The council also addressed significant infrastructure concerns, particularly the stormwater drainage into Lake DeFuniak and its impact on water quality. The council passed a motion to direct staff to conduct water quality testing with a budget not exceeding $5,000.

In terms of local economic development, the Walton Economic Development Alliance (EDA) representative presented an update, resulting in the nomination of two council members to the EDA’s Executive Committee and the new Business Leadership Council.

The meeting included discussions on several land use and zoning map amendments. These amendments sought to change designations from residential to medium-density residential, and from commercial to multi-family residential, to facilitate new development projects, including a 240-unit townhouse project on Davis Lane. The council considered the implications of such projects on infrastructure, particularly traffic impact, and debated the necessity of conducting a traffic impact analysis before site plan approval.

The proposed development across from the high school at 20th Street and Walton Road prompted concerns about the need for additional infrastructure, such as parking, curbing, street lighting, and the incorporation of trees. The council discussed the possibility of requiring developers to include such features in their plans to ensure the safety and convenience of future residents.

The rezoning of the old city hall property was another topic of deliberation. The council sought to amend the future land use map to a commercial designation and the zoning map to a C2 commercial designation to accommodate future development plans. The versatility of the C2 commercial designation and the potential need for infrastructure adjustments, such as relocating sewer lines, were discussed.

The council also addressed a special election for proposed Charter amendments concerning city manager qualifications and confirmed the date for February 26, 2024. The logistics of the election were debated, including notification periods, associated costs, and potential legal fees.

Environmental concerns extended to the discussion around integrating pickleball facilities within existing tennis courts. The council considered the feedback from residents, with some stating the noise and court incompatibility issues, while others advocated for a shared space. The council proposed a solution involving QR codes at recreational facilities for data collection on usage patterns.

Infrastructure issues were discussed in detail, particularly the aftermath of severe weather events, such as an EF1 tornado that caused significant damage in the city. The council reviewed the water tower valve replacement project, which was overdue for maintenance, and acknowledged the efforts of city staff in addressing storm-related damages and infrastructure repairs.