Regular Council Meeting

Planning director introduced and council adopted ordinance 2026-05 with new language allowing financial gain activities or non-profit fundraisers in parks only with prior Parks Director approval and proper permits.

Council approved ordinance 2026-06 rezoning the property just south of Freeport Elementary School at the north corner of Azalea and Business 331 from medium density residential to residential commercial to permit an office complex.

Where: 31 Azalea Drive; 10-1S-19-23000-022-0010

Part of project: 31 Azalea Drive Rezoning

Council directed legal to draft an ordinance banning data centers and other facilities that consume excessive amounts of electricity and water. Public comment from Keith Blanchard detailed concerns about data center impacts in other areas, including water contamination, groundwater over-pumping, and noise from diesel and methane engines.

Finance director presented for disposal of replaced security cameras and a budget amendment for cameras not fully depreciated.

• $4,565.04 · budget amendment for security cameras not fully depreciated

Council approved travel and registration expenses for planning director Latilda Hughes-Neel and deputy planning director Samantha Graves to attend the APA Planning Conference in Miami in October for AICP continuing education credit, to be covered by the planning travel budget.

• $400.00 · registration fee per person for APA Planning Conference

Council approved to proceed with bidding and begin Phase 2 of the city grounds lighting project, which will illuminate the parking area in front of City Hall, the flag, statues, and provide cohesive lighting from Memorial Park to City Hall. Phase 3 will complete lighting over to the Community Center.

• $61,350.00 · cost to bid for Phase 2 city grounds lighting project

Approved on consent agenda.

City manager presented a $8,000 change order (documented as $7,719.00 in the vote) for pilot hole cuttings and extended casings for a well currently being drilled. The engineer explained that soil conditions discovered during drilling required extending the casings an additional 75 feet. A monitoring well requirement estimated at $75,000 was noted as forthcoming. Council approved the change order.

• $7,719.00 · change order for pilot hole cuttings
• $75,000 · estimated cost for monitoring well requirement (forthcoming)

Where: 3280 Water Tower and Well

City manager reported that Paul Johnson, Frank Grant, and Doug Goodwin were certified for FOG (fats, oils, and grease).

Council approved a change order for $640.70 for grommets needed for valve pits in the vacuum pump system. The engineer noted these materials were intended to be included in a previously approved $100,000 change order but were omitted.

• $640.70 · grommets for valve pits in sewer expansion

Council authorized the city manager or mayor to sign submerged land easements with DEP, including one for the force main sewer line crossing under Four Mile Creek. These are long-term agreements converting from use agreements to easements.

Where: Four Mile Creek

Council approved two separate motions to amend signage and ordinance at parks and sports complex: first to add no smoking or vaping except in designated areas, and second to add no vehicles of any kind on the greens of city parks.

Council approved Little League to build scorekeeper standards (platforms for scorekeeping) behind Fields 1, 2, and 3, similar to existing structures at Fields 4 and 5, with donated wood. City manager clarified that once built, the structures become city property.

Council approved the 4th of July Parade to allow the parks director to obtain the permit.

Consent agenda approved, including payment of bills and approval of May 12, 2026 meeting minutes.