04-25-2000 Workshop Meeting CITY OF CLERMONT
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COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
April 25, 2000
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A Workshop Meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held April 25,
2000, at Jenkins Auditorium. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harold
Turville at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Turville explained that this workshop is being held
specifically to review the Downtown Clermont Partnership's First Friday event. City
Manager Saunders was present as well as the following Council Members: Council
Member Biddle, Council Member Mullins, Council Member Lamb and Council
Member MacLauchlin. Also present was City Attorney Guthrie.
Mayor Turville stated that a letter was received from the President of the Downtown
Clermont Partnership requesting the City's support in assisting them in maintaining
the quality and safety of the Partnership's First Friday event and read a list of requests
as follows:
· Control of open-air sales
· Additional trash receptacles
· Approval to have a parade with Police and Fire Department support including
two officers on bike patrol and one officer or fire truck to lead the car cruise at
7:45 p.m.
· Road closure from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on West Avenue from Desoto Street
to Montrose Street and around the comer on Montrose Street from the east
property line of A & S Auto
· Signs posted on the Wednesday prior to the First Friday events notifying that
any cars parked inside the closed area will be towed.
· Montrose Street from West Avenue to 7th Street be closed for special theme
events or when large crowds are anticipated
· Approval of live and/or recorded music during the First Friday events on
municipal property within the Central Business District.
Mayor Turville stated that the owners ofA & S Auto, Bee's Auto, Lake Shore Realty,
Westwind Antiques, and Dragonfly Gallery have agreed to have the road closed in
front of their businesses.
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City Manager Saunders stated that in our Central Business District an existing
business can obtain an open-air sales permit on their own however, what is addressed
here is that specifically during the First Friday event there would not be a need for
each individual business to obtain an open-air permit to do things out on the street
during the event. Mr. Saunders stated this is the way most Central Business District's
in other cities handle open-air permits for specific events such as First Friday. Mr.
Saunders stated the City would like to reserve the ability to approve the location of the
activities in order to avoid any conflicts and would like other open-air vendors who
would like to participate in the event to coordinate it through the Downtown Clermont
Parmership.
Mayor Turville asked if the Parmership would have the sole privilege of approving or
disapproving any other open-air sales permits and City Manager Saunders stated that
the Partnership would only have that authority for the First Friday events.
City Attorney Guthrie saw no problem with allowing the Parmership to have the
authority to approve or disapprove other open-air permits for the First Friday event.
Council Member Lamb stated she had no problem with the businesses in the District
having open-air sales on City property, however if other vendors are brought in to
participate, she did not feel the Partnership should have the final approval or
disapproval to allow that and felt that would be asking the Partnership to police those
other vendors to make certain they were in compliance with licenses and insurance.
Council Member Mullins suggested that the City Manager or designee approve the
location and vendor.
Rose Biddle, President of the Parmership stated the reason the Partnership requested
some authority over open-air sales during the First Friday event was to make certain
vendors were not allowed at the event that would compete with an established
downtown business.
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After discussion there was consensus to allow open-air sales on City property by all
established Central Business District businesses. There was also consensus that other
open-air sales permits for the First Friday events could be allowed on municipal
property if approved by the Downtown Clermont Partnership and approved by the
City Manager or designee.
Mayor Turville stated the next item requested by the Partnership was the approval of a
parade in conjunction with the First Friday event. After discussion it was consensus
that the parade route will be approved by the City Manager or designee and a Police or
Fire vehicle and personnel will escort any parade held during the event.
Mayor Turville invited discussion regarding the Partnership request for approval of a
location with a street closing for the Classic Car Show.
City Manager Saunders stated that the Partnership has requested approval of the
closing of West Avenue from Desoto Street to Montrose Street from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m. on First Fridays to accommodate the Classic Car Show. Mr. Saunders stated if
the car show is allowed he recommends closing the street for safety reasons, both for
the pedestrians looking at the classic cars and for the owners of the classic cars.
Mayor Turville stated he was concerned regarding possible problems with West
Avenue adjoining a residential neighborhood and asked that the street only be closed
beginning at the Central Business District.
