep the County strong and viable; and this will not be the single sole solution to North Brevard issues.  He added, the people the Board has heard today came before the Board proudly, but with a handout asking for assistance; one of the things it has always commended North Brevard for is uniting, this is one more time; and the people are uniting.  He thanked the Board for its consideration, participation, and its ongoing support of Brevard County, and the work it is doing.   

 

Lynda Weatherman stated she has always been proud of the role and responsibility the Commission has taken in regard to economic development; and she would like to talk about the role of incentives as it relates to industrial recruitment.  She noted she has been in the business over 25 years and there is such a tense environment for job creation; nor is it that Brevard has the Space Center going from retirement of the shuttle program, but every community in the world is in a global recession facing this, so everyone is in the same place that Brevard is; and thinking about how one can be creative in getting jobs into the area.  She expressed there are two things to think about when it comes to the competition; one, it is global, and yes, Brevard County competes with Orlando and Singapore, and any other country; having success with companies like Embraer shows how it can be successful Internationally; and two, it goes to war with the army it has, and the army it has are the proposals and the incentive package that is put on by the State of Florida, and it is modest at best.  She added, the army it has is about a $25 million package for people like her and her colleagues throughout the State to compete against states like Texas that have a $426.68 million incentive package; and what that does as in the case the Board faces every day, is the burden of local economic development and job creation at local level is on local government.  She mentioned a survey was done of local governments and 86 percent recognized economic development is the major responsibility of the local government, and other local governments are realizing this and coming to the states that create an incentive package.  She further went on to say Prince George County, in the mid-Atlantic, had lost a lot of projects and they finally decided to create a $50 million incentive fund; after that, they said there are hundreds of deals not done because there is a financial gap that could not be closed; and then stated for the first time they are in the position to help commercial projects go forward that otherwise might have stalled.  She stated locally in the State of Florida they are facing the same thing too, and Brevard County is no exception; Chairman Fisher mentioned Lee County, and Fort Myers are so proud that they have $25 million advertised in the airport; it was like anything else controversial; and in fact, the paper did not support it at first, but supports it now because since it passed, Algenol Biofuels, a pharmaceutical company, relocated for $10 million incentive, creating100 jobs.  She added, Paul Woods, the founder of Algenol Biofuels said, "We would have put the company in Texas without the incentive"; VR Laboratories, a BioScience Company, they located after the passage of the incentive pool, a $40 million headquarters with a $5 million incentive package, 200 jobs, at $60,000 a year wage; and it is working on another project now, $2 million to be negotiated, 500 jobs, with a wage of $45,000 a year.  She talked about other counties that were competitors of Brevard County, which included Martin County; Miami-Dade County has a pool for incentives; and Hillsborough County is considering it.  She noted everyone is waking up to the fact that it cannot go with the army it had 10 years ago, and Brevard County probably has far more profound challenges than any other places.  She pointed out the past successes its had are the Athena, the post productions center of excellence by Lockheed Martin that the EDC is now working on to see what else it can do to expand it, and the saving of Know2; Embraer and also SEMATECH are recognized because the County Commission stepped up to the table and made an offering that was competitive.  She concluded, for the EDC to be successful with what it does with its partners, it has to bring jobs to the area, particularly the best jobs to mitigate the job loss at the Space Center; the offering EDC has now with the AVT Simulation does not apply; and so the first project it has, she is going to come to the Board; it is going to need an incentive; and she is telling the Board today what the need is for tomorrow.  She read out aloud a letter from Binswanger, a site location consultant, "No doubt that Florida and Brevard County offer a number of critical elements that are generally seen as attractive to companies looking for a new business site.  However, your strength in areas like workforce availability and cost, attractive infrastructure, and high quality of life are often available in many locations and are generally not sufficient conditions to win highly competitive projects.  Today we are seeing state and local governments, both domestically and internationally, offer a wide variety of creative and flexible incentive programs that include cash subsidies, flash grants, full property tax abatements, and cost sharing on required infrastructure improvements; and if anything, this trend seems to be excelling in a number of jurisdictions that offer aggressive incentives, and the value of the incentives offered."

 

Commissioner Bolin questioned if there was rural residential areas on the map.  Chairman Fisher replied yes.  Commissioner Bolin asked if it would be more prudent to look at the commercial corridors versus the entire residential, which would never be developed as it is; and which would give the new company revenue coming in.  Chairman Fisher stated he has given thought to that, and as a compromise if the Board had a concern with the entire area of SR 528 north, going up U.S. 1, and the major corridors, that being SR 50, Garden Street, SR 46, SR 5A, and SR 407, and with some property along I-95, it is very possible to pull some of the residential out if that is a concern.  Commissioner Bolin explained that is one of the things she was concerned about; and it actually makes her angry that people come before the Board and ask, why has something not been done if it knew the shuttle was going to be retiring; the Board has been trying, and here it is before the citizens trying to do something to help the situation in North Brevard; and it is being condemned for trying to do something that is a little bit out of the box.  She stated she wants to be able to do something that is going to be able to help the area; the Board has been as a unit for Brevard County; it has helped all the areas; the Commission has been very creative in helping the center part, when it helped Viera, which is generating jobs; and it has been helping with the south end on the roads, such as St. Johns Hertiage Parkway.  She added, the Board is in a situation now where the north end needs help, and it needs to work out some type of initiative; and if it is not the one that is here today, maybe it needs adjustment, but something has to be done.                                      

                                        

Commissioner Nelson thanked Chairman Fisher for bringing this discussion forward; the Board's process is that it goes through legislative intent and it is for this very purpose, which is to have the discussion; and he is disappointed it got off track almost immediately.  He referred to the map, and stated the real issue is not the flood plain, that helps with water, drinking water, as well as flood prevention; and that is why the land was acquired.  He talked about the real problem is Kennedy Space Center; and the County does not get ad valorem tax dollars off of Kennedy Space Center.  He added, so indeed Titusville is a bedroom community; but bedroom communities without an industrial base to help support the population is always going to be on the edge of failure; and it is always going to be based on how well or how bad the Space Center is doing. He noted when he first took office he said the Commission needed to make Kennedy Space Center the icing on the cake, not the cake itself; the difficulty is it has to expand the tax base in North Brevard to the extent that it can live through an Apollo-type, or shuttle-type closure programs; and something needs to be done in North Brevard.  He agreed with Commissioner Bolin's suggestion on the corridor and industrial park concepts, identifying those areas as opposed to the overall because he thinks there is a real strategy behind it.  He addressed everyone talking about incentives, and if Caterpillar ever does talk to Brevard County, they will be looking for incentives; while it may get these people to talk to Brevard County, what they are going to talk about is what it brings to the table to encourage them to be in Brevard; and it has to have some mechanisms in place.  He commented Brevard has community redevelopment agencies because local governments have never stepped up to the plate to fund the improvements in communities that need to be funded out of their General Fund; and it creates these special mechanisms.  He added if Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, or the County Commission on Merritt Island was funding the infrastructure improvements that are needed to make that a viable community, it would not need CRA's; but it has created these instruments that help it do just that, whether it is right or wrong is not up to the Board; it is a mechanism that has been used and he thinks it has benefited the community; and he thinks the economic zone is another benefit that it can look to for North Brevard because it is a unique circumstance.  He pointed out on today's Agenda, the amount of money that is going to Districts 2 through 5, is about $8 million in the different actions the Board has taken; North Brevard was $37,000; the County has a beach re-nourishment program that is in the $95 million range; not one penny of that has ever gone to North Brevard; the County's contribution through the Tourist Development Council (TDC) was about $12,000, and about $2.3 million from the County General Fund; and none of that went to North Brevard.  He stated North Brevard deserves to be recognized for its unique nature, but it is part of the County; it stepped up for SEMATECH and Embraer; and he thinks the Board needs to continue to do that for North Brevard.  He went on to say if Caterpillar comes through and wants to go into the Farmton area, then it will step up for that one too.  He believes it is important Brevard broaden the economic base and this is one mechanism he is willing to talk about; and he thinks the Board still has some things to figure out, but this is the first step, and its going to continue the discussion.   

