Kurt
Admin
I saw a Grit and Grace production at Freeport High.
-
Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
-
Hello all! We will be performing a website & forum update soon. You may get logged out so now is the time to make sure your email address in your account is correct - go to your account to check it and update it now. Send us a message with your username and/or email address if you need help.
Robert 'Bob' Hudson Introduction
- Thread starter Bob Hudson
- Start date
I saw a Grit and Grace production at Freeport High.
Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
I did, too, and thought it was the perfect place to hold many smaller concerts and productions. I never knew that the auditorium was so nice.
Bob, let's bring this back on track to your run for BCC. What are your thoughts on this idea of sharing Tax Payer sites such as the school, with special events open to the public?
Bob, let's bring this back on track to your run for BCC. What are your thoughts on this idea of sharing Tax Payer sites such as the school, with special events open to the public?
Roadrunner
Beach Lover
Mr. Hudson:
First, good luck on your campaign. I noticed you haven't had a chance to lay out much about why you are running I wanted to see what you thought about some issues discussed on this board and important to your district.
Have you ever held government office before?
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
I and others look forward to your responses.
First, good luck on your campaign. I noticed you haven't had a chance to lay out much about why you are running I wanted to see what you thought about some issues discussed on this board and important to your district.
Have you ever held government office before?
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
I and others look forward to your responses.
Bob Hudson
Beach Fanatic
I have now officially qualified by petition. Big task in a short time span. I promised to come back here to answer questions as time permitted. I will take the questions in order and give you my position or thoughts.
Remember that we all have "warts" and that we will never all agree on every subject. I have always tried to find that person whose "key points" I agreed with.
SJ:
I served on a school board for 5 years almost 15 years ago. During that time span the School Board was approached by the Parks and Recreation department seeking access to the athletic facilities at our schools. We were able to enter into an inter-local agreement with them to provide access to things like ballfields, gym's, batting cages and practice fields. At that time I was charged with representing the interests of the schools and children. The initial concerns of some were the legal liabilities (quickly over come), priority of use (school activities came first) and a sharing of the operatings costs for such things as heat, light etc. They also wanted to add lighting to the two high school track facilities to allow for people to have a place to walk and jog at night. ( No Multi-use trails there at that time.)
Let me get straight to the point. Those issues were resolved and I voted to enter into the inter-local agreement. I was the Chairman when this was done.
I would be described as a fiscally conservative individual and believe that we should seek every opportunity to not duplicate services and facilities and to expand availibility of services and facilities in creative ways.
I have spoken before the BCC on this very issues asking that we seek to expand those agreements whenever possible. We currently have some agreements with the WCSD that are seldom utilized.
Bob
Remember that we all have "warts" and that we will never all agree on every subject. I have always tried to find that person whose "key points" I agreed with.
SJ:
I served on a school board for 5 years almost 15 years ago. During that time span the School Board was approached by the Parks and Recreation department seeking access to the athletic facilities at our schools. We were able to enter into an inter-local agreement with them to provide access to things like ballfields, gym's, batting cages and practice fields. At that time I was charged with representing the interests of the schools and children. The initial concerns of some were the legal liabilities (quickly over come), priority of use (school activities came first) and a sharing of the operatings costs for such things as heat, light etc. They also wanted to add lighting to the two high school track facilities to allow for people to have a place to walk and jog at night. ( No Multi-use trails there at that time.)
Let me get straight to the point. Those issues were resolved and I voted to enter into the inter-local agreement. I was the Chairman when this was done.
I would be described as a fiscally conservative individual and believe that we should seek every opportunity to not duplicate services and facilities and to expand availibility of services and facilities in creative ways.
I have spoken before the BCC on this very issues asking that we seek to expand those agreements whenever possible. We currently have some agreements with the WCSD that are seldom utilized.
Bob
Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
Thanks for taking time to reply. I like that answer and hope that something similar can be done here, linking existing facilities with special events.
