Destin City Council adopts multiple ordinances, accepts Crosstown Connector EIR, and approves beach safety contract

(Matters not specifically listed on the agenda may be added and acted upon with a super-majority vote of the Council members present and eligible to vote on the matter)

The first HarborWalk Village (HWV) Development Order (DO-02-55) was issued on January 28, 2003, with various subsequent approved amendments, including DO-10-02 (November 5, 2009), which provided for Phase II of the HWV Development (“Phase II DO”). Initially, the property owner approached the City requesting modifications to the Phase II DO plans by submitting directly to the building department for construction permits. However, the City denied this request. Staff determined that the project's proposed modifications require an amendment to the previously approved development order pursuant to the Land Development Code. The proposed changes to the existing development order are now before the City Council for discussion, and will come back to the City Council for formal approval at a later date. The applicant may make changes to the proposed plans prior to the final approval hearing before the City Council, and any such changes will be highlighted at that time. | attachments=17 | reports=1

(Note: Individual speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. At the discretion of the mayor, this 3 minute allowance may be adjusted depending on the level of business coming before the City Council)

Lori Saczynski, who is assisting with the coordination of Destin High School's Senior Day, has requested the use of the Marler Street parking lot on the morning of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, for student and chaperone parking. The request includes a waiver of parking fees during the event. Senior Day is an annual celebration for graduating seniors, and this year’s plans include a breakfast at The Edge followed by a trip to Crab Island for traditional “cap toss” photos. | reports=1

The original Holiday Isle Residential Section No. 7 Subdivision Plat was recorded at the County level on February 22, 1973. This Plat established multiple properties, as well as a 20’ access easement at the terminus of the canal illustrated on the Plat, which is dedicated to the County. | attachments=6 | reports=1

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Announcements

CIty Council Authorized AtkinsRealis to update the Environmental Impact Report for the Crosstown Connector Project in April of 2024. | attachments=2 | reports=1

The City of Destin is requesting approval of a Minor Deviation to Major Development Order application (DEV-001549-2025). The subject project is located at 3950 Commons Drive West (Parcel ID: 00-2S-22-2300-000F-0020), also known as Morgan Sports Center. The Morgan Sports Center is a $3.7 million facility which opened in October 2000 with four regulation softball fields, two baseball fields, three soccer/football fields, a children's playground, a disc golf course, half-court basketball, a concession stand with restrooms, batting cages, exercise trail, a sand volleyball court, and two separate parking lots. The TRC approved development project scope includes the replacement of the existing maintenance building with an 1,800 square foot facility, the construction of an 1,843 square foot field house with restrooms, the replacement of the 1,960 square foot batting cages, the relocation of a maintenance shed, the demolition of another shed, and providing appropriate ADA access where required. | attachments=15 | reports=1

On Monday, April 7, 2025, City Council directed Staff to review the newly revised plan provided by Okaloosa County Staff on Friday, April 4 and to provide a list of City Ordinances that the concepts did not comply with, and bring back for discussion at the second meeting in April. | attachments=2 | reports=1

The City of Destin and the Okaloosa County TDC have contributed funding toward Beach Safety and Lifeguard Services to help ensure the safety and enjoyment of the city's beaches. Since Fiscal Year 2005, the City of Destin has specifically funded Lifeguard Services through the Destin Fire Control District (DFCD). Since 2007, the City has paid $1000,000 per year for lifeguard services. Fiscal Year 2025 marked the first increase in many years, with an approved budget of $282,175 for Beach Safety and Lifeguard Services. | attachments=2 | reports=1

At the March 17th City Council Meeting, Council requested Staff to bring an update on how the Beach Patrol Plan worked through the main weeks of Spring Break. Further, Council requested that a plan be developed to better improve situational awareness, communication, coordination, and synchronization with the Sheriff's Office. | reports=1

During the Regular City Council meeting held on April 7, 2025, Council member Hebert requested the City Manager to: | reports=1

Kimley-Horn made a presentation to council on April 7th regarding intelligent intersections and measures to improve traffic flow. The presentation indicated that Kimley-Horn could assist the city with the preparation and submission of grant applications for various projects that could improve traffic flow and increase pedestrian safety. | attachments=1 | reports=1

During the Regular City Council meeting held on April 7, 2025, the following motion was passed: | reports=1

During the Regular City Council meeting on April 7, 2025, Council passed the following motion regarding the discussed Purchasing Resolution 22-10: ​ | attachments=2 | reports=1

At the April 7, 2025, regular City Council meeting, Council Member Braden made the following request: | reports=1

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This ordinance is part of the ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) rewrite and focuses on removing contractor-related provisions from the LDC, specifically from Article 20 . The rationale is that contractor regulations better belong in the Code of Ordinances under Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits, and Miscellaneous Business Regulations within Article IV: Local Licenses of Contractors . This realignment ensures that regulations are categorized appropriately, making them clearer for stakeholders, particularly contractors and regulatory bodies. | attachments=2 | reports=1

Staff identifies a needed structural adjustment in the City of Destin's regulations by transferring contractor-related provisions from the Land Development Code (LDC) to the Code of Ordinances under Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits, and Miscellaneous Business Regulations, Article IV: Local Licenses of Contractors . This realignment ensures that regulations are categorized appropriately, making them clearer for stakeholders, particularly contractors and regulatory bodies. | attachments=2 | reports=1

The Land Development Code currently contains separation requirements between churches and businesses that derive 50 percent of their gross revenue from the sale or dispensing of alcohol. The proposed ordinance would create an exception for 501(c)(19) organizations, which are tax-exempt organizations that specifically benefit veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, to locate near churches notwithstanding whether or not such businesses derive revenue from the sale or dispensing of alcohol. This item will be reviewed by the LPA on April 17, 2025, which is the publication date of this City Council agenda. Therefore, LPA recommendation will be provided to Council on April 21st. | attachments=1 | reports=1

(Comments from the public on any matters considered at the meeting, or on any matters not on the agenda)