[{"_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",6080422,"mediaKeyId","2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7","parentId",2947141,"title","Votes at a glance: strategic plan, PUD extension, debris‑monitoring contract and consent items approved","audioSeconds",1345,"startMs",2980000,"endMs",4325000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7&start=2980&end=4325","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7/thumbnail_2980000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080422/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-strategic-plan-PUD-extension-debrismonitoring-contract-and-consent-items-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080422-d3cf52197b8f9acbed99dbded808a67d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151368&Signature=DhTsUv~kznqbRPco2oHCrZyr78XNq-aEqOJg~d2LlSxVB4Ui8Ra31Cls21Xw2nlwVpzeVLpphXK8WfXNIo3JbfuQnPX6L8r~gbnuJBHs5XTaN5fv9FP8xO4vPITJUXwtRSdJpyHlCp7j2F38wuoBXB64fXAduLI0aBpnRq3plhbPl6qNgRPLk1yrguRYxAh6Q8Kj57TnQEFNjgsOPqLluSefefs6MrjT3ddKVRRDboe9rz5TQ0u1LflOZin1owChuscIEjUbKrf-Il22b4pR8uZ6bN1TZCUmxTwuAWRVc2RNQJf07Q5Ksk73ZHvpfH5pNif3sa3U22c~995QpLx6jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Sebastian, FL","date","2025-04-10T15:52:59.437Z","article","At its April 9 meeting the City of Sebastian City Council approved several routine and land‑use items with brief discussion.

Strategic plan: Council member Dodd moved and another council member seconded to approve the strategic plan on the consent agenda. Council discussion praised the consultant and staff work; the motion carried on a roll call with Dodd, Nunn, McParland, Vice Mayor Jones and Dixon voting yes.

River Oaks Preserve PUD extension: The council unanimously approved a staff‑recommended 12‑month extension for the conceptual planned unit development for River Oaks Preserve (the property south of Landfair and Lighthouse including a Shakespeare Street extension). Staff said the extension was warranted because the applicant is coordinating with the Sebastian River Improvement District and FDOT on canal relocation and roadway alignment details. Council member Gooden moved approval and Vice Mayor Jones seconded; roll call votes were recorded as yes for members present.

Disaster debris monitoring: The council selected True North Emergency Management LLC as the top‑ranked vendor for RFP 25‑10 for disaster debris monitoring services and authorized contract negotiations. Staff said the vendor selection will be funded from out‑of‑pocket costs that the city will submit for FEMA reimbursement. The item passed on roll call after staff noted one council member (Nunn) had lost remote connectivity and was not present for that vote.

Consent agenda: The consent agenda passed after Council member Dodd pulled item C for discussion and moved approval of the remaining items; the motion carried by roll call.

No controversial roll calls were recorded; Nunn lost remote connectivity later in the meeting and staff said he would likely not reconnect.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 9, 2025 - City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved the city strategic plan, granted a 12‑month extension for the River Oaks Preserve PUD conceptual plan, and selected True North Emergency Management for disaster debris monitoring; the consent agenda passed with one item pulled for separate consideration.","taxTitle","Sebastian , Indian River County, Florida","taxId",52013,"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},6080426,"Stonecrop drainage project underway; city says total cost $2.8 million, 75% FEMA funded",562,1898000,2460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7&start=1898&end=2460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7/thumbnail_1898000.jpg","/articles/6080426/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Stonecrop-drainage-project-underway-city-says-total-cost-28-million-75-FEMA-funded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080426-1c993f3d515660147cb6b44c3a26c065/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151368&Signature=D~9227ombWg9no-5ZKvGqB48qoaKtsGz2mWfCAT8hX6p~MEo8kXgIuAdhL-dawQpMGnMGMfygUhCOEpliajeMmhNYCBGHR5ju~YoeStfv3tlXSpcdthjdiHXHVFP4IGOXRnQA0J1YlLoSgscj3hb6zFNqllDhAo4W6wnY0ULndeHHBY5f5gGuauQDpFpdMEvTKAZ1t959Hd99o8QVDylqBrfvM2K6Vaw8JP1iu6oMchNXby0yzgFr~jDnKBJbA4gRU4NV-FYgJ6R2Pz9mSKpKPOY6TK1m0461V~5XV4XbSYOZq0AZD~IJXpO9FnvjYd4CsfP5OyiEDg0Pz6qlz5GgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public input at the April 9 council meeting, resident Bob Bruner praised the Stonecrop drainage project and asked about its cost and schedule. City staff responded that the total project cost is $2,800,000 and that FEMA is funding about 75% of the project.

“It's really needed,” Bruner told the council, describing the drainage as a major ditch on the city’s west side and urging residents to inspect the work. City staff answered that FEMA’s share is approximately $2,100,000 and confirmed the total cost figure for the audience.