Glad you were able to make the ballot by petition.
Glad you were able to make the ballot by petition.
Bob Hudson
Beach Fanatic
OK Mr. Roadrunner - I have a few minutes to give you my responses to a few of your questions.
Have I ever held government office ?
Yes I served as a School Board member for 5 years about 15 years ago. I was transferrerd by my employeer if your next question would be why for 5 years. School Board positions were non-paying positions other than reimbursement for mileage to meetings. I never filed the paperwork for reimbursement other than for travel to Certified School Board Member training.
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
Both - They have for a long time only responded to citizen complaints so they would drive by signs that they knew to be out of compliance and wait until they had a complaint before reacting. The Commission , under proding from Cindy and Sara, is working on making them more proactive not just in signs but in other areas as well. Mark Martin with the Planning Department is now taking a major role in the direction of the Code Enforcement Dept. restructure. (Code Depart falls under Pat and the Planning Department).
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
I have just seen it and have only arrived at one conclusion at this point in time. It appears to be a lot of signs (IMO), but I really need to spend some more time studying the actual plan in detail vs recommendations from FDOT. Safety should be possible without spoiling the Scenic Corridor. At least they do not appear to be 18 ft tall. Allow me to address this after I study the plan further.
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
We need to be more creative in approaching the issue. We need to encourage walkable access. We have around 16 miles of "Public Beaches" - why are we not working toward providing more access to those area. Some are preservation area and I am certainly for protecting those, but what about shuttle's, dedicated cart paths.
I have picked a few that I could quickly answer. Some of these questions are complex and I will take them one at a time between the tasks necessary to ramp up a campaign.
Hope this helps.
Back later
Have I ever held government office ?
Yes I served as a School Board member for 5 years about 15 years ago. I was transferrerd by my employeer if your next question would be why for 5 years. School Board positions were non-paying positions other than reimbursement for mileage to meetings. I never filed the paperwork for reimbursement other than for travel to Certified School Board Member training.
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
Both - They have for a long time only responded to citizen complaints so they would drive by signs that they knew to be out of compliance and wait until they had a complaint before reacting. The Commission , under proding from Cindy and Sara, is working on making them more proactive not just in signs but in other areas as well. Mark Martin with the Planning Department is now taking a major role in the direction of the Code Enforcement Dept. restructure. (Code Depart falls under Pat and the Planning Department).
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
I have just seen it and have only arrived at one conclusion at this point in time. It appears to be a lot of signs (IMO), but I really need to spend some more time studying the actual plan in detail vs recommendations from FDOT. Safety should be possible without spoiling the Scenic Corridor. At least they do not appear to be 18 ft tall. Allow me to address this after I study the plan further.
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
We need to be more creative in approaching the issue. We need to encourage walkable access. We have around 16 miles of "Public Beaches" - why are we not working toward providing more access to those area. Some are preservation area and I am certainly for protecting those, but what about shuttle's, dedicated cart paths.
I have picked a few that I could quickly answer. Some of these questions are complex and I will take them one at a time between the tasks necessary to ramp up a campaign.
Hope this helps.
Back later
Roadrunner
Beach Lover
Thanks for your responses, I realize your time is constrained. However, I think sowal.com will be a driving force in supporting whoever wins the election so I hope you have time. I hope you know that we have already had an impact on at least one recent issue.
I have also reposted the others below so they don't get lost in the shuffle and to hopefully make it easier on you. Based on your responses, I have added a couple and hope you don't mind.
New ones:
What do you mean by 16 miles of "public beaches?" Is that how much shoreline is in Walton County or are you saying that some of it should not be used by the public? I guess this leads into one of my old questions.
Also, you mentioned dedicated cart paths. It seems like roads are already crowded with the bike path and the road. Is there enough room to add another path? Wouldn't it need more signs too?
Old ones:
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
Thanks again and Beep! Beep!
