LAUREL HILL — The City Council on Thursday adopted the budget and millage rate for fiscal year 2018, and again couldn’t come to a unanimous vote to appoint a new council member.

BUDGET ADOPTION

The City Council held a public hearing on the final budget and millage rate before the regular council meeting. No residents approached the council, so they adjourned and moved on to the special meeting on the final budget.

Before voting on the budget and millage rate, the council took time to discuss any concerns they may have. Councilman Scott Moneypenny had three concerns.

Moneypenny said that he believes all of the money from the gas tax should go to roads, because Laurel Hill’s roads are in disrepair. In addition, he said he wanted to know why the budgeted cost for fuel equated to approximately $60 a day when there are only two to three city workers on the road daily, and there are only 14 miles of road in Laurel Hill.

At the budget workshop on Tuesday, Moneypenny asked City Clerk Nita Miller for more information on certifications of the city’s firefighters and the number of calls they run within a year before agreeing to give bonuses to the firefighters.

To answer one of Moneypenny’s concerns, Councilwoman Debra Adams gave a detailed report of the firefighters’ certifications; however, she did not have the number of calls run by the fire department in a year. To answer a second question, Mayor Robby Adams said the city over-budgets for fuel because of the possibility of fluctuating gas prices.

Moneypenny made a motion to accept the millage rate at 3.5 for the fiscal year, and Councilman Johnny James seconded the motion. The motion passed with all in favor.

James made the motion to adopt the final budget for the year. Councilman Mike Blizzard seconded the motion, but said he was doing it out of protest because there are aspects of the budget he didn’t agree with and had asked for more detailed information but never heard back from the city clerk.

Moneypenny agreed with Blizzard, but they both voted to approve the budget in order to move on with the schedule; however, both councilmen said they still want the information they asked for. The budget passed with all in favor.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT

A familiar situation occurred when the vote for a new council member tied 2-2, leaving the council one seat short after Daniel Lane’s Aug. 3 resignation.

The council has received three applications since August. At the Sept. 7 meeting, Moneypenny and Blizzard voted for Shawn Cogan, and Adams and James voted for Jacob Locke.

The council voted for the same people again, unable to make a unanimous decision. Cogan attended the meeting and said he wants to be councilman because he wants to make his home better. Locke was not in attendance.

The council will vote on the same names at the next meeting, unless they receive additional applications.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill council OKs budget, disagrees on new council appointee

CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency board has approved the final budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

According to the final budget, projected revenue for the CRA during the 2017-2018 fiscal year is $1,333,387, which includes the 2016-2017 end-of-year balance forward in the amount of $1,144,387 and operational revenue in the amount of $189,000.

The year's expenditures will match revenue, and include $135,800 in CRA administration costs; CRA director education, training and conferences in the amount of $12,500; and CRA programs (economic revitalization, marketing, incentives and grants) in the amount of $1,185,087.

The expenditures are outlined as follows.

CRA ADMINISTRATION

• Supplies: $5,000
• Cellular service: $1,200
• Contract services for the CRA director: $61,700
• Legal services: $35,500
• Accounting services: $5,000
• Marketing: $11,000
• Computer and website: $1,900
• Meeting and travel: $15,000

CRA DIRECTOR TRAINING

• Conferences, conventions and meetings: $3,500
• CRA certification training: $5,000
• Travel: $4,000

CRA PROGRAMS

• Crestview Depot/welcome center: $150,000
• Park segue and green park: $175,000
• Dog park: $10,000
• Land/building acquisition: $141,587
• Mixed use residential/commercial development: $50,000
• Asbestos mitigation: $30,000
• Building code compliance upgrade: $30,000
• Commercial investor property development: $55,000
• Façade and building improvement: $50,000
• CRA partnership incentive: $25,000
• Low-interest CRA development loans: $50,000
• CRA leasing incentive: $10,000
• Parking, land, signage, buildings and security: $203,500
• Community Development Block Grant/Grant matching, funding, leasing and partnerships: $205,000

CRA Commissioner Shannon Hayes made the motion to accept the budget Sept. 26, and Commissioner Doug Faircloth seconded the motion.

