Fort Walton Beach public meetings in 2022

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board will receive a quarterly update on activities in the redevelopment area and consider approving a new Residential Rehabilitation and Development Program. The program would provide grants to help income-qualified homeowners bring their properties into code compliance. The board will also vote on approving the minutes from the September 13, 2022 meeting.

• Approval of new Residential Rehabilitation and Development Program for CRA district homeowners
• Update on CRA street sign upgrade project, Phase One along South Beal Parkway Corridor (26 signs)
• Update on Erase the Trace storm drain mural project, about 85% complete
• Discussion of replacing Habitat for Humanity partnership with new rehab program
• Approval of minutes from September 13, 2022 CRA meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency approved its quarterly update report. The board declined to approve the proposed Residential Rehabilitation and Development Program at this time, opting to remove it from the motion for further review.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 13, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 CRA Quarterly Update Report (unanimous)
• Withdrew approval of Residential Rehabilitation and Development Program from motion (unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

This is a special meeting with a single substantive item: a motion to close the meeting and enter executive session to discuss the Battalion Chiefs' Collective Bargaining Agreement. No votes or decisions are scheduled on the open agenda; the only action is the motion to go into closed session and later reconvene.

• Executive session on Battalion Chiefs' Collective Bargaining Agreement

The City Council convened a special meeting to enter an executive session. The session was held to discuss the Battalion Chiefs’ Collective Bargaining Agreement. No further substantive actions were taken before adjournment.

• Approved agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session to discuss Battalion Chiefs’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to close Executive Session and reconvene Special Meeting (Unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider several contracts and agreements, including a $1.36 million utility infrastructure project, a solid waste disposal contract, and an IT services agreement. They will also hold a second reading of an ordinance to ban smoking in city parks and beaches, and discuss proposals for city-owned property at 1578 Lewis Turner Boulevard.

• Award ITB 23-001 for 12-inch watermain and 6-inch sewer forcemain to Gulf Coast Utility Contractors, LLC for $1,357,825
• Award RFP 22-023 for solid waste disposal, recycling, and transfer services to Republic Services (Allied Services, LLC)
• Resolution 2022-26: $142,300 FDOT utility work agreement for water and sewer adjustments
• Ordinance 2109 (second reading): prohibit smoking in city-owned parks and beaches
• Fifth lease amendment with Cumulus Broadcasting, LLC for a cell tower lease

Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including a watermain and sewer project and a solid waste disposal agreement. The body also passed an ordinance prohibiting smoking in city-owned parks and beaches. Discussions regarding the transfer of the fairgrounds property to Okaloosa County were tabled for January.

• Approved $1,357,825 contract with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors for watermain and sewer forcemain (Unanimous)
• Approved ordinance prohibiting smoking in city-owned parks and beaches (5-2)
• Approved $12,500 per month three-month IT support agreement with vTECH io (Unanimous)
• Approved $142,300 contribution to FDOT for utility work (Unanimous)
• Approved Locally Funded Agreement for 'Around the Mound' PD&E Study (Unanimous)
• Awarded five-year solid waste disposal contract to Allied Services, LLC (5-0)
• Approved Fifth Lease Amendment with VB Nimbus, LLC (4-2)
• Canceled award to Iron Container, LLC and awarded dumpster bid to Wastequip Mfg. Co. (Unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

This is a special meeting of the Fort Walton Beach City Council. The only substantive item is a motion to enter executive session to discuss the Battalion Chiefs' Collective Bargaining Agreement; the rest is procedural (call to order, pledge, agenda approval, reconvene, adjourn). No public decisions or votes on the contract are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session on Battalion Chiefs' Collective Bargaining Agreement

The City Council convened a special meeting and entered an executive session to discuss the Battalion Chiefs’ Collective Bargaining Agreement. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session regarding Battalion Chiefs’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (Unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss two items: the city manager recruitment and selection process with consultant Colin Baenziger & Associates, and the School Board property at 120 Lowery Place SE. No final decisions are listed on the agenda; these are discussion and direction items.

• Discussion of City Manager recruitment and selection process with Colin Baenziger & Associates
• Discussion of School Board property at 120 Lowery Place SE

The City Council approved a recruitment process for a new City Manager and authorized a bid for the School Board property at 120 Lowery Place. The recruitment process includes specific criteria for candidate experience, salary, and residency.

• Approved City Manager Recruitment and Selection Process by Colin Baenziger & Associates (Unanimous)
• Authorized Acting City Manager Peters and Mark Bethea to place an offer on 120 Lowery Place (5-1)
• Approved the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
• Waived Robert's Rules of Order for the City Manager recruitment discussion (Unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will review the recruitment process for a new City Manager and discuss the Fairgrounds property on Lewis Turner Boulevard. Additional items include approving budget amendments, grant funding for police equipment, and HVAC replacements at the City Hall Annex.

• Authorization to increase vehicle purchase to Empire Truck Sales LLC by $24,175.76
• Acceptance of $25,000 FDOT grant for DUI enforcement
• Acceptance of $4,052.70 DOJ grant for police bulletproof vests
• Award of $84,982.00 to D&D Air Conditioning, Heating and Electrical Services for City Hall Annex HVAC
• Direction on Fairgrounds property at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard

The City Council approved hiring Collin, Baenziger & Associates to lead the search for a new City Manager. Council also voted to exonerate City Clerk Kim Barnes following a review of employee complaints. Additionally, the council rejected a proposal to surplus the fairgrounds property and requested new bids for City Hall Annex HVAC replacement.

• Hired Collin, Baenziger & Associates for City Manager recruitment for up to $30,000 (6-1)
• Exonerated City Clerk Kim Barnes (6-1)
• Approved $25,000 FDOT grant for DUI enforcement (Unanimous)
• Approved $4,052.70 Bureau of Justice grant for bulletproof vests (Unanimous)
• Approved $540,701.00 final amendment to FY 2021-22 General Fund budget (Unanimous)
• Denied motion to begin surplus process for fairgrounds property at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard (3-4)
• Denied $84,982.00 HVAC replacement contract for City Hall Annex (1-6)
• Approved request for new bids for City Hall Annex HVAC replacement (Unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 15 code enforcement cases, including maintenance, grass height, litter, home occupations, and permit violations. Staff is requesting the board issue Order I or Order II for most cases, with some cases already complied before the hearing. The board will also approve the previous meeting's minutes.

• Case MAN22-0189: Order II requested for property at 118 Mississippi Ave NW, owner Leticia Puga, for home occupations, maintenance, business tax, and permitted uses violations.
• Case PR22-0106: Order II requested for property at 125 Rainbow Dr NW, including a stop work order and lease agreement.
• Case PR22-0386: Order I requested for property at 214 Gilmore Court SE, permit required violation.
• Case HO22-0652: Order I requested for home occupations violation, with business tax account history for 219 Moriarty St NW.
• Four cases (LIT22-0293, LIT22-0606, OL22-0601, PR21-0687) marked as complied before hearing.

The Board issued several compliance orders and administrative fees for violations including illegal commercial use, lack of permits, and water service issues. Four specific cases were ordered to be corrected by set deadlines or face daily fines. Ten other cases were noted as compliant before the hearing.

• Ordered 118 Mississippi Avenue NW to correct violations by March 10, 2023, with a $325 fee and $100 daily fine (Unanimous)
• Ordered 20 Crescent Circle SW to correct violations by November 21, 2022, with a $325 fee (Unanimous)
• Ordered 125 Rainbow Drive NW to correct violations by February 8, 2023, with a $325 fee and $100 daily fine (Unanimous)
• Ordered 195 Rose Marie Lane SW to correct violations as of September 26, 2022, with a $325 fee and $100 daily fine (Unanimous)
• Approved amended agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency will consider two variance requests at its November 3, 2022 meeting. One request at 203 Marshall Drive NE seeks to allow a carport to extend 13 feet into the front setback, exceeding the standard 10-foot limit. The other at 125 Rainbow Drive NW requests a reduced accessory structure setback and increased impervious area. Staff recommends approval for the first and denial for the second.

• Variance at 203 Marshall Drive NE for carport front setback encroachment (staff recommends approval)
• Variance at 125 Rainbow Drive NW for accessory structure setback of 0.7 feet and 60% impervious area (staff recommends denial)
• Approval of October 6, 2022 meeting minutes
• Public comments period

The Local Planning Agency approved a variance for a carport encroachment at 203 Marshall Drive NE. A request for reduced setbacks and increased impervious surface area at 125 Rainbow Drive NW was denied after a tied vote.

• Approved 5-foot additional encroachment for carport at 203 Marshall Drive NE (4-0)
• Denied reduced setback and 60% impervious surface allowance at 125 Rainbow Drive NW (2-2)

City Council - Workshop

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is holding a workshop meeting with a single discussion item: the Fairgrounds Property. No formal action is listed on the agenda; the item is designated for discussion only.

• Discussion of Fairgrounds Property

The City Council held a workshop to discuss the future of the fairgrounds property at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard. No formal decisions were made, as the session was for discussion purposes only. The Mayor announced the item will be placed on the next meeting agenda.

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council will consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Ajax Building Corporation and Sam Marshall Architects for Phase II design work on a new City Hall Complex. The proposed cost is $1,108,645 for design through 60% completion, including an auditorium. The council will also need to narrow potential sites and decide whether to include an auditorium.

• Contract amendment with Ajax Building Corporation and Sam Marshall Architects for $1,108,645 for Phase II design (60% Design) of new City Hall Complex
• Three sites evaluated: existing City Hall site at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, School Board property at 120 Lowery Place SE, and Chester Pruitt Park at 7 Hollywood Boulevard NE
• Decision needed on whether to include an Auditorium in the project; cost without auditorium is $551,635
• Existing City Hall complex has four separate structures with deterioration, water intrusion, and flood zone issues
• Public workshop planned to solicit input on site selection

City Council denied a motion to fund Phase II design and preconstruction for a new City Hall complex. Instead, Council approved a public workshop to discuss the site plan and directed staff to negotiate the purchase of the Lowery Place property from the Okaloosa School Board.