Bob Hudson
Beach Fanatic
Lets see if we can agree on the best method to address the question, answer, and follow up question issue. I would prefer to answer all of your original questions first.
It may be two or three at a time and then when all of your original questions have been responded I cal put them together into one summary post.
That is only a suggestion as I sincerely hope that I can find a way to effectively answer many questions her in a open forum in a quick manner.
i promised to enjoy dinner out with Pat tonight. I will try to finish up your original questions later tonight or tomorrow morning.
Bob
It may be two or three at a time and then when all of your original questions have been responded I cal put them together into one summary post.
That is only a suggestion as I sincerely hope that I can find a way to effectively answer many questions her in a open forum in a quick manner.
i promised to enjoy dinner out with Pat tonight. I will try to finish up your original questions later tonight or tomorrow morning.
Bob
Last edited:
Roadrunner
Beach Lover
I appreciate knowing that you are so responsive. Anyway that you would like to do it would be great. After my first post, I have received even more comments from people who want to know your stand on these issues. Please enjoy your dinner with your wife and take your time as there is no rush.
However, please know that with each response I may have another question just like my brothers the Watcher, WileCoyote, etc. have with others running for office, so please be patient with me. I promise to be patient with you as I think it is a great service you are offering by letting us voters know where you stand, especially since some of us will likely volunteer to try and get you elected.
Bob Hudson
Beach Fanatic
Note: Previously I referred to my association and involvement with the Walton County Taxpayers Association. Within their by-laws are limiting clauses that bar any elected official from serving on that body. I firmly believe that when I chose to enter this primary that I should recuse myself from activity during this campaign period. At a special meeting of the officers of that body held on Thursday I stated that fact and will no longer engage in their operations until the conclusion of my campaign. I am providing this information as I will occassionally use their name through this discussion. You should realize that I do this only as a point of reference. The president or her designee are the only people that speak officially for that organization
Have you ever held government office before?
Yes I served as a School Board member for 5 years about 15 years ago. I was transferred by my employer, if your next question would be why for 5 years. School Board positions were non-paying positions other than reimbursement for mileage to meetings. I never filed the paperwork for reimbursement other than for travel to Certified School Board Member training.
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
In reading and understanding financial reports and audits we all understand basic math 2 plus 2 is four and 2 times 2 is 4. To understand the true meaning of those numbers we must understand the story behind the numbers. Two apples plus 2 oranges equals four pieces of fruit, but not 4 apples or four oranges. A reader of financial statements must carefully read the accompanying notes and management letter to understand what the numbers mean. If you believe that accounting numbers are simply black and white -one must only remember the Enron collapse and the financial statements leading up to that collapse.
On to the question – During my 5 years as a School Board member we were faced with several opportunities of great interest and concern to the community.
1.School boundaries were realigned to maintain racial balance.
2.A new elementary school was built
3.Two new head football coaches were hired*
Those issues were the 3 issues that were the most challenging. I wish that I could say that consensus was achieve through the process of public input and public hearings. Regretfully most individuals have a perspective and point of view that is very personal in nature. They tend to look at the issue from their perspective and their perspective alone. A school Board member or County Commissioner must vote based on the best solution that represents his/her constituency when viewed from the perspective of entire community. Many have a hard time with that in the real world. Regretfully it seems that we are a county that is divided on our viewpoint about 50/50 on any issue. You make every attempt to find those common threads of interest and use them to arrive at the best position.
I mention the two head football coaches positions only as an anecdotal story. In my 5 years I never had a single parent call me to discuss the hiring of a new math teacher, chemistry teacher or guidance counselor, but my phone literally caught on fire when those two positions were advertised.
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
Three years ago I met Alan Osborne when the Driftwood Estates issues were brought to the commission. They have three main issues – drainage, access and road maintenance issues.
I have heard many hours of give and take between the two parties. It has been a long journey and is not complete at this time. Depositions were taken several weeks ago I believe.
