Please place on the December 14, 2022 agenda a referral to the Charter Review Task Force to consider whether the City Charter should be amended to include a “non-interference” clause that would prohibit individual Elected Officials, including the Mayor and Commissioner, from giving any orders to the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and their respective staffs.

I served on the last Charter Review Task Force when it was convened nearly ten (10) years ago, and at that time, I recommended that the City consider a non-interference clause similar to that adopted by many jurisdictions throughout South Florida. 

In his November 15, 2022 Report relating to the Indian Creek Stormwater Drainage Project (OIG No. 21-15), the Inspector General recommended that the City adopt a charter amendment to protect the City from undue political pressure and other instances of interference on the part of Elected Officials.  A copy of the portions of the Report with excerpts of sample “non-interference” clauses from other jurisdictions is attached hereto. 

In addition to my request that this matter be vetted by the Charter Review Task Force, I have asked the City Attorney to research whether similar “non-interference” legislation could be developed as part of the City Code.  If appropriate, I would like to adopt legislation on this issue as soon as possible so as to not have to wait for a voter referendum for my proposal to be implemented.