[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6084689,"mediaKeyId","2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35","parentId",2908335,"title","Board approves interlocal aid, environmental lands manual, grants and procurement items; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",958,"startMs",1940000,"endMs",2898000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35&start=1940&end=2898","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35/thumbnail_1940000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084689/Martin-County/Florida/Board-approves-interlocal-aid-environmental-lands-manual-grants-and-procurement-items-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084689-ae06865814ba2e2005fe0b0c736b6fef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152713&Signature=g8EvJ1zIee2CohWTXlz-cxOT~8FjCxdTwVZd7ejGuvaLP~5PX9tdPhgEE1kvColpAAktIucWiKgYntHuX6prQD6IuruKnCbfSImtSqCN6CLHHWYUEIJVjtJUYNFzA844DrwOtH~GmfcK71gtDjahFyC6txDsD4Gy9xZ0mkyH53AkYInwjoWfHvEsSSTuN4lDnDWClX0XLUDnm~v4iqkdH7A-gMMgDt2mpJzQaDWbLXnYUR~pH3g~M6jx8jvucecv5SqNN4ivwQb5hg7tzgeVvNy7G87BUCd0-Tubzbhn5Lwj2fvNh5C030R1TPWtKR9vqVjdjuHhJoCUEg6imP5W1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Martin County, FL","date","2025-04-09T10:36:27.76Z","article","At its April 8 meeting, the Martin County Board approved a set of consent and departmental items, including interlocal aid for fire response, adoption of an Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) manual, several grant acceptances and budget amendments, and multiple procurement contract awards and change orders.

Automatic aid with St. Lucie Fire District
Tom Hornbostel of Martin County Fire Rescue described an interlocal agreement providing automatic aid to portions of the Evergreen (near county border) neighborhood to improve ISO scoring and lower homeowner insurance premiums. Staff said the agreement involves no monetary exchange and will expand effective coverage for about 114 additional homes; the Board approved the interlocal agreement unanimously.

Environmental Lands Oversight Committee manual
John Mayle, Environmental Resource Administrator, presented adoption of the ELOC manual to clarify roles, nomination and review processes for acquiring conservation lands. The manual also confirms the annual audit role for the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller; commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the manual.

Office of Management & Budget (grants and budget items)
Staff presented several grant items for Board approval: a $350,000 application to the Florida Inland Navigation District for a kayak/paddleboard launch (Fiddler Crab Access), FDEP grants and a $600,000 FDEP Manatee Pockets water‑quality retrofit grant matched with county funds, and a wastewater sand and grit removal grant for $59,437.50. The Board approved the requested grant actions and a requested medical‑examiner salary transfer unanimously.

Contracts and procurement
The Board awarded master brokerage agreements (two highest scoring firms), rebid and awarded a countywide food and kitchen supplies contract to the responsive bidder Cheney Brothers after rescinding an earlier award, and approved a change order for Building 17 renovations (REACH Center) in the amount of $191,082.93. Commissioners discussed procurement details including percentage‑over‑cost pricing for food contracts and the need to watch for tariff and material‑cost escalation; all procurement items presented were approved by the Board.

Votes at a glance
- Interlocal agreement with St. Lucie County Fire District for automatic aid (Consent 6): passed unanimously; no county cost; adds coverage to Evergreen area.
- Children’s Museum lease amendment (Consent 7): passed 4–1 (see separate article).
- Environmental Lands Oversight Committee manual (Consent 8): passed unanimously.
- CPA/Zoning and site/plat approvals (Coral Gardens, Martin Downs site plan, Newfield plat): each approved unanimously (see separate articles).
- OMB grants and budget items (FDOT LAP sidewalk amendment, FDEP grants, mosquito control contract amendment, medical examiner salary transfer): approved unanimously.
- Procurement awards and change orders (real estate brokerage master agreement; food services contract award to Cheney Brothers; change order for Building 17): approved unanimously.

