The meeting began with a discussion about the Downtown parking analysis, which was identified as a priority by the committee. The analysis centered around an updated map illustrating parking spaces on Baldwin Avenue. One member presented an evaluation of the proposed parking expansion and highlighted the constraints posed by existing infrastructure. The evaluation showed that the area behind a business would only allow for seven parallel parking spaces due to Department of Transportation standards. The discussion then shifted to converting grassy areas into angled parking, which could increase capacity, potentially yielding 35 additional spaces. There was a consensus among the committee that pursuing angled parking would be beneficial, and it was agreed that a revised map would be created to reflect this possibility.

The committee also reviewed a parking study by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which had received four responses to its request for proposals (RFP). The RFP aimed to assess existing parking availability, current demand, and potential areas for adding more public parking options. The committee expressed a desire for the selected firm to provide specific recommendations rather than just a count of existing spaces, emphasizing the need for actionable insights to address parking challenges.

Following the parking discussion, the meeting transitioned to revising Chapter 14, which deals with nuisances and insanitary conditions. Revisions included the incorporation of a definition for “green roof” as a vegetative roofing system. The committee debated whether to cross-reference the magistrate ordinance instead of duplicating text. Concerns were raised about specifying the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code in the ordinance. Some members argued that having a standardized code would eliminate ambiguity in property maintenance assessments, while others feared rigid adherence could lead to unintended consequences for property owners.

The conversation continued with a focus on the management and ownership of rights-of-way (ROW) in DeFuniak Springs. Concerns were raised about shifting the maintenance burden away from the city, which could complicate disputes regarding who has maintained the property. A proposal was made to specify in the Land Development Code that once roads are turned over to the city, maintenance responsibility for the rights-of-way should fall on property owners within those developments. This approach aimed to ensure these areas remain free of obstructions and well-maintained.

Attention then turned to Chapter 16, specifically regarding regulations governing city parks and properties. The committee noted that some provisions date back several decades and may no longer be relevant or enforceable. Concerns were raised about the prohibition of profanity in parks and inconsistent rules regarding alcohol consumption across city properties. The committee suggested streamlining regulations into a more cohesive framework that defines clear rules for all city properties, including parks. The idea of banning smoking in all parks was also floated, emphasizing the need for uniformity in enforcement.

Public comments led to a significant request from a local business owner about the special event permit process. The owner of Fory Barbecue, who is also the president of a local Mardi Gras crew, expressed frustration with the ordinance that limits the application for special event permits to no more than 90 days in advance. This restriction hampers effective planning, as they often compete with other events for optimal scheduling. In response, city officials discussed the potential for changing the ordinance to allow established events to apply for permits up to one year in advance. The proposal aimed to prevent scheduling conflicts and streamline the planning process for events with a history of community support and successful execution.

The discussion recognized the need for flexibility in scheduling, especially for events that utilize city facilities, which can be reserved up to a year in advance. Aligning special event permits with facility rentals was proposed to streamline the process and alleviate concerns related to advertising and planning for future events.