HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-2026 CR MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 05, 2026 - 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
1. Call to Order — Interim City Attorney called the Charter Review Committee meeting to order
at 6:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
3. ROLL CALL
Present:
Grace Reed
Jeanne Hill
Bill Fynn
Scott Liberator
Richard Gillmor
Vickie Drumheller
Tim Borden (Zoom)
Sharon Herman
Susan Lorusso
Felicia Hollorman
Wanda Simmons
David Moore
Nicholas Scheskowsky
Tegpreet Singh
Absent:
Charles Stadelman
Also Present:
Brian Benton, City Manager
Jim Stokes, Interim City Attorney
Cathy Testa, Acting City Clerk
Bridget Eakins, Recording Secretary
The Interim City Attorney provided an overview of the charter review process, explaining that
the City Charter functions as the City's constitution and can generally only be amended by voter
referendum. The committee's role is to review the charter section by section and make
recommendations to the city council, which ultimately determines what items advance to the
voters.
The Interim City Attorney explained that discussions should focus on concepts and intent, after
which draft language will be prepared for committee review. He emphasized collaboration,
careful drafting to avoid unintended consequences, and the importance of limiting the number of
proposed charter amendments to avoid voter fatigue.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Interim City Attorney Overview of City Charter and Code Provisions relative to Charter
Review Committee and Sunshine Law Provisions (Charter Section 5.03 and Code
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE PAGE 2
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 05, 2026 MEETING
Section 2-231 and 2-232, current City Charter, Sunshine Law/Public Records
information.
The Interim City Attorney reviewed Sunshine Law requirements, noting that committee
members may not discuss committee business with one another outside of publicly noticed
meetings. Personal notes taken by members do not constitute public records. Secret ballots are
not permitted under Florida law.
Committee members introduced themselves and provided background information relevant to
their experience, residency, and interest in serving on the Charter Review Committee.
B. Appointment of Chairman
Nominations were received as follows:
• Ms. Herman nominated Vicki Drumheller.
• Mr. Borden nominated Richard Gillmor.
Written ballots were collected and retained in accordance with public records requirements.
Result: Vicki Drumheller elected Chair.
C. Appointment of Vice -Chairman
Nominations were received as follows:
• ' Mr. Scheskowsky nominated David Moore.'
Mr. Flynn nominated Grace Reed.
Written ballots were collected and retained in accordance with public records requirements.
Result: Grace Reed elected Vice Chair.
The City Manager thanked committee members for their service and emphasized the
importance of the charter review process. He advised members that he is available to answer
questions or provide information related to charter matters or city operations.
D. Establish time and frequency of meetings
Chair Drumheller reviewed the proposed meeting schedule through April. Members discussed
potential conflicts, including the April 6 meeting occurring the day after.Easter. The Interim City
Attorney advised that the schedule is flexible and may be adjusted if necessary. Meetings were
tentatively set for Mondays at 6:00 p.m., with Zoom participation available when needed.
6. STAFF MATTERS
No additional staff matters were raised.
7. COMMITTEE MEMBER MATTERS
No additional committee member matters were raised.
8. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
Chair Drumheller emphasized the importance of preparation between meetings. The committee
agreed to begin its substantive review with Article I, through page seven of the charter.
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 05, 2026 MEETING
PAGE 3
Members were encouraged to review this section in advance and bring notes, questions, and
suggested concepts for discussion.
The Interim City Attorney reiterated that the goal is to identify substantive issues appropriate for
voter consideration, generally limiting proposed amendments to approximately six to eight
items.
9. AJOURN
10. Being no further business, Chair Drumheller adjourned the Charter Review Committee
meeting at 6:43 p.m.
By: Date: % 0`2 -_27D2-Ala.
Chair Drumheller
CITY OF
SEBASTIAN
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
Charter § 5.03 1 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.
Code of Ordinances § 2-231 1 APPOINTMENT
The 15 members of the. Charter review committee, as established by
section 5.03 of the City Charter, shall be appointed in the following
manner:
(1) Each member of the city council shall appoint two city residents
to the committee; and
(2) The remaining five members of the committee shall be appointed
by the council as a body in accordance with the general
provisions for selection of membership of city boards and
committees.
The announcement of the individual appointments, and the selection
of the at -large members, shall occur at the second regularly scheduled
city council meeting following the seating of the newly elected city
council of the years designed in the Charter for formulation of the
committee.
There shall be no limit on the number of times a resident may serve
on this committee, nor shall any member of another city board or
committee, be prohibited from concurrently serving thereupon.
Code of Ordinances § 2-232 1 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
The Charter review committee shall hold its organization meeting in
the week following formulation of its membership. At.said meeting the
majority of the members present shall select a chairman and a vice-
chairman. The selection thereof, and the operations -of the committee,
shall be carried out in accordance with the established general
procedures for boards and committees of the city. At said organization
meeting, the committee shall establish the time and frequency of its
meetings.
The city attorney shall- be advisor to the committee and the city clerk
shall provide secretarial services to the committee.
After submitting its final recommendation, which shall occur within six
months of the committee's formulation, the committee shall have a
final meeting in the week following city council action on said
recommendation and shall thereafter be dissolved.
Code of Ordinances §§ 2-233-2-239 1 RESERVED