Story and photos by ADRIANNE WALLINE CAMPBELL
The regularly scheduled meeting of the DeFuniak Springs City Council was held on Oct. 25, 2021, at the Walton County Courthouse. Council member Kevin Crystal was not in attendance.
On Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m., the DOT will be at the Community Center for a public meeting to address three different intersections. They will have drawings and people available to answer questions.
• Intersection of U.S. Hwy 90 and U.S. 331 South
• Ramps off I-10
• Winn Dixie intersection
Renee Youell representing the charity, Healing Tools for Warriors, announced that they will have a veterans festival by the amphitheater from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on November 6. It is to honor veterans and first responders.
Chris Wallace spoke concerning the Final Commercial Planned Project of the Bay Springs development located on U.S. 331 South. It is just south of Zaxby’s and includes seven commercial lots with a lot designated for storm water retention. The planning department approved the development with 100% support.
Discussion was held concerning Magnolia Cemetery. Fees must be increased to keep up with costs of upkeep. The board approved an increase to $500 for an opening and closing fee. The fees wouldn’t take effect until January 1, 2022. More discussion will be made at upcoming meetings concerning increasing rates in the next three years.
Plans have been made to paint the city name, in blue and orange, on Baldwin Avenue before Christmas Reflections begins this year. The city logo is planned when they can locate a supplier, but it may not be done before Christmas Reflections.
Cliff Knauer with Dewberry Engineering spoke concerning the Veterans Lodge. The Phase 2 state revolving fund project is currently being finalized. It is a $3.6 million project. It includes a new pump station at the Best Western. It will be able to pump between 800 to 1,000 gallons per minute. 16” Pipe has been laid for water by the county for about three miles south of I-10 to Coy Burgess Rd. A high priority plan is to tie in that water main to the tower on Peck Cawthon. A new well and tower, or ground storage tank, is being planned on the east side of U.S. 331. Spray field sites are being evaluated south of I-10. And a new sewer plant is being considered south of I-10.
The Chautauqua activities for January have been cancelled.