Port Richey City Council elects Chris Mayer vice mayor; swears in two council members

At an organizational meeting of the Port Richey City Council, council members administered the oath of office to two members and elected Councilman Chris Mayer vice mayor by voice vote. The council also completed a roll call and adjourned the meeting.

The swearing-in included Councilwoman Lisa Burke and Councilman Chris Mayer. The oath recited references to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida were administered by the clerk prior to the council proceeding to nominations for vice mayor. Mayor John Eric Hoover and city staff were present for the ceremony.

During the organization item to elect a vice mayor, a motion to nominate Councilman David Mueller as vice mayor was made and seconded but did not carry after a voice vote; the presiding officer declared that motion defeated. Council members then nominated Councilman Chris Mayer; that nomination was seconded and carried by voice vote. The meeting record reflects voice votes of “aye” and “nay” but does not record individual roll-call votes by name in the transcript excerpt.

Roll call earlier in the meeting named Mayor John Eric Hoover, Councilman David Mueller, Councilman Robert Hubbard and Councilwoman Lisa Burke as present; City Attorney Nancy Meyer and City Manager Matthew Koeffler were also noted as present. The clerk (identified in the record as Ashley) administered the oaths and handled signatures for the sworn members.

The council briefly invited public comment on the vice mayor nominations; none was offered. With the vice mayor position filled, the mayor and council concluded comments and moved to adjourn the organization meeting.