Niceville public meetings in 2021

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The CRA Board unanimously approved the adoption of by-laws that identify the Vice Chairman as the Mayor Pro Tem, and also unanimously approved the Historic Downtown Plan Option #8 as presented. The board also discussed next steps for implementation, including creating an implementation plan and designating a CRA Manager.

• Approved by-laws amending Vice Chairman to be identified as Mayor Pro Tem (unanimous)
• Approved Historic Downtown Plan Option #8 (unanimous)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold first readings on two ordinances: one annexing a lot in Bahia Vista Subdivision and another amending the tree protection code. They will also consider resolutions granting special exceptions for a rear setback and a dock, adopting flood insurance performance measures, and authorizing purchase of bypass pumping systems.

• Ordinance 22-01-01: annex Lot 6, Block B, Bahia Vista Subdivision, 110 Bahia Vista Drive, zoned R-1, LDR (first reading)
• Ordinance 22-01-02: amend tree protection on public property (first reading)
• Resolution 21-12-01: special exception for 18.5' rear setback at 422 Lilac Ct, Lot 20, Fairwood Phase III-A
• Resolution 21-12-02: special exception for 48' dock at 107 Dolphin Point Rd, Lot 2 Dolphin Point Estates
• Resolution 21-12-04: authorize purchase of four bypass pumping systems at pump stations #2, #4, #13, #30

The Niceville City Council approved several routine items, including annexation, tree protection, and floodplain measures, but tabled a request for a dock variance after the city attorney said neighbors were not properly notified. The council also approved funding for four new bypass pumping systems despite cost overruns, and authorized writing off $38,892.40 in uncollectible receivables.

• Approved minutes from Nov 9 and Dec 6 meetings (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 22-01-01 annexing Bahia Vista lot (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 22-01-02 updating tree protection on public property (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-12-01 for 18.5' rear setback at 422 Lilac Court (5-0)
• Tabled Resolution 21-12-02 for 48' dock at 107 Dolphin Point Road until January 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-12-03 adopting floodplain performance measures (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-12-04 for four bypass pumping systems (5-0)
• Approved writing off $38,892.40 in bad debts (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission approved minutes from October 4, 2021, and then voted on three agenda items. They approved a special exception for a rear setback at 422 Lilac Ct, approved annexation and zoning for 110 Bahia Vista Dr, and approved a special exception for a longer dock at 107 Dolphin Point Rd. All votes were recorded as yes, with no denials or tabling.

• Approved minutes of October 4, 2021, as presented.
• Approved special exception for 18.5' rear setback at 422 Lilac Ct (Riedel).
• Approved annexation and R-1 zoning with LDR future land use for 110 Bahia Vista Dr (Wise).
• Approved special exception for 48' dock at 107 Dolphin Point Rd (Harris).

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold its regular meeting on November 9, 2021, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes final readings of two ordinances (one annexing and zoning property, one rezoning), three resolutions (including renaming a portion of State Road 285 to Randall R. Wise Parkway, approving a utility subordination agreement for FDOT, and adopting the 2021 Okaloosa County Local Mitigation Strategy Plan), and several presentations and reports. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and bills payable.

• Ordinance 21-11-01: Annex two parcels (IDs 16-1S-22-0810-0004-066A and -0060) into city limits, zoned R-1B, future land use MDR (Malcolm Spears, 1760 Thomas St) - final reading
• Ordinance 21-11-02: Rezone parcel ID 01-1S-23-0930-000N-0170 from R-1 to R-1B (Sean Phillips, 207 Walton Ave) - final reading
• Resolution 21-11-01: Rename portion of State Road 285 between John Sims Parkway and College Boulevard to 'Randall R. Wise Parkway'
• Resolution 21-11-02: Approve subordination of utility interest to FDOT for resurfacing State Road 85 (Financial Project ID 432566-1)
• Resolution 21-11-03: Adopt 2021 Okaloosa County Local Mitigation Strategy Plan

The Niceville City Council approved a $95,557 annual contract with PAWS (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society), increasing the per-capita rate from $5.50 to $6.50. It also approved two annexation/rezone ordinances, a ceremonial renaming of a portion of State Road 285 to 'Randall R. Wise Parkway', and several resolutions including a subordination agreement with FDOT and the 2021 Okaloosa County Local Mitigation Strategy Plan. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved PAWS contract increase to $95,557 per year (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-11-01 annexing two parcels and zoning R-1B (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-11-02 rezoning 207 Walton Avenue to R-1B (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-11-01 renaming part of SR 285 to Randall R. Wise Parkway (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-11-02 subordination agreement with FDOT for SR 85 resurfacing (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-11-03 adopting 2021 Okaloosa County Local Mitigation Strategy (5-0)
• Approved amended motion for historical markers to be English-only, with placement authority delegated (5-0)
• Approved Task Order NV-02 for Gator Boring & Trenching up to $34,579.13 (5-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council approved the preliminary and final review for the Juniper West rental community, a 37-lot tiny-home development on 3.9 acres, by a 3-2 vote. The council also approved several rezoning ordinances, including one for 1600 27th St and one for 300 Kelly Rd, and passed resolutions for a Chick-fil-A drive-through expansion and a dock variance request was denied. The meeting included updates on city projects and a decision to move future council meetings to 6 PM.

