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06-23-2015 Regular Meeting City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23, 2015
The Clermont City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 m the Council Chambers
at City Hall Mayor Ash called,the meeting to order at 6:30pm with the following Council Members
present: Council Members)Goodgame,'Mullins, Bates and Travis. Other City officials present were:
City Manager Gray, City Attorney Oyewale,and Deputy City Clerk Noak.
INVOCATION
Pastor Will Perez gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bob Peraza expressed safety concerns with the traffic flow onto U.S. Highway 27. Traffic leaving Kings
Ridge turns right onto U.S:Highway 27, and traffic'leaving the Clermont Community Center must exit
right and turn around near the kings Ridge entrance to head north on U.S. Highway 27. The situation is
hazardous, especially after large events at the Clermont Community Center.
Council Member Goodgame commented the Arts and Recreation Center has a rear entrance onto
Hammock Ridge Road and requested staff review having a one-way entrance and exit to the facility. City
Manager Gray stated the option would be reviewed.
Helmut Michelson stated he enjoyed the Coffee with the Mayor gathering.
A representative from the Canbbean Festival thanked Council for allowing the use of Waterfront Park for
their event
Harry Mason commented on running an orderly and professional meeting
REPORTS
City Manager Gray reported he was working with Ms. Forth regarding Code violation issues. He thanked
Council and staff for attending the swearmg in ceremony of City Clerk Ackroyd as the Florida
Association of City Clerks President.
City Attorney Oyewale—No report.
Council Member Bates commented he attended the Flag Day event in Tavares, welcomed residents to
Olympic Day, and will be attending the Florida League of Cities meeting on June 26`h.
Council Member Goodgame reported the Histonc Village will be open on July 4th and will serve hotdogs
and hamburgers. He encouraged the public to attend the 4th of July celebration at Waterfront Park He
commented on reflective strips on stop sign posts.
Council Member Mullins commented First Friday with the food trucks and Music on Montrose will be
held on July 3`d 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
Council Member Travis stated the State of Flonda Public Policy and Economic Development committees
tracked several budget items which impact south Lake County. Governor Scott vetoed more than $460
million for local projects. The South Lake Water Initiative project is in the lead.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
Mayor Ash reported she attended the Emancipation Day Celebration at the Arts and Recreation Center
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ash advised the next item on the Agenda for consideration was the Consent Agenda and requested
anyone wishing to have any item pulled for discussion to please come forward at this time
Item No. 1—Meeting Minutes Consider request to approve minutes of the
January 27,2015 and February 10, 2015 Regular
Council meeting
Item No. 2—Resolution No.2015-21 Consider Resolution to approve Fiscal Year
2015 Budget Amendments.
Item No.3—Resolution No.2015-22 Consider Resolution request to repeal and
replace Chapter 5 of the Personnel Policy.
Item No.4—Plat Approval Consider approval of the plat for Highland
Ranch Esplanade Phase 1A.
Item No.5—Master Plan Agreement Consider agreement with Robert Thompson of
Winter Park Consulting Group, LLC,to provide
professional consulting services for the
downtown portion of the City's Master plan.
Council Member Goodgame pulled Consent Item No. 5.
Council Member Goodgame moved to approve Items 1 through 4 on the Consent Agenda
as submitted; seconded by Council Member Mullins. The motion passed with all
members present voting aye
Council Member Goodgame requested City Manager Gray provide details of the agreement with Winter
Park Consulting Group,LLC.
City Manager Gray stated the Master Plan process will be implemented soon and there was a need for
private investors to assist in the process. Robert Thompson; Winter Park Consulting Group, LLC, will
put together informational packets and set up meetings with investors The agreement is for a year with a
30-day out clause. Mr Thompson will provide quarterly updates to the Council
Council Member Goodgame stated he would like Mr Thompson to be involved with the Sector Plan
Council Member Goodgame moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 5; seconded by
Council Member Mullins. The motion passed with all members present voting aye
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item No.6—Ordinance No.2015-14,Final, Plaza Colina
Deputy City Clerk Noak read Ordinance 2015-14 aloud by title only.
