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DeBary Council approves creation of DeBary Foundation and names first chairman
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2025‑03 to create the DeBary Foundation, approved bylaws, set board eligibility, and appointed James W. Old as the foundation's first chairman; council agreed on a selection method for initial directors.
The City of DeBary City Council voted unanimously to form the DeBary Foundation, Inc., a Florida nonprofit that will solicit gifts and manage private contributions to support city projects, historic preservation and community programs, and to approve its bylaws.
The nut graf: The foundation will permit civic philanthropy — including donations of land and memorials — and is structured to keep city staff and elected officials from serving on the foundation board; the council also approved an initial governance and appointment plan and selected James W. Old as the foundation's first chairman.
City Manager Carmen Rosamondo described the foundation as a 501(c)(3) vehicle to “foster a sense of community, involvement, preservation of local history” and to enable private fundraising for parks, public art and other initiatives. Rosamondo said the bylaws require a seven‑member board with at least four DeBary residents; staff and city employees are prohibited from serving.
Councilmember Joseph Papalardo praised language added to Article 9 that allows the foundation to partner on property acquisition, while a later exchange clarified that the foundation may not compete with the city for the same purchase. Rosamondo said the foundation could receive donations of land to conserve parcels or prevent development and that the city clerk would maintain foundation records.
Following the bylaws vote, the council unanimously approved James W. Old to serve as the foundation's initial chairman. The council also agreed on a method to fill the initial six remaining board positions: each councilmember will nominate one member and the mayor will nominate two. Rosamondo walked council through a timeline: incorporate the nonprofit, obtain an EIN, open a bank account, then apply for 501(c)(3) status. Mayor Chasse offered $1,000 as seed money to enable incorporation and to open a bank account prior to receiving tax‑exempt status.
Ending: With the foundation approved and an initial chairman selected, the council directed staff to advertise openings for board members and to return with recommended appointments for council confirmation.
