Airport manager position up in air at DeFuniak Springs, FL

The DeFuniak Springs City Council unanimously moved to adopt a resolution opposing Amendment 4 and suggesting citizens vote no on this November's ballot.

City Manager Kim Kirby recommended naming current Special Projects Manager Kelly Schultz airport manager. "I feel she would do a great job and represent us well," Kirby said. In naming Schultz airport manager, an administrative assistant would be hired to assume some of Schultz's former duties and provide support to Kirby. Mayor Harold Carpenter said he saw the plan "as time and cost effective" and emphasized Kirby's need for a full-time administrative assistant, as well as his confidence in Schultz' abilities. "I think it's a step that needs to be taken," he said.

Councilman Don Harrison was wary of the recommendation, stating his preference to advertise for an airport manager and possibly name Schultz as interim airport manager. Kirby explained Schultz couldn't assume the role temporarily because the city would lack the administrative support role she currently occupies.

"I think it's happening too quick," Harrison said. "I think advertising for a position that important is an appropriate thing to do."

Kirby pointed out Schultz has a planning background and has worked with airport entities such as rental car agencies. Councilmen Henry Ennis and James Coffield agreed, "We need someone out there as soon as possible."

Harrison requested a full agenda packet on the recommendation, including the change in salaries, duties, and advertising for an administrative assistant should Schultz assume the role of airport manager. Kirby clarified she was to bring back the same recommendation with details at the Nov. 8 meeting, to which Harrison replied, "I'd like to see a better one." The item was tabled until the Nov. 8 meeting.

The resolution to abandon N. 18th St.-- the entrance to Helen Crenshaw's property-- was tabled after Timothy Crenshaw (Helen's son) told the Council they received notice of the issue that day. City Planner Greg Scoville confirmed the notice had been hand-delivered and taped to their mailbox that morning. City Attorney Clayton Adkinson suggested the item be continued at the Nov. 8 meeting.

The abandonment of N. 18th St., continued from the Sept. 27 meeting, has been a controversial issue. Responding to water runoff complaints from the Cren-shaws, the city determined the best way to resolve the runoff issue was to place swales on the south side of the Crenshaw property, as well as on the property to either side owned by Vista Properties. Vista agreed to provide access easements to the Crenshaw property if N. 18th St. was abandoned, which the Crenshaws adamantly refute as a valid en-tryway.

John Johnson of Land Engineering Services spoke on behalf of Vista Properties stating, 'Vista, in no way wants to cause Ms. Crenshaw any hardship or inconvenience." He presented an offer from Vista Properties to relocate the portion of her driveway on private property to Wabash Ave., equivalent to city standards and the current condition of the N. 18th St. entrance, install a powered gate with remote activator, as well as install the electrical system to power the gate and lighting along the driveway, all at Vista's expense.

Crenshaw refused to review the written offer from Johnson.

The city's cost to relocate the driveway for the portion on city property is approximately $10,000 and would improve the road surface from gravel to asphalt.

Harrison commented, "It sounds like a fair offer."

In closing items, Financial Director Sara Bowers was enthusiastic in requesting the Council's approval of insurance for employee benefits. "We will have no rate increase on health insurance," Bowers exclaimed, a statement she has never before been able to make.

The plan will offer health, dental, and now vision. The new vision plan will be paid by employees, and ranges from $7.48 for employee only and $21.64 for a family. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 8 at 6 p.m.