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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOCC Regular Meeting Minutes 01.27.26 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting January 27, 2026 Convened: 6:00 PM Adjourned: 7:07 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Jamie Fowler, District No. 4. Present Commissioner Jamie Fowler, District 4; Commissioner Larry Leet, District 2; Commissioner James Clasby, District 1; Commissioner Erin Lowry, District 3; Commissioner Cathy Townsend, District 5 Also Present Katherine Barbieri, County Attorney George Landry, County Administrator Erick Gill, Communications Director Jennifer Hill, Office of Management & Budget Director Jennifer Garrity, Budget Manager Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Development Services Director Daniel Zrallack, County Engineer Chris Lestrange, Public Works Department Assistant Director Ken Kroll, Chairman of the Infrastructure Surtax Committee Katrina Slay, Executive Aide to County Administration/Agenda Coordinator Vera Smith, Deputy Clerk Recording Secretary 2. INVOCATION The County Administrator led the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. RECESS FOR SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETINGS Erosion District Meeting Mosquito Control District Meeting 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, REVISIONS A motion was made to approve all additions, deletions, and revisions to the agenda, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 2 | Page MOVER: Commissioner District 1 James Clasby SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Infrastructure Surtax Committee Annual Report Chris Lestrange, Assistant Public Works Director, introduces the Annual Infrastructure Sales Tax Report from the Citizens oversight Committee, highlighting the committee's role in ensuring funds are spent fairly and consistently with the original intent. The report is available on the County website and summarizes the completion of the seventh year of sales tax projects, including improvements in roads, sidewalks, and rivers. To date, 53 Board-approved projects have been completed, and another 37 are in planning and design, representing a collaborative team effort across all public works divisions. Ken Kroll, the Chair of the Infrastructure Surtax Committee, and committee members addressed the Board and presented the findings within the report. The report covers the fiscal year 2024- 2025, the seventh year of the voter-authorized 10-year infrastructure surtax. Mr. Kroll highlighted the County's commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The infrastructure surtax generated over $15.5 million during the fiscal year, supported by contributions from residents, visitors, and tourists. The 53 completed projects and 37 additional projects underway or planned represent a total investment of over $88 million in community infrastructure across the County. As required by the County Resolution 18-240 Section 3A, the Infrastructure Surtax Citizens Oversight Committee (ISCOC) is in charge to produce an annual report affirming that the sales tax expenditures comply with Section 212.055(2) of the Florida Statutes and the St. Lucie County Ordinance 18-004. Mr. Kroll confirmed that the committee was provided with all necessary documentation to perform a thorough review and evaluation of the projects. This allowed the committee to thoroughly evaluate the status and eligibility of projects undertaken under the Commission's adopted 10-year sales tax plan. Based on the comprehensive review, ISCOC affirms that the surtax proceeds for fiscal year 2024-2025 were expended in full compliance with the Florida Statutes, the approved ballot language, and the commissioner- approved 2018 10-year infrastructure plan. Mr. Kroll thanked the dedicated members of the oversight committee for their service and commitment. He also expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners for entrusting the committee with the responsibility. He acknowledged the collaboration and technical support from County staff as well. Mr. Kroll expressed the importance of renewing the surtax to maintain essential infrastructure projects. He advised that without renewal, many projects would be delayed or discontinued, placing a financial burden solely on property taxpayers. Renewing the surtax ensures that the cost is shared by residents, businesses, and visitors, preserving a stable, transparent funding source. Continued investment through the surtax helps maintain momentum in public safety and quality of life as St Lucie County continues to grow. Ken Kroll encourages the BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 3 | Page public to visit the St Lucie County website and the YouTube page for more comprehensive information on the impact of the funds. He respectfully requested the Board to accept the fiscal year 2025 infrastructure surtax citizens oversight committee annual report. The Board expressed appreciation for the committee's work and acknowledged the unpaid time and dedication of the committee members. Also, they mentioned the importance of the upcoming vote on the surtax renewal and the dedication of the current board members. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT (excluding Public Hearing Items) Chair Fowler opened the meeting for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Fowler closed public comment. 