City of Destin 2021 Hurricane Information Guide is Now Available
Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The 2021 City of Destin Hurricane Guide is now available on the City of Destin website and City of Destin Government Facebook page. This guide is designed to provide valuable information that you can use before, during and after a storm.
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Have You Signed Up for Alert Okaloosa?
Destin homeowners, businesses and residents alike are encouraged to sign up for "Alert Okaloosa," a messaging system used to alert residents about weather emergencies requiring immediate action.
Alert Okaloosa, which is operated by the Okaloosa County Emergency Management Department, will notify residents in the area where severe weather is predicted, to let them know ahead of time if they will be impacted by weather such as tornado's, flash floods, etc. Notifications can be received via:
*Email
*Business phones
*Home phones
*Cell phones
To ensure that the system will call you when your address or business is threatened by an emergency or by severe weather, simply register your address and contact information in the Alert Okaloosa County portal. Access here: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724689#/signup
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City of Destin 4th of July FireworksIn honor of Independence Day, the City of Destin and Compass Resorts will host the 35th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show. The fireworks show can be seen over the East Pass and will begin at 9 p.m., Sunday, July 4th. Tune in to Z96 (96.5 FM) for the simulcast music. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks show will take place on Monday, July 5th at 9 p.m. Parks and Recreation staff will host an Independence Day Bike Parade on Thursday, July 1st, at Destin Elementary School track at 5:30 p.m.
The City of Destin encourages everyone to think “safety first” if you plan to set off your own fireworks. Firework laws shall be enforced and if you plan to purchase legal fireworks do so from a state-certified fireworks distributor only. Place used fireworks in a bucket of water before you dispose of them, keep small children and animals away from the fireworks and never relight those that do not work. For a list of hundreds of sparklers that are legal to use in Florida, visit the State Fire Marshal's website at https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/bfp/approvedsparklerlists.htm.
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Mayor Gary Jarvis Visits with Destin Deputies"We got your back here in the City. Its a true partnership and we need you to be a part of this community. People that live here they want security, they want peace, they want the knowledge that if they are in a crisis, whatever it may be, that someone is going to help them and that's you guys." - Mayor Gary Jarvis
Mayor Gary Jarvis visited with each of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Destin patrol shifts to extend his gratitude to our courageous deputies, provide some words of encouragement and brought some goodies to share courtesy of Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer. To hear more please visit https://fb.watch/5KxeoUNvs4/ |
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City of Destin Launches New Way of Doing Business to Increase Citizen Transparency and Automate Processes
On June 23rd, the City of Destin successfully went live on Tyler's EnerGov™ civic services solution. The City has been using Tyler’s Munis® enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution since 1999 and the City, already familiar with Tyler’s public administration solutions, selected EnerGov™ for its COMPASS (COMmunity Permitting And Support System) project. “This is the largest implementation of government services software in our region. Through the vision and support of the Destin City Council, we are now able to provide our residents and business community a permitting and land management platform that is innovative and easy-to-use,” stated Webb Warren, Deputy City Manager.
“Destin’s COMPASS self-service portal will increase efficiency as well as transparency for our residents and professional contractors and developers by providing online access to submit digital applications and view the status of applications from start to finish, as well as the results of building inspections”, stated Louis Zunguze, Community Development Director. The new process will allow users to search for an address or parcel, apply for a permit, and request an inspection, among other activities, eliminating the need to physically go over to City Hall to submit paper applications and plan sets. Nearly two years ago, Council and City staff embarked on the largest project the City has ever undertaken to increase staff levels in Information Technology (IT) as well as Community Development and begin the transition to a system that would be more efficient, customer-oriented, and beneficial to the public.
Due to the perseverance of staff, countless number of hours (30+ a week) have been invested in this platform so residents and businesses can feel more connected to their local government and allow staff to focus on other critical tasks for the City of Destin. “Tyler has been a great partner for more than 20 years. As we needed a new solution that would be easily implemented and bring value, a continued partnership with Tyler was a natural fit,” said Matthew Pace, City of Destin’s IT Director. “The strength of the Munis® and EnerGov™ integration will benefit those who do business with our city and benefit our residents. We’re excited for increased efficiency in our office with the implementation of this new solution.”
