Islamorada: February 18th 2026 Charter Review Committee Meeting
Summary. The Islamorada Charter Review Committee met on February 18, 2026 to continue reviewing the village charter. The committee addressed two primary issues: whether to maintain the current seat-based election system versus adopting a five highest vote getters approach, and the length of council member terms. After discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of each system, including concerns about seat-switching manipulation, the committee voted 6-1 to maintain the current numbered seat system. Regarding term lengths, the committee heard public input favoring two-year terms but ultimately voted 6-1 to recommend three-year terms with a maximum of three terms (nine years total). However, when the issue of staggering terms came up, the committee failed to reach consensus, with a motion for unstaggered three-year terms failing 5-2. The committee will continue this discussion at their next meeting, with additional research from the Florida League of Cities on how other municipalities handle staggered term transitions.
Agenda Items
1. Roll Call
Committee roll call establishing quorum
- All seven members present
- Quorum established
2. Public Comment
Sue Miller provided general comments about charter review process
- Suggested reviewing other small South Florida community charters
- Explained importance of charter vs. regular regulations
- Discussed potential for super-majority requirements
- Raised concerns about three-year terms and odd-year elections
3. Approval of Minutes
Minutes from previous meeting approved unanimously
- Motion made and seconded
- Unanimous approval
4a. Seats vs. Five Highest Vote Getters Discussion
Committee discussed maintaining current numbered seat system versus adopting at-large five highest vote getter system
- Concerns about seat switching and manipulation
- Legal limitations on preventing seat changes
- Campaign finance implications of seat switching
- Arguments for at-large elections being more transparent
- Polling results showing preference for current system
4b. Term of Office Discussion
Committee discussed term lengths and whether to stagger elections
- Comparison of two, three, and four year terms
- Staff continuity and efficiency concerns
- Budget cycle alignment
- Training costs and learning curve for new members
- Public input favoring two-year terms
- Research on comparable municipalities showing preference for staggered terms
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve minutes from previous meeting
Passed unanimously
Motion to keep the current seat system (seats one through five) versus five highest vote getters
Moved by Roger Young, seconded by Richard Black
Passed 6-1
Motion for council members to serve three year terms with a maximum of three terms
Moved by Lori Lalonde, seconded by Roger Young
Passed 6-1
Motion not to stagger three year terms
Moved by Susan Rapadillo, seconded by Roger Young
Failed 5-2
Action Items
Research how other municipalities handle transition to staggered three-year terms
Assigned to Lynn Tipton (Florida League of Cities) · Due Before next meeting (longer than one week needed)
Review Fernandina Beach charter language on staggered term transitions
Assigned to John Quick (Village Attorney) · Due For next meeting
Committee members review proposed meeting schedule and provide unavailable dates
Assigned to All committee members · Due Before next meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Islamorada Charter Review Committee met on February 18, 2026 to continue reviewing the village charter. The committee addressed two primary issues: whether to maintain the current seat-based election system versus adopting a five highest vote getters approach, and the length of council member terms. After discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of each system, including concerns about seat-switching manipulation, the committee voted 6-1 to maintain the current numbered seat system. Regarding term lengths, the committee heard public input favoring two-year terms but ultimately voted 6-1 to recommend three-year terms with a maximum of three terms (nine years total). However, when the issue of staggering terms came up, the committee failed to reach consensus, with a motion for unstaggered three-year terms failing 5-2. The committee will continue this discussion at their next meeting, with additional research from the Florida League of Cities on how other municipalities handle staggered term transitions.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 5 agenda items: Roll Call; Public Comment; Approval of Minutes; Seats vs. Five Highest Vote Getters Discussion; Term of Office Discussion.
How many motions were voted on?
4 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
3 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
7 members were recorded as present: Ty Harris, Susan Rapadillo, Richard Black, Lori Lalonde, Craig McVay, Joe Roth, Roger Young.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Islamorada in?
Islamorada is located in Monroe County, Florida. Browse other Monroe County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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