 

Commissioner Anderson stated he is a little frustrated because he wants to get back to the actual thing the Board was discussing, which is whether the Board wants to have a public hearing; one of the speakers said they wanted to have serious citizen involvement in this decision, in addition to other speakers stating there are a lot of unanswered questions on their side.  He added, he believes in hardy public debate; the Board should never, ever cut off public debate or a public hearing without hearing all the facts and getting all the expert testimony; this is what the Federal Government did with healthcare; and he is not willing to do that.  He supports going to a public hearing, but he wants to see the public turn out again and have the actual facts; and move forward.  He stated in addition to Chairman Fisher's proposal about all the CRA's, he is very disappointed in the north and south; Chairman Fisher knows he goes up to District 1 and speaks to Republican clubs, and he can assure the public there is no North/South County; and he supports Brevard County as a Commissioner as a whole.  He reiterated to move on to public debate, hear from all sides, and get the actual expert testimony entered into the public record, and make a decision whether this is a pro or con for the residents and taxpayers of Brevard County.   

 

Commissioner Infantini thanked everyone for coming out and speaking; one of the news stories stated it was going to be all of District 1, the news story actually stated it was going to be a lot of District 1 north of S.R. 528; and another thing that she confirmed with County Manager Howard Tipton, is that for the first five years the appreciation is going to be based on new construction, but the remaining 26 years is all real property value that has appreciated since October 2011.  She asked for Mr. Tipton to verify that fact.  Mr. Tipton confirmed that the first five years are the value of the new construction, and then after that it is the increment for the properties that are in play within the District.  Commissioner Infantini reiterated it was all properties.  She added, there was another issue brought up that said something about District 1 was not receiving its fair share and it showed how St. Johns Parkway was going to be receiving $20 million for the road construction; Districts 1 and 2 each received $10 million last November for road improvement/drainage improvement, so that kind of leveled playing field on that $20 million that is going to the St. Johns Heritage Parkway.  She stated the reasons she is so opposed to this is because what happens is, whether it is the new construction for the first five years, or all the property appreciation for the remaining 26 years, all of the tax base from 2011, all the property appreciation and the taxes associated with it will all go to north county, then where will the infrastructure needs be filled; and it keeps being said they are not going to be paying any extra taxes, yet who is going to pay for the taxes to support the additional infrastructure needs.  She talked about if Farmton builds out; now they might want emergency medical services; who will pay for that if their tax base is not going to go to it, that will be part of the new construction, that has to come from the General Fund; she is not willing to have the south part of the County subsidize the existence of the north part of the County; and everyone has to co-exist, it needs to represent everybody.  She went on to say she heard one speaker from the south part of the County that was for this new redevelopment district, every other speaker for it was from the north part of the County; yet speakers that were opposed came from the central and south part of the County; and this has brought about a great amount of debate, and she cautioned the Commissioners.  She pointed out the Commission set up the Merritt Island CRA; it did a good job, but she thinks it has started to go on too long; it has been in existence for 25 years, and what did it buy; it bought the Crab Shack; it bought it and subsidised the rent for the Crab Shack; people are paying $1,350, somewhere around that range, for rent; and where can one get waterfront rent for two businesses for $1,350.  She added, one is subsidising the rent after paying them $2 million to sell it to the County; she asked who would be governing this; with Merritt Island Redevelopment District it is the tax dollars, all General Fund dollars; but, that is being governed by all the people selected by  Commissioner Nelson, because it is within District 2; he selects all the people for the board; and those are the citizens tax dollars that are being governed, not by the people one elected, but by Commissioner Nelson and the people he appoints.  She further went on to say if a new CRA is created where are the tax dollars going to be spent; is it going to be governed by the Commission, or since it is Chairman Fisher's District would he be able to select who it goes to; and there are so many levels of this she is opposed to.  She noted, that is why she tried to get the media involved and the public involved; and everyone did a great job, both sides, on presenting their point.

 

Commissioner Nelson remarked apparently Commissioner Infantini is not listening, because the Board has moved on to say it was going to be looking at a more strategic boundary, and she seems to have glazed over.  He stated she also mislead everyone because the County did not pay $2 million for the Crab Shack, the County's portion of that was $400,000; it got a $3 million piece of property for $400,000, fully-supported by the entire legislative delegation, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Governor of the State of Florida, as well as the full Cabinet; it got a grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District, which are dollars that came back into the County; and the lease agreement is for five years so it can transition into a business plan, and put it out to bid.  He added, again Commissioner Infantini used misleading information as she typically does.  Commissioner Infantini noted that is not misleading, the County did pay $2 million for the property; and it does not matter whether it was County funds or not.  Commissioner Nelson clarified it was $2.8 million, and $1.8 came from the State of Florida.  Commissioner Infantini remarked the point is, the County paid $2.8 million for property that was assessed at about $1 million; and the Board took it off the tax rolls.  Commissioner Nelson stated all the purchases for the MIRA District come to the Board of County Commissioners, he does not have any control other than his 'one' vote, and they cannot go out and buy land, so he believes that was misleading on Commissioner Infantini's part; and their a recommending body on these issues, so for Commissioner Infantini to indicate they are somehow independent, is just not accurate.  He added, the issue of north/south has actually not been raised by the north, it has been raised by the south; and he agreed with Commissioner Anderson, this is the Commissioners' County; and he did not have a problem stepping up for SEMATECH, which is in Palm Bay, or Embraer, which is in Melbourne, because he thinks they are all worthwhile and valuable projects.  He noted, Embraer for the money it gave them is building their showroom, which was not part of the deal; it actually has seen an increase over and above which it committed to; he thinks the item deserves discussion, that is what this is all about; the Board has an extra step in the process which says the Board is going to talk about it; and so when it comes back to the Board it will have actually details, and he looks forward to seeing that.   

 

Commissioner Anderson suggested to advertise, which will move on to public hearing; both Commissioner Infantini, and Commissioner's Bolin and Nelson have brought up areas that they are concerned about; he wants to hear more public input; he wants to get more expert testimony and get the articles that were referenced by some people; and received input from people who support the enterprise area and make a diligent public decision.  He commented, that is what the Board is paid to do as Commissioners; and he moved to go forward with public hearing and permission to advertise.

 

The Board granted permission to advertise a public hearing for an ordinance creating the North Brevard Economic Development Enterprise Zone; and to have all options researched and presented at the public hearing.              

