Council approves contracts, reduces lien with policy review, appoints Mayor Pro Tem

(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)

The City of Destin, in partnership with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC), has consistently invested in Beach Safety and Lifeguard Services to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the city's beaches. Since Fiscal Year 2005, the City has specifically funded lifeguard services through the Destin Fire Control District (DFCD). Beginning in 2007, the City allocated $100,000 annually to support these services. Fiscal Year 2025 marked the first significant increase in this funding, with an approved budget of $282,000 dedicated to Beach Safety and Lifeguard Services. | attachments=4 | reports=1

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Announcements

This is a lien request for property located at 3861 Indian Trail, #102, which property is owned and resided in by City residents Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. The Hayes' Lien Reduction Request is attached to the agenda for Council consideration. Mr. Hayes plans to attend the meeting, present his request to Council, and be available for questions. | attachments=5 | reports=1

At the January 5, 2026, Regular City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to return this item for further discussion related to the Mayor Pro Tem. | reports=1

The Public Works Department has limited staff and road striping installation equipment. Public Works is not equipped to perform major road striping projects. For these more comprehensive projects, it is necessary to outsource the work to vendors who have the equipment and personnel. | attachments=6 | reports=1

The City issued Request for Bids (RFB) 25-14-PW seeking qualified vendors to provide fire equipment services, alarm monitoring, camera system maintenance, fire suppression inspections, and related life safety services for approximately 20 City-maintained facilities (RFB document is attached). The contract term is three (3) years with two optional one-year renewals, not to exceed five (5) years total. The scope included: • Annual facility inspections for fire safety equipment • Fire extinguisher replacement and recharging • Semi-annual sprinkler and range hood system inspections • Alarm monitoring for fire and security systems • Maintenance and repair of existing camera systems (Turing and Hikvision) • Ability to install upgraded systems as needed The RFB was publicly advertised, and all requirements were clearly outlined, including insurance, licensing, certifications, and mandatory forms. | attachments=8 | reports=1

This item is informational only. | attachments=1 | reports=1

In August 2023, Council requested a monthly update of collections of the Tourist Development Tax. Short-Term rental owners submit monthly reports and remit payment of TDT to the Okaloosa County Clerk. https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiNzVkMTIzNGItMDYzMS00Y2EzLTg0OTktMTA2ZjdhMjUwNjNiIiwidCI6IjQwYWI4ZmUzLTMyOTctNDc4Zi04MmVhLTJkYmRhMWIwZmJkOSJ9/ Attached is the latest available report. Report Location: https://okaloosaclerk.com/board-services/tourist-development-tax/ At bottom of the Okaloosa Clerk's page see link: Click here to get the monthly Tourist Tax Collection Report. OR: https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiNGQxNjBiMjktOTk3OC00ODgxLTg3MzYtZmI1YjhjZThlN2E1IiwidCI6IjQwYWI4ZmUzLTMyOTctNDc4Zi04MmVhLTJkYmRhMWIwZmJkOSJ9 | attachments=1 | reports=1

This item is informational only. | attachments=1 | reports=1

On March 7, 2022, the City adopted a new Investment Policy under Resolution 22-05. Attached for your review is the current quarterly investment report as per Resolution 22-05. Raymond James has also provided their quarterly investment report as an attachment. | attachments=2 | reports=1

Attached are draft copies of the meeting minutes from the city’s standing committees and boards. These minutes are being provided to the city council for informational purposes only. | attachments=6 | reports=1

On April 5, 2021, the City Council approved the scope of work and budget for a full rewrite of the Land Development Code (LDC). After internal and public reviews, beginning in early 2023, staff presented a draft of Article 3 to the City Council at its workshop on December 3, 2024. Incorporating the City Council’s input, staff created a final draft. Further refinements have been made based on re-reviews by new staff (see Background Article 3 Working Draft ). In addition to the staff report, the staff has provided: a draft ordinance and Exhibit A (proposed replacement article and the nonconformities article to be replaced – struck through) background documents, the current working draft, which includes the input from the city council workshop and the re-review conducted by staff a listing of changes, reorganizations,and consolidations This will be the format for all further submissions. | attachments=3 | reports=1

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The City Manager's contract provides for an annual fee to the City Manager, which will increase annually by the amount of any annual cost-of-living adjustment granted by the City Council to City employees. In addition, the contract provides that the City Manager will be considered for a performance/retention bonus of up to four percent of the contract value on each anniversary of the contract. | attachments=3 | reports=1