SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
October 22, 2025
10:00 AM
TRUSTEES: William Cooney Michael Kint Paul Westcott Allen Jones
Kerry Bartlett
ABSENT: Karen Deigl Chuck Mackett
STAFF: Dawn Carboni Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Frank Isele
Kaytlin Dickens Shanen Cox
Jennifer Peshke, Esq.
ZOOM: Dana McNally Kimbery Jeansonne Colette Heid Lisa Zahner Rick Rothman Michael Hammes Kelly Williams Ann Marie McCrystal Raquel Rivas Vicki Soule Colette Heid Kelley Kensley Kyleigh Motiwala Shannon Bowman
ATTENDEES: Bob Auwaerter Marie Andress
Wayne Creeleman Robyn Orzel
Convene Meeting
Dr. Cooney convened the Chairman’s meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person. He introduced Wesley Mills, from Mills, Short and Associates who is a civil engineer the District hired to provide a review and opinion on the VNA retention pond matter.
VNA Retention Pond Matter Update
Mr. Mills addressed the board and provided a review of the memorandum he prepared outlining his findings on the VNA retention pond matter. He discussed the history of the District master stormwater permit for the pond which allows for grandfathering in future developments under previous criteria with St. Johns Water Management District (SJWMD). However, moving forward with the VNA request would require the District to be a co-applicant on the permit application to SJWMD and would place certain liabilities on the District. His recommendation included securing an agreement with the VNA that outlines contingencies and considerations, prior to joining the application process. He also discussed the potential complexity of cost structures based on proposed changes should SJMWD deem this a major improvement. There was Trustee discussion surrounding obligations of maintaining the pond and drainage capacity. It was also discussed that easement agreement would most likely be required and could outline any potential financial consideration to the District
Mr. Bob Atwater, member of the public, asked for clarification on the capacity of the retention pond should the District allow the VNA to utilize it. Mr. Mills confirmed that there was sufficient capacity. There was further Trustee discussion and Mr. Westcott made a motion instructing Ms. Peshke to provide the memorandum prepared by Mr. Mills to representatives at CCIRH and VNA for their review and response. Mr. Kint seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
10th Street Property LOI Process Update
Ms. Voss provided an update to the Trustees on the 10th Street property and Letter of Intent (LOI) process. She began by informing the board that building 620 had been compromised and broken into. She has worked with the property manager to fix damaged locks, and they are working to install a security system for additional protection. In the meantime, nighttime security has been hired to patrol the property while they are waiting for the installation of the security system. Next, she discussed the LOI process and stated that four proposals were received, two of which were incomplete and did not fulfill all the requirements requested in the LOI. It was requested that Ms. Voss provide the full proposals to the Trustees for review and that further discussion with take place at the November Chairman’s meeting. There was also discussion as to why an LOI process was chosen instead of a formal RFP. It was explained that the goal of the LOI process was to hear directly from the community stakeholders about the services needed for the community. Mr. Westcott asked if any of the respondents to the LOI were interested in purchasing the property. It was discussed that one respondent did express interest and Mr. Westcott stated that the board should explore options to purchase as well.
VCOM Update
Mr. Isele provided an update on the lease agreement and partnership with VCOM. He stated that yesterday he and Ms. Peshke had a call with representatives from VCOM and CCIRH to discuss the partnership moving forward. The President of VCOM, Dr. Rawlins provided correspondence to the board reiterating their desire to continue the partnership however they are requesting a restructuring of the lease agreement due to changes in their plans for the building. There was Trustee discussion surrounding the barriers, if any, that may be present due to state legislation regulations. Next Ms. Peshke spoke to the Notice of Default which was sent to representatives at VCOM on October 8th. She explained that there is a 30-day cure period however in the communication received yesterday, VCOM is requesting an extension. Mr. Kint made a motion to approve an additional 60-day cure period for VCOM, which was seconded by Mr. Jones. The motion carried unanimously. There was also discussion surrounding the condition of the building and general maintenance which is being provided with assistance from the District property manager. It was further noted that VCOM is currently reimbursing the District for all general maintenance expenses.
Approval of IRCHD Polices
Ms. Carboni stated that there are two policies for the board’s consideration and approval. Both were reviewed and vetted by the Finance and Audit Committee, as well as Ms. Peshke. The purpose of these policies is to adopt recommendations from the District performance review and it is good practice to have these policies in place. The first policy discussed was the Fraud and False claims policy. Mr. Westcott has questions concerning the whistleblower protection provision and it was discussed that this may need to be a separate policy. Ms. Peshke and Ms. Carboni stated that they would have further discussion and research on the matter and report back to the board next month.
Next, Ms. Carboni discussed the continuity of operations policy, which was created to ensure the resiliency of critical services by the District community partners. She stated that during her agency review process she verifies that each community partner has an emergency operations plan, so this policy is to accompany that requirement. Mr. Westcott asked if there was criteria to evaluate the efficacy of the community partners policy. There was discussion on the same and whether the District was qualified to make that determination. It was further discussed that a potential risk management evaluation be conducted by a consultant. After further discussion Mr. Kint made a motion to approve the continuity of operations policy, which was seconded by Ms. Bartlett. The motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
Ms. Peshke addressed the board and stated that the Trustees have met with she and Mr. Isele to continue discussion on a maternity services agreement with CCIRH. She hopes to have a draft document to the Trustees soon for review and approval, would most likely take place at a special call meeting in the next few weeks. Mr. Westcott brought up the matter of births happening outside of the county and what the drivers are behind this trend. It was identified that CCIRH has some of the best birth outcomes in the state, so the matter of care cannot be disputed. It was suggested that due to the lack of a neonatal intensive care unit could be a driver, as well as the other two private OBGYN physicians in the county not having privileges at CCIRH. Mr. Isele stated that he will continue to research and explore solutions surrounding this matter.
There was no additional Trustee discussion or public comment. The meeting was adjourned at 11:22 AM.