Destin City Manager Lance Johnson stated, “Once this system is fully operational and we have had the opportunity to work the kinks out, it should vastly improve several City services, especially our permitting process. Residents and businesses should experience noticeable improvements in the timeliness, efficiency and accountability associated with permit applications. None of this would be possible without the hard work of our City staff during the past two years as they prepared to roll out this new system. My thanks to the City Council for their foresight and ongoing support of this initiative to improve service delivery to our residents, businesses and visitors.”
We kindly ask the public to please be patient as we work through some of the kinks with the new process. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.cityofdestin.com/compass.
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Employee SpotlightOne of the smiling faces you encounter when you visit the Destin Library is Library Assistant Sara McNair. Sara has been employed with the Library for about two and a half years. She moved to Florida from Maryland, where she worked in a government office as an analyst and editor. Sara has a master’s degree in public and international affairs but says that she likes working in a library better. Pictured next to Sara is one of the many displays she creates to entice patrons into reading a good book. Sara says that one of her favorite things about library work is matching people to a book that is just right for them based on their personality and reading preferences. Some of her favorite authors are David Sedaris and Agatha Christie. One innovative idea that she would like to see in the Library is a coffee shop.
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Destin Library Launches Summer Reading Program for 2021To help encourage reading and active minds, the Destin Library has planned a whale of a summer reading event that starts on June 14th and runs until July 31st. The annual event is sponsored by the Destin Library Friends Guild and the Destin Rotary Club. This year’s theme is Tails & Tales and includes weekly events and a reading challenge for all ages to earn awards. To sign up for the program, drop by the Library or visit the Library’s webpage at https://www.cityofdestin.com/655/Summer-Reading. |
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Destin Dog Park Gets New Sod
On Friday, June 18th, members of the Destin Forward Class of 2021 and City Park staff worked together to help sod the large portion of the Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park. Thank you to everyone involved for helping with this project. Progress will continue throughout the summer to improve the park elements and we appreciate everyone's patience during this time. Please stay tuned!
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Parks and Recreation Update
This summer the City of Destin’s Recreation Department have been offering a variety of activities for the youth to include: Summer Camp/Half-Day Program, Orchestra Camp, Baton Camp, Little Ballers Basketball Camp, and a Babysitting Safety Course.
Morgan Sports Center has been hosting Baseball Tournaments during the month of June with over 70 teams and averaging between 3,000 to 5,000 users per day.
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2021 City of Destin Annual PassesFull-time residents (residing within the incorporated city limits) are encouraged to submit their request for a 2021 Annual Pass via the city website at https://www.cityofdestin.com/342/Annual-Passes. For those who do not have internet access, beach parking passes are only available at City Hall. Henderson Beach State Park and Joes Bayou Boat Ramp passes are available at both City Hall and the Destin Community Center. For questions, please contact Destin City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail or call 850-837-4242.
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Destin High School Unveils New MascotOn Tuesday, May 25th, Destin High School's 15 foot shark mascot was unveiled. Congratulations!
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Council Updates
All City Council meetings may be viewed at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.
June 7th Council Meeting Recap
Reconfirm Appointment of Interim City Council Member for the City of Destin: 6-0, motion passed to reconfirm appointment of Chatham Morgan as Interim City Council member for the City of Destin.
Inauguration of Interim City Council Member for the City of Destin - Interim City Councilmember Chatham Morgan sworn in by City Attorney, Kyle Bauman.
Proclamation - Mayor Jarvis read the Proclamation declaring June 7th – 11th as Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week and then presented it to Code Compliance Manager Joey Forgione.
Tourist Development Department Update by Jennifer Adams - Ms. Adams will provide quarterly reports to Council beginning July 2021.
