DeFuniak Springs City Council Budget Workshop Minutes Council Chambers June 17,2024  1.Call to Order  Mayor Bob Campbell called the meeting to order at 5:001 PM.  Present: Mayor Bob Campbell, Mayor Pro-Tempore Todd Bierbaum (Seat 1); Councilmember Josh Sconiers (Seat 2); Councilmember Amy Heavilin (Seat 3); Councilmember Glen Harrison Also, present were Interim City Manager Koby Townsend, City Attorney Clay Adkinson,  (Seat 4); Councilmember Anthony Vallée (Seat 5).  Interim Finance Director Daniele McDaniel, and City Clerk Rafael Ali  2. City Council Goals/Objectives  Mr. Townsend stated that beautification seems to be aj priority for the Council this year.  He also mentioned that discussions will include parking and shading.  Mr. Townsend inquired about what the Council would like to see included in this year's Budget.  Mr. Campbell opened the floor to the Council for discussion. Mr. Vallee suggested examining areas where interests overlap.  Mr. Bierbaum advocated for al holistic approach to beautification, emphasizing that it involves more than just mowing grass. He also stressed the importance ofmaintenance. Mr. Heavilin proposed partnering with funeral homes to plant trees. Mr. Vallee highlighted the need to clean up the sign at the town's entrançe. removing the existing sign would preclude the installation ofa ai new one.  Mr. Bierbaum recalled that when the City previously considered this, FDOT had stated that Mr. Townsend clarified that ai new sign could be erected, provided it meets FDOT specifications. Mr. Townsend mentioned that Florence! Park is the primary park project and has received al lot of Mr. Vallee suggested that the park needs shade, al bathroom, and improved lighting.  positive feedback.  June 17, 2024, Budget Workshop  1    Mr. Sconiers emphasized the importance of considering public safety. Mr. Campbell agreed, noting that prevention is crucial. Mr. Hurley suggested that surveillance cameras could help. effective in solving crimes based on recorded footage.  Mr. Bierbaum acknowledged that while cameras can deter crime, they have not been very Mr. Sconiers argued that community ownership of the park could contribute to keeping it clean Mr. Bierbaum proposed that extra patrols at City Parks could help prevent vandalism. Mr. Townsend asked the Council how they would like to allocate the funding from the sale of Mr. Bierbaum suggested that the front brick building could serve as the new City Hall Council Mrs. Heavilin inquired about the current use of the red brick building. Mr. Townsend responded  and crime-free.  Old City Hall. Chambers.  that it is empty but houses the records vault.  Mr. Vallee called for the construction of a new Fire Station.  Mrs. Heavilin asked about the use of the current Council Chambers if the: meeting room is relocated. Mr. Townsend answered that it would become additional office spaçe. Mrs. Heavilin requested an inventory ofr roofs that need replacing on City buildings. Mr. Townsend indicated that most oft these roofs are on Lift Station Buildings.  Mrs. Heavilin also asked ifthe fixed asset list requested by the Auditors was nearly complete and  requested that it be sent out.  Mr. Bierbaum considered this a good start but suggested expanding oni it. Mr. Vallee expressed confidence that the current approach is correct. Mr. Harrison stressed the need for improvements to the Fire Station.  Mr. Bierbaum noted that the need for a new Fire Station has been discussed for many years.  Mr. Campbell asked Chief Sheffield to address his concerns.  June 17,2024, Budget Workshop  2    Chief Sheffield expressed concerns about the Police Station location and stated that the current station lacks sufficient space for equipment needed to handle a five-story fire. He emphasized the  need toj plan for future growth over the next 50 years.  Mr. Vallee proposed discussing the possibility oftwo Fire Stations.  Mr. Vallee inquired about a tax to fund the station. Mr. Adkinson suggested considering an Mr. Vallee emphasized the need to support those who protect the community.  MSBU or MSTU.  Mr. Bierbaum suggested preparing to provide matching funds for a grant to build the station. Mr. Vallee argued that keeping the Fire Station in its current building could save money.  Mr. Bierbaum noted that the building has been leased for 100 years.  Mrs. Heavilin asked about the status of Fire Hydrants. Mr. Townsend responded that they are Mr. Townsend concluded that the Council is interested in exploring several projects. He also  addressed in development orders.  