RCM 08282025 Minutes Approved.pdf?t=202509171604290

CITY OF FREEPORT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 28, 2025, 6:30 PM Council Chambers, Freeport City Hall Mayor Russ Barley, Councilwoman Elizabeth Haffner,Council Members Present: Councilwoman Heather Hurst, and Councilman Eddie Farris. City Attorney Clay Adkinson, City Manager Mark Martin, City Staff Members Present: Clerk Rebecca King, Planning Director Latilda Hughes - Neel, Senior Planner Samantha Graves, Parks Director Charles Bartlett, Billing Supervisor Morgan Hulion, Finance Officer Sara Bowers, Finance Officer Bruce Simmons, Water Supervisor Larry Tuggle, and City Engineer Alex Rouchaleau. Clerk's Note: Some item locations were moved from placement on agenda. Councilwoman Elizabeth Brannon and Councilman Tracey Dickey were absent with notice. 1. Meeting called to order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Barley in the Council Chambers of Freeport City Hall. 2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Councilwoman Haffner gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag was recited. 3. Recognition of Guests 1. Dr. Carolynn Zonia - Walton County Overdose Prevention Task Force - Overdose Awareness Day Proclamation. Mayor Barley introduced Dr. Carolynn Zonia who spoke about Overdose Awareness Day and an event going on in DeFuniak Springs on August 31 st that will connect people with help to reduce the number of deaths due to overdose. She received a signed Proclamation declaring August 31 st, 2025, as Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Freeport. 4. Consent Agenda a. Bills b. Regular Council Meeting Minutes - August 12, 2025 c. Recreation Board d. Revenue and Expenditure Reports through July 2025 e. 2026 Holiday Schedule 5. Public Comment on Consent Agenda Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none.

REGULAR COUNOL MEETING, August 28, 2025 6. Approval of Consent Agenda Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none. To approve the Consent Agenda, as presented A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried. 7. Consideration of Additions and/or Deletions to Agenda 1. Planning - Addition - 331 N Landscaping Project Grant Opportunity 2. Mayor - Addition - Art in the Park 8. Approval of Agenda with Additions/ Deletions Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none. To approve the additions/deletions to agenda, as presented A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried. Gulf Coast Soccer Club Fee Waiver - Amelia and James Beard approached the podium to ask for a fee waiver for the Sports Complex and a return of fees spent this month. They primarily practice at the Walton Sports Complex but the fields are too wet right now to use. Occasionally the use the Freeport Sports Complex when needed. Because of the arrangement with the county there are fee waivers for their non-profit, so they don't budget for a lot of expense. In the fees they've paid to the Freeport Sports Complex they have already spent half of their budget. They are asking for a fee waiver because they are a non-profit and they're asking that it be retroactive which will give an approximate $700 reimbursement. They are also asking that if they have to use the field again that the fees be waived or for a reduction in fees. Councilwoman Haffner stated that she had spoke with Ms. Beard and she asked for her to come forward to ask for the fee waiver. They have submitted their financials showing that they operate at a loss for the year. 2

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilman Farris To waive the fees and credit back what they have spent A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner Councilwoman Hurst Councilman Farris Carried. aye aye aye 9. Staff Reports a. City Clerk 1. Not for Profit Fee Exemption Policy City Clerk King introduced item. Stating that she was asked to bring this forward. Back in 2016 this was talked about and even practiced for a few years. With employee changes over the years this practice has since stopped. Clerk King is bringing it back to get approval to start this process again of having all fee waivers come in between June 1 and June 30. These waivers will then be discussed at a workshop prior to budget workshops and voted on at the next scheduled meeting after the workshop. Councilwoman Haffner asked if City Clerk would let everyone know when it comes time for these to go out. City Clerk King stated that if this passes it will go out to all the regular waivers, and if there are ones that submit after the deadline, they will be given the policy for the next year. Those will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Councilman Farris asked if we would send this out a second time as it gets closer. City Clerk King stated it would go out closer to June as well to remind everyone. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the policy and send out to all regular groups. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried. b. City Manager 1. Road Submission to County for 2026 Paving City Manager Martin stated that per our interlocal agreement with the county we get up to 2 miles of road paved every year. He asked Council if it would be ok to recommend Four Mile Road as the road for paving to the county for 2026. This road will have a lot more traffic on it. Councilman Farris stated that he agreed with sending Four Mile Road. Councilwoman Haffner and Councilwoman Hurst agreed 3

