South Florida Water Management District public meetings in 2022

Audit & Finance Committee

The Audit & Finance Committee is meeting to review the district's investment summary as of October 31, 2022, and to consider audit reports and proposed audit plans for fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2024-2028. The agenda includes an audit of Environmental Resource Permit Enforcement and an external quality control review of the Inspector General's office. Public comment is scheduled.

• Summary of investments as of October 31, 2022
• Audit of Environmental Resource Permit Enforcement
• Proposed audit plan for FY 2022-2023 and long-term plan for FY 2024-2028
• External quality control review of the Office of the Inspector General

The Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 9, 2022 meeting. Members also adopted the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Audit Plan and the Long-Term Audit Plan for 2024-2028, as well as the External Quality Control Review of the Office of the Inspector General.

• Approved June 9, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Audit Plan and Long-Term Audit Plan for 2024-2028 (Unanimous)
• Approved External Quality Control Review of the Office of the Inspector General Report (Unanimous)

December 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will vote on the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which includes a new requirement to inventory critical wetlands, and will consider concurrence with emergency orders issued for Subtropical Storm Nicole. The board will also decide on several contracts and property transactions, including a relocation agreement with Florida Power & Light and contracts for vegetation management services.

• Adopt 2023-2028 Strategic Plan (Resolution 2022-1201)
• Concur with Emergency Orders 2022-062 through 2022-067 for Storm Nicole response
• Authorize FPL relocation agreement for C-23 project, not-to-exceed $151,114.06
• Authorize mechanical harvesting contracts up to $10,000,000 and aerial application contract up to $15,000,000
• Approve release of canal reservations for $3,726.50 and $74,940, and right-of-way conveyance for $23,000

November 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will vote on a consent agenda including a $2.9 million settlement to acquire 83.38 acres for the C-111 project, a 10-year cattle grazing lease extension, and a 5-year beekeeping agreement. They will also discuss the FY2023-2024 Alternative Water Supply Funding Program and concur with emergency orders issued for Hurricane Ian response.

• $2,916,660 settlement for 83.38 acres in C-111 project (Resolution 2022-1104)
• 10-year cattle grazing lease extension with CAF, LLC on 5,168.57 acres in Polk County (Resolution 2022-1103)
• 5-year apiary agreement with Florida State Beekeepers Association (Resolution 2022-1102)
• $350,840 contract with Florida International University for Taylor Slough monitoring (Resolution 2022-1106)
• Concurrence with 13 emergency orders related to Tropical Storm Ian

The Governing Board approved several high-value construction and land management contracts, including a $24.6M water quality project and a $13.6M culvert project. The Board also authorized a $2.9M settlement for land acquisition in Miami-Dade County and extended a cattle grazing lease in Polk County.

• Approved $24,623,409.85 contract with Phillips & Jordan, Inc. for C-43 Canal Water Quality Treatment (Unanimous)
• Approved $13,603,585 contract with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. for S-620 Gated Culvert and L-6 Improvements (Unanimous)
• Approved $35.5M amended agreement with Lykes Bros. Inc. for Nicodemus Slough Water Management Project (Unanimous)
• Approved $2,916,660 settlement to acquire 83.38 acres for C-111 Project (Unanimous)
• Authorized 10-year cattle grazing lease extension to CAF, LLC for 5,168.57 acres in Polk County (Unanimous)
• Approved 5-year Apiary Management Agreement with Florida State Beekeepers Association (Unanimous)
• Appointed Scott Wagner as representative on the Biscayne Bay Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved conveyance of 0.10 acres of surplus land to the City of Homestead (Unanimous)

October 2022 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates on Lake Trafford restoration, the CREW Land & Water Trust, the 2022 Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan, and a proposed bus shelter in the Airport Road Canal right of way. Staff reports on field station activity, water conditions, and finances are also on the agenda.

• Lake Trafford eelgrass and emergent vegetation project update
• Immokalee Water Wastewater Plant update
• 2022 Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan update
• Proposed bus shelter within Airport Road Canal right of way
• Monthly financial report

The Board unanimously adopted the minutes from the August 25, 2022 meeting. Members reviewed updates on Lake Trafford restoration, the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan, and a proposed bus shelter. One agenda item regarding the CREW update was postponed.