Mayor Turville stated the Partnership would like to have notification posted for other
vehicles to be removed before 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event and stated the Council
should discuss whether the City would actually tow cars away if they were not
removed by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Mayor Turville stated the Partnership
would like a requirement that the classic cars participating refrain from starting or
running engines during the show, except for the necessary moving of vehicles.
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City Manager Saunders stated this type of notification is typical with other events,
such as the Christmas or Homecoming parades. Mr. Saunders stated that notice is
given of the event and that vehicles must be moved before a certain time, and if the
vehicles are not moved and the police officers are unable to locate the owners, a car
may have to be towed. Mr. Saunders stated that the City should make certain it has
the ability to keep the area cleared and safe for the event. Mr. Saunders stated that
typically other cities place a sign earlier in the week of the event notifying the citizens
of the date and time of the event and stating that no cars may be parked in the area
during the event.
City Council Member Lamb suggested that permanent signs be put up stating that
there was no parking during the event and City Manager Saunders stated that could be
done.
After discussion there was consensus that the City will put permanent signs up stating
that there is no parking during the date and time of the event and that the Partnership
will be responsible for putting up temporary signs on the Wednesday before the First
Friday event to remind citizens that there is no parking from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on
the first Friday of the month during the event.
Mayor Turville stated the last item to be discussed was the request for approval of live
or recorded music or other entertainment on municipal property within the Central
Business District and that street entertainment would be coordinated through the
Downtown Clermont Partnership.
Council Member Lamb stated that she was concerned whether Ms. Blanchard had
been notified that the street in front of her house would possibly be closed for the First
Friday event and City Manager Saunders stated that Ms. Blanchard's driveway was
actually located on DeSoto Street and her access would not be effected. Ms. Lamb
stated that the fire truck leading the parade would be parked right in front of Ms.
Blanchard's house and she felt there would be fewer problems if no one parked in
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front of that house. City Manager Saunders stated that there had been very good
advertisement regarding this workshop including articles in the Newspaper.
Council Member Biddle stated that when the parking areas are completed on the other
end of West Avenue, the car show can extend its parking to the other end of West
Avenue, but until then the area from DeSoto Street to Montrose is the best location.
Mr. Biddle stated that there were commercial vehicles parked in front of Ms.
Blanchard's home every day of the week, all day long and that all the Partnership is
requesting is the ability to have the classic cars park in that location for three hours
one Friday a month.
Mayor Turville stated that Ms. Blanchard and Mr. and Mrs. Forth had a problem with
live music and entertainment at the First Friday event, specifically with the live music
at the Mulberry Inn.
City Manager Saunders stated that the concern regarding live music at the Mulberry
Inn was a separate issue and that the issue to be discussed now was whether the
Partnership could have live or recorded music and entertainment on municipal
property within the Central Business District and whether the street entertainment
would be coordinated through the Partnership. Mr. Saunders stated the issue of live
music or other entertainment on private property was a separate issue. City Manager
Saunders stated that typically on First Friday events and other events, businesses have
had guitar players or someone providing some type of entertainment on the sidewalks
in front of businesses, as well as entertainment inside a business with speakers outside.
Mr. Saunders stated it was common in Central Business Districts to allow
entertainment on sidewalks, public parks or municipal parking lots.
Council Member MacLauchlin stated that if the entertainment was coordinated by the
Partnership, that would prevent inappropriate entertainment or overlapping
entertainment and City Manager Saunders suggested that the City Manager or
designee also have approval of entertainment.
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City Attorney Guthrie stated the two issues to be decided by Council is the closing of
streets and whether municipal property may be used for entertainment. Mr. Guthrie
stated that restrictions could be placed, such as the fact that this is for the First Friday
events only and that approval must be coordinated and received by the Downtown
Clermont Parmership and the City Manager or designee.
Council Member Biddle showed a transparency of the downtown area and indicated
all of the locations where businesses have had entertainment and live music on
municipal property for several years during events. Mr. Biddle stated the
entertainment has been coordinated quite well and the Partnership has been very
successful in sponsoring the First Friday event and would appreciate the City's
support.
Mayor Turville asked who was going to regulate the volume of the music and
entertainment and Council Member Biddle stated that the City has a noise ordinance
that regulates the noise. City Attorney Guthrie confirmed that the City has a noise
ordinance that restricts playing of musical instruments from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
and Council Member Biddle stated that typically First Friday events end at 9:00 p.m.
or 9:30 p.m.
