A proposal for a smoking ban in public parks ignited substantial debate among council members. The ban was considered following complaints about the smell of smoke affecting park visitors. Deliberations delved into the specifics of the state statute on smoking, the feasibility of enforcing such a ban, and its potential impact on nearby churches. The motion for the smoking ban did not secure a second, leading to its deferral for future consideration.

In addition to the smoking ban, the council faced the complexities of maintaining property in the downtown district. Discussions highlighted the difficulty of compelling property owners to conduct repairs, particularly in historic areas. The council considered the implementation of a vacant building registration to facilitate police patrols and address issues with squatters. Further talks focused on the regulation of individuals residing in tents, clarifying this would target permanent tent dwellages rather than temporary summer setups.

The council’s agenda also featured the review and potential revision of the city’s animal ordinance. Concerns were voiced regarding the allowance of swine within the city limits, the enforcement of noise regulations, and the proposed removal of a section on animals in heat. Despite these concerns, the motion to recommend the adoption of the revised animal ordinance was approved. Public comments mirrored the concerns raised, with additional focus on the enforcement of regulations against nuisance animals.

The meeting included a debate on the regulation of nuisances, hazards, and insanitary conditions. The council pondered over the definition of nuisance or blight for houses and the issue of open storage of materials. A lengthy discussion ensued on a registry for vacant buildings, with some council members apprehensive about the financial implications for property owners. The scope of such a registry—whether it should be confined to commercial properties or include residential ones—was also contested.

The council grappled with the implications of expanding the vacant building registry to encompass residential properties. They considered its impact on property values, commercial activity, and public safety, while also weighing the potential financial strain of fines and fees on property owners.

Parking issues were also a subject of debate, with council members discussing the possibility of adding parallel parking spaces along a stretch of road and evaluating additional parking on Circle Drive. The effectiveness of striping parking spaces was questioned, and the council discussed conducting a comprehensive survey of downtown to identify suitable areas for parking. Additionally, the potential addition of angle parking was considered.

On the topic of building maintenance, the council discussed necessary water and electricity services for structures. A particular case was mentioned involving a property with electricity but no running water. The language of the ordinance was scrutinized for clarity and potential for misinterpretation.

The council addressed the appeal process for code enforcement issues, with a call for reviewing the appeal section and examining examples from other cities with commercial vacant building registries.

Furthermore, the council looked at regulations for all parks, with a focus on potentially separate regulations for Chipley Park and Lake DeFuniak. Regulation changes for smoking and vaping in the parks were considered, and feedback was solicited. The committee priority list was revisited, with items such as the noise ordinance, signage, and historic preservation code earmarked for further discussion. Public comments highlighted the need for a noise ordinance and the disturbance caused by late-night noise, with the council acknowledging the challenges and legal complexities involved.