06-08-2017 Council Workshop City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
June 8,2017
The Clermont City Council met at a workshop on Thursday, June 8, 2017, in the Council Chambers at
City Hall. Mayor Ash called the workshop to order at 6:30pm with the following Council Members
present: Council Members Mullins, Goodgame, Travis and Bates. Other City officials present were:
City Manager Gray,City Attorney Mantzaris, and Deputy City Clerk Noak.
Clermont Downtown Partnership
Mayor Ash introduced Minneola Mayor Kelley. Mr. Kelley announced the grand opening of the new
turnpike interchange and the 5K run.
Mayor Ash commented several issues were raised at the March 21, 2017 workshop regarding concerns
with the Clermont Downtown Partnership events, particularly the Farmer's Market. Economic
Development Director Schmidt held roundtable meetings after the workshop.
Mayor Ash noted the City has received correspondence and comments regarding the Clermont Downtown
Partnership, including:
Barricades causing the assumption other businesses were not open.
Negativity toward new business owners by the Clermont Downtown Partnership.
A business owner was told by the Clermont Downtown Partnership they would be run out of
town.
The Clermont Downtown Partnership was not open to suggestions or requests.
There have been vendor issues with the Farmers Market.
There has been inconsistent treatment of vendors and downtown merchants.
The produce quality was poor.
The Clermont Downtown Partnership rejected new vendors.
The food trucks lack variety.
The restaurants suffer from street closures.
Vendors are using the available parking spaces.
Erika Shanoff; Clermont Downtown Partnership President, mentioned some of the changes the Clermont
Downtown Partnership will be making. Ms. Shanoff spoke of the new vendor guidelines and fee
increases, and offering the downtown merchants free vendor space. The Clermont Downtown
Partnership is open to suggestions and there has been an ongoing committee meeting for the Farmers
Market.
Council Member Mullins commented the Clermont Downtown Partnership was open to making changes
and the need to track what is working and what is not working. The Farmers Market should not be moved
and moving barricades will not change the traffic pattern.
Council Member Travis stated it was difficult to see the downtown businesses during the Farmers Market.
She appreciated the Clermont Downtown Partnership's seeking new vendors for the Farmers Market.
Council Member Goodgame mentioned the businesses in Winter Garden do not want their Farmers
Market near the businesses.
Council Member Bates was not in favor of the City operating the Farmers Market.
Mayor Ash opened the discussion to the public.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
June 8,2017
Bill Delaney, James Calcaterra, John Grogan, Claire, Linda Florea, Debra Smart, Amanda Walsh,
Carolyn,Nina, Chris Garcia, Barbara, Carl Warden, Ed Stiles,Amy, Abigail Santiago, Maribell,Michael,
Marcella Imbesi, Susanna Diaz,Pat,Janet Smith, Larry Rescoe,and Ruben spoke of:
Placing the vendors down the middle of the street.
The need to work out the concerns.
Spreading out the vendors.
Including all of the downtown merchants.
Customers preferring to find a vendor in the same spot.
The need to continue to expand the Farmers Market.
The need for large promotional signage.
The need to improve parking.
Scattering the Farmers Market vendors.
Competing vendors located too close.
The need for quality vendors.
Not feeling welcome by the Clermont Downtown Partnership.
The lack of improvements and communication from the Clermont Downtown Partnership.
The good quality of the organic produce.
The need for a three to five-year expansion plan in conjunction with the City,
Mayor Ash recessed the workshop at 8:30pm. Mayor Ash reconvened the workshop at 8:43pm.
Council Member Bates agreed there was a need to come up with solutions to the concerns.
Council Member Goodgame mentioned the need for a business council for the downtown merchants.
Council Member Mullins commented the merchants need to attend the Clermont Downtown Partnership
meetings.
Council Member Travis mentioned the need for new blood on the Clermont Downtown Partnership
Board.
Erika Shanoff; Clermont Downtown Partnership President, commented on the need for new
enhancements, signage, and the need for more parking.
Ron Smart; Clermont Downtown Partnership Executive Director, stated he noted a lot of great ideas.
City Manager Gray suggested the Clermont Downtown Partnership provide quarterly updates to the
Council.
With no further discussion,the workshop adjourned at 9:29pm.
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