LAUREL HILL — The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at city hall, 8209 U.S. Highway 85 N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

1. Public comments

2. New Business

a. Approval of Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda

1. Oct. 6 minutes

2. Update on internal audit: General and Water Funds (October) 

b. Projects update (Dewberry)

c. Refinance Water Department Rural Development loan with CoBank.

d. Fire Dept Equipment (Jim Fields)

3. Unfinished Business: None

4. Adjourn

The council's next regular meeting is 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at City Hall.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill City Council agenda: Nov. 3

A group devoted to protecting the separation of church and state has contacted officials with the City of Crestview to express concern with its invocation policy at council meetings.

The council recently adopted a policy that involves identifying a volunteer from a "wide pool of local clergy" to lead the council in prayer. The clergy members must live within the city of Crestview or within five miles of the city limits.

But that's a policy that invites council members to essentially "worship on taxpayers' time," according to a Freedom From Religion Foundation email that was sent Oct. 26 to former council president Shannon Hayes.

"The City Counsel (sic) ought not to lend its power and prestige to religion by inviting religious leaders to give prayers," the email said, adding that one in five Americans are not religious and may feel coerced and intimidated.

Former Council President Shannon Hayes, to whom the email was addressed, said he received it but didn't pay any attention to it.

"I threw it in the trash," he said. "Because I wasn't interested in what they were saying."

City Clerk Elizabeth Roy said that under the policy, city employees compile a list of "religious congregations" to be included in the invocation list. Those organizations are sent a letter inviting members of the clergy and other religious leaders to offer an invocation "for the benefit and blessing of the City Council," according to the policy.

Roy added that someone who was not on the list, but is interested in speaking, could contact city hall and request to be put on the calendar.

"We went through the internet, though newspapers, couldn't find anything within our boundaries that listed anything that wasn't religious," she said. "We didn't exclude anyone."

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is based in Madison, Wisconsin, said that the policy is still problematic.

She said that even if the city is open to others making "inspiring remarks" before the meeting, the amount of taxpayer time and energy spent looking for clergy gives the impression that religious organizations are favored.

"When it's opening with a prayer, it's giving the impression that it thinks citizens should pray," she said. "That's a lot of pressure to put on somebody who goes before you to ask a favor, which is usually why someone goes before a city council meeting."

She added that someone who is a nonbeliever might feel compelled to stand up or mouth "platitudes," rather than stand out.

The city's policy requests that speakers refrain from denigrating nonbelievers or religious minorities, threatening damnation or preaching conversion, the policy states. It further encourages speakers to express ideals relating to peace and security for the nation, the safety of first responders, wisdom for lawmakers and justice for the people. 

Gaylor has a simpler solution that she hopes council members will consider. 

They should "pray on their own time and dime," she said. "We think they should just drop prayer all together." 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Foundation questions Crestview invocation policy

CRESTVIEW — Residents filled every seat in Council Chambers on Monday to discuss a proposed alcoholic beverage ordinance for the Main Street Commercial District.

Growth Management Director Gailliard said a proposed ordinance revision would exempt the downtown area from restrictions on alcohol use for special events.

Supporters said they favor allowing the safe sale of alcoholic beverages in the district.

Paul Lowery, president of the Main Street Crestview Association, was among them.   

“Under the current ordinance, I have watched many businesses come and go,” Lowery said.

He said he’s visited other Main Streets in Florida cities where similar alcohol ordinances have been introduced and responsible business owners have been allowed to succeed. Lowery said the city has the Main Street Association’s full support to revise the city ordinance.

Michael Carroll, who owns Hub City Smokehouse and Grill at the south end of the Main Street District, has a beer and wine license. He has been open for two years and has one more year on his lease — the question is whether he will renew it.

“I want to know that there is going to be some revitalization of the downtown before deciding if I will renew my lease,” he said. “There has to be some progress and movement downtown.”

Patrick Legions, 26, said he and his wife go to restaurants in Destin because they feel there is nowhere for millennials to go in Crestview.

“We like to go out for a bite and a drink occasionally and we do not want to give our money to an Applebee’s or something like that,” he said.

Joel McGraw, pastor of Crestview Independent Baptist Church, spoke against the proposal. 

“Many social ills are beyond our control but there are some we can control,” he said. “The drinking of alcohol can be limited and stopped. Stopped is best.”

McGraw said he would not eat at a restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages

Dr. Eugene Strickland also spoke against the proposal.

“I hear the words ‘vibrant,’ ‘atmosphere,’ ‘glass,’ ‘responsible’ and more which all pertain to alcohol. I also have a problem with some members of the council in favor of alcohol downtown. Churches have closed downtown and the churches instill integrity in the community,” Strickland said.