Council Member Lamb asked how alcohol sales are handled and specifically
questioned the Mulberry Inn selling beer and wine and Council Member Biddle stated
he had a beer and wine license allowing him to sell beer and wine on his property.
Ms. Lamb asked how policing was done to insure citizens weren't taking the alcoholic
beverages and walking around the streets with open containers. Council Member
Biddle stated there are signs on his property stating that the alcohol must be consumed
on the property. Ms. Lamb asked if there was a problem with alcohol sales at the
Mulberry Inn in relation to the location of the church down the street and Mr. Biddle
stated he got his beer and wine license four years ago and had not had been advised
that there was any problem with the location.
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Mayor Turville invited any citizens who wish to speak in support of or opposition to
the issues of the First Friday event to come forward.
Howard Barry, 459 Carroll Street: Mr. Barry stated that at the last First Friday event
he understood there was to be a Mardi Gras parade and there was only the classic car
parade and some teens passing out candy and beads. Mr. Barry stated that the First
Friday activities should take place on the open spaces downtown and possibly the
owners of those areas would allow their use for First Friday events. Mr. Barry
suggested that for the success of the downtown area the City should widen the
sidewalks and the Downtown Partnership should do something to dress up the
downtown area and the funds in the Community Redevelopment Fund should be used
to do this.
Rose Biddle, 915 West Montrose Street: Ms. Biddle stated that the Partnership placed
an ad requesting people to participate in a Mardi Gras Parade and received no
response. Ms. Biddle stated that they worked with what they had and used the classic
cars, bought hats, masks, beads, and candy and had the South Lake High School
Boosters hand out the candy in the parade. Ms. Biddle said they did not anticipate the
crowd that attended the event as there was a large event also being held at the high
school. Ms. Biddle stated next year they will be more prepared and make certain there
are floats. Ms. Biddle stated gave a history of how the First Friday event evolved
from just being music on Friday evenings at the Mulberry Inn to all of the downtown
merchants participating, agreeing to stay open one Friday evening a month and
working together to coordinate the First Friday event. Ms. Biddle thanked the
community for being extremely supportive of the First Friday events and reminded
everyone that the area of Montrose and 8th Street is no longer the only downtown area
as there are 13 small businesses west of that intersection. Ms. Biddle stated the classic
car show and other activities should be encouraged to attract the community to all of
the businesses in the Downtown Business District, not just the area of Montrose and
8th Street.
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Robert Beasley, 1345 12th Street: Mr. Beasley stated he has brought friends and
relatives to the First Friday events and they love it. Mr. Beasley said they had enjoyed
the music at the Mulberry Inn and it was not too loud. Mr. Beasley stated that he does
not understand the 3 people who are criticizing the music and stated that he lives
across the street from a ballpark and there is a lot more noise there than there is with
music one night a month downtown.
Richardo Belafar, 725 West Montrose: Mr. Belafar suggested that the classic cars
spread out over the entire downtown area and also suggested that there be an agenda
posted listing all of the activities in the different areas of downtown. Mr. Belafar
suggested that the city block off the parking spaces in front of the one residential
home that is affected by the event.
Chris Giachetti, Amber Avenue: Mr. Giachetti stated he is on the Board of Trustees
for the Elks Lodge which is a member of the Downtown Clermont Partnership, on the
Board of Directors of Main Street Clermont, and is a business owner. Mr. Giachetti
stated that numerous people have expressed to him that they love the First Friday
event and feel it brings the community together, brings people to the Central Business
District and they feel the sense of "small town" that they do not want to lose. Mr.
Giachetti stated that no one is suggesting that streets be abandoned, just that a street be
closed one night a month for a short period of time. Mr. Giachetti stated that one
option that had been suggested was that the car show be moved from West Avenue to
the area surrounding the Trailhead and he felt that was not a solution as those parking
spaces are already full on First Fridays and there would be 40 or so parking areas lost
if the car show was relocated there. Mr. Giachetti stated that West Avenue is the best
option since them is only a loss of 6 to 8 parking spaces and 40 or 50 classic cars can
'be accommodated. Mr. Giachetti stated he applauds the Downtown Partnership and
the City for supporting it and feels that the First Friday events have given the City
some identity and brought people together.
