All right. Good evening. Today is April 20th, 2026. I call this Destin City Council meeting to order. Up first is going to be our invocation by Pastor Steve Ferris. Hey, hi there. First Baptist Church. Father, we thank you for your goodness
and grace. And we again thank you for this opportunity, Lord, to live here and for all those who work here. And Lord, I especially want to lift up our military now. I know several from this area or overseas and different places. I ask for your protection. Lord, I pray for peace. Lord, that this would happen. Lord, I
pray for guidance and all the things that said and done here. And Lord, we know that if you be for us, then who could be against us? And you bless this nation beyond any nation ever. And so Lord, we just want to thank you and praise you in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Steve. Councilwoman Abear
with the pledge, please. >> Please join me with your hand over your heart. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> All right, thank you for that. I am going to do the same. If you guys could please just turn your phone off or put it on vibrate, we would appreciate that. Other than that, at this time, if I can get a approval of the agenda or any uh
amendments, this would be the time. >> Move to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> I got a motion in a second. >> Mr. Mayor, we take that action uh for F. >> Yes, sir. as at the request of the uh proposer to remove it from the agenda
and I believe for the second meeting in May if they wish to bring it back. >> All right. Thank you, sir. All right. So, we'll scratch 4F. All right. I have a motion and second. Uh seeing no further discussions, we'll call the vote. [snorts and clears throat] Do you have it?
>> Am I voting? [laughter] >> Is it not working? >> And for some reason, I have a chance to vote. You guys, this we're already at a disagreement. [laughter] >> Andy's like, let's see what's going on here. >> All right, we we got a new I don't want
to blame her. I'm going to blame Ray still. [laughter] She's like, I am not in charge. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. All right. There we go. The votes open. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yeah. So, this is the amend. This is for
the approval of the agenda. >> All right. Eyes have it. 5-0. So moved. All right. Uh proclamations. We have the request for Okay. So for the request they >> Okay, next meeting. Okay, perfect. All
right, then we will go from 1A into public comments. I'll start on my left's right, Ricky. Yep. >> Oh, yes. Yes, >> ma'am. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'll get I'll get him right after Ricky here. [laughter]
Is it on? >> All right. Ray, you just hit that three minutes. And >> my name is Ricky Lynn Grant Jr. 175 Main Street, Dustin, Florida, USPS, General Delivery 32541. All right, I'm going to just make this
short and sweet because it seems to be the topic of discussion and never in my life would I ever complain about this, but it's what's going on. And uh y'all, the executive branch, I know how the system
works. I'm a convicted felon. So, but you know, I just thought I would tell you, Mr. mayor that while I was at the library, I did happen to see a little high school girl get up from her seat and go talk to the librarian and
her dress was all the way up here. I could see everything and she didn't have any undergarments on and she was talking to Skyler and I heard him talking about sex. I heard the word really loud and clear and I thought
that's an odd thing for a librarian to be talking about with a high schooler. And I would never say that to anybody. I overheard it. I mind my business. But the situation has come to trespassing for looking at the girls in
the library, you know. And I don't know if it's because of the director because the director should have nipped it in the bud from the beginning. And she didn't she didn't heed what Skyler said. Skyler saw a grown man looking at her. She should have kicked the grown man out
the library, which is her right. But she came up to me. She said, "Ricky, this is the director." She said, "Ricky, just watch the way you looking at the ladies." And this went on for a year. And I had to tell Skylar cuz she came up to me. Skylar was like, "Stop looking at me." And I said, "Skylar, ma'am, you got
to go to the sheriff. you can't just, you know, if you if you don't feel safe, you need to go to the proper authority. And that's when Skylar started calling the cops. I just thought I'd let you know cuz I ain't never been through anything like this before in my life. I just got out
of prison two years ago. I'm a free man. I surf. I do what I want when I want. I take care of myself. You know, I wear steel toe boots. I got PPEs. I wear a hard hat. You know, I know how it works. I ain't no little puppy. And I really want y'all to look into
that cuz as executives Skyler, you know, she just fending for herself and she may not know. But this is a big deal. You know, people make money out here in these streets as entrepreneurs. I wanted to talk about my projects. You
know, my farm, my beach house, my fishing house, but they just trespassed me again cuz I tried to add her as a friend on Facebook cuz they going to duke it out, man. You know it. They going to duke it out. Somebody gonna fight. Ain't going to
beat me. I'm 39. I ain't gonna fight nobody. But there people out there fighting. They're fighting for their life. They fighting for their privacy, for what they believe in. So, all right. Thank you. All right. And then we have a speaker request form that
was filled out for the five minutes. Are they here? You All right. So, the lights already on, so just name and address and the floor is yours. >> Yes. Um, good evening. My name is Tan Nicolof, uh, 410 Beach Circle in Destin.
Uh, I'm u here probably you already know u the talk we are here with a few to companies from the area and we are requesting that you guys can uh take a look at the um uh record fees uh for non-consential and private property tow.
I'm representing Destin to brothers and behind me are two uh representatives for two other companies the looks and outworks in Destin. Um the last time that the city increased those fees was uh in 2022. So that was
four years ago. Um and I'll just give a brief information what have changed for the last four years for us. Um as all of you know the fuel recently has been u um a little bit on the higher end. So this is something that it does affect us on a
daily uh uh on every day. Uh another something that have changed drastically for us uh it's the prices of trucks. Now prices of vehicles have changed for everyone but specifically for tow trucks and equipment have changed u um in a way
higher rate. I'll give you a specific example. In 2022 I bought a brand new basic class A Fright Liner uh for 99,000. Even the same vehicle today buying it from the same dealer it's $144,000.
So this is just in four years how uh the price have changed on the same vehicle, the same plus vehicle. The next thing that have changed in the last um four years it's insurance. Uh insurance for tow trucks it's um very high. Uh it's
always been high. uh and that's just because of the liability and the risk that the underwriters are taking when insuring uh to companies. Um another example that I'll give you and that example is just only for a year for the period of August 2024 to August 2025 for
our company the annual insurance was $66,000. the quote that we receive in uh August of 25 to August 26 without any change to driving history without any change to drivers or vehicles was $98,000.
So from 66 it went to 98 and the explanation of our insurer was reevaluation of the market. So this is another thing that have affected us a lot. Um just from the beginning of this year, two tall companies that have been for a while in Fort Wish have closed
their doors. Uh and this is something that will continue happening that trend just because of the prices of everything going up and yet the rates are not going up. Uh about two weeks ago, the Okaloosa County u council voted and approved u the rates for the Okaloosa County to be
changed uh because that haven't been done for a while in the county, which was great. Um, and I'm not sure if you guys are aware of u, you know, the current schedule for the toll fees. I provided um, uh, paperwork that I'm not sure if it was presented yet to you guys. Uh, on the left it's going to be
the current fees for Destin. In the middle was the one that is current for Okaloosa County and on the right was the proposed fees for Destin. Now, some of you um, probably will ask why the Destin fees should be higher than the ones in Okaloosa County that were just updated.
