Destin Embarks on Harbor Carrying Capacity Study with Army Corp of Engineers

The City of Destin has partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a Carrying Capacity Study through the Corps of Engineers’ Planning Assistance to States Program. The Harbor Capacity Study will, among other things focus on the following three goals:

Protect the environmental health of the harbor and surrounding waterways.
Promote safety and enjoyment on our local waters.
Promote the economic viability of businesses operating on or along the Harbor.

Between July 2021 and mid-October 2021, the City of Destin and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting a number of activities over the next 4 months to support the Destin Harbor Carrying Capacity Study. These activities include:

Counting of parking spaces around the harbor area including both public and private parking.
Counting of vessels in the harbor and on the water.
Inventory of both parking spaces, trailer spaces, and vessel slips.
Photography of harbor area including slips and vessels.
UAV photography.
In-person surveys around harbor area and boat launches.
Mailed surveys to a sample of residents including slip owners.

All questions should be directed to the Community Development Department at (850) 654-1119 Option 2 or email Planning@cityofdestin.com.

Zerbe-Calhoun Historic District Overlay

This district encompasses all land that is located in the area depicted on the map below. This area is a vital part of the City of Destin’s history, and will continue to play an important role in the City’s future. The Calhoun and Zerbe areas border the North and South Harbor Mixed Use areas (NHMU and SHMU areas) and provide a transition between the North and South Harbor Mixed Use areas, U.S. 98 to the south, the “Old Destin Area” to the northeast, and Clement Taylor Park to the north.

The following may not occur upon any structure or property within the Zerbe-Calhoun Historic Park without a super-majority vote of the City Council:
a. Change of use to any structure, portion of a structure, real property, or portion of real property.
b. Alteration of any real property boundary.
c. Relocation of any structure.
d. Modification of building footprint.

City of Destin 2021 Hurricane Information Guide is Now Available

Hurricane season began 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.

For more information please visit: www.cityofdestin.com/hurricaneguide.

Are You Signed up for "Nixle alerts?"

Nixle is a FREE online service that allows the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office to communicate directly with citizens in situations involving significant public safety incidents such as bridge closures. Nixle does not track users and no information is sold to a third party. Sign up at: www.Nixle.com.

Airport Road Safety Improvements

On July 21st and July 22nd, safety improvements commenced to include the milling and resurfacing of the curved section of Airport, along with temporary striping and new asphalt. High friction surface treatment will be installed late August and project completion is scheduled for mid-September. Other improvements will include new signage, new pavement markings, and speed detection devices. Please be patient as we provide these additional measures to promote driver safety and use caution while driving through the work zone.

City of Destin Beach Experience Survey

Council and staff want to gather as much data as we can to gain insight on the city’s public beach access and overall experience with Destin’s beaches. Citizens can scan the QR code or simply log on to the survey at www.uwf.edu/visitorsurvey.

Destin Library Closing for Conversion to New Software

The Destin Library, along with the other five libraries in the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative, is excited to announce they are converting to a new software system for their library management. This new system will be utilized both internally by the libraries and by library patrons via new website portal. So staff can have adequate time for training and data conversion, the Destin Library will be closed or have amended hours on the following dates:

Wednesday, August 4^th – Library closed all day
Thursday, August 5^th – Library closed all day
Friday, September 10^th – Library open, but will close at 5:00 p.m. (instead of 6:00), online catalog unavailable after 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 11^th – Library closed all day
Monday, September 13^th – Library opens at 9:00 a.m. with new software system and online catalog.

The library appreciates everyone’s patience during these closures. If you have any questions please feel free to call 850-837-8572 or email at library@cityofdestin.com.

Employee Spotlight

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains and operates 30 properties including three sports complexes, two indoor facilities, 1 boat launch (5 ramps), rental pavilions, 2 bayside parks, a dog park and three public beach parks and eight beach trails. Park staff encompasses 14 full-time employees and 3 part-time employees and they have been extremely busy this summer with sports tournaments. Morgan Sports Center hosted 319 baseball teams from 21 states, plus Saudi Arabia, averaging 4,300 users per day. The last tournament finished the week of July 13^th – July 18^th as players are returning to school.

We would like to recognize our staff who have worked some very long hours in the summer heat, coordinating tournaments and ensuring that the fields at Morgan Sports Center was in tip top shape for our players, coaches and families. While also maintaining the grounds of other park facilities.

Back Row (L to R): Tim Stevens, Ryan Kindziertski, William Letchworth, Danny Kushion, Miguel Maldonado, Michael Baird, Ryan Reed, and Nnamdi Ohamuo.
Front Row (l to R): Timothy Mahar, Trinity Norris, Jeremy Nolin, Michael Runyon, and Doug Morgan.
Not pictured: Jose Perez, Nick Reed, Wayne Reed and Bryan McKinney.

