CRESTVIEW — After lunch, residents could go to Twin Hills Park, paddle boats around the pond, ollie in a skate park, turn Fido loose in the dog park, or enjoy a live performance at an amphitheatre.

That is, if long-discussed plans come to fruition.

Following two years of discussion, the Community Redevelopment Agency Board on Monday was on the verge of approving Seaside Engineering and Surveying's feasibility study for improvements.

But when Administrative Services Director Teresa Gaillard explained the $25,590 study would be the planning tool used to prepare final site plans, board member Mickey Rytman objected.

“Most contractors will give you a plan for nothing… It would just seem like we could have a design-build contract for this amount of money," he said.

Board member Tom Gordon favored holding a public forum to accept residents’ input on proposed amenities.

Member Robyn Helt, who initiated the park improvement discussion, said there was no need for a brainstorming session.

“Over the last two years, the public has had ample opportunity to approach the council and express their desires on this,” Helt said. “I am asked on a weekly basis about the dog park. The public has done its part in letting us know what they think.”

And having plans drawn up concurrently with the feasibility study wouldn't make sense if the study revealed part of the plan was unworkable, Helt said. “You would always do a feasibility study prior to building a project,” she said. “Why would you have plans drawn for something that is not feasible?”

Rytman's motion to produce an enhanced feasibility study to include more detailed information passed 3-2. Board President Shannon Hayes and Helt voted nay.

This would be done through a “directive of order,” a set of guidelines to be prepared with the CRA board’s input “to basically tell us what they will furnish and prepare, and a dollar amount for the plan," Rytman said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Twin Hills Park study postponed; board OK's revising feasibility study

Editor's Note: Debra Adams, Daniel Lane, Scott Moneypenny, Joan Smith, Randy Tickle and Willie Mae Toles are running for Laurel Hill City Council.  

Each candidate answered two top questions on readers' minds, and offered personal information, as part of our continuing campaign coverage.

How should Laurel Hill address road conditions?

Adams: The recent grant acquired for road resurfacing provides funds for less than 15 percent of the roads in Laurel Hill.

With the completion of this project, more grants will need to be identified for road resurfacing. Okaloosa County has agreed to offer assistance; however, funding for materials will still need to be sought.

Lane: First and foremost is to make use of the $600,000 grant to its maximum, and to identify the streets that need overlaying or repairing the most. The money that is available to the city falls short of the 14 miles of streets that need overlaying or patching.

Moneypenny: Roads are the most problematic issues in communities. They almost always lead back to funding. We must develop a short-term, midterm and a long-term plan. Then set it in place. Continue to research all avenues of funding and use appropriately. Our budgetary restraint is our greatest obstacle.

Smith: "When I retained the position as mayor from 2010 to 2013, we began a program and (were) making great progress by means of a mutual aid agreement with the county to resurface our city streets. (I) would like the opportunity to come back and fulfill this vision." 

Tickle: Work to attract more businesses into the town, which would increase the tax revenue as well as provide jobs to the people here in Laurel Hill. Address the issue of frivolous spending at the taxpayers’ expense.

Toles: Let’s get together and work hard, and get it together and get the job done. It takes the people and the council working together.

What are the city's two most pressing issues?

Adams: In addition to road conditions, another issue is dissolution of the city. This is an issue that will determine the direction of all other issues. "As a council member, I will assure the citizens are well-informed of all aspects of this decision, and have the opportunity for their voice to be heard."

Lane: The resolution of the council seat of Mr. Johnny James (who, it recently was determined, lives outside city limits) and the start of getting the (road) grant money to use before it expires, so the city can get down to handling other city issues at hand.

Moneypenny: Rehabilitate structures: Support residents and refurbish neighborhoods. Work with national, state, local and non-profit partners to prevent vacant and deteriorated properties.

Public trust: Involve our citizens in important decision-making. Install morals and ethics in everything we do by doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.