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                Trudie Infantini

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ITEM VII.B.2., BOARD CONSIDERATION, RE:  SECOND REQUEST FOR REDUCTION OF FINE AND RELEASE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN FOR 3725 W. NEW HAVEN AVENUE, MELBOURNE

Fred Hartmann, WD Webb Realty Inc., stated he owned the property and sold it to a gentleman a few years ago; he helped him change the zoning on the property, and all of the sudden he started doing wild things; Code Enforcement came down on him very hard; and the lien stayed on the property when he got it back. 

 

Commissioner Nelson asked if Mr. Hartmann was okay with the reduction from the Special Magistrate.  Mr. Hartmann stated he does not understand it and asked to have it explained.

 

Robin Sobrino, Planning and Development Director, stated the fine on the property was originally $62,400; the Special Magistrate had issued a ruling allowing for a reduction to $40,000;  and a payment plan was developed and the fine reduction was contingent upon compliance with completing the payments in accordance with the payment plan.  She added, the County received incremental payments of $14,000 over a period of months, and then the payments ceased; and according to the County's policies, when the payment plan is not complied with the fine returns to the original amount.  She explained Mr. Hartmann is here today to request the reduction of the original fine again; the Special Magistrate has recommended since he has previously granted a reduction to $40,000, that he would reinstate that $40,000 recommendation; and he would also recognize the $14,000 that had previously been paid accordingly, and he was recommending that the remaining $26,000 be paid.   

 

Mr. Hartmann stated he sold the property to John Oglesby; Mr. Oglesby sold to it to another gentleman; and he is the one that paid on it.  Mr. Hartmann explained he has been paying taxes on the property; and it is strange that they could not make the payments, so he got the property back, and the lien with it; and it is unfair.  He added, he cannot go after John Oglesby because he is not worth anything; and he is asking for a great reduction, if not the whole thing.

 

Commissioner Anderson asked if the property was in compliance; with Ms. Sobrino responding yes.

 

Commissioner Nelson asked if Mr. Hartmann bought the property back.  Mr. Hartmann stated no, he was carrying the paper and it was deeded back to him.

 

Mel Scott, Assistant County Manager, stated it is currently in compliance; it is along SR 192; it is a commercial property; and the Property Appraiser has an assessed value just under half-a-million dollars.  Commissioner Anderson asked how much the administrative costs are up to today that are incurred.  Ms. Sobrino advised the total incurred for the case is $2,088, and to date the cost paid were $370.  Commissioner Anderson stated since it was deeded back and he did not purchase it back, just to go release the lien excluding the administrative costs, so it is not a burden on the taxpayers.

 

The Board granted a reduction to the accrued fine for Case 06-0015 at 3725 W. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, from $26,000 to $1718, to be paid in three days; and directed staff to prepare and execute release and satisfaction of lien upon receipt of payment.   

 

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ITEM II.E., WICKHAM PARK, RE:  VIETNAM MOVING WALL CEREMONY

Commissioner Bolin mentioned the Vietnam Moving Wall Ceremony held at Wickham Park; it was a wonderful event for everyone included; and it is a great thing to have in Brevard County.

ITEM VII.E.2., CITIZEN REQUEST, RE:  PAUL S. WEST, ESQUIRE - TRANSFER OF TAX DEED TO VENETIA TOWNHOMES & VILLAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Mel Scott, Assistant County Manager, stated this is a circumstance where a developer has built the Venetia Townhomes; and as part of that subdivision of townhomes, a pool cabana and common open space was developed.  He added, unfortunately when the developer was done selling the units and left the picture, the deed was never conveyed over to the Homeowners Association as it related to those common recreational areas.  He explained, subsequent to that handoff not occurring, the taxes were also then not paid for that property and it ended up reverting back to County through a tax deed sale; and the item before the Board is the Homeowners Association with representation by Attorney West to regain control of those areas.  He added, there are $900.00 in taxes that have not been paid as a result prior to going to the tax deed. 

 

Paul West, Esquire, with the law firm Clayton & McCulloh, P.A., stated the firm represented about 88 different associations in Brevard County, one of which is Venetia Townhomes who had all along been treating the property as if it was their own.  He added, the opportunity before the Board today is to correct something that was done wrong; the developer forgot to do something, and as a result the property was never deeded over to the tax exempt Homeowners Association; nonetheless, the Homeowners Association treated it as if they did; they continued to maintain it; and he is prepared to bring testimony to show that it has paid in excess $212,000.  He stated, his position, and the courts have ruled on this and it is good law, that the property should have never been taxed in the first place, because the property values had been increased as a result of the common area, and as a result of that, the County has received tax revenues based on the increased values of those properties that are in the association.  He added, it should have never been taxed in the first place; the Board has the opportunity to deed the property back over the association; and he is sure the County would love to continue to own the pool, but he is sure they do not want the liability.  He noted, last November was when Venetia Townhomes had been notified that the property has been sold by tax deed; it was right in the middle of pulling permits to do pool renovations thinking the pool was theirs.  He went on to say they have since gotten memos from the County asking when it was going to finish doing the pool, it has an outstanding permit; Venetia Townhomes & Villas Homeowners Association, Inc. has spent over $153,000 in the last fifteen months on the maintenance of the common area; and they have been treating the property as if it was theirs all along.  He asked the County to do something the developer should have done many moons ago; the Association treated it as if it were theirs, they maintained it, and insured it.  He mentioned when junior skinned his knee, they made sure everything was taken care of properly as if was theirs.  He stated all they are asking is for the Commission to consider deeding the property back over to the Association; let them continue to complete the refurbishing of the pool; and to continue to maintain the pool.    

 

Commissioner Infantini made a motion to approve the transfer; Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion.

 

Commissioner Nelson asked if this was currently County property; with Mr. Scott responding correct.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Board is going to be giving away County property as of today.  Mr. Scott stated that is the motion.

 

Scott Knox, County Attorney, stated staff will have to come back to the Board with a resolution if it is going to deed it to them, for a reduced less than fair market value price is the procedure; and this is just to say 'yes' or 'no' to that.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if it has been off the tax rolls three years, or it has been in the County's possession for three; and what is the property valued at.  Attorney Knox stated the property value shown on the Property Appraiser's website is zero.  Commissioner Nelson replied that cannot be; the attorney has asserted that indeed the property was covered as added value to the individual units, but he does not know that to be the case; and that would a question the Property Appraiser would have to answer, because it was a separate parcel, it may not have been attached to the individual units.  Mr. West stated he is also a licensed real estate broker; he had the former president of the Association just go through a sale, and the issue was whether or not common areas belong to the County or to the Association.  He went on to say that one transaction demonstrates that if it is owned by the County, the value of the property goes down, but if owned by the Association, is what he considers to be current market value; and his argument, respectfully, is that the County has received the taxes by the benefit of the increased value of all of the units that are in the Association.  He stated had it not been for the fact that the Association had the common areas, the values would have been tremendously decreased, and the County would not have received as much money as it did.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would prefer to have that information from the Property Appraiser's Office.

