City commission removes 'commissions' language from boards ordinance and adopts amendment

Daytona Beach Shores commissioners amended and adopted Ordinance 2025-18 on second reading on Dec. 2, removing the word "commissions" from the city code language governing appointed boards and committees. Attorney Waters read the ordinance's short title before discussion and Commissioner Steven Dembinsky (as referenced in petition material) and others reviewed the proposed change; Commissioner Thomas moved to amend the ordinance to remove the word, citing concern that residents might confuse the term "commissions" with the elected legislative body. The motion was seconded and the amendment passed 4–0, after which the ordinance was adopted on second reading, 4–0.

The ordinance as presented updates section 2-8 of the city code and section 14-62 of the land development code, addressing appointment procedures, findings, and implementation responsibilities for city-appointed boards, commissions and committees. Attorney Waters confirmed the change could be made on second reading and staff drafted the amendment to remove potentially confusing plural language. Mayor and commissioners praised city legal staff for preparing clear language.

By adopting the amendment, the commission directed clerical corrections to the code language and confirmed that appointments and administrative implementation will follow the revised text. The action resolved the item on the agenda without public speakers; one petitioner who had signed up to speak on related matters, Lonnie Groot, was not present.

The ordinance amendment is effective according to the codification section included in the ordinance. The commission did not specify further implementation tasks beyond the codification and clerical corrections that were discussed during the reading.