By JEFFREY POWELL
A capacity crowd attended the Freeport City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Oct. 13. Most of those in attendance were members of the Freeport Area Youth Association which manages youth football in the area. The group was hoping to be able to use the city’s facilities at no cost for the remainder of their season. The costs are primarily for lighting fields and exceptions have been made in the past. After much discussion a compromise was made and the group was able to secure use of a portion of the sports complex on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Council member Kasey Cuchens requested that the organization try to be more proactive in their request next year.
“Next time get your name on the agenda and talk about this before the season begins,” said Cuchens. “There is no reason to come in here mad. We can work these things out.”
Prior to the regular meeting Freeport Parks and Recreation Director Dana Weiler spoke at a workshop meant to brief council members about the state of the facility. Apparently many complaints have been lodged by citizens concerning dead grass and insects. Part of the problem stems from a lightning strike that has disabled the sprinkler system and destroyed several electrical panels. Weiler presented quotes to repair the problem and the council approved $7,000 to purchase new electric panels.
Weiler also discussed a land lease agreement with Hammock Bay owner Jay Odom to expand the current disc golf corse. According to Weiler the expansion could entice the 2016 Mingo Disc Nationals to be held in Freeport. That tournament would bring many professional disc golfers to Freeport and the event would be televised. Any such event would bring economic benefits to Freeport and Walton County.
During the course of conducting regular business the council approved a 3-percent cost of living adjustment for Freeport employees.
The next Freeport council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 7 p.m..
