Freeport managers present 2024 ‘year in review’: streets, water and library mark gains

City department heads summarized 2024 accomplishments for the council, highlighting street resurfacing, water‑and‑sewer work, code‑enforcement activity, and library program growth.

Director Bridal, presenting the year‑in‑review slides, said public‑works crews laid 15,221 tons of hot‑mix asphalt in 2024—paving roughly 7.5 miles of streets—and plowed 10,471 miles of roads. The presentation listed 261 dead/dangerous trees removed, 108 trees planted, and more than 4,566 resident service calls routed through public works.

Darren Stiegl, public‑works staff, said Phase 1 of wastewater‑treatment upgrades continued and that crews installed 10 new fire hydrants and assisted with about 490 lead service line replacements. Stiegl said the city’s work to mark utilities (so‑called “Julies”) consumed significant crew time because construction activity and the Surf Internet project are extensive.

Library director Hopkins reported a banner year for patrons: 107,508 physical books circulated, 21,531 digital items borrowed and 6,048 children, teen and adult program attendees for the summer season. Hopkins also announced the library will go “fine free” on Feb. 1, 2025, and promoted the city’s One Book One Freeport kickoff.

Council questions centered on process and qualifications. Alderman Sanders pressed Bridal and other directors about hiring and job descriptions; Bridal said personnel details were separate from the annual report and could be addressed at a subsequent meeting. Questions about timing of rental‑registration mailers and about staffing for social‑media moderation were referred to staff for follow up.

Ending: Council accepted the presentation and asked staff for clarifying follow‑ups on mailings, vendor issues and personnel records; staff said it would return with updates.