And I'll just give a few examples. Uh obviously there is a huge difference for u cost of living and operating business in Kresville and in Destin. Uh that's number one thing. Payroll obviously as well it's much higher here than what it cost in Cresville. Some of my employees
actually are living in Cresville and they are traveling every day to come to Destin. Obviously if I'm not paying them more they wouldn't be doing that and they'll just find a job in Cresville. Uh another thing that I would like to add as well uh the difference in
insurance cost. Now uh for towing it doesn't matter the zip code location for the cost of insurance. If our business was not located in the zip code 32541, but it was actually in the zip code of Cresville, I would be saving 14,624
and 12 cents annually just on insurance. Uh so those are our reasons um that we are requesting for you guys to take a look. Uh I'm sure there will be a lot of questions and we would like to you know u explain. Um the last thing that I
would like to finish is um you know we are there for the residents and the visitors of the town at 3:00 a.m. when they need us whether it's foggy, rainy, storm, hurricane and in the last two years even we had some snow. So, we hope that uh when we need you guys, you will
be here for us. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate all the information you've provided as well. Councilwoman Abear, >> do we are we allowed to ask questions? [sighs] >> Um, it's in the mayor's discretion. >> Yeah, I I would say kind of this is them walking something on. I would like if
you want to have a question for them. Sir, if you want to come back up here, one of the council members has a question. I appreciate you. >> Come back up. >> And they wanted to speak as well. >> Okay. [clears throat] Can you just come back up real quick? >> Yeah. >> So, just for the public record, what's
the current rate and what's your increase to be? >> So, the current rate for the city it's 175 the base rate for the toe and the proposed one is 230. The one for Okaloosa County, it's 200. >> So, $30 more dollars for the city of
Destin >> compared to Okaloosa. Correct. Okay. I just wanted I know it's in the attachment, but a lot of times people that don't go through all the attachments to see what the numbers are. So, I just wanted it to be on the public record. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> All right. Then you guys like to speak
as well? >> Yes, sir. >> Mr. Mayor >> and Yes, sir. >> Do you wish to give them three minutes or >> so? I give you the five minutes as a group for the topic. if you guys have anything specific to say that's not reiterating it. I just wanted to give
you both just a second if you had any perspective or any other facts or figures you wanted to add. Um, as you guys are together as a group, we gave you the five versus the three. So, I just wanted to, you know, you guys are here. If you have anything else to add in addition, um, I just give you like a minute or two, but I just wanted to
respect your time, but we got to, we also can't give you 15 minutes collectively. >> Understand. Uh, my name is Josh. I represent Autoworks 221 Main Street. Uh I do just want to reiterate everything that he said um and agree with that the prices do need to increase based on insurance. The fuel cost is through the
roof right now and we are the ones that respond, you know, within 15 to 20 minutes when the road needs to be opened. Um or somebody needs to be towed, you know, with the sheriff calls us, we're right there. Um and the cost of living and the cost of doing business is substantially higher inside the city limits.
>> All right. Thank you, sir. Thank you for that. >> All right. I want to reiterate, but basically, just so you know, 226 Main Street, uh, Deluxe Towing, u, so it's three of us, four companies. The the fourth person couldn't make it. He's a little under the weather, but so you see that that
it's represented here in the entirety. It's not just one company trying to, you know, pull the rates up for any main reason. It's he did a phenomenal job with all the data and stuff. We just want to make sure that you understand that it's all as a group and we're all, you know, in in agreement to to the
races and the the numbers that he had provided to you guys. So, if you can take in consideration that, I'll be >> And you live here, correct? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Awesome. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> And I was going to say and I I do want to state for the record that I've had people tell me they are glad that we have towing companies physically in
Destin. I've been one of those people that are very glad I didn't have to wait an hour and a half for a tow car. So, we understand. So, thank you for bringing your presentation to us tonight. >> It's not always a negative. >> Not [laughter] always. >> Anything else? Yes, sir. >> Just a question for the city manager. When's the next public works public
safety meeting? >> Michael, [cough] >> I'm sorry. >> Second Tuesday. >> Second Tuesday in May. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yep. make my motion.
>> I'll make my motion. I'm just telling Bobby, I'll make my motion when it's our time to make motion. >> Okay. Appreciate that. All right. With that, it sounds like you guys stick around. There might be something else, but we're just going to continue through the public comments and then we'll keep going. All right. Anyone else from the public wishing to speak?
>> I guess I'll go and start the discussion for the interim. John Stevens, uh, 4025 Indian Trail. Um, like take a moment. I'm pretty much a I'm definitely throwing my name in the hat. Um I've been actively involved with the city uh through um through my work as chairman of the Harvard CRA, vice chairman of the
Harour Waterways and other committees. Um I also make it a priority to uh stay engaged by attending all these meetings and actually attending the city events. Also, um one of the things I focus on on when I was on these roles is uh shifting from just discussion to actually
execution. Um so that's why you guys have seen a lot more work plans. Um, we've set goals and we're actually make making sure I'm actually trying to make things move forward in these committees now. Um, been paying close attention what's been going on in the city and also city related projects with the
county. Um, so I feel like I'm in a position to step right in. Uh, I understand the issues pretty quickly and I'm ready to help momentum keep going. Um, also believe it's important to think uh that um, whoever fills this role um, you got to think we're thinking long term. Um while it's an interim position,
the decisions that we make over the next several months uh will car carry forward well be beyond that. Um also I know there's questions about who's running, who's not. Um I am planning on running in November. Um so I'm prepared to be accountable for those decisions um that we do make if I'm if I am up there. Um
and just ready to serve right away. So appreciate guys. >> All right. Thank you, John. Thanks for always being here. All right. Anyone else? Far side. I'm coming around. Yes, sir. It looks like John started it. So, let's just knock them all out. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. We'll do it under public comments and that way it's just a fair shot across the board. Just hit that gray button for me. >> Uh Ryan Holloway, um 530 Beach Drive. Um appreciate you giving me time to speak. Um, and I want to thank you for the
opportunity to even be considered for this appointment, even though I put my own name in. Um, but for the past 5 years, Destin has been my home. I do hold a bachelor's degree in finance, international business from Auburn University along with the MBA directing in finance from Auburn as well. Professionally, I've led uh both
corporate and entrepreneurial roles from serving as a national public director or national director of public relations where I guided over 100 employees to manage insurance operations for that company. and now I am the owner of multiple local businesses uh including Hollowway Yachts and Fish and Fun
Destin. Um in my [clears throat] former sorry my voice is gone. In my former position I managed hospital revenue cycles as well. Uh and this would be between 8 and N billion dollars of hospitals money that was under my control and a few others. Um during that
time I also served on various boards of directors uh for boards for Auburn University and I also hold multiple um held multiple positions for hospital charitable foundations around the southeast. Today I lead a team of more than 20 employees and these uh
experiences have equipped me with the skills to set clear goals, execute effectively and deliver results. In addition, my work as a real estate adviser with Compass and Destin and along 3A gives me a unique well-rounded perspective. I understand our waterways. I understand our real estate market. And
I understand the true value of this community. That perspective allows me to help guide growth in a way that respects what Dustin what makes Dustin special uh while preparing respons responsibly for the future. Beyond my professional experience, I've been actively involved in our community through the Harbor and
Waterways Board. I'm proud that some of my recommendations such as improved channel lighting have already been implemented in um to enhance safety and navigation. I believe the council's role is to serve with integrity, saying policy, managing growth responsibly, and airing the trust of our residents. If
appointed, my focus will be on balancing Destin's future with its character, supporting smart development, strengthening educational opportunities, and ensuring projects are completed effectively and efficiently. Destin has given so much to me, and I'm ready to give back through service, leadership, and accountability. I would be honored
to serve and help make our city even stronger. I've had the opportunity to speak with members of the council um as well as respected leaders in our community including Shane Moody and Jason Belchure and I'm grateful for their encouragement and support in stepping potentially stepping into this role. I know that they believe
[clears throat] I'd be a strong fit this position and I'm also aware that members of the community have reached out to some of you as well uh in the past week uh to recommend me for the council position. U I hope to be the one tonight. If not, I mean, I I look forward to running again or running actually in November. And I just want to
appreciate your time and consideration. >> All right. Thank you, sir. All right. And I'm going to deviate a little bit from just going through if anyone else is here that has their name on the ballot for um sorry if anyone else is here that wants to be on the committee, I'm sorry, to be up here as council and
would like to speak. Allan, anyone else throw their name in the hat just to kind of keep all the candidates on the same role. going to put all the candidates in one group here so we're not going back and forth just to keep it as fair as possible. If >> you're happy, I'm good. >> Yeah, you just hit that gray button.