City Manager Report:
Proposed City of Destin Planning Areas: 7-0, motion passed to approve the proposed planning areas and amend the City’s comprehensive plan accordingly.
Consultant Selection for Zerbe/Calhoun Pedestrian Improvements Phase II: 7-0, motion passed to approve Baskerville-Donovan for the Zerbe/Calhoun Pedestrian Improvements Phase II.
Cross Town Connector Multimodal Design: 7-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to implement right-of-way option No. 2 and multimodal elements Option No. 2, 40’ right-of-way with median, into the project design.
Transfer of ERU Water and Sewer Credits to Destin High School, Inc.: 6-0, motion passed to authorize and direct the mayor to execute the agreement, as amended, transferring City of Destin Equivalent Residential Unit Credits to Destin High School, Inc. Councilmember Ramswell abstained from voting.
Council Comments:
Councilmember Braden/Livery Vessel Fees: Councilmember Braden noted a motion previously approved by Council to increase livery vessel fees, with proceeds to be used to hire either a Harbor Master or a Harbor Ranger that can issue citations, and whose main area of responsibility will be the North Harbor District. He recommends hiring a Harbor Master/Ranger within the next 90 days or reducing the livery vessel fees back to the amount prior to the increase.
Councilmember Destin wants to make sure funds have been segregated to be used for that specific purpose before taking any action.
City Attorney will coordinate matters with the Finance Director to make sure said funds are set aside, and that they are segregated by a specific resolution to be used as prescribed by Council.
Councilmember Braden requests this item be placed on the next agenda, and to include the findings as well as copy of the meeting minutes when this issue was discussed and acted upon by the Council in the agenda report.
Councilmember Braden/Eglin Air Force Base Property: Councilmember Braden asked staff to contact the Eglin Base Commander and inquire about their plans for the property located on the west end of the Destin Bridge.
It was the consensus of the Council to allow the mayor to reach out to Commissioner Mel Ponder, and together discuss this matter with the Eglin Base Commander. The mayor will report findings back to Council and Commissioner Ponder to BOCC.
Councilmember Braden/Ordinance: Councilmember Braden recommends the City formulates an ordinance prohibiting electric bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. from operating on sidewalks.
It was the consensus of the Council to allow the City Attorney, Land Use Attorney and City staff to review State Statutes that specifically address motorized vehicles as described by Councilmember Braden and provide recommendations to Council.
Councilmember Braden/LSV's: Councilmember Braden would like to see Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) back on the table for discussion at some point as the Sheriff’s Office has expressed great concern about LSVs on Airport Road.
Councilmember Braden asked staff to determine the average income for Destin and Okaloosa County.
Councilmember Ramswell asked staff to find out who is responsible for maintaining the section of the road at Silver Shells.
Councilmember Ramswell/Maintenance of rights-of-way along Commons Drive Report: The Deputy City Manager will continue to monitor and provide updates on the County’s progress in maintaining the area rights-of-way.
Councilmember Ramswell expressed safety concerns over a white utility box located above ground at the southeast corner of Indian Bayou Trail and Country Club Drive intersection. There are exposed cables, electric wiring and associated devices. She asked staff to find out who is responsible for maintaining it.
Councilmember Destin noted that Gulf Power has returned the City’s proposed franchise and utility undergrounding agreements to the City’s special counsel Schef Wright. He will ask Mr. Wright to provide a report at the next Council meeting, if possible.
Councilmember Destin noted that the comments from the public portion of the agenda has been pretty chaotic tonight. He recommends better management of the situation at future meetings. He also recommends Council directions to be given only to City Manager, City Attorney or Land Use Attorney, and not directly to other City employees.
Councilmember Hebert/Master Gardener's Cooperative Project: It was the consensus of the Council to allow Ms. Janet Hayes, a master gardener, to assist the City with the beautification process at Buck Destin Park, and to work with people in charge with irrigation and pesticide application.
Councilmember King asked to place on the next council meeting agenda “Catch and Release Pond at Crosstown Connector.”
