12-09-1997 Regular Meeting CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held Tuesday,
December 9, 1997 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 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 Meeting held November 25, 1997 were approved
with a correction to Council Member Wolfe's request for traffic reports to include a
review of all of the roads, including the planned roads in an upcoming workshop.
CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS' REPORT
Oak Street One-Way Designation
City Manager Saunders stated he received a request from Cypress Ridge Elementary
School to consider making Oak Street between East Avenue and Second Street one-way
in the afternoons between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. He explained that this area was one-way
several years ago when the school was Clermont Elementary. There is a pickup area
on Oak Street and cars line up on East Avenue to turn into Oak Street which blocks
private driveways and creates congestion. Police Chief Story agrees with the proposal.
No objections from the Council were made regarding the Oak Street one-way proposal.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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Workshop
Council Members agreed to hold a Workshop on Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.
to review Jaymark Builders proposed developments.
Sludge Treatment
City Manager Saunders explained we have been sending the City's sewage treatment
plant sludge to Sumter County on a trial basis for about six months. They have a
temporary permit where they mix the sludge with their compost to make a better grade
of compost. In the past we have had a contract with an individual to have the sludge
spread over land and the City obtains the permitting and is responsible for the sludge
spreading. If we continue to deliver the sludge to Sumter County, they will be
responsible for permitting, mixing, etc. The cost for Sumter County is a little less,
plus the permitting requirements will be eliminated. He recommended a five-year
contract to continue with Sumter County.
97-265
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to approve a five-year contract
with Sumter Coun~ for the disposal of the Ci~ 's sludge.
CITY ATTORNEY BAIRD'S REPORT
City Attorney Baird reported that a draft road agreement with Mr. Wright has been
returned with corrections which should be finalized within a few days.
COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN'S REPORT
Council Member Brown stated he received a few phone calls from concerned citizens
thanking the Council and the City for the 4-way stop signs that were recently installed.
Council Member Cole stated he also received supportive phone calls on this and asked
if warning ripples may also be appropriate to install.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
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COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE'S REPORT
Council Member Wolfe also reported a telephone call regarding the 4-way stop, but
they were also concerned with inadequate lighting at the corner of Bloxam and DeSoto
Street. A woman driving alone at night was bothered by loiterers at this corner.
MAYOR POOL'S REPORT
Mayor Pool read a letter that was written to the City by Mr. Wesley J. Todd in
appreciation of a fine job in maintaining the Oak Hill Cemetery and specifically
commended Mr. Charles Walker. Mayor Pool also read a letter from Mrs. Helen
Burnett who commended the City for the good things provided to the residents and the
newsletter which keeps them informed and gives them a voice in City decisions with
questionnaires.
Mayor Pool thanked the sponsors of Light Up Clermont, stating it was the biggest and
best ever. He specifically thanked Advance Electric, the South Lake Foundation,
Peoples State Bank, South Lake Chamber of Commerce, Mary Jackson, Gail Ketch,
and the Kiwanis Club.
Mayor Pool stated that he received a report that we may be running out of Cemetery
spaces. He asked City Manager Saunders to meet with the Public Works Director to
review an inventory of what is available.
Mayor Pool reported that he attended the Lake County Recreation Committee meeting
which tentatively awarded $62,500 to the City of Clermont for the relocation of the
boat launch. He commended City Manager Saunders and staff for a good presentation.
He asked Council Member Wolfe if he wanted to comment about why he attended that
meeting to object to the award of the grant. Council Member Wolfe stated that the
Council voted three to two for the boat ramp relocation and he went as a member of the
40 % of the Council that was against the relocation. His concern was that there was a
misrepresentation as to who was in favor and who was not in favor of the project. The
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
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grant indicated that the Save Our Lakes Committee was in support of the project, which
it was not. He also asked to review all grants before they were submitted. Mayor Pool
asked that copies of the grants be submitted to all Council Members.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Final Reading of Ordinance 331-M
City Manager Saunders stated that Ordinance 331-M will annex Lots 7-11 and Lot 27,
Summit Subdivision (approximately .6 acres of property) located at the southwest
corner of the intersection of Highway 50 and East Jacks Lake Road. The site is
currently being developed by Coldwell Bankers. Mayor Pool read Ordinance 331-M
by title only and stated that the annexation requires that a Quasi-Judicial hearing be held
and that anyone wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to the annexation be sworn
in. No one asked to speak and Mayor Pool closed the public hearing.