>> Yep. Uh for the record, I'm Alan Osborne. Two different addresses on Gulf Shore Drive. Uh first of all, I I hope they hear me over at the BCC. I think we're going to make some progress and sometimes you you have to be
unconventional and I'm an unconventional kind of guy and that's how you get stuff done. That be it. That being said, uh I throw my name into the hat. Uh, I don't know how many leadership positions I've had in my 35 years in the DoD, but it
was a lot from squad leader to the bathrooms to running uh multiund million dollar programs and flying $100 million aircraft and responsible for people's lives every day. I'm probably uh, you wouldn't believe this, but I'm probably
not the most diplomatic person in the world. And I I'm probably not out here to win friends and influence people, but I am here to follow the Constitution. Uh, I get [ __ ] done. I don't I don't sit on nothing, and nobody can buy me out.
And I'm going to make my decisions based on what I think's best for Dustin. Uh, I probably know as much history. I don't claim to know what Dewey and some of you that have been here probably and probably Sandy and Rodney. Rodney was drinking when he was little, but they probably know more. But I know a lot
about Destin and I chose Destin because of fishing and so uh I've been I've helped run charter boats and owned them and uh I pretty much know what's going on but most of all I usually know what's going on before it ever happens. And
either I'm really smart and I should be up there in Wall Street or people tell me stuff mainly because they know I'll do something about it that I'm not scared to stick my own skin on the line. And the reason you should trust me is
that if you if you laid in 911 here on the day of 911, you'd have seen me go right past here in the MH53 while everybody wonder what was going on in the world. Me and a bunch of guys from Herbert and Fort Bragg and other places. We ran to the sound of danger. We didn't
even know what the danger was. But if you don't pick me, that's cool. Uh I like Chadam and John and I think they, you know, other people that have a lot of good things in here. But if you need somebody to shake it up, I'm your I'm your man. [laughter]
That's my pronoun, man. So if that if that's the flavor you're looking for, I'm a volunteer. And if it's not, I understand. You know, a lot of my bosses over the years thought I wasn't the right flavor, but when it came down to statistics and safety and
you in US special operations, I ran the safest training program that never killed a kid and never permanently hurt somebody where they had to leave the service for 17 years. And I managed to keep SEALs and SF guys from killing each
other mixed in with a few Rangers and SBT teams. So, I can handle pressure and and I can give you a result. So, if that's what you're looking for, here he is. And if it's not, I understand. Thank you very much. >> All right. I appreciate that. All right. Anyone else here that has their name in
the the ballot for the the filledin position? >> Oh, yeah. I got a highowered education if you [laughter] [cough] >> Yeah. Hey, Mayor Council Chadam Morgan, 339 Calhoun Avenue. Um, I would agree if
you want to shake things up, I think would be a [laughter] good bet. Um, and I know John's done a really good job up here, too. Um, but I have served five years. I've filled the interim role before for skip over deer. I'm familiar with the processes of the
city. I'm not here super often. I've got a 9, seven, and threeyear-old at the house. Um, but I love Destin. I like the work we did when I was up here from 2016 to 21. I've served with uh some of
y'all. So, be honored to have your support. Thanks. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Anyone else? I think Yes, >> I do. Uh Matthew Pace, 366 Goldsby Way. It's good to see most of you in here. I still remember everybody. uh hopefully
remember me, but uh I did work for the city as the uh IT director um some years ago. So, uh I've been out of the game, but I've been in Destin. I've been here for 27 years of my life, and I love Destin. I am probably the only one like
Allan, I'm very diplomatic. So, um I like to make sure we are doing the right thing for the right reasons. And that's my whole stance on everything. And what I would like to say is out of all the candidates that put their name in the hat, I am the only one as a chief certified government information officer
and I would do what I do every day for the city council and the city. So I'd like to just say, you know, we've got some qualified people obviously, but I would very much welcome the opportunity to be up here with all of you making the decisions that actually matter for the people here. So thank you.
>> Thank you for being here. All right. Yes, sir. Uh >> oh. Come on up. [laughter] Good evening. My name is Ross Haynes. I live at 3916 Mesa Road here in Dustin.
I am committed to stepping into this role with a clear focus of stability, accountability, and practical progress for the community. If selected, I will prioritize the initiatives and and that directly impact residents. the quality
of life while strengthening the city's long-term foundation. You can tell I'm a little nervous, right? I am the commander of Ambetts here in the city of Dustin. We have 435 members. We have vets, ladies, auxiliaries, sons,
and now writers program. I'm also a disabled vet myself and a former Destin employee. I'm keenly aware of the unique needs of the city. My immediate focus was will center on three key areas.
Improving safety and and accessibility of local waterways, strengthening employee retention to ensure consistent effective city services, and enhancing code compliance to preserve neighborhood standards and community pride. Together,
these priorities reflect a balanced approach. Protecting public resources, supporting the workforce that serves the city, and maintaining the integrity of the community. Thank you. Anyone else?
All right, just f >> Yeah, we're going to go back to that. Yeah, I was making sure we Well, we got all the candidates in a row here. All right. Well, either way, I know we're going to vote on that later. I just appreciate it. really is amazing to have that many applicants come out and that many people locals, business owners,
past employees. That's amazing. I really appreciate your guys' love and support for the city and wanting to volunteer your time um up here. So, thank you for all for that. All right, with that, we'll get back to the the main public comments. Thanks for your patience. You going to throw your name in the hat?