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clermont, Lake County, Flonda,
adopting the Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the City of Clermont,
Flonda, pursuant to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act, Chapter 163,
Part II, Flonda Statutes; setting forth the authority for adoption of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; setting forth the purpose and intent of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, providing for the adoption of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; establishing the legal status of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; providing a severability clause and providing an
effective date.
Development Services Director Hollerand presented the administrative request to adopt a Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the future land use from Lake County's Regional
Commercial to the City's Master Planned Development designation for the Plaza Colina development
The City annexed the property and approved a Conditional Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development in
Apnl. The Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment was transmitted to the Flonda Department of
Economic Opportunity and other reviewing agencies The proposed amendment was reviewed by the
agencies and no objections were raised. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2015-14.
Mayor Ash opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Ash closed the public
heanng.
Council Member Bates inquired when the Ordinance would go into effect. City Manager Gray stated the
effective date would be the date approved by Council.
Council Member Goodgame inquired if Plaza Collina would enter into a pioneenng agreement. City
Manager Gray stated Plaza Colina has a Utility Service Agreement and will be installing the
infrastructure
Council Member Mullins moved to approve Ordinance 2015-14; seconded by Council
Member Bates The motion passed 5 to 0 on a roll call vote.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
Item No. 7—Ordinance No. 2015-21;Final, Don Mealey Chevrolet
Deputy City Clerk Noak read Ordinance 2015-21 aloud by title only
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clermont, Lake County, Flonda,
adopting the Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the City of Clermont,
Flonda, pursuant to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act, Chapter 163,
Part II, Flonda Statutes; setting forth the authority for adoption of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; setting forth the purpose and intent of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; providing for the adoption of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; establishing the legal status of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; providing a severability clause and providing an
effective date.
Development Services Director Hollerand presented the administrative request for a Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the future land use from Lake County's Regional
Commercial to the City's Commercial designation for Don Mealey Chevrolet The City annexed the
property and approved a rezoning to the City's C-2 General Commercial classification in Apnl. The
Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment was transmitted to the Flonda Department of Economic
Opportunity and other reviewing agencies. The proposed amendment was reviewed by the agencies and
no objections were raised. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2015-21.
Mayor Ash opened the public heanng. There were no public comments. Mayor Ash closed the public
heanng.
Council Member Mullins moved to approve Ordinance 2015-21, seconded by Council
Member Bates. The motion passed 5 to 0 on a roll call vote
Item No.8—Ordinance No.2015-39;Final, East Towne Center
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clermont, Lake County, Flonda,
adopting the Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the City of Clermont,
Flonda, pursuant to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act, Chapter 163,
Part II, Flonda Statutes; setting forth the authonty for adoption of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; setting forth the purpose and intent of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; providing for the adoption of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; establishing the legal status of the Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment; providing a severability clause and providing an
effective date.
Development Services Director Hollerand presented the administrative request for a Large Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the future land use from Lake County's Regional
Commercial to the City's Commercial designation for East Towne Center. The City annexed the
property and approved a rezoning to the City's C-2 General Commercial classification in Apnl The
Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment was transmitted to the Flonda Department of Economic
Opportunity and other reviewing agencies The proposed amendment was reviewed by the agencies and
no objections were raised. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2015-39
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
Mayor Ash opened the public heanng. There were no public comments Mayor Ash closed the public
heanng
Council Member Mullins moved to approve Ordinance 2015-39; seconded by Council
Member Bates The'motion passed 5 to 0 on a roll call vote.
Item No.9—Ordinance No. 2015-30; Withdrawn
Mayor Ash announced Ordinance 2015-30 was withdrawn by staff
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 10—Hancock Park Grant Request
City Manager Gray stated the City applied for a grant through the Tounst Development Council. The
Tourist Development Council application process became available and the South Lake Hospital and
Lake-Sumter College were not prepared to submit an application The City offered Hancock Park as a
potential expansion project and the Tounst Development Council denied the application due to concerns
regarding displacement of community groups He stated a lot of misinformation has circulated regarding
the potential expansion project. The City has no intention of displacing any community group, the City is
not selling the property, and the City is not contracting with PFX Athletics to manage the property.