• Approved Juniper West rental community preliminary/final review (3-2)
• Approved rezoning of 1600 27th St from R-1 to R-2 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 300 Kelly Rd from R-1 to C-2 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of annexation for 1760 Thomas St (5-0)
• Approved first reading of rezoning for 207 Walton Ave (5-0)
• Denied dock variance for 107 Dolphin Point Rd (1-4)
• Approved Chick-fil-A parking and landscape buffer variances (5-0)
• Approved special exception for building setback at 1116 37th St (5-0)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The CRA Board tabled adoption of its by-laws until the December 2021 meeting to allow for additional sections on budget process and definitions. The board also approved minutes from the July 13, 2021 meeting as amended, and voted to make the City Council's Mayor Pro Tem the CRA Vice Chairman. No change orders were requested for the S&ME contract; a scope revision reduced the contract by $6,740.02.

• Approved July 13, 2021 meeting minutes as amended (6-0)
• Tabled by-laws adoption until December 2021 CRA meeting (6-0)
• Appointed City Council Mayor Pro Tem as CRA Vice Chairman (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission approved all five agenda items, including the annexation and rezoning of Malcolm Spears' property, preliminary and final review of the Juniper West Rental Community, rezoning of Sean Phillips' property, and special exceptions for Sharon Church and Chick-Fil-A. All motions carried with majority votes, with the Juniper West approval being 4-2.

• Approved annexation and R-1B zoning for Malcolm Spears' property (6-0)
• Approved preliminary and final review of Juniper West Rental Community (4-2)
• Approved rezoning of Sean Phillips' property from R-1 to R-1B (6-0)
• Approved special exception for Sharon Church to reduce building distance to 4 feet (6-0)
• Approved special exceptions for Chick-Fil-A to reduce parking to 49 spaces and landscape buffer to 4.5 feet (6-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council is holding a special meeting for the final budget hearing. They will vote on two ordinances: one setting the property tax millage rate at 3.7000 mills for fiscal year 2022, and another adopting the final budget totaling $42,508,710. The meeting also includes information about a senior citizen homestead exemption.

• Ordinance 21-09-01: Sets ad valorem property tax millage rate at 3.7000 mills, exceeding the rolled-back rate of 3.6485 mills by 1.41% (final reading)
• Ordinance 21-09-02: Adopts the final FY2022 budget of $42,508,710, including a $17,543,400 General Fund (final reading)
• General Fund appropriations include $3,431,600 for Police and $2,569,850 for Fire departments
• Water and Sewer Fund budget totals $13,174,660, with $4,376,000 in capital outlay and transfers
• Senior citizen additional homestead exemption of up to $50,000 for income-qualified residents aged 65+

The Niceville City Council held a final budget hearing and unanimously approved both the ad valorem tax millage rate of 3.7000 mills for FY 2021-22 and the final budget totaling $42,508,710. The millage rate exceeds the rolled-back rate by 1.41%. The budget includes a 10% salary increase for police and fire departments, plus an additional 5% for fire, funded by internal budget adjustments without drawing from reserves.

• Approved Ordinance 21-09-01 setting ad valorem millage at 3.7000 mills (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-09-02 adopting FY22 budget of $42,508,710 (5-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council approved preliminary and final plats for Juniper West Phase 1 (35 lots) and Deer Moss Creek Phase 7 (138 lots), both unanimously. The council also approved the CRA budget of $815,410, including a $695,000 Triumph Grant, and passed first readings of two rezoning ordinances. Two special exception resolutions were tabled, and the council approved a kayak retrieval system contract and two interlocal agreements on tourist development tax revenue sharing.

