Minutes - 03.17.2020 - Special MeetingCity of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
March 17, 2020
The City Council met in a special meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in the Clermont City Council
Chambers. Mayor Ash called the meeting to order at 4:00pm with the following Council Members present:
Travis, Bates, and Purvis. The following Council Members were absent: Council Member Brishke.
Other City officials present were City Manager Gray, City Attorney Mantzaris, and City Clerk Howe.
NEW BUSINESS
Item No.1- Resolution No. 2020-11R
Declaration of Local Emergency
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT CITY COUNCIL RELATING TO
THE DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the resolution into the record in its entirety.
Mayor Ash stated for the record that in section A of the resolution, the City Clerk had read "public health"
when it should have been read "public work".
City Manager Gray updated the Council by informing them that the City Council meeting scheduled for
March 24, 2020 is still planned at this time. He told the Council that this may change as things are being
planned hour by hour.
At this time, there are no new cases in Lake County other than the one (1) that was reported yesterday. He
also informed them that the Planning & Zoning Board meeting scheduled for April 7, 2020 has been
cancelled and no new applications that require quasi-judicial hearings will be scheduled through the end of
March.
City Manager Gray continued that all city buildings will be closed to the public as will select parks
beginning Wednesday, March 18 until March 30. He also provided an update on new CDC
recommendations which states that groups of ten (10) or more people should be avoided. In response, the
City will be cancelling all events for the next eight (8) weeks or May 11, 2020.
The selected parks that will be closed are: Bishop, Hancock, Lake Hiawatha Preserve, McKinny,
Palatlakaha, and West Park. The length of closure for these parks will depend on the length of the Covid-
19 pandemic.
City Manager Gray continued that city services will continue and that the city is still open for business
remotely through online and telephone connections. Notices will be posted on city facility doors, the city
website and on various social media platforms for how the public can contact the city. This is hopefully
only planned through March 27, 2020.
Regarding city employees, city administration has implemented a plan to have as many, with hopefully all,
city employees able to work remotely by the end of the week or at the latest March 30, 2020. This may
change due to the disease. The city is asking all employees to stay home and only go out in public, if
necessary.
The Kehlor Recreation Center has been identified as a quarantine center if needed. Chief Ezell of the Fire
Department is leading the emergency response to the pandemic. He explained that the quarantine building
is for city employees who may become infected with the virus.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
March 17, 2020
City Manager Gray informed the Council that Lake County declared a state of emergency yesterday and all
libraries were closed. The County Tax Collector will also close its buildings, but services will continue
online.
Lake County schools stated that they will offer breakfasts and lunches for students through March 27, 2020.
At the state level, Governor DeSantis issued an order that will close all bars and clubs in the state starting
at 5:00 pm today. He has asked restaurants to stagger seating and allow no more than 50% capacity at any
given time. He also encouraged universities to finish off the academic year remotely. The Governor has
elected to allow local agencies to determine the status of their beaches. City Manager Gray informed the
Council that due to the algae bloom the City's beaches remain closed.
The City has been in close contact with state and federal authorities and will continue to provide updates
via email.
City Manager Gray commended IT Director Dennis and the whole IT department for their hard work in
getting the city working remotely in a short time frame.
Council Member Purvis asked for clarification on the utilization of volunteer hours language in the
resolution. Attorney Mantzaris stated that the language comes from the statute.that authorizes local public
agencies to declare states of emergency.
Council Member Purvis asked about employees who do not have available hours. City Manager Gray stated
that they are not penalizing any employee. The only employees who will have to use leave hours are those
that want to stay home and do not want to work remotely. Council Member Purvis stated he has been
contacted by Clermont First Responders who are'concerned about Pre-K care beginning next week.
City Manager Gray assured the Council that city administration will figure something out. If a first
responder needs to work, the city will have a place for their kids.
Council Member Purvis asked if water utility payments will still be accepted. City Manager Gray responded
that Utility Billing will still be staffed and they will be checking the outside drop drawer regularly. He also
informed the Council that the City will not be cutting off any ones water during the crisis period due to
non-payment. He stated that for those customers who pay cash, they will have to wait until the city facilities
reopen.
Council Member Purvis asked about the expiration date of the declaration. Attorney Mantzaris stated that
there is an expiration of seven (7) days after which the City Manager has the authority to extend the
declaration without having the have the Council reconvene. He assured the Council that the declaration is
legally sufficient.
City Manager Gray stated that City Clerk Howe will remind him when the seven (7) days are up.
City Manager Gray reminded the Council that there are potential funds to help offset costs related to Covid-
19, but the city is only eligible with a declaration which is primary reason for the declaration.
Council Member Travis asked Chief Broadway and Chief Ezell to make sure that they instruct their people
to come to them before coming to a City Council Member because they can take care of a situation probably
faster than a council member.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCEL MEETING
March 17, 2020
City Manager Gray asked the Council that if a city employee approaches them with an issue to redirect
them back to their department director.
Council Member Purvis clarified that he heard it third hand; not directly from an employee.
Mayor Ash opened the floor for comments from the public; seeing no public come forth, the floor was again
closed.
MOTION TO APPROVE the declaration of local emergency in Resolution 2020-11R made by
Council Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Travis. Passed unanimously with all
members present voicing aye 40).
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
March 17, 2020
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 4:18 pm.
APPROVED:
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Tracy Ackroyd Howe, City Clerk