Special City Council - November 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM

City Council

Last Regular Meeting

November 22, 2022

The City Council of the City of Titusville, Florida met in special session in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 555 South Washington Avenue, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Mayor Diesel called the City Council meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. Present were Mayor Daniel E. Diesel, Vice-Mayor Robert L. Jordan, Jr., and City Council Members Jo Lynn Nelson, Joe C. Robinson, and Dr. Sarah Stoeckel. Also present were City Manager Scott Larese, City Attorney Richard Broome, and Assistant City Clerk Jolynn Donhoff, who completed the minutes of the meeting. 

Mayor Diesel requested a moment of silence. He then led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Assistant City Clerk Donhoff read the procedures for public comment and participation. 

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Minutes –

Motion:

Vice-Mayor Jordan moved to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meetings of October 11, 2022, October 25, 2022 (5:30 p.m.), October 25, 2022 (6:30 p.m.), and special City Council meeting on November 14, 2022, as submitted. Member Nelson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

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Resolution No. 25-2022 Canvassing the Returns of the November 8, 2022 General Election – Staff distributed a copy of the official election results from the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections. The City Charter and Section 7-5 of the Code of Ordinances provided for the canvassing of election returns. Pursuant to this section, the returns of the November 8, 2022 General Election would be transmitted to the City Council at this meeting via proposed Resolution No. 25-2022. 

Dwight Severs submitted a public speaking card. He read from a prepared statement that reviewed his request to uphold the November 8, 2022 election results for the Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment, his concerns, and involvement in joining the litigation.

Stan Johnston submitted a public speaking card. He also requested the City uphold the November 8, 2022 election results for the Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment.  He further commented on his concerns for the public’s health and clean water.

Motion:

Vice-Mayor Jordan moved to approve Resolution No. 25-2022, as written. Member Nelson seconded the motion for discussion.

Member Nelson and City Attorney Broome discussed her questions on the legal status of the Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment (an item on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot) and the information included in Resolution No. 25-2022. Legal questions were pending whether this charter amendment was unconstitutional or preempted by Florida Statutes. Details on these matters were outlined in proposed Resolution No. 25-2022.

Member Nelson’s advised that her second held. The roll call vote was:

       Member Robinson                  Yes

                                    Member Nelson                      Yes

                                    Mayor Diesel                          Yes

                                    Vice-Mayor Jordan                 Yes

                                    Member Stoeckel                    Yes

The motion carried unanimously. 

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Public Comment –

Stan Johnston advised the community voted in favor of the Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment. He also commented on his concerns on a prior sewer spill, the handling thereof, staff, etc.

Ron Swank commented on the work and difficulties involved with making decisions as a City Council Member. He commended and thanked Vice-Mayor Jordan on his service to the City. He also congratulated newly elected Council Members.

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Each Council Member expressed their deep respect, admiration, and appreciation for Vice-Mayor Jordan. Although they may not always agree with each other, Council respected each other and this professional decorum was important. It was noted that it was admired by other communities, too.

Newly elected Council Member-Elect Herman A. Cole commented on his admiration for Vice-Mayor Jordan, including his leadership.

Karen Jordan commented on her deep admiration, love, and respect for Vice-Mayor Jordan.

Mayor Diesel advised that Vice-Mayor Jordan demonstrated class and professionalism each and every day. He was proud to have worked with Vice-Mayor Jordan on the City Council.

Vice-Mayor Jordan read from a prepared statement that reflected and reviewed his feelings on serving on the City Council during the last four years, saying goodbye, and wishing the community well.  

Mayor Diesel presented a picture or artwork of the A. Max Brewer Causeway to Vice-Mayor Jordan.

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With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m.