Sarasota City committee elects Bill Waddell chair, Ken Sheelan vice chair; members press for clearer scope and stronger facilitation

A City of Sarasota-appointed committee elected Member Bill Waddell as chair and Member Ken Sheelan as vice chair during its meeting, and members pressed for clearer scope, stronger facilitation between meetings and formal conflict-of-interest guidance.

The committee voted to elect Waddell after nominations for the chair position, and then nominated and approved Sheelan as vice chair. Member Melissa Laughlin declined a nomination citing temporary health issues; Member Elena Paul said she would support Waddell and suggested the vice chair could help manage speaking time during meetings.

Members said pace and facilitation have been recurring concerns. Member Sarah Lyons told the group it is “critical” to clarify committee scope, timeline and goals so the public understands what the committee is working toward. Multiple members argued the chair and staff facilitator should work between meetings to set tightly framed agendas and to solicit and consolidate member input.

Several members also raised the appearance of conflicts of interest among committee participants who are involved in downtown development projects. The group agreed members should consult the city attorney when potential conflicts arise to ensure clarity and a public record.

The committee agreed informally to adopt more proactive facilitation and to aim for concise meeting agendas; members asked staff to return with a clear summary of the committee’s responsibilities, drawn from the committee’s authorizing resolution, to be discussed at the next meeting.

Quotes in this report come from participants listed in the meeting record. Member Melissa Laughlin declined nomination, saying, “I at this time I cannot accept it,” and after his election, Member Bill Waddell said, “I’ll do my best.”