CRESTVIEW — Residents attending future events in Twin Hills Park may find more convenient parking. A former “Superfund” clean-up site could become a downtown parking lot.

Community Redevelopment Agency Director Brenda Smith told the CRA’s board of directors that Gulf Power has indicated a willingness to donate the site to the city.

“They said they would very much entertain that idea,” Smith said. “All they required is the City Council present a letter requesting the donation.”

Public Works Director Wayne Steele said that not only had the lot on the corner of Oakdale Avenue and Brett Street North been contaminated, so had the city’s water well and surrounding soil.

“It was contaminated with mercury that was leaking from the transformers,” Steele said. “They removed over 30,000 tons of dirt from the area.”

It was declared an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund clean-up site, and the contamination problem was solved, Steele said. It is no longer listed on the EPA’s list of Florida Superfund sites.

But if the city requests the donation from Gulf Power, Steele recommended the transfer be thoroughly vetted.

“Be careful of the terminology in the deed restrictions because we don't want to accept a liability,” he said.

Board members also expressed interest, but caution, in the opportunity.

“I just want to make sure the EPA, the DEP, the FBI, whoever, is good with this,” board member Doug Faircloth said, to chuckles. “I want to make sure this is researched to the hilt.”

Smith said because she only learned Aug. 19 that Gulf Power was willing to donate the property to the city, she had not included developing the lot in her proposed 2016-17 budget.

Because of its former contamination, the site’s uses are restricted, Smith said.

“The property, when it is donated to the city, can only be used for parking,” she said.

Providing additional downtown parking is included in the CRA’s plan for the district.

A site significant to Crestview’s early development may become a parking lot serving downtown and Twin Hills Park.

Historic Preservation Board member Cal Zethmayr told the Community Redevelopment Agency the lot — on the corner of Oakdale Avenue and Brett Street North — is the site of a water well and source for the city’s first municipal water system.

Former mayor and city leader Purl Adams Sr. credited a large pig named Calamity Jane with encouraging residents to approve a bond issue to start a city water system in the 1920s.

The pig had a penchant for knocking over outhouses. Adams encouraged her owner to release her at night during the days leading up to the vote.

When Calamity Jane tipped over several “shacks in the back,” owners saw the benefits of indoor plumbing and approved the bond issue.

A HISTORIC SITE

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Twin Hills Park, downtown may get additional parking lot (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — An expected revenue spike allows the city to implement a budget with a 20.65 percent increase in operating expenditures over last year, city officials said.

The City Council has unanimously approved the $35 million 2016-17 budget it has hashed out with department heads over the last several months.

Councilmen praised directors for working to control spending while meeting residents’ needs.

“I think they've done a great job on the budget,” Councilman Shannon Hayes said. “We haven't raised taxes on our citizens. And we've accomplished everything we need to do for the year. And we've taken care of our employees to make their salaries more competitive with other cities.”

Keep scrolling for the budget breakdown

Councilman JB Whitten said the resultant budget represents cooperation among city officials.

“What we have is not exactly what I sought when I suggested we tier the (city employee salary) increases,” Whitten said. “That caused some problems, but between the city clerk and the department heads, we wound up with what I'd call a very good compromise, which is something you have to do in government, and I commend them on that.”

Councilman Bill Cox on Monday moved to accept the budget, as prepared, and send it to the first of two September public hearings before it is implemented Oct. 1.

—

BY THE NUMBERS

The Crestview City Council approved this 2016-17 budget at Monday’s council meeting. (For comparison, figures from the 2015-16 budget are in parenthesis):

REVENUES

●Estimated revenues: $28.14 million ($24.9 million)

●Transfers in: $641,788 ($158,280)

●Cash carry forward/reserves: $6.3 million ($4.5 million)

●Total revenues: $35.08 million (29.6 million)

EXPENDITURES

●General services: $11.25 million ($10.76 million)

●Public safety: $9.12 million ($7.53 million)

●Physical environment: $8.7 million ($6.63 million)

●Transportation: $1.89 million ($1.36 million)

●Culture and recreation: $1.4 million ($1.2 million)

●Debt service: $2 million ($487,847)

●Total expenditures: $34.44 million ($29.43 million)

●Transfers out: $641,788 ($158,280)

●Total appropriated expenditures and reserves: $35.1 million ($29.6 million)

Source: Crestview City Clerk

—

BUDGET HEARINGS

Crestview’s budget will go through two public hearings before it’s implemented Oct. 1. Hearings are at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8 and 22 at City Hall.

