BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

FINAL MINUTES

3/24/2026 9:00 AM

MINUTES

COMMISSION CHAMBERS

2401 SE MONTEREY ROAD, STUART, FLORIDA 34996

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Don G. Donaldson, P.E., County Administrator

Elysse A. Elder, County Attorney

Carolyn Timmann, Clerk of the Circuit Court and

Comptroller

Sarah Heard, Chair

Edward V. Ciampi, Vice Chairman

Eileen Vargas, District 1

Stacey Hetherington, District 2

J. Blake Capps, District 3

CALL TO ORDER

Present:

5 -

Commissioner Stacey Hetherington

Commissioner Eileen Vargas

Commissioner J. Blake Capps

Chair Sarah Heard

Vice Chair Edward V. Ciampi

Invocation ~ Pastor Blaine Albright, Christ Fellowship Church

Pledge of Allegiance ~ Ashley Western, U.S. Marine & Veterans Services Officer

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Capps, seconded by Commissioner

Vargas, to approve the agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Page 1 of 9

3/24/26 FINAL MINUTES

PROC-1

PRESENT PROCLAMATIONS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED VIA THE

CONSENT AGENDA

26-0429

Agenda Item:

Communications Manager Laura Beaupre presented the proclamations to the Board.

Friends of the Lyric Theatre President/CEO Kia Fontaine accepted The Lyric Theatre's

Centennial Celebration proclamation.

Palm Beach & Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, South Florida

Region Jim Hagen accepted the American Red Cross proclamation.

COMMENTS

Public (9:05 AM) - Please limit comments to three minutes.

Denise Moczydlowksi addressed the Board regarding illegal barn fires on Martin County

beaches, she spoke of the dangers from the leftover debris. Ms. Moczydlowski requested

signs and night time monitoring.

Terry Kogl requested night time meetings to allow participation for all residents.

Dr. Kenneth Schuckey (Department Secretary for the Department of Health) addressed

inter-hospital transfers and issues with the City of Stuart Fire Rescue [DEPT-6].

City of Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins addressed Fire Rescue updates to the existing

Interlocal Agreement [DEPT-6]; he requested a public meeting to update the agreement.

Corey Crowley spoke about the state of CRAs and usurping of local control by the state

government.

Commissioners

Commissioner Vargas addressed comments regarding night time meetings and illegal barn

fires on the beaches. She recognized OMB on their award.

County Administrator Don Donaldson will provide additional follow up regarding barn fires.

Commissioner Capps emphasized no interest in evening meetings due to history of long

meetings and engagement.

Chair Heard announced OMB received the Government Finance Officers Association

Distinguished Budget Award.

Vice Chair Ciampi acknowledged the 70th Anniversary of the Lawrence Welk Show, he

requested a letter of support from the Board.

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3/24/26 FINAL MINUTES

Commissioner Hetherington thanked the CRA and Public Works staff for the work performed

to El Camino Trail. Commissioner Hetherington also noted she supports all evening or all day

meetings, but not combination.

Vice Chair Ciampi addressed public comment regarding the Office of Community

Development Director.

Commissioner Capps commented on state legislation and new bills impacting local

government.

Commissioner Vargas addressed recent arrests on Alice Street in Jensen Beach involving

short term rentals and renters fraud.

At the request of Commissioner Vargas, Tourism Director Nerissa Okiye and Senior

Assistant County Attorney Melissa Pietryzk assisted with questions regarding this issue.

