Indian River Shores council approves solid-waste and special-assessment ordinances, OKs sewer interlocal and union contract; tables substantial-improvement fix

The Town of Indian River Shores Town Council voted unanimously to adopt an amended solid-waste ordinance (Ordinance 580) and a new special-assessments ordinance (Ordinance 581), approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with the City of Vero Beach for coordinated road paving and septic-to-sewer conversions, and ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement covering 20252028. The council also voted to table for further staff review an amendment related to the town's substantial-improvement rule (Ordinance 584).

The votes were taken during a regular council meeting where Mayor Foley, Vice Mayor Atwater and council members Carol, Altieri and Dane participated in roll-call voting; all passed measures received unanimous support except the tabling of Ordinance 584, which proceeded on a motion to set the item for staff presentation in October after discussion by council members.

Ordinance 580, the revised solid-waste, recycling and yard-waste ordinance, was presented on second reading with a scrivener's correction clarifying billing language requiring commercial or multifamily unit owners or their designees to "pay in a timely fashion." Town Attorney read the ordinance title aloud before the council voted. The council approved the ordinance by roll call.

Ordinance 581, establishing procedures for levying special assessments (a non-ad valorem capital special-assessment ordinance), was also approved on second reading. The ordinance creates a new chapter in the town code setting findings and procedures for assessments; the manager noted the ordinance is complementary to other assessment-based funding mechanisms used by the town.

Separately, the council approved an interlocal cooperation and coordination agreement with the City of Vero Beach to coordinate road paving, stormwater upgrades and septic-to-sewer connections on two streets where homes currently use septic systems. Under the agreement, the town will fund road and stormwater work while the city will perform sewer work; property owners will be able to pay connection assessments either as a lump sum or amortized over a 10-year period on the tax bill.

Councilors also ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement covering 20252028, after statutorily permitted closed-door bargaining sessions. The agreement received a unanimous roll-call vote.

On Ordinance 584, which would remove a one-year cumulative look-back period for "substantial improvement" determinations to conform with language arising from Senate Bill 180, one council member said the town should re-review legislative history and potential local economic impacts before final action. The council voted to set a staff presentation and to return the item to the October meeting for further consideration.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved (roll call; unanimous) - Ordinance 580 (Solid Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste), second reading, amended for scrivener's correction: approved (roll call; unanimous) - Ordinance 581 (Special Assessments), second reading: approved (roll call; unanimous) - Ordinance 584 (Substantial Improvements), first reading: tabled for staff presentation and return in October (motion carried) - Interlocal cooperation agreement with City of Vero Beach (septic-to-sewer/road paving coordination): approved (roll call; unanimous) - Collective bargaining agreement (three-year, 20252028): approved (roll call; unanimous)

Council members asked staff to provide clear ordinance language and to ensure legislative history and related ordinances (notably Ordinance 588, also discussed for substantial-improvement topics) are considered before returning Ordinance 584 to the agenda.

The council set its February meeting to Feb. 17, 2025, by motion earlier in the meeting.

The meetings where these votes occurred included public notice and the standard second-reading procedure for ordinances; the Town Attorney and Town Manager participated in the readings and explanations.

The council scheduled follow-up presentations where requested and directed staff to prepare amendments or clarifications as needed.