07-14-1998 Regular Meeting CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 14, 1998
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held Tuesday, July 14,
1998 at Jenkins Auditorium. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Mayor
Pool with the following Council Members present: Council Member Wolfe, Council
Member Brown, Council Member Cole and Council Member Norquist. Other City
officials present were City Attorney Baird, Finance Director Van Zile and Clerk
Maxwell.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was offered by Dr. Joseph Wright followed by the repeating of the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular Council Meeting held June 23, 1998 and Workshop meetings
held February 18, March 5, March 17, April 6, May 11, May 28, June 4 and June 15,
1998 were approved as presented.
CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS' REPORT
McKinney Park Update
City Manager Saunders stated that the playground equipment for McKinney Park is
scheduled for delivery on August 5 and will be installed within two weeks from that date.
The Public Works crew will be preparing the 60' x 60' site before that date. The ballfield
lighting is scheduled for delivery the first week of August and it will be installed the
following xveek. The grading with clay for the ballfield will be done next week which
will be done by the City's Public Works crew. Quotes have been received on the
perimeter fbncing which will be bought direct in order to save sales tax. Plans for the
Palatlakaha picnic pavilion are being reviewed by George Wood, a Clermont architect to
see if they :need to be updated for new hurricane requirements, etc. Mr. Wood will also
review the plans for the possible addition of a bathroom.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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JULY 14, 1998
Page 2
Budget Workshops
City Manager Saunders reminded Council Members of the Budget Workshops scheduled
for July 21, 23, and 27.
CITY ATTORNEY BAIRD'S REPORT
City Attorney Baird stated that the Council previously approved $15,000 for the purchase
of the Sutton property for the new boat ramp access. Mr. Sutton is also requesting
payment of his attorney fees of $1,000. Closing costs will be $105 for document stamps
and $6 anti recording fees. He stated that the amount is still below the cost of
condemnation proceedings and he recommended payment.
98-2O0
.4 motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously to approve $1, O00 for attorney
fee'.~_for purchase of Mr. Sutton's proper _t¥ to access the new boat ramp.
MAYOR POOL'S REPORT
Downtown Storm Water Retention
Mayor Pool stated he recently viewed the new Downtown Clermont million-gallon storm
water retention area. He stated the City has collected and spent $1.1 million in storm
water fees since 1991.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE'S REPORT
Lake Lowery Diversion
Council Member Wolfe asked if the resolution that supported Lake County's opposition
to Polk County's diversion of water from Lake Lowery was sent to the appropriate
agencies. City Manager Saunders stated it was sent to Lake County, the Water
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
~ISLY 14, 1998
Page 3
Authority, Polk County and others. He stated Dr. Taylor of the Water Authority will be
asked to attend the next meeting to give an Update on the legal status.
Orange County Gray Water
Council Member Wolfe asked about the gray water that Orange County brings onto the
nearby 1,500 acres Conserve-Two Project and whether there was a possibility that
Clermont could connect for reuse to Kings Ridge. City Manager Saunders stated the
water was too far away and probably not treated to the required standard.
COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN'S REPORT
Minneola Water Shortage
Council Member Brown asked that any agreement that is made with Minneola to provide
water to help during their shortage does not jeopardize or cost Clermont citizens in any
way. City Manager Saunders stated that a meeting was held with Minneola that
afternoon and that they were drafting an one-year agreement that will state that first
priority will be the Clermont water users. The agreement will be placed on the earliest
possible Council agenda.
All-Stars iLittle League
Council Member Wolfe reported that the All-Stars Little League received a bill for field
rental from the City and they asked for relief of approximately $90.
98-201
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded bp Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously to waive approximately $90 o_f
the.fieM bill_for Palatlakaha Recreation Area to Little League All Stars.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 14, 1998
Page 4
MAYORAL PROCLAMATION
Mayor Pool read the Mayoral Proclamation for the general election and primary election
to be held for Council seats 1, 3, and 5. The primary election will be held October 1 and
the general, election will be held November 3. He encouraged citizen involvement.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
Fred Fox Enterprises, Inc.