• Approved Juniper West Phase 1 preliminary and final plat (35 lots, 8.72 acres) (5-0)
• Approved Deer Moss Creek Phase 7 preliminary and final plat (138 lots, 42.70 acres) (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved CRA budget of $815,410 including $695,000 Triumph Grant (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-10-01 rezoning 1600 27th St from R-1 to R-2 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-10-02 rezoning 300 Kelly Rd from R-1 to C-2 (5-0)
• Tabled Resolution 21-09-01 (dock special exception) and Resolution 21-09-02 (Chick-fil-A parking/landscape exceptions)
• Approved Resolution 21-09-06 authorizing grant application for Turkey Creek Park improvements (5-0)
• Approved $34,439 contract for kayak retrieval system at Turkey Creek South Park (5-0)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The Niceville Community Redevelopment Agency Board approved the proposed fiscal year 2021-2022 budget. The budget includes funding considerations for a feasibility study for an aquatic center, a pedestrian walkover, and the Niceville Historic Downtown project. The board also approved the July 13, 2021 meeting minutes with minor corrections.

• Approved FY 2021-2022 CRA budget
• Feasibility study for an aquatic center
• Pedestrian walkover project
• Niceville Historic Downtown economic development plan with consultant S&ME

The CRA Board unanimously approved the proposed fiscal year 2021-2022 CRA Budget, which includes funding considerations for a feasibility study for an aquatic center, a pedestrian walkover, and the Niceville Historic Downtown project. The board also approved the July 13, 2021 meeting minutes as amended to correct two scrivener's errors. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved the FY 2021-2022 CRA Budget (motion passed unanimously)
• Approved the July 13, 2021 CRA Board meeting minutes as amended for two scrivener's errors (motion passed unanimously)

City Council

The Niceville City Council is holding a special meeting for a tentative budget hearing. They will hear briefings from a consulting engineer and the city finance director, and consider resolutions adjusting commercial and residential sanitation tipping fees and residential recycling processing fees. The council will also hold first readings on ordinances setting the property tax millage rate and adopting the final budget for fiscal year 2021-22.

• Resolution 21-09-03: adjust Commercial Sanitation Tipping Fee Rate
• Resolution 21-09-04: adjust Residential Sanitation Tipping Fee Rate
• Resolution 21-09-05: increase residential recycling processing fees
• Ordinance 21-09-01: levy ad valorem property tax millage rate for FY 2021-22 (first reading)
• Ordinance 21-09-02: adopt final city budget for FY 2021-22 (first reading)

The Niceville City Council held a special meeting on September 9, 2021, and approved several financial items. They passed resolutions to increase sanitation and recycling fees by 2% effective October 1, 2021, to pass on county tipping fee increases. They also approved on first reading the property tax millage rate of 3.700 mills and the final budget for FY 2021-22 totaling $45,660,230. No public comments were made on these items.

• Approved commercial sanitation tipping fee rate adjustment (5-0)
• Approved residential sanitation tipping fee rate increase from $13.97 to $14.25 (5-0)
• Approved residential recycling processing fee increase from $1.10 to $1.12 (5-0)
• Approved property tax millage rate of 3.700 mills on first reading (5-0)
• Approved FY 2021-22 budget of $45,660,230 on first reading (5-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council is holding a special meeting on September 7, 2021, at 6:00 PM in the council chambers. The stated purpose is budget discussions, specifically a wrap-up. The agenda contains no other items, so the meeting is focused solely on concluding budget deliberations.

• Special Council meeting at 6:00 PM on September 7, 2021
• Purpose: Budget discussions - Wrap-up

The City Council held a special meeting to review the FY22 General Fund budget, which includes 10% pay raises for Police and Fire departments and 3% for other employees, funded partly by $248,590 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The budget uses a proposed millage rate of 3.7000, down from the tentative 4.0000, and draws $101,000 from reserves to balance. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with the first public budget hearing scheduled for the next meeting.

• Reviewed FY22 General Fund budget with 10% police/fire raises and 3% for other employees
• Noted $248,590 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover non-retirement payroll costs for raises
• Proposed millage rate of 3.7000, down from tentative 4.0000, requiring only 3 votes to pass
• Budget includes $101,000 draw from General Fund reserves to balance
• No formal votes taken; meeting was informational only

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission approved preliminary and final reviews for Juniper West Phase 1 (35 lots) and Deer Moss Creek Phase 7 (138 lots), both with all city requirements. It also approved rezonings for properties at 1600 27th St (R-1 to R-2) and 300 Kelly Rd (R-1 to C-2). A special exception for a 56-foot dock at 107 Dolphin Point Rd was denied, and a Chick-fil-A special exception request was tabled.

• Approved Juniper West Phase 1 preliminary/final review (7-0)
• Approved Deer Moss Creek Phase 7 preliminary/final review (7-0)
• Approved rezoning at 1600 27th St from R-1 to R-2 (6-1)
• Approved rezoning at 300 Kelly Rd from R-1 to C-2 (7-0)
• Denied special exception for 56' dock at 107 Dolphin Point Rd (7-0)
• Tabled Chick-fil-A special exception request for parking and landscape buffer

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed FY22 Water and Sewer Fund budget and rate analysis. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational. Engineers reported that no water or sewer rate increase is required for FY22 due to savings from debt refinancing, but a 4.5% increase is projected for FY23. Further discussion is scheduled for September 9, 2021.