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 Moved by: Councilwoman Hurst Seconded by: Councilwoman Haffner To recommend Four Mile Road to the county for paving in 2026 A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried. City Manager Martin stated as something for Council to think about. Tim Parsons was going to be here tonight, but he didn't make it. He will be here the next meeting and will looking for our Legislative Priorities. c. Engineering 1. Public-Access Reuse Booster Pump Station Bid Award City Engineer Rouchaleau stated that we received 6 bids on the project with North Florida Construction being the lowest bidder at $1,179,975. Looking for a motion to award the project to North Florida Construction and to also issue the notice to proceed. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilman Farris To award the project to North Florida Construction and to also issue the notice to proceed A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried. 2. Public Access Reuse Booster Pump Station CEI Proposal City Engineer Rouchaleau stated this is an engineering proposal for the construction, engineering, and inspection services for the Reuse Booster Pump Project. He is looking for approval of that proposal. Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the engineering proposal for the Reuse Booster Pump Project A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried 3. Wastewater Treatment Plant 2.0 MGD Expansion Bid Award City Engineer Rouchaleau stated that we received 6 bids on the project with North Florida Construction being the lowest bidder at $3,947,000. Looking for a motion to 4

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 award the project to North Florida Construction contingent on financing and USDA approval. Councilwoman Haffner asked what we know about North Florida Construction? City Engineer Rouchaleau stated Dewberry had worked with them before and that they had completed the 331 North project. Timeframe will be about 22 months. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To award the project to North Florida Construction contingent on financing and USDA approval. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried 4. Bay Area Phase I Construction Scope Revision City Engineer Rouchaleau stated that there have been a lot of conversations back and forth with DEP. Previously council had decided to reduce the scope of this project due to limited funds. After those conversations with DEP they were able to award the city and additional $3,650,000 in grants for this project. That brings the total to almost $10,000,000 in grant funds to fully fund this project. Looking for a motion from the council to award the full amount of the contract minus the 2.6 million that the city will be purchasing for tax savings the total amount being awarded to L&K Contracting will be $6,316,871.00 and notice to proceed. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To award the project to L&K Contracting for 6,316,871.00 and a notice to proceed A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried 5. Bay Area Phase I CEI Proposal City Engineer Rouchaleau stated this is the construction engineering and inspection part of the same project. About 12 months of construction full time. Alex is looking for approval of the proposal. Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Haffner To approve the proposal of $442,760 from Dewberry. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye 5

