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Palmetto Bay council forwards six CRC charter proposals to November ballot, rejects two
Summary
After dividing and debating proposals from the Charter Revision Commission, the council approved six of eight proposed charter amendments for placement on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot (including provisions on public speaker disclosures, limits on certain property transactions, an aspiration to pursue USDA property for public use, single‑member council districts, modified term‑limit waiting period, and mobility/sidewalk requirements). Two proposals failed.
The Village Council on July 6 voted to forward six charter amendment proposals to the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot, and rejected two, following hours of review, amendments and procedural questions involving the supervisor of elections.
Attorney John Quick and staff read the CRC-proposed amendments and ballot language. After the council divided some questions for individual votes and accepted a drafting change requested by the county supervisor of elections, the council approved the following actions:
- Proposal 1 (public speakers/home address disclosure and written comments): Passed. - Proposal 2 (sale/lease/conveyance of village property): Passed with amendment — the charter will require voter approval for conveyance/sale/lease except for leases of 3 years or less (the CRC had proposed a different threshold). - Proposal 3 (priority to consider acquisition of USDA property if available for park/open space): Passed. - Proposal 4 (establish single‑member districts for council seats 1,2,3 with at‑large mayor and vice mayor): Passed. - Proposal 5 (term‑limit waiting period): Passed with amendment — a 4‑year waiting period (reduced from proposed 8 years) before a former official may again run for the same office; the amendment does not apply to incumbents on Nov. 2, 2026. - Proposal 6 (limiting elected‑official reimbursements to actual expenses): Failed. - Proposal 7 (allow CRC to place proposals directly on ballot without council oversight): Failed after concerns about the county supervisor of elections' constitutional role; the council accepted language directing CRC proposals to the supervisor for placement requests but retained council authority to forward alternative proposals. - Proposal 8 (require pedestrian/bicycle/golf‑cart facilities and create dedicated transportation fund unless waived by 4 council votes with written findings): Passed.
The council then approved a single omnibus resolution (14c) forwarding the approved packages, as amended, to the Supervisor of Elections for ballot placement. The final omnibus vote was 4–1 in favor. Several councilmembers emphasized that voters will have the final say in November.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate with the Miami‑Dade Supervisor of Elections to place approved questions on the Nov. 3 ballot and finalize required ballot language and notices.
