Apopka commission delays adoption of revamped rules after hours, agenda and appeal disputes

The City of Apopka Commission opened an extensive discussion on Aug. 5 over a proposed set of rules of procedure governing how the commission sets meeting agendas, calls special meetings and handles public comment. Mayor Nick Nesta led the item and said staff would redraft language after the meeting.

Residents and several commissioners pressed for clearer safeguards that would prevent a single mayoral office from indefinitely withholding a commissioner’s requested agenda item. One public speaker warned the mayor “You decide that you don't want it on the agenda…It don't go on the agenda,” and residents repeatedly urged a written timeline for placing commissioner‑requested items on future agendas. Commissioners also focused on special‑meeting notice: an initial draft required 24 hours’ notice for special meetings, and commissioners pressed to change that to “at minimum 3 days” to accommodate schedules. The mayor said staff would aim for a three‑day minimum while retaining some flexibility for emergencies.

Commissioners debated whether to incorporate a parliamentary authority such as Robert’s Rules of Order as a fallback. The city attorney cautioned that adopting Robert’s Rules wholesale can introduce complexity and recommended applying plain, clear rules instead. Several commissioners and members of the public called for an explicit appeal procedure for the presiding officer’s rulings. The item was tabled so staff can incorporate suggested edits and provide regulatory language and implementation details at the Aug. 19 meeting.

“Make sure that it gives us a little flexibility to make sure it’s being pumped out,” Mayor Nick Nesta said as he explained the intent behind the timeline language; the motion to table the item carried unanimously.