At a glance: North Port charter review board approves minutes, 2025 schedule and narrows residency timing

The North Port Charter Review Board opened with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance and quickly moved through routine business.

The board approved the minutes after Speaker 3 moved and Speaker 2 seconded; the minutes were accepted by voice vote. The board then reviewed and adopted the proposed 2025 annual meeting schedule, agreeing on quarterly meetings. Speaker 4 noted that agendas must be posted at least 48 hours in advance but typically are posted a week ahead; the schedule was adopted 4–0.

On a separate agenda item, the board discussed a recommendation to the city commission to place a referendum on the May special election regarding residency requirements for the city attorney and city clerk (Ordinance 2024‑49). After debate the board voted 4–1 on a motion that would keep the policy framework but change the required move‑in period from one year to two years; Art was recorded as the sole vote opposed.

New member Ed James introduced himself to the board, said he and his fiancée have lived in North Port for 18 months and described his background in public policy and law. The board closed the meeting after confirming some items to be carried to future agendas and noting training would likely be on the next meeting agenda.

Votes and actions recorded at the meeting: the minutes were approved by voice vote; the 2025 meeting schedule was adopted 4–0; and the motion to extend the move‑in period to two years passed 4–1. The board instructed staff to forward applicable items to the city commission for any further action or ballot placement.