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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
ALL AGENDA ITEMS MAY BE INSPECTED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA OR ON THE CITY WEBSITE
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 12, 2011 Meeting
5. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES
(Charter with Recommended Changes in Legislative Format)
6. FORMULATE FINAL RECOMMENDATION TO PRESENT TO CITY COUNCIL
ON JUNE 8, 2011
7. ADJOURN
HEARING ASSISTANCE HEADPHONES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR ALL GOVERNMENT
MEETINGS.
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED
AT THIS MEETING WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A
VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND
EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. (F.S.286.0105)
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL
ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT 589 -5330 AT
LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THIS MEETING.
Present:
Bob Daberkow
John Danise
Dan Dragonetti
Ed Dodd
Louise Kautenburg
Janet Kennedy
Mary McGee
Bob McPartlan
Carolyn Sartain Anderson
Ruth Sullivan
e[Ev SEBIr'
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2011 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
1 Chairperson Louise Kautenburg called the Charter Review Committee Meeting to
order at 6:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL
Staff Present
City Manager Al Minner
City Attorney Bob Ginsburg
City Clerk Sally Maio
Recording Secretary Jeanette Williams
Absent:
Adrina Davis (excused)
Linda DeSanctis
Jeanne Hill (excused)
Bob Zomok
Council Members Present
Vice Mayor Don Wright
Council Member Eugene Wolff
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 26, 2011 Meeting
MOTION by Mr. Daberkow and SECOND by Mr. Dragonetti, to approve the April
26, 2011 minutes passed with a voice vote of 10 -0.
Charter Review Committee Meeting
May 12, 2011
Page Two
5. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES
(Charter with Recommended Changes in Legislative Format, Public Hearing Display Ad
from 5/5/11)
Ms. Kautenburg (Chair) opened the public hearing at 6:03 pm and explained the purpose
of the Charter, referring to it as a living document, and discussed the requirement for its
periodic review. She said the proposed changes were highlighted on copies of the
Charter available at the back of the room.
Mr. Danise said he felt uncomfortable with calling it a living document as we review this
every five years and if the citizens agree, we change our rules; the Charter is a
document we live by.
The Chair went over the following changes and advised the public to raise their hands to
be recognized if they had any input to provide:
Sections 1.02 Extraterritoral Powers
The Chair said the Committee desired to remove references to "poor houses, dairies,
stock, and slaughterhouses There were no requests to provide input.
Sections 2.03 Election
The Chair said the Committee recommended changing the elections by replacing
sections A and B with new language to elect Council members for four year terms in
even numbered years with a term limits to allow them to become more proficient in their
role and reduce the time spent campaigning. She invited the public to provide input but
there was none.
Section 2.04 Term of Commencement
The Chair said the Committee recommended the new Council members be sworn in
immediately prior to the first regularly schedules meeting held at least seven days
following the general election.
Section 2.08 Vacancies; forfeiture of office; filling of vacancies
The Chair read the revised language as attached to the minutes:
The City Attorney requested to add a new paragraph (d) which is language required by
Florida law and should be in the same place as for filling vacancies on the Council,
which in this case is the Charter. He said it would provide that when the number of
legally qualified candidates is fewer than the number of seats open for election, the new
Council shall fill the vacancy in the same manner filling a vacancy on Council. The Chair
added their objective was to stay within the laws of Florida.
MOTION by Mr. Danise and SECOND by Ms. McGee to add section (d) to Section
2.08 passed with a voice vote of 10 -0.
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Charter Review Committee Meeting
May 12, 2011
Page Three
Louise Kautenburg, Chairman
ATTEST:
Sally A. Maio, MMC City Clerk
Section 2.09 Judge of qualifications
The Chair said this section would be amended so that the Division of Elections, Florida
Elections Commission or the courts shall determine issues relating to the election and
qualifications of Council and of the grounds for forfeiture of their office.
