Board of County Commissioners

Indian River County Administration Complex 1801 27th Street, Building A Vero Beach, Florida, 32960-3388 www.indianriver.gov Indian River County Florida Meeting Minutes - Final Board of County Commissioners Susan Adams, District 1, Chairman Joseph Flescher, District 2, Vice Chairman Joseph H. Earman, District 3 Deryl Loar, District 4 Laura Moss, District 5 John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator William K. DeBraal, County Attorney Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 2:00 PM Commission ChambersFriday, August 9, 2024 Special Call Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Chairman Susan Adams Vice Chairman Joseph Flescher Commissioner Joe Earman Commissioner Laura Moss Commissioner Deryl Loar Present: 5 - 2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 2.B. INVOCATION Commissioner Deryl Loar 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Joe Earman 4. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA / EMERGENCY ITEMS 5. COUNTY COMMISSION INTERVIEW SESSIONS WITH CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY COUNTY ATTORNEY FINALIST CANDIDATE REVIEW IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD Page 1Indian River County Florida

August 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final A. BOCC and SGR Interview Preparations Senior Vice President of Strategic Government Resources (SGR) Douglas Thomas stated it was appropriate for the Commissioners to get to know these candidates as best as possible so that they could make their decision for the next County Attorney for Indian River County. For the benefit of the audience and those who may be watching, he remarked that the candidates had participated in an extensive questionnaire where they provided background, history, management style, and experiences relative to the issues they would likely face. Chairman Adams began by asking questions selected by the Board as a whole. Then, each Commissioner had the opportunity to ask specific questions themselves. Ms. Jennifer Shuler was the first candidate to be interviewed, followed by Ms. Melany Crawford. B. Interview: Jennifer Shuler C. Interview: Melany Crawford Page 2Indian River County Florida

August 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final D. County Commission Deliberations Chairman Adams stated that she believed Ms. Shuler's depth of field experience played a significant role in her rise to the top. One of the requirements she had for the candidate was to be Florida Bar Board Certified in city and county local government law. She also mentioned that she had received several unsolicited references for Ms. Shuler from some of her contacts in the Tallahassee community, who spoke highly of her professionalism and expressed confidence in her abilities. Chairman Adams noted that Ms. Crawford had credible, across-the-board experience. Commissioner Moss stated she was particularly impressed by Ms. Shuler's work with FEMA and her first-year plan. She agreed with Chairman Adams regarding her depth of experience and professionalism. Commissioner Earman stated that both candidates were excellent, but he was more impressed with Ms. Shuler. He noted that she had a wealth of experience working in both county and city government. He was in complete agreement to select Ms. Shuler as the next County Attorney. Commissioner Loar stated that both candidates had been strong enough to interview with the Board. He expressed concern about a group in the community emailing all the candidates with negative messages, which he found embarrassing. He expressed doubt that candidates would want to come to Indian River County after experiencing such interference. Regarding Ms. Crawford, he believed her lack of specific experience made her a weaker candidate. On the other hand, he thought that Ms. Shuler possessed the qualities the County needed in an Attorney. He reiterated his pride in both candidates for appearing despite the interference. Vice Chairman Flescher agreed with Commissioner Loar's comments about the interference in the candidate pool. He stated that the process contamination was unsettling, unethical, and unprofessional. He supported Ms. Shuler as the next County Attorney and agreed that Ms. Shuler had emerged as a very sincere, knowledgeable, and well-suited individual. A motion was made by Commissioner Loar, seconded by Vice Chairman Flescher, to offer Ms. Jennifer Shuler a contract for the Indian River County Attorney position. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar 5 - Page 3Indian River County Florida

August 9, 2024Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 4:15 pm. Page 4Indian River County Florida