REGULAR COUNCIL MEffiNG, August 28, 2025 Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried 6. Bay Area Phase I Air Vac Equipment Purchase City Engineer Rouchaleau stated these are the parts that was mentioned before that the city would be purchasing for the tax savings. The total is $2,692,954.00 Looking for a motion to approve this purchase. Moved by: Councilwoman Hurst Seconded by: Councilwoman Haffner To approve the purchase of the equipment in the amount of $2,692,954.00 for the tax savings. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried City Manager asked Legal if we have leftover money from ARPA can we broaden the scope of that project to include more streets? City Attorney Adkinson stated that the original agreement was a septic to sewer in that area. The original ask wasn't for specific streets but a general area. That would be up to the BCC and the City but it is an appropriate use of ARPA funds. 7. SRF Bulldog Rd WWTP - Resolution & Proposal for Assistance with CFP Document City Engineer Rouchaleau introduced item and stated that he would be turning over the floor to Trevor Burch for a brief presentation of the planning report. Trevor stepped forward and began the presentation. The need for this expansion is based on the rapid growth of the City of Freeport. This will be a five-year endeavor. This presentation breaks down the expectations of gallons per day that will be needed in the next five years. By 2035 we will be over the 2 million gallons per day that we currently have. There were a couple of locations that this presentation looks at besides the current wastewater treatment plant. He gave three options the do-nothing option, the 114-acre site. Soil wasn't favorable for building, and an 82-acre site that looked better. It could handle approximately 1 million gallons per day in effluent. The wastewater treatment plant would allow for up to 3 MGD. The existing site is already built out as much as it can be. The presentation showed that the 82-acres site would be the best option. It is the cheapest and makes the most sense for the city. It would start as a 1 MGD expandable to 3 MGD. The environmental impacts would be less on this site. There would be no adverse impact to wells in that area. The financial impact of this would be that we will be looking at a SO-million-dollar loan and in order to repay that loan there would need to be an increase in the sewer rates over the next 4 years. Normally the 6

REGULAR COUNCIL MEITING, August 28, 2025 rates of both water and sewer would increase by the CPI rate only, but this coming up year the sewer rates would need to increase more than that amount and would continue with an additional charge on the sewer rates for the three years after that. 14.77 % in addition to the CPI in fiscal year 2026, fiscal years 2027-2029 3.81 % in addition to tt;ie CPL After 2029 it would just be the CPI again. Based on the national average of 5,000 gallons per month the first increase would roughly be a $10.00 increase compared to the current rates and each subsequent year would be an additional $5.00 per month. Trevor then went on to give a list of next steps which would be to get the paperwork into SRF. We would know in November if we are eligible for that. If that goes through, then we're looking at the beginning of 2026 to have this out to bid. We would receive bids in March of 2026, award the contract in April of 2026, construction would start in May of 2026, and be completed in April of 2028. Then we would evaluate to see when we needed to upgrade to the 3 MGD and to find more effluent sites. Trevor opened the floor for questions. Alex stated that this presentation represents what we have been working on. It also completes the public meeting requirement and there was a public meeting held before the council meeting tonight. Alex passed out an updated version of the SRF Resolution from the one in the packet stating that he had received some updates for the resolution and the changes had been made to that one. Councilwoman Haffner asked if this was going to be full when it is built. Will we be at capacity when this is done. Alex stated that currently the plant is at 1 MGD that plant will be expanded to 2 MGD in 22 months. This one will be an additional 1 MGD. City Attorney asked what the timeframe is to expand this if it was needed sooner. Councilwoman Haffner asked if it would be another 22 months after this to upgrade the 1 MGD to 2 MGD. Trevor stated that the headworks will be designed for its full capacity. The basins would be common wall so you wouldn't impact the flow while expanding. The timeframe would be the same. City Attorney Adkinson asked why then weren't we looking to start at 2 MGD instead? Alex stated that at the time of design council decided to go with 1 MGD expandible to 3 MGD. Councilwoman Haffner stated that she would hate to build this now and then immediately have to upgrade it when its completed. Trevor suggested the potential for reuse water to use effluent disposal. City Manager Martin stated that they have been working on this for a while now to find property with the right kinds of soil. Trevor stated that there is a fine line of designing this due to fines for having too big of a facility for the effluent output. City Attorney asked how to cut down that 3-year timeframe. Trevor stated that roughly 1 year could come off of that if the council wanted to go ahead and do the design of the upgrade now and have it ready. City Attorney stated that we need the resolution to get funding regardless of the timeframe for expansion. Lets go ahead and approve the resolution and then the conversation can continue. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the SRF Resolution. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: 7

