Century May Strip Power From The Mayor, Hire Town Manager With Charter Change
October 28, 2022
The Town of Century may strip power from an elected mayor and put a town manager in charge, reversing the course set by three years of work by a citizen charter review committee.
That was the key takeaway from a nearly two hour meeting Thursday evening between the town council and town attorney to discuss a proposed charter change.
The town charter — the document that establishes the town — outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The current charter has not been updated in almost 40 years.
The Century Charter Review Committee worked about three years, including pandemic delays, to create a new charter that was submitted to the town council to review and possibly place on an upcoming ballot.
The Charter Review Committee spent a great deal of their time deciding on a form of government for Century, ultimately settling on a strong mayor – town council.
But Thursday night, attorney Matt Dannheisser and consultant Buz Eddy suggested that the council instead look at a charter that has a town manager – town council form of government. A mayor might still be elected, but it would mostly be a ceremonial position with no real power. Dannheisser said the mayor would hold the title, but actually be one of the five members of the town council.
“It really makes the title of mayor obsolete,” council member Dynette Lewis said of the potential change.
“The mayor is no longer a separate office; it’s part of the council. So the five members of the council, one of them is the mayor,” Dannheisser said.
“You can’t think of the mayor as a separate entity. He is a member of council, has no more voice in the decision that any other member of the council,” he added.
Unable to take a vote because the meeting was just a workshop, the council reached the consensus that they would give official direction to Dannheisser at a future meeting. He said several more meetings would need to be held focusing on specific topics, such as the form of government, finance and other subsections of the charter.
During those discussions, he said that flexibility is the key to developing a charter that can serve Century for decades to come.
“Flexibility…don’t handcuff yourself and all future councils to one specific thing that might be solving a current problem that may not be a problem 20, 30, 40 years from now,” Dannheisser told the council.. “Rather, require that the subject be addressed, but then have it addressed in a manner that can be fluid and changed as circumstances change.”
Here’s a look at some of the major highlights of the draft created by the Charter Review Committee :
- Establishes a consecutive two-term, or eight-year limit for the mayor. A mayor that has reached the term limit may then seek election as a council member. There are no term limits in the current charter.
- A consecutive two-term, or eight-year limit is established for council members. A council that has reached the term limit may then seek election as mayor. There are no term limits in the current charter.
- The mayor and council members will not be paid if they miss a meeting, unless it’s due to an emergency. With two or more unexcused absences per quarter from consecutive meetings, the council can determine with a fourth-fifths vote that the council member or mayor has abandoned their seat.
- The town council shall conduct all meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order.
- The town will create the position of town clerk/finance director, along with a public works director position that reports directly to the mayor. Both will be hired by the mayor with approval by the council. With the approval of the mayor — not the council — the town clerk/finance director and public works director will hire, fire and supervise the employees in their respective departments. (Currently, the council must approve all hires, from the highest to lowest positions in the town.)
- The charter establishes the right of the town clerk/finance director to take part in town council discussion. The clerk has no guaranteed right to take part in discussions under the current charter.
- The mayor will establish an agenda for all council meetings.
- The mayor will provide quarterly reports on finances, administrative activities, and actions of various departments. The mayor will also present an annual budget to the town council.
- The mayor will be able to authorize expenditures up to $5,000, or up to $10,000 in a declared emergency, without town council approval.
- The council will request and receive bids and award contracts for expenditures of $5,001 or more.
- To be eligible to seek election as a council member, one year residency in the town will be required. (There is currently no length of residency requirement for council members, and a 6-month requirement for the mayor.)
- Before being sworn in as mayor or town council member, the individual must agree to complete any state-mandated training or orientation, and complete Sunshine Law and public records law conducted by the town attorney.
Any portion of the draft charter could be altered or removed from a final charter. The town council also has the option to reject the charter or never place it on the ballot.
Pictured top: Town attorney Matt Dannheisser (right) and consultant Buz Eddy addressed the Century Town Council during a Thursday night workshop. Pictured inset: Council member Sandra McMurray-Jackson listen s to Dannheisser speak. Pictured below: Council members Luis Gomez, Jr., and Dynette Lewis listen. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rain Moves in Saturday, Saturday Night
October 28, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 63. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Peanut Butter Challenge Is Continuing. Have You Made Your Donation?
