03-15-2016 P&Z Minutes City of Clermont
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2016
Page 1
The workshop meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order Tuesday
March 15, 2016 at 6 00 p m by Chairman Nick Jones Other members present were Carlos Solis,
Herb Smith, and Tony Hubbard Also in attendance were James Kmzler, Assistant City Manager,
and Rae Chidlow, Planning Specialist
Assistant City Manager James Kinzler presented a PowerPoint on the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Grant and the Recreational Trails Grant Program He stated that Victory
Pointe, formally known as the West Lake wetlands project, is the first pnonty for the Downtown
Master Plan from an aesthetic and economic development aspect He stated that some of key
purposes are to improve regional stormwater management, protect Lake County Florida
waterways, boost local and state-wide tourism, and improve the environmentally sensitive areas
particularly the land connected the Coast to Coast Connector He stated during visioning sessions
two years ago, the residents wanted to see more beautification using natural elements, making
the area inviting for residents Residents also want to see the area prosper and create jobs He
stated that the stormwater in the downtown area is antiquated He stated that by creating this
stormwater pond it allows businesses to maximize the footpnnt and get the density that is needed
in the downtown area He stated that there will be a trail that goes through the downtown area
He stated that if we push the events into the downtown area, it will create more foot traffic for
the businesses He stated that economic development is the key component of the Master Plan
which is why the City wants the West Lake project to be one of the first projects He stated that it
provides for an attractive investment opportunity and it will trigger redevelopment for the
adjacent areas He stated that this will in turn address the visioning session results He stated that
the Victory Pointe project is the foundation for all of the Master Plan initiatives
Commissioner Smith asked if this was the swamp area near the boat ramp
Mr Kmzler stated that it is, and that area will be utilized to collect the stormwater from the
western region, creating a filter marsh to clean it before it flows out to Lake Minneola
Commissioner Smith asked if this will encroach on the boat ramp area
Mr Kmzler stated that they will need to move the boat ramp area to the east end of waterfront
near East Avenue
Commissioner Solis asked if East Avenue is the only option for the boat ramp
Mr Kinzler stated that they could possibly move it to the western end, however there are
restrictions on the grant conditions
Commissioner Smith asked what the cost estimate was for this project
Mr Kmzler stated that originally the budget was at $8 6 million, however they continue to adjust
the design, and it will cost less
City of Clermont
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2016
Page 2
Chairman Jones stated that he would like to express his enthusiastic endorsement of the project
Commissioner Solis stated that he is for the improvements
Commissioner Smith stated that this is a huge start and he is for it
Commissioner Hubbard stated that this is a good location to start and clean up
Chairman Jones stated that the benefits to the community as a whole are tremendous and he
encourages the city to move forward as quickly as possible
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6 25 pm
IW
Ni • o es, Chai
ATTEST
Rae Chidlow—Planning Specialist