Are their drainage issues – yes – I have been there to see those reported concerns during heavy rain periods. Should they be addressed – yes. Who should pay for the resolution? It appears that the county has worked with engineering firms and contractors and that some resolution is underway concerning drainage. Who pays for everything will be settled in Court (IMO).
Access through Sandestin
This issue will not be resolved without litigation. If the road was actually closed without a proper abandonment process, they in my opinion the access will probably be made available. I am sure that no matter which way the commission votes on the issue they are doing so under legal advice from their attorney. Permits were withheld for a period of time and the Driftwood Estates HOA has asked the commissioners to stop issuing once again. They seemed to be following the advice of legal council once again when they did not grant the request.
My observations are all based on what I have heard while attending BCC meetings and what I have read in the local papers.
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
Both - They have for a long time only responded to citizen complaints so they would drive by signs that they knew to be out of compliance and wait until they had a complaint before reacting. The Commission , under prodding from Cindy and Sara, is working on making them more proactive not just in signs but in other areas as well. Mark Martin with the Planning Department is now taking a major role in the direction of the Code Enforcement Dept. restructure. (Code Depart falls under Pat and the Planning Department).
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
1. Yes, when the purchase is made at fair market prices and the property has benefit to the citizens of Walton County
2. Asked and answered in a post to Smiling Joe
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
I have just seen it and have only arrived at one conclusion at this point in time. It appears to be a lot of signs (IMO), but I really need to spend some more time studying the actual plan in detail vs recommendations from FDOT. Safety should be possible without spoiling the Scenic Corridor. At least they do not appear to be 18 ft tall. Allow me to address this after I study the plan further.
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
The shoreline of Walton County is approximately 26 miles in length. It is my understanding that 16 of those miles are “public access” beaches. I define “public access” beaches as those areas where the state or local government has title. My understanding on the balance of 10 miles are areas where the title states that the property extends to the mean high tide line. Those 10 miles are what the whole public/private debate is concentrated. Many people feel that there is a right of use due to customary usage. I have read court rulings that state that the shoreline is so unique that it should be viewed in a different light regardless of the deed of trust by the title. I have also read ruling that state that the public customary usage claims cannot be a blanket interpretation, that they must be handled on a case by case basis.
I believe that in order to a governing body to make an effective “take” of the land their should be compensation for those “takes”. For the government to take a property they must meet certain legal requirements. Those requirements will be very costly to the governing body either through both a loss of ad valorem tax revenue and the “fair market compensation” required to acquire title to those parcels.
My experience is that “beach front” property owners have no problem with the public transversing their property on a leisurely wall on the beach, a surf fisherman like myself, or a person that sits down to enjoy a sunset. What they seem to object to are those who in effect setup camp on their property high above the wet sand area and leave trash, lawn chairs, etc on the property.
This issue is not just an issue in Walton County and the state of Florida – it is a debate that rages anywhere their is a coast line in the US. This will ultimately be settled by the US Supreme Court.
I enjoy surf fishing and have walked and fished the coast line of Walton County without incident. I have heard others tell a different story.
Without a court ruling otherwise I believe this – “If you take it, you must pay for it”.
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
I believe in personal property rights. There is currently an allowable process to build a seawall to protect a home under certain situations. Seawalls have have impact on surrounding property and on the environment and wildlife. The Florida DEP has a procedure that must be followed in order to obtain a permit. A person installing a seawall should maintain the necessary overlay of white sand and required vegetation. Those seawalls should be on a person's privately owned land.
Anyone installing a seawall should accept the legal liability of such an installation. I say these things because those processes are currently allowed under Florida statute. Pat and I chose to live ? mile inland for a reason. The forces of nature are tremendous and at any moment can “take” those structures. Would I personally install a seawall if I owned beach front property. No I would not, but they are currently allowed under certain situations.
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
We need to be more creative in approaching the issue. We need to encourage walkable access. We have around 16 miles of "Public Beaches" - why are we not working toward providing more access to those area. Some are preservation area and I am certainly for protecting those, but what about shuttle's, dedicated cart paths.