The Crestview City Council approved this 2016-17 budget at Monday’s council meeting. (For comparison, figures from the 2015-16 budget are in parenthesis):

REVENUES

●Estimated revenues: $28.14 million ($24.9 million)

●Transfers in: $641,788 ($158,280)

●Cash carry forward/reserves: $6.3 million ($4.5 million)

●Total revenues: $35.08 million (29.6 million)

EXPENDITURES

●General services: $11.25 million ($10.76 million)

●Public safety: $9.12 million ($7.53 million)

●Physical environment: $8.7 million ($6.63 million)

●Transportation: $1.89 million ($1.36 million)

●Culture and recreation: $1.4 million ($1.2 million)

●Debt service: $2 million ($487,847)

●Total expenditures: $34.44 million ($29.43 million)

●Transfers out: $641,788 ($158,280)

●Total appropriated expenditures and reserves: $35.1 million ($29.6 million)

Source: Crestview City Clerk

BY THE NUMBERS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Council eyes $35 million budget

CRESTVIEW, Florida — The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association has endorsed Wayne Harris’s bid for the District 4 House of Representatives.

Harris is one of only a handful of non-Central Florida candidates the group is supporting.

“I am grateful to have the support of this important group,” Harris said. “Their concerns line up very well with the hospitality and tourism industry that makes up a large part of District 4’s economy, and I look forward to working with them."

One of Central Florida’s largest and most influential trade groups, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association’s membership includes nearly 80 percent of the more than 118,000 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Almost 500 related organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries are also affiliated with the group.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tourism industry group endorses Wayne Harris

CRESTVIEW — The City Council unanimously passed without discussion a revision to its Rules of Procedure.

The revision limits clergy seeking to offer the invocation before council meetings to those of “religious congregations with an established presence within the jurisdictional limits of the city of Crestview and within five miles of the city limits.”

Councilman JB Whitten, who spearheaded the change, said he was motivated to do so after noticing in the News Bulletin’s church listings that there are almost 100 churches in the Crestview area.

“The way the ordinance was previously written was it was open to everyone in Okaloosa County,” Whitten said. “We thought, ‘We don’t want everyone in Okaloosa County.’ We have about 95 religious organizations within shouting distance of Crestview. If we just keep it local, it keeps the focus on Crestview.”

Whitten said the rules were previously revised about a year ago on the advice of then-city attorney Jerry Miller, who recommended the council abandon its practice of having a council member offer the opening invocation.

“I had concerns then because I thought we were fixing something that wasn’t broken,” Whitten said. “I voted against it because I didn’t see any need to make changes to begin with.”

Whitten said he suggested the current revisions in consultation with city attorney Ben Holley “to make sure everything we were doing was kosher.”

“We concentrated on making it so all the religious organizations in Crestview and nearby could be on the list,” Whitten said.

“We’re just tweaking it. It sailed through real smoothly.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Invocation revision limits clergy to Crestview area

CRESTVIEW — Emergency communications will be maintained during a future storm that knocks down radio or cellular phone antenna if the City Council approves a memorandum of understanding with local ham operators.

And it wouldn't cost taxpayers a cent.

At the invitation of Councilman JB Whitten, who observed the North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club in action during its recent field day, club President Ron Mahn  presented information about its communications capabilities at a Monday evening council workshop.

"In the event of any emergency call-up from (Okaloosa County) emergency services, they'll bring up one or more of our members," Mahn said.

A NOARC member would be stationed at the county Emergency Operations Center at the main Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville while other members would be in position throughout Crestview and North Okaloosa County.

Portable antenna, some as tall as 28 feet, would allow communications via the club members' personal battery- or generator-powered equipment, Mahn said.

