SEBASTIAN — The Sebastian City Council Wednesday night unanimously put an end to term limits on its various citizen-driven advisory boards, commissions and committees, despite concern from at least one speaker who said revoking term limits would stifle public involvement.
The council approved the policy change following two public hearings, during which Sebastian resident and businessman Damien Gilliams raised the issue of public participation.
Prior to the change, committee, board and commission members were limited to two consecutive terms or six years before having to step down and take a break from that particular board.
“It’s very discouraging,” Gilliams said of the council’s move to remove the term limits.
He said that, without term limits, it’s possible that council members could continue to reappoint certain people and not give others a chance.
He warned that the public would notice exactly that and stop applying for various citizen boards.
Gilliams recommended that the council create a lottery system to ensure the public’s equal opportunity to participate in the city government.
Council members disagreed with Gilliams’ assessment of the potential impact to the policy.
“We’ve had a really good last few years,” newly re-appointed Mayor Jim Hill said, explaining that they have been getting volunteers and been able to find boards for them. “I’m really happy with (this) system.”
Councilwoman Andrea Coy agreed.
“I’m trying very hard” to think of any applicant who was not given a spot on a board, Coy said. “I’m not thinking of anyone who has been turned away.”
Councilman Richard Gillmor said that, so long as the applicants are flexible, they have a much better chance to find a spot on a board on which to serve.
In other Sebastian City Council news, council members Coy, Don Wright and Bob McPartlan were sworn in following the Nov. 8 municipal election.
The newly formed council re-appointed Hill to the mayor’s post and Wright to vice mayor.
“I very much appreciate” being able to serve again as mayor, Hill said, adding that he would do his best to represent the city. “I do appreciate your support.”
The council also presented former Sebastian City Councilman Eugene Wolff for his service on the Sebastian City Council.
“Sebastian is a better place because you served us,” Hill told Wolff during the presentation.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you all,” Wolff said in response. “I have been overwhelmed by the cards and letters.”
