The board agreed to rename the county’s Speak Up Brevard (SEER) workshop to honor the late Susan B. Connolly and discussed timing and process details for the annual citizen-submission program.

Don (staff, speaker 12) outlined the SEER process: a January submission window, a 90-day staff review period to prepare recommendations, and an option for the board to approve, reject, or modify SEER proposals. A short video featuring Connolly (played during the meeting) highlighted her role in promoting citizen engagement. Multiple residents and commissioners urged naming the workshop in her memory; the board approved the renaming by voice vote.

Why it matters: The Speak Up Brevard SEER program is a chartered process for citizens to propose efficiency and effectiveness recommendations to county government. Commissioners discussed whether to hold a public workshop before staff finishes its review of submissions to allow citizens to speak directly to staff and refine proposals; some members preferred staff narrowing the field first to avoid topics outside county jurisdiction.

Next steps: The board approved the renaming and directed further discussion on the workshop date and format; staff will proceed with the SEER review timeline and return with options for how citizen presentations will be structured.