This is a WZEP Editorial. I’m Art
Dees.
DeFuniak Springs has a real
dilemma. Voters want to elect a
city clerk. It is an important
job. We may even think we elected a
good one but getting minutes timely has been a really big challenge. City Clerk Susie Campbell-Work has
submitted her resignation so a new election is mandated by the city
charter. I hope only qualified
candidates will apply. I would,
however, much rather see this become a staff
position if we can’t get the job done right though the election
process.
I hope candidates take the position
seriously. Can you spend the
time? Are your note-taking and
computer skills adequate for writing minutes? Will you be committed to the job? I really believe the time has come to
make this a staff position.
Consider the candidates and consider the option of staff for the election
on April 13, 2010. I believe you
can affect changes in staff much faster and much easier than an elected
position. Let’s get this resolved
and on track.
The DeFuniak Springs City Clerk is not
the Finance Director, which is a staff position responsible to the City Manager
and to the City Council. This is also not the same position as Clerk of Courts
for Walton County.
WC BCC Part 1
With only three Walton commissioners present, due to
the chairman and vice chairman gone, the board selected Kenneth Pridgen to act
as chair for the evening.
As the commissioners started their meeting, they
quickly approved a letter of support for PanCare who is seeking a grant,
approved seeking an EMS medical director, approved the animal adoption fee for
animal control, approved an agreement between the county and other local
governments, approved the Lakeview Drive in south Walton and heard about the
Hotz Avenue congestion issue.
Hotz Avenue previously came before the board with
some residents wanting the Grayton Beach road to be made one way. Staff returned
with a report of how they will stripe parking and install other traffic control
devices. South Walton Fire District supports making the road one-way. Some
residents say a one-way street will cause problems with other streets.
Commissioners were also told an off site parking location is being established
by a private individual. Staff recommended the commissioners approve moving
forward with the striping plan presented. Commissioner Cecelia Jones asked staff
to start with the changes as soon as possible so they can test it during spring
break. She also noted the sheriff’s office is working with them on the parking
and if the program is successful, then they will expand
it.
The commissioners approved the Leisure Lake MSBU to
proceed after all the ballots that came back were yes, with no no’s. The county
will also use the back to work program through the Workforce Development
Board.
Sonny Mares with the TDC talked about the
County attorney Lynn Hoshihara presented a record
management accountability program for public records. Commissioners approved.
She also said the judge ruled in the county’s favor on two Driftwood Estates
issues.
Commissioners agreed to make March 26 and
Commissioners also heard about black bears and the word is, do not feed the bears.
WC BCC Meeting Part
2
Dawn Moliterno with the Chamber was asked by the
commissioners to conduct a roundtable meeting with businesses, residents and
citizens, concerning the nuisance abatement ordinance. This includes the noise
ordinance. She said they were not able to reach a consensus, but some
recommendations were presented. She told commissioners they have a lot of work
before them.
The wedding and event industry has expressed concerns
with the ordinance because of possible impacts an ordinance would have. One
wedding business owner reviewed the number of weddings and events taking place
and the economic impact to Walton. They were told compromises have been reached.
Commissioners agreed to table the matter and the county attorney will work with
residents and business owners on short term rentals.
Commissioner Kenneth Pridgen asked to back up and
look at a recent decision to do feasibility studies of a south Walton
multi-purpose complex and outdoor performing arts complex. He said they do not
have the money now and when it is available they would have to do another study.
Pridgen said he is not against the idea, he just feels they should take is
slower. Commissioner Sara Comander said she has heard from people who questioned
if the study is the best use of the money right now. The cost for both studies
is $97,000 and would come from budgeted TDC money. Several people spoke about
the need for the study now, citing the economic impact and needs for the
residents. Sonny Mares with the TDC, talked about the need due to surrounding
areas not having enough space and about recommendations from local sports and
arts groups. Mares said the study would look at private partners who could work
with the county. No action was taken.
Commissioners considered a modification to the Leave
No Trace ordinance. This is the requirement to remove things from the beach in
the evening to make maintenance easier and help the turtles. The change is to
cluster items. There was no public comment. The request for modification was
approved.
Spring
Break
It’s Spring Break, lets get to the beach
and party! That might have been on the mind of one young man, but jail likely
wasn’t. A routine traffic stop for speeding lead to a drug arrest by the Walton
County Sheriff’s Office. Friday night, on U.S. Highway 331 in Paxton, a vehicle
driven by Charles Fleming III of Tuscaloosa, Alabama was stopped for speeding.
There were two passengers in the vehicle.
During the stop, Fleming said he did not
have a problem with the Sheriff’s Office K-9 performing a vehicle sniff. During
the sniff, the dog alerted to drugs in the vehicle. Fleming was asked again if
he minded a search of the vehicle in which he said, “I don’t see what else you
need to do, but yeah you can look”. The 23-year-old told the Deputy they were on
Spring Break, and were heading to his father’s beach
house.
In the trunk of the vehicle, there was a
bag, which contained a wooden box. Fleming told the Deputy, “I have oxycotin and
xanax”. The contents of the box were later identified as three oxycotin pills,
five xanax pills, along with an unidentified white
pill.
Fleming was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription along with a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He has been released from the Walton County Jail under a $2,500 bond.
Support
Children in Crisis by playing in the 4th annual Children’s
Neighborhood Charity Golf Tournament Friday, March 12th at the Fort
Walton Beach Golf Club. Check in and lunch is at 11:00 with a noon shotgun
start. Cost is $75 per person.
There will be prizes and awards.
All proceeds go to benefit The CIC Children’s Neighborhood. Come join in, have a day of fun with
Children in Crisis, a part of your local community. For more information or to
register call 850-864-4242 or visit www.childrenincrisisfl.org. The DFS
Woman's Club and Pizza Hut are sponsoring the Third Annual Chautauqua 5KRun/Fun
Walk Saturday March 13, 2010. Registration time is 7 a.m., start time is 8 a.m.
The registration fee is $20 on the day of the race. You can request a
registration form via email at: dfswomansclub@gmail.com or you can call Chris
Guzowski at 892-5615. The DeFuniak
Springs Little League Parade and Season Opening is Saturday, March
20th. The Parade starts at 8 am. Opening ceremonies are at 9
am and the first game is at 10am. Pulled pork plates for
$7. Battle
of the Badges! At the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center in DFS. It’s the Walton
County Sheriff’s Office against the Walton County Correctional Officers. Friday,
March 26th at 5:30 pm. The winning team will play the teen center
team. $2 admission at the door. $5 entry for shooting competitions. Concessions
will be available on site. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the
Emerald Coast. Please
contact Camile Cox at ccox@waltonso.org or 951-4949 with any
questions.
Hear local sports at 6:50 am, 7:20 am and 12:20 pm and FRN
sports at 7:50am & 3:45 pm.
James Charles Walker, Sr., age 73, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida passed away Thursday, March 4, at North Okaloosa Medical Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home and Crematory.