• No rate increase for FY22 water/sewer (projected)
• FY23 rate increase of 4.5% projected (not yet approved)
• Further briefing scheduled for September 9, 2021

City Council

The Niceville City Council is holding a special meeting as a budget workshop to discuss the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), sanitation, and stormwater budgets. This is a working session, not a final decision meeting, and no specific dollar amounts or proposals are listed in the agenda.

• Budget workshop for CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
• Budget discussion on sanitation
• Budget discussion on stormwater

The City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed FY22 budgets for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Sanitation, and Stormwater funds. The CRA budget was presented by Ammy Hanson, and the Stormwater budget was detailed by Finance Director Steven Rausch. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a workshop for discussion and questions.

• Reviewed the proposed FY22 CRA operating budget with total revenues and expenditures of $517,650.
• Reviewed the proposed FY22 Stormwater budget with total revenues and expenditures of $3,895,940, an 11.74% increase from FY21.
• Discussed stormwater capital projects including the Valparaiso Boulevard Swale Restoration ($301,000) and Davis Drive Outfall Realign ($500,000).
• Noted grant-funded stormwater projects from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) totaling $1,453,760.
• No formal action was taken; the meeting was a budget workshop.

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed FY2022 General Fund budget, which totals $20,558,050 in revenue and $20,732,480 in expenses. The tentative ad valorem tax millage rate of 4.0000 mills was previously set on July 20, 2021, and is higher than the rolled-back rate of 3.6485. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a workshop for discussion and questions.

• Reviewed FY22 General Fund budget: $20,558,050 revenue, $20,732,480 expenses
• Noted tentative 4.0000 millage rate set at July 20, 2021 budget hearing
• Discussed budget details; no formal action taken

City Council

The Niceville City Council held a special meeting to hear presentations from 14 organizations requesting funding for FY-2022, including Niceville High School track maintenance, the Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce, and various social services. No decisions were made; Mayor Henkel stated the Council will make final decisions at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.

• No decisions made; all funding requests deferred to a later date
• Heard request from Niceville High School for $2,500 for track maintenance
• Heard request from Economic Development Council for $5,000
• Heard request from Chamber of Commerce for $6,000
• Heard request from Sharing and Caring for $5,000
• Heard request from Bridgeway Center for $2,000
• Heard request from Early Learning Coalition for $2,750
• Heard request from Shelter House for $1,500

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 10, 2021, with final readings of ordinances to rezone two properties and to authorize borrowing $315,000 and $600,000 for public-purpose property purchases. The council will also consider resolutions to join state conflict resolution proceedings and to approve minutes and proclamations.

• Final reading: rezone 1504 Reeves St from R-3 (Multi-Family) to PUD (Planned Unit Development), requested by Taylor Brown for Plenn Phelps
• Final reading: rezone 1016 48th St from R-1 (Single Family) to R-1B (Single Family), requested by Malcolm Spears, Grand American Enterprises
• Final reading: Ordinance 21-08-04 authorizing a $315,000 promissory note (commercial bank loan) for real property purchase
• Final reading: Ordinance 21-08-05 authorizing a $600,000 revenue bond (Series 2019, amended) for real property purchase
• Resolution to join Florida Memorandum of Understanding and conflict resolution proceedings (Chapter 164, Florida Statutes)

The Niceville City Council approved all items on the agenda, including five ordinances and four resolutions. These included rezoning at 1504 Reeves St and 1016 48th St, a $315,000 promissory note for property purchase, a $600,000 revenue bond, and resolutions to join opioid litigation and conflict resolution proceedings. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Councilwoman Alley absent.

• Approved rezoning at 1504 Reeves St from R-3 to PUD (4-0)
• Approved rezoning at 1016 48th St from R-1 to R-1B (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-08-03 amending code provisions (4-0)
• Approved $315,000 promissory note for property purchase (4-0)
• Approved $600,000 revenue bond for property purchase (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-08-01 to join opioid litigation (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-08-02 to join conflict resolution proceedings (4-0)
• Approved bills payable (4-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council held a special meeting to set the proposed property tax millage rate for fiscal year 2022. After discussion, the council voted 4-1 to set the proposed rate at 4.0000 mills, up from the current 3.7000 mills, which is expected to generate over $666,300 in additional ad valorem tax revenue. The council also set a tentative budget hearing for September 9, 2021, at 6:00 PM. The rate increase is intended to help cover rising costs, including state retirement contributions, equipment expenses, and requested police and fire department staffing and salary increases.