Board direction: staff will finalize interlocal paperwork with St. Lucie Fire, execute the ELOC manual procedures and move forward with grant acceptance and contract execution as approved by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Martin County Board of Commissioners Meeting - Morning - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved multiple consent and departmental items including an automatic‑aid interlocal with St. Lucie Fire, an environmental lands oversight committee manual, several grants and contracts and budget adjustments; many items were adopted unanimously.","taxTitle","Martin County, Florida","taxId",12775,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084693,"Commission extends long-term lease with Children’s Museum despite one dissent; board requires nonprofit documentation",590,2108000,2698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35&start=2108&end=2698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35/thumbnail_2108000.jpg","/articles/6084693/Martin-County/Florida/Commission-extends-long-term-lease-with-Childrens-Museum-despite-one-dissent-board-requires-nonprofit-documentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084693-2a3b9e52f632ba6e16b4e87d2e0cdcb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152713&Signature=mHsZfhZj4olP-KRr23iPRUCu3oe5SJD292MYgK2GniroI5ko7KAi8GFYWvJXsGyZquj56RS2R~CWaDRtFfYMwKEwhN8AMtZWUT~334a2ntXm1WhHEoS~Ms7lhiVnTwG0sfNKnJl4qu2sOqSwyLwpO1RECJyA-LuWbzYbTmOQAgM6wzuv3EJ0k0HihO6XA-6qqZByGrVTsjRMteF91CHL-8jXjNM-wWFamaKrBJROBcxhjXYNbiU4IiJuuTTbpZ9CnVKhK1rzA~4o7TOsMwHxu904u24Au5SNpspWqVaJu~wbAWwVMsWUozO7mO17N5zFaUrg6dWJTBomuz8Cr42KoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Martin County commissioners on April 8 approved a fourth amendment to the lease for the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast at Indian Riverside Park, extending the nonprofit’s long‑term occupancy; the motion passed 4–1 with Commissioner Vargas recording the lone dissent.

Mandy Johns of Real Property explained the amendment clarifies responsibility for common area maintenance fees and adjusts a boundary added by a prior amendment. Commissioner Vargas had pulled the item for questions and said she was concerned about the long term of the lease: the original lease began in February 2005 and, through earlier amendments, the lease term has been extended substantially. \"That's extraordinarily long. What do they pay? A dollar a month?\" Vargas asked.

Tammy Calabria, CEO of the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, described private fundraising and capital investment by the museum: \"We raised $6,000,000 non tax pay money, private funds only, to renovate the built, the abandoned building that was abandoned for 17 years,\" she said, and added the museum has invested more than $20 million in the county facility and pays insurance and annual maintenance costs. Calabria said 61 percent of services the museum provides in the community are free.

Commissioners who supported the amendment cited the museum’s capital investment and ability to raise private funding for major projects such as a proposed planetarium. Commissioner Kiampi described long leases as often necessary for nonprofits to secure major private philanthropy; Commissioner Heatherington and others agreed. Vargas said she would prefer a 20‑year term and asked to see the museum’s 990 forms; staff confirmed those nonprofit financial documents had been provided and were on file.

The Board voted 4–1 to approve the amendment; the item was recorded as passing with Commissioner Vargas dissenting. Staff will finalize the lease paperwork and continue annual oversight and reporting on the museum’s lease obligations to the county.","The Board approved a fourth amendment extending the Children’s Museum lease at Indian Riverside Park; the motion passed 4–1 with Commissioner Vargas dissenting, who said she wanted a shorter term and additional financial documents from the nonprofit.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084698,"Commission approves Newfield Crossroads Phase 1A3 plat; developer highlights open space, tortoise recipient site",1532,7538000,9070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35&start=7538&end=9070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35/thumbnail_7538000.jpg","/articles/6084698/Martin-County/Florida/Commission-approves-Newfield-Crossroads-Phase-1A3-plat-developer-highlights-open-space-tortoise-recipient-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084698-17cc493b2ebb987e940c0091f11e5e49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152713&Signature=JbFXlpWguf39PjEJVnX2IzU2OnTZeqOZRKRhH5lNbVz~ZBmT47wC7u~vcw~-hbPevZtOZHZGj43UvRUjAUluwWuMMteK99uxCIqyA4HfL2PDY5lcQ4NzHOVghtc9Mc1iisXcRFCVAQ9kldLZuWG64zFJUNxAyz4P6ybQd27H3nQAG2AH3Q~mMA~8~pC2otVkvD4fd1tiZFFj1hd5yspY7snaD-jpdbrp7~8WQ4FkGsfvFi~1bHjZSEMAwFIMJHervd1Poei~6guDJ4QRpcPRN5SbFfh3TSbTiE~IST5DXy6mgRseURPX~GQjHON7A~yb3boDsmnZ2gnX3SUoxKg~qw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Martin County commissioners approved the Newfield Crossroads Phase 1A3 plat on April 8, clearing the way for 155 residential lots, four civic areas and supporting infrastructure on about 32.56 acres within the larger master‑planned Newfield community.