Commissioner Hetherington confirmed the TDC will provide recommendations to the Board

after its July meeting.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Hetherington, seconded by

Commissioner Vargas, for the TDC to bring recommendations back to the Board

based on strategic objectives in the Strategic Plan for initiating Bed Tax

collections. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas,

Commissioner Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

County Administrator

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Ciampi, seconded by Commissioner

Hetherington, to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried by the following

vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

ADMINISTRATION

CNST-1 CONTRACTS THAT MEET THE THRESHOLD FOR BOARD APPROVAL

26-0320

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

CNST-2

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ APPROVAL OF WARRANT

LIST FOR DISBURSEMENT VIA CHECKS AND ELECTRONIC

PAYMENTS TO COMPLY WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

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3/24/26 FINAL MINUTES

26-0326

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

CNST-3 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION MINUTES TO BE APPROVED

26-0678

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

CNST-4 NOTED ITEMS

26-0329

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

CNST-5 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES STATUS REPORT

26-0330

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL DONATE LIFE

MONTH IN MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA

26-0545

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

ADOPT A PROCLAMATION DECLARING CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

MONTH IN MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA

26-0668

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

ADOPT A PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEXUAL ASSAULT

AWARENESS MONTH IN MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA

26-0684

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

REQUEST TO APPROVE THE LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN

(LHAP) FOR FY2026-2029

26-0640

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-3.10

At the request of Chair Heard and Commissioner Capps, Human Services Director

Michelle Miller presented the item to the Board. Assistant County Attorney Frank

Moehrle assisted with Board questions.

BUILDING

CNST-10

REQUEST TO CHARGE CONVENIENCE FEES FOR CREDIT CARDS

AND ESTABLISH ACCESS TO AN AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE

ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS

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3/24/26 FINAL MINUTES

26-0648

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-3.7

This item was approved.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

CNST-11

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL

AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL AGENT SERVICES FOR THE STATE

ATTORNEY’S VICTIM SERVICE DEPARTMENT

26-0644

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

PUBLIC WORKS

CNST-12

CNST-13

CNST-14

APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN MARTIN

COUNTY AND SAILFISH POINT PROPERTY OWNERS AND COUNTRY

CLUB ASSOCIATION FOR BATHTUB BEACH RESTORATION

PROJECT

26-0624

Agenda Item:

This item was approved.

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A

UTILITY EASEMENT FROM RCA HOLDINGS, LLC, ALONG SW JACK

JAMES DRIVE IN STUART

26-0630

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-3.8

This item was approved.

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A

UTILITY EASEMENT FROM IM 02 JENSEN LLC AND IM 02 JENSEN

RESI LLC, ALONG NE INDIAN RIVER DRIVE IN JENSEN BEACH

26-0642

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-3.9

This item was approved.

PUBLIC HEARING QUASI-JUDICIAL

PHQJ-1

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A

REVISED MAJOR FINAL SITE PLAN FOR THE EXTRA SPACE

STORAGE PROJECT (E040-004)

26-0639

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-3.11

Ex parte communication disclosures were filed by the Commissioners. There were no

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interveners. Proof of Notices were filed at the LPA. The participants were sworn in by

the deputy clerk.

COUNTY: Growth Management Principal Planner Luis Aguilar provided staff's

presentation to the Board. Growth Management Director Paul Schilling and Senior

Assistant County Attorney Sebastian Fox assisted with Board questions.

The following County exhibits were filed for the record: (1) agenda item/staff report and

(2) Luis Aguilar's resume.

APPLICANT: Craig McDonald with Corporate Property Services presented the

applicant's presentation to the Board.

Chair Heard solicited public comment; none were heard.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Ciampi, seconded by

Commissioner Hetherington, to approve staff's recommendation. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS

R&P-1

PRESENTATION BY SHERIFF BUDENSIEK REGARDING TRAFFIC

CONCERNS ON SR-710

26-0299

Agenda Item:

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek provided the presentation to the Board. Public

Works Director Jim Gorton assisted with Board questions.

DEPARTMENTAL

ADMINISTRATION

DEPT-1

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET ITEMS WHICH REQUIRE

BOARD APPROVAL

26-0336

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NOs. 26-3.12 and 26-3.13

OMB Director Stephanie Merle presented the items to the Board.