8. PROCLAMATIONS APPROVAL A. Resolution No. 26-005 - Proclaiming January 2026 as "Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in St. Lucie County, Florida The deputy clerk read the proclamation into the record. A motion was made to adopt the resolution, and it passed unanimously. Chair Fowler presented the proclamation to Lynne Barletta, Founder and CEO of U-ACT/Florida Faith Alliance & Group, who thanked the Board and accepted the proclamation. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no items scheduled. 10. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made to adopt the consent agenda, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend SECONDER: Commissioner District 1 James Clasby AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None A. WARRANTS 1. Warrant Lists 15-16 BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 4 | Page Adopted by Consent Vote B. ADMINISTRATION 1. First Amendment to Health Services Agreement with NaphCare, Inc. C24-05-645 Staff recommended that the Board approve removing the Substance Abuse Counselor position from the required staffing in the NaphCare contract, temporarily move the position to the County via a consultant agreement, and authorize the Chair to sign documents as drafted and approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Acceptance of Final Regional Resilience Plan and Vulnerability Assessment Staff recommended the Board's acceptance of the Final St. Lucie County Regional Resilience Plan report (RRP) and Resilience Vulnerability Assessment-Other Hazards (RVA-OH). Adopted by Consent Vote 3. Commissioner Clasby's Appointment to the Citizens' Budget Committee Staff recommended that the Board vote to ratify the appointment of Jeffrey Chandler as Commissioner Clasby's representative on the Citizens' Budget Committee. Adopted by Consent Vote C. AIRPORT 1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Memorandum of Agreement to Reimburse CBP C24- 08-820 Amendment Additional $10,976.24 for Circuit Recurring Costs Staff recommended Board approval of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Memorandum of Agreement to Reimburse CBP Amendment in the amount of $10,976.24 for Circuit Recurring Costs and permission for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Lease Agreement between St. Lucie County and Treasure Coast Jet Center Hangar, LLC, for Property Located at Treasure Coast International Airport to be Developed for Aeronautical Purposes Staff recommended that the Board approve the proposed lease agreement with Treasure Coast Jet Center Hangar, LLC, and authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney's Office. Adopted by Consent Vote BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 5 | Page 3. Award of Bid No. 26-009 Airport Airfield Marking Improvements to Hi-Lite Airfield Services, LLC - $762,198.60 Staff recommended Board approval of Bid No. 26-009 Award for the Airport Airfield Marking Improvements to Hi-Lite Airfield Services for $762,198.60 and for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote D. COUNTY ATTORNEY 1. Letter of Agreement - Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers Trust Fund Grant for the Time Period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029 Staff recommended that the Board authorize Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers, Inc., in accordance with the Florida Office of Attorney General, to act as St. Lucie County's agent for the purpose of applying for and receiving funds from the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund. If approved, a sample letter is attached for the Chair's signature. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Request from Finance Director for BOCC Record Destruction - ITEM PULLED PRIOR TO MEETING E. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES 1. Termination of C25-07-809 with Florida Best Inc. and award of Contract with Environmental Quality Inc. Staff recommended that the Board approve the termination of contract C25-07-809 with Florida Best Inc., authorize the award of a contract to the second-lowest bidder under piggyback of FWC17/18-82 to Environmental Quality Inc., and authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney in accordance with SLC Strategic Plan Policy 4.3.3. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Revisions to Blueway Advisory Committee Resolution Staff recommended approval of Resolution 26-15 to clarify the ten (10) members required to constitute the Blueway Advisory Committee and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney in accordance with SLC Strategic Plan Policy 4.4.2. Adopted by Consent Vote 3. Work Camper Agreement - Lowell & Karen Markowitz at Petravice Family Preserve Staff recommended Board approval of Work Camper Agreement with Lowell & Karen Markowitz BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 6 | Page and authorization for Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney in accordance with SLC Strategic Plan Policy EP 4.4.3. Adopted by Consent Vote 4. Work Camper Agreement - Mathew and Christine Gerdes at Petravice Family Preserve Staff recommended Board approval of Work Camper Agreement with Mathew & Christine Gerdes and authorization for Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney in accordance with SLC Strategic Plan Policy EP 4.4.3. Adopted by Consent Vote F. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 1. 2026 State Legislative Program - Mosquito Control Expansion Local Bill Resolution No. 26-002 Staff recommended that the Board support Resolution 26-002 as part of the 26 State Legislative Program - Mosquito Control Expansion Local Bill, and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. This item aligns with Strategic Plan Objective HS 4.4.5. Adopted by Consent Vote G. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET 1. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 26-002 - Program Manager Consulting Services Related to Design and Construction of Mets Minor League Clubhouse Staff recommended Board approval of the short-listed firm for RFQ No. 26-002 and permission to: • Conduct contract negotiations with the highest-ranked firm, Marc Taylor, Inc. • If negotiations are successful, award the contract to the highest-ranked firm and authorize the Chair to sign the documents as prepared by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 25-085 - Construction Manager at Risk for Renovation of 8881 S. US Hwy 1 for Tax Collector and County Services Staff recommended Board approval of the short-listed contractors for RFQ No. 25-085 and permission to: • Conduct contract negotiations with the highest-ranked contractor, Paul Jacquin and Sons Construction. • If negotiations are successful, award the contract to the highest-ranked contractor and authorization for the Chair to sign the documents as prepared by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 7 | Page 3. Amendment to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Grants Budgets Staff recommended Board approval of the budget resolution amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Adopted by Consent Vote 4. Fiscal Year 26 Budget Resolution Recognizing Unanticipated Revenue Staff recommended Board approval of this agenda item to recognize the funds to amend the budget by $1,276,766.00. Adopted by Consent Vote H. PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS 1. Road Impact Fee Credit Agreement - Kings Angle Owner LLC and SL Fort Pierce Residential LLC - Parcel ID 2301-601-0001-000-2 Staff recommended that the Board approve the Road Impact Fee Credit Agreement with Kings Angle Owner LLC and SL Fort Pierce Residential LLC, in a manner or form acceptable to the County Attorney, authorize the Chair to sign the agreement and record the agreement in the public records of St. Lucie County, Florida, subject to clear title, an updated Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and recordation of the associated Special Warranty Deed. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Assignment of Road Impact Fee Credit Agreement 2026-006 - Tiki Holdings, LLC to Kings Angle Owner LLC and SL Fort Pierce Residential LLC Staff recommended that the Board approve the Assignment of Road Impact Fee Credits and direct staff to record the Assignment in the Public Records of St. Lucie County, Florida. Adopted by Consent Vote 3. Assignment of Road Impact Fee Credit Agreement 2026-005 - Whalou Properties LLC to Kings Angle Owner LLC and SL Fort Pierce Residential LLC Staff recommended that the Board approve the Assignment of Road Impact Fee Credits and direct staff to record the Assignment in the Public Records of St. Lucie County, Florida. Adopted by Consent Vote 4. Resolution No. 2026-012 - Right-of-Way Donation along Angle Road and the Future Extension of Jenkins Road from Kings Angle Owner LLC and SL Fort Pierce Residential LLC - Parcel ID 2301- 601-0001-000-2 Staff recommended that the Board accept the Special Warranty Deed from Kings Angle Owner BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 8 | Page LLC and SL Fort Pierce Residential LLC, in a manner or form acceptable to the County Attorney, authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution and direct staff to proceed with the closing and record the documents in the public records of St. Lucie County, Florida, subject to clear title and phase I environmental report. Adopted by Consent Vote I. PUBLIC WORKS 1. Amendment #2 to Contract C23-07-807 with Infrastructure Management Services, LP for Professional Services for Infrastructure Inventory and Condition Assessment Data Collection Project to Perform an Assessment of County-Maintained Paved Local Roads, Sidewalks, and Related Infrastructure Staff recommended Board approval of Contract Amendment #2 to Contract C23-07-807 with Infrastructure Management Services, LP, and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney in accordance with Strategic Plan Policy QI 3.1.4. and 3.2.1. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Easy Street Sidewalk Phase II Transportation Alternatives Project (TAP) Grant Application Staff recommended Board approval of Resolution 2026-14 in support of the FDOT TAP Grant application cycle for the FY 2027 Tentative Work Program in accordance with Strategic Plan Policies QI 3.1.1, QI 3.3.5, and QI 3.2.3. Adopted by Consent Vote J. TOURISM & VENUES 1. 