The Sarasota City Employee Retirement Account Committee on Nov. 13 unanimously approved the minutes from its Sept. 11 meeting and elected Benben Lingsley as its new chair after a renominated incumbent, Alexius Balenas, declined to continue.

Secretary Griggs opened nominations for chair; a motion to retain Alexius Balenas was seconded but Balenas declined, saying he had "some personal things going on" and would be absent from upcoming meetings. Members then nominated Benben Lingsley and indicated consensus to appoint him as chair. Lauren Sullivan was nominated and agreed to remain vice chair.

The approval of the Sept. 11 minutes was recorded by roll call: Chair Bolanos, Vice Chair Lauren Sullivan, Treasurer Strickland, Secretary Griggs and Member Billingsley each voted yes. The chair announced the motion passed unanimously.

In brief remarks after the appointments the outgoing presiding host formally acknowledged the new leadership and passed the gavel to Lingsley. Secretary Griggs told the committee to expect to present a brief annual report and answer questions at the second City Commission meeting in January (Jan. 21), with staff— including pensions plans administrator Deborah Martin—available to assist.

The committee moved quickly through procedural items and did not take additional formal action on officer duties at this meeting. The next regular meeting and the commission presentation were set as the committee's near-term follow-up items.