08-24-2009 WorkshopCity of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
AUGUST 24, 2009
The Clermont City Council met in a workshop on Monday, August 24, 2009 in the Council Chambers at
City Hall. Mayor Turville called the workshop to order at 6:OOpm with the following Council Members
present: Thompson, Mullins, Goodgame and Hogan. Other City officials present were: City Manager
Saunders, City Clerk Ackroyd and Assistant City Manager Gray.
Hooks Street Funding
Commissioner Renick was not able to attend to speak on this subject. City Manager Saunders briefly
explained City staff met with County staff and the owners of right of ways we are in need of acquiring.
Half of the owners have committed to donating their right of way. Staff will return to Council with more
details as it relates to funding at a later date.
Historic Cooper Library Restoration Plan - GatorSktch
Mike Latham reviewed the site plan, demolition plan and reflected ceiling plan of the Historic Cooper
Library. Council agreed to the following changes: placement of the ADA ramp on the back side; the
porch will be placed on the east side near the rear window; the concrete porch and steps will be replaced
with wood porch, steps and columns with trim around the columns; the siding, plaster walls and ceiling
will not be removed; cut out an opening to patch and place ducting in; a package unit will be placed on
the back side underneath the walkways and run ducting underneath the structure. There will not be
ducting in the attic. The members of the Historical Society present were in agreement with the revisions.
Waterfront Pavilion Conceptual Plan - GatorSktch
Mike Latham presented the site and floor plan of the Pavilion. He also provided a second option of
combining the Pavilion with the Highlander Hut. The Council agreed to delay further discussion until
Council has reviewed their goals.
125 Year Celebration Update
Assistant City Manager Gray gave an overview of the event schedule to begin in mid-October. He
reviewed the media outlets to promote the events. The City has provided $10,000 and will be receiving
$40,000 from sponsors. Staff requested an additional $10,000 from the City Council to hire Cheryl
Fischel to manage the logistics as she has experience in coordinating special events. The Council spoke in
support of the request. City Manager Saunders noted a contract would be brought before Council for
approval at a meeting. $10,000 will come from 2008-2009 fiscal year budget and $10,000 from next fiscal
year's budget.
Fire Department -Safer Grant
City Manager Saunders requested permission from Council to file application for the Safer Grant for two
(2) positions that were frozen in the Fire Department budget. Staff will return to Council for acceptance of
the grant, if awarded. Council was in agreement to apply for the requested grant.
9/ll Dedication Ceremony
Fire Chief Bishop informed Council of a Clermont resident that has donated a piece of steel from Ground
Zero of the World Trade Center to the Fire Department. Also, Mr. Bishop requested monuments in
memory of Keith Benoir and April Hoover to be placed around the flag pole at Fire Station No. 1. The
estimated cost is $6,500 for the monuments. City Manager Saunders noted staff is requesting permission
to have a dedication memorial ceremony on September 11, 2009 at Fire Station No. 1 and funding of
$6,500 for the monuments. Council agreed with the request. Mr. Saunders remarked staff will move
forward and place it on a Council agenda for approval.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
AUGUST 24, 2009
Historical Society Commemorative Book Funding Request
Council Member Goodgame commented the Historical Society will be selling commemorative books for
a fundraiser. He recommended the City provide a sponsorship in the amount of $500. This will be
introduced at a Council meeting for approval.
Red Light Cameras -Location Discussion
City Manager Saunders provided a graph illustrating the number of crashes at intersections. The Council
would have to identify which intersections in the contract. The company would provide an analysis and
place temporary equipment at the selected intersections; then, return with a report to determine if feasible
to place at those locations. Police Chief Graham selected six (6) intersections and Mr. Saunders agreed
with those recommendations. Council discussed a couple of class action lawsuits from cities using red
light cameras. They agreed to postpone a decision until an outcome is known on the lawsuits.
Economic Visioning Questionnaire
Council Member Thompson represents Clermont on the South Lake City's Economic Development
Group. Each city is asked to complete a SWOT Analysis. The Council was asked to review the document
provided and to send comments to Assistant City Manager Gray. The group is working together to
promote the area as one.
Council Member Hogan reported on the dissolution of the Water Alliance.
Mayor Turville asked Council for memorial ideas for Spc. Alexander Miller. He is a soldier from
Clermont killed in Afghanistan. The City Council discussed a few options. Mayor Turville noted he will
pass on the suggestions to the mother of Spc. Alexander Miller.
Emergency Warning/Notification RFP
There were a total of twelve companies that attended the pre bid mandatory meeting. Nine of those
submitted proposals. The Council agreed to have a committee review the proposals and give a
recommendation to the Council. The review committee will consist of City Manager Saunders, Assistant
City Manager Gray, Police Chief Graham and Fire Chief Bishop. The Council recommended Jim Purvis
be a part of the review committee.
Life Stream Funding Request
Council Member Thompson recommended Council consideration of a funding request from Life Stream.
The Council expressed concern with the request. Mr. Thompson suggested the City contribute $5,000 if
they provide a summer recreation program since the city decided to not fund a summer program in next
year's budget. After further discussion, Mr. Thompson noted he would research and return to Council at a
later date.
Handicap Parking Space Requirements
Council discussed the need for additional handicap spaces at Clermont Landing. A suggestion was made
to increase the number based on the type of establishment. City Manager Saunders explained Council
could approve the change as part of the Conditional Use Permit. Council requested City Manager
Saunders contact Epic Theater to ask if they will consider increasing the number of handicap spaces.
Mayor Turville suggested placing benches in downtown. He asked Assistant City Manager Gray to
contact a local high school to ask if the Shop Program needed a project. The City will purchase the
materials.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
AUGUST 24, 2009
Mayor Turville called for a recess at 9:11pm; the workshop reconvened at 9:25pm.
Council Visioning/Priorities
City Manager Saunders distributed copies of the capital projects list.
Council Member Thompson provided a list of priorities to include: Jenkins Auditorium, Cultural Center,
Senior Center, Downtown, Economic Development, Bishop Field, South Lake Softball Complex
expansion funding, IdentityBranding of City and Beautification.
Council Member Hogan noted Jenkins Auditorium is his top priority and suggested providing incentives
to bring businesses into Downtown Clermont.
Council Member Mullins suggested lighting along Montrose Street and to consider investment
opportunities.
Council Member Goodgame named his priorities consisting of: Jenkins Auditorium, Veterans Park,
landscaping along Citrus Tower Blvd., Senior Center and Kehlor Park.
The Council discussed the funding request Dot Richardson presented at a budget workshop as a possible
investment opportunity. The request is for permanent seating at Legends Way Field. The Council agreed
to ask Ms. Richardson to return to Council with a formal request.
Furthermore, the Council agreed on Bishop Field as a priority.
Jim Purvis, 4206 Hammersmith Drive, suggested the Council consider hiring a Professional Land
Planner.
ADJOURN: With no further comments, the workshop was adjourned at 10:32pm.
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