Niceville public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on a new ordinance for electric bicycles and micromobility devices. The body is also deciding on several rezoning requests and a final budget amendment for the 2024 fiscal year.

• Ordinance No. 26-01-01 creating regulations for electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and micromobility devices
• Rezoning of 1.31 acres on Kelly Rd from General Commercial (C-2) to Single or Multi-family Residential (R-2)
• Rezoning of 723 Powell Drive from Single Family Residential (R-1) to Single or Multi-family Residential (R-2)
• Ordinance No. 25-12-03 adopting amended final budget changes for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2024
• Creation of a Development Services Special Revenue Fund for building permit and licensing fees

The Niceville City Council approved rezoning of the Kelly Preserve property and 723 Powell Drive. It adopted FY 2025 budget changes that reduce the approved budget by over $2.7 million and created a Development Services Special Revenue Fund. The council also approved a code‑update ordinance, denied a setback variance for 612 Powell Drive, and approved an ADU variance for 2446 Duncan Drive.

• Approved Kelly Preserve rezoning (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑abstained; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved 723 Powell Drive rezoning (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved code‑update ordinance 25‑12‑02 (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved FY 2025 budget changes reducing budget by $2.7 M (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved Development Services Special Revenue Fund ordinance (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Denied 612 Powell Drive setback variance (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved 2446 Duncan Drive ADU variance (motion passed)

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council will hold a public hearing and review minutes from the October 14 meeting. Council members will receive updates on project progress and discuss the upcoming Youth Council Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee (January 27‑28, 2026). They will also review deadlines for the Youth Council Excellence Award (March 15, 2026) and the Council2College Scholarship (March 31, 2026). The next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2026.

• Public hearing and approval of minutes
• Update on project progress
• Discussion of Youth Council Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, Jan 27‑28 2026
• Youth Council Excellence Award deadline March 15 2026
• Council2College Scholarship deadline March 31 2026

The council voted to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. All five members present voted yes, and the motion passed. No other actions were formally decided; the council discussed upcoming events and deadlines. The next meeting is set for January 13, 2026 at 4 PM.

• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission will consider three public‑hearing items. The primary item is a rezoning request by Kelly Preserve, LLC to change two parcels on Kelly Rd from General Commercial (C‑2) to Single or Multi‑family Residential (R‑2) and to shift the Future Land Use designation from Commercial to Mixed‑Use. Two variance requests will also be reviewed: a setback reduction for an accessory structure at 612 Powell Dr, and an exception to the 900 sf ADU size limit at 2446 Duncan Dr. The meeting will also approve the agenda and the minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting.

• Kelly Preserve, LLC rezoning: parcels 01-1S-23-0000-0084-0000 & 01-1S-23-0000-0082-0040, change from C‑2 to R‑2 and Future Land Use from Commercial to Mixed‑Use (≈1.31 acres).
• 612 Powell Dr variance: reduce side setbacks from 5 ft to 2.5 ft (parcel ID 06-1S-22-2100-0008-0150, ≈0.23 acres).
• 2446 Duncan Dr variance: exception to ADU size limit of 900 sf heated/cooled (parcel ID 09-1S-22-0730-0005-0050, ≈0.58 acres).

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on one rezoning request and two variance requests. The body will review a proposal to change land use on Kelly Rd from commercial to residential.

• Kelly Preserve, LLC request to rezone 1.31 acres on Kelly Rd from General Commercial (C-2) to Single or Multi-family Residential (R-2)
• Request to change Future Land Use Map for Kelly Rd property from Commercial (C) to Mixed-Use (MU)
• Variance request for 612 Powell Dr to reduce side setbacks for an accessory structure from 5 feet to 2.5 feet
• Variance request for 2446 Duncan Dr for an exception to the 900 sf heated and cooled ADU size limitation

The Planning Commission approved the rezoning request for Kelly Preserve, LLC, changing the zoning from General Commercial (C‑2) to Single/Multifamily Residential (R‑2) and updating the Future Land Use Map to Mixed‑Use. The variance request for reduced side setbacks at 612 Powell Dr was denied by a 5‑to‑1 vote. The variance request for an ADU size exception at 2446 Duncan Dr was approved without objection.

