Regular Council Meeting

Approved first reading of ordinance to change future land use from Rural Village to Mixed-Use and zoning from Rural Village to General Commercial (C1) for two parcels at northwest corner of 331 and Sparkleberry (.63 acres). Public comment expressed concerns about traffic impacts and wildlife; council noted specific future use proposals would require separate approvals with additional environmental review.

Where: 22-1S-19-23030-000-0710; 22-1S-19-23030-000-0700

Part of project: Sparkleberry Lane Small Scale Amendment and Rezoning

Approved second reading and general adoption of comprehensive Land Development Code Revisions. First reading was March 27, 2025, and Planning Board recommended approval March 5, 2025.

Approved 40.8-acre residential planned development plan on west side of Bay Loop between Piney Point Road and Bay Harbour containing 158 single-family residential lots at 3.7 units per acre. Approved six development exceptions including reduced impervious surface counting for wet ponds, smaller lot sizes down to 1/8 acre, reduced lot width to 50 feet for cul-de-sacs, reduced rear setbacks to 15 feet for common area lots, and reduced side setbacks to 5 feet.

Part of project: Hammock Lakes Residential Planned Development Project

Set budget workshop dates for Thursday, July 31st and Monday, August 4th at 5:30 p.m.

Denied Walton County Public Works' request to take over maintenance of Freeport Marina Boulevard. City Manager and City Attorney stated that adding the road to the interlocal agreement would create liability issues and set problematic precedent for future road acceptance decisions.

Where: Freeport Marina Boulevard

Received informational presentation from Ryper Water on water and wastewater utility rates and financial forecasts. Presentation covered three rate adjustment scenarios for 2026-2029, with recommended scenario 2 showing rate increases of inflation plus 14.8% in 2026 and plus 3.8% in 2027-2029, affecting average customers approximately 11.25% savings over four years compared to alternative scenarios. No action taken.

• $16.6 million · water expansion capital projects needed by 2029
• $127 million · wastewater expansion capital projects needed by 2029
• $11 million · existing operations funding for expansions
• $43 million · capacity fees funding for expansions
• $50 million · existing debt and additional proposed loan for expansions
• $50 million · shortfall after current funding

Changed status of previously approved Wagon Wheel Road water tower project to emergency to expedite construction due to new customer move-ins.

Where: Wagon Wheel Road

Approved sending USDA-funded Earl Godwin Wastewater Treatment Facility 1.5 to 2.0 mgd expansion project out for bid.

Approved sending Public Access Reuse Booster Pump Station project out for bid to allow city to utilize more existing reuse tower capacity. Both wastewater projects expected to take approximately one year to construct.

Approved clarification of pool fill policy changing from one fill per year (12-month period) to one fill per calendar year. Policy change reduces staff burden as modern billing system allows meter review without physical site visits.

Approved quote from Four 22 Welding and Fabrication for sports complex sign.

• $3,000.00 · Four 22 Welding and Fabrication quote for sports complex sign

Update provided that parade starts at 4 p.m. and fireworks begin at dark.

Approved funding for sidewalk extension from City Hall west porch to park sidewalk to improve accessibility to signage area and provide ADA-compliant public access. Project includes grass removal, framing, and installation.

• $2,970.00 · concrete work quote for sidewalk extension from City Hall to park

Approved on consent agenda including bills, May 22 meeting minutes, revenue expenditure report through May 2025, and Budget Amendment #5.

Moved usage reports from a separate $50 charge to public records, allowing electronic delivery at no charge and physical copies at standard per-page public records rates.

• $50 · previous charge for usage reports eliminated

Approved resolution rescinding city participation in North Walton Mosquito Control taxing district and authorized transmission of resolution to appropriate taxing authorities.