The following items were approved: (1) FDEP Resilient Florida Grant #24PLN42

Amendment No.1, (2) Amendment #1 to FY26 Mosquito Control Agreement #33196

from FDACS, and (3) Request for funds for the Emergency Management Risk

Assessment.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Capps, seconded by Vice

Chair Ciampi, to approve all items. The motion carried by the following

vote:

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3/24/26 FINAL MINUTES

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

DEPT-2

CONTRACTS THAT MEET THE THRESHOLD FOR BOARD APPROVAL

$1 MILLION OR GREATER

26-0342

Agenda Item:

Chief Procurement Officer Krsyti Brotherton presented the item to the Board. General

Services Director Sean Donahue and Building Department Director Jeff Dougherty

assisted with Board questions.

The following item was approved: (1) Larry Massing Building Expansion Renovations.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Hetherington, seconded by

Vice Chair Ciampi, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried

by the following vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

PUBLIC WORKS

DEPT-3

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE TRANSFER OF A

PARCEL FROM THE MARTIN COUNTY COMMUNITY

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND APPROVING THE SURPLUS AND

SALE OF THE PARCEL TO THE VILLAGE OF INDIANTOWN FOR

GOVERNMENT RECREATIONAL PURPOSES

26-0628

Agenda Item:

RESOLUTION NO. 26-3.14

Public Works Real Property Manager Carl Segura presented the item to the Board.

Senior Assistant County Attorney Sebastian Fox and OMB Director Stephanie Merle

assisted with Board questions.

Village of Indiantown Village Manager Taryn Kryzda addressed the Board.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Capps, seconded by

Commissioner Hetherington, to approve the sale to the Village of

Indiantown at the price of $275,000; and accept the parcel from the CRA.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

DEPT-4

DISCUSS POTENTIAL SCHOOL ZONE ON SW NEWFIELD PARKWAY

AT CITRUS GROVE ELEMENTARY

26-0646

Agenda Item:

Traffic Engineer Administrator Erik Ferguson provided the item to the Board. County

Engineer Michael Grzelka and County Administrator Don Donaldson assisted with

Board questions.

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3/24/26 FINAL MINUTES

Chair Heard solicited public comment; none was heard.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Ciampi, seconded by

Commissioner Vargas, to leave as-is and make the presentation to the

School Board; and provide the presentation to Citrus Grove Elementary's

Administration and the Canopy Creek HOA. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

UTILITIES AND SOLID WASTE

DEPT-5

25TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION ON MARTIN SHIP PUMP OUT

OPERATION PROGRAM (MS POOP)

26-0647

Agenda Item:

Utilities and Solid Waste Department Assistant Director Brittany Bassett and Utilities

and Solid Waste Department Project Manager Darrell Schuler presented the item to

the Board. Assistant County Attorney Frank Moehrle and Utilities and Solid Waste

Director Sam Amerson assisted with Board questions.

FIRE RESCUE

DEPT-6 FIRE RESCUE UPDATE ON INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

26-0704

Agenda Item:

Martin County Fire Rescue Chief Chad Cianciulli presented the item to the Board.

Martin County Fire Rescue Medical Director Dr. Donald Wood provided an overview.

Cleveland Clinic Medical Director of Patient Safety and Quality, Dr. Peter Dayton

addressed the logistical issues regarding labor and delivery patient transports.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Ciampi, seconded by

Commissioner Hetherington, to approve Martin County Fire Rescue

negotiations with the City of Stuart to create an offshoot that when in doubt

the County will respond.

26-0704

Agenda Item:

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Ciampi, seconded by

Commissioner Hetherington, to have a meeting with Martin County Fire

Rescue Chief and the City of Stuart Fire Rescue Chief, a small number of

Fire Rescue administrative staff, both medical directors, County and City

Attorney, and representatives from Cleveland Clinic to discuss and

negotiate the Interlocal Agreement. The motion carried by the following

vote:

Aye:

5 -

Commissioner Hetherington, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner

Capps, Chair Heard, and Vice Chair Ciampi

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