NOARC already provides communications services during city events such as the Triple B barbecue festival, the Christmas parade and the Fall Festival.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE

City leaders praised the potential public-private cooperation.

"A key element that allows a systematic and robust reaction to disaster is communications," Fire Chief Joe Traylor said.

"At worst case scenario, if we lose both communications sites, if we have access to an independent group that is trained and licensed, it is almost one of those no brainers," he said.

"I think it's fantastic and I appreciate the ham radio club presenting this opportunity to us, and I appreciate the chief taking this opportunity to provide us information to protect our citizens," councilman Shannon Hayes said.

Public Works Director Wayne Steele said that after experiencing communications losses during Hurricanes Opal and Ivan, NOARC's services are evident.

'A BIG BENEFIT'

During Ivan much of his time was spent driving from site to site as his crews worked to clear roads and directing workers to the next location because cell phone service was lost.

"If we had these guys (NOARC), that would've been a big benefit to send one (member) out with those crews and we could call and say, 'As soon as you're done there, get to this address and clear it because we have a house on fire and we can't get the fire department to them,'" Steele said.

"I'm afraid our next storm is going to be just as bad because we haven't had a storm come through and clean out the dead staff," Steele added, referring to dead trees and limbs.

"I endorse this proposal," Steele said.

"It is good for our citizens and gives us the ability to communicate internally," Traylor said.

Traylor will prepare a memorandum of understanding for execution between the city and NOARC and present it at the Sept. 12 City Council meeting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview to partner with radio club for emergency communications services (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council workshop is  6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Click below this paragraph, underneath Related Content, for a copy of the agenda.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council workshop agenda: Aug. 22 (FILE)

CRESTVIEW — The City Council will meet 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Click below this paragraph to see the meeting's agenda.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What the Crestview City Council will meet about Aug. 22 (FILE)

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County voters should have received the Aug. 30 Primary Election Sample Ballot Booklet at their registered addresses.

In addition to sample ballots for the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and Nonpartisan primary races, these booklets contain information to prepare voters. A list of polling places, what to expect at the polls, details on Florida’s closed Primary status, voter identification requirements, as well as sites and hours for the Aug. 20-27 Early Voting period are included.

If a voter has not received the booklet in the mail, they should call Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux’s office to verify their mailing address. The booklets also are available at both offices of the Supervisor of Elections.

Voters may find precinct-specific sample ballots using the Voter Lookup Tool on the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections website, www.GoVote-Okaloosa.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Primary election sample ballot booklets in mail

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa Republican Club's monthly meeting is scheduled.

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend the event, which includes a forum of Okaloosa County sheriff and commissioner candidates for District 1.

Social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at American Legion Post 235, 105 S.W. Hollywood Blvd.

Price of dinner is $15 and includes drinks and gratuity. Menu choices are beef teriyaki over rice or grilled chicken salad. To RSVP contact group Vice President Nate Lepper, 376-2287, or nathanlepper@yahoo.com.   

For information about the Republican Club call President Mark Franks, 240-1279.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Republicans host county sheriff, commissioner forum

CRESTVIEW — Throughout Okaloosa County, voters face the next round of voting as the nation gears up to choose a president, U.S. congressional representatives, state legislators and a slew of local officials.

North Okaloosa County voters have several choices for area representatives on the Board of County Commissioners and the Okaloosa School District Board.

One position, Okaloosa County District 3 commissioner has already been chosen. Incumbent Nathan Boyles was unopposed and will automatically retain his seat.

Candidates for Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners District 1 responded to the News Bulletin’s request for information about themselves and their platforms; here are their answers.

Candidate James Walker did not submit a profile or photo.

CHARLES BAUGH JR.

Personal: Military veteran, USAF retiree, registered Republican since 1973. Active in local charities and civic organizations. Precinct 9 Committeeman. Crestview resident; wife Roslyn, three adult children, two grandchildren. Christian faith.

Occupation: Lead Aircraft Technician, Qwest Air Parts, Inc.

Experience: Possessing federal (military), municipal and private sector management experiences make me uniquely qualified. My diversified work experience exposed me to wide-ranging challenges in managing, leading and solving complex issues for over 35 years. Former Councilman.

