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Home My WebLink About11-12-2025 CC MinutesL11N Of SE$ - VASTI)�T HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025 — 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA Senior Executive Assistant Cathy Testa administered the Oath of Office to newly elected and reelected council members. 2. Mayor McPartlan called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. 3. Pastor Grant Foster of Riverside church led the council and attendees in a moment of silence, honoring deployed military personnel, first responders, and community members facing personal hardships. 4. Vice Mayor Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Election Matters A. Call for Nominations for Mavor Mayor McPartlan called for nominations for Mayor. Council Nominations: Council Member Matthews nominated Bob McPartlan. Council Member Dodd nominated Fred Jones. Roll Call Vote for Mayor: Council Member Nunn: Fred Jones Council Member Matthews: Bob McPartlan Council Member Dodd: Fred Jones Council Member Jones: Fred Jones Council Member McPartlan: Fred Jones Decision: Fred Jones was elected Mayor by majority vote 4-1. B. Call for Nominations for Vice Mavor Mayor Jones called for nominations for Vice Mayor. Council Nominations: Mayor Jones nominated Chris Nunn. Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 2 Council Member Matthews nominated Bob McPartlan. Roll Call Vote for Vice Mayor: Council Member Matthews: Bob McPartlan Council Member Dodd: Bob McPartlan Mayor Jones: Bob McPartlan Council Member McPartlan: Bob McPartlan Council Member Nunn: Bob McPartlan Decision: Bob McPartlan was elected Vice Mayor by majority vote 5-0. C. Reading of Certificate of Canvassing Board Returns City Attorney Stokes stated that, since all council members were unopposed in the election, no formal canvassing board convened. He confirmed the election results verbally and noted that the outcomes were official. 6. ROLL CALL Mayor Fred Jones Vice Mayor Bob McPartlan Council Member Ed Dodd Council Member Chris Nunn Council Member Sherrie Matthews Staff Present City Manager Brian Benton City Attorney James Stokes Senior Executive Assistant Cathy Testa Chief Financial Officer Brian Stewart Community Development Director Alix Bernard Community Development Manager Dorri Bosworth City Engineer/Special Projects Manager Karen Miller Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde Airport Director Jeff Sabo Procurement Manager Jessica Graham Human Resources Director Cindy Watson 7. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS -None 8. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS BriefAnnouncements. Thursday, November 13 - Market Fresh on the Move at City Nall - 1:15pm to 3pm Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 3 Saturday, November 15 - Hunt for Hope - Scavenger Hunt/Fundraiser for Breast Cancer at Riverview Park Pavilion - 8am to 8pm Saturday, November 22 - Sebastian River Art Club at Riverview Park -14am to 3pm Thursday & Friday - November 27 & 28 City Hall will be Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday Vice Mayor McPartlan announced the upcoming events. Commissioner Laura Moss addressed the council and audience, congratulating Mayor Jones and Vice Mayor McPartland on their respective elections and expressing enthusiasm for working with the newly seated Council Members. Commissioner Moss highlighted the recent Veterans Day ceremony, noting the significance of having all four Council Members in attendance, all of whom are veterans. She expressed appreciation for the service of all military and law enforcement personnel, including Council Member Matthews, who recently retired from a career in law enforcement. Commissioner Moss then invited the community to participate in the Purple Heart Cane Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Navy SEAL Museum. She explained that this event, organized entirely by volunteers, provides combat -wounded veterans who are Purple Heart recipients with individually hand -carved canes. She encouraged all eligible veterans to apply via PurpleHeartCaneProject.org and welcomed the public to attend. Lance Lunsford, President of the Taxpayers Association, also spoke during public input. Mr. Lunsford congratulated the newly elected Council Members, including Council Member Matthews, and recognized the re-election of Mayor Jones, Vice Mayor McPartland, and Council Member Nunn. He expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration between . the Taxpayers Association and the City of Sebastian, emphasizing the importance of home rule and advocacy efforts in the county. Mr. Lunsford specifically acknowledged Council Member Dodd's work with the Florida League of Cities and highlighted the shared priorities between the Association and the council. