CRESTVIEW — The City Council will meet 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

1. Call to order

2. Invocation: the Rev. Michael Precht, First United Methodist Church

Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open policy making and legislative session

4. Special presentations

a. Service awards, Mayor David Cadle

5. Approval of minutes

Approval of the minutes for the  Aug. 4, budget workshop; Aug. 8 council meeting; Aug. 15 special meeting; Sept. 8 tentative hearing; Sept. 26 special meeting, public hearing, and workshop.

6. Public Hearings:

a. Ordinance 1608 – 175/185 Plan

7. Public Opportunity on Council proposition

8. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of invoice from Ben Holley for $3,797.50

b. Approval of invoice from Allen, Norton and Blue for $652.47

c. Approval of one-year contract with PAWS, same amount as current year.

d. Approval of Sensus Advanced Metering Infrastructure agreement

e. Approval of debris removal contract

f. Approval of Amendment 2 for WWTP Operations contract

g. Approval of Utility Services Group Water Tank Maintenance contract

h. Approval of Ard, Shirley and Rudolph invoice for $1,276.

i. Approval of Military Surplus purchase – Chief Taylor

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here's what the Crestview City Council will meet about Nov. 14

LAUREL HILL — The Laurel Hill City Council will refinance a Water Department loan and has approved a search for a 50-50 grant for its volunteer fire department.

Council member Debra Adams motioned Nov. 3 to refinance the Water Department rural development loan, which passed with a vote of 4-1. Travis Dewrell dissented. If the new refinance rate comes back higher than the current 3.6 percent interest rate, the council will vote on it again.

In other actions, Jimbo Fields, deputy fire chief of the Laurel Hill Volunteer Fire Department, addressed the council about the need to update or replace equipment such as firetruck emergency lights, a generator, radios, bunker gear and the skid unit.

A skid unit is a portable item with a pump and a tank on it that the department would use to fight brush and vehicle fires. Skid units cost about $10,000, and are more cost-effective than adding a new firetruck, which costs about $300,000.The skid would be placed in the back of an F-350 truck being donated to the department. Other equipment replacement costs total to $2,000.

The council approved Fields' request. If the funds are granted, the Division of Forestry would provide 50 percent of the funding, with the city providing the other 50.

The next council meeting is 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at city hall, 8209 U.S. Highway 85 N.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill council approves loan refinancing, 50-50 grant search

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