meeting. Thank you guys for being here. Appreciate your patience as we finished up an executive session for litigation. Uh we are now moving into the general session. And up first, we'll have a call to order. We do not have a pastor tonight, so we will be moving right into
the pledge of allegiance. If everyone could please stand. Please join me with your hand over your heart. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Thank you, Councilman Abear. >> Thank you. >> All right. With that, uh, do we have any changes, substitutions, or amendments to the agenda? If not, can I get a motion?
I'll make a motion to approve the agenda as is. >> All right. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Oh, Mr. Raml. All right. I got a second. Um, and Ray, are we up with the vote count? >> All right. There we go. All right. So, we'll call the vote for the approval of
the agenda. 7 nothing. The motion passes. All right. Well, thank you all for being here. Happy New Year to everyone in the audience and up here at the council. Um, we are going to be going over the best holiday decorations. Uh, every holiday is great, but I am a Griswall, so this
one's a lot a lot of fun for me as well. So, we appreciate the staff who went around and judged everything. Um, I'm always a little biased. I always think I could win this, but I don't think while we're up here sitting, we should be able to win. So, I can't wait to term out or get out and, uh, win one of these myself
one day. So, with that, um, do you want to do the honors or you want me to read everything off? >> Sure, you can read. >> Okay. Awesome. All right. The first one, the biggest square on here for this little chart I have is the desk best decorated home. And that's going to go to Sarah McLaclin.
>> Mullik. >> Um, is that the corner of Beach? >> Cardinal Lane. Oh, Cardinal Lane. >> Okay. Amazing. >> All right. and Crystal Lynn at 301 Beach Drive. >> Crystal. >> Okay, you're on the corner. All right.
Not only I'm gonna do a little personal shout out. I do not know Miss Crystal here. Uh but she is the one who I think decorates for every single holiday. So, uh without you, I don't know I would even know what month it is, let alone holiday. So, uh what is your reasoning behind that? Because honestly, I drive
by year after year and wonder why. >> I just like bringing joy to everybody. You just don't know what everybody's in a mood. Bringing a smile to your face when you're having a bad mood. Also in memory of my dad that's no longer with me and just everybody in the community >> and you >> and I did grow up here.
>> Awesome. Well, thank you so much. We really appreciate it. Thank you. You absolutely are bringing cheer to everyone. So, thank you. >> Awesome. All right. I was very excited for that one. Best decorated organization, Dolphin Point.
Hey, awesome. Awesome. Congratulations. Good seeing you. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> There you go. >> I got too excited for you. We can get a pose one later. >> This is my main elf that just came in. >> Oh, okay. Oh, nice. >> Maintenance supervisor. Come on.
>> All right, Mr. Elf. >> Yeah, no rush. Take your I know. It sounds like she worked you this this holiday season. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Well, we appreciate you guys. >> Thank you. >> Awesome. >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. >> Oh, you got her. Oh, okay. Oh, she did get us. Yeah. >> Do it one more time. Yeah. Yeah. >> I didn't know she got it. Uh >> oh. Blame the baby. >> Awesome. Thank you, guys. >> All right. Best decorated business for I
think the third time in a row if I heard their social media correctly. Leaz. Yeah. >> I always uh >> All right. You seem pretty excited, so I'm thinking you getting the award this year. >> Awesome. Congratulations, guys.
>> Best decorated drinks as well, right? >> Appreciate you guys. Thanks for being a part of the community. Best of holiday. >> Do we have a definition for that? >> Best of >> Best of Holiday. Just all around. >> Yes. All around.
>> All around. All right. Tara Shepard. >> Tara. >> Tara. Tara. Tara. Oh, I'm so sorry. Tara Sheper at Indian Bayou. I I'll leave the name out. >> I did a video of it. >> Oh, nice. Oh, I guess hold it. Sorry.
>> You're good. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much for all your support and all your merry holiday festivities. So, thank you guys so much. Uh, happy holidays from the city of Dustin Parks and Recreation Department and all the other staff members who made this possible. Awesome. So, we have a riveting meeting.
You guys are more than welcome to stay, but if you leave, I don't blame you. You can always see this on YouTube later. All right. I like it. Most people stayed. I love it. All right. All right. With that, we're up into the public comments. You Everyone has three. Nope. No. Oh, there's a second one. Master
plan presentation. Of course, the parks. Sorry. How can we miss the parks? would have flown here for nothing or drove. >> All right. So, all you got to do is hit that gray button up there. You don't need to hold it. It'll just turn red and
then uh that mic will be live. >> Okay. Okay. Very good. Well, good evening, mayor, city council members, and members of the audience. Good evening. Uh my name is Carlos Perez, president and principal of Perez Planning and Design. With me this evening is Pro uh Philip
Parn, also a principal but with Pros Consulting. Uh and this evening we look forward to sharing the findings from the parks and recreation system uh master plan. Uh and we'll be referencing uh slides that uh you had in your packet.
So this presentation, if we can go to the next slide, focuses on the first two phases of this parks and recreation system master plan. specifically. Yes. >> And for those in the audience, you also have a screen behind you if that's a little too far. I'm starting to get to that age as well, I guess. >> Great. Thank you. Uh the first two
phases, uh context analysis, which is really focused on existing conditions, looking at planning context, park system context, demographic context, and then the second phase, needs and priorities assessment. And this is where we use a variety of techniques. We use a mix methods triangulated approach. Three
different techniques, primary quantitative, primary qualitative, and secondary data to identify what the needs and priorities are. You're going to see a series of charts this evening that show how the findings from these three techniques uh relate to each other and therefore identify the needs uh and
priorities. An important part of this uh needs and priorities assessment is public engagement. And as you'll see on the next slide, we were really pleased with the engagement uh to date. We had over 450 survey responses, over 21,000 question responses, which is fantastic. Uh over,00 uh dots and coins that were
used to also provide votes votes. Uh and then also some really good interviews, both one-on-one interviews as well as focus group interviews. So question is, well, what what are the findings, right? What did we learn? If we were to summarize what we've learned into three main concepts, these would be it right
here. So the need to modernize the system, something that mayor and council are doing already uh in a lot of the parks. So congratulations in in doing that but also an opportunity to integrate the system. Not only integrate the system physically. You'll see that uh pave trails and site and uh sidewalks
connectivity is a major desire. So the need to physically integrate the system but also integrate programs services and even seeing how other plans that have been done by the city can relate to each other and therefore uh stretch taxpayer dollars and and uh maximize benefits.
And lastly optimize the system. uh mayor and council have spent uh considerable amount of funding on parks which is really great and you'll see some how that relates to your peers and you should be congratulated for that. Uh but there's an opportunity moving forward to really optimize that considering the funding landscape that we may have in
the state of Florida uh after November 2026. So, what I what we'd like to do now is dig in a little bit into the findings uh to share uh how we came up with these concepts. And I'd be curious to get your thoughts to see if if if these concepts do uh relate to the
findings that we're going to share with you here in a moment. So, we'll start with the next slide. Planning context. Uh you've done a lot of plans uh in the last years, many park specific plans, which is uh fantastic. Uh uh and then you're implementing those, which is really great. Uh but also a lot of
citywide plans as well. And we believe there's an opportunity for the parks plan and these plans to relate to each other to find what we call the intersectionality of where these plans relate to each other and therefore achieve multiple benefits. Right? So for every tax dollar that we spend, how can
we achieve multiple uh economic, environmental and social benefits? And we speak about that in our practice as creating high performance public uh spaces that achieves those benefits. So there's an opportunity to explore that in future phases should mayor and council desire that. And that's really important considering your demographics.
If you go to the next slide, and you know this very well, right? During season, you increase in population substantially, at least 40,000 new people that come into the city. And you'll see uh how in a moment uh that does have an impact uh on staff uh and and the parks and recreation
system. And you'll see some data to suggest that. But it's also interesting to see your age distribution. So one in about two are over 50. Uh one in three persons are between 20 and 49. and only one in five are under 19. Right? So what that tells us in everything that we do,
we want to be multi-purpose and multi-generation, multi-generational, excuse me, in nature uh with the mindset that we also have a predominantly adult population. So if we go to the next slide, you can also see this when it leads to
uh trends. Uh we looked at what we call market potential index. So that's data that looks at how dollars are spent within the city uh by uh visitors and residents uh on different parks and recreation uh resources. And as you can
see from some of that data um well let me explain that a little bit. So the the green line that you see is the national average. Uh the dark uh blue line is Destin and the gray is the state of Florida. So we're looking at where is that blue line over uh the blue bars are
over the green line. And so where we see that as it relates to sports is in pickle ball, golf and tennis, right? We're above the national average on those. But as we see other sports uh m mainly uh uh field sports and and uh court sports, we are below the national
average, right? And then when we see that also in as it relates to fitness uh you see that on the on the set of graphs below and most of those are above the national average. So yoga, aerobics, walking for exercise, uh weightlifting, spinning, swimming, pilates, jogging,
running and marathon, tri uh triathlon and kickboxing all above the national auh average. So clearly a a population that is uh very in tune with the health and wellness uh uh as well. And the parks are are a big part of that. In fact, if we go to the next slide, you'll
see that in the statistically valid survey, which was our strongest technique, that was the male survey that was sent out into the community. Uh you'll see when we ask residents, have you used parks? Uh 80 uh 87% of respondents said they have used parks.
The national average is 81%. So clearly a population that uh likes uh and appreciates their parks. And then when we asked them, well, what parks did you visit? If you go to the next slide, you'll see the top three up there. So Morgan Sports Complex number one, followed by Clement Taylor Park and
beaches in general as the next two, right? So no surprise there. And then we go to the and we also ask what are you doing in these parks? What's important to you in terms of what you're doing? And if you go to the next slide, you'll see that uh we have uh beach and water access, sports and kids activities and
playgrounds and splash pad. Those are some themes that emerge from uh what people were doing uh in parks. Now, we also asked residents, well, what stops you from visiting parks? And if you go to the next slide, you'll see the first one is lack of parking to access parks
and facilities. So that was 29% of respondents from the statistically valid survey said that. But look at how it relates to the national average, which is that second light blue bar that you see as that second bar. Uh substantially over the national average, right? So as
if we were to move forward to a future phase, then that could be something to explore, right? How can we improve that? And then look at that second one. facilities are not well-maintained. Uh 19% of respondents respondents had said that just above the national average of 18%. So there an opportunity to look at
that as well. And so this theme of uh improving parks, we also saw in other questions if you go to the next slide, you may recall if you were in the public meeting or took the surveys that we had a question that said, "How would you spend $100 if we gave you $100 for parks
and recreation capital improvements?" And what you see on the left on the slide are the different choices that we provided. Uh on the top the four different techniques where we ask that question again the statistically valid survey that second column from the left
is is our most important uh our most uh important technique. So we use that as our primary technique and then compare the others to it. But you can see that uh improvements maintenance of existing parks and recreation facilities was that number one uh expenditure. And then you
can see how two of the next techniques compare to that right from the online survey, the public meeting. So you start seeing consistency across the board in terms of where are we hearing that in the other techniques as a primary need. So number one again was improving that maintenance of existing parks and facilities. Hence the concept of
modernize. But also look at the second one, acquire new parkland. And we're going to come back to that here in a moment. If we go to the next slide, you also see that this this idea of modernizing improving parks also came out when we asked residents, well, how would you spend $100 for programs and operations
uh opportunities? And so on the left, you see the different options that we provided. And that first one, increase staff to improve maintenance of parks and facilities. You can see across the board it was that uh priority need or desire uh in that technique followed by
additional communitywide special events. And we also saw this willingness to uh or this desire to improve and even a willingness to pay uh more uh to see parks improved. In the next slide, you may recall that and then uh for the techniques we asked residents, would you be willing to pay increased taxes to see
the park system improved? And where that or uh yellow line that you see is where less than 50% of respondents said uh that they wouldn't be willing to pay more. And that that threshold was about 51 to75. So an interest in residents to pay to
see the parks system uh improved which was really uh great to see. Now there was a question that said well what what is it about the park system that could be improved? What is it that that is not as strong as other elements? So we learned that when we did our park side evaluations. If you go to the next
slide, um this is the most subjective part of our process. This is one that we went with staff, our team and staff went to evaluate all the parks. We have a form that we've used now for 20 years and and evaluating parks. And the way we do it is we identify the best park in the system, which in this ca this case
was Captain Leonard Destin Park. And so we use that as our measuring stick, right? And then look at how the rest of the parks may relate to that in different categories. Um, and we scored it in a one to uh uh three scale. One being poor, two being fair, and three being excellent. And so what we learned
is overall the park system scored at a fair, but if you look at that column, the one that scored poor was related to amenity conditions average, right? So those are things that no matter how much we maintain them, they need to be replaced eventually, right? Things such as basketball courts and peers and even
the community center, uh, volleyball courts, uh, etc., right? So there's an opportunity to look at those in the future and see how they can be replaced and we'll touch on that a little bit more in a moment as well. Another thing we looked at was the maintenance management uh and I'm going to let
Philillip uh talk about this uh maintenance management findings under these concepts of modernize uh integrate and optimize. Philip, thank you Carlos. So when we looked at modernizing maintenance management, we
noticed that the department faces challenges related to aging equipment, inconsistent access to specialized tools, outdoor storage exposure, decreasing the life of the equipment, and slow procurement workflow. Life
cycle planning does exist, but it's fragmented uh and heavily dependent upon other departments within the city. Maintenance has improved recently through hiring of staff with specialized skills. One example specifically to note would be turf maintenance.
When we look at integrating parks maintenance uh on the next slide, um work orders are currently tracked inconsistently across multiple uh electronic systems limiting planning and accountability. Preventative maintenance
is informal and often overshadowed by pop-up immediate needs uh that take staff away from routine maintenance. Customer feedback is decentralized and often undocumented. However, staff do
take this into account and act upon that feedback to make improvements. Next slide. When we look at optimization, uh the maintenance workforce is dedicated but stretched thin during peak season. Much of the department's routine
maintenance relies on institutional knowledge rather than written and documented standards. Standards have been created with the staff this fall uh as part of the maintenance management plan in the master plan project. And there is no standardized method um
of utilizing the tracked information so that they can forecast additional needs as new assets are brought into the system. Carlos, one of the benefits of a parks and recreation system master plan is that we
can explore and identify what are those facilities and programs that are most important to our residents. And so what you're seeing on this uh slide are those high priority facilities that we learned from the statistically valid survey were most important to
residents. And then again that that third column is is it's based on the statistically valid survey and then the rest of the columns you'll see where we heard that as a as a need. Right? So, for example, uh beach access, natural areas, nature parks, uh paved multi-purpose trails, unpaved walking
and hiking trails, and large community parks, and the statistically valid survey were the high priority facilities. But then you look at the dots, you can see where else in the techniques we heard those as priorities. So, for example, as it relates to beach access, right? And all seven techniques,
we heard that as a as a priority. No surprise there. um natural areas, nature parks. Uh we heard that in uh five out of the seven as we did with paved multi-purpose trails, five out of the seven. So you can start seeing consensus
on what those high priority facilities uh are. If we go to the next slide, you'll see a similar chart but for programs and services. And again, this is based on the statistically valid survey and then you can see how it relates to the other techniques. as it relates to programs and activities, adult fitness and wellness, nature
programs, environmental education, community special events, movies in the park, community meetings, water fitness, cooking classes, music programs, and safety classes. Again, you can see where we heard those in all the techniques. So, for example, as it relates to adult fitness and wellness, we heard that in
five out of the six. As it relates to nature programs and environmental education, we heard that in six of the six techniques that it was asked. And then community special events in five out of the six. So again, we start seeing consensus uh on those. We also did a a deeper dive into programs and
services. And again, I'm going to allow uh Philip to speak to those within the context of modernize, integrate, and optimize. Thank you. Next slide, please. So for modernizing program, services, and fees, the department's program mix
is strong for youth, adults, older adults, and special events, but teens and young adults remain underserved. Only a small portion of the offerings are new or in what we would call the growth uh mode uh limiting the department's relevance and
competitiveness. Strong community demand has been identified as Carlos said for fitness, wellness, outdoor nature programs, arts and aquatics, but currently the department lacks depth in these areas to be able to meet uh the public's needs.