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the council members' service and contributions to the community. Karen Mechling, representing the Spirit of Sebastian (SOS), displayed a PowerPoint presentation (see attached) outlining the community organization and its upcoming events. Dressed as the SOS mascot, Barnaby the Bee, she invited Council Members and the public to attend the inaugural "Afternoons in the Agrihood" event, scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Heritage Park. Karen explained that the event is designed to showcase the integration of agriculture into the residential neighborhood and highlighted features such as over 100 beehives, live cooking demonstrations, local artisans, farmers, hand -made goods, live music, and a children's activity zone. She emphasized that the event is family -friendly and free to attend, and noted that it is the first of a series of six events to be held through April 2026. Karen also distributed informational flyers and a sample of SOS honey to attendees. Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 4 Council Member Nunn thanked the speakers and acknowledged the contributions of community organizations, volunteers, and veterans as highlighted during public input. Derek Redwine, the lead marine artist from Sea Safe (a coalition of residents, marine industry leaders, and scientific experts) displayed a PowerPoint presentation (see attached) outlining to council and the public regarding their ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. Derek began by thanking Mayor Jones and Vice Mayor McPartlan for the opportunity to speak to the council and citizens of Sebastian. He explained that Sea Safe brings together volunteers, residents, and industry stakeholders to support restoration and conservation of the lagoon. The coalition's work is supported scientifically by the University of Florida, including Dr. Todd Osborne, a marine biologist who provides expertise on restoration initiatives. Derek provided an overview of their accomplishments, including: The planting of tens of thousands of mangroves during restoration events. • Resupplying and reinvigorating traditional clam beds in the lagoon, which act as natural water filters and support seagrass growth. • Significant restoration progress at the Old Fish House site in Grant, where clam numbers increased from a few hundred thousand to approximately 30 million clams across various nearby areas, including Hog Point. Derek then highlighted the coalition's goals for the upcoming year, including another large-scale- clam restoration event planned around Earth Day in late April 2026, with opportunities to involve local restaurants, public areas, and volunteers. The presentation emphasized collaboration with all lagoon communities, stressing that "a rising tide lifts all boats" and encouraging a cooperative approach among Sebastian and neighboring areas. Mayor Jones thanked the Sea Safe representatives for their presentation and asked if there were any questions. No additional questions were raised. Mayor Jones and the council expressed their appreciation for the information and acknowledged the coalition's efforts to improve the lagoon's health. 9. PUBLIC INPUT- None 10. Mayor Jones recessed the City Council meeting_ and opened the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting. Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 5 A. Consideration of approval of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP1 arant aareement LG024 in the amount of S3,610,000 for the Septic -to -Sewer Conversion Project The Community Development Director presented the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) grant agreement LG024 for $3,610,000 for the Septic - to -Sewer Conversion Project. The CRA contribution toward this grant is $190,000. Staff confirmed that the grant has been budgeted and aligns with the adopted CRA Master Plan. Documentation was provided to council members. The City Manager noted the grant was awarded in March and emphasized the program's importance for connecting CRA properties to county sewer. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve FDEP Grant LG024. Roll call: Mr. Nunn - aye Vice Chairman McPartlan - aye Chairman Jones - aye Mr. Dodd - aye Ms: Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 B. Consideration of Armrovina a - piamback -of Contract RFP 2025005 by Indian River County, Florida, for Utilitv Services Labor, and Authorizina the utilization of CRA Fund_ s as the match for this expenditure to issue a Purchase Order to Meeks Plumbina_ , Inc., -in an amount not to exceed 51,500,000 and forward to Citv Council for Approval The Procurement manager requested approval to piggyback on Indian River County's RFP 2025005 with Meeks Plumbing for utility service labor (wastewater collection, transmission, and reclamation). A blanket purchase order not to exceed $1,500,000 was requested to accommodate varying costs per property. She informed CRA funds will be used as the match for this expenditure. Exhibits the Procurement Manager provided include: Exhibit A - RFP 2025005 County Agreement Exhibit B - Executed City of Sebastian Piggyback Agreement with Meeks Plumbing Mr. Dodd asked whether the county pricing schedule includes abatement of existing septic tanks and lift stations, and the City Engineer/Special Projects Manager confirmed that these services are included, citing previous work on the Wabasso and Rosen Road projects. He also inquired about the number of properties expected to be served under the $1.5 million allocation, and the City Engineer/Special Projects Manager indicated that approximately 97 locations are anticipated