Smith: We all know that city streets are most pressing, but other major concerns need to be resolved. An “Operating Procedure Policy” for employees and city officials needs to be put in place to ensure all employees know what is expected of them at all times and how they are to receive instruction.

Tickle: "What I feel are the two biggest issues facing the city is the city council working on their own agenda and not working together for the good of the residents; and lack of jobs, not only to provide income for the residents but to also provide tax revenue to the city."

Toles: The roads and the streets. Let’s get them done so we can drive on good roads.

DEBRA ADAMS

Personal: Lifelong North Okaloosa County resident; grew up in Crestview and moved to Laurel Hill in November 2005. Product of Okaloosa County School District; master’s degree in Education from the University of West Florida. Married to Robby Adams, Laurel Hill mayor, for 20 years; two children, Dylan, 10, and Aidan, 6. 

Occupation: Educator in the Okaloosa County School District since 1994; currently teach secondary mathematics at Laurel Hill School.

Experience: "I have held leadership roles in various school-based duties including Professional Development, School Advisory Council, Equitable Duty Committee, and the Discipline Review Committee. I have most recently served on the Hobo Festival Committee as treasurer."

DANIEL LANE

Personal: Married; nine children; member, First Baptist Church of Laurel Hill

Occupation: Retired

Experience: Vietnam veteran; 12 years' military service; almost 40 years' commercial construction experience. Was project manager on government and city projects. Was a certified Department of Transportation supervisor.

SCOTT MONEYPENNY

Personal: Spouse, Kathleen Moneypenny; two children and five grandchildren; Okaloosa County area coordinator, Hunters Safety, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; volunteer Hunters Safety instructor, FWC; State Range safety officer; National Archery in the Schools instructor; life member, NRA; Fort Walton Beach Coin Club; and involved with ANA and Porsche Club of America

Occupation: Retired

Experience: A "highly organized, take-charge professional. Superb trouble shooter and problem solver, with 26 years of diverse military service and seven years (Department of Defense) contractor.

"Proven expertise in all levels of project management and fiscal responsibilities."

JOAN SMITH

Personal: "Me and my family moved to Laurel Hill in 1975; my late husband, Harvel Smith, owned and operated a business here and all four of our children graduated from Laurel Hill High School." Attends South Ebenezer Church; retired from Okaloosa County Health Department as senior records clerk in 2001; currently serves as AARP Tax Preparation Services volunteer.

Experience: Board member, Northwest Florida League of Cities; vice president, Okaloosa League of Cities; and 15 years of bookkeeping/accounting. Former Laurel Hill council chairman and mayor. Certified in First Amendment Foundation education on government covering Sunshine Laws, Ethics, and good-government.

RANDY TICKLE

Personal: Married to Robin Tickle; two daughters and a son, and two stepdaughters and three granddaughters.

Occupation: "I have worked in various positions in the transportation industry for 29 years."

WILLIE MAE TOLES

Occupation: Retiree and Laurel Hill City Councilwoman

Experience: "After a term in office, I have a proven record of honesty and helping people out."

WANT TO GO?

The North Okaloosa Republican Club's non-partisan Laurel Hill City Council candidates forum is 6 p.m. March 2 at the Laurel Hill First Baptist Church fellowship hall, 3972 Second Ave.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: MEET THE CANDIDATES: You asked, Laurel Hill's council candidates answered

Editor's Note: Incumbent David Cadle, business owner Landrum "Lanny" Edwards, City Councilman Tom Gordon and business owner Jeremiah Hubbard are running for Crestview mayor.

Each candidate answered two top questions on readers' minds, and offered personal information, as part of our continuing campaign coverage.

How should Crestview address a perceived increase in crime?

Cadle: We have established many proven prevention strategies: Citizen’s Public Safety Academy, K9 teams, increased patrols, drug enforcement task force, closer cooperation within the judicial system and police community. Increased officer training and compensation resulted in a 13 percent reduction in crime in 2013 and 6 percent in the first half of 2014.