Councilmember Schmidt/Charter Review: 7-0, motion passed to direct the City Attorney to bring back recommendations for amending the City Charter with regards to appointment of Interim City Councilmember and conducting a special election to fill a vacated council position.
Councilmember Schmidt/Harborwalk Boardwalk Replacement: 7-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to direct staff to begin the permitting and quotes processes for the boardwalk replacement at the Tailfins location, and to begin replacement immediately following the completion of the 3 currently permitted sections with available funds or for the next round of funding.
Councilmember Schmidt/Air Tour Operations - Resolution in Support of County's Efforts Related to Helicopter and Air Tour Flight Paths: 7-0, motion passed to adopt Resolution 21-06 and allow Councilmember Schmidt to work with the City and County government officials to continue finding a solution to helicopter issues in the community and on their beaches.
Mayor Gary Jarvis: 7-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to instruct staff to gather necessary information for the Council to discuss and vote on the recommendation to place portable toilets at certain locations along the boardwalk during busy holiday weekends such as during Labor Day and July 4th holidays.
June 21st Council Meeting Recap
Proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month - Mayor Gary Jarvis read the proclamation designating the month of July 2021 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Destin, and then presented it to the Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Firth and members of the Parks & Recreation Committee.
City Manager Report:
Capital Project Status - Finance Director Krystal Strickland provided a summary of the current capital improvement projects, including year-to-date expenditures and encumbrances.
Operations Financial Report - Finance Director Krystal Strickland discussed year-to-date versus actuals for the General Fund and the two CRAs.
Historical Information on Harbor Master and Harbor Compliance Officer - Councilmember Braden expressed the need for a full time Harbor Master totally dedicated to the Destin Harbor focusing on issues related to the harbor, such as livery vessels.
Councilmember Ramswell recommends authorizing staff to budget for the position if there is not enough money coming from increased livery vessel fees.
Councilmember Destin recommends putting in a budget request for the position for FY 2022, and to have staff provide Council a job description with a clear definition of the Harbor Master responsibilities.
Council authorizes Councilmember Braden to work with the City Manager in drafting the job description for the Harbor Master.
Potential implementation of a countywide Tourism Development Taxing District: 6-0, motion passed to direct the City’s legal staff to continue to work with the County attorneys and other stakeholders to find an acceptable compromise necessary to move ahead with the County’s plan to expand the taxing district, and to authorize the city’s hiring of Attorney Jeff Burns, as special counsel who is an expert in this field, to provide an analysis of the City’s options moving forward.
Councilmember Morgan asked Councilmember Hebert, the Council’s representative to the TDD, to bring the following issues before the TDD at their meeting on Tuesday, June 22nd:
• Request iron clad legal assurances that the money will be distributed equitably in the areas in which it was generated.
Councilmember Morgan requests the City’s legal team:
• To research and seek a legal opinion about the County preventing current tax district citizens from voting in the upcoming referendum.
• To research and render an opinion on how Walton County has created their sub-districts.
• To determine that if they incorporate all of Okaloosa County now if they are going to be threatening the 5 cents sales tax or whether the north end of the County will need to start at 2 cents the same way Walton County has done; and provide advice on how to proceed.
• To provide advice on how to proceed with that.
• Provide a legal opinion on what options current taxing district municipalities have in withdrawing from the taxing district, if necessary.
Councilmember Ramswell requests the City’s legal team:
• Research into the City seceding from the County and creating a sub-district and creating a county.
COMPASS System/EnerGov Update - IT Manager Matthew Pace provided a COMPASS/EnerGov System implementation update.
Emergency asphalt repair for areas on Indian Bayou Drive and Calhoun Avenue: 6-0, motion passed to approve emergency repairs for storm piping under roadways on Indian Bayou Drive and Calhoun Avenue and accept repair quotes of $28,162.50 from H&T Contracting, the City’s Asphalt and Stormwater maintenance contractor.