 

Angela Phillips, Dependable Property Management, stated she has been managing the property on behalf of the Association since the summer of 2007; the documents that Mr. West has been referring to she compiled.  She added, in reading the governing documents for Venetia Townhomes & Villas the first paragraph, which is appropriate in this type of document, in the early 90's when Venetia Corporation built the property is says the purpose of this instrument is to convey all the common areas, which include the roads, street lights, mailboxes, parking spaces, pool, and the driveways to the Association Homeowners.  She pointed out that is the stated purpose in the first two paragraphs of the document; however, the developer through whatever language challenges he and his typesetter had, never put the words 'I hereby Convey' in the document; although it stated in the first few paragraphs that is the intent of the document, in addition to organizing the Homeowners Association.  She advised this was done in early 1990's; there has been no tax on the tax records that she has been able to research going back to the early 90's; and they refurbished the pool, spent $47,000 bringing it into compliance because it had been told by the County it had to be in compliance.  She added, the developer had never pulled a permit for the original pool. 

 

Commissioner Nelson asked if there was no tax on the property how does the Association owe back taxes.  Ms. Phillips responded that is a good question.  Commissioner Nelson inquired how is it determined it is $900.00.  Chairman Fisher stated the County bought the $900.00 through a tax deed.  Mr. West stated the tax deed was issued in 2009.  Ms. Phillips stated after it paid for all the renovation on the pool, she went to go get something else; and one of the County Attorney's asked her when the Venetia Townhomes & Villas Homeowners Association, Inc. is going to buy the property from the County.  She added, originally she was told the outstanding taxes were $18,000; this is a community that just spent $45,000 through special assessment of their association members to redo a pool that they thought they owned.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to make sure the Board has a full history of what the intent was, but the question is how did it get here, and there was some agencies that were involved in that it does not have answers from.  He added, before the Board gives away what has become public property he would like to understand how the County is able to do that, and what the circumstances were beyond the intent of the original document; and he would like to have that information before the Board goes forward before processing paperwork.  

 

Mr. West explained if the Board looks at chain of title, the property is owned by the County; his argument is it should have never been County property; the taxes should have never been assessed pursuant to good law; the property should have never been assessed, the tax deeds should have never been issued; and it is not as if the County is giving the property to the Association.  He added, the Association has paid $150,000 to maintain the property; and it should have never been taxed in the first place.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to hear that from the Property Appraiser, he is the Constitutional Elected Officer who got everyone here, and he would like to hear from him.  Mr. West asked staff if they ever got in touch with the Property Appraiser, because they said they were going to.  Mr. Scott reminded Mr. West he was going get in touch with the Property Appraiser.              

 

Commissioner Nelson asked if the Board could table this item until May 24th.

 

Commissioner Infantini inquired if Venetia Townhomes & Villas was cited by the County Code Department to come into compliance.  Ms. Phillips responded in 2007 the County advised the Association that the pool was not in compliance; and in the fall of 2009, the County closed the pool stating that they must bring it into compliance before they could issue a permit.  Ms. Phillips added, in 2009 the County was believing that the Association owned the pool and the common areas to the extent that they issued a mandatory 'close this pool', and if they removed the sign they were going to be cited and fined.  She noted, the County called every few months to see if it was moving forward, otherwise it was going to take them to Code Enforcement.  Commissioner Infantini asked how much did the Association have to pay to bring it into compliance.  Commissioner Nelson clarified that was State Health Department that was contacting Ms. Phillips, not the County.  Mr. Scott added, it is a City of Melbourne permit, not a County.  Ms. Phillips stated the Association paid $55,873 to come into compliance.  Commissioner Infantini remarked perhaps Brevard County owes the Association a refund, since it is the County's pool that it took the time to bring into compliance; reiterated it is owed a refund; and then remarked she was being sarcastic.  She stated rather than the County repaying the Association $55,000 because it expended the money on its behalf to take care of the swimming pool, perhaps it would consider it an even trade, on the property value, so the County does not have to pay it back.  She added, otherwise the Association might want to sue the County; perhaps the Association had to pay out-of-pocket for the little boy who skinned his knee; so rather than the Association coming after the County for the money it expended, maybe in exchange the Board would think it prudent to let this go. 

 

Attorney Knox suggested the Board, since it appears it will be coming back in two weeks, come back with a resolution that is required; it basically will treat this is a not-for-profit corporation, and by Statute, if it is going to transfer property to them, it is less than fair market value, then the County would give it to them by resolution setting forth what the conditions are.

 

Chairman Fisher stated the Board can get a better understanding what happen between the transfer.  Attorney Knox stated he would talk with the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector to see how it all happened.

 

The Board tabled consideration of the request of Paul S. West, Esquire, to transfer tax deed to Venetia Townhomes & Villas Homeowners Association, Inc. to the May 24, 2011, Board of County Commissioners meeting; and requested the County Attorney provide a resolution.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

.

ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

 

Commissioner Infantini pulled Item III.A.4., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Norcell McRay, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; Item III.A.5., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Sammie Lincoln and Mary Lee Lincoln, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; Item III.A.6., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Samuel C.  Plummer and Tanya E. Plummer, as Tenants in Common, with Rights of Survivorship, Reserving a Life Estate to Albert Plummer, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; Item III.A.7., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Mamie S. Fishmon, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; Item III.A.8., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Sadie Mae James, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; Item III.A.9., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Kevin I. Knowles, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; Item III.A.10., Contract for Sale and Purchase with Betty Rose Berry, Re:  Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Project; and Item III.B.1., Approval, Re:  Budget Change Requests; Commissioner Nelson pulled Item III.B.6., Permission to Bid and Award Bid, Re:  Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (Tropical Storm Fay) Capital Improvement Projects with the Cities of Cocoa and Melbourne, from the Consent Agenda for discussion.

ITEM III.A.4., CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE WITH NORCELL MCRAY, RE:  UTILITY, SIDEWALK, AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT FOR CDBG MAIN STREET PROJECT

Commissioner Infantini addressed Items III.A.4 through III.A.10; she advised she is bringing this out to highlight the need to review the Community Development Grant Program, because the Program gives funding to certain projects; and these projects have been in place for over three years prior to her, Commissioner Fisher, and Commissioner Anderson serving on the Board.  She stated she would like to bring the project list back; she thinks it needs to be reprioritized; the project list was created prior to the housing collapse, and a lot things have happen since then, a lot people have lost their jobs.  She reiterated she wanted to reprioritize the list, because right now the Board is working off of a list she is not comfortable with; she is not necessarily opposed; and one of the things that it appears to be doing is putting up a sidewalk and drainage along a road.  She stated perhaps there are better places to put sidewalks, but if it needs drainage, that is a good cause; but this particular road does not have that much pedestrian traffic that a sidewalk would be better used in other area.  She added, she understands if it want to purchase land because it needs better drainage in the area, but at the same time if it is going to be putting sidewalks in areas, she wants to make sure it is the area that serve the most pedestrians possible. 

 

Chairman Fisher passed the gavel to Vice Chairman Anderson.  Commissioner Fisher made a motion to passed Items III.A.4 through III.A.10; seconded by Commissioner Nelson.

 

Commissioner Infantini suggested the Board start to reprioritize the projects; and she is not saying do not purchase this.  

     

The Board executed the Contract for Sale and Purchase and accepted the easement from Norcell McRay for the CDBG Main Street Project, located in Mims, Section 17, Township 21, Range 35.