Section 2.11 Investigations
The Chair said the sentence that any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order
issued in the exercise of these powers by the Council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
would be removed, since Council is not allowed to direct employees.
Section 3.03 Removal of Charter officers
The Chair explained this section was to be changed to say that any charter officer may be
removed from office with or without cause by a majority vote of Council, and removes
specific procedures therefor.
Section 4.07 Elections how arranged; inspectors and clerks
The Chair said the Committee recommended removing the entire paragraph.
Section 4.08 City canvassing board; canvass of election returns
The Chair said the Committee recommended removing paragraph C because the
recommended change to Section 2.04 provides the time for swearing in new Council
members.
Section 4.12 Election procedures; tie vote
The Chair said the Committee recommended replacing run -off elections with the drawing
of lots in accordance with State law.
Section 4.13 Conduct of candidates for election office
The Chair said the Committee recommended the removal of the entire section.
No one from the audience had any comments or questions, so Chairperson Kautenburg
closed the public hearing at 6:22 p.m.
6. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
None.
7 Being no further business, Chairperson Kautenburg adjourned the Charter Review
meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Approved at the May 26 2011 Charter Review Committee meeting.
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PART I CHARTER*
*Editor's note: Printed herein is the Home Rule Charter of the City of Sebastian adopted by
Ordinance Number 0 -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.
State law references: Municipal Home Rule Powers Act, F.S. ch. 166; Charter amendments,
F.S. 166.031.
Article I. Creation and Powers
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.
Article II. City Council
Sec. 2.01. Composition.
Sec. 2.02. Eligibility.
Sec. 2.03. Election.
Sec. 2.04. Terms.
Sec. 2.05. Compensation; expenses.
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.
Article III. Administration and Legal Departments
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.
Division 2. Police Department
Sec. 3.06. Police department.
Sec. 3.07. Reserved.
Sec. 3.08. Reserved.
Division 3. Legal
Sec. 3.09. City attorney.
Article IV. Elections
Sec. 4.01. Adoption of state election laws.
Sec. 4.02. Filing of candidate's oath; fee.
Sec. 4.03. Special municipal elections to elect elective officers.
Sec. 4.04. Special election for other purposes.
Sec. 4.05. Reserved.
4 9_ ee
Sec. 4.07. Elections -How arranged; inspectors and clerks.
Sec. 4.08. Same Canvass of returns; certificates of election.
Sec. 4.09. Same Ballots.
Sec. 4.10. Reserved.
Sec. 4.11. Reserved.
Sec. 4.12. Election procedures; tie vote.
Scc. 4.13. Conduct of candidatcs for cicction officc.
Sec. 4.14. Interim government.
Article V. General Provisions
Sec. 5.01. Severability of provisions.
Sec. 5.02. Effective date.
Sec. 5.03. Charter review committee.
Article VI. Transition
Sec. 6.01. Title to property reserved.
Sec. 6.02. Obligations unimpaired.
Sec. 6.03. Officers and employees holdover.
Sec. 6.04. Ordinances preserved.
Sec. 6.05. Continuation of former charter provisions.
ARTICLE I. CREATION AND POWERS*
*State law references: Home rule powers generally, F.S. 166.021.
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
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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) Dairics and sStock. To provide for inspecting and regulating the sanitary condition of all
dairies, butcher pens, slaughter houses, 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.
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(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,
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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. 0- 93 -21, 1 -3, 1- 12 -94,
election of 3 -8 -94; Ord. No. 0- 99 -18, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00; Ord. No. 0- 05 -19, 1,
10- 26 -05, election of 3- 14 -06; Ord. No. 0- 06 -09, 1, 10- 11 -06, election of 3- 13 -07)
State law references: 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 references: 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 references: 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.
There shall be a city council consisting of five (5) council members elected by the
qualified voters of the city at large.
(Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 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. 0 -84 -1, 1, 2 -1 -84; Ord. No. 0- 93 -03, 2, 1- 27 -93)
Sec. 2.03. Election.
