South Water Management District

GOVERNING BOARD MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

November 12, 2020 9:00 AM via Communications Media Technology WWW.SFWMD.GOV

Attendee Name Title Status Chauncey Goss Chairman Present Ron Bergeron Present Cheryl Meads Remote Charlette Roman Remote Jay Steinle Present Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch Present Scott Wagner Vice-Chairman Remote

1. Call to Order - Chauncey Goss, Chairman, Governing Board Chairman Goss called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 AM.

2. Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Roman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Employee Recognitions Mr. Bartlett presented employee recognitions for November Employee of the Month, Lichun Zhang; November Team of the Month, General Services Team; 25-Years of Service, Renee Hammett; and, 30-Years of Service, Mark Elsner.

4. Agenda Revisions Ms. Byrd stated item 21 was added to the Consent Agenda and subsequent numbers were renumbered, and the contract information for Discussion Agenda item 29A was updated.

5. Agenda Item Abstentions by Board Members

1 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020 There were no abstentions by Board members.

6. Consider Approval of the Minutes for the October 8th Meeting and October 28th Lunch & Learn Workshop

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Bergeron SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

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7. General Public Comment Newton Cook, United Waterfowlers of Florida, Inc. Dee Diamond John Matchka Ryan Rossi, South Florida Water Coalition Mike Elfenbein Mikel Hulon, Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc. Drew Martin, Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group , Tribe of Indians Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Michael Collins

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8. Board Comment Chairman Goss inquired if a Public Hearing on the Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Water Reservation Rule was scheduled for December to which Mr. Bartlett confirmed it was.

The Board expressed gratitude to staff for dedicated efforts exhibited with emergency operations during hurricane season and Tropical Storm Eta.

Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch congratulated staff for recognitions made by Florida Trend; thanked environmental reporter Tyler Treadway of the Treasure Coast Palm Stuart News for contributions to the (IRL) movement and Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, and conveyed well wishes upon retirement; thanked Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and staff for efforts to advance algae technology; recognized staff's efforts for assisting with the IRL Council National Estuary Program and 16-County Coalition meetings; encouraged increased partnership efforts with the Everglades Protection District; and, thanked the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for the Deer Management Program tour.

Mr. Bergeron commented on current water levels in the Central Everglades and stressed the importance of advanced efforts to remove obstacles which hinder

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waters to , and creating a natural flow to achieve water levels compatible with the environment, ecology, wildlife, endangered species, and vegetation.

Mr. Wagner commented on the importance of adding infrastructure tools in a proactive approach to assist with the natural flow of water and moving more water south.

Ms. Roman thanked staff and the Old River Cattle Co. for the tour of District leased lands in Okeechobee County.

Ms. Meads stated protecting the environment and preserving Florida's natural resources was a nonpartisan activity and invited elected federal, state, and local officials to continue partnership efforts which support the District's mission to advance Everglades restoration efforts.

Chairman Goss expressed appreciation to Colonel Kelly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), for partnership efforts during the pandemic and emergency operations; encouraged the public to visit www.sfwmd.gov/floodcontrol to determine which local municipalities or flood control district could assist with water management issues; and, thanked staff for the C-43 tour and LaBelle Rotary for the speaking engagement. Further, Chairman Goss extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the employees whose lives were lost due to an unfortunate commuting accident.

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Consent Agenda

9. Move Consent Agenda Items to Discussion Agenda No items were moved from the Consent Agenda to the Discussion Agenda.

10. Public Comment on Consent Agenda Items Doug Gaston, Audubon Florida Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society Gene Lollis, Florida Cattlemen's Association Drew Martin, Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group Michael Collins Nyla Pipes, One Florida Foundation

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11. C-111 South Dade Project (Staff contact, Stephen M. Collins)

. A. Tracts GR100-042 and GR100-044 Resolution No. 2020 - 1101 Acquire land interests containing 15 acres, more or less, in the amount of $105,900, for which dedicated funds (Save Our Everglades

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Trust Fund and Ad Valorem funds) have been budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020- 2021 for the C-111 South Dade Project in -Dade County.

. B. Tract GR100-147 Resolution No. 2020 - 1102 Acquire land interests containing 2.5 acres, more or less, in the amount of $19,200, for which dedicated funds (Save Our Everglades Trust Fund and Ad Valorem funds) are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 for the C-111 South Dade Project in Miami-Dade County.

12. Release of Reservations (Staff contact, Stephen M. Collins)

Resolution No. 2020 - 1103 Release District canal and road reservations.

13. 2020 Central Florida Water Initiative Regional Water Supply Plan (Staff contact, Lawrence Glenn) Issue a final order approving the 2020 Central Florida Water Initiative Regional Water Supply Plan.

