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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-30-2025 VC SP-MPresent: MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 30, 2025 Deborah Searcy, Mayor Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor Susan Bickel, Councilmember Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Absent: Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor Kristin Garrison, President Pro Tem ROLL CALL Mayor Searcy called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. All members of Council were present except for Vice Mayor Interlandi and President Pro Tem Garrison. All members of staff were present. COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS Mayor Searcy announced Councilmember Kristin Garrison's resignation and stated that due to the resignation there would be a vacancy on Council. Mayor Searcy stated that although she did not know the reason for the resignation, she asked everyone to keep Mrs. Garrison in their thoughts and prayers and to send their love and best wishes. RESOLUTION 2025-63— ANNOUNCING VILLAGE SPECIAL ELECTION A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-63 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, DECLARING A VACANCY ON THE VILLAGE COUNCIL AND ANNOUNCING THE DATE OF THE VILLAGE SPECIAL ELECTION AND RUN OFF ELECTION, IF NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR A QUALIFYING PERIOD; REQUESTING THAT THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS CONDUCT THE ELECTION; AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS TO CERTIFY THE ACCURACY OF THE TABULATION EQUIPMENT AND HANDLE, CERTIFY, AND CANVASS ALL BALLOTS, INCLUDING ABSENTEE BALLOTS; DESIGNATING THE CANVASSING BOARD; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin explained that due to the resignation of Councilmember Kristin Garrison the remaining Council was required to formally announce the vacancy. Additionally, because there were more than six months remaining in the unexpired term and no regular Village election was scheduled within six months, the Charter requires that the Village Council schedule a Special Election not sooner than 60 days nor more than 90 days following the occurrence of the vacancy to fill the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term which expires in March 2027. Minutes of Village Council Special Session held December 30, 2025 Page 2 of 2 RESOLUTION 2025-63— ANNOUNCING VILLAGE SPECIAL ELECTION Mr. Rubin explained that there was a General Election scheduled on March 24, 2026 for the District 87 Florida State House seat formerly held by Mike Caruso and that the Supervisor of Elections had informed the Village that it can conduct its Special Election concurrently with the General Election since the entire Village is located within the geographic boundaries of District 87. Mr. Rubin explained that the Village Code prescribes the qualifying period for a Special Election during the ten days ending three weeks before the Special Election which in this case the Village cannot meet since the Supervisor of Elections will need the names of the candidates by January 15, 2026. Therefore, in order to meet the overall intent of the Village Code, staff is recommending a qualifying period beginning on January 5th and ending on January 15t. Mayor Searcy asked if there were any public comments. There being no public comment, Mayor Searcy asked for Council discussion. Councilmember Bickel recommended appointing an interim Councilmember until someone is elected to the Group 4 seat. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding next steps. Councilmember Bickel recommended heavily advertising the Special Election and qualifying period on social media outlets in case there were any residents who want to be a part of the election process. Councilmember Bickel recommended that Mr. Huff reach out to former Councilmembers who may be interested in serving for the interim position. Councilmember Bickel also recommended that the interested party be a person that was not intending to run in the election. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-63 passed with all present voting aye. The Council wished everyone a Happy New Year! Mayor Searcy thanked the Police Department for keeping the Village safe, all Public Works Department employees for keeping the Village clean and all Village staff for their hard work over the holidays. ADJOURNMENT With no r business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 4:11 p.m. ca Green, MMC, Village Clerk