09-26-1995 Regular Meeting CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 1995
A regular meeting of'the City Council of the City of Clermont was held Tuesday,
September 26, 1995 in the Council Chambers at the Police Department. The meeting
was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pool with the following Council Members
present: Mayor Pro Tern Norquist, Council Member Dupee, and Council Member
Sargent. Other City officials present were City Manager Saunders, City Attorney
Baird, Finance Director Van Zile, and Deputy City Clerk Whitlock.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was offered by Mayor Pro Tem Norquist followed by the repeating of
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held September 12, 1995, and Special
Council Meeting held September 14, 1995 were approved as presented.
CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS' REPORT
Special Meeting and Workshop
Council Members agreed to hold a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 3,
1995 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall conference room for Bond Underwriter selection,
with a Workshop to follow at 6:30 p.m.
Light-Up Clermont
City Manager Saunders stated that the Clermont Area Chamber of Commerce is
planning the 6th annual Light-Up Clermont festivities for December 1 and 2. The
Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for Center Lake on December 1 followed by
open-house at area businesses. Craft and food booths, entertainment and a Christmas
Parade on Montrose Street planned for December 2 will require the closing of
Montrose Street.
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95-171
A motion was made by Council Member Dupee. seconded by Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously to approve the Light-Up
Clermont Festival December 1-2, 1995, the Lighted Boat Parade on
December 2, and the closing of Montrose Street on December 2.
South Lake Council for the Arts - Dinner Theater at Jenkins Auditorium
City Manager Saunders stated that the South Lake Council for the Arts is sponsoring
and endorsing Darrell Hazel with his first dinner theater production which is planned
at Jenkins Auditorium for October 13, 14, and 15. No profit is expected from the
production, in fact, they expect a loss. The normal $30 per hour fee for Jenkins
Auditorium has been requested to be reduced to $10 per hour for this production.
95-172
A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously to reduce the fee to SlOper
hour for the October 13, 14 and 15 dinner theater at Jenla'ns Auditorium.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUPEE'S REPORT
Business After Hours
Council Member Dupee stated that the Clermont Area Chamber of Commerce's next
Business After Hours is hosted by South Lake Memorial Hospital and Orlando
Regional Health Care on October 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jenkins Auditorium.
They will introduce South Lake Memorial Hospital's new logo and the preliminary
building design will be on display.
BUDGET RESOLUTIONS - PUBLIC HEARING
1995-96 Ad Valorem Millage Rate - Resolution No. 872
Mayor Pool stated Resolution 872 will adopt a 2.979 millage rate. City Manager
Saunders stated the millage rate was previously advertised at .25 mils higher because
the budget had not been completely formulated at that time. After complete review, it
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was determined to continue the millage rate at 2.979, which is the same rate as the
last three years. Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 872 in its entirety and opened the
Public Hearing.
Cecil Schrader asked if the millage rate was the same rate that was paid last year.
City Manager Saunders confirmed that it was the same rate (2.979).
95-173
A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 872 setting a millage rate of 2.979 for fiscal year 1995-
96.
1995-96 General Fund Budget - Resolution No. 873
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 873 by title only and opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated that Resolution No. 873 will adopt the fiscal year 1996
budget for the General Fund which provides funding for Police, Fire, Streets,
Sidewalks, Animal Control, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, Finance,
Administration, Library and Chamber of COmmerce.
Don Burris asked if sewer fees are involved. City Manager Saunders stated they were
not included.
95-174 A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 873.
1995-96 Infrastructure Fund Budget, Resolution No. 874
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 874 by title only and opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated that Resolution No. 874 reflects the county-wide 1¢
sales tax which has been collected since 1987. No questions were asked and Mayor
Pool closed the Public Hearing.
95-175
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A motion was made by Council Member Sargent, seconded by Council
Member Dupee. and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 874.
1989 Sales Tax Fund Budget, Resolution No. 875
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 875 by title only and opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated this is the Sales Tax Fund referred to in Resolution No.
874 which is used to pay the bond fund which was used to build the Public Services
Department, Palaflakaha Recreation Area and Police Department. Cecil Schrader
asked if this was a new tax or old tax. Mayor Pool stated this has been since 1989.
Mayor Pool closed the Public Hearing.
95-176
A motion was made by Council Member Du£ee, seconded by Council
Member Norquist and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 875.
1995-96 Water Fund Budget, Resolution No. 876
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 876 by title only. City Manager Saunders stated that
Resolution No. 876 is the 1995-96 Water Fund Budget for the entire city. It is an
enterprise fund and the revenues generated are designed to cover the expenses.
Mayor Pool opened the Public Hearing, however, no questions were asked, and the
Public Hearing was dosed.
95-177 A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 876.