Parks and Recreation Update

The Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park renovation project is progressing, with joint efforts from the Destin Forward Class of 2021 and the City. The repainting of the community center gym floor is complete, which includes Main Basketball, Cross Court Basketball, Cross Court Volleyball, Pickleball, and Dodgeball lines. For more information regarding the Parks and Recreation Department, please visit our website: www.cityofdestin.com/102/Parks-Recreation-Department, or call 850-654-5184.

Community Center Gym Floor Project Complete

BE THE SOLUTION TO STORMWATER POLLUTION

The City of Destin is responsible for reporting, biannually, public information activities performed under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program that include information on best management practices (BMPs) to prevent stormwater pollution. One of the most effective BMPS for managing stormwater is the establishment and maintenance of swales.

What is Stormwater Swale?

Grassed swales are a common stormwater control measure used throughout the United States. Swales are long, narrow vegetated depression commonly found adjacent to the roadways and on private property to collect stormwater runoff. This low-cost, BMP is very effective at removing sediments & other pollutants found in stormwater runoff while also preventing street & property flooding.

What can you do?

• Keep swales located on the roadside & private property free of debris.

• Maintain the 3:1 slope for proper water collection.

• Ensure grass is lower than adjacent edge of pavement for proper drainage.

For more information regarding stormwater pollution and prevention, you may contact Traci Goodhart, Stormwater Specialist/Floodplain Manager for the City of Destin at tgoodhart@cityofdestin.com or (850) 654-1119.

FREE Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

FREE Drop-off for local residents every Tuesday thru Saturday from 7 am - 3 pm, in Fort Walton Beach, 80 Ready Avenue. No appointment necessary. For information call 850-301-2013.

City of Destin Launches COMPASS (COMmunity Permitting And Support System)

“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.

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.

City Items Available for Purchase an Online Auction

The City of Destin is currently participating in an online Government Surplus Liquidation auction which will end on Thursday, April 12th at 2:30 pm (CST). Auction items include mowers, computer equipment, office furniture and more. For more information please visit www.bidilla.com.

Council Updates

All City Council meetings may be viewed at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.

July 6th Council Meeting Recap

City Manager Report:

Approval of Contract with 3TP Ventures, Inc., for Mobility Plan, Including Fee Schedule and Scope of Work - 5-0, motion passed to approve proposed contract with 3TP Venture, Inc.

Approval of Resolution 21-07 - Determining the necessity to acquire certain property for public use - 5-0, motion passed to adopt Resolution 21-07.

Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) - 5-0, motion passed o pull item 4C from the agenda and continue it to the next City Council meeting.

Regulations relating to electric bicycles - 5-0 motion passed to pull item 4D from the agenda and continue it to the next City Council meeting.

Franchise and Undergrounding Agreements with Gulf Power - Special Counsel Schef Wright - 5-0, motion passed to enter into one undergrounding agreement (one phase) within the first 2 years following the franchise effective date, with the same one-year election period beginning at the end of the initial 2-year period.

Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park Change Order Approval - 5-0, motion passed to approve Change Order #8 and authorize the City Manager to execute the change order.

Implementation of Countywide Tourist Development Taxing District – Update from Legal Team - 5-0, motion passed to authorize the drafting of a resolution that will institute the commencement of the local government alternative dispute process under Chapter 164, Florida Statutes, due to a clear dispute between the City of Destin and Okaloosa County and to bring the proposed resolution back at the next City Council meeting for public comments, council discussion, deliberation and a possible vote. Councilmember Destin asked Special Counsel Jeffrey Burns to explore ways to slow down the county’s ordinance process related to the proposed taxing district expansion; as well as to look into the county’s ability to go forward with the ballot language with a resolution versus an ordinance. Councilmember Ramswell asked the City Attorney to investigate complaints from citizens that their receipts from certain businesses indicate “resort tax” payments; and the legality for certain local businesses to impose this tax.

Special Counsel Agreement – Attorney Jeffrey Burns - 5-0, motion passed to approve the Special Counsel Agreement.

Update: Tour Helicopters - Land Use Attorney Kimberly Kopp provided an update on the contract negotiations between Timberview Helicopters and Okaloosa County. Councilmember Schmidt requests the City Manager reach out to the owner of Timberview Helicopters and/or the county to come to a meeting and provide the Destin City Council a status update on the contract negotiations.

Longevity Award - 5-0, motion passed to direct staff to bring back additional details for a one-time longevity award program at the soonest possible council meeting. Councilmember Hebert recommends setting up an annual Christmas compensation funds for city staff as part of the annual budget. Councilmember Destin pointed out they will need a reoccurring fund source if they include this initiative as part of the annual budget. He recommends having the City Attorney investigates this matter from a legal perspective.

Announcements:

1. Budget Workshop #2 on July 12th at 5:30pm.
2. The Harbor Capacity Study will be getting underway this month.
3. Airport Road curve safety improvements update.
4. Community Center will be closed July 6,7 & 8 whiled the gym is being re-striped.
5. Reminder: July is National Parks & Rec. month, get out and enjoy your parks!
6. Code Compliance Update
7. Kris Mercurio – hired as Deputy Director of Code Compliance Director.