Next slide please. When we look at integration, the department uses a collaborative approach for program development and new program development, but workflows and evaluation tools are not consistently applied. Cost recovery is generally strong, but pricing
inconsistencies do exist across program areas and some of those categories could be recalibrated to maintain access and affordability for residents. Partnerships exist but are not fully leveraged to increase staffing capacity,
uh, gain access to additional facilities that may not be owned by the city or shared operational resources. Next slide, please. When we look at optimization, limited indooroutdoor capacity is a challenge for the department, especially
when we're talking about the ability to grow programs, especially during peak season. Uh the department tracks several operational metrics with their scorecard which is pretty impressive. However, those KPIs are not fully optimized in
decision-m or program evaluation cycles. And now we're approaching the last few slides of the presentation really focused on level of service analysis. So if we go to the next slide, we'll start with funding level of service focused on operations and maintenance. So the way we did this is we looked at spending
over the last 5 years and look and developed a 5-year average uh for Dest and also cities with a similar population and population density as the city of Dest uh and simply looked at
that of spending per resident or spending per capita. So if we start with a column on the furthest column on the left, if we look at spending on operations and maintenance for parks in nonseason, we see that we spend in the last an average last five years an average of $176,
which is really good, especially if we look at the other bars. We're we're near the top of many of those. So fantastic to see that. However, look at that second bar uh where it drops down to $60 uh $62 per capita. that includes that that swell in population that we have
during season, right? So more people, less money per person, and that number goes down substantially, right? And you can see how it relates to the other bars to the right that we're a lot lower, right? Uh so that shows that ex that we can see through the numbers, the strain that we hear from staff during season,
right? There's a uh a lot more people, a lot more calls, uh really really strained staff during that time. So this is operations and maintenance. Now, let's look at capital spending. And again, mayor and council need to be congratulated on what has been spent on
parks and recreation services. If you go to the next slide, you'll see that over the last 5 years, mayor and council have spent about 28 million $28.5 million in parks and recreation services and improvements, which is fantastic, right? And well above standards. If we go to the next slide, you'll see how that that
first column and again, this is also a 5-year average capital spending per capita is well above the other uh other uh benchmarks. Now, when we dig into this a little bit, we see that the bulk of that spending, if we go to the next slide uh was spent on land, 80% of it,
which is important, right? If that land, if we don't purchase that land when it's available, it's gone. And then it's really difficult to either purchase it in the future or more expensive to purchase it in the future. So mayor and council need to be commended on taking that initiative to purchase that land when it's available. But look at that number related to repair and maintenance
services about 2% of expenditures the last 5 years. So that also explains uh where we heard from the improvements to parks and the renewing of parks. Right? So we can see the data coincide. So moving forward in the next uh years, it'll be important uh to consider how we
expend how we spend dollars, right? Especially considering uh that the funding landscape in Florida may may change dramatically. If you go to the next slide, we know that the Florida House has approved four proposals that would be future expo explored now January through March to reduce uh
property taxes, right? Specifically the non-school homestead property taxes. So, should those be approved to be on the ballot, voters will get a chance to vote on that in November 2026. And if if over 60% of Florida voters uh uh decide to do
that, then there's going to be reductions in how many expend uh how much funding will be available for cities and that will influence local government services. Um, and we're going to get back to that here in a moment. But uh all to say that uh if we go back to the next slide, this takes us back to
the beginning in terms of uh the concepts based on this data and analysis that we've heard the need to modernize the system, integrate it and then also optimize it considering focused spending in the future. So what's next? Well, uh there's a potential uh options for mayor
and council to consider. If we go to the uh next uh the next slide after this one option says that we uh finish the report uh here based on these uh two phases that we've done. If we go to the next slide we can make any revisions to the report based on mayor councils and staff
direction and we finish the project there or there's an option to to continue the project and uh get into the next phases if you go to the next slide. Uh and those phases would be focused on vision implementation and the final plan and adoption. This would give us an opportunity to explore various funding
scenarios uh for how these property tax reductions uh may uh influence the provision of parks and recreation services. Right? So, for example, uh we could take one of the most uh uh conservative uh uh strategies, right, that would reduce property taxes or
remove them all together and then see how that would in influence the the parks and recreation services provided. uh what services or parks may way may may we be able to continue uh based on what we heard from residents or what is the role of user fees and memberships to
provide services uh what is the role of the private sector in providing these services uh and then also looking at uh again sponsorships memberships uh etc. Uh that way when uh residents go to vote in November 26 uh 2026, should those options be on the ballot, then they're
fully aware of how that vote will influence uh the delivery of parks and recreation services in the city of Dest. Uh uh and then potentially even the quality of life in Dustin. So that brings the conclusion to our presentation. Again, we appreciate the opportunity to present to you this evening. Uh and we'll open it up now for
discussion. Thank you. >> All right. First, I have uh Miss Traml. Yes, mayor. I'd like to uh make the recommended motion. I move that the city proceed with the Perez Planning and Design LLC for phases three, four, and five of the parks and recreation master
plan. >> All right. Second. >> A motion. I have a second uh up for discussion. Uh Councilwoman Tram Abear. >> Um thank you for what you've done so far. Um and you know looking at the continuation of what you're going to be
doing. Um the system vision workshop parks and wreck vision summary document order of magnitude advisory board vision presentation. Um in this visioning is this where you also bring the citizens in do kind of what you've been doing sort of like rehashing and
reassimilating the data. So, we could do this a couple ways and we've done this differently based on on direction that we've gotten from staff and and leadership. Um, in some instances, we start with staff and stakeholders where we uh look at the findings, look at
working very closely with the finance department looking at what funding looks like in the coming years and then work with staff and stakeholders to determine the appropriate response to those needs and priorities and then we share that with the public. Right? That's one scenario. Another scenario is where we've uh uh done a public meeting a
visioning workshop where the public is able to come. Um both of them whether it's stakeholder or public meeting driven are uh organized and very structured uh meetings to uh collect the input that we need to at least create a draft uh vision. Uh in this case we we
would recommend uh scenarios various scenarios right of of depending on the available funding sources. uh collect the information we need, develop, expand on that to create a draft vision and then share that back with staff uh and stakeholders to get input and then share
it with the public uh as well. So we can do it e either way. >> The reason why I'm asking you is just looking at you know what the cost is for the next three phases and what's been done so far. It kind of feels like some of it is almost like not repetitive but
more like discussion. It's not like, you know, okay, we need to replace the recreation in the community center. That's another there's the no-brainer things like more forceful of here's what we're doing. Here's what you're paying us to see. These are things you need to take action on. That's what I'm hoping
you're going to do in these next phases if we continue to pay you to find out where we need to fix things because we have a parks and rec director that is dying on the vine trying to do stuff with such old archaic equipment and buildings and and it's like pulling
teeth to get monies to fix by what this the residents say. We need to fix what we currently have. Make our rec centers better. Improve them. do things that make them a better re, you know, area for the the kids to go in and play. Like
the courts are, you know, they're outdated. Everything needs to be upgraded. And we've talked about leveling it, just starting over. You know, it's going to cost more to fix what we've got. So, I want to make sure that we're doing, you know, supporting this, that we're helping our director,
who has been at this for years to get what we need to push it forward to help her help us as a city and our citizens get us a better um parks and recreation establishment across the board. >> Yeah, I appreciate that's excellent point and yes, that would absolutely be
provided in terms of a CIP. Uh what are the things that need to be improved? What are the order of magnitude planning level costs? Not only from a capital perspective, but also from an operations and management perspective because that's important, right? We don't want to improve something, but if we don't have the management dollars to support it, then that investment goes to waste.
So, yes, that will be part of it. Uh, in addition to the uh strategies, right, the actions, the steps that would uh uh staff uh and and mayor and council would need to consider uh moving forward as well. So, both of those things would be done.
>> All right. Uh, Council McG. >> Hello, sir. How are you today? >> Well, how are you? >> I'm all right. I'm looking at one of your slides where it says park conditions and it talks about Ostein Park and it says the amenities condition and it gives it a 1.0. So, I'm a little confused by that because to the best of my knowledge, the only thing we have
there is a bench, a trash can, a shower with a wood platform. And we all talked about putting a lofah out there to help decorate it. But we're a little concerned about the color because it might confuse the villagers or the visitors from the villages. So did you have any recommendations or is that the
second part of your study the recommendations? So what we when we looked at Ostein there was one element there right which was a one one of the elements there that needed to be that just needed to be replaced right and that's why that scored low right so what we've done now is we've identified that
as as something to be improved right the next step would be uh to look at that within the context of all the other improvements that need to happen right because there's a lot of improvements that may be necessary but there's only focused dollars um so the idea is how do
we priority Prioritize, right? And that would be the next step is how does that improvement in Ostein relate to other improvements in the system and where should we focus our limited dollars to improve based on what we've heard from residents and what we will learn in the next phase. Also considering that we may have very different funding sources over
the next after 2026, right? So some of these things may not be able to be improved over or may take very long time to improve if we don't have the same resources. Um so >> thank you. >> Yeah. >> Uh Councilman Bagby. >> Yeah. Thanks. the uh I'm I'm trying to
reconcile the visioning the next session se section that y'all are proposing uh which is also the most expensive at 23,800 uh we have a visioning session you know we don't need to have six different
visions we need to have one vision okay and I mean if the staff wants to invite you to our visioning session and you take 10 minutes of that day or whatever with the person that's doing our strategic vision, then that's fine. But
to say, okay, we're going to do a parks visioning session. You've given us a vision. Okay, we need to focus on the maintenance of our parks. We need to focus on, you know, our staff. Okay, I think I got that. I don't need personally I don't think we need to
spend $23,800 for you to tell us or come in and go, "Well, what do what do you want Ostein Park to look like?" Well, you know, I want colors added, I guess. I don't know what. But do you see what I'm saying?
So, I'm I'm probably explain to me why we can't incorporate you into the city's visioning session for a lot less as opposed to you doing coming back and meeting with the same people you've already met with, >> asking pretty much the same questions
except maybe more in depth and saying, "Oh, okay. Well, now here's the vision because I think we I think we collectively have a vision for our parks. I think we've been working on it. You know, we've upgraded uh Morgan. We've got the pickle ball courts. You
know, we're we're doing those things. We're in the process. We've bought two with the county's help two parcels beachfront property, you know. So, we're doing those things. Why why do we need to spend another $23,800 for another visioning session?
>> I appreciate um that question and yes, mayor and council have had visionings uh and which is really great to see, right? Um a lot of cities have them, but they don't implement them. So, it's great to see the mayor and council is doing it. This is an opportunity for us to dig a little deeper into that and see if
there's other strategies uh that may have not been considered and also uh relate that to best practices and what other communities have done or are doing to address some of these needs. Right? So, it is an opportunity to dig into these a little uh deeper and determine the appropriate response for the city of
Dustin considering the funding landscape that we have uh potential funding landscape scenarios that we have over the next uh coming years. Yeah, I would just say and that part I do agree. I'm I'm all in for the $5,200
for funding options once the legislature is done and once uh the people have voted and we see where we are on property tax uh revenues and stuff, but to to say we have a vision for parks. We've been executing. Yes, we can do
better. Uh but I just I just don't see the need to spend another $23,800. I think >> just so I'm clear. So you're saying just cut phase three alto together or do you want to cut 3.1 the day workshop visioning session
>> on the line items it's 9300? I would I would cut phase three or I would change phase three to say invite him to our visioning our one day visioning session where we invite all our other partners
and say hey okay here's the part but we have a person there in the in the body of the parks and rec director and the parks and rec committee members that are always invited to be there. they'll be there and they'll say hey for next year
you know this is what you need to do because that's where we start our budgeting process otherwise your visioning session in May or whenever it will be will be two years will be in 2028 before we spend those monies before
we allocate those monies appropriate those monies and spend those monies so you have to understand you know the budgeting cycle too that that's why I'm just and guess what all this will change between now and 2028.
>> It is I think again you're you're you're absolutely right in in many respects. Um I think depending on how far the vision of mayor and council and that strategic visioning goes may be helpful or may not be enough for a parks and recreation
master plan. So I don't I don't know how deep you will go in those visioning workshops. We go deep, right? Because this is a very specific plan, right? and specific plans will have very specific results. Um so it's an opportunity to go deep if and maybe you're doing that in the strategic visioning. I'm I'm not
sure. Right. Um the other thing uh that for us is is and we're hearing this from a lot of our colleagues in the state um is to bring awareness to residents of what the influence of these reductions will do to city services.
So that's where the scenarios come in, right? So in in that visioning phase, if we come out and we say, you know, to improve the system, it's going to be $20 million over the next 20 years. All right, how does that relate to what the funding is going to look like in the next uh if any of those scenarios pass?
Because now the funding that would have taken two years to complete an improvement is now may take longer, right? Or maybe there's other providers that do it, right? Maybe we're going to rely on the private sector now to help us out or maybe the partners uh can do it or maybe it's volunteers, right? So, we're in a we're
really interesting place in the state of Florida right now because of these potential scenarios where the opportunity to explore the different scenario the different alternatives and understand those implications is probably more important than ever, right? And that's what the visioning workshop allows us to do.
>> Council Schmidt, >> thank you. Thanks, Mr. Press. Few questions. Can you go back some of the slides? the NPI index. Can you um specifically remind us how that calculation occurs? >> Yeah. So that's um let's see that is
slide seven I believe if we're going to go back to that. So while while we get to that slide, the way that's done is um uh the the uh uh company that we get this information from, what they do is they
will collect uh transactional data from from the city, right? Uh expenditures from the city, whether it's credit card or other information, predominantly credit card, and see how those dollars are being spent in parks and recreation services. And that and then they'll compare it, they'll benchmark it to the state, and they'll compare it to the
national average. So that's the data that you're seeing there is the dollars that were spent uh and in and what parks and recreation services win the city. Now that's not the only data set as you've seen that we've looked at, right? It's one of the data sets. Uh but then we look at that in comparison to other techniques to see if it's if it's
consistent with with a a story line. >> I mean sometimes I feel I think I've shared with you don't really align with the data that's collected and presented. I mean it's confusing sometimes. To me it feels a little off. I mean 130 is your highest number of pickle ball but
we don't even have pickle ball in the city of Dest. So how is that the highest factor in NPI? >> That's a great question that and what that data may suggest is that residents are buying things here but then they're going somewhere else to buy. >> What do you mean buying things here? >> Anything related to pickle ball, right? Any anything related to
>> paddles and balls. >> Exactly. As it relates to the national average uh or the state of Florida. And then they're going elsewhere to play. >> Gotcha. Okay. You know, I think also using Tarpon and Crystal Beach as a park, you know, the
dollars and and the land, you know, it does skew it in my opinion as well. But then you also talk about one of the highest barriers of entry was parking and access to parks. >> Well, the most attended park on the list was Morgan Sports Complex and there's tons of parking.
>> Yeah. You know, so when you look at those answers, barriers to access of parking, it just doesn't sometimes add up. Well, there's no parking lot at Crystal Beach access. That's because we haven't developed it yet. Nor have we developed Tarpon Beach access, you know? So,
>> so the in relation to Morgan Sports Complex, and we see this in many sports complexes, is when there's major events, there's seldom enough parking, >> right? So, that may be a scenario. In fact, when we were talking to staff, one of the challenges that came out is when there's major events, parking is a
challenge in Morgan's uh uh sports complex. And the same thing with the beaches, right? Um many uh we've seen this in other communities that we've worked with that are uh beachside communities such as city of Sarasota, Naples, City of Marco Island. Um there isn't enough parking to go to the beach,
right? when when when there's when it's a holiday time or or or a time when residents want to go and there's other people there, then there's limited parking. So, that becomes a barrier. So, it it it a lot of times it is aligned with when there's an event or a highly
desirable time to go, right? It's just limited supply and demand. >> Yeah. >> Or limited supply rather, when there's high demand. >> I mean, only events that we have at Morgan Sports Complex are travel sports events, I would say. >> Yep. And when they have those, there's still parking for kids to go to the new
million-dollar park that we just built. So, it might be tight, but it's still available. So, you mentioned funding level of service is a good thing that we spend $176 during the nonseason. >> How does that correlate, though, then? It's a good thing we're spending that much money, but some of the highest
rated items were the were the poor maintenance and the poor operations that are lacking. How does that correlate then? That's where I believe the the slide if you want to go to slide um 27 uh comes in right is because if we look
at where expenditure um has been focused predominantly in the last 5 years it was it's land right and there's been limited amount about 2% that's been improve that's been focused on uh replacement of things right so when we look at operations and
maintenance um there's only so much that we can maintain something until it just needs to be replaced, right? And I think that's what we're seeing here, right? Is that staff is doing a great job at maintaining as best they can uh the system, right? But some things just
require capital improvements and if we don't improve it, there's nothing we can do to and no matter how much you maintain it, it's just not going to improve. >> So that's that's how we interpreted that data. >> Um I appreciate it. Thank you for presenting it and I think it's very
important that hopefully the council will agree to move forward. Um I don't I'm gonna disagree with some of Mr. Bagby's comments about our visions and the visions that we have as a council. Um our vision session in my opinion
hasn't been successful in many years. Uh our visioning is not done very well. Uh, too often are we worried about how long the meeting will be versus actually creating a vision for the city council based upon the city residents. I think
we do a poor job at that. Um, myself included. I I hope we can have a solid 8 hour vision session and knock stuff out and make a plan and and and truly discuss the vision of the city. Uh, I don't need to hear from all the
community partners about some of the things that they're doing. I need to hear from the residents, which we do all these plans and all these surveys. We have the data. We know what we need. We need more teen and adult things. Well, we don't have anywhere to put them. We don't have a gym. We had a plan to
present a new gym to us. Now, it's on the top shelf in Larry's office somewhere. We're not going to look at it anytime soon. Right. So, Lisa and her team are spread thin. I think you said that they've said that to you and we all know that. Um, we've heard that for a
long time. How can we help that? How can we fix it? Right. Uh, we've talked about planning a lot over the years for parks and wreck, but I don't truly feel like we really are planning and executing that. The
upgrades at Morgans's, if we're talking about lights, were because of a dumpster fire of lights blowing up and then they had to be replaced. It was an emergency. Mhm. >> It wasn't planned. Thankfully, we did it. Um, and so, yeah, we do need to give them the support. And we've heard for
years when we talk about planning, this specific item, a park master plan, has been talked about by previous city managers and council members about the importance of this plan for us to be able to actually do things to our parks
and recreation. So for anybody that hopefully wouldn't support it, I I don't I don't understand that. So um I know this is just first couple phases. Yeah, there is redundancy. I I agree. We know we need a new gym. We just spent however many thousands of dollars with the last
plan that's on Larry's desk. Like we know that. So sure, I agree that $30,000 for your next phase might be a little bit too much. And maybe y'all can come to the table with Larry and pencil that down because there are some redundancies. But I hope we can do that with you guys. So thank you. Sure.
Custom Den. >> Thank you, Mayor. We have spent $86,000 on this already. And if we go with the next three phases, we will spend an additional 44,000.
And with all due respect, you gave us a tremendous amount of direction, information. You know, I appreciate the report you've done, but the truth of the matter is that if those property tax reductions go on the ballot, and they will, they're
going to pass. So, we are going to gut a good part of our revenue stream. And and for that reason, I am hesitant to go forward with the 23,000 on the visioning. Like Mr. bagby. I agree that
funding options probably going to be pretty essential to us because our funding options are going to shrink dramatic dramatically after next October or November, whatever the election is. And so, you know, I think we have a good direction, but to spend
another 44,000 after spending 86,000 on this is, you know, in good conscience. I can't do that knowing what's about to happen to our revenue. So I off I'm going to offer a substitute motion that uh goes straight to phase
four which is an implementation stage and gives us uh funding options and I would invite you guys to go or come to our visioning session and listen to what happens and comes out of that. I think we can do a
pretty good amount of visioning session there, but I, you know, I can't in good conscience keep throwing these large amounts of money at these studies when you've already done 80% of what we needed in my opinion in the first 86,000. So, that'll be a substitute
motion. >> I'll second the substitute motion because I would love for you to be at the visioning session. I think it would be extremely valuable for us to get your, you know, insight on that part of what we want to do more with. >> Sure.
If I, if I may, um, and, and, and I'm happy to work with a city manager on this. Absolutely. There's certain parts of the vision of that phase, right, that also inform the implementation, right? So, I think we'd have to look into that a little bit, right? Because at the moment, we don't have any cost of what
these improvements are, right? um we just have the need for the improvement, but we don't know the cost of those improvements, the operation impacts. So without doing that on phase three, then we're we're only doing so much in phase four.
>> I would be more than delighted to have you meet with the city manager and discuss those topics. >> Great. >> And and tell us how we're going to get the money because it is pretty clear we're headed for tough times. Very good. >> All right. Uh, anything else?
>> All right. Um, my only question for you is so I can learn a little bit here. The allocation of 100 for capital improvements. I think that was a little bit earlier on. >> Um, and I guess slide 12. >> Yep. >> One of the things that kind of jumped out to me is just trying to find your
our limits and kind of the highs and lows. And um, it seemed like a lot of things were fairly consistent. the statistical valid survey. What kind of statistical error did you guys be able to pull from how many people uh opted in? >> Sure.