• Approved August 25, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Supported staff recommendation to move forward with proposed bus shelter within Airport Road Canal Right of Way
• Postponed CREW Update until February 24, 2023 meeting

October 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will consider approving a $46.2 million construction contract for the C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion Project in Martin County, which aims to reduce harmful discharges to the St. Lucie Estuary. The board will also hear an initial report on Hurricane Ian's impacts and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Resolution No. 2022-1001: Authorize 848-day contract with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc. for C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion Project, $46,227,152
• Project includes 6.85 miles of canal, 250 cfs pump station, culvert crossings under CR-714 and Coca Cola Road, STA access bridge, and discharge spillway
• Hurricane Ian Initial Report by John P. Mitnik
• Approval of minutes for September 8 and September 20, 2022 meetings

The Governing Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2022-1001, authorizing an 848-day contract with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc. for construction of the C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion Project in Martin County, at a total cost of $46,227,152. Of that amount, $18,200,000 in dedicated and ad valorem funds are budgeted for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, with the remainder subject to future budget approvals. The board also received an initial report on the District's response to Hurricane Ian and heard general public comment.

• Approved Resolution No. 2022-1001: contract with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc. for C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion Project, $46,227,152 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from September 8 and September 20, 2022 meetings (unanimous)

SFWMD Recreational Forum

The South Florida Water Management District's Recreational Forum is meeting to discuss recreational activities on District properties. The agenda includes updates on the Florida Horsemen's Club, the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge visitor services and hunt program, Audubon birding tours, and restoration projects for the Loxahatchee River and Kissimmee River. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for informational updates and discussion.

• Update on Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan & Hunt Program
• Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project update
• Kissimmee River Restoration Project & Headwaters Revitalization schedule update
• Audubon Birding Tours on District Properties
• Florida Horsemen's Club overview

September 2022 Governing Board Hearing - Final Millage Rates & Final Budget

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board holds a final public hearing to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 final millage rates and budget. The board will vote on resolutions setting district-wide and basin-specific tax levies, approving a $1,226,394,713 budget, and recognizing state appropriations for funding agreements.

• Adopt district-wide final millage rate of 0.0948 mill for FY 2022-2023
• Adopt Big Cypress Basin final millage rate of 0.0978 mill
• Adopt Okeechobee Basin final millage rate of 0.1026 mill
• Adopt Everglades Construction Project millage rate of 0.0327 mill
• Adopt final budget of $1,226,394,713 for FY 2022-2023

The Governing Board unanimously adopted the final Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget of $1,226,394,713 and set final millage rates at the rolled-back level with no increase in ad valorem taxes. Four resolutions adopting millage rates for the District-wide, Big Cypress Basin, Okeechobee Basin, and Everglades Construction Project were each approved 8-0. A separate resolution recognizing state appropriations and authorizing the Executive Director to execute funding agreements was also adopted unanimously.

• Adopted $1,226,394,713 final budget for FY 2022-2023 (unanimous)
• Adopted District-wide final millage rate of 0.0948 mill (unanimous)
• Adopted Big Cypress Basin final millage rate of 0.0978 mill (unanimous)
• Adopted Okeechobee Basin final millage rate of 0.1026 mill (unanimous)
• Adopted Everglades Construction Project final millage rate of 0.0327 mill (unanimous)
• Recognized state appropriations and authorized Executive Director to execute funding agreements (unanimous)

September 2022 Governing Board Hearing - Tentative Millage & Budget

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding a public hearing to adopt tentative ad valorem millage rates and a tentative $1,226,394,713 budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. The board will vote on several resolutions setting district-wide and basin-specific millage rates, as well as approving agricultural privilege tax rolls. This is a tentative approval step; final adoption would occur later.

• Resolution 2022-0913: District-wide tentative millage rate of 0.0948 mills
• Resolution 2022-0914: Big Cypress Basin tentative millage rate of 0.0978 mills
• Resolution 2022-0915: Okeechobee Basin tentative millage rate of 0.1026 mills
• Resolution 2022-0916: Everglades Construction Project tentative millage rate of 0.0327 mills
• Resolution 2022-0919: Tentative budget of $1,226,394,713 for FY 2022-2023

September 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will consider a consent agenda with several contracts, including software maintenance renewals totaling over $7 million and cooperative agreements for Everglades restoration monitoring. The board will also discuss a cost-share agreement for a flood risk study and the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual update.

