Regular Council Meeting

Council approved first reading of a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and first reading of a rezoning ordinance for a property on US 331 South just north of Jones Drive. The property, containing approximately 1.43 acres and identified as reference number 22-1S-19-23030-000-0240, currently has 3 single family homes. It is proposed to change from Rural Village to Mixed Use future land use and from Rural Village to General Commercial zoning to allow for a design office. The property is consistent with nearby commercial uses on the highway corridor. Advertising for second reading and public hearing was authorized.

Where: US 331 South, east side just north of Jones Drive; 22-1S-19-23030-000-0240

Part of project: Runnels Small Scale Amendment & Rezoning

Council approved the cost of a survey for Jackson Street intersection improvements, which will help obtain legal description and alignment information needed for the Marquis Way eminent domain process and to update traffic counts on US 331.

• $4,250.00 · survey cost for Jackson Street intersection improvements

Where: Jackson Street; US 331

Council approved the scope of services from Knauer Never Engineering for utility relocation work on SR 20.

• $67,000 · Knauer Never Engineering scope of services for SR 20 utility relocation

Where: SR 20

Planning Director Hughes-Neel reported receipt of a technical assistance grant from FDOT called Safe Routes 4 All to create a safety action plan including existing, planned, and new multi-modal paths, sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersection lighting. Work includes mapping Highway 20 with lighting on both sides of every other light pole and similar improvements on Madison Street.

Where: Highway 20; Madison Street

City Attorney Adkinson provided an update on eminent domain property acquisition for Marquis Way. He explained that council must pass a resolution with attached right-of-way maps and legal descriptions matching the eminent domain suit paperwork. The process is awaiting finalization of maps to proceed.

Where: Marquis Way

County Commissioner Dan Curry presented an initiative to convene all relevant parties—the County, City of Freeport, City of DeFuniak Springs, Walton County Sheriff's Office, Walton County School Board, FDOT, and state representatives—to develop a single comprehensive priority list for infrastructure and transportation needs. The council agreed to support the initiative and offered to host a meeting at the Community Center.

Councilwoman Haffner reported that State Representative Abbott indicated the four-lane expansion of Highway 20 has been shelved and directed the city to develop alternative bypass road options. Council approved directing City Manager Martin to work with an engineer to identify other potential routes to move traffic through town.

City Manager announced that Freeport was awarded $20 million through the State Revolving Fund for the Bulldog Road wastewater treatment facility, with an interest rate just above 2 percent. An additional $30 million in financing will be pursued through USDA as a loan next year. The city will receive design plans from Dewberry before proceeding.

• $20 million · State Revolving Fund award for Bulldog Road WWTF
• $30 million · additional financing needed for Bulldog Road WWTF through USDA loan

Where: Bulldog Road

Council approved Freeport Little League to hold a fundraiser at the park on February 27-28, 2027. Funds will be used to pay for mandatory Level 2 background checks for 150-200 coaches, which cost $75-100 per person under new Florida requirements.

Mike Sturdivant and Frank Vollmer of the Skatepark Committee presented a $1,000 donation to the city to be earmarked for the Skate Park.

• $1,000 · donation from Skatepark Committee for Skate Park

Council approved Planning Director Hughes-Neel to enter into conversations with Mrs. Poff regarding a property donation of just under an acre on Madison Street for a small park area.

Where: Madison Street

Councilwoman Hurst announced completion of renovations to the pedestrian bridge at Four Mile Creek, which now includes safety lighting added through a partnership with the county and city water department.

Where: Four Mile Creek

Council approved bills, meeting minutes from August 11 and August 18, Budget Amendment 16 for Sewer Sludge Disposal, and revenue/expenditure reports through July 2026 on the consent agenda.

Council approved adding highlighted items to the Capital Improvements Plan with the exception of the road through the Carr property, which Councilwoman Haffner stated the city had not committed to and should not be the city's responsibility.

Planning Director Hughes-Neel announced receipt of a $75,000 technical assistance grant to update the City Comprehensive Plan.

• $75,000.00 · technical assistance grant for updating City Comprehensive Plan

Planning Director Hughes-Neel presented a review of political signage rules currently scattered throughout the Land Development Code. Councilwoman Brannon noted political signage appears to be out of control on city property and rights of way. City Attorney Adkinson advised that the city must be careful of First Amendment implications and recommended either allowing no political signs at all (including all temporary signage) or being prepared to handle individual requests. Planning will draft a revised ordinance consolidating political signage rules for council consideration.

Council approved starting phase 3 of the City Grounds Lighting Plan, which includes lighting at the Community Center and Community Pool. Lightscapes has finished phase 2 early and is positioned to continue. A budget amendment will move the project from FY 2027 to FY 2026 for work to begin immediately.

• $58,700.00 · cost for phase 3 of City Grounds Lighting Plan