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried City Manager Martin stated that this will be a piece mill project. Councilwoman Haffner stated that she agreed that we knew about the funding she is just worried about the time frame. City Attorney stated that we need to have that conversation about the design process and go ahead and have the plans for the expansions of the wastewater treatment plant. Councilwoman Haffner stated that at this point we will be going with the 1 MGD and be looking for the land for future effluent then have the design completed to get the construction started on the expansion and shave off some of the time it will take to get the expansion up and going. Alex stepped back up to the podium to ask council for approval of the Capital Finance Plan from Ryper Water Analytics. Moved by: Councilwoman Hurst Seconded by: Councilman Farris To approve the proposal from Ryper Water Analytics for the Capital Finance Plan. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried d. Finance 1. 2025 Resolution for Adoption of Water and Wastewater Rates Finance Director Simmons stepped up to ask for approval for the Resolution for the Utility Rates this resolution takes us through 2029-2030 fiscal years. This goes with the previous resolution and has to be approved for SRF funding application. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Farris To approve the Utility Rate Resolution. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried 2. FMIT Insurance Renewal Finance Director Simmons continued with this item stating that these are the rates for our insurance through FMIT. Requesting a motion to approve the insurance for the new fiscal year. 8

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the rates for insurance through FMIT in the amount of $391,638 A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried e. Human Resources f. Legal 1. Resolution for Marquis Way City Attorney Adkinson introduced the resolution for a state funded grant for the transportation project of Marquis Way. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the resolution for a State Funded Grant for the Transportation project of Marquis Way. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried g. Mosquito Control h. Parks 1. FHS Homecoming Parks Director Bartlett stepped to podium to introduce the item stating the High School had changed the route for the Homecoming Parade. This year it will be from the old Middle School to the new Middle School. Looking for a motion to approve the Special Events Permit. Moved by: Councilwoman Hurst Seconded by: Councilwoman Haffner To approve the route of the Homecoming parade and the Special Events Permit for event. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye 9

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 Councilman Farris aye Carried 2. Fall Coed Softball Team Fees Parks Director Bartlett asked for approval to lower prices from $555 to $430. This will allow the teams to purchase their own softballs instead of the City providing those. They don't come back to us or they go missed. Moved by: Councilwoman Hurst Seconded by: Councilman Farris Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none. To approve the lower cost of the Fall Coed Softball Team Fees from $555 to $430. Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried i. Planning 1. Grow With Us Rezoning - 2nd Reading and Adoption Planning Director Hughes - Neel stepped to podium to introduce item she stated that there was an error in the parcel number on the ordinance. Ms. Hughes-Neel asked City Attorney if she needed to hold another 1st reading and set another 2nd reading. City Attorney stated that since the parcel number was in the heading of the Ordinance she would have to start over. He stated that the substance didn't change but the Parcel ID did. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To dired staff to advertise with the correded parcel ID for the Grow with us Rezoning and to authorize staff to hold first reading of that tonight of that revised ordinance. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried Planning Director Hughes-Neel held first reading. 10

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP SERIES INCLUDED BY REFERENCE IN ARTICLE 3 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE OF THE CITY OF FREEPORT, SPECIFICALLY A PORTION OF THE PARCEL IDENTIFIED WITH PROPERTY REFERENCE NUMBER 16-1S-19-23000- 010-003116-1S-19-23000-010-0032 CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 1.89 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND DESCRIBED BY THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION CONTAINED IN SECTION 1 BELOW AMENDING THE ZONING ASSIGNMENT FROM HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL. City Attorney Adkinson stated for the record for anyone that looked at or read the packet this is not the parcel numbers being voted on the parent parcel of 16-lS-19- 23000-010-0030 has been split into the two parcels of 16-lS-19-23000-010-0031 and 16-lS-19-23000-010-0032. Those are the parcels being identified in the resolution. 2. LDC Revisions- Code Enforcement - 1st Reading Planning Director Hughes-Neel stated that this ordinance is to update the code enforcement provisions in the Land Development code. She further stated that she would be developing a code enforcement ordinance in conjunction with Legal that will go into the fine details. This is just to be sure we are in compliance. She is asking to hold first reading of the ordinance tonight and advertise for second reading. Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To hold first reading of the Land Development Code Revision Ordinance and to advertise for Second reading of the ordinance. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FREEPORT LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; ARTICLE 2, PROVIDNG FOR AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE, CONFLICT SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3. Timber Bridge PDP Senior Planner Graves introduced item as a Residential PDP on Bay Loop West. They are asking for three variances. 1) lot size, 2) ISR, and 3) lot width. All of these requests are to maximize green space and minimize the impact on the wetlands. Density allowed on this project is 78 units, they will only be asking for 74 units. Clustering to protect the wetlands. There will be a bridge walk over to the dog park. Councilwoman Haffner stated she is concerned about the lot size. She thinks its very small. She stated that 11