Edwards: I feel we need better training for police officers, more participation by the public in reporting activities of a suspicious nature, and take steps to regain the trust of the public in the city police.

Gordon: Crestview crime is 50 percent higher than the national average, and reported in Huffington Post as currently ranked eighth in “9 Cities Where Crime Is Soaring.” The city’s budget must be scrubbed to better pay, train and hire more police officers. Thousands of dollars spent on mayor’s travel expenses must be eliminated.

Hubbard: As population increases, so does crime. We must address the understaffed, underpaid police department, and the lack of planning the city has shown to prepare for the population increase. Finally, we must address the underlying poverty in our area. As poverty decreases, so does crime.

What are the city's most pressing issues?

Cadle: For economic development to continue, our young adults need training for higher-level jobs. Adequate funding is required for replacement of Crestview’s deteriorating infrastructure.  The city must study all options for traffic control and place new emphasis on connector roads that will help reduce traffic on Highway 85.

Edwards: Traffic problems — We must find a way to improve traffic patterns within the city. It would also be helpful to train a quick-response team to quickly regain traffic flow following accidents.

Gordon: Three most pressing issues for Crestview are crime, traffic and leadership. Crime can be addressed by better pay, better training and mayoral leadership. Traffic can be improved by implementing programs that provide startup monies for projects without raising taxes. Leadership change can be made by voters on March 10.

Jobs and merchants: Better cooperation with companies desiring to begin new businesses in Crestview. This would provide jobs and shopping facilities for our citizens and also help lower the crime rate.

Hubbard: We must increase career opportunities for our residents. Creating a pro-business atmosphere and bringing in industry and manufacturing will strengthen and stabilize our economy. Our infrastructure must be updated to support the increasing population, and we can accomplish this by developing additional four-lane roads to our existing infrastructure.

DAVID CADLE

Personal: Wife, Shirley (45 years); children, Philip, Jeremy and Ben (Carrie); and grandchildren, Triston and Matthew.

Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, deacon; North Okaloosa Medical Center, board of trustees; Crestview Exchange Club, past president; West Florida Regional Planning Council, past chairman; Military Affairs Committee, member; Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation & Recognition Celebration, board member; and Take Stock in Children, mentor, Okaloosa School Board.

Occupation: retired teacher, mayor of Crestview.

Experience: Mayor of Crestview, eight years; Crestview High School teacher, 28 years; West Virginia High School teacher, 10 years; University of West Florida, master’s degree; and Marshall University, bachelor’s degree.

LANDRUM 'LANNY' EDWARDS

Personal: Voncile, wife; children, Melanie and Lanny Jr.; and five grandchildren. City Code Enforcement Board president; member, Citizens Advisory Council to the county Transportation Planning Organization board.

Occupation: Retired civil service; business owner.

Experience: Owner, Edwards Machine Shop; "held highly responsible 26-year position as Egress Maintenance worker on various aircraft for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force." Former president, Crestview Lions Club. Active City Council participant.

THOMAS GORDON:

Personal: Wife, Barbara; six children; and four grandchildren.

Member, Woodlawn Baptist Church (since 1972); member, Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce; member, Main Street Crestview Association; and member, Building Industry Association.

Occupation: businessman and owner, Gordon Air Conditioning and Gordon Martial Arts.

Experience: Current Crestview City Council member; member, Community Redevelopment Agency; member, Okaloosa RESTORE Act Committee; past member, Crestview Board of Adjustments, past member Y.M.C.A., board of directors; and lifelong Crestview resident.

JEREMIAH HUBBARD

Personal: Married for over 14 years to Charity; 2 children, Lily and Destin. "Actively involved at our church in Crestview, The Summit."

Occupation: CEO/consultant of Ideal Marketing Innovations LLC.

Experience: "From ministry to business, I have been involved in leadership for 15 years and have been tasked with managing people and helping businesses succeed. To learn more, visit: www.crestviewforward.com."

