The Everside Health Center, operational for six months, took center stage at the council meeting due to its successful performance, as reported in the update presented to the council. With over 1,600 appointments and 410 patients establishing care at the center, the utilization rate has been steadily increasing. The center’s convenience, including the option for virtual appointments, has been spotlighted, along with the patient satisfaction levels reflected in a net promoter score of 89. The council was informed that the buildout costs amounted to approximately $144,000. A request was made for approval of additional staffing and a direct contract for radiology services to expand the center’s capabilities.

Despite challenges such as high utilization leading to an average wait time of 19.4 days for physical appointments, the council considered these figures favorable when compared to other facilities.

Financial updates revealed that the Health Center’s operational costs were tracking estimates, with expenses coming in below budget and total costs aligning with annual projections. The center has generated savings, including a value of visits estimated at $528,000, reduced referral costs of almost $60,000, and avoidance of nearly $28,000 in emergency room and urgent care expenses.

The council discussed adding a nurse practitioner to the staff, citing cost-effectiveness and the ability to provide access to physician oversight and resources. There was also talk of exploring a direct contract for radiology services through the Health Center to mitigate frustrations and additional costs associated with external radiology services, with potential savings estimated at around $22,000.

The meeting touched upon a performance guarantee related to annual physicals for eligible members, with the council clarifying that the guarantee should be based on a percentage of individuals who have connected with the Health Center. Additionally, the council discussed the merger between Everside and Marathon Health.

The council sought approval for various actions, including the employment of an additional nurse practitioner, the negotiation of a direct contract for radiology and imaging services, and the authorization of necessary amendments to the agreement with Everside to reflect the modified performance guarantee language.

Another discussion revolved around the school millage unanimously approved by the school board, which encompasses a focus on recruiting and retaining high teacher pay, school safety, and technology integration. The council deliberated on the school district’s impressive climb from 38th to 13th in state rankings.

A public hearing covered the Community Baptist Church’s request for special exception use and site plan approval for a K-12 private school. The staff presented details, including the location, traffic circulation, stormwater, and landscape plans, noting no new impervious structures would be added to the site. The public raised concerns regarding traffic, a nearby train, the presence of an alligator, and notification to residents. These concerns were addressed by referring to a traffic study, regulations for notifying residents, and maintenance responsibilities for the swell.

In a separate agenda item, the council addressed a property’s request for a waiver from installing a buffer due to the presence of a large parcel of jointly owned land. The applicants emphasized the community’s need for the private school, with the pastor speaking about the school’s intentions to prioritize the quality of the educational impact.

The tourist development council budget recommendations were also a point of contention, with concerns raised about the incomplete vetting process and the need for public review of expenditures. Despite these concerns, the council voted in favor of approving the item, with one dissenting vote.

The council welcomed new additions to the Indian River County team, expressing enthusiasm for their upcoming contributions. Additionally, the council discussed encouraging more employee participation in the health center and the potential impact on long-term healthcare costs and claims rates with Blue Cross.

Other items discussed at the meeting included the General Obligation Bonds for the conservation bond passed in 2022, with a focus on the potential sale of properties and the criteria for doing so. The stormwater storage treatment facility and its associated costs and return on investment were also deliberated, with approval given to the staff recommendation.