Story by JEFFREY POWELL
FREEPORT, FLA. – The Freeport City Council held it first regularly scheduled meeting of the month on Aug, 9, 2016. Approximately one dozen members of the general public attended the meeting and all council members were in attendance. The meeting began with a presentation by 96th Civil Engineer Group Community Planner Jeff Fanto. Fanto had been invited to give a brief overview of his organization’s operations and touch on Freeport’s continuing working relationship with Eglin AFB. He pointed out that Eglin manages its community much like a city does. He regularly handles such situations as encroachment mitigation and compatible land uses. Freeport boarders Egiln on its northwest boarder and will need to work in tandem with the base for the foreseeable future. “We are trying to be a good neighbor,” said Fanto. “We would like to speak with Freeport early and often concerning their future.”
Under the public agenda request portion of the meeting Carolyn Knight requested use of the old city hall building for possibly holding dancing, wrestling, karate and other classes on a more permanent basis. She currently rents the building on a day to day agreement. The council balked at letting her run a business out of a city building but promised to look into the subject further. Parks and Recreation Director Dana Weiler suggested a fee-based program which would allow the request.
Under staff reports Freeport City Clerk Becky Podraza discussed city contracts with both their city engineer and attorney. The city’s engineering firm, Preble-Rish, has recently been sold and will temporarily be referred to as Dewberry-Preble-Rish. Engineer Cliff Knauer was on hand to assure the city that the transition would be seamless and would continue to keep the city’s priorities his priorities. “We want to work with you all and will follow your instructions whatever you decide to do,” said Knauer.
City Attorney Clayton Adkinson, who has been the city’s attorney for over 32 years, has never had a contract with the city. He also indicated that his firm would be fine with or without a contract from the city. Adkinson pointed out that it may be in the city’s best interest for him not to have a contract because the council members could dismiss him at any time with a 3 to 2 vote. If he had a contract there could be a severance package attached which could require the city to pay upon termination.
During discussion Councilwoman Elizabeth Brannon pointed out Adkinson’s vast historical knowledge and did not feel putting out bids for a new attorney was necessary. The council voted to put out a request for quote for attorney services with councilmembers Brannon and Jennifer Laird voting no.