CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency will meet 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24 at city hall, 198 Wilson St. N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

1. Call to Order – quick updates.

2. Matt Petro — retail strategies presentation

●Board consideration for near future services — no board action required.

3. Lunch

4. April Meier — dog park presentation.

●Board consensus needed to proceed with fund raising and plans — board action required.

5. Administrative/management contract.

●Board approval and signature — board action required.

5. Adjournment. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency agenda: June 24

CRESTVIEW — Keyon Hudson, 7, wants to read a book about football. Crystal Dougherty, also 7, likes chapter books. And her sister, Lexi, 5, wants to look at books about dinosaurs.

School’s out and the library’s in as a number of students participate in its summer reading program.

Crestview Public Library Director Marie Heath said she and her staff expect even more than last year’s record 2,300 participants for this year’s reading challenge, called “On Your Mark, Get Set…Read!”

That will make many teachers—and parents—happy, she said, because the program, geared for ages 6-14, combats the “summer slide.”

SUMMER SLIDE

“Basically, kids are out of school for several months and they lose their reading skills because they're not keeping up with their reading,” Heath said. “A few months’ loss compounds over the years.”

Unchecked summer slide losses can be as high as two years of achievement throughout a child’s elementary and middle school years, she said.

The Crestview library’s program is structured to “not necessarily tell them what to read, but let them pick what interests them,” Heath said during a recent report to the City Council.

And with thousands of books for readers of all ages, Keyon, his brother Jeremiah, 6, Crystal and Lexi should have no trouble accumulating “funny money” for every day they read at least 20 minutes.

At the end of the challenge on July 26, young readers can buy rewards with their earnings at the library’s Funny Money Store.

TIGHT AND CROWDED

With more than 21,000 current card holders, including 602 added just in the first quarter of 2016, “it’s getting tight and crowded” at the library, Heath said.

Among those new members is Barbara McClintock, who recently moved to Crestview from Illinois.

“I love this library,” she said. “I’m a library person since way back when. They have a wonderful library here.”

“I know we can use another library,” City Councilman Shannon Hayes said, bringing up a topic of recent discussion about the need for a branch Crestview library, possibly in the south or central parts of town.

“We’re well known in the county (library) co-op for the job we do in Crestview,” Hayes said. “We’re going to have to start thinking about expanding our library to meet the needs of our customers — and there’s going to be more numbers.”

_______________________

BY THE NUMBERS

●32,510: Number of patrons visiting the Crestview Public Library

●21,000: current members

●602: new memberships

●61,051: physical media for check-out or on-site browsing

●4,403: e-books and e-audio books (the number will rise as the library added a new e-book lending service)

●41,291: physical media circulated

●1,700: e-books and e-audio books circulated

●1,517: new materials added to collection

●1,391: outdated materials withdrawn

●31: youth programs presented

●1,806: youth program attendees

●23: adult programs

●214: adult program attendees

●4,759: public computer use sessions

●2,300: Participants in last year’s summer youth reading program

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET…READ!

Readers between ages 6 and 14 can earn a dollar in “funny money” for each day through July 20 that they read 20 minutes or more during the Crestview Public Library’s summer reading challenge. Logs are at the library or cityofcrestview.org/library.php. Readers can buy items in the library’s Funny Money Store on July 26 at the Crestview Community Center. Call youth services librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for more information.

●32,510: Number of patrons visiting the Crestview Public Library

●21,000: current members

●602: new memberships

●61,051: physical media for check-out or on-site browsing

●4,403: e-books and e-audio books (the number will rise as the library added a new e-book lending service)

●41,291: physical media circulated

●1,700: e-books and e-audio books circulated

●1,517: new materials added to collection

●1,391: outdated materials withdrawn

●31: youth programs presented

●1,806: youth program attendees

●23: adult programs

●214: adult program attendees

●4,759: public computer use sessions

●2,300: Participants in last year’s summer youth reading program

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET…READ!

Readers between ages 6 and 14 can earn a dollar in “funny money” for each day through July 20 that they read 20 minutes or more during the Crestview Public Library’s summer reading challenge. Logs are at the library or cityofcrestview.org/library.php. Readers can buy items in the library’s Funny Money Store on July 26 at the Crestview Community Center. Call youth services librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for more information.

BY THE NUMBERS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview library use on the rise (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Crestview Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard, right, describes 20-year city employee Marsha Johns as, “an expert in getting us out of a jam.” Gaillard praised Johns, the department’s executive administrative assistant, for her can-do attitude.

