TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Charter Review Advisory Board Recommendation Memorandum for Charter Officer Residency and Commission and Staff Interaction.
Recommended Action
I move to direct the City Attorney to draft a referendum question(s) utilizing the language recommended by the Charter Review Advisory Board to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
City Commission Options
Option 1: I move to direct the City Attorney to draft a referendum question(s) utilizing the language recommended by the Charter Review Advisory Board to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
• Pro: Advances the Charter Review Advisory Board’s recommendation in its current form, allowing the City Commission to review a formal referendum question that expands the eligible applicant pool while preserving the Commission’s ability to impose stricter requirements through employment Contracts.
• Con: Moving forward with the Board’s recommended language may limit the opportunity for the City Commission to refine the residency framework before a referendum question is drafted.
Option 2: I move to direct the City Attorney to draft the following referendum question(s) utilizing the following language: (Insert language) to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
• Pro: Allows the City Commission to tailor the proposed Charter amendment language before legal drafting, ensuring the referendum question reflects the Commission’s preferred policy direction.
• Con: Modifying the recommended language may require additional discussion and could delay the process if the Commission does not reach consensus on the alternative language.
Option 3: I move to decline further action at this time and direct the City Clerk to notify the Charter Review Advisory Board.
• Pro: Maintains the existing City-only residency requirement and avoids placing a Charter amendment before the voters if the Commission determines the current standard remains appropriate.
• Con: Declining further action would leave the current residency restriction in place, which may continue to limit the pool of qualified Charter Officer candidates.
Background Information
During the Charter Review Advisory Board Meeting held on June 17, 2026, the Board unanimously passed two recommendations aimed at modifying the Charter. The Board recommended the following City Commission actions:
• Expand Charter Officer residency from the City to Sarasota County and certain contiguous Counties.
• Explore requiring the City Commission to communicate with staff under the City Manager through the City Manager, except for inquiries or information.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Memorandum
Prepared by: Matt Powell, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Department Director: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk