5-20-24 Joint CRC and Commission WorkshopMINUTES
Joint Workshop between the City Commission
and Charter Review Committee
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 6:00 PM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Curtis Ford, Mayor - Seat 1
Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308)
Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307)
Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306)
Jessica Ring, Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312)
William "Bill" Gulliford, Chair
Suzanne Shaughnessy, Vice Chair
Jennifer Lagner, Secretary
Bruce Andrews, Member
Charles "Chip" Drysdale, Member
Ellen Golombek, Member
Kirk Hansen, Member
Mitchell Reeves,
Dawn Scott, Member
Donald Young, Member
Absent: Debbie Buckland, Member
Kelly Elmore, Member
Steve Swann, Member
Also Present: William B. Killingsworth, City Manager (CM)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM)
Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC)
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Ford called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
Chairman Gulliford expressed that it has been an honor to chair the Charter Review Committee
(CRC).
Mayor Ford explained the process for the joint meeting.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Commission Workshop
May 20, 2024
Mayor Ford explained the process for public comment. CC Bartle called each speaker to the
podium.
Michael Hoffmann expressed words of gratitude to the CRC.
Carolyn Zisser spoke about the proposed Charter amendments as detailed in the agenda packet.
Mark Gabrynowicz expressed that he is not in support of expanding the size of the
Commission.
Jackie Beckenbach thanked everyone for their public service and expressed opinions on the
proposed Charter amendments.
Brinkley Harrell spoke about the proposed Charter amendments.
2. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
Chairman Gulliford gave an overview of the proposed Charter amendments.
Mayor Ford opened the floor for group discussion of each recommendation as detailed and
numbered in the agenda packet.
Proposal #1
Mayor Ford expressed that this recommendation is a good idea for the future and expressed that
he supports it. Commissioner Bole inquired about the cost of having more than one election.
Mayor Ford and Chairman Gulliford explained that cost would not be affected, taking into
consideration City of Jacksonville's election cycle. Member Reeves explained the historical
background of elections. Commissioner Kelly and Commissioner Waters added to Mr. Reeves'
comments. Chairman Gulliford expressed that it is a challenge to try and remedy voter turnouts
for different types of elections.
Proposal #2
Mr. Reeves explained the potential effects of this proposed change. Commissioner Bole
expressed that he is not in support of this recommendation. Commissioner Ring expressed that
she agrees with Commissioner Bole and spoke about election data that she obtained from the
Duval County Supervisor of Elections. She asked how this recommendation became the number
two priority. Chairman Gulliford explained that the recommendation was a unanimous vote
amongst the CRC and that pros and cons of this recommendation were thoroughly discussed.
Mayor Ford asked if any of the committee members were absent when this vote was made. It
was mentioned that not all members of the CRC were present during the meeting in which the
vote was taken. Member Andrews mentioned that he did not attend this meeting and expressed
that he is not in support of this recommendation. Chairman Gulliford explained that all except
for two members of the Committee voted/ranked to have this recommendation as a priority. Vice
Chair Shaughnessy provided brief historical background and explained how this
recommendation came about. Member Golombek clarified that there was a majority of the
Committee that provided a ranking of the recommendations, all but two. She expressed that she
would've voted against this issue. Member Hansen expressed that he is not in support of this
Commission Workshop
May 20, 2024
recommendation, but he is however, in support of placing this on a ballot to allow citizens the
opportunity to decide. Mayor Ford reiterated that he is not in support of this recommendation
but, respects those who would like it to be placed on the ballot.
Proposal #3
Commissioner Waters asked if this has ever been done. Chairman Gulliford expressed that the
City previously purchased Tide Views for potential use as a park. He expressed that the
committee's idea was to not allow parkland to be sold without the voice of the electorate.
Member Andrews expressed that parks are an important aspect of the City.
Proposal #4
Chairman Gulliford briefly explained that this recommendation is a cleanup.
Proposal #5
Chairman Gulliford expressed that this is not a recommendation but more of a suggestion from
previous discussions. Commissioner Bole opined that there should be a policy in place.
Commissioner Ring agreed with Commissioner Bole's suggestions.
Proposal #6
Chairman Gulliford read this recommendation, there was no discussion.
Proposals #7 and #8
Chairman Gulliford explained that this recommendation consists of two proposals. Member
Andrews briefly explained how the proposals came about. Vice Chair Shaughnessy cautioned
whether committees should be mentioned in the Charter. Member Reeves shared the same
concerns as Vice Chair Shaughnessy and emphasized tying up the hands of future Commissions.
Commissioner Kelly emphasized the importance of resiliency. Member Andrews clarified that
a part of the recommendation is not to add a committee but rather to add a sentence that will
showcase the importance of protecting the environment. Mayor Ford expressed that the
environmental importance can be placed into a mission statement. Vice Chair Shaughnessy
advised that the environment piece can go into the comprehensive plan and CA Gabriel
explained that it is a policy decision on where to place this recommendation.
Proposal #9
CC Bartle explained that this recommendation is reflective of the duties the City Clerk currently
performs.
Proposal #10
Chairman Gulliford briefly explained this recommendation as detailed in the agenda packet.
Proposal #11
Chairman Gulliford explained this proposal as detailed in the agenda packet. Mayor Ford
expressed that he is willing to discuss Commission pay and that he would bring it up at a
Commission meeting. Member Scott shared that the Florida League of Cities provides resources
regarding Commission salaries.
Commission Workshop
May 20, 2024
Addendum proposals #1, #2 and #3 were discussed as detailed in the agenda packet.
Vice Chair Shaughnessy inquired about when the committee would be released from their duties.
CA Gabriel referenced the Charter, that once the report is accepted, rejected or amended by the
Commission, the committee is released from their duties.
Mr. Reeves suggested that the recommendations be cleaned up and tied together.
Mayor Ford provided a recap of the proposals that will be moved forward to bring back as part
of a resolution. Proposal numbers 1-4, 5, 9 and, addendum proposals numbers 1 and 2 will be
brought back as a part of a resolution.
3. NEXT STEPS
CA Gabriel clarified that the committee made charter recommendations and policy changes, the
charter review changes will be placed into a resolution, then placed into an ordinance, and turned
into ballot language. Mayor Ford requested that there are two opportunities for public comment
on the ordinance. Commissioner Ring asked additional clarifying questions. Discussion ensued
regarding taking the census into consideration.
There was a CONSENSUS from the Commission to direct the CM to develop a redistricting
ordinance.
MOTION: Accept the Charter Review Committee Report and to end the Committee.
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second: Michael Waters
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Moved By)
For
Michael Waters (Seconded By)
For
Candace Kelly
For
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed S to 0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Curtis Ford, 4yor
Date Approved: 7 -a -2q
Commission Workshop
May 20, 2024