2026 Agreement with Tourist Development Council Funding for the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance Staff recommended that the Board approve funding to the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance in the amount of up to $150,000 from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026; approve the 2026 Funding Agreement; and authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET 1. Resolution - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Amendment Jennifer Hill, Office of Management & Budget Director, and Jennifer Garrity, Budget Manager, presented the proposed amendment to the 2026 fiscal year budget to the Board. Upon the completion of the fiscal year 2025, budget staff calculated the current beginning balances of all County funds. Therefore, an additional balance forward was recognized that was not appropriated BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 9 | Page in the current year's budget. Also, adjusting inter-fund transfers related to these balances, and recognizing other unanticipated revenue. The proposed resolution establishes the fiscal year 2026 budget for unanticipated revenue totaling $412,067,471, which includes approximately $274 million in capital project balance reconciliations and $22 million in existing grant match obligations. This also appropriates these balances to their applicable funds and budgets. The public hearing was advertised on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Staff recommended Board approval of the budget resolution amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Chair Fowler opened the hearing for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Fowler closed the public hearing. The Board had no questions or comments on this matter. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None B. PUBLIC WORKS 1. Roadway Jurisdiction Transfer Agreement between FDOT and St. Lucie County for Portions of Midway Road, Indrio Road, Emerson Avenue, and North 25th Street. Item presented in conjunction with 11.B.2. Chris Lestrange, Public Works Department Assistant Director, and Daniel Zrallack, County Engineer, presented this item to the Board. The proposed roadway jurisdiction transfer agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and St. Lucie County, in conjunction with item 11.B. 2. The agreement authorizes each party to agree for certain roadway corridors to be taken off the State Highway System and certain roadway corridors to be placed/taken onto the State Highway System. The County and FDOT have requested the transfer of the following four roadways: 1. SR-607/Emerson Avenue from SR-614/Indrio Road to Indian River County Line OFF the State Highway System and ON to the County Road System. 2. SR-615/North 25th Street from CR-611B/Edwards Road to US-1/SR-5/Federal Highway OFF the State Highway System and ON to the County Road System. 3. CR-712/Midway Road from I-95 to US-1/SR-5/Federal Highway ON to the State Highway System and OFF the County Road System. 4. CR-614/Indrio Road from SR-713/Kings Highway to US-1/SR-5/Federal Highway ON to BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 10 | Page the State Highway System and OFF the County Road System. The roadway locations were depicted graphically on the location map and have been considered for addition onto the State system, based on the function and category of the roadways, including, but not limited to, connection to the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) corridors and facilities, evacuation routes, and location of critical facilities. Both Indrio Road and Midway Road connect to major roadways, including US-1 and I-95. Conversely, roadway corridors that lack these certain qualifiers are requested to be transferred from FDOT to the County for perpetual ownership and maintenance. The agreement will transfer jurisdictional ownership and maintenance of all roadway elements. For transfers OFF the state system, the transfer will occur upon the satisfactory completion of work program projects along the roadways (North 25th Street & Emerson Avenue). For transfers ON the state system: Indrio Road will transfer upon final execution of this agreement by all parties; Midway Road will transfer between Jenkins Road and US-1 upon final execution of this agreement. The section of Midway Road between I-95 and Jenkins Road will remain County responsibility until the notice to proceed is issued for the 4-lane road widening project between Glades Cut Off Road and Jenkins Road, including the southbound turnpike ramps, which is expected to occur in mid- 2027. The County will continue to maintain the enhanced median landscaping and provide right-of-way mowing along Midway Road, as these are non-standard enhancements along the corridor. Enhanced landscaping and/or street lighting along North 25th Street, generally beginning north of SR-70/Virginia Avenue, is currently maintained by the City of Fort Pierce under highway maintenance agreements that automatically transfer with the transfer of road ownership. The County intends to continue to obligate the City to maintain these improvements at the City's expense in accordance with the existing agreements. Portions of Midway Road were widened to 4-lanes using Federal funds, which requires the County to enter into a maintenance agreement with FDOT to remain compliant with federal regulations. The existing FEC rail crossing along Midway Road, located just to the east of Glades Cut Off Road, will remain the responsibility of the County based on the terms of the current license agreement between the County and FEC, until FDOT and FEC negotiate and sign a new agreement as proposed in companion item 11.B.2. Staff has reviewed the agreement and finds that mutual benefits are gained by the transfer of these roadways. In coordination with FDOT personnel, the staff recommended approval of the agreement and the associated resolutions. Staff recommended Board approval of the Jurisdiction Transfer Agreement, adoption of the resolution, and directed the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Chair Fowler opened the hearing for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Fowler closed the public hearing. The Board did not have any questions or comments on this matter. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 11 | Page SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 2. Resolution for Transfer of FEC Rail Crossing Maintenance on Midway Road to FDOT upon New Agreement between FDOT and FEC in Support of Road Transfer for Portions of Midway Road, Indrio Road, Emerson Avenue, and North 25th Street Item presented in conjunction with 11. B.1. Chris Lestrange, Public Works Department Assistant Director, and Daniel Zrallack, County Engineer, presented this item to the Board. The proposed roadway jurisdiction transfer agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and St. Lucie County, in conjunction with item 11. B. 1. The agreement authorizes each party to agree for certain roadway corridors to be taken off the State Highway System and certain roadway corridors to be placed/taken onto the State Highway System. The County and FDOT have requested the transfer of the following four roadways: 1. SR-607/Emerson Avenue from SR-614/Indrio Road to Indian River County Line OFF the State Highway System and ON to the County Road System. 2. SR-615/North 25th Street from CR-611B/Edwards Road to US-1/SR-5/Federal Highway OFF the State Highway System and ON to the County Road System. 3. CR-712/Midway Road from I-95 to US-1/SR-5/Federal Highway ON to the State Highway System and OFF the County Road System. 4. CR-614/Indrio Road from SR-713/Kings Highway to US-1/SR-5/Federal Highway ON to the State Highway System and OFF the County Road System. This agenda item contains the resolution expressing the County's intention to transfer maintenance obligations and duties to FDOT once the parties enter into this new agreement. The existing FEC rail crossing along Midway Road, located just to the east of Glades Cut Off Road, will remain the responsibility of the County based on the terms of the current license agreement between the County and FEC, until FDOT and FEC negotiate and sign a new agreement as presented in companion item 11. B. 1. Staff recommended Board approval and adoption of the resolution, and to direct the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Chair Fowler opened the hearing for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Fowler closed the public hearing. Commissioner Clasby commented on the significance of the transfer from 25th Street and mentioned the state's involvement in funding the bridge and other features on Midway Road. He requested a brief update on the current status and plans for Midway Road. In response, Mr. Zrallack explained the preparations for traffic transfer and the need for safety inspections. BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 12 | Page Kris Kehres, Operations Engineer for FDOT District 4, addressed the Board and explained that the old Midway Road main line is being reconstructed to complete the full lead section, and that the structural asphalt is in place, and frictionless pavement will be added in the future. Commissioner Townsend mentioned that the holdup in the Midway Road corridor was primarily due to the contractor's delays, not FDOT, and that the contractor was responsible for not providing the services as agreed upon in the contract. The Board did not have any further questions or comments on this matter. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 12. REGULAR AGENDA A. COUNTY ATTORNEY 1. Opioid Litigation - Publix Proposed Settlement Katherine Barbieri, the County Attorney, presented the proposed settlement regarding the County's opioid litigation with Publix to the Board. This settlement process has been ongoing for several years, and the County has also reached agreements with other entities. The funds from the settlement will be used to combat the opioid crisis and address additional issues within the County. Staff recommended that the Board accept special counsel's recommendation and accept Publix's proposed settlement for the highest amount available, and authorize the Chair to sign any relevant documents. Commissioner Townsend questioned the timeline for spending the allocated funds on necessary programs and expressed frustration over the lack of clear answers. In response, George Landry, County Administrator, explained the need to restructure the opioid funding committee due to potential conflicts of interest among committee members, delaying the allocation process. The new committee is expected to review and qualify the submittals within the next 30 to 60 days, with recommendations to be brought back to the Board for ratification. The next steps would be to proceed with contracting and