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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-2026 SM CC Minutesan a SEBASTIN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP & SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7, 2026 —1:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA Mayor Jones called the Workshop to order at 1:30 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Mayor Fred Jones Vice Mayor McPartlan Council Member Christopher Nunn Council Member Ed Dodd Council Member Sherrie Matthews Staff Present: Interim City Attorney James Stokes Acting City Clerk Cathy Testa Recording Secretary Bridget Eakins 4. WORKSHOP ITEM Before beginning the interviews, Major Jones addressed the council and asked whether members of the public participating via Zoom should be permitted to ask questions during the workshop. By consensus, the council agreed that public participation would occur during the 5:01 p.m. special meeting, not during the workshop portion, which was reserved for council deliberation and candidate interviews. A. Conduct Individual Citv Attomev Interviews i. Mannv Annon Jr. Mr. Manny Annon Jr. appeared before the council and delivered an opening statement outlining his qualifications and professional background. He summarized his legal career, which has been largely focused on public -sector law. Mr. Annon noted that he began clerking during law school and later worked as a litigator for the City of Miami. He went on to represent government employees in labor and employment matters across multiple jurisdictions, including cities, school boards, and counties. Sebastian City Council Workshop & Special Meeting City Attorney Interviews and Selection January 7, 2026 Page 2 Mr. Annon highlighted his prior service as a Senior City Attorney for Port St. Lucie, where he handled a broad range of municipal matters, including labor and employment issues and code enforcement board proceedings. He also emphasized his previous tenure as City Attorney for the City of Sebastian, where he served for over three years, followed by service with the City of Melbourne. In addition to his civilian legal experience, Mr. Annon discussed his 22-plus-year military career, including three overseas deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Qatar. He retired in 2021 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served as a Command Judge Advocate advising senior leadership. Mr. Annon stressed his familiarity with the City of Sebastian's operations, departments, boards, and charter officers, stating this would allow him to "hit the ground running" if selected. He discussed experience advising on public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), the Sunshine Law (Chapter 286), elections law, charter review processes, and code enforcement matters. He also referenced his participation with the Florida League of Cities and explained how that involvement provides early insight into legislative changes affecting municipalities. Council members asked questions and offered comments regarding Mr. Annon's prior performance, communication style, and lessons learned from his time in Melbourne. Mr. Annon stated that he would emphasize more proactive communication with the City Manager and department heads, including regular meetings, if appointed. He confirmed his willingness to attend board and committee meetings as needed and to provide ongoing legal education to staff and board members. When asked about longevity, Mr. Annon stated he was committed to serving the city for a minimum of five years. He also addressed his approach to retaining outside counsel, explaining that such decisions would be brought before council for approval and typically limited to conflicts of interest or highly specialized matters, with appropriate cost controls. ii. John J. Anastasio 1: 50 pm Mr. John J. Anastasio then appeared before the council and provided a brief opening statement. He explained that he reapplied for the position due to his interest in the City of Sebastian and his belief that he would be a good professional fit for the governing body. Mr. Anastasio emphasized the importance of compatibility between the City Attorney and council. Mr. Anastasio discussed his extensive legal career, spanning more than four decades, and described himself as a generalist with experience across numerous areas of law. He noted prior experience advising multiple municipalities earlier in his career and emphasized stability, stating he was not seeking short-term employment and had no defined end date for service. Sebastian City Council Workshop & Special Meeting City Attorney Interviews and Selection January 7, 2026 Page 3 Council members questioned Mr. Anastasio regarding his approach to managing outside counsel. Mr. Anastasio replied that he would establish litigation budgets, closely monitor billing, and require adherence to defined guidelines. He further outlined his intention to provide structured legal training to boards, committees, and staff, including Sunshine Law, public records compliance, and quasi-judicial procedures, with both initial and periodic refresher sessions. Mr. Anastasio also addressed how he would manage competing legal demands from various City departments, explaining that prioritization would occur in coordination with the City Manager and Council. He stated that he would communicate directly, impartially, and professionally when identifying legal concerns that require attention. Council members asked Mr. Anastasio to clarify who he views as his client if appointed. He responded that his client would be the people of the City of Sebastian, as represented by the elected City Council, and that his role would be to advise Council, the City Manager, and department heads accordingly. 5. Mayor Jones adjourned the City Council Workshop at 1:59 p.m. 6. Mayor Jones reconvened the Special City Council Meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. 7. Roll Call Mayor Fred Jones Vice Mayor McPartlan Council Member Christopher Nunn C6imcil Mernber Ed Dodd Council Mcml * Sherrie Matthews Staff Present: y Interim City'Attorney James Stokes -Acting* City Clerk Cathy Testa Dorn Bosvaorth' -RecorcHng. Secretary Bridget Eakins 8. Discuss and Select New Citv Attornev Mayor Jones reconvened in special session for deliberation regarding the City Attorney appointment. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Council discussed the interviews and potential next steps. Council members expressed appreciation for both candidates and acknowledged that each brought valuable experience and qualifications. However, several members voiced concerns about long-term fit, financial constraints, and whether the current candidate pool fully met the city's needs. Sebastian City Council Workshop & Special Meeting City Attorney Interviews and Selection January 7, 2026 Page 4 Council discussed the city's ability to compete financially with larger municipalities and noted that the city was not under immediate pressure to make a permanent appointment due to the continued availability of Interim City Attorney Stokes. Members also discussed the value of stability and continuity, as well as the potential cost, both financial and operational, of frequent turnover in the City Attorney position. During the discussion, the council identified an alternative option that had not been fully considered before the interviews. Members expressed interest in further evaluating that option, along with the existing candidates, before making a final decision. Council members emphasized that tabling the matter was not a rejection of the candidates but rather a desire to make a fully informed decision. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to postpone this item until the January 28a' meeting. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones - aye Motion carried. 5-0 9. Being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the Special Meeting at 5:13 p.m. Approved at the February]], 2016 Regular City Council Meeting. Mayor Fred Jones — — ATTEST. Catherine E. Tea, Acing City Clerk