LAUREL HILL — A Northwest Florida Water Management District grant could fund City Councilman Travis Dewrell’s idea to provide backup for the city’s water system.

Earlier this year, Dewrell proposed looking into tapping into the Auburn Water System, Paxton’s water system, or both, depending on which option is cheaper. Dewrell since learned available grant money might allow interdependence for all three systems.

“They’re releasing a million dollars, to average about $100,000 per project,” Crystal Wetherington of Preble-Rish Consulting Engineers said during a July 7 presentation to the City Council.

Wetherington said the grant money can be used for most projects that improve water services “for economically distressed communities.” One such recently completed project was construction of a series of system “loops” that led to improvements of Jay’s water supply.

Dewrell said having the possibility to tap into neighboring water supplies will let service to Laurel Hill customers continue in case an emergency, such as lightning or a storm shutting down pumps and backup equipment.

“Having our system linked up with a neighboring system seems like a huge priority,” Dewrell said. “Any problem we could possibly have with our water system, we can overcome by purchasing water from a neighboring system, and by the same token, we can sell them water from our system.”

“Linking water systems is a priority, and it's something the (water) district wants to see,” municipal consultant Pat Blackshear said.

With applications due Aug. 10, the council by consensus directed Preble-Rish to apply for a grant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill to seek grant for water system backup

LAUREL HILL — Since 2009, the city’s finances have improved dramatically, according to city auditor Joe Jones.

“In 2009, the city debt was much larger and the cash was much smaller than it is now. The cash has grown and the debt has decreased,” Jones said July 7 during his financial report. “The city finances have improved over the years as a result of frugality, good controls, money management and paying down the debt.”

Jones said checking account balances didn’t match, resulting in a discrepancy of about $1,000. However, “it isn't that big of a problem,” he said. “There was not a complete bank reconciliation done … It's mostly old outstanding checks that probably need to be voided.”

Jones estimated that in a two- or three-hour review of the past several years’ records with City Clerk Nita Miller and water clerk Sheryl Ward, the old checks can be identified and the discrepancy reconciled.

Jones also found a $1,000 to $2,000 error in the city’s accounts payable records, “but that was just a bookkeeping error,” he said.

Laurel Hill’s cash reserve has grown from $209,000 in 2009 to $645,000, of which $425,000 is unrestricted and can be used to fund improvements, Jones said.

Jones recommended the city set aside a small amount in a separate account for emergencies, such as unbudgeted equipment breakdowns.

The city should also consider a small water rate increase “now and then, to keep up with inflation and pipe and meters and other equipment,” he said.

He suggested a 1 or 2 percent increase every two or three years.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Auditor: Laurel Hill finances improving, water rate increase suggested

LAUREL HILL — The City Council will decide at its August meeting whether to cease discussing “This looming ‘dissolve the city or don't dissolve the city’ malarkey,” as Councilman Travis Dewrell described it.

Several council members and residents on July 7 spoke in favor of abandoning the discussion.

Dewrell said except for “one resident who pays $52 in ad valorem taxes (but) said he doesn't get his money's worth,” no one has contacted city officials in favor of dissolution.

“We have all these residents and not one is saying ‘Let’s dissolve the city,’” Councilman Scott Moneypenny said. “This has been advertised. It's been put out and they're not coming. Why do we keep bringing this up and going over it over and over again?”

Council Chairman Larry Hendren said the previous council never approved a resolution pursuing dissolution.

“Why are you having this discussion about dissolving the city when you're talking about getting grants and improving the city?” resident Mike Hanula said. “Do like we do with half the other stuff that comes across your table: clean it off the table and let's move forward already.”

City attorney Dan Campbell said residents would pay more in Almarante Fire District assessments than they do under city ad valorem taxes, which include fire protection services.

Due to homestead exemptions, poorer residents currently pay no ad valorem taxes, but would have to pay the fire district assessment, Campbell said.

“It would hurt poor people,” he said.

Dewrell said continuing to discuss dissolving the city might also hurt the city’s chances of obtaining improvement grants, such as a possible Northwest Florida Water Management District grant the city hopes to pursue.

Councilwoman Debra Adams said the council should defer to city voters to be sure they’re following residents’ will.

The council voted 3-2 to disapprove a dissolution fact-finding sheet proposed for distribution to residents. Adams and Councilman Daniel Lane dissented.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill may drop dissolution discussion (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — The 12-flag display in Warriors Hall was dedicated Monday evening with pomp and ceremony, beginning with the presentation of colors by two honor guardsmen each from the Crestview fire and police departments as The Wesley Boys men's gospel quartet of the First United Methodist Church performed the national anthem.