(a) [T]hcrc shall be hcld a gcncral cicction of two (2) council mcmbcrs on the first Tuccday
(b) The city cicctions shall havc at largc voting.
(Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -03, 3, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 06 -11, 1, 10- 11 -06)
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Scc. 2.04. Tcrms.
(a) The tcrms of thc council mcmbcrs shall bc for two (2) four ('I) y rs, or until a succcscor
cicction, at a spccial mccting of thc city council to bc hcld for thc purposc of sw aring in such
ncwly cicctcd officials. If a rcgular city council mccting is to bc hcld thc Monday following thc
cicction, thc ncwly cicctcd officials shall bc sworn in at thc conclusion of such rcgular mccting.
(Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -03, 4, 1- 27 -93)
2.03 Elections and Terms.
(a) Election of Three (3) Council Members. Three (3) council members shall be elected
in 2011 at the time of the general election in November. Council members elected in 2011
shall serve until their successors are sworn in after the general election in November, 2014.
Three (3) council members shall be elected in 2014 and every four years thereafter at the time
of the general election in November.
(b) Election of Two (2) Council Members. Two (2) council members shall be elected in
2012 and every four years thereafter at the time of the general election in November.
(c) Term limits. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter, effective with the
terms of council members scheduled to commence November 2011, no person shall be
elected as a council member for more than two (2) consecutive terms. Neither service as a
council member prior to the terms scheduled to commence in November 2011, nor service of a
partial term subsequent to November 2011 shall be considered in applying the term limitation
provision of this section.
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 at least
seven (7) days following the general election.
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. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord.
No. 0- 93 -02, 1, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 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
spccial 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
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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. 0- 91 -30, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -03, 5, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 99 -23, 1, 11 -3 -99,
election of 3- 14 -00; Ord. No. 0- 06 -10, 1, 10- 11 -06; Ord. No. 0- 06 -11, 2, 10- 11 -06)
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. 0- 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:
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(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.
qualifications of council mcmbcr to occupy such officc until thc arlicr of (1) thc coating of a
AK
whcrc thc qualifying period for sacking cicction for council mcmbcrs has not cxpircd, or (2) for
thc rcmaindcr of thc uncxpircd tcrm of thc council officc in which thc vacancy cxists. In thc
cvcnt a succc "sor is to bc cicctcd for thc uncxpircd tcrm, thc candidates shall run cpccifically
Howcvcr, if thcrc is no gcncral cicction within a six month period of thc occurrcncc of the
vacancy and thc uncxpircd tcrm for thc vacant scat cxcccds six months, a spacial cicction shall
bc hcld with all duc hastc to cicct a succcssor, and thc appointcc shall scrvc until thc succcssor
is s atcd at thc first rcgular mccting of thc council following ccrtification of thc cicction results.
(c) Filling Vacancies. Any vacancy in the office of council member shall be filled by
majority vote of the remaining council members within thirty (30) days. 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. 11
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 by election, and the
candidates shall run specifically for that seat on the council.
(Ord. No. 0- 88 -43, 2, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 91 -30, 2, 1 -8 -92;
Ord. No. 0- 93 -02, 2, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 99 -24, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00)
Editor's note: Section 1 of Ord. No. 0- 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. 0 -78 -9 on October 9, 1978.
Sec. 2.09. Judge of qualifications.
The city council shall bc thc judgc of thc cicction and qualifications of its mcmbcrs and of
thc grounds for forfciturc of thcir officc and for that purposc shall havc powcr to subpocna
witnc -ccs, administcr oaths and rcquirc thc production of cvidcncc. Upon thc filing by a sitting
mcmbcr of council of a writtcn chargc that a mcmbcr has committcd conduct violating scction
2.08(b), thc city council must votc whcthcr said chargc would, if provcd, constitutc a violation
with conduct constituting grounds for forfciturc of his /hcr officc shall bc cntiticd to a public
gcncral circulation in thc city at I ast one (1) wcck in advancc of thc hcaring. Dccisions madc by
thc city council undcr this scction shall be subjcct to rcvicw by thc courts. (Ord. No. 0- 88 -43,
3, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 99 -25, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00)
8
Editor's note: Section 3 of Ord. No. 0- 88 -43, adopted January 11, 1989, renumbered 2.10
as 2.09.
