CRESTVIEW — The city is hosting an open house and several other activities for City Government Week, Oct. 23-27.

Observances begin after a council workshop, which starts 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at city hall, 198 Wilson St. N. The workshop will precede the open house, which ends at 9 p.m.

A coffee session with elected officials is 8:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

Next is a kids' smokehouse demonstration by the Crestview Fire Department. It is set 9-11 a.m. Oct. 25 at the CFD station, 321 Woodruff Ave. W.

A town hall meeting with council member JB Whitten is 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, and elected officials will serve customers 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, both in Crestview.

Meals will not be provided at the town hall. Discussion topics may include: the possibility of opening a local medical marijuana dispensary; backyard parking for RV owners; which new companies are coming to the area; traffic congestion; and the need for building permits.

Area residents unable to attend may email their topic ideas to jbwhitten@cityofcrestview.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Town hall, kids' smokehouse demo among Government Week events

CRESTVIEW — The Florida League of Cities has named Oct. 23-29 Florida City Government Week, and Crestview is participating in multiple events that will educate residents on the workings of local government.

According to the FLC website, Florida City Government Week is part of an ongoing effort to raise public awareness about the services that cities perform and to educate the public on how city government works.

“Cities provide a higher level of service than most governments, and generally receive higher approval ratings than other levels of government,” the website said. “Yet, many residents are unaware of how city services impact their lives.”

Cities are encouraged to organize events for the public, showcasing the city’s facilities, services, employees and elected officials.

Council President J.B. Whitten said he has a week of activities planned. Here is the schedule:

Monday, Oct. 23: Citizens can meet elected officials and department heads at a City Hall open house at 8 p.m. following the City Council Workshop.

Tuesday, Oct. 24: Elected officials will meet in the morning to have coffee at Casbah Coffee Company, and they invite Crestview residents to come and speak with them.

Wednesday, Oct. 25: The Crestview Fire Department will have a demonstration at the fire station of their new inflatable fire safety smoke house.

Thursday, Oct. 26: Whitten will hold a town hall meeting at Samuel’s Roadhouse, and encourages all council members to organize their own.

Friday, Oct. 27: All council members will serve meals at Hub City Smokehouse.

These activities are still in the planning process, and more information will be made available to the public prior to the events.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City officials, staff to participate in Florida City Government Week

CRESTVIEW — The City Council adopted an ordinance, on first read, prohibiting operation of medical marijuana dispensaries within the city.

At the Monday meeting, Ordinance 1629 was brought before the council to decide whether to amend Chapter 18 Article III, Cannabis Related Activities. The decision was unanimous to adopt the ordinance amendment.

Before the vote, Joshua Littrell with Veterans for Cannabis approached the council, begging them to allow local veterans access to medical marijuana.

Jessica Wirth, a student at Florida A&M College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented the council with information regarding medical cannabis.

According to her presentation, medical marijuana would only be given to those with debilitating illnesses, not allowing just anyone to receive a prescription. Further, medical marijuana would be regulated similarly to alcohol when it comes to DUI convictions.

Wirth compared the risks and benefits of medical marijuana to those of nicotine and soda, showing there were very few health risks from cannabis. She also highlighted the positive economic impact medical marijuana has had on states such as Colorado where it is legal, as well as the decreased crime rates.

After Wirth’s presentation, Councilman Doug Faircloth said he still had concerns about marijuana eventually becoming legal for recreational use. Faircloth said he is in favor of cannabis oil, but not other forms.

Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard said the council had two options: to do nothing, not banning medical marijuana dispensaries and not being able to regulate them; or they could ban them altogether.

Councilman Shannon Hayes said the state has not done a good job of providing information after legalizing medical marijuana, therefore, he doesn’t know enough about it to be in favor of allowing dispensaries.

Hayes said he doesn’t want to say Crestview should never allow dispensaries, but they should ban them now until they know more. Gaillard said the city will continue to monitor regulations within the state and update the council with any new information.

Councilman Joe Blocker made the motion to adopt the ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries within Crestview, and Faircloth seconded the motion.

The motion passed with all in favor, and the ordinance will be discussed in an upcoming workshop and the council will hold a second reading in November.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council mulls prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries

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