14. Third Party Claims Administration (Staff contact, Jennifer Smith) Resolution No. 2020 - 1104 Authorize entering into a contract with Johns Eastern Company, Inc. to provide Third-Party Claims Administration for specialized processing of District self-funded insurance claims for workers’ compensation, general and automobile liability losses, for 3 years with two 1-year renewal options in the amount of $375,000 for which $81,000 in Ad Valorem and dedicated funds (Self Insurance Funds) are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and the remainder is subject to Governing Board approval of future years budgets. (Contract Number 4600004308)

15. Information Technology Security Monitoring (Staff contact, Duane Piper) Resolution No. 2020 - 1105 Authorize issuing a purchase order to United Data Technologies, Inc. for information technology security monitoring services, using the General Services Administration Schedule GS-35F-538GA, for the time period February 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022, in the amount of $180,243 for which Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021. (Purchase Order 4500123382)

16. SAP Technical Resources (Staff contact, Duane Piper) Resolution No. 2020 - 1106 Authorize an amendment to Purchase Order Number 4500121605 with Digital Intelligence Systems LLC by increasing the amount of the purchase order by $300,000 for a revised purchase order total of $444,800 for SAP technical resources, using the State of Florida Information Technology Staff Augmentation Services Contract Number 80101507-SA-15-01, for which Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

17. Regional Simulation Model Solver Development (Staff contact, Duane Piper) Resolution No. 2020 - 1107 Authorize entering into an amendment with Runtime Computing Solutions, LLC for Regional Simulation Model Development to extend the contract by one year and increase the contract amount by $100,000, for which Ad

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Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021, for a revised total contract amount of $200,000. (Contract Number 4600004242-A01)

18. Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Filter Marsh Expansion Project (Staff contact, Lisa Koehler) Resolution No. 2020 - 1108 Authorize an amendment to the Purchase Order with The Conservancy of Southwest Florida for an additional ten months to complete the filter marsh expansion project, in an amount not to exceed $46,200 for a total revised Purchase Order amount not to exceed $196,200 for which dedicated funds (Big Cypress Basin Ad Valorem) are budgeted; subject to terms and conditions. (Purchase Order Number 4500119573-A01)

19. Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area S-191A Pump Station Change Order No. 5, Okeechobee County (Staff contact, Alan Shirkey) Resolution No. 2020 - 1109 Authorize Change Order No. 5 to Contract Number 4600003852 with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. for construction of the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area S-191A Pump Station Project, for an additional amount of $135,292.09 for which dedicated funds (Land Acquisition Trust Fund) and Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

20. S-169W Relocation and C-20 Canal Armoring Change Order No. 2, Hendry County (Staff contact, Alan Shirkey) Resolution No. 2020 - 1110 Authorize issuing Change Order No. 2 to Contract Number 4600004081 with Interlaken, Inc. for the S-169W Relocation and C-20 Canal Armoring Project, in an amount not to exceed $489,265.94 for which Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

21. Concurrence on Emergency Orders 2020-050-DAO; 2020-051-DAO; and 2020-052- DAO, and any Subsequent Termination Orders (Staff contact, Jennifer Smith and Carolyn Ansay) Concur with Emergency Orders 2020-050-DAO; 2020-051-DAO; and 2020-052- DAO, and any subsequent termination orders.

22. Board Vote on Consent Agenda (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jay Steinle SECONDER: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

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Technical Reports

23. Water Conditions Report - John P. Mitnik Mr. Bartlett introduced FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton, and USACE Colonel Kelly.

Mr. Mitnik provided the Water Conditions Report for the last 30 days. 5 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020

Board Comment Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch and Mr. Mitnik discussed canal system considerations for sending water south presented on slide 11.

The Board and staff discussed the impacts to wildlife, historical emergency orders issued, emergency deviations, and structure closures during high water level events; coordination with special drainage districts; and, phases and obstacles of the Modified Waters Delivery project.

Mr. Sutton elaborated on FWC’s proactive approach with wildlife management in the Everglades Recreation Complex.

The Board and Mr. Sutton discussed the challenges of fur-bearing animals during high water level events.

In response to Ms. Meads’ question regarding how many privately owned platted lots and homes were in the 8.5 Square Mile Area (SMA), Ms. Reynolds stated staff would research and report findings back to the Board.

The Board and staff discussed the history, current conditions, and flood mitigation for the Las Palmas community, also known as the 8.5 SMA.

Responding to Chairman Goss' question regarding what differences might be experienced if the S-333 had remained opened during the recent high water level event, Mr. Mitnik stated staff would research and provide an update to the Board at a future Board meeting.

