Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 21-R79, A Resolution Calling for a Special Election to fill Council seat for District Three.
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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 principals of good government, the vacancy in Council District Three 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 begin working 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 Vice Mayor, Shannon Martin, who holds the Council seat for District Three, has submitted a Resign-to-Run notice pursuant to Section 99.021, Florida Statute. Pursuant to the City Charter, the Florida Elections Code, and the principals of good government, this Council seat needs to be filled by a Special Election. In the event more than two individuals qualify to run for District Three, a Special Primary Election will also be necessary.
Issues/Analysis: While the City Charter provides a method for filling vacancies, it is largely preempted by the Florida Elections Code. Accordingly, the scheduling of this Special Election, once officially called for, will be determined by an Ordinance to be heard by Council.
Financial Information: The cost of running the District Three seat concurrently will be subsumed in the cost of the special election already necessary for the Mayor's seat.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Citywide.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the "Atta...
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