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 there wasn't anything in the city that small. City Attorney stated that there were some that size. Examples given were parts of Owl's Head and the Bluffs. City Attorney Adkinson stated that the original Freeport Plantation, Schooner Landing and Riverwalk. Engineer stated that they hadn't decided what kind of housing will be on the property yet. Senior Planner Graves reminded council that they weren't asking for variances on setbacks so they would still have to meet all of those requirements. The Engineer stated what separates this project is the recreation area. It is almost 2 acres. Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the Timber Bridge PDP. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner Councilwoman Hurst Councilman Farris Carried aye aye aye 4. Building Department Planning Director Hughes-Neel returned to the podium to introduce this item by stating that this item was additional information regarding the city establishing its own Building Permit Department. She went through the history of the decisions that were made thus far. After meeting with County Building Department staff about transitioning to the City Building Permit Department, she and City Manager Martin came away with additional information. Points to consider for council are the interlocal language regarding building permits have never been in question. There are no concerns that the current process isn't giving timely service. A city building permit department will not provide additional or different services than the current county system. Unlike the County Code Enforcement, the County Building Department desires to keep serving the city. The County staff was surprised by the city's direction and asked to repair the relationship if something had gone wrong. The leadership has been in place for over 30 years. The department fees are based solely on permitting fees. No basis on ad valorem taxes or fees. The fees are the same for county residents as for city residents. Based on review of new requirements for building permits, reviews, and third-party inspectors, city staff has recalculated the amount of staff that the city needs. The two people will not be enough to provide the same level of service. The requirements are too complex and time consuming for only two people. Staff now estimates that the need for the new building department to be 10 employees, plus 3-4 vehicles and office equipment. Due to these increases much more preparation is needed before the department could be staffed and active. The city currently has a reputation of being courteous, timely, and fiscally responsible. Its important to review all aspects of creating positions based on long term need, not as a response to any vague, unfounded criticism from any individual or group. If current processes and relationships are working in the best interests of citizens, the city should leave those processes as is. The city has an option 12

