Issue Statement  On January 9, 2023, Commissioner Matthew Sparks tendered a letter of resignation from the City Commission, effective January 18, 2023 at 23:59, creating a vacancy in the City Commission. Commissioner Sparks’ term of office expires in November of 2024.

On January 18, 2023, following discussion, the City Commission provided direction,  by a 3-2 vote,  to move forward with an appointment process to fill the vacancy in lieu of a March 14, 2023, special election. 

Recommended Action: City Commission approve the following appointment process:

Appointment Process recommended time frame:

• February 1, 2023 - City Commission Meeting - approve recommended appointment process.
•  February 3, 2023 - Clerk to Post Notice of Vacancy, which includes time frame for the acceptance of appointment applications. Applications available on the website and City Clerk’s office. All applicants shall be duly qualified electors of the City and must reside within the City limits for the last six months immediately preceding the date of application.
• February 15, 2023 - Deadline to submit applications to the City Clerk shall be no later than 12:00 pm (12 Days).
• March 1, 2023 – Regular City Commission meeting - Public Hearing and appointment.

On January 9, 2023, Commissioner Matthew Sparks tendered a letter of resignation from the City Commission, effective January 18, 2023 at 23:59, creating a vacancy in the City Commission.

The following section from the City Charter outlines the required qualifications of commission members:

Section 2.03(a) Any qualified Broward County elector whose principal place of residence is in the City of Oakland Park and who has resided continuously in the city for six (6) months prior to qualifying as a candidate for the office shall be eligible to hold the office of city commission member.

Article II, Section 2.11 (a) of the City Charter provides that a vacancy in the city commission occurs when a commission member leaves office otherwise than the normal expiration of his or her term of office. Furthermore, the office of a commission member becomes vacant upon resignation.

Accordingly, Section 2.11 (c) (1) provides that “whenever there is a vacancy in the city commission and there are less than six (6) months remaining before the next regular city or general election, or any election, the commission…shall choose a qualified successor to serve until that election.”