Regular Council Meeting

Council approved moving forward with changes to the contract for purchase with a purchase amount exceeding the appraised value. The contract amount is $1.15 million. The city will pay title insurance and recording fees but the seller will pay all other closing costs, realtor commissions, and fees. Personal property (A/C units, kitchen equipment) may be removed post-closing. Council ratification of appraisals and closing documents is required before closing, and no earnest money will be released until final ratification.

• $1.15 million · Purchase price for Lucky Star property
• $750,000 · Appraisal value 1
• $815,000 · Appraisal value 2
• $782,500 · Midpoint of appraisals

Part of project: Lucky Star Property

Planning Director presented a revised conceptual plan for Living History Park (fronting on Madison Street and Shipyard Road). The original extensive plan was condensed due to discovery of more wetlands than anticipated during surveys and environmental assessment. The revised plan maintains all originally planned exhibits (Dr. Wahl's house, schoolhouse, museum, exhibits of old turpentine mill and sawmill, medicinal garden, gazebo with house model) but in a smaller, condensed area with shorter walking trails. Phase 2 will include a children's playground area on Shipyard Road with vintage-style equipment and parking. Planning Director will work with Rudy Mall on moving the schoolhouse to the property.

Where: Madison Street; Shipyard Road

Part of project: Living History Park

Council approved signing of the final plat for Magnolia at The Bluffs Phase 3, a residential development with 129 single-family lots located on the east side of Highway 331 North just below Owl's Head. Planning and Engineering will hold their signatures until final site improvements are approved.

Where: East side of Highway 331 North below Owl's Head

Part of project: Magnolia at The Bluffs Phase 3

Councilwoman Hurst raised safety concerns about the Sports Complex parking loop during heavy spring sports season (200-300 children and spectators on any given day). While one side has pedestrian humps and speed bumps, the other side lacks pedestrian walkways or striping to restrooms and facilities. She proposed weatherproof rubber speed bumps, painted striping for walkways on two sides of the restroom/concession area, and elevated flashing warning signs. Discussion was tabled for staff to return with cost estimates and design options.

Councilwoman Haffner directed staff to reach out to the Sheriff's office to schedule deputy assistance starting Memorial Day weekend to manage summer beach traffic. The city had signs last year and may pay for deputy presence at the intersection of Business 331 and 331 on Saturday afternoons to prevent traffic from cutting through Freeport to reach the beach. Staff was instructed to contact the Sheriff's office and county early to allow adequate planning.

Where: Intersection of 331 Business and 331

Council approved the purchase of an irrigation well for the community center. The existing well is not powerful enough to serve all the landscaping up to the planning area. The Parks Department has used this vendor previously.

Council voted to withdraw from the North Walton Mosquito Control contract effective September 30, 2025, at the end of the fiscal year. Councilwoman Brannon provided cost analysis: the current contract costs the city $560,000 annually. Estimated in-house mosquito control would cost approximately $280,000 in initial equipment (truck, sprayer, chemicals, application equipment) plus approximately $40,000 annually for chemicals. The city is exploring bringing mosquito control in-house or contracting with other local communities. Council directed legal to prepare an ordinance confirming the withdrawal.

• $560,000 · Annual cost to city for North Walton Mosquito Control contract
• $280,000 · Estimated initial cost for in-house mosquito control equipment and supplies
• $40,000 · Estimated annual cost for chemicals for in-house mosquito control

Parks Director presented a vendor offering customizable outdoor climbing structures made from marine plywood and high-quality materials, priced from $1,900 to $5,000. The structures are designed for ages 2-12. Director suggested installation at Ronnie Brannon Memorial Park and Barrier Free Park. Planning Director has discussed custom pieces with the vendor. Council expressed interest in exploring options, with Councilman Dickey requesting pricing information for structures using Trex material. Budget considerations will be addressed during the budget season.

• $1,900 · Minimum price range for Creative Climbables structures
• $5,000 · Maximum price range for Creative Climbables structures

Where: Ronnie Brannon Memorial Park; Barrier Free Park

Council approved use of the pickleball court for the Fire and Rescue Cadet Classic Fundraiser. The event benefits the Walton County Fire and Rescue Cadet program for youth ages 14-19, which provides firefighting, emergency medical, and CPR training. The city is committed to paying for certifications for cadets who maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Parks Director provided a pricing update for the 2025 pool season. Prices will remain the same as the previous year with no increase.

Approved on the consent agenda.