 

MOVER:            Robin Fisher, Chairman / Commissioner District 1

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

ITEM III.A.6., CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE WITH SAMUEL C. PLUMMER

 

The Board executed the Contract for Sale and Purchase and accepted the easements from Samuel C. Plummer and Tanya E. Plummer, as tenants in common, with rights of survivorship, reserving a life estate to Albert Plummer for the CDBG Main Street Project, Located in Mims, Section 17, Township 21, Range 35.

 

.

 

ITEM III.A.7., CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE WITH MAMIE S.  FISHMON, RE:  UTILITY, SIDEWALK, AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT FOR THE CDBG MAIN STREET PROJECT

 

The Board executed the Contract for Sale and Purchase and accepted the easement from Mamie S. Fishmon for the CDBG Main Street Project, located in Mims, Section 17, Township 21, Range 35.

 

.

 

ITEM III.A.8., CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE WITH SADIE MAE JAMES, RE:  UTILITYM, SIDEWALK, AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT FOR CDBG MAIN STREET PROJECT

 

The Board executed the Contract for Sale and Purchase and accepted the easement from Sadie Mae James for the CDBG Main Street Project, located in Mims, Section 17, Township 21, Range 35.

 

.

ITEM III.A.9., CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE WITH KEVIN I. KNOWLES FOR THE CDBG MAIN STREET PROJECT

The Board executed the Contract for Sale and Purchase and accepted the easement from Kevin I. Knowles for the CDBG Main Street project, located in Mims, Section 17, Township 21, Range 35.

 

 

ITEM III.A.10., CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE WITH BETTY ROSE BERRY, RE:   UTILITY, SIDEWALK, AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT FOR THE CDBG MAIN STREET PROJECT

 

The Board executed the Contract for Sale and Purchase and accepted the easements on two tax parcels from Betty Rose Berry for the CDBG Main Street project, located in Mims, Section 17, Township 21, Range 35.

 

.

 

ITEM III.B.1., APPROVAL, RE:  BUDGET CHANGE REQUESTS

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she will not be approving the budget change requests for the Sheriff's Office for $2.5 million and $1.7 million.  Commissioner Nelson asked her reasoning; he stated he is sure the Port and City of Cape Canaveral would like understand why she does not want them to have law enforcement.  Commissioner Infantini explained that they do have law enforcement, but what happened is the Sheriff removed those budget items from the budget that gets presented to the County every year, so if the Board approves this, right now the Sheriff's budget operating expenses are 20 percent higher than they were two years ago in 2008/2009.  She added, if the Board was to approve this, it would make their operating expenses 43 percent higher than they were in 2008/2009; the Sheriff actually handles the funds independently in Brevard County, the funds do not come through the Board and they do not get dispersed by the Board; and the Sheriff specifically had the items removed.  She went on to say if one goes back to 2008, 2009, and 2010, he stated that he was removing those items from the budget.  She stated her concern is it would be increasing the budget at this point in time, and she does not want to increase the budget.

 

Commissioner Nelson asked if Commissioner Infantini is aware that the reason funds where pulled out is because the Port is going to create its own law enforcement, and they had not worked out the contract, and Cape Canaveral chose to change some of their service levels, so the numbers were not available at the time.  He pointed out a decision to vote no means that there would be no law enforcement in Cape Canaveral; it pays specifically for this service; this is not County funds, these are City of Cape Canaveral funds that they are contracting with the Sheriff; the Port is contracting with the Sheriff; and inquired if Commissioner Infantini wished that the Port not have law enforcement.  Commissioner Infantini stated she wished that the Port continued with the same law enforcement that they have had in place.  Commissioner Nelson stated that would be illegal because it is a City and another governmental unit called the Port, and they cannot just go provide law enforcement for them without being compensated; and it would be unfair to the rest of the County.  He explained this is a contract for law enforcement services, paid for by the two government units so that they do not have to have their own police forces; and there is no alternative to this other than taking away law enforcement from the City and the Port.  Commissioner Infantini reiterated the Sheriff's Office pulled the items out of its budget, and have known about the items; it is a recurring contract, while the specific's were not known, they have a two-year contract for $2.4 million, which expires September 2011.  She added, it can be renegotiated so the Sheriff knew before the Board got into the budget year, and the numbers are not included in the budget.  Commissioner Nelson pointed out these are not the County's dollars; the Board has no approval authority other than putting them in the budget; this is between the Sheriff, who has the ability to contract, and the two governmental units; the Board just shows it in the books; and it does not change anything about the budget in terms of the revenue or anything else.  Commissioner Infantini inquired if the Sheriff's operating expenses budget will increase from the existing $21 million to $25 million, because in 2008/2009 it was $17 million and now it is being suggested it should go to $25 million, which is a 43 percent increase over 2008/2009; and asked if that is what the Board is suggesting.

 

Greg Pelham, Chief Finance Officer, stated in 2008/2009 the Port put the Sheriff's Office on notice that it was going to move away from contracted services and do its own police enforcement; and the legislature signed off on it.  He noted, at that time the Sheriff's Office was moving forward with it; at that point the timing of it did not make it feasible; and it did pull the Port and the City out of the budget, and it also pulled it out of previous years, so the comparison from 2008/2009 to 2010/2011 reflected that.  He explained the contract was signed with the City and the Port on September 28, 2010; and at that point in time, the Board had already adopted the 2010/2011 budget for the Sheriff Office, and he did not have the exact numbers to give the Board on the contract.  He added, after October 1, 2010, he brought a budget adjustment to the Board, which is putting this into the Sheriff Office budget, it does not effect Board funds whatsoever; all of the payments come directly to the Sheriff's Office; and it uses the funds to cover the payments.  He stated at the end of the fiscal year if there are any funds that are left over unspent, they are returned to the City, but the Port funds are returned to the County at the end of the year.  Commissioner Nelson addressed the other reason for the increase in the previous year was Malabar finally started paying into MSTU.  Mr. Pelham stated correct, over the last three years Grant-Valkaria and Malabar have come into the Law Enforcement MSTU.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if the increases were because the Sheriff expanded service other than the fact the communities asked to have the Sheriff provide the service in lieu of creating their own police forces.  Mr. Pelham stated that is correct.  Commissioner Nelson asked if through consolidation and sharing of services, the Board actually sees the Sheriff's budget go up, but it is being paid for by those municipalities.  Mr. Pelham advised that is correct. 

 

The Board approved the budget changes as submitted.    

 

.

 

ITEM III.B.6., PERMISSION TO BID AND AWARD BID, RE:  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT DISASTER RECOVERY (TROPICAL STORM FAY) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WITH THE CITIES OF COCOA AND MELBOURNE

Commissioner Nelson pointed out these are Community Development Block Grants funds that are going to the City of Cocoa, to the City of Melbourne, and County Commission District 3 of $1 million; and asked if the Board wanted to look at re-prioritizing that one as well.

 

The Board approved the solicitations and award of bids to construct capital improvement projects utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster funding; and authorized the County Manager to execute contracts with the successful bidders upon approval by the County Attorney and Risk Management.     

