07-11-2017 Regular Council City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 11, 2017
Clermont City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 in the Clermont City Council
Chambers. Mayor Ash called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with the following Council Members
present: Council Members Mullins, Bates, Travis and Goodgame. Other City officials present were: City
Manager Gray,City Attorney Oyewale, and Deputy City Clerk Noak.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Arocho gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Legislative Update—GrayRobinson
Chris Comody, Chris Dawson, and Robert Stuart presented the City Council with the 2017 Legislative
Session update. A total of 3,052 bills were filed and only 249 passed both the Senate and House. The
Legislature approved an $82.9 billion budget and Governor Scott signed the budget on June 2, 2017.
Governor Scott vetoed the entire public education section and $410 million in projects. The Legislature
approved a tax package which included a 0.2 percent reduction in business rent tax, a back to school sales
tax holiday, a hurricane preparedness tax holiday, a tax break on construction materials in rural areas of
opportunity, and increased the Brownfields Tax Credit from $5 million to $10 million. State employees
were given permanent raises of$1,000 to $1,400 and approval of a pension reform default selection for
new State employees. The gambling issue died in the final week of the 2017 Legislative Session.
The Special Legislative Session Medical Marijuana Bill passed and established 10 additional licenses,
capped the number of dispensaries available to each license holder, and allows local governments to ban
dispensaries from their jurisdictions. House Bill 1-A passed in the Special Legislative Session which
funds Visit Florida at $76 million with increased transparency measures. The bill creates a new
Infrastructure Fund with $85 million designed to support public projects, fund projects which meet the
state's qualified target industry list, and serves as an economic stimulus by luring private investment
through publicly-owned infrastructure instead of through incentives.
Senate Bill 10 was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. The bill and the accompanying
spending authority will create a new reservoir to collect runoff. Senate Bill 80 was signed by Governor
Scott on May 23, 2017. The bill closed a loophole in the public records law and local governments
cannot be sued unnecessarily for attorney's fees when they act in good faith.
Senate Bill 90 was passed and will provide an 80 percent property tax abatement on solar equipment
installed on non-residential property after January 1, 2018 and an 80 percent exemption from property tax
for solar energy equipment located on federally owned Department of Defense property regardless of the
installation date.
The House and the Senate passed a House Joint Resolution to send to the ballot a proposed additional
$25,000 homestead exemption. The constitutional amendment requires 60 percent voter approval and if
passed by the voters in November 2018 will institute an additional $25,000 exemption off the first
$25,000 of the second$100,000 in taxable value.
The City of Clermont received $500,000 for Victory Pointe from the cultural grants fund allocation of
$11.1 million.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 11, 2017
Council Member Bates asked of the future of the tax credit for the entertainment industry. Mr. Comody
commented the House is not in favor of the tax credit.
City Manager Gray thanked the GrayRobinson team. The City would not have received the funding for
Victory Pointe without their assistance.
Wellness Program Update
Human Resources Director Dauderis presented an update on the City of Clermont Wellness Program.
The benefits of the program will increase quality of life, morale, productivity, organizational image, and
employee retention. The program focuses on physical activity, nutrition, mental health and financial
health. The 2017 goals include increasing the number of employees who receive the $5.00 per paycheck
wellness credit, establish a brand for the program, increase awareness of cardiovascular risk factors, and
increase the number of employees who participate in the various programs offered. Future goals include
introducing incentives by level of participation, healthier vending machine alternatives, and incorporate a
new level of measuring health outcomes.
Recreation Update
Parks and Recreation Director Davidoff presented an update on the Parks and Recreation Department.
The upcoming season at the Clermont Performing Arts Center includes Menopause the Musical,
Roseanne Barr,Chubby Checker,Nashville on Tour,On Golden Pond,and Clermont Cabaret Series. The
Champions for a Lifetime program has had 2,160 participants since October 1, 2017. The Arts and
Recreation Center has offered 730 classes with 1,596 participants and the City conducts educational
programs for families, groups,and schools at Lake Hiawatha Preserve.