October 28, 2022
The Peanut Butter Challenge in Escambia County is continuing, and there’s still time to make your donation.
The Peanut Butter Challenge, UF/IFAS Extension’s annual jar collection for local food pantries, first launched in the Florida Panhandle in 2012. It has since launched statewide, giving counties the chance to compete for most jars of peanut butter donated. The challenge serves a way to feed hungry families ahead of the holidays and also promotes peanuts grown in Florida.
Unopened, unexpired jars of peanut butter can be donated at the following locations through October 31:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Holy Spirit Catholic, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway
In addition to the community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have partnered with the project for years. These organizations are based in the northwest and northeast peanut-producing regions of the state and will again contribute to the totals distributed to food pantries in those regions.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Caught With Stolen SUV And Meth, ECSO Says
October 28, 2022
A Cantonment man was allegedly caught with a stolen vehicle and methamphetamine, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Jesse Allen Geoghahan, 26, was charged with grand theft of a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. He was released on a $5,000 bond.
Wednesday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Circle K at Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest road in reference to a reported DUI driver that was weaving in and out of lanes and almost striking several vehicles. Deputies caught up with Geoghahan at the fountain drink machine inside the store.
When deputies asked Geoghahan about the white GMC Yukon he was driving, he stated that he recently purchased it “from some guy” at a Muscogee Road convenience store for $800 as a trade for an ATV he was riding.
After Geoghahan was handcuffed, deputies reported locating the Yukon keys and two bags containing a total of 9.22 grams of methamphetamine in his pockets.
The vehicle had been reported stolen from West Lee Street on October 16.
Escambia School Choice Open Enrollment Period Is Continuing
October 28, 2022
The school choice open enrollment period for middle and high schools in Escambia County will continue through December.
For elementary schools, the open enrollment period will be January 30 until March 10, 2023.
For more information, click or tap here.
Pictured: A School Choice Expo was held last week at Washington High School, but the open enrollment period is continuing. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Schedule
October 28, 2022
Here is the Friday night football schedule for the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Northview
- Escambia at Tate
- Pensacola Catholic at West Florida
- Booker T. Washington at Pine Forest
- Pensacola High at Walton
- Jay at Blacksher (Uriah, Ala.)
- Pace at Milton
- Navarre at Gulf Breeze
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy at Fort Dale Academy
- Marengo at Flomaton
- W.S. Neal at T.R. Miller
Pictured: Gulf Breeze defeated Tate last Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FWC Seeks Comments On Proposed Rule Changes
October 28, 2022
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting feedback on proposed rule changes for 2023-24 hunting seasons and FWC-managed lands.
To provide input, click or tap here.
Proposed statewide rule changes include shooting hours for dove and changes to the approval process for setting the annual number of limited entry and special-opportunity quota permits and antlerless deer permits.
In the Escambia River Wildlife Management area, the rule changes will establish an additional 3-day wild hog-dog hunt each month from May – September; establish a trapping season opening Dec. 1 and closing March 1; and close the general gun season during the 2-day family hunt to allow hunting with dogs throughout the area during the 2-day family hunt.
In the Blackwater WMA, the rule changes will expand the field trial area (FTA) using a portion of newly acquired acres; extend the archery season in the FTA by allowing archery hunting during the general gun season dates (except during existing FTA quota hunts); prohibit take of antlerless deer and wild turkey during the proposed extended archery season dates; and increase the antler point restriction in the FTA from 3 points or a 10-inch main beam on a side to 4 points or 14-inch main beam on a side.
Paul Louis Kattau
October 28, 2022
Paul Louis Kattau, age 75, of Pensacola, Florida passed away suddenly at home on October 24, 2022.