2.09 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.
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. 0- 88 -43, 4, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 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. Any percon who fails or rcfuccs to
obcy a lawful ordcr issucd in thc cxcrcicc of thcsc powcrs by thc city council shall be guilty of a
mic dcmc nor
(Ord. No. 0- 88 -43, 8, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92)
Editor's note: Sections 5 -7 of Ord. No. 0- 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. 0 -78 -9. Sections 2.14 -2.19 of the Charter
were renumbered as 2.11- -2.16 by 8 -13 of Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 9, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 91 -30, 3, 1 -8 -92;
Ord. No. 0- 93 -02, 3, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 99 -26, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00; Ord. No. 0-
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. 0- 88 -43, 10, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92)
Editor's note: See the editor's note following 2.11.
State law references: 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. 0- 88 -43, 11, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 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
10
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. 0- 88 -43, 12, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 13, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 91 -30, 4, 1 -8 -92;
Ord. No. 0- 99 -27, 1, 11 -3 -99)
Editor's note: See the editor's note following 2.11.
ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATION AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS*
*Editor's note: Section 14 of Ord. No. 0- 88 -89, adopted January 11, 1989, repealed former
Art. 111, which contained 3.01 -3.05, and enacted a new article 111 to read as set out herein.
The repealed article pertained to similar provisions and derived from the Charter adopted by
Ord. No. 0 -78 -9 on October 19, 1978.
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 3.01. Creation.
The city manager, city clerk and city attorney are designated Charter officers.
(Ord. No. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -02, 4, 1- 27 -93;
Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92)
11
Sec. 3.03. Removal of Charter officers.
(a) Any Charter officer may be removed from office for causc, with or without cause
by a majority vote of the entire city council.
(b) In thc cvcnt that one or morc council mcmbcrs bclicvcs that causc cxists for thc rcmoval of
a Chartcr officcr, such council mcmbcrs shall prescnt writtcn chargcs to thc cntirc city council at
a rcgularly schcdulcd mccting for discussion. Thc city council may, by a votc at I act thrcc (3)
basis cxists for bclicving thc violation occurrcd, formally chargc thc namcd Chartcr officcr with
misconduct and immcdiatcly suspcnd such Chartc
and thc spccific chargcs of misconduct shall be scrvcd upon thc affcctcd Chartcr officcr in
thc affcctcd Chartcr officcr. Thc suspcndcd Chartcr officcr shall havc thc right to a h aring
period of timc in ordcr to prcparc for such h aring. At thc conclusion of thc h wring, thc
council mcmbcrs that causc cxists to support such rcmoval. In thc cvcnt that at (cast thrcc (3)
council mcmbcrs do not find that causc cxists for rcmoval, thc suspcndcd Chartcr officcr shall
hn immnrJi' +nki rnirir +•-i+nrJ +n hir' nr hnr rh•r +nr nffinn
(Ord. No. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -02, 5, 1- 27 -93;
Ord. No. 0- 99 -28, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00; Ord. No. 0- 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.
12
(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. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 91 -30, 5, 1 -8 -92;
Ord. No. 0- 99 -23, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00; Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92)
DIVISION 2. POLICE DEPARTMENT
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. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 06 -15, 1, 12- 13 -06)
Sec. 3.07. Reserved.
Editor's note: Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 14,
adopted Jan. 1, 1989.
Sec. 3.08. Reserved.
