08-25-1998 Regular Meeting CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held Tuesday, August
25, 1998 at Jenkins Auditorium. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor
Pool with the following Council Members present: Council Member Norquist, Council
Member Wolfe, Council Member Brown, and Council Member Cole. Other City
officials present were City Attorney Baird, Finance Director Van Zile and Clerk Beasley.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was offered by Council Member Norquist followed by the repeating of
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular Council Meetings held July 28 and August 11, 1998 were
approved as presented.
CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS' REPORT
Joint Workshop with Minneola
City Manager Saunders stated that a joint workshop with the City of Minneola has been
tentatively set for Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Highlander Hut to discuss
the possibility of furnishing water to Minneola.
Lake County Schools Hancock Well
City Manager Saunders updated the Council regarding the possibility of using an existing
well at the new middle school site on Hancock Road. The School Board has offered to
lease that area to the City and he recommended that the existing well be investigated
according to recent St. Johns River Water Management recommendations. Four quotes
have been received the low quote from Meredith Environmental for $4,925. Other quotes
were Diversified Drilling $8,485, Centech Utility $9,638 and Husk Drilling $18,250.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 2
98-243
A motion was made bY Council Member Cole, seconded bP Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously to award the quote to
Meredith Environmental in the amount 0['$4, 925 to investigate the existing
well on Hancock Road on Lake Coun~ School District proper~.
McKinney Park Progress
City Manager Saunders stated that ballfield lighting was installed last week at McKinney
Park and will be wired soon. The Public Works crew has completed the new clay work
for the infield. Playground preparation work is completed and the equipment should be
installed within the week The old perimeter fencing has been removed and he
recommended that new fencing materials be purchased from Abbott Fence for $7,174.64.
Other quotes received from Orlando Steel $7,773.55; Add-A-Fence $7,930.64.
98-244
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to award the quote to Abbott
Fence for $ 7,174. 64.
Final Reading of Ordinance 349-M, Ordinance 350-M, and Resolution No. 1011
City Manager Saunders stated that he received a letter from the attorney for Mr.
Logenback with a joint stipulation for postponement which was agreed to by the attorney
for the homeowners association to postpone Ordinance 349-M, Ordinance 350-M and
Resolution No. 1011 until October 13, 1998
98-245
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded bY Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously to table Ordinance 349-M,
Ordinance 340-M and Resolution No. I011 until the October 13, 1998
regular meeting.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 3
MAYOR POOL'S REPORT
Mayor Pool reported that the Lake Sentinel reported that Clermont activist Matt Modica
stated at the last School Board meeting, "You people need to be standing at the Clermont
City Council meeting and asking, 'What are you throwing in our lap.'" Another paper
reported, "This School Board should go to the Clermont City Council and ask, 'Why are
you dumping high density developments in our laps.'" Mayor Pool reported the
following building permits were issued:
South Lake County
Clermont
1995 952 21
1996 1,405 35*
1997 1,435 79*
*excluding Kings Ridge, an all-adult community, platted and approved in Lake County.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE'S REPORT
Council Member Wolfe reported that the number of students in South Lake County has
increased significantly such as the High School with 2,000 students which was built to
accommodate 1,200.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
Levitt Homes - Variance Request
City Manager Saunders stated that Levitt Homes, who has been approved for a golf
course community north of S.R. 50, is requesting a variance to allow two-120 square foot
signs with a height of 15' advertising their development, soon to be under construction.
The sign ordinance allows a maximum of a 32 square foot sign with a maximum height
of 8'. He recommended approval since the Council recently granted a 120 square foot
sign for Lake Sumter Community College located just east of this site.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 4
Mayor Pool stated the request requires that a Quasi-Judicial hearing be held and stated
that anyone wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request should be sworn
in. No one asked to be sworn in. City Manager Saunders recommended approval.
.98- 246
A motion was made bp Council Member Wolfe, seconded bp Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to grant a variance allowing Levitt
Homes two-120 square foot signs to be located for a maximum of one year
at the entrance on S.R. 50 with a maximum height of IS feet.
Mercator Properties, Inc. - Variance Request
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting a variance to allow a 10'
retaining wall where a maximum height of 6' is allowed for Lot 21 of Clermont
Commons Business Park. The original plan had proposed two walls that would create a
terrace effect to separate the two properties. This is an interior wall between two of their
commercial buildings which is similar to the request that was granted by the Council to
the property located on the frontage road where the Denny Restaurant and Holiday
Express are to be constructed. He stated that staff recommends approval of the request.