Mr. Steinle suggested staff research costs for installing a curtain wall or seepage canal, mitigate infrastructure, or purchasing the residences of western Las Palmas community.

At the request of Mr. Bartlett, Ms. Reynolds explained project modeling objectives for flood mitigation of the 8.5 SMA and the location and operations of the S-357 canal; the implementation of flood mitigation criteria; and, the delicate balance in providing flood mitigation and draining water from the park.

In response to Ms. Meads’ suggestion to engage willing sellers of the Las Palmas community, Ms. Reynolds stated staff was coordinating with Miami-Dade County, and other agencies, to incorporate this idea as part of a potential solution. Additionally, Ms. Reynolds stated staff was not only looking at structural options but also non-structural options such as acquisition of property. Ms. Roman concurred with Ms. Meads’ suggestion and requested staff evaluate how effective a seepage canal would be to the Las Palmas community.

In response to a question from Mr. Steinle, Ms. Reynolds stated the Las Palmas community had a homeowner’s organization but not all homeowners were active participants. 6 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020

Mr. Bergeron stated this project would provide benefits to Florida Bay and suggested staff research the following three options: purchasing the western portion of the 8.5 SMA, providing a seepage collector ditch to collect seepage through hydrostatic pressure and testing the capacity of the 357 pump to entertain the idea of possibly not needing an additional pump, or building a seepage barrier to implement in the second stage of the Modified Waters Delivery project. Mr. Mitnik stated staff would provide an update to the Board during the December Board meeting through a public open process which would allow discussion on the results compiled from modeling results.

Colonel Kelly presented a collaborative timeline of water level strategies utilized by the USACE, DEP and the District.

Chairman Goss thanked Colonel Kelly for the update and inquired on the status of current Lake Okeechobee water levels to which Colonel Kelly stated there had been a significant rise in water levels due to Tropical Storm Eta. Mr. Bartlett stated with Tropical Storm Eta the upper chain of lakes had also been affected.

Chairman Goss recessed for lunch at approximately 12:05 PM.

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24. Ecological Conditions Report - Lawrence Glenn Chairman Goss reconvened the meeting at approximately 12:45 PM.

Mr. Glenn provided an update on hydrologic and ecologic conditions over the last 30 days throughout the greater aquatic ecosystem of the District.

Board Comment In response to Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch's question on slide 17, Mr. Glenn explained runoff sources contributing to Lake Okeechobee releases. Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch then asked for Lake Okeechobee runoff source percentages to which Mr. Glenn stated this would be added to future Ecological Conditions reporting.

In response to Ms. Meads’ comment regarding considerations for more Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) to treat basin runoff, Mr. Bartlett explained STAs could treat basin runoff to provide increased treated water capacity. Additionally, Mr. Bartlett stated there were two STAs on the Discussion Agenda for Board discussion and consideration.

In response to Mr. Bergeron’s question regarding STA water quality per volume, Mr. Glenn elaborated on STA volumes which were a little higher than a typical year.

Mr. Bergeron commented with concern on the current water level depths in the Central Everglades and its effects on fur bearing animals and wading birds, and suggested staff consider an aggressive approach to lowering WCA water levels. Mr. Bartlett concurred and stated lowering WCA-3 could help attain goals which would 7 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020

benefit wildlife. Mr. Bergeron and Mr. Glenn then discussed the benefits of variable wet and dry seasons to allow the ecology to cleanse naturally.

In response to Mr. Steinle's question on slide 20, Mr. Glenn stated staff would provide optimal conditions for recovery with seagrass die-off in future Ecological Conditions reporting.

In response to Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch's question regarding samplings of seagrass in the Saint Lucie River and , Mr. Glenn stated seagrass samplings were mostly conducted during growing season. Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch suggested staff research the possibility of increased communication efforts with the public on seagrass conditions in these rivers through cooperative efforts with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Mr. Bergeron and Mr. Mitnik discussed the water depths of the northern Everglades and central Everglades hydrographs on slide 20.

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25. Public Comment Laura Reynolds Anna Upton, Tom MacVicar Drew Martin, Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group Nyla Pipes, One Florida Foundation Doug Gaston, Audubon Florida Mike Elfenbein Mike Conner, Indian Riverkeeper Richard Weisskoff, University of Miami Newton Cook, United Waterfowlers of Florida, Inc. Betty Osceola, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Michael Collins Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society

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Discussion Agenda

26. Update from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Eric Sutton (Staff contact, Stephen M. Collins) Mr. Sutton provided an update on FWC's collaborative efforts with Governor DeSantis' python removal initiative.

