Summary

Destin Public Works / Public Safety Committee — December 9, 2025 Minutes

DestinDec 9, 20255 min read

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Committee met December 9, 2025 (5:30 PM). Members approved prior minutes and the agenda (including a walk-on FY26 work plan). Key items: Kelly Street speed study results and recommendation to retain the 30 mph limit; review/next steps for a proposed e-bike ordinance template; appointments to a Bridge Aesthetics Committee; project map/status updates; Four Prong Lake outfall funding discussion; and administrative items including FY26 work plan review and pavement coring guidance.

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Public Works / Public Safety Committee

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TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyEnvironmentalUtilities

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Key decisions

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Approved the September 9 and October 14, 2025 minutes (motion passed 6-0).
Approved the agenda including Chairman Wood's walk-on FY26 Work Plan addition (motion passed 6-0).
Voted 6-0 to not recommend a Kelly Street speed limit reduction and to keep the limit at 30 mph based on a seven-day speed study (85th percentile 28 mph; ~95.3% of vehicles at or under the limit).
Directed committee members to review the proposed e-bike ordinance template; Chair to report Niceville's vote and, if favorable, staff to draft a Destin-specific ordinance for committee consideration (including proposed language about not leaving a place of safety).
Nominated Marcie Bell and Tammy Weidenhamer as the Public Works/Public Safety Committee representatives to the East Pass Bridge Aesthetics Committee for City Council consideration (motion passed 6-0).
Recorded project map updates: Mattie Kelly Park drainage outfall now under construction; Norriego Point Park & Gulf Shore Drive extension marked complete; Morgan Sports Center batting cages substantially complete.
Requested a concise funding summary for the Four Prong Lake outfall showing secured funds and gaps; noted City Council approved an amendment indicating the County has agreed to up to $1,000,000 cost reimbursement.
Agreed to add coring/thickness checks into pavement evaluation processes going forward to inform milling/repaving decisions.

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Meeting information

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December 9, 2025 Public Works/Public Safety Committee Meeting

Dec 9, 2025, 5:30 PM4100 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541completed

Agenda

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A) September 9, 2025
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Decision: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B) October 14, 2025
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Decision: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. NEW BUSINESS
A) Kelly Street Speed Reduction - Robert Tomasek
Council member Trammell raised concerns about the 30 mph speed limit on Kelly Street near the elementary school and suggested reducing it to at least 25 mph. She recommended that staff conduct a speed study and made a motion to formally send the matter to Public Works/Safety Committee for their recommendation, which the council approved unanimously. The MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) requires speed limits to be set based on an engineering study that considers factors like road characteristics, crash data, and traffic volume . The long-standing "85th percentile" method (based on the speed of the majority of drivers) is a common component of these studies but is no longer the sole factor, especially in urban and pedestrian-heavy areas, due to its updated emphasis on a wider range of safety considerations. What the MUTCD manual says about speed studies Engineering study is required: Speed limits must be established following an engineering study, not just based on driver behavior. 85th percentile method: The 85th percentile speed has historically been a key guideline but is now considered only one of several factors in the study, not the sole determinant. Multiple factors to consider: The updated manual emphasizes a more holistic approach, weighing six factors: roadway environment, roadway characteristics, geographic context, crash experience, speed distribution, and speed trends. Examples of other factors: The study should also consider other factors like roadside development, pedestrian activity, and the specific characteristics of the road. Speed as a design element: Speed is a fundamental element in the design and placement of all traffic control devices, including signs, lane markings, and other road features. | attachments=1
Decision: NEW BUSINESS
6. CURRENT BUSINESS
E-Bike Ordinance - Jim Wood
A) Proposed E-Bike Ordinance — Jim Wood
This item has come back with additional information. The attached ordinance is a draft from Niceville. | attachments=1
Decision: CURRENT BUSINESS
B) Confirm Volunteer Nominations for the Bridge Aesthetics Committee
The City Clerk's Office requests a formal Committee acknowledgment of the two volunteers for the Bridge Aesthetics Committee. | reports=1
Decision: CURRENT BUSINESS
C) City Project Map
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Decision: CURRENT BUSINESS
7. DISCUSSION
A) 1. Chair Jim Wood 2. Vice Chair John Green 3. Tom Weidenhamer 4. Marcie Bell Fire Hydrants Utility Pedestals/wiring Dip inside lane east side Sandpiper Cove Signal - DWU 5. Curtis Smith 6. Tammy Weidenhamer 7. Andrea Ansley
Decision: DISCUSSION
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS - STORMWATER FLOODPLAIN COMMENTS/QUESTIONS