CC Minutes 11/14/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CASSELBERR V CITY COMMISSION Minutes of November 14,2011 — Regular Meeting Page 18 of 23 Mayor Glancy stated she did not wish the City to incur the expense of a special election at this time, but felt community input was very important and there may be several parties interested in filling the seat. She suggested the possibility of an application and interview process with an opportunity for community input. She stated she felt it was very important to have a process in place before moving forward and invited input from each of the Commissioners as to what process they felt should be followed. Commissioner Solomon stated that according to the Charter it was the Commissioners' obligation to appoint someone to fill the vacant seat, and she felt it was in the best interests of the City that a decision be made quickly. She noted that the voters would be electing someone to permanently fill the seat in August. She added that she would prefer that a decision be made at tonight's meeting. Commissioner Solomon further stated that Mr. Anthony Aramendia had been a resident of Casselberry for seven years; was well known by most of the Commissioners; had served on several different advisory committees; was presently Vice Chairman ofthe Planning and Zoning Commission; and was an active member of Friends of the Park. She added that although there may be several people interested in the seat and who may be qualified, she felt Mr. Aramendia had put his heart and soul into the City and would be the best qualified person to fill the seat at this time. MOTION: Commissioner Solomon moved to appoint Mr. Anthony Aramendia to fill the vacant Commission seat resigned by Commissioner Doerner. Motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hufford. Discussion: Discussion ensued regarding options for the selection process and the qualifications for the person who should be appointed. Commissioner Hufford and Vice Mayor Miller also expressed support for the appointment of Mr. Aramendia due to his experience and dedication to the City. Audience Participation: The following individuals came forward to address the issue ofthe City Commission vacancy. 1. Mr. John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, stated he felt Mr. Aramendia would be a good choice, as he was very knowledgeable about the City. However, he felt an application and board appointment type process would be appropriate. 2. Mr. Nathan Van Meter, 134 North Lost Lake Lane, stated he was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and would be sorry to see Mr. Aramendia leave that board, but could think of no one else he'd rather see receive the appointment. 3. Mr. Paul McKernan, 530 Queens Mirror Circle, spoke favorably about Mr. Aramendia but was opposed to the Commission making an appointment tonight. He stated he was in favor of going through the election process even with the expense, or at least having some type of application or vetting process. 4. Ms. Sandra Simon, 601 Laurel Way, spoke in support of appointing Mr. Aramendia. 5. Mr. Richard Henderson, 127 Mark David Boulevard, expressed concerns about a decision being made on the same day the resignation took effect. He stated he felt the professional way to handle the appointment would be to use the 30 day period to have an application and review process, and then announce the appointment at the next Commission meeting. He added that he had nothing against Mr. Aramendia and he was possibly the most qualified person, but he felt that others who may be qualified should at least be acknowledged.