Regular Council Meeting

Planning Director presented the final neighborhood of Hammock Bay development, a 43.95-acre residential project with 162 single-family lots (previously approved in September 2024). The Planning and Development Review Board recommended approval with conditions on February 5. The project includes several variances (reduced lot widths, setbacks, and pool placement) consistent with other Hammock Bay phases. Conditions include disclosure of adjacent bee farm, installation of a 6-foot privacy fence along the bee farm boundary, and a 25-foot native vegetation buffer for residents on Powerline Road. Resolution 2025-01.

Where: East side of Bay Loop East, 200 feet south of Hansen Road, extending almost to Powerline Road

Part of project: Hammock Bay PDP 5

Planning Director presented a change order for additional conduit for fiber optic cable, irrigation, and labor at the Community Center project.

• $24,000.00 · Change order for additional conduit for fiber optic cable, irrigation, and labor at Community Center

Part of project: Community Center

Planning Director presented a change order for repairs to the Planning and Zoning parking area, including redoing sidewalk, leveling asphalt, and fixing sewer service to prevent future flooding.

• $38,500.00 · Change order for repairs and remodel of Planning and Zoning parking area

Planning Director requested authorization to put the Planning and Zoning building (the oldest building on the property) out for bid to evaluate needed repairs. The council approved sending it out for bid with a 60-day review period to determine the scope and cost for potential inclusion in the budget.

City Manager received a request from Walton County to resurface Azalea Drive. The council approved the cost for materials and striping.

• $18,300.00 · Cost for materials to resurface Azalea Drive and stripe it

Where: Azalea Drive

City Manager announced a new crosswalk to be installed just north of Stowaway Storage in conjunction with the Azalea Drive resurfacing project during Spring Break. Walton County will provide pricing for the signage.

Where: North of Stowaway Storage

Finance Director presented Change Order #7 for the wastewater treatment plant expansion, specifically for remote access to the blowers. The council approved the change order, which is subject to USDA approval.

• $101,961.03 · Change order for remote access to the blowers at WWTP expansion, subject to USDA approval

Community Outreach Coordinator requested approval for the Fourth of July parade and its route for FDOT permitting and signage. The route will be the same as in past years.

Community Outreach Coordinator requested approval of graphics for the Springfest Eggstravaganza event. Once approved, the coordinator will post to social media and publicize the event.

Planning Director announced concerns about illegal off-premise signage (wind feather signs, snipe signs) throughout the city right-of-way. The council agreed to conduct quarterly public service announcements about the prohibition on off-premise signage and to remove non-compliant signs to storage for owner pickup.

Planning Director proposed featuring a local business with its logo and information once per month in city communications to build relationships between the city and its businesses. The council approved continuation of this initiative.

The council approved bills, Revenue & Expenditure Reports through January 2025, and Regular Council Meeting Minutes from February 11, 2025 on the consent agenda.

Councilman Day resigned on February 24, creating a council vacancy. The City Attorney explained that the vacancy must be filled by majority vote of the council. Councilwoman King nominated Heather Ray Hurst (Chairwoman of the Planning Board), who was supported by Councilwomen King and Haffner. Councilman Farris nominated TJ Kent. The council voted to appoint Heather Ray Hurst to serve out the remainder of Councilman Day's term. She will be sworn in at the next meeting.

Following Heather Ray Hurst's appointment to the council, Councilwoman King nominated TJ Kent to fill the Planning Board vacancy. The council approved the appointment.