Derek Hall

The City Commission reviewed a proposal to amend the City Charter relating to the Police Department. The proposal includes removing obsolete position titles and conforming the process for removal of the Police Chief with state law. The commission also discussed authorizing a referendum on the proposal at a Special Election to coincide with the November 5, 2024, statewide General Election. The City is responsible for incremental costs associated with ballot access.

The City Commission is considering an ordinance to amend Chapter 2 of the City's Code of Ordinances. This amendment would create a new Article VIII, establishing a Charter Review Committee. The committee's responsibilities include reviewing and proposing changes to the City Charter, with appointments made by the City Commission. The ordinance outlines the composition, qualifications, terms, and duties of the committee members, as well as the process for submitting recommendations and maintaining records.

The Charter Review Committee prepared a final report with recommendations related to the City Charter. The report includes proposed amendments to various articles and sections, addressing topics such as filling vacancies in the office of mayor and commission, the roles of the president and vice president of the commission, replacement of titles of department heads, clarification of the appointment of police officers, election procedures, the establishment of a charter review committee every 10 years, removal of gender-specific references, and elimination of obsolete provisions. Additionally, the committee made recommendations regarding compensation for the mayor and commission, and included comments from the Fire Chief for consideration.

The City Commission discussed FPL's streetlight conversion project, set to begin in March, and the options for lighting. The final report from the Charter Review Committee was presented, covering recommendations for the form of government, vacancies in elected positions, and compensation. The commission discussed Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services, including a potential shift to side-loading automated service for cost savings and directed administration to negotiate a contract with Waste Management. Additionally, the commission approved a plat note amendment, amendments to the Police and Fire Pension Plan, and resolutions for an Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement Grant, Dan Witt Park Baseball Improvements, the City's 2024 Legislative Agenda, litigation relating to Section 112.144(1)(d). Florida Statutes, On-Call Citywide Pressure Cleaning Services, and the appointment of Jack Vaccaro as Police Chief.

The meeting included a treasury report, discussion regarding dredging funds, and public comments. The commission also discussed a report from the City Administration regarding waste management and a Friends of the Library State Award presentation. A resolution was passed to name the field at Frank McDonough Park as John Trudel Field in recognition of his service as the City’s Park and Recreation Director.