The council engaged in a detailed debate over the appointment and removal powers of the mayor, particularly relating to the positions of city clerk and city attorney. The potential changes to the language were considered in the context of a potential shift from a strong mayor-council system to a council-manager government structure, a move that would redefine the balance of power within the city.

Another topic was the enforcement of policies approved by the city council, especially the role of the city administrator. The council discussed the need for clear terminology, agreeing on the usage of “city manager” instead of “city administrator” for clarity. The potential for a recall of the city administrator and the mechanisms for enforcing the city charter were also examined, including the role of voters and the potential for legal action in cases of malfeasance.

The council further deliberated the impact of nonpartisan elections and the timing of elections. The discussion revealed differing opinions on whether to maintain the current March schedule for elections or to move them to November. The council weighed the potential costs and historical precedence against the benefits of higher voter turnout in November.

In addition to the timing of elections, the council examined the wording of the ballot question for the proposed change to a council-manager form of government and the subsequent implications on city ordinances and administrative roles. The need for clarity and uniformity in the language used throughout the charter was emphasized, with varying views on the terminology for addressing council members.

The proposed changes also extended to term limits for council members, with the possibility of implementing a three-term limit being discussed. There was recognition of the need for further discussion and drafting of the proposed changes, including revisiting the “strong mayor” document in response to concerns about current leadership.

The topic of voter engagement was notable, with council members debating ways to maintain interest in local elections amid historically low voter turnout. The conversation underscored the importance of community input and the analysis of the effects that changing the election schedule could have on voter participation.

Public comments were varied, with one speaker emphasizing the need for a clear mechanism for resolving disagreements within the city’s administrative framework. Another community member questioned voter eligibility criteria in Florida and the residency requirements for Apopka candidates. Suggestions from the public included the use of visual aids in city presentations and the consolidation of certain administrative roles.