02-15-2010 Council RetreatCity of Clermont
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
FEBRUARY 15, 201a - 9:OQam
The fallowing were present: Mayor Turville, Council Members Thompson, Mullins, Goodgame and
Hogan. Other officials present were: City Manager Saunders, City Attorney Mantlaris, Assistant City
Manager Gray and City Clerk Ackroyd.
Joint Planning Area Expansion/Annexation
City Manager Saunders provided an overview of the Joint Planning Area expansion, proposed future land
use classification, zoning and annexation issues. The Council discussed potential concerns with public
safety and water supply. The concept under consideration is b0 percent open space, restrict residential as a
secondary use to support the primary uses and define in the comprehensive plan. The primary use would
be job creation. Mayor Turville expressed concern with the proposal and the remaining Council Members
supported the concept of restrictive uses.
The retreat recessed at IO:Ibam and reconvened at 10:35am.
Council agreed to schedule a workshop with this item only on the agenda. This would be an additional
meeting for public comment prior to the foil public hearing process of a regular Council meeting.
City Sponsored Events
Assistant City Manager Gray stated the Downtown Partnership is interested in collaborating with the City
to hire a part time employee to plan more events downtown. Council agreed to discuss the possibility of
contracting an events planner or hiring an employee at a future workshop.
The Historical Society would like to have a Founders Day event the end of April and a Pioneer Day in
October.
Council discussed and agreed to remove the lights on the trees located downtown. The Council also
discussed selling the 125"' Celebration event banners and other promotional items to the public.
The retreat recessed at 11:45am; the retreat reconvened at I:Ilpm.
City Branding
City Manager Saunders provided an overview of the purpose of branding the city, developing a brand
strategy and implementing a brand. The Council asked staff to determine the cost and interest from other
participants such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Budget
Administrative Services Director Van Zile provided an overview of the current budget and reviewed the
revenue analysis. City Manager Saunders expects a 10 to 15 percent reduction in ad valorem taxes. All
departments have been advised to cut their budgets by 5 percent and evaluate possible efficiencies.
City o, f Clermont
MINUTES
CTTI' COUNCIL RETREAT
FEBRUARY 15, 2010 - 9:OOam
Assistant City Manager Gray provided an update on the major projects far this fiscal year,
Council and staff reviewed the plan for the Inland Groves property.
Council discussed their priorities far fiscal year 2010-2011. Council Member Hogan requested giving
precedence to lake visibility for public swimming. Council Member Goodgame expressed preference for
fuel efficient vehicles.
Police Department
City Manager Saunders and Police Chief Graham proposed combining Police Department dispatching
services with the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The city successfully moved Fire Department dispatch to
Lake Sumter EMS. The city would save approximately $250,000 - $2?5,000 per year. The consensus of
the Council was to have staff obtain a proposal and return to Council.
City Manager Saunders proposed a reorganization of the Police Department. Police Chief Graham
explained the department needs consisting of reclassifying 3 positions and funding for an existing
position this fiscal year which had been frozen. Council agreed to place the request on a future Council
agenda for consideration.
The retreat recessed at 3:10pm and reconvened at 3:21pm.
City Wide Economic Incentives
City Manager Saunders reviewed various city wide incentive programs to determine if CouneiI is
interested in targeting businesses. Other cities have waived impact fees or established an ad valorem
abatement program. At this time, Council is not interested in moving forward with a city wide incentive
program.
Sprayfield Property
City Manager Saunders reported the contract between the City and Lake County for the purchase of the
spray field property lapsed on February $. The adjacent property is being offered to Lake County for $3.5
million. Council discussed lowering the price of the spray field property and extending the number of
years the county could make payments to the city. City Manager Saunders will be meeting with County
Commissioner Cadwell and Interim County Manager Minkoff. The Council agreed to have Mayor
Turville present at the meeting to negotiate with Lake County and agreed to trust their judgment.
Other
Council discussed having the company proposing red light cameras make a presentation to Cauncii at a
workshop. City Manager Saunders noted the contract will be on the agenda the first meeting in March.
ADJaURN: With no further comments, the retreat adjourned at 4:06pm.
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