Regular Council Meeting

Ordinance 2025-07 adopted on second reading. Revises Land Development Code to implement special magistrate for code enforcement. A separate Code Enforcement Ordinance will follow, tailored to Freeport's complaint-driven (not proactive) enforcement approach and prohibition of anonymous complaints.

Ordinance 2025-06 adopted on second reading. Rezones approximately 5.58 acres identified by property reference numbers 16-1S-19-23000-010-0031 and 16-1S-19-23000-010-0032 from High Density Residential to Residential Commercial. Ordinance was re-advertised to correct parcel information per City Attorney recommendation.

Where: 16-1S-19-23000-010-0031; 16-1S-19-23000-010-0032

Part of project: HBTC Grow With Us

Approved on consent agenda without objection.

Finance Director Simmons presented Resolution 2025-17 for ratification. Resolution was executed pending SRF acceptance and is now being brought back for final approval.

City Manager Martin requested approval of a retiree category and policy for health benefits, required by Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance for defining non-employee benefit categories.

Council approved three projects as 2026 legislative priorities for state funding requests: Bulldog Road sewer project, 3280 Water Tower project, and Marquis Way East. Liberty Partners consultant advised focusing on infrastructure given state budget constraints and emphasizing city's growth challenges.

Where: Bulldog Road; 3280 Water Tower; Marquis Way East

Council awarded interim financing to Renasant Bank after receiving two bids. Also approved Resolution 2025-20 Bond Anticipation Note in Support of Interim Financing to enable closing.

Ordinance 2025-08 adopted on emergency single reading (unanimous vote required; all 4 present members voted yes). Adds Article III to Chapter 20 requiring proper disposal of fats, oils, and greases in the city's sewer system. Includes classes of grease traps, permit charges, and $1,000 per day fines for failed inspections or non-compliance. City Attorney noted this is the final step to close an existing DEP consent order. Wastewater Supervisor emphasized grease damage to pumps and lines and the need for system control.

• $1,000.00 · daily fine for failed grease trap inspection or non-compliance

Mosquito Control Director Daniel DeBord reported that nighttime spraying will begin the following week on Wednesday (Bay Loop area) and Thursday (Highway 20, 331 Business, 331). Program also includes treatment of approximately 3,000 GPS-logged storm drains twice yearly and stocking of holding ponds with mosquito-eating fish. A resident raised concern about bee impacts from prior spraying. DeBord confirmed chemical is designed not to harm bees (droplet size tested), stated he will maintain a list of known beehives to avoid, and invited beekeepers to contact him. Council recommended posting information on the website for beekeepers to connect with Mosquito Control.

Approved installation of Rotary-sponsored rescue tubes at Marse Landing and Four Mile Creek. Dave Underwood thanked Parks Director Bartlett and confirmed Rotary's standard practice of recognizing Rotary, the city, and sponsoring businesses on signage.

Where: Marse Landing; Four Mile Creek

Parks Director presented three lighting quotes from Evening Glow ($41,295), Impact Lighting ($83,750), and Light It Up ($9,500). Evening Glow representatives indicated willingness to expand scope to include additional areas (such as City Hall) not in original quote. Council requested more information before deciding, noting 2026 budget contained $20,000 allocation and discussing potential sponsorships to cover additional costs.

• $41,295.00 · Evening Glow lighting quote for Veteran's Memorial
• $83,750.00 · Impact Lighting quote for Veteran's Memorial
• $9,500.00 · Light It Up quote for Veteran's Memorial lights only
• $20,000 · 2026 budget allocation for Veteran's Memorial Lighting

Approved special event permit for Boo Dash 5K fundraiser benefiting St. Jude.

Approved advertising flyer for combined Trunk or Treat and Night at the Park event. Parks Director noted this combined approach worked well last year and will be repeated.

City Clerk King presented the policy as directed by council. City Attorney Adkinson approved it as consistent with state requirements. The policy clarifies that individual notaries remain subject to their state license obligations and that the city policy prohibits certain activities on city time.

Approved rental contract with pricing increased to $500 for 8-hour periods (up from $250) based on comparable rates in surrounding communities. Application includes liability insurance requirement with City of Freeport as additional insured. Wording clarified to require someone associated with the rental over age 25.

• $500.00 · Community Center rental for 8-hour period
• $250.00 · previous Community Center rental rate

Jess Mitchell reported that Freeport library circulation statistics increased 11% from previous quarter (countywide increase 9.6%). A teen library is planned for Freeport Commons with opening estimated for early spring 2026; budget approved by county. No changes to current library use.