• Proposed millage rate set at 4.0000 mills, up from 3.7000 mills (passed 4-1)
• Tentative budget hearing set for September 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM
• Equipment expenses increased from $2,618,710 to $4,194,050 (up $1,575,340)
• Police Department requests 10% salary increase and 3 additional officers; Fire Department requests 3 additional personnel
• City anticipates approximately $8 million in American Rescue Plan funds, with $4 million expected before end of fiscal year

The City Council voted 4-1 to set the proposed FY22 millage rate at 4.0000 mills, up from 3.7000 mills, which is expected to generate an additional $666,300 in ad valorem tax revenue. The council also unanimously approved September 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM as the tentative budget hearing date. The decision was made to address increased costs, including police and fire department staffing and salary requests.

• Approved proposed FY22 millage rate of 4.0000 mills (4-1, Nodjomian dissenting)
• Set tentative budget hearing for September 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM (5-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council approved four rezoning ordinances, including a change from R-2 to C-1 for a property at 121 Cedar Ave N, a change from R-3 to PUD for 1504 Reeves St, a change from R-1 to R-1B for 1016 48th St, and a code amendment. It also approved first readings of two bond amendments (Ordinances 21-08-04 and 21-08-05) and a resolution supporting a countywide tourism tax referendum. All votes were unanimous (5-0) except for a motion to seek proposals for a comprehensive plan review, which passed 4-0 with one abstention.

• Approved rezoning of 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 to C-1 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 1504 Reeves St from R-3 to PUD (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 1016 48th St from R-1 to R-1B (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-08-03 amending code provisions (5-0)
• Approved first reading of bond amendment for $315,000 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of bond amendment for $600,000 (5-0)
• Approved resolution supporting countywide tourism tax referendum (5-0)
• Authorized City Manager to seek proposals for comprehensive plan review (4-0, 1 abstention)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The CRA board received a virtual presentation from S&ME on the Historic Old Town Niceville project, including a preferred design with 80 residential units and a 177-space parking shortfall. The board directed S&ME to revise the plan to include a parking structure and resubmit it to the Orlando Economic Partnership, with a report expected by August or September. No formal votes were taken on the project, and the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

• Approved the May 11, 2021 CRA board meeting minutes by unanimous vote.
• Directed S&ME to revise the Niceville Landing plan to include a parking structure and resubmit it to the Orlando Economic Partnership.
• Agreed to have S&ME provide an answer on parking options before the end of the week.
• Discussed potential interim parking solutions, such as church or industrial areas, until a parking structure is completed.
• Noted the Triumph Grant funding board has excess capital and may increase matching funds if project costs rise.

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for a tiny home development at 1504 Reeves St from R-3 to PUD, and denied a request to rezone 1016 48th St from R-1 to R-2. The commission also approved updates to parking requirements in the city code. All votes were recorded as yes or no as noted.

• Approved rezoning of 1504 Reeves St from R-3 to PUD for tiny home development (5-0)
• Denied rezoning of 1016 48th St from R-1 to R-2 (2-3)
• Approved updates to Article 8 parking requirements (5-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold public hearings and consider two rezoning requests on Cedar Ave N: a final reading to change 320 Cedar Ave N from single-family to multi-family residential, and a first reading to rezone 121 Cedar Ave N from multi-family to limited commercial. The council will also hear updates from the Youth Advisory Council, the Florida League of Cities, and FDOT on the Highway 20 project, and approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Final reading: Ordinance 21-06-01 to rezone 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2 (Maxwell Ryals)
• First reading: Ordinance 21-07-01 to rezone 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 to C-1 (Stephen Tatum, Three Wise Men and Mom)
• Presentation: FDOT Highway 20 project update by Chad Morris
• Presentation: Youth Advisory Council update by Councilman Nodjomian
• Approval of minutes from May 11 and June 1 meetings

The Niceville City Council approved a $23,210 FDOT utility agreement for raising manholes on Highway 20, rezoned 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2, and approved first reading of a rezoning for 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 to C-1. The council also approved an emergency repair of a sinkhole on Bayshore Drive for $59,074.24. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved Resolution 21-06-01: FDOT utility work agreement for $23,210 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-06-01: Rezoning 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-07-01: Rezoning 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 to C-1 (5-0)
• Approved emergency sinkhole repair on Bayshore Drive for $59,074.24 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2021 and Planning Commission June 1, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved bills payable (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission will consider a request by Stephen Tatum, representing Three Wise Men & Mom LLC, to rezone property at 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 (One or Multi Family) to C-1 (Limited Commercial). The property is Lot 19 and the north half of Lot 20, Block 12, Powell Subdivision. The City Council will hear the request at its June 8, 2021 meeting.