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
The neighborhood that I live in predates Gulf Place. I believe that open air concerts have a place along the 30-A corridor. 30-A is a series of “beach communities” that have every right to conduct such activities within the current provisions of County ordinance. Those provisions were set by the Board of County commissioners through the public hearing process. Do they need to be ammended to meet the changing density along that corridor? Yes they should. The economic benefit should not override safety issues. The current ordinance has a provision for exception to the current sound level specified and those provisions worked very well this year during the Seabreeze Festival. I must also remind everyone that Gulf Place sponsors concerts on an ongoing basis due the high tourist season. I believe that we need an area that can safely handle very large crowds.
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
There are two main issue of current debate:
Accounting
First I should say that I have spoken before the BCC on multiple occasions on this subject. I am publicly on record with questions concerning these internal controls that were clearly detailed within those documents. I have personally been involved during the budget scrub and public hearings during the last four Walton County budget cycles. I believe that the only way to restore public confidence in the financial aspect of at the Sheriff's office is through an independent outside audit by the Auditor Generals Office. I have discussed this with that office on two occasions. They would only provide that service if asked by the legislature. Local elected officials could ask our local state representative's to seek that service. The balance of funds that the auditor stated in the notes section of the audit (about $30,000) has still not been returned to the BCC as required.
E-911 Equipment
The BCC has responsibility through state law to fund E-911 operations from the E-911 tax added to everyones phone bill. There are set procedures for what are called “primary PSAP's” and “secondary PSAP's. That provides a redundancy of operations during outages due to equipment and weather related situations. Walton County BCC operates the primary PSAP and has two secondary PSAP's – one is at the South Walton Fire District operations center on HWY 393N and the second is located within the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's budget for the past two years have not requested funding for any upgrade of their equipment. His requests are divided into a request for capital and for operating. He has a certain amount of latitude to shift revenues around during the year. He purchased the new equipment without appearing before the BCC declaring the he had an emergency situation that necessitated an additional funding. He could have purchased and paid for that equipment within the current fiscal year by using his power to transfer funds. He received an invoice from Motorola that fell within the budget year, but he did not pay the invoice. All constitutional officer must return “unused” appropriations within a certain time frame. The Sheriff did not return those funds and was instructed to forward those funds. He returned the majority of the funds (around $697,000). That has not been done.
The Sheriff filed a request to the Governor to force the BCC to pay for the equipment. The Governors office requested additional information. The process has not been completed.
It is my belief that the Sheriff could solve the situation by making an appearance before the BCC providing information concerning the emergency situation and that the BCC would would ammend their budget and pay for the equipment.
The situation will be resolved when all of the legal requirements are met. What sitting Commissioner would go on record opposing an expenditure that protects the safety and welfare of the citizens of Walton County. Not me !
Have you ever held government office before?
Yes I served as a School Board member for 5 years about 15 years ago. I was transferred by my employer, if your next question would be why for 5 years. School Board positions were non-paying positions other than reimbursement for mileage to meetings. I never filed the paperwork for reimbursement other than for travel to Certified School Board Member training.
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
In reading and understanding financial reports and audits we all understand basic math 2 plus 2 is four and 2 times 2 is 4. To understand the true meaning of those numbers we must understand the story behind the numbers. Two apples plus 2 oranges equals four pieces of fruit, but not 4 apples or four oranges. A reader of financial statements must carefully read the accompanying notes and management letter to understand what the numbers mean. If you believe that accounting numbers are simply black and white -one must only remember the Enron collapse and the financial statements leading up to that collapse.
On to the question – During my 5 years as a School Board member we were faced with several opportunities of great interest and concern to the community.
1.School boundaries were realigned to maintain racial balance.