Police Chief Tony Taylor said regardless of the decision’s outcome, Florida state laws relating to alcohol would be enforced.

Ultimately, the decision will lie with the five Crestview councilmen. There will be a special meeting Nov. 28 to discuss the ordinance again.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview alcohol ordinance raises debate

MILTON — The newly formed Riverfront Redevelopment Team, part of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, has one main goal: research opportunities for improving Carpenter’s Park.

The park, located on Munson Highway along the Blackwater River, should benefit from a recently received Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant. The grant will fund playground equipment, public restroom renovations and fishing pier improvements.

In addition to exploring options that would add more shade and perhaps more parking, the citizen-led team will explore the possibility of adding a splash pad area for children.

Shani Simpson, who just moved to Milton from Navarre, is the mother of one who likes the idea of adding more shaded areas and having a splash pad.

“It would definitely be nice to have one,” she said.

Simpson recently visited Carpenter’s Park for the first time with a friend and mother of four, Kylee Lester, who resides in Navarre. Lester said she likes all amenities the park currently offers.

“There is lots of playground equipment; it’s nice and spread out for different age groups,” she said. “(There) are two boat ramps which is awesome.”

Lester also favored the pavilions and picnic area, but like Simpson, she would prefer there to be more shade and likes the idea of adding a splash pad.

“My biggest thing is to have some sort of shade; I mean we live in Florida,” she said. “I would not come here in the middle of summer … but if you throw in a splash pad and some shade, it would be very different.”

Adding a splash pad to Carpenter’s Park is far from official at this time, City Manager Brian Watkins said. Many aspects of adding a splash pad would need to be explored. These include determining recurring maintenance costs and deciding how often the splash pad would be available to the public.

Lester and Simpson are familiar with the splash pad in Navarre. Simpson said a splash pad offers a safer option.

“It’s better and safer than going to a pool,” Simpson said.

Obviously, children playing at a foam-based splash pad are less likely to be injured or to drown than at a swimming pool. Lester favors taking her family to a splash pad than the beach, which she said can be stressful along with dealing with beach sand when leaving.

She said a splash pad for kids offers less stress.

“With my 3- and my 1-year-old, if we are at a pool they have to have Floaties and a life vest, I have to be in the water with them,” Lester said. “With a splash pad, I don’t necessarily have to be in the splash pad with them. They still get in the water and play and run around.

“It cools them off. It’s especially great to have here in Florida.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carpenter’s Park improvements could include splash pad

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will meet 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Here is the special meeting's agenda.

1. Call to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open meeting

4. Public Opportunity on Council Items

5. Public Hearing

a. Ordinance 1610 – Evaluation and Appraisal Report for Amendment 16-1ESR

6. Items for Discussion/Consideration

a. Approval of Ard, Shirley and Rudolph invoice in the amount of $3,780

7. Update of Florida 2030 and Safe Routes to School

8. Comments from the Audience

9. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council sets special meeting

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will meet 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Council Chambers in city hall.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

1. Call to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open Workshop

4. Public Opportunity on Council propositions

5. Item for Discussion/Consideration

a. Discussion of the proposed Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance

6. Schedule of upcoming meetings

7. Comments from the Audience

8. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council workshop agenda: Oct. 24

Editor’s Note: The Santa Rosa Press Gazette will feature Milton City Council candidates running in the Nov. 8 election. We continue this multi-part series with current council member Mary Ellen Johnson, who seeks re-election for Seat 2 in Ward II while running against candidate Cara Schepper.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of Milton, Florida. I love and appreciate Milton and its citizens because of many realities. Just to mention a few: its continuous and revealing history, stories written and told by the locals, caring and family-friendly relationships and values, the beautiful and resourceful Blackwater River, natural habitats, the sound of passing trains and architecturally significant buildings. Thus, observing these realities, I conclude that Milton is a special and unique place to live.

After graduating from T.R. Jackson High School, I obtained a degree in biology from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. My first teaching assignment was at King Middle School and, afterwards, Pace High School. As I progressed in higher-learning experiences, I obtained advanced degrees (masters, specialist) in the field of Education Leadership and ultimately became an assistant principal at Holley-Navarre Intermediate School. Finally, a few years prior to retirement, I became science coordinator for the school district.

In addition, I have been involved with numerous volunteer activities and outreach programs (Milton Clean Community, Focus Group for the Riverfront Master Plan, Historic Preservation Grant Review, Habitat for Humanity, Family Resource, Bridges out of Poverty, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, University of Florida Extension Advisory Group and Minority Teacher Recruitment).

Currently, I serve the public as a city council member for Ward 2, Seat 2. I am the chairperson of the LEAP (Leadership, Education, Activities and Programs) Committee. This committee is made up of representatives and subject-matter experts from Locklin Technical Center, Pensacola State College, Santa Rosa County School District, Santa Rosa Housing Authority, Public Transportation officials, and Youth and Elderly Recreation Program officials.