Alan Freeman, 11945 Burke Street: Mr. Freeman stated he is a classic car owner who
has participated in the First Friday event for past 14 months and thanked Rose and Jeff
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Biddle for their hospitality. Mr. Freeman stated he was speaking for about 10 car
owners attending this workshop and stated they were proud of their cars and felt the
show was well received by the hundreds of visitors who have attended the car shows
on First Fridays. Mr. Freeman stated that Leesburg has invited them to come to their
First Friday event and they close approximately 6 blocks of downtown Leesburg and
have huge turnouts of people. Mr. Freeman stated most of the car owners live in the
Clermont area and would rather have their show in downtown Clermont, but if it gets
restrictive and dangerous on West Avenue and the City does not support closing the
street for the event, they will have no choice but to go to Leesburg.
Wendy Mier, 692 West Montrose St: Ms. Mier stated that 8 months ago they opened
their business, which is surviving and thriving because of the First Friday event. Ms.
Mier stated the question asked most by her customers is how long does she think her
business will last in downtown Clermont because many businesses in the past have not
made it. Ms. Mier stated they are going strong because of the support of the
Downtown Clermont Partnership and the First Friday event and she asked the City to
support this event.
Patty Rappa, 688 West Montrose: Ms. Rappa stated she grew up in Clermont. Ms.
Rappa stated they gave out over 2000 balloons at one of the First Friday events, which
indicates that most of the people attending these events are families participating in
their community. Ms. Rappa stated the First Friday event delivers what we all look
for in a community, which is a small town atmosphere with clean good family fun,
including the teen dances at Jenkins that have been so successful. Ms. Rappa stated
they have known Rose and Jeff Biddle for many years and they have seen their work
and efforts in the community and we should all be proud of our downtown.
Ann Dupee, 389 Division Street: Ms. Dupee stated she owned a business downtown
for over 30 years and recollected other times when the downtown thrived and it was
always because of the efforts of someone who united the businesses downtown. Ms.
Dupee stated Rose and Jeff Biddle have gotten all of the merchants downtown excited
which has evolved downtown into something wonderful for the community. Ms.
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Dupee stated she attends St. Matthias Episcopal Church and they are members of the
Partnership as they are proud to be a part of the downtown. Ms. Dupee stated she sat
on the Council when the CRA was established and this has been a work in progress for
the City to build the downtown and preserve Clermont. Ms. Dupee stated we are
finally going to see the renovations we have all wanted and without the merchants
working together and having these events, it cannot happen. Ms. Dupee stated that the
First Friday event is bringing the community together from all areas. Ms. Dupee
stated there are many educational things going on downtown that all families should
take advantage of our downtown.
Charles Forth, 939 West 7th Street: Mr. Forth stated he was one of the authors of the
complaints about the First Friday event. Mr. Forth stated he never said he wanted the
First Friday events stopped and never said he did not support the business owners
downtown. Mr. Forth stated that his complaint is that there is an improper use of a
conditional use permit and that blocking of a public roadway is contrary to the City's
ordinance. Mr. Forth stated that he has been in Code Enforcement for the City of
Orlando and he knows what ordinances say and can read the City of Clermont's
ordinance. Mr. Forth stated that the music downtown outside of a building in the
Central Business District is a conditional use problem and has to be addressed. Mr.
Forth said another problem is the parking on the street in the Central Business District.
Mr. Forth stated that the Central Business District is overstepping its boundary into a
residential area and he sympathizes with business owners that there is not enough
parking downtown. Mr. Forth stated that his neighbor, Ms. Blanchard who requested
he speak for her regarding cars parked in front of her home 11 Fridays out of the year.
Mr. Forth asked how the Downtown Clermont Partnership sign got put up where it
was and Mr. Forth stated that trailer signs are not permitted in this City. Mr. Forth
stated he is not asking for the First Friday event to be stopped, but that the event be
contained in the Central Business District and not have cars in front of a resident or
close to a residential area. Mr. Forth stated that he met with Mr. Saunders and he laid
out his complaint and he asks that the cars and music not be allowed near residential
areas.