The budget was approved with all commissioners in favor, except Joe Blocker who was absent from the meeting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CRA adopts fiscal year budget

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council voted on the millage rate after a Community Redevelopment Agency quarterly meeting Sept. 25.

City Clerk Betsy Roy said the rate will stay the same as last year: 6.9466.

"There's no changes, no decreases, no increases," Roy said.

The mill is $1 per $1,000 of the property's value. It will be in effect for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2018.

The millage resulted in $6,903,634 in ad valorem taxes for the city's annual budget.

The rest of the city budget, which the council formally approved as well, is as follows:

REVENUES:

Local Option Taxes: $679,800

Utility Service Taxes: $2,090,900

Communications Services Tax: $782,800

Local Business Tax: $123,600

Permits, Fees and Special Assessments: $414,101

Franchise Fees: $1,688,250

Impact Fees: $476,700

Federal Grants: $0

State Shared Revenues: $3,209,601

Payments from Local Governments: $119,000

Charges for Services: $10,007,373

Fines and Forfeitures: $43,260

Miscellaneous Revenue: $358,100

Capital Funds: $1,454,428

Transfers In: $127,500

Cash Carry Forward/Reserves: $6,548,181

EXPENDITURES:

General Government Services: $10,750,982

Public Safety: $10,016,714

Physical Environment: $8,449,571

Transportation: $1,965,817

Culture and Recreation: $1,299,749

Debt Service: $2,416,895

Transfers Out: $127,500

A total of $18,801,043 will come from the general fund, $701,088 from the debt service fund, $14,322,710 from the enterprise fund and $1,202,387 from the special revenue fund.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council votes on millage rate, budget

NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE, France — Crestview City Council President JB Whitten was barely in Noirmoutier 24 hours when he was presented with one of Crestview's Sister City's top honors.

During his reception for the 24 visiting members of the Crestview Area Sister City Program, Noirmoutier's mayor, Dr. Noël Faucher, conferred on Whitten the Medal of Noirmoutier, making him the third Crestview recipient of the honor.

During his remarks, Dr. Faucher praised the 23-year-old relationship between the two communities, welcoming the Crestview delegation to "your home in France."

Monday evening, Whitten joined Sister City Program President Brian Hughes and Crestview Police Investigator Shawn Temple at Dr. Faucher's private dignitarie' dinner at one of the island's most fashionable restaurant.

"The hospitality we have received so far is outstanding. I can see why everyone who has been to Noirmoutier is eager to return," Whitten thanked his host and said afterward.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Councilman receives medal from Crestview Sister City's mayor

LAUREL HILL — The search for Laurel Hill’s next City Council member continues following Daniel Lane's Aug. 3 resignation.

The city has received three applications for the position. Residents Shawn Cogan, Jacob Locke and Charles “David” Williams applied for the council-appointed seat. The council voted on the nominees during the Sept. 7 meeting; however, the council was unable to make a unanimous decision.

Councilman Scott Moneypenny and Councilman Mike Blizzard voted for Shawn Cogan; Councilman Johnny James and Councilwoman Debra Adams voted for Jacob Locke, tying the vote 2-2.  

According to Adams, the council will vote again at the Oct. 5 meeting. Residents can still apply for the position; if the city doesn't receive additional applications, the council will vote for the same nominees again.

SHAWN COGAN

Shawn Cogan, 41, has lived in Laurel Hill for 2.5 years. He graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1993 and retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years. Cogan’s experience includes three years as a resource officer of a unit of more than 300 people.

Cogan said he has attended approximately eight or nine City Council meetings in Laurel Hill this year. The issues he would like to see resolved include water rates, more research done for grant applications and building better businesses, festivals and attractions.

“This is my home; what man would I be if I did not try to make it better,” Cogan said. “I believe I can help the four other council members make our home better.”

JACOB LOCKE

Jacob Locke has lived in Laurel Hill for more than 20 years and owns Jacob Locke Construction. Locke’s experience includes more than 20 years as a business owner working with the public and government agencies and their policies.

