02-24-1998 Regular Meeting CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1998
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held Tuesday,
February 24, 1998 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: Council Member Cole, Council Member Wolfe, Council Member Brown, and
Council Member Norquist. Other City officials present were City Manager Saunders,
Finance Director Van Zile, Planning Director Harker and Clerk Maxwell.
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 Meeting held February 10, 1998 were approved as
presented.
CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS' REPORT
Tree City USA
City Manager Saunders reported that the National Arbor Day Foundation and the
Department of Agriculture designated the City of Clermont as a Tree City USA for
1997. He stated this was the seventh year Clermont has received that honor.
Orange Blossom Breakfast
City Manager Saunders invited everyone to the Orange Blossom Breakfast which is
sponsored by the City of Clermont on March 6, 1998 at 7:30 a.m. The honored
speaker will be Dr. John Hit/, President of the University of Central Florida.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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COUNCIL MEMBER COLE'S REPORT
Council Member Cole spoke of the recent tornado disaster and the possibility of using
sirens for such disasters. City Manager Saunders will investigate.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE'S REPORT
Tornado Relief
Council Member Wolfe reported that Jennifer Elswick has asked for volunteers, food
and goods for tornado relief. The collection point is Publix Supermarket on Saturday,
February 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or Micki Blackburn Realty anytime previous
to Saturday.
Walmart Proposed Location
Council Member Wolfe asked that the letter from the South Lake Development Council
objecting to the proposed Walmart location on adjacent to RaceTrac on Highway 50
and U.S. 27 be entered into the record. City Attorney Baird stated it is not appropriate
to enter the letter into record until the public hearing.
MAYOR POOL'S REPORT
Tornado Assistance
Mayor Pool stated the volunteer firefighters have offered their services in the search
and rescue mission and Public Works Director Davis has offered City equipment to the
City of Winter Garden to help with the tornado disaster.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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St. Johns River Water Management Cleanup Day
Mayor Pool stated that March 21 is the St. Johns River Water Management cleanup
day. He encouraged all Council Members to volunteer in the cleanup, meeting at the
Waterfront Park at 8:00 a.m.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
South Lake YMCA - Request to Use Highlander Hut
City Manager Saunders stated that the YMCA is requesting the use of the Highlander
Hut for their summer day camp program running from May 25 through August 7.
They are requesting the continued reduced rate of $20 per day. The normal rental rate
for the building would be $7.50 per hour, or $82.50 per day for the summer day camp.
The daily fee per child for the YMCA summer day camp program is $65 for members
and $85 for non members, and they expect approximately 50 per week to participate in
this program.
98-070
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously to approve the use of the
Highlander Hut to the YMCA for the summer day camp program from
May. 25 through August 7 at the reduced rate of $20, with cleaning costs
to be added, if necessa~..
1st Church of the Nazarene - Resolution No. 990
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit
for the expansion of an existing church located at 101 N. Grand Highway. Mayor
Pool read Resolution 990 by title only and stated that a Quasi-Judicial hearing is
required for this request, 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 Don Harris, 612
Grand Highway and Chester Hershey, 10045 Lake Louise Road, Clermont
CITY OF CLERMONT
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Page 4
Chester Hershey, Assistant Pastor of the 1s~ Nazarene Church sated that the proposed
addition will be a family center for youth and families for the whole community.
City Manager Saunders stated the expansion consists of the construction of one
additional building which will function as a multi-purpose family center. They will also
dedicate the necessary right-of-way to re-align the intersection on Mohawk Road and
Grand Highway. One variance is also being requested in conjunction with the
Conditional Use Permit which is to allow a height of 48' for the erection of a new
steeple with the existing code allowing a maximum height of 35'. City Manager
Saunders sated that the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend
approval with the conditions as outlined in Resolution No. 990.
Mayor Pool read a letter from Mr. Adams who sated he is against the variance request
and feels the Church should comply with the City's regulations. Council Member
Wolfe asked whether the present height limit should be amended separately from the
other proposed Land Development Regulations amendments.
98-071
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 990 and grant a height variance of 48'for the erection of
a steeple for the 1~ Nazarene Church at 10! N. Grand Highway..
Cathey's Coffee - Resolution No. 991
City Manager Saunders sated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit
for the operation of a combined retail business and coffee shop restaurant in the CBD
Central Business District located at 719 West Avenue (east side of West Avenue south
of Montrose Street). Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 991 by title only and sated that
a Quasi-Judicial hearing is required for this request, 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 Bill Everage, 104 E. Osceola, Mirmeola.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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City Manager Saunders stated that under our current ordinance, three additional
parking spaces will need to be provided and Condition//2 in Resolution 991 allows
three options for providing this space. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff
recommend approval with the conditions as stated in Resolution 991.
Council Member Norquist asked about modifying the intersection at West Avenue and
Montrose Street. City Manager Saunders stated that a meeting was held on that site
today and they agreed to temporary traffic control devices. Next budget year will
include a traffic island. Mayor Pool closed the public hearing.
98-072
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 991.
Mark Chodos - Resolution No. 992
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit
for the operation of a restaurant with temporary mulch parking in the Central Business
District to be located at 550 West Avenue. Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 992 by
title only and stated that a Quasi-Judicial hearing is required for this request, 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 Mark Chodos, 10411 C.R. 474, Clermont.
Mark Chodos explained he intends to rebuild an old house and make it into a cafe-type
restaurant. City Manager Saunders stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission
and staff recommend approval with the temporary use of mulch parking. Mayor Pool
closed the public hearing.