“She’s always positive. She is always in good spirits,” Gaillard said. “She doesn’t really have a down day.”

Mayor David Cadle, left, in recognizing Johns’ 20 years of service to the city, said he often relies on her assistance. “She’s always ready to step in,” Cadle said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Hall's 'expert in getting out of a jam'

CRESTVIEW — The revolving county courthouse once more spun back to front Main Street following the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners reaffirmation of county staffers' recommended orientation.

The 3-2 vote followed nearly an hour and a half of often impassioned public comment during a special meeting of the board Monday night

The meeting was called to reopen discussion on the matter.

At a May meeting, the board originally voted to rotate the new courthouse clockwise off its present footprint to face Main Street's north leg.

As planned by Crestview’s early city planners, the courthouse currently has a southeasterly orientation, overlooking down Main Street toward the railroad tracks.

PUBLIC INPUT

Following outcry that the decision was made without adequate public input—concerns then shared by the Crestview City Council—the board revisited the issue.

At a special May 26 meeting of the city council, Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles and county Public Works Director presented a detailed explanation of the process leading to the new courthouse orientation. Following the meeting, the City Council supported the decision.

On June 7, led by south Okaloosa County Commissioner Trey Goodwin, the board agreed in a 3-2 vote to reconsider its original decision. Both of North Okaloosa County's commissioners, Wayne Harris and Boyles, voted against the motion, expressing fears it would delay the project.

At Monday's meeting, County Public Works Director Jason Autrey again made a presentation in the council chamber on the reasons behind the recommended orientation.

Autrey said if the board adopted "plan A," which oriented the new courthouse in the same direction as the currently vacant courthouse, it could cost the county as much as $25,000 a week during a five- to six-week delay to revise site engineering plans.

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY

Moving Monday evening to adopt "plan B" — the north Main Street jog-facing orientation — Harris noted, "We hire excellent people to give us a good advice.

"Our job is not aesthetics. Our fiduciary responsibility is the save the taxpayers of Okaloosa County money."

"No matter how we vote, some people are going to be upset," Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel said before she and Goodwin cast the nay votes.

"No matter which plan we choose, we will have a beautiful building in downtown Crestview," Ketchel said. "Either way I'm proud to be a part of this and I'm proud to support it."

_________________

FOR AND AGAINST

An overflow crowd attended Monday evening's special meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners, with residents outside the Crestview City Council chamber listening to proceedings on a speaker run out into the hallway.

Residents spoke passionately in favor of either of two plans. "Plan A" orients the courthouse as it currently is, with its entrance more or less facing down Main Street.

"Plan B," which county commissioners approved, rotates the new building clockwise to face the north Main Street jog.

Plan A Proponents

"Just because it can be reoriented positionally does not mean it should be, because we need the tradition and roots we can show our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We do not need to be able to say, 'We saved money by changing it.'" Dr. Eugene Strickland

"In my estimation, the county seat should be a showplace. For people to drive up Main Street and seeing the side of the building is giving the county seat a cold shoulder. The curb appeal to me is showing the facade of that building." The Rev. Mark Broadhead

"The county seat should be the showplace of Okaloosa County. Let's help our businesses. Keep it as close to the present as possible." James Broxson

"When we drive up Main Street and we look at that (Okaloosa County Veterans) memorial, the columns of the courthouse should be in the background. That piece of granite is not just a rock. It has meaning, just like the flag." Mickey Rytman

"We talked it being something of beauty as people come into down. If Plan A is used, then you have the visibility as you come all the way up Main Street. you can get the whole view and beauty." former Mayor Jerry Milligan

"The grandfathers and fathers and sons of Okaloosa County who paid the ultimate price for our freedom deserve the honor and respect of the courthouse in facing their memorial." Ann Spann

Plan B Proponents

"I don't care which way it faces. We've already crossed the finish line. Pat yourself on the back and please, please don't open this up any more. The building was perfect as it was planned." John Whitley

"I think we're on the right track and we just need to make a decision to move forward." David Colón

"A larger majority of people in Okaloosa County want plan B. If plan A goes into effect, I will actively work to get most of you out of office." John Marshall

"You have made a wonderful decision to build in Crestview. Welcome to the 21st century. It needs to happen and it needs to happen very quickly, the sooner the better." Sharon Adams

"You've gone to a tremendous cost to have professionals tell you what to do. The more time you spend on it is lost money." Mark Todd

"I think we have a great idea with plan B. Let's go forward and get a courthouse built. I came here because I saw potential, but potential is a fleeting thing." Alex Fortier

"The fact remains the contract has been signed and the decision has been made. If the vote is undone, it's going to cost the taxpayers more money." Sandra Adkinson

Neither plan

"Let's put it on the north end of Crestview by the post office where it's supposed to go. This will generate more parking area downtown that we need." Landrum Edwards

An overflow crowd attended Monday evening's special meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners, with residents outside the Crestview City Council chamber listening to proceedings on a speaker run out into the hallway.

