DFS City Council handles routine business, shows excitement over new development [PREMIUM CONTENT]

By ALICIA LEONARD

The DeFuniak Springs City Council held its second regular meeting for the month on Jan. 22. at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

The crowd was smaller than usual and the council moved quickly, passing meeting minutes, the consent agenda and approving items on their regular agenda for the meeting.

Citizens’ comments centered around members of the Walton County Heritage Association sharing positive information and visitor numbers with the council and audience.

Under business reports Damon Becnel with Hotel DeFuniak spoke to the audience and council, along with his staff about the inspiration for the revamp, amenities offered and cuisine served.

Public works items were handled, and the state of the ongoing audits for the city were discussed. The timeline for the audits and the state’s requirements for new numbers are running close to deadline and some council members said they were under the impression that the information needed to return to the state would be available before any more issues arose.

The council discussed the timeline for advertising for the position of Financial Director, with varying opinions.

State Attorney Bill Eddins’ office released a press release on Jan. 22, 2018 stating “ A Walton County Grand Jury has returned a written report on the operation of the City of DeFuniak Springs.

The presentment by the Walton County Grand Jury has been sealed by the Court. This report will remain sealed until such time as it is opened by the Court. All matters therein are required to remain secret until the Grand Jury presentment is released by the Court.”

In closing Mayor Bob Campbell mentioned that property along U.S. 331 South, also known as the “Pickett property” had been sold the week prior.

Walton County Clerk of Courts records show a deed was filed between Pickett entities and CJS 331 LLC on Jan. 19, 2018 under instrument number 20180002013.

A press release details the first of its kind “Veterans Flagship Lodge” to be located on 400 acres of the property.

The release details that the “Veterans Lodge expects to create substantial construction jobs as well as jobs in rehabilitation, memory care, educational and technical services and more.”

According to Founder Julie Connell Smith, “Veterans Lodge will help veterans get their lives back by providing them with enriching therapy, abundant education alternatives and a strong sense of community.”

More information of the exciting development meant to give back to service people is included in the entire press release in this week’s edition.

To hear the entire meeting or see agenda items go to defuniaksprings.net.