Economic Development Director Hitt presented a review of the Tounst Development Council application
to reconstruct a portion of Hancock Park. The expansion of the softball field on the lower southeast
corner, expansion of the soccer fields, and expansion of the parking area were part of the funding request
The Tounst Development Council recommended denial; however the Lake County Board of County
Commissioners will make the final decision.
City Manager Gray stated Lake County Commissioner Parks was waiting for Council to determine if the
current application,should move forward to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. The
South Lake Hospital and.Lake-Sumter College are willing to regroup and apply in the fall. The current
application would then be withdrawn.
Council Member Mullins commented the Tounst Development Council expressed concern regarding the
location, considered waiting for park development in the Sector Plan, and expressed concern on changing
soccer fields into softball fields.
Council Member Mullins, Council Member Goodgame, and Mayor Ash were in favor of moving forward
and partnenng with'the hospital and college.
Mayor Ash opened the public heanng.
Alison Strange, Will Braxton, Tom Swane, and Lisa Rayboum spoke in favor of expanding recreational
fields.
Petitions in opposition to making changes to Hancock Park were presented to City Manager Gray
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23, 2015
Peter D'Orazio, Scott Battaglia, Tim Bowman, Richard Hams, Angel Vega, Tasha Ralstin, Joe Vamzio,
Adam Hendershot, Brenda Battaglia, Shannon Battaglia, and John Lucas expressed concerns about the
expansion project at Hancock Park, displacement of players, and PFX Athletics.
Mayor Ash closed the public heanng
Council Member Mullins commented the south Lake area was in need of more fields. Lake County, City
of Clermont, South Lake Hospital, and Lake-Sumter College need to meet and evaluate how to move
forward.
City Manager Gray stated the purpose of the discussion was to consider withdrawing the current
application and work with Lake County, the south Lake County,municipalities, South Lake Hospital, and
Lake-Sumter College to discuss recreation fields in south Lake County
Mayor Ash inquired what the National Training Center and South Lake Hospital would contnbute City
Manager Gray stated they would provide field space The majority of the sports tournaments would use
the new fields.
Mayor Ash expressed concern on partnenng with other entities if the entities would restnct the girls
softball team from utilizing their fields.
Council Member Bates inquired if funds would be available to make improvements to the Hancock Park
fields. City Manager Gray,commented improvements for the fields at Hancock Park and in Minneola
would be part of the discussions.'
Attorney Oyewale suggested the agreement come back to Council prior to an application being submitted.
City Manager Gray stated Lake County Commissioner Parks will be orgamzmg a group consisting of all
the users,youth sports leagues, south Lake County municipalities and review how to fund local recreation
needs.
Commissioner Parks commented a master planning process was underway to partner with Lake County,
the south Lake County municipalities, and other entities for planning the use of the old sprayfield
property located on Highway 50. The consultant should have a plan in place by the end of the year.
Council Member Bates asked to be part of the meeting.
Council Member Goodgame moved,to table to July 14; seconded by Council Member
Mullins. The motion passed with all members present voting aye
Mayor Ash recessed the meeting at 8:38pm. Mayor Ash reconvened the meeting at 8 58pm.
Item No. 11—Fire Fee Study
Finance Director VanZile stated a fire assessment fee had been discussed at the end of the budget process
last year. Council approved hinng consultant Tindale Oliver to develop an assessment study in January
2015 A Resolution was adopted in February 2015 to provide for collection of an assessment through the
annual property taxes, should the City implement the fee. He introduced Nilgun Kamp and Steve Tindale
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
with Tindale Oliver, who presented the draft Fire Assessment Study results
Ms. Kamp discussed the process utilized to calculate the potential assessment rates. The portion of the
budget which can be funded through a fire assessment can only include expenses related to Fire Rescue
and Basic Life Support services. The proposed assessment for single family residential, duplex, and
mobile homes was $150.59 per dwelling unit. The proposed assessment for multi-family housing was
$73.55 per dwelling unit. Non-Residential commercial assessment rate was proposed at $0 3149 per
square foot; industnal/warehouse $0.1110 per square foot, institutional $0.3066 per square foot, vacant
and agricultural land $46 64 per parcel. Many junsdictions exempt all government owned property,
institutional property, and schools. The next steps were to gather input from the City Council, produce a
final technical study report, and hold public heanngs.
