Mayor Chris Bell appointed five city residents to the Fruitland Park Charter Review Committee during Tuesday night’s commission meeting. Commissioners approved all five appointments unanimously.
Bell said he chose the candidates to reflect different areas of the city and to afford the committee diverse viewpoints. Committee appointments include two women and three men. Seven residents applied for appointment to the committee.
Charter Review Committee members Danielle Daugherty, Steve Fussell, Raymond P. Lewis II, George McCabe and Pam Washburn are charged with reviewing the city’s charter and recommending appropriate amendments to city commissioners.
The committee will have 180 days to make its recommendations and may request an extension if necessary.
Commissioners will then vote on which amendments, if any, to put before city voters in November.
The city’s charter—its governing document somewhat similar to a constitution—was last amended in 1984.
Gerken told commissioners he will attend the committee’s first meeting to explain applicable legal parameters, including Sunshine Law requirements, and to introduce issues that commissioners and staff directors have proposed for review. All committee meetings are open to the public.
The committee will get right to work. Its first meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 30.
Daugherty, 28, a hairstylist, has lived in Lake County for 15 years and Fruitland Park for three years.
Fussell, 62, is the husband of Fruitland Park Cafe owner Niki Pewsey and a Correspondent for the Daily Commercial. The couple moved to Fruitland Park 18 months ago.
Lewis, 58, an insurance executive, is a Leesburg native and descendant of one of the area’s pioneer families. He has lived in Fruitland Park for 29 years.
McCabe, 65, grew up across the street from City Hall and returned to Fruitland Park to live 16 years ago. He currently serves as Director of Hospitality for The Villages.
Washburn, 54, Associate Pastor at Grace Tabernacle Church in Wildwood, has lived in Fruitland Park for 20 years. She is a licensed practical nurse.
