One of the most notable discussions revolved around the city’s real-time crime center, which aims to improve situational awareness for first responders through real-time intelligence. The city manager detailed the functionality of the Fus system, which integrates various camera feeds to enable rapid response during emergencies. This system is operational in all Okaloosa County schools and allows law enforcement to access video footage in critical situations, such as identifying active shooters in schools, thereby providing deputies with real-time information before entering premises. The system’s effectiveness was highlighted with examples of its capability to resolve cases by providing evidence to confirm or refute claims made during incidents. The council showed strong support for the initiative, with one member noting its potential in crime prevention through sharing footage from home security systems and unanimously supporting a motion to promote this initiative via public service announcements on city media channels.

Another focal point was the discussion of financial matters, particularly the budget and personnel accounts. A motion was proposed to bring forth a budget amendment not exceeding $532,570 to fund a specific initiative. However, disagreement emerged regarding the necessity of this amendment, as some council members argued that the funds were already accounted for in the personnel line item of the existing budget. Despite this, the motion failed, leading to a subsequent unanimous decision to direct staff to return with a budget amendment limited to the specified funding.

The council also addressed the awarding of contracts for city services, notably the Matty Kelly outfall project. The project involved awarding a contract to RBM Contracting Services, the lowest responsive bidder, at a cost of $548,250, funded by a million-dollar state appropriation. While some council members expressed concern about engaging a new contractor, the motion to award the contract was approved without dissent. Additionally, the council approved contracts with Vulkar and Tetratech for debris management services, with the assurance that these services would be reimbursable through FEMA, imposing no cost on the city unless activated.

Furthermore, the council discussed the Noya Point Harbor restoration dredging project, which includes a 50-50 cost-sharing agreement with the county. Revised bid documents were prepared for advertising, addressing erosion issues by ensuring that dredged sand would be placed in embayments. A motion to approve the advertising of these documents passed unanimously.

Another item was the Fourth Street Rideway, a pathway providing access to waterfront properties. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining access for the properties served by the rideway and discussed potential improvements to the area, including clearing invasive species and creating a path to the water. A council member suggested obtaining cost estimates for this cleanup, considering the potential to enhance the area as a pocket park.

Towards the end of the meeting, the council debated the scheduling of upcoming meetings, particularly the December 1st session. Concerns about quorum due to the Thanksgiving weekend led to a motion to cancel the meeting, which failed in a tied vote. The council also discussed the urgency of adopting ordinance number 2519CCC, related to city employees’ membership in the Florida Retirement System, emphasizing the need to submit the signed ordinance by December 15th for a January 1st start date.