The Parks and Recreation provides rental services for the City's athletic fields, meeting rooms, private
splash park rentals and took over the operation of the Clermont City Center on April 3, 2017. Mr.
Davidoff thanked his staff, the Police Department, the Fire Department, and Public Works for their hard
work and assistance.
Council Member Goodgame commented the presentation should be placed on the website as a slide show
with audio.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Purvis; 4206 Hammersmith Drive, requested the City commemorate all of the people who had
donated to Hancock Park when the park was originally developed.
Robert De Loach; 10290 Lake Minneola Shores, Kim Cashmer 10348 Lake Minneola Shores, Chris
Davis; and Holly Zubkin; 15848 Tower View Drive, commented on lack of notification of the boat ramp
relocation, the additional traffic, the hours of operation, concern of the parking, the low water levels,
current airboat noise, and tree removal at the new boat ramp site.
City Manager Gray stated there would be a community meeting regarding the new boat ramp and the
surrounding property owners will be notified.
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July 11, 2017
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Council Member Travis asked of the law on airboats in Lake Minneola. City Manager Gray stated
airboats are allowed on Lake Minneola and the Lake County Sheriff's Office enforces the noise II
ordinance.
Tim Engle; 164 Orange Avenue, spoke in agreement with the concerns regarding the new boat ramp. Mr. , s
Engle indicated he was unable to attend the City Council meeting regarding the lease for his business, q
Clermont Waterfront Bikes and Boards. The lease agreement was terminated. He commented he would I'.
like to locate Clermont Waterfront Bikes and Boards to the Train Depot at the Historic Village. Mr. ' s I'
Engle stated glass on the beach continues to be an issue and removing the glass is the City'sN
responsibility. I I
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Council Member Travis commented she spoke with Fred Sommer; Sommer Sports,regarding glass on the ; s!
beach. Mr. Sommer indicated he has not received complaints of glass on the beach from athletes
• attending Sommer Sports events. II
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David Crosby; Carroll Street, spoke in support of Mr. Engle. l
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REPORTS ,i
City Manager Gray thanked the City Council for their participation in the 4'h of July event. Mr. Gray s
announced the City Council will hold Budget Workshops on July 18 and July 19, 2017 at 6:30pm in the
City Council Chambers.
Lindsay Oyewale was present on behalf of City Attorney Mantzaris—No report. '
Council Member Bates—No report. , Il
Council Member Goodgame reported on attending the Woodwinds Apartments ground breaking
ceremony.
Council Member Mullins commented on attending the Woodwinds Apartments ground breaking s ,
ceremony and the City's 4'h of July event. _ ! !1
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Council Member Travis announced the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Breakfast will be held on July II 6
21, 2017, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be held at Chili's, and the
Lake County Sports and Tourism Committee will begin their next sessions at the National Training
Center on August 9, 2017 at 8am.
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Mayor Ash reported on attending the wake for Bonnie Maguire, the Woodwinds Apartments
groundbreaking ceremony, met with Senator Stargel staff members and arranged to have space available II
at City Hall, attended the July 4th event at the Waterfront Pavilion. Ms. Ash thanked Parks and j
Recreation,Public Works,and the Police and Fire Department staff for their efforts at City events.
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.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 11, 2017 ,
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Item No. 1 —Meeting Minutes Consider approval of the April 25, 2017 and the '
May 9, 2017 Regular Council Meeting minutes.
Item No. 2—Surplus Property Consider approval to declare end of life ,
inventory as surplus from the City Clerk, Fire,
and Parks and Recreation departments. i,
Item No.3—Contract Award Consider request to piggyback the Florida
Sheriff's Association contract to-purchase (1) ! ,k
Caterpillar 416F Backhoe.loader in the budgeted
amount of$70,202.00.
Item No.4—Resolution No.2017-30 Consider Resolution to approve the National
Incident Management System(NIMS).
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Item No.5—Resolution No. 2017-33 Consider Resolution opposing changes to the
, Lake Sumter MetropolitanPlanning j
Organization.
Council Member Goodgame moved for approval of the Consent Agenda; seconded by
Council Member Mullins. The motion passed with all members present voting aye.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS !
Item No. 6—Ordinance No. 2017-26 Final—Huber, Right-of-Way closure
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The applicant withdrew the request.
The following was presented collectively and voted on separately. j
Item No. 7—Event and Road Closure Request, Clermont Downtown Partnership, Farmer's Market and
Merchant Faire
Item No. 8—Event and Road Closure Request, Clermont Downtown Partnership, First Friday Family 1
Food Trucks and Music on Montrose j
Parks and Recreation Director Davidoff stated the requests were brought before the City Council at the 'f.
May 9, 2017 meeting. The City Council approved the events for a period of three months and set a j
workshop for June 8, 2017 to discuss concerns brought to the City. The events require Council approval
due to requested road closures. !,
City Manager Gray commented the permits expired the end of May 2017 and the extensions granted at •
the May 9, 2017 meeting expire the end of July 2017. •
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Ron Smart; Clermont Downtown Partnership Executive Director, distributed background information on I
the changes the Clermont Downtown Partnership has implemented since November 2016. r'
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Mayor Ash commented on not having the distributed information in advance. p
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 11, 2017
Mr. Smart stated the Farmer's Market and,Merchant Faire was initially limited to one block. The City
Council approved expansion of the market toinclude some of the 8' Street merchants, and then further
expansions were requested to extend to the prior Police Station on Montrose Street. The Clermont
Downtown Partnership has looked at several other locations, including City Hall Park, Waterfront Park,
the City Hall parking lot, the parking lot between Minneola Street and Montrose Street, and:the current
location with some modifications. The majority of. the Clermont Downtown Partnership members
preferred the event remaining on Montrose Street.
The map included in the Council packet shows a proposed re-alignment to stretch the event to be more is
inclusive of all the businesses in the downtown area. The vendor tents will be offset and awayfrom the j
curbs. Vendor tents in front of businesses closed-on Sundays would be placed against the curb, with
additional vendors added on 8'h Street.
Mr. Smart reviewed the changes to the First Friday Family Food Trucks and Music on Montrose event;
which included adding more attractions, activities, and entertainment zones; increasing invitations'to
downtown businesses to participate; providing informational kiosk booths; and increase signage and
advertising.
The Clermont Downtown Partnership has implemented and will continue to implement changes to allow
more inclusiveness of all the businesses in the Downtown District by encouraging using space at the
Farmer's Market and Merchant Faire, forming a Welcome Committee Team, increase outreach to all
businesses, inviting non-profits to participate in both events, opening exposure to shops, and hiring a
Social Media Journalist.
The Clermont Downtown Partnership has developed a plan for use of other areas for both events during s
the resurfacing of Montrose Street.
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Amanda Walsh; Clermont Downtown Partnership Member, stated the concerns are being addressed and
the Clermont Downtown Partnership continues to implement changes to improve both events.
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Mayor Ash passed the gavel to Council Member Travis.
Mayor Ash moved to extend both events for 3 months; seconded by Council Member
Bates to hear from the public.
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Abagail Santiago; Livi and Tate, thanked the Clermont Downtown Partnership for expanding the events;
however, was disappointed in prior interactions with the Clermont Downtown Partnership. Ms. Santiago
expressed the need for the City to run the events.
Maria Cotton; 831 Crooked Branch, commented she no longer attends the events because several of her
favorite food trucks were no longer allowed to participate.
Don Huntington; Papa Don's Petting Zoo, spoke in favor of approving both events as requested.
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Jim Purvis; 4206 Hammersmith Drive, commented Council should resolve the motion on the table. 11
City Attorney Oyewale stated the second to the motion.was modified to allow for public comment.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
• July 11, 2017
Mr. Purvis spoke in favor of granting a temporary permit for two or three months and Council consider
sending out a bid for a coordinator to run a farmer's market.
Chris Garcia; Yummi's Frozen Yogurt and Café, expressed concern of competitors being allowed to
locate food trucks in front of his business. Mr. Garcia asked Council to approve the events for two
months.
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Bill Gerstein; 3660 Peaceful Valley Drive, attends the Farmer's Market and Merchant Faire and asked the
farmer's market continue regardless of which entity coordinated the event.
