Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: Niceville council approves rezonings, code updates and insurance agreement
Summary
The council voted on multiple ordinances, resolutions and requests: two rezoning requests and several ordinances were approved, one development agreement was continued and the council authorized entry into a new health-insurance contract.
At its meeting the Niceville City Council took action on a series of ordinances, resolutions and requests. Key outcomes included approval of two rezoning requests, adoption of code updates, approval of several resolutions and authorization for the city manager to enter a new health insurance agreement for fiscal year 2026.
Summary of formal actions and recorded votes:
- Johnson LLC rezoning (Agenda item E1; Ordinance 25-10-01-0069-0020): The council voted on a request to rezone a property described in the staff report (approximately 1.19 acres). After brief discussion, the roll-call recorded: Stoppard (yes), Rominger (no), Ali (yes), Shazzel (yes), Toller (no). The motion passed (3-2). Staff had noted wetlands limitations and suggested limited use; the council approved the zoning change.
- Everton vacant lot rezoning (Agenda item E2; Ordinance 25-10-02): Staff and the planning commission had recommended denial based on lot configuration and development standards, but the council approved the rezoning. The roll call recorded: Stockton (yes), Romer (yes), Allen (yes), Shassel (no), Tolbert (no). Outcome: approved (3-2). The property is roughly 0.1 acre and is near College Boulevard; staff warned the buildable depth would be limited and that variances might be needed for a future structure.
- Tree ordinance amendment (Ordinance 25-10-03, Agenda item E3): Council approved amendments to Chapter 5.6 Article 2 to allow the city to apply for Tree City USA designation and to pursue grants for median plantings (see separate report). Vote recorded as: Tobler (yes), Shatzel (yes), Allen (yes), Ominger (yes), Stauffer (yes).
- Code chapter on tow operations (Agenda item E4; codification per Florida statutes): Council adopted the updated code section removing a fixed-limit on the number of local tow companies on rotation lists; staff said the city will continue to prioritize local tow firms and only seek outside firms when local providers are not available. Vote: unanimous (yes).
- Final order / variance (F1; 1748 Hopper Street): The planning commission recommended approval of a reduced rear setback to allow a screened frame in a backyard. No public objections were reported; the council approved the variance (vote recorded unanimously yes).
- Veterans Day parade resolution (F2; Resolution 25-09-01): Council approved a resolution accepting liability associated with closing streets for the Veterans Day parade. Vote recorded: unanimous yes.
- Development agreement with Rumpel Properties (F3): Council voted to continue the matter to allow further negotiation; the motion to continue carried (unanimous yes recorded).
- Resolution authorizing grant application for Triple Creek Nature Center (F4; Resolution 25-09-09): Council approved the resolution to permit the city manager to submit and sign grant applications in support of the Triple Creek Nature Center project. Vote: unanimous yes.
- Health insurance contract (H2): Staff requested authority for the city manager to enter into a new health insurance agreement for FY26 with UnitedHealthcare after the city's request-for-proposal returned only the incumbent for health benefits. The council authorized the city manager to enter the agreement; roll call recorded unanimous yes.
Several other agenda items were discussed or recognized without final council action or with routine approval (consent agenda, proclamations, awards).
