City of Freeport discusses Veteran’s Memorial additions, city hall security [PREMIUM]

Story by JEFFREY POWELL

The Freeport City Council held its first, and only, regularly scheduled meeting of the month on Nov. 13, 2018, at Freeport City Hall. All Council Members were present with approximately 12 members of the general public also in attendance.

The meeting began with Freeport Veterans Memorial Chairperson Tim Ard addressing the council. Ard outlined a two-year plan to complete the memorial with several new additions. Among those additions will be a PTSD memorial, a children left without parents memorial, a war dog memorial and a storyboard chronicling the history of the entire project. He also thanked everyone for attending Monday’s event and anyone who had a part in the ceremony and the construction of the venue.

Under the legal heading Freeport Attorney Clay Adkinson asked the council to approve a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to construct the city’s new wastewater treatment plant. Council members unanimously voted to move forward with the approximately $2 million project.

Mayor Russ Barley asked for and received permission to purchase a stage to be used for this year’s Christmas program, which will be held in just over two weeks. He pointed out that the stage could also be used throughout the year for other programs. The cost was just under $16,000.

Council Member Elizabeth Haffner brought before the board her concerns for security at City Hall. She pointed out that during election time many people from the general public are in and out of the building casting their vote. She suggested moving the precinct back to the Community Center for the next election. The council approved her suggestion. Council member William McCormick volunteered to perform a risk assessment on both the Community Center and City Hall.