HomeMy WebLinkAboutCandidate Handbook-2018
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 GENERAL ELECTION
To Prospective Candidates:
Welcome to the City of Sebastian election process! You are about to participate in a
process that comes with great commitment. I hope to provide each of you with as much
general information as I can to assist you with your campaign, however, to understand
the specifics of the election process each of you must familiarize yourselves with the
Florida election laws that are being provided as a supplement to this handbook.
Knowing the rules will save you time and money, and will keep your campaign open and
fair.
This handbook is intended to familiarize candidates for Sebastian City Council and their
campaign treasurers with their duties and responsibilities. Keep in mind that all material
is subject to change by the Florida legislature. The City Clerk’s office is ready to assist
you whenever we can. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions at all
regarding your campaign. If we do not have an immediate answer for you, we will
research by whatever means available to get it for you.
Congratulations on your decision to run for office! City Clerk’s office staff wishes you a
successful campaign.
Sincerely,
Jeanette Williams, MMC
City Clerk
TABLE OF CONTENTS
State Law Information and Publications Information 1
General Election Information and List of Polling Places 2
Becoming a Candidate for Sebastian City Council 3
What Is A Candidate?
Who Can Be A Candidate?
When Can I Announce My Candidacy?
Qualifying For Office 4 & 5
Where And When Do I File?
What Items Do I File?
What Fees Must I Pay?
What If I Decide Not To Run?
Election Calendar 6
Campaign Reporting Schedule 7 & 8
Political Advertising (Land Development Code) 9
Election Qualifying Items List 10
(Forms Under Separate Cover)
City Charter
Information in This Handbook is Supplemental to State of Florida
Election Laws
We have provided the following publications in the handbook:
• 2017 Chapter 106 Florida Statutes
• Florida Commission On Ethics “Guide To The Sunshine Amendment And Code
Of Ethics For Public Officers And Employees” Brochure
Other Florida Division of Elections publication links listed below can be downloaded
from the Internet:
2016 Florida Division of Elections Campaign Financing Handbook
(use this as a guide but please use the dates provided by the City)
http://dos.myflorida.com/media/695284/candidate-and-campaign-treasurer-
handbook.pdf
If you are unable to access the internet, these publications can be printed and provided
to you upon request.
---PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELVES WITH FLORIDA STATUTES---
THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR GENERAL ELECTION LAW INFORMATION
For Further Information Contact:
Jeanette Williams, MMC
City Clerk
City Of Sebastian
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 388-8215
jwilliams@cityofsebastian.org
GENERAL ELECTION INFORMATION
• Election day Is the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November (next
election is November 6, 2018) (Charter 2.03)
• Sebastian City Council consists of five members (Charter 2.01)
• City Council Members serve two year terms (Charter 2.04)
• Two (2) two-year City Council seats are filled in even-numbered years and three
(3) two-year Council seats are filled in odd-numbered years (Charter 2.03). At
the 2018 election we will fill two City Council seats.
• City Council seats are at-large (Charter 2.01)
• City Council candidates must be qualified electors in the City and have actually
continually resided in the City for a period of one year immediately preceding the
final date for qualification (Charter 2.02) (final date for qualifying is 9/7/18 so you
must have been a City resident as of 9/7/17)
• City Council terms commence immediately prior to the first regularly scheduled
City Council meeting following certification of the election results (Charter 2.04)
(November 28, 2018 if results are received from Supervisor of Elections)
• Mayor and Vice Mayor are elected by City Council each year from among its
members at the first scheduled meeting subsequent to the election (Charter 2.06)
(November 28, 2018)
CITY OF SEBASTIAN POLLING PLACES:
Precinct Location
7 St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 U.S. 1, Sebastian
8 American Legion Hall, 807 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian
9 Sebastian Elks Lodge No. 2714, 731 South Fleming Street, Sebastian
10 Sebastian Christian Church, 190 Day Drive, Sebastian
*Polling Places are established by the Supervisor of Elections for Indian River County
and subject to change. Please contact the SOE office for questions in regard to voting,
voter registration, precincts, polling places, abstentee voting and early voting at 226-
3440 or visit www.voteindianriver.com. That office will not field questions regarding
running for office in Sebastian. Those questions should be directed to the City Clerk.
Early Voting is conducted only in even years when the Indian River County Supervisor of
Elections has statewide or county elections on the ballot. In odd years, municipal
elections do not have early voting unless there is a special election statewide or
countywide.
Becoming A Candidate For Sebastian City Council
What Is A Candidate?
Florida Statutes 106.011 (16) Defines a candidate as a person to whom any one or more of the
following applies:
1. Seeks to qualify for nomination or election by means of the petitioning process.
2. Seeks to qualify for election as a write-in candidate. (write-ins are not provided for in
Sebastian elections)
3. Receives contributions or makes expenditures, or gives consent for any other person to
receive contributions or make expenditures, with a view to bringing about his or her
nomination or election to, or retention in, public office.
4. Appoints a campaign treasurer and designates a primary depository.
5. Files qualifying papers and subscribes to a candidate’s oath as required by law.
Who Can Be A Candidate?
1. City Charter 2.02 Eligibility states, “No person shall be eligible to hold the office of
Council Member unless he or she is a qualified elector in the City and actually
continually resided in the City for a period of one (1) year immediately preceding
the final date for qualification as a candidate for said office.” (Qualified Elector
means you are currently registered to vote in Indian River County)
2. Person must not be holding another elective or appointive office, whether state, county,
or municipal, the term of which, or any part thereof, runs concurrently with each other,
without resigning from the office he or she presently holds. This would not apply to
municipal committees for which there is no pay. (See FS 99.012 for further provision)
3. City Code states “No person shall serve on more than one city board or permanent
committee simultaneously.” Election to City Council would result in automatic removal
from any City board or permanent committee.
When May I Announce My Candidacy?
1. If you are a qualified elector and will have continually resided in the City for one year
prior to the final date of qualifying, you are eligible to run. (f inal qualifying date is 9/7/18)
2. You may discuss your candidacy at any time; however, you are considered an
“Announced” candidate when your qualifying officer (City Clerk) receives your
Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository - Form
DS-DE9. You Need To File This Form Before You Accept Any Campaign
Contributions Or Make Any Campaign Expenditures (Including Your Qualifying
Fee). Your Campaign Bank Account Cannot Be Opened Until You Have Filed This
Form.
3. Florida Statutes 106.023 requires that, within ten (10) days of filing the appointment of
campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository, you file a statement of
candidate (DS-DE 84) stating that you have received access to Chapter 106, Florida
Statutes. A copy of Chapter 106 and the DS-DE 84 form are included in this packet.
4. You must also sign the City eligibility form as well so that I know you are qualified to run
for election in accordance with the City Charter, which means you are a registered
elector and established residency in Sebastian no later than 9/7/17.
5. Potential candidates may wait until the official City qualifying period which runs from
August 23, 2018 through September 7, 2018 to submit all items and fees.
Qualifying For Office
A. Who Is My Qualifying Officer?
Your qualifying officer is the City Clerk. The qualifying location is the City Clerk’s office,
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, Florida
B. When And Where Do I File My Qualifying Papers?
When: Official Qualifying - Starting 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 23, 2018 (no
more than 75 days prior to election) and ending 4:30 P.M. on September
7, 2018 (60 days prior to election) (Weekdays 8 AM to 4:30 P.M.)