• Five-year lease extension for Aero-Modelers of Perrine, FLA. (AMPS/RC), Inc. at $5,895 annual rent, Miami-Dade County
• Ten-year lease extension for U.S. Department of Homeland Security tower space, $36,000 yearly revenue, Palm Beach County
• Ten-year lease to PBA Holdings, Inc. for equipment storage, $18,000 per acre annual rent, Palm Beach County
• Storage hardware maintenance renewal with Ahead, Inc. for $945,750 (2022-2025)
• SAP maintenance renewal with SAP Public Services, Inc. for $3,760,153 (2022-2027)

The Governing Board unanimously approved a $35.8 million contract with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. for construction of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands - Cutler Flow Way Phase 1, Pump Station S-701 in Miami-Dade County. The board also unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a cost-share agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a flood risk management and resiliency study. All consent agenda items, including software maintenance renewals totaling over $6 million and a cooperative agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were approved unanimously. The board discussed the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) and directed staff to send a letter to the USACE before the comment period closed.

• Approved $35.8M contract for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands pump station (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution supporting flood risk management study cost-share agreement with USACE (unanimous)
• Approved $3.76M SAP maintenance renewal (unanimous)
• Approved $1.56M MuleSoft integration software license renewal (unanimous)
• Approved $945,750 storage hardware maintenance renewal (unanimous)
• Approved $891,779 amendment for SAP technical resource (unanimous)
• Approved $850,575 cooperative agreement with FWC for fisheries habitat assessment (unanimous)
• Approved $352,704 contract with Florida International University for wetlands monitoring (unanimous)

August 2022 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider approving its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget of $14,475,308 and a rolled-back millage rate of 0.0978 mill for ad valorem taxes. The agenda also includes presentations on a Picayune Watershed water quality siting analysis, an update on Logan Boulevard emergency pump operations, and a proposed bus shelter within the Henderson Creek right of way. Several items are informational reports, and the meeting includes public comment periods.

• Resolution No. BCBB 2022-0801: Approve rolled-back millage rate of 0.0978 mill for FY 2022-2023
• Resolution No. BCBB 2022-0802: Submit FY 2022-2023 Basin budget of $14,475,308
• Presentation of final report on Picayune Watershed Water Quality Siting Analysis
• Update on Logan Boulevard Emergency Pump Operations
• Proposed bus shelter within Henderson Creek right of way

The Big Cypress Basin Board unanimously adopted two resolutions: one approving a rolled-back millage rate of 0.0978 mills for FY2022-2023, and another submitting a $14,475,308 Basin budget to the Governing Board. The board also heard presentations on the Picayune Watershed water quality analysis and an update on Logan Boulevard emergency pump operations, but took no formal votes on those items.

• Adopted Resolution BCBB 2022-0801 approving rolled-back millage rate of 0.0978 mills for FY2022-2023 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution BCBB 2022-0802 submitting $14,475,308 FY2022-2023 Basin budget to Governing Board (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 8, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

August 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will consider a $42.3 million contract for the CEPP New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project, a key Everglades restoration effort. The board will also vote on several consent agenda items, including contracts for security services, roof maintenance, and a cost-share agreement for a canal survey. Additionally, they will discuss an update on Basin Management Action Plans and approve a budget amendment for Everglades restoration funds.

• Contract with Geo-Solutions, Inc. for CEPP New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project, $42,258,301
• Contract with Allied Universal Security Services for headquarters security, $1,907,900
• Contract with Advanced Roofing, Inc. for roof maintenance, $2,500,000
• Cost share agreement with Village of Palmetto Bay for C-100A canal survey, $150,316.37
• Budget amendment for $45M Restoration Strategies and $300K Green Heart of the Everglades

The Governing Board unanimously approved a $42,258,301 contract with Geo-Solutions, Inc. for the CEPP New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project in Miami-Dade County. The board also adopted a consent agenda including a $1M contract with Florida Atlantic University for Riverwoods Field Laboratory management, a $1.9M security services contract, and a $45M budget amendment for Everglades restoration. No items were moved from the consent agenda to discussion.

• Approved $42,258,301 contract for CEPP New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project (unanimous)
• Approved $1,017,168 contract with Florida Atlantic University for Riverwoods Field Laboratory (consent agenda)
• Approved $1,907,900 security services contract with Allied Universal (consent agenda)
• Approved $45,000,000 budget amendment for Everglades Restoration from Land Acquisition Trust Fund (consent agenda)
• Approved $150,316.37 cost share agreement with Village of Palmetto Bay for canal survey (consent agenda)
• Approved $2,500,000 roof maintenance contract with Advanced Roofing, Inc. (consent agenda)
• Approved release of District canal reservations (Resolution 2022-0801, consent agenda)
• Approved minutes of July 14th meeting (unanimous)

July 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is meeting to vote on consent agenda items including land easement releases, contract amendments for land management and law enforcement, construction projects, and a collective bargaining agreement pay raise. The agenda also includes routine reports and recognitions.