According to Locke, he would like to serve on the council to help ensure the sustainable growth of the city of Laurel Hill. The concerns he would like to see resolved include problems with the roads — he proposes to do this by applying for grants and other assistance; issues with drainage and culverts; water department revenue; and water supply infrastructure.

CHARLES WILLIAMS

Charles “David” Williams has lived in Laurel Hill for one year and four months. Williams has years of experience with multiple construction companies in other states and in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties.

According to Williams, he was called to ministry at age 60 and graduated from the District School of Ministry Bible College. He currently serves as pastor at First Assembly of God in Laurel Hill. He would like to see Laurel Hill get better roads, promote the importance of cleaning residential yards, and focus on drainage problems, create new jobs to grow the economy, and add benches to the city walking track.

“As a local pastor and resident of Laurel Hill, I have a desire to see the people of this area prosper and excel in all areas of their lives,” Williams said. “I feel that the experience that I have gained as a result of my years of work in the building industry have given me an in-depth knowledge of roads, drainage, codes, safety procedures, etc. that would be helpful in making decisions that would help move the city forward.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill council member search continues

CRESTVIEW — The Charter Review Committee, along with Mayor David Cadle, on Thursday discussed the mayor's duties under a proposed new city charter.

The list of powers and duties currently outlined in the proposed charter for the mayor are: to be recognized as head of the city for ceremonial purposes; to participate in city council meetings with authority to participate in discussions but have no vote; to present recommendations to the city council; to exercise veto power over ordinances adopted by the city council within five days of adoption; to see that provisions of the charter, laws, ordinances and rules of the city are complied with and enforced; and to hold no other elected public office. The proposal notes that the mayor may be removed from office.

“One of the things I thought was very important that I lobbied for the last time around is that the mayor remains a non-voting member of the council,” Cadle said. “This gives the mayor the opportunity to speak individually with each member. That’s been very helpful. One thing I did suggest, and the council approved that, was that the mayor would moderate the meetings.”

Currently, Council President J.B. Whitten moderates city council meetings. In many communities adjacent to Crestview, the city’s mayor is in charge of council meetings and only has a vote in the case of a tie.

According to Ellis Conner, the committee’s chairman, the new charter relieves Cadle from heading the police and fire departments, giving him more time to oversee the entire city and its operation.

Andrew Rencich, the charter committee’s vice chairman, asked Cadle what he believed were the pros and cons of the mayor’s current oversight. According to Cadle, lacking a strong chain of command structure for department heads to answer to is a disadvantage. This is where a city manager would come in, which would cause more cohesiveness, according to Cadle.

Cadle said 80 percent of Crestview residents don’t realize that the city doesn’t operate on a strong-mayor form of government, where all key policy and management decisions flow from the mayor's authority.

Nearly every day, residents call Cadle with concerns ranging from mistakes on their water bill to a street light that is out, Cadle said. According to Gene Strickland, a charter committee member, reasons such as that are why there needs to be a city manager.

Cadle agreed to review the powers and duties section of the proposed charter and return to the next committee meeting with any input or additions he would like to see put in the charter.

The Charter Review Committee will meet for the last time on Sept. 7, when the city attorney will look over the draft of the proposed charter and make any necessary adjustments.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Charter Review Committee reviews mayor's duties

Editor's note: The original story stated that the cost for the CRA director's yearly cell service would be $15,000. The correct cost is $1,500.

CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency board reviewed the tentative 2017-2018 CRA budget during a special meeting Thursday.  

According to Teresa Gaillard, Crestview’s growth management director, the budget can be changed prior to the final approval at a Sept. 21 CRA meeting. If the board would like to make changes to the budget after the approval, budget amendments will need to be made.

According to the tentative budget, estimated revenue for the CRA during the 2017-2018 fiscal year is $1,183,387, which includes the 2016-2017 end of year balance forward in the amount of $1,144,387 minus $100,000 for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program Grant and $50,000 for operational funds to cover bills between now and the year’s end.

The $50,000 includes $20,000 for contract services for new CRA director Alisa Burleson; $10,000 for a portion of a planned dog park, $1,500 for cell service for the CRA director, $900 for the hosting and maintenance of a CRA website, and the remainder of funds going toward training classes and traveling to conferences for the CRA director.