98-073
A motion was made by Council Member Brown, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 992.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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NEW BUSINESS
Property Purchase - Dole-Citrus Property Access
City Manager Saunders stated he has investigated acquiring right-of-way to the former
Dole-Citrus property. At the last meeting the City Council authorized the staff to move
ahead with the purchase of the Ellrodt property needed for the access road. He
requested Council's approval for the purchase of the strip just north of the Ellrodt
property which is owned by Mr. Chodos. He recommended offering Mr. Chodos the
same price per square foot that is being offered Mr. Ellrodt for his property which
would total approximately $13,600. The property just north of Mr. Chodos is owned
by the City. North of the City's parcel is owned by Mr. Norquist who has indicated his
willingness to deed this property to the City. A small triangular piece is adjacent to
Mr. Norquist's property owned by Mr. Sutton who has indicated he is willing to work
with the City.
Council Member Wolfe was concerned about purchasing the Chodos property without
knowing if the Ellrodt property can be purchased. Mark Chodos confirmed that he was
willing to sell his property and suggested holding a workshop with all the property
owners concerned.
98-074
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried four to one with Council Member Wolfe voting
nay. to authorize Staff to present an offer of purchase to Mark Chodos.
City Manager Saunders stated City Attorney Baird prepared an agreement regarding
trading Mr. Norquist's property with City property in that area. The square footage of
City property traded for Mr. Norquist's property will be equal to or less than Mr.
Norquist's property.
98-075
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously with Council Member Norquist
CITY OF CLERMONT
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Page 7
abstaining to authorize developing an exchange agreement determining
the square footage with Ken Norquist.
98-076
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried four to one with Council Member Wolfe voting
nay. because an option is not included to authorize staff to negotiate with
Mr. Sutton for his parcel.
City Manager Saunders stated that the Council offered Mr. Ellrodt $30,000 based on
the appraisal and Mr. Ellrodt responded with a price of $40,000. He also offered to
pay for another appraisal.
98-077
After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Norquist,
seconded by Council Member Cole, and carried four to one with Council
Member Wolfe voting nay to offer Mr. Ellrodt $35,000.
Property Purchase - Fire Station
City Manager Saunders stated that for several months they have investigated potential
sites for a new fire station. The City Council had previously authorized staff to offer to
purchase property located at the intersection of Highway 50 and 2nd Street, however
were unable to negotiate the purchase. He stated that he and Fire Chief Bishop have
identified another site located on the south side of Highway 50 between 4th Street and
5m Street that is suitable for the new fire station. The property has approximately 100'
of frontage on Highway 50 and extends approximately 220' south to Chestnut Street
with 100' of frontage on Chestnut Street. He requested the Council's approval to
negotiate the purchase of this property which will be brought back to the Council for
approval.
98-078
After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded
by Council Member Cole, and carried unanimously to authorize staff to
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1998
Page 8
enter into negotiations for the purchase of the property, between 5th Street
and 4'h Street for a new fire station site.
Lincoln Park Recreation Area
City Manager Saunders stated that the suggestions from the Parks and Recreation
Committee have not been incorporated on the conceptual site plan which consist of
relocating some of the amenities. The improvements that are recommended by the
Park and Recreation Committee were taken from a wish list of improvements presented
to them by the Lincoln Park Task Force.
The improvements include the addition of lighted volleyball court, new playground
equipment, a picnic pavilion with restroom facilities, and a softball field. Also
proposed is the resurfacing of the two basketball courts, new goal posts, and lighting
for the east court. Other support items such as picnic tables, benches and water
fountains will also be provided. An exercise trail around the perimeter is also
proposed, but is not shown on this preliminary plan. He requested Council's approval
of the conceptual improvements to present to the School Board to request a long-term
lease of the property as well as make a more informed presentation to the South Lake
Development Council in our request for grant funds.
98-079
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to approve the conceptual site
plan for the Lincoln Park Recreation Area.
Council Workshop
Council Members agreed to hold a workshop on Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers to discuss downtown parking and other matters.
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1998
Page 9
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Robert A. Pool, Mayor
Attest:
~J:osep~erk
l COUNTY, MUNIC;PAL, AND* OTHER LOCAL* 'PUBLIC OFFICERS
LA.""~ ~ ~'~E~ ~
MAILING ADDRESS
NAME OF BOARD, COUNCIL, COMMISSION, AUTHORITY, OR COMMITTEE
uist, Ken , Council Member, Clermont Cit~, Council
THE It(')ARD. COUNCIl.. COMMISSION, AUTHORITY. OR COMMITTEE ON
CITY COUNTY
DATE ON ~VHI(.'H VOTE O(.'CURRED
,.W.~ I SERVE IS A UNIT OF:
~ '.. COUNTY I ! OTHER LOCAL AGENCY
NAME OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION:
'MY POSITION IS:
ELECTIVE .. APPOINTIVE
WHO MUST FILE FORM 8B
This form is for use by a. ny person serving al the county, city, or other local level of government on an appoinled or elected board,
council, commission, authority, or committee, it applies equally to members of advisory and non-advisory bodies who are presented
with a voting conflict of interest under Section 112.3143, Florida Statutes. The requirements of this law are mandatory; although
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ELECTED OFFICERS:
A person holding elective county, municipal, or other local public office MUST ABSTAIN from voting on a measure which inures
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DISCLOSURE OF STATE OFFICER'S INTEREST
1, %-(~,o ~(~ 0 f~ ~'l~ '~' , hereby disclose that on
(a) A measure came or will come before my agency which' (check one)
,./inured to my special private gain; or ~ ~c ¼,~ ,,,~ e ~ ~
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