for this phase of connections. Mr. Dodd Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 6 suggested considering a higher allocation, up to $2 million, to avoid delays given the $3.1 million grant and potential need for additional funding. The City Manager explained that the $1.5 million serves as an initial allocation to start work, with the option to return to Council for additional funds if needed, and clarified that the amount represents a "do not exceed" blanket purchase order, with actual expenditures depending on per -property work performed. Discussion further included the forthcoming ordinance mandating connection to the sewer system and required notifications to property owners, with the City Manager noting that ordinance approval and the notification process will comply with applicable state statutes. MOTION by Mr. Dodd and SECOND by Vice Chairman McPartlan to approve RFP 2025005. Roll call: Mr. Nunn - aye Vice Chairman McPartlan - aye Chairman Jones - aye Mr. Dodd - aye Ms: Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 Chairman McPartlan recessed the Community Development Agency meeting and reconvened the City Council meeting. 8. - CONSENT -AGENDA A. Consider Draft Auaust-1 2.2025 City Council Minutes B. Alcohol Beveraae Apbroval - Hernandez Family C. Reauest for AA Alco-Thon Communitv Center Usaae at no charae MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve Consent Agenda Items A-D. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 7 A. Consideration of Council A[)pointees to the Indian River County and Regional Boards The Council reviewed current board assianments and discussed Dotential chanaes. Council Member Matthews was confirmed as the alternate for both the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Beach and Shores Board. Council Member Nunn was appointed as the alternate for the Economic Development Council. No other changes were requested, and all of Council was satisfied with their assignments. B. Consider Filling One Regular Member Position and One Alternate Member Position on the Planning and Zoning Commission Council considered filling one regular member position and one alternate member position. The Council reappointed Susan Lorusso as a full-time member and Terry Reno to the permanent member position, waiving the requirement for an advertisement. Roy Garton was appointed as the alternate member. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Mayor Jones to approve the board appointments and waive the advertisement for the new permanent position. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Council Member Nunn --aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 14. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None 16. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration and 1 st Reading of Ordinance 0-25-05 - Rezonina Reauest for a PUD-R Designation and the Reauisite Approval of a Conceptual Planned Unit Development Plan for 148.5 Acres - Existina Zonina Desianations of RS-10 (Residential Sina_ le-Familv), IN (Industrial). and IL (Light Industrial. County) The City Attorney read the title to Ordinance No. 0-25-05. The applicant, Jim Fitter, a professional engineer with BGE, displayed a PowerPoint presentation (see attached) outlining the Treasure Bay PUD residential development plan, proposing 180 residential units, including 110 single-family detached homes and 70 paired villas. He informed that the site consists of uplands surrounding a central wet detention area, outside of Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 8 the 100-year floodplain, with no environmentally sensitive lands or wetlands. Mr. Fitter stated plans for public and private recreation areas to include a kayak launch, gazebo, pickleball court, residential park, dog park, and an eight -foot public bike path connecting Essex Lane to Industrial Park Boulevard. He noted public benefits included upsizing an existing county force main at no cost to the city. Mr. Fitter concluded that development includes dimensional flexibility under PUD-R zoning, with negotiated setbacks, lot widths, and open space above minimum requirements. The Community Development Manager stated that this is the first reading for rezoning following prior annexation and land use approvals. The second reading is planned for December 3, 2025. She noted that staff confirmed the project meets the comprehensive plan's consistency, level of service requirements, and provides adequate public access, recreation, and connectivity. The Community Development Manager discussed with council the recommended conditions of approval, including completion of recreational amenities before issuance of certificates of occupancy and maintenance responsibilities by the HOA. Council asked the Community Development Manager for clarification regarding public dedication of the bike path, HOA maintenance, and final plat recording. No public comments were received. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Mayor Jones to approve Ordinance 0-25-05 and schedule the second reading for December 3, 2025. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 Council members and the City Manager thanked the applicant and staff for their coordination and thorough work on the project. B. First Readina and Consideration of Ordinance 0-25-16 Amendina the Code of Ordinances of the City of Sebastian. Chapter 26 - relating to Buildina and Buildina Reaulations - in order to comply with contractor licensina revisions of the Florida Statutes and providing for adoption upon Second Readina on December 3.2025 The City Attorney read the title to Ordinance No. 0-25-16. The Building Official presented background on the City's contractor licensing, noting that Resolution R-96- 62 (1996) established local license categories with the Construction Board as the sponsoring authority. He stated the process ended around 2007, and contractor categories historically varied across municipalities, creating challenges for cross- Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 9 jurisdictional work. The Building Official explained recent legislative changes: Senate Bill 1142 (May 2024) and Florida Statutes 163.211 and 489.117(4)(a)(1) preempt most local licensing, allowing municipalities to regulate only licenses that substantially correspond with state specialty categories. He informed that affected contractors will be notified, and the Building Department is updating its licensing system for online submissions. Proposed Ordinance 0-25-16 amends Chapter 26, Article VI - Contractors, updating definitions, adding Handyman Services per the Florida Administrative Code, and clarifying certification procedures to align with state law. Council Member Matthews suggested minor cosmetic edits to clarify language in the contractor definition, define HVAC, and specify "Florida Administrative Code." The Building Official confirmed these edits would be incorporated for the second reading. No public comments were received. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve Ordinance 0-25-16 with the cosmetic edits and schedule the second reading for December 3, 2025. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Council Member Nunn -aye- Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 C. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-47, approval of FDEP Grant Aareement LG024, the Septic -to -Sewer Conversion Proiect; Providing Authoritv to the City Manaaer or designee to execute. The City Engineer/Special Projects Manager presented Resolution R-25-47, which accepts the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) grant agreement LGO24 for the CRA-wide Septic -to -Sewer Conversion Project and authorizes execution of the agreement. No public comments were received. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor McPartlan to approve Resolution R-25-47. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 10 Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 D. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-46 approving a Diggvback of Contract RFP 2025005 by Indian River Countv, Florida, for Utilitv Services Labor, and Authorization to issue a Purchase Order to Meeks Plumbing, Inc., in an amount not to exceed S 1.500,000: Providing Authority to the Mayor to execute. The Procurement Manager presented Resolution R-25-46, seeking City Council approval to enter into a piggyback agreement with Meeks Plumbing and to issue a purchase order not to exceed $1.5 million for utility service labor to complete the CRA-wide septic -to -sewer connections. No public comments were received. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Mayor Jones to approve Resolution R-25-46. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Council Member Nunn -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 E. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-45 to accept FDOT Grant Agreement- Engineer & Design Golf Apron Phase 1 and Authorize the City Manager or Designee to execute the, appropriate documentation The Airport Director presented Resolution R-25-45, requesting City Council approval of the FDOT grant agreement for the engineering and design ,phase of the Taxiway Golf Apron Phase One project. He informed that the apron will support future hangar development and enhance aircraft access to new airport properties. The project will be completed in phases due to potential costs and design length, with construction anticipated to extend 700-1,000 feet initially. No public comments were received. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve Resolution R-25-45. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 11 Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 F. Consideration of an amendment to CSA #14 with Infrastructure and Consulting Engineering, Inc. for Construction Services for Taxiwav "G" Construction in the amount of 59,132.75 and authorize the Citv Manager or designee to execute. The Airport Director presented a proposed amendment to CSA #14 with Infrastructure and Consulting Engineering, Inc. for construction services related to the Taxiway "G" project. The amendment is for an additional amount of $9,132.75 to cover engineering and consulting services for the stabilization and preparation of the adjoining apron area. This change order covers engineering costs to stabilize an additional area adjacent to the current project. The area will receive minimal asphalt to prevent movement, protect the surface from weather, and maintain readiness for hurricane response and equipment traffic. The work is strictly for infrastructure stabilization and consulting engineering. The City Manager noted that the original project budget was $1.975 million, but the current estimates are approximately $900,000-$1 million, creating significant cost savings. The proposed change order will be funded from remaining discretionary sales tax allocations, requiring no use of reserve funds. Construction of the stabilized area will follow the engineering work and occur concurrently with the main Taxiway Golf construction, with completion anticipated by- the end of December. Additional construction costs for this area are addressed in the next agenda item. No public comments were received. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve the amendment to CSA #14. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Council Member Nunn -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 G. Consideration of Chanae Order #1 in the amount of 577.166.40 for Dickerson st Infrastructure Purchase Order number 11463. for Taxiwav G Construction. The Procurement Manager presented Change Order #1 in the amount of $77,166AO for Dickerson Infrastructure, Purchase Order #11463, for the Taxiway "G" Construction project. She explained that the contractor did not request a price increase; rather, the Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 12 city requested an expanded scope of services to stabilize an area adjacent to the taxiway, which will become part of the future Taxiway Golf apron. The southern portion of the project will be funded 80% by FDOT, with the City responsible for $51,422 for the northern portion outside the grant's scope. Funding for the City's share is available through discretionary sales tax allocations. Council Member Dodd inquired about potential FEMA reimbursement due to hurricane -related damage. The City Manager noted that while past usage of the area by FPL contributed to wear, it is primarily an aging runway; no FEMA reimbursement has been sought. The Airport Director added that FDOT has been contacted regarding the possibility of an 80/20 cost share for the entire area, but a response is pending. No public comments were received. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Mayor Jones to approve Change Order #1 in the amount of $77,166.40 for Dickerson Infrastructure, PO #11463. Roll call: Council Member Dodd — aye Mayor Jones —aye Vice Mayor McPartlan —aye Council Member Nunn —aye Council Member Matthews — aye Motion carried. 5-0 H. Consideration of an Assianment to change the named Lessee for the 600 Airport Drive West Lease Agreement from Blackbrook GrouD Limited to Havburn Asset Management LLC and Authorize the City Manager to execute the aDDropriate documentation The Airport Director presented a request from the current tenant of 600 Airport Drive West to change the corporate name under their existing lease. The tenant, previously operating as Blackbrook Group, ,has undergone internal changes and requested the new name Hayburn Asset Management, LLC. This update aligns the lease with their corporate structure for both the current parcel and a future parcel under consideration. No public comments were received. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartland and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve the assignment and name change under the lease. Roll call: Council Member Dodd — aye Mayor Jones —aye Vice Mayor McPartlan —aye Council Member Nunn — aye Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 13 Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 I. Consideration of a New Lease for Havburn Asset Manaaement. LLC, for a new parcel, 605 Corporate Park Drive, at the Sebastian Municipal Airport The Airport Director presented a request from Hayburn Asset Management LLC, the current tenant at 600 Airport Drive West, for a new lease on an adjacent, larger parcel at 605 Corporate Park Drive. The tenant plans to construct a taxi lane and build two to four hangars, depending on the site plan, along with stormwater management improvements. The company operates a charter business and provides aircraft management services, and this expansion is expected to create additional jobs and revenue for the Sebastian area and airport. No public comments were received. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve the new lease for Hayburn Asset Management LLC. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Council Member Nunn -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 The meeting then recessed for a five-minute break at 7: 36 pm and resumed at 7:42 pm. J. Consideration of a Purchase Order for Plavworx Playsets LLC for $75.453.08 to complete the Hardee Park Dlayground replacement, and authorize the City Manaaer or Desianee to execute the appropriate documentation. The Procurement Manager presented a request to approve a purchase order to Play Works, Play Sets LLC in the amount of $75,453.08 for replacement playground equipment at Hardy Park. The purchase utilizes an existing cooperative contract with Little Tikes Commercial Play Power, of which Play Works is an authorized dealer. Parks and Recreation Director, Richard Blankenship, noted that the new playground design increases the footprint of the park, adds spring apparatus, and includes an ADA- accessible swing seat. No changes were made to the design since the Parks and Recreation Board review. No public comments were received. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Council Member Dodd to approve the purchase order. Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 14 Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Council Member Nunn -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 K. Consideration of a Monitoring Schedule for the Indian River County Commission Meetings Council reviewed the annual monitoring schedule for the Indian River County Commission meetings. Members discussed prior assignments and clarified which months still required designation. Council agreed to proceed by assigning months sequentially, beginning with January, while acknowledging that Council Member Jones would cover December if needed. The City Manager read the finalized rotation into the record: January - Council Member Matthews February - Vice Mayor McPartlan March - Mayor Jones April - Council Member Nunn May - Council Member Dodd June - Council Member Matthews July - No meetings scheduled August - Vice Mayor McPartlan September - Mayor Jones October -Council Member Nunn November - Council Member Dodd December - Council Member Matthews No motion was required; Council reached consensus on the schedule. L. Consideration of an Addendum to the Citv Manager and Citv Clerk Employment Agreements to Section II. Compensation and Benefits (4) in regards to Retirement Benefits The City Manager explained that the addendum aligns their contracts with the new plan that has been widely supported among staff. He noted that because charter officers serve at the will of the Council and may be terminated without cause, the addendum provides protection during the five-year vesting period. Until vesting is achieved, no Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 15 employee will be vested until October 1, 2030, the city would continue contributing 9% of their base salaries into a 457 deferred compensation plan. Council discussed ensuring that the protections apply to any future charter officer who joins the pension plan. Council Member Dodd proposed clarifying language to specify that the 9% contribution applies for each year in which the charter officer is not yet vested in the city's retirement plan. This change would apply to both the City Manager and City Clerk. The City Manager confirmed he was comfortable with the revised language and agreed to incorporate the change. A motion was made by Council Member Dodd, seconded by Mayor Jones, to approve the contract modifications pending the updated language clarifying that the 9% contribution applies only during the non -vested years. No public comments were received. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -.aye Council Member Nunn -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 M. City Council Discussion and Direction on the Citv Attornev Vacancv The City Manager opened the item by providing an update on the recruitment process for the City Attorney position. The Human Resources Department initially advertised the opening with a closing date of October 31, 2025;, however, due to the limited number of applicants, the posting remained open in the NeoGov system. By the October 31 date, the city had received nine applications, including one law firm proposal. After the informal extension, one additional application was received and forwarded to Council for review. The City Manager requested direction from Council on two immediate issues: 1. Whether to include the late applicant in the candidate pool. 2. Whether Council was ready to identify finalists for interviews or preferred additional time. Council Member Nunn began discussion by confirming that the late applicant should be added for consideration. Council agreed unanimously to include Gene Jean Stasio. He then addressed the law firm applicant, noting that although having multiple attorneys available can be beneficial, the overall cost made the option impractical. Council reached consensus to eliminate the law firm from further consideration. Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 16 Discussion continued on narrowing the individual applicants to a shortlist. Council members indicated they had thoroughly reviewed the applications and identified a core group with strong municipal experience. After evaluating qualifications and preferences, Council Members generally supported selecting the following three finalists: • John J. Anastasio • Manny Anon Jr. • Jean Stasio With clear consensus on the finalists, the City Manager outlined potential scheduling options for candidate interviews. Due to upcoming holidays, Council discussed whether interviews should occur in December or be moved into early January. After reviewing individual availability —including travel schedules for Council Members -Dodd and Vice Mayor McPartlan—Council agreed that January 7, 2026 was the most practical date. The City Manager proposed following the interview format used in the previous City Manager recruitment: • Morning: One-on-one interviews between each Council