• Rezoning request for 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 to C-1
• Property described as Lot 19 and north half of Lot 20, Block 12, Powell Subdivision
• Applicant: Three Wise Men & Mom LLC, represented by Stephen Tatum
• City Council hearing scheduled for June 8, 2021
• Property assessed value $63,328

The Niceville Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for a property at 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 (One or Multi Family) to C-1 (Limited Commercial). The request was made by Stephen Tatum on behalf of Three Wise Men and & Mom, and the owner had no immediate plans for the parcel. The motion passed unanimously.

• Approved rezoning of 121 Cedar Ave N from R-2 to C-1 (unanimous)
• Approved May 3, 2021 minutes as presented (unanimous)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings on a rezoning request, a fence variance, and a resolution to fund historical markers. The council will also hear updates from the Youth Advisory Council and a preliminary/final review of a 9-lot subdivision.

• Rezoning of 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2 (first reading)
• Special exception for a 6-foot fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way
• Resolution to appropriate up to $4,000 for historical markers
• Preliminary and final review of Turkey Creek Townhomes, a 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street
• Approval of minutes from April 13 and May 3 meetings

The Niceville City Council approved a 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street, approved first reading of a rezoning at 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2, and denied a special exception for a fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way. The council also approved matching funds for historical markers and discussed updates on various city projects.

• Approved preliminary and final review of 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-06-01 rezoning 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2 (5-0)
• Denied Resolution 21-05-01 special exception for fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way (0-5)
• Approved Resolution 21-05-02 appropriating up to $4,000 for historical markers (5-0)
• Approved bills payable (5-0)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The CRA Board accepted S&ME's preliminary design concepts as a working document for the Historic Old Town Niceville redevelopment project. The vote was unanimous (6-0). The board also approved the March 26, 2021 meeting minutes with a correction to Chairman Henkel's name. The next meeting was set for July 13, 2021.

• Approved March 26, 2021 meeting minutes with correction (5-0)
• Accepted S&ME preliminary designs as working document (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on May 3, 2021, to review three requests: a preliminary and final review of a 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street, a special exception for a 6-foot fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way, and a rezoning request for 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2. These items will also be heard by the City Council on May 11, 2021.

• Preliminary and final review of 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street by Jenkins Engineering for Grand American Enterprises
• Special exception request by Della and Michael Frey for a 6-foot fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way
• Rezoning request by Maxwell Ryals for 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2
• All items to be heard by City Council on May 11, 2021

The Niceville Planning Commission approved a preliminary and final review for a 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street, denied a special exception for a 6-foot fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way, and approved a rezoning request for 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2. All votes were unanimous except the rezoning, which passed 3-2.

• Approved 9-lot subdivision off 27th Street (5-0)
• Denied special exception for 6' fence at 105 Cedar Ridge Way (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 320 Cedar Ave N from R-1 to R-2 (3-2)

City Council

The Niceville City Council approved the final reading of Ordinance 21-04-01, rezoning properties on South Cedar and 27th St. from R-2 to R-3 for Randy Wise Homes. It also approved a special exception to reduce parking requirements for a proposed Aldi store, approved the language for four historical markers, and authorized the city manager to pursue the purchase of 57 feet of Boggy Bayou shoreline for $300,000. The council also approved a purchasing card program with Synovus Bank and extended the COVID-19 emergency ordinance.

• Approved rezoning of properties on South Cedar and 27th St. from R-2 to R-3 (5-0)
• Approved special exception for Aldi to reduce parking requirement from 10.0 to 4.0 per 1,000 sq ft (5-0)
• Approved verbiage for four historical markers with revisions (5-0)
• Authorized city manager to pursue purchase of 57 feet of Boggy Bayou shoreline for $300,000 (5-0)
• Approved purchasing card program with Synovus Bank, $50,000 credit limit (5-0)
• Extended Emergency Ordinance 20-03-02 for COVID-19 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of March 9, March 23, and April 5 meetings (5-0)
• Approved bills payable (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission will hear three Special Exception requests at its April 5, 2021 meeting. The most significant is a request from Valparaiso Realty, representing ALDI, to reduce the required parking for a proposed 20,442 sq ft grocery store at 1030 E John Sims Pkwy from 147 spaces to 95 spaces (about 4.65 per 1,000 sq ft). The commission will also consider two residential pool setback variances on Elderflower Drive. The City Council will make final decisions on these requests at its April 13, 2021 meeting.

