Punta Gorda Isles committee names Gary Wahlberg chair, Jeffrey D'Amico vice chair

Gary Wahlberg was made chair of the Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee by acclamation at the committee’s regular meeting. The committee also selected Jeffrey D’Amico as vice chair by acclamation and approved the Jan. 26 minutes by voice vote.

Scribe Welch, representing the city clerk’s office, opened nominations and reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the chair and vice chair, including one-year terms and a three-year consecutive-service limit. Jeffrey D’Amico nominated Ronald Ludwig for chair; Ludwig declined, and after additional nominations and declinations the committee moved to elect Gary Wahlberg in absentia. “Gary Wahlberg has been made chairman by acclamation,” Scribe Welch announced.

For vice chair, members nominated Jeffrey D’Amico. With no further nominations the committee confirmed him by acclamation. Earlier in the meeting Jake Dye moved to approve the Jan. 26 minutes and Ron Ludwig seconded; the committee recorded an “Aye” voice vote with no opposition and the motion passed.

The clerk’s office reminded members that the chair and vice chair may vote on motions unless a conflict of interest exists as defined by state statute, and that whoever is serving when minutes are approved should sign them.

The meeting included brief member comments; one long-serving member said this would be their final meeting and noted roughly nine years of service. The committee expects to reconvene on March 16.

Next steps: staff will notify newly elected officers and update committee records.