• Approved rezoning of Kelly Preserve, LLC (parcels 01-1S-23-0000-0084-0000 & 01-1S-23-0000-0082-0040) to R‑2 (no objection)
• Denied variance for 612 Powell Dr side‑setback reduction (5‑1 vote)
• Approved variance for ADU size exception at 2446 Duncan Dr (no objection)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will consider a rezoning request for 723 Powell Drive, adopt several ordinances updating building codes, the city budget, and creating a Development Services Special Revenue Fund, and vote on a resolution to accept $350,000 state appropriation for the design and engineering of Crossings Boulevard.

• Rezoning of 723 Powell Drive from R-1 to R-2 (Ordinance No. 25-12-01)
• Ordinance updating references to the Florida Building Code and National Electrical Code (Ordinance No. 25-12-02)
• Adoption of amended final budget changes for fiscal year starting Oct. 1, 2024 (Ordinance No. 25-12-03)
• Creation of Development Services Special Revenue Fund for building permit and licensing fees (Ordinance No. 25-12-04)
• Resolution accepting $350,000 state funding for Crossings Boulevard design and engineering (Resolution No. 25-11-02)

The Niceville City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request for 723 Powell Drive, updated references to the Florida Building Code and National Electrical Code, and adopted the amended fiscal‑year 2024‑2025 budget. The council also created a Development Services Special Revenue Fund, amended the tree ordinance, granted a non‑exclusive franchise to CHELCO, and updated animal‑control and city‑facility access ordinances. All motions passed with a 5‑yes, 0‑no vote.

• Approved 723 Powell Drive rezoning to R‑2 (5‑0)
• Approved update of building and electrical code references (5‑0)
• Approved amended FY 2024‑2025 budget (5‑0)
• Approved creation of Development Services Special Revenue Fund (5‑0)
• Approved tree ordinance amendment (5‑0)
• Approved CHELCO non‑exclusive franchise (5‑0)
• Approved animal‑control ordinance amendment (5‑0)
• Approved access to city facilities ordinance (5‑0)

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council is meeting to review project progress and discuss upcoming events. The body will address a trip to Tallahassee and deadlines for awards and scholarships.

• Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee: January 27-28, 2026
• Youth Council Excellence Award deadline: March 15, 2026
• Council2College Scholarship deadline: March 31, 2026
• Update on projects progress

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a request to change the zoning of 723 Powell Dr from Single Family Residential (R-1) to Single or Multi-family Residential (R-2). The applicant intends to build a duplex with two townhome-style units on the 0.17-acre lot.

• Public hearing for 723 Powell Dr rezoning (Ordinance No 25-12-01)
• Proposed zoning change from R-1 to R-2 to allow a duplex
• Staff recommendation to approve the rezoning based on Mixed-Use compatibility

The Planning Commission approved the request to amend the Official Zoning Map for 723 Powell Dr, changing the zoning from Single‑Family Residential (R‑1) to Single or Multi‑Family Residential (R‑2). The motion carried with no objection. The commission also approved the minutes from the prior meeting and adjourned.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (no objection)
• Approved rezoning of 723 Powell Dr to R‑2 (no objection)
• Adjourned the meeting

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will first approve its agenda. It will then consider new business, including a development request from a church on Bayshore to pave existing grass parking and add a concrete sidewalk. The request is identified by Parcel ID 07-1S-22-0000-0063-0000.

• Approval of the agenda with any additions or deletions
• Consideration of new business items
• Church on Bayshore outparcel parking: paving of existing grass parking and addition of a concrete sidewalk (Parcel ID 07-1S-22-0000-0063-0000)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold public hearings and first‑reading votes on several ordinances, including a non‑exclusive franchise for Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative to operate electric lines in the city. Additional items include amendments to the animal control code, access to city facilities rules, and a rezoning request to change five parcels from residential to general commercial. The council will also conduct second‑reading hearings on rezoning proposals for 507 John Sims LLC, Everton vacant lot, and other zoning changes, followed by resolutions on the Christmas Parade, debris management, and emergency management authority.

• E-1: CHELCO Non‑exclusive Franchise – Ordinance 25-11-01 granting franchise rights to Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative
• E-2: Animal Control – Ordinance No 25-11-02 amending the city’s animal code
• E-3: Access to City Facilities – Ordinance No 25-11-03 establishing new access and trespass rules
• E-4: Williams Rezoning – Ordinance No 25-11-04 changing five parcels from R‑2 to C‑2 zoning
• F-1: 507 John Sims LLC Rezoning – Ordinance No 25-10-01 changing a parcel on Jones Ave from PCI to C‑1

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items, including minutes from prior meetings. It adopted three ordinances: a CHELCO electric franchise, an animal‑control update, and new rules for access to city facilities. Two rezoning proposals – Williams and 507 John Sims LLC – were rejected, and the outcome for the Everton Vacant Lot rezoning was not recorded in the minutes.