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 of placing a hold on the current building department initiative in order to carefully evaluate current processes and future needs. This can be reassessed annually, and staff is prepared to bring this back annually in budget workshops to be reevaluated; but based on everything that has been learned through the county regarding requirements, the recommendation is that the city maintains the current interlocal agreement with the county. Based on the new needs Hughes-Neel doesn't believe we are prepared to take on what would end up being 10 more employees at this time. She believes that the county is willing and able to handle everything exactly as they have and that we should look over all our interlocal agreements annually to make sure those are still viable and serviceable. Councilman Farris stated that he appreciated what Ms. Hughes-Neel and Mr. Martin had done. He believes that the Building Department has been working well with the city. He believes there needs to be a pause in this decision. Councilwoman Haffner stated that this upset her. She was led to believe this was a good amount of money that the city could make and bring a little bit of independence to the city. She is bothered that this information wasn't given before the motion was made to do this. She isn't sure that she can vote to pause yet because she doesn't understand how all of this unraveled. This decision was months in the making. She hates that they feel like they did something wrong, that wasn't the intention. She feels like the rug got pulled out from under her because she was under the impression that this was millions of dollars that the county has been getting from the city and now, we learn that isn't true. She doesn't think the city should take it on if it isn't going to make any money, but she doesn't understand how the numbers got so skewed. Ms. Hughes-Neel stated that building permits are restricted by the state as to how they can be utilized. You can't take monies that come from building permits and use it for anything other than the building department. It can't be transferred to anywhere else. It is self-supporting but it's not going to make any money that you can utilize in any other area of the city. Councilwoman Haffner stated that should've been brought to council ahead of time. She feels like this information should've been brought before it was voted on. City Attorney Adkinson stated that whether the council decided to rescind its action on this action or not, he would ask the council to consider pausing the transition at the start of the budget year for a couple of reasons. The new Senate Bill 1080 deals with development orders. It has new requirements that are above the city's current requirements. There are new processes of acknowledgement, providing information and to approve in a certain number of days. The numbers are 120 and 180 days start to finish regardless of whether it requires planning approval or council approval. There are about 4 other bills that go into effect. He is confident that the Planning Department is ahead of the curve. That being said, if the council desires to continue with the Permitting Department, please give it 60 to 90 days passed October 1. The plat statute has gone from 45 days to 15 days. Not working day just 15 days. City Attorney states that there is a lot of consternation right now around the state regarding timeframes. If we miss a plat by one day we're giving up all of our fees. We can't afford that. Councilwoman Hurst stated she would've like to have had this information before making the decision and 13

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 this should remind us to ask those kinds of questions. We should focus on need for the city before doing this instead of focusing on a want. This is functioning well with the county. We need to reflect and make sure we aren't taking on too much to soon. She would like to pause this decision and have an annual review. She thinks we need to vote on a pause tonight. Councilman Farris stated that we need all the facts before we make a decision. We need better communication. Moved by: Councilman Farris Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To pause the Building Department initiative and have an annual review. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner Councilwoman Hurst Councilman Farris Carried aye aye aye 5. Capital Improvement Program Planning Director Hughes-Neel stated we are supposed to do an annual review of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan. She and Mr. Martin have made a list for council to review. When we have to have projects to put forward for grant opportunities they need to be on this list. They have tried to be all inclusive. The numbers that are on the document are ballpark numbers and not actual costs. She wanted to present this for review. Asking for approval of the list knowing that if we need to add to it we can. Moved by: Councilwoman Haffner Seconded by: Councilwoman Hurst To approve the Comprehensive Improvement Plan with the understanding that if staff needs to add to it they can. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner aye Councilwoman Hurst aye Councilman Farris aye Carried 6. 331 N Landscaping Grant Opportunity Planning Director Hughes-Neel stated that we were donated a set of plans to landscape the northern end of 331 as you come into the city. In between then and now, FDOT added landscaping. We are backing up and looking to do landscaping for a mile and a half in that area. There is a beautification grant that we would like to explore. Would like to see if we could use that money to do that. Looking for permission for Anchor to apply for that grant to augment the landscaping that FDOT has already done and put more in for that mile and a half. Will bring the site plan before submittal. 14

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, August 28, 2025 Moved by: Councilwoman Hurst Seconded by: Councilman Farris Mayor Barley called for public comment and there was none. To approve Anchor applying for grant on behalf of the City of Freeport. A roll call vote was ordered, and the vote was as follows: Councilwoman Haffner Councilwoman Hurst Councilman Farris Carried. j. Sewer k. Utility Billing I. Water aye aye aye 10. Old Business 11. New Business a. Mayor Barley 1. Art in the Park Mayor Barley asked council for permission to work with Parks Director Bartlett and Parks Admin Assistant Smith to move forward with Art in the Park at the Barrier Free Park September 20 th from 9-2. Council agreed to move forward with that event. b. Councilman Dickey c. Councilwoman Brannon d. Councilman Farris e. Councilwoman Hurst f. Councilwoman Haffner 12. Public Comment 13. Adjournment With no other business, Mayor Barley motioned to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Minutes were prepared by City Clerk King and approved by the City Council on September 9, 2025. ATTEST: Russ Barley, Mayor