• Release canal reservations in Broward and Palm Beach counties for $3,604.60 and $467.78
• Amend contract with Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land and Water Trust for $477,816
• Exchange easement with Corporate Coaches, Inc. for $83,000
• Contract with Tulane University for Biscayne Bay water quality model, $500,000
• LD-1 Canal bank stabilization at Uncle Joe's Fish Camp, $2,966,010.14

July 2022 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider its fiscal year 2022-2023 tentative budget and proposed millage rates, along with updates on regional water quality, ecosystem restoration, and trail maintenance. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of previous meeting minutes and various staff reports.

• Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Proposed Tentative Budget and Submission of Proposed Millage Rates
• Collier County Regional Water Quality Update
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Ecosystem Restoration Project Update
• Update on Bird Rookery Swamp Trail Maintenance and Access Improvements
• Approval of April 28, 2022 meeting minutes

The Big Cypress Basin Board unanimously approved a request to the District Governing Board to establish a proposed millage rate of 0.0978 mills and the proposed FY 2022-23 tentative budget. The board also unanimously adopted the minutes from the April 28, 2022 meeting. Other agenda items were informational updates, including water quality, ecosystem restoration, and trail maintenance.

• Approved request to establish proposed millage rate of 0.0978 mills and FY 2022-23 tentative budget (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of April 28, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Special Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board unanimously accepted the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit Management Letter, following a presentation by the independent auditor. No public comment or board discussion occurred on the item. The meeting was procedural and adjourned shortly after.

• Accepted FY 2020-2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit Management Letter (unanimous)

SFWMD Recreational Forum

The South Florida Water Management District's Recreational Forum is meeting to receive updates on recreational projects and programs. Agenda items include the Palm Beach Shooting Sports Complex, Allapattah Restoration, Stormwater Treatment Areas (STA) waterfowl and alligator hunting seasons for 2022-2023, and public use project updates. The meeting is primarily informational, with presentations and discussion rather than formal decisions.

• Palm Beach Shooting Sports Complex update by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Allapattah Restoration update by SFWMD
• STA Waterfowl & Alligator 2022-2023 Hunting Season update
• Public Use Project updates by SFWMD

The Recreational Forum received updates on the Palm Beach Shooting Sports Complex, Allapattah Restoration Flats, STA hunting seasons, and public use projects. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with discussions on topics like bike trails, vegetation management, and volunteer opportunities.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was informational

Audit & Finance Committee

The committee will review a summary of investments as of April 30, 2022. Members will also hear an Inspector General report on monitoring construction change orders and discuss the annual independent financial audit contract.

• Summary of Investments as of April 30, 2022
• Inspector General Report on Monitoring of Construction Change Orders
• Discussion regarding Annual Independent Financial Audit Contract

The Audit & Finance Committee approved the minutes from March 10, 2022, and received a summary of investments as of April 30, 2022. The committee also reviewed an Inspector General report on construction change orders and discussed the annual independent financial audit contract. The committee advised staff to exercise the two-year renewal option with RSM and solicit a new RFP in two years.

• Approved minutes of March 10, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Advised staff to exercise two-year renewal option with RSM for audit services and solicit new RFP in two years (unanimous)

June 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board is reviewing several land-related proposals, including a property exchange with the City of Miramar and a land donation in Palm Beach County. The board will also consider a contract for seismic surveys to study the Floridan Aquifer System.

• Land exchange of 4.75 acres in Miramar for 6 acres in Broward County
• Donation of 39.5 acres in Palm Beach County to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• $545,537.36 contract with Collier Geophysics, LLC for seismic survey services
• Five-year cattle grazing lease for 71.01 acres in Martin County
• Release of canal reservations for 200 acres in Martin County

The Governing Board unanimously approved all five consent agenda items, including a land exchange with the City of Miramar, donation of land to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a grazing lease, release of canal reservations, and a $545,537.36 contract for seismic services. The board also received reports on water and ecological conditions and discussed flood resiliency initiatives, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved land exchange with City of Miramar (unanimous)
• Approved donation of 39.5 acres in Palm Beach County to FWC (unanimous)
• Authorized 5-year flash grazing lease to Indiantown International (unanimous)
• Approved release of canal reservations (unanimous)
• Approved $545,537.36 contract with Collier Geophysics for seismic survey (unanimous)

May 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will vote on consent agenda items including land acquisitions for restoration projects, an alligator hunting program, and several contracts. They will also discuss the Alternative Water Supply Funding Program and a letter of support for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project.