EARLY VOTING: Early voting for municipal elections is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23-27 and March 2-6 at the OkaloosaSupervisor of Elections Office, 302 Wilson St. N, Ste. 102, Crestview.

ELECTION DAY: March 10; vote at your precinct's polling place. Call 689-5600 or see www.govote-okaloosa.com for more information.

Click here for our complete (and growing) Election Guide>>

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article included incorrect information. Jeremiah Hubbard, though in ministry in 2011 and before then, is no longer an evangelist. We regret the error. 

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Q&A: Crestview mayoral candidates on city's most pressing issues

CRESTVIEW — Councilman Joe Blocker says his constituents want to know exactly how much the city spends on attorneys’ fees, and demand the council sign off on city attorney Jerry Miller’s bills.

At Monday’s council meeting, he went a step further and recommended terminating Miller’s contract.

“I’ve been contacted daily by residents of our city with interest in making legal fees an open part of our city,” Blocker said at the Feb. 9 council meeting.

Miller said all city invoices, including attorneys’ fees, are public records readily available from City Clerk Betsy Roy’s office.

OFF AND ON

The topic was listed on Monday night’s council meeting agenda but was removed by Blocker because he said he had not received needed information in time. Monday night, he endeavored to return it to the agenda but encountered procedural difficulties.

A super-majority — or four of the five council members’ votes — is required to add an agenda item after the agenda is published.

Blocker’s motion failed on a 3-2 vote, with council members Tom Gordon and Robyn Helt voting nay, but Blocker was permitted to read from a prepared statement.

“I believe it is in the best interest of the taxpayers of Crestview that we consider terminating the contract with Mr. Miller’s law firm immediately,” Blocker said.

Council President Shannon Hayes told Blocker that the contract cannot be terminated, but could be renegotiated or a new request for proposals for legal services could be issued.

“As far as terminating, that is not within the power of us to do that,” Hayes said.

‘DISTINCT MISUNDERSTANDING’

“There seems to be a very distinct misunderstanding how contracts within the city operate and how invoices should be paid or appear,” Helt said.

“When we pay PAWS (the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society) or we pay anyone else, are those detailed invoices shown on our consent agenda? No. Is the city operating under some type of conspiracy because that’s not happening? No! Let’s just get on about doing business and not get into conspiracy theories when they don’t exist.”

Hayes said if Blocker wished to pursue the matter further, he could return it to the agenda for the March 9 meeting.

At the council’s Nov. 10, 2014, meeting, Blocker proposed requiring all city invoices be approved by the City Council. After Helt called the proposal “ridiculous,” Blocker moved to require just Miller’s invoices be approved by the body.

That motion failed without a second.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Councilman calls for termination of city attorney's contract (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — Some residents know which qualities they want their mayor to have. 

“I want a strong leader,” Corbin DeMonia said.

“Someone who’s going to do something for the children around here,” his friend, Chris Richards said.

They were among more than 60 attendees of the North Okaloosa Republican Club's Tuesday forum that brought candidates and constituents face to face.

Here's what the candidates — incumbent, David Cadle; business owner Landrum Edwards; City Councilman Tom Gordon; and business owner Jeremiah Hubbard — said about their positions.

MAYOR DAVID CADLE

Full- or part-time mayor: “The number of people that come by my office is really incredible. It continues to grow. It needs someone there full time.”

“I will tell you: what the mayor's position is now is not what I would call part-time.”

Public transportation: “Public transportation is a problem for cities throughout the country. Public transportation is a problem for the county.

“I still have a problem with all the subsidies coming from the government. I would like to see a way for it to pay for itself, and I think private enterprise would make public transportation more efficient.”

Sewer, water inequity: “The duality of water and sewer services is set by city ordinance. There's not much a mayor can do about city ordinance. Here's what you can do: you can come before the city and start requesting for a change.”

Downtown midday parking: “The solution is to have another downtown parking lot so you don't have to walk an extra block. The sad thing is, people don't want to walk a block.