Residents spoke passionately in favor of either of two plans. "Plan A" orients the courthouse as it currently is, with its entrance more or less facing down Main Street.

"Plan B," which county commissioners approved, rotates the new building clockwise to face the north Main Street jog.

Plan A Proponents

"Just because it can be reoriented positionally does not mean it should be, because we need the tradition and roots we can show our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We do not need to be able to say, 'We saved money by changing it.'" Dr. Eugene Strickland

"In my estimation, the county seat should be a showplace. For people to drive up Main Street and seeing the side of the building is giving the county seat a cold shoulder. The curb appeal to me is showing the facade of that building." The Rev. Mark Broadhead

"The county seat should be the showplace of Okaloosa County. Let's help our businesses. Keep it as close to the present as possible." James Broxson

"When we drive up Main Street and we look at that (Okaloosa County Veterans) memorial, the columns of the courthouse should be in the background. That piece of granite is not just a rock. It has meaning, just like the flag." Mickey Rytman

"We talked it being something of beauty as people come into down. If Plan A is used, then you have the visibility as you come all the way up Main Street. you can get the whole view and beauty." former Mayor Jerry Milligan

"The grandfathers and fathers and sons of Okaloosa County who paid the ultimate price for our freedom deserve the honor and respect of the courthouse in facing their memorial." Ann Spann

Plan B Proponents

"I don't care which way it faces. We've already crossed the finish line. Pat yourself on the back and please, please don't open this up any more. The building was perfect as it was planned." John Whitley

"I think we're on the right track and we just need to make a decision to move forward." David Colón

"A larger majority of people in Okaloosa County want plan B. If plan A goes into effect, I will actively work to get most of you out of office." John Marshall

"You have made a wonderful decision to build in Crestview. Welcome to the 21st century. It needs to happen and it needs to happen very quickly, the sooner the better." Sharon Adams

"You've gone to a tremendous cost to have professionals tell you what to do. The more time you spend on it is lost money." Mark Todd

"I think we have a great idea with plan B. Let's go forward and get a courthouse built. I came here because I saw potential, but potential is a fleeting thing." Alex Fortier

"The fact remains the contract has been signed and the decision has been made. If the vote is undone, it's going to cost the taxpayers more money." Sandra Adkinson

Neither plan

"Let's put it on the north end of Crestview by the post office where it's supposed to go. This will generate more parking area downtown that we need." Landrum Edwards

FOR AND AGAINST

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County commission OKs Crestview courthouse orientation

FORT WALTON BEACH — Conservative Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach) has officially qualified for the ballot for Florida’s 1st Congressional District.

“… Career politicians have driven our nation into a ditch,” Gaetz said in a media release. “I’m running for Congress to fight Washington and restore America through bold, conservative reforms. I’ll step on toes to get the job done — whether it’s fighting radical Muslim terrorism, defending our right to bear arms, standing up for our veterans and military, or building a wall to stop illegal immigration.

“And, I’ll fight for term limits on Congress, because Northwest Florida deserves a Congressman whose mission is to fight for a stronger America, not a permanent job in Washington.”

Gaetz is an attorney from Fort Walton Beach and represents portions of Okaloosa County in the Florida House of Representatives. He currently chairs the Finance & Tax Committee. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gaetz qualifies for Congress

CRESTVIEW — The city’s budget takes focus during Crestview Councilman JB Whitten’s next town hall meeting.

The event is 6-8 p.m. June 29 at Casbah Coffee Company in downtown Crestview.

Whitten, City Clerk Elizabeth Roy and Finance Director Gina Toussaint will lead the discussion on Crestview’s budget, taxes and utility service costs.

Discussion topics include:

●What does it cost to run the city?

●Where does the money come from?

●Why did my water bill increase?

The coffee shop is located at 196 Pine Ave. W., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Town hall meeting on Crestview budget set

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County property owners who have signed up to participate in the Property Tax Installment payment plan through the Tax Collector’s Office, have until June 30 to pay their first installment.

