6-28-23 CRC Adopted MinutesMINUTES
Charter Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 - 6:00 PM
Commission Chamber
Present: Debbie Buckland, Member
Charles "Chip" Drysdale, Member
Kelly Elmore, Member
Ellen Golombek, Member
William "Bill" Gulliford, Chair
Kirk Hansen, Member
Mitchell Reeves, Member
Suzanne Shaughnessy, Vice Chair
Jennifer Lagner, Secretary
Dawn Scott, Member
Donald Young, Member
Absent: Bruce Andrews, Member
Steve Swann, Member
Also Present: Scott Thomas, acting City Attorney
Joe Gerrity, Interim City Manager (CM)
Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC)
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Gulliford called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Secretary Lagner called the roll. Chair
Gulliford asked Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk to introduce herself. Chair Gulliford
introduced Joe Gerrity, Interim City Manager, and Scott Thomas, subbing for City Attorney
Jason Gabriel.
3. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
A. ARTICLE II. — THE COMMISSION Sec. 6. - Qualifications and disqualifications;
Sec. 7. — Salary; Sec. 9. — Powers; Sec. 10. — Appointment of city manager; and other
applicable sections of the Charter
Chair Gulliford requested to move Section 10 — Appointment of city manager to the first
area of review. Before commencing the discussion, Member Reeves requested prayers
for the Stinson family due to their loss of John Stinson, former City Commissioner.
At the request of Member Debbie Buckland, ICM Gerrity shared his thoughts regarding
the top priorities of the city manager position. These included delivering the best value
for citizen tax dollars; supporting the community priority of environmental stewardship;
giving outstanding service; being conscious of expenditures and keeping a motivated
Charter Review Committee
June 28, 2023
staff to serve the city. Goal setting was implemented in 2018 with the purpose to draw
the priorities from elected officials.
The current process for the open city manager position was reviewed with discussion
regarding the salary increase to $190,000 - $225,000 due to the housing costs. The
increase was to supplement the base with a housing allowance. ICM Gerrity was asked
his opinion on the residency requirement and its impact on attracting quality candidates.
ICM Gerrity replied while he prefers to live in the city in which he is the manager of, but
it depends upon the candidate's personal situation regarding family and educational
needs of children.
Carolyn Zisser, Atlantic Beach stated the city manager residence requirement
discussion was not noticed and should be because she believes it will be a highly
controversial issue.
Chair Gulliford thanked Ms. Zisser for her point of order but reminded her proper notice
was given for all items discussed and the Committee can discuss without taking action.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Carolyn Zisser, Atlantic Beach asked ICM Gerrity his thoughts regarding if prior city manager
was one of the most important criteria to consider; ICM Gerrity replied it was preferable.
Sarah Boren, Atlantic Beach suggested an online form be available to residents to be read at
public comment; inquired how often and when population is reassessed, and districts refined
since it is unclear in the Charter; pointed out there is not strong language regarding
environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resiliency except for preservation of parks in
Section 9. Made comments regarding city manager position including it is up to the citizens to
make it a good civil environment, inquired about providing housing for city manager, and
suggested knowledge of resiliency and environmental stewardship as qualifications for the
position.
Jack Rowan, Jacksonville suggested the Committee discuss Section 6 to include misdemeanors.
He suggested having more time for the Commission to get involved regarding Section 7 and
automatic raises.
Mayor Curtis Ford, Atlantic Beach thanked the Committee for their service. He would be
supportive if the Committee recommend the city manager position not be required to live in
Atlantic Beach, although he feels the residency is preferable. He requested the Committee revisit
the term of office for mayor to have more dialogue to help attract more candidates. He pointed
out any change to the mayor term would not impact his tenure in the position.
Steven Fouraker, Atlantic Beach stated Mr. Young's AI (artificial intelligence) assisted paper
does not apply. Atlantic Beach has a Commission / City Manager form of government and is not
a strong mayor form of government like Jacksonville regarding the term for mayor.
Charter Review Committee
June 28, 2023
Dr. Nancy Staats Atlantic Beach concurred with Mr. Fouraker regarding the mayor's term in
office.
Mayor Curtis Ford, Atlantic Beach reiterated all he wanted was debate and dialogue regarding
the mayor's term.
Al Kerber, Atlantic Beach referred the Committee to a letter drafted by former Commissioner
Cindy Anderson regarding the mayor's terms. He was concerned about the number of people
running for office and not having a runoff because it could lead to electing someone who ran a
great campaign as opposed to a qualified candidate.
Carolyn Zisser, Atlantic Beach wanted to reiterate that the mayor issue is a hot issue and should
be noticed on the agenda.
Chair Gulliford reiterated that the general noticing with the particular section as we have been
with the Article and the Section is providing proper notice. CA Scott Thomas concurred, and
the statute is reasonable notice. He continued if the agenda also allows for public comment, that
is not a restriction by area.
Chair Gulliford further opined the Committee has gone beyond and allowed public comment
while motions on the floor for discussion for full transparency.