He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 8, 1946 to Fred and Cassie Kattau. He was married to Kathy Kahlbau Kattau for 26 years. Paul had a career in Public Education for Escambia County Schools. He had a passion for family, golf, fishing, basketball and, most recently, wood working. Paul came to Florida on a basketball scholarship to Lake City Junior College and Forest Ranger School where he was selected to the Junior College Allstate Team. It was there he met his first wife, Kandace. In 1968, Paul left for Viet Nam to serve his country as a sentry dog handler for the U.S. Army. Upon returning from the war, he attended the University of West Florida and continued to play college basketball, while he completed his degree in Elementary Education. He taught school and served as a dean for a short time. In 1985, he received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. During his final years with the school system, Paul served as a secondary school administrator. Most recently, as happy retirees, Paul and Kathy have enjoyed traveling the country, spending lots of time with family and friends and loving on their dogs, Buddy and Baby Girl. Our big, sweet Paul will be so very missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Cassie Kattau and his brothers, Fred and Chuck Kattau.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Kahlbau Kattau; Son, Richard Kattau (Natasha); Daughter, Kacy Dangerfield (Brandon); Stepdaughter, Amy Kamm (Cory); Stepson, Dave Bradley; Granddaughters, Christina and Viktoria Kattau; Sarah and Lauren Dangerfield; Grandsons, Dustin Kamm; Toby Bradley; Great grandson, Mylo Bradley; Sisters, JoAnn Bailey; Barbara Sweeney (David) and first wife, Kandace Baas Kattau. A
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 28th, 2022 from 10:00am-11:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home. Cantonment. The Celebration of Life will begin at 11am with a reception to follow.
Joann Nellums Boutwell
October 28, 2022
Mrs. Joann Nellums Boutwell, age 73, passed away, Monday, October 24, 2022 in Pensacola, FL; surrounded by her family. She resided most of her life in Poarch, AL; and was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She was a nurse and caretaker for many years.
Mrs. Boutwell enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed art, painting, reading, and always enjoyed drinking a good cup of coffee. She was a very spiritual woman, always full of life, and loved to travel.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Daniel Nellums and Reva McGhee Walker, one daughter, Jamie Swain, two sisters, Sharon Walker Peebles, Lenora Walker Harrelson, three brothers, David Henry Nellums, Jr; Lamar “Bubba” Walker, Larry Walker, grandparents, Cora Presley, and Riley McGhee.
She is survived by her three daughters, Frankie Ann “Dank” Roberts (Jeremy) Martin, of Robertsdale, AL; Rebecca “Beck” Boutwell (Christopher) Nall, of Flomaton, AL; Marla “Megan” Boutwell (Christopher Thompson) of Flomaton, AL; one brother, Tony Walker, of Nokomis, AL; two sisters, Darlene Walker (Sam) Hitchcock, of Bratt, FL; Donna Sue Walker Marquardt, of Poarch, AL; twenty grandchildren, Kirsten, Shelby, Dolton, Dylan, Jordon, Samantha “Tuti”, Tyler, Kenny, Trenton, Evan, Nevada, Joshua, Blake, Peyton, Jimmy, Jessie, Charity, Jonathan, Jacob, Halana, seven great-grandchildren, Summer, Skyler, Simeon, Malachi, Kyler, Emery, Tristan, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel funeral Home, LLC.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 28, 2022 from 6:30 PM until 9:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Wesley Woodruff, Lawrence “Bunk” Peebles, Anthony Peebles, Tyler Milstid, Patrick “Blake” Flowers, Jordon Martin, and Jonathan Stanley.
Woman Charged With Murder ‘Motivated By Money, Narcotics, And Their Relationship’
October 27, 2022
A woman has been charged in an August 7 murder in Escambia County.
Raven Elaine Ann Morgan, 20, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond Wednesday night on a charged first degree premeditated murder.
A man was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head inside a home on Walnut Avenue, about four blocks east of Untreiner Ave, on August 7.
According to investigators, Morgan distracted the victim before he was shot in the planned murder. Deputies obtained a search warrant for Morgan’s phone and found four images of the deceased victim, according to her arrest report. She was arrested September 14 for making a false report. During her nine days in jail, deputies said she had multiple conversations with other inmates about the homicide.
According to the arrest report, Morgan and the alleged shooter “were motivated by money, narcotics, and their relationship”. There is no Escambia County Jail record of the other individual being arrested to date.