>> Yeah, great question. I think the the important piece to consider of the statistically valid survey is that it is a 90 95% level of confidence >> with a margin of error of 2.5%. >> Perfect. Right. >> So that's a that's a pretty high statistical validity and and um is the
reason that we we uh uh use that as our primary technique and then related to the others. >> Mhm. And then I can see where if no offense to them because I'm a bit big advocate for the pickle ballers when 20 of them come into the one public meeting put all their stickers on one clearly a
skew can happen if you rahrh your group together. Um, but one of the things that I kind of saw is like, you know, not necessarily alarming, but just kind of interesting was uh improvements/maintenance of existing indoor recreational center. >> I'm assuming our only indoor
recreational center is the community center. >> And that seemed to be the furthest away from the committee meeting. Our committee thinking that's the highest priority at 20 almost $27.
um our public meeting being 20 but the statistical data showing that is the lowest at $726. So if if we feel that these numbers are true, I think that was just one of the bigger red lights that perhaps we've
been talking to ourselves and talking to the mayor too much and not necessarily reaching out to the everyday person and seeing where the dollars should be spent. So that was just something I wanted to bring up to everyone if we want to take statistics into account of
what we believe versus what now at 95% confidence is telling us. >> So just of comment there. >> All right. So I have a substitute motion on >> can I have something? Yeah. So see this is this is also interesting right and this is something that we would discuss in in whatever format you would wish in
terms of the visioning workshop and this would be one of the scenarios right if funding like you say council med is is passed and there is a reduction in property taxes right and there's money that's that we don't have to maintain one of the biggest opportunities for
revenue in parks and recreation systems is an indoor center with a gym right is an indoor center with a gym That's how most systems make their money, right? So, yes, it is a low priority. >> Mhm. >> But if we're headed to a funding
landscape where there isn't property taxes and we have to rely on partners and programs to make money, >> then we need to consider the infrastructure that's going to get us those dollars, right? So then our priorities start changing, >> right? Because then we need to look at those elements that are going to bring in dollars and then that spending if if
that is a desire for mayor and council, then our focus goes to that. And then the other question is well who's going to run that right? Because if funding is less and we don't have the staff to do it then what's the role of the private sector in it and and what does that cost
right and how how does that relate to our residents? So it it gets this is where it gets deep pretty quickly right and that's where the visioning discussions are are important. >> Awesome. Thank you. All right. Anything further on the substitute motion? Yes sir. >> Just for clarification whether the substitute motion or the original motion
is passed. It sounds like this is not a filed decision anyways and you guys are going to have to go work with the attorney and the city manager to finalize the official next phases. Is even even if the original one passes, it sounds like most of us aren't really thrilled with the entire phase three as
well or is this basically your final contract and we're kind of >> No, we we're we pride ourselves in being very flexible in our in our contract. So, we're happy to to work with with city manager and mayor and council on on how you wish. Um, just know that there
may be data that we may not have because we've skipped some phases, right? >> And then there's only so much, you know, bad data in, bad data out, right? There's only so much information we can provide. >> Okay, good to know. I I want I want all good data. >> Makes sense. >> No bad. >> All right, with that, I'll call the vote
on the substitute motion to eliminate phase three and move to four and five. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. to three, I'm sorry, to four and then we will vote again on five.
>> I appreciate the clarity. All right, with the substitute motion, we'll call the vote. >> It's not coming up. Uh oh. >> Oh, there. >> All right. >> All right. I guess we're going to do a
uh physical roll call. V vocal. Councilman Schmidt, if you can start the vocal roll call. >> Is there a problem? >> Evidently, >> won't log in. He's trying to >> The boomers are having trouble. right there. >> All right, let me count real quick. All
right, eyes have it. So moved 43. Uh the substitute motion passes. All right, thank you guys so much. >> All right, with that we'll move on to public comments. Thank you guys for hanging out with us while we get through that presentation. Um I will start from
my my right, y'all's left. Uh you got three minutes up here. The lights already on. I just need your name and address. >> I'll go first. >> All right. My name is Ricky Lynn Grand Jr. and uh my address is 175 Main
Street, Destin, Florida 32541, and press the button. No, you're already on, so you're good to go. >> Timer is running. >> Timer is I don't have to press the button. >> Nope. No, it's already on. Yeah, you know, you're good. >> All right. Well, uh I guess is this on
C-SPAN? >> Um our version of YouTube C-SPAN. >> I was going to hope it was be on C-SPAN because I remember watching this when I was >> Yeah, it's on YouTube though. >> And and but anyway, uh I guess uh I don't want to be redundant. I'm just kind of using this as a platform. I
think uh I would like to get into politics. That would be nice to kind of sit high up in the sky with y'all. you know, maybe as with the Ravens or I don't know, Jim Harbaugh, maybe I can get in on the action with all the sports and everything. Uh, but um
I hope that, you know, I hope everything continues to go the way it's going. I've just always been a part of the meetings, so I hope I'm bringing, you know, the good cheer and the uh the festivities and keep the party going with Jubilee and celebrations. And uh I've just, you
know, I've been walking around town and uh you know, doing uh we got beach chairs going in full swing. So uh I I don't I don't know what what's going to take to I hope they fix the light there at the intersection cuz it says walk and
then the people turn left right there at Indian Bayou. They need to adjust that cuz I started walking and then the cars started coming man trying to hit me. I think he was mad when he saw me walk across the street, you know, with the coaster glasses on.
He was probably blown away. There's the blown away man. So hopefully they fix that light, you know. And uh I know people get mad. Everybody going vacation and then people start running over. Well, I hope they do the cash and I hope
they build the castle. You know, would it be nice the chatworth where they film Pride and Prejudice? That's where I go go home to light the fire. I'll put the wood in there and never turn the heat on. Just leave all the doors open in the house and just sit in there with the
fire and drink some tea. Call up, say, "How you doing, Mayor Bobby Wagner?" Well, anyways, man, uh I ain't going to sweat anybody. I'm not going to stress anybody. I'm going to just take my merry time. I got all the day in the world. You know, I'm trying to plan my
retirement Pacific Pacific life. you know, 60 years, I'll be done. I'll make it. If I make it 60 years with the Chargers and I wanted to talk to you about the sports coverage because I got so many sports coverage with Sheffer and
Stephen A. So maybe I can put a podcast in all the offices, the main office and then the two branch offices with all the sports coverage and get the decked out library with all the books. Winning, Inc. is the main thing. I want to be like a baseball manager because baseball
you got all the time in the world. Nobody ever bugs you. So, I'm gonna get the baseball management going and then we'll be out the door. >> Go Ravens. Okay. >> Appreciate you. >> See you. >> All right. Yes, sir. Yeah. And then we'll go on
this side and go around. >> Name and address. Uh Jeff Reese 812 Spanish Mish Trail Dest where the house with my wife decorates the manatees. Um I wanted to talk about the dog leash laws. Uh we have three dogs,
medium-sized dogs in the past. We've had Rottweiler. So we're not afraid of big dogs. We're not afraid of dogs. We love dogs. But there's a lot of people that use the Cal Air Park and other parks in the streets and don't have their dogs on
leashes. And we've had a neighbor, their dogs had major surgery. Somewhere else we've lived, we've had a Rottweiler almost lose his life when a pitbull attacked them. My wife's had stitches from breaking up a dog fight when we were
walking our dog on a leash. and smaller dogs attacked our dog and she was protecting those dogs. So, she had to have stitches. When we call Okaloosa County is the enforcers of this and they say they don't have a dog leech
law. They have a call back law. So, if you can call back your dog, they don't have to be on a leash. That makes no sense because if the dog doesn't come back, he's already injured another dog or a person and it's unsafe for the dogs
and it's unsafe for the people. Now, I've been told that Destin does have a dog leash law. But if Okaloosa County is enforcing it and they don't, my wife and I would like and there's a lot of people on, you know, some chat or
something like that would like the Destin to have some pool in Okaloosa to change their law. It makes no sense whatsoever. It would be like saying you don't have to give a driver's license till you get an accident.
And even the best dog, the best trained dog can sometimes go after another dog or a person. So that's my spiel. >> Awesome. Thank you for being here. Appreciate you. Noted. All right. Yes, sir.
>> Hi, Rob Valatin. I live on Norgo Road here in Dest, full-time resident. I wasn't gonna speak, but now that you invited me up, uh I just want to thank you all for for coming to the town hall meeting uh that happened at the convention center. I think it's important to have um the backs of the
city uh council as you guys all did. I want to thank you for that. I also want to commend you for what you're doing with the parks and and wreck study because I think there's nothing what a stark difference in how you're approaching what you think your constituents want by actually going to them and getting their feedback and
getting information and data associated with that versus behind closed doors in the dark at night and trying to push it down the constituents because they think they know better. So, thank you for your job and it's you get paid so much for it. All right. Anyone else on this side? All
right. Moving around middle. All right. Show business. My name is Alan Osborne. I use f my property at 572 Gulf Shore Drive. I got something to say later, but I'm talking about the city manager's specific item here. Uh I know you're going to consider
some things to protect yourself in Norga Point. And if anybody you knows knows me and watches what I do, I do a lot of land use research. And I do commend you for wanting to make that a conservation area, but I've already had a long conversation with your attorney and
Larry, and I'm not trying to overdo their opinion. I'm just going to tell you this. In the state of Florida, there's a history of the state screwing up like this deal right here. Okay? It's not the first time. This ain't something new. They did it down in Bradon. They did it all over the Everglades. and
local governments went to the state went, "What the hell you doing?" But here's what I will tell you. I believe you're in a position of strength right now. And here's why. I think you're stronger. You can always change Noriega Point to what you want. But if you do it now, here's what the state's going to
do. They're going to say, "Oh, you changed it after we bought it." But in fact, right now, you had already taken the steps to make sure that it stayed the way you wanted to and fit the Destin uh lifestyle. and heritage that we have with that area. You had you had said you
can have a marina, but you can only have what other people before you have. You can have docks for individual homes because it doesn't create more traffic. It's the same condo unit using the same this and you can't rent the charter boats and all that. We're not in the private marina business. And as you well
know, years ago when we tried to get into it, they told the fishermen, "Go form a co-op and build a commercial dock. We're not paying for it." So that's what happened. and and commerce happens. But in this case, you should, in my opinion, we should hold our
position because what you did is you tagged that marina as an entitlement to the property. Now, the fact that, and I I'll go into this later, but the fact is, in my opinion, you have every right as a city to now look at at the state
and go, that's fine. You bought it. Now build the condo that goes with it or take down the marina. You simply can't convert a private marina not built to commercial standards and at a different standard and you hold that position. The second position and unless somebody
wants to surrender me some time because I'm running out and forfeit me their time. But the but the deal is this. You were left out of the deal and thereby the citizens of Destin were left out of the deal. You didn't get a seat at the table and frankly Mr. Palmer's
comments about this is a done deal. bend over and lock it. No sir, we can put him out of that office. We don't need people that don't represent us. So, I think what you need to do is maintain your position that we approved a dock for all
these condos. And if you don't want to be if you want to keep your dock state, then go build the condos that they were approved with. And if you don't, then take them down. And so, and so you you ought to hold that position and you ought to use that position. Now, if I
can if if I can ask the mayor to have one of the councilmen give me a little more time, I'll finish with one comment here. >> I was gonna say I'm sure you're gonna have plenty. So, just so here's what I would tell you. >> He gets two more. >> So, I'll try to make it shorter than
that, but you watch my shows. I won't I won't cuss and all that that I want to do. Okay? But I'm going to tell you this. I think what you ought to do, and nobody wants to hear me say the word corruption, so I won't say it. I'll say
this. Failure to disclose. I think this council, as unified as you were, should ask the CFO to make an investigation of who told the governor's committee and who told the state that
this project was eligible to become a commercial marina when the people who owned it obviously possessed the developmental orders that told them what the requirements were. So, in order to misrepresent, in my opinion, if the property was misrepresented to the
committee and the state, I say we overpaid for it. And I say that Dest and South Walton should have had regional beach accesses with this much money. Now, it's just too bad to be a a traditional conservative if you are. I
am. I'm not asking you to be, but to not waste the taxpayers money is paramount. And I think we see it across the nation. We have to stop people who are telling the government lies to get a Somali
daycare or a piece of spoil for $80 million. That that's just ridiculous. And so I think the CFO of this state and I think you should pass a resolution as a council to ask the CFO to do an independent investigation of was the
committee and was Jay. Trumble and I'm told that this marina that cuz they cuz they showed up with concept drawings from the developer of a commercial marina and commercial pavilions exactly what this council's developmental order
did not approve. So my simple question is let's not say corruption, let's call it disclosure. Did the seller disclose to the state and the county officials who were making decisions that this wasn't there? Because I will say in my own belief that
I don't believe this that this piece of property could have passed boring samples. I don't think that any insurance underwriter was ready to in underwrite the construction of this project. And I say they knew they were in trouble. And I'll say that because of this. A year and a half ago, I laid this
scenario out and everybody called Allen the conspiracy theorist. Well, if you go through my 25 years of public comments and 600 or whatever meetings now, you'll find I bat about 950. It's a pretty good average. So, the fact
that I said what Graham left the council for, where he went, and what was going on with that property, the fact that it came true, either I'm a genius or I put puzzles together well, or I should be in New York picking stocks like this with
Johnny Carson because I'm what I say is come true. Is the property worth the money? Yes. Should it be left as a destined park? Yes. And it should be governed by the Destin City Council and the people of Destin. You don't go into
a a a neighborhood that was here before the city. Oscar and Drayton and all them, they lived out there before this was a city. >> Final comment. >> Go ahead. >> Final comment. >> Okay. Final comment. So, I'm asking you
to hold your position. Get a better one. And it cost you nothing to ask the state in unity. Something doesn't smell right here. And we want to know what was disclosed to the state that made this such an emergency that they had to leave
the city and the citizens out of one of their most pristine picturesque parts of their city. That is us. Everybody looks at our past and we know that there was some untruth said. And I know that I know it's easier to take a comfortable
lie, but I would ask you to make a motion to request the CFO of this state to conduct an investigation of how this property was bought to bear. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Anyone else?
>> Yes, ma'am. Lori Sanders, 110 Gulf Shore Drive, Unit 324, Dest, Florida, 32541. Um, good evening everyone. Um, I have had concerns and I still have concerns that have not been addressed on the area in
front of East Pass Towers 1 and two at 100 and 110 Golf Shore Drive with the approved parking plans for that area. This includes the area of the old turnaround, parking in front of the East Pass 2 Marina across from the condo,
the condo's entry and exit, and also the needs for sidewalks. I understand Larry Jones is working with a contractor and would like to request the opportunity for the city to revisit those plants. You can refer to the
packets with East Pass Towers written or EP. Um, so thank you. I just want it to be revisited. >> Thank you. Anyone else? All right. I think Allan spoke for most. All right. Appreciate you guys. We'll
close the public comments at this time. We'll move forward to the consent agenda. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make the motion to approve consent agenda. >> And a second. >> Second. >> Second. Any further discussion? Seeing none, we'll we'll we'll drop it
down and call the vote. Oh, at least let it finish. All right, got the vote up for you. All right, eyes have it 70. So moved. That is the consent agenda. All right, we're uh Miss Cop's asking if
we want to move up. Would you say what is it? >> Item the residents just spoke on for E >> for the holiday. >> So they don't have to wait through the agenda. >> E4E. Um so I know we've already approved the agenda at this time. If anyone would
like to make a motion to move it up, we can. Or we can >> I'll make the motion to move 4E2 right now. >> Yep. I'll second. >> We're going off a little. So, any further discussions on that? We're going a little off board here, but if we can get that passed, then we will make that
happen. So, we'll call the vote for uh bringing 4E to the top of the city manager report, making it the next item. Then, we'll just wait for Ray to make the custom vote. All right. Eyes have so moved. Thank you
for that. And with that, Mr. Jones or or Miss Cop. >> Sure. Either way. Um, so as you all know, on December 10th, the state of Florida purchased approximately 4 acres of previously privately owned property located entirely within the city of
Dest. Um, this newly acquired state land is located adjacent to city-owned property, which includes, of course, the city of Destin's Norgo Point Park, as well as city-owned rightofway with public parking. Um the state's property is surrounded by conservation and
residential zoned properties within the city as required by the comprehensive plan. So, this agenda item um provides copies of the draft lease between the state and Okaloosa County, which I don't believe is signed yet, at least not to my knowledge, as well as a copy of the
county's initial draft of the management plan, which we discussed um of course with the county and the residents at the town hall on December uh 30th. So, this agenda item asks the council if you would like us to reach out to the state and start having conversations about the
use of the property for conservation land, potentially uh discuss with the state uh the zoning and future land use designation being um you know, changed to conservation because it appears a condo will not be built there. Um, so of
course we wouldn't go ahead and be doing that without talking to the state first, but at this point just some direction if you'd like us to have those conversations. >> All right. Thank you for that. With that, um, my quick answer is absolutely, but if anyone from the floor would like to speak on that. >> Yes,
>> I'll make the recommended motion. I move to direct the city manager and the city attorney to take all required steps to change the city's future land use designation and zoning on the property from high density residential to conservation and to reach out to the state for input on the same. >> I'll second.
>> Right. I have a motion in a second. And with that, Councilman Dustin. >> Yeah. My only uh comment at this point is we've got a lot of people here I think came to say something and if they would like to speak it would be the time for them to speak unless we don't want to hear from
them which I think would be an unwise decision. >> Most of them gave their time to Alan. >> Are you all done? >> Yeah. >> All right. I appreciate that. I figured that was what the public comments were for because this was not a public hearing. But absolutely. We just have
public comments, right, Mr. Mayor? >> Oh, no. I agree with you. Absolutely. This is our time. Come on. >> Are Are we good or not? >> We're doing it. Come on. >> Honorable mayor and honorable counselors. I'm Guy Tadlock. I live on 502 Norgo.
I was one of the more than 250 people at uh at the meeting that the county had and I was incredibly disappointed. I mean, you're talking about something getting rammed down our throats. Uh this is one of them. After the meeting, uh I
talked to the uh our count uh commissioner and um I have some concerns about the intent and what the county plans to do with this park. Uh Mr. Osburn I thought brought up some very
good points uh how it happened and um but more importantly uh I was out there this weekend over the holidays and if you guys haven't been out there recently you need to go take a look at Norgo
Point Park. It's beautiful. The place is pack the parking lot is packed. The city's parking lot is packed. uh today uh at uh 4:00 it was over 2/3 full. Uh I'm afraid that what the county
has planned uh for this park is going to really affect Noriego Point Park. Uh I think it's going to bring in an intensity uh to our neighborhood. Holiday is single family residents. Uh
Miss Cop uh read the u uh the ordinances. Um and it it's and and you look at the condominiums, there are over 600 units, single family homes, condominiums, uh single family homes and
town houses within about u a quarter of a mile of that of that park. and those people didn't buy their their properties with a commercial marina there. So, uh,
a lot of concerns about it. Really appreciate you guys, uh, working with the county and getting the, uh, the town hall meeting the cats out of the bag, so to speak. uh maybe we need to look at all the options in front of us, but I don't feel
real good about the county running uh that establishment uh in our our town. So, please uh please look at the possibility of what it would take to get the state to agree for the city of Destin to run both parks. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Kai. Anyone else? Yes, sir. Just yeah, hit that gray button. There you go. >> Jeff Shapiro, I live at the end of Holiday Aisle. Um, and the park is beautiful. The only recommendation I would have for that is with the increased access and mobility that
people can now have while people can come around the the boardwalk. you know, looking out there, it seems to me that the amount of trash receptacles that are there are woefully inadequate. Uh because you're going to have there's so many more people coming because it's so
beautiful. I would hate to see um that beauty be uh you know downgraded because there wasn't enough facilities to handle that trash. And that's something that's coming. Uh the other thing is is like like the others are saying um that marina I don't know what the particulars
are but if one of the issues was about the cost of building the marina um I I think probably the citizens of Destin would probably donate to have it removed and allow the citizens if it's about access for the citizens if you go back
in time and looked at how many people would beach their their boats and come there as a part of the city and the allure of the harbor um that's still serving the purpose. If you take the marina out, you're still allowing the people to access that uh as
well. So, I would consider, you know, see if there would be a possibility of of of organizing, you know, to offer to the state. Now, again, if the state is looking for those marina funds to recoup and put monies into their coffers, I mean, that's that's that's one thing that, you know, that won't replace. But,
uh anyway, great job. We walk it every day. We're getting our exercise and it's an uh exactly a mile and a quarter from my lobby all the way around and back. So, I know how many uh trips I need to do to get my steps in. So, thank you very much.