1995-96 Sewer Fund Budget, Resolution No. 877
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 877 by title only and opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated that the new sewage treatment facility planned for the
east side will be built in 1996 with bond proceeds. It will not affect the budget until
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this time next year. He explained that the sewer fund budget is based on a rate
increase. A study is currently being conducted which will be completed by the end of
October which will help to determine the correct charges and rate structure. A rate
increase is required because our debt service coverage for the old bond is at
approximately .8 while our loan agreements require a 1.25 coverage rate. He
explained that this will require an estimated $1.75 increase in the monthly residential
sewer rates. Clermont is in the lower half of sewer rates within Lake County and
Central Florida.
Don Bun'is stated a 9 % increase was out of line and he had checked rates with Eustis,
Leesburg and Tavares and found them to be lower. City Manager Saunders stated
that Clermont's combined rates for water and sewer were lower. Bruce Redus asked
if the rate increase was required because of the existing debt and if another increase
will be necessary next year after the new bond issue is obtained. City Manager
Saunders stated that the rate increase was required because of the existing bond issue.
He stated it was possible another rate increase may be required in the next year to
cover inflationary items such as chemicals, electricity, and testing as well as the debt
service. He explained that the new sewer treatment plant will not only serve the east
side of the City, but almost one-third of the flow that is presently routed to the
existing plant will be directed to the new east side plant. The existing plant is at over
80% capacity and we are required to decrease the load by expanding the old plant or
building a new plant. The new plant will operate more efficiently and the reuse water
will be sold for irrigation. Mayor Pool clOsed the Public Heating.
95-178 A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Dupee, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 877.
1994-95 Stormwater Fund Budget, Resolution No. 878
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 878 by title only and opened the Public Heating.
City Manager Saunders explained that the storm water fund was established about four
years ago and generally assesses $3 per household.
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Don Bun'is asked how many stormwater projects had been built with the money from
this fund. City Manager Saunders stated that three or four projects had been
completed and the funds also maintain the storm water system. Funds are also being
accumulated to build large storm water projects, one of which is a centralized
retention area that businesses may buy into located in the central business district.
Cecil Schrader asked who pays to build retention areas in new developments. City
Manager Saunders stated that the developers build the retention area for public
improvements and the City maintains the water retention areas, including mowing.
Mayor Pool closed the Public Hearing.
95-179
A motion was made by Council Member Sargent, seconded by Council
Member Dupee and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 878.
1995-96 Sanitation Fund Budget, Resolution No. 879
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 879 by title only and opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated he was happy to report that we will be able to provide
the same sanitation services next year for the same fees. The City's rate depends on
what Lake County charges for incinerator fees. Mayor Pool closed the Public
Hearing.
95-180 A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No, 879.
1995-96 Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund Budget, Resolution No. 880
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 880 by title only and opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated that funds are generated through the sale of cemetery
lots and the City is restricted to using the earnings from that fund to maintain the
cemetery.
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No comments were received in regard to Resolution No. 880 and Mayor Pool closed
the Public Hearing.
95-181
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 880.
OLD BUSINESS
Resolution 881 - Closing a Section of Lake Minneola Drive to Vehicular Traffic
Mayor Pool stated that this resolution will eliminate motorized vehicular traffic from
Lake Minneola Drive from East Avenue to 4th Street. This is being done to
accommodate the proposed improvements to the beach area which is part of the
waterfront park project as well as the construction of the Rails to Trails. He read
Resolution No. 881 by title only and opened the Public Heating.
Wanda Cox asked if East Avenue will be widened from Orange Avenue to Grand
Highway. City Manager Saunders stated the proposal is not to widen East Avenue,
however, Grand Highway will curve into East at the Palm Street intersection which
will be the main entrance for beach parking. A new section of East Avenue will be
built on the actual right-of-way north of Grand Highway to Lake Minneola Drive
which will straighten out the road. It will be a divided median road with a grass strip
in the middle. Mrs. Cox asked if the City was aware of the wildlife in the area such
as gopher turtles and grey foxes. City Manager Saunders stated they were aware of
the wildlife.
Terry Pitt asked if the City actually owns Lake Minneola Drive. City Attorney Baird
stated that streets are dedicated to the public and the City has jurisdiction to open or
close a street or use it in the best interest of the public--the City owns a street in trust
for the public.
Don Bun'is asked who was responsible for the upkeep of Lake Minneola Drive. City
Manager Saunders stated that Lake County was responsible for the upkeep of Lake
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Minneola Drive until six or seven years ago when it was designated as C.R. 561
however, it has since been turned over to the City. The City has been responsible for
the upkeep for the last six or seven years..No further questions were asked and
Mayor Pool closed the Public Heating.