Where: City Clerk’s Office
City Hall
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, FL 32958
C. What Items Do I File? (Forms Are Located At Back Of Book)
1. Appointment Of Campaign Treasurer And Designation Of Campaign
Depository (Form DS-DE9) (10/10) (This form may be submitted at any time
prior to the qualifying period (this is called pre-qualifying) OR you can wait until
the August-September official qualifying period to submit all items - remember
though even if you file this form during the qualifying period you must submit this
form first and once submitted you are able to go and open your campaign
account.
2. Statement Of Candidate (Form DS-DE84) (5/11) stating that you have been
provided access to read and understand Chapter 106, Florida Statutes (This form
must be submitted within 10 Days after submitting form DS-DE9 Appointment Of
Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository)
3. Candidate Oath for Non-Partisan Office (DS-DE 302NP) (11/17) (FS 99.021)
(this requires specific pronunciation of your name using established phonetic
guidelines on back of form and voter registration numbers. This assists the
Supervisor of Elections office with reading your name into audio assisted ballots
for the handicapped).
4. Eligibility to Run Oath Form (Charter Section 2.02) (must be submitted at the
same time as the DS-DE9 if you choose to pre-qualify before the Official
qualifying period or during the regular qualifying period if you qualify then)
5. Financial Disclosure Form (CE Form 1) (FS 99.061(4) and 112.3145) (Some
committees of the City and City Council members have to file financial disclosure
forms, so if the SOE already has a 2017 financial disclosure form on file for you,
a copy of that form can be used)
D. What Fees Are Paid At Time Of Official Qualifying?
1. Campaign Account Check Made Payable To The City Of Sebastian In The
Amount Of $61.00 - Which Includes The Following:
a. City Election Filing Fee of $25 (Code Sec 38-2)
b. State Election Assessment Fee of $36 (FS 99.093)
E. What If I Decide Not To Run?
Although Florida Statutes provides for refund of the qualifying fee (which it defines as the filing fee
and the assessment fee) if a candidate withdraws his/her candidacy prior to the end of qualifying,
City code section 38-2 provides that the City filing fee is not refundable. Therefore, if a candidate
withdrew before September 8, 2017, only the election assessment fee would be refunded.
2018 ELECTION CALENDAR
January 10, 2018 M12 Report covering 12/1/18 through 12/31/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 1/10/18
February 10, 2018 M1 Report covering 1/1/18 through 1/31/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 2/10/18
March 10, 2018 M2 Report covering 2/1/18 through 2/28/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 3/10/18
April 10, 2018 M3 Report covering 3/1/18 through 3/31/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 4/10/18
May 10, 2018 M4 Report covering 4/1/18 through 4/30/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 5/10/18
June 11, 2018 M5 Report covering 5/1/17 through 5/31/17 (Pre-qualifiers) actually due 6/10/18 but falls
on weekend
July 10, 2018 M6 Report covering 6/1/18 through 6/30/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 7/10/18
August 10, 2018 M7 Report covering 7/1/18 through 7/31/18 (Pre-qualifiers) due 8/10/17
August 23, 2018 1st Day to Officially Qualify for Office (Ch 4.02) (75 days prior to election)
1st Day Political Signs can be posted in accordance with City LDC (75 days prior to
election)
September 7, 2018 Last Day to Officially Qualify for Office (Charter 4.02) (60 days prior to election)
September 10, 2018 M8 Report covering 8/1/18 through 8/30/18 (Qualified candidate) due 9/10/18
October 12, 2018 G1 Report covering 10/1/18 through 10/5/18 due (25th day prior to election)
October 10, 2018 M9 Report covering 9/1/17 through 9/30/17 due 10/10/18
October 26, 2018 G2 Report covering 10/6/18 through 10/19/18 due (11th day prior to election)
November 2, 2018 G3 Report covering 10/20/18 through 11/1/18 due (contributions to be taken only
up to midnight on 11/1/18 – FS 106.08) (4th day prior to election)
November 6, 2018 ELECTION DAY (Charter 2.03)
November 28, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting – Swearing in of Newly Elected Officials if Results
Have Been Certified by City Canvassing Board – Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor
December 10, 2018 M11 Report covering 11/1/18 through 11/30/18 (pre-qualifiers for 2019)
January 10, 2019 M12 Report covering 12/1/18 through 12/31/18 (pre-qualifiers for 2019)
February 4, 2019 TR Report Covering 11/2/18 through Close of Account - Surplus Funds Must Have
Been Disposed/Final Report (106.141)
2018 GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN REPORTING PERIODS
AND DUE DATES FOR CANDIDATES
Any individual may pre-qualify for the election by filing the DS-DE9 form with the City Clerk at any time. Pre-qualifying
then allows you to take contributions and expend funds, but it also requires that campaign reports be filed beginning
with the reporting period in which you pre-qualified and continue on a monthly basis until the general election reports
(G1, G2, G3) start.
If you choose to wait until the official qualifying period (75 to 60 days prior to the election as set out in the City Charter)
August 23, 2018 through September 7, 2018, and complete qualifying between August 23-31, you will file the M8, M9,
G1, G2, G3, and TR reports.
If you choose to wait until the official qualifying period (75 to 60 days prior to the election as set out in the City Charter)
August 23, 2018 through September 7, 2018, and complete qualifying between September 1-7, you will file the M9, G1,
G2, G3, and TR reports.
These dates are in accordance with new Florida law regarding campaign reports (106.07) and based on an opinion from
the Florida Division of Elections Director for municipalities.
Report Code
Reporting Period
Due Date
M1 January 1 through January 31, 2018 February 10, 2018
M2 February 1 through February 28, 2018 March 10, 2018
M3 March 1 through March 31, 2018 April 10, 2018
M4 April 1 through April 30, 2018 May 10, 2018
M5 May 1 through May 31, 2018 June 12, 2018
M6 June 1 through June 30, 2018 July 10, 2018
M7 July 1 through July 31, 2018 August 10, 2018
City Official qualifying period –
August 23 through September 7, 2018
M8 August 1 through August 31, 2018
September 10, 2018
M9 September 1 through September 30, 2018
October 10, 2018
G1 October 1 through October 5, 2018
October 12, 2018
25th day prior to
general election
G2 October 6 through October 19, 2018
October 26, 2018
11th day prior to
general election
G3 October 20 through November 1, 2018
No Further Contributions for Candidates after midnight
November 1, 2018
November 2, 2018
4th day prior to
general election
TR Disbursement of Funds November 2 to Close-out of
Campaign Account
February 4, 2019
Reports shall be filed not later than 5:00 p.m. of the day designated; however, any report
postmarked by the US Postal Service no later than midnight of the day designated shall be
deemed to have been filed in a timely manner. A certificate of mailing by the USPS at the time of
mailing, or a receipt from an established courier service, which bears a date on or before the date
on which the report is due, shall be proof of mailing in a timely manner.
Florida Statute 106.07(7): in any reporting period when there has been no activity in the account
(no funds received or expended), the filing of the report is waived, however, the filing officer must
be notified in writing on the prescribed reporting date that no report is being filed by submitting
form DS-DE87 waiver of report)
FOR FURTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO CAMPAIGN TREASURERS’
RESPONSIBILITIES, CAMPAIGN REPORTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCING PLEASE
REFER TO FLORIDA STATUTES PROVIDED.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EACH CANDIDATE UNDERSTAND THE SPECIFICS
OF FLORIDA LAW WHEN IT COMES TO CAMPAIGN FINANCING. FLORIDA LAW
PROVIDES FOR FINES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CAMPAIGN
FINANCING RESTRICTIONS.