2.A new elementary school was built
3.Two new head football coaches were hired*
Those issues were the 3 issues that were the most challenging. I wish that I could say that consensus was achieve through the process of public input and public hearings. Regretfully most individuals have a perspective and point of view that is very personal in nature. They tend to look at the issue from their perspective and their perspective alone. A school Board member or County Commissioner must vote based on the best solution that represents his/her constituency when viewed from the perspective of entire community. Many have a hard time with that in the real world. Regretfully it seems that we are a county that is divided on our viewpoint about 50/50 on any issue. You make every attempt to find those common threads of interest and use them to arrive at the best position.
I mention the two head football coaches positions only as an anecdotal story. In my 5 years I never had a single parent call me to discuss the hiring of a new math teacher, chemistry teacher or guidance counselor, but my phone literally caught on fire when those two positions were advertised.
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
Three years ago I met Alan Osborne when the Driftwood Estates issues were brought to the commission. They have three main issues – drainage, access and road maintenance issues.
I have heard many hours of give and take between the two parties. It has been a long journey and is not complete at this time. Depositions were taken several weeks ago I believe.
Are their drainage issues – yes – I have been there to see those reported concerns during heavy rain periods. Should they be addressed – yes. Who should pay for the resolution? It appears that the county has worked with engineering firms and contractors and that some resolution is underway concerning drainage. Who pays for everything will be settled in Court (IMO).
Access through Sandestin
This issue will not be resolved without litigation. If the road was actually closed without a proper abandonment process, they in my opinion the access will probably be made available. I am sure that no matter which way the commission votes on the issue they are doing so under legal advice from their attorney. Permits were withheld for a period of time and the Driftwood Estates HOA has asked the commissioners to stop issuing once again. They seemed to be following the advice of legal council once again when they did not grant the request.
My observations are all based on what I have heard while attending BCC meetings and what I have read in the local papers.
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
Both - They have for a long time only responded to citizen complaints so they would drive by signs that they knew to be out of compliance and wait until they had a complaint before reacting. The Commission , under prodding from Cindy and Sara, is working on making them more proactive not just in signs but in other areas as well. Mark Martin with the Planning Department is now taking a major role in the direction of the Code Enforcement Dept. restructure. (Code Depart falls under Pat and the Planning Department).
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
1. Yes, when the purchase is made at fair market prices and the property has benefit to the citizens of Walton County
2. Asked and answered in a post to Smiling Joe
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
I have just seen it and have only arrived at one conclusion at this point in time. It appears to be a lot of signs (IMO), but I really need to spend some more time studying the actual plan in detail vs recommendations from FDOT. Safety should be possible without spoiling the Scenic Corridor. At least they do not appear to be 18 ft tall. Allow me to address this after I study the plan further.
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
The shoreline of Walton County is approximately 26 miles in length. It is my understanding that 16 of those miles are “public access” beaches. I define “public access” beaches as those areas where the state or local government has title. My understanding on the balance of 10 miles are areas where the title states that the property extends to the mean high tide line. Those 10 miles are what the whole public/private debate is concentrated. Many people feel that there is a right of use due to customary usage. I have read court rulings that state that the shoreline is so unique that it should be viewed in a different light regardless of the deed of trust by the title. I have also read ruling that state that the public customary usage claims cannot be a blanket interpretation, that they must be handled on a case by case basis.
I believe that in order to a governing body to make an effective “take” of the land their should be compensation for those “takes”. For the government to take a property they must meet certain legal requirements. Those requirements will be very costly to the governing body either through both a loss of ad valorem tax revenue and the “fair market compensation” required to acquire title to those parcels.
My experience is that “beach front” property owners have no problem with the public transversing their property on a leisurely wall on the beach, a surf fisherman like myself, or a person that sits down to enjoy a sunset. What they seem to object to are those who in effect setup camp on their property high above the wet sand area and leave trash, lawn chairs, etc on the property.
This issue is not just an issue in Walton County and the state of Florida – it is a debate that rages anywhere their is a coast line in the US. This will ultimately be settled by the US Supreme Court.
