TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Direction Following the May 13, 2025, Special Election Results Regarding the Referendum Question Seeking to Change Residency Requirements for the City Attorney and City Clerk and to Move Forward With the Recruitment and Final Posting for the City Attorney.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible direction to move forward with the recruitment and final posting for the City Attorney.
Background Information
Ordinance 2024-49 was approved on second reading on January 28, 2025, which allowed the following referendum question to be placed on the May 13, 2025, North Port Special Election:
“The City Charter requires that the City Clerk and City Attorney establish residency in the City of North Port within one year of being hired and that each maintain residency in the City while in the position. Should the Charter be amended to remove the residency requirements for the City Clerk and City Attorney positions?”
The referendum question was not successful; therefore, the requested Charter amendment will not be completed. Currently, the City has a vacancy for City Attorney with Deputy City Attorney Michael Golen acting as Interim City Attorney. Options include continuing with Interim City Attorney Golen, and/or proceeding with a recruitment process to identify individuals that meet the City’s need for skills and training and the residency requirement.
Strategic Plan
Good Governance
Financial Impact
To be determined.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2024-49
Prepared by: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager