Walton County Local TRIUMPH Committee Meets; Receives Updates on Projects and Strategic Plan Process

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1 ISSUE 13 3/12/2018 Walton County Local TRIUMPH Committee Meets; Receives Updates on Projects and Strategic Plan Process O n Thursday, February 15th, District 2 Commissioner and Local Triumph Committee Chair Cecilia Jones hosted a Walton County Local Triumph Committee meeting in the DeFuniak Springs Courthouse Boardroom. The meeting began with Billy Williams, Walton County RESTORE Act Coordinator, providing the Committee with several updates. Williams provided the Committee with an overview of the projects that they had recommended to the BCC for approval to move through the TRIUMPH Gulf Coast (TGC) process. The Local Triumph Committee initially received, vetted and ranked 36 projects that were submitted to the BCC for their direction. Of the 36 projects, 17 were given either an A or B rating by the Committee, and were approved by the BCC to be submitted through the TGC pre-application process. Since that submission, TGC has approved 12 of the submitted projects, totaling $95,593,125, to move to their full application phase. In addition, TGC approved three additional projects that were not vetted through the In This Issue BCC Meeting Update Commission District Overviews BCC Upcoming Calendar Public Works Road Project Updates Haz-Mat Collection Day HUD Certification Supervisor of Elections Update 2018 State Funded Road Projects 2018 Beach Permit Lottery Created and Distributed by the Walton County Office of Public Information Local Triumph Committee to move to the full application phase. Moving forward, the Committee anticipates additional project submissions to come forward as there are no deadlines for projects to be submitted, or time-frames set for review and approval by TGC. The Walton County application process was defined and explained to the Committee and those in attendance. The County is dedicated to working with all applicants to assist them in the development of their full application responses. As part of the process, the group will be utilizing selected grant writing and technical teams under the economic modeling tools approved by TGC that focus on economic statistical modeling using the national recognized Regional Economic Modeling Incorporated (REMI) tools. Also, there was discussion on the process of leveraging Local RESTORE Act dollars and other grant opportunities with available TRIUMPH funds. svelouis@co.walton.fl.us

2 During the presentation, discussion and questions from Committee members focused on topics including what the expectations of the TGC review process are, how best to design a projects to meet expectations what types of partnerships need to be made to be successful in the future. Walton County Administrator Larry Jones stressed the importance of fostering partnerships, working together and the need to have elected officials, college administrators, members of the business community and Committee members to be a part of all projects. Following Mr. Williams updates, Triumph Gulf Coast Economic Advisor, Rick Harper, presented the Committee with information regarding the current economic climate in the United States and Florida as well as opportunities that exist within Walton County as they relate to receiving Triumph funding. Harper pointed out in his presentation that a key component that will help determine whether a project is funded by TGC would not necessarily be the project itself, or cost of the project, but the full economic impact that a project would have in the future. He stressed the importance of what a project would mean for Walton County five and ten years from now, how many sustainable jobs will be developed for the residents of Walton County. Closing out the meeting, Mr. Austin Mount, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Planning Council, conducted a Strategic Plan Survey with the group and those in attendance. As part of the Strategic Planning process, Commissioner Jones pointed out that the Northwest Florida Planning Council will be seeking input from various groups throughout the County the next two months and all will have the opportunity to share ideas and concerns. The Northwest Florida Planning Council recently held a session in conjunction with the Walton County Taxpayers Association and will hold additional sessions in the future. The next scheduled public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 15th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at 6757 US Hwy 98, Second Floor in Santa Rosa Beach. Another meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 28th at 12:00pm as part of the DeFuniak Springs Rotary Club meeting at McLain s Restaurant at 622 Hugh Adams Road in DeFuniak Springs. For additional information on the Walton County Local Triumph Committee, TRIUMPH Gulf Coast, upcoming meetings and supporting documents, please visit the Local Triumph Committee web page at Committee. Walton County Board of County Commissioners Meeting Updates Following is a summation of some of the actions taken by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) during their February 2018 regularly scheduled meetings. Awarded Bid # for the Construction of the New Class I Solid Waste Transfer Station to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Kokolakis Contracting, Inc., contingent on value engineering the project for cost savings Approved and authorized the Chairman to sign a Resolution and County Incentive Grant Program Grant Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Transportation for the County Road 883 Resurfacing Project in the amount of $2,341, Communique Page 2

3 Approved the Multi-use Path Master Plan Approved and authorized the Chairman to sign a resolution with ballot language regarding Confederate Flag Referendum at the Walton County Courthouse Approved design fees for revisions to department areas and alternate spaces at Freeport Office Complex and South Walton Annex Approved and authorized the Chairman to sign Public Works Task Order Engineering Services for Eve Circle Roadway Improvement Project with Atkins North America, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $85, Approved and authorized the Chairman to sign Public Works Task Order Engineering Services for Seacroft Road Roadway Improvement Project with Dewberry/Preble-Rish, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $119, Approved and authorized the Chairman to sign Public Works Task Order Engineering Services for Commanders Landing Boardwalk Improvement Project with Dewberry/Preble-Rish, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $5, Approved to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Services for the Design, Permitting and CEI to expand the existing Class III Solid Waste Disposal Facility with a New Lined Disposal Cell/Facility Approved to move CR181E Phase I (4.08 miles from SR83 to Oak Grove Road) forward for funding consideration through the Small County Road Assistance Program Approved to commit $75, to a joint marketing effort with American Airlines to promote new flights of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) services Dallas and Charlotte Approved Rock Hill Road Phase I (6.95 miles from US 331 to Walton Bridge Road) for funding consideration through the Small County Outreach Program Approved the following for the new Park at Bay Grove Road & US Hwy Move forward with Land Use change for the park property from Rural Village to Public Facilities 2. Move forward with design and permitting necessary for the park improvements based on the current park concept plan 3. Submit a Development Order to the County for the proposed park improvements 4. Post signage of upcoming park on property Full Meeting Videos and Agendas can be viewed online at Communique Page 3

4 Walton County Commissioners - District Overviews Commissioner Jones shared congratulations and best wishes to all the leadership award winners at the South Walton/Freeport Kiwanis meeting held at the South Walton library. Parents were pleased and proud to attend the ceremonies for these acknowledgments for good behavior by their children. Commissioner Jones offered an update on the Triumph funding process and the County s role in facilitating this once in a lifetime opportunity. We are excited about the grand opening and ribbon cutting at the McKinnon Bridge Road Bridge replacement project. The project was funded by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners in the FY 14/15 budget cycle was designed by Preble-Rish. The construction cost of $500,000 demonstrated a significant commitment from the BCC in the improvement of County infrastructure. Work on the bridge replacement began in the summer of 2017 and the project was constructed internally by the Walton County Public Works at a significant cost savings to the county. As this project was completed, it concluded a nearly 10 year process of planning, budgeting, design, permitting, and construction of the full McKinnon Bridge Road Way Improvement project. Commissioner Jones sent her support by way of staff to the Habitat for Humanity Homes 47 and 48 Dedication Ceremony in Santa Rosa Beach. Thank you to all the people that have worked so hard on these projects. Special acknowledgment to Vice-President Jimmy Chambers, Executive Director Teresa Imdieke, Build Team Lead Bill Rennicke and Board Member Tom Baker. We are so proud of the good people of Walton County for their hard work, cooperation and sponsorship that made these two dream homes available to the families of Walton County. Road Work and Maintenance Competed this month: District 2 - Cecilia Jones Emy Road Drainage improvements and milling asphalt added. Alama Lane Culvert and drainage repair and replacement. District wide Rip Rap ditch maintenance. Bush Cutting and maintenance district wide. Roads receiving special attention, and service include: Padgett Rd, Andrews Rd, Hub Rd, Alama Lane, and Bell Rd District 4 - Sara Comander District 4 Recreation Plat Fees Obligated At the February 27th BCC meeting, Commissioner Comander asked for and received approval to obligate District Four Rec Plat Fees in the following areas: $5, for DeFuniak Springs Little League $2, for Driftwood Park $2, for Legion Park $ for Liberty Community Center playground equipment In addition, Commissioner Chapman allocated $ of District One Rec Plat Fees and Commissioner Anderson allocated $ of District Five Rec Plat Fees to assist in the purchase of playground equipment for Liberty Community Center. Communique Page 4

5 Walton County Board of County Commissioners Meeting Calendar March 15, 2018, 4:00 PM - Walton County Strategic Planning Meeting March 15, 2018, 6:00 PM - Code Board Meeting - If Necessary March 22, 2018, 6:00 PM - Zoning Board of Adjustments Regular Meeting March 24, 2018, 8:00 AM - Community Clean Up Day - Choctaw Beach Park March 27, 2018, 9:00 AM - BCC Regular Meeting March 27, 2018, 2:00 PM - TDC Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting April 3, 2018, 9:00 AM - Tourist Development Council Regular Meeting April 4, 2018, 8:30 AM - Technical Review Committee Meeting April 5, 2018, 5:00 PM - Design Review Board Meeting April 7, 2018, 9:00 AM - VITA FREE Tax Preparation - Preregistration Required April 10, 2018, 4:00 PM - BCC Regular Meeting For location information and to see the full County Calendar, please visit Public Works Project Updates ROADS Helen McCall Park Connector Road (Rena Arnette) from 395S - 100% set of plans have been received and reviewed by staff. On hold pending ACOE Permit. CR 395 & CR 30A Intersection improvements - Utility relocates are underway on CR395. Northeast corner has been cleared and temporary turn lane is under construction. Traffic signal equipment has been ordered and will be installed upon delivery. State Funded Projects CR280A Connector Road - RFQ Engineering Services closed on March 1, BCC directed staff to review and bring back top rank firm to the March 27th BCC meeting to award. CR 183 (Kidd/Line Road) - Resurfacing of CR 183 from SR 10 (US 90) to Homes County Line (7.09 miles). This project is funded by the State of Florida Small County Road Assistance Program in the amount of $4,000, Construction Bids were opened June 14, 2017 with Midsouth Paving was awarded the contract. Construction crews are currently working Communique Page 5 on erosion control in recovery efforts from the recent rain. Paving operations have begun. Capital Improvement Projects Pine Knoll Lane - Paving length.1 miles. Design complete, project has been budgeted in FY17/18, Construction Bids to be advertised Spring Oak Hill Lane - Paving length.1 miles. Design complete, project has been budgeted in FY17/18, Construction Bids to be advertised Spring Blue Gulf Drive - Paving length.1 miles. Design complete, project has been budgeted in FY17/18, Construction Bids to be advertised Spring East Point Washington Road - Realignment and paving. This project is currently under design. BRIDGES/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES CR30A at Alligator Lake - New bridge to replace culvert. This project is a Capital Improvement TIF project. On July 11, 2017 the Board approved Task Order for the Alligator Lake Bridge Design with Atkins Engineering. This project is currently under design and permitting. Projected Construction Fall 2019.

6 Little Redfish - New bridge to replace culvert. This project is a Capital Improvement TIF project. On July 11, 2017 the Board approved Task Order No for the Little Redfish Lake Bridge Design with Atkins Engineering. This project is currently under design and permitting. Projected Construction Fall Big Redfish Bridge - Replacement of culvert and bridge. This project is funded by State of Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant program in the amount of $603, Construction bids were awarded to Murphree Bridge Corporation on October 18, Notice to proceed was issued November 1st. Bridge is under construction and is currently on schedule. This is a 90-day project. Road is currently closed due to construction. Projected should be completed April CR 393 South Multi Use Path (Ridge Road to US 98) - Construction of a 10 mufti-use path to traverse from Ridge Road, where the existing mufti-use path ends, to the south side of US 98. Design complete and awaiting wetland permit from ACOE, FDOT construction agreement received. No Change. DRAINAGE PROJECTS Carlos Court - Design has been completed and permits have been issued. Easements have been obtained. Construction is scheduled for completion by in house drainage crews. No Change. Lakewood Drive Drainage Improvements - Design has been completed and permits have been issued. No Change. Madge Lane Outfall - Project is currently under design. No Change McQuage Bayou Stormwater Improvements - Design and Permitting have been completed for this project. No Change. Spotted Dolphin - Design has been completed and permits have been issued. No Change Walton Way Drainage Improvements - Project is currently under design. No Change MISC PARKING/MULTI-USE PATHS/SIDEWALKS S. Holiday Road Sidewalk - This project was approved on the list of 2016 TIF projects. 90% plans have been presented by the consultant and permitting is underway. No Change US 395N (from US 98-Bayou Road) - This road CR 30A Signage Rehabilitation - Project is currently out for bid. RFQ will be awarded March 13. Helen McCall Park Improvements - Project consist of construction project is to include the addition of a multi-use path on CR 395 and US 98 to the north end of the road terminating at Choctawhatchee Bay. Project length is 1.4 miles. 60% design submittal has been received and reviewed by staff. Wetland permit has been submitted. No Change construction of a new paved parking lot with associated drainage, utility extensions, concession stand with call box, construction of two new football fields, earthwork, sodding, clearing and grubbing, filling and miscellaneous concrete sidewalks and paths. This project will also include lighting on the ballfields by a subcontractor and irrigation system to be installed by Walton County. Contract was approved with CW Roberts at the 12/19/17 BCC Meeting. County crews have begun clearing and demo work. CW Roberts will begin construction in January Communique Page 6

7 Walton County Housing Authority Scores Perfect on SEMAP Certification The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently concluded their Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) Certification for year ending September 20, 2017 for the Walton County Housing Authority. Based on their process, the Walton County earned 130 points out of a possible 130 points, resulting in an Overall Score of 100%. SEMAP enables HUD to better manage the Section 8 tenant-based program by identifying a Public Housing Agencies (PHA) capabilities and deficiencies related to the administration of the Section 8 program. Walton County was rated on the following indicators: Selection from Waiting List, Reasonable Rent, Determination of Adjusted Income, Utility Allowance Schedule, HQS Quality Control, HQS Enforcement, Payment Standards, Timely Annual Reexaminations, Correct Tenant Rent Calculations, Pre-Contract HQS Inspections, Annual HQS Inspections, Lease-Up and Deconcentration Bonus. Walton County s overall performance rating for Fiscal Year 2017 has been rated as High, and it has been recorded that our PHA has not been rated zero on any of the Indicators. Walton County Community Clean Up Day Saturday, March 24 From 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM Choctaw Beach Park on Hwy 20 West Hosted by Walton County District 4 Commissioner Sara Comander and Walton County Solid Waste & Public Works Dumpsters provided for Walton County residents to dump trash, yard debris, tires, appliances, and other miscellaneous items. A crew and equipment to off-load heavy items will be available. Recycling trailers will also be available for newsprint, glass, and aluminum. Limit of (4) tires per household. DO NOT BRING: POISONS, PESTICIDES, PAINTS, THINNERS, GASOLINE OR OTHER FLAMMABLES Walton County Haz-Mat Collection Day Twice annually, the Walton County Solid Waste department hosts a Haz-Mat Collection Day. During these collection days, residents are encouraged to drop of hazardous waste items including pesticides, used oil, stale gasoline solvents, fertilizers, paint/spray cans, paint thinners, paint strippers, batteries and tires. The most recent collection day, held on March 3rd, was another big success. Please monitor the County s Solid Waste page for announcements of the next collection day. *Pictures provided by Safe Water for Walton - facebook.com/safewaterforwalton/ Communique Page 7

8 Walton County Supervisor of Elections Update The Walton County Supervisor of Elections welcomes the opportunity to conduct registration and information drives, as well as conduct elections for the community. It is a primary function of the Supervisor of Elections office to reach out to the community and the voters through the various means available. Upon request, a representative from our office is available for events such as registration drives, public demonstrations, information fairs, elections, speaking events, community forums, and other social events. We enjoy giving back to the community through participation in various organizations and events. From community social events to charitable causes, we take every opportunity to commit ourselves to our community. Some examples include relay events, remembrance ceremonies, student mentoring, and public speech contests Election Dates Eligible individuals can register to vote at any time. The deadline to register in order to participate in an upcoming election is 29 days before the election. The deadline for Party Affiliation changes is 29 days before an election. May 21, 2018: Candidate(s) for County and District Office Petition Deadline June 18 noon to June 22 noon, 2018: County and District Office Qualifying Week August 18-25, 2018: Early Voting - Primary Election August 28, 2018: Primary Election Day Oct 27 - Nov 3, 2018: Early Voting - General Election November 6, 2018: General Election Day Visit the Walton County Supervisor of Elections online at DOH Walton Healthy Update MARCH 2018 SMART WAYS TO EXERCISE AT WORK *Have an elevator? Skip the ride and opt for the stairs instead. Accelerate your workout by taking two at a time! *Pop up from your chair once an hour and jog in place for one minute. Don t forget to get those knees up high! Add in a little music for extra motivation. *Stuck making a bunch of copies? Do some calf raises at the printer! Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, press up on tip toes, pause and lower back down. Repeat until your copies are done. RECIPE OF THE MONTH Lucky Leprechaun Smoothie INGREDIENTS: 1 cup raw baby spinach ½ avocado 1 banana ½ cup frozen peaches ½ cup frozen strawberries ¾ cup milk (may use milk substitute or water) MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH DID YOU KNOW? -National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education & information campaign created 45 years ago. This campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices, developing sound eating habits, and promoting physical activity. -Nutrition experts recommend at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. How much is a serving? Here are some examples! One small apple = 1 serving 1 cup leafy greens = 1 serving ½ cup berries or grapes = 1 serving ½ cup cooked squash = 1 serving WHAT CAN YOU DO? -Shop local! Supporting your local farmer s markets not only boosts your local economy, but it can be a great way to add healthy foods to your diet. -Meal prep! Preparing your meals ahead of time can help create balanced meals that can easily be reheated through the week and are a healthier, and often less expensive grab and go option. -Shopping on a budget? Look for foods that are in season. Don t forget about nutritious, low-cost items such as beans, peas, lentils, sweet potatoes, peanut butter, canned salmon or tuna, brown rice, and quinoa. -Eating on the run? Think ahead and plan where to eat. Browse the menu online before you get there. Order regular or child-size portions, or ask for a to-go box and immediately box up half your meal and take it home. PREPARATION: Put spinach and your liquid of choice in the blender and blend very well, until spinach turns into a smooth green liquid. Add avocado, banana, and frozen peaches. Blend until smooth. Add frozen strawberries last. Blend. Add ice cubes or more liquid until you reach the desired consistency. *For an extra nutritional boost try adding 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to your smoothie! To schedule an appointment or to find out more about our afterhours immunization clinic call us at (850) Communique Page 8