CITY CODE REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING
City of Sebastian Land Development Code Section 54-3-16.5.(e)4. provides regulations for
political signs as follows:
(3) Election Season signs. Election Season signs are defined as temporary
signs installed not more than 75 days before an election and remaining
not more than 5 days after an election.
a. General. Election Season signs shall not be posted on or over any public
property or right-of-way.
b. Election Season signs in residential districts are allowed subject to the
following provisions:
1. No sign shall exceed 16 square feet;
2. No sign shall be illuminated;
3. Each sign shall be freestanding;
4. Each sign shall be located wholly on private property;
5. Each sign shall be placed at least five feet from all rights-of-way and
sidewalks;
6. No sign shall exceed five feet in height;
7. No sign shall be placed on or attached to any tree or utility post.
c. Election Season signs in nonresidential districts are allowed subject to the
following provisions:
1. No sign shall exceed 20 square feet;
2. No sign shall be illuminated;
3. Each sign shall be freestanding;
4. Each sign shall be located wholly on private property;
5. Each sign shall be placed at least five feet from all rights-of-way and
sidewalks;
6. No sign shall exceed ten feet in height;
7. No sign shall be placed on or attached to any tree or utility post.
THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN DOES NOT REGULATE THE CONTENT OR WORDING
OF SIGNS, HOWEVER, THERE ARE SIGN RESTRICTIONS UNDER FLORIDA
STATUTES WITH POTENTIAL FINES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
FOR FURTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO POLITICAL SIGNS PLEASE REFER
TO FLORIDA STATUTES 106 PROVIDED TO YOU. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT
EACH CANDIDATE UNDERSTAND THE SPECIFICS OF FLORIDA LAW WHEN IT
COMES TO POLITICAL ADVERTISING.
FURTHER FS 106.1435 REQUIRES ALL CANDIDATES TO MAKE A GOOD FAITH
EFFORT TO REMOVE ALL POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ADVERTISEMENTS WITHIN 30
DAYS AFTER WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDACY, HAVING BEEN ELIMINATED OR
BEING ELECTED TO OFFICE. PLEASE READ 106.1435 IN ITS ENTIRETY.
ELECTION QUALIFYING DOCUMENTS
The following are items to be filled out and submitted during the official
qualifying period August 23rd through September 7th
• Form DS-DE9 “Appointment Of Campaign Treasurer And Designation Of
Campaign Depository For Candidates” (10/10)
• Form DS-DE 302NP “Candidate Oath Non-Partisan Office ” (11/17)
• Form DS-DE 84 “Statement Of Candidate” (6/11) (Received access to Chapter 106
FS) (Must be filed within 10 days of candidate filing appointment of campaign treasurer
and designation of campaign depository [106.023 FS] - See form DS-DE9 above)
• Eligibility To Hold Office Oath Form (Section 2.02 Charter) (to show eligibility to run for
office in accordance with the City Charter requirement that you be a registered voter and
have actually continually resided in the City for a period of one year preceding the final
day of qualifying for office)
• Form 1 “Statement Of Financial Interests”
The following items are held by the candidate until the appropriate reporting periods (Please
refer to reporting schedules in this handbook)
• Form DS-DE 12 “Campaign Treasurer’s Report Summary” (Contributions DS-DE 13
and Expenditures DS-DE 14 forms attached) (Five sets of each)
• Form DS-DE 87 – “Waiver of Report” – if you do not have activity in a reporting period
you can simply file this form – but you next full report will include all information dating
back to the last full report
• Form DS-DE 2 – “Contributions Returned” – in the event someone gives you a
contribution you do not wish to keep and return prior to depositing you need to fill out this
form and submit it for the reporting period in which it occurred.
The following are items to be filled out and submitted if you choose to pre-
qualify before the official qualifying period
• Form DS-DE9 “Appointment Of Campaign Treasurer And Designation Of
Campaign Depository For Candidates”
• Form DS-DE 84 “Statement Of Candidate” (Received access to Chapter 106 FS)
(Must be filed within 10 days of candidate filing appointment of campaign treasurer and
designation of campaign depository [106.023 FS] - See form DS-DE9 above)
• Eligibility To Hold Office Oath Form (Section 2.02 Charter) (to show eligibility to run for
office in accordance with the City Charter requirement that you be a registered voter and
have actually continually resided in the City for a period of one year preceding the final
day of qualifying for office which is September 7, 2018)
Remaining items are submitted during the official qualifying period along with qualifying fees.
CITY OF SEBASTIAN CHARTER
PART I - CHARTER [1]
(1) Editor's note— Printed herein is the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sebastian adopted by
Ordinance Number O-78-9 on October 9, 1978, and approved at referendum on December 11, 1978.
The Charter became effective January 1, 1979. Obviously misspelled words have been corrected without
notation. Words added for clarification have been added in brackets. Amendments have been included
and are indicated by a history note immediately following the amended section.
ARTICLE I. - CREATION AND POWERS
ARTICLE II. - CITY COUNCIL
ARTICLE III. - ADMINISTRATION AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS
ARTICLE IV. - ELECTIONS
ARTICLE V. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE VI. - TRANSITION
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE
(1) State Law reference— Municipal Home Rule Powers Act, F.S. ch. 166; Charter amendments, F.S. §
166.031. (Back)
ARTICLE I. - CREATION AND POWERS [2]
(2) State Law reference— Home rule powers generally, F.S. § 166.021.
Sec. 1.01. - Creation and powers.
Sec. 1.02. - Extraterritorial powers.
Sec. 1.03. - Intergovernmental relations.
Sec. 1.04. - Boundaries.
Sec. 1.05. - Existing businesses may continue after annexation.
Sec. 1.01. - Creation and powers.
The City of Sebastian, Florida, as now established, shall continue to be a municipal body politic
and corporate in perpetuity under the name "City of Sebastian" and, under that name, shall
have all governmental, corporate, and proprietary powers to enable it to conduct municipal
government, perform municipal functions and render municipal services, and may exercise any
power for municipal purposes except as otherwise provided by law.
Sec. 1.02. - Extraterritorial powers.
In addition to the powers enumerated herein, the city shall be vested with all extraterritorial
powers heretofore granted by the prior Charter of the City of Sebastian, Florida, as follows:
(1) Acquisition of property. To acquire by purchase, gift, devise, condemnation, lease or
otherwise, real or personal property or any estate therein, or riparian right or easements
therein, within or without the city, to be used for any municipal purpose, including
cemeteries or places for burial of the dead; streets and highways, public parking lots or
spaces; bridge and tunnels sites; the construction of a telephone system; plants, works
and wells and other equipment necessary for supplying said city with water, ice, gas for
illuminating and heating purposes, and electric power for illuminating, heating and other
purposes; the location of waterworks and sites for public utility works; the establishment of
houses of detention and correction; hospitals for the cure or detention of the sick; jails;
market houses, public parks, playgrounds, airports, docks, sea walls, yacht harbors,
wharves, warehouses, promenades; plants for cremating, neutralizing or otherwise
destroying sewerage, garbage and refuse; for extension of sewer and drainage pipes and
watermains; and for any public or municipal purpose; and to improve, sell, lease, pledge or
otherwise dispose of same or any part thereof for the benefit of the city, to the same extent
that natural persons might do, in the manner provided in this Charter. Any land purchase in
excess of ten percent of the general fund of the current budget year shall require two
appraisals. If the purchase price is in excess of the average of two appraisals, approval of
the purchase would require a supermajority vote of four members of Council.
