- October 13, 2024
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Newly elected Flagler Beach city commissioners Scott Spradley and Rick Belhumeur took their oaths of office on Thursday, March 9.
Spradley and Belhumeur are replacing former Commission Chair Ken Bryan and former Vice Chair Deborah Phillips. The new commission then nominated Commissioner Eric Cooley as chair and Belhumeur as vice chair, approving those appointments unanimously.
Cooley told the Observer that while he was not expecting to become chair, he takes a lot of pride in the position.
“I’m glad to be chair,” he said. “I try to run a very streamlined meeting.”
Commissioner James Sherman had nominated Cooley as chair, with Spradley seconding. Belhumeur also nominated himself for chair, citing his previous experience — he'd served as a commissioner for six years, including one stint as chair and two as vice chair — but no one seconded his motion. Cooley also has previous experience, having served as the chair just over a year ago.
Mayor Suzie Johnston nominated Belhumeur for vice chair, with Cooley seconding.
The commissioners divvied up their board responsibilities as well, with Belhumeur taking point on the Economic Development Task Force and Friends of the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway because he already holds positions on those boards.
Belhumeur is also now the commission representative to the St. Johns Water Management District and the Florida League of Cities’ Land Use and Economic Development Committee.
Spradley will serve on the Public Safety Coordinating Council and the Florida League of Cities’ Finance Taxation and Personnel Committee, as well as in several alternate positions.
Bryan and Phillips said their farewells at the start of the meeting, descending from the dais for the last time before Spradley and Belhumeur took their oaths.
Phillips thanked residents and staff members for their help and support during her three years on the commission.
“I wish everybody on the board well, and great success,” she said.
Mayor Suzie Johnson had plaques of appreciation made for the commissioners and thanked them for their service.
Amy Lukasik, the head of the county’s Tourism Development Council, also presented Bryan with a certificate of appreciation for his dedication as a board member on the TDC.
Bryan said he’s sure the new leadership will be able to navigate any stormy seas ahead and thanked the residents and staff for all their support during his terms.
He said he had taken the position with his neighbors and the city in mind.
“I’ve done it because I wanted to be someone special for this city, not to mention for the constituents of Flagler Beach and my neighbors," he said.