Mayor Pool stated the request requires that a Quasi-Judicial hearing be held and stated
that anyone wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request should be sworn
in. City Clerk Van Zile swore in Deborah Little, 970 Forest Hill Drive, Minneola and
Bob Shakar, 232 Mohawk Road, Clermont. Deborah Little asked if the variance will
change what has been approved in the Clermont Commons area. Mayor Pool stated that
it was only a wall elevation on the internal property site. Bob Shakar stated that the wall
is not near Mrs. Little's residence and will be separated by buildings.
98-247
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously to approve a 1 O' retaining wall
_for Lot 21 of Clermont Commons Business Park.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 5
John Wert - Resolution No. 1013
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit
to allow the operation of a landscape materials business at the northwest corner of U.S.
27 and Montrose Street. A variance is also requested to allow the storage of horticultural
materials in a R-3 zoned area adjacent to the commercial business to store trees that are
for sale. Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 1013 by title only and stated 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 should be sworn in. City Clerk Van Zile swore in Rick
McCoy, 713 W Montrose Street and Hosea Wootson, 501 E. Montrose Street, Clermont.
Rick McCoy stated all the conditions listed are acceptable, but they request a one-year
extension for the sidewalk.
City Manager Saunders stated that the staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval. He stated that the request for a one-year extension to build a
sidewalk is acceptable since there is no sidewalk to the north or south of the property and
a similar request was previously approved. He recommended that the Council consider
additional buffering along the Highway 27 frontage and the northern boundary line that
would be an addition to the minimum buffer since this business would be very visible
from Highway 27 and this type of business typically has a considerable amount of open
storage of landscape materials.
98-248
A motion was made bp Council Member, seconded bp Council Member,
and carried unanimous!¥ to adopt Resolution No. 1013 with an addition to
Condition #7 stating "at least two rows Of trees a minimum o_f 6' in height"
and Condition #19 to allow a one year extension to buiM a sidewalk, and
approval ora variance to store horticultural materials.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 6
UNFINISttED BUSINESS
Final Reading of Ordinance 355-M
City Manager Saunders stated that Ordinance 355-M will rezone Lot 3 of Forty Pines
Subdivision from R-2 Residential to R-3 Residential/Professional. Mayor Pool read the
ordinance by title only and stated that the request requires a Quasi-Judicial hearing be
held and the anyone wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request should
be sworn in. No one asked to be sworn in.
City Manager Saunders stated that the property is located at the northwest comer of the
intersection of Bloxam Avenue and Minnehaha Avenue. There is currently a one-story
residential trait located on this lot. The Council recently gave approval as a
Comprehensive Plan small scale amendment to allow this type of use. Planning and
Zoning has recommended approval of the request.
98-249
A motion was made bY Council Member Cole, seconded bp Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimousl_¥ by roll call vote to adopt Ordin-
ance 355-Mrezoning Lot 3 Of Forty Pines Subdivision from R-2 to R-3
Residential/Professional.
Mary L. Hull-Harris - Resolution No. 1012
Mayor Pool stated that Resolution 1012 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to
allow the operation of a professional office for the property that was rezoned under the
previous agenda item. City Manager Saunders stated that this property was rezoned fi'om
R-2 to R-3 ResidentialfProfessional in Ordinance 355-M and approval is now requested
to use the existing building as a professional office. The Planning and Zoning Com-
mission and staff recommend approval with the conditions as stated in the Resolution.
Mayor Pool :read Resolution No. 1012 by title only and stated that the request requires a
Quasi-Judicial hearing be held and the anyone wishing to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the request should be sworn in. City Clerk Van Zile swore in Howard
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 7
Alexander, 9435 Lake Shore Drive, Clermont who represented Mary L. Hull-Harris and
presented her request.
98-250
,4 motion was made bp Council Member Brown, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution 1012 granting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a professional
Office: at 1560 Bloxam ,4venue for MaN L. Hull-Harris.
Final Readiing of Ordinance 357-M
Mayor Pool stated that this ordinance will abandon a 30' platted right-of-way running
east and west and a 15' right-of-way running north and south on the property that has
been purchased by the Lake County School Board for the Lost Lake Reserve Elementary
School. City Manager Saunders stated this is a right-of-way running through the site that
is being developed for the new elementary school north of Lake Felter. He
recommended adoption. Mayor Pool read Ordinance 357-M by title only stated that the
request requires a Quasi-Judicial hearing be held and the anyone wishing to speak in
favor of or in opposition to the request should be sworn in. No one asked to be sworn in.
