CRESTVIEW — A sports complex's proposed site appears inadequate and might generate a $400,000 annual loss, but that doesn't mean death to the project.

Click here for a clear image of the proposed conceptual plan.

The city still is researching feasibility of such a facility, said Council President Ben Iannucci III, who raised the concept of a sports complex — built and operated by a sports management company at no expense to Crestview taxpayers — early last year.

In addition to providing sports and recreational opportunities for locals, the complex would attract out-of-town traveling sports tournaments, he said.

He reported on recent communication with the Institute of Retired Professionals, tasked with conducting a feasibility study, at the Jan. 28 council meeting. Among preliminary findings, the group questioned the suggested location, an 18-acre city-owned tract of land behind the Brookmeade Drive public safety building.

"Their determination is it may not be big enough for what we're proposing," Iannucci said.

The group's early estimates indicate the facility would cost between $1 and $3 million.

"There are ways to get this paid for that won't come out of the taxpayers' pockets," Iannucci said.

The retired professionals estimated the complex itself had the potential to lose up to $400,000 a year, but it would generate revenues between $5 and $10 million annually for the city's hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants and service providers.

The north county could use a sports complex, Councilman Charles Baugh Jr. said.

"We don't have enough recreational opportunities for our youth," he said. "Roughly, there's 40,000 people living in this area, and this is the county seat, so maybe we can get some partnership from the county to make this happen."

The project has drawn support from the county Economic Development Council.

"You've heard before that this would be an excellent development for the city and would contribute greatly to the quality of life in the area," EDC interim President Kay Rasmussen said.

RESTORE Act money — from BP's fines for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill — might apply to the sports complex project, Rasmussen said.

The institute will meet next week and soon will deliver a formal report on its findings and recommendations, Iannucci said.

Former Okaloosa County Tourism Development Council Director Mark Bellinger addressed the city council and the Community Redevelopment Agency in the spring of 2012 to advise on funding the project with a Crestview tourism development tax, or "bed tax," levied on guests at area hotels.

A sports complex that attracted more visitors to the community would be a permissible use of the tax, Bellinger said.

"The bed tax is a very strong option for you in the future if you decide to go down that road as a funding source for this type of development," Rasmussen said.

While researching the concept, the institute requested copies of a proposal for a combined community arts and sports facility presented to the agency by Rae Schwartz, representing Friends of the Arts and the Okaloosa Arts Alliance's Crestview area committee.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sports complex feasibility report coming soon to city council

CRESTVIEW — Expected residential growth in northwest Crestview is leading the city’s two water utilities to launch water drilling projects within a few miles, just months of each other.

For the last two weeks, motorists rounding Blueberry Curve north of Crestview have noticed a newly erected derrick in front of Victorious Life Worship Center near the State Road 85-Lake Silver Road intersection.

The derrick — topped by an American flag waving in the breeze — marks the spot where Auburn Water System officials hope to drill the utility’s eighth well.

“It will just be a well and a well house; no tank,” Auburn Water General Manager Doug Sims said.

The Crestview City Council at its Jan. 14 meeting also approved a contract to begin drilling a water well on Old Bethel Road, to be located on city-owned property across the street from the historic Old Bethel Cemetery. Drilling should start within a month.

Bob Baker, account manager and geologist for Layne Christensen’s Pensacola office, said the worldwide water management firm has started preliminary work at the Blueberry Curve site.

“At this point, it’s simply a test well,” he said.

“They’re going to be sure the water we’re going to get is adequate in both quantity and quality before we do the permanent well,” Sims said.

Auburn’s water network is designed so wells and tanks can supplement each other if one fails due to a storm or mechanical problems. That helps assure customers won’t be without water in the affected area, Sims said.

“All of our wells and tanks are grouped together,” he said. “This one is being put in place to make sure we have adequate capacity in the future, but also if we have a well go down, it will still supply capacity. It’s serving a dual purpose.”

During Hurricane Ivan, although many north Crestview neighborhoods lacked electricity for a week or more, Auburn Water’s system did not fail, due in part to this built-in redundancy, Sims said.

The new well would be more likely to keep working, even during an electricity outage.

“It will have a natural gas generator,” Sims said. “All our other generators are diesel. In an emergency, diesel can be hard to get. In an emergency, we will be assured of a better supply of external power should we need it.”

If the quantity and quality of water found during the test well digging meets the utility’s standards, he expects the permanent well to be online within six months. The well should produce 750 gallons of water a minute, Sims said.

“We’re really hoping this well will come out just fine and we can get it online soon,” he said.

“It will be good to know we have that extra capacity online and the natural gas generator to back it up.”

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New well building supplements Auburn Water capability

CRESTVIEW — The local U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced four initiatives that can help north Okaloosa County farmers improve their operations.

A list of these initiatives is as follows:

•Help producers install conservation practices on USDA-certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.

•Help producers install high tunnels — "in layman's terms, a greenhouse," Williams said— designed to extend the growing season, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and energy.

•Help producers conserve energy on their operations.

•Help private landowners improve longleaf pine forest ecosystems' sustainability and profitability.