• Denied contract amendment for Phase II Design/Preconstruction of new City Hall Complex (2-4)
• Approved directing staff to hold a public workshop on City Hall site plan and research (Unanimous)
• Approved directing staff to negotiate purchase specifics of Lowery Place property with Okaloosa School Board (4-3)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will discuss and possibly act on several items, including a request from Gregg Chapel AME Church to use up to $120,000 from the Workforce Housing Incentive Fund to pay off the remaining loan balance for the House of Valor development. The council will also consider contracts for stormwater improvements, generator maintenance, demolition, and court resurfacing, as well as ordinances on smoking in parks and medical marijuana dispensaries.

• Task Order with Mott McDonald for $68,110 for storm drain replacement on Martisa Road NW
• Award ITB 22-020 to Southern Generator Services for $29,755 for generator maintenance
• Award ITB 22-021 to Jobe's Dirt Works for $21,300 for demolition of city-owned buildings
• Resolution 2022-23 to amend FY 2021-22 budget for General and Law Enforcement Trust Funds
• Ordinance 2109 first reading to prohibit smoking in city-owned parks and beaches

The City Council appointed Jeff Peters as Acting City Manager for an initial 90-day term and authorized the use of an executive recruiting firm to find a permanent replacement. The council also approved a smoking ban in city parks and beaches and authorized several infrastructure and maintenance contracts.

• Approved employment agreement for Jeff Peters as Acting City Manager (5-1)
• Authorized use of an executive recruiting firm for City Manager search (5-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 2109 prohibiting smoking in city-owned parks and beaches (5-1)
• Approved $125,000 from Workforce Housing Incentive Fund to Gregg Chapel (5-1)
• Awarded $94,875 cemetery burial services contract to Gulf Coast Wilbert, Inc. (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-23 to amend FY 2021-22 Budget (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-24 creating Charter Officer complaint procedures (Unanimous)
• Approved short-term UPS employee parking lease at 203 Hollywood Blvd NW (Unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on nine code enforcement cases, including grass height, litter, business tax receipt, unlicensed non-operative items, and water service violations. Staff is requesting the board issue compliance orders (Order I or Order II) for each case. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Grass height cases GHD22-0449 and GHD22-0571 (Order I requested)
• Litter cases LIT22-0413 and LIT22-0539 (Order I requested)
• Business tax receipt case OL22-0506 (Order I requested)
• Unlicensed non-operative items case UNO22-0585 (Order I requested)
• Water service case WS22-0378 (Order II requested)

The board issued an Order II with a $325 fee and a $100 daily fine retroactive to September 24, 2022, for a property at 6, 8, 10, and 12 Tupelo Avenue SE that remained in violation after a prior order. It also approved a $325 fee and 10-day compliance deadline for a separate grass violation at 338 Lake Drive NW. Seven other cases were marked complied before the hearing and were not heard.

• Approved Order II for 6, 8, 10, and 12 Tupelo Avenue SE: $325 fee plus $100/day fine from September 24, 2022, until compliance (5-0).
• Approved Order I for 338 Lake Drive NW: $325 fee and compliance by October 22, 2022 (5-0).
• Accepted compliance before hearing for 7 cases: GHD22-0571, LIT22-0413, LIT22-0539, OL22-0506, UNO22-0585, GHU22-0748, WS22-0378.
• Approved amended agenda removing the 7 complied cases from the hearing (5-0).
• Approved minutes of August 10, 2022, meeting (5-0).

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider accepting a $1.5 million FDOT grant for Lewis Turner Area Traffic Improvements, award a $20,073.40 tennis center maintenance contract, and hold first readings on ordinances updating medical marijuana dispensary standards and quality-of-life enforcement. The agenda also includes proclamations, reports, and discussion items such as a fee reimbursement request and charter officer evaluations.

• Resolution 2022-19: Accept $1,500,000 FDOT grant for Lewis Turner Area Traffic Improvements
• Award ITB 22-022 Tennis Center Grounds Maintenance to Green Energy Contracting, LLC for $20,073.40
• Ordinance 2107: Amend LDC Chapter 5 for medical marijuana dispensary standards
• Ordinance 2108: Amend Code of Ordinances Chapters 7, 9, 11 for quality of life enforcement
• Discussion on reimbursement request from Watree Construction for 329 Lake Drive NW

The City Council unanimously accepted City Manager Michael Beedie's resignation and appointed Recreation Director Jeff Peters as Interim City Manager by a 5-1 vote, with staff to negotiate terms for a future agreement. The Council also approved a $28,234.94 reimbursement to Watree Construction for costs incurred on a city-owned property at 329 Lake Drive NW after a title issue prevented the sale. Additionally, the Council adopted resolutions accepting a $1.5 million FDOT grant for Lewis Turner Area traffic improvements and amended land development codes for medical marijuana dispensaries and quality-of-life enforcement.

• Accepted City Manager Michael Beedie's resignation unanimously.
• Appointed Jeff Peters as Interim City Manager by a 5-1 vote; staff to negotiate terms.
• Approved $28,234.94 reimbursement to Watree Construction for 329 Lake Drive NW property costs (4-2).
• Adopted Resolution 2022-19 accepting up to $1.5 million FDOT grant for Lewis Turner Area traffic improvements.
• Adopted Ordinance 2107 amending medical marijuana dispensary standards to match state law.
• Adopted Ordinance 2108 correcting quality-of-life code references to proper state statute.
• Approved 2% length-of-service and 3% COLA raises for City Manager and City Clerk; City Attorney rate set at $215/hour (4-2).
• Approved consent agenda including award of ITB 22-022 for Tennis Center Grounds Maintenance to Green Energy Contracting, LLC for $20,073.40.

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency is reviewing an ordinance to update medical marijuana dispensary standards to align with Florida Statutes. The agency will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the 2023 calendar year and consider amended rules and regulations.

• Ordinance 2107: Amending LDC Chapter 5 regarding medical marijuana dispensary standards
• Election of LPA Chair and Vice Chair for terms beginning January 1, 2023
• Adoption of amended Local Planning Agency Rules & Regulations

The Local Planning Agency voted unanimously to recommend Ordinance 2107 to City Council, which amends Chapter 5 of the Land Development Code to align medical marijuana dispensary regulations with current Florida Statutes. The agency also re-elected Gloria DeBerry as Chair and James McPherson as Vice Chair for the upcoming term, and discussed amending its own rules and regulations, with a draft to be presented at the next meeting.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 4, 2022 (unanimous)
• Recommended Ordinance 2107 amending LDC Chapter 5 for medical marijuana dispensaries (unanimous)
• Re-elected Gloria DeBerry as Chair and James McPherson as Vice Chair (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is meeting to decide on several consent agenda items, including a collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters' union, interlocal agreements for library funding, Heritage Park marketing, and a performance stage, plus a task order for stormwater analysis. They will also consider resolutions to amend the fee schedule and accept a port security grant for a fire/rescue boat, and hold second readings of ordinances to vacate an easement and correct property deeds for the Brooks Bridge project. The council will discuss ground lease proposals for two city-owned properties and make an appointment to the Local Planning Agency.

• Ratify collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 2601 for FY 2022-25
• Adopt Resolution 2022-20 accepting $375,000 Homeland Security grant for fire/rescue boat
• Adopt Resolution 2022-16 amending FY 2022-23 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
• Approve $500,000 TDC funding for Landing performance stage (Amendment No. 3)
• Discuss ground lease proposals for 139 Brooks Street SE and 127 Hollywood Boulevard NW

The City Council voted 3-4 to reject a proposed 40-year ground lease for Props Craft Brewery at 139 Brooks Street SE, with the mayor casting the deciding nay vote. The council approved a resolution amending the FY 2022-23 Comprehensive Fee Schedule (5-1) and accepted a $500,000 Homeland Security Port Security Grant for a fire/rescue boat (5-1). A short-term lease for Step One Automotive at 127 Hollywood Boulevard NW was approved 6-0.

• Rejected a 40-year ground lease for Props Craft Brewery at 139 Brooks Street SE; motion failed 3-4 with the mayor voting nay.
• Adopted Resolution 2022-16 amending the FY 2022-23 Comprehensive Fee Schedule; passed 5-1.
• Adopted Resolution 2022-20 accepting a $500,000 Homeland Security Port Security Grant for a fire/rescue boat; passed 5-1.
• Approved Ordinance 2105 to vacate a portion of an easement at 215 Glynda Court NW; passed 6-0.
• Approved Ordinance 2106 to correct parcel deeds donated to FDOT for the Brooks Bridge replacement project; passed 6-0.
• Appointed Sam Kinkaid to the Local Planning Agency for a four-year term ending September 30, 2026; passed 6-0.
• Approved an 18-month lease agreement with Step One Automotive LLC at 127 Hollywood Boulevard NW; passed 6-0.
• Approved the consent agenda, including the FY 2022-23 library cooperative agreement ($95,755), Heritage Park marketing agreement ($20,000), Landing performance stage amendment ($500,000), firefighter collective bargaining agreement, and stormwater facility task order ($30,000); passed 6-0.

City Council - Special Meeting

This special meeting is primarily to enter an executive session to discuss the Firefighter's Collective Bargaining Agreement. The council will also handle routine items such as approving the agenda and reconvening after the closed session. No other substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session for Firefighter's Collective Bargaining Agreement

The City Council voted unanimously to enter an executive session to discuss the Firefighter's Collective Bargaining Agreement, citing Florida statutes that allow closed meetings for such negotiations. The session lasted from 5:00 PM to 5:40 PM, after which the meeting was adjourned. No other substantive decisions were made during the special meeting.

• Approved the agenda as presented (unanimous).
• Adopted motion to close the special meeting for executive session to discuss the Firefighter's Collective Bargaining Agreement (unanimous).
• Reconvened and adjourned the special meeting at 5:40 PM.

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a special meeting to adopt the final millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2022-23. The proposed millage rate is 4.9999 mills, which is 5.27% above the rolled-back rate, and the total budget is $56,767,451. This is the second public hearing required by Florida law.

• Resolution 2022-17: Adopt final millage rate of 4.9999 mills for FY 2022-23 (5.27% above rolled-back rate of 4.7496 mills)
• Resolution 2022-18: Adopt FY 2022-23 budget totaling $56,767,451, a 7.39% increase over FY 2021-22
• Gross taxable property value increased 15.1% to $1,884,113,965
• Public hearing on millage and budget as required by Florida Statutes

The City Council unanimously adopted the FY 2022-23 final millage rate of 4.9999 mills and the comprehensive budget of $56,767,451. The millage rate is 5.27% above the rolled-back rate. No public comments were received on either item.