Mr. David Fox of Fred Fox Enterprises updated the Council on the progress to date on
the 26 homes rehabilitated in the current Community Development Block Grant. After
approval o:t'the requested change orders, $24,686.99 remains in the Grant. It is possible
to add another home and the Task Force recommended the Jessie Thomas' residence at
520 E. Juniata.
98-202
~4 motion was made bY Council Member Cole, seconded bP Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously to add the Jessie Thomas'
residence at 520 E. Juniata to the CommuniN Development Block Grant
_for approximatel_¥ $24,686.99.
Mr. Fox reviewed the change orders approved by the Community Development Block
Grant Task: Force, as follows:
Change Order/ti for Annie Knight for $300 for surveying.
Change Order//2 for Annie Knight for $2,540 to add sod, seed, driveway
and sidewalk.
Change Order # 1 for James Shepherd for $1,910 for handicap ramp and
refriigerator.
Change Order #3 for $1,730 for Ann Wilson for sod, seed, driveway and
sidewalk
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
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Page 5
98-203
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Mr. Cole,
and carried unanimously to approve the _four Community Development
Block Grant change orders listed above.
Mr. Fox explained that the Sherman and Deloris Isom, heirs of Susana Brown, whose
home was repaired under the Block Grant are also eligible to be included in the Block
Grant and they request to finish out the remainder of the mortgage and also for the City
to subordinate so they may refinance.
98-204
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded bY Council
Member Wolfe to allow continuation of the Susana Brown Community
Development Block Grant mortgage to Sherman and Deloris Isom and also
to subordinate the City's mortgage so they may refinance..
South Lake, Chamber of Commerce
Howard Stockton, Executive Director of the Chamber explained that the Chamber does
the promotion for all five cities in South Lake County. He requested that the City
contribute $1,000 for the production of a promofi~_naL~er. The City of Groveland has
contributed $400 and Mascotte, Minneola and,~t. Verde~ave also been asked to
contribute. Mr. Stockton will be present at Tues-~Pay-llUght's meeting to address the
Council.
98-2O5
A motion was made by Council Member Brown, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, 'a.nd carried unanimously to approve $1, O00 for a
promotional folder for the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
South Lake Council of the Arts
Mr. Howard Stockton explained that the South Lake Council of the Arts carryover of
funds was down considerably and the fees for the performers were up substantially. He
was approaclhed by Marco DeGeorge at Kings Ridge who does the marketing for the
activities who reported they were doing a 10-concert series this year and asked if the
Chamber would help sell tickets. They will make the concerts available to everyone in
CITY OF CLERMONT
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the community. He stated the Arts Council will be inactive for the coming year and will
re-evaluate the situation next spring. He asked that the City maintain the remaining
funds.
98-206
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to maintain the South Lake
Council of the Arts_funds in an escrow account.
Donnie Ray Maddox, Resolution No. 1009
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 1009 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 oppos-
ition to the request needs to be sworn in. City Clerk Van Zile swore in the following:
Kristine Sette
Donrde Ray Maddox
618 N. Brooke Court, Clermont
562 W. Minneola Street, Clermont
Dolmie Ray Maddox stated that the facility will be a listening room to feature musical
entertainment. Kristine Sette asked if there will be liquor on the premises. Mr. Maddox
stated that they plan to sell beer and wine on Fridays and Saturdays after 6:00 p.m.
City Manager Saunders stated that Mr. Maddox is requesting a Conditional Use Permit
for the operation of a restaurant and family entertainment facility at 627 8 th Street which
was the property is the previous location of Gatorland Meats. The Planning and Zoning
Commission and staff are recommending approval of the request with the conditions as
stated in Resolution No. 1009.
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 1009 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a family
entertainment and restaurant facili~_ at 627 8 tn Street for Donnie Ray
Madabx. :'
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 14, 1998
Page 7
Clermont Downtown Partnership
City Manager Saunders stated that Jennifer Hanks Elswick, President of the Downtown
Partnership requested the closing of Montrose Street between 7 th Street and West
Avenue. JeffBiddle of the Downtown Partnership stated that events are planned for
Friday, August 7 and Friday, September 4 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
98-208
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded bY Council
Norquist, and carried unanimously to close Montrose Street between 7tn
Street and West Avenue between the hours of 6:OO p. m. and 9:00p. m. _for
the Downtown Partnership.