“The city is looking again at the lot behind Desi's (Downtown Restaurant). The owner originally wanted more than appraisal value, but that may have changed.”

LANDRUM 'LANNY' EDWARDS

Full- or part-time mayor: “I support a strong mayor. Pensacola has a type of mayor who is a representative of the city.

“We cannot sit up here and tell people, ‘I'm mayor of Crestview but I can't do anything because the City Council runs the city.’ The City Council should be making policy and setting the budget, not running the city.”

Public transportation: “Fees should be regulated by the city council. We cannot keep subsidizing everything that rolls through the door. We need the people who use the transportation to help pay for it.

“We need some type of transportation better than what we've had in the last 10 years.”

Sewer, water inequity: “If you've got a garden and you're watering a garden in the backyard, the city wants to put in a separate water meter.

“But if you have a well but you don't want to pay that sewer bill, so later when their septic system clogs up, who are you going to turn to? The city of Crestview.

“Water and sewer have to be coupled. You have to pay your fair share.”

Downtown midday parking: “I brought this up about five years ago. You talk to some of the old timers there, like Mac Brooks (who owns a downtown barber shop). From approximately 11 to about 2 o'clock, you can't park in front of his business, and you can't get a haircut.

“We need to get that property (behind Desi’s) for the simple reason that you can make a loop road there, too.”

COUNCILMAN TOM GORDON

Full- or part-time mayor: “The real options are full-time, part-time, or city administrator. The full-time mayor in Pensacola, the first thing he did was hire a city administrator.”

“I'm used to working with limited resources. What we have now is a part-time mayor. I'd open the office on Friday. I'd have more online and social media information.”

Public transportation: “(A) public transportation system is very much needed. The question is by whom? The problem is, the government is inefficient. Private systems would be much more efficient and faster.

“I would suggest private sector or community partners work with government on public transportation.”

Sewer, water inequity: “Water and sewer is a matter of ordinance. I would suggest anytime you have a problem like this, you come before the city council with a question and an answer.

“I'd take your problem and your solution, and I'd take it to your councilman and get it (an ordinance change) started as soon as it can.”

Downtown midday parking: “The downtown parking at lunchtime rush is always interesting. I found if you park by city hall, you can walk a block and get where you need to go.

“If property is available and accessible, then we can look at another parking lot downtown. It's only an issue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. After that it's not an issue.”

JEREMIAH HUBBARD

Full- or part-time mayor: “I do agree Crestview needs a full-time mayor. We need a mayor there who can be continually planning for the future.

“When you have strong leaders, we have to make sure they are accountable. A strong mayor will have the opportunity to be more effective in the position than shaking hands and kissing babies.”

Public transportation: “How are we going to pay for it? If we didn't lose so many businesses, we would have the tax revenue to pay for it.”

“We're more diverse now. More people coming to our city are used to public transportation and can rely on it.”

“It's another good solution to eliminating the traffic problem.”

“Attract business to fund these programs.”

Sewer, water inequity: “It's often times when people get lumped into services, they end up paying for other services. We don't need people paying for sewer if they're not using sewer.”

Downtown midday parking: “It's 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so we're talking about a lot of money on a handful of people who want to go downtown to eat lunch. Is that the best use of our money?

“We need to evaluate this thing long-term before we start spending money on new parking.”

—

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article included partial information about the city's sewer and water services.

If water and sewer are available for a given property, the city will charge the resident for both services; even if he or she uses a septic system, that's still the case, according to the city clerk's office. However, if sewer and water are not available for a given property, that's not the case.

An earlier version of this article included incorrect infomration. Jeremiah Hubbard, though in ministry in 2011 and before then, is no longer an evangelist. We regret the error. 

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview mayoral candidates discuss public transportation, sewer and water

CRESTVIEW — Familiar concerns, including the city’s crime rate, attracting jobs with higher wages to town, and solving traffic woes, highlighted this election season’s first round of debates.

