Saturday, September 22, 2012

[WZEP AM 1460]

WZEP AM 1460 First News

Saturday, September 22, 2012

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News Segment 1

Freeport Looks at Fire Chief Position

The Freeport City Council met in a rare Friday evening special meeting to talk about the Fire Chief. As the meeting started, Mayor Mickey Marse said Ben Greenslait did not pass his test and the next test will not be given for 90 days. The mayor said it would be hard to keep him on the payroll for that period.

The job description is to be at firefighter 2. While Greenslait has been the chief, his certification lapsed. The Council agreed to keep him in an administrative role and have Walton County provide someone to work as an interim chief. This time was to allow Greenslait to take the test and re-establish any needed certification.

Attorney Clayton Adkinson said he does not meet the requirements for the job. Mayor Marse said his recommendation is to terminate Greenslait. Council member Ray Jackson said they had given the same chance they give all employees.

Marse said the Sheriff would continue to provide a chief for as long as needed. He also said they might need to turn the department over to the county or privatize it and make it a volunteer department. He noted the problems the Council has had with operating the fire department.

Council member Earl King said the problem is they do not know by how much Greenslait missed passing the test. King also said the next time they hire someone as chief, they need to send someone to the state and have them sign off that the person is qualified. He said he has ideas, but the issue is Chief Greenslait. King made the motion to relieve him of his position.

Charlie Simmons said he is with King. He said it is very unprofessional to have someone take a test and have everyone find out what happened before he knows. He said he believes Greenslait was the best they have ever had. He hopes he does not let up and goes back and takes the test and proves everyone wrong.

Chuck Christian asked the Council if Greenslait had ever had a certificate. Simmons said yes, from the state. Marse said they have to have it renewed by working in the fire department and the records were not proper. He said there was a question about a possible lapse. Adkinson said the position requires a certified firefighter II and Greenslait did not have it. Christian said there will be a lot of families hurt by not having someone like Greenslait.

The motion to relieve him of duties was passed 5-0. Marse asked the Council to think about what he proposed. He said, when his dad started the department 50 or 60 years ago, he did not think it would turn into what it is. The Council agreed to pay any vacation and leave time.

News Segment 2

DFS City Planner Suspended After Refusing To Take Drug Test

In a letter placed in the public DeFuniak Springs City Council Agenda packet, City Manager Sara Bowers notified City Planning Director Greg Scoville he is suspended without pay, effective immediately and she will recommend to the Council that he be terminated. The letter is dated September 21st.

The letter states that the city is a drug free workplace and their drug free workplace policy states that an employee who refuses or fails a drug test may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. She says, by refusing to submit to a random drug test, Scoville has violated the policy.

The item is on the agenda for Monday evening, listed under the City Manager as terminate the City Planning Director.

News Segment 3

Walton Looks At Possible Additional Beach Parking

With the so many coming to Visit South Walton Beaches and growth in the number of homes and businesses, parking is becoming scarce. Engineer Cliff Knauer told the Walton Commissioners they are looking at where to pick low hanging fruit to use rights of ways and available land for more parking.

Knauer said they have identified county rights of ways they can build on and maintain. With the bed tax funds increasing, the work might be able to be done quickly and without having to go into reserves. The idea is to use land on rights of ways the county owns to add parking in areas where there is limited or no parking. Knauer said problems are increasing as people park most anywhere. The work can also help with beach nourishment credits.

Three areas identified are: the end of Lakeshore Drive at Walton Dunes; the end of Montego Street, where there is an 80 foot easement that could have 20 spaces; and on Montego at Santa Clara where the parking could be extended by 30 or more spaces. The work could help with traffic blocking travel, stormwater issues, handicapped spaces could be added and restrooms might be possible.

The use of the available easements is just the start. Knauer also talked about using the Land Acquisition Ordinance to purchase other vacant parcels where parking could be added. Some of these include Ed Walline Park and Ft. Panic where people are already said to be parking on the road as far as the eye can see. At Ed Walline Park there is a possible additional 99 spaces. The Ft. Panic land has more challenges and there is a dune lake to protect.

TDC Director Dawn Moliterno talked about the process of identifying additional parking spaces. She took time to thank Dede Hinote, the GIS department and others who are working to identify easements and possible land to be purchased. Moliterno said the Tourist Development Council wants to address the issue.

News Segment 4

Looking for the arrest report? http://jailpublic.co.walton.fl.us. This is the new jail search page. Use the drop down calendar to find dates.

Sports - Listen to WZEP for national and local sports. Email us your local sports stories and scores.
More online at our website

Join us here on WZEP on Saturday, September 22 as the FSU Seminoles take on Clemson. Pre-game at 5 pm. Kick-off at 7 pm.

In High School Volleyball

Monday, September 24
Walton hosts Ft. Walton Beach 5 and 6 pm

Tuesday, September 25
Walton at Choctaw 5 and 6 pm

In Middle School Football

Tuesday, September 25
Walton hosts Chipley 5 pm

Join us on Wednesdays for the Jimbo Fisher Show from 6-7 pm right here on WZEP.

Obituaries - Listen in the morning, just after noon and the 4pm hour
Also online at our website



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