98-251
,4 motion was made bY Council Member Cole, seconded bY Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimousl_¥ bY roll call vote to adopt
Ordinance 357-M abandoning a 30' right-qf-wa¥ running east and west
and a 15' right-of-wa¥ running north and south, Lake Highland Company
in Sections 32 and 33, Township 22 S. Range 26 EWM.
Bid Award - Center Lake Aquatic Landscaping Bid:
City Manager Saunders stated three bids were received for the aquatic landscaping of
Center Lake, as follows: Aquatic 'Weed Control, Inc. 7,723.20; Aquagenix 8,011.80; and
Biosphere 8:,212.50.
City Manager Saunders stated that the low bidder, Aquatic Weed Control, Inc. has
conditioned his bid regarding the guarantee which does not meet the advertised
specifications for the work. The layout has been changed and he recommended award of
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 8
the bid to Aquagenix contingent upon acceptance of the change in the layout of the
materials.
JeffBiddle stated that the Downtown Merchants have asked about the possibility of
placing a fountain in Center Lake. City Manager Saunders stated that a the head of
maintenance for the Department of Transportation has informed him that DOT
acknowledges the responsibility of Highway 50 stormwater entering the lake and there is
a very good possibility of receiving funding from them.
98-252
After discussion, a motion was made bY Council Member Cole, seconded
bp Council Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to award the aquatic
planting of Center Lake to Aquagenix for $8,011.80 and a one year
maintenance o_f$2,1 O0 contingent upon acceptance of the change in the
layout Of the materials.
City Manager Saunders recommended that Center Lake be posted for "No Fishing" when
the planting is begun.
98-253
,4 motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to post "No Fishing" at Center
Lake when the aquatic planting is begun.
NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance 359-M
Mayor Pool stated that this ordinance is for introduction only and will establish the
Community Redevelopment Trust Fund for our Downtown Community Redevelopment
Agency. He; read the ordinance by title only and stated the public hearing date is
September 8, 1998. City Manager Saunders explained the purpose of the Downtown
Community Redevelopment Agency and stated that this ordinance will provide the
vehicle for the collection of the tax dollars restricted for the downtown redevelopment
area.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 9
98-254
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded bp Council
Member Norquist and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 359-M.
Utility Easement
City Manager Saunders stated that several years ago the City agreed to provide water
service to Johns Lake Estates on the south end of Hartle Road. The utility easement to be
granted from Jahna Industries to the City of Clermont allows installation of utilities from
the Johns L~flce Road area north to the Hartle Road area. This easement has been
negotiated by the owners of the property to be developed as Johns Lake Estates. The
easement is necessary in order to make the water extension to serve the development and
provide for a future looped system to Highway 50. Jahna Industries is asking that the
City provide assurance that capacity for 150 residential units be reserved for them in
return for the easement. He recommended approval of this request.
98-255
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to approve a utility easement to be
grantedfrom Jahna Industries from Johns Lake Road north to Hartle
Road, and granting utili~_ capacity for 150 residential units to Jahna
Indm'tries
Change Order - Downtown Drainage System
City Manager Saunders requested approval of Change Order # 1 for Paquette Paving for
the Downtown Drainage system. The change order is a decrease in the contract price of
$3,170.68.
98-256
A motion was made bY Council Member Cole, seconded bY Council
Member Wolfe and carried unanimously to approve Change Order #1_for
Paquette paving for the Downtown Drainage system in the amount ora
decrease of $3,170. 68.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES'
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 10
Lake County Auction - Declaration of Surplus Property
City Manager Saunders stated that each year a joint auction of surplus equipment is held
with several of the cities and the County. He reviewed a list of surplus equipment that
are requested to be declared surplus.
98-257
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimousl}, to approve the surplus equipment
to be included in the annual County auction.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Jet Ski Concerns
Matt Modica stated he represented the Save Our Lakes Committee and he reviewed an
Orlando weekly article concerning pollution from Jet Skis. He urged the Council to take
a long-range look at the problem and the need to hire a consultant. Mayor Pool advised
that several years ago the Council banned all combustion engines from the land-locked
lakes within the City limits. He advised that the County and State need to provide
legislation because cities only control a very small portion. Lisa Jensen asked Matt
Modica if the Save Our Lakes Committee members planned to stop using jet skis on the
lakes. Mr. Modica replied that committee members had not agreed to stop using jet skis.
Sign Pollution
Don Harris stated that he had concerns about the excessive signs, including political
signs. Mayor Pool stated the Council will review this problem at a Workshop.
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Robert A. Pool, Mayor
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1998
Page 11
Attest:
ph E. Van ~Ie, City iglerk