More than 75 residents attended a Monday evening mayoral candidates’ forum at Warriors Hall. Community activist Mae Retha Coleman, who organized the event, urged the audience to listen to the discussions, weigh the issues and then vote.

“I had to have this meeting because so many people have called and asked me who to vote for,” she said. “I want them to ask the candidates themselves. Then you can figure out for yourself who you're going to vote for.”

Mayor David Cadle:

Jobs: The city needs to upgrade aging infrastructure and increase vocational training for young students who aren’t college-bound to attract businesses. Support for the Bob Sikes Airport Industrial Air-Park and continuing to attract major university graduate programs are essentials.

Crime: Recent FBI reports, not meant to be used for statistical purposes, contained errors. For example, of 39 reported rapes, six were unfounded and five were outside of city jurisdiction. Crime is actually down since the 2012 police scandal. Crestview police standards now exceed state standards.

Traffic: "The TIF (tax increment financing district) may well be part of the city's future. The City Council has to determine what the financial impacts will be for the next 20 years."

Landrum “Lanny” Edwards:

Jobs: Priorities include promoting the city to businesses. “We need longtime employment. We need jobs that can be set up in the area and employ hundreds of people.”

Crime: FBI crime rates actually cover the whole Crestview area, but the rate in the city is actually down, he says. Adding jobs will lower it more. “When you improve getting people jobs, the crime rate drops.”

Traffic: Advocated completing bypasses on both the west and east sides of the city south of I-10. “The fastest thing would be to make 85 six-laned from the (Shoal River) bridge to I-10.”

Councilman Tom Gordon:

Jobs: Promoting the city as a prime place to relocate major businesses or industry should be a priority, coupled with making it easier to do business in Crestview. “If you have a hard time pulling permits, you may not want to come here.”

Crime: Gordon disputed Cadle’s assertion that the crime rate is getting lower. “I didn't talk stats; I talked numbers. Stats can be twisted, numbers can't.” He advocates “better planning, better training, better leadership” to improve the police force and increase officer pay without raising taxes.

Traffic: The P.J. Adams bypass must be a priority. “This can's been kicked down the road 20 years.” “We need more bypass roads in Crestview. We have to look at Rasberry Road. We have to look at Arena Road.”

Jeremiah Hubbard:

Jobs: People leave the Crestview area because of lack of good jobs; promoting the city to large businesses must be a priority. “We have the availability to bring industry and business in. Now is the time to be active and aggressive about going after these jobs.”

Crime: Increasing police officer pay can help the city keep good cops. “I have seen what our officers go through at the midnight hour, and I can tell you what they get paid is not enough.” Increase “community-oriented policing services.”

Traffic: Addressing road inadequacies will attract business. “Everybody gets tired of driving (State Road) 85. It tests your Christianity sometimes. …We need to look at having more four-laned highways or boulevards in Crestview.”

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview mayoral candidate forum focuses on crime, business and traffic

Jason O’Daniels, Crestview's new Geographic Information System mapping analyst and planning technician, says digitizing city maps, making customer service more friendly and efficient, and mapping city infrastructure are among his goals.

O'Daniels fills the shoes of former GIS mapping analyst Teresa Gaillard, who was promoted to Administrative Services director.

O’Daniels previously served as a town planner in DeFuniak Springs, which tried to entice him to stay with a salary increase. But O’Daniels’ eyes had already turned west.

“This is home," O’Daniels said. "This is where I want to be."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New city GIS mapping analyst plans innovations

NICEVILLE — The Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization will meet Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Niceville Community Center.

The TPO will meet at 3 p.m.; the Citizens' Advisory Committee and Technical Coordinating Committee will meet 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively.

Agenda items include the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council 2015 legislative policy positions; a staff services agreement with the West Florida Regional Planning Council; the interlocal agreement; and Transportation Alternatives Program prioritization criteria.

Visit www.wfrpc.org for a full agenda.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa-Walton transportation planners to meet Thursday