The Installment Plan divides the annual taxes into four payments due June, September, December and March.

The plan provides for 3.3 percent discount and adds the convenience of spreading out payments instead of one lump sum payment.

Payment options include:

●Using an Echeck at www.OkaloosaTax.com.

●Visiting 302 N. Wilson St. Suite 101 Crestview. Call 651-7300 for hours. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa property tax early payment deadline approaching

CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency Board has voted 6-1 to direct city staff to prepare a $118,500 per year contract with a Fort Walton beach ad agency to manage the program.

PART 1: Read the first part of this story here>>

Current CRA Director Brenda Smith, who will serve as the Petermann Agency’s team leader, said the firm's monthly $9,875 retainer, which is more than three times her contracted CRA director’s salary, represents the “hire” of the ad agency’s eight professionals.

“This allows us to come together as a team and make sure that what we're doing with the (CRA) plan, that we're doing it the right way,” she said. Without such an approach, “we can throw money at this project or that project without evaluating the overall need.”

Petermann Senior Account Executive Stephen Smith said the agency’s first step is a thorough analysis of the CRA district and its businesses to put together a redevelopment plan.

“Our goal is to make this downtown area look better, feel better, sound better,” he said. “We want to see the businesses that are here and doing well, do better.

“We'll address the strengths and weaknesses of the area.  This area has a lot to offer, but I don't think all the strengths are being taken advantage of.”

ADDED VALUE, ADDED FEES

“The marketing goal is that for every advertising dollar that is spent, real value is added,” Stephen Smith said.

Those dollars for promotional efforts including “collateral”—such as handouts or rack cards—ad buys and television spots are in addition to the agency’s monthly retainer.

“I have a concern with the cost,” Whitten said. “If we want anything to do with advertising or marketing, that’s going to be in addition to the $118,000.”

CRA board member Shannon Hayes supported Petermann’s proposal, saying it will help Crestview stand out from neighboring potential destinations.

“I was in retail for 32 years and I know advertising well,” he said. “We have to look at what happens if Amtrak comes here. If people are going to ask, ‘Crestview, where is it?’ we're in trouble.”

COMPLEMENTING NEIGHBORS

Finding ways to draw visitors to Crestview is among Petermann’s goals, Brenda Smith said.

“A lot of people don’t look at the reality that we’re competing against other cities,” she said. “A lot of cities don’t strategize where they say, ‘How do we complement our neighbors but what are our strengths?’”

Targeting CRA funds to specific, researched and evaluated projects will maximize the board’s investment, she said.

“You don’t want to take our redevelopment dollars and dump them somewhere and say, ‘There, we’re done,’” Smith said. “If we do it right, every dollar that is invested in redevelopment not only benefits downtown, but it radiates throughout the city. That’s smart planning. That’s what we want to happen.”

“We can't go forward without investment,” Hayes said. “You have to invest in experts, and experts don't come free.”

PART 2: Read the second part of this story here>>

____________________

BY THE NUMBERS

Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency Director Brenda Smith provided this data on the CRA’s progress through April 2016:

●Fundraising: CRA, $170,000; Main Street Crestview Association, $141,485

●CRA program funding: Crestview Centennial, $13,600; Main Street contract: $25,000

●CRA fund balance, $1,431,598 (April 2015 balance, $1,385,330)

CRA PROJECTS

●Two $50,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grants received

●Twin Hills Park dog park plans to be presented June 24

●Working with Okaloosa County to develop former Piggly Wiggly grocery store into downtown parking lot

●Working with Gulf Coast Rail Working Group to return passenger train service to Crestview

●Planning July Main Street investor assessment

Source: Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency

Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency Director Brenda Smith provided this data on the CRA’s progress through April 2016:

●Fundraising: CRA, $170,000; Main Street Crestview Association, $141,485

●CRA program funding: Crestview Centennial, $13,600; Main Street contract: $25,000

●CRA fund balance, $1,431,598 (April 2015 balance, $1,385,330)

Source: Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency

CRA PROJECTS

●Two $50,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grants received

●Twin Hills Park dog park plans to be presented June 24

●Working with Okaloosa County to develop former Piggly Wiggly grocery store into downtown parking lot

●Working with Gulf Coast Rail Working Group to return passenger train service to Crestview

●Planning July Main Street investor assessment

Source: Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency

BY THE NUMBERS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Part 2 of 2: Crestview CRA ad agency plans redevelopment focus (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency Board has voted 6-1 to replace a $40,000 per year director with a $118,500 per year ad agency contract.