Florida Freewheelers Horrible Hundred Bike Ride
City Manager Saunders stated that the Florida Freewheelers are requesting the use of the
Waterfront Park for their start and finish of their 19 th annual Horrible Hundred Bike
Ride. They are also requesting that in lieu of the parking fee they be allowed to donate
two dozen bicycle helmets as they did last year. These helmets are used by our Police
Department as a part of their safety program and are given to children that may not
otherwise have a helmet. The event is scheduled for November 15. This group will
provide additional portable toilets and be responsible for cleanup. We have not had any
problems in the past from this event and recommend approval.
98-209
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously to approve the Florida
Freewheelers Horrible Hundred Bike Ride to start andfinish at the
Water,front Park and parking fee waiver on November 15.
Center of Hope Ministry
City Manager Saunders stated that Janet Wilbum of the Center of Hope Ministry is
requesting the use of the Highlander Hut for a revival service from July 22 to July 24.
City Manager Saunders stated that this. type of request for usage requires City Council
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 14, 1998
Page 8
approval. Mrs. Wilbum expects between 25-30 people to attend. The hours of the
service will· be from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. He recommended approval.
98-21~
A motion was made bY Council Member Wo~e, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimousl_¥ to approve the use Of the
Highlander Hut to Center of Hope Ministry for a revival on July 22, 23,
and 24 from 7:30p. m. to lO:OOp, m.
Sudden Impact Girls Fastpitch Softball
City Manager Saunders stated that Rick Fetty, a coach for the Sudden Impact Girls
Fastpitch Softball program has requested the City Council's financial support of girls
fastpitch so~ball traveling team that has been organized by the coaches of Lake Sumter
Community College. They are requesting financial assistance to help with a tournament
that is being; planned for later this month. Mayor Pool stated that taxpayer money should
not be used for this type of use.
98-23.?.
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded bp Council
Member Norquist and carried unanimousl_¥ to deny the request to donate to
the Sudden Impact Girls Fastpitch Softball program.
Irrigation Meter
City Manager Saunders stated that at last week's workshop, the Council requested the
prorated cost of installation of an irrigation meter be placed on the agenda. Mayor Pool
stated that Diane Bell called him regarding the possibility of prorated payments for the
installation of a water meter which is $157 for a 3/4" meter. City Manager Saunders
stated that the request to prorate the cost has not been made before and if it is enacted, it
probably should not be extended to renters. He said about 20 meters were installed last
month. The current computer program us not set up to take installment payments, so it
would be.a manual operation and he did not recommend pursuing it.
Diane Bell said she did water her lawn which doesn't affect the sewer. She said she
should have 'been informed about the possibility of adding an irrigation meter when she
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 14, 1998
Page 9
initially signed up for water and she asked that the cost of the meter be prorated. She
also complained about the $5 late fee. Finance Director Van Zile stated a survey of other
utilities was made and the $5 late fee is a usual practice for the other municipalities. The
late fee was enacted in July of 1997 and about 1,200 accounts monthly are charged.
Council Member Wolfe asked that the late fee be reviewed at a Workshop.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Fire Department Complaint
Kristine Se'rte asked if Jeff Jones, City Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer is paid
when he answers fire calls as a Volunteer Fire Fighter and his regular salary. City
Manager Saunders confirmed that he is and that it has been City policy for many years to
allow City employees to answer fire calls. She also asked why the Deputy Fire Chief's
car has been in Winter Springs on many occasions. City Manager Saunders stated he
was aware that the Deputy Fire Chief did drive the City vehicle with City gas to Winter
Springs on 'three occasions when equipment was to be picked up for the Fire Department.
City Manager Saunders stated he will review the car usage again. Council Member
Wolfe asked for copies of the Personnel Policy regarding City vehicle usage.
