The most significant topic revolved around the proposed Veterans Memorial in Chipley Park. Council members and community representatives engaged in a discussion over its location, design, and the necessity for public input. One council member emphasized the importance of honoring veterans while raising concerns about the project’s technical aspects, including maintenance and sustainability. “I want to be very clear about that,” they stated, stressing the need for a respectful and accessible memorial.

Council discussions revealed mixed feelings about the proposed site at East Main Avenue and Circle Drive. Accessibility and the aesthetics of the location were primary concerns, echoed by both council members and citizens. One council member noted that veterans and local residents had expressed discontent with the chosen site, advocating for more comprehensive public input. The debate underscored the importance of aligning the memorial’s design with community needs and ensuring accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities.

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) executive director, who introduced the project, emphasized the importance of ongoing community engagement and assured the council of multiple opportunities for feedback throughout the design process. A representative from Forward DeFuniak reiterated the need for a fully accessible memorial and highlighted existing paths and engineering assessments to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

As council members debated the specifics of the location, the need for a workshop to refine the memorial’s design and gather more public input became apparent. One council member suggested that the council should be involved in the design process rather than delegating it entirely to staff. Concerns about the practicality of maintenance and the potential for the memorial to become a burden on city resources were repeatedly raised.

In the same vein, a motion was made to hold a joint workshop to discuss the memorial’s location further and ensure public input before finalizing any decisions. The mayor clarified that the council was committed to moving forward with the memorial while remaining open to alternative locations based on community feedback. The council emphasized the importance of giving citizens the opportunity to voice their opinions on the matter.

Another discussion topic was the hiring process for a new finance director. Council members deliberated on the job description and qualifications for the position. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the candidate pool, especially regarding local experience and CPA qualifications. One council member noted past struggles with finance directors who lacked Florida government accounting knowledge, which had caused operational difficulties.

The council discussed the necessity of solidifying the job description before proceeding with interviews, with some members cautioning against changing the criteria mid-process. The importance of requiring candidates to submit financial statements they had prepared for governmental entities was highlighted to assess their capabilities accurately. The debate also touched on the potential risks of on-the-job training and the need for candidates with direct experience in assembling budgets and financial statements.

Ultimately, the council agreed on the need for a workshop to refine the job description and ensure the right candidate is selected. This decision was driven by past experiences where pressure to fill a position led to poor outcomes. The council emphasized the importance of taking the time to understand the role thoroughly before making a hiring decision.

The council also addressed public health concerns by discussing an ordinance to prohibit smoking and vaping in city parks. The proposal aimed to protect public health, especially for children sensitive to secondhand smoke. Public comments from community members, including students, supported the tobacco-free parks initiative. One resident stated, “Tobacco-free parks promote healthy lifestyles and help to assure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a clean healthy environment.”

Concerns about the enforcement of the ordinance were raised, with some council members questioning the necessity of passing such legislation. However, another council member countered that the ordinance included provisions for enforcement and was designed to protect the rights and health of all park visitors.

The council also considered a project proposed by the CRA involving the design of a Veterans Memorial in Chipley Park. The CRA executive director sought permission to move forward with the design phase, contingent on CRA board approval. Concerns about the chosen location’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities were raised, emphasizing the need for public input in the design process.