But it gets to keep its current director and her wealth of institutional knowledge.

Director Brenda Smith’s contract was extended two months through June while the board reassessed her job description and issued a local and statewide request for qualifications — called an RFQ — for “comprehensive administrative and operations management services.”

Smith, meanwhile, joined the Petermann Agency, a Fort Walton Beach advertising, design, public relations and marketing firm, as a team leader.

Petermann was the only company to respond to the RFQ. The vote authorizes city staff to draft a contract between Petermann and the CRA.

CITY LEADERS’ CONCERNS

CRA board member JB Whitten, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said he had several concerns about the turn the CRA was taking.

“My biggest one is we now have a director of the CRA that does not work for the board of the CRA,” Whitten said. “She works for the Petermann Agency now…

“I know it sounds wild, but the day after we sign that contract, the agency could fire her and replace her with anyone they want and we have no say in the matter…I’m not a control freak, but if we have a director, I want the director working for us.”

Board member Doug Faircloth also expressed some skepticism.

“We're spending a lot of money for a director, and now we're talking about spending a lot more for an agency,” Faircloth said. “What for? Are we going to fill some of these 16 empty store fronts on Main Street?”

A ‘CRITICAL PIECE’

Smith said contracting with a firm that has multifaceted expertise is crucial to the district’s continued improvements, including filling vacant business properties.

“This is a critical piece that the CRA and Main Street (Crestview Association) need right now,” Smith said. “Coming in as a team totally covers our redevelopment effort. Not only are we doing the administrative piece but we’re doing the redevelopment.”

Addressing board members’ concerns, Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard, under whose department the CRA and Main Street Crestview Association fall, said Smith, as a Petermann employee, will no longer draw a CRA salary or have authority over CRA money.

“Whereas Miss Brenda used to sign (checks), she will no longer have that privilege,” Gaillard said. City Clerk “Mrs. (Betsy) Roy will remain in oversight for the city so we have multi-layered checks and balances so we will remain transparent.”

As team leader for Petermann’s Crestview account, Smith will still be based at City Hall.

“I haven't abandoned the CRA or the board,” Smith said during a Monday evening CRA meeting. “What I'm doing is bringing a whole team to the board.

_________________________

PETERMANN AGENCY PROPOSAL

The Petermann Agency, upon signing a contract with the Community Redevelopment Agency Board, proposes these redevelopment steps:

●Understanding CRA and Main Street Crestview Association goals and mission

●Assessments and market research, including business and resident surveys

●Develop communication network between CRA, businesses, Main Street and city government

●Set strategies and make recommendations for revitalization

●Focus on economic development and vitality; designing a district “brand”; promoting and marketing the district

●Measuring results

Source: The Petermann Agency

The Petermann Agency, upon signing a contract with the Community Redevelopment Agency Board, proposes these redevelopment steps:

●Understanding CRA and Main Street Crestview Association goals and mission

●Assessments and market research, including business and resident surveys

●Develop communication network between CRA, businesses, Main Street and city government

●Set strategies and make recommendations for revitalization

●Focus on economic development and vitality; designing a district “brand”; promoting and marketing the district

●Measuring results

Source: The Petermann Agency

PETERMANN AGENCY PROPOSAL

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PART 1 of 2: Crestview CRA approves contracting with ad agency (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — A potentially confusing letter is circulating throughout multiple Florida counties, according to the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections office.

The letter, which looks official, is presented on letterhead from the Voter Participation Center, which is in no way associated with the Florida Division of Elections, county officials said.

“These letters are frequently addressed to an informal name or minors in the household who are ineligible to vote due to age,” the release stated. “The letter, and its information, was not sourced from the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections or any representative thereof.”

The Voter Participation Center, a nonprofit organization, aims to boost voter registration among “unmarried women, people of color and young voters,” its website, voterparticipation.org, states.

Some groups have questioned its efforts. Judicial Watch Blog writes about an alleged “scandal” involving the organization; the Tampa Bay Times reports of Florida’s efforts to stop the letters, which can cause confusion; and WUFT-TV has reported that “recipients of the letters lamented some of the letters were addressed to deceased family members.”

Anyone who has received one of these letters can use the Voter Lookup Tool at www.govote-okaloosa.com or call the Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections offices, 689-5600 or 651-7272, to check their voter registration status.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County officials warn of misleading voter registration letters