City Manager Saunders stated that staff recommends approval.
97-266
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Ordinance 331-M.
Final Reading of Ordinance 333-M
City Manager Saunders stated that Ordinance 333-M will rezone the property annexed
in Ordinance 331-M from UE Urban Estate to R-3 Residential/Professional. Mayor
Pool read Ordinance 333-M by title only and stated that the request requires that a
Quasi-Judicial hearing be held and that anyone wishing to speak in favor or in
opposition to the request should be sworn in. No one asked to speak and Mayor Pool
closed the public hearing.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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City Manager Saunders stated that the staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommend approval.
97-267
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Ordinance 333-M.
Lincoln Park Recreation Area Action Plan
City Manager Saunders stated that a direction for the Lincoln Park Recreation Area is
needed. A request was made to the School Board to be placed on their agenda
regarding the City's request for a lease or donation of the property to be developed as a
park. Mr. Cox of the School District has asked for an improvement plan showing what
type of improvements the City proposes to place on the property before placing the
request on the agenda. The extent of the improvements may have some effect on the
term of lease. A proposed action plan for redevelopment of the playground located on
the southeast corner of Bloxam and DeSoto Street is needed and a public workshop can
be advertised for the Parks and Recreation Committee which can meet at Clermont
Elementary School and develop a proposed improvement plan for the park which will
be presented to the Council.
Wilbur Montgomery stated that improvement of the park and escalated law enforcement
is long overdue. A 4-way stop sign is a hazard and is really not needed. Joe Janusiak
stated the 4-way stop sign is good and is needed.
City Manger Saunders stated that he obtained information from Police Chief Story
shows that 36 drug related arrests have been made in the last 24 months within a 2-
block radius of the intersection. Many of these are repeat offenders and are back on
the street the day after they are arrested which is a problem in our Court system. It
was agreed that more lights in the area will help.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
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City Manager Saunders reviewed an action plan to guide the development of the
recreation area at the southeast corner of Bloxam Avenue and DeSoto Street
(approximately 4 acres) which includes neighborhood participation in the plan for the
facilities to be constructed. The western portion of this property has been maintained
by the City for many years and is equipped with a swing set, slide, culverts, tires, and
two basketball courts. The eastern portion is an open field that contains remnants of
two ball fields. The City constructed the newer of the two basketball courts and
installed lighting and provides the electricity to light the courts. Proposed action is to
request long-term control of the entire four acres from the School Board. He stated
that the City's Parks and Recreation Comnfittee should be involved with members of
the neighborhood in a well advertised public workshop in determining the types of
recreational amenities to be held at the Clermont Elementary School located on Bloxam
Avenue. The conceptual improvement plan will be presented and approved by the City
Council and a detailed improvement plan and cost estimates will be developed and
funding sources will be investigated.
Mr. Montgomery stated that after the plan goes into effect, at least 100 men will help
on a Saturday if they received a letter from the Mayor.
97-268
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to adopt the proposed Lincoln
Park Recreation Area Action Plan.
Lincoln Park Action Plan
City Manager Saunders stated that at the last Council Meeting Lisa Jensen proposed
that the City Council consider a Lincoln Park Revitalization Task Force that would be
made up of Police Chief Story, Code Enforcement Officer Jones, citizen
representatives, and the City Manager. Mrs. Jensen referred to a variety of goals that
would be a part of the revitalization of this neighborhood.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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DECEMBER 9, 1997
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City Manager Saunders stated that the City Council appoints boards and commissions at
the first meeting in January and with Council approval we will include in our
advertisements for volunteers this new task force which can be appointed along with
our other appointments. Several ads will appear between now and the January meeting
asking for volunteers to all of our Boards and Committees and this committee can be
included. Council Members discussed the various concerns of the area and the need to
involve the citizens of the Lincoln Park area.