The display features the six service branch flags on the west wall and six historic flags on the east wall.

Organized by the Friends of the Arts, which is tasked by the city to enhance the Whitehurst Municipal Building's public auditorium, the display's germ of inspiration was provided by Fire Chief Joe Traylor shortly after the city acquired the building.

"It just seemed logical to have warriors' flags in Warriors Hall," Traylor said following the dedication ceremony.

"It really makes the hall complete," Crestview City Councilman Bill Cox said.

Dedication events included a concert by the North Okaloosa Community Band, including a dramatic performance in which Mayor David Cadle read the narration accompanying "Within These Hallowed Walls," including extracts from the Declaration of Independence.

A mix-up at the Ohio-based Flag Lady's Flag Store from which the flags were purchased resulted in a couple last-minute adjustments to the historic flags display when the wrong U.S. and Confederate States flags were received.

Instead of the 15-star, 15-stripe "Star Spangled Banner" that flew over the Crestview area when it became part of the United States in 1810, the company accidentally shipped today's 50-star flag.

Per U.S. flag protocol, the flag couldn't fly in the historic chronological order and would have had to advance to the left of the display.

The company also inadvertently sent the third instead of the first Confederate national flag.

However, the flag's donors, the Curenton family, loaned the correct Confederate flag and the historic Bennington "76" flag to Warriors Hall until the correct flags are received and hung.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Warriors Hall flag display dedicated

LAUREL HILL — The City Council unanimously decided to leave the city’s ad valorem tax rate unchanged at 3.5 mils as it begins its fiscal year 2016-17 budget planning.

That rate brings in about $50,000 a year, “which is a lot for us,” Council Chairman Larry Hendren said.

When Councilman Travis Dewrell suggested dropping the rate to .5 mils to have a token “skin in the game” for residents, city auditor Joe Jones advised against the idea.

“I think it would hurt your chances of getting grant money,” Jones said. “It sends a message that you don't need as much money.”

Mayor Robby Adams said setting a millage rate now is just a starting point as required by state law and the council can always vote to lower the amount during the budgeting process.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill sets millage rate

FORT WALTON BEACH — State Rep. Matt Gaetz announced his campaign has raised $729,382.87 since entering the race in late March to replace retiring Rep. Jeff Miller, Fla.-District 1.

Gaetz raised $366,727.57 in the second fundraising quarter, spanning April to June. The Gaetz campaign achieved key grassroots goals, including over 800 donors, more than 200 volunteers recruited, 41,000 Facebook fans, and over 16,000 homes visited and 7,700 phone calls made during this period, according to a campaign media release.

“I’m honored that conservatives across Northwest Florida are joining our campaign at a rapid pace. America faces serious challenges, and it is past time for Congress to secure the border, balance the budget and follow the Constitution,” Gaetz said.

“With well over $400,000 cash on hand, we have the resources to share Matt’s outstanding conservative record with tens of thousands of Republican primary voters,” Campaign Manager Ryan Smith said.

Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach attorney, represents portions of Okaloosa County in the Florida House of Representatives. He currently chairs the Finance and Tax Committee. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gaetz raises almost $730,000 for Congressional District 1 Campaign

CRESTVIEW — The Constitution Party of Florida will host two candidate forums in North Okaloosa County.

A forum for Okaloosa County School District’s superintendent of schools, school board District 2 and District 4 candidates will be held on Thursday, July 14.

A forum for Okaloosa County’s sheriff, property appraiser and commissioner District 1 candidates will be held on Thursday, July 21.

Both forums will be from 6-8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 75 Hall, 898 E. James Lee Blvd. (Highway 90 E.), Crestview.

The group asks Okaloosa County residents to email questions for the forums to concondaniel@outlook.com or call 758-2863.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa candidate forums scheduled

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will meet 6 p.m. July 11 at Warriors Hall on Stillwell Boulevard.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

REGULAR AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open Policy making and legislative session

4. Special Presentations

a. Mayor Special Presentations

b. Presentation to Mr. Hayes

c. Presentation by Josh Molyneux, Crestview Housing

5. Approval of Minutes

Approval of the minutes from the May 9, 2016 Meeting, May 26, 2016 Special Meeting and May 26, 2016 Workshop.

6. Public Hearings:

7. Public Opportunity on Council proposition

8. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of invoice from Allen, Norton and Blue in the amount of $398.25

b. Approval of invoice from Ben Holley in the amount of $3850.00

c. Approval of the issuance of Certificate of Compliance for Alcoholic Beverage Sales for Casbah Coffee Company, LLC.

d. Approval of the issuance of Certificate of Compliance for Alcoholic Beverage Sales for Rollin EZ Tobacco, LLC.