[laughter] >> There you go. >> Good evening. My name is Madison Wallace. I live at 315 Spring Lane. Um I just I'll give you a quick background on myself. I have been a US Coast Guard licensed captain for nearly 10 years and I operate a local charter business here
in Dustin. Um during college I interned on Eglund Air Force Base working alongside the Marine Union unit patrolling Crab Island. So I've seen the operations from both an enforcement and operational perspective. I regularly watch these council meetings and I saw that you all are having to make a
decision tonight regarding a Bearboat charter hardship. I'm not here to speak on behalf of any one business. I'm here because I have concerns about how the current ordinance aligns with state and federal definitions and how it impacts the industry as a whole. Under FWC's
definition, a livery is a business that rents a vessel without providing or requiring the renter to provide a US Coastg Guard licensed captain. A bearboat charter that requires a license captain does not meet that definition. At the federal level, the US Coast Guard
recognizes bearboat charters as a distinct and lawful structure when properly executed, separate from traditional rental operations. Yet, Destined appears to be the only city in the entire state of Florida that both both classifies Beareboat charters as a
livery and caps the number of livery permits available. This creates a situation where businesses are required to comply but are not given a pathway to do so. I also want to address the idea that the ordinance is about congestion or safety. The harbor already has a
natural cap. There are only so many slips available and parking requirements already limit how many boats can operate under a business tax receipt. If you guys know of a slip, let me know. The ordinance does not reduce the number of boats on the water. It simply determines which businesses are allowed to operate
them. I do understand the concern around unregulated operations. Vessels that pick up unauthorized unauthorized authorized operations. Vessels that pick up unauthorized locations, don't have a business presence in the city and aren't
requiring qualified licensed captains. Those situations absolutely deserve attention and enforcement. But the challenge is that current ordinances don't just address the bad actors. It also blocks the companies that are operating responsibly with proper
structure, licensed captains, and full compliance with state and federal requirements. From a safety standpoint, I also speak from direct experience. Our company has operated over 3,000 trips to Crab Island with licensed certified captains and not had a single safety
incident. That's the level of consistency and professionalism that captain operations can provide. Yet the current system restricts captain experiences for larger parties while leaving self-operated rentals widely available. There is also a broader
impact. Tourism is one of the primary industries in this area and these policies limit opportunities for local captains, crew members, and workers who depend on this field. Many of my captains h are young families supporting um their families and and just trying to
make a living on the water. And from a visitors experience standpoint point, many guests would prefer to have a local captain. But once you get beyond six passenger vessels, there are limited options for larger groups, leaving many visitors with no choice but to operate a bear a boat themselves. I'm not here to
argue against regulation. I'm here to ask for a system that is consistent with state and federal law, provides a clear path to compliance, and prioritizes both safety and fair opportunity. When you look at the practical impact, the current ordinance does not reduce
congestion or improve safety outcomes. It appears to primarily shift who is allowed to operate. From the outside, that raises concerns about whether it's truly about health and safety or about limiting certain business models within the market. I look forward to hearing each council member's perspective on
this and specifically any concerns with a properly structured bearboat charter that holds a Dustin BTR, requires a captain and complies with state and federal law. >> Thank you for being here for you guys.
>> You have some questions about different types. I'm happy to answer them. like it seems like. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. All right. [laughter] >> I I I caught you in 22, didn't I?
>> Let me get through everyone and and I will allow the candidates if you have anything on the agenda. >> Yeah. All right. Yes, sir. Just for the record, I was going to throw my hat. [laughter] >> That's one way to get it done.
>> Um, good evening. Uh, Joe Fitzpatrick, 3879 Indian Trail. I [clears throat] appreciate the time this evening. Uh, just want to provide a brief update and make a couple quick comments if that works. Uh, since the last meeting, I have been able to make progress on the easement agreement. Had the opportunity
to speak to Mr. Bowman. uh received some comments back. I responded back and I believe Miss Cop is also uh just reviewing final easement agreements. So, I think we're pretty close to coming to closure with regards to that. Um for the record, I did provide a handout.
I'm not going to go back through everything with regards to the Indian Trail and the partial partial issue that I'm having. Um I figured it's just context uh of everything that I've been through. So, you know, as I started this from my wetlands delineation in 2024,
you know, I've done a lot of research. Okay, believe it or not, I've gone back and I counted them before we came up over 1990 council meetings since the incorporation of Destin. I'm not sure if you were born. >> No, 94. >> There you go. Um so you know as I went
through that I also noticed a number of the council members uh having participated in either uh as a council member or a committee member and I think they're well aware and I appreciate the fact that they understand the power of water and what it has the ability to do
as it relates to property and land. As I went through all the records one consistent theme stood out. Okay. as infrastructure was built, drainage was collected, had to be conveyed somewhere, and it was discharged through the city's storm water system. That's what we have here. The city's identified a covert at
the head of my property as part of the MS4 system. It's a defined outfall with significant upstream contribution. So, what's actually in question is pretty specific. It's what has happened what's it's what continues to happen uh to my property once that water is
released from that outfall because in that stretch there is no easement there's no energy dissipate dissipation there's clearly documented erosion and land loss and the condition is continuing to progress so we appear to be close to finalizing that easement so
then what uh is it the city's intent to initiate additional study to determine the why I think I've got more than enough information I'm more than happy to provide anything to expedite through that process. At this point, I would like the focus to be on shifting towards resolution. And so, I have a couple
questions I'd like to ask either city manager, attorney, or council member on what the expectations are over the study period. Do we intend to engage in a engineering firm? Is city staff expected to review this issue? Is there a working session to review findings? How do we
move from study to resolution? I'm happy to meet at any time to move that forward. That's all I have for tonight. And I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for a brief comment uh from somebody to make sure we're aligned on the next steps as we follow through with this easement agreement. Last thing I'd love
I'd hate to happen is have you know come back every two weeks. You know I've been in two week cycles for four months. So just would like a quick comment of just you know what from there. So thank you very much. >> All right. I'll I'll ask them but no one actually has the need [snorts] to. Uh Miss C Larry Jones.
>> Okay. >> Thank you sir. All right. And then if any of our candidates want a public comment for anything else on the agenda, I do see the quagmire I put you in. Are we all resolution? You know, we're all in this together. We're all in this together. I don't want to end up on a
show [laughter] for something as easy as three minutes. Come on. You can teach politicians. So, it's just a little harder. Uh I I've been out in the in the bay a lot lately. I'm in the harbor a lot and I I think uh I'd like
to point out something to the young lady is I and she's correct. The the federal documents may say something and the state documents may say something, but I can promise you no state or federal document or rule ever got adopted that they gave a crap about the what the
local condition is. Now by the by the federal and and rule right out there by the Eglund Beach Club is an assault zone. Go look at look go look at it. And we used to bring 53 helicopters out here and make assaults right there by the and dump out boats and teams. And what it
did was stack traffic up on the bridge. Everybody went look and I was and the boss called me and said somebody from Destin wants to know do you have to do that? And I said but we're allowed to. And he said but do you have to? And so we moved it down to
Devar where you couldn't see us doing it sometimes and just said fine, we'll surrender to local conditions on that. It's not worth causing an accident on the bridge. I said does anybody have to do an assault here by the pass? So we just shifted on down the beach cuz we had that luxury.