• Approved agenda (4‑yes votes)
• Approved consent agenda items C‑1 to C‑5 (4‑yes votes)
• Approved CHELCO non‑exclusive franchise ordinance (4‑yes votes)
• Approved Animal Control ordinance 25‑11‑02 (4‑yes votes)
• Approved Access to City Facilities ordinance 25‑11‑03 (4‑yes votes)
• Failed Williams rezoning ordinance 25‑11‑04 (Tolbert‑yes, Schaetzle‑no, Rominger‑no, Stauffer‑yes) – motion failed
• Failed 507 John Sims LLC rezoning ordinance 25‑10‑01 (Tolbert‑no, Schaetzle‑yes, Rominger‑no, Stauffer‑yes) – motion failed
• No recorded vote outcome for Everton Vacant Lot rezoning ordinance 25‑10‑02

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council will meet to review project progress and receive a presentation from Doug Rainer of Waste Management. The council will also coordinate website photography with Shannettra Francis.

• Presentation by Doug Rainer, Waste Management
• Website photography by Shannettra Francis
• Update on projects progress

The council voted to approve the regular meeting minutes from September 9, 2025. All four voting members – Michel, Johnson, Eller, and Schroeder – voted yes, so the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 PM, and the next council meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2025 at 4 PM.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Williams rezoning request, which seeks to amend the Official Zoning Map from Single or Multi‑family Residential (R‑2) to General Commercial (C‑2) and change the Future Land Use Map to Commercial for five parcels. Staff recommend approval based on surrounding area and the Military Influence Planning Area. The commission will also discuss updates to the City of Niceville Land Development Code.

• Williams Rezoning (Ordinance No 25-11-04) – change from R‑2 to C‑2 for parcels 07-1S-23-0000-0079-0020, 01-1S-23-0000-0080-0000, 07-1S-23-0000-0076-0000, 01-1S-23-0000-0076-0010, 07-1S-23-0000-0079-0010
• Public hearing on Williams rezoning scheduled for Oct 6, 2025; City Council consideration on Oct 14 and Nov 18, 2025
• Land Development Code update discussion by Community Development Director Chris Frassetti
• Approval of agenda and September 2025 meeting minutes
• Open forum for resident comments

The commission voted 3–2 to deny the Williams rezoning and future land use map amendment request. Commissioners Espinoza, Scott, and Wilson voted in favor, while Patel and Cromwell voted against. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection. Staff also presented an overview of the upcoming Land Development Code update process.

• Denied Williams rezoning and future land use map amendment (3-2)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous, no objection)

City Council

The Niceville City Council meeting on September 25, 2025 includes a new‑business item to hold a Budget Workshop on the final city budget. Council members will discuss the finalized budget during this session. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.

• Budget Workshop – final city budget review

The Niceville City Council approved the meeting agenda unanimously. It then adopted Ordinance 25-09-02, raising the ad valorem property‑tax millage rate by 22.48% to fund design and engineering for a new sports complex. Finally, the council approved Ordinance 25-09-03, adopting the city’s FY 2025‑26 budget. All three motions passed with a 5‑yes, 0‑no vote.

• Approved agenda (5‑yes, 0‑no)
• Approved Ordinance 25-09-02 property‑tax millage increase (5‑yes, 0‑no)
• Approved Ordinance 25-09-03 FY 2025‑26 budget (5‑yes, 0‑no)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will vote on Ordinance 25‑09‑02, which sets the ad valorem property tax millage at 4.5000 mills for the fiscal year October 1 2025 through September 30 2026, a 22.48 % increase over the rolled‑back rate. The Council will also consider Ordinance 25‑09‑03, which adopts the final city budget for the same fiscal year, including the listed revenues and appropriations. Both items are presented as public hearings (first reading) before any vote.

