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Apopka commission approves first reading of charter amendments and adds public‑comment question for Sept. 2 special election
Summary
On first reading the commission approved putting multiple charter changes on a special election ballot, including a switch to a council‑manager form, renaming the governing body, term‑limit changes (revised to two consecutive terms), and a proposed requirement for a public comment period before decision items.
The Apopka City Commission voted on April 16 to advance a slate of proposed charter amendments to the voters and to add a separate ballot question clarifying when general public comment must occur during meetings.
City Attorney Cliff Shepherd walked commissioners through Ordinance No. 3,072 on first reading and explained each proposed amendment. The package as revised for second reading would include a question to change the form of government from a strong mayor (mayor‑council) to a council‑manager model with a 120‑day transition, a change of terminology from "council" to "commission," clarification that the city clerk’s role in qualifying candidates is ministerial, scheduled city elections in March, a term‑limits provision (the commission agreed to change the draft from three consecutive terms to two), an at‑will employment clarification, and a proposal to have the city clerk and city attorney appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commission.
Members debated practical implications: Commissioner questions focused on mayoral salary during a transition, whether term limits should be two or three terms, and how public comment should be timed to prioritize resident participation. Several members of the public urged two‑term limits and asked for single‑member districts; staff said districting would require a consultant, data and public process and could not be completed before second reading.
The attorney also proposed a drafted addition to article 2.08 to require a general public comment period before decision items on the agenda, which commissioners agreed to include as an eighth ballot question for the second reading. The commission directed staff to finalize language and to provide materials and outreach before the Sept. 2 special election; the first reading motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will publish the final ballot language before second reading, confirm deadlines for ballot printing and election notice, and prepare outreach and explanatory materials for voters ahead of the special election.
