HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-2026 CR MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 - 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
1. Call to Order — Chair Vicki Drumheller 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:
Chair Vicki Drumheller
Vice Chair Grace Reed
Jeanne Hill
Bill Fynn
Scott Liberatore
Charles Stadelman (Zoom, then arrived at 7:19pm)
Richard Gillmor
Tim Borden
Sharon Herman
Susan Lorusso
Felicia Hollorman
Wanda Simmons
David Moore
Nicholas Scheskowsky
Tegpreet Singh (Zoom)
Also Present:
Council Member Matthews
Brian Benton, City Manager
Jim Stokes, Interim City Attorney
Cathy Testa, Acting City Clerk
Bridget Eakins, Recording Secretary
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review Article 2: City Council
During the discussion of elected official compensation, Chair Drumheller introduced the item
and referenced the memorandum and comparative compensation document presented by City
Attorney Stokes. Attorney Stokes clarified that any proposed change to elected official
compensation would require voter approval through a charter amendment and emphasized the
importance of clear ballot language to avoid voter confusion.
Mr. Borden stated that he believed an increase was justified, given that compensation had
remained unchanged for approximately twenty years. However, he expressed concern with
adopting a formula -based approach, particularly one tied to population or growth metrics, noting
that such a structure could create negative public perception or appear overly complex. He
advocated instead for a flat monthly rate that would be simple, transparent, and easily
understood by voters.
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE PAGE 2
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 2, 2026 MEETING
Mr. Flynn agreed that the compensation should be straightforward and transparent. He stated
that clarity in ballot language would be critical and that the public should clearly understand both
the proposed increase and the historical context. Additional discussion among members
centered on whether future increases should be automatic or require voter approval. Members
generally agreed that any immediate adjustment would require voter approval, and there was
discussion about tying future annual increases to the same percentage increases granted to
general city employees to avoid another prolonged period without adjustment. The committee
also clarified that the existing $300 monthly expense allowance would remain unchanged and
separate from base compensation. There was consensus among members that elected officials
should not receive employee -style benefits such as retirement or health insurance, as the
position is part-time and structured differently from staff employment.
Following the discussion, Mr. Borden made a formal motion to recommend increasing the
Mayor's compensation to $750 per month and the Vice Mayor's and Council Members'
compensation to $600 per month, subject to voter approval. The motion further specified that
the existing $300 monthly expense allowance would remain in place and that future annual
increases would mirror the same percentage increases approved for general city employees.
Mr. Flynn seconded the motion. Upon the vote, the motion passed unanimously.
The committee then proceeded to review Charter Section 2.06 concerning the selection of the
Mayor and Vice Mayor. Chair Drumheller summarized public inquiries regarding the current
practice of selecting the Mayor annually from among the Council Members rather than electing
the Mayor directly. Attorney Stokes clarified that while the existing charter provides for council
selection, a direct election model could be implemented through a charter amendment while
maintaining the council—manager form of government. Mr. Borden stated that the current
system promotes experience and continuity, as the Mayor must first serve as a Council
Member. Mr. Flynn expressed concern that directly electing the Mayor could alter council
dynamics and create confusion regarding voting authority within the council—manager
framework. After discussion, no motion was made to amend the charter, and the committee
reached consensus to retain the current selection method. '
The committee also reviewed additional charter provisions regarding temporary presiding officer
selection in the event of a deadlock, the general duties of the Mayor, and succession
procedures in the event of a vacancy. No changes were proposed to those sections.
5. STAFF MATTERS
No staff matters were raised.
6. COMMITTEE MEMBER MATTERS
7. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
Continue review of Article 2.
8. Being no further business, Chair Drumheller adjourned the Charter Review Committee
meeting at 7:23 p.m.
4, A
ezw��� Date
Chair Drumheller