Kristine Set~e asked why one of the City's fire trucks went to Volusia County and
Brevard County on a Code 3 with lights and sirens. She stated she heard the water pump
broke over ~ere and there was an inadequate number of personnel and equipment to
protect the City and she asked who authorized it. City Manager Saunders stated that the
Assistant Chief called him and stated that they had been requested to send personnel and
possibly a piece of equipment to the Mims area to help with the wild fires. It was their
decision that they had enough personnel to cover the City. He stated that five or six
people went and typically a dozen or more respond to a City fire call. He stated that the
old engine was sent which did have problems with the pump. He thought it was
appropriate for the City to help with the fires. Mrs. Sette felt the City was inadequately
protected attd it was inappropriate to send the personnel and equipment. City Manager
Saunders stated he thought it would be inappropriate to refuse to help. He explained the
City does have a state-wide mutual aid agreement and if the City had a major problem,
they would call for help from other cities and counties around.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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Page 10
Kristine Sette stated that a Kings Ridge resident was told by Chief Bishop that the City
has a defibrilator and she didn't think we had one or any trained personnel and the
response time was changed from 3.88 to 6 minutes. Mayor Pool stated the response time
from the Lake Susan station would be longer than the City response time and the new
station at Kings Ridge will provide excellent response time. She asked that the City look
into these questions.
Police Department Complaint
Lucille Duramus stated she went to the Police Department to check on her son John and
Detective Cheatam put his hands on her and told her to leave the Police Department.
City Manager Saunders stated he has a meeting scheduled with Mrs. Duramus on
Wednesday morning.
Fire Department Complaint
Charlene Forth complained that at 12:30 a.m. a few days ago a Clermont fire truck went
by her house on DeSoto Street and West Avenue, didn't even stop hardly at all at the 4-
way stop sign and she was behind it all the way to Orlando and watched it go Code-3 the
whole way. She stated there was no reason for that since it was not an emergency. She
said everyone else from the United States was over there fighting the fires and Clermont
was not going there to save the day. A lot of other cities did not send fire fighters and
equipment. She was outraged at the fire track going by her house because there was no
emergency. She demanded an investigation of the truck and a statement be filed at City
Hall that they did this. She asked City Manager Saunders if her request was clear
because she didn't want any excuse, she wanted it on file. City Manager Saunders stated
he didn't think anyone refused taking a statement, but told her he did not know how they
went over there. She directed the City Council to direct City Manager Saunders to
conduct an investigation into the activities of some of the firemen. She stated she has
lived in that location for nine years and she has seen a lot of cutting-up going on and it
goes on continually. She stated she has no reason to lie. She demanded an investigation.
Mayor Pool stated they have asked the City Manager to give a report on the allegations
and she could have a copy of it. She requested that it be delivered to her personally.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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JULY 14, 1998
Page 11
Lake Lowery
Sim Grant congratulated Mayor Pool on his commitment to Clermont's leadership role in
opposition to Polk County's water diversion.
There being no fu~er business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Robert A. Pool, Mayor
Attest:
OJ~sepli E.~V~lerk
WE THE SIGNED.HEREBY PET N THE CITY-O-F
CLERMONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CO NSTRU_CT_ION OFA NEW__BO_ATRAMP.TO _BE LOCATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDING FROM THE _CO_UNTYANDSTATE
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CLERMONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CONSTRUCTIO_N OF~A NEW_BOAT RAMP T.O_BE .LO. CATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDING FROM THE COUNT_Y_AND.STATE
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DATE~PHONE #
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CLERMONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CONSTRUCTION OFA NEW_BOAT_RAMP ]]O BE L.O. CATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDING FROM THE CO.UN:F3(AND.STATE
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WE THE UNDE'~RSiGNEDHEREBY PETITION THE CITY OF
CLERMONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CONSTRUCTION OF_A NEW_BOATRAMP T_O_BE LOCATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDING FROM THE COUNT_Y ANDSTATE
NAME
ADDRESS
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CLKRMONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CONSTRUCTION _OF~A NEWBOATRAMP TOBE LOCATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDING FROM THE CO.UNT_YAND_STATE
NAME
ADDRESS
DATE~PHONE #
24.
25.
CLERMONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CONSTRUCTION OF.A NEW_BOAT_RA MP T_O_BE LOCATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDIN. G FRO2M THE .COUNT~YAND_STATE
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CLEI~MONT TO IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE
CONSTRUCT_ION _OF_A NEW_BOAT_RA MI' T_O_BE LO. CATED
AT THE DOLE PROPERTY, FURTHERMORE WE REQUEST
THE CITY OF CLERMONT TRY TO OBTAIN' ANY AND ALL
AVAILABLE FUNDING FROM THE COIJiNT~tr_AND STATE
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