(2) Docks, wharves, sea walls. To establish, construct, maintain, operate and control
public landings, piers, wharves and docks within and without the city, and to acquire lands,
riparian rights or other rights and easements necessary for such purposes; to control and
regulate the operation of boats and the speed thereof; to lay and collect reasonable duties,
charges or fees on vessels or watercraft coming into or using such landings, wharves, and
docks; to regulate the manner of using any and all wharves and docks within and without
the city and the rates of wharfage or charges to be paid by vessels or other watercraft
using the same.
(3) Use of public lands and waters. To regulate and control the use and occupancy of the
waters, waterways, water bottoms, wharves, causeways, bridges, beaches, streets,
thoroughfares, alleys, parks, public lots, and other public places in the city and municipally
owned or leased property within or without the city limits; and to impose and enforce
adequate penalties for violation of such rules and regulations.
(4) Public utilities. To furnish any and all local public services, including electricity, gas,
water, lights, or transportation, and to charge and collect necessary fees or charges
therefor; to purchase, hire, construct, own, extend, maintain, operate or lease any public
utilities, electric light system, telephone and telegraph system, waterworks and plants, ice
plants, and works, gas plants and distribution systems, bus or transit systems, radio
broadcasting stations, television stations, cablevision rebroadcasting systems, telephone
systems, or other public utility; to establish, impose and enforce rates and charges for
supplying such services or conveniences by the city to any person, persons, firm or
corporation; to furnish any and all local public services to persons, firms, industries, or
municipal corporations residing or located outside of the limits of said city. To acquire in
any lawful manner in the State of Florida such water, lands and lands under water as the
city council may deem necessary for the purpose of providing an adequate water supply
for said city and the piping and conducting of the same, to make reasonable rules and
regulations for promoting the purity of its said water supply and protecting the same from
pollution and for this purpose to exercise full police powers over all lands comprised within
the limits of the water shed tributary to any such supply wherever such lands may be
located in the State of Florida.
(5) Abatement of nuisances. To compel the abatement and removal of all nuisances
within the city or upon the property owned by the city beyond its corporate limits, at the
expense of the person or persons causing the same, or of the owner or occupant of the
grounds or premises whereon the same may be.
(6) Stock. To provide for inspecting and regulating the sanitary condition of all butcher
pens, meat markets, or other places within and without the city limits, where the products
of same are sold within the city limits, and to provide penalties for the violation of such
regulations.
(7) Airports. To purchase, acquire, take hold, establish, construct, equip, maintain and
operate municipal airports, landing fields, hangars, aviation terminals and administration
buildings, runways depots, warehouses, garages, repair shops, oil and fuel tanks or
stations, or other necessary appurtenances for the use of airplanes and other aircraft, and
to acquire or lease any and all real property within the corporate limits, or within ten (10)
miles of the boundaries thereof for such purpose; to set apart and use for such purpose
any real property owned or leased by the city, whether or not originally acquired by
condemnation, purchase or lease for another purpose; to adopt and enforce reasonable
rules and regulations governing the use of such municipal airports; to employ airport
directors, airport managers, employees or agents in connection with such operation; to
impose fees or charges in connection with the use of such airport or airport facilities; to sell
gasoline or other supplies necessary in connection with the operation of such airports; to
provide lounges, eating places, refreshment parlors and other facilities in connection with
such municipal airports; to let or lease to private persons or corporations portions of said
airports for building sites, hangar space, concessions or other uses for a term not to
exceed thirty (30) years; to prescribe and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for
the operation of such airports, and to exercise supervision and control of such operation; to
accept and receive grants from the state and federal governments and any body politic for
the construction, maintenance, operation and management of such airport facilities.
(8) Contracts with other governmental agencies. To enter into contracts with the State of
Florida or any of its subdivisions or agencies, and with the United States of America or any
department or any agency thereof, in order to purchase, lease or acquire property, real and
personal, within or without the limits of the territorial boundaries of the city, for any
municipal purpose, and to sell, alienate, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of same for
the benefit and advantage of said city.
(9) To convey to United States or State of Florida. To acquire real estate or any interest
therein, located within or without the territorial limits of said city, by purchase, gift, devise,
condemnation or otherwise, for the purpose of giving, granting or conveying the same to
the United States of America or the State of Florida, or any lawful agency or subdivision
thereof, whenever the city council of said city shall deem it advisable, beneficial and to the
best interest of said city so to do, or in order to induce the construction of public institutions
and public works of any and all kinds.
(10) Golf course. To acquire, construct, own and operate a golf course or golf courses and
all such buildings and improvements as said city may deem necessary or desirable for use
in connection therewith, within or outside of the limits of said city; to use any lands now
owned by said city for the purpose of a golf course or golf courses, and to acquire by
purchase, lease, condemnation or otherwise for such purposes any lands within or outside
the limits of said city as it may deem necessary or desirable, to charge reasonable
admissions, rentals or fees for the use or enjoyment of such golf course or golf courses by
the users thereof, and prescribe reasonable rules and regulations for the use and
operation thereof.
(11) Eminent domain. To exercise the right and power of eminent domain, that is, the right
to appropriate property within or without the territorial limits of said city for the following
uses or purposes: For streets, lanes, alleys and ways, for public parks, squares and
grounds, for drainage and for raising or filling in land in order to promote sanitation and
healthfulness, for reclaiming and filling when lands are low or wet or overflowed, altogether
or at times and entirely or partly, for the abatement of any nuisance, for the use of water
pipes and for sewage and drainage purposes, for laying wires and conduits under the
ground, for city buildings, waterworks, pounds, electric power plants, bridges, sea walls,
bulkheads, causeways, docks, golf courses, airports and any and all other powers granted
to said city by this Charter and for any other municipal purpose and for any other purpose
granted by law, all of which shall be coextensive with the powers of the City of Sebastian
exercising the right of eminent domain and the absolute fee simple title to all property so
taken and acquired shall vest in said city unless the city seeks to condemn a particular
right or estate in such property. That the procedure for the exercise of eminent domain or
the condemnation of any lands or property under this subsection shall be the same as is
provided by the general laws of the State of Florida with respect to eminent domain. The
city shall not use the power of eminent domain for a project having the purpose of
transferring rights in the properties acquired to a private party in pursuit of economic
development.
(Res. No. R-88-16, § 2, 1-13-88; election of 3-14-89; Ord. No. O-93-21, §§ 1—3, 1-12-94,
election of 3-8-94; Ord. No. O-99-18, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-05-19, § 1,
10-26-05, election of 3-14-06; Ord. No. O-06-09, § 1, 10-11-06, election of 3-13-07; Ord. No. O-
11-07, § 2, 7-13-11, election of 11-8-11)
State law reference— Municipal home rule powers, F.S. ch. 166.
Sec. 1.03. - Intergovernmental relations.
The city may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions and may participate in
the financing thereof, jointly or in cooperation, by contract or otherwise with any city, county,
state, the United States or any agency or governmental unit thereof.
State law reference— Intergovernmental programs, F.S. ch. 163.
Sec. 1.04. - Boundaries.
The corporate limits of the city shall be as presently established or as hereafter changed
pursuant to state law.
State law reference— Municipal annexation or construction, F.S. ch. 171.
Sec. 1.05. - Existing businesses may continue after annexation.