• ALDI parking variance: reduce from 147 to 95 spaces at 1030 E John Sims Pkwy
• Thompson pool variance: 5' from house and 2' from property line (vs. required 6' and 4') at 1246 Elderflower Dr
• Meeboer pool variance: 3' from property line (vs. required 4') at 1244 Elderflower Dr
• ALDI site is a vacant 2.07-acre lot between Wendy's and Jim and Nick's BBQ
• City Council will hear these requests on April 13, 2021

The Niceville Planning Commission approved all three special exception requests on the agenda. It approved a parking reduction for a proposed Aldi store at 1030 John Sims Pkwy E, allowing 4.0 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet instead of the required 10.0. It also approved reduced pool setbacks for two homes on Elderflower Drive: one allowing a 5-foot setback from the house and 2-foot from the property line, and another allowing a 3-foot property line setback instead of 4 feet.

• Approved Valparaiso Realty's request to reduce Aldi parking requirement from 10.0 to 4.0 spaces per 1,000 sq ft.
• Approved Randy and Judy Thompson's request for reduced pool setbacks (5 ft from house, 2 ft from property line).
• Approved William and Heather Meeboer's request for a 3 ft pool setback from the property line instead of 4 ft.
• Approved the March 1, 2021 meeting minutes as presented.

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The Niceville Community Redevelopment Agency board is meeting to approve minutes, consider its annual report due to the City Council, and retroactively commit funds remaining in the CRA trust fund as of September 30, 2020. The board will also set the next meeting date and adjourn.

• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2020 regular board meeting
• Consideration of CRA Annual Report due to Niceville City Council by March 31, 2021 (per 163.371(2), F.S.)
• Consideration of retroactively committing CRA trust fund funds as of September 30, 2020 (per 163.358(7)(a-d), F.S.)
• Set next CRA meeting date, time, and location

The CRA Board approved appropriating $271,041.05 in unspent FY2020 trust funds to a debt service sinking fund and the Historic Downtown project, as required by state statute. The board also reaffirmed the purchase of four properties for the CRA district and set the next meeting for May 11, 2021. All votes were unanimous with Commissioner Nodjomian absent.

• Approved appropriation of $271,041.05 to debt service sinking fund and Historic Downtown project (5-0)
• Reaffirmed purchase of Spence-Apfel and Beach Bank properties for CRA (5-0)
• Reaffirmed purchase of four properties in CRA Historic Downtown project area (5-0)
• Set next CRA meeting for May 11, 2021 at 5 p.m.

City Council

The Niceville City Council is holding a special meeting to finalize the bond refunding process. The agenda includes final readings of three ordinances authorizing the issuance of revenue notes, including two for property purchases totaling $695,000 and one for up to $10,000,000 to refinance outstanding water and sewer debt. The council will also consider resolutions supplementing these ordinances and setting terms for the notes.

• Ordinance 21-03-01: $260,000 non-ad valorem revenue note (Series 2021A) for real property purchase (final reading)
• Ordinance 21-03-02: $435,000 non-ad valorem revenue note (Series 2021B) for real property purchase (final reading)
• Ordinance 21-03-03: Up to $10,000,000 water and sewer refunding revenue note (Series 2021) to refinance DEP loans and prior bonds/notes (final reading)
• Resolution 21-03-01: Supplements ordinance 21-03-01, designates note as tax-exempt
• Resolution 21-03-03: Authorizes private negotiated sale of the $10M water/sewer refunding note

The Niceville City Council unanimously approved three ordinances and three resolutions to refinance debt and fund property purchases. The largest item, Ordinance 21-03-03, authorizes a $10 million water and sewer refunding note to refinance existing loans and bonds, with projected savings of $318,000 in 2021, $73,000 in 2022, and $19,000 in 2022. The council also approved two smaller notes—$260,000 and $435,000—for real property purchases, along with related resolutions. All votes were 4-0 with Councilman Nodjomian absent.

• Approved Ordinance 21-03-01: $260,000 non-ad valorem revenue note for real property purchase (4-0).
• Approved Ordinance 21-03-02: $435,000 non-ad valorem revenue note for real property purchase (4-0).
• Approved Ordinance 21-03-03: up to $10,000,000 water and sewer refunding revenue note to refinance existing debt (4-0).
• Approved Resolution 21-03-01: supplementing the $260,000 note, designating it tax-exempt (4-0).
• Approved Resolution 21-03-03: supplementing the $10M note, authorizing private sale to Regions Bank (4-0).
• Approved Resolution 21-03-04: supplementing the $435,000 note, designating it tax-exempt (4-0).

