All City Council meetings may be viewed at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.
November 1st Council Meeting Recap
Artificial Reef Program Presentation - Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County Coastal Resource Manager - Councilmember Bagby inquired as to the date Okaloosa County last surveyed the Erosion Control Line (ECL) and requested a copy of a map showing location of ECL and mean high water line. Mr. Alex Fogg will provide the information. 7-0, motion passed to authorize the mayor to send a letter to members of Congress supporting the REEF Act that encourages the US Navy to prioritize the repurposing of retired vessels into artificial reefs to reinforce marine environments and create essential ecological benefits and unique recreational opportunities for residents and tourists; and includes economic benefits that will generate financial growth for local businesses.
City Manager Report:
Quarterly Investment Report - 7-0, motion passed to authorize Councilmember Bagby to work with the City’s Finance Director in reviewing and bringing back a revised investment policy for the City of Destin not later than the first meeting in February 2022, and to be the legislative sponsor for the new investment policy.
Announcements:
- Annual Pin Fish Classic on Saturday, November 6th, at the docks behind AJ’s Restaurant.
- Veteran’s Day Holiday on Thursday, November 11th. All city facilities will be closed.
Council Comments:
Councilmember Braden - Councilmember Braden requests the council be provided a list of complaints/ problems, recommendations for improvement, and other feedback from the department heads relating to the COMPASS System, and what if anything has been done to mitigate those issues. The City Manager will work with Councilmember Braden in evaluating and looking for ways to improve the COMPASS System.
Councilmember Ramswell - Councilmember Ramswell requests a copy of the city’s standard operating procedures / security protocols in place for visitors at City Hall facilities.
Councilmember Schmidt - 6-1, motion passed to direct the City Manager to instruct staff to bring forth an ordinance that would impose a moratorium on adding new developments and modifying usages to any harbor property that directly impacts activity inside the harbor waterways that would coincide with the livery vessel moratorium with Councilmember Destin dissenting.
Mayor Jarvis - City Council Meeting Procedures - The mayor and council agreed to the following changes to the resolution on rules of procedure for council meetings:
• Move Proclamations/Recognition/Special Presentation / Announcements following Agenda Approval.
• Move Consent Agenda up following the 1st Public Comments section.
• Move Approval of Minutes under Consent Agenda.
• Eliminate requirements for yellow card/blue card.
• Bring back a resolution combining all previous amendments to Resolution 13-15.
City Attorney Kyle Bauman - Mr. Bauman proposed the new City Manager evaluation form and to amend the resolution such that evaluation forms are simply provided from the mayor and council to the HR Manager who simply tabulates the scores and provide those back to the council at open public meeting, motion passed 5-2, to approve with Council members Bagby and Ramswell dissenting.
November 15th Council Meeting Recap
Larry Ballard Retirement Proclamation - The City Manager read the Proclamation honoring Mr. Larry Ballard upon his retirement after 34 years of service as Building Official for the City of Destin; and then presented the Proclamation and gift to Mr. Ballard.
City Manager Report:
Strategic Plan Update - The City Manager provided an update of the City’s Strategic Plan.
City Manager Evaluation Process - Resolution 21-16 - Motion passed 6-0, to approve Resolution 21-16. Councilmember Bagby announced that a proposed change to the City Manager evaluation timelines is currently being finalized. This will align the HR evaluation process with the strategic planning process and the budgeting process. Staff will bring back the proposal at the first meeting in December, at which time he will offer a motion to incorporate the proposed change into the resolution.
Rules of Procedures for City Council Meeting - Resolution 21-17 - Motion passed 6-0, Proposed Amendment: Change new Section 1 on the agenda template on page 5 of the resolution to read, “Proclamations / Recognitions / Special / Public Presentations. Proposed Amendment: Add the following language on page 10, paragraph 6.3 – Presentation by Member of Council - of the resolution: “If such a vote passes, then that measure would be open for public comments.”
Temporary Vacation of Council Seat - Motion passed 4-2, to appoint Mr. Bobby Wagner to fill the temporary vacancy position in the council; with Council members Hebert and Bagby dissenting.
FDEM State-Funded Grant Agreement - Flood Management Project - Motion passed 6-0, to authorize the mayor to sign the FDEM State-Funded Grant Agreement and have staff return the sgned agreement to FDEM.
Announcements:
- City facilities will be closed November 25th &26th in observance of Thanksgiving.
- I will be out of the office the week of November 22nd, Deputy City Manager Warren will be in charge during my absence.
- The Destin Tree-Lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday December 2nd, 6:00pm, at the Destin Community Center.
- Volunteers for Advisory Committees and Board. The City Clerk will provide a monthly committee attendance report to Council. Motion passed 6-0, to appoint Mayor Gary Jarvis as Council representative to One Okaloosa EDC.
Council Comments:
Councilmember Destin - Councilmember Destin requests the following item be added to the next council meeting agenda: “Increase parking at Norriego Point Park.”