04-21-2008
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
Charter Review Committee
Monday, April 21, 2008
City Hall Conference Room
Minutes
2:30 p.m.
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Lott called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m in the City Hall Conference Room, 104 N. Riverside
Drive, Edgewater FL.
2. ROLL CALL
Members present were Scott Brown, Pat Card, Ferd Heeb, Bob Lott, Bob McIntosh, Paralegal Robin
Matusick and City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel.
2. CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF ELECTION CHANGES
a. Supervisor of Elections - Ann McFall
Chairman Lott asked Ms. McFall what the other cities were doing. Ms. McFall provided an update on the
other cities; she stated that at this point eight cities were going to even numbered years. Chairman Lott
stated our next election was scheduled for 2009; it would be hard to roll it back to 2008 because there would
be a reduction in terms. Ms. McFall stated you would add to the terms.
Mr. Heeb asked about run-offs. Ms. McFall stated they fall under Florida Statutes, if a Charter were
specific on elections it would supercede the Statutes.
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Mr. Heeb asked about the canvassing board and how the 1 % audit would affect Edgewater. Ms. McFall
stated Edgewater currently has its own canvassing board. Paralegal Matusick stated the changes to the
canvassing board could be made by Resolution or Ordinance. Mr. Heeb then asked how it would help it
Edgewater used the County canvassing board. Ms. McFall stated then it would be like one election,
however all cities should be involved and very few want to use the County canvassing board. Mr. Heeb
stated if we opt out we would have to go through the audit. Ms. McFall stated the audit must be completed
by day seven after the certification of the election. Mr. Card stated the definition of audit was very general,
the law does not provide specifics as to what has to be recorded. Ms. McFall stated she is actually on a
Committee working on that very item. Mr. Heeb thought it made sense to assign it to the County canvassing
board. Acting City Manager Barlow stated the only way we could do that is if all cities do the same. Ms.
McFall stated if you went to odd numbered years all cities would have to utilize the County canvassing
board.
Mr. Heeb stated you could not shorten the existing terms; you would either extend all terms by one year or
reduce the next term. Chairman Lott stated it would be cleaner to extend the terms. Acting City Manger
Barlow stated some people might not want their term extended. Mr. Card stated then they could resign and
we would have a special election. Chairman Lott stated they have to look at what is best for the City.
Acting City Manager Barlow introduced Assistant City Attorney Michael Ciocchetti.
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Mr. Heeb asked if the 10 weeks on primary was a mandate. Ms. McFall stated at least eight weeks. Mr.
Heeb then stated that the Charter does not state when the primary should be held, he assumed it was in the
Florida Statutes, does the City primary change to meet the Statutes without any action by the City. Assistant
City Attorney Ciocchetti stated he assumed yes, but would have to look into the Ordinance. Mr. Heeb stated
if it says adopt Florida Statutes to include changes. Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti stated you could.
Mr. Heeb then stated then we could go to even numbered years, the V olusia County canvassing board, and
10 weeks for primary/general election. Ms. McFall stated that would be a lot easier.
M :\2008 Charter Review Commiltee\4-21-08 minutes.doc
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
Charter Review Committee
Monday, April 21,2008
City Hall Conference Room
Minutes
2:30 p.m.
There was discussion regarding the cost savings to the City by holding elections in even numbered years.
Ms. McFall stated the savings to the City would be 12-15 thousand dollars. By going to even numbered
years the cost for the City would be zero. Chairman Lott stated economically and philosophically it makes
sense to go to even numbered years. Mr. Heeb stated that their job is to recommend changes.
b. City Attorney - Michael Ciocchetti
Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti stated he received two questions from the Committee on Friday, but did
not have time to research them.
Mr. Heeb asked about the Ordinance adopting 95-462. Paralegal Matusick stated the City Clerk would
research that Ordinance. Mr. Heeb then asked that the City Attorney read the Charter and see if there are
any legal issues regarding the primary date, using the County canvassing board and going to even numbered
years.
3. DISCUSSION OF ELECTION ISSUES
Chairman Lott asked if anyone spoke to Council. He then stated that he feels some people want to move on
with progress. He stated that the Committee needs to make their decisions based on the best interest of the
City. Chairman Lott stated it was easier to lengthen rather than shorten terms. Mr. Brown stated that
lengthening the terms looks cleaner. Acting City Manager Barlow stated there were many things to consider,
each member could do research and ideas back to the table.
Mr. Card asked what happens if this is voted on and fails. Chairman Lott stated the elections would remain
how they are now. He added that the public should be educated on the benefits of making the change.
Chairman Lott reminded everyone that the next meeting would be held on May 2, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. and he
would like to start drafting the changes.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Bonnie Wenzel, City Clerk
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