Regular Council Meeting

First reading held for updates to comply with Senate Bill 180. Changes include removal of City Council signature requirement for plats (now signed by City Manager), deletion of the Recreation Board, updates to accessory dwelling units definition, and requirements for water meters near customer property lines or by written easement. Approved for first reading and advertisement for second reading.

First reading held for ordinance adding a magistrate position to preside over code enforcement violations, providing a longer timeframe for compliance and allowing magistrate authority in 1% of cases where parties refuse compliance. Planning Board recommended approval. Approved for first reading and advertisement for second reading.

Senior Planner introduced the Fidelity Trust property for small-scale amendment and rezoning from low-density residential to general commercial. The 2.66-acre parcel is located just off Highway 331 South on Old Jolly Bay Road. Developer plans a commerce park for businesses like electricians to store equipment and work. Notices sent to nearby homeowners on Moonwalk Road with fencing and buffers planned. Planning Board and legal counsel supportive. Approved for first reading and advertisement for second reading.

Where: Property Reference Number 23-1S-19-23000-001-0035; Highway 331 South and Old Jolly Bay Road area; Moonwalk Road

Part of project: Fidelity Trust Rezoning

First reading held and approved for advertisement for second reading. Rezoning application from low-density residential to general commercial for the 2.66-acre parcel.

Where: Property Reference Number 23-1S-19-23000-001-0035

Part of project: Fidelity Trust Rezoning

Senior Planner introduced mixed-use PDP for 165.33 acres on Black Creek Boulevard. Development includes 242 single-family homes and 158 townhomes (400 units total) plus 90,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Property was formerly the old county dirt pit, now converted to a pond. Water tower planned. Two access points: one on Black Creek Boulevard and one on Highway 3280. Approved.

Where: Black Creek Boulevard; Highway 3280

Part of project: Crystal Lake Planned Development Project

Senior Planner presented revision to formally name the development Owl's Head South and increase residential units from 2,400 to 2,100 as approved by developer. Development includes increased commercial space and a 9-hole executive golf course on 10 acres. Council discussed concerns about residential density and variance requests (15 variance requests noted). After discussion with developer, Council approved a Developer Agreement Resolution with density reduced to 2,100 units.

Part of project: Owls Head South Planned Development Project

Planning Director presented RFP response from Indoor Lightscapes and Audio LLC. Phase 1 covers lighting for Veteran's Memorial, Casey Park, and Barrier Free Park. Phase 2 (City Hall decorative lighting) is $61,350. Phase 3 (Community Center and City Pool Area) is $58,600. Total project is $203,700. Council approved phasing the project starting with Phase 1.

• $83,750.00 · Phase 1 cost for lighting at Veteran's Memorial, Casey Park, and Barrier Free Park
• $61,350.00 · Phase 2 cost for decorative lighting at City Hall
• $58,600.00 · Phase 3 cost for Community Center and City Pool Area
• $203,700.00 · total project cost for all three phases

City Clerk presented a revised policy clarifying that customers must show a State of Florida Completion Report instead of deep well certification, and that billing begins when the tap is placed on the property. Approved.

Mosquito Control Director approved for a weeklong course in Gainesville Monday through Thursday with hotel stay. Budgeted at $3,000 but approved for up to $1,900.

• $1,900.00 · approved trip and hotel stay limit
• $3,000 · original budget amount

Approved to allow Mosquito Control Director to use his own vehicle for travel with mileage reimbursement.

Parks Director approved purchase of shades for Fields 4 and 5 from the same company that provided shades for the rest of the fields. Budgeted at $70,000 but quote is for $60,480.

• $60,480.00 · approved quote for shades on Fields 4 and 5
• $70,000 · original budget amount

Parks Director approved replacement of the spider netting at the sports complex, which has been in place since the park was built. Budgeted at $60,000 but quote is $35,088.68.

• $35,088.68 · approved quote for new spider netting at sports complex
• $60,000 · original budget amount

Approved on the consent agenda with a vote of 4-0.

Approved to appoint Joe Ribaudo as the Freeport member of the Library Advisory Board.

Planning Director introduced the annual Local Mitigation Strategy resolution for intergovernmental coordination between County and Cities. This standard resolution must be updated every 5 years. Adopting the resolution supports FEMA reimbursements during disasters and helps with mitigation funding. Approved.

Mayor Barley presented the Employee of the Month award to Kaycee Smith for hard work, dedication, and passion for the citizens of Freeport.

Mayor Barley announced that the Christmas Parade and Tree lighting have been rescheduled to Saturday, December 13 at 5:15 pm. Barrier Free Park is lit up for the holidays.