You got a problem now that you probably haven't even talked about. As I cruise down through the waterway in my skiff, down there where the old uh deck hands was is is a massive marina and they're putting 26 foot wide catamarans going to
put 80 people on it. And you're not going to just deal with what that young lady's talking about the businesses in the harbor. Some of the business that didn't fit in the harbor have now just gone down there and they're going to cram people on here and they're going to force their way to drive through the harbor. So, you may have to get to the point where you can't restrict private
boats from driving through the harbor, but if you don't have a business commercial permit, the harbor's unsafe. I don't care if the federal or the state rules say it's okay. And it's mostly unsafe because not because people are just idiots, but they are. But there's
too many people driving. If you put too many of people of anything there, but you've got a future problem that if you don't take so now, they're going to say, "But you let me do it before." and now you're hurting my business. So those marinas are not full now, but they all got tours coming to Destin and they're
going be cruising through Holiday Isle trying to turn around next to a $4.5 million Viking that has a paint job that costs more than their pontoon boats worth. At some point, y'all going to have to put restrictions on commercial people. And what people that are grandfathered in Destin need a sticker
saying, "I can commercially operate in this harbor." I hate to say it, it's too much government, but the harbor, unless somebody can figure out how to grow the size of the harbor, the harbor has a limit, as she pointed out, to how much traffic it can handle. Well, it's not going to throw me out. I'm a private
property owner. But Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, they're creating new businesses to be in the harbor. And that's your future problem. So you know what your current ones are. So I won't bel labor that. But I want you to look at that future problem down the road and
go read all those signs. Their plan is to come here. Congratulations. Thank you sir. All right. Anyone else public comments? >> All right. I appreciate it. Thank you, Dr. T. All right. With that, we'll move right along. [laughter] All right. The council uh consent
agenda. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve. Is it? >> Second. >> All right. I have a motion and a second. Uh my only discussion and it's nothing to take any action on would just be, you know, it's Kelly Street. I know we all want to make it go slower. We made it go slower by uh signage of 25 miles an hour
versus 30. Uh hopefully there's some restriping and resizing of the lanes to add to that safety mechanism. But with that, I have a motion and a second. Without any further discussions, I will call the vote. It's just holding. >> All right. All right. I guess we'll
>> have an opportunity. >> Yeah. I'm going to go in two seconds. Sounds like we need new software. [laughter] >> Yeah. Yeah. This one we've tried. I don't think I don't think it's user error at this point.
>> All right, Rodney. Vocal vocal it. Let's get through this. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I vote yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. I have it 50. So moved into 4 A. Dr. Jones. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. The item 4 A is regarding your appointment
of a interim city council member. Um you've heard from a number of those who have applied for this role this evening. You had a total of 11 apply. Those um names and qualifications have been presented to you in your packet and your read read ahead material. Uh this
appointment will be from now uh from when they're sworn in at the next meeting to the November general election. So that's before you. >> All right. with that. Do I have a motion or nomination? >> I I have no way. >> Oh, yeah. >> Mayor, I'll I'll make a motion that we
uh appoint Chad Morgan to be the interim city council member uh for the remainder of >> second >> Mr. Guile's term. >> All right, with a motion and second. Any
discussions? All right. I am flying blind over here. Yeah. Councilman Dustin first and then we'll go back. [cough] [clears throat] >> Yeah. >> I just want to thank all the people who volunteered for the job and the ones that spoke here tonight. They are all, in my opinion, qualified to take this
job and I look forward to seeing them in November. >> All right. Councilman Bagby. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I'm going to echo, you know, three and a half years ago, we couldn't even find four people to run for three seats. we didn't even have an
election and now we have 11 who are interested in one seat and I that just makes my heart glad uh that we have people who want to come out and serve the citizens of Destin. Uh just so you know the reason I made the motion my
criteria is we're going in budget season. So, of all the all 11 candidates, all fully qualified, uh, Chadam stood above cuz he's gone through the budget process before in my mind and
he understands exactly what those workshops are supposed to do and not supposed to do and he understands the strategic planning process of the city. I will also say there are a lot of folks who have served and are serving on
committees. I if you're not serving on a committee and you are thinking about running in November, I would say I've got a opening on the harbor and watersways board. There are several members up here who have openings on the
board of adjustment. I would put in an application tomorrow because I know I served on a committee. I know Kevin served on a committee, Teresa served on a committee, Dewey established the committees. [laughter] So yeah,
>> he was there before. >> He was there before we had any committees. >> You said we need committees. >> Yeah, we need committees to help us. And that helps you meet the staff, understand how the city operates, and it shows your willingness to serve and give the time to serve the citizens of Destin
because really that's the most important thing is that you're willing to serve and you're willing to give your of your time. Uh but yeah, uh of all 11, I thought Chadam uh was the most qualified just because of the five times he's been
through the budget process. John's obviously very qualified and right there behind him, but [clears throat] that's why I made that motion. >> All right, Councilmen Avery. >> Thanks, Mayor. Um I echo what uh Mr. Bagby just said. Um the finance is a big
is a big deal. Our budget, we have to stay on track and having Chadam already gone through it. several years. It'll be easy for him to just slide in. But I too want to thank you guys for all coming out tonight. And I want to remind you there's three spots in November. So
please run because every one of you that spoke tonight have got exactly what we need. The willing to volunteer for no pay to continue to serve a city that you love and you want to help continue to grow and and and be there for the good, the bad, and the ugly. So thank you all for coming out tonight and putting your
name in the hat. Um, and definitely in November, put your name on the ballot. We need to have all of y'all are very qualified, have great backgrounds, and exactly what we need. Um, so thank you for being here tonight. >> All right. Well, by the charter, I wouldn't even get to break a tie even if
we had the the votes like that. But just for the record, um, I was if if there's anything I would have done, it would have been going for uh John Stevens. I mean, I just appreciate you always showing up even when uh an election seat isn't up here. um you know, merits everything to me and just showing up is
half the battle. So, I just commend you for all the time you you put in just as much as we do up here and any of the staff members. So, I just I can't thank you enough for just being in the trenches with us for this long. So, I just want to put that on the record that you know, if I had a vote, it would be with John Stevens. So, thank you, sir.
All right. With that, I will call the vote. All right. eyes have it so moved. Chadam, can't get away from us, can you? [laughter] I like you too, dude. >> Just just one point. So, um, the
swearing in of Mr. Morgan will be on May 4th at our next regular meeting. >> All right. Thank you. All right. Congratulations. And again, thank you everyone for putting your name in the hat. Your love for this community is why we're so special and why I personally feel we're we're different around here. So, thank you guys again. All right. Dr. Jones.
>> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Item 4B is regarding the update on the Holiday Aisle Park property. Um, tomorrow is a big day as we move this process forward. Uh we have asked the board of county commissioners to support the city's resolution uh and go to the state and
ask that the state allow us to be the lease for the property and to manage the park uh present a a management plan that is consistent with what we have found that the citizen citizenry of the county are looking for and that's minimal
commercialization uh something that will mirror what we've already have out there on the additional 14 acres. So that meeting is to and it is on their agenda tomorrow. Uh it's at 8:30 at Shalomar and it has been noticed that more than one of you may attend. So we look
forward to being there and joining by whoever can make it. Uh we look forward to good results from that and I know Miss Cop has had some conversation that she may want to offer any more than that regarding >> I think you did a perfect summary. The only thing I would add is um it is on
the agenda for the county tomorrow as anformational item, but we will be requesting um or respectfully requesting a motion from the board of county commissioners to formally support uh the city's leasing and management of the
park. We have also forwarded a copy of your concept plan that you approved at the last meeting. So, we will take um any comments from the county on those. I do think that um based on some conversations that council member Dustin
and I had with the county attorney and commissioner Palmer that they may have conditions that they will request of the council, but we will see um tomorrow. So, hope to see everyone there. >> All right. Thank you, Councilwoman Abear. >> Um thanks, Mayor. I just want to ask um
Dr. Jones and uh Miss Cop, we are trying to make sure that those folks that have been at these last several BCC meetings continue to show up tomorrow because this does affect the holiday aisle as well as the rest of Dest. So, anyone that can be there tomorrow morning at
8:30, we want them there. Correct. >> That's correct. Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah. >> And all prospective um council members, y'all should show up. >> Yeah. And and I would just say just for the record while we're talking about this island uh this topic specifically
um while the project and land might be different I think the way we're feeling and I love a good aliteration. So, as we as the fishermen in Okaloosa County, whether you do or don't, as Destin and this particular point of Norgo Point here for this project, uh, and how we
feel is the same way I believe and I've heard from several North Crest and Baker residents in terms of the county overstepping and asking and doing something that no one asked for. Um, so I think there's a very strong sentiment whether it's South Okaloosa, North
Okaloosa. I just wanted to let everyone know that I've gotten dozens of emails, messages online, uh, from across Okaloosa County saying that please keep up a good fight. Keep doing this because they've done a growth management plan for the north. Thousands of residents
have come out of Baker and Crestview and regardless of thousands of people uh, going against it, they still went ahead anyways. And I guess it was just a checkbox on their part of of doing government business regardless of what the citizens say. So I just encourage
everyone to come out. I thank this whole staff and the staff and this council for being so steadfast on this topic and just being showing such a unified front. Um this is why a city is so important. You get unincorporated areas trying to stop the county, trying to at least get
a an ear a dog in the hunt, just trying to get a voice heard. And clearly they just checked the box and moved on. So for those wondering what cities do, it's to stand up to the larger governments when they forget who voted them in in the first place. So I just appreciate
everyone here and staff for all their time. So thank you for that. >> Yeah. All the the little 14,000 residents of ours. Yeah. All right. All right. Anything else for that? >> That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Moving on. >> Thanks. Item 4 C is regarding the
expenditure plans for the promotion of tourism. These are the TDC funds that are allocated to the city. Uh this request is to uh make three allocations of those funds. It's $750,000 to advanced funding agreement payment,
$884,922 for the beachfront park operations, and 70,000 for the beach access improvements. Uh even with those, there's about $1.2 million remaining in the bucket that we can certainly allocate at some point. Uh but those
three items are part of tonight's recommendation. >> All right. Thank you, sir. With that, Councilman Bagby. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we prioritize the use of the remaining 1.3 1.2 to $1.3 million of the unallocate
unrequested funds that we put in a request that that money be allowed to be used by the city of Destin for improvements on Noriega Point. >> Second. >> All right. And I have a second with Councilwoman Abear. All right.
>> Was that along with the recommended motion to approve those three? >> Council Bagby, >> I'm sorry. >> He had a question. Was that along with the recommended motion to approve those three? >> Yes. And and along with the three that we already are submitting. I I apologize. Thank you.
>> And that's my second. >> All right. And then she's going along with that amended. All right. Any further discussions? Seeing none, we'll call the vote. All right. Eyes have it. So moved. >> Next item 4 D is regarding the community
center roof replacement. Uh this is the contract. If you recall at the last meeting, we made the award uh to the ICE ICE uh to install the the roof. Uh the question before that you asked us to
confirm was a warranty. So that the there's a 2-year warranty from the installation from the contractor that's doing the installation and a 20-year warranty on the material from the manufacturer. And so those warranties will kick in upon installation.
>> All right. With that, do I have a motion? >> I'll move [clears throat] we proceed with the uh contract. >> All right. I have a motion on the floor. >> I'll second it. >> I got a second. Councilwoman Abear is on the board for a second. Any further discussions?
Seeing none, we'll call the vote. All right. Eyes have it. So moved. 5-0. All right. Boss man. >> Item 4E is regarding the restatement of our thrift plan um documents. Um does a couple things. It effectively brings an
end to um new participants in the thrift plan. It vests those that are in the plan as of January uh 1 of 2026. So all employees at that time are fully vested and those that are continue to
participate. I believe there's 20 of them uh will certainly be allowed to continue to participate and the city will match those contributions as we have. Uh but this was the next phase. Um more to come but this is where we are today in in the request that's before
you. All right. Thank you for that. With that, I have a request on the floor. Do I have a motion? >> Mayor, I move to approve resolution 26-07 amending the city's current thrift savings plan document. >> All right. And I got a second with Councilman Abear on the board. Any
discussions? Seeing none on the flip thrift plan, we'll call the vote. All right. Eyes have it. So moved. 5-0. Informations. So in your packet you have a capital project status report, an operations
financial report, quarterly investment report, TDC monthly report, uh minutes of boards and committees and board and committee appointments. And uh on that particular one of um some urgency is the
uh board of adjustments appointments. We have a number of vacancies there and they have a scheduled meeting the first full week in May. And so if on May 4th if if you're one of the ones that have been identified as a vacancy, if you
wouldn't mind putting whatever efforts you have available into that, we know we've got out on our social media and advertisement platforms the fact that we need those uh volunteers. So hopefully we'll have some there for you to choose from. But certainly feel free to solicit
your own. >> Mr. Mayor, >> sir, >> if I may add, uh, with uh Mr. Morgan's appointment tonight, >> okay, >> we are down to two members the BOA because we have one injured member. So,
>> gotcha. Out of the out of the now seven, if you're counting, >> now we have two active ones. >> Okay. >> Well, three active, but one is injured. >> Okay. >> So, he'll be out. We'll have on the May 4th agenda those appointments. >> Okay. >> So, >> thank you.
>> And from there, we'll move to announcements. Um, and I don't mind responding to Mr. Fitzpatrick that we will have staff once the u the agreement is executed that um allows us to um
access the property. Our staff will go out, take a look at it, and determine what needs to happen next. And we'll certainly coordinate that with Mr. off Patrick and with legal counsel make sure we're all moving forward together. >> Thank you. >> Um couple of things uh cross town connector
fence noise safety um parameters that we looked at. Our engineer did bring us a report back u late last week uh that talked about the soundproofing and the fencing and some plannings and u um landscaping. However, they didn't
address the safety issues. So, we've asked them to go back and take another look at that and that may be more trees, better spacing of trees. It could be a number of things, but we're waiting for that to come back to us. So, we'll bring that back to you as soon as we have it. Um, we were asked to uh visit with the
school board and their health clinic. Uh, we've had those conversations and they're moving along quite nicely. Uh, that conversation has led us in a couple of other directions. uh some things that the sheriff's association is doing that we may be able to plug into at some point and the fact that the one of the
constitutional officers for Oklahoma County is schedule a meeting with the school board uh clinic staff or clinic board to look at perhaps uh standing up an additional clinic. So, we've uh engaged them in some conversation and
there's going to be a meeting in next week, I believe the 30th maybe or whenever the 30th is. Yeah. That uh a collaborative meeting that uh we've kind of asked if we could attend and we certainly been invited there. So, I believe Jamie will be attending on behalf of the city to just gather more
information. So, those doors are open and we're looking for the best opportunities as they present themselves to us. Um we met with Dr. Cherry and the some of the regarding the concerns going on in
Crystal Beach. Um certainly haven't come to any conclusions, but we're looking at parking situation, how we can address that. Um maybe we need to realign a position or some positions to better address short-term rentals. um making
sure they're appropriately signed that um if and doing putting some more effort into identifying those that may not be registered that that's not being captured in another way. So, we'll look at that making sure the appropriate signage is in place whether it's you can
park this many cars, you can have this many people staying. Um and maybe some of that needs to be expanded, but that's we're taking a look at that. In the particular house at 66 Cobia, we did send them a cease and desist regarding their advertisements and their overp
parking and those type things. So, we we'll um continue that effort as well. But just want to let you know that we did have that conversation, had a good meeting with Dr. Cherry, and we look forward to continuing that. And Dr. Jones on that. Um I did speak to the chief and he saw those photos from the
last meeting and I don't want to put on the record the the footage, but they do have fire codes as far as what it would take to get a stretcher in to what it would get in to uh get their fire uh suppression equipment in. Um so I didn't know if just to put that on the record
of they've been aware and they're looking into what they would need to do to enforce their side of things. >> Okay. Thank you. On a personal note, I'm going to be out on um spending some time with my wife who has now put up with me for 45 years.