Council Comments:

Councilmember Ramswell - 5-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to have staff come back at the next meeting with some recommendations on a process for follow up periodic inspections of properties following issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Councilmember Herbert - Public/Private cooperation to commission murals in areas around the city in need of revitalization.

Councilmember Schmidt - Recommends staff acknowledge and respond in some manner to every complaint they receive from citizens.

Mayor Gary Jarvis - The mayor provided an update on the result of the meeting he and Commissioner Mel Ponder had with the Eglin Commander related to the Eglin property. The mayor directed staff to review Florida Statutes to differentiate between livery vessels and charter vessels and report back to council. Councilmember Schmidt requests more explanation as to why a cease-and-desist order was issued for immediate shutdown of a business without proper warning. The Land Use Attorney will investigate and report back. Councilmember Destin offered the following advice:
• It is not proper for the council to interfere or interject themselves on code enforcement matters in public.
• The mayor’s direction to staff to investigate and differentiate between livery vessels and charter vessels is better directed to the Land Use Attorney for legal advice.

July 19th Council Meeting Recap

Replacement for Major Mike Howell as District 3 Commander and City of Destin Liaison, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office - Major Mike Howell introduced Capt. Matt Abbott, the new District 3 Commander and City of Destin Liaison.

City Manager Report:

Consideration of a Joint Resolution Between Okaloosa County Municipalities to Address TDC Expansion Concerns - 6-1, motion passed to adopt Joint Resolution 21-01, with Councilmember Braden dissenting.

Consideration of resolution for the option of commencement of local government alternative dispute process under Chapter 164, Florida Statutes - 7-0, motion passed to adopt Resolution 21-08. It was the consensus of the council to designate Council members Ramswell and Schmidt as the formal council representatives for the first public meeting with the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners.

Adoption of 2021-2022 Strategic Plan - 7-0, motion passed to approve the Strategic Plan and Strategic Goal Poster as presented.

Establishing the FY2022 Tentative Millage Rate and Budget Public Hearing Dates - 7-0, motion passed to set the tentative millage rate for ad valorem taxes at 1.6150 mills which is more than the roll-back rate of 1.5566 mills and confirm the dates and times of the public hearings for the FY 2022 Budget on September 9, 2021 at 5:30 PM and September 20, 2021 at 6:00 PM.

Capital Project Status - The finance director provided a summary of the current capital improvement projects, with status and year-to-date expenditures and encumbrances.

Operations Financial Report - The finance director presented the year-to-date budget versus actuals for the General Fund and the Harbor and Town Center CRAs.

Low Speed Vehicles - 5-2, motion passed to advertise proposed ordinance on low-speed vehicles and bring it back to council for first reading passed, with Councilmembers Schmidt and Destin dissenting.

Regulations relating to electric bicycles - No action from council.

Update on Proposed Building Integrity Reports Post Certificate of Occupancy - Extensive research for potential processes for periodic follow-up inspections of properties after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued is currently ongoing. Staff will compile all information and provide council a proposed ordinance recommendation at the August 2, 2021, City Council meeting.

Council Approval of All Way Stop Signs at Regatta Bay Road (Dolphin St) and Woodwind/Windstarr Drive - 7-0, motion passed to direct the city manager to implement an all-way stop sign at the intersection of Regatta Bay Road (Dolphin Street) and Woodwind / Windstarr Drives. Councilmember Schmidt recommends they also consider implementing an all-way stop sign in the Crystal Beach area, which Mr. Bagby spoke about earlier in the meeting.

Council approval of Cross -Town Connector Multimodal Options - 6-1, motion passed to direct the city manager to implement Option No. 1 and to bring forth a contract amendment to amend Atkins contract scope and fee, not to exceed the option selected; with Councilmember Ramswell dissenting. The deputy city manager provided a brief demonstration on how to launch the COMPASS system and conduct a search on the city’s website.

Announcements:

1. Special Election for vacant Destin City Council seat will be held on Tuesday July 20th, 2021 from 7 am to 7 pm.
2. Budget workshop #3 tentatively scheduled on August 9th, 2021, at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers.
3. COMPASS can be accessed from the City's website if you would like to research the current status of new items in the system.

Council Comments:

Councilmember Ramswell - Voting delegate at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference - 7- 0 motion passed to designate Councilmember Ramswell as the voting delegate to the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference in August 2021.

Councilmember Destin - 7-0, motion passed to ask the city manager to place a slightly raised, Crystal Beach-style pedestrian walkway, on the corner of Zerbe Street to Calhoun Avenue, and across toward Captain Leonard Destin Park.

Councilmember Schmidt - A company that looks at budgets and expenses and provides cost saving options recently met with the city manager and finance director. Councilmember Schmidt requested that the city manager share any information and advice received from the company at the next council meeting. The city manager will provide a summary and seek further direction at that time. Councilmember Schmidt asked staff to get an update on the contract negotiations between Timberview Helicopters and Okaloosa County and if and when a meeting has been held between the two parties.