Member and each candidate. • Midday: Lunch break. • Afternoon: Public interviews held in Council Chambers. Late afternoon/early evening: A special meeting to deliberate and select a preferred candidate. Council approved that structure for the January 7 process. Vice Mayor McPartlan then raised the possibility of holding a meet -and -greet with candidates the evening before, similar to prior recruitment processes. Council discussed the location, catering, and the informal nature of the event. The City Manager confirmed staff could coordinate arrangements. After discussion, Council reached consensus to host the meet -and -greet on January 6, with staff bringing back logistics and final details at the next meeting. The City Manager confirmed that all three finalists are local candidates, so no travel accommodations will be required. With consensus reached on the candidate shortlist, interview structure, and January scheduling, the item was concluded. 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS - None Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 17 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS The City Manager provided several updates: • Sewer Installation Project: The County began work earlier that day on the first phase of sewer installation across from Fisherman's Landing. • Schumann Railroad Crossing: The crossing is scheduled to close beginning the next day and remain closed through the end of the week, with reopening planned for Saturday. Message boards and social media posts have been used to distribute public notice. • Riviera/Gardenia Ditch Project: Staff and contractors will begin preliminary site work next week, including surveying and camera work to confirm property lines. Full construction is scheduled to begin after the first of the year to avoid disrupting residents during the holidays. • Red Friday Initiative: The City Manager recognized Public Works Director Lee Plourde for proposing the idea of City Hall and Police Department employees wearing red each Friday in November to honor deployed service members, "Remember Everyone Deployed." Staff will take a group photo on Friday for social media and invite the public to participate. Council Member Nunn suggested creating City of Sebastian Red Friday shirts and using them as a fundraiser benefiting veterans' organizations, with employees purchasing shirts and wearing them each Friday.. The City Manager said staff would begin developing the idea for implementation next year. Council Member Dodd asked whether' Red Friday was tied* to a national veterans' organization. The City Manager noted that while not formally. nationalized, several organizations participate. Council agreed to work toward making it an annual Sebastian initiative. The City Manager concluded his report. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS, The Senior Executive Assistant thanked staff and Council for their support throughouf the evening and reported no additional items. 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS "- Mayor Jones - None Vice Mayor McPartlan welcomed Council Member' Matthews to congratulated returning members. He commented on the successful Clambake -Festal, noting excellent weather and turnout. He also praised staff for the Veterans Day Ceremony, highlighting improvements to sound equipment and the quality of the video production crew. Regular City Council Meeting & CRA November 12, 2025 Page 18 Council Member Nunn thanked the community for their continued support, noting how meaningful it is to serve the city. He reflected on the length of his service and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Council Member Dodd welcomed the returning Council members and commented on the positive atmosphere in Sebastian compared to some other municipalities. He then briefed Council on recently filed legislation, House Bill 105, which would create broad new liabilities allowing individuals to sue municipalities for a wide range of issues. Under the bill, cities would be required to pay opposing attorneys' fees if unsuccessful, but would not be allowed to recoup their own fees even when they prevail. He requested consensus for the City Manager, City Attorney, and himself to prepare information for the Florida League of Cities, and to draft a letter from the Mayor to Representative Brackett urging reconsideration of the legislation. Council agreed unanimously. Council Member Matthews thanked her colleagues for the warm welcome and congratulated the mayor on his leadership. She proposed a new initiative to honor residents who are nearing or have reached 100 years of age, suggesting the City establish a celebratory recognition; possibly a special proclamation, commemorative "Centurion" challenge coin, or a named honorary group. She reported one resident had recently turned 101 and expressed interest in ensuring the city honors such individuals appropriately. Council supported the idea and encouraged her to work with the City Manager to develop a formal proposal for future consideration. 17. Being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:18 p.m. Approved at the December 17, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. _ Mayor Fred Jones fi Eatherine . Te cting City Clerk