Jennifer Pearce; Clermont Acting Fire Marshal, commented the recent events have been well run with no
safety issues. The proposed new layout has several public safety concerns and requested Council
approving the events for one month pending Fire Department review. !
Debbie Stern; event vendor, spoke in favor of approving the events for more than three months so vendors 1H,
can make advance schedules.
Linda Flores; event vendor, spoke in favor of approving the events for a minimum of three months. I;i
Carl Gordon; Clermont Downtown Partnership Social Media Journalist, commented several long term
vendors left the events because they could not schedule in advance. Mr. Gordon spoke of the promotional
spotlights the Clermont Downtown Partnership is providing on the downtown merchants. r
Laura Ramsey; event vendor, stated it was difficult to plan in advance when the events are limited to three
months. Ms. Ramsey expressed concern of changing locations for the events.
Christine Bruner; event vendor, spoke in favor of approving the events for three to six months.
Mark Vortelli; 4419 Fox Street, Orlando, Florida, spoke in support of a three-month extension for the
First Family Friday Food Trucks and Music on Montrose event. Mr. Vortelli commented the City loses
$6,000 every year by allowing a non-profit to manage the event and supported sending out a Request for
Proposal to select a food truck promoter.
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Council Member Travis spoke of hiring a professional company to run the events. ;
Council Member Mullins stated the motion on the table was to extend both events for three months. Mr.
Mullins spoke in agreement with the vendors and the need to continue the events for a year. The
Clermont Downtown Partnership is making an effort to resolve concerns. -
Mayor Ash commented the Council cares about the businesses in Clermont and would like to see
improvements in the Clermont Downtown Partnership interactions with the businesses. The downtown
area has many new businesses moving in and complaints have been made regarding the treatment
received by the Clermont Downtown Partnership.
Council Member Goodgame suggested, tabling the event requests to the July 25, 2017 meeting and
allowing the Council time to decide if they would like to send out a Request for Proposal or have the
Clermont Downtown Partnership continue to run the events.
Council Member Bates and Mayor Ash were opposed to tabling to the July 25, 2017 meeting.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 11, 2017
City Attorney Oyewale stated public comments were closed and it was inappropriate for audience
members to be speaking from their seats. City Attorney Oyewale stated for the record, the Council has
referred to an email message received from Gray Collective Bridal to Shannon Schmidt, and an email
message from Erika Shanoff. The legal opinion regarding Council Member Mullins voting on the matter,
Council Member Mullins does not have a voting conflict because he is a member of the Clermont
Downtown Partnership; however, there is a gray area as it relates the appearance of the issue of conflict
because he is a Council Member. City Attorney Oyewale stated the ethics hotline agreed this was a gray
area and Council Member Mullins has been advised. Council Member Mullins made the decision to vote
on the issue. There is a motion on the floor and there needs to be a vote on the motion to provide a
three-month extension. City Attorney Oyewale suggested Council vote on each item separately.
The Farmer's Market and Merchant Faire:
The motion passed 4 to 1 with Council Member Goodgame in opposition.
The First Friday Family Food Trucks and Music on Montrose:
The motion passed 4 to 1 with Council Member Goodgame in opposition.
NEW BUSINESS
Item No.9—Event Request,Fee Variance,and Open Container Allowance—Sommer Sports 2018 Season
Parks and Recreation Director Davidoff, presented the request from Sommer Sports Race Series for approval of
their 2018 events,waiver of the rental fees, and open container allowance.
Fred Sommers; Sommer Sports, was available to answer any questions.
Mayor Ash opened the public hearing.
Carla Alford; 432 Carroll Street, and David Crosby; Carroll Street, spoke in opposition of the open container
request, of the City absorbing the fees using tax payer money, and expressed concern of noise ordinance
violations.
Mayor Ash closed the public hearing.
Council Member Goodgame moved for approval, seconded by Council Member Mullins. The
motion passed with all members present voting aye.
ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting was adjourned at 9:22pm.
APPROVED:
/ Gail L. Ash, ayor
".ATTEST; , /,
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Tracy Ackroyd Howe,City Clerk
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