Luis Aguilar, principal planner, told the board the plat application for Marami Palm Beach LLC complies with county regulations and that the County Surveyor’s Office found the legal plat in statutory order. Staff recommended approval and noted the plat is the first step to allow lot sales and subdivision infrastructure construction.

James Fitzgerald, director of development for Mattamy Homes (developer), presented context for the master plan approved in 2020: conservation easements covering roughly 1,800 acres known as the Kiplinger Conservancy, 10 miles of public trails and an approved FWC gopher tortoise recipient site on the property. Fitzgerald said the tortoise recipient site required extended site preparation including roller chopping, prescribed burns and habitat work and that the company pursued the recipient‑site approval rather than paying relocation mitigation fees off‑site.

Commissioners praised the open‑space concept and the developer’s public‑benefit amenities including pocket parks, a linear park and forthcoming community facilities. Commissioner Campy noted that having a county‑local recipient site keeps relocated tortoises within the county rather than moving them far afield.

A public speaker asked about fire station needs in rapidly developing areas; staff explained a station would be planned where response circles are county‑beneficial, noting a station placed at the immediate neighborhood edge now would serve large portions of neighboring jurisdictions.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the plat and associated construction agreements; the developer will move to infrastructure construction and subsequent lot sales under the approved plat.","The Board approved the phase 1A3 plat for Newfield Crossroads (155 lots, ~32.6 acres). The developer described extensive conservation work (Kiplinger Conservancy), trailhead openings and an FWC‑approved gopher tortoise recipient site created on the property.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084702,"Commission approves two drive‑through restaurants for Martin Downs Village Center with major landscaping upgrades",413,7387000,7800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35&start=7387&end=7800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35/thumbnail_7387000.jpg","/articles/6084702/Martin-County/Florida/Commission-approves-two-drivethrough-restaurants-for-Martin-Downs-Village-Center-with-major-landscaping-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084702-56a555baf6e92f031f39b4d7c292a21a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152713&Signature=EUpY4Ar1Y-DcKFiHEuC~xnLklUOzRz-eFy-wtozN1CPkVNa1k~0cWWSv5HyVNM8KAG1ZOasrvGXVhjr1IODHv4pRRItjXxMmqzGktAm~jsHWjoT1z9N0~rqIv-YlBLu-cNjP0Pc1ppvEuZcPQISAwlN5O9GJNNSBy06PlEEFfuPn6cQr72n7rJBrmQjsQCvhhuc3uY593GYZIr2dNFaA0~09dVjfZoXABTJsgRxpRXYMV1r-iarjFU9Tx~wuxmE-Pkpicn~BunIVnWeobL~pl~dIlsDkCQu-4alsj6ff9QbhuCdrfXzBvPJdLImTGh6ntq8q2HnJUgbv2yqqUGeMXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Martin County Board unanimously approved a revised final site plan April 8 that will add two standalone drive‑through restaurants to the Martin Downs Village Center and require a substantial landscape and circulation reconfiguration.

Brian Elam, principal planner with Growth Management, summarized the proposal: two standalone restaurants with drive‑thrus totaling about 4,678 square feet within the Village Center’s existing commercial envelope. The application was submitted by Insight Studio on behalf of Brixmor Property Group; staff found the plan complies with the PUD and relevant development standards.

Applicant Brian Terry of Insight Studio said the restaurants are infill that use under‑utilized parking areas and include three new median breaks on Martin Downs Boulevard to support site circulation. He and contractors presented elevations for the two tenants (Chipotle and Wendy’s) and a landscape package that proposes more than 170 shade trees, preservation of existing trees and more than 3,000 native shrubs, grasses and ground covers.

Commissioner comments focused on the quality and scale of landscaping and surface‑treatment upgrades. Commissioner Vargas pressed the applicant to use larger, more mature trees and asked the applicant to resurface and reseal the front parking area so the center’s look is uniform rather than patchwork; Brixmor’s representatives agreed to reseal and restripe the front lot and to meet the enhanced landscape specifications.