• Ordinance 25‑09‑02: property tax millage set at 4.5000 mills, 22.48 % above rolled‑back rate
• Ordinance 25‑09‑03: adoption of the final 2025‑26 city budget with detailed revenues and appropriations
• Public hearing (first reading) of the two ordinances
• Open forum for public comments after the hearings
• Adjournment following the agenda items

The council approved the meeting agenda, adopted Ordinance 25‑09‑02 setting a 22.48 % increase in the ad valorem property tax millage, and adopted Ordinance 25‑09‑03 establishing the city’s FY 2025‑26 budget. All three motions passed with unanimous yes votes from the five council members present.

• Approved meeting agenda (5‑yes)
• Approved Ordinance 25‑09‑02 property‑tax millage increase (5‑yes)
• Approved Ordinance 25‑09‑03 FY 2025‑26 budget (5‑yes)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will consider two development order requests. One request seeks to demolish an existing commercial building and construct a 3,333 sq ft Chase Bank branch at 1057 John Sims Pkwy E (Parcel ID 08‑1S‑22‑0000‑0087‑0030, zoned C‑2). The other request proposes a three‑unit, 3,072 sq ft residential tri‑plex on a parcel zoned R‑2 (Parcel ID 08‑1S‑22‑0000‑0075‑0000). After approving the agenda, the committee will vote on these proposals.

• C‑1: Demolition of existing commercial structure and construction of a 3,333 sq ft Chase Bank at 1057 John Sims Pkwy E, Parcel ID 08‑1S‑22‑0000‑0087‑0030, zoned C‑2
• C‑2: Development of a 3,072 sq ft, three‑unit residential tri‑plex on Parcel ID 08‑1S‑22‑0000‑0075‑0000, zoned R‑2 (Medium Density Residential)
• Approval of the agenda (Item A)
• Public hearing on technical matters related to land development code consistency

City Council

The Niceville City Council will conduct a budget workshop and a tentative budget hearing. This meeting includes the first reading of budget-related ordinances and resolutions. No other agenda items are listed.

• Budget Workshop – Tentative Budget Hearing – first reading of budget ordinances and resolutions

The Niceville City Council approved a property‑tax millage increase of 22.48% and adopted the FY 2025‑26 budget. They also approved rate adjustments for water, sewer, stormwater, garbage, recycling, yard waste, and a raise for the City Manager and City Clerk.

• Approved Ordinance 25-09-02 raising property tax millage 22.48% (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved Ordinance 25-09-03 adopting FY 2025‑26 budget (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved Resolution 25-09-02 adjusting municipal waterworks system rate (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved Resolution 25-09-03 adjusting municipal sewer system rate (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved Resolution 25-09-04 increasing stormwater utility rates (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Approved Resolution 25-09-05 increasing garbage and recycling rates, including senior discount (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)
• Motion passed to give City Manager a 3% cost‑of‑living raise and $2,000 performance bonus (Tolbert‑no; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑no)
• Motion passed to give City Clerk a 3% salary increase for FY2026 (Tolbert‑yes; Schaetzle‑yes; Alley‑yes; Rominger‑yes; Stauffer‑yes)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The Board is considering a resolution to authorize the City Manager to apply for a Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant. The proposed 50/50 matching grant would fund improvements at the Turkey Creek Nature Center, with the city's portion coming from CRA funding and stormwater fees.

• Proposed FRDAP grant for Turkey Creek Nature Center improvements
• Planned playground and interactive displays: $23,000 design / $700,000 construction
• Planned Pavilion parking lot paving and stormwater: $63,000 design / $500,000 construction
• Planned Hardees site parking and stormwater: $63,000 design / $450,000 construction
• Planned kayak drop off access road and parking: $37,000 design / $246,000 construction

The board approved the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes. They approved a resolution to forward the FRDAP grant application for Turkey Creek Nature Center to the City Council. The grant would match up to $200,000 for a $400,000 project, with about $120,000 earmarked for playground equipment.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (Tolbert, Schaetzle, Alley, Henkel, Stauffer, Rominger yes)
• Approved resolution to move FRDAP grant application for Turkey Creek Nature Center to City Council (Tolbert, Schaetzle, Alley, Henkel, Stauffer, Rominger yes)

City Council

The Niceville City Council will hold public hearings on several zoning and ordinance proposals, including a rezoning of the 507 John Sims LLC property on Jones Ave from Public Civic Institutional to Limited Commercial and a change to the Future Land Use Map to Mixed Use. Additional items include a rezoning of an Everton vacant lot on W College Blvd, amendments to the city’s tree ordinance and wrecker operation ordinance, and a final reading of a development agreement with Ruckel Properties. The council will also consider a Veterans Day Parade resolution, a grant application for Turkey Creek Nature Center, and an insurance contract with UnitedHealthcare for FY 2026.