• Authorize $57,500 final offer and eminent domain for 2.50 acres in Collier County for Picayune Strand Restoration Project
• Approve land exchange with Micco Bluff Ranch, LLC in Okeechobee County, including $29,400 payment to District
• Authorize $290,500 for release of easement in Hendry County for C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir Project
• Authorize alligator hunting on 6,552-acre STA 1 East in Palm Beach County
• Approve up to $154 million for water retention and nutrient load reduction contracts across three watersheds

The Governing Board approved resolutions authorizing staff to negotiate and execute 10-year contracts for water retention and nutrient load reduction projects under the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program, with a combined not-to-exceed amount of $154 million across the Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee, and St. Lucie River watersheds. The Caloosahatchee resolution was amended to remove Ferrate Solutions, Corp. due to high cost. The board also adopted the consent agenda, including land acquisitions, an alligator hunting authorization, and a water reuse week proclamation.

• Approved $154M for NEEPP water retention contracts across three watersheds (unanimous)
• Approved $19M for Lake Okeechobee Watershed projects (unanimous)
• Approved $107M for Caloosahatchee Watershed projects, amended to remove Ferrate Solutions (unanimous)
• Approved $28M for St. Lucie River Watershed projects (6-3, Bergeron, Meads, Steinle dissenting)
• Approved $57,500 final purchase offer for Picayune Strand land (unanimous)
• Approved $290,500 for C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir land (unanimous)
• Authorized FWC to manage alligator hunting on STA 1 East (unanimous)
• Proclaimed May 15-21, 2022 as Water Reuse Week (unanimous)

April 2022 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Board will review updates on the Western Everglades Restoration Project and the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan. The meeting also includes discussions on emergency pump operations for Logan Boulevard and the Big Cypress Basin Capital Plan.

• Western Everglades Restoration Project Update
• Five-Year Update to the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan
• Modeling Update for Logan Boulevard Emergency Pump Operations
• Big Cypress Basin Capital Plan Update
• Agreement with Collier County regarding a tower for flood control operations

The Big Cypress Basin Board met on April 28, 2022, and unanimously approved the minutes from the February 24, 2022 meeting. The rest of the agenda consisted of informational updates and reports, with no other formal decisions made.

• Approved February 24, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

April 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is reviewing several items including a $1.8 million agreement for invasive python research and a $42,500 land purchase in Collier County. The agenda also includes discussions on utility easements, software subscriptions, and infrastructure project increases.

• Acquisition of 1.25 acres in the Picayune Strand Restoration Project for $42,500
• Five-year agreement with University of Florida and USGS for Burmese python research up to $1,845,350
• Land exchange with Osceola County School Board involving 20 acres of wetlands for 1.36 acres of uplands
• Settlement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC for $125,000 regarding a utility easement in Polk County
• Increase of $1,692,533 for the Microwave Radio Replacement Project, bringing the total to $7,993,146

The Governing Board unanimously adopted a resolution to publish a Notice of Proposed Rule and adopt rules establishing consumptive use permitting criteria to protect water made available by the Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project. The board also approved a consent agenda including land acquisitions, contracts, and agreements, and denied a permit modification for Lucky L Mitigation Bank.

• Adopted rule 40E-2.091 for Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project (unanimous)
• Approved $42,500 land acquisition in Picayune Strand Restoration Project (unanimous)
• Approved land exchange with Osceola County School Board (unanimous)
• Authorized $125,000 settlement with Duke Energy Florida (unanimous)
• Approved $1,845,350 agreement for Burmese python research (unanimous)
• Denied Lucky L Mitigation Bank permit extension (unanimous)
• Approved $7,304,200 contract for Bolles East Canal improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $16,877,000 contract for S2-S8 monitoring panels (unanimous)

February 2022 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to discuss and potentially approve several items, including a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, a 5-year fleet plan, and a $1 million payment to Collier County for stormwater maintenance work. The board will also receive updates on the Python Management Program, regional partnerships, and a canal bank study with Naples Botanical Garden.

• Approval of $1M payment to Collier County for FY 2021-2022 Stormwater Maintenance Work Plan (Agreement OT040622)
• Discussion of Big Cypress Basin 5-Year Fleet Plan
• Preliminary Budget Update for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
• Python Management Program Update
• Canal Bank Study with Naples Botanical Garden

Audit & Finance Committee

The Audit & Finance Committee is meeting to review investment summaries, inspector general audit reports, and options for renewing the annual independent financial audit contract. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment. This is a routine oversight meeting focused on financial and audit matters.

