April 20, Regular City Council Meeting Packet

April 20, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting · 2026-04-20 · agenda_packet

Stan Nikolov requested an increase in wrecker fees. The proposed increases range from approximately 31% for Class A Base Rate to 54% for Class C Base Rate. The proposed hourly rates also see increases across all classes. The request was presented on April 20, 2026, and is item 1.A on the agenda. The document does not state the decision on this item. [Marler Street Parking Lot; case 2026-603] Request for approval of a temporary parking fee waiver at Marler Street Parking Lot for Destin High School Senior Activities on Friday, May 15th, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The waiver is expected to result in a minimal loss of parking revenue. This item is part of the Consent Agenda (3.A) for the April 20, 2026 meeting. [Commons Drive and a portion of Kelly Street; case 2026-604] Re-striping of Commons Drive and a portion of Kelly Street to refresh worn and faded lines. The project is estimated to cost approximately $78,600.00, with funds available in the Public Works Department budget. Emerald Coast Striping, Inc. is the proposed contractor. This item is part of the Consent Agenda (3.B) for the April 20, 2026 meeting. [case Ordinance 26-13-LC] Second reading of Ordinance 26-13-LC, amending Section 11.05.00 of the Land Development Code regarding Marina Siting. The amendment requires staff-level review of single-family residential docks, removes the requirement for review by the Harbor and Waterways Board, and removes the requirement for City Council review of single-family residential docks. This item is a Public Hearing (5.A) for the April 20, 2026 meeting. [Destin City Center Location] Discussion and direction on the Destin City Center Location (Visioning Item). The council voted 3-2 to direct staff to prioritize the governmental center development and return with an initial plan outlining a logical sequence for implementation. Concerns were raised about potential costs and scale, with some favoring a focus on more immediate, practical needs like recreational facilities and safety improvements. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. Discussion and approval of Council Objectives, streamlining critical priorities. Councilmember Bagby's motion to streamline priorities, keeping items 1.1 through 1.8, moving item 1.9 (Morgan Sports Center and Dalton Threadgill Park Master Plan) into critical priorities, and eliminating detailed language passed 5-0. A modification was accepted to revise 'Public waterfront acquisition initiative' to 'Public waterfront acquisition and improvement initiative'. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. [Beach Drive near Sandpiper Circle and 101 Matthew Blvd] Presentation on two proposed rapid flashing beacon pedestrian crossings. One location is on Beach Drive near Sandpiper Circle, and the second is on Matthew Boulevard near Village Baptist Church. The Public Works and Public Safety Committee recommended approval, funded by their discretionary funds. Councilmember Bagby moved to approve, seconded by Councilmember Schmidt, and it passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. [Crystal Beach Neighborhood] Robert Clifford, representing the Crystal Beach Neighborhood Coalition, addressed concerns over large short-term rental (STR) properties, citing issues with occupancy limits, parking, and advertising. Councilmember Bagby moved to direct staff to develop a report outlining recommended actions to address STR-related issues and bring it back at the first council meeting in May. Motion seconded by Councilmember Destin and passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. Public comments were made regarding inconsistent enforcement of city regulations, safety and neighborhood impact from large short-term rental homes, and corporate-driven development. Jason Frazier, Sherry Clifford, and Robert Murray spoke. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. [3 Cross Court; 627 Calhoun Ave.; case PZ-2026-50; HWB-001669-2025] Consent Agenda items approved: 3.A Public Parking Support for Destin's 69th Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Community Fish Fry on May 14, 2026; 3.B Mattie Kelly Outfall - CO # 2; 3.C PZ-2026-50 - 3 Cross Court Residential Marine Construction; 3.D HWB-001669-2025 - 627 Calhoun Ave. Residential Marine Construction; 3.E, 3.F, 3.G Approval of minutes. Motion by Councilmember Bagby, seconded by Councilmember Trammell, passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. Discussion and decision on a mobility fee reduction request from AmVets for a property renovation. The initial mobility fee was approximately $40,102. Councilmember Bagby moved to approve a reduction such that AmVets pays a total of $12,000. Motion seconded by Councilmember Schmidt and passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. Concerns were raised about setting a precedent. [Norriego Point State Park (Holiday Isle Park Property)] Update on the Norriego Point State Park property. The council voted 4-1 to approve Concept 1 (lower-impact angled parking plan with 57 new spaces, 115 total) and to include provisions for free parking for county residents in negotiations with the county. Councilmember Destin also moved to allow dock use for public transient day-use slips and fishing piers, prohibiting overnight or high-intensity commercial uses, which passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. [Town Center CRA and Harbor CRA areas] Recommendation of replacement streetlight fixtures. The existing 'Destin-Prague' fixtures are discontinued. Staff recommended adopting a teardrop-style fixture with a decorative bracket as the new standard for Town Center CRA and Harbor CRA areas. Councilmember Trammell moved to recommend the Teardrop (with Deep Skirt) fixture and #3 decorative bracket, and authorize the City Manager to execute a lighting agreement with FPL. Motion seconded by Councilmember Braden and passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. [Community Center; case RFB 26-01-PW] Award of RFB 26-01-PW for Community Center Roof Replacement. Three bids were received, with Inland Construction and Engineering submitting the lowest responsible bid at $652,634. The proposed roof is a standing seam metal system. Councilmember Destin moved to award the bid contingent on successful contract negotiation. Motion seconded by Councilmember Trammell and passed 5-0. This occurred during the April 7, 2026 meeting. [4 Prong Lake] Work Authorization for Dewberry for 4 Prong Lake Initial Design, Survey, and Professional Services. The authorization is for $274,550. This item was presented during the April 7, 2026 meeting.