issuing the first round of disbursements for the various agencies. Commissioner Clasby requested clarification on what the opioid settlement funding would be utilized for. In response, Mr. Landry explained that the funding was intended to combat opioid BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 13 | Page issues through direct services like treatment programs and other initiatives. Nonprofit and profit organizations have submitted proposals to use the funds to provide free treatments, enhancing their existing services. The lawsuits started with the Attorney General of the state, and the County joined the program, and the County is one of 20 regional recipients of the funds. Not all 67 counties are interregional components. Funds come to the County and the City, but the County also gets a portion of the regional pot. The state controls a significant portion of the money that is to be paid over 18 years as part of the regional settlement. Commissioner Townsend mentioned that the litigation was a class action lawsuit, and the County won. With some of the programs being cut at the state level, such as the jail, New Horizon, drug abuse, and mental health counseling, in the County, services can be provided with the awarded funding. The Board did not have any further questions or comments on this matter. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 1 James Clasby SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None B. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 1. Administrative Approval Update from the PDS Director Benjamin Balcer, Director of Planning & Development Services, presented a brief update on the department's monthly review of development applications that received administrative approval. This discussion focused on approvals that occurred in December. • Minor Adjustment to PUD – Creekside PUD • Minor Adjustment to PUD – Estancia PUD • Minor Site Plan – Exotic Motor Mansions Storage Facility • Major Adjustment to Minor Site Plan – FPL Clover BESS The purpose was to notify the Board of projects that qualified for administrative approval. This item was presented to the Board for informational purposes only. The Board did not have any questions or comments on this matter. C. PUBLIC WORKS 1. St. Lucie County Stormwater Master Plan Update Final Acceptance - THIS ITEM IS RELATED TO THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 14 | Page Daniel Zrallack, County Engineer, and Marcy Frick of Tetra Tech, Inc., presented this item to the Board. In October 2025, staff provided an update on the stormwater master plan, a two-year project. The project involved collecting input from various sources, including public workshops, to identify flooding and drainage issues. Tetra Tech, Inc., conducted county-wide modeling, incorporating data from neighboring communities and running models for different storms and sea level rise scenarios. The updated master plan is based on comprehensive data modeling and community input, identifying priority projects for funding and implementation. Ms. Frick provided an overview of the stormwater master plan. She advised that public workshops were held at the end of October and early November, including an in-person meeting and several webinars, but did not receive substantial comments. The plan has not changed, as no comments were received. The Firefly group organized public engagement, including three workshops in November 2023, March 2025, and October-November 2025. Also, Erin L Deady, P.A., reviewed the County's comprehensive plan and ordinances to identify areas for stormwater management improvements. The current Stormwater Master Plan was developed in 1992. Over the years, there have been a variety of stormwater issues, and conditions in the County have changed a lot since then. There is significant future development planned. Therefore, it is important to examine not only the existing stormwater management issues but also potential future needs for stormwater management as development progresses and increases resilience. The master plan addresses several items from the County’s strategic plan, including recommending improvements to the stormwater infrastructure, supporting environmental protection through water quality improvement, and enhancing public safety by reducing flooding. Through a series of tasks that have been completed, the data collection process includes interviews with commissioners, city water control districts, and the Water Management District. The initial step involved data collection, thoroughly examining many of the County's files, including permit documents from the Water Management District, to gather comprehensive information about the existing stormwater infrastructure. This data was then utilized in task two for modeling purposes. The results from the data collection and interviews, along with the modeling outcomes, contributed to the identification of capital improvement projects. These projects were subsequently screened and developed into the final stormwater master plan as part of task four. Public workshops provided feedback on the draft plan, helping to validate the modeling and identify priority areas. There was also an analysis of the ordinance that provided recommendations for enhancing stormwater management and resiliency within the comprehensive plan. The County was