Board Comment In response to Chairman Goss' question regarding if there were any reported impacts to the python population during extreme wet seasons, Mr. Sutton stated an update would be provided to the Board.

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Mr. Sutton commended Mr. Bergeron for leadership efforts displayed with Governor DeSantis’ python removal initiative.

Public Comment None

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27. Notice of Proposed Rule for the and Chain of Lakes Water Reservation (Staff contact, Don Medellin)

Publish a Notice of Proposed Rule and Adopt New Rule 40E-10.071, F.A.C., and Amendments to Rules 40E-10.021, 40E-10.031, and 40E-2.091, F.A.C., and the Applicant’s Handbook for Water Use Permit Applications to establish a water reservation for the Kissimmee River and Chain of Lakes (provided no material changes are made and no request for public hearing is timely received). Mr. Glenn and Mr. Medellin presented water reservations for the Kissimmee River Restoration project; Kissimmee Chain of Lakes water reservations; and, proposed rule developments for Board consideration.

Public Comment Doug Gaston, Audubon Florida

Board Comment None

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

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28. Alternative Water Supply Funding Program (Staff contact, Stacey Adams) Ms. Adams presented an update on DEP's Alternative Water Supply (AWS) grant program, Fiscal Year 2022 process and application, Fiscal Year 2020-2021 grant funding, and resolutions for Board consideration.

Public Comment None

Board Comment Mr. Steinle provided an update on a Palm Beach County Water Utilities District tour and its reclaimed water process, and complimented staff for the inclusion of the Landscape Year-Round Irrigation Rule as an eligibility requirement. 9 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020

A. Resolution No. 2020 – 1111 Direct staff to include the status of year-round irrigation ordinances that comport with the District’s Year-round Irrigation Rule for local government applicants starting in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 cost-share process and consider the same as an eligibility requirement in future years.

Public Comment None Board Comment None

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Bergeron SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

B. Resolution No. 2020 - 1112 Authorize entering into agreement(s) with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the purpose of implementing the DEP Alternative Water Supply Grant Program in an approximate amount $6,410,000 in dedicated state appropriations (General Revenue and Water Protection and Sustainability Trust Fund) from the 2020 State General Appropriations Act 1622; delegating authority to the Executive Director to execute the agreements with the DEP for dedicated state appropriations.

Public Comment None

Board Comment None

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jay Steinle SECONDER: Scott Wagner, Vice-Chairman AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

C. Authorize entering into agreement(s) with cooperating entities for alternative water supply and water conservation projects in an approximate amount of $5,870,000, in dedicated state appropriations from the 2020 General Appropriations Act Line 1622, and delegating authority to the Executive Director to execute the agreements for identified projects eligible for grant funding.

Public Comment None

Board Comment None

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RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Bergeron SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

D. Authorize entering into agreement(s) with cooperating entities for alternative water supply and water conservation projects in an amount not to exceed $1,080,000 for which $540,000 in District Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Ad Valorem funds, and $540,000 in dedicated Fiscal Year 2020-2021 state appropriations (Water Protection and Sustainability Program) are budgeted; delegating authority to the Executive Director to execute the agreements for the identified projects. Public Comment None

Board Comment None

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Bergeron SECONDER: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

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29. Significant Construction Contracts (Staff contact, Alan Shirkey) Mr. Shirkey presented construction packages on the C-139 Annex Restoration; STA- 1W Expansion No. 2 G-780 and G-781, and G-782; and, Homestead Field Station building replacements for Board consideration.

Public Comment None

Board Comment None

A. C-139 Annex Restoration Phase 2 and Agricultural Area Stormwater Rerouting Project, Hendry County Public Comment None

Board Comment Mr. Bergeron and Mr. Shirkey discussed the bid received from Ranger Construction Industries, Inc.

In response to Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch's question on slide 4, Mr. Shirkey stated the water level depth surrounding the restored wetland island was approximately 5 feet. 11 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020

Resolution No. 2020 - 1115 Authorize entering into an agreement with Ranger Construction Industries, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the C-139 Annex Restoration Phase 2 and Agricultural Area Stormwater Rerouting Project, in the amount of $35,227,108, for which $9,500,000 in dedicated funds (Lake Belt Mitigation) is budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and the remainder is subject to Governing Board approval of future years budgets. (Contract Number 4600004336)

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jay Steinle SECONDER: Ron Bergeron AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

B. STA-1W Expansion #2 G-780 and G-781 Pump Stations Project, Palm Beach County Public Comment None

Board Comment Mr. Steinle and Mr. Shirkey discussed key factors which drove project bid packages on the pump stations.

