MARK SCHUMANN

Making good on its promise to explore options for lowering electric rates, the Indian River Shores Town Council today authorized Town Manager Robert Stabe to move forward in hiring outside counsel. Stabe can now spend up to $10,000 without out further approval. The new policy gives Stabe authority to hire outside legal counsel whenever he and Town Attorney Chester Clem conclude they need specialized assistance.

Stabe confirmed this afternoon that he plans to soon hire an attorney to advise the Town on its utility options. Those options may include joining with the Indian River County Commission in filing a complaint with Florida Public Service Commission, and possibly even forming a separate utility to serve Indian River Shores.

The Council also authorized $20,150 in improvements to the cemetery. With all the lots now sold, Councilman Dick Haverland asked if the cemetery would only represent an expense going forward. Stabe said he has begun to research the possibility of adding a “niche” columbarium.

Nancy Raftery, who concluded 12 years as a member of the Planning & Zoning Board, was recognized for her service to the Town.

Town Manager Robert Stabe’s objectives and the criteria for his performance evaluation were discussed.  Mayor Brian Barefoot proposed shifting more emphasis on Stabe’s day-to-day management of the town, with less weight given to his supervision of the Public Safety Department and budgeting.

Haverland suggested that in the next budgeting cycle, Stabe’s goals and objectives should be available for review by September, with final approval in October.  Haverland also urged that the Town manager’s objectives be specific and measurable.  “With these very vague objectives, you almost don’t need objectives,” Haverland said.

Vero Beach Water & Sewer Utility Director Rob Bolton outlined the City’s plans for implementing a hybrid sewer system that will allow for a much less expensive conversion from septic tanks.

 

According to Bolton, within the City’s water and sewer service territory there are 3,000 septic tanks, including 153 in Indian River Shores. A full conversion from septic to sewer would cost up to $22.5 million, Bolton said. In sharp contrast, a hybrid system will require a $1 million upfront investment by the City.  In addition, each customer would pay approximately $9,500 at the time of connection. The total cost, Bolton said, will be half that of a full conversion from septic to sewer.

Bolton explained that a change in Florida law needed to allow for the hybrid system is stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee. That committee does not plan to meet again during the current legislative session. Though the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Mayfield, is without opposition, it may not be considered again until next year. Bolton asked the Council to join Vero Beach in urging legislators to bring the bill to the floor of the House and Senate for a vote.

County Commissioner Bob Solari gave the Council a presentation on the negative impacts he believes All Aboard Florida will have on Indian River County and the Treasure Coast. All Aboard Florida is a proposed high-speed rail service between Orlando and Miami to begin in late 2016, with thirty-two trains a day speeding through Vero Beach at up to 110 mph.

“This seems like a ridiculous proposal,” said Councilman Tom Cadden.

“What can we do to stop this,” Councilman Tom Slater added.

“We need to be asking questions,” Haverland said.

Barefoot said, “This is going to turn into a freight train. The plan for passenger service is nothing more than a Trojan horse.”

Former Vero Beach City Councilwoman and former Indian River County Commissioner, Carolyn Ginn, followed Solari. Ginn, too, raised concerns about the ultimate impact All Aboard Florida will have on the local community.”This is all about freight,” she said.

Solari and Ginn both object to All Aboard Florida’s plans to apply for federal loans to fund the construction of new tracks, crossing upgrades, and possibly for the creation of a sealed corridor through the sections where the trains will be traveling at their highest speeds. “Do no harm, and do it with your own money,” Ginn said.

Ginn and Solari are not alone in questioning All Aboard Florida’s long-term plans. They and others contend All Aboard Florida’s parent company has no intention of turning the high speed rail service into a successful business. The ultimate objective, they say, is to use the new tracks to move more freight from the Port of Miami up the east coast of Florida.

The Council agreed to support a motion encouraging the County to hire an attorney familiar with railroad and transportation law to offer advice through the process of gathering information and commenting on the results of an environmental impact study.  That study has not yet been released.

Following the meeting, the Council members inspected a new ladder truck and a new tanker truck purchased for the Public Safety Department for $1,089,000. “It was the first check I’ve ever signed more than $1 million,” said Stabe.

Stabe explained that the new 75-foot ladder truck replaced a 50-foot “telesquirt” truck purchased in 1990. The new tanker truck replaced a 1995 tanker truck that was in need of costly repairs, Stabe said.

During the Council meeting, Stabe proposed donating the old ladder truck to the Indian River State College fire academy.  He said the truck may be worth no more than $6,000.

“I don’t think we should give anything away that is of value.  That is not our job,” Haverland said, objecting to Stabe’s proposal.

Slater agreed.  He urged Stabe and acting Public Safety Director Mike Jacobs to work out a reciprocal agreement with the College. Slater suggested in might be possible to receive a credit toward tuition for the Town’s emergency services employee in exchange for the truck.  Barefoot suggested an alternative might be to first attempt to sell the truck.