• Adopted Resolution 2022-17 setting millage rate at 4.9999 mills (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-18 approving FY 2022-23 budget of $56,767,451 (unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 19 code enforcement cases, including grass height, maintenance, permit, and zoning violations. Staff is requesting the board issue Orders I or II, which may include fines and administrative fees. The board will also approve the previous meeting's minutes and elect a vice chair.

• 19 public hearings for code violations, including grass height, maintenance, permit, and zoning cases
• Staff requests issuance of Order I for most cases, Order II for repeat violations (LIT22-0137, PU21-0326, RVC22-0576, UNO22-0222, UNO22-0259, UNO22-0264, ZV22-0025)
• Election of Vice Chair under Additional Business
• Approval of minutes from August 10, 2022 meeting

The board voted unanimously on all 12 cases heard, issuing orders for property owners to correct violations including overgrown grass, unlicensed vehicles, litter, and expired permits. Several cases were resolved before the hearing or removed from the agenda. The board also appointed Thomas Cannon as Vice Chair.

• Approved compliance order for grass height violation at 6-12 Tupelo Ave SE (5-0)
• Approved compliance order for multiple violations at 118 Mississippi Ave NW (5-0)
• Approved compliance order for unlicensed vehicle at 111 Kiwi Place NE (5-0)
• Approved compliance order for water service violation at 195 Rose Marie Lane SW (5-0)
• Approved Order II with $100/day fine for litter/expired permit at 182 Beal Pkwy NW (5-0)
• Approved Order II with $500/day fine for repeat violations at 941 Central Ave NW (5-0)
• Approved Order II with $100/day fine for unlicensed vehicle at 381 Oakland Cir NW (5-0)
• Appointed Thomas Cannon as Vice Chair (5-0)

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency board will consider adopting its $4,267,997 budget for fiscal year 2022-23 via Resolution 2022-1. The board will also receive a quarterly update on activities and accomplishments in the redevelopment area. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Resolution 2022-1 adopting the FY 2022-23 CRA budget of $4,267,997
• Budget includes increased funding for Heritage Park & Cultural Center Addition
• Budget includes $1.6 million for Landing Improvements CIP grant funding
• 2022 CRA Quarterly Update Report presented by Growth Management Director

The Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously adopted CRA Resolution 2022-1, approving the annual budget of $4,267,997 for fiscal year October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. The budget is largely funded by grants for The Landing project. The board also received an informational update on CRA quarterly activities, including cultural arts and Habitat for Humanity partnerships, but took no vote on those items.

• Approved CRA Resolution 2022-1 adopting the $4,267,997 FY 2022-23 budget (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved the March 8, 2022 CRA regular meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is meeting to consider a consent agenda that includes purchasing 30 Axon vehicle cameras for police, increasing a vehicle purchase by $29,982, and buying six Ford vehicles. They will also vote on resolutions to accept a $24,600 FEMA grant for firefighter paramedic training and to amend the fund balance policy. The meeting includes first readings of ordinances to vacate an easement at 215 Glynda Court NW and correct property deeds for the Brooks Bridge project, plus a second reading on quality-of-life code amendments.

• Sole source purchase of 30 Axon vehicle cameras for police
• Vehicle purchase increase of $29,982 from Duval Fleet
• FEMA grant of $24,600 for firefighter paramedic training
• Ordinance to vacate easement at 215 Glynda Court NW
• Asphalt resurfacing at 1005 Mar Walt Drive for $131,912

The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2022-11 accepting a $24,600 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for paramedic certification training. The council also approved a consent agenda including vehicle purchases, a batting cage shelter, and other items. A motion to construct a formal complaint policy for charter officers passed 6-1.

• Adopted Resolution 2022-11 accepting $24,600 FEMA grant for firefighter paramedic training (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including vehicle purchases, batting cage shelter, and other items (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-15 amending fund balance policy for Florida Building Code Fund (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2105 vacating easement at 215 Glynda Court NW (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2106 correcting parcel descriptions for Brooks Bridge project (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2104 amending quality of life code chapters on second reading (unanimous)
• Approved motion to research workforce housing relief for Gregg Chapel property (unanimous)
• Closed code enforcement cases at 7, 15, 21 Miracle Strip Parkway SE with no payment due (unanimous)

City Council - Workshop

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is holding a special meeting to consider three resolutions: establishing fire services assessment rates for FY 2022-23, adopting a tentative millage rate of 4.9999 mills, and adopting the tentative budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022. These items are part of the annual budget process and will affect property owners.

• Resolution 2022-12: Fire services assessment rates unchanged from FY 2021-22, including $85 per residential unit, $0.08/sq ft commercial, $0.02/sq ft industrial, $0.00 institutional
• Resolution 2022-13: Tentative millage rate set at 4.9999 mills for FY 2022-23
• Resolution 2022-14: Adoption of tentative FY 2022-23 budget
• Fire assessment expected to generate approximately $1.12M in annual gross revenue
• Assessments to be collected via Okaloosa County Tax Collector starting October 1, 2022

The City Council adopted Resolution 2022-12 establishing fire services assessment rates for FY 2022-23, generating approximately $1.2 million annually, with a 5-1 vote. They also adopted the tentative millage rate of 4.9999 mills (Resolution 2022-13) and the tentative FY 2022-23 budget of $56,767,451 (Resolution 2022-14), both subject to a final public hearing on September 21, 2022. Additionally, the Council authorized the City Manager to administratively adjust the millage rate if taxable value varies by more than 1%, and approved $25,000 in funding for the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation's community pool.

• Adopted Resolution 2022-12 establishing fire services assessment rates (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-13 setting tentative millage rate at 4.9999 mills (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to administratively adjust millage rate if taxable value varies >1% (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-14 adopting tentative FY 2022-23 budget of $56,767,451 (6-1)
• Approved $25,000 allocation to Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation for community pool (unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is holding a special meeting to consider three resolutions: establishing fire services assessment rates for FY 2022-23, adopting the tentative millage rate of 4.9999 mills, and adopting the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year. These items are up for discussion and potential approval.

• Resolution 2022-12: Fire services assessment rates set at $85 per residential unit, $0.08/sq ft commercial, $0.02/sq ft industrial, $0.00 institutional, effective Oct 1, 2022
• Resolution 2022-13: Tentative millage rate of 4.9999 mills for FY 2022-23
• Resolution 2022-14: Tentative budget adoption for FY 2022-23
• Fire assessment expected to generate approximately $1.12M in annual gross revenue

The City Council adopted Resolution 2022-12 establishing fire services assessment rates for FY 2022-23 (5-1), Resolution 2022-13 setting a tentative millage rate of 4.9999 mills (unanimous), and Resolution 2022-14 adopting a tentative $56.8M budget (6-1). Council also unanimously authorized the city manager to administratively adjust the millage rate if final taxable value varies more than 1%, and approved a $25,000 allocation to the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation for community pool operations.

• Adopted Resolution 2022-12 establishing fire services assessment rates (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-13 setting tentative millage rate at 4.9999 mills (unanimous)
• Authorized city manager to administratively adjust millage rate if final taxable value varies more than 1% (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-14 adopting tentative $56,767,451 FY 2022-23 budget (6-1)
• Approved $25,000 allocation to Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation for community pool (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider several significant items, including a $5.3 million contract for a new water meter system, approval of vehicle purchases, and a change order for road resurfacing. The council will also hold first and second readings on ordinances related to quality of life, fence heights, and correcting legal descriptions for recently annexed properties.

• Award RFP 22-010 for Advanced Metering Infrastructure to Core & Main LP for $5,335,166
• Purchase seven Dodge Durango SUVs for $320,278 and send letters of intent for four Ford F150s and one Freightliner Vactor
• Ratify $93,125.50 change order for FY 2021-22 Asphalt Resurfacing to James David Site Prep & Underground
• First reading of Ordinance 2104 amending quality of life codes (Chapters 7, 9, 11)
• Second reading of 16 ordinances correcting legal descriptions for annexed properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road

The council unanimously approved a $5.35 million contract for an advanced water metering infrastructure project with Core & Main LP (Sensus), aiming to replace outdated meters and improve billing accuracy. A motion to declare 760 Lovejoy Road NW as surplus and negotiate exclusively with current tenant PAWS failed 2-5; the council then voted unanimously to declare the property surplus and bring it to the open market. The council also adopted on first reading a quality-of-life ordinance updating rules on parks, panhandling, and parking, and approved corrected ordinances fixing legal descriptions for recently annexed properties at Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road.

• Approved $5.35M advanced metering infrastructure contract with Core & Main LP (unanimous)
• Declared 760 Lovejoy Road NW surplus, to be sold on open market (unanimous)
• Rejected exclusive negotiation with PAWS for 760 Lovejoy Road NW (2-5)
• Adopted Ordinance 2104 on quality-of-life updates (unanimous, first reading)
• Adopted 15 corrected ordinances fixing legal descriptions for annexed properties (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2102 allowing 8-foot fences in side/rear yards (unanimous)
• Approved $320,278 for 7 police vehicles and letters of intent for 5 more (unanimous)
• Ratified $93,126.50 change order for asphalt resurfacing (unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 16 code enforcement cases, ranging from grass height and nuisance issues to permit and business tax violations. Staff is requesting the board issue Orders I or II, which may include administrative fees and compliance deadlines. The board will also approve minutes from the July 13, 2022 meeting.

• 16 public hearings for cases including commercial activity, grass height, nuisance, business tax receipt, permit required, permitted uses, unlicensed non-operative items, and repeat violations
• Staff requests Order I for most cases and Order II for repeat violations (RVC22-0404, RVC22-0415)
• Cases include addresses on Miracle Strip Parkway SW and various city locations
• Administrative fees of $325.00 are typically assessed per case
• Board will also approve minutes from the July 13, 2022 meeting

The Code Enforcement Board heard four contested cases and issued orders for property owners to correct violations by specified deadlines, with fines for non-compliance. Twelve other cases were closed because the properties complied before the hearing. The board also approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes.

