Regular Council Meeting

Planning Director Hughes-Neel presented a complete section of political signage rules currently applicable. Council requested time to review the language before it is added to the Land Development Code; item will be brought back at the next meeting.

Approved on the consent agenda, including bills, regular and special council meeting minutes from prior dates, Budget Amendment #17 for Phase 3 Decorative Lighting, and Budget Amendment #18 for Storage Building for Christmas Decorations.

Approved insurance renewal for the city.

• $445,672.00 · FMIT Insurance Renewal

Approved sending William Canaday to obtain HVAC certification.

• $4,000.00 · HVAC Certification Class for William Canaday

Councilwoman Brannon noted that the last budget workshop indicated $1.5 million in extra revenue and believes the current $200,000 lighting plan allocation is insufficient. She requested that a budget amendment be considered when the lighting plan is developed.

Approved scope of services assigned to North Florida Professional Services for intersection improvements.

• $36,500.00 · scope of services for Blueberry Road/State Road 20 intersection improvements

Where: Blueberry Road/State Road 20

Councilwoman Brannon raised concerns about traffic delays at the Business 331 and Highway 20 intersection due to lack of a dedicated left-turn light. Planning Director Hughes-Neel reported prior meetings with Walton County Public Works, County Engineering, and FDOT. Council authorized assigning the intersection to an engineering company in rotation to develop a scope of services and bring back all possible options.

Where: Business 331 and Highway 20

Councilwoman Brannon requested that the city prohibit Flock cameras on city streets, consistent with the Governor of Florida's position on state highways and the Walton County Board of Commissioners' position on county highways. Attorney Adkinson was directed to prepare a policy for council review.

Approved Dewberry scope of services for stormwater management revision due to alignment changes for Marquis Way West; stormwater pond will be moved and stormwater management plan revised due to new regulatory requirements.

• $58,490.00 · Dewberry scope of services for stormwater revision at Living History Park

Where: Living History Park

Approved Trunk or Treat event to be held on October 24, 2026.

Approved starting a kickball league in response to community requests.

Approved publication of the 2027 meeting schedule with one meeting in November and one meeting in December.

Approved 2027 holiday schedule with Thursday and Friday off for Christmas holiday as recommended by staff.

Mayor Barley presented the Employee of the Month Award to Gary Thomas for his dedication, passion, and hard work for the citizens of Freeport.

Councilwoman Hurst reported that existing City Hall porch and under-hang lights are on photocells and not dimmable. Council approved turning off the lights underneath the awning on an event-by-event basis on nights without meetings or special events. Council also agreed to use white lighting on City Hall on nights without special events or holidays.

Where: City Hall