Sewall's Point commission to ask voters in November to make four changes to town charter

Keith Burbank, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read

SEWALL'S POINT — Three changes to the town charter and one interesting housekeeping item may go before voters in November.

The Town Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve the language of the amendments, but it still can change the wording before it formally goes on the ballot. The proposed changes include requiring commissioners and commission candidates to be registered qualified voters for at least a year.

The commission is proposing the changes to help run the town effectively rather than reacting to any past improprieties.

The "whole point is to make sure we don't get to that point," said Stephanie Nehme, a member of the town Charter Review Committee.

Other proposed changes

Another change would remove a commissioner from office if he/she were convicted of a felony; has three unexcused absences from regular commission meetings; or fails to meet the qualifications of office — such as the proposed residency requirement.

The third proposal would remove the mention of a Town Planning Board from the charter to avoid potential litigation. That was a recommendation by commissioners and town staff rather than the charter committee.

Commissioner James Campo is recognized for his service to the Sewall's Point community during his last town hall meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at 1 S. Sewalls Point Rd. "It's an honor to serve this community for nine plus years," said Campo. "And, truly it's the people and the influence that are derived from Sewall's Point that make this an exceptional village that mean the most to me." Mayor John Tompeck presented Campo with the proclamation of "Commissioner James W. Campo Day" to be Dec. 30th.

Currently, if a development project fails to go before the board and the commission rejects the project, the developer could sue the town because the project bypassed the board.

Sewall's Point may create an ad hoc planning board when necessary, which is the Charter Review Committee's recommendation. The town already pays for planning services, Nehme said.

The fourth proposed charter change involves revoking the town's power to license, regulate and tax wheelchairs and drays, which are low carts or wagons used for hauling heavy loads.

Nehme was unsure why Sewall's Point has a tax on wheelchairs, but it's no longer approproriate to have on the books, she said.

Reconsidering residency requirement

The approved language will now go to the Supervisor of Elections Office to be placed on the ballot, unless the commission reconsiders it. The commission still may reconsider the residency requirement for one.

"One year may be too short," said Vice Mayor Frank Fender III following public comment at Tuesday's meeting. "We should think about that."

More: Former Mayor Vinny Barile wins Sewall's Point Town Commission seat in special election

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The one-year residency requirement was a start, Commissioner Kaija Mayfield said.

"At least we're improving in that regard," she said.

Changes to the charter are also being made because the current language is vague, Nehme said, and town leaders want to clear it up. The review committee referred to charters in other cities, such as St. Augustine Beach, to help members decide what changes to propose for Sewall's Point, she said.

Keith Burbank is TCPalm's watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Sewall's Point voters to decide on changes to town charter