• E-1: 507 John Sims LLC rezoning – PCI to Limited Commercial, Future Land Use to Mixed Use, ~1.19 acres on Jones Ave (Parcel ID 07-1S-22-0000-0069-0020)
• E-2: Everton vacant lot rezoning – Conservation to Limited Single Family Residential, Future Land Use to Medium Density Residential, ~0.12 acres on W College Blvd (Parcel ID 01-1S-23-0000-0001-0020)
• E-3: Tree Ordinance Amendment – Ordinance 25-10-03 amending Chapter 5.6, article ii of the Code of Ordinances
• E-4: Wrecker Operation and Services Ordinance – Ordinance 25-09-01 establishing Chapter 21
• F-3: Development Agreement with Ruckel Properties – second reading, request to table

The Niceville City Council voted 5‑yes to adopt a tree ordinance amendment, enabling the city to seek Tree City USA designation and related grant funding. The council also approved a rezoning change for the 507 John Sims LLC parcel from Public Civic Institutional to Limited Commercial (C‑1) with a 3‑yes, 2‑no vote. A motion to discuss rezoning the Everton vacant lot was approved by a 3‑yes, 2‑no vote.

• Approved Tree Ordinance amendment (5‑yes)
• Approved rezoning of 507 John Sims LLC to C‑1 limited commercial (3‑yes, 2‑no)
• Approved discussion of Everton vacant lot rezoning (3‑yes, 2‑no)
• Approved agenda addition for Youth Advisory update (5‑yes)
• Approved consent agenda items including prior meeting minutes (5‑yes)

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council will hold a public hearing and complete routine items such as roll call, pledge, and approval of the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes. In new business, members will finalize the schedule for their planned goals. The council will also discuss the upcoming vote on the City FY2026 budget. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2025 at 4 PM.

• Approval of minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting
• Finalize schedule for planned goals
• Discussion of upcoming vote on City FY2026 budget

The council approved the minutes from the August 12 meeting with a unanimous vote. Members were given specific leadership responsibilities for upcoming projects, including recycling outreach, a pavilion dinner, a Sharing and Caring fundraiser, a Bed4Me/homeless fundraiser, an Autism 5K run, and the Wreaths Across America event. The meeting also included a discussion of the FY2026 city budget and upcoming millage hearings, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved August 12 meeting minutes (5-0 vote)
• Assigned recycling project lead to Logan Michel
• Assigned pavilion dinner project lead to Mary Colleen Johnson
• Assigned Sharing and Caring fundraiser lead to Mary Colleen Johnson
• Assigned Bed4Me/homeless fundraiser lead to Grayson Schroeder
• Assigned Autism 5K Run lead to Eleanor Ballard
• Assigned Wreaths Across America volunteer effort lead to Addyson Eller

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved a reduced rear‑setback variance for 1748 Hopper Street and approved the rezoning of 507 John Sims LLC from PCI to C‑1. The rezoning request for the Everton Vacant Lot on W College Blvd was denied by a 2‑3 vote. All other agenda items were approved without opposition.

• Approved Charles Variance at 1748 Hopper St (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 507 John Sims LLC to Limited Commercial C‑1 (unanimous)
• Denied rezoning of Everton Vacant Lot to R‑1B (2‑3 vote)
• Approved meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:20 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted to authorize City Manager David Deitch to negotiate a health‑insurance contract with the sole respondent to the RFP. The motion was moved by Councilman Schaetzle, seconded by Councilwoman Alley, and passed unanimously with all five members voting yes. No other substantive actions were decided at the meeting.

• Authorized City Manager to negotiate health‑insurance contract (5‑yes)

City Council

The City Council will convene a special meeting to discuss the General Fund, Community Redevelopment Agency, and Surtax budgets. The session is scheduled for 6:00 PM on August 21, 2025, in the City Council Chambers.

• Budget Workshop – General Fund, CRA, and Surtax
• Meeting location: City Council Chambers - 208 Partin Drive North

City Council

The Niceville City Council approved option two for the Aid to Organizations program, keeping support for the Niceville Housing Authority and moving the Chamber of Commerce and One Okaloosa Economic Development Council to a new economic‑development line‑item. The council also voted to allocate $5,000 to each the Chamber of Commerce and the One Okaloosa EDC. Both motions passed with all five voting members casting yes votes.