• Ordered Erica N. Lane to correct violations at 320 Sikes Cir NW by Aug 24, 2022, with $325 fee and $250/day fine thereafter (unanimous)
• Ordered Lisa R. Ivais to correct violations at 381 Oakland Cir NW by Aug 20, 2022, with $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered Trent K. Bookout to correct violations at 415 Sherry Cir NW by Aug 20, 2022, with $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered Scott A. & Melissa W. Gleneck to correct violations at 11 Sherwood Road NW by September, with $325 fee waived (4-0, two abstentions)
• Closed 12 cases as complied before hearing

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a regular meeting with several consent agenda items, including ratifying leases, accepting utility easements, and rejecting bids. The main business includes first reading of ordinances to correct legal descriptions for recently annexed properties at Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, and a proposed change to allow 8-foot fences in certain zoning districts. The council will also consider a request to subordinate code enforcement liens for a property on Miracle Strip Parkway.

• Ratify Gulfview leases for Suites 101, 204, and 205
• Reject all bids for ITB 22-011 utility infrastructure and ITB 22-014 cemetery building construction
• Adopt FY 2022-23 CDBG Annual Action Plan
• First reading of ordinances to correct annexation, FLUM, and zoning for 999 Mar Walt Dr, 1005 Mar Walt Dr, 1106 Hospital Rd, 1112 Hospital Rd, and unaddressed parcel
• Ordinance 2102 to allow 8-foot fences in R-1E, R-1, R-2, YC, CF, MX-1, MX-2 districts

The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2022-9 for the FY 2022-23 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, allocating $142,827. The council also approved 15 corrective ordinances fixing scrivener's errors in legal descriptions for recently annexed properties, and adopted Ordinance 2102 allowing 8-foot fences in side and rear yards. A request for a code enforcement lien subordination agreement for 36 Miracle Strip Parkway SW was approved 4-3.

• Adopted FY 2022-23 CDBG Annual Action Plan (unanimous)
• Approved 15 corrective ordinances for annexation, FLUM, and zoning at Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road properties (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2102 amending fence height and facing requirements (unanimous)
• Approved code enforcement lien subordination for 36 Miracle Strip Parkway SW (4-3)
• Authorized Major Development Order for Freedom Beacon Park Phase 3 hotel (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Gulfview leases and FDOT agreement (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider a series of ordinances to correct scrivener's errors in legal descriptions for recently annexed properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, along with zoning and future land use map amendments. The agenda also includes consent items such as lease ratifications, bid rejections, and a CDBG action plan adoption.

• Ordinances 2052-2066 (corrected) to fix legal descriptions for annexed properties at 999 Mar Walt Dr, 1005 Mar Walt Dr, 1106 Hospital Rd, 1112 Hospital Rd, and an unaddressed parcel at Mar Walt Dr/Hospital Rd, zoning them CG (Commercial)
• Ordinance 2102 to amend LDC Chapter 5, allowing 8-foot fences in side/rear yards in R-1E, R-1, R-2, YC, CF, MX-1, MX-2 districts and requiring finished sides face outward
• Ratification of Gulfview leases: Suite 101 (Emerald Coast Diabetes & Nutrition Center), Suite 204 (Pono Group, LLC), and authorization for Suite 205 (Association Development Services, LLC)
• Rejection of all bids for ITB 22-011 (utility infrastructure) and ITB 22-014 (cemetery building construction)
• Adoption of FY 2022-23 CDBG Annual Action Plan (effective Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023)

The City Council voted 4-3 to subordinate existing code enforcement liens on a commercial docking facility at 36 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, allowing the owner to refinance and use funds for repairs. The owner must place $171,250 in escrow and bring the property into compliance by September 1, 2023, or forfeit the funds. The council also unanimously approved a major development order for a 126-room Home2Suites hotel at Freedom Beacon Park Phase 3, and adopted 15 corrective ordinances fixing scrivener's errors in legal descriptions for recently annexed properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road.

• Approved code enforcement lien subordination for 36 Miracle Strip Parkway SW (4-3)
• Authorized major development order for Freedom Beacon Park Phase 3 hotel at 1930 Lewis Turner Boulevard (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-9 for FY 2022-23 CDBG Annual Action Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-10 for FDOT corrective subordination agreement for Brooks Bridge replacement (unanimous)
• Adopted 15 corrective ordinances (2052-2066) fixing scrivener's errors in legal descriptions for annexed properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road (all unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2102 amending fence height and facing requirements in Land Development Code (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Gulfview leases, FDOT right-of-way maintenance agreement, and utility easements (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion of Watree Homes reimbursement request for future meeting

City Council - Workshop

The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the proposed FY 2022-23 comprehensive budget of $57,153,201, which is 8.12% higher than the prior year. The budget maintains the current millage rate of 5.3293 mills and includes major capital improvement projects, wage adjustments, and utility rate changes. No formal action is scheduled; this is a discussion item.

• Proposed budget totals $57,153,201, up $4.3M (8.12%) from FY 2021-22
• Maintains current millage rate of 5.3293 mills; ad valorem revenues to rise 6.79%
• Includes 3% COLA for employees and 2% length-of-service adjustment, costing $578K
• Capital improvement projects total $5.69M, including street resurfacing and Landing improvements
• Utility rate study year 3 implemented; fire services assessment unchanged

The City Council held a budget workshop for the proposed FY 2022-23 budget, with no formal action taken. Council directed staff to pursue lowering the millage rate to 4.9999 mills if all prioritized programs can be maintained, and unanimously supported adopting a credit card convenience fee for utility payments.

• Directed staff to pursue lowering millage rate to 4.9999 if all prioritized programs are kept
• Unanimously supported adopting a credit card convenience fee for utility payments (flat fee, effective Oct 1, 2022)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 19 enforcement cases, including litter, business tax receipt, commercial vehicle parking, permit, zoning, and repeat violation matters. Staff is requesting issuance of Orders I and II, which may include fines and administrative fees. The board will also discuss the election of Chair and Vice Chair.

• 19 public hearings for code violations (litter, business tax, commercial vehicle parking, permits, zoning, repeat violations)
• Staff requests Order I for 15 cases and Order II for 4 cases (LIT21-0708, RVC22-0278, RVC22-0293, RVC22-0340)
• Discussion of Chair and Vice Chair positions
• Approval of minutes from June 8, 2022 meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board heard six cases, issuing orders for property owners to correct violations and pay administrative fees. The board approved orders for litter, unlicensed vehicles, expired permits, and prohibited commercial use of residential property, with some fees waived. Several cases were withdrawn or marked as complied before the hearing.

• Ordered 111 London Ave NW owner to correct litter violations by July 26, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Issued Order I (complied) for 115 London Ave NW commercial vehicle violation, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 215 Hudson Dr NW owner to correct permit violations by Sept 1, 2022, waived $325 fee (4-1)
• Ordered 182 Beal Pkwy NW owner to correct violations within 30 days, waived $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 337 Holmes Blvd NW owner to correct violations by July 23, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 49 Hemlock Dr NW owners to correct violations immediately, pay $325 fee plus $100/day since May 23, 2022 (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency is meeting to decide on a request to expand a nonconforming structure at 125 Rainbow Drive NW. Staff recommends denying the application because the unpermitted work increased impervious surface beyond the 50% limit and created a third dwelling unit on a single-family lot. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as approving minutes and public comments.

• Request for expansion/modification of nonconforming structure at 125 Rainbow Drive NW (File No. VAR22-0062)
• Staff recommends denial due to 64% impervious surface coverage (limit is 50%) and creation of a third dwelling unit
• Property has existing nonconformities including setback encroachment and excess impervious area
• Approval of minutes from the May 5, 2022 meeting

The Local Planning Agency voted 4-3 to approve the application for modification and expansion of nonconforming structures at 125 Rainbow Drive NW, reversing an earlier motion to deny that failed 1-6. The approval allows the property owner to proceed with three variances for impervious surface, setback encroachment, and accessory dwellings. The decision was made after discussion of unpermitted work and code violations.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 5, 2022 (unanimous)
• Motion to deny expansion at 125 Rainbow Drive NW failed (1-6)
• Approved application for expansion of nonconforming structures at 125 Rainbow Drive NW (4-3)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council unanimously approved a $62,283 contract amendment with Ajax Building Corporation and Sam Marshall Architects to begin Phase I of the Master Planning Update for a new City Hall Complex. The council also authorized the mayor to execute an interlocal agreement with Okaloosa County for a new public safety communications tower behind the Police Station, and approved the purchase contract for 40 Robinwood Drive SW with Stage Crafters Community Theater (6-1). A request to reimburse code enforcement fines at 213 Holmes Boulevard NW failed for lack of a second.

• Approved $62,283 contract amendment for City Hall Master Planning Phase I (unanimous)
• Authorized interlocal agreement with Okaloosa County for public safety communications tower (unanimous)
• Approved purchase contract for 40 Robinwood Drive SW with Stage Crafters Community Theater (6-1)
• Approved $57,200 emergency purchase for potable water well pump and motor replacements (unanimous)
• Approved School Safety Officer services agreement (6-0, Schmidt abstained)
• Denied request to reimburse code enforcement fines at 213 Holmes Boulevard NW (motion died for lack of second)
• Approved June 14, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss and provide direction on several FY 2022-23 budget policy issues, including employee recruitment and retention programs, the Preston Hood Athletic Complex expansion, tourist development projects, ARPA-funded infrastructure, fire protection assessment rates, and the proposed millage rate. They will also authorize dates for public hearings to adopt the millage rate and comprehensive budget.

• Employee recruitment and retention programs: longevity incentives, COLA, pay study, housing assistance
• Preston Hood Athletic Complex expansion: 60% design plans completed, updated cost estimates
• Tourist Development District funded projects for FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23
• Proposed ARPA-funded infrastructure projects: water, wastewater, stormwater, broadband
• Fire protection assessment rates and proposed millage rate (current 5.3293 mills)

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss FY 2022-23 budget policy. Council unanimously approved setting the proposed millage rate at the maximum of 5.3293 mills, directed staff to include four employee recruitment and retention incentives in the proposed budget, and authorized moving forward with the Preston Hood Athletic Complex Expansion Project. The council also set public hearing dates for September 7 and 21, 2022, to adopt the final budget and millage rate.