95-182
A motion was made by Council Member Sargent, seconded by Council
Member Norquist. and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 881.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
Osceola Financial Corporation - Resolution No. 871
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use
Permit which will amend two existing permits that have been previously approved by
Council for Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Lakeview Hts. Subdivision which is located on the
west side of Grand Highway just north of Highway 50. The previously granted
Conditional Use Permit approved the site for the construction of a bank and office
with Lot 4 being utilized as a parking area. The applicant (Osceola Financial
Corporation) plans to be located in the new' structure and requests that Lot 5 now be
included and they be allowed to locate their business in this existing building on a
temporary basis while the permanent facilities are being constructed. They are also
requesting that Lot 4 be utilized as mulch parking for the temporary period that they
are located in the structure on Lot 5.
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 871 by tire only and stated that the request requires
that a Quasi-Judicial hearing be held and that anyone wishing to speak in favor of or
in opposition to the request must be sworn in. Greg Homan, 20570 Sugar Loaf Mt.
Road, Clermont and Don Bun'is, 1475 10th St., Clermont were sworn in by City
Clerk Van Zile. Mr. Homan stated they agreed with all the requirements of the
Conditional Use Permit except No. 2 where only one sign is allowed (freestanding or
wall sign) in conformance with sign regulations specified for the R-3-A zoning
district. He stated that motorists on Highway 27 would not be able to see the sign.
He asked that Condition No. 2 be changed to allow a freestanding sign and a wall sign.
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City Manager Saunders stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff
recommend approval of the conditions as stated in the previous Conditional Use
Permits and the conditions in Resolution No. 871. He explained that a separate
request for a sign variance is needed regarding the additional signage, and since the
legal advertising for a sign variance has not been done, it cannot.be heard by Council
at this time. He stated that'staff can accomplish the legal requirements so it can be
heard at the next Council meeting on October 10. Mayor Pool closed the Public
hearing.
95-183
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 871.
Clermont Area Chamber of Commerce - Fishing Tournament
City Manager Saunders stated that the Clermont Area Chamber of Commerce is
requesting approval of a fishing tournament which will be a fund-raising event for the
Chamber. They are proposing that the tournament be held at the City boat ramp
adjacent to Jaycee Beach. This would be a one-day tournament on a Saturday in the
month of March with up to 150 boats involved in the tournament.
Howard Stockton, Executive Director for the Clermont Area Chamber of Commerce
explained that the proceeds fi.om the Festival on the Lake finances approximately 1/5
of Chamber's operating budget. A committee headed by Speedy Wolf explored other
fund-raisers and came back with the fishing tournament recommendation. He
requested preliminary approval.
95-184 A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously for prelimina~_ approval of a
Clermont Area Chamber of Commerce/Ci~_ of Clermont Bass Fishing
Tournament to be hem in the spring of 1996 at the Ci~_ boat ramp
adjacent to Jaycee Beach.
NEW BUSINESS
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Audit. Agreement
Finance Director Van Zile stated approval is requested for an agreement with the firm
of Greenlee, Kurras, Rice & Brown for continuing auditing services for the City of
Clermont for this fiscal year. The proposed fee is $22,000 which has remained
unchanged since 1990.
95-185 A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council
Member Sargent, and carried unanimously to approve the Audit
Agreement with Greenlee, Kurras, Rice & Brown_for the 1995 fiscal year
for $22,000.
Resolution No. 882
City Manager Saunders stated during the year the City Council approves items that
were not included in the Budget and it is required to include those items in resolution
form before the end of the fiscal year to be approved by Council. He stated that
Resolution No. 882 includes items from the General Fund Budget that were not
included in the 1994-95 Budget. Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 882 by tire only
and opened the Public Hearing. No comments were received and Mayor Pool closed
the Public Hearing.
95-186 A motion was made by Council Member Sargent, seconded by Council
Member Dupee, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 882.
Resolution No. 883
City Manager Saunders stated that Resolution No. 883 includes budget amendments to
the Utility Fund for 1994-95. Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 883 by title only and
opened the Public Hearing. No comments were received and Mayor Pool closed the
Public Hearing.
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95-187
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Sargent. and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 883.
Resolution No. 884
City Manager Saunders stated that Resolution No. 884 includes budget amendments to
the Infrastructure Fund for 1994-95. Mayor Pool read resolution No. 884 by title
only and opened the Public Hearing. No comments were received and Mayor Pool
closed the Public Hearing.
95-188 A motion was made by Council Member Sargent, seconded by Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 884.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Terry Pitt asked about the plans for the Waterfront Park. City Manager Saunders
explained that the final plans are being drawn now and the civil engineering work is
presently being done. Work will begin this winter. Fred Sommers asked if the
Highlander Hut will be renovated. City Manager Saunders stated that a face-lift is
planned for the Highlander Hut in the second phase.
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Attest:
J~%-/ph E. Van Zi~,, City' Clerk