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Vero Beach council approves finance consultant, false-alarm software and appoints preservation commissioner; discusses community garden faucet
Summary
Council approved a short-term engagement with Rehmann to support Finance, approved False Alarm Management Services tied to the CAD system, appointed Jacquelyn Williams to the Historic Preservation Commission, and discussed installing a water faucet to support an Arts Village community garden.
At its April 28 meeting, the Vero Beach City Council approved several administrative items intended to support city operations and community projects and discussed a proposal to install a water faucet at a potential Arts Village community garden.
Council approved an engagement with accounting firm Rehmann to provide interim Finance Department support for preparing the budget, completing the annual audit and handling day-to-day finance tasks. City Manager Monte Falls told the council the contract would be funded from salaries not expended because of vacant positions; Finance Director Lisa Burnham said there is overlap this year between the budget and the audit schedules and that her goal is to get audits completed in March or April. The motion to engage Rehmann passed 4-0.
As an add-on, the council approved False Alarm Management Services that would integrate with the city’s new CAD system. Police Chief David Currey said the software is used by other jurisdictions, will provide a web portal for alarm renewals and fine payments, and operates on a 70/30 revenue split that would yield 70% to the City. The council approved the service 4-0.
On appointments, City Clerk Sherri Philo reported one full vacancy and two alternate vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission; Councilmember Linda Moore moved to appoint Jacquelyn Williams as a full member and the motion passed unanimously.
During public comment and council matters, resident Barbara Ruddy described fundraising for murals and urged the council to consider using the $250,000 in the Code Enforcement Fund to advance beautification and sidewalk repairs along 14th Avenue. Ken Daige asked the council to consider using some of that fund for a new Code Enforcement Officer in the budget. Councilmember Linda Moore displayed photographs of recent mural work and proposed commissioning three local artists for $300–$500 each to produce renderings for an airport mural; staff would select a preferred design and return to the council for final approval.
City Attorney John Turner requested an executive session to discuss settlement strategy in Daniel Cook v. City of Vero Beach, Case No. 2024-CA-727, scheduled for May 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. He named expected attendees including council members, outside counsel Douglas Noah, Deputy City Attorney Melany Crawford, City Manager Monte Falls, Human Resources Director Gabriel Manus and a court-reporting representative; the session was expected to last about one hour.
Councilmembers also reported community updates: Mayor John Cotugno and others noted a successful Downtown Friday event and other local activities. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
