By BEN GRAFTON
At a long and well attended meeting, the Freeport City Council session of Sept. 25 began when City Planner Latilda Hughes-Neel advised the Council that the Large Scale Amendment has been approved without comment by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
City Attorney Clayton Adkinson presented the first reading of an annexation ordinance to add more than 50 parcels to the City. Hughes-Neel commented that more than 400 requests have been received for annexation under the city’s annexation program. The parcels in this reading are the first step in the overall program. After approval of this ordinance, the program will move on to additional properties that then meet the requirements for annexation. Hughes-Neel stated that maps showing the location of these parcels are available for viewing in her office. Councilwoman Elizabeth Brannon expressed concern about enclaves said she would like to see maps showing the different phases of the program. Hughes-Neel said that she has been communicating with Adkinson to assure that the properties meet legal requirements for annexation. The Council, (less Councilwoman Kasey Cuchens who recused herself as having ownership in a property affected by the ordinance) approved the reading by a vote of 3-1 with Brannon voting nay.
Adkinson advised the Council that new surveys of annexed property should be made at a later date.
Adkinson told the Council that a memo has been received from Diane Ferrell detailing complaints about impact fees, however he said there has been no contact from Ferrell’s attorney. Ferrell spoke to the Council and said that her research indicated that the city charges $1,500, but that the county charges $600 for the same item. She said that the [city] office doesn’t know what the fees are really for. Ferrell said she does not want to talk to an attorney, but that she does want to sit down and talk about it [with the Council].
Mayor Russ Barley said he and the Council would review the memo after which Ferrell could come in for discussions.
Cliff Knauer of Preble-Rish reported that the Northwest Florida Water District has a $10 million grant fund that will provide 100 percent funding for approved projects. Requests for funding of city projects will be submitted.
Barley reviewed the status of hiring a new city clerk. A candidate was selected and an offer extended, but the candidate changed her mind and withdrew from further consideration. Cuchens said it was necessary to move ahead and proposed a special Council meeting to act on the matter. Councilwoman Janice McLean said that work on the budget is done and that time is available to do a new search. Brannon proposed contacting the League of Cities, the Florida Institute of Government, the Florida City Clerks and Florida Counties associations to see if they can help in the search. A special council meeting was approved for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 to discuss the issue.
Barley advised the Council that at 10 minutes before 5 o’clock that day he received a letter of resignation, effective immediately, from Fire Chief Chad Harrell. Harrell said that Capt. Tom Palmer can handle the job until the city decides what to do. Barley will meet with Palmer to discuss the matter.
Noting that the cabbage palm is the State Tree of Florida, Barley said that the use of these palm trees and sable palms is restricted in Freeport and requires Council approval for these plantings. McLean proposed rescinding the existing resolution and going back to the original building code. The Council approved the proposal by a vote of 4-1 with Brannon voting nay.
McLean reported that the County did not accept a city proposal on fire department expenses. Adkinson said he thinks that the parties can reach an agreement. For further discussion, this item will be added to the agenda of the special meeting on Oct. 2.
Hughes-Neel reported that there is $24,000 in the budget for office equipment and asked approval to spend $17,500 on equipment for which quotes have been received. Items include a fire proof safe for storage of old paper billing records, an improved security system, and replacements of computer equipment. The Council approved the expenditures, but not to exceed $17,500.
Firefighters of Freeport Fire Department stood before the Council and made a statement that drew applause from the audience. The firefighters said they love being in Freeport. It is their home and they want to stay there. Pay could be improved, but they can manage until the city grows. They have worked to keep expenses down, and they appreciate the Council.
McLean responded that they should feel free to talk to the Council – as individuals or as a group – at any time.
Barley closed by saying that for its first year, the Bay Fest got rave reviews. He also reported that some funding from this year’s event will be carried over for use in next year’s Bay Fest.