Editor's note: Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 14, adopted
Jan. 1, 1989 and Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 88 -43, 14, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 06 -16, 1, 10 -11-
06)
13
ARTICLE IV. ELECTIONS*
*State law references: Electors and elections, F.S. ch. 97 et seq.
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. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -04, 1, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 99 -31, 1, 11 -3 -99,
election of 3- 14 -00; Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 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. 0- 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. 0- 91 -29, 1, adopted January 8, 1992. Ord.
No. 0- 93 -04, 3, adopted January 27, 1993, repealed this section in its entirety.
Sec. 4.07. Reserved. Elcctions- -how arrangcd; inspcctors and cicrks.
The city council, in conjunction with thc city cicrk, shall makc all nccc Cary arrangcmcnts
for holding all city cicctions and shall dcclarc thc rccults thcrcof. Prior to thc qualifying datcs
providcd hcrcin [t]hc city council shall adopt a resolution calling any such cicction, stating
14
to bc decided, and shall cause thc notice of thc cicction to be published in accordancc with
Florida law.
(Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92; Ord. No. 0- 93 -04, 4, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 06 -17, 3, 10 -11-
06)
Sec. 4.08. Same -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.
(c) Thc city council shall hold a special mccting on thc first Monday following thc cicction for thc
purpose of receiving thc certificate of thc county canvassing board of thc returns for Indian River
County, Florida, or thc city canvassing board, as thc case may bc. Thc city council shall then
MN
oath of officc required to bc administered to thc newly cicctcd council mcmbcrs shall bc
newly cicctcd council mcmbcrs arc in attcndancc.
(Ord. No. 0- 93 -04, 5, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 99 -32, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00)
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. 0- 93 -04, 6, 1- 27 -93)
Sec. 4.10. Reserved.
Editor's note: Ord. No. 0- 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. 0- 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 cicction bctwccn thc tied candidatcs to bc held no later than thirty (30) days after the
results of thc initial cicction arc declared by city council. lot in accordance with Florida law.
15
(Ord. No. 0 -84 -3, 1, 2 -1 -84; Ord. No. 0- 88 -44, 1, 1- 11 -89; Ord. No. 0- 91 -29, 1, 1 -8 -92;
Ord. No. 0- 93 -04, 7, 1- 27 -93; Ord. No. 0- 98 -19, 1, 11- 18 -98; Ord. No. 0- 99 -33, 1, 11 -3-
99, election of 3- 14 -00)
Editor's note: Ord. No. 0- 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.
No candidatc shall violatc thc provisions of Florida Statutcs Chaptcr 104, (thc Florida
provisions shall disqualify such candidatc from holding officc, if cicctcd, and thc percon
rccciving thc majority of thc votcs cast, obscrving thc forcgoing conditions, shall be cntiticd to
thc officc.
Any sitting mcmbcr of council or candidatc thcrcforc may filc a writtcn chargc with thc city
cicrk, prior to opcning of thc mccting in which thc cicction results arc dcclarcd, that spccifics an
AI AI AI
the proccdures of ccction 2.00 apply. Upon a finding by a majority votc of the wholc council that
from holding officc, and thc percon rccciving the majority of thc votcs cast, obscrving thc
(Ord. No. 0 09 34, 1, 11 3 09, cicction of 3 14 00)
Statc law rcfcrcnccs: Elcction violations, F. S. ch. 104; candidatcs, F.S. ch. 106; Codc of
ethics for public officcrs and cmployccs, F.S. 112.311 ct ccq.
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. 0- 99 -35, 1, 11 -3 -99, election of 3- 14 -00)
State law references: Emergency continuity of government, F.S. ch. 22.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL PROVISIONS
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. 0- 93 -02, 7, 1- 27 -93)
Sec. 5.02. Effective date.
This Charter shall take effect January 1, 1979.
16
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. 0- 98 -13, 1, 10- 14 -98; Ord. No. 0- 06 -18, 1, 10- 11 -06)
Editor's note: Ord. No. 0- 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.
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. 0- 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.
17