Regular Council Meeting

Council denied the annexation request for The Oaks at Black Creek property due to concerns about enclave creation, parcel splitting, and potential zoning inconsistencies with the county. The applicant had proposed conditional annexation of two parcels contingent on an interlocal agreement to address enclaves, but council determined this was not in the city's best interests.

Where: 3280

Part of project: The Oaks at Black Creek Annexation

Council approved signatures on the final plat for Cross Creek Phase 2, a 63-lot subdivision located on the west end of Bourbon Street west of Highway 331 Business, which is part of the Freeport Residential Planned Development Project.

Where: Bourbon Street, west of Highway 331 Business

Part of project: Cross Creek Phase 2

Council approved Resolution 2025-06 to authorize bond issuance for a 2 million gallons per day wastewater upgrade with USDA funding.

Council approved the proposal from Anchor CEI for design and permitting services for a water tank renovation project.

• $10,350.00 · Anchor CEI proposal for water tank design and permitting services

Council voted to terminate the developers agreement with Quail Run, which was approved in August 2021. The city agreed to provide notice of termination and refund capacity fees paid by the developer less actual costs incurred by the city for design and permitting related to the agreement. The original project involved approximately 545 lots east of Windswept and required approximately 6.5 miles of sewer with a 12-inch parallel line, but the project had not advanced as originally contemplated.

Council approved the Southern Flow quote for lift station communication equipment to address 73 lift stations currently lacking communication capabilities. The system will enable lift stations to alert staff when water levels are high.

• $150,000.00 · Southern Flow quote for lift station communication system
• $500,000.00 · Alternative quote for lift station communication system

Council approved the Sewer Only Customer Policy developed by the Billing Department for customers without or not wanting water service but desiring sewer service. The policy uses a baseline of 4,500 gallons per month for billing based on Freeport's average household consumption.

Council voted to discontinue service with North Walton Mosquito Control effective September 30, directed the City Manager to hire an in-house Mosquito Control Director, approved funding the program from the city budget rather than through county assessment, and approved creation of an ordinance memorializing the decision.

Council approved creating a position for a Mosquito Control Director and directed the City Manager to hire for this role, with a budget amendment to follow.

Councilman Farris requested permission for Planning staff and community members to develop a conceptual plan for a skate park, citing youth recreation benefits and liability protections under Florida Statute 316.0085. Planning Director Hughes-Neel agreed to research costs, maintenance requirements, and potential grant funding including Triumph money used in other counties. No motion was required as this was a discussion item directing staff to proceed.

Council approved Green Air to repair the air conditioning unit at the Sports Complex Concessions building, selecting the lowest of three quotes received.

• $6,560.00 · Green Air A/C repair at Sports Complex Concessions
• $7,207.00 · Otis Brown A/C repair quote
• $8,800.00 · Gulf Shores A/C repair quote

Parks Director presented updated pricing for Creative Climbables equipment with new Trex composite material options and maintenance recommendations for council consideration. No vote was taken as this was an informational item.

Council approved a motion allowing the Freeport Rotary Club to work with city staff and businesses to install rescue tube stations at appropriate water-access locations including Laird Park, Marse Landing, and Lafayette Creek, and approved writing a letter of support for the project.

• $500.00 · Cost per fully installed rescue tube system

Where: Laird Park; Marse Landing; Lafayette Creek

Councilman Farris requested that Planning staff explore options for directional signage on Highway 83A East and Highway 20 to help visitors locate the Sports Complex. Staff was directed to investigate options and report back, with consideration needed for easements and FDOT right-of-way issues.

Where: Highway 83A East; Highway 20

Council approved multiple consent items including bills, a support resolution for the Executive Office of the Governor's Department of Governmental Efficiency Team, state highway lighting, and Budget Amendment #3 all in one motion.

Council approved a resolution supporting redesignation of the region as a Rural Area of Opportunity for the 2025-2030 timeframe to enable priority funding for grant programs, rural infrastructure grants, and workforce development.

Council approved the structure for an in-house city code enforcement program administered by Planning staff, including salary considerations and directed the City Attorney to develop amendments to code enforcement procedures. The program will be complaint-driven, provide training certifications with a one-time $1,000 salary bump for successful completion, and use Division of Administrative Hearings magistrates for dispute resolution.

• $1,000.00 · One-time salary bump for successful completion of code enforcement certification

Council approved four change orders from H&T Contracting for the Community Center project: Change Order 18 for curb work and tree demolition at the Planning building, Change Order 19 for fire lane and backflow check work, Change Order 20 for time extension to July due to component delays, and Change Order 21 for cabinets, fire extinguishers, stage lighting, and interior lighting changes.

• $99,299.35 · Total for Community Center change orders 18, 19, 20, and 21

Council approved sponsorship of the Walton County Fair at the Platinum level, continuing support from the previous year.

• $1,000.00 · Platinum level sponsorship for Walton County Fair