Any real property upon which a lawful business is being conducted at the time the same is taken
into the corporate territory of the city, during the continuance of the same business it shall be
granted the same privileges, immunities and exemptions as though any such business had
been conducted within the city for the time of operation prior to annexation to the city at such
location.
ARTICLE II. - CITY COUNCIL
Sec. 2.01. - Composition.
Sec. 2.02. - Eligibility.
Sec. 2.03. - Election.
Sec. 2.04. - Term commencement.
Sec. 2.05. - Compensation.
Sec. 2.06. - Mayor; vice-mayor.
Sec. 2.07. - General powers and duties.
Sec. 2.08. - Vacancies; forfeiture of office; filling of vacancies.
Sec. 2.09. - Judge of qualifications.
Sec. 2.10. - City council-employee relationship.
Sec. 2.11. - Investigations.
Sec. 2.12. - Procedure.
Sec. 2.13. - Emergency ordinances.
Sec. 2.14. - Codes of technical regulations.
Sec. 2.15. - Authentication and recording; codification; printing.
Sec. 2.16. - Standing committees.
Sec. 2.01. - Composition.
There shall be a city council consisting of five (5) council members elected by the qualif ied
voters of the city at large.
(Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-03, § 1, 1-27-93)
Sec. 2.02. - Eligibility.
No person shall be eligible to hold the office of council member unless he or she is a qualified
elector in the city and actually continually resided in the city for a period of one (1) year
immediately preceding the final date for qualification as a candidate for said office.
(Ord. No. O-84-1, § 1, 2-1-84; Ord. No. O-93-03, § 2, 1-27-93)
Sec. 2.03. - Election.
(a) [T]here shall be held a general election of two (2) council members on the first Tuesday
following the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year and of three (3) council
members in each odd-numbered year.
(b) The city elections shall have at large voting.
(Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-03, § 3, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-06-11, § 1, 10-11-
06)
Sec. 2.04. - Term commencement.
Swearing in. The terms of newly elected council members shall commence when they are
sworn in immediately prior to the first regularly scheduled city council meeting held following
certification of the election results.
(Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-03, § 4, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-11-13, § 2, 7-13-11,
election of 11-8-11)
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-11-13, § 2, adopted July 13, 2011 and approved at an election on Nov. 8, 2011,
amended § 2.04 title to read as herein set out. Former § 2.04 pertained to terms.
Sec. 2.05. - Compensation.
The mayor, vice-mayor and each of the other council members shall be paid the following
amounts on a monthly basis:
(1) Mayor: Four hundred fifty dollars ($450);
(2) Vice-mayor: Three hundred dollars ($300); and
(3) Council members: Three hundred dollars ($300).
(Res. No. R-82-22, 9-8-82; Res. No. R-87-04, § VI, 2-4-87; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord.
No. O-93-02, § 1, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-99-22, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00)
Sec. 2.06. - Mayor; vice-mayor.
(a) Mayor—Selection and term. [A]fter the seating of any newly elected council members at
the city council meeting held pursuant to Section 2.04 the new city council shall, as the first
order of business, elect a mayor from among its members. The incumbent mayor or in his or her
absence, the vice-mayor or in his or her absence, the senior member of city council, shall ask
for nominations for mayor. After all nominations have been made, the nominations shall be
closed. The city clerk shall then call the roll of the council members and each council member
shall cast an affirmative vote for the council member of their choice. The council member that
receives a majority vote shall be elected mayor. In the event no council member receives a
majority of the votes cast on the first ballot, balloting with sequential roll calls shall continue until
a council member receives a majority vote. Council members shall not nominate themselves.
Only elected council members shall be eligible for the office of mayor.
(1) If there is no mayor seated on the new or existing city council, a temporary city
council chairperson may be elected from the incumbent members of the city council for the
purpose of electing a mayor as set forth above.
(2) In the event there is only one nomination and second for mayor, the nominee shall be
seated as mayor.
(b) Mayor—Duties, general. The mayor shall preside at each meeting of the city council, shall
have a vote upon matters before the city council, but shall not possess a veto power. The mayor
shall have the power to preserve the peace and order, be recognized as the head of the city
government for all ceremonial purposes, and shall be recognized by the governor as the head of
the city government for purposes of military law. The mayor shall sign all ordinances, resolutions
and proclamations of the city council or other documents as required by law on behalf of the city
as directed and authorized by the city council, which shall also be attested by the city clerk.
(c) Vice-mayor—Selection and term. Immediately subsequent to the selection of a mayor, the
city council shall elect a vice-mayor from among its members. The term of the vice-mayor shall
be for one year or until his or her successor is elected. The vice-mayor shall be elected using
the same procedure as for the election of mayor.
(d) Vice-mayor—Duties, general. In the absence or disability of the mayor, the vice-mayor
shall serve as mayor during such absence or disability. In the absence or disability of both the
mayor and vice-mayor, the senior member of city council shall serve as mayor during such
absence or disability.
(e) Vacancies. In the event the office of mayor shall become vacant during the course of a
term, the vice-mayor shall succeed to the office of mayor. In the event the office of vice-mayor
shall become vacant during the course of a term, a new vice-mayor shall be chosen as the first
order of business at the next council meeting.
(Ord. No. O-91-30, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-03, § 5, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-99-23, § 1, 11-3-99,
election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-06-10, § 1, 10-11-06; Ord. No. O-06-11, § 2, 10-11-06; Ord. No.
O-11-13, § 2, 7-13-11, election of 11-8-11)
Sec. 2.07. - General powers and duties.
All powers of the city shall be vested in the city council, except as otherwise provided by law or
this Charter, and the city council shall provide for the exercise thereof and for the performance
of all duties and obligations imposed on the city by law.
(Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
Sec. 2.08. - Vacancies; forfeiture of office; filling of vacancies.
(a) Vacancies. The office of council member or the mayor shall become vacant upon his/her
death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law or forfeiture of his/her
office.
(b) Forfeiture of office. A council member or the mayor shall forfeit his/her office if he/she:
(1) Lacks at any time during his/her term of office any qualification for the office
prescribed by this Charter or by law;
(2) Violates any express prohibition of this Charter;
(3) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(4) Fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the city council without being
excused by the city council.
(c) Filling vacancies. Any vacancy in the office of council member shall be filled in accordance
with the provisions of this subsection:
(1) If there is a scheduled citywide election within six months of the occurrence of the
vacancy, the remaining members of the city council may either (A) permit the vacancy to
be filled at that election, or (B) appoint a replacement.
(2) If there is no scheduled citywide election within six months of the occurrence of the
vacancy, the remaining members of the city council shall appoint a replacement within 45
days.
In the event the city council fills a vacancy by appointment, the person chosen to fill
the office shall at the time of appointment meet the qualifications for a member of the
city council. An appointed city council member shall serve only until the next citywide
election. If the vacancy has occurred in the term of a city council member that
extends beyond the next citywide election, the remainder of the unexpired term shall
be filled at that election, and the candidate shall run specifically for that seat on the
city council.
(d) Filling vacancies in candidacy. In the event that following the close of the official qualifying
period set out in Charter Section 4.02(b), the number of legally qualified candidates is fewer
than the number of seats open for election, the new city council shall fill the vacancy in office in
the same manner described above in paragraph (c) of this section.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 2, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-91-30, § 2, 1-8-92;
Ord. No. O-93-02, § 2, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-99-24, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-
11-09, § 2, 7-13-11, election of 11-8-11)
Editor's note— Section 1 of Ord. No. O-88-43, adopted January 11, 1989, repealed former § 2.08 in its
entirety and § 2 of the ordinance renumbered § 2.09 as § 2.08. The repealed provisions pertained to
supervision over administrative officers and derived from the original Charter of the city adopted by Ord. No. O-
78-9 on October 9, 1978.