Steve Fouraker, Atlantic Beach stated the Committee should agree on a Sunshine with
Commissioners being able to lobby members of this Committee outside of this Committee; they
should consider if they should be able to come in and lobby.
Chair Bill Gulliford responded there is no limitation talking to one of the members. Sunshine
states it is 2 members of the same legislative body can't communicate with each other on a
particular issue. CA Scott Thomas concurred with Chair Gulliford and Sunshine can't deliberate
in private; it is not a restriction on individuals to petition you.
Secretary Jennifer Lagner requested the Committee approve the minutes.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approve minutes of the May 24, 2023 Charter Review Committee meeting.
MOTION: Approve minutes of the May 24, 2023 Charter Review Committee meeting.
Motion: Debbie Buckland
Second. Ellen Golombek
Debbie Buckland (Moved By) For
Charles "Chip" Drysdale For
Kelly Elmore For
Ellen Golombek (Seconded By) For
Charter Review Committee
June 28, 2023
William 'Bill" Gulliford
For
Kirk Hansen
For
Mitchell Reeves
For
Suzanne Shaughnessy
For
Jennifer Lagner
For
Dawn Scott
For
Donald Young
For
Motion passed 11 to 0.
B. Discussion
Section 6 - Qualifications and disqualifications
No additional changes to Section 6
3. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS CONTINUED
A. ARTICLE I1. — THE COMMISSION Sec. 6. - Qualifications and disqualifications;
Sec. 7. — Salary; Sec. 9. — Powers; Sec. 10. — Appointment of city manager; and other
applicable sections of the Charter
Discussion
Section 6 - Qualifications and disqualifications
No additional changes to Section 6
Discussion
Section 7 - Salary
MOTION: The salary of the members of the City Commission shall be set by ordinance. The
salary guidelines for these members shall be in accordance with and not to exceed the salary
guidelines for comparable cities of size within the State of Florida.
Motion: Dawn Scott
Second: Charles "Chip" Drysdale
General discussion regarding aspects of comparison, including City of Jacksonville, if a
recommendation to create an ordinance called Compensation Review Committee to review and
make recommendations to Commission for compensation, use of CPI and COLA.
Member Dawn Scott withdrew her motion; Member Chip Drysdale withdrew his second.
Motion withdrawn.
Further discussion ensued regarding what a motion could be to tie the salary to an index.
Charter Review Committee
June 28, 2023
Jack Rowan, Jacksonville suggested the Committee refer to Section 2-20 of the Ordinance Code
references the CPI.
Chairman Bill Gulliford pointed out it is not in the Charter, and ordinances can be changed by
3 votes. The Committee did not make a motion based on the information at hand; Member Dawn
Scott was requested to do more research and recommend a salary for the mayor and salary for a
commissioner. Chair Bill Gulliford stated this was unfinished business and would be properly
noticed. Secretary Jenn Lagner stated agenda items are properly noticed.
Discussion
Section 9 - Powers
MOTION: Change wording for #14 of the powers "is approved by unanimous vote of the
entire city commission." to "vote by referendum".
Motion: Ellen Golombek
Second. Dawn Scott
Carolyn Zisser, Atlantic Beach stated she supported the motion in that the parks are one of our
greatest treasures for the people and not for political interest or favors.
Member Chip Drysdale asked for a point of information regarding the land adjacent to Hanna
Park that was woodland. Chair Bill Gulliford stated it seems parks are designated, such as
Donner Park, Jordan Park, Tide Views.
Albert Kerber, Atlantic Beach shared it was not a contiguous piece of property. There was a
costly cleanout, and the question came up as to why this was still owned by the city.
Secretary Jenn Lagner reread the motion.
Debbie Buckland
For
Charles "Chip" Drysdale
For
Kelly Elmore
For
Ellen Golombek (Moved By)
For
William "Bill" Gulliford
For
Kirk Hansen
For
Mitchell Reeves
For
Suzanne Shaughnessy
For
Jennifer Lagner
For
Dawn Scott (Seconded By)
For
Donald Young
For
Motion passed 11 to 0.
Charter Review Committee
June 28, 2023
CA Scott Thomas was requested to ask about the motion adopted to provide clarification
regarding assumption for "referendum" it is meant a simple 50% + 1 vote and how to define a
referendum to add to the ballot. Question referred to City Attorney Jason Gabriel.
Sarah Bowen, Atlantic Beach implored the Committee to think bigger than parks when it comes
to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience.
B. July Meeting Topics
ARTICLE II. - THE COMMISSION Sec. 10. - Appointment of city manager; Sec. 11. -
Appointment of deputy city manager or deputy city clerk; Sec 12. - Vacancies in the city
commission; Sec. 13. - Creation of new departments or offices; change of duties; Sec.
14. - Induction of city commission into office; meetings of the city commission; Sec. 15.
- City commission to be judge of qualifications of its members.; and other sections of the
Charter.
C. July meeting city staff attendance
City Attorney Jason Gabriel and City Clerk Donna Bartle to be in attendance.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion. Chair Gulliford declared the meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Attest:
Secretary Suzanne Shaughn ,Vice r
Approved:
Charter Review Committee
June 28, 2023