City Council

The Niceville City Council approved the preliminary and final review of the Turkey Creek Townhomes, a nine-unit development at 206 Walton Avenue, and approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone properties on South Cedar and 27th Street from R-2 to R-3 for Randy Wise Homes. The council also passed three bond-related ordinances, including a $10 million water and sewer refunding note, and increased the residential recycling processing fee by three cents per household. The meeting was procedural in part, with no substantive decisions on other agenda items.

• Approved preliminary and final review of Turkey Creek Townhomes (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-03-01 for $260,000 non-ad valorem revenue note (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-03-02 for $435,000 non-ad valorem revenue note (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-03-03 for $10,000,000 water and sewer refunding note (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 21-04-01 rezoning properties on South Cedar and 27th Street to R-3 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-03-02 increasing residential recycling processing fee by $0.03 per household (5-0)
• Approved naming the new park 'Rocky Runway Common' (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on March 1, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The sole substantive item is a request by Randy Wise Homes to rezone several adjoining properties on South Cedar Avenue and 27th Street from R-2 (One or Multiple Family) to R-3 (Multiple Family). The City Council will hear the request at its March 9, 2021 meeting.

• Rezone request by Randy Wise Homes for properties on South Cedar and 27th St from R-2 to R-3
• Parcel numbers listed: 07-1S-22-0000-0109-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0109-0010, 07-1S-22-0000-0142-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0140-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0139-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0138-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0134-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0130-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0141-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0110-0000, 07-1S-22-0000-0099-0000
• One parcel (07-1S-22-0000-0146-0000) excluded from rezone
• City Council to hear request on March 9, 2021

The commission denied Randy Wise Homes' request to rezone 11 parcels on South Cedar and 27th St from R-2 to R-3 for a 100-unit apartment complex, with a 4-3 vote. It then voted 7-0 to recommend the City Council approve the rezoning only if the developer signs a development agreement capping the project at 100 units. The minutes record public concerns about trees, traffic, drainage, and property values, as well as one resident's support.

• Approved the February 1, 2021 meeting minutes as presented.
• Denied Randy Wise Homes' rezoning request (R-2 to R-3) for 11 parcels on South Cedar and 27th St; vote 4-3 against.
• Recommended City Council approve the rezoning with a development agreement limiting the project to no more than 100 units; vote 7-0 in favor.

City Council

The Niceville City Council voted unanimously to send the preliminary and final review of the Turkey Creek Townhomes project back to the Building Department for additional review to ensure compliance with the City's Land Development Code. The decision followed concerns raised about whether the project should have been classified as a major development, which would trigger additional requirements like a concurrency analysis. The Council also approved several financial items, including a debt refunding plan, two commercial bank loans, and a bid for storm drain repair.

• Sent Turkey Creek Townhomes back to Building Department for additional LDC review (5-0)
• Approved motion to continue with debt refunding for water/sewer deals (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-02-01 for $435,000 commercial bank loan (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-02-02 for $260,000 commercial bank loan (5-0)
• Awarded $260,000 loan financing to Truist Bank at 1.399% interest (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-02-05 for $435,000 commercial bank loan financing (5-0)
• Approved $36,532.96 storm drain repair bid from Pensacola Concrete (5-0)
• Extended Emergency Ordinance 20-03-02 for COVID-19 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting on February 1, 2021, to review four items: preliminary and final approval of Turkey Creek Townhomes, two special exception requests for reduced setbacks, and a rezoning request. The City Council will hear these requests at its February 9, 2021 meeting.

• Vestcon Builders requests preliminary and final approval of Turkey Creek Townhomes at 206 Walton Ave
• Fredy and Margaret Page request special exception for 0' side setback for attached carport at 110 Friar Tuck Dr
• Justin Phillip VanHouten requests special exception for 10' rear setback (required 20') at 612 Powell Dr
• Randy Wise Homes requests rezoning of properties on South Cedar and 27th St from R-2 to R-3
• City Council will hear these requests at its February 9, 2021 meeting

The Niceville Planning Commission approved a preliminary and final site plan for the 9-unit Turkey Creek Townhomes at 206 Walton Ave, despite a resident's opposition over traffic and tree loss. They also approved two special exceptions for reduced setbacks: a 0-foot side setback for a carport at 110 Friar Tuck Dr and a 10-foot rear setback at 612 Powell Dr. One agenda item was removed at the request of Randy Wise. The meeting minutes from October 5, 2020, were approved.

• Approved Turkey Creek Townhomes preliminary and final approval (6-0)
• Approved 0' side setback special exception for carport at 110 Friar Tuck Dr (6-0)
• Approved 10' rear setback special exception at 612 Powell Dr (6-0)
• Removed agenda item 4 at Randy Wise's request
• Approved October 5, 2020 minutes (unanimous)