Public and commissioners praised the choice of tenants and the broader reinvestment in a key Palm City commercial corridor. Commissioner Heatherington moved and the board approved staff’s recommendation for the final site plan; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: applicant will proceed to construction permitting and coordinate with Public Works on the median breaks and with Planning on landscape and lighting details.","The board approved a revised final site plan allowing two standalone drive‑through restaurants at the Martin Downs Village Center; applicant and commissioners emphasized a large landscaping and aesthetic overhaul to refresh the plaza.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084706,"Martin County approves future land use change, rezoning for Coral Gardens vacuum sewer station",1169,3625000,4794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35&start=3625&end=4794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2908335-9950335dc805a04e85ee4c062a9adc35/thumbnail_3625000.jpg","/articles/6084706/Martin-County/Florida/Martin-County-approves-future-land-use-change-rezoning-for-Coral-Gardens-vacuum-sewer-station","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084706-2a3b5da9a90a214cde1338fce59f91a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152713&Signature=RLsIXI2W8aYpZDqUUq0vjvn4McyR5Y9K1k76oou1MJVspuBnyoO-8x9oXO0VAYSYKLuT6IZt2t66~uz4TEw7w230O-ay56PiOtf9AepUAWatcZAcm14dSZ2urGGa7jPy1NrjMODDpN3hv3wJw~wxQnaxgDnnhtKUUX4BS7grRqw0NdPP0-GituKpqouQKScPfgT7vbnnk5M8IdK~BGndE3h9ZNK44rwEzFqo11ugdcNNUvbqquSSZUNRQPrUTVUuZuBXbdZ~3-HoDpac2eSEH1nt1vzqQYggzA73x1dW6Ka~1vy9TGQkP4iZvyVxtXkn4lSxT7aaIr5cEGXEjQ3PKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Martin County commissioners on April 8 unanimously approved a future land use map amendment and a companion rezoning to allow a county-owned site to host a vacuum sewer station serving Coral Gardens and planned service for Coral Lakes.

Amy Offenbach, planner with the Martin County Growth Management Department, told the board the request is CPA 24-25 and would change 4.2 acres from \"institutional recreational\" to \"institutional general.\" Offenbach said staff recommended approval after the Local Planning Agency voted 4–0 to forward the item.

Leo Repetti of Martin County Utilities described project financing and timing. \"We estimate the cost of construction right now about $18,000,000. We have a grant currently for $8,000,000 towards this project,\" Repetti said, and added that the balance would be recovered through a homeowner assessment backed by SRF (State Revolving Fund) loan financing. He told commissioners the project design is complete and permitted for Coral Gardens and that the station would later provide service to Coral Lakes if that community petitions first for water.

Commissioners and staff discussed why Coral Gardens/topology is a priority for septic-to-sewer conversion, project sequencing and homeowner outreach. Repetti said the county's broader program aims to connect roughly 9,000 septic tanks over about 9–10 years; Coral Gardens was prioritized in past analyses because of proximity to the water, age of the systems and drainage patterns.

On technical choices, Repetti explained differences between vacuum and grinder collection systems: vacuum systems carry higher upfront capital costs but have lower long‑term operational staffing needs and centralized backup power, while grinder systems have lower initial cost but typically higher ongoing maintenance and more dispersed service requirements.

Commissioner Heatherington moved and commissioners approved staff recommendation for the comprehensive plan change, and later moved approval of the corresponding zoning atlas amendment rezoning the parcel from PR (public recreation) to PS‑1 (public service, lower‑intensity public service district). Both motions passed unanimously.

Next steps: with the land‑use and zoning approvals in hand, Utilities will proceed to site plan and then bid and construction phases; Repetti said he expects the county to put Coral Gardens and other prioritized projects into construction over the next 12 months as grants and contracts align.","The Board unanimously approved a comprehensive plan amendment and concurrent rezoning to allow construction of a vacuum sewer station for Coral Gardens; staff estimated the project cost at about $18 million with an $8 million grant and an assessment-and-SRF loan financing plan for homeowners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves interlocal aid, environmental lands manual, grants and procurement items; votes at a glance

Commission extends long-term lease with Children’s Museum despite one dissent; board requires nonprofit documentation

Commission approves Newfield Crossroads Phase 1A3 plat; developer highlights open space, tortoise recipient site

Commission approves two drive‑through restaurants for Martin Downs Village Center with major landscaping upgrades

Martin County approves future land use change, rezoning for Coral Gardens vacuum sewer station