Announcements:
1) Independence Day Fireworks: July 4th, 9:00 PM, East Pass
2) City facilities will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Monday July 5th, 2021.
3) The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday July 6th, 2021 at 6:00 PM, City Hall Annex.
4) FY 2022 Capital Projects budget workshop will be held on Monday July 12th, 2021, at 5:30 PM.
5) There were some minor damages around the City from Tropical Storm Claudette.
6) The City will begin looking for some normalcy with regards to the dais, starting with obtaining Council’s permission to take down the plexiglass and try to get the dais back to the way it used to be for the next Council meeting. It was the consensus of the Council to remove the plexiglass.
7) The City is waiting to hear back from Mr. Greg Darden, Director of Business Development for Structured Parking Solutions, LLC, a continuing services contractor for the City, to attend a Council meeting, as requested by Council, to provide a brief presentation on establishing a shuttle system in Destin.
8) Staff has looked into the mayor’s ideas on portable toilets for future big special events on the harbor. There are other ideas staff may be able to come up with and some nicer units now available if they could obtain cooperation with some of their businesses on the harbor district.
Council Comments:
Councilmember Braden/Low Speed Vehicles (LSV): 6-0, motion passed to take the item off the table and place it on the next meeting agenda for discussion. The City Attorney and staff will also bring in some discussion items relating to Councilmember Braden’s previous request to formulate a city ordinance prohibiting electric bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. from operating on sidewalks.
Councilmember Braden/City Manager's Annual Evaluation Review: The City Attorney will work with the HR Manager to determine the timeline for the City Manager’s Annual Evaluation.
Councilmember Ramswell/355 Gulf Shore Drive: Councilmember Ramswell encourages the McCraw’s to keep in touch with the Land Use Attorney so they can be kept apprised of what is happening with 355 Gulf Shore Drive.
Councilmember Ramswell/Submerged Land Lease Follow-Up Direction: Councilmember Ramswell requests the City’s attorneys further examine the terms of the 2013 easement and what it actually covers and report back. 6-0, motion passed to proceed with any required documentation to establish proper swimming buoys across the embayment's.
Councilmember Ramswell/Coffee Manufacturing Plant on Mountain Drive: Councilmember Ramswell requests staff follows up with the complainant and inform them of their findings.
Councilmember Ramswell/Norriego Point Project Bidding, Final Phase Status Update: Councilmember Ramswell requests the City attorneys share the proposal from the adjacent landowner related to the roadway as soon as they receive it so that the Council can provide direction on how to proceed in that roadway.
Councilmember Ramswell/Calhoun-Zerbe Historical District, Status Update: Councilmember Ramswell asked staff to provide a copy of the historical map to Council.
Councilmember Ramswell/Signage on Dog Park “Hot Pavement – Watch for Pet Paws”: Councilmember Ramswell expressed gratitude to Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Firth for the signage. Council requests similar signage be placed on the Harborwalk and other places staff feels is appropriate to protect pets.
Councilmember Destin: 6-0, motion passed to invite the City’s Franchise Attorney Schef Wright to appear at the next meeting to provide Council an update on the progress on the franchise and undergrounding agreements with Gulf Power.
Councilmember Hebert: 6-0, motion passed to authorize the City to create two signs for the beach baskets as part of the Leave No Trace initiative, and to place those signs at Crystal Beach and June White Decker Park.
Mayor Gary Jarvis: The mayor recommends placing a banner at the Zerbe Parking Lot similar to the banner placed at the Marler Street Parking Lot.
The mayor and Commissioner Ponder are meeting with General Scott Cain, Eglin Commander, on June 23rd to discuss their plans for the property located on the west end of the Destin Bridge. The mayor will provide a report to Council at the next meeting.
City Attorney Kyle Bauman: 6-0, motion passed to appoint the Land Use Attorney Kim Kopp as the City’s representative to the County. The City Attorney announced that the County is putting together a negotiating team to discuss Timberview Helicopter’s new contract and requested the City of Destin appoint a representative.
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