The initiatives offer "an additional chance … to improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations and achieve other environmental benefits," according to a USDA news release.

While farmers yearlong may apply for most USDA programs' funding assistance, March 15 is the deadline to apply for conservation technical assistance and possible cost-share funding opportunities for the four initiatives, the release stated.

No north county farmers have participated in the high tunnel initiative, though producers in neighboring counties have erected several such tunnels, local district conservationist Darryl Williams said.

"It (the high tunnel) has to be located on cropland. You can't just go locate it anywhere," he said. "That's not to say urban individuals couldn't apply if they have an agriculture exemption on your property.

The high-tunnel initiatives can help boost a crop's longevity, Williams said.

"It helps our farmers, ranchers and gardeners that are growing a crop sustain the growing season into the winter months. It assists those who are certified organic farmers to extend their growing season. Basically, the initiative would help you purchase the materials."

Congress' recent September 2013 extension of the 2008 Farm Bill made the new initiatives possible, the release stated.

Learn more

For more information on the producer initiatives, conservation assistance or other programs, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture's local Natural Resources Conservation Service office, 938 N. Ferdon Blvd., at 682-3714 or visit www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: USDA offers four initiatives for local farmers through March 15

CRESTVIEW — An environmental exposition in downtown Crestview will emphasize innovative green technologies and their practical — and money-saving — uses in local homes and businesses.

The expo, a project close to Crestview City Council President Ben Iannucci III, also would display the city's resources and quality of life for potential new technology businesses seeking to locate in the city, he said.

"We're talking (about) vendors coming in that have technology that we've never seen before," Iannucci said. "The catalyst here is jobs, new industry (and) lower taxes because of this.

"It's more than just the community. We're talking about the future for the city of Crestview."

Public Works Director Wayne Steele, who has been working with Iannucci on the expo, said the city's water management consultant, CH2M Hill, has offered expertise and sponsorship in planning the event.

"The staff of CH2M Hill has really enlightened us," Steele said. "There's new technologies out there we have never seen before, such as cars that run off water."

"This is a unique opportunity for the city of Crestview," the company's local manager, Jane Swift, said. "This has the potential to really blow up into something really big. What we're trying to do is gear this toward residents, not just businesses: how to get these things in your home. We're trying to facilitate bringing businesses in here as well as the technology."

To help promote the event, Swift said her company would sponsor a poster design competition among local art students. The winning student's poster would be "key to our advertising," she said.

Iannucci said he hoped to hold the expo on Main Street on Earth Day, April 20, but the annual Spanish Trail Cruisers Club car show also would take place then.

Moving it a week earlier would mean Main Street would host three Saturday events in a row, including the April 6 Triple-B barbecue festival.

That would put a strain on Public Works staff, Steele said.

"I know the Main Street merchants don't like having the streets closed off, especially on Saturday," Councilman Charles Baugh Jr. said. "That would be three consecutive weekends we'd have downtown events that would have some sort of distraction or disruption on Main Street."

Iannucci agreed to move the event to May 4, "but keep it downtown on Main Street. Call it an energy and environmental expo instead of Earth Day," he said.

The council unanimously approved having the event on May 4 following a motion of support by Baugh.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Environmental/economic expo gaining momentum

CRESTVIEW — Residents on wheels and residents on four legs might soon have facilities just for themselves if skate and dog parks proposed for Twin Hills Park become a reality.

The Crestview City Council, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board, was receptive to a concept presented by Councilwoman Robyn Helt and Public Services Director Wayne Steele.

Helt had previously proposed a dog park for a wooded area in Twin Hills Park's southwest corner. Last fall, after a Florida League of Cities meeting, several firms approached Steele with offers to develop a skate park. The same location under consideration for the dog park also looked feasible for a skate park.

However, at Monday evening's CRA meeting, Steele and Helt presented a new concept that would move both parks to Twin Hills Park's north side near U.S. Highway 90.

Crestview Police officer Sam Kimmons recommended the area, as the original southwest corner site was close to the woods and railroad tracks, Steele said.

"Sam's concern as a police officer was he thought it would be problematic because it would give teenagers and youth a place to hide and do different things," Steele said. "It (the skate park) needs to be a high visibility area. You don't want it to be hidden where people can't see it. It makes sense. You want people to be able to monitor it."

By placing the skate park alongside the dog park, "it almost acts as a watchdog for the skate park as well," Helt said. "It really opens up the park for every member of the family. It makes Twin Hills a place where every member of the family can be entertained."

The new suggested location also allows both parks to be bigger than planned, Steele said.

"We can have an area designated for beginners," Steele said, referring to skaters. "We would have (the dog park) subdivided for smaller dogs and larger dogs."

Steele said his department would consult with area kids to see what they would like to see in a skate park.

One young skater already offered some advice, he said.

"I met with one youth," he said. "One thing we eliminated is the bowl. Kids today don't like it. They say you have to be so good you can't use it." A bowl is a skating formation similar to an empty swimming pool.