9. Resolutions

a. Resolution 16-13 – 106 Creek Dr – Growth Management

b. Resolution 16-14 – 2864 Shoffner Ave – Growth Management

c. Resolution 16-15 – 5762 Seminole Dr – Growth Management

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council agenda: July 11 meeting

The Warriors Hall flag display was hung this week as the nation celebrated its 240th birthday.

PHOTOS: See photos of the flags being hung in Warriors Hall>>

The display, which also includes historic flags that have flown over the area encompassing today’s Crestview, was coordinated by the Friends of the Arts and will be dedicated 5 p.m. at Monday’s Crestview City Council meeting, which is moved to Warriors Hall for the occasion.

Refreshments will follow and the North Okaloosa Community Band will perform.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Grand old flags: Flag display goes up in Crestview's Warriors Hall (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

LAUREL HILL — The City Council voted 4-1 Thursday night to annex former Laurel Hill City Councilman Johnny James and his wife Ernestine’s property into the city.

It’s been 20 months since the couple learned their Robbins Road home is adjacent to, but not in, the city limits.

A 1960s clerical error is to blame.

Someone else’s mistake a half-century ago cost James his council seat in April 2015 and launched his $2,050, year-and-three-month quest for annexation into the city he loves, and loved serving.

In April 2015, city attorney Dan Campbell determined that James was ineligible to retain his council seat. James immediately said he would seek annexation.

“I'm a person to do the right thing and I always did the right thing,” James said at the time.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

At the April 2015 meeting, the council voted 3-1 to reappoint James after annexation to fulfill voters’ mandate to have him as their councilman.

Councilman Scott Moneypenny, who has consistently opposed the James’s annexation, voted nay.

However, Campbell found there is no city charter provision for a council member to take a leave of absence and declared James’s seat was vacant.

In November 2015, the council appointed Travis Dewrell to fill the remainder of James’s term. Now a resident of Laurel Hill, James can run for his former seat in March 2017 if he chooses. 

CONTENTION

Thursday's vote was not without contention. As he has done at previous meetings, Moneypenny produced new arguments not previously disclosed to the council or James on why the annexation should not occur.

His latest salvo involved the property's deed, which Moneypenny claimed was invalid because yet another clerical error listed the wrong parcel identification number.

Moneypenny claimed the number means an estate in Louisiana that holds the same number actually owns the property.

City attorney Dan Campbell, however, said the ID number isn't important.

"The legal description is the only thing that is important," Campbell said. "The parcel ID number is just a convenience for the tax collector. It is not a legal description of the property."

FINAL ATTEMPT

Moneypenny then said that the city's new annexation policy, passed months after James's application for annexation was accepted, should apply retroactively and he thus owed the city more money.

"How long are you going to drag this out?" resident Mike Hanula asked. "You've had him (James) jumping through hoops for more than a year. If you're going to squawk about some kind of application, you should've said something on day 1."

Council members and residents expressed frustration at Moneypenny's continued presentation of impediments.

"Down the road you come up with another ordinance and you try to make him adhere to it," resident Jeff Senterfitt said. "That is not right…(You) come up with another ordinance after you took his money."

"The point is, you go by the legal description and what is real and tangible," Councilman Travis Dewrell said. "The real and tangible facts are that Johnny James owns that property."

"This is one of those things we have been discussing for too long," Councilwoman Debra Adams said.

"Let's get this man annexed into the city and let's move on, for crying out loud," Councilman Daniel Lane said.

Over Moneypenny's protests, Dewrell moved and Adams seconded approval of both ordinances, one approving James's annexation and one amending the city's comprehensive plan to reflect the addition of the property.

The ordinances passed 4-1 with Moneypenny voting nay.

____________________________________

CHRONOLOGY OF AN ANNEXATION

Since April 2015, former Laurel Hill City Councilman Johnny James has been endeavoring to have his property annexed into the city after a 1960s clerical error, discovered in November 2014, forced him to leave his council seat. Here’s a timeline:

●Early 1960s: The Robbins family annexes its Robbins Lane property into Laurel Hill. Through a clerical error, some property on the north side of the street, including that now owned by Johnny and Ernestine James, is accidentally omitted

●March 2009: James is elected to his first term on the Laurel Hill City Council

●March 2013: James is re-elected with 86 ballots cast in his favor

●November 2014: James and more than 20 other Laurel Hill residents are informed that a review of property records indicates they are not city residents as previously thought

●Jan. 8, 2015: James attends his last council meeting as a voting member while city attorney Dan Campbell begins researching his status.