asked what the Council envisions for downtown beautification. Mr. Vallee suggested improved lighting, curbing, and crosswalk striping. Mr. Bierbaum agreed on fixing curbing and streetscapes.  Mr. Townsend stated that he would coordinate with Main Street and CRA on these efforts. Mrs. Heavilin mentioned that CRA could be funded at 50%, and some of those funds could be Mr. Vallee noted that ifCRA funds are used, the County would need to be given funding. Mr. Vallee also stated that keeping the funds within CRA ensures they stay in the community.He mentioned that the CRA has only recently started to accumulate funding for projects. Mrs. Heavilin proposed that the $33,000: allocated for Main Street should remain with the City. Mr. Vallee clarified that he is not in favor of defunding Main Street, which has played a role in Mrs. Heavilin observed that supporting multiple organizations can add up to a significant amount Mr. Townsend asked ift the Council wished to continue funding other nonprofit organizations.  used for City projects.  downtown revitalization. Mr. Harrison agreed.  offunding.  June 17, 2024, Budget Workshop  3    Mrs. Heavilin suggested reducing support for some nonprofits, noting that they receive Mr. Sconiers acknowledged the difficulty ofo cutting funding, as it involves other people's Mr. Bierbaum highlighted the importance of funding for nonprofits, including the Senior Center, Main Street, and the EDA. He expressed willingness to forgo the grant application process.  considerable funding.  money.  Mr. Vallee found it challenging to prioritize between different causes. leveraged to contribute $4,600 to the Chautauqua building.  Malinda Henderson from Forward DeFuniak noted that the $2,500 received from the City was Mr. Townsend stated that three organizations would be presented at an upcoming City Council meeting. He also proposed updating the Land Development Codes ift the Council considers ita  priority.  Mr. Bierbaum supported this idea.  Mrs. Heavilin inquired about the cost, and Mr. Townsend estimated it could range from $75,000 Mr. Adkinson confirmed that it would involve ai rewrite of the Land Development Code.  to $100,000.  Mr. Bierbaum suggested exploring options to offset the cost.  Mr. Townsend mentioned discussions with the Finance Director and Planning Director on this Mrs. Heavilin asked if there would be any overlap with the building side. Mr. Adkinson Mr. Townsend asked ift the Council wanted to consider reviewing their salaries in light of Mrs. Heavilin questioned why the Council does not receive healthcare benefits. Mr. Adkinson stated that across the state of Florida, it is not common for city elected officials to receive Mr. Townsend stated that if the Council desires, this can be brought up at the next City Council  topic.  confirmed there would be' none. upcoming elections.  healthcare benefits but ini recent history, it has become more common.  meeting.  Mr. Vallee expressed willingness to consider this ifit is not too costly. Mr. Townsend solicited suggestions regarding employee compensation.  June 17,2024, Budget Workshop  4    Mr. Sconiers advocated for better insurance, improved premiums, and pay raises.  Mr. Vallee suggested evaluating family rates.  Mr. Townsend confirmed that the Council would review the bids received.  Mr. Sconiers expressed interest in obtaining feedback from citizens on the City's direction.  3. Community Priorities  Mr. Campbell invited community members to share their priorities.  Mrs. Wennerberg reported that al Dog Park Task Force is working on a plan and suggested adding ground lighting around Lake DeFuniak. She also advocated for consistency in the  Downtown area.  Mrs. Henderson expressed a desire to annex more areas into the City.  Mr. Chrishon highlighted that a 90-year-old resident on the east end oft town lacks sewage, and several other homes are also without it. He also called for raises for City employees and suggested partnering with the prison system to utilize inmate crews for City projects. Mr. Mathews from the Walton County EDA announced an open house on June 21 to share the  EDA's recent activities. 4. Public Comments 5. Adjourn  Meeting Adjourned 7:181 PM.  Approved:  ATTEST:  Ehr  Minutes taken by Rafael Ali AA City Clerk Proper notice having been duly given  CORPORAT 5 SEAL 1901 In  June 17, 2024, Budget Workshop  5