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.2., GRANT CONTRACT NO. 11BE1 WITH FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, RE:  DESIGN, PERMITTING, AND MONITORING OF THE FEDERAL PROTECTION PROJECT NORTH AND SOUTH REACHES

The Board executed Contract 11BE1 with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems for design, permitting, and monitoring of the Federal Shore Protection Project; and authorized the County Manager or designee to execute task orders or contracts to accomplish the scopes of work approved by FDEP under the Contract.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.3., APPROVAL, RE:  LIBRARY IMPACT FEE APPROPRIATIONS

The Board approved the appropriation of library impact fees in the amount of $174,620.00 for acquisition of library media at the various Brevard County Public Libraries as recommended by the Library Impact Fee Advisory Committee; and authorized the Budget Office to process any budget changes necessary to implement the appropriation.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.11., ACCEPTANCE OF SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED FROM FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, RE:  ADDITIONAL RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR CLEAR VIEW DRIVE

The Board accepted the Special Warranty Deed from Florida Power & Light Company, and waived the Phase I Environmental Assessment and survey requirements for property that will be used in conjunction with improvements planned for the FP&L Clear View Drive site in District 1.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.12., AGREEMENT WITH BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY JERRY L. SHEALY, RE:  CARETAKER SERVICES AT KINGS PARK IN MERRITT ISLAND

The Board granted permission for the Chairman to terminate the existing Caretaker Agreement with Brevard County Sheriff's Deputy Francis M. Sarivola, and executed a Caretaker Agreement with Brevard County Sheriff's Deputy Jerry L. Shealy for caretaker services at Kings Park (Chase Hammock Road) in Merritt Island; and authorized the County Manager or designee the authority to execute renewal options as outlined in the Agreement.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.13., INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF COCOA, RE:  DISASTER DEBRIS CLEAN-UP

The Board executed the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Cocoa for clean-up of debris following a disaster event.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.14., PURCHASE ORDER AUTHORIZATION, RE:  REHABILITATION OF TREATMENT PLANT EQUIPMENT

The Board authorized a sole source purchase order to Ashbrook Simon-Hartley, the manufacturer for Ashbrook belt filter presses, in the amount of $234,604 for the full rehabilitation of an Ashbrook belt filter press and parts for the partial rehabilitation of another Ashbrook belt filter press; and authorized appropriate budgetary changes.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.A.15., CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CENSTATE CONTRACTORS, INC., RE:  BAREFOOT BAY AWRF EAST RING STEEL PLANT REPLACEMENT

The Board approved Change Order No. 1 to the CenState Contractors, Inc. contract to build the Barefoot Bay AWRF East Ring Steel Plant Replacement, in the amount of $323,670.81; and approved the necessary budget changes.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.B.2., ACKNOWLEDGE, RE:  RECEIPT OF 2010 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT REPORT FROM THE CITY OF SATELLITE BEACH

The Board acknowledged receipt of the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial and Community Redevelopment Report from the City of Satellite Beach.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.B.3., PERMISSION TO ISSUE TEMPORARY PURCHASE ORDERS, RE:  PURCHASE OF FUEL BASED INFORMAL QUOTES RECEIVED

The Board authorized staff to issue temporary Purchase Orders for fuel based on quotes received, until such time as a new cooperative bid between the Brevard County School Board and other local government municipalities is solicited and awarded.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.B.4., APPROVAL, RE:  PURCHASE OF FOUR REPLACEMENT AMBULANCES

The Board approved the purchase of four replacement ambulances from Wheeled Coach, Inc., an approved vendor selected through a competitive bidding process completed by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, Florida Sheriffs' Association of Counties.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.B.5., APPROVAL RE:  PURCHASE TO TWO PIERCE DX-3000 WATER TANKERS

The Board approved the purchase of two DX-3000 Water Tanker Apparatus utilizing the Florida Sheriff Association's State Bid No. 10-09-0907 from Pierce Manufacturing.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.B.7., AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION, GRANT APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE, USE OF TOLL REVENUE CREDITS, AND EXECUTION OF FOLLOW UP GRANT AGREEMENT, RE:  FISCAL YEAR 2012 SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT CAPITAL AND OPERATING ASSISTANCE GRANTS FROM FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

The Board adopted Authorizing Resolution No. 11-100 with the U.S. Department of Transportation for Grant(s) under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964; executed the Grant Application and the use of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Toll Revenue Credit for the Fiscal Year 2011 Urbanized Area Formula Program, Public Transportation Capital and Operating Assistance Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in the amount of $6,267,409 for Space Coast Area Transit; executed the Designation of Signature Authority allowing staff to submit the Grant Application electronically; authorized the Transit Director to execute and submit the Grant Application electronically contingent upon County Attorney and Risk Management approvals; and authorized the Transit Direct to execute any additional follow-up documentations resolutions, and amendments necessary to secure these funds. 

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.B.8., WAIVE THE PROHIBITION OF DOING BUSINESS WITH ONE’S OWN AGENCY FOR ARTIE SCHRIKER, RE:  PROPERTY IN SPACEPORT INDUSTRIAL PARK

The Board approved waiving the prohibition on doing business with one's own agency for Artie Schriker, a Member of the Spaceport Commerce Authority; and authorized Mr. Schriker to negotiate a purchase of property in the Spaceport Industrial Park with the Spaceport Commerce Authority.  

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.C.1., ACCEPTANCE, RE:  AUDIT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF SATELLITY BEACH BY 09/10

The Board authorized receipt of the Audit Report for the City of Satellite Beach, as accepted by the Satellite Beach City Council Fiscal year 2009-2010.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.C.2., PERMISSION TO NEGOTIATE AND AWARD SOLE SOURCE AGREEMENT, RE:  TURNKEY RADIO MAINTENANCE SERVICES

The Board authorized the appointment of a Negotiating Committee consisting of Robert Lay, Emergency Management Director or designee; Lesley Lewis, Brevard County Fire Rescue Communications Manager or designee; Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager or designee; and Ron Spangler, Brevard County Sheriff's Purchasing Manager or designee, to negotiate and award sole source contract to Communications International Inc., Vero Beach for turnkey Radio Maintenance services; and authorized you to process and execute contract renewals, along with any other documents as may be required on behalf of the Board during the contract term. 

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.C.3., APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF AWARD TO DENNIS HART, RE:  EMPLOYEE INNOVATIONS PROGRAM

The Board approved the payment of award in the amount of $3,416.46 to Dennis Hart, Utility Serviced Department, for recommendation (EIP #374) under Brevard County's Employee Innovations Program.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.C.4., APPROVAL, RE:  PRECINCT LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS - ALTERED AND ADDED (CHAPTER 101.00 (1) F.S.)

The Board approved the revised precinct legal descriptions for the changes to existing precincts due to annexations by the Cities of West Melbourne, Cocoa, and Palm Bay.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.C.6., APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS, RE:  CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARDS

The Board acknowledged appointments/reappointments of Carolyn Freier and Brian McEachran to the Mims/Scottsmoor Public Library Advisory Board with terms expiring December 31, 2011; Arnold Benson to the North Brevard Commission on Parks and Recreation with term expiring December 31, 2011; Jean Richter to the Suntree/Viera Public Library Board with term expiring December 31, 2011; and Mark Broms to the West Melbourne Public Library Board with term expiring December 31, 2011.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM III.C.7., APPROVAL, RE:  BILLFOLDER

The Board approved the billfolder, as submitted.