Council member follow‑up was limited to an offer to provide Bruner the exact accounting details by having staff (Karen Miller) supply an exact bottom‑line figure afterward. No formal council action was required at the meeting; staff characterized the work as well underway and a necessary step to reduce erosion and flood risk in the neighborhood.","A resident praised the ongoing Stonecrop drainage work to prevent flooding on Sebastian’s west side; city staff confirmed the project cost at $2.8 million with approximately 75% funded by FEMA.",{"_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},6080432,"Sebastian awarded $3.6 million FDEP grant to convert septic systems in CRA; city match roughly $190,000",134,4768000,4902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7&start=4768&end=4902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7/thumbnail_4768000.jpg","/articles/6080432/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Sebastian-awarded-36-million-FDEP-grant-to-convert-septic-systems-in-CRA-city-match-roughly-190000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080432-0dcfcae6191409d7af83304318c2c5cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151368&Signature=HnzctYLte2p4Cxci4NI~zOKEvdROM5eYWZ8Iwc2~yCi280u4pIdech2FXTAmCqz9P370bYrtKNip2FBB0D0MOoaQ0gLlMB2JFUr9cn0g0Ng8hNdXkJwr5Pbh-Z5sPjZvxMNV03wL4eI~Ckj~~x2Lv1DG9V1gsAp~t9DfQG2rV~66T7eodyhavSIQLmuBMj7LAFOv1ap2-E7HBe1uMJy0Fdw0jxaq6v1EWgz0J8p~dpETEoRNUjmC93cQQlxcd7LgbayLUYPanROS0lSH0Ajx1c5MK8KIQ5shzwFtE4tDnwo8-qt~13LcRaAMYmBiu-sK5tFFf9WufgCfwfSHEIEn6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff announced April 9 that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded $3.6 million to the City of Sebastian to convert septic systems to sewer within the community redevelopment area (CRA).

“That grant was $3,600,000,” City staff said, adding the city’s match is roughly $190,000. Staff said the grant is part of funding allocated for Central Indian River Lagoon projects and that the city is working with FDEP to produce an implementation timeline and bid strategy.

City staff said they are negotiating an interlocal agreement with Indian River County to govern connections and construction; staff expect the interlocal to be presented to council on April 23. The city plans to coordinate bid processes and consider piggybacking on existing contracts to assist residents with county sewer connections when available.

Council members and staff characterized the award as a significant step toward reducing septic‑tank discharges to the Indian River Lagoon. Staff emphasized they are announcing the award but holding detailed implementation materials until coordination with FDEP and the county is completed.

No formal council vote on the grant award was recorded in the meeting; staff said the city will present the interlocal agreement for council consideration at a future meeting.","The Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded the city $3.6 million to convert septic systems to sewer in the community redevelopment area; city and county interlocal agreement work and implementation planning are underway.",{"_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},6080438,"Sebastian receives clean FY2024 audit; report notes control gaps and cleared findings",346,1354000,1700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7&start=1354&end=1700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7/thumbnail_1354000.jpg","/articles/6080438/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Sebastian-receives-clean-FY2024-audit-report-notes-control-gaps-and-cleared-findings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080438-9240f6af911aea0e11ee5a8ff3185471/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151368&Signature=HrUsj7-zqALy6xw1wwUdGBBesvtU5F3WG-ZGO0zGAIeanXpf~rldlPNcIU~ZFP29PeU6yvEWYxTcrILnkWxZLxtCm5c4-Dcb1k9W7V~~hW60QYPrYLJoh5YD0VOa7vojFC9W5~ngkLFHgvJyxvuXlv04KYAtTmDdITJOOUF-mBATZq5Tq1SX8CUY2V04r3F8I7uuCPZ0asA8aTXJ9OTXv6pAyCe6zk7epXjvKxtbE3uNlJMIh15Je7q~4r4xRrRJ1Xbr78X1bUMP1AjMLALktug-8iyYyu9O8mH6yW~Tl-o5NzUAgr~XeQhyCysx8ASSNFLlv8VP9gA1J0j4Yb7csw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A partner from auditing firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram told the Sebastian City Council on April 9 that the city received an unmodified (“clean”) audit opinion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024.

“My name is Christine. I am the partner that oversaw your financial statement audit,” the auditor said, summarizing results. The general fund showed an increase in revenues of about $1.2 million—driven mainly by property taxes—and expenditures rose roughly $780,000, largely from wages and insurance. The audit reported a net addition of approximately $808,000 to fund balance, the auditor said, leaving an unassigned fund balance roughly equivalent to eight months of operating expenses.

The audit included a single audit with three findings tied to federal grant controls; the auditor said the findings were not compliance failures—“it's not that you did anything wrong with the grant funds, but you're required to have the controls in place.” Two other matters were identified as year‑end or process items, including a cutoff entry related to recognizing receivables and a bid‑bond documentation issue. The auditor noted seven of nine prior‑year findings had been cleared.