Sec. 2.09. - Judge of qualifications.
The Florida Division of Elections, the Florida Elections Commission (or successor state
agencies) or the courts shall determine issues relating to the election and qualifications of city
council members and of the grounds for forfeiture of their office.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 3, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-99-25, § 1, 11-3-99,
election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-11-14, § 2, 7-13-11, election of 11-8-11)
Editor's note— Section 3 of Ord. No. O-88-43, adopted January 11, 1989, renumbered § 2.10 as § 2.09.
Sec. 2.10. - City council-employee relationship.
Neither the city council nor any of its members shall in any manner dictate the appointment or
removal of any city employee except the charter officers nor shall the city council or any of its
members give orders to any employee, other than city council orders to a charter officer. The
city council or its members shall implement all policy matters through the appropriate charter
officer.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 4, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
Editor's note— See the editor's note following § 2.09.
Sec. 2.11. - Investigations.
The city council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city
department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths,
take testimony and require the production of evidence.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 8, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-11-11, § 2, 7-13-11,
election of 11-8-11)
Editor's note— Sections 5—7 of Ord. No. O-88-43, adopted January 11, 1989, repealed former §§ 2.11—2.13
which pertained to the city manager, city clerk and city treasurer and derived from the Charter adopted October
9, 1978, by Ord. No. O-78-9. Sections 2.14—2.19 of the Charter were renumbered as §§ 2.11—2.16 by §§ 8—
13 of Ord. No. O-88-43.
Sec. 2.12. - Procedure.
(a) Meetings. The city council shall meet regularly at least once a month at such times and
places as the city council may prescribe by resolution. Special meetings of the city council may
be held on the call of the mayor or any council member. There shall be at least twenty-four (24)
hours advance notice of any special council meeting called and said meetings shall only be held
after 5 p.m. If a public emergency exists any council member or charter officer may call a
special meeting, and the advance notice requirement as well as the time restriction shall be
waived. All city council meetings shall be public meetings, except as otherwise permitted by law.
(b) Rules and journal. The city council shall determine its own rules and order of business and
shall provide for keeping a journal of its proceedings. This journal shall be a public record.
(c) Voting. Voting may be by voice vote, except that a roll call vote shall be required on
appropriation of funds, for the approval of an ordinance or upon any motion upon the call of any
council member. The ayes and nays on each roll call vote shall be recorded in the minutes of
the meeting. Three (3) members of the city council shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller
number may adjourn from time to time and may compel the attendance of absent council
members in the manner and subject to the penalties prescribed by the rules of the city council
then in force. No action of the city council, except as otherwise provided in this Charter, shall be
valid or binding unless adopted by the affirmative vote of three (3) or more council members.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 9, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-91-30, § 3, 1-8-92;
Ord. No. O-93-02, § 3, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-99-26, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-
06-13, § 1, 10-11-06)
Editor's note— See the editor's note following § 2.11
Sec. 2.13. - Emergency ordinances.
To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public peace, the city council
may adopt one (1) or more emergency ordinances, but such ordinances may not levy taxes,
grant, renew or extend a franchise, regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services
or authorize the borrowing of money except an emergency appropriation. An emergency
ordinance shall be introduced in the form and manner prescribed for ordinances generally,
except that it shall be plainly designated as an emergency ordinance and shall contain, after the
enacting clause, a declaration stating that an emergency exists and describing it in clear and
specific terms. An emergency ordinance may be adopted with or without amendment or rejected
at the meeting at which it is introduced, but the affirmative vote of at least four (4) members
shall be required for adoption. After its adoption the ordinance shall be posted as prescribed for
other adopted ordinances. It shall become effective upon adoption or at such later time as it
may specify. Every emergency ordinance except an emergency appropriation shall
automatically stand repealed as of the ninety-first (91st) day following the date on which it was
adopted, but this shall not prevent reenactment of the ordinance in the manner specified in this
section if the emergency still exists. An emergency ordinance may also be repealed by adoption
of a repealing ordinance in the same manner specified in this section for adoption of emergency
ordinances.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 10, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
Editor's note— See the editor's note following § 2.11
State law reference— Uniform minimum requirements for adoption of ordinances, F.S. § 166.041.
Sec. 2.14. - Codes of technical regulations.
The city council may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference thereto in an
adopting ordinance. The procedure and requirements governing such an adopting ordinance
shall be as prescribed for ordinances generally, except that:
(1) The requirements of state law for distribution and filing of copies of the ordinance
shall be construed to include copies of the code of technical regulations as well as of the
adopting ordinance; and
(2) A copy of each adopted code of technical regulations as well as of the adopting
ordinance shall be authenticated and recorded by the city clerk.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 11, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
Editor's note— See the editor's note following § 2.11
Sec. 2.15. - Authentication and recording; codification; printing.
(a) Authentication and recording. The city clerk shall authenticate by such clerk's signature
and record in full in a properly indexed book kept for such purpose all ordinances and
resolutions adopted by the city council.
(b) Codification. The city council shall provide for the preparation of a general codification of all
city ordinances and resolutions having the force and effect of law. The general codification shall
be adopted by the city council by ordinance and shall be published promptly in bound or
looseleaf form, together with this Charter and any amendments thereto, and such codes of
technical regulations and other rules and regulations as the city council may specify. This
codification shall be known and cited officially as the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Sebastian, Florida. Copies of the Code shall be furnished to city officers, placed in libraries and
public offices for free public reference, and made available for purchase by the public at a
reasonable price fixed by the city council. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Sebastian,
Florida, as amended as of the effective date of this ordinance, is hereby validated, confirmed
and shall be admissible in evidence in the courts of the state without proof of any procedural
notice or action relating to their adoption.
(c) Printing of ordinances and resolutions. The city council shall cause each ordinance and
resolution having the force and effect of law and each amendment to this Charter to be printed
following its adoption, and the printed ordinances, resolutions and charter amendments shall be
distributed or sold to the public at reasonable prices to be fixed by the city council. Following
publication of the first Sebastian City Code and at all times thereafter, the ordinances,
resolutions and charter amendments shall be printed in substantially the same style as the Code
currently in effect and shall be suitable in form for integration therein.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 12, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
Editor's note— See the editor's note following § 2.11
Sec. 2.16. - Standing committees.
(a) Standing committees may be appointed by the city council. The membership, powers and
duties of such committees shall be provided by the resolution or ordinance of the city council.
(b) Periodic reports to the city council shall be made by the standing committees as to the
accomplishments and future activities contemplated by each standing committee, as directed by
the city council.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 13, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-91-30, § 4, 1-8-92;
Ord. No. O-99-27, § 1, 11-3-99)
Editor's note— See the editor's note following § 2.11
ARTICLE III. - ADMINISTRATION AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS [3]
(3) Editor's note— Section 14 of Ord. No. O-88-89, adopted January 11, 1989, repealed former Art. III,
which contained §§ 3.01—3.05, and enacted a new article III to read as set out herein. The repealed
article pertained to similar provisions and derived from the Charter adopted by Ord. No. O-78-9 on
October 19, 1978.
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
DIVISION 2. - POLICE DEPARTMENT
DIVISION 3. - LEGAL
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
Sec. 3.01. - Creation.
Sec. 3.02. - Appointment [of Charter officers].
Sec. 3.03. - Removal of Charter officers.
Sec. 3.04. - City manager; powers and duties.
Sec. 3.05. - City clerk.
Sec. 3.01. - Creation.
The city manager, city clerk and city attorney are designated Charter officers.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-02, § 4, 1-27-
93; Ord. No. O-06-14, § 1, 10-11-06)
Sec. 3.02. - Appointment [of Charter officers].
The Charter officers shall be appointed by the city council and serve at the pleasure of the city
council subject to the provisions of section 3.03 of this article.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
Sec. 3.03. - Removal of Charter officers.
(a) Any Charter officer may be removed from office for cause, or without cause pursuant to the
terms of an employment agreement, by a majority vote of the entire city council.
(b) In the event that one or more council members believes that cause exists for the removal
of a Charter officer, such council members shall present written charges to the entire city council
at a regularly scheduled meeting for discussion. The city council may, by a vote at least three
(3) council members that said charge would, if proved, constitute a violation and that a
reasonable basis exists for believing the violation occurred, formally charge the named Charter
officer with misconduct and immediately suspend such Charter officer from office. Notice of the
suspension and the specific charges of misconduct shall be served upon the affected Charter
officer in person or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the last known
address of the affected Charter officer. The suspended Charter officer shall have the right to a
hearing before the city council upon request. The suspended Charter officer shall be given a
reasonable period of time in order to prepare for such hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing,
the suspended Charter officer shall be removed if the city council finds, by a vote of at least
three (3) council members that cause exists to support such removal. In the event that at least
three (3) council members do not find that cause exists for removal, the suspended Charter
officer shall be immediately reinstated to his or her Charter office.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-02, § 5, 1-27-
93; Ord. No. O-99-28, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-99-29, § 1, 11-3-99, election
of 3-14-00)
Sec. 3.04. - City manager; powers and duties.
(a) The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the city.
(b) The city manager, when necessary, shall appoint, suspend, demote, or dismiss any city
employee under his jurisdiction in accordance with the law and the personnel rules of the city
and may authorize any department head to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates
in his respective department.
(c) The city manager shall direct and supervise the administration of all departments of the city
except the offices of the city clerk and city attorney. He shall attend all city council meetings
unless excused by city council and shall have the right to take part in discussions, but not vote.
(d) The city manager shall see that all laws, Charter provisions, ordinances, resolutions, and
other acts of the city council subject to enforcement by the city manager are faithfully executed.
(e) The city manager shall also prepare and submit the annual budget, budget message, and
capital program to the city council and shall keep the city council fully advised as to the financial
condition and future needs of the city, and shall make such recommendations to the city council
concerning the affairs of the city as he deems desirable. The city council shall adopt the annual
budget, millage rate and capital program, as presented or as modified, by resolution.
(f) The city manager shall designate a qualified city employee to exercise the powers and
perform the duties of city manager during any temporary absence or disability of the city
manager. The city council may revoke such designation at any time and appoint another eligible
person, other than a sitting council member, to serve as acting city manager.
(g) The city manager, as authorized by the City Charter, the Sebastian Code of Ordinances, or
by the direction of the city council, shall sign all contracts, bonds, debentures, franchises and
official documents on behalf of the city, which shall also be attested by the city clerk.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-91-30, § 5, 1-8-92;
Ord. No. O-99-23, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-99-30, § 1, 11-3-99, election of
3-14-00)
Sec. 3.05. - City clerk.
The city clerk shall give notice of city council meetings to its members and the public, keep the
journal of its proceedings and perform such other duties as are assigned to the clerk by this
Charter or by the city council.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92)
DIVISION 2. - POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sec. 3.06. - Police department.
Sec. 3.07. - Reserved.
Sec. 3.08. - Reserved.
Sec. 3.06. - Police department.
The City of Sebastian shall maintain its own Police Department, and daily operations of said
police department will be overseen by a chief of police who will be a certified police officer and
who will come under the purview of the city manager.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-06-15, § 1, 12-13-06)
Sec. 3.07. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-06-15, § 1, adopted Dec. 13, 2006, repealed § 3.07, which pertained to the duties
and authority of the chief of police and derived from Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, adopted Jan. 1, 1989.
Sec. 3.08. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-06-15, § 1, adopted Dec. 13, 2006, repealed § 3.08, which pertained to the duties
and authority of police officers and derived from Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, adopted Jan. 1, 1989 and Ord. No. O-
93-02, § 6, adopted Jan. 27, 1993.
DIVISION 3. - LEGAL
Sec. 3.09. - City attorney.
(a) There shall be a city attorney of the city who shall serve as chief legal advisor to the city
council and all city departments, offices and agencies, shall represent the city in all legal
proceedings and shall perform any other duties prescribed by this Charter or by ordinance.
(b) The city council shall have authority to retain additional counsel in specific actions or
proceedings in its discretion.
(c) The city attorney shall receive such compensation as may be determined by the city
council.
(Ord. No. O-88-43, § 14, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-06-16, § 1, 10-11-
06)
ARTICLE IV. - ELECTIONS [4]
(4) State Law reference— Electors and elections, F.S. ch. 97 et seq.
Sec. 4.01. - Adoption of state election laws.
Sec. 4.02. - Filing of candidate's oath; fee.
Sec. 4.03. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.04. - Special election for other purposes.
Sec. 4.05. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.06. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.07. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.08. - City canvassing board; canvass of election returns.
Sec. 4.09. - Same—Ballots.
Sec. 4.10. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.11. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.12. - Election procedures; tie vote.
Sec. 4.13. - Reserved.
Sec. 4.14. - Interim government.
Sec. 4.01. - Adoption of state election laws.
All general laws of the State of Florida, relating to elections and the registration of persons
qualified to vote therein which are not inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions hereof or the
ordinances of the City of Sebastian, shall be applicable to all city elections.
Sec. 4.02. - Filing of candidate's oath; fee.
(a) Each candidate, in order to qualify for election to the office of council member, shall take
and subscribe to an oath or affirmation in writing. A printed copy of the oath or affirmation shall
be furnished to the candidate by the city clerk and shall comply with the provisions of Florida
law.
(b) The oath set forth in subsection (a) shall be filed with the city clerk at least sixty (60) days,
but no more than seventy-five (75) days, prior to the day of the election, along with payment of a
nonrefundable filing fee in an amount to be set forth by Code.
(Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92; Ord. No. O-93-04, § 1, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-99-31, § 1, 11-3-99,
election of 3-14-00; Ord. No. O-06-17, § 1, 10-11-06)
Sec. 4.03. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Section 4.03, pertaining to special municipal elections to elect elective officers was repealed
in its entirety by Ord. No. O-93-04, § 2, adopted January 27, 1993.
Sec. 4.04. - Special election for other purposes.
A special election for a purpose other than the nomination or election of city officials, may be
authorized by resolution at any time by the city council; provided, not less than thirty (30) days
nor more than sixty (60) days intervene between the date of the adoption of the resolution and
the date of the election, unless a different time be otherwise provided in this Charter by
ordinance or by statutory law or constitutional provisions, under authority of which the election is
called. Any matter or matters which by the terms of this Charter, which may be submitted to the
electors of the city at any special election, may be submitted and voted upon at the regular
municipal election.
Sec. 4.05. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-06-17, § 2, adopted Oct. 11, 2006, repealed § 4.05, which pertained to calling an
election by resolution and derived from the original codification.