So, uh she's going to get a week of me and may be sending me back to work real quick. But that'll be the first full week in May and Miss Cop's going to cover that meeting on in my absence. So, thank you for that. Thank you. And that's all I have. Dr. T. >> Good evening. On this Friday, April 24th
at 10 a.m. at Buck Dustin, we'll have our Arbor Day celebration. So, the public is welcome to come out for the tree planting that we'll have there. And then next Tuesday, April 28th, we'll have a ribbon cutting at Noro Point. Again, public is welcome to come out for
that. We'll also be hosting a town hall meeting on Thursday, May 14th at 5:00 p.m. here at the annex. The meeting is intended to provide an overview of the city's permitting and plan review processes, compliancy, and offer clarification on procedures, and
basically create an open forum for contractors to ask questions and share feedback and provide some input for staff. Again, that is May 14th at 5:00 p.m. And we have sent emails to hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of the local contractors. We've made significant
progress on the pickle ball courts this week. you can see the bathrooms in place and also asphalt down for the courts. So, we're still looking at the very end of May for that to be in play. And finally, just want to say thank you to everybody that came out for Destin's
first vertical oyster garden workshop. We had over 30 people in attendance and we made over 75 vertical oyster gardens. And special thanks to CBA for working with us and for John Stevens for sharing
the gardens that he has at his docks. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. And that's announcements. So public hearings, Miss Cop. >> Thank you, mayor. This is ordinance number 2613LC, an ordinance of the city of Dest,
Florida, amending section 1105000 marina sighting of the land development code to require staff level review of single family residential docks. Removing the requirement for review by harbor and waterways board of single family residential docks. Removing the requirement for city council review of
single family residential docks. Providing for authority. Providing for findings of fact. Providing for incorporation into the land development code. providing for conflicting provisions, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. [snorts] This is second reading, and there have not been any changes since
your first reading. >> All right. Thank you. With that, I have uh councilwoman Traml. >> Uh mayor, I'll make the recommended motion. I move that the city council adopt proposed ordinance 26-13-LC on second reading as presented. >> Second. >> All right. And seconded by Councilwoman
Abear. Uh any discussions? All right. Sorry. Whoops. Seeing that this is a public hearing, if anyone from the public wishes to speak on this specific item, this is your time to do so. All right, we got a bunch of bodies in the room and no discussion. All right, we'll close the public comments.
Entertain the the motion stays on the floor with the second. Any discussion from council? All right, seeing none, check the boxes. We'll call the vote. All right, eyes have it. So moved. 5-0. All right, and that's the only one. All right, Councilman Braden.
>> Thank you, Mayor. I'm good. >> All right, Councilwoman Traml. >> Yeah, I just have one question. Uh, we were looking at the right ofway on Beach Drive north of Kelly. Um, whatever became of that,
it went down to Joe's Bayou. >> Do you remember, >> Michael? Somebody help me cuz I don't [laughter] apparently >> your boss is throwing the ball to you. >> Is that the >> Is that the fourth street right away
you're talking about? >> Correct. >> I'm sorry. >> I think that was tabled if I remember right or or removed. I I can't remember. >> Let us take a look at it. We will get back there. I remember we had >> No, they council tabled it. The council
tabled it. Um, we'll get we'll get you a better answer next meeting. >> Okay. The last thing I heard was that it needs to be cleared off, which is obvious, but anyway. Thank you. >> All right, Councilman Dustin. >> Thank you, Mayor. Just so I'm clear on
what's happening, the request for the tow truck in increase. Where do we go from here on that? >> I got a motion. >> You got it. >> Very good. All right, Councilman Bagby. >> Three quick things, Mayor. Uh, number
one, I asked staff to put under my or on the agenda at the next meeting, uh, the tow truck motion with the prices that are requested. Uh, I want to I would like to see a comparison. We've got the county and us, but I would like to see a
couple of more Crest View, Fort Walton Beach, and Ice Hill. I I don't really care, but I don't want just a pointto-point um thing. And then uh >> excuse me, CS Dustin, you have something on that. >> Okay. Okay. I guess I want to make sure
we're staying topic on topic. All right. Thank you. >> I just want to add it to the next agenda. You want to pass it tonight? >> Oh, no. I just want to ask a question. >> Oh, okay. Okay, cool. Yeah. So, I I'll make a motion that we put that on the next meeting agenda. >> Second. >> Second. Okay.
>> All right. Got a motion and a second. And we'll clear Dewey for a second here on the board. All right. And then we'll call Oh, okay. Go ahead. Sorry. >> Test the questions will make I'm tracking now. >> The uh the increase also was on I think
administrative and storage. So I'd like to get an idea of what the total increase if you get your car towed, what's it going to cost? >> And I am interested in see what the other municipalities are doing, but other than that, I'm ready to address it at the next meeting. >> Awesome. Good. I'm definitely with them
on this. I mean, it's been four years and those costs definitely were staggered. So, it's unfortunate, but it's real. All right, Councilwoman Abear, I'm sorry. We got a motion on the table. [laughter] I'm trying to get out of here early. All right. All right. Ray, if you got call the vote uh for
Councilman Bagley's There we go. >> For next meeting. >> For next meeting's agenda. >> There we go. All right. 5. So moved. >> Second thing is uh I was very serious for the 11 well now 10 candidates that didn't get selected. Some of you already
serve on committees. Uh I would highly encourage you to put in an application tomorrow to serve on a committee. Every member up here except myself and uh Councilman Select
Morgan. I think that would be his proper title till the next meeting. Uh need someone on the board of adjustment. So I would put your name in. I personally need someone to serve on the harbor and water waterways board and I will be be
making an appointment from whoever's applied for the harbor and waterways board at the next meeting. uh it it gives you a flavor of this this city and it's it's critically important and that will allow me to segue into my final
point. Uh I made a commitment almost four years ago uh to serve the city and the citizens of Dest. Uh I think most of you know that I'm running for county commissioner in Walton County. Uh I am
going to be giving Ray Bailey my letter of resignation tonight. Uh but I will be here through the first uh budget first two budget workshops hopefully the only two budget workshops uh because I've always been a strong
advocate for fiscal responsibility and I feel like I made a commitment uh to the folks in Destin to to stick through that. But immediately after that second workshop, I will be off and I will ask the remaining folks to uh appoint my
replacement and hopefully they will continue to help this team. It has been one of the greatest honors other than my wife and kids to serve this city and to serve the people. And I I look forward to the next six meetings or so, eight
meetings with workshops or whatever. But, uh, you can't serve two masters. And, uh, I'm going to do what I told the people of Destin I would do, and then I'm going to, uh, move on with my life. So, thank you all very much. Thank the
council for all. I know I'm not an easy person to work with or work for, but, I'm hardest on myself, so I always know that. Thank you all. >> Appreciate that. Councilwoman Abear. >> Thanks, Mayor. echo what Mr. Bagby just said and of
course now you all know that we definitely will be picking another one of you here in about two months. So stay involved, come to the BCC tomorrow morning and see how important that is and all the residents that you'll see at these meetings if you haven't made it to one in the past. Um second question is
is and I did ask Larry, did we get the new welcome to Destin sign out of storage that was already ordered last year? >> I know we have them. Um, I know and we asked Michael to get them queued up to go in. Do we have a time frame on that yet, Michael?
