By BEN GRAFTON
As the first order of business at the Freeport City Council meeting of February 10, City Clerk Gary Mattison provided an expenditure report to each council member and said that at a later meeting expenditures broken down by department would be included.
Mattison asked approval for a security camera system that would cost approximately $10,500. This would include security cameras at several locations inside and outside of City Hall, including over the tills in the billing office and inside of the Council Chamber. In addition, cameras would be installed at the Sports Complex, and at the sewer and water departments. The Council approved going forward with this program.
The auditor’s report for 2013 and 2014 fiscal years has been received and accepted by the City Council. In the report all funds have been accounted for. The final auditor’s report will be received in a few days. Mattison also reported that the missing utility fund payments have been recovered.
The alarm system at the Water Department has been damaged by a lightning strike. The alarm was covered by warranty, however since there was no spare the system was out of service. The Council approved a proposal to purchase a spare alarm.
A request was made by Herbert Carter for a proclamation about a Dixie Phonics platform for young aspiring artists. The request was approved.
M. H. Carr, Executive Director of Walton Education Foundation, which provides support for teachers and students through mini-grants, presented a special permit application and asked for a fee waiver for a fund raising event at Hammock Bay. The request was approved.
The Council approved appointment of George Schiffler, nominated by Councilwoman Kasey Cuchens, to the City Planning Board.
City Attorney Clayton Adkinson advised the Council that a resolution to repeal city impact fees for the fire department would be presented for approval at the next meeting.
Parks Director Dana Weiler presented a list of items including:
A request to search for grant funds to be used to establish a skate park of about 3,500 sq.ft. The request was approved.
A request to spend approximately $485 for repair of equipment in park concession stands. The request was approved.
A request to add money to next year’s budget for an additional concession stand. The request was approved.
A request to add some basic park information to the city’s web page and to correct a problem that directs people looking for park information to the Hammock Bay web page. A draft will be given to the Council at its next meeting.
A request to have trash containers that will not fill with rainwater made and installed along the disc golf playing field at a cost of not more than $2,000. The request was approved.
Weiler reported that shuffle board players are not paying for lighting for night play. They have created and used their own portable lighting and music system. If basketball players claim the court, shuffle board players will relocate to another area.
A 2015 fee schedule for use of Freeport’s Sports Complex fields has been established. This schedule is for 2015 only and it will be reevaluated for 2016.
Cliff Knauer of Preble-Rish reported that the final electrical and mechanical drawings for the upgrade of Freeport’s Community Center have been received. By Feb. 16 a package will be at the city attorney’s office for review. If the package is approved, a request for bids will be advertised.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Brannon reported she will go to Tallahassee on March 16 and 17 to represent the Northwest Florida League of Cities and the city of Freeport in work with the Legislature. A joint dinner with the Suwannee League of Cities will be held on March 18. Brannon also reminded the Council that ethics training will be held in Crestview on Feb. 26.
Councilwoman Kasey Cuchens said that the Council needs to look at its employee evaluation policy. The League of Cities would like to see quarterly evaluations used. The Council has previously done two evaluations per year.
Councilman Eddie Farris reported that he is working with the Council on Aging to have more activities in Freeport. He said the Community Center or the Blount House would be suitable for these activities. Someone to head Council on Aging activities in Freeport is needed.
Councilwoman Janice McLean reported that more information about refinancing city loans would be available at the next meeting. She wants to have a workshop on this in April. She said that she had a good meeting with staff from Rural Development and that it was confirmed that Rural Development will always have the first security position on loans from their organization. The city must keep a one-year reserve for each loan. She plans to go forward with the paper work for refinancing the city’s loans.
Consultant Bob Jones reported that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has published a new set of rules. A new application cycle is coming up in April. Jones asked Council approval to apply for a $650,000 grant to provide up-grades for low-income housing. There would be no cost for preparing the application. The Council approved his request.
Mattison reported a new proposal for financing impact fees has been received from the Live Oak Landing developer. Knauer said that the new rates should be used for Live Oak Landing. This subject was continued to the next meeting so that new rate data could be available.