• Set proposed FY 2022-23 millage rate at 5.3293 mills (unanimous)
• Directed staff to include all four employee incentives in proposed budget: longevity incentive, 3% COLA, 2% length of service increase, and housing assistance program (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to move forward with Preston Hood Athletic Complex Expansion Project (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing dates: Sept 7 and Sept 21, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss purchasing CivicPlus software to update the city website and mobile app. The agenda also includes a request for a single source repair of a solid waste truck.

• Lease Amendment No. 5 for cellular equipment at 623T Anchors Street NW
• Vehicle repair award to Action Truck Center, Inc. for $28,649.28
• Ordinance to vacate a portion of right-of-way on Hospital Road
• Purchase of CivicPlus software packages
• Nomination of a voting delegate for the 2022 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference

The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of CivicPlus software (CivicOptimize, CivicEngage, and SeeClickFix) for $60,811 in FY 2021-22, along with the consent agenda and Ordinance 2103 to vacate a portion of right-of-way on Hospital Road. Council Member Moran was nominated as the voting delegate for the 2022 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved $60,811 CivicPlus software purchase (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2103 vacating ROW on Hospital Road (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including lease amendment and vehicle repair (unanimous)
• Nominated Council Member Moran as voting delegate for FL League of Cities (unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board is meeting to consider a repeat violation case (RVC22-0256) and to elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The agenda is otherwise routine, with standard items like approval of minutes and swearing in of witnesses.

• Public hearing on repeat violation case RVC22-0256, with staff requesting an Order II Repeat Non-Compliance
• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the Code Enforcement Board

The Code Enforcement Board unanimously ordered the owner of 43 Miracle Strip Parkway SW to correct an outside storage violation by July 8, 2022, and to pay a $325 administrative fee plus $500 per day for each day the violation continues after that date. The board also unanimously elected Michael Rojas as Chair and Heather Hebert as Vice Chair, effective July 1, 2022.

• Ordered correction of outside storage violation at 43 Miracle Strip Parkway SW by July 8, 2022 (unanimous)
• Imposed $325 administrative fee and $500/day fine for continued violation after July 8, 2022 (unanimous)
• Elected Michael Rojas as Code Enforcement Board Chair effective July 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Elected Heather Hebert as Vice Chair effective July 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Code Enforcement Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a repeat violation case. The board will also hold an election for its Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

• Public hearing for a Repeat Violation case (Order II Repeat Non-Compliance)
• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

The Code Enforcement Board unanimously ordered the owner of 43 Miracle Strip Parkway SW to correct an outside storage violation by July 8, 2022, and pay a $325 administrative fee plus $500 per day for continued non-compliance. The board also unanimously elected Michael Rojas as Chair and Heather Hebert as Vice Chair, effective July 1, 2022. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other cases or business.

• Ordered correction of outside storage violation at 43 Miracle Strip Parkway SW by July 8, 2022, with $325 fee and $500/day fine thereafter (unanimous)
• Elected Michael Rojas as Code Enforcement Board Chair effective July 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Elected Heather Hebert as Vice Chair effective July 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider a resolution to create a Workforce Housing Incentive Fund, award contracts for HVAC replacement and herbicide/pesticide bids, and hold first and second readings on multiple ordinances. The bulk of the meeting involves second readings for annexation, future land use map amendments, and commercial zoning designations for several properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, as well as an ordinance to vacate a right-of-way on Hospital Road. The council will also discuss an easement for White Wilson Medical Center and Liza Jackson Preparatory School, and a proposal to sell city-owned property at 40 Robinwood Drive SW.

• Resolution 2022-8 to create a Workforce Housing Incentive Fund
• Award $88,982 contract to D&D Air Conditioning for City Hall HVAC replacement
• Award ITB 22-007 for herbicides and pesticides to four vendors
• Second reading: annexation, FLUM change to Mixed Use, and CG zoning for 999, 1005 Mar Walt Drive; 1106, 1112 Hospital Road; and unaddressed parcel
• First reading: vacate portion of right-of-way on Hospital Road adjacent to 1005 Mar Walt Drive

The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2022-8 to create a Workforce Housing Incentive Fund with $1.5 million in initial funding from the General Fund Unrestricted Fund Balance. The Council also approved multiple annexations and zoning changes for properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, as well as a $125,000 sale of 40 Robinwood Drive SW to Stage Crafters. Several other items were approved, including a lease amendment for a parking lot and an all-inclusive playground equipment award.

• Adopted Resolution 2022-8 creating Workforce Housing Incentive Fund with $1.5M initial funding (unanimous)
• Approved sale of 40 Robinwood Drive SW to Stage Crafters for $125,000 (6-1)
• Approved annexation and zoning for 999 Mar Walt Drive, 1005 Mar Walt Drive, 1106 Hospital Road, 1112 Hospital Road, and unaddressed parcel (all unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2100 amending landscaping standards (5-2)
• Adopted Ordinance 2101 allowing 8-foot fences near schools (unanimous)
• Approved Joint Use Parking Easement with White Wilson entities (unanimous)
• Rejected all bids for ITB 22-006 parking lot improvements (unanimous)
• Authorized lease amendment with BLN, LLC for parking lot (unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 11 code enforcement cases, including litter, business tax receipt, permit, sidewalk obstruction, unlicensed non-operative items, and repeat violation cases. Staff is requesting issuance of Order I for most cases and Order II for two cases. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the March 9, 2022 meeting.

• LIT21-0708 and LIT22-0039: Litter cases, Order I requested
• OL21-0703 and OL22-0076: Business Tax Receipt cases, Order I requested
• PR22-0032, PR22-0106, PR22-0142, PR21-0328: Permit Required cases, Order I or II requested
• SWC22-0052: Sidewalk Obstruction case, Order I requested
• UNO22-0080: Unlicensed Non-Operative Items case, Order I requested

The Code Enforcement Board heard several cases and unanimously approved orders requiring property owners to correct violations by specified deadlines and pay administrative fees. Cases included litter, unpermitted construction, and repeat violations, with fines imposed for non-compliance. Three cases were marked as complied, two were rescheduled, and one was closed due to a new owner.

• Ordered compliance by May 23, 2022, for litter violation at 49 Hemlock Drive NW (unanimous)
• Ordered compliance by July 10, 2022, for unpermitted construction at 125 Rainbow Drive NW (unanimous)
• Ordered compliance by June 18, 2022, for unpermitted structures at 36 Miracle Strip Parkway SW (unanimous)
• Imposed $100/day fine for unpermitted driveway at 215 Hudson Drive NW, effective March 24, 2022 (unanimous)
• Imposed $500/day fine for repeat litter violation at 26 Laurie Drive NE, effective March 14, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended, noting complied, rescheduled, and closed cases (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from March 9, 2022, meeting (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider a series of quasi-judicial ordinances to annex and rezone several properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, including assigning commercial (CG) zoning and Mixed Use (MU) future land use designations. The council will also hold first readings on two land development code amendments regarding landscaping and fence heights, and discuss an employee recruitment and retention plan.

• Annexation and rezoning of 999 and 1005 Mar Walt Drive to CG commercial and MU mixed use
• Annexation and rezoning of 1106 and 1112 Hospital Road to CG commercial and MU mixed use
• Annexation and rezoning of unaddressed parcel ID 34-1S-24-0000-0052-0100 on Mar Walt Drive
• First reading of Ordinance 2100 amending landscaping standards in LDC Chapter 4
• Award of ITB 22-013 for tennis court lighting to Sequel Electrical Supply for $37,463.60

The City Council approved a one-time employee retention bonus of $1,000 for full-time and $500 for part-time employees, with the city covering taxes, after a 4-3 vote with Mayor Rynearson breaking a tie. The council also adopted resolutions accepting Hospital Road from Okaloosa County and approved first readings of two land development code amendments. Several annexation and zoning items were postponed to the May 24 meeting.

• Approved employee retention bonus: $1,000 full-time, $500 part-time, city covers taxes (4-3, mayor tie-break)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-7 accepting Hospital Road from Okaloosa County (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 2100 amending landscaping standards (5-1)
• Approved Ordinance 2101 allowing 8-foot fences near schools (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including tennis court lighting contract to Sequel Electrical Supply for $37,463.60 (unanimous)
• Postponed 15 annexation/zoning ordinances and parking easement item to May 24 meeting

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency will consider recommending two ordinance amendments to the City Council: one updating landscaping and tree requirements in Chapter 4 of the Land Development Code, and another allowing 8-foot fences in certain residential zones adjacent to schools. The board will also approve minutes from the April 7 meeting and hear public comments.

• Ordinance 2100: Amends LDC Chapter 4 to add a 10-foot landscape buffer and adjust tree size/count requirements
• Ordinance 2101: Amends LDC Chapter 5 to allow 8-foot fence heights in R-1E, R-1, or R-2 districts abutting schools exempt under Florida Statutes 1013.371
• Approval of April 7, 2022 meeting minutes
• Public comments period

The Local Planning Agency unanimously recommended two ordinances to City Council: Ordinance 2100, which would reduce tree planting requirements for commercial and mixed-use developments, and Ordinance 2101, which would allow 8-foot fences in residential zones adjacent to schools. Both recommendations passed unanimously with no public comments.

• Recommended Ordinance 2100 to City Council (unanimous)
• Recommended Ordinance 2101 to City Council (unanimous)

Youth Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency will consider recommending City Council adoption of two ordinances amending the Land Development Code: one updating landscape/tree requirements and another allowing 8-foot fences in residential zones abutting schools. The board will also approve minutes from its April 7 meeting and hear public comments.

• Ordinance 2100: Amends LDC Chapter 4 to revise landscape requirements, including a 10-foot landscape buffer and tree size/placement standards
• Ordinance 2101: Amends LDC Chapter 5 to allow 8-foot fence heights in R-1E, R-1, or R-2 districts adjacent to schools exempt under Florida Statutes 1013.371
• Approval of minutes from April 7, 2022 regular meeting
• Public comments period

The Local Planning Agency unanimously recommended two ordinances to City Council: Ordinance 2100, which would reduce tree planting requirements for commercial and mixed-use developments, and Ordinance 2101, which would allow 8-foot fences in residential districts for properties abutting schools. Both recommendations passed unanimously. The board also approved the agenda and the April 7, 2022 minutes.

