By ASHLEY AMASON
Former planning board member Kermit Wright requested the city reconsider the policy instated in March 2005 which requires residents to obtain a survey of their property before adding a permanent fixture to the residence. Wright, who planned to build a 16 x 20 foot lean-to on his garage, reported the survey fee was $400. Wright reviewed the minutes of the meeting in which the policy was adopted and stated it appeared the policy had “no prior thought” although the “impact on the citizens is great.”
Mayor Pro-Tempore James Huffman addressed Wright. “I understand your position. [However,] we can’t issue permits based on where people say their property line is.”
Councilman Don Harrison added he was in favor of re-examining the policy and considering general exemptions. Wright took his seat after saying, “I don’t want to break the rules, I want to follow the rules, but the rules need to be reasonable for everyone.”
The brief remainder of the agenda was met with unanimous ayes, including the request to purchase a van for the public works department in the amount of $25,341 and the purchase of a ground-penetrating radar to detect underground pipes in the amount of $12,100.
The interlocal agreement between the city and Walton County to jointly operate Harbeson Field was amended by excluding the tennis courts from the legal and sketch descriptions. City Manager Kim Kirby received approval to seek request for qualifications (RFQ) for general engineering consultant services and airport general consulting services. The RFQs will include general conditions, background, scope of services required, evaluation criteria and a schedule and selection process and will be advertised for at least seven days.
In honor of DeFuniak Springs being named a Tree City, the city and the Master Gardeners will plant a tree on Arbor Day, Friday Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. on the north side of Live Oak Ave. between 17th and 18th St. Mayor Harold Carpenter will read the proclamation and all are welcome.