By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
At the end of an eight-hour Apopka City Council meeting, two non-binding votes with huge implications sent shockwaves through Apopka.
The Council voted 3-2 that they have no confidence in Fire Chief Sean Wylam and recommended Mayor Bryan Nelson make a change in leadership at the Apopka Fire Department. In a second motion, Council voted 3-2 to remove City Attorney Michael Rodriguez from his position.
Both motions would still require Nelson to make the decision as mayor to remove Wylam or Rodriguez.
"I hope you take that to heart, the will of this Council," Commissioner Kyle Becker said to Nelson.
Commissioners Becker (who made the motions), Nick Nesta (who seconded both motions), and Diane Velazquez voted no-confidence on Wylam, and to remove Rodriguez, while Nelson and Commissioner Alexander Smith voted against both motions.
Wylam was named Fire Chief in August 2019, while Rodriguez started as City Attorney in May 2020.
"We have to start somewhere," said Velazquez. "And the public comments the last eight months have really given us all cause to say that changes need to be made."
This is a breaking news story and will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