>> We haven't discussed it internally. We just I just got notice of it Sunday. So, we'll talk about it at our staff meeting this week about >> I remember last year in March when I asked if we could please replace that sign and get extras ordered. I think Dr.
Young took care of helping get that order in. So, they're already in stock. Mhm. >> We shouldn't at middle of April going past the spring break. This should have been put up one April. So, if we can get that on the agenda there to be replaced every year. She's already got a few already ready to be replaceable every
year. Can we just make that part of your standard public works one April? Get a truck, get it out there, and get the rack put up, please. >> Understood. >> Yes, ma'am. It's >> all I have. >> All right. Um I'll give staff some time
to come back. I've talked to John and a few other uh chairman of of the boards and committees we have. Um to John's point, we've done a better job and actually through council member uh Traml's training and everything, I think we got these work plans up and running. Um but I've heard from multiple people who I know don't even talk to each other
that are board members or chairman that we have these work plans and now what and it seems to be a who he said she said or is it staff and staff goes all right well you go run it no go bring it to the council. So, um, under my name for next council meeting, if we could
just have just a clear understanding just for me and for our our boards and our volunteers, we get to this work plan. What's the next actionable step? What is what's next? Because I feel like for those who have now worked the
process, we're there and now what? And if you want to tag in, I'm just maybe it's clarification for me to help educate some of the ARC volunteers. Uh, well, their first line of communication should be to me. Unfortunately, not to you because [laughter]
I'm the one that started all that and and >> they can't reach out to me. >> Well, they can, but I have met with everybody that's asked. >> Okay. >> And we've gone through every little step and how they proceed with that. >> So, what's the answer? >> So, whoever's asking you, tell them to call call. >> John's asked me. Everyone else has asked
me, "What do we do with the work plan now that it's done?" >> I've already talked to John. >> All right. Well, I'm I'm curious. I can't talk to you other than right now. But but no >> leaison sponsor of the committees. What do we do for the work plan once they're completed? >> And and I'm I'm not putting it on you. >> Completed or you talking about >> the work plan has been approved. Some
work plans have been approved by this board. What's next? >> You're talking about step one. >> What's next? >> Basically, step one is you go out and fulfill those work plans. Those are ideas that you had and your committee decides just like we decide who's going to take on this and this and this and
this and they go forth and bring it back to their meetings. Some of those plans require probably through the budget process probably really require extensive capital improvement >> and and and if they need something from the budget process they should get with their liaison. Their liazison puts it
into the city staff. The staff then puts it into the recommendation. >> Okay, Councilman Bag. >> That's that's the way it goes. >> Thank you. Yeah, I was just going to echo that if it if it's a budget related priority, uh there's a couple of places that they they strategic plan, they can
raise it, but once their work plan is approved, [clears throat] they go with their staff leaison and say, "Okay, because usually their staff leaison is the one that submits his budget with Crystal to the city manager to present to us." So, they should have,
you know, whether it's Michael or or whoever should go and say, "All right, we need to request $250,000 to fix this park or do this road or do this whatever." And that gets put in the draft budget. And if it doesn't get put
in the draft budget at the first budget workshop, they should be here because if I have a committee member come up and say we asked for $250,000 and it's not in the budget, somebody will be sad and it won't be the committee members. >> So, Councilman Bagby, if there's one
thing I've learned, we like a good process. Is that is that in a resolution form? Do we have a written out process? So, when we're gone, that knowledge is extended to the next council, to the next chairman of a committee. Do we have that in a in their manual. Uh some liaison
>> excluded some of those pages >> which is why we have the problems now. >> Okay. No, that's and it's I'm not attacking anyone. I'm just trying to get the information out there. >> And the vast majority of the le No, the vast majority of the leaison unfortunately are coming from community development and we've had several directors there and everybody has to get
part of the process. Even when Tina came back, she says, "My goodness, we've got all these committees up and running." She was surprised. Yeah. So yes, we are trying to get everybody up to speed, but every time we get somebody new, we have to go through it again. >> No. And my last answer to that is, you know, I'd rather axe them or use them.
So now that we got them in use, I would like to see a couple even small wins get through so everyone feels like their time isn't going for not when it comes to volunteering. Council Bagby. >> Yeah, thanks. I'll just finish up my thought is this the pendulum keeps swinging in this community and has swung
for at least 20 years, 23 years. the you know the staff we become staff centric or we become committee centric as our support element. The answer is it's both of them. And sometimes we get staff that
you know keep the committee members at arms length and don't you know they just kind of check a box. That's not the way the committees are supposed to work. Those committees number one uh they help socialize information in this community. All seven of those committee members
have their own people that they know that they reach out and they talk about the harbor or they talk about public works or parks and wreck or whatever. And you know when when the staff just kind of pats them on the head and said here just approve this or here vote for
this or as opposed to getting ideas. They're supposed to be ideal generators. The staff can't be all over this city at any one time. City council members can't be all over this city at any one time. And that's why we have the committees and it takes the committees, the staff,
and the council working together to get this city as far as we've gotten it already. So, I I would just say if you know, Sandy kind of has the lead on the committees and I try to stay out of it. >> Uh, but when it comes to the budget part
of that, just call me because I I'm all about that. >> Yep. Councilman Dustin. Yeah, I was just going to echo that these committees are advisory committees to the council. >> Yeah. >> Not just not to the staff. The staff act as their support personnel >> and certainly look at what they advise,
but their role is to advise the council period. That's why they're reformed. And when it comes to budgetary items or legislative has to go through us >> and staff's job is to facilitate their
advice to us and they can certainly give us an opinion of what they think of that advice, but their advisory committees to the council. >> Perfect. Nope. I just wanted it out there and just kind of get some education from you guys. We all know we can't talk to each other outside of this. And secondly, you know, government
red tapes probably everyone's worst demise and and anger. So, and especially when you have, well, who's who's the boss? Who's the who do we run this through? I think gets very frustrating and confusing. So, I appreciate everyone's knowledge on the matter. All right, city attorney.
>> Thank you, mayor. Just one item. Um, want to let you know all that we will be closing on 446 Calhoun. Um, we anticipate that for Wednesday, so letting you all know. Good. Good news. Y >> that's it. >> Thank you. All right. Public comments.
Anyone wish to speak? >> Uh John Stevens 425 Indian Trail. Um since we're talking work plans, uh I'm one of the ones that's been very frustrated once you get to a certain point with these work plans. Um I mean a lot of these work plans are as far as I can take it. Um, I can estimate how much
stuff costs, but actually determine the cost. I'm not I'm not someone that can figure that kind of stuff out. Uh, and uh, I just need more help on going to the next step and I feel like we can only
take the work plan so far. So, that's all I got. >> Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Public comments. All right. Seeing none, it is 7:19. Oh, yes. Yes, ma'am. Oh, I thought you were going in. I thought you were going in.