01132026 Approved Minutes.pdf?t=202602111350210

CITY OF FREEPORT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

January 13,2026,9:00 AM

Council Chambers, Freeport City Hall

Council Members Present: Mayor Russ Barley, Councilwoman Elizabeth Haffner, Councilwoman Heather Hurst, Councilman Eddie Farris, and Councilman Tracey Dickey.

Staff Members Present: City Attorney Clay Adkinson, City Manager Mark Martin, City Clerk Rebecca McLendon, Planning Director Latilda Hughes - Neel, Senior Planner Samantha Graves, Parks Director Charles Bartlett, Wastewater Supervisor Paul Johnson, Billing Supervisor Morgan Hulion, Finance Director Bruce Simmons and Mosquito Control Director Daniel DeBord

Clerk's Note: Tracey Dickey was absent with notice. Some item locations were moved from placement on agenda.

1. Meeting called to order

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Barley in the Council Chambers of Freeport City Hall.

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

3. Recognition of Guests

Mayor Barley presented the Employee of the Month award to Charity Fortune for her hard work, dedication, and passion for the citizens of the City of Freeport.

Mayor Barley presented the Supervisor of the Quarter award to Morgan Hulion for her hard work, dedication, and passion for the citizens of the City of Freeport.

4. Consent Agenda

b. Regular Council Meeting Minutes - December 9, 2025

Mayor Barley presented the Employee of the Year award to Gene "Coach" Martin for his hard work, dedication, and passion for the citizens of the City of Freeport.

d. Budget Amendment #1 - Dewberry Services for Bull dog WWTP

e. Budget Amendment #2 - Decorative Lighting at Veteran's Memorial, Casey Park & Barrier Free Park

f. Budget Amendment #3 - Parks Pole Barn Reclassification

* * *

5. Public Comment on Consent Agenda Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none.

6. Approval of Consent Agen Moved by: Councilwoman Ha Seconded by: Councilman H Mayor Barley called for public To approve the Consent Age A roll call vote was ordered, Councilwoman Haffner Councilwoman Hurst Councilman Farris Councilwoman Brannon Carried.

Ida offner first comment and there was none. inda, as presented. and the vote was as follows: aye aye aye aye

7. Consideration of Additions and/ 8. Addition - Sewer - Locator

or Deletions to Agenda

8. Approval of Agenda with Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Mayor Barley called for public To approve the additions/de A roll call vote was ordered, Councilwoman Haffner Councilwoman Hurst Councilman Farris Councilwoman Brannon Carried.

Additions/ Deletions Haffner is comment and there was none. etions to agenda, as presented. and the vote was as follows: aye aye aye aye

9. Sta a. City b. City

ff Reports Clerk Manager

1. A/C for City Hall City Manager Martin stated that his item is to replace a looking to go with the lowest bidder Odis Brown for $9 Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Haffner Mayor Barley called for public comment and then To approve the replacement of an a/c unit in Cit $9,450.00. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Councilwoman Brannon aye Carried.

A/C Unit in City Hall. We are 50.00

was none. Hall by Odis Brown for

follows:

* * *

c. Engineering

1. LaGrange Road Sewer Utility Improvements

Dewberry Engineer Alex Rouchaleau introduced item as a proposal for the usage of the remaining ARPA funds from Walton County. These funds will cover the design, pipe and the extension of the sewer system. Actual connections will not be covered by these funds, we will have to look for other opportunities for that. The only item that may not be covered is any Easements that may be needed for this project. Engineering will have to get with the county to see what they have for right of way.

Moved by: Councilman Farris

Seconded by: Councilwoman Haffner

Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none.

To approve the Dewberry proposal for design of the Lagrange Road Sewer Utility Improvement.