• Adopted option two: continue NHA support, create new economic‑development line‑item for Chamber and EDC (Tolbert, Schaetzle, Alley, Rominger, Stauffer – all yes)
• Allocated $5,000 each to the Chamber of Commerce and One Okaloosa EDC as economic‑development funding (Tolbert, Schaetzle, Alley, Rominger, Stauffer – all yes)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The Niceville Community Redevelopment Agency is reviewing a recommendation to award a construction contract for the Niceville Landing Phase I Project. The board will determine if the City Manager should enter into an agreement with the lowest bidder.

• Recommendation to award Old Town Landing Phase I contract to Soule Construction, LLC for $2,853,257.22

The council approved the final amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, adding updates to the Infrastructure and Capital Improvements Elements and removing the separate Concurrency Element. The council also tabled the Wrecker Operation and Services ordinance for legal review. Both actions passed with unanimous 5‑0 votes.

• Approved Comprehensive Plan amendments (E-1) – 5 yes, 0 no
• Tabled Wrecker Operation and Services ordinance 25-09-01 pending legal review – 5 yes, 0 no
• Approved Development Agreement with Ruckel Properties (F-1) – 5 yes, 0 no
• Approved Fee Schedule update (Ordinance 25-08-01) – 5 yes, 0 no
• Approved Consent Agenda items (minutes, planning commission minutes, bills payable) – 5 yes, 0 no
• Approved meeting agenda with additions – 5 yes, 0 no

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted the EAR-based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, updating infrastructure and capital improvement elements. The wrecker ordinance was tabled pending legal review, and the development agreement with Ruckel Properties was continued to the September meeting. The city’s fee schedule ordinance was also approved.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved EAR-based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan (5-0)
• Tabled wrecker ordinance pending legal review (5-0)
• Continued development agreement with Ruckel Properties to September meeting (5-0)
• Approved fee schedule ordinance (5-0)

City Council

The Niceville City Council met in a special session to review the 4.5 millage rate and present FY2026 budgets for the General Fund and enterprise funds (water and sewer, sanitation, stormwater). Council members discussed fee structures, capital projects, and funding options for aid to organizations, but no votes or formal approvals were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission unanimously approved the agenda and the July 1, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the request to transmit the proposed EAR‑based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to state and federal agencies for review. All motions passed with unanimous votes and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved transmission of Comprehensive Plan amendment to state and federal agencies (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Niceville City Council voted to set the millage rate at 4.5% for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, aiming to fund design and engineering of a new sports complex. The motion passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. Other budget items and staffing proposals were discussed but not formally acted upon.

• Set millage rate at 4.5% (5-0)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

The board approved the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting with a unanimous yes vote. The board approved adding the cost estimate for Phase II of the Upland Park to the agenda, also with a unanimous yes vote. The board approved the Turkey Creek Capital Improvements management plan (page 11) and the bubble plan concept (page 15) with a unanimous yes vote.

• Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (all yes)
• Approved addition of Phase II Upland Park cost estimate to agenda (all yes)
• Approved Turkey Creek Capital Improvements management plan page 11 (all yes)
• Approved Turkey Creek bubble plan concept page 15 (all yes)

City Council

The council approved the addition of the FY2026 budget workshop schedule to the agenda and adopted the consent agenda items. It approved the first reading of an EAR‑based amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and updated the city’s fee schedule. Council members authorized the city manager to negotiate a development agreement with Ruckel Properties for a roundabout exchange. The council also rezoned the First Baptist Church property to a Public Civic Institutional district and rezoned 712 Elm Street to a Limited Commercial district.

• Added FY2026 budget workshop schedule to agenda (5-yes)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, planning commission minutes, bills payable) (5-yes)
• Approved first reading of EAR‑based Comprehensive Plan amendment (5-yes)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate development agreement with Ruckel Properties (5-yes)
• Approved updated comprehensive fee schedule ordinance (5-yes)
• Rezoned First Baptist Church property to Public Civic Institutional district (5-yes)
• Rezoned 712 Elm Street to Limited Commercial district (5-yes)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously confirmed Suanne Wilson as Chair and Tracy Jennette as Vice‑Chair. The June 2, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. The commission also unanimously approved a 10‑foot rear‑setback variance for 526 Wildflower Ct, a lot split at 101 3rd St, and the Comprehensive Plan amendments. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Confirmed Suanne Wilson as Chair (unanimous vote)
• Confirmed Tracy Jennette as Vice‑Chair (unanimous vote)
• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes as presented (unanimous vote)
• Approved 10‑foot rear‑setback variance for 526 Wildflower Ct (unanimous vote)
• Approved lot split request at 101 3rd St (unanimous vote)
• Approved Comprehensive Plan amendments (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