• Recommended Ordinance 2100 to City Council to amend LDC Chapter 4 landscaping/tree requirements (unanimous)
• Recommended Ordinance 2101 to City Council to amend LDC Chapter 5 fence heights adjacent to schools (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved the minutes from April 7, 2022 (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a second reading of Ordinance 2099 to amend the Land Development Code for workforce housing, and will consider authorizing a $115,000 contract for Phase 2 of the city's branding initiative. The council will also vote on awarding contracts for parking lot improvements and a new garbage truck, and will hear proclamations and recognitions.

• Ordinance 2099 amending LDC Chapter 4 for workforce housing (second reading)
• Contract with no luggage Brand Strategies for Phase 2 branding, not to exceed $115,000
• Award ITB 22-006 parking lot improvements at 164-166 Miracle Strip Parkway SE to NWF Contractors, Inc. for $358,953.57
• Purchase of 2023 Autocar ACXR64/ZR Sideloader truck for Solid Waste for $332,221.00
• Proclamations for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and Municipal Clerks Week

The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2099 amending the Land Development Code for workforce housing, with no changes since first reading. It also approved a $115,000 agreement with no luggage Brand Strategies for Phase 2 of the branding initiative, awarded a $358,953.57 parking lot improvement contract to NWF Contractors, and approved the purchase of a 2023 Autocar sideloader truck for $322,221. All votes were unanimous with four members present; three members were absent.

• Adopted Ordinance 2099 amending LDC Chapter 4 for workforce housing (unanimous)
• Approved $115,000 agreement with no luggage Brand Strategies for branding Phase 2 (unanimous)
• Awarded ITB 22-006 parking lot improvements at 164-166 Miracle Strip Parkway SE to NWF Contractors for $358,953.57 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2023 Autocar ACXR64/ZR sideloader truck from Action Truck Center for $322,221.00 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and consent agenda (unanimous)

City Council - Workshop

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hear a presentation and discuss a library relocation study. The study evaluates moving the library from 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE to a preferred site at Oakland Heights Athletic Fields (413 Sullivan St NW), driven by the Highway 98 realignment. The council is not voting; this is a discussion item.

• Library relocation study presentation and discussion
• Preferred new site: Oakland Heights Athletic Fields, 413 Sullivan St NW
• Existing library at 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE operates at ~$525,000 annual deficit
• Community survey: 88% of users rate services excellent/good; 68% say relocation no effect
• Projected 30-year net present value: ~-$15M (city-owned) vs ~-$15.7M (lease)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The City Council will hear a presentation and discuss a library relocation study. The study evaluates moving the library from 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE to a new site, with the preferred location being Oakland Heights Athletic Fields at 413 Sullivan St NW. The discussion covers financial analysis, community survey results, and potential new programs, but no formal action is scheduled.

• Library relocation study presentation and discussion
• Preferred new site: Oakland Heights Athletic Fields, 413 Sullivan St NW
• Current library at 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE operates at average annual deficit of $525,000
• Community survey: 88% of users rate services excellent/good; 68% say relocation would have no effect
• Projected 30-year net present value: ~-$15M (city-owned) vs ~-$15.7M (leasing)

The City Council held a workshop to discuss a library relocation study, with Matrix Design Group presenting findings that identified Oakland Heights Athletic Field as the top alternative location. No formal action was taken; the meeting was informational only, with public comments both supporting and opposing relocation.

• No formal decisions made; workshop only

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider a first-reading ordinance amending the Land Development Code for workforce housing, award contracts for sidewalk construction and parking lot improvements, and approve the Local Housing Assistance Plan. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, a pension valuation acceptance, and a police fund authorization, along with proclamations and reports.

• Ordinance 2099 amending LDC Chapter 4 for workforce housing (first reading)
• Award ITB 22-006 for parking lot improvements at 164-166 Miracle Strip Parkway SE to NWF Contractors, Inc. for $358,953.57
• Award ITB 22-008 for annual concrete sidewalk construction to S.H. Hayes Enterprises, LLC
• Resolution 2022-6 approving Local Housing Assistance Plan for FY 2022-2025
• Authorization to use up to $3,000 from Law Enforcement Trust Fund for police purchases

The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2099, amending the Land Development Code to add voluntary workforce housing incentives like density bonuses and an incentive fund. Council also unanimously approved Resolution 2022-6, renewing the Local Housing Assistance Plan (SHIP) for FY 2022-2025. A motion to reject all bids for the Miracle Strip Parkway parking lot improvements failed 5-2; instead, the item was postponed to April 26 for negotiations with the property owner.

• Adopted Ordinance 2099 amending LDC Chapter 4 for workforce housing (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-6 renewing Local Housing Assistance Plan FY 2022-2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including sidewalk construction award to S.H. Hayes Enterprises (unanimous)
• Appointed Sam Kinkaid as alternate to Local Planning Agency (unanimous)
• Rejected motion to reject all bids for parking lot improvements at 164-166 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE (5-2 failed)
• Postponed parking lot improvement award to April 26, 2022 for negotiations (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will consider recommending City Council adoption of Ordinance 2099, which would amend the Land Development Code to create a voluntary workforce housing program with incentives like density bonuses and parking reductions. The board will also hold quasi-judicial hearings on two variance requests for a property at 38 Robinwood Drive SW: one to allow an 8-foot fence and another to reduce outdoor storage screening for watercraft. The agenda also includes approval of the prior meeting's minutes and routine reports.

• Ordinance 2099: workforce housing program with density bonuses, parking reductions, and accelerated review
• Variance request for 8-foot fence at 38 Robinwood Drive SW
• Variance request to reduce outdoor storage screening for watercraft at 38 Robinwood Drive SW
• Approval of March 3, 2022 meeting minutes

The Local Planning Agency voted unanimously to recommend City Council adoption of Ordinance 2099, which amends Chapter 4 of the Land Development Code to create workforce housing incentives, including density bonuses and an incentive fund. The board also approved a fence height variance at 38 Robinwood Drive SW (5-2) and denied a related screening variance unanimously.

• Recommended Ordinance 2099 workforce housing LDC amendment to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved 8-foot fence height variance at 38 Robinwood Drive SW (5-2)
• Denied outdoor storage screening variance at 38 Robinwood Drive SW (unanimous)

City Council - Workshop

This is a workshop meeting of the Fort Walton Beach City Council, with the agenda consisting only of call to order, discussion, and adjournment. No specific items are listed for action or decision, so the meeting is procedural and open-ended. Any decisions would require a separate action meeting.

• No specific agenda items listed beyond general discussion

The City Council held its annual strategic planning workshop, reviewing progress on the current strategic plan and discussing future priorities. No formal votes or binding decisions were made; the meeting consisted of presentations and breakout sessions with department directors.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded during the workshop
• Reviewed progress on strategic priorities adopted in May 2021
• Discussed branding initiative presentation by Sarah Peter
• Held breakout sessions with department directors on strategic plans

Youth Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency is deciding whether to recommend City Council adoption of Ordinance 2099, which would create a voluntary workforce housing program with incentives like density bonuses and parking reductions. The board will also vote on two variance requests for a property at 38 Robinwood Drive SW: one to allow an 8-foot fence and another to reduce outdoor storage screening for watercraft. The agenda includes routine items like approving the prior meeting's minutes.

• Ordinance 2099: Amends Land Development Code Chapter 4 to add Section 4.10 Workforce Housing, defining income levels and offering density bonuses, parking reductions, and expedited review
• Variance request at 38 Robinwood Drive SW to allow an 8-foot fence on all sides (VAR22-0036)
• Variance request at 38 Robinwood Drive SW to reduce outdoor storage screening for watercraft (staff recommends denial)
• Approval of minutes from March 3, 2022 meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold second readings and vote on a series of ordinances to annex and rezone multiple properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, including assigning commercial zoning and mixed-use future land use designations. The council will also consider donating city-owned parcels to FDOT for the Brooks Bridge Replacement Project and approving the FY 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

• Annexation and rezoning of 999 and 1005 Mar Walt Drive to commercial (CG) and mixed-use (MU)
• Annexation and rezoning of 1106 and 1112 Hospital Road to commercial (CG) and mixed-use (MU)
• Annexation and rezoning of unaddressed parcel (ID 34-1S-24-0000-0052-0100) on Mar Walt Drive
• Donation of city-owned right-of-way parcels to FDOT for Brooks Bridge Replacement Project
• Task Order with CPH, Inc. for $30,000 for stormwater facility analysis in Commerce & Technology Park

The City Council voted 5-2 to not approve the ordinance removing the Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay at 327 Eglin Parkway N, instead directing staff and the applicant to pursue a Development Agreement or PUD amendment. The council also unanimously approved donating city-owned parcels to FDOT for the Brooks Bridge Replacement Project and accepted the FY 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. All 15 White Wilson annexation-related items were postponed to the May 10, 2022 meeting.

• Rejected PUD removal for 327 Eglin Pkwy N; directed Development Agreement or PUD amendment (5-2)
• Approved donation of city ROW parcels to FDOT for Brooks Bridge Replacement (unanimous)
• Accepted FY 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended, postponing 16 White Wilson annexation items to 5/10/2022 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $30,000 stormwater task order with CPH, Inc. (unanimous)
• Reappointed Nic Allegretto as Mayor Pro-Tem (unanimous)
• Appointed David Schmidt as CRA Chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Nathan Kelley as CRA Vice Chair (unanimous)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The board denied a continuance request for the 301 Vaughan Street property and ordered the owner to correct violations by March 19, 2022, waiving the $325 fee. It also ordered compliance for several other properties, including 38 Robinwood Drive SW (by July 13, 2022) and 248 Hollywood Boulevard SW (by March 19, 2022). A motion to postpone the Robinwood case to July failed, but the board still set that deadline. Several cases were marked in compliance before the hearing.