What are you most proud of seeing the city council accomplish?

The establishment of the LEAP Committee. As chairperson, it is my philosophy that in order for the city of Milton to become successful and strong, there is a need to make more informed decisions regarding the future growth and stability of its citizens.

Therefore, it is important to engage local leaders in conversations for information gathering so as to increase an understanding of issues and options concerning academic achievement, job availability and preparation, housing, public transportation and recreational activities for youth and elderly populations.

In addition, I am proud to note the reorganization of the Milton Youth Council. There is a need for youth insight in public decision-making as well as to provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and learn how local government operates.

If re-elected, what would you like to see accomplished for the citizens of Milton?

Established recreational fishing opportunities along the Blackwater River, continued streets and road-paving initiatives, Locklin Lake restoration, expansion of the Guy Thompson Community Center for our growing population of youth and elderly citizens, improvement and expansion of Carpenters Park to include a splash pad for children, a proposed RV Park, Marina development, downtown business expansion and activities, Milton/Bagdad Riverwalk connection, continued respect for veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, each city employee, and the efficient and rapid movement of traffic along Highway 90 and through downtown Milton.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milton community center expansion, lake restoration among Johnson's priorities

MILTON — Locklin Lake needs costly improvements, and several homeowners and city officials plan to see they’re provided.

City leaders this week voted to approve a resolution and a letter of support for the Locklin Lake Restoration Project Inc. The LLRP, a state-certified homeowners association, seeks legislative funding to restore the lake.

“We are appealing to the state to help us get rid of the weeds and dredge the bottom,” LLRP President Matthew Dollhausen said. “(The lake) should be about 8 to 12 feet deep, depending on where you are, but right now it is 5 — it’s been silted in.”

City Manager Brian Watkins said siltation built up around 1999 during roadwork on Dogwood Drive.

In 2005 and 2006, the city received two $400,000 legislative grants for a three-part project in restoring Locklin. However, the funding was only enough to restore the lake’s dam.

Ten years later, the problem remains.

“We got the plans for getting the dredging work done, but we don’t have any money to do it,” Watkins said.

‘A LOT OF MONEY’

Engineers have estimated that dredging the lake would cost around $800,000. Another project in restoring the lake — installing trash and sediment capture structures — could cost nearly $2 million.

“We are talking about a lot of money in order to get the whole thing done,” Watkins said.

Dollhausen said he and Mayor Wesley Meiss plan to make the case for restoring the lake before state representatives in Tallahassee.

“We are asking them to introduce a bill in the legislature to dredge the lake,” Dollhausen said.

The plan, according to Dollhausen, is to rebuild the lake by removing silt along with the large amount of weeds, which have seemed to overtake Locklin.

“Some of (the weeds) are intrusive, non-native,” he said.

Once dredged, Dollhausen said he would like to see the lake’s catfish population increase; that would help control the overgrowth issue.

HIGHER PROPERTY VALUES

Locklin Lake’s problems weren’t always so severe. Dollhausen, who’s owned a home there for two years, said at one time he could canoe along the lake. However, weeds now make that impossible.

“Now you can’t put a boat in because you can’t go anywhere,” he said.

Improving the lake would give a boost to property values of area homes, Meiss said.

“The beauty of this is that if the lake is restored and looks pristine, I think you can see the property values around the lake go up, which is good for the city of Milton,” Meiss said. “Plus, I think the houses across the street and even two or three streets up are going to benefit from this.”

Dollhausen understands residents who criticize seeking legislative funding for a lake surrounded by private property. However, he believes there is a lot at stake concerning Locklin Lake’s environmental state.

“Yes, we are selfishly seeking our value of our property to go up, so we will have a nice lake, but it’s Milton’s (lake) as well,” he said. “(Locklin) is a reservoir for Blackwater; if there is pollutants or these weeds get out of control, they are going to flush into the Blackwater.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State funding sought for Milton lake restoration

CRESTVIEW — Nearly 900 Okaloosa County high school students are registered voters.

The Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections, Paul Lux, and his staff recently visited county schools to register eligible voters and pre-register those who have not yet reached eligible voting age.

In September the staff members presented their “Vote in Honor of a Vet” program and registered or pre-registered students.

An elections office media release stated, Lux "was well-received and attendance for this fall’s 'Vote in Honor of a Vet' program was at an all-time high. (It) is presented twice a year in area schools to juniors and seniors to prepare them for their first time voting and educate them on the importance of being an active voter," in honor of the men and women who have fought to preserve Americans’ right to vote and live in a free democracy.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections registers teen voters