divided into smaller basins to focus on specific stormwater management issues and development areas. Public surveys narrowed down the top five priority basins that had the most critical issues to focus on existing problems and potential development problems. For the modeling, individual stormwater models were created for five basins and various scenarios. With existing conditions, utilizing land use data from 2020, stormwater infrastructure from County files, and current rainfall data for design storms to identify flooding areas. This information was validated through interviews. The modeling identified 132 locations with flooding issues, which were narrowed down to 41 potential project locations. BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 15 | Page Project options were evaluated based on various factors, including ownership, flood prevention/reduction benefits, buildings in flood plain, depth of water inundation, run-off reduction benefits, water quality benefit, proximity to floodplain/stream, capital cost, design/construction complexity, maintenance burden, environmental habitat benefit, and funding potential. The stormwater master plan includes 23 high-level concept designs, with estimates of runoff reduction benefits and costs. Projects are divided into the first 10 years and the second 10 years, depending on existing and future flooding concerns. There is no set priority for addressing these issues; it will largely depend on funding and available opportunities. However, the approach has been to focus on areas experiencing significant flooding within the first 10 years, where development is already taking place. The following 10 years will target areas where there are anticipated future flooding concerns as development continues. The projects remain unchanged from what was reviewed in the draft plan from October. Each project includes specific project recommendations tailored to five basins: Northeast County, White City/Lower North Fork, Upper Ten Mile Creek, Five Mile Creek, and C23/C24. Ms. Frick highlighted that Five Mile Creek and Ten Mile Creek have the largest number of projects with existing flooding areas closer to the river. In the C23/C24, there is one existing flooding concern with the Carlton Road stormwater improvements to be addressed in the first 10 years of the plan. The plan includes recommendations for county-wide improvements, such as promoting the culvert assistance program, ditch cleaning/swales maintenance, and expanding education and outreach efforts. The Board discussed the importance of the updated master plan for public awareness and potential state funding. The Board did not have any further questions or comments on this matter. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry, Cathy Townsend NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 13. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Townsend mentioned the resolution of an ethics violation complaint and moving forward. She also requested confirmation for the next informal meeting to include a discussion regarding the lots on U.S. 1 and the airport update. In response, Mr. Landry advised that the items have been added for discussion. The Board discussed the joint meeting with Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce to sync the municipalities and promote County growth. The positive feedback was highlighted by the municipalities, effective BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM 16 | Page communication facilitated by a vendor, SGR, and the potential for better County development. They noted the positive feedback from past joint meetings and the importance of continued collaboration. 14. UPCOMING MEETINGS A. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6 pm in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. B. The Board of County Commissioners will hold an Informal meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9 am in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. 15. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. A reminder that St. Lucie County’s Aquatics staff hosts Aqua Fit classes at the Lakewood Park Pool every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Admission is $5 per class. Designed for adults, aquafit classes are low-impact workouts conducted in the shallow, zero-entry, temperature- controlled pool and are designed to improve muscle strength, joint stability, coordination, and heart conditioning. The Lakewood Park Pool is located at 5990 Emerson Ave in Fort Pierce. B. St. Lucie County’s Parks & Recreation staff is offering a new Tiny Tots Track & Field program every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Lawnwood Stadium throughout February. Designed for ages six and younger, activities include relay races, beanbag and ball tosses, hula hoop jumps, story time, and more. Parents are required to stay on-site during the activities. The cost is $5 per student per session. Pre-registration and payment are required by visiting www.stlucieco.gov/parks. 16. MOTION TO ADJOURN With no other information to be brought for consideration before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:07 PM. Please note: Final minutes are recorded in the official minute books filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, which are available for inspection upon request.