Council Member Goodgame asked how the City could persuade fixed income persons to pay for fire
service they already receive.
Council Member Mullins commented decreasing the millage rate would help persons on fixed incomes.
Council Member Travis preferred maintaining the current millage rate.
Council Member Mullins inquired if churches were considered commercial. Ms. Kamp stated churches
were institutional.
City Manager Gray stated Council could exempt institutional.
Council Member Mullins commented the City should use acreage and square footage to determine the
rate.
Council Member Travis and Mayor Ash agreed with Council Member Mullins
Mayor Ash asked what classification would villas that are attached as units fall under. Ms Kamp stated
the classification would fall under multi-family.
Council Member Mullins commented the City could provide a discount for commercial property with a
fire sprinkler system.
Council Member Travis stated Lake County does not charge a fire assessment on vacant land.
City Manager Gray commented Lake County assesses churches at 25 percent of the fee and bases the rate
on square footage
Council Members Bates and Goodgame expressed concerns on assessing a fire service fee.
Council Member Mullins was in favor of the concept and stated imposing an assessment should be paired
with a reduction in the ad valorem tax rate.
Mayor Ash inquired how much money would be generated if the millage rate was increased by 1 mil.
Finance Director VanZile stated an increase of 1 mil would generate an additional $1 9 million
Mayor Ash commented the millage rate was increased a year ago and was opposed to increasing the rate.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
City Manager Gray commented government has limited revenue options and a fire assessment was an
available option to balance the general fund. The study presented was preliminary and the policy decision
will be for the Council to determine.
Item No. 12—Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Budget Preview
City Manager Gray stated the purpose was to provide Council with an overview pnor to the budget
workshop sessions.
Finance Director VanZile provided an overview of the projected General Fund revenues, expenditures,
and reserves for fiscal year 2016. The projected deficit for the General Fund is $2,868,787 Reserves at
the end of the 2016 fiscal year are projected to be $6,041,922. A fire assessment fee of $75 would
generate approximately$2 million and a 1 mil increase would generate$1.9 million
A residence valued at $200,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption would be assessed to pay a $75 fire
assessment fee, or pay an additional $150 in ad valorem taxes based on a 1 mil increase
Finance Director VanZile commented the concept of the fire fee was any expenditure funded by the fire
fee would be removed from the general fund and placed into a separate fund
Police and Fire expenditures are more than 50 percent of the general fund expenditures. Significant
budgeted expenditures from the general fund included ment increases, new positions, Council Chamber
audio/visual system, Fire Station and Public Works telephone systems, Fire Department defibnllators,
Fire Department hazardous matenals trailer, Public Works replacement vehicles, Desoto Street Fire
Station demolition,and Arts and Recreation Center improvements.
Council Member Goodgame inquired if revenue from the Performing Arts Center was included City
Manager Gray stated the revenue projections for the Performing Arts Center were included
Finance Director VanZile covered other significant expenditures from the general fund which included
fiber network phase 4; new police vehicles; replacement police and fire vehicles; Police, Joint Fire
Station, and Public Works construction, Fire Department traffic control devices; park entrance signs;
Palatlakaha Park playground rebuild; splash pad pavilion; and Hancock Soccer Field lighting and fencing.
Council Member Goodgame asked how long the new fire station would remain a joint station. City
Manager Gray anticipated the joint station will phase out in five years.
Finance Director VanZile reviewed the Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Sanitation, Building Services, and
Commumty Redevelopment Agency significant expenditures.
Council Member Travis inquired what matenal would be used to rebuild the Palatlakaha Park playground
Public Works Director Brunson responded wood composite would be used
Council Member Mullins inquired about the status of the information kiosks. Purchasing Director Suarez
stated the project was currently out for bid.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 23,2015
ADJOURN: Withno further comme ts,t s meeting was adjourned at 10 07 m s?,.
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