By BEN GRAFTON
At the Freeport City Council meeting of May 22, City Planner Latilda Hughes-Neel presented the second reading of 2013-LSA-02, the adoption ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Plan with EAR-based goals, objectives and policies. The Council approved the ordinance.
Parks Director Shane Supple reported that the Health Department has approved the swimming pool for use and that the official summer season opening will be on Monday, May 26.
Supple also reported that the Northwest Florida State College baseball coach will conduct a training camp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
A general discussion of policy for renting the city’s Community Center was held. The decision was made to leave the existing policy as it is. In the event that someone wants to sign a contract for long term use, the terms of the contract will be negotiated as a separate item.
Installation of a foot flag pole for the Marse Landing park was discussed. A price of $2,840 for a 40-foot pole equipped with solar lighting was reported, but the Council decided to follow up on a price of $810 each for two 35-foot poles (one for the United States flag and one for the Working Waterfront flag) from Woodmen of the World. Tim Ard will check to see if solar lighting is available for these poles.
Freddie Head asked the Council for relief on a water and a sewer bill resulting from water lost when a pipe failed. The sewer bill was based on water flow, not usage. The Council agreed to remove the charge for sewer service and one-half of the remaining balance on the account.
Mayor Russ Barley told the Council that he had received an e-mail from the Tourist Development Council’s North Committee asking the mayor to serve on the committee. Barley said he has agreed.
Barley reported that volunteers were working hard on preparations for the Sept. 20 inaugural Bay Fest. Entertainment acts and vendors have signed up. The artist who submitted the winning poster art for the festival will be recognized at the celebration.
Barley reported that 14 applications have been received for the open City Clerk job. The Council will select three to five applicants for interviews.
Engineer Cliff Knauer of Preble-Rish reported that the low water pressure problem on Bay Loop road remains unsolved. Engineering believes that an obstruction is the cause and recommends that a camera be inserted into the line to identify and locate the problem. Cost is expected to be $1,600 to $1,700.