The report also addressed special‑purpose funds: the community redevelopment area (CRA) fund had a net change of about $245,000 and the ARPA fund showed $1.6 million spent during the year with $1.1 million remaining as of Sept. 30; ARPA obligations had to be in place by December and funds must be spent by December 2026. The airport enterprise fund reported a $3 million increase in fund balance that is primarily grant‑funded and recorded in capital assets rather than cash available for operations.

City officials and the auditor said many of the findings related to staffing gaps while the city lacked a permanent finance director and procurement director for portions of the year; staff have since filled those roles and begun clearing remaining items. Finance Director Brian Stewart was cited by the auditor as having the information needed to file state reports on time.

The auditor recommended routine improvements to grant‑report controls and year‑end revenue recognition; staff said they are addressing the items. No formal council action was required beyond receipt of the audit presentation.","Auditor delivered a clean opinion on the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024, noting revenue increases, ARPA expenditures, airport grant‑funded assets, and a small number of control findings tied largely to staffing gaps.",{"_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},6080443,"Sebastian council adopts ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in single‑family zones",1186,3033000,4219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7&start=3033&end=4219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947141-fd186c01ad1a03843022e4beaccda9d7/thumbnail_3033000.jpg","/articles/6080443/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Sebastian-council-adopts-ordinance-to-allow-accessory-dwelling-units-in-singlefamily-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080443-949f69f79805325766e1ec2954ae5c8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151368&Signature=dYgsskjlUDbKCEP0-9uB-uczI28kwyxyzrBr6lpSs~lGB3ltjvgkrPAi62qAhKoAqArNShazT1HCsCfVfE261whcnsvbJNgi7xr~AiYQmWc7oqobHRSUqMKC9bomtVL0sD0xhuvoxbAaP~zok1Jd3prp-MF2NY~GFTNpex18JN7a4tTcbzzCpaiU2eBwT3gcfBgPFz6ZvqEQ-5eR8Cec5FErLRGSd41QI1OQ-HKmJF0ySafUW-nNh0io~GCElFTBLHsN~vvSY5SP6U7SAiqCR6fgEvOUAU1bD8-xykzfIOq5kqR~mRHTbQpLoszMTACiWoN1z7b5qm7jACoB9zfdBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Sebastian City Council on April 9 adopted Ordinance O-25-06 to permit accessory dwelling units in single‑family residential zones and to set rules for their size, placement, parking and permitted uses.

The ordinance creates a formal definition of accessory dwelling units and treats ADUs as accessory structures in single‑family zoning only, excluding multifamily districts. It limits ADU size to no more than 50% of the principal residence under air or 1,000 square feet maximum, with a 300 square foot minimum. The ordinance also prohibits ADUs from being used as vacation rentals or converted into condominiums and requires them to meet Florida Building Code and local setback, building‑coverage and impervious‑surface rules.

“ADUs are proposed to add a housing option, provide some affordable living accommodations and allow homeowners to rent out extra space for additional income,” City planner Miss Bosworth said during the second reading presentation, summarizing the ordinance’s intent. Bosworth described design standards that require ADUs to be compatible with neighborhood character and to “match the principal residence as closely as reasonably possible.”

The code requires one ADU per tax parcel; an ADU must be permitted only after the principal residence has received its certificate of occupancy. ADUs must connect to water and sewer if available or meet county health‑department septic requirements; parking must be “adequate on‑site parking” to support both the principal residence and the ADU. The ordinance also says permit applicants must submit an affidavit indicating whether the unit will be rented to lower‑income households, but staff said enforcement of rental price is expected to be a civil matter between landlords and tenants.

Council members discussed statewide legislation and local impacts. Council member Gooden said he remained personally unconvinced the change was in residents’ best interest but would vote yes because “it’s the wave of the future.” Council member Nunn said he “totally support[s] this.” The second and final reading passed on a roll‑call vote: Dodd, Nunn, McParland, Vice Mayor Jones and Dixon all voted yes.

Miss Bosworth told the council the ordinance excludes ADUs in deed‑restricted subdivisions if homeowner‑association covenants prohibit them and that ADU permits will include a modified permit record so the city can track where ADUs are built.

The ordinance also adjusts related accessory‑structure code sections and removes “guest houses” as conditional uses in the land‑development code. City staff said they will monitor pending state legislation that may affect local ADU rules and bring updates back to council if required.","On second reading the City Council approved Ordinance O-25-06 to add standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single‑family residential zoning, setting size, design and use limits while prohibiting vacation rentals and conversions to condominiums.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: strategic plan, PUD extension, debris‑monitoring contract and consent items approved

Stonecrop drainage project underway; city says total cost $2.8 million, 75% FEMA funded

Sebastian awarded $3.6 million FDEP grant to convert septic systems in CRA; city match roughly $190,000

Sebastian receives clean FY2024 audit; report notes control gaps and cleared findings

Sebastian council adopts ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in single‑family zones