• Denied continuance for 301 Vaughan St case (unanimous)
• Ordered 301 Vaughan St violations corrected by Mar 19, 2022, waived $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 38 Robinwood Dr SW violations corrected by Jul 13, 2022, waived $325 fee (unanimous)
• Motion to postpone 38 Robinwood Dr SW case to Jul 13 failed (2-3)
• Ordered 248 Hollywood Blvd SW violations corrected by Mar 19, 2022, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 215 Hudson Dr NW violations corrected by Mar 24, 2022, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Feb 9, 2022 (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold first and second readings on several ordinances, including donating right-of-way parcels to FDOT for the Brooks Bridge replacement, removing a PUD overlay at 327 Eglin Parkway N, and annexing and rezoning properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road to commercial. The consent agenda includes contracts for traffic analysis, intersection improvements, chlorine supplies, and grounds maintenance.

• Task Order with Kimley-Horn for Lewis Turner Boulevard traffic analysis, $149,600
• Award ITB 22-002 for Hollywood Boulevard & Robinwood Drive intersection improvements to Ingram Signalization, Inc., $390,985.50
• Award ITB 22-004 for chlorine supplies to DPC Enterprises, LP, $22,792 with four one-year renewal options
• First reading: Ordinance 2097 to donate City ROW parcels to FDOT for Brooks Bridge replacement
• Second reading: Ordinances 2052-2065 for annexation and rezoning of 999/1005 Mar Walt Drive and 1106/1112 Hospital Road to CG (Commercial)

The Council approved on first reading an ordinance removing the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning overlay at 327 Eglin Parkway N, allowing construction of 18 townhomes, with a condition that any more intense development must apply for a new PUD. The Council also unanimously approved donating 10 city-owned parcels to FDOT for the Brooks Bridge replacement project, and approved several consent agenda items including a $149,600 traffic analysis contract. All White Wilson annexation items were postponed to the March 29 meeting.

• Adopted Ordinance 2098 removing PUD at 327 Eglin Pkwy N for 18 townhomes (5-2)
• Adopted Ordinance 2097 donating 10 city parcels to FDOT for Brooks Bridge (unanimous)
• Approved $149,600 task order for Lewis Turner Blvd traffic analysis (unanimous)
• Awarded $390,985.50 contract for Hollywood Blvd & Robinwood Dr intersection improvements (unanimous)
• Awarded $22,792 annual chlorine supplies bid to DPC Enterprises (unanimous)
• Awarded $33,471.90 stormwater ROW maintenance contract to Green Energy Contracting (unanimous)
• Approved $52,250 change order to recoat Hill Ave water tank (unanimous)
• Postponed all White Wilson annexation items to 3/29/2022

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency received the 2020-21 annual report and a presentation on the new Fort Walton Beach Cultural Arts League, which aims to promote public art and culture. No formal votes were taken on these items; the board heard updates on projects like The Landing renovation and the library relocation study. The meeting was informational, with no substantive decisions made.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from November 16, 2021 (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will hold a quasi-judicial hearing and consider recommending City Council approval of Ordinance 2098 to remove the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning overlay for 327 Eglin Parkway N, and to approve a site development plan. The property owner plans to build townhomes along Middle Drive NE, with the rest of the property's use undecided. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comments.

• Ordinance 2098: Remove PUD zoning overlay for 327 Eglin Parkway N, with site development plan for townhomes
• Property owner: Danny Cox/Ed Cox Motor Company, Inc.; agent: Henderson Engineering & Consulting, LLC
• Site size: 3.06 acres; townhome portion ~0.9 acres; max impervious surface 75%
• Previous PUD (Ordinance 2048) allowed CEFCO gas station at 325 Eglin Parkway N
• Public comments and approval of February 3, 2022 minutes

Youth Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Youth Council will consider adopting a maximum of three strategic priorities, based on ranked input from members. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from December 7, 2021, and February 1, 2022, and a project discussion. The February 1 meeting was postponed due to lack of quorum.

• Adoption of up to 3 strategic priorities (staff recommendation)
• Approval of minutes from Dec 7, 2021 and Feb 1, 2022 meetings
• Project discussion (new business)
• Ranked priorities include: library relocation, school coordination, homeless resources, art opportunities, youth retention

The Youth Council approved its top three strategic priorities: improved coordination with the school district, the library relocation project, and more resources for homeless women. The vote was unanimous. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from December 2021 and February 2022 meetings, and discussed a potential field trip before the school year ends.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes from Dec 7, 2021 and Feb 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved top three strategic priorities: school district coordination, library relocation, homeless women resources (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider several ordinances regarding property annexations and future land use amendments. The agenda also includes a purchase of a prefabricated restroom building and an equipment lease agreement.

• Purchase of a prefabricated restroom building for $113,920
• 48-month lease agreement for a Kubota R640R41 Articulating Wheel Loader
• Annexation and zoning of 201 Lovejoy Road NW to Commercial
• Annexation and zoning of 999, 1005, and 1106 Mar Walt Drive/Hospital Road properties
• Execution of State of Florida opioid settlement participation forms

The City Council unanimously approved three ordinances to annex 201 Lovejoy Road NW into city limits, amend its Future Land Use Map designation to Commercial (COM), and zone the property as Commercial (CG). The property is owned by Props Brewery, which plans to build a 6,000-square-foot building on the vacant lot. The council also unanimously approved relinquishing maintenance responsibility for FDOT traffic signals to Okaloosa County, a paperwork change that removes the city from the invoicing process.

• Approved Ordinance 2094, annexing 201 Lovejoy Road NW into city limits (unanimous).
• Approved Ordinance 2095, amending the Future Land Use Map for 201 Lovejoy Road NW to Commercial (COM) (unanimous).
• Approved Ordinance 2096, zoning 201 Lovejoy Road NW as Commercial (CG) (unanimous).
• Approved relinquishing responsibility for FDOT traffic signals to Okaloosa County, streamlining invoicing (unanimous).
• Approved the consent agenda, including the opioid settlement participation forms, a wheel loader lease, and a $113,920 prefabricated restroom purchase (unanimous).
• Postponed 16 items related to White Wilson annexations and a parking easement to the March 8, 2022 meeting.

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 11 code enforcement cases, including grass height, litter, permit, and maintenance violations. Staff is requesting the board issue Orders I or II for these cases. The meeting also includes routine items like approval of minutes and swearing in of witnesses.

• Grass height cases GHD21-0674 and GHD21-0723
• Litter cases LIT21-0306 and LIT21-0735
• Permit required cases PR21-0653, PR21-0693, and PR21-0419
• Permitted uses case PU21-0500
• Water service case SW21-0583

The Code Enforcement Board heard five cases and unanimously ordered property owners to correct violations or pay fines. Cases involved unpermitted construction, litter, and an accessory building setback. The board also approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes.

• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved Jan 12, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Ordered 111 Cowrie Ave SW owner to correct permit violations by Mar 1, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 240 Hollywood Blvd SE owner to correct permit violations within 90 days, pay $325 fee and $100/day fine after May 15, 2022 (unanimous)
• Ordered 1 Eglin Pkwy NE owner to correct parking lot permit violation by Feb 24, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 401 Rogers St NW owner to correct litter violations by Feb 19, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered 308 Gardner Dr NE owners to correct setback violation immediately, pay $325 fee and $100/day fine from Dec 10, 2021 (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold a regular meeting with public hearings on 11 code enforcement cases, including grass height, litter, permit, permitted uses, water service, maintenance, and yard setback violations. Staff is requesting issuance of Order I for eight cases and Order II for three cases. The agenda is otherwise procedural, covering call to order, roll call, and approval of minutes.

• GHD21-0674 and GHD21-0723: Grass height cases, Order I requested
• LIT21-0306 and LIT21-0735: Litter cases, Order I requested
• PR21-0653, PR21-0693, PR21-0419: Permit required cases, Orders I and II requested
• PU21-0500: Permitted uses case, Order I requested
• SW21-0583: Water service case, Order I requested

The Code Enforcement Board heard five cases and unanimously ordered property owners to correct violations or face fines. Orders included compliance deadlines, $325 administrative fees per case, and $100-per-day fines for two repeat violators. The board also approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes.

• Ordered owner of 111 Cowrie Ave SW to fix permit violations by March 1, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered owner of 240 Hollywood Blvd SE to fix permit violations within 90 days, pay $325 fee and $100/day fine after May 15, 2022 (unanimous)
• Ordered owner of 1 Eglin Pkwy NE to fix parking lot permit violation by Feb 24, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered owner of 401 Rogers St NW to clean up litter violations by Feb 19, 2022, pay $325 fee (unanimous)
• Ordered owners of 308 Gardner Dr NE to fix setback violation immediately, pay $325 fee and $100/day fine from Dec 10, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Jan 12, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will consider recommending City Council approval of two ordinances to change the future land use and zoning designations for 201 Lovejoy Road NW to commercial, following a voluntary annexation request. The board will also review a waiver for a metal building facade at the same property and a request to expand a nonconforming lot at 732 Butler Drive NW. These are quasi-judicial items requiring public hearings.

• Ordinance 2095: Amend FLUM for 201 Lovejoy Road NW to Commercial (COM)
• Ordinance 2096: Assign CG (Commercial) zoning to 201 Lovejoy Road NW
• Waiver request for metal building facade at 201 Lovejoy Road NW
• Expansion/modification of nonconforming lot at 732 Butler Drive NW

The Local Planning Agency unanimously recommended City Council adoption of two ordinances to change the Future Land Use Map and zoning designation for 201 Lovejoy Road NW to Commercial (COM/CG), supporting Props Craft Brewery's expansion. The board also approved a waiver to the metal building facade requirement for that property (4-1) and approved a modification for a nonconforming lot at 732 Butler Drive NW (3-2).

• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2095 to amend FLUM for 201 Lovejoy Road NW to Commercial (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2096 to zone 201 Lovejoy Road NW as CG Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of metal building facade requirement at 201 Lovejoy Road NW (4-1)
• Approved modification of nonconforming lot at 732 Butler Drive NW (3-2)

Youth Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Youth Council will discuss and formally adopt up to three strategic priorities at this meeting, based on ranked input from members. The January 4 meeting was canceled, so this item carries over. No immediate financial impact is expected from adopting the priorities.