>> Thank you for being here. Anyone else? All right, seeing none, I still have a motion on the floor and Councilman Bagby, you're up. And yes, thank you, Dr. T. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I just want to make sure I understand the motion because the recommended motion that Miss
Traml made said, "I move to direct city manager and city attorney to take all required steps to change the city's future land use designation and zoning on the property from high density residential to conservation."
So, that's is and that's what we're going to that was your motion, right? Okay. because I I can't support that. And but let me tell you why. Because I don't think I think it ought to be left as it is. Get rid of the docks. Get rid of the slips.
All that. The only leverage we have is when the state or the county comes to us and requests that we change it. if we go to them or if we take all the steps, which means we're going to bring back a
land use change, which means the staff is going to bring us a resolution, which means we're going to go through all and we're going to change it on our own. Then we just gave up all our leverage to negotiate something with them because
they have to right now they have to come to us and say, "Hey, we need to get this changed." Okay. Well, here's here's some things we would like to see for that change. But to send the staff and to just change it, I can't support that. We
we have very little leverage in this whole issue. We've had almost none. Okay? It's the state's property and the state does not have to abide by our land development code if they choose not to.
Now, we can go, you know, we could work with the county, but the state can say, heck, the state could say we're going to take that if they got enough votes and the governor's signature, they could take that parcel out of the city of Dest. Okay? So, we need to reme remember
what we're trying to achieve here because what we're trying to achieve is to keep that a pristine park conservation, not a venue for weddings, not a venue for fire pits, not a venue for another restaurant or somebody selling food because, you know, I didn't
speak the other day, a couple of us didn't, but because I had already spoken to Drew and I wanted him to hear from the citizens. because we're running an information operation here and our target is the other county commissioners because I
think Drew's pretty much already made up his mind and our legislative delegation which includes Senator Trumbull, Senator Gates, Representative Manny, uh, Representative Abbott, and um, Nathan,
Representative Boils. We They don't care what we think or what we say. They care the people that voted them into office what they think and they say because they know I can't even change my wife's mind but they know that if somebody shows up for a meeting
they're probably speaking for 10 or 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 other people and that's why I wanted to get them the chance I wanted him to hear and I wanted to get that video but you're you're given in my view we're giving up our only leverage that
we have which is the land designation there the zoning designation. And if we once we give it up, we have not a single card to play. And so I I I know what
y'all think we're doing by this motion. I just the way it's worded, we're going to get sent to the woodshed and then uh we're going to have nobody to blame but ourselves. So I I won't support this motion as it is written. If you want to
have the staff work with the state and see because what we need to do is get the state on our side. We got the people on our side. We need to get the state on our side and say, "Hey, you bought this conservation land. However that happened, that's not going
to change, but we we want to keep it for what you bought it for, conservation land. And we want to work with you to make that happen. How can we do that? Would I like to see us manage it? Would I like it to be all one park under our
control? Yes. But once you give up that zoning designation, we we're just I don't want to say that word. We're we're not in a good position. That's how I'll put it. Thank you, >> Councilman Schmidt.
>> Yeah. Jim, you said that just a little make make sure I understand. >> You said that we could work with the county or something like that. You also said that the state can do whatever they want. Don't have to follow our LDC. So if we don't do anything, what's
stopping the state from just doing what they want then? I I guess I'm confused about that point you're trying to make. Like you you said that the state can do whatever they want. So >> the state can do whatever they want. We need to stay as close as we can to our
legislative delegation, our entire legislative delegation, and we need to tell them, look, >> Senator Trump is the one that put the money on the budget to buy it, though, right? >> But, you know, he he I think he will listen. I think he's probably he or his
staff have probably seen the entire two hours or whatever of people's comments. You know, I don't think he is married. At least my understanding is he's not married to the county. Definitely, you know, let them do what they want to do
with it. I think he's he he will keep it conservation, but we've got to engage him and the rest of the legislative delegation and not just say, "Well, we're going to make it conservation and y'all can't do anything about it."
Because they can do something. >> But don't you have concerns that the documents between the state and the county and everybody else talked about recreational commercial activity and marina. I mean, so the state >> has already had these conversations.
>> Yeah. >> They've already seen these plans. So, in theory, >> and I don't want to get too far down this rabbit hole, Kevin, but here's what I'll tell you. >> Well, I'm trying to talk to you legally. >> I'm just trying to protect us. I'm just trying to protect us. that that conversation that that they had, okay,
that was a company that or a person the developer hired to draft a plan, okay, that cut us out. Why? because the developer knows that if he wanted to make it a wedding venue with all the fire pits with all, you know, running
his own fireworks out of there for the Emerald Grand and all the other stuff, if if we would we would say, uh, no, thank you. You know, we'll put out some picnic tables. We'll put out, you know, we might expand the bathrooms that are
right there on our other parcel, you know, uh, and we might put some cover over a couple of those picnic tables. So grandma doesn't have to sit out in the sun when she's sitting out there watching her grandkids play on the beach. So he purposely had his guy put
that in their request. Okay. Do I think that the Senate staff or Senator Trumble read through every word of that document? No, I don't. And I think they got Oh, well, we got a
request. Okay. Hey, that would be good. You know that that's a beautiful view. He's seen it. They've all seen it. Everybody in our legislative delegation has seen that view. And yeah, that would be great if we could get that. Oh, well, he's got appraisals. You know, the staff
that was running the process, they did what staff do. Well, he's got two appraisals now. They the state should have gotten its own appraisal, but I'm not we're we can't relitigate the sale. >> So, could I mean, Mr. Osborne brought up something and I mean it sounds
interesting and it sounds like he's agreeing but can you touch on all that? >> Yeah, I can. And um I'll just shut it so that it doesn't echo but um so our point here was to reach out and talk to the state. This wasn't about forcing anything. In fact, that's not the way a
change to the zoning or the future land use works. You there would have to be at least six public hearings to make any of that happen. at which point the state, the county, and every single resident in this room would be participating. So, the motion isn't intended to do that.
For clarity, um to make the entire council comfortable with it, why don't we do a substitute motion that just narrows it down for now to having a discussion with the state about the city's conservation zoning? And just for the record, I want everybody to
understand that when the city applied for its grant funding for our city park, which is Noriega Point, we were required to submit a management plan and that management plan approved by DP required that the land use and zoning for Noriego
Point be conservation. And I believe, you know, and I I've not had this conversation with the state, but I would believe that something similar is probably the state's intent. So, the point of this agenda item was to have those conversations and make sure everybody understood um the proper
future use of the property, which is clearly not commercial. >> I'll make that substitute motion that we direct staff to engage the state and have that conversation about uh a conservation
uh zoning on that piece of part property. Right. All right. I do have a substitution motion on the floor. Do I have >> Can I second the substitute if I withdraw the first? >> Fair enough. All right. So, we got a withdrawal. And are you okay with calling it a motion? >> Yeah, sure. >> All right. Thank you.
>> So, if I can continue. >> Let me get my second first. We got a second on the new motion. Councilman Dustin, thank you. Councilman Schmid, the floor is yours. >> I think Mr. Osborne brought up some very good points and it sounds like he has a very good history of a lot of things that he does and Mr. Bagby is a very smart man and connected to a lot of
people as well and very educational and so I appreciate all their input. Um, I I I think Miss Cop, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I mean, you know, we it's important that the city is be taking a proactive measure and I think months
ago, you know, a couple months ago, we were trying to take proactive measures, right? And and we, you know, we were trusting the county, in my opinion, too closely. >> Yep. >> You know, and and and and so yeah, this clears it up. Mr. Bagby,
I'm with you as well. Um because and and for me personally, I think y'all will agree and Larry, like I I don't want to just call our Kelly, our state rep lady, I don't know who the state is when y'all are referring to this, but we need to we
need to talk to the people that matter. You know what I mean? And not just the lobbyists for the state. I want to talk to the people that know. um because we don't want to bend over anymore. So, thank you.
>> All right, Councilman Dustin. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I agree with the uh intent of the new motion. We want the D especially to be on our side and I think they will be. After all, as
Kim just told us, changing Nora Points zoning to conservation was a requirement of their turning it over to us. So, they would have to reverse course and I don't believe they will or should. Um,
the other point I'd like to point out is, you know, as far as the dock, I would I would say at least it's the intent of the council to help fund the removal if necessary. That would be the
most significant uh move toward water quality in the Destin Harbor since the pump was put in. >> There's there's no question. And those materials are quite valuable. I think we could probably have the whole
thing removed for the materials. >> Yeah. >> And and what we want to make clear to the state is that we're 100% in favor of the land being put in the public trust. What we have a problem with is the
intense commercial nature >> of what the county is proposing. It's totally out of character with conservation. It will make, as was brought up earlier, it may make our park on Noyager Point unusable. >> We've only got a limited amount of parking out there. If they go forward
with their plan, every bit of that parking will be taken up by the people who are going to participate in the giant waterborne RV park that they plan for that marina. Think I mean, just think about the amount of parking it would take. That is 50 plus slips of
boats that are 50 plus feet who may well have 20 people staying on them. >> This is exactly what it is is a giant RV park for boats >> that would require probably 150 parking spaces. And then the 9 to 12,000 square
foot uh restaurant in disguise that they want to put there at 100 spaces at 100 square feet for each space is another if it's 10,000 ft 100 spaces. Now we're at 250 spaces that would be required just for their commercial uses.
That's a travesty. I don't believe the D and even our state politicians would think that that is the proper course to take. And we want to give them an alternative, a reasonable alternative that accomplishes what they meant to do when
they bought the property. I hope. And so that's what we need to have discussions with them. You know, I'm I'm willing to go pony up money to let's start taking out some part of the marina and leave what is necessary there for the public
to use it on a transient slip basis just like is defined in the administrative code that D um enforces. Uh that would give us a bunch of parking that would be an alternative to car
parking for people to use the park. Anyway, I think that we need to seriously contact D, tell them what we would be willing to do to try to fulfill the true intent of that property's purchase and ask them to, you know, work
with us. I don't we we're going to have to look at zoning it as conservation, but only with their understanding and their cooperation, >> right? >> Otherwise, we're banging our head against the wall. And you know, I would be absolutely amazed if they would be
opposed to trying to make that the kind of park that we think it should be and instead it turn it into a commercial development that is more intensive than what was intended to put there. So >> if our motion is going to send us off on that direction,
>> yeah, >> then I support it >> and we need to immediately start conferring with them so that we can work together. But they need to know the only way to get the parking out there for what the county plans to do is to build a parking garage.
Could would they seriously contemplate that? >> Um so so you know we need to enter into some serious discussions and tell them we want to be their partner not their adversary and let's go forward with that
step. And if if if it doesn't work well then we tried and uh it will get quite interesting as I explained to Miss Cop and some of our discussions earlier. This almost mirrors the battle we had over closing the road through Henderson
Beach. At that point we filed suit against the county because they were our hero once again trying to do that. And the state never entered into the litigation at all. They let us battle it out between us and the county. And what happened was the uh the control of the
council was taken away and the city dropped the lawsuit, but we weren't losing because we were fighting the county, not the state. So, we'll see. Hopefully, we don't get to that point because I, you know, I have faith that our state representatives especially are
going to do the right thing. That's what I've always expected and that's been my experience with them so far. Council Gile, I've been debating saying this because we don't ever get a chance to talk about what happened in that meeting with
Palmer myself amongst us, but I think and I don't know, I know he met with all you and I don't know if he told you his vision, but the vision he told me was a restaurant, a store, and a gas station. And then at that town hall meeting, they
put not a gas station right now, right? Which still means he's planning to throw a gas station up there at some point. So the little picture they painted on the wall had nothing to do with what their real plan is. Next, I asked him point blank, "Well, right now that zoned residential, are you planning
to come to city council and have us reszone that?" He said, "Do you think you will?" I said, "Absolutely not." And then he goes, "Well, then we'll just go to the state and have it overturned." >> So, >> I'm sorry. >> Audio people are telling me,
>> "I'm sorry, but basically that he said he was going to go to the state and have whatever we have zoned overturned." And how confident he was made me believe that he already had the state convinced of this. Um, I don't know if that's just because that's how well he played his
cards, but he doesn't seem that bright to me. To me, he seems like a puppet. But, uh, if you guys think that the, uh, the state will listen to us a little bit, I'm willing to give it a shot. The other
question I have is, uh, Mr. Alan Osborne mentioned making a motion to go to the CFO and have him investigate. I mean, what stops us from making that motion? Can Can I make that motion? I'd make the motion to have the CFO investigate this
>> after this one. I'll make it after this one. I apologize >> after we vote for this, I'd like to make a motion. >> All right. >> All right. Yeah. My and almost to go off Councilman Destin, I I kind of feel like that our state
representatives are on our side. I think there was two narratives that were told there were one told to the county and one told to the state reps and potentially the governor's office. So I think the monkey in the middle is the one trying to talk off both sides uh trying to paint the better picture for both parties in particular. So I think
if we intervene like they didn't want us to do, I think we're going to find that there is some what you call it lack of communication not corruption uh happening here. So failure appreciate you. And so, yeah, that I I
agree with Councilman Des when it comes to I think if we can get involved and be proactive and get the state to see what our citizens are saying, then perhaps they will get a full picture and not the picture that was presented to them that
sounded good without the expectation of understanding of what our representatives uh appoint to and that's the citizens of Destin for our districts. Councilman Braden. >> Thank you, Mayor. So, what's different this time
than when we asked the staff last time to go to the state and find out what's going on, what their intentions are, try to shed some light on this. I don't know if y'all heard anything, but I ain't heard a thing. Nothing. Not zilch. >> We've had multiple conversations with the state. I think I've talked to you
about it. Um but we've had multiple email and one large conference call with multiple individuals from D that are involved with this and um we had the call set up to talk again after we gathered a little more information and
had the town hall but the initial phone call was December is it 18? >> It was it was mid December. I could get the exact date and we talked about the city's desire to be involved in it and to have a say and we um informed them that we had not had a say yet in the
proposed management plan and that we would get back to them shortly. Waited for this meeting and we intend to tell them now give them a link of the town hall meeting so that they know what occurred and then tell them what council council decided tonight.
So I guess again I asked what's the difference between tonight and what we've asked to be done >> post town hall post county management plan more information >> and we don't think they hadn't seen that yet. I mean, we're talking about our state representatives. >> We the individuals we spoke to had not
seen it yet at that time. >> It was between holidays, >> right? >> Conveniently, >> we we spoke to them before the holidays, but obviously the town hall was the day before New Year's Eve, right after Christmas. So, we were waiting till after New Year's for the followup. I
mean, it would be nice to find out what's going on or what their intentions were and all that, but um I don't know Jim's talking about, you know, we need to trust our legislative sponsors and or everybody at the state level and um or all our representatives, but
did any of them call any of y'all and said, "Hey, look, this is coming down the pipe. We're looking at buying this land. What do y'all want to do with it?" They called me when I tried to have a fireside chat talking about it and was basically closest thing to threatening
from the standpoint of we don't want to break this deal. They kept saying if you talk about it the deal the deal might fall through and wouldn't that be horrible if you then created a conservation deal now gone development went up. Um so the only information I've
ever gotten is don't talk about it even when I tried to. So, it sounds like if we go to them now, they're not going to talk to us or I mean, I'm just kind of confused because it's we've we've asked to go talk to them, find out what's going on. We want to be in a loop. Can't get there. Nobody
talked to us is what I'm hearing. And now we're going to go back to them again and say, "Hey, you know, this is what we want." Obviously don't care. >> Any of them don't care. I mean, >> so I'm just I just don't know. >> It's a good question. And I'm confused
too because what do you do Rodney? So like what >> what can we do, right? Do we do we I know his motion coming which is going to be good but like do we call the attorney general of the state of Florida? Like what I'm just curious like I'm I'm not I'm not I'm asking. >> I I agree and it seems to me like what
we've been doing is not working. >> That's why I want to change and do something else. >> Was the next idea. Do we just go into a full-blown investigation or do we kind of play a few cards and see what the state says now that it's closed?
Maybe they are up to talking to us and telling us a little something. >> The individuals we spoke to at D were new to their jobs as of uh the end of September, early October. So, I don't think it's that they weren't trying to respond to us or talk to us in December.
They had literally been on the job for probably 60 to 90 days at that point, give or take. So, I think that they were doing their research and getting up to speed as well. And I think that our future conversations with them could be
fruitful. I believe that DP will want to hear from the city and to hear from the residents and probably, I would assume, to support the conservation that they did right next door. So, I do think we should have those conversations and come back to council at the next meeting with
an update. Um, because like I said, these are not the same people at D that were there before the closing. So, the ones we're talking to, I don't think they had all the history. Would you agree, Larry? >> 100%. And I almost felt like they had been instructed to stand down until this
thing was closed. And so I think we're in a the dynamics around the whole process are different now that that's happened and these folks were uh very cordial and inquisitive would be the way
I explained it. I think now that we're beyond closing and we know how that all has played out, we've got a better opportunity to sit down and say, "Okay, now where we go from here?" I guess it's worth one more shot now that it's closed and see and but that's all I'm at at best that's all I'm
willing to do is give one more shot at you guys talking finding out what's going on. Um if not then it's it's just you know just go neck deep start a investigation on it and just play hard ball. >> All right Councilman Bagby what was that question?
>> Yep. That's what I'm doing. All right so I got the motion on the floor and we'll call the vote. All right. Eyes have it. So move 61 to uh open up dialogue with the state and a motion. >> Yes, sir. I'd like to make the motion
that we uh reach out. I'm sorry. >> Resolution. >> Resolution. >> A resolution. >> Yeah. Well, let me let >> He seems to have this towel. He's over here trying to coach me through it, but no, please go ahead. A resolution that
uh we reach out to the >> CFO >> CFO of Florida about and investigate this this deal. Is that okay? Yes. All right. All right. So, that's a motion on the floor at the moment. Do I have a second? >> Second.
>> All right. I have a second. Any further discussions? Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. And I Yeah, I I see the I see the the the negative frowny faces over here. All right, Councilman Dest. >> Not yet.
>> Go ahead. >> Well, mayor, while I understand the motivation behind that, >> I'm not mayor. Don't mayor of this. >> You're using the royal mayor type thing here. Um the problem with that is we are
now by going forward this accusing the state of committing perhaps fraud or is our goal to overturn this purchase because if that's what happened then that's what we would do. And you must remember the CFO was a member of the cabinet.
>> He voted for this. >> He voted no. >> Yeah. He voted no. >> There were no nos. >> There were no there was it was unanimous. Uh maybe in any event at this point in my opinion is
premature. We want to try to work with those guys and it just is going to fly in the face of that to so because we're we're accusing them either of being dumb or committing things they shouldn't be
committing at this point. uh that that would be very unfortunate and very uh fruitless to go forward on that at the moment. So I uh while that may be something that comes at the end, it shouldn't be at the beginning.