Sec. 4.06. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Section 4.06, pertaining to election precincts and polling places and the right for the city to
designate same, derived from Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, adopted January 8, 1992. Ord. No. O-93-04, § 3, adopted
January 27, 1993, repealed this section in its entirety.
Sec. 4.07. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-11-08, § 2, adopted July 13, 2011 and approved at an election of Nov. 8, 2011,
repealed § 4.07, which pertained to elections—how arranged; inspectors and clerks and derived from Ord. No.
O-91-29, § 1, adopted Jan. 8, 1992; Ord. No. O-93-04, § 4, adopted Jan. 27, 1993 and Ord. No. O-06-17, § 3,
adopted Oct. 11, 2006.
Sec. 4.08. - City canvassing board; canvass of election returns.
(a) If the city is not holding its election as a part of the election for Indian River County, Florida,
the city clerk shall appoint a city canvassing board to be composed of three (3) individuals; one
(1) member shall be the city clerk, one (1) member shall be the city attorney, and the remaining
member shall be appointed by the city clerk. The city clerk shall act as chairperson of the city
canvassing board.
(b) When a city canvassing board has been constituted, the city canvassing board shall meet
at a place and time designated by the chairperson, as soon as practicable after the close of the
polls of any municipal election involving the city, at which time, the city canvassing board shall
proceed to publicly canvass the absentee electors' ballots and then publicly canvass the vote as
shown by the returns then on file in the office of the supervisor of elections for Indian River
County, Florida. The city canvassing board shall prepare and sign a certificate containing the
total number of votes cast for each person or other measure voted on. The certificate shall be
placed on file with the city clerk.
(Ord. No. O-93-04, § 5, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-99-32, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00; Ord. No.
O-11-13, § 2, 7-13-11, election of 11-8-11)
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-11-13, § 2, adopted July 13, 2011 and approved at an election on Nov. 8, 2011,
amended § 4.08 title to read as herein set out. Former § 4.08 title pertained to the same subject matter.
Sec. 4.09. - Same—Ballots.
The ballots shall conform to the form of ballots prescribed by the general election laws of the
State of Florida.
(Ord. No. O-93-04, § 6, 1-27-93)
Sec. 4.10. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-06-17, § 4, adopted Oct. 11, 2006, repealed § 4.10, which pertained to voting
machines and derived from the original codification.
Sec. 4.11. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-06-17, § 5, adopted Oct. 11, 2006, repealed § 4.11, which pertained to absentee
voting and derived from the original codification.
Sec. 4.12. - Election procedures; tie vote.
(a) In all general or special elections, the candidates receiving the highest vote in each of the
offices of council member to be filled, shall be elected for two-year terms, or the balance of the
term.
(b) In the event that at any election there are two (2) or more candidates for the same office
and they should receive the same number of votes, the question shall be decided by a special
run-off election between the tied candidates to be held no later than thirty (30) days after the
results of the initial election are declared by city council.
(Ord. No. O-84-3, § 1, 2-1-84; Ord. No. O-88-44, § 1, 1-11-89; Ord. No. O-91-29, § 1, 1-8-92;
Ord. No. O-93-04, § 7, 1-27-93; Ord. No. O-98-19, § 1, 11-18-98; Ord. No. O-99-33, § 1, 11-3-
99, election of 3-14-00)
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-98-19, adopted Nov. 18, 1998, amended § 4.12(b) to read as herein set out. Such
amendment was approved by the voters at an election held Mar. 9, 1999.
Sec. 4.13. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-11-14, § 2, adopted July 13, 2011 and approved at an election on Nov. 8, 2011,
repealed § 4.13, which pertained to conduct of candidates for election office and derived from Ord. No. O-99-
34, § 1, adopted Nov. 3, 1999, election of March 14, 2000.
Sec. 4.14. - Interim government.
Should a condition arise where there should be no city council serving, either through death,
resignation or otherwise, in the interim until a special election can be called to fill such
vacancies, the city clerk shall have the power to fill the vacancies until successors are elected,
and such city council so appointed shall call a special election as provided by this Charter. In
the event of the inability or refusal of the city clerk to serve in such capacity or to fill such
vacancies, within five (5) days after such condition arises, the city manager shall do so. In the
event of the inability or refusal of the city manager to act within twenty-four (24) hours, the city
attorney shall do so.
(Ord. No. O-99-35, § 1, 11-3-99, election of 3-14-00)
State law reference— Emergency continuity of government, F.S. ch. 22.
ARTICLE V. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 5.01. - Severability of provisions.
Sec. 5.02. - Effective date.
Sec. 5.03. - Charter review committee.
Sec. 5.01. - Severability of provisions.
If for any reason any section, paragraph or part of this Charter shall be held invalid or
unconstitutional, that fact shall not affect, invalidate or destroy any other section, paragraph or
part of this Charter, and the remaining portions thereof shall remain in full force and effect
without regard to the section, paragraph or portion invalidated.
(Ord. No. O-93-02, § 7, 1-27-93)
Sec. 5.02. - Effective date.
This Charter shall take effect January 1, 1979.
Sec. 5.03. - Charter review committee.
Not later than April 15 of the year 1999 and of every 5th year thereafter, the city council shall
appoint a charter review committee to review the Charter of the city. Each charter review
committee shall consist of fifteen (15) residents of the city. The committee shall otherwise be
appointed in the manner provided by the Code of Ordinances. The committee shall be funded
by the city council and shall be known as the "City of Sebastian Charter Review Committee." It
shall, within six (6) months from the date of its formation, present to the city council its final
recommendation for amendment of the Charter or its recommendation that no amendment is
appropriate. If amendment is to be recommended, the charter review committee shall conduct
two (2) public hearings, at intervals of not less than fourteen (14) days, prior to the transmittal of
its recommendations to the city council. The city council may by ordinance submit any or all of
the recommended amendments to the electors for vote at the next general election held within
the city or at a special election called for said purpose.
(Ord. No. O-98-13, § 1, 10-14-98; Ord. No. O-06-18, § 1, 10-11-06)
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-98-13, § 1, amended the Charter by adding § 5.03 to read as herein set forth. Such
amendment was approved by the voters at an election held Mar. 9, 1999.
ARTICLE VI. - TRANSITION
Sec. 6.01. - Title to property reserved.
Secs. 6.02, 6.03. - Reserved.
Sec. 6.04. - Ordinances preserved.
Sec. 6.05. - Continuation of former Charter provisions.
Sec. 6.01. - Title to property reserved.
The title, rights and ownership of all real and personal property, taxes due and unpaid,
uncollected permits, dues, fees, judgments, choses in action, penalties, decrees and all property
rights held or owned by the City of Sebastian, shall succeed to and be vested in the City of
Sebastian, a municipal corporation created, existing and organized under the provisions of this
Charter.
Secs. 6.02, 6.03. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. O-99-36, § 1, adopted Nov. 3, 1999, and approved by the voters at an election held
Mar. 14, 2000, repealed §§ 6.02, 6.03, which pertained to unimpaired obligations of the city and holdover of city
officers and employees pursuant to the adoption of the 1979 Charter.
Sec. 6.04. - Ordinances preserved.
All ordinances in effect upon the adoption of this Charter, to the extent not inconsistent with it,
shall remain in force until repealed or changed as provided herein.
Sec. 6.05. - Continuation of former Charter provisions.
All provisions of the former City Charter which are not embraced herein and which are not
inconsistent with this Charter shall become ordinances of the city subject to modification or
repeal in the same manner as other ordinances of the city.