It has been brought to my attention that there is some confusion about the Charter Amendments that are listed on the sample ballot that was sent out by the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office. The Jax Beach City Council held two readings on these amendments: the first on May 4, 2020 and the second on May 18, 2020. You can watch the Council’s discussion on the amendments in the videos below.
Summary of Referendum 1
This change would require a super-majority of Council (a minimum of 5 Council Members) to remove the City Manager. It currently requires a simple majority (a minimum of 4 Council Members).
Rationale: This is a very important decision impacting the operation and future of the City, and it should not be taken by a simple majority of Council Members.
Summary of Referendum 2
This change would require a super-majority of Council (a minimum of 5 Council Members) to remove the City Attorney. There is currently little language in the Charter regarding the City Attorney, since we only recently decided to hire one of our own. The previous attorney work via contract.
Rationale: This is a very important decision impacting the operation and future of the City, and it should not be taken by a simple majority of Council Members.
Summary of Referendum 3
This change establishes a procedure that should City Council decide in the future to contract out police services or Beaches Energy, the decision would then also need to be approved by the voters.
All other City departments only require a majority vote of Council to be combined, moved, or closed.
Rationale: In 2019, our Fire Services were contracted out in a 4-3 decision (Hoffman, Vogelsang, Doherty, and Nichols in support; Latham, Golding, and Dumont opposed). When the motion was made for this decision to go to the voters, it was opposed in a 4-3 vote (Hoffman, Vogelsang, Doherty, and Nichols opposed; Latham, Golding, and Dumont in support). This referendum guarantees citizens a voice in decisions of this magnitude.
Summary of Referendum 4
This change provides clarity that those in elected and appointed positions, shall not interfere with City employees’ job duties.
Rationale: While this is standard practice in government, there is no language in our Charter specifically stating this, and as a result situations have occurred.
If you have any questions or would like more information on why I proposed and support these amendments, please call me at 904.486.6865.