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Charlene Forth, 939 West Desoto Street: Ms. Forth said her husband covered most of
her complaints. Ms. Forth stated she is concerned as Council Member Lamb is, that
she did not have an agenda listing the issues in advance and she believes that things
have gotten out of hand and some people have gotten some power. Ms. Forth stated
she and her husband are supporters of downtown and her husband, in his nm for City
Council against Mr. Biddle, has no hard feelings about that and her husband lost by
only a very small amount. Ms. Forth stated this is not a vendetta and they shop
downtown. Ms. Forth said they have retained legal representation with 7 other
homeowners so that they can enforce the code if necessary. Ms. Forth stated she loves
old classic cars but this is about the cars being in front of Ms. Blanchard's home and
she loves music but not near her home. Ms. Forth stated she has a Christian household
and does not like alcohol and if the Mulberry Inn is too close to the Church that should
stop. Ms. Forth stated she did not like the Moonlight Players having plays at the
Mulberry Inn as she could hear all the acts of the play from her porch. Ms. Forth
stated she did not care how politically aligned the Council Members were, they are to
do what is honest and right. Ms. Forth stated that the Mulberry should not have been
included into the CDB. Ms. Forth stated the Partnership should not have any authority
but should function under the authority of the Council and the Council should exercise
its authority. Ms. Forth stated that if the Mulberry Inn is within 500 feet of the
Church, the City has failed again with not following the codes. Ms. Forth stated when
she and her husband met with Mr. Saunders none of these issues were discussed and
she has no clue as to what the issues listed on the agenda are and would like another
workshop.
Peggy Weatherby, Comer of Montrose and West: Ms. Weatherby stated that for 3
years she has been under a ban'age of everything, including parking and
environmental issues and there are people who do not believe Bee's Auto conforms
with the new downtown image. Ms. Weatherby stated the automotive and real estate
business are not 2-hour parking businesses and she has been getting tickets. Ms.
Weatherby stated sometimes they cannot get customers' cars in and out and she
believes that the people on the Council have initiated her problems and if it doesn't
stop she will get a Cease and Desist.
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Robert Porter, 8501 Highlander Road: Mr. Porter stated he gets passionate about how
far the downtown has come and upset when he thinks of how far we have yet to go.
Mr. Porter stated he began as President of the Merchants Association with very little
support and just a small group. Mr. Porter stated that now we have people who work
very hard for everybody in the City and who must suffer hearing unjustified
complaints. Mr. Porter stated the Partnership members work for nothing and make a
positive contribution to the community. Mr. Porter stated there are some people who
only make a negative contribution and that is very unfortunate but not un-noticed. Mr.
Porter stated everyone needed to get rid of the political bull and stated a lot of the
things going on are politically motivated and politicians should represent the entire
community, not just a couple of people or their own agenda. Mr. Porter stated that this
sets an ugly precedent on other City events and if the First Friday event is tabled
because no one has figured out yet that it is a success and is a benefit to the
community, then we better stop the South Lake Foundation Pig On The Pond event,
the Triathlon events, the Labor Day events and all the others because someone might
be inconvenienced for a day. Mr. Porter asked where does the credit come from for
the people who have gone forward to promote these programs and bring people to our
area and show that Clermont is a great community to live and prosper in. Mr. Porter
stated everyone comes to this community because they want a sense of community
and family. Mr. Porter stated the First Friday event has helped this community
prosper and created a huge change in our community that far outweigh the negatives
and it is hard to believe this is even an issue. Mr. Porter stated the Council does not
need to ride the fence and should put any personal agendas aside and work together
for the benefit of our City and indicated those members know who he is referring to.
Mr. Porter sympathized with Ms. Blanchard, was sorry she had a rough time in her
personal life and wished she were at the meeting to represent herself. Mr. Porter
stated that he hears what Mr. and Ms. Forth are saying, but stated that in any City
there are homes that are on the fringes of a commercial district or the downtown. Mr.
Porter stated that there are things that go along with that, such as the Fire Engines
going in and out and other downtown city noises and people always have a choice as
to where they live. Mr. Porter asked the Council to listen with their hearts and
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support those who were trying to make a difference and were going to keep on trying
to make a difference.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
~ Mayor
arold S. Turville, Jr.,
Attest:
~'~Joseph E. Vfile, City Clerk