TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding North Port City Charter, Section 5.02 and City of North Port Personnel Policy Manual, Section 6.8.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Confirm that there is not a conflict between the North Port City Charter, Section 5.02 and City of North Port Personnel Policy Manual, Section 6.8, regarding the City Manager’s duties and authority as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Confirm that there is not a conflict between the North Port City Charter, Section 5.02 and City of North Port Personnel Policy Manual, Section 6.8, regarding the City Manager’s duties and authority as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.
• Pros: Ensures adherence to legal standards and operational norms by affirming that the City’s Personnel Policy Manual aligns not only with the City Charter, but also incorporates widely accepted best practices, including a non-interference clause that safeguards the City Manager’s role as Chief Administrative Officer.
• Cons: Limits the City Commission’s direct engagement with staff.
Option 2: Confirm that there is a conflict between the North Port City Charter, Section 5.02 and City of North Port Personnel Policy Manual, Section 6.8, regarding the City Manager’s duties and authority as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.
• Pros: Clarifies the City Commission’s non-acceptance of the City Charter.
• Cons: Failure to adhere to the City Charter is unlawful.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025, the City Commission directed the City Attorney to seek outside legal opinion to obtain a formal opinion in regard to the Charter and Policy 6.8 to determine if there are conflicts and report back to Commission for possible further action.
Pursuant to the Commission’s directive, the City Attorney’s Office procured the legal services of the law firm of GrayRobinson, P.A. Please refer to the attachment to this agenda item titled “Memorandum; To: Michael Fuino; City Attorney; From: Nikki Day, B.C.S., Board Certified Expert in City, County & Local Government Law; Date: November 19, 2025; Subject: City Matter No. 3023 - Analysis of City Charter Section 5.02 and Administrative Personnel Policy 6.8.”
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Memorandum
2. Charter Section 5.02
3. Personnel Policy 6.8
Prepared by: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager