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Charter review board deletes contested section and adopts new notice, acting‑manager language
Summary
The Fort Lauderdale Charter Review Board voted to delete a contested charter provision and approved new language requiring longer notice for special meetings and allowing the city commission to override a city manager's temporary appointment.
The Fort Lauderdale Charter Review Board agreed at its meeting to remove section 3.04 from the draft charter and to approve several related revisions, including a 72‑hour notice rule for special meetings and new language allowing the city commission to designate an acting city manager if it objects to the city manager's temporary appointment.
The changes were presented by staff and discussed with board members and legal counsel as part of a larger conflict chart review of charter sections. Board members said the revisions were intended to align the draft charter with state law and county charter provisions and to clarify authority during short absences of the city manager.
Among the actions the board took, members voted to delete section 3.04 after the city attorney's office concluded the provision conflicted with other law. The board then approved an amendment to require at least 72 hours notice for special meetings and 24 hours for emergency meetings to match county guidance on reasonable notice. The board also approved a revision to section 4.06 that preserves the city manager's ability to designate an acting city manager during short absences while adding a provision that allows the city commission to designate a different acting manager if it is not satisfied with the manager's selection.
Board members and staff said the 72‑hour rule was proposed to bring the charter into closer agreement with Broward County notice practices and attorney general guidance that place reasonable notice for special meetings in the 24‑ to 72‑hour range. Legal counsel noted that the term "exempt" in personnel sections appears to refer to the charter's nonclassified service and recommended using consistent charter terminology.
The board recorded the motions and carried the measures by voice vote. Several other technical and cross‑reference edits were discussed and sent back to staff for drafting and coordination with section 6 (personnel) to ensure consistent terminology.
Board leaders said they will return revised language for further review at upcoming meetings and will include the changes in a memo for the city commission and other stakeholders.