>> Council Bagby. >> Yeah. Um I not going to support the motion and I understand the passion and I get it and I think it stinks to high heaven but in my mind again we're running an
operation here and the key to this operation really is our legislative delegation and D and D the last time I checked the structure of
this state works works for the governor. And so if we, you know, if we want to get people to work with us and give it and listen to us and give us an opportunity, you don't turn around and slap them in the face and say, "And oh,
by the way, you crooks need to do something." Okay? We we either got we either got to go one way or the other. I mean, and we can go either way. It's it's up up to the council. You know, we can we can file a lawsuit. We can
request the state's attorney investigation. We can request the CFO look at it. We can request a lot of different things. But all those outcomes
are negative for our city and our citizens and most importantly that parcel. Okay. that we want to protect. And I think we, you know, we try to work with people. We go forward with a good
faith effort of trying to get DP on our side to say, "Yeah, same requirement that was on Nora Point. Conservation got to be you can't be doing this other stuff because you if you go up there and you spit in their face, don't you know,
don't act surprised when they just slap you back." And let me tell you, the state can slap us a hell of a lot harder than we can slap them. That's council member Schmidt. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I I I I
respect it, Mr. G. I like it. Um Larry, a couple months ago when we talked to Kelly or whoever we talked to before it closed, what was the what was the communication about what we should or shouldn't do with
Trumbull's office? Wasn't there specific feedback when y'all started this first adventure two or three months ago? >> The should we he didn't want to talk about it until it closed. What was the actually I did talk to him about it prior to it closing and you know his
feeling to me in my conversation was that he would like to see it be a state park um you know in in the state park system. And I told him I didn't see the council objecting to that too harshly considering what the alternative and was
looking for what the Oklahoma County was looking at doing. So, you know, we did have a conversation and I know that um we the conversation we had with >> So, there's never any conversation from Kelly about Trumbull's office wanting us to stop talking about this.
>> Well, I think it was to a degree, yes. Um, and and I'm trying to get my thoughts back to where we were. Uh, I know that Kelly had some conversation on our behalf with Senators Trumbull's office that he wanted to see it closed
and then, uh, take whatever path would take from there. And so that, you know, kind of tamp down the rhetoric so that it wouldn't be a back and forth and a battle and that once we got it closed, then we could have those conversations. But you know, subsequent to that, I did have a conversation with
>> Yes, sir. >> I don't take it as a slap in the face or as an accusation thing. I take it as we're requesting the CFO to go look further into this deal to just make sure all things were aligned properly, that there was no
misinformation. I don't think Mr. Gile's motion was to send a lawsuit to their desk accusing them of illegal impropriety or problems. It was, can you go investigate this deal that happened and just make sure everything's on the up and up? And I believe we've been
trying to do in good faith with everybody. We we've sent our Kelly Hoistler to go talk to Trumbull and all of the people and we've tried to talk to D a couple times now. Now there's new people in the offices like Miss Cop said, which I believe, but it's just further along. So a resolution is just a
resolution. Doesn't mean that they have to agree to our resolution, right? Just because we asked the CFO to do this doesn't mean he asked he will do it. But I'm all for it because this is I in my opinion a a respectful way of asking the state to just double check what they're doing and not just believing senators
and congressman's and women. So let's do it. >> All right. Councilman Braden. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I'm a little on the fence. I mean I like the motion on the support it. It may just be a little bit
premature. Um, I mean, I feel like I've already been slapped in the face by the state when they tell our mayor to just sit there and shut up. Don't say anything. We got this. Um,
I'd like some answers. I mean it it reminds me of when we were going through Guff Power um their contract and u it was standing room only you know we want Guff Power we don't care what
the rates are yada yada yada you know do it well they didn't realize that we that was our only negotiating power was having that in the contract to buy the power our power them. That was the only thing we had to hold on to to negotiate
with. We give that up, we have we can't negotiate no more. They didn't realize that. So is does the state know something? We don't know. Is that reason they saying look, you know, y'all just trust us, you know, let's let this happen, play out.
Um, so I don't know. Then I feel like the the new staff, you know, everybody that was involved in this is all gone now. So, the new staff was like, "Well, you know, don't know. We'll look into it, but it is what it is. You know, they've they've already done it. It's been
bought, closed. Ain't no changing it. It is what it is." So, um I don't know. I I don't know, like I say, I feel like I've already been slept in the face by the state and they don't care if they came to us and and told us something. You know, look, we got this. Just sit
back. You know, promise you it's going to be a sweet deal. Nothing. Just shut up and don't talk about it. um and and to give them a fair shake. It was particularly the county on behalf talking about, hey, stand down, get this
through, then we can talk. And now, to your point, we did that. We're we're playing we're playing good good partnership. Oh, by the way, here's the project. It's a done deal. Sorry. Come again. So, that's that's where I feel like I've gotten slapped in the face is >> by the county, not
>> the county. Yeah. I would give I would give that burden to the county saying, "No, no, no. We're we're in this together. We're both we're all local local electeds here. We're working." And then then then communication's over. We already have designs inputs done. We'll
listen, but we got our minds made up. >> True. >> Yeah. Just to Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. Councilman Dustin. >> Thank you, Mayor. And and once again, the point of this motion is to
to what? Overturn the transaction to accuse all our elected representatives of doing something they shouldn't have done. If they do the investigation, it finds everything was on the up and up. Okay. If they if it shows that someone has done something wrong, then it could
question the entire purchase. That is like shooting oursel in the foot in my opinion right now. If we try to do that rather than go forward to try to cooperate and work with D and with our elected representatives
to do this is is just counterproductive. >> Uh Councilwoman Traml, >> let's just say I agree with Mr. Justin. It's easier. I'll just keep it short. Um, I don't know how anyone can react to us
in good faith when we're turning around investigating. That's just the point. So, I will not support the motion. >> Councilman Bagby. >> Yeah. I I I would like to get an answer to Mr. Destin's first question cuz maybe
I don't understand what is it exactly we are asking the CFO to investigate exactly the seller's non-disclosure >> the sell yeah >> the seller's non-disclosure of what that
he owned the property that the property was >> the original use of the property versus what he sold it to be intended to be used for >> No, that's that what's what what do you think he sold it for?
>> Well, it was built as a residential No, it was approved as a HDR, high density residential condominium. That's we approved it, >> right? >> Okay. That's what it was approved as >> to a commercial marina,
>> not the seller. Well, that's what we want to investigate to see if >> Well, the seller didn't say you can have a commercial marina. The seller said you can give me $84 million and this is yours. >> So, the seller, that's why I don't
understand. >> The seller had a plan though with drawings, right, that he submitted when to the state, right? So, so, so then yes, the seller did tell the state that he wanted to put that y'all should potentially put a marina here. >> That was in his plan that he submitted for the grant for the to the to the
whole state. >> Yeah, the seller had Okay, here was his application. >> I think the disconnect the seller had approved plans that we approved >> condo, >> right? With a condo with a marina >> that we approved.
>> Residential marina. >> Yeah. residential marina that we approved, okay? And you have a piece of land. I mean, if you owned a piece of land and somebody came up and offered you $80 million for it, you'd probably
sell it. You'd let them worry about getting it reszoned or, you know, whatever's left on there, you'd you'd let them worry about doing the environmental studies. You'd let them worry about you just sell the dad gun property. I if somebody wants to come pay me $2 million for my house tonight,
it's theirs. I will pack Jenny up and take a few things out of that bad boy and we will be go and I don't care what they do with it cuz for 2 million it's theirs. So I I'm not sure exactly what you want us to investigate. Did he have
approved plans? Yes. Did he go get uh uh uh appraisals based on those approved plans? Happens all the time. all over this country where a guy says, "Hey, I got an approved condo here, you know,
now I probably can't build this condo, but you know, or I don't want to build this condo or I can't build this condo because I don't have the funding or I don't have, you know, whatever reason, but I got appraisals based on the
approved plans that I have. And here's what the appraisals say it's worth for that property with those approved plans." Now, if the state or somebody else wants to do something else with that property, that's fine as long as you pay me what
the the property appraised at. >> And that was when did the state get in when did the state get in the business of bailing out developers that >> they're not in the business of what they did here. They're in the business of protecting they wanted to protect that parcel. >> That's what they did here. They paid the man for what he could have made off the
property cuz he had development on >> because that's what he had appraisals for and that's the way just like we paid so they bailed him out. >> We did the same thing for a hotel out there on uh Crystal Beach. Okay. >> So the state bailed him out? >> No. Did we bail out the guys that we
bought the property from out in Crystal Beach? No. We wanted public beach and we said, "Okay, you got an appraisal." I didn't think those one harbor place. No way. That piece of property was worth $9 million a year
after the guy paid four million or five million, whatever, for it. No way. Did we bail him out? No. We wanted that iconic view of property at the end of the of the bridge there at at One
Harbor. I I don't think anybody up here voted to give him $9 million to bail him out. I think we and I believe the words were actually stated by a member of this council. We will pay whatever it takes to get that parcel.
Okay? And that's what we did. We paid almost double almost double for what that property was worth. But it appraised at that. So guess what we have to do by our rules. State has the same rules. You bring me two appraisals.
>> Okay? I got to pay it. I may not agree with the appraisals. I don't agree with the appraisals that they got on that parcel out on Niega Point. I'm right with Allen. Yeah, they probably overpaid $50 million for it. Probably should
never have paid $84 million for it, but I don't get to make that decision. >> That's what I want to know is why. That's the question we keep asking is what what did they pay? What did they buy? Did they buy the view? >> What did the state buy? >> Yeah, they paid $84 million for a view. They bought the land.
>> But in your scenario, we I didn't. There no way in hell I'd have voted for $9 million to buy that piece of property. But in your scenario, you the council at the time wanted it because they wanted that view and they don't want. So what did the state buy it for? Did they buy it for the view or did they buy it for conservation? Did they buy it for bird
sanctu? What did they buy it for? >> It does not matter. That is irrelevant. They bought it because it was their right to buy it just like it was our right to buy one harbor. >> We could have bought it >> and we could have bought we could have
bought that parcel for 84 million if we had 84 million but we don't have >> so I guess I guess Mr. Guile Mr. Guile might be wanting to know is a little bit of clarity on what information was
presented to the cabinet and state legislators. We have >> what mis information was clearly given to them to understand what they were buying and why they were buying it. We I believe we're just trying to get presented to the cabinet. >> We have although he didn't get a
registered no vote. It was dually noted that the CFO was in disagreement and wanted to vote no. So there there's confusion there. I believe he's just trying to ask for resolution just to make sure that there's no misinformation given about why the state should spend
$84 million on this property and what their intentions are. I think that's what we're we're missing out on and we'd like to know. >> And he may have voted no cuz he had a piece of property in Tampa Tampa Bay that he wanted this cabinet to buy for $84 million. We have all the information
that was presented to the cabinet. We have every single document that was presented to them. I've read read it twice. >> Go home now then. >> Okay. So, I'm just asking what is it we want him to investigate because I still don't understand.
>> I don't know how many times we can say it. We want him to review all the documents, cross all the tees, dot all the eyes, make sure everything was legitimate, everything was presented accurately, that there was nothing withheld, and that they were based that decision based off true and accurate
information. And you don't think he did that as the CFO and a member of the cabinet? >> Do you don't think anybody here makes a mistake ever, Jim Bagby? Because you look over here, way more educated than you are on financial situations and you question them all day long. So why don't
we have the right to question our elected officials at a higher level or appointed officials to do that same investigation or ask them to answer for themselves the same way that you ask our staff to answer for themselves. Well, I'm going I'm and I'll tell you cuz yeah, I make mistakes every day. I
probably make more than all of y'all put together. But what here's what's going to happen, okay? And and I respect y'all and I love you, but I just not sure you understand this. The only thing that's going to happen if we pass this
resolution right now is tomorrow morning statewide because I read all the little state blogs. The headline is going to be Destin City Council direct CFO to
conduct an investigation on the part on that purchase. And unless you have some information where I don't think it was right, but there's a difference between, you know, me not thinking it's right or that they overpaid for it, which I do
think they overpaid for it, and me having a belief that they did something wrong because they followed their process. They had the two appraisals. They paid what the appraisals were for, and they
followed their process. And not not a single person, and I watch Allan all the time, has made what I would say an allegation of criminal activity or illegal or even immoral or unethical activity. >> None of us claimed any of that up here.
None of us said that we want the investigation based off criminal, immoral activity. Not one of us made that comment. >> That's yours. >> So, what's wrong with that headline if that comes out, Jim? I'm just curious. People are going to start because it's unfounded. If you if you had a shred of
evidence that something nefarious had been done that you could say, "Hey, I got pictures of this guy handing this guy a suitcase of money right before they voted yes." Okay, but you don't.
You don't have anything. You're making an allegation and asking for an investigation based on what? The fact that we don't like that. >> But what does the headline do to us? Does it not does it not say to the 200 people that were in that auditorium that night that aren't happy with this entire
thing? Does it not tell them that the city of Dest is standing up to the big government and the certain people? Does it not tell them that? >> I think it will tell people that the city of Dest again are handinand and are want to make sure that we are representing the citizens that also feel
like this is an inappropriate and they want more information. So, we're trying to represent them. I've had people tell me that this is a great idea. Yeah. >> Not going to keep answering that question. >> Well, and if we thought there was criminal activity, we'd ask the DOJ to investigate, not the VIP, >> right?
>> The thing is is all the information you want is publicly available. >> Publicly available. >> All right, Jim. Everyone, we're going to call the question. >> Yes. All right. With that, do we know the question? What What question are we answering? All right. Yes. The
resolution. All right. Why was the mayor's office out of every prior? >> Technically, they hold the power. I'm a I'm a political puppet. Queen of England. >> Yeah.
>> The question may request. >> Yeah. Resolution for investigation. >> Why can't we do the first thing for this? What did we pass the >> the first thing she's going to do is re-engage with D. >> Yeah, we passed that.
>> Why don't we let that happen? >> Then vote no. And that's we can always come back. >> Microphone speak. >> Yes. Yep. >> All right. 43 the other way. Nose have it. Oh my goodness.
>> Let the first thing happen first. Let Kim and them deal with the deed. >> Can we do a recess, mayor, for a bathroom? >> Yeah. My my oral ring says my heart rate's up. So, >> all right. Do we need >> This is over, right?
>> Yeah. We We passed. No vote. Yeah. Motion fails. >> Do we guys need to recess or we want to keep rolling? >> Keep going. >> Do you Do you need >> I don't care. >> Ray, are you good? >> We're good. >> No, let's just keep going. It's already 8:30. Ray already lost his Vegas bet of
when we're getting out of here. >> This isn't school. >> One item. >> Oh, I didn't. >> Yeah, I mean, by all means, we still have a quorum. >> Do the same thing. >> All right, back to 4 A.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council, item 4 A is regarding our cross town connector phase 2 construction. Uh if you recall, we um put that out for bid on in November and we uh bids were returned. Uh we had three
proposers uh CW Roberts, GF Coast Utility Contractors, and H&T Contracting. Of those, CW Roberts with a bid of 5.6 6 million and a score of 121 out of 125 possible from our bid
committee is staff's recommendation that we move forward um with the uh the award and we'll bring you back a contract that the award will have to be reviewed by the DOT because they are partially funding this project. So it once we get
the award we will vet that through DOT and bring you back a contract as as soon as possible. Okay, thank you for that. With that, do I hear a motion for 4A for the phase two?
>> Mayor, I move the council award RFB25-17- CM to CWR Contracting and request that staff bring back a construction contract for council consideration. >> I'll second that. >> All right, I have a motion in a second. Any considerations? Any discussion?
Seeing none, we'll call the vote. Do you need me to vote for him? >> Uh, no. Get the sergeant-at-arms to bring him back in. >> Come back early. >> All right. Eyes have it. So, move 70. Mr. Jones.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. The next item is uh regarding the Kelly Street Speed Limit. We were asked to do a study on Kelly Street uh regarding what's really happening there. As you know, the posted speed is 30 miles per hour. Uh we did a an assessment of that
and we determined that uh 95% of drivers were traveling at or below 30 miles hour and 85% uh of those traveling at around 28 miles per hour. So um there's no recommended change there for information um that you
ask us to perform this analysis and that's what we have before you. So absent some further direction we have >> all right with that any comments questions concerns? Yes. Yes ma'am. Council member Traml.
>> Um I did ask them to look at the stop signs because between the two school zone signs it says 30 miles an hour. >> Very confusing. >> So >> that's during school hours. >> The speed limit signs, not the stop signs, right? >> Speed limit.
>> Speed limit. Yes. Speed limit signs. So, I understand that it does during school hours, but it's very confusing because we have teams that play at that park. We have all kinds of city sports that go on there, and it gets more and more and more during the spring and the summer
and the fall than it is right now, partially because of construction, I think. And when the construction's finished, there's going to be even more. There are many times that the cars are parked out on the street, not because the parking lot's full, not because they
they want to. But I think we need to look at that section between I guess the stop sign there on Kelly. Right after that stop sign, it says 30 miles an hour. Within a block, it says school zone. Then it says 30 miles an
hour right past the intersection. I'm talking about just feet past the intersection. And then it it you're still in the school zone. If you're stopped on Kelly going west, if you're stopped, you don't see the school zone sign at that stop. You see
the 30 mph sign. So it's very confusing. So that's the section I'm talking about right there. Not the whole length of Kelly, but that little section right there is very, very confusing. You see cars speeding all that plowing off at that particular
time. I don't know where the speed counter was. It does. It's immaterial at this point, but we put a stop sign in when we had one person that went 92 miles an hour at 2 a.m. down Kelly and we put a stop sign in. So now I'm just
asking for that particular section to be reduced to 25 miles an hour so that we can enforce some of this that is going because it's very confusing to people. Councilman Dustin, >> I would just make the comment that I'm
not sure how the speed survey was done either. We usually do it by having an automatic device out there, but irregardless of how it was done. This is a school zone. The standards that we used do not necessarily apply to a school zone. We can lower the speed
limit of school zone if four people on this council think it should be done. I uh I'd rather be on the side of caution than on the other side. So, um, cameras are going up all over the county
to write tickets to people and they're writing hundreds of them over in the school zones in Fort Walton and various other parts of the counties. It's uh I don't have a problem with lowering it to 25 around a school because it's not just during the flashing time that that thing is full of people. It's full of people
all the time. So, >> it uh we are not at this point. I'm going to leave it up to Miss Traml who was the initiator of the motion, but we can take this up later and we're not bound by any of these standards. They don't apply to a school zone.
>> Council 100%. We if council wishes to lower it in that section, we more than happy to go. >> I'll support it if we uh raise airport road to 40 miles an hour. Okay. Um, anything further? >> Yeah, if you if you wish.
>> I'll make I'll make the motion to lower the speed limit between what's the name of your street. >> You say school zone. >> Beach. If you're going to do it right there by the school is between Beach >> Beach and Benning. >> No, I'm talking about the street you live on. >> Spring Lake. >> Spring Lake.
>> Spring Lake and uh Benning. Is that the school zone we're talking about? >> That's the school zone. >> I'll second that. >> Yeah. >> Okay, we're good. >> It starts right past the spring lake road. >> Okay, I have a motion in a second. >> Um
I mean I I just kind of feel it. It always is going to sound great. I guess we get to pat ourselves on the back, but if the study showing that the only people that are speeding seems to be minimal and those that are speeding probably don't get a rip what the speed limit sign is. Um, but I mean this is
minimal. It's hopefully cautionary and practical. So I'm I'm not necessarily foregoing against the data that we've derived, but it's up to you guys and I don't think it's going to hurt anything, but I think it's just kind of >> more teeth. >> Yeah, if we really wanted teeth, we had
the cameras, which I know is an 0 and 07 move up here. Um, but I'm I'm not I'm just against go. We we've done the study. The study says it's fairly safe, but at this point, I mean, it's it's your guys' call, so I'm just
>> I'm not going to die on the hill, but you know, it is what it is. >> Sure. Let's add a couple more stop signs, too, I guess. Councilman Schmidt. >> Yeah, just for clarification, I'd love to hear from the sheriff's department. I mean, are we are we missing out on something? Is there complaints with speeding drivers? Is there are we not giving tickets? Like, what I'm confused
on what we're doing with changing this. I know there was complaints about people parking in the rideway and doing U-turns on Kelly and then we put some no parking signs on the side of the street. I think that's helped, but what am I missing out on the speeding? >> I don't have any additional complaints
of speeding on Kelly to speeding any other area. I mean, we get daily complaints about speeding here there, but there's nothing significant that stands out about um about Kelly Street with speeding. the um
just so you know, we weren't involved in the study. The study was done through the city's stealth radar. I found out that the study was being done when I did my research for the council meeting uh this morning. So, I you know, I'm not familiar with why um other than I heard
that somebody told me that Miss Traml was requesting the city to take a look at it and see if there was a speeding problem there. And that's what the speed report that y'all got is showing. >> All right. Uh, Council Braden, >> thank you. Um, have we done a study that
that shows that kids don't get hurt getting run over at 25 miles an hour versus 30 miles an hour? Or >> 25 is actually the state and national study where incidents become very less critical. Yes. >> So,
Um, I don't know. I can't support I can't support the dropping it on I didn't support it dropping on Airport Road and I can't support this one either. I mean, it's the school zones there. I've I've been through that school zone. I stopped at
that stop sign. There's kids everywhere. You know, schools in, you know, when it when they're they're going to school, they're all over the sidewalks. Just because there's a speed limit sign there that says 30 or 60 or whatever, that doesn't mean I'm gonna leave that stop sign doing 30 miles an hour with kids everywhere. Um,
so I I don't I don't know what the like I say we we had a study done when the stop sign was put in at Spring Lake and the study said then that didn't warrant a stop sign cuz people wasn't speeding but we put a stop sign in anyway and now
it says we don't warrant it again but we won't take action again anyway. Um so with that said I I can't support it >> council Dustin. Yeah, I you know I I think they're
probably correct that the study shows there's no speeding issue there that's different than speeding issues in other parts of the city. But what is different there is that there are 1,200 elementary kids right at going back and
forth across that road a lot. And so to my mind that's the difference. I guess wrapping my head around it, I think two things come up and I don't think you're wrong. I think it's this just sends
another message I'm going to get and we're going to get multiple emails this week being like my my my room uh my road is also getting spast. what councilman's going to sponsor my reduction in speed versus what we always preach up here or
most of us preach of well there's a process you know we got to go to the the public works and safety committee then we're going to do a speed study and then the speed study's going to tell us what to do and then we're going to act on that and I get it we're the council and the caveat that Dustin Councilman Dustin brings up will be well four of us say it
four of us it shall be done and I agree with it I think we're putting a band-aid on not the problem the problem is the The road designs are too wide and the lanes are too long and too open. People drive what feels comfortable, not what
the sign says. And I feel if we want to actually address the issue, we need to address the symptoms and the root cause, which is the design of the road, not the the facets that go around it, which are the signs and the flashers and the stoppers. It's let's redesign the roads.
If we really think this is a concern, if we really want to save and protect 1,200 kids, let's redesign what a school zone looks like in our roads, in our residential roads. Let's redesign what our collector roads are. And that's a vocab word I've learned from up here, which is when you got all these residential roads and they come into
Benning, Beach, Maine, Kelly, those are collectors. What do those look like that should be different than the residential roads? I'm not against the lowering. I'm just against we're attacking the wrong issue. And so with that, uh, Councilman Traml, Homeman Traml,
>> I was just going to say we tal we have 1,200 kids at the elementary school, but we also have a daycare center there within that space. That's the most crowded with small children that we have in the city of Dest. And um, personally, our main
thoroughares are 30 miles an hour. This is not a main thoroughfare. should not be considered a main thoroughfare because of the school zone. So that's what I'm looking at at this particular point. Um there are many
residential streets in this town that are 25. Calhoun is one of them. There's no school on Calhoun. >> I thought everything was 30. Is everything 30? >> No. >> No 25. You didn't know that? >> No. >> Just just a thought.
>> No. Being a former elementary teacher and knowing how children are, it it scares me. >> Yeah. And I would say it's more of a yes and I'm not against. It's yes and let's let's continue the conversation to the root cause. While we stop the bleeding,
let's continue it if if this is a true issue. So, I think that's where I'm getting a little excited about is it's not against the speed reduction. It's we can do that, but if we're also very passionate about dropping our rules for safety, let's address the real safety
and not a stop sign or a reduction in the speed limit. Councilman Gal, >> this is a little off topic, but if we can't take a break, can I get a bed pan or a catheter? >> All right, we'll we'll call this vote and then that way you got some time. All
right, any further discussion? All right, we'll call the vote. All right, eyes have it. One, two, three, four, five to two. So moved. >> All right, get after it.
>> All right, Mr. Jones. Item 4 C is regarding our last parking management um and the execution or authorization to execute a contract. Um Michael and his crew have worked hard with these folks to come up with the
best scenarios to manage our our parking and to enforce the um on street and off streetet parking um for the city lots particularly the Marlor Zerby Community Center Joe's Bayou. So, it will include the boat launching from Joe's bio. Uh,
so you got a lot of information there in your packet. One thing I would um just keep in mind that that this is a nimble process. We can massage it, move it around. As we see things are working, we
can expand them or contract them as the case may be. So, it's it's it'll be a fluid situation as we learn and move forward and uh hopefully do a better job of managing the parking in city lots and streets. Uh, Councilman Bagby.
>> Mayor, I move to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement for professional services with LAZ Florida Parking LLC for parking management and enforcement services in substantially the form presented and to take any necessary administrative actions
consistent with this authorization. And then I will do the last part of the recommended motion as a separate motion because I don't think they should be put together. >> Second. >> All right. And with that, Councilwoman Abear, >> um, if this goes into to place, when
would these, um, when would they take over managing these parking lots? When code would be off the hook for staying on top of getting us collections every weekend and week nights when there's a lot of people parking for free. >> Sure. That's kind of a multi-art
question, so I I'll do my best to address them. >> Uh, March 1st, that is our target date. That's kind of the kickoff for spring break. We have already sent a termination letter to passport parking. So their services will be terminated at
that point and at that point LAZ will take over. The parking enforce the parking enforcement officer. It's a single individual working 40 hours a week. We'll have discussions with LAZ parking about their schedule and when they would be best optimized or that
schedule be best optimized to suit our needs. weekends, holidays, things like that. >> Okay, that's what I was. Thank you. Appreciate that. >> And to follow on that, that's for the parking lots that we won't be able to use the camera recognition for.
>> That is correct. But that person will also patrol those as well. >> Okay. All right. Uh, Councilman Dustin, >> I just want to make sure I'm correct. They're going to charge us $387,000 to do this the first year. That's for also the equipment, all the
camera equipment and setup. >> Okay. And after that it goes to 200 and some thousand. >> It does drop after that. >> My opinion that's too much. So I would have to vote against that. That's outlandish amount of money to to manage what.
>> All right. Any other comment? That's only because that's how much enforcement we can do to get that in that monetary amount for the parking. Correct. Because we don't have full-time code watching those parking lots and
there's a lot of people that park throughout the year. The summer, the evenings, they just park and they eat dinner or they do their thing and they leave and they never pay. So, this is going to be where we'll be able to enforce that payment and it pays for itself. Isn't that what you were talking about ultimately what they'll be able to
enforce charge-wise for us to pay them? >> So, you'll probably, this is probably a little intuitive, a lot of our evening parking is in the harbor district. Not a lot of beach parking in the evenings, uh, along Gulf Shore Drive and along
Scenic 98. That will kind of be a passive enforcement program. So, the the license plate reader will uh write citations on our behalf. It'll kind of be a passive enforcement officer, but an active one, if that makes any sense. U
the the officer during the day, of course, will, like you said, catch those people that are parking without paying. It's the LAZ's opinion that we'll be able to uh increase our enforcement revenue probably at this point by a factor of 10
or more. So, um, I would just ask the council's patience with this during this first year and, uh, see how it goes. >> And to further kind of hopefully massage Councilman Destin's concerns, is it base
pay plus a percentage of ticket? >> No, it's not. It's not a paytoplay kind of you get more money if you write more tickets situation. >> Okay. So, this is just a base and we're not playing games. Most of this is structured as flat fees.
>> Okay. Excellent. All right. Councilman Braden, >> thanks. Um, how much were we paying or was passport receiving from our parking? >> 80,000 per year. That's what Crystal just said. >> So, we're going from 80,000 to 337 or
>> Yes, sir. But we are adding a lot of equipment, camera equipment, kiosks, and things like that. So it kind of facilitate payment either willingly or unwillingly because if you you attempt to park without paying in the Zerby
Community Center Marlor or Joe's Bayou, if you attempt to use those facilities parking without paying, you'll get a citation. So I guess basically what they're saying is what what they're going to do is is
it's going to pay they're going to pay for themselves. It's going to make the revenue is going to increase so much it's basically paying for it themselves. >> Well, they're also going to be implementing something they're calling a flexible rate schedule. So during this time of year when you know it's kind of
a kind of the off season uh that the pay rates will be lower in our lots and that'll be adjusted throughout the year based on demand and we'll certainly be working hand inand with them to kind of set those schedules well in advance.
Councilman Bagby. >> Yeah. To just assuage your and Councilman Dustin's concerns, uh the actual cost of the operation is 203,000 for the coming year. So it's it is $123,000
increase. Uh but uh paragraph 6.1 of the contract gives us the ability to cancel with 30 days notice. And so I what I would expect is that this time next year, you you all would um
look at the numbers from uh 2026 and say, "Yeah, we increased our collections by a factor of 10 and this is the best deal we ever got." Or say, "We didn't increase it a single penny, but we increased our cost by $120,000 and
here's your 30 days notice." I mean, so it's it's not like we're we're locking in on a five-year contract and this is the only thing we can do. >> I got Councilman Smith and C Desert. >> Thanks. I know this might be an attorney thing, but maybe Larry, you can handle
it since she had to go on a break, but I believe we have a fee schedule that sets our parking fees. So, ahead of March one, do we need to have anything brought to us? Uh, I'd be happy to sponsor uh some potential fee >> u structure. Right. >> Certainly. would certainly be worth
looking at and if there's >> we'll charge x amount of dollars doesn't say anything about a >> and if it's going to be dynamic so yes we' absolutely >> you want to get that to us I guess before whenever y'all feel like it's >> okay >> council >> Dustin just a question on the
cancellation 30 days or whatever it is uh do we buy the equipment or do they take it and remove it and take it with them >> we're buying the equipment >> that's what I thought so it's a it's a it's a cancellation with a hundred and some thousand fine. The other question
is, you know, for $200,000 a year, how many people can we hire? >> It's one >> that we're paying $200,000 for one. >> No, it's it's also all of the monitoring fees, the maintenance, all that comes along with it.
>> So once once the equipment's in place, we don't touch it. They come and maintain it. >> That's not my question. That's not my question is >> we have one person that works for the city of Dest now that does that. How much do we pay him a year? >> So, I'm saying if we're going to spend
$200,000 to pay these guys after the equipment, how many enforcement people could we hire on our own? And >> two and a half. >> I'm going to say one. I'm going to say the same one because if we're still
we're still paying passport parking $80,000 per year for all the fees and everything that goes along with that. And I think hiring an enforcement officer with benefits and everything would be right around $100,000 a year, maybe
slightly less. So it'd be about even. >> One other question, what percentage of people are actually paying these fines? I know we asked that question before and it was in 50 or 60 percentile. >> It is. It's about 50 or 60% which is the national average.
>> And is this going to change that at all? because the best I can tell that what they can do is turn it over to a collection agency. It's not a fine that goes through the court system. Is that correct? >> That's correct. And and and I hate to draw this analogy, but it's almost like the speed limit discussion that we just
had that if you get a ticket in the mail, you either pay it or you don't. You either abide by the speed limit sign or you don't. And it's about a 5050 6040 split about how people will >> will legitimately kind of own up to
their mistake and pay for the fine. And it also would apply again to the Joe's Bayou. We're going to be using this platform to collect the launch fees instead of uh having >> an attendance >> and an honor box. Yes. Yes. >> So we won't have a live person collecting the launch fees.
>> We're moving into the digital age. >> I'm sorry. >> The digital age. We're moving into the 21st century, I hope. And and that's the case. And this thing will run early in the morning, late in the evening when that person's not there. >> I guess we'll see how it works out. In
my opinion, it's way too expensive. >> All right, Councilwoman Dram, >> I was just looking at the map here at the parking lot below um the community center, and I know we have part of that land that we're using for staging for the
undergrounding. Can we include the cameras at that particular thing because they're not going to be there forever. >> It is our intent and I believe we have money budgeted in the CIP for next year to completely renovate that parking lot.
So you'd have one ingress and one egress. So we would have a consolidated lot paved striped not gravel anymore controlled environment in and out with cameras. with the same camera
>> you're planning. >> Yeah, same camera. But I mean, we'd have an ingress camera and an egress camera. The other thing I didn't mention was if if the parking lot's full, like we we ride in, there are no spaces and you leave within a certain amount of time, you won't get a citation.
So, if you know, if it's like 2 or 3 minutes, 5 minutes, you just pass through, no citation. But if you linger, then there'll be a citation and don't pay. And then so the residents would be then going from a uh license plate. We'd
register the license plate more in addition to the sticker so that you know who you are. You get a text saying thanks for being a resident. It's free. >> That is correct. So we will be collecting uh that information and uh Dustin resident parking passes are
available now at city hall. So y'all y'all come on by. But uh we'll we'll be providing that information regularly to LAZ parking to enter into their kind of u it's not a coupon. It's not a promo code, but it's something like that. You're kind of exempt from the program.
So when your license plate goes by and you don't create a session, they won't send you a citation because you're a destined resident. >> All right. With no further questions, we'll call the vote.
All right. 61. Eyes have it. So moved. >> Yes, sir. Second part of the motion. Mayor, I move to increase the fiscal year 2026 budget by $337. I'm sorry. $337,000
$897 in accordance with the amendment uh as published. >> Do I hear a motion? I hear a motion. Do I have a second? Second. >> With a second. Any further discussions on the budgetary item for this? Seeing
none, we'll call the question. Ray's got to type it in manually. Yeah, Ray, you almost there. He's smiling at us. Yeah. >> Need a restroom break, Ray. >> I didn't yell at you. You can go what you want. >> All right. There you go. I appreciate
you, Ray. Eyes have it. So move 70. All right, Mr. Bossman Jones. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. Item 4 D is regarding the Norgo dredging um project for the Harbor Dredge. Um if you
recall, we um went back out for bid for this. We we received two responsive responsible biders. Gator dredging which scored 99 out of 100 possible points by the bid committee and complete size source scored 82 out of 100. Uh their
prices were within just a few thousand. Gator dredging was a few thousand less but primarily the it was the timing. uh if we and we're asking you to award to Gator and also allow us also to approve a contract that um we will execute
immediately and give them a notice to proceed tomorrow. Uh and with that they should finish by the first week in March is their completion date. So we would recommend approval the award and the authorization to execute contract.
>> Awesome. All right. Uh Councilwoman Traml. Uh, mayor, I move that the council award the bid for RFB25-16-PW to Gator Dredging, execute the construction contract, and issue the notice to proceed as soon as possible. >> Second.
>> All right. Motion is second. Uh, I would like to thank Councilman G for bringing this to our attention. He wanted some credit. >> I'm just playing with you. No. All right. Uh, any The sand's going where? We're dredging the sand from the bottom
and throwing it where >> into the embavements on the um >> on the >> on the point. Yeah. >> To recreate the profiles of when they were first created. >> Fantastic. >> Any excess will be land of that. >> Don't dump it on the county's land.
>> I know. >> They dump it on the states. >> Dump it on the county. >> I mean the state's land. All right. Thank you for that. Uh any further questions? >> Seeing none, we'll we'll call the question. Bob brought your button in there for
you. >> All right, eyes have it. So move 70. Last one. info. >> Uh item 4F is just minutes for the standing boards and committees. And no questions there. We'll move to announcements. I believe Dr. Young has
several for you. >> Yeah. Good evening. There will be a CRA board meeting on Tuesday, January 20th at 5:30 p.m. here in the annex. The meeting will serve as the first quarterly rollup to address pending items between the harbor CRA and the town center CRA.
We've put out information about this, but just a reminder that the Matty Kelly pier is closed while work is being done in that area. We have a lot of milling and repaving work being done in the area this month and next. The schedule for Reatta Bay South, Norgo Road, Magnolia, and a lot
of others is posted on our homepage under news and information on our website. It lists the dates between January 12th and February 9th. That is expected for each um that the schedule that H&T gave us. Our annual visioning session will take
place this year on Friday, January 23rd, beginning at 9:00 a.m. We've hired a consultant, Lisa Gunderson, to lead the session. again. That's Friday, January 23rd at 9:00 am. We began oop
>> Yes, here in the annex. Thank you. >> Everybody's invited and we'll be putting out a lot more about the it as well. We began issuing free annual parking passes to eligible residents today. Passes can be obtained at city hall, the Destin Community Center, or online. You can
find the online link on our Instagram and Facebook pages as well as our website. Um, they also includes additional information about other passes such as the Joe's Bayou and Henderson Beach State Park passes. Our Buck Dustin Park basketball courts
are being resurfaced, so the courts will not be available for the next two weeks, but all for a good cause. And lastly, we have our instrument ready for the annexation potential survey or the potential annexation survey and the consultant we hired will begin working
on it starting tomorrow. >> That's it. >> All right. Thank you so much. All right. Getting into public hearings, Miss Cop. >> Thank you, Mayor. This is ordinance number 2603LC, an ordinance of the city of Dustin, Florida, deleting section 7.080, 08
regulation of the subdivision of land of the layon development code. Replacing section 7080 by creating a new article 5 subdivision regulations of the land development code 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. This is second reading and there have not been changes to the ordinance since first reading. >> Thank you Miss Cop. at this time. Seeing this is a public hearing, if anyone wishes to speak on this topic specifically, this is your time to do
so. Seeing no takers from the public, I'll close the public comments at this time and entertain a motion from council for 2603 LC second reading. >> Let me get down here. Mayor, I move that the city council
approve ordinance 2603-LC with uh the caveat that the staff will add a couple of things that we discussed earlier today and I guess I missed the first reading but one was reference the collection of
storm water vice the treatment of storm water in residential neighborhoods and I see David shaking his head and one was water connections. Water connections will be required just like sewer connections are required. Water is available throughout this city. So, it
didn't say that in the uh in the text. >> What was the first one? The second note >> change uh storm water >> neighborhood. Yeah. Collection of storm water actually should read the treatment
of storm water. uh in in neighborhoods. >> Gotcha. Okay. I guess administrator >> greater than five acres. >> Gotcha. All right. Uh Councilwoman Traml, >> I guess I just had a question. Um
>> I didn't see any I I don't know if it goes here or if it goes in parking, but um we've run into this issue before where there's not enough additional parking for visitors. And I think that's important when you're designing a subdivision that you have that
additional parking for visitors. Um, so I don't know if it should be here or under parking. The other thing is I think if you're going to build a subdivision, you should you should have a pet relief area. I'm sorry. Just it needs >> at least you're consistent
and and I'm sorry before we move on. Uh, do I have a second for that motion? Second. >> Thank you for that. All right. Continue, please. Anything further? Yeah. And I agree with the the parking as far as the flow overflow parking or visitor parking. >> Whatever whatever you call that. >> Yeah. And I don't know where you'd take
it, but yes, I I do agree with that sentiment. Any other comments? >> No, that's all I have. >> Okay. Thank you. Councilman Dustin's got a question. Miss Cop, the changes that we are doing tonight, do they need a do they necessitate this to go back to
first reading? >> Necessitate? Yeah, >> it doesn't sound like it. Um, the title covers it, so I think you're good. >> All right. Thank you for that. Uh, seeing no further comments, questions, or concerns, Ray, if you can please call
the vote. >> All right. Eyes have it so moved unanimously. 5B. Miss Cop. >> Thank you, mayor. This is ordinance number 2526LC, an ordinance of the city of Dest, Florida, deleting section 71300 non-conforming uses and structures and
section 16800 non-conforming signs of the land development code and creating a new article 3 nonconformities, amending and updated regulations uh relating to non-conformities, creating an exception for structures located within the South Harbor mixeduse District Ahm
that are damaged by natural disasters or certain and other forces majour by greater than 50% as set forth herein. 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.
This is first reading. We did have um a version of this ordinance go to council back on December 16th. At that time, council directed an exemption to existing non-conforming structures in the South Harbor mixeduse zoning district allowing them to rebuild if
destroyed by a natural disaster by more than 50%. So, this version of the ordinance has that change and uh the community development director is here to answer any questions you may have. >> Thank you. Before we get into that, I'll ask the public if anyone wishes to speak
on this public hearing, this is your time to do so. Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing for 2526 LC and I'll entertain a motion on the floor. Mayor, I move that the city council
approve ordinance 25-26-LC with the following changes. I have three. Uh number one is uh sorry I may only have no I have three built back to the approved plans and the
community development director and I discussed this. What what it does not cover is it says you can build back to what was there and as we all know sometimes what is there is not what was
approved. People have added auxiliary units, sheds, carports, a bunch of stuff. So, it should read that they can build back to what was approved by the city. Just because we didn't catch you the first
time doesn't mean that we won't eventually have you fall within the scope of the the law. Uh my second change is billboards are not supposed to be repaired. And that was that goes back to the original billboard
>> uh >> res not resolution uh >> ordinance >> ordinance the where we were going to age them out which we gave them 25 years to age out but then all of a sudden little cosmetic repairs started happening and
then solar panels so that the lights would work and then all these other things. they're not supposed to be repaired and so that should also be captured in this section. And finally, uh the site elements, uh it says if they're more than 50%
damaged, well, the parking lot doesn't get more than 50% damaged and the landscaping may get more than 50% damage. But what really should drive the train is that the primary structure if the primary structure on that property is more than 50% damaged then everything
has except in the South Harbor mixed juice area then all of it has to be brought in compliance because what you have is in some on some lots you have a house that is or is not in compliance uh but the parking is not or something else
is not and it's been allowed to keep that way and if it has to be rebuilt, if the primary structure has to be rebuilt, then it ought to all the entire parcel should be brought into compliance. So, those are the three changes. I don't
know if you want me to make them individually or collectively. >> That was the longest motion I've had so far. I appreciate that. Do I hear a second or maybe some discussion on the question? >> All right. So, we got that with the three caveats. Councilman Braden.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I didn't support this last time. I'm not supporting it tonight. Um, I know we've worked hard and council's worked hard over the years for trying to bring everything up to speed and get it nicer and, um, and I know it was brought up when this came
about last meeting that, you know, try to preserve our heritage and the, um, boat house was mentioned and Harry Te's was mentioned. If we're hanging our heritage hat on that, we're in deep trouble. And in my personal opinion, we
lost our heritage 30 years ago because Terry Te's is part of that carnival down there with the zip lines and all that. And that's not our heritage. You know, I don't care if that whole place just falls off of the Gulf of America and is never rebuilt. Um, so I don't know why
this came about and why just on the harbor down there because there's nothing down there that I know of that, you know, if it's destroyed, it it needs to be built up back to standards. Um, I mean, we got the same old drunks going to the boat house every day at 11:00.
We're going to try to preserve that place and I don't know. I for that, I just can't support this at all. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you for the comment. Um, yeah, that was that was kind of only my thing that came up in uh when I was going through the briefing was the the
billboards. Not specifically in my briefing, but afterwards looking at it. The ordinance would supersede this of the billboards or is this now conflicting? >> It's conflicting. It needs to be brought in compliance. >> Yes. And that's that's what your amendment part Okay.
>> Thank you. All right. Councilman Dustin. >> Thank you, Mayor. um as the one who suggested some of this at the last meeting, never intended billboards or signs to be part of it. Period.
And uh while I share some of Mr. Braden's sentiments about the heritage of Destin was lost a long time ago, I'd like to think there's a little bit of it that we still should try to protect. that was the only object of this, you know, and if you guys don't think that's
a good reason to go forward, then I don't, you know, I'll be happy to go along with the will of the council. But there are still some structures along the harbor that in my opinion have some
benefit in being allowed to come back. Otherwise, a storm like Opal will just wipe it all out and we'll have all new stuff there and nothing of the old traditions and the old things that were in destined. So, the uh you know, I would I would go so far as to remove the
sign section. I you know, I don't want to protect old signs. And uh on the other part just trying to do what cities all over the country do. You know, you have
historic districts. Now are we historic? Not much left anymore. But we do have traditional things going on. >> But uh that was the only object of of this. >> Council baby. >> Yeah. I just I had a question just Yeah.
Just just to make sure I understand. So, you're talking about removing the signs from the South Harbor mixed use district, right? >> The protection of the sign. Okay. Yeah, I'm fine with that, incorporating that into my sign thing. I I I didn't know if we were talking globally or just in the
South Harbor protection we're giving them. The only protection I'm interested in is >> the buildings, >> some of the old traditional buildings that are down there. >> Yep. >> Yeah. And and I'm glad you said that because I thought it was to preserve the uh AJ's no to
preserve AJ's the festive marketplace. Uh and because we have have yet to fulfill our obligation to build the three parking areas that we promised those
uh businesses down on the harbor that we would do because most of the non-compliance, not all of it, but most of it has to do with the parking and that's on us. That's not on those businesses whether they get wiped out or not. So, I I'm glad you clarified that.
>> And the only other comment I would have is I never intended to try to protect them from life safety issues such as the fire codes and the and the uh building codes that are updated. U when they put them back to their original footprint,
they're going to have to comply with the fire codes. And does this ordinance make that clear? Fire codes and life safety. >> Saying yes. >> He's saying yes. I can't see. >> We had that discussion and this ordinance only covers the LDC and so
>> Council Me, >> I just have a crazy question, a little offthe-wall. So, we're talking about structures right now, but we have other kind of important pieces out there. I mean, Emerald Coast Scuba has a
boat that was in one of the Jaw series. Is that covered if something happens out there to that? I mean, it's kind of a staple of the community. It's out there all the time. It was in one of the movies. It's big business inside this community and it's down there at the harbor every day. So, where do you draw
the line, right? Is it just a structure? Is it boat? So, unless we we incorporate what we think signifies destined or or I won't support it. >> Are you suggesting we should expand it to cover those things? Well, I mean, if
you want to cover certain structures or certain things that represent Destin, I mean, some of those things represent Destin just as much as a building, right? >> So, you're suggesting we expand it to cover those >> possibly. Yeah. If if that's what you want to do.
>> Uh, you know, >> both are down at the harbor. I don't know. Okay. >> All right. Councilman Braden, >> what what historical buildings are we talking about? >> I don't know if we're defining it as
strictly historical >> button. >> Excuse me. >> Defining it strictly as historical, but there are buildings down there. And then if you recall, and I I know you were here, we used to have Captain Day's restaurant on the harbor. It was destroyed by Hurricane Opel. wasn't
allowed to be put back because of the city codes and some other issues with the state. But that was a primary example of, you know, a structure that had been there since before I was born that a hurricane knocked it down and now it's never there again. So,
not sure what that was. That's just that's the kind of things that, you know, the things that made Destin Harbor what it was. I I agree with that one, but I just can't for the life of me just can't think of any historical or any structures, buildings on that harbor
that we just can't live without or we're trying to protect. That's what I'm getting at. We're just saying we're trying to protect buildings down there. What What are we trying to protect? >> Traditional uses, traditional buildings. >> So, why don't we just do it citywide?
Council, good question. Councilwoman Traml, >> to me to me the the answer is when you rebuild it needs to look like the original and that comes from our town center master plan where they talked
about the old Florida style. We haven't adopted that yet. If we did, then the these older buildings that would have to rebuild to that style. They could still be whatever they wanted to be within code obviously,
but we need to adopt that aesthetic to be able to give the people something to do. I mean, something to work toward, something to rebuild to that would enhance the look of the harbor area anyway to make it um look more original.
That's all. >> Is that a legislative sponsor volunteer? >> I'd be glad to. >> Yeah, I know it's kind of already out there. Sorry, Alan. >> This is C >> at at the bot um at the C. Yes. Yes, sir. Yep. We're we're kind of swerving
into that from this B conversation. But yes, >> this is B. But we're kind of getting >> not yet, sir. No. Yeah, we're we're using examples that are protruded in C, but yes. >> Yeah, that's a
>> Y. >> Fair enough. All right. Uh, any further discussion? I'm seeing none on the board. >> Extra long. >> Extra long. >> Yeah. >> No. >> No.
Yeah, we called B. Now I want to call C here after this. All right, I have it four. >> I I asked for it. >> You did? >> Yeah. >> That's okay. Um All right. Ice have it 43. So move. Now we're moving on to public item C. Miss Cop.
>> Yes. This is ordinance number 265 LC an ordinance of the city of Dustin, Florida, amending article 8, transportation of the land development code, amending section 806000 vehicle and parking standards and section 8090 multimodal transportation
district deleting multimodal transportation district MMTD and replacing with parking standards for commercial mixeduse multif family and transitoriented development. Amending and remove and removing parking reduction options. Removing on-site
onsite parking maximums. Removing alternative parking options as set forth herein. Deleting map 8-4 multimodal transportation district map. 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. Um this is first reading and this is being done um separate from the LDC rewrite in that it has a more um current effective date. As you know with
the LDC rewrite in general all of those ordinances are intended to become effective at the same time upon adoption of the last chapter. That way the whole code is changed at once. This ordinance is not a part of that and would become effective if approved on second reading.
The community development director is here for questions. >> Thank you so much. And with this being first reading of ordinance 2605LC, if anyone from the public wishes to speak on this topic, this is your time to do so. It was only first reading. So you got another bite at the apple on the next go
round. >> Hold on. Hold. I'm under This is under some strict guidelines with the public hearing. >> Does it pertain to this spec? Okay. It better be parking. >> So, I'm going to say this about parking, >> please. >> I I I don't think and on any amendment.
I don't think you should take public comment until we know what your motion is and what y'all have discussed. Because if you take our comment before you tell us what your intentions are, we can't tell you if we think that's wrong. So, if you are going to take public
comment on on C, but on anything, tell us what you're going to talk about first in the motion and then before you call for the question, after we've heard you discuss it, then get our input. Cuz me giving you input, like I know what you're going to say,
nobody can do that. So, that's the only thing I'll say administratively here. If y'all going to have a discussion and make a motion and you want to have public input, tell us what your input is first as public officials and then ask for our feedback so we can tell you if we agree with your decision or not
before you make it. But we can't do that ahead of time. It just doesn't make sense. Questions should always come after your discussion. Thanks. >> Appreciate the insight. Anyone else wishing to speak on this topic? All right. Seeing none, we'll close the public comments at this time. And Miss
Sandy Traml, Councilwoman Traml. >> Uh, well, I was going to make the motion uh that the city council approved ordinance 26-05-LC on first reading with the following changes. And the one change that I want to put in here has to do with parking
for low-speed vehicles. They're everywhere in this town. We need to add that in here somewhere in the requirements. >> Okay. Could you could you repeat that, Councilwoman? Add the LCB requirements.
>> You've got >> You've got bicycles and you've got transport and vehicles, but you don't have low-speed vehicles. Those are smaller parking spaces. >> Gotcha. Correct. >> We'll do. >> Okay. Because they're everywhere and
they're getting more prevalent as as the days go on. So I think with that we would be forward thinking and not >> Yep. And >> I'll second I'll second it >> with with the with that amendment to it.
Uh Councilman Dest. >> Okay. The multimmoal transportation district. Where and what is it? My recollections in the past it was mostly around the harbor. >> It's basically everywhere. >> It's everywhere. Well, then >> it's like everywhere but the north tip
of West Dest. >> Okay. Well, then Sandy's comment has merit because I was going to say if it's just mostly not allowed there anyway. Uh the only other comment I would have is it makes sense to take away the credits that are associated with multimodal
since we're not going to have multimodal anymore is my understanding. So the so to give credits is is self-defeating. Um I I noticed that it also looks like it deletes any shared parking agreements.
I'm if it's a legitimate shared parking agreement where the hours of operation are different. I'm not sure if that is really um applicable, but uh this is first reading and as Mr. Osborne said, we're going to get some comment since
this is first reading and of course uh you can read the proposed ordinance to get some kind of an idea where we're going. But um those are the only two questions I had. The credits, they need to be gone since we're not doing multimodal anymore.
Um, as I as we all remember, we had a project came through at the last meeting that used the heck out of them >> and there is no multimodal district really to speak of anymore, nor should there be. So, that part I can agree with. >> And that's kind of the discussion I had
was I was afraid of the unintended consequences. I think for businesses that are in that nature of like a resort where clearly people aren't going to be walking to them, it's a it's completely irrelevant to say 20%'s going to bike here to a resort.
That's that's ridiculous. And the reacting thought that okay, if the map is basically all of Destin and you can get 20% off for being a multimotal, then basically congratulations, your single family bay estate doesn't qualify for multimodal. Um, but to your point that
that's something that I was worried about or maybe didn't have the knowledge to articulate was how do we still incentivize the shared parking that's legitimate and potentially still creating the mixed use in those areas that we actually most likely want. One
that came to mind was next to Publix. I know that's not even started off the ground, but if that goes or we get a bite in some way, of course, we could always change our code and all that, but to to Sy's point of staying proactive and trying to stay relevant with it,
perhaps by cutting everything, we almost hurt ourselves in in some other ways when we're trying to get quality local businesses to partner and work together to make things happen so we're not overburdening some. Uh my only other concern that I brought up it was uh the
unintended consequence of now just we we already loved a clearcut but now maximum parking going away and now we are allowing and making more parking requirements. Great in some instances, but in other instances, are we just creating a sea of asphalt and hopefully
if we can manipulate this a little bit more for the shared parking agreements, if there's way to have a little bit more teeth so it's not an honor system that we can enforce. But again, I didn't really know I don't have the background expertise to articulate it, but that was some of my fears that we talked about.
Uh, Councilwoman Traml, >> the other thing I forgot, I had uh discussion during my briefing about um during the multimodal era, we'll put it that way, we identified transit stops and where we think transit stops need to be. And I
was talking to staff about um right now we have um and I don't know the name of the company that goes around with a huge LSV and takes people to and from the harbor >> harbor haulers. But it doesn't matter
whatever company it is. But I think we need to identify those transit stops as stops where they people could be picked up then. Um >> well even if we just identify them on the map because when I talked to them they said well where are they?
>> And I said well I know that one's in front of my business but I can't you know which is fine but and it's great because now we have 64 town homes behind my business. they can walk right down there, get whatever they need, and go to the harbor. >> So, I I think those things as part of our whole transportation plan need to be
identified and kept so that if we ever get to the thing where we have public transportation, we'll still have those available. >> I'm on the county's transportation co-op board. I'll shoot that over to Rey and them and because I think in 24 they've redone it. They did their own little study and they implemented some stuff.
So even some of the old stops have changed. Some of the I guess uh main stops like Wind Dixie and some of those uh the community center they stayed but some of the rerouting had happened uh for efficiencies that they found. Um so I I'll get that map to them to dispute
out. >> This just may be within city >> correct. No exactly. This is just in the city. Of course there's multiple routes but I think there's three routes that are specifically for Destin and Dest and then two going west and east. Um and then to the point of the
public transportation, I think in addition or maybe on on another separate note, I I think public transportation always has a black eye, but I think we should really look at and maybe it's through the chamber and maybe not necessarily government, but we should
have some sort of uh tourism transportation because if they're in these hotels, then we can shuttle them to the beach, to other the harbor, And that's less unnowledgeable lo non-locals on the road not knowing
where to turn, where to park, and things of that nature. I don't think it has anything necessarily to do with how we deem parking, but that was something that also came up where I would really like to see things like that happen. After talking to the director of the Henderson Beach uh state park, when they
are at max capacity, it's not necessarily max capacity of people, it's max capacity of cars, and they're interested in exploring partnerships where if we can get our resorts and hotels to work together, maybe there's a local solution to move the tourist
around so that we don't have tourists not knowing what they're doing on our roads or at least a reduction of it. So, that was just something else that I'll I'll try to explore with us or the county later on. Anything else discussing this ordinance?
Seeing none, I will call the vote for the motion with the LSV parking addition and >> all the other things we mentioned. >> Sorry. Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. I try to recap. Councilman Dustin. >> Yeah. And that's the point. We suggest a couple of changes we'd like to be seen.
>> Yeah. So, would bring it back to a first reading. >> I agree. >> So, we want a motion to clarify the direction of the council. >> It would be helpful. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um, has everyone said their piece? Do we have all the notes, David? >> I think I've got
>> Okay, >> please. So, we don't have to do this three times. >> Okay. So, one of the thing is, uh, ensure that we've added requirements for LSV parking. We packed we you know recently just a couple of months ago passed the standard but I'll make sure that that jives with what we we're doing
here. Does that make sense? Okay. Um there's another consideration that just getting rid of shared parking wholesale may not be the right idea because there's some places where you feel like it might be legitimate. So we'll look at that. Um maybe parking minimums and u if
we have parking minimums there's a concern about maximums could be just detrimental because it could be excessive. So there's one consideration of maybe we still have we have minimums but maybe any increases beyond the min minimums are conditional based on demonstrating need or something along
that effect and then also look at maybe creating a tourism transportation as a distinct category um in the transportation section >> that would incentivize these resorts that we're not interested in to at least do something good for us. >> Yeah. and and how would on that one. How
how what are you looking at as far as creating this as its own category with >> the transportation thing? I I'm afraid that might be too in the weeds. I'm afraid let's let's lock this out and maybe that's a whole separate thing. I mean, don't don't cross it off, but I I would hate to muddy up this discussion
with a dream. >> Okay. And >> that's what I had for it. >> Yeah. All right. Any uh I got Councilman Braden then Bagby. >> Oh, come on. Thank you, mayor. When you're going over that shared parking,
what are you going to do with that? Um, I'm going to want to know how we're going to enforce that. How you going to keep track of that? Cuz right now, the old St. Andrews church, they I bet half the harbor was using that as shared parking. And then
when I asked a question on, you know, what on what happens on Sunday when church is in session? Well, everybody just kind of shoved their shoulders like, I don't know, right? You know, that's not an answer. >> So, I want to know how we're going to how we going to change things. How was you know, if it's going to have shared
parking, then we need the definition of what that is. >> Yes. >> And how that's going to happen. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. Council Bagby. >> Yeah. Two things on on the shared parking. This the way it's written right
now gets rid of the shared parking. >> Correct. And I would say if you're a developer or you're a business person and you're coming for approval of a development order or something else, you can ask for a waiver at that time and say and these are my hours of operation
and I'm I'm asking you to let me use this as opposed to intuitively letting us just well it'll work out on its own because you're a restaurant that serves, you know, dinner and their
charter boat operation that does during the day. But yeah, we that's a conversation on the maximum parking. I'm not sure sure I would get rid of it yet because really that's what the open space regulation is to prevent the
>> uh pave everything paved over. No, because you got to have open space and we hopefully we will maybe increase the open space requirement a little bit, you know. So then that tells the business owner, "Oh, I wanted to build a building this big and have parking all over here,
but now the open space requirement is I can only build a building this big because I have to have the open space on the outside." So I think before we just launch on some of these things, let's think them through and have a conversation. >> Thank you.
>> Beautiful. All right, with that I don't know where we motion how how we motion what David has regurgitated >> to. >> All right. Yeah. So with with David's list of nodding heads up here.
>> I don't know how we make this truly. >> How about you're just making a motion for staff to bring bring back an ordinance with the considerations referenced by the community development director. >> I'll make that motion that Kim just stated. Okay. So, I'll withdraw the original
motion and second the second. >> All right. I appreciate everyone's participation. All right. Calling the vote. >> Ray, do you need a minute or should I Oh, look at that. He's on it. >> Look at him. >> He Ray wants to go home.
Eyes have it. So, move 70. >> All right. Public comments. Council member Braden. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, a couple things that came up tonight. Um, well, one thing came up tonight. Um the uh community center.
Um I know we had spent a bunch of money to get somebody to tell us what's wrong with that place, what it's going to take to fix it. Um where do we stand with that? >> They are completing a draft of the uh inspection requirements and the bid
documents. So hopefully Jeff, do we know a time frame when we're looking for that? Should be fairly short order. Should you >> I would think it'd be pretty soon. I'll be glad to follow up with them and get a a specific time frame for when we'll get that, but I know that that's what they were working on as of last week. >> What are we working on again?
>> Putting together the bid documents. >> Bid documents. >> Yes. For the the roof and the windows and the sighting >> for the community center repairs. >> Correct. >> Correct. Yes, sir. >> Okay. Um and the leash law. Do we not
have a leash law? We got one but just can't enforce it. Yes. >> Okay. We just can't enforce it. >> Well, yeah, because his issue was the county enforces it, but the county doesn't have one. >> So, is that correct? Or is he calling the right person? >> Why does the county
told him that? >> Yeah. So, that's what my question was. Is that a miscommunication on where to go? >> Yeah. If we have a police law in the city of Dustin, why what's that got to do with the county? So, >> that was his comment was he was calling the county saying they don't have one.
>> Okay. But the city does. >> That's correct. And obviously we have a contract with Paul to enforce our animal control ordinances and that should be one of those. Now if and Paul has an agreement with the county as well. However, if they don't have one, I
suspect Paul is not going to enforce a county ordinance um that's not on the books. So we we could certainly follow up to make sure they are enforcing it in the city when requested to do so. So if they if some if people were somebody's walking their dog continuous in say Kell
Air Yeah. >> without a leash, >> who do I call? >> Enforcement. Pause. County. >> Yeah. The >> sheriff's office. >> Sheriff's office. Pause. Uh
>> um >> open carry become legal September 15. >> You know, we will get it to the right people. I think any of those folks could answer a question and get it to the right to people to respond. >> Okay. Thank you. It's all got Mayor. Thank you,
>> Councilwoman Traml on that. >> Why wouldn't code enforcement take handle that? They enforce our other codes. They're the ones we should be calling not not pause to come all the way from Fort Walton Beach over here by that time. You know, >> it depends. If there if there's a loose
animal not on a leash and we're asking for help with that, then it's pause. If it's just a regular code violation, then you would call code compliance. That's why the city manager just said call code compliance and if it's not them, we'll handle it. Figuring out where.
>> Okay. And you're now up. Anything? >> Okay. Traml. Anything? >> Anything addition to your name? >> Did we answer this? Uh information
>> the sidewalk. >> I got one. >> Okay. Yeah, there's 20 of them. >> It's >> uh uh the owners here. >> I mean the condos, excuse me, not town houses. Did we answer this?
>> Um yeah, this the additional sidewalks on East Pass Tower 2, which was I'm sorry. Um, we're actually waiting for the contractor was to be back today and uh I've got a note from Robert tomorrow
to follow up with them. Uh, there was and and I believe the um um young lady that spoke earlier. We did have conversation and there's there was an approved plan that the uh city that
council had with the U developer who is now no longer a developer out there but their contractor was still doing the work um in the rideway and some of that work was done a good portion of it. However, there was these parts that were not done. So, we're following up to
determine exactly why it wasn't and how we can move that forward. So, hopefully we'll have an answer that next couple. this issue would be included in that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all I have, Mayor. >> All right. Thank you. Uh, we got >> Oh, come on. All right. Councilman Bagby,
happy new year. Thanks to Miss Tamara, who's not here anymore, for the year in review, uh, and all the department heads that contributed to that. It was actually good reading. And, uh, I'll do
my Tory thing. I probably shouldn't talk about this, but I going to anyway. The uh I just no apologize. I understand the passions on all the side and I'm I'm passionate, but I just think we have to
maintain a cool head until we see exactly where our legislative delegation is and exactly where DP is because if we don't um I just don't but I I I probably came across too strong and I apologize
for that. >> Your wife will be proud. >> Well, she texted me three times. did say you're sleeping on the couch if you don't apologize. Thank you. >> We all appreciate you keeping a keeping the leash on them.
>> Go home tonight or >> All right, Councilwoman Abear. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. Um I was talking to Dw about Pro Tim taking over. Um as the uh mayor prom, I guess. Do I need to be nominated? I think you would be and the council would have to vote on it.
>> Correct. >> Mayor, >> if if uh I take a holiday, she she jumps in and leads the meeting, >> Miss Cop. That usually takes place after an election, but we I would certainly let Miss Abear try that out.
>> That is totally up to you all. Usually it's after an election, but if I think maybe >> council wants to make a motion. >> Can we put >> I'll make it a motion. >> Next agenda. >> Yeah, >> let's put that on the next agenda. >> Next one.
>> Sounds good. >> And the second question I have is also um there is um the legislative getting back together. I'd like to be the one this time that goes up there with our um our team. I guess it would be you,
Larry, and our lobbyist at the end of the month, January. If I could >> go with FLC >> be like the the representative this time around. Is that something I need to ask for permission to go or how does that work? >> Certainly at discretionary council, but
there is that opportunity will be coming up in fairly short order probably the last uh week of the month. >> Yeah. uh first days 30th. >> So, >> yeah. Yeah, we can all go. >> We can all go. You don't have to ask for permission, >> but I just want to make sure I get I would like to have some appointments to
meet with some of the people that, you know, handle some of our >> projects here and just sort of get my foot in the door with some of them, especially since I've sp sponsored our lobbyist. I want to kind of see some of the things she's helping us with. >> Yes, ma'am. Glad to.
And then my last thing is um I think David and I were talking about code and just finding out how many. Are you fully staffed now? >> Okay, we've got one more. Uh and but remember we we uh didn't fund two
positions to help pay for FRS. So So we're short two. And then of the six that were uh of the code field officers, they've got another interview next week. >> Okay, great. My my question on that is is as far as evenings if we have
complaints um is there somebody that has like hours that's working till nine o'clock answering emails or phone calls if there's an issue at one of our areas throughout Destin. So currently, no. I talked to the um the division manager and the code uh officer supervisor and
we're going to try to work out something and in those situ situations, someone's on call or takes the calls perhaps and then if it's something we can handle or if it's something that's a public safety issue, then we would forward it on to the sheriff's office. >> Okay, great. Appreciate it. Thank you
very much, >> Council Me. Couple things. one, Councilman Bagby. Love means you don't ever have to apologize. I want to thank uh Lisa FTH. I saw Buck Destin Park getting taken care of.
There's a lot of people that have been on my butt and I really appreciate you getting on that so I can keep them off my back. And uh I'll be honest, I can't remember the last thing. So, Kevin, >> late. >> Thank you. Um David, the item about
code. When will we have the um code presentation be brought back to council? The the full plan of how y'all do your job, what your plan is, how we're going to execute it for spring break, for summer, the whole thing. >> Yeah. So, uh the action plan, I think is what we were calling it before. And uh
so I looked at it yesterday and when it was today, I looked at it, excuse me, Friday, and I got about twothirds of the way through. Uh, I talked to the supervisor and the manager again this morning about it. Told him I had quite a few comments. Um, the city manager asked
us to try to get it to you guys for the your next meeting. So, that's what we're trying to do is get it to you u have it ready for you by the 20th. >> So, worst case scenario, first of February, first. >> Yes. Worst case scenario. Yes. >> Like uh Mr. Braden was talking about
earlier about uh God, it's so late. I forget what you said about you bring all how to do it. What were you talking about? >> But whatever he was talking about, >> it was good. >> I'm looking forward to that presentation because this there's a lot to talk about. There's a lot to talk about with
code enforcement. There is. >> So, >> bring it all. >> Okay. >> All of it, please. >> Okay. >> Um, do we have a schedule for restriping Kelly Beach and Benning? approximately. We
>> we resurfaced binning last year and it was restriped. Okay. >> We did bending in two parts back in I believe 2021 and 2022 and that was restriped. >> Uh Kelly does need to be restriped and I do have a quote from Emerald Coast
Striping to do that. >> Is that a continuing contract thing like where it could just happen at any point pretty much like if you like it's already budgeted? Yeah, it's part of the renewal and replacement program. Um, striping is generally the thermoplastic
striping is generally renewed about every 7 to 10 years. Um, and then the surface itself is replaced every 20 for local streets, 15 for collectors. >> Okay. So, uh, I'm not going to make a motion, but before we restripe Kelly, I would like to have discussion about the
possibility of narrowing it when we restripe it. >> We did the same thing with Benning. We we narrowed it from 11 feet and 12t lanes down to 10 and a half. >> Well, great. So, but maybe before you execute that one, we can talk we can be on the same page and maybe of the goal
of narrowing the lanes, right? >> Yeah. No. Yeah, >> perfect. Thank you so much. Um that's it. Thank you all very much. Uh, Councilwoman Traml, >> I I just want to remind um Kevin that one of the things about narrowing the
lanes, it doesn't work unless you paint the outside. >> Mhm. >> To make the actual lane narrower. If it's just a line, it still appears wide. So, it hasn't met its criteria of slowing the traffic down. So
>> in in looking at restriping that, I think we need to look at painting those edges as well. >> Yeah. >> And if we can find a sweet spot, we can find bike lanes, paint them green like many other cities around the state of Florida. And now we can get ebikes off the sidewalks.
Hot dog. Look at that. All right, Counciloman Braden. >> My comment. >> Yeah. No, thank you. That's perfect. >> I just wanted to include that in your >> Thank you, mayor. I had a question. And I know we were uh was going to talk about possible giving the city manager 3
4% >> down here. >> Is that coming? >> It's under my name. Uh council member Braden. >> Sorry, missed it. >> All right. Uh Schmidt's done. I got nothing. Thank you for all the good
comments there. Uh city attorney. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh the city manager's contract has a provision that at the first council meeting in January of each year, the city manager will be considered for a performance bonus of up to 4% of the contract value in addition
to his cost of living increase. The amount of such bonus is at the sole discretion of the city council up to 4%. So um that is the question for you all tonight. If you need any information about the numbers, let me know, but they're detailed in the staff report. >> Council Schmidt. Yeah, I'm going to make
a motion to move this to the next meeting. >> I'll second that. >> And for me personally, I I've met I I did not know this was contract item, but um I met with Larry last month just from other things, annual thing. And uh I'm
going to be meeting with him again as the followup of that meeting this Friday. Um so I'd like to have a little more time to the next meeting. >> All right. Any other discussion, comments? I see a couple people reaching. Okay.
Councilman Bagby, you had something. >> I I can put you on there. >> Thank you, >> okay, Councilman Dustin, you're good. >> I'm ready to vote. >> Oh, vote. Okay. All right. All right. Call the vote. >> All right. And as always, another punt
to the next meeting. >> All right. >> Anything else, mayor? >> All right. Thank you for that public comments. You made it this far. You I I hate to say you get all the time you want, but you got three minutes. >> You're a smooth talker. You can >> Alan Osbor button. >> I didn't want to piss him off.
>> There you go. >> Okay. For the record, Alan Osborne, I would have rather have answered this before, but I'm going to answer first. Dewey, I can read it all I want. That still doesn't tell me what your opinion is. And since I don't get to vote on it, your answer is no good for me. I need to know what you think. Who is going to vote on what these things said?
Secondly, I want to answer your question. First, I didn't ask you to make an accusation of criminal wrongdoing. I said that they won't sue me. That's great. What I said was, was it all disclosed? Because I want to remind you, a committee decided, Jim, to
test LSD on US Army soldiers as a nuclear protection. and and my and my stepfather helped carry his own agent orange into Laos to be sprayed on him that the government told him was okay. So So it is the job of citizens to question the actions of government cuz
we are the only check and balance. What I said was to ask the CFO to do an investigation on what was given because none of y'all know what was given. You don't know what was said in the committee and you don't know what paperwork because I've actually been trying to acquire it and I can't get it
all and you know what I want to do with it. So what I would tell you is here's what you could have found out. Did the contract tell them that they were in compliance? Did it tell the state that the property was in compliance right now? Cuz until they
built the condo that the marina was required to have, they weren't. So did they disclose it in their paperwork? It was a sales agreement where a large commission and there's laws about that. What if we find out that the seller So what I asked y'all to do was go have the
seller investigated and we all know that what happened in New Orleans with the seller, right? So we know the history. We also know that you said that we should trust the legislators on procedure. Well, on this case, they skipped procedure. Jay Traml said it was
a Trouble said it was emergency and so we couldn't get our own estimates. So we don't know what those estimates were based on. We don't know if they had compaction tests. We don't know. Did they tell the state we're ready to build a condo yet had no insurance company
lined up, no bonding, no nothing. We don't know that. And if we're scared to offend our government by asking them to look at a deal, then we'll never move anywhere. If and and and I said 60 million, I'll go with Jim. 50 million of
overpayment. Do you think normal citizens are okay with not looking into that? $50 million. And we know one of the people that was involved had a job at the state attorney's office. There is nothing wrong with asking your
government to address an issue that skipped procedure that doesn't make sense, that broke an ordinance, that had people telling you to be quiet until it was over. That is unacceptable as citizens. And we shouldn't be scared to
piss because I don't care if Ron's pissed off. He's leaving in two years. I don't care. I don't care. What if you could get 20 million back for for Destin and 20 million back for Walton County? Cuz that was $80 million for the panhandle. And I believe that you, our
council, our attorney and Larry could have come up better with 40 million of what you could have done with it and still bought that land. So the question is still why is it offensive to ask them to see if a seller, a non-governmental
entity, did not tell us the whole truth, you might have a legal action for her if he lied on behalf of Daddy. Well, if he said that we're in complete compliance and you can do this, why would our government take offense to
that? Y'all are acting like we're going to piss them off. They ain't going to give you no uh triumph money anyway. Not to destin. So what do you care? They're holding that over their head. So I think it's wrong. Y'all shouldn't be scared to piss them off. They work for us. And the
day that the government doesn't work for the citizens is the day that I'll move somewhere else. But that's not what I stood for in this country. You shouldn't be scared to ask the hard questions. In fact, you're empowered. You take a oath to do that just like I sat in Somalia
and can tell you that there's no gain from somebody from Somalia. I've lived there. But don't be scared to ask the question because you're not asking your government did they commit a crime. You're asking did an individual company lie to the government? And having been
an auditor for government contracts, Boeing, they all do it and we catch them all the time. So, I'm gonna tell you, I caught Boeing rebuilding an engine one time in charging the government. There was no engine. Okay? That stuff happens. So, asking the question of how this
occurred and what the information is cuz unless y'all can raise your hand said you've seen it all and you heard it all, you probably don't have as much information as I have. But the people of Destin deserve for you to stand up because the state don't make no tax money. They take it from us and they
redistribute it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Hard act to follow. >> Marcy, >> the only one who >> I was gonna say the only one who has a shot. You guys
>> Hey, so I'm assuming that most of you probably at the deis know about what I'm getting ready to say. Name the address, please. >> Sorry. Marcy Bell 3 golf square. >> There you go. >> Because nobody knows, right? Um, but I want to say for the public and anybody
that's watching this, y'all were debating on where the history is. I just spoke to Allan. He didn't know what I'm getting ready to tell you or what I'm getting ready to say. And I'm sure some of you know, but this property had an application with the Florida Forever
program that was put in in March of this year. I'm sorry, we're in 2026, March of 2025. That application was denied, but in that application is the same language that's in the draft proposal for the
commercialization of that parcel. The application date was made on March 28th. Inside that application, there's a letter from the county dated January 13th signed by the county administrator. There's a letter from the city of Dest
uh dated October 28th of 2024 where they state that the DEO was extended through March 26th of 2033. Those are documents that are on public record. Then you go to the draft of the management plan and you go to page eight
and see appendix A and you go to page nine and then you go to appendix B and appendix B of the draft management plan that the county is now proposing with the state specifically addresses the documentation in the Florida
application, Florida forever application. So, if you're asking where and how and long and who knew and who knew what, it's all right there. They put their two letters from the county up on the screen the other day. Did you notice they were
blurry? Did you notice they didn't leave them up for very long? One of them is dated August 19th, 2025, and the other one is dated January 13th of 2025. And in that Dang it, I didn't bring it up here. In that letter of January 13,
2025, in that letter from the county, the last line of the letter states, "We are interested in being a part of this project signed by the deputy county administrator of Okaloosa County." If you don't know about it, all you got
to do is look at the documents. >> All right. With that dropped mic, anyone else? All right. Seeing none, we'll close public comments and I will adjourn this meeting. Thank you all for being here.