Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 21-R68, A Resolution Calling for a Special Election to fill the Mayor’s Seat, setting Election Dates and setting a Qualifying Period.
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Submitted By: James D. Stokes, City Attorney
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): Pursuant to the City’s Charter and the principles of good government, the vacancy in the Mayor’s Seat must be filled by a Special Election.
Presentation Information: The City Attorney and City Clerk are available to answer questions as needed.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council adopt the Resolution and direct the City Clerk to work with the Supervisor of Elections in the scheduling and administration of a Special Election.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and adopt the resolution.
2. Move that the Council not adopt the resolution and provide direction.
Background: The Mayor has submitted a Letter of Resignation which will take effect at midnight on June 30, 2021. Pursuant to the City Charter, the Florida Elections Code, and the principles of good government, the Mayor’s Seat needs to be filled by a Special Election. In the event more than two individuals qualify to run for Mayor, a Special Primary Election will also be necessary. After consultation between the City Attorney’s Office, the City Clerk’s Office, the Supervisor of Elections’ Office and the Secretary of State, Division of Elections’ Office, a schedule has been proposed which provides for a Qualifying Period from noon on Monday, July 12, 2021 through noon on Friday, July 16, 2021; with a Special Election on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 and, if needed, a Special General Election on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The cost of this election shall be borne by the City of Port St. Lucie.
Issues/Analysis: See attached memorandum from the City Attorney.
Financial Information: The cost of a Special Election is estimated between $220,000 and $320,000 per election, dependent upon options selected by the Council. The Supervisor of Elections has stated that this is an estimate and that the City will only be responsible for actual costs associated with this Special Election.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Citywide.
Attachments:
• Resolution
• City Attorney Memorandum
• Supervisor of Elections Letter & Cost Estimate
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 6701
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by James D. Stokes, City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.