Charlene Forthe, 939 W. DeSoto Street, Clermont stated that people in the Lincoln
Park area want control and a say in what happens in that area. City Manager Saunders
stated the request from the Council at this time is permission to advertise for volunteers
to serve on a committee regarding concerns in the Lincoln Park area. Council Member
Wolfe asked that churches and organizations be notified to request volunteers for this
committee and he asked that the December 18 workshop review the organization of the
task force. Jim Grant asked if the level of service will be upgraded immediately that
the Lincoln Park area receives in City services and stated that racism is the major issue.
Mr. Montgomery asked that a City Council representative go to the various churches in
the area and take 15 minutes explaining the request for volunteers for the committee at
each church.
97-269
After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded
by Council Member Brown and carried unani~nously to approve the
advertisement requesting volunteers for a committee to review the Lincoln
Park area.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
Community Care & Rehabilitation Center - Resolution No. 979
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting to amend an existing
Conditional Use Permit (Res. 911) to continue to allow the operation of a rehabilitation
center and adult day care for an additional two years at 347 and 349 N. Highway 27.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
Page 8
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 979 by title only and stated that 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 Carol
Bardarni, President of Community Care and Rehabilitation Center, 10501 N. Crest
Lane, Clermont.
Carol Bardarni stated they have operated Community Care and Rehabilitation Center at
347 and 349 N. Hwy. 27 and request a two-year extension of the Conditional Use
Permit. They have been operating in the present location for about a year and they
plan to build in downtown Clermont.
97-270
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 979.
South Lake Hospital - Resolution No. 980
Mayor Pool read Resolution No. 980 by title 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 be sworn in. No one asked to speak.
City Manager Saunders stated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit
for a Planned Unit Development for the relocation of South Lake Hospital to their site
north of Highway 50, east of East Jacks Lake Road. The Hospital has been previously
granted a Conditional Use Permit for this project, however, the time has expired for the
commencement of construction and they are requesting a renewal.
Planning Director Harker stated there is one change which involves an additional
request for right-of-way on the north and south roads that will eventually run between
Hancock Road and East Jacks Lake Road.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
Page 9
97-271
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously by roll call vote to adopt
Resolution No. 980.
NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance 334-M
City Manager Saunders stated that Ordinance 334-M is for introduction only and will
rezone approximately 40 acres from RR rural residential to R-1 residential for property
is located northeast of the intersection of North Ridge Boulevard and East Jacks Lake
Road. The hearing is scheduled for January 13, 1998. Mayor Pool read Ordinance
334-M by title only.
97-272
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 334-M.
Introduction of Ordinance 335-M
City Manager Saunders stated that Ordinance 335-M is for introduction only which will
annex approximately 22.7 acres. The property is located on the north side of Highway
50 immediately west of Greater Hills subdivision. Mayor Pool read Ordinance 335-M
by title only and stated the hearing will be held on January 13, 1998.
97-273
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Brown, and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 335-M.
Introduction of Ordinance 338-M
City Manager Saunders stated that Ordinance 338-M is for introduction only and will
close and abandon the cul-de-sac portion of the right-of-way at the north end of
Division Street adjacent to the Cherry Knoll subdivision.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
Page 10
Mayor Pool read Ordinance 335-M by title only and stated that the hearing will be held
on January 13, 1998.
97-274
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 338-M.
Interlocal Agreement
City Manager Saunders stated that Police Chief Story is requesting Council approval of
a Mutual Aid Agreement between Lake County and the cities within Lake County. The
Sheriff's Department and various agencies have historically cooperated on an informal
basis in the past, however, the agreement outlines procedure in case of a coordinated
effort between agencies. Staff recommends approval.
97-275
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Wolfe, and carried unanimously to approve the Law Enforcement
Mutual Aid Interlocal Agreement.
Street Resurfacing
City Manager Saunders stated that two years ago our City Public Works Department
identified a list of streets that should be resurfaced. Several streets were resurfaced this
past year for approximately $40,000. The current budget includes $40,000 for the
additional streets that were identified for resurfacing. Lake County again volunteered
to including any municipality in their county-wide resurfacing project which is a cost
savings for small projects such as ours. We are proposing to include those listed with
the Lake County resurfacing program as we did last year with an estimated cost of
$39,168. Staff recommends approval of the list as presented.
97-276
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Brown and carried unanimously to approve the resurfacing of the
identified streets under the Lake Count. resurfacing program for $39,168.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
Page 11
Employee Medical Plan
Finance Director Van Zile described the self-funded medical insurance available to the
City employees. The fixed cost will actually decrease by $3,600 next year having a
positive effect on our fund balance primarily due to a decrease in the cost of the
reinsurance premium. The premium will remain the same for the City or the employee
in the upcoming year. The proposed changes include allowing our employees to add
dental coverage for dependents without having to first be covered by health insurance.
In the past the dependents had to be on the major medical policy in order to be eligible
for dental. This will have no monetary effect on our plan. A change to the co-payment
is being proposed. Currently employees must pay for their office visits and then apply
for reimbursement which is either 80 % or 90 % after they meet their deductible. Under
a co-payment arrangement, the employee would simply pay a $10 co-payment if the
visit is to an approved network physician. This has become a popular and wide-spread
benefit among many plans and he proposed to allow the employees to vote if they wish
to change to a co-pay plan. The estimated cost to the planned fund would be
approximately $10,000. The last change is to include smoker cessation materials under
the medical plan. The cost to our plan for this would be negligible. The overall result
of all the changes proposed would be $6,400.
97-277
After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded
by Council Member Brown, and carried unanimously to approve the
above-listed changes to the medical insurance plan with a co-pay plan
contingent upon approval of the vote of the Ci~. employees.
Explorer Program
Police Sgt. Ray Simmons stated that the Police Department is requested approval of an
Explorer Program similar to the Fire Department program. He stated they will start
out with 8 members. The only costs will be the costs of the Explorer badges.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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DECEMBER 9, 1997
Page 12
97-278
A motion was made by Council Member Cole, seconded by Council
Member Norquist, and carried unanimously to approve the Police
Department Explorer Program.
Bid Award
City Manager Saunders stated that Public Works Director Davis advertised and
requested bids for the 200 garbage carts needed for this year. Along with the
advertisements, bid requests were mailed directly to 14 prospective bidders. Only one
bid was received from Transtat Equipment Company as outlined in Public Service
Director Davis' memo. We recommend approval of the bid of $10,175. This is $403
over the amount budgeted which can be taken out of reserves.
97-279
A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to approve the bid of $10,175 for
200 garbage carts from Transtat Equipment Company
Meeting Cancellation
City Manager Saunders stated that City Council has historically canceled the second
meeting in December. Currently there are no items that would need the Council's
attention prior to the fn'st meeting in January. He recommended keeping with the
tradition of canceling the second meeting in December.
97-280
A motion was made by Council Member Norquist, seconded by Council
Member Cole, and carried unanimously to cancel the regular December
23, 1997 meeting.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Lisa Jensen asked Council Member Wolfe his reason for opposing the boat ramp grant.
He stated he was opposed to the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.
CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 1997
Page 13
Theresa Hobensack, 197 Pitt Street stated that Code Enforcement and Police
Department have not been able to keep her neighbor's dog from barking for many
hours every day. Mayor Pool stated the Code Enforcement Officer will send them a
letter and if the violation is not corrected, they will come before the Code Enforcement
Board.
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Attest:
~peph ~lerk