Resolution No. 2020 - 1116 Authorize entering into a 741-day agreement with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the STA-1W Expansion #2 G-780 and G-781 Pump Stations Project, in the amount of $76,122,514 for which $27,200,000 in dedicated funds (Land Acquisition Trust Fund, Save Our Everglades Trust Fund and Everglades Trust Fund) and Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and the remainder is subject to Governing Board approval of future years budgets. (Contract Number 4600004334)

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jay Steinle SECONDER: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

C. STA-1W Expansion #2 G-782 Pump Station Project, Palm Beach County Public Comment None

Board Comment None

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Resolution No. 2020 - 1117 Authorize entering into a 741-day agreement with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the STA-1W Expansion #2 G-782 Pump Station Project, in the amount of $37,418,195 for which $14,000,000 in dedicated funds (Land Acquisition Trust Fund, Save Our Everglades Trust Fund and Everglades Trust Fund) and Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and the remainder is subject to Governing Board approval of future years budgets. (Contract Number 4600004335

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

D. Homestead Field Station Building Replacements Project, Miami-Dade County Public Comment None

Board Comment In response to Chairman Goss' question to clarify the project needs for building replacements, Mr. Shirkey stated the building construction was outdated and in need of replacement to meet current hurricane standards.

In response to Mr. Bergeron's question regarding the project bids, Mr. Shirkey stated approximately six other original bids were received and the engineers estimate was $12.3M.

In response to Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch's question, Mr. Shirkey stated the project's price was in line with the engineer’s estimate.

Resolution No. 2020 - 1118 Authorize an amendment to the design build contract with State Contracting and Engineering Corporation, for the construction of the Homestead Field Station Building Replacements Project for 665 days in an amount not-to-exceed $11,760,458, for which $6,400,000 in Ad Valorem funds are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and the remainder is subject to Governing Board approval of future years budgets. (Contract Number 4600003824-A06)

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Bergeron SECONDER: Jay Steinle AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

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30. Obligation of Transfer of Funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Construction of the EAA Reservoir Stormwater Treatment Area Ms. Reynolds presented an overview of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) A2 STA project and a resolution for Board consideration.

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Public Comment Anna Upton, Everglades Foundation Nyla Pipes, One Florida Foundation

Board Comment Chairman Goss and Mr. Bergeron both commented on the importance of advancements with the EAA Reservoir Stormwater Treatment Area in support of Governor DeSantis' priorities to improving water quality and Florida’s environment.

Resolution No. 2020 - 1119 Request a transfer of $64,000,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from the funds in the 2020-2021 General Appropriations Act Specific Appropriation 1620 in the Amount of $64,000,000 in Recurring Funds From the Land Acquisition Trust Fund to the Everglades Trust Fund within the South Florida Water Management District for the obligation of these funds within the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 for the EAA A2 STA and Projects pursuant to Section 375.041(3)(b)4., Florida Statutes.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch SECONDER: Charlette Roman AYES: Goss, Bergeron, Meads, Roman, Steinle, Thurlow-Lippisch, Wagner

Staff Reports

31. Monthly Financial Report - Candida Heater Ms. Heater provided an update on the monthly financial report through the month of September 2020.

32. General Counsel's Report - Carolyn Ansay Ms. Ansay had no report this month.

33. Executive Director's Report - Drew Bartlett Mr. Bartlett thanked emergency operations staff for dedication and communication during Tropical Storm Eta and throughout the wet season; provided an update on DEP's delegation of the Clean Water Act 404 Program; and, stated a copy of the District’s Restoration Projects presented at the 16 Counties Coalition meeting was included in the Board’s notebooks.

34. General Public Comment Mike Elfenbein Becky Harrison Nyla Pipes, One Florida Foundation Doug Gaston, Audubon Florida Captain Chris Wittman, Captain's For Clean Water

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35. Board Comment Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch commented on Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Wells as a method to provide more water storage around Lake Okeechobee, and announced the availability of the District’s Strategic plan in December which would address climate change issues, sea level rise, and the living shoreline.

Mr. Steinle announced the Audit & Finance Committee meeting would commence immediately following the Governing Board meeting.

Ms. Meads thanked stakeholders for engaging discussions with the Board during monthly meetings.

Chairman Goss stated the purpose of ASR Wells was to provide more water storage not to use as a flood control methodology.

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36. Adjourn Chairman Goss adjourned the meeting at approximately 4:20 PM.

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______Gina Kamak Deputy District Clerk South Florida Water Management District

15 Governing Board Meeting Minutes of the South Florida Water Management District – November 12, 2020