I enjoy surf fishing and have walked and fished the coast line of Walton County without incident. I have heard others tell a different story.
Without a court ruling otherwise I believe this – “If you take it, you must pay for it”.
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
I believe in personal property rights. There is currently an allowable process to build a seawall to protect a home under certain situations. Seawalls have have impact on surrounding property and on the environment and wildlife. The Florida DEP has a procedure that must be followed in order to obtain a permit. A person installing a seawall should maintain the necessary overlay of white sand and required vegetation. Those seawalls should be on a person's privately owned land.
Anyone installing a seawall should accept the legal liability of such an installation. I say these things because those processes are currently allowed under Florida statute. Pat and I chose to live ? mile inland for a reason. The forces of nature are tremendous and at any moment can “take” those structures. Would I personally install a seawall if I owned beach front property. No I would not, but they are currently allowed under certain situations.
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
We need to be more creative in approaching the issue. We need to encourage walkable access. We have around 16 miles of "Public Beaches" - why are we not working toward providing more access to those area. Some are preservation area and I am certainly for protecting those, but what about shuttle's, dedicated cart paths.
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
The neighborhood that I live in predates Gulf Place. I believe that open air concerts have a place along the 30-A corridor. 30-A is a series of “beach communities” that have every right to conduct such activities within the current provisions of County ordinance. Those provisions were set by the Board of County commissioners through the public hearing process. Do they need to be ammended to meet the changing density along that corridor? Yes they should. The economic benefit should not override safety issues. The current ordinance has a provision for exception to the current sound level specified and those provisions worked very well this year during the Seabreeze Festival. I must also remind everyone that Gulf Place sponsors concerts on an ongoing basis due the high tourist season. I believe that we need an area that can safely handle very large crowds.
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
There are two main issue of current debate:
Accounting
First I should say that I have spoken before the BCC on multiple occasions on this subject. I am publicly on record with questions concerning these internal controls that were clearly detailed within those documents. I have personally been involved during the budget scrub and public hearings during the last four Walton County budget cycles. I believe that the only way to restore public confidence in the financial aspect of at the Sheriff's office is through an independent outside audit by the Auditor Generals Office. I have discussed this with that office on two occasions. They would only provide that service if asked by the legislature. Local elected officials could ask our local state representative's to seek that service. The balance of funds that the auditor stated in the notes section of the audit (about $30,000) has still not been returned to the BCC as required.
E-911 Equipment
The BCC has responsibility through state law to fund E-911 operations from the E-911 tax added to everyones phone bill. There are set procedures for what are called “primary PSAP's” and “secondary PSAP's. That provides a redundancy of operations during outages due to equipment and weather related situations. Walton County BCC operates the primary PSAP and has two secondary PSAP's – one is at the South Walton Fire District operations center on HWY 393N and the second is located within the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's budget for the past two years have not requested funding for any upgrade of their equipment. His requests are divided into a request for capital and for operating. He has a certain amount of latitude to shift revenues around during the year. He purchased the new equipment without appearing before the BCC declaring the he had an emergency situation that necessitated an additional funding. He could have purchased and paid for that equipment within the current fiscal year by using his power to transfer funds. He received an invoice from Motorola that fell within the budget year, but he did not pay the invoice. All constitutional officer must return “unused” appropriations within a certain time frame. The Sheriff did not return those funds and was instructed to forward those funds. He returned the majority of the funds (around $697,000). That has not been done.
The Sheriff filed a request to the Governor to force the BCC to pay for the equipment. The Governors office requested additional information. The process has not been completed.
It is my belief that the Sheriff could solve the situation by making an appearance before the BCC providing information concerning the emergency situation and that the BCC would would ammend their budget and pay for the equipment.
The situation will be resolved when all of the legal requirements are met. What sitting Commissioner would go on record opposing an expenditure that protects the safety and welfare of the citizens of Walton County. Not me !
Last edited: