The meeting commenced with City Manager Koby Townsend addressing two notable incidents of theft that had recently occurred in DeFuniak Springs. The first involved the finance division, where an employee was found to have misappropriated approximately $7,800. The employee confessed, was terminated, and is now in custody. The second theft, concerning the Christmas Reflections event, saw between $9,300 and $10,000 stolen after unauthorized access to City Hall. The police department is investigating this incident, and to prevent future occurrences, a new eight-page cash handling policy was introduced, outlining procedures and responsibilities. Among the suggestions was the use of the police department’s safe for temporary cash storage, highlighting the need for robust protocols, especially during large events like Lake Fest.

The council turned its attention to the Life Enrichment Center, a vital community resource facing operational difficulties due to staffing limitations. Discussions revolved around whether to continue the partnership with Tri-County or have the city manage the facility directly. Strong support for the center’s importance was voiced, with suggestions to leverage city resources for enhanced funding. The urgency of addressing personnel shortages was noted, with ideas proposed for city employees to fill roles at the center to ensure stability. The council recognized the need for a succession plan and improved communication, stressing the center’s significance for senior community members.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to deliberations over the Old City Hall property. Following the termination of a previous purchase agreement with CCB Bank, a new offer of $1.875 million was presented. Legal counsel confirmed that there were no legal impediments to considering this offer, though there were concerns over terms, including responsibilities for closing costs and potential broker fees. The council discussed the possibility of a 1031 exchange and emphasized the need for clarity in the agreement. They have until February 3 to decide, with negotiations ongoing to address the raised concerns.

Further property discussions highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities associated with the city’s real estate holdings. There was debate over whether to sell the Old City Hall property to alleviate maintenance costs or explore leasing options for interim revenue. Concerns about the type of development that would occupy the site were expressed, with a preference against low-value uses. The council appeared divided on whether to sell or lease, emphasizing the need to balance financial burdens with strategic development goals.

The council also addressed infrastructure needs, focusing on a proposal for property access improvements near Lift Station 9, essential for wastewater management. The proposal involved replacing electrical components and raising a problematic manhole, but concerns were raised about the adequacy and long-term impact of the proposed upgrades. The council decided to withhold approval pending further evaluation and cost estimates.

In the realm of public works, the council discussed reinstating the Public Works director position, deemed critical for project oversight and effective management, particularly for the city’s water meter system. The proposal included postponing a budgeted project to fund the position, with the city manager highlighting the need for a director to coordinate long-term planning and alleviate the city manager’s extensive responsibilities.

The meeting continued with discussions on a proposed ordinance concerning nuisances and hazardous conditions. The ordinance aims to provide clear definitions for code enforcement, adopting aspects of the International Property Maintenance Code. It received unanimous support for a first reading, moving towards a second reading and public hearing.

The council also reviewed updates on the Veterans Memorial project, with an emphasis on community engagement and conceptual design approval. The CRA Director outlined prospective locations and sought to spark public input through design concepts.

During citizen comments, concerns were raised about properties under probate, with frustrations expressed over the slow legal process. The city outlined the limitations and steps being taken, including potential foreclosure if issues remain unresolved post-probate.