By BEN GRAFTON
City Planner Latilda Henninger opened the business portion of Freeport’s May 26 City Council meeting by presenting the second reading of an ordinance to revise the Land Development Code. The changes identify domestic animals (cattle, horses, swine, goats, sheep, fowls, and others) and pets (dogs, cats, etc.) and regulate the conditions under which they may be kept within the city limits. The Council approved adoption of the ordinance.
City Attorney Clayton Adkinson opened a discussion about an inter-local agreement between the city and Walton County under which they would share the services of Parks Director Shane Supple. Supple would continue to work from his office in Freeport’s City Hall. The county would provide a satellite office in DeFuniak Springs. There is not a termination date in the agreement but there is a provision under which either party could terminate the agreement by giving 60 days’ notice to the other. The Council approved the agreement.
Fire Chief Ben Greenslait announced the swimming pool would be open six days each week beginning Monday, May 30. The pool will be closed each Wednesday. Season passes are available. Swimming and water aerobics classes will be provided and group parties may be scheduled. A publication with details, including fees, is available.
Supple reported that two additional security cameras have been installed, now giving complete video coverage for the Sports Complex.
Cliff Knauer of Preble-Rish Engineering reported that work has begun on the design phase of the solar power equipment and lights for the Sports Complex. The engineers are working with CHELCO on miscellaneous design issues.
Mayor Mickey Marse opened a discussion about controlling vandalism at the Community Center, the Old Post Office and the Blount House. City Clerk Robin Haynes provided the Council with a draft of new procedures designed to increase control and security for the facilities. The draft proposes requiring photo IDs; higher security deposits and rental fees payable by cash or money order; installation of new locks whose keys cannot be duplicated; restricted access to keys; and pre-use and post-use inspections. Inspection check lists will be developed for each building. The facilities will continue to be available to non-residents.
Marse requested authority to hire an additional water operator. Councilman Earl King emphasized that the city needs a new operator. King said he would like the Council to approve listing the pay for this job as $42,500 per year in the job opening advertisements. The Council approved hiring a new operator and advertising the job at the stated rate.