 

MOVER:            Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM V. A. PUBLIC HEARING, RE:  RESOLUTION TO VACATE PUBLIC UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT IN CANAVERAL GROVES SUBDIVISION, UNIT 1 - WILLIAM SPIVEY

Chairman Fisher called for a public hearing to consider a resolution to vacate public utility and drainage easement in Canaveral Groves Subdivision, Unit 1 - William Spivey.

 

John Denninghoff, Public Works Director, stated the item is a vacating request and has received no objections from any of the Utilities or County Departments, and he is unaware of any from the public.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-101, vacating a portion of the public utility and drainage easement along the side lot line of Lot 12, Block 18 in Canaveral Groves Subdivision, Unit 1 in Section 3, Township 24 South, Range 35 East.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM V.B., PUBLIC HEARING, RE:  PETITION TO VACATE PUBLIC UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT IN COLONY PARK, SECTION 3 - ERWIN TROWBRIDGE

Chairman Fisher called for a public hearing to consider resolution to vacate public utility and drainage easement in Colony Park, Section 3 - Erwin Trowbride.

 

John Denninghoff, Public Works Director, stated the item is a request to vacate and have received no objections; the item is one that will resolve a couple of issues the property owner will have; and this will be the first step the property owner will have to get their title cleared.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-102, to vacate a public utility and drainage easement along the side lot line of Lot 3, Block G in Colony Park, Section 3, in Section 15, Township 23 South, Range 36 East.

 

MOVER:            Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

.

 

ITEM V.C., PUBLIC HEARING, RE: ORDINANCE AMENDING CODE REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 62, ARTICLE X, DIVISION 3, SURFACE WATER PROTECTION

Chairman Fisher called for a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Code revisions to Chapter 62, Article X, Division 3, Surface Water Protection.

 

Amanda Elmore, Natural Resources Management Department, stated the Board has before it today a change to the Surface Water Code; it is the culmination of about three years of Working Group meetings, 15 meetings, a Comp Plan change, and then two additional meetings; the focus was to provide greater flexibility for use of the Surface Water Protection Buffer while preserving water quality through stormwater retention and other means; and the proposed modifications did receive unanimous consensus with the Working Group, the BCAC, and the LPA.  She went on to say there is one small change staff would like to propose to the Board today regarding septic; the Working Group felt very strongly about setbacks with septic tanks from the Indian River Lagoon System; in a real life application recently, staff had a property come through, Dragon Point, a very narrow piece of property at the southern tip of Merritt Island, could not meet the septic setbacks, could not possibly meet the language proposed; and what staff discovered with meetings with the Department of Health is that through its variance system that it would be providing, there would be numerous checks and balances regarding water quality, quarterly testing, and so forth.  She added, what staff is proposing would provide the flexibility for that type of property to meet Department of Health standards, reduce duplication, and it would be a win/win for everyone.

 

There being no further comments or objections, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 11-15, amending Chapter 62, Article X, Division 3, entitled Surface Water Protection, with the language amendments.   

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM V.D., PUBLIC HEARING, RE:  ORDINANCE AMENDING CODE REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 62, ARTICLES VI AND XIII, LAND ALTERATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AGRICULTURALLY ZONED PROPERTIES

Chairman Fisher called for a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Code revision to Chapter 62, Articles VI and XIII, Land Alteration Requirements for Agriculturally Zoned Properties.

 

Commissioner Anderson advised he felt bad that not everyone who worked on this was at the meeting, as there was a lot of work put into this ordinance; Natural Resources Management Director also assisted; it is important to all the cattle and agricultural people; and he expressed his appreciation to staff for their work.

 

There being no further comments or objections, the Board continued public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 62, Articles VI and XIII, Brevard County Code, to amend land Alteration Requirements for Agriculturally Zoned Properties, to the May 26, 2011, Board meeting.

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM V.E., PUBLIC HEARING, RE:  TRANSMITTAL OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PACKAGE 2011-1 PLAN AMENDMENTS

Chairman Fisher called for a public hearing to consider transmittal of Comprehensive Plan Package 2011-1 Plan Amendments.

 

Robin Sobrino, Planning and Development Director, explained that this is the first amendment cycle of 2011; it is the transmittal portion of the process; there have been some changes in the number of amendments that were presented, and it has whittled down over the last couple of weeks; and she wanted the Board to be aware.  She went on to say Amendment 2011-1.1, which had been a private application, has been withdrawn by the applicant; Plan Amendment 2011-1.5 was withdrawn by staff; with the remaining Comp Plan Amendments, three of them are largely driven due to State Statutes; and the last Amendment is initiated by staff.  She added 2011-1.2 relates to the new definition of Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA), and are asking the Board to accept the new map as designated by the latest data from the Regional Planning Council; Plan Amendment 1.3 has to do with the development of a Public Airport Compatibility land use zone, which is driven by State Statute, the intent being that the County does not increase incompatibilities in land uses surrounding public airports; Plan Amendment 2011-1.4 relates to the annual update of the Capital Improvements Element, again also mandated by State Statute; lastly, staff is developing through Plan Amendment 1.6 a Mixed Future Land Use Designation, policies have been developed to encourage mixed-use in the Comprehensive Plan; the only mechanism previously the Board had seen through the Platt Amendment and Farmton Amendment where they came forward with their own policies in order to encourage a mix of land so that there would be living and working opportunities co-located in the community; and this is staff's effort to now develop a set of parameters the Board can embrace to encourage future mixed use, making it a little easier for anyone else who wants to come in with a Comp Plan Amendment to do a mixed-use community.  She reiterated this is only transmittal today.

 

There being no further comments or objections heard, the Board approved transmittal of the Comprehensive Plan Package 2011-1 Plan Amendments, excluding Amendments 2011-1.1 and 2011-1.5.

 

MOVER:            Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM VI.A., PUBLIC HEARING, RE:  TERMINATING PINEDA CAUSEWAY CROSSING LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH FEC RAILWAY

County Attorney Scott Knox advised he received a letter from the Florida East Coast Railway this afternoon; he would like to spend two weeks talking with them to try to explain what the County is trying to accomplish here; and they have asked staff contact them to talk.

 

The Board tabled consideration of resolution terminating the Pineda Causeway at-grade crossing license agreement with FEC Railway, to the May 24, 2011, Board meeting.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM VII.A.1., STAFF DIRECTION, RE:  TWO COLLECTION FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

Commissioner Bolin stated she believes the County should go out for RFP, but she asked staff to explain the item.

 

Commissioner Anderson stated he spoke with the current vendor and they were fine going out for RFP; and inquired if staff has a problem going out for RFP.  Euripides Rodriguez, Solid Waste Management Director, responded no.

 

Commissioner Bolin inquired if there would still be two contracts.  Mr. Rodriguez advised there are currently two contracts; he believes it is the best way to keep the competition; the question would be if staff went out for RFP, if the Board would want one or two separate contractors; and the current contract says the Board can do that.  Commissioner Bolin inquired if two different companies could service Brevard County.  Mr. Rodriguez responded affirmatively.

 

Chairman Fisher stated he thinks there are savings in packaging together versus having two separate contracts, because of the dynamics of his District; for example, there is so much rural area and yard waste to be picked up; and packaging together the County would get a better price, especially for the people in the north end.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated a very good price could be gotten the other way.

 

Mr. Rodriguez stated going back in time a little bit, staff always has had a blended assessment, in other words, there is not an assessment for the north and the south end of the County, it is just averaged out; through the years what happened is one company bought out the other; and one company ended up with both contracts; but it was originally set up for two separate contracts to encourage competition.  He added, when there have been issues in the past with one hauler, it is a good way to compare them with the other hauler and tell them to pick up the pace as the other hauler is doing a good job; and generally it has worked in the past.  He stated a bigger contract has economy scales.

 

Chairman Fisher inquired if single stream versus dual pick up, is how it is being bid.  Mr. Rodriguez advised if staff goes out to bid, he would probably be returning back to the Board for level of services, if it wishes to maintain the same level of services; the other question would be if the Board wanted to go a cart system or to bid it both ways to see which one gives the best price; the County has already moved to single-streamed; and he does not see any reason to move away from that.  He highly recommended going to the cart system on the recycling just because it will encourage more recycling since there would be a bigger bulk; more stuff could be put in the cart; and at the same time by giving a cart to a person, it is a new thing, and they will start using it more; and that is what has happened in the cities that have recently received this type of service.

 

Chairman Fisher stated he does not know a lot about trash; and inquired if this is worth scheduling a workshop to discuss how to fashion the RFP.  He added, he has seen it where everyone puts everything in one bin, and somehow it gets cycled out; and inquired if there are companies that do that now.  Mr. Rodriguez replied yes, but not in Brevard County; stated there is something called a material recovery facility; all the garbage is sorted, or it goes to an incinerator plant where everything gets incinerated.  Chairman Fisher advised it seemed like it would be easier for recycling.  Mr. Rodriguez explained that would be on the disposal side and it would increase the County's operating expenses.  He added, staff checked a Palm Beach County an incinerator plant; it is a great idea; but it cost them $100 million.

 

County Manager Howard Tipton advised one of the things in the County's favor is time it is well in advance of the contract expiration; Euri has mentioned the next step is for staff to bring back a draft of the RFP based on their recommendations and the Board's feedback; and it will be up to the Board as to what changes it would like to make to the RFP before it actually goes out.  He went on to say whether it is at a regular meeting or a special workshop, he reiterated the next step would be for staff to bring back a draft for the Board to work with.

 

Commissioner Infantini recommended going out to bid and she would like the opportunity to have two separate bids; like Euri said, the two bids could be blended to be able to enjoy a certain lower rate in the south that could be merged with a higher rate in the north; the rates are blended so everyone is charged consistently, because it is a one-county approach; someone could come back with something that beats the blended rate; and it should be left up to the vendors to either come in north and south or the entire County.

 

Commissioner Anderson noted his preference would be to get all of the options together and do it in a workshop format, because at the end of the day this Board just wanted the best service for the residents at the lowest price; and for staff to do another PowerPoint presentation at a workshop, so Board could give good direction.

 

David Unversaw, Republic Services, stated he is pleased to hear the Board is considering to go out for RFP; that is what he was going to talk about; and he is going to change gears hoping that is the direction the Board goes.  He agreed that a workshop is a good idea; there are a lot of options to choose from; garbage is not what it used to be; and landfill's are not built like they used to be where a hill was dug and garbage was thrown in.  He went on to say in the 1980's Subtitle D was created.  He stated the Board spoke about one or two zones; both are good ideas, they both have advantages, and they both have disadvantages; single zones will provide the best rate; there tend to be higher rates in the rural parts of the counties; and balancing choices to get the best rate.  He advised that Republic Services is the second largest hauler in the country doing collection, recycling, landfill's, with material recycling sites throughout the United States and the Country of Puerto Rico.  He added the County's recycling goes out of the County; the Board may want a separate agreement or work it into this; and Republic Services recently opened a single stream materials recycling facility in Polk County as an alternate source for the Board to consider instead.  Single stream is definitely the way to go, getting carts is the way to go, getting automated, and to take the County to the next side to automate its trash as well away from a manual collection and go to a single cart where they have a truck that picks it up automatically rather than manually; the reason for this is because it saves lives; when doing manual service a man is in the back of the truck; and one of the number one and main reasons in their industry that results in fatality is because the trucks get hit.  He added it eliminates Worker's Compensation issues; and it will provide better pricing generally speaking.  He stated the City of West Melbourne is the poster child of why the County should go out to bid; and its residential rate dropped 30 percent, commercial rate dropped 40 percent, and it is a home run to the County. 

 

Platt Loftis, Waste Pro of Florida, Inc., stated his thunder was stolen a bit; he was going to come before the Board and recommend the contract go out to bid; everyone knows the benefits; and it is probably the County's single largest contract, and a lot will be reaped by its residents and businesses if it did.  He pointed out when West Melbourne went out to bid, it did very well and will save $10 to $10.5 million dollars.  He noted no matter which way the Board goes, there will be a significant savings; and other counties have divided up their zones.  He concurred that the contract should go out to bid.

 

Chairman Fisher inquired what is the residential rate in Brevard County.  Mr. Loftis advised the commercial rate is where there can be some changes made.

 

John Clifford, Republic Services, echoed some of the points that were made regarding the changes that have taken place throughout the course of the last 20 years, industry changes as far as the method of collection, the operation of the vehicles; another operation that they are bringing into their equipment is getting away from a lot of the diesel dependency; and they just converted in Polk County their entire residential fleet over to compressed natural gas.  He went on to say there have been a number of changes over the years, such as single-streamed recycling; and he encouraged the Board to put this out for bid, and to workshop it and take care of some of those changes.

 

Chairman Fisher stated he hopes price is not the only issue looked at; getting a competitive bid is good; but at the end of the day, there has to be good service provided; and that will play a factor with him. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated people are very passionate over garbage issues; she will be looking at the quality of the services to the constituents; and that is the main thing, not the price.

 

Craig Yoder stated as a business owner he wanted to make a few points; the contracts were written in the last Century; something needs to be done with that; there is a potential to bring in another Fortune 500 Company into the County, which would be tremendous; and the City of West Melbourne is the bigger factor in how much the price was cut there and keeping the level of service in place.

 

The Board granted permission to advertise Request for Proposals (RFP) for solid waste service for the north and south franchise areas; and to schedule a workshop.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM VII.B.1., APPOINTMENT, RE:  BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR EXTERNAL AUDITOR SELECTION

Commissioner Nelson stated he would volunteer to be the Board Representative to the Audit Committee with Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager, as his designee. 

 

The Board appointed Commissioner Chuck Nelson and Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten as his designee on the Audit Committee for External Auditor Selection.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

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ITEM VII.E.3., CITIZEN REQUEST, RE:  SUNNY SHELLEY - BREVARD COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES ABUSE OF POWER AND ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF WOLF DOGS

The Board took no action on citizen request of Dr. Sunny Shelley - Brevard County Animal Services abuse of power and endangering the lives of wolf dogs, as she was not present.

 

 

 

Upon Board consensus, the meeting adjourned at 1:43 p.m.

 

 

 

ATTEST:                                             __________________________________

                                                            ROBIN L. FISHER, CHAIRMAN

                                                            BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

________________________            BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

MITCH NEEDELMAN, CLERK