• Summary of investments as of January 31, 2021
• Audit of Department of Motor Vehicles File Security - Fiscal Year 2021-2022
• Audit of Private Mitigation Banks
• Contract renewal options for annual independent financial audit contract with RSM

The Audit & Finance Committee unanimously adopted the Inspector General's audit reports on DMV file security and private mitigation banks, with six recommendations for the latter. The committee also discussed renewing the annual financial audit contract with RSM but decided to explore other firms, requesting more information for the next meeting.

• Adopted minutes of November 10, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted DMV File Security audit report (unanimous)
• Adopted Private Mitigation Banks audit report with six recommendations (unanimous)
• Discussed RSM contract renewal; deferred decision to explore other firms

SFWMD Recreational Forum

The SFWMD Recreational Forum will provide updates on the C-25 Reservoir and STA Restoration Project. The meeting includes discussions on waterfowl and alligator hunting seasons, public use projects, and construction updates for the S-356E Pump Station and S-334E Spillway.

• Overview of C-25 Reservoir and STA Restoration Project
• Summary of 2021-2022 STA Waterfowl & Alligator hunting season
• Proposed Alligator Hunting for STA 1E
• S-356E Pump Station and S-334E Spillway construction update
• FWC rule change update on SFWMD management areas

March 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board is reviewing a request for change orders not to exceed $25 million for the C-43 Reservoir Project. The meeting also includes decisions on land easement releases, cattle lease extensions, and settlement payments for wetland projects.

• Proposed change orders up to $25,000,000 for the C-43 Reservoir Project
• Settlement of $236,066.20 and $105,738.50 for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project tracts
• Five-year extension of cattle grazing lease in Glades County generating approximately $51,300 annually
• Partial release of 0.33 acres of C-44 canal easement in Miami-Dade County
• Ratification of amendments to health insurance and wages for the International Union of Operating Engineers

The Governing Board approved a resolution authorizing up to $25 million in new change orders for the C-43 Reservoir project, raising the contract amount to $557,817,852.32. The vote was 5-3, with Bergeron, Steinle, and Thurlow-Lippisch opposed. The board also unanimously adopted the consent agenda, which included land acquisitions, a grazing lease, and a collective bargaining agreement amendment.

• Approved $25M in new change orders for C-43 Reservoir (5-3)
• Adopted consent agenda unanimously, including land acquisitions and lease
• Authorized $236,066.20 settlement for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands land acquisition
• Authorized $105,738.50 settlement for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands land acquisition
• Approved 5-year cattle grazing lease extension to J & E Cattle Company
• Ratified amendments to collective bargaining agreement with Operating Engineers union

February 2022 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board is reviewing several land and contract items, including a $57,500 acquisition in Collier County and a design/build contract for the Clewiston Field Station. The meeting also includes discussions on cattle grazing lease extensions and new utility permits.

• Acquisition of 2.5 acres in Collier County for $57,500
• Five-year cattle grazing lease extension in Glades County generating approximately $43,617 annually
• Contract with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. for insurance brokerage up to $300,000
• Phase I design/build contract for Clewiston Field Station expansion not to exceed $1,683,000
• Designation of 1,497-acre Nubbin Slough project area as a Stormwater Treatment Area

The Governing Board approved a settlement in the Blue Goose Growers, LLC v. South Florida Water Management District lawsuit, with key terms including a $13.4 million payment to Blue Goose, mutual releases, and a 10-year ban on Blue Goose bidding as a prime contractor. The board also unanimously adopted the consent agenda, which included a five-year capital improvements plan, a land acquisition, and a cattle grazing lease extension. Board members voiced opposition to Senate Bill 2508, which they said could affect the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual and Everglades restoration funding.

• Approved $13.4M settlement in Blue Goose Growers lawsuit (unanimous, Bergeron abstained)
• Adopted FY2021-2022 Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized $57,500 land acquisition in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year cattle grazing lease extension to Old River Cattle Company on 2,230.90 acres (unanimous)
• Authorized $1,683,000 Phase I design/build contract for Clewiston Field Station expansion (unanimous)
• Authorized cooperative agreement with FWC for land management in Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3 (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 insurance brokerage contract with Arthur J. Gallagher (unanimous)
• Designated 1,497-acre Nubbin Slough project area as Stormwater Treatment Area (unanimous)