City Council

The Niceville City Council appointed Wendy Farmer as City Clerk and approved several agenda items unanimously. They approved the Comprehensive Plan amendment for coastal management, rezoned the First Baptist Church property to Public Civic Institutional, and rezoned 712 Elm Street to Limited Commercial. All motions passed with a 5‑yes vote and no opposition.

• Approved appointment of Wendy Farmer as City Clerk (5‑yes)
• Approved minutes from May 13, 2025 City Council meeting (5‑yes)
• Approved EAR Based Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan (5‑yes)
• Approved rezoning of First Baptist Church property to Public Civic Institutional (5‑yes)
• Approved rezoning of 712 Elm Street to Limited Commercial (5‑yes)

Planning Commission

The Niceville Planning Commission unanimously approved rezoning of 712 Elm St from R‑2 to C‑1 and rezoning of the First Baptist Church property from R‑2 to PCI. The commission also approved amendments to the Comprehensive Plan concerning coastal management and conservation. A variance request was tabled and routine agenda and minutes items were approved.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 5 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• WaWa Development order – no action required
• Variance request for 333 Bayshore Drive tabled (unanimous)
• Approved 712 Elm St rezoning to C‑1 (unanimous)
• Approved First Baptist Church rezoning to PCI (unanimous)
• Approved Comprehensive Plan coastal‑management amendment (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council added three items to the agenda, approved the consent agenda, and endorsed a letter for the REEF/FLARE research facility. It also approved the first reading to transmit a comprehensive‑plan amendment to state and federal agencies. In the final reading, the council approved a land‑development code amendment that revises how major and minor projects are reviewed. Mayor Henkel presented a check of over $15,000 for four Take Stock in Children scholarships.

• Added agenda items (Take Stock in Children donation, RFP #25-02, REEF/FLARE support) – passed 5‑yes
• Approved consent agenda (minutes, legal training, planning commission minutes) – passed 5‑yes
• Endorsed REEF/FLARE letter – passed 5‑yes
• Approved first reading of Comprehensive Plan amendment (Ordinance 25‑XX‑XX) – passed 5‑yes
• Approved final reading of Land Development Code amendment (Ordinance 25‑05‑01) – passed 5‑yes (Rominger‑no)
• Presented Take Stock in Children scholarship check of >$15,000 for four scholarships – no vote

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the proposed EAR-based amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and directed them to be transmitted to state and federal agencies. It also unanimously approved continuances for the WaWa Development and the Gainer variance to be considered at the June 2, 2025 meeting. Earlier agenda items and the April meeting minutes were approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Approved continuance for WaWa Development to June 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved continuance for Gainer variance to June 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved EAR-based amendments to Comprehensive Plan as presented (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council added a proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month to the agenda and approved the consent agenda. It also approved a Land Development Code amendment (Ordinance 25‑05‑01), tabled an annexation request (Ordinance 25‑05‑02), and approved transmission of a Comprehensive Plan amendment (Ordinance 25‑XX‑XX).

• Added proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month to agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (minutes, planning commission minutes, bills payable) (5-0)
• Approved Land Development Code amendment (Ordinance 25-05-01) (5-0)
• Tabled Annexation Request Ordinance 25-05-02 (5-0)
• Approved transmission of Comprehensive Plan amendment (Ordinance 25-XX-XX) (5-0)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the agenda, minutes, and several items. It granted continuances for the WaWa development and Gainer variance, tabled an annexation request, approved the Miracle League Park development order, adopted Option B for a land‑development code amendment, and approved sending comprehensive‑plan changes to state agencies. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved continuance of WaWa Development Order to May 5 (unanimous)
• Approved tabling of Annexation Request Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved continuance of Gainer Variance Request to May 5 (unanimous)
• Approved Meigs Miracle League Park Development Order (unanimous)
• Approved Option B for Land Development Code Amendment (unanimous)
• Approved transmission of Comprehensive Plan amendments to state agencies (unanimous)