Stuart, Fla. — The City of Stuart commission approved several routine but formal actions on Jan. 13, 2025, including advisory-board membership ratifications, the establishment of an environmental-attorney screening committee, an extension of that job posting, and a zoning exception to permit certain commercial projects while excluding multifamily residential developments.

Votes at a glance

- Advisory-board appointments (Resolution ratifying board members): The commission ratified appointed advisory-board members and adopted member terms for 2025. The resolution included appointments to the Community Redevelopment Board and the East Stuart Historical Committee. The roll call for the ratification was recorded as unanimous.

- CRB at-large appointment (Community Redevelopment Board, at-large seat): Clay (Clay) Scherer was appointed to the CRB at-large position by commission vote. Roll call: Commissioner Reid—Yes; Commissioner Clark—Yes; Mayor Campbell Rich—No; Vice Mayor Collins—Yes; Commissioner Gioby—Yes. Outcome: approved (4–1).

- Environmental-attorney screening committee (Resolution 08‑2025): The commission adopted a resolution creating a screening committee to evaluate candidates for the new environmental-attorney position. The committee will include city staff, one commissioner, and two public appointees; staff will finalize membership and timeline. Vote: unanimous by roll call.

- Extension of advertisement for environmental-attorney position: With a unanimous roll call the commission extended the job-posting deadline by 30 days (new deadline set in staff follow-up). Staff said the posting had been shared with the Florida Bar environmental-law section and municipal job boards.

- Zoning-in-progress exception for commercial-only projects (Resolution 09‑2025): The commission adopted an exception that allows commercial project applications that do not include a multifamily residential component to proceed. Commissioners amended the draft language to replace “multi residential” with “multifamily residential” for clarity. Vote: unanimous by roll call.

What the votes mean: The advisory-board ratifications and at-large appointment fill volunteer seats used for local boards. The environmental-resolution and ad extension launch the city’s search for legal expertise for environmental regulation and potential litigation. The zoning exception opens the permitting process for commercial projects that do not include new multifamily housing, clarifying that single-family home additions remain allowable under the code.

Ending — Staff will implement the commission’s decisions: HR and the screening committee will process environmental-attorney applications, the development office will accept commercial applications consistent with the new exception, and clerks will finalize advisory-board paperwork.