●March 2015: More than 70 residents sign a petition requesting the council allow James to retain his seat

●Feb. 5, 2015: James attends the regular council meeting, but is not a voting councilman. The meeting is cancelled due to lack of a quorum

●April 2, 2015: Campbell declares James ineligible to retain his seat. James steps down after the council votes 3-1 to have him take a leave of absence from the council to annex his property. 

●May 7, 2015: Campbell advises the council that there is no provision in the city charter for a councilman to take a leave of absence, so James’ seat is vacant

●July 18, 2015: James holds a fish fry fundraiser to raise the $2,050 annexation fee charged by Laurel Hill

●July-October 2015: The City Council deadlocks on monthly attempts to fill James’ seat

●Nov. 5, 2015: The City Council votes 3-1 to accept James’ application for annexation, then unexpectedly appoints Travis Dewrell to fill James’ vacant seat. Dewrell had withdrawn his application for the seat Sept. 3, but accepted the appointment.

●March 3, 2016: Ordinance annexing the James property and amending the city’s comprehensive plan to reflect the annexation pass 3-1, with Councilman Scott Moneypenny voting nay both times.

●April 7, 2016: The second reading of the James annexation ordinances was postponed when Moneypenny reported the vote was incorrectly advertised.

●May 5, 2016: Mayor Robby Adams vetoes an ordinance adopted April 7 establishing a city annexation procedure that might be used by opponents to deny the James’s petition for annexation. The veto was nullified because it occurred past the state’s 10-day veto window.  

●June 2, 2016: Re-advertised ordinances annexing the James property and amending the city’s comprehensive plan pass 4-1, with Moneypenny voting nay on both.

●July 7, 2016: After contentious debate, the council approves 4-1 on second reading the ordinances annexing James's property into the city, with Moneypenny casting the nay votes.

Since April 2015, former Laurel Hill City Councilman Johnny James has been endeavoring to have his property annexed into the city after a 1960s clerical error, discovered in November 2014, forced him to leave his council seat. Here’s a timeline:

●Early 1960s: The Robbins family annexes its Robbins Lane property into Laurel Hill. Through a clerical error, some property on the north side of the street, including that now owned by Johnny and Ernestine James, is accidentally omitted

●March 2009: James is elected to his first term on the Laurel Hill City Council

●March 2013: James is re-elected with 86 ballots cast in his favor

●November 2014: James and more than 20 other Laurel Hill residents are informed that a review of property records indicates they are not city residents as previously thought

●Jan. 8, 2015: James attends his last council meeting as a voting member while city attorney Dan Campbell begins researching his status.

●March 2015: More than 70 residents sign a petition requesting the council allow James to retain his seat

●Feb. 5, 2015: James attends the regular council meeting, but is not a voting councilman. The meeting is cancelled due to lack of a quorum

●April 2, 2015: Campbell declares James ineligible to retain his seat. James steps down after the council votes 3-1 to have him take a leave of absence from the council to annex his property. 

●May 7, 2015: Campbell advises the council that there is no provision in the city charter for a councilman to take a leave of absence, so James’ seat is vacant

●July 18, 2015: James holds a fish fry fundraiser to raise the $2,050 annexation fee charged by Laurel Hill

●July-October 2015: The City Council deadlocks on monthly attempts to fill James’ seat

●Nov. 5, 2015: The City Council votes 3-1 to accept James’ application for annexation, then unexpectedly appoints Travis Dewrell to fill James’ vacant seat. Dewrell had withdrawn his application for the seat Sept. 3, but accepted the appointment.

●March 3, 2016: Ordinance annexing the James property and amending the city’s comprehensive plan to reflect the annexation pass 3-1, with Councilman Scott Moneypenny voting nay both times.

●April 7, 2016: The second reading of the James annexation ordinances was postponed when Moneypenny reported the vote was incorrectly advertised.

●May 5, 2016: Mayor Robby Adams vetoes an ordinance adopted April 7 establishing a city annexation procedure that might be used by opponents to deny the James’s petition for annexation. The veto was nullified because it occurred past the state’s 10-day veto window.  

●June 2, 2016: Re-advertised ordinances annexing the James property and amending the city’s comprehensive plan pass 4-1, with Moneypenny voting nay on both.

●July 7, 2016: After contentious debate, the council approves 4-1 on second reading the ordinances annexing James's property into the city, with Moneypenny casting the nay votes.

CHRONOLOGY OF AN ANNEXATION

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Johnny James's property annexed into Laurel Hill