Platform or focus: My platform, common sense, a trust but verify mindset. My focus, fiscal eye on all county expenditures, work to resolve major infrastructure issues, promote environment conducive to economic growth and adequate pay for county employees.

1. Severe congestion plagues Crestview-area roads, but most problems are on state roads. What can be done at the county level to address the problem? Our commissioners must impress upon the state, federal transportation agency, FEMA and DoD that it’s in their best interest to engage the inter-modal issues of this county and its impact on the military mission and public safety in Okaloosa County. Only their combined resources can provide a long-term fix.

2. North Okaloosa County residents pay the highest gas prices in the region. Gas is often 30 cents or more cheaper just over the border in Alabama. What can be done to lower it?  Transportation consumes most of our supply. Finding ways to reduce driving could help lower demand and eventually gas prices. Developing a zero-fare public bus system that includes late-night service on the four most needed routes would give our citizens without autos equal opportunity to access all that our community offers.

THOMAS CANNON

Personal: Married to Sue Ann; four children; five grandchildren

Occupation: Owner, operator and CEO, Cannon Services Inc., an electrical contracting and repair service

Experience: Business owner-operator of 22 years, managed Racetrack Ace Hardware for 13 years. Served six years on the Dorcas Fire Commission as chairman. State-licensed master electrician; private pilot with current medical, accounting and computer training.

Platform or focus: “Maintaining and adding infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing population. Attracting clean manufacturing industries to provide better jobs for our citizens. Insuring cost-effective services while treating both citizens and county workers fairly.”

1. Severe road congestion: “The commission must develop and submit solutions to our state representatives for implementation and funding. Traffic signals should be optimized for morning and evening traffic flow. The county needs to purchase land for a right of way to build a loop road around Crestview now while land is still available.”

2. Gas prices: “I would fight to ensure that Okaloosa County is receiving its fair share of state tax for our roads. Money in the past was diverted to the south part of the state. The difference in gas tax between Alabama or Santa Rosa county does not account for the retail price difference.”

GRAHAM FOUNTAIN

Personal: Married 29 years to childhood sweetheart, Felicia Adams Fountain, granddaughter of Okaloosa County businessman and developer P.J. Adams. Son of the late Dr. Robert G. Fountain and Madge Fountain; members of First Baptist Church, Crestview

Occupation: Retired state and county law enforcement executive; owner of Policy Consulting Company

Experience: Over three decades of public safety and leadership experience; over 20 years’ small business experience owning two consulting companies, managing family dental practice and commercial and coastal real estate holdings; led thousands of employees and managed over $500 million of budgets and capital work programs, held various board member and policy-making positions in non-profits and charities, and a recognized expert in legislative processes, public safety and public policy.

Platform or focus: Jobs and the economy;Traffic problems and adding roadway capacity coming in and out of Crestview;improving county administration and fighting waste, fraud, and abuse and poor leadership practices;Fighting to reduce regulations in people’s businesses and personal lives by government.

1.  Severe road congestion: Work with department of transportation partners, legislative delegation, and the U.S. Department of Defense to create alternative roadway(s) coming into Crestview that will not hurt the mission of the base, but still provide additional arteries for traffic; adopt enhanced use of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) to notify drivers of best times and routes depending on traffic patterns, wrecks and slow-downs.

2. Gas prices: “There is a major misconception about fuel pricing. Outside fuel taxes levied, which Okaloosa County still does not use their maximum tax with 2 cents still on the table, prices for gas are driven by the market and the consumer’s willingness to pay the higher prices. Historically, Crestview sees higher prices because drivers will pay the price instead of buying fuel in south county or Alabama. When market purchases fall, stores will reduce pricing. It’s all about the regional or local market activity … period.”

●Aug. 20-27: Early voting, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

●Aug. 30: Primary election

●Oct. 11: Registration books close for November general election

●Oct. 24 to Nov. 5: Early voting, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

●Nov. 8: General election

Source: Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections

ELECTION DATES

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa commission candidates talk roads, gas prices