Funding for the Twin Hills Park improvements would come from CRA funds and parks improvement budget money, Councilman Charles Baugh Jr. said.

Council and board President Ben Iannucci III raised several considerations, including the noise factor of the skate park, and whether there is adequate parking. In addition, he said, there was an aesthetic consideration.

"That part of the park is the entrance view of the park, and we're taking away a lot of greenery" with the proposed skate and dog parks, he said.

Steele said he would resume discussions with Kimmons, local skaters and park designers and bring a proposal with a budget to the CRA's next meeting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Skate and dog parks proposed for Twin Hills Park

LAUREL HILL — Using the city's unreserved account or fuel tax revenue and requesting county funding to cover road repairs were discussion points during the City Council's workshop on Tuesday.

Council chair Larry Hendren, following a city auditor's advice, suggested using funds from the city's unreserved account.

“I think there is enough money to isolate $83,000 (from the $199,572 account) and start on some road repair business," he said.

The account received funding last year through reimbursements, Hendren said. 

Such credits are undependable or unlikely to recur, and these funds may not be easily replenished, Councilman Robby Adams said.

“It is money we will not be able to count on every year,” he said. “We are not going to get an insurance claim of $29,000 or a Gulf Power refund for $37,000 (every year).”

More dependable is a $30,000 state allocation the city annually receives from fuel tax revenue.

The city had been using fuel tax money to pick up roadside debris, against Florida statute, Mayor Joan Smith said.

"We are not supposed to be paying for it (debris pickup) out of that fund. Now, we are going to have to take it out of another fund," she said.

Road construction and maintenance, and purchase of transportation facilities, are within the statute's allowances.

Council members suggested opening a checking account to track how the money was being spent on road maintenance.

The council recently sent a letter to Okaloosa County commissioners requesting assistance with repaving unspecified roads.

The city would cover the cost of asphalt, while the county would be responsible for paving the roads, under the proposal.

City leaders sent the letter to Public Works Director John Hofstad, who could bring it before the board of commissioners, Hendren said.

There is no expected date to hear a response from the commissioners, he said.

Want to go?

The Laurel Hill City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at City Hall, 8209 State Road 85.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill council mulls possible funding for road repairs

NICEVILLE — Okaloosa County’s mismanagement of millions in taxpayer dollars and BP grants will be under scrutiny at the next meeting of Northwest Florida’s legislative delegation.

The meeting will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday at Niceville City Hall.

The Florida Auditor General’s Office will make a presentation on the findings of its audit of the Okaloosa County Commission’s oversight of the Tourist Development Council and the use of bed taxes and BP funds.

Read the state auditor general’s final report for yourself.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, who set the agenda for the meeting, said he believes “a full vetting” is necessary for the public to get the answers it deserves.

“It’s devastating that our county was being run with such lax oversight,” he said. “No one person should be able to steal this amount of money from the taxpayers. We can’t be that vulnerable.”

County Administrator Jim Curry said Commissioner Dave Parisot, vice chairman of the board, is scheduled to represent the county at the meeting.

The auditor general’s report on the County Commission focused on the management of the TDC from May 2010 to May 2012. Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley, along with Matt Gaetz and his father, Senate President Don Gaetz, requested the audit in May 2012 after county officials discovered a fraud scheme put in place by former tourism head Mark Bellinger.

County commissioners discovered May 1 that Bellinger had purchased a $710,000 yacht with bed tax money without their authorization. Three days later, Bellinger took a fatal dose of Benadryl in Pelham, Ala. That same day authorities revealed he had also used $747,000 in BP oil spill money to pay for his home in Destin.

In the months following, the list of purchases Bellinger made illegally or without county approval grew to include two RVs, Visa debit cards, furniture, food and entertainment. One of Bellinger’s first thefts — the purchase of a $48,000 Porsche Cayman — occurred three months after he was hired in May 2010.

Matt Gaetz said the meeting will give lawmakers and residents a chance to ask questions about the audit or comment on the findings.

“I hope a lot of people take the time to attend,” he said.

The Auditor General’s Office issued its final audit report late Wednesday. That document also includes the corrective action report the county was required to submit to the state in response to the findings.

Don Gaetz said he is eager to hear what the auditor general has to say about report and the county’s response.

“Clearly, the auditor general’s report on the financial stewardship of Okaloosa County is a huge local issue,” he said. “To be able to ask them questions in public is the right thing to do.”

He said he has read the county’s corrective action report and found it “a useful document.”

“I think the question, obviously, is whether the citizens of the county and whether policymakers at the state level can trust that the County Commission has learned its lesson and is going to operate in a different way,” he said.

Don Gaetz said the director of the TDC was never meant to function as a “one-person authority.”

“It is supposed to be a system of oversight, checks and balances,” he said.

Matt Gaetz said he wants to hear more details about the lack of oversight that led to the theft and misuse of public money.

“I believe there may be individuals (within county government) who are criminally culpable for their conduct,” he said.

WANT TO ATTEND? The legislative delegation will meet at 5 p.m. next Wednesday at Niceville City Hall.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TDC scandal to be addressed at legislative delegation meeting