• Adoption of up to 3 strategic priorities (staff recommendation)
• Ranked priorities include: student mental health, driver education, youth retention, library relocation, homeless women resources, art opportunities, school district coordination
• Discussion of ranked priorities from December 7, 2021 meeting
• Approval of minutes from December 7, 2021 meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Youth Council meeting on February 1, 2022, was called to order but lacked a quorum, with only two of eight members present. No decisions were made; the meeting was postponed and rescheduled within two weeks. Approval of previous minutes and all agenda items were postponed.

• Meeting postponed due to lack of quorum
• Approval of December 7, 2021 minutes postponed
• Strategic priorities discussion postponed
• Project discussion postponed

City Council - Workshop

The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss and provide direction on a draft ordinance that would add Section 4.10 to the Land Development Code, creating an optional workforce housing program. The program would offer incentives such as density bonuses, parking reductions, and accelerated review to developers who set aside at least 20% of units for households earning up to 120% of area median income. The draft also proposes a $1.5 million Workforce Housing Incentive Fund. No final decision is expected; the item is for discussion only.

• Draft ordinance adds LDC Section 4.10 – Workforce Housing
• Proposed density bonuses up to 35 du/ac in MX-2 district
• Parking reduction up to 10% or 10 spaces
• Proposed $1,500,000 Workforce Housing Incentive Fund from General Fund
• 15-year affordability requirement for workforce units

The City Council held a workshop to discuss a draft ordinance amending the Land Development Code to add workforce housing provisions. No formal vote was taken. Staff will refine the ordinance based on the discussion and seek input from local partners, with a possible presentation to the Local Planning Agency as early as March.

• Discussed draft workforce housing ordinance (no vote)
• Staff to review feasibility of including R-1 zoning districts
• Discussed allocating $1.5M from General Fund for Workforce Housing Incentive Fund (no vote)
• Staff to refine ordinance based on workshop discussion

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider a series of quasi-judicial ordinances to annex and rezone several properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road, including 999 and 1005 Mar Walt Drive and 1106 and 1112 Hospital Road, to commercial use. The council will also vote on resolutions regarding workforce housing and a bridge maintenance agreement, as well as approve contracts for fuel tank replacement and lift station design.

• Award ITB 22-003 for fuel tank replacement at Pump Station No. 1 to Palisades, LLC dba Panhandle Pump Company for $124,228
• Task order with Mott McDonald Florida, LLC for $79,906 for design of Lift Station No. 22
• Resolution 2022-4 declaring no city-owned property appropriate for affordable housing
• Resolution 2022-5 approving FDOT Brooks Bridge replacement maintenance agreement
• Ordinances 2052-2066 for annexation, FLUM amendment, and zoning of Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road properties

The Fort Walton Beach City Council unanimously adopted ordinances updating the City Code and Land Development Code to gender-neutral language. The Council also approved an Employee Recruitment & Retention Enhancement Plan offering 457 retirement plan matching contributions for non-pensionable employees, and approved lease terms for the FWB Golf Club restaurant with Bay Enterprises. Several annexation and zoning ordinances for properties on Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road were postponed to the February 22, 2022 meeting.

• Adopted Ordinance 2090 updating City Code to gender-neutral language (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2091 updating Land Development Code to gender-neutral language (unanimous)
• Approved Employee Recruitment & Retention Enhancement Plan with 457 plan matching contributions up to 3% (unanimous)
• Approved lease terms with Bay Enterprises for FWB Golf Club restaurant, $2,750/month plus $610 CAM (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-4 declaring no city-owned property appropriate for affordable housing (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-5 approving FDOT Brooks Bridge replacement maintenance agreement (unanimous)
• Postponed 15 annexation/rezoning ordinances for Mar Walt Drive and Hospital Road properties to 2/22/2022
• Postponed parking ingress/egress easement for White Wilson Medical Center to 2/22/2022

City Council - Workshop

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a workshop to discuss a draft ordinance amending Chapters 7, 9, and 11 of the Code of Ordinances related to quality of life. The changes address behavior in parks, solicitation/panhandling, loitering, and parking/watercraft regulations. This is a discussion item only; staff seeks council feedback and direction, with no direct financial impact.

• Amends Chapter 7: prohibits alcohol in parks, unattended personal property, and sets fines ($100 first, $200 second, $500 third for alcohol violations)
• Amends Chapter 9: restricts panhandling/solicitation, including in Community Redevelopment Area and from vehicles, with penalties up to $500 fine or 60 days imprisonment
• Amends Chapter 9: adds loitering prohibitions in public places and playgrounds
• Amends Chapter 11: relates to parking and watercraft regulations
• No direct financial impact to the City

The City Council held a workshop to discuss a draft ordinance amending Chapters 7, 9, and 11 of the Code of Ordinances related to quality of life. No formal decisions were made; the workshop was for discussion and feedback only. Staff presented proposed changes covering park conduct, alcohol prohibition, solicitation/panhandling, loitering, theft of utilities, parking time limits, and watercraft regulations. Council and citizens provided input, including adding illegal substances to park prohibitions and changing the parking limit from 72 to 48 hours.

• Discussed draft ordinance amending Chapters 7, 9, 11 (no vote taken)
• Considered changing parking limit in public places from 72 to 48 hours (discussion only)
• Heard citizen request to add illegal substances to park prohibitions (discussion only)

Code Enforcement Board - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board will hold public hearings on 15 code violation cases, including fence maintenance, grass height, litter, business tax receipt, permit, unlicensed non-operative items, and window maintenance. Staff is requesting the board issue Order I for 11 cases and Order II for 4 cases. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the November 10, 2021 meeting.

• 15 public hearings on code enforcement cases (FEM21-0647, GHD21-0423, LIT21-0579, LIT21-0624, LIT21-0628, LIT21-0684, OL21-0564, PR21-0380, UNO21-0618, UNO21-0637, WIN21-0424, GHD21-0368, GHD21-0390, LIT21-0513, LIT21-0556)
• Staff requests Order I for 11 cases and Order II for 4 cases
• Approval of minutes from November 10, 2021 meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Board approved orders for five properties with ongoing violations, imposing daily fines and administrative fees. The board also accepted an amended agenda and approved prior meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Order I for 51 Hemlock Drive NW: 10 days to comply, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Approved Order II for 933 Denton Blvd NW: $100/day fine from Nov 2, 2021, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Approved Order II for 213 Holmes Blvd NW: $250/day fine from Oct 23, 2021, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Approved Order II for 102 Eglin Pkwy SE: $100/day fine from Nov 30, 2021, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Approved Order II for 337 Hollywood Blvd NW: $100/day fine from Nov 30, 2021, $325 fee (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Nov 10, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold second readings on ordinances to annex four properties—999 and 1005 Mar Walt Drive, 1106 and 1112 Hospital Road, and an unaddressed parcel on Mar Walt Drive—into city limits, with corresponding future land use map amendments to Mixed Use and zoning designations to Commercial (CG). The council will also consider first readings on ordinances to make the city code gender-neutral, plus several consent agenda items including an opioid settlement participation form, police agreements, and a fire equipment purchase.

• Annexation and rezoning of 999 and 1005 Mar Walt Drive to Commercial (CG) and Mixed Use (MU)
• Annexation and rezoning of 1106 and 1112 Hospital Road to Commercial (CG) and Mixed Use (MU)
• Annexation of unaddressed parcel on Mar Walt Drive (Parcel ID 34-1S-24-0000-0052-0100)
• Purchase of 8 firefighting coat/pant sets for $24,608 from Municipal Emergency Services
• Acceptance of $8,000 AAA Florida Traffic Safety Grant for police equipment

The Fort Walton Beach City Council adopted a new Code Enforcement Civil Citation Program (Ordinance 2092) to cite violators rather than property owners, and granted an economic development ad valorem tax exemption to Project Blue Waves (Ordinance 2093, 5-1). The council also approved first reading of ordinances to make the Code of Ordinances and Land Development Code gender-neutral (both 4-2), and postponed the White Wilson annexation ordinances until January 25, 2022.

• Adopted Code Enforcement Civil Citation Program (Ordinance 2092) unanimously
• Granted ad valorem tax exemption to Project Blue Waves (Ordinance 2093, 5-1)
• Approved first reading of gender-neutral language ordinance for Code of Ordinances (Ordinance 2090, 4-2)
• Approved first reading of gender-neutral language ordinance for Land Development Code (Ordinance 2091, 4-2)
• Postponed White Wilson annexation ordinances (11.1-11.15) to January 25, 2022
• Authorized hiring Gray-Robinson, P.A. for charter amendment legal services (4-2)
• Approved CDBG roof replacement funding at 6 Euchee Circle SE with lien requirement (unanimous)
• Approved fraud settlement with insurance companies for $58,341.22 (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will consider recommending City Council adoption of Ordinance 2091, which would amend the Land Development Code to replace gender-specific terms like 'he' and 'chairman' with gender-neutral language. The $6,000 project, funded in the FY 2021-22 carryover budget, also includes updates to the Code of Ordinances. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Ordinance 2091: gender-neutral language amendment to Land Development Code, $6,000 project
• Approval of November 4, 2021 meeting minutes
• Public comments period

The Local Planning Agency voted 5-2 to recommend City Council adoption of Ordinance 2091, which would amend the Land Development Code to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language. The board discussed the $6,000 cost for the review and noted that Council has final approval authority. The recommendation was forwarded to the City Council.

• Recommended Ordinance 2091 to amend Land Development Code with gender-neutral language (5-2)
• Approved meeting agenda unanimously
• Approved November 4, 2021 minutes unanimously

Youth Council - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency is considering Ordinance 2091, which would amend the City of Fort Walton Beach Land Development Code to replace gender-specific terms like 'he' and 'chairman' with gender-neutral language. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comments. The item is a recommendation to City Council, which will vote on it later.

• Ordinance 2091: gender-neutral language update to Land Development Code, funded at $6,000
• Approval of minutes from November 4, 2021 meeting
• Public comments period
• Board member reports

The Local Planning Agency voted 5-2 to recommend City Council adoption of Ordinance 2091, which would amend the Land Development Code to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language. The recommendation follows a review by Municode, with a remaining implementation cost of $2,000. The board discussed the necessity of the expense and noted Council has final approval.

• Approved agenda unanimously
• Approved November 4, 2021 minutes unanimously
• Recommended Ordinance 2091 (gender-neutral LDC amendments) to Council (5-2)