Projected expenditures for the 2017-2018 fiscal year are $1,345,887. An estimated $489,587 will be spent on economic revitalization and marketing for CRA projects such as the Crestview Depot and welcome center, the dog park at Twin Hills park, a green park between Twin Hills and Main Street and building and land acquisition.

An estimated $300,000 would be spent on CRA incentive and grant programs, $203,500 on parking, land, signage, buildings and security, and $205,000 on the Community Development Block Grant and grant matching, funding, leasing and partnerships. A total of $12,500 is expected to be spent on education, training and conferences for the CRA director.

Of eight CRA incentive and grant programs projected in the tentative budget, the only program currently in use is the Façade and Building Improvement program, which helps downtown businesses do external beautification projects to enhance aesthetics, according to Gaillard.

CRA Commissioner Doug Faircloth said that he would like to see businesses match the funds or reimburse the CRA, rather than the CRA just give them the money.

“I want [the businesses] to have a dog in the fight,” Faircloth said.

The board approved the tentative budget with all commissioners in favor. The CRA Master Plan and final budget will be approved and adopted on Sept. 21.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Marketing for Crestview Depot, dog park among CRA projects

FORT WALTON BEACH — Chairman Mel Ponder and members of the Okaloosa County state legislative delegation will have a public hearing.

The meeting is 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 5 in room 142 of the Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, 805 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview.

The Florida Department of Transportation will host a 5-5:30 p.m. meeting beforehand.

Delegation members will hear public comments on proposals for the 2018 legislative session. They may also consider and vote on a “local bill” (which is state legislation that only pertains to a municipality, taxing district, or school district within the county).

Contact Ponder's legislative assistant, Samantha Sullivan, before 5 p.m. Aug. 28 to present information at the hearing. Call 833-3713 or email Samantha.Sullivan@myfloridahouse.gov.

Due to the limited amount of time and to ensure fairness to all speakers, presentations are limited to three minutes.

To provide the delegation with any background documentation or handouts for their review prior to the hearing, mail or drop off four copies no later than 5 p.m. Aug. 28 at 25 Walter Martin, Suite 202, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. The information will be organized in a three-ring binder for members to review.

The Okaloosa delegation includes Rep. Mel Ponder, Rep. Jayer Williamson, Sen. George Gainer and Sen. Doug Broxson.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Legislative delegation sets hearing

CRESTVIEW — Bud Tipton, the football director of the Crestview Area Youth Association, asked the City Council Monday if they would consider outsourcing football and baseball. 

“Niceville outsources baseball, soccer, football — everything is outsourced in Niceville. Same for Shalimar, the same for Baker, so what we want to do is, ‘hey,’ maybe CAYA isn’t good for baseball, maybe [that particular sport is] good for the YMCA, maybe it’s the Veterans Association — we just want something better for the kids,” Tipton said. 

Following Tipton’s presentation, Councilman J.B. Whitten asked, “Do we want to explore outsourcing our city sports? If we want to do that we would have a public workshop.”

Tipton replied, “If the city council can outsource it and go out for a bid, programs like CAYA, most of those are outsourced. My goal is to provide the safest equipment. We want to set up a feeder system so the schools actually get good-quality athletes.”

The president of CAYA, Terry Jackson said, “Mainly we wanted to come together and work with the city because they have facilities we don’t and they are bound by things in their charter that they can’t do that we can. Like with sponsorship and that type of stuff.

"We can take on sponsors to help upgrade facilities, help sponsor individual teams, so we can bring in Little League and support All-Stars and bring in tournaments for travel teams during the summer time."

“We want to work with the city, we don’t want it to be us against them,” said Jackson. 

And in response to the idea that CAYA may want to take over Crestview city sports, he said, “We want to work with them; they provide the facilities and the maintenance, we pay them for that and we run the organization of the baseball and the football.”

No public meeting on the proposal has been scheduled. Further decisions will need to be made before city officials take a step beyond Monday's preliminary discussion.

"Nothing has been decided at this point and the discussion was to have a workshop sometime in the future, but no decision was made," City Clerk Elizabeth Roy said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CAYA suggests outsourcing city sports