9 2018 State Funded Road Improvement Projects Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) The Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) was developed to assist small county governments repairing or rehabilitating county bridges, addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or reconstructing county roads, or constructing capacity or safety improvements to county roads. Road Project Cost County Road 185 Gum Creek Church East Indian Creek Ranch Road Widening and Resurfacing 6.94 miles from Gum Creek Church from SR 83 to the Holmes County Line Paving and reconstruction of miles from Bruce Creek Bridge to CR 280A $2,837, $1,438, Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) The purpose of the Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) is to assist small county governments in resurfacing and reconstructing county roads. The term small county means any county that has a population of 75,000 or less. Small counties shall be eligible to compete for funds that have been designated for the program for resurfacing or reconstruction projects on county roads that were part of the county road system on June 10, Capacity improvement on county roads shall not be eligible for funding under the program. This program is fully funded by FDOT. County Road 0605 County Road 183B Road Project Cost Widening and resurfacing miles of existing lanes from CR 2 to SR 187 (331) Widening and resurfacing miles from Holmes County Line to SR 83 $531, $4,732, COUNTY INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM (CIGP) The County Incentive Grant Program has been created by Section , Florida Statutes, to provide grants to counties to improve a transportation facility which is located on the State Highway System or which relieves traffic congestion on the State Highway System. Road Project Cost County Road 883 CR Connector 280A Resurfacing of miles from Madison Street from N. of Azalea Drive to SR 83 (US 331) New Road Construction from CR280A connector highway to US 331 $2,341, $1,500, Communique Page 9

10 Walton County Beach Driving Lottery Begins on April 1st Each year, 150 Beach Driving Permits are issued through a random lottery process. Applications for the lottery will be available beginning April 1st and are accepted through May 10th of each year. Applications will not be accepted unless all eligibility requirements are met and all documentation is provided at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be eligible for the lottery draw. The following copies of documents must be submitted in the name of the applicant at the time of application: Copy of proof of full-time residency (Driver s License with Walton County address or Walton County Voter s Registration) Copy of Driver s License (if using voter registration card as proof of residency) Proof of real property ownership (if property owner) Proof that property taxes are current (if property owner) Current 4-wheel drive vehicle registration (registered in the State of Florida; in applicants name; 4x4) Completed 2018 lottery application The lottery takes place May 15th of each year. Those chosen by random drawing will be notified by and will be able to purchase a permit from the County Administration Office beginning June 1st. The permits are valid for one year beginning June 1st and are non-renewable. The annual fee for a beach driving permit is $ Selected applicants will have 30 calendar days, beginning June 1st, to purchase a permit. After 30 days, the permit will be offered to the next person in line until all 150 permits have been purchased. Those selected in the lottery but fail to purchase their permit within 30 calendar days will forfeit their chance to obtain the beach driving permit. The lottery is open only to full-time Walton County Residents who are Walton County property owners and/or Walton County-registered voters. Online and hardcopy applications will be available on the County s Beach Driving Permits page beginning April 1st. Hardcopy applications will also be available and can be submitted to the County Administration Offices at 76 N. 6th Street in DeFuniak Springs and at the Planning Office in the South Walton Annex located at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd. in Santa Rosa Beach. Communique Page 10