03-26-2002 Regular Meeting City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
Page 1
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at
Jenkins Auditorium. Mayor Hal Turville called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following
Council Members present: Council Members Caputo, Dupee, Mullins and Renick. Other City officials
present were City Manager Saunders, City Attorney Guthrie, Planning Director Brown and Deputy City
Clerk Studdard.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was offered by Council Member Caputo, followed by the repeating of the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
MINUTES
Council Member Mullins stated that the date referenced on page one under Council Member Caputo's
report should reflect the current month. Council Member Renick stated the same should apply under City
Manager Saunders' report and corrected the spelling of the name Lori Byrnes on page two.
A motion was made by Council Member Mullins, seconded by Council Member
Caputo, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes Of the Regular Council
Meeting held March 12, 2002, as amended.
REPORTS
City Manager Saunders' Report
City Manager Saunders reminded the City Council that their Retreat would be held this coming Friday,
March 29, 2002 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake-Sumter Community College Community Room and
reminded them of a Workshop meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. to be held at
the Police Department Community Room.
City Manager Saunders then gave an update of the City's acquisition of properties including and
surrounding the old depot. He stated that the agreement was to immediately purchase the depot and the
lakefront property and that this was closed on as soon as an environmental assessment report showing this
to be a clear site was received. Mr. Saunders stated that the second closing was scheduled for six months
later on what was referred to as the Icehouse property and the property south of the depot. He stated that
one of the stipulations of this final closing was that the City would receive a notification fi.om the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clearing the properties. He stated that the City is in
receipt of a copy of a letter from DEP stating that a %1o Further Action' status is appropriate for the area
with the stipulation that the monitoring wells be removed prior to issuance of the final letter. City
Manager Saunders stated that the owner has requested that the closing move forward at this point. He
suggested that the City close but retain the necessary amount for removal of these monitoring wells in the
event that the owner does not remove them.
A motion was made by Council Member Mullins, seconded by Council Member
Dupee, and carried unanimously to move forward with the closing on the purchase
o_f Norquist parcels #1 and g4, but to retain the needed funds to remove the monitoring
wells on the site, if necessa~_ .
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
Page 2
Council Member Dupee's Report
Council Member Dupee stated that Dr. Dot Richardson would be leaving Friday for Colorado in order to
submit a bid for the National Junior College Athletic Association's National Women's Softball
Tournament to be held in the City of Clermont during the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, which would bring
approximately 400 young women here for a 5-day event each time. She stated that Dr. Dot would host
these events and be the guest speaker and that the first year the games would be played at the new
Hancock Recreation Area and thereafter on the new National Training Center complex. Council Member
Dupee stated that there are about six other cities submitting bids, some in Florida, and requested that the
City deliver a letter in support of this bid to Dr. Dot prior to her leaving on Friday.
Mayor Turville stated that he would be receiving additional information and would have a letter crafted
and delivered.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupee, seconded bY Council Member
Mullins, and carried unanimously to send a letter of support to Dr. Richardson.
Council Member Dupee then announced that the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast is scheduled for
Friday, April 19 beginning at 7:30 a.m., and that the speaker will be Mr. Kirby Green, Executive Director
of the St. Johns River Water Management District. She invited the public to call the South Lake Chamber
of Commerce at 3944191 for reservations for this breakfast. She further stated that a reception will be
hosted by the Chamber on the evening before from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for Chamber of Commerce
members, City Council members and City staff to meet and talk with Mr. Green and each other.
Mayor Turville stated that he has heard Mr. Green speak many times and found him to be a very
knowledgeable and impressive speaker. He encouraged everyone to attend this event and stated that it
would be very educational.
Council Member Dupee then stated that she had attended a Regional Planning Council meeting last
Wednesday and distributed Ecological Design Manuals for Lake County to the City Council prepared
from a Grant from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. She stated that this Manual
would be discussed at the April meeting. She further stated that Chairman Crotty's Water Initiative was
discussed at length at the meeting last Wednesday.
Council Member Dupee announced that information is available at City Hall regarding an offer from the
Lake County Water Authority for a free sprinkler system evaluation.
Council Member Mullins' Report
Council Member Mullins stated that the City of Clermont's Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension
Board met today and will be filling two vacancies at their April meeting.
Council Member Renick's Report
Council Member Renick stated that she had been contacted by Carol Harrison on behalf of the American
Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which will take place at South Lake High School beginning at 6:30 p.m.
on Friday, April 12th and end at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th.
City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
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She stated that all monies raised during the event are used for cancer research and that if anyone is
interested in participating in this event, please contact Carol Harrison at 242-9814. Ms. Renick stated that
any City officials or staff interested in putting together a team could contact Teresa at City Hall.
Mayor Turville's Report
Mayor Turville stated he had no report but requested that City Manager Saunders give an update on the
status of the City's new mosquito control program and asked if he had received any information from the
government that differed from the actions the City has already taken regarding the arsenic issue in
playgrounds.
City Manager Saunders stated that two City employees have been certified to work the equipment and
apply the pesticides required for mosquito control. He stated that the City is preparing and will begin the
program shortly.
City Manager Saunders then stated that the City has not received any official notification regarding the
arsenic issue. He stated that the City did retest the play area soil at Palatlakaha Park in December with no
problems and that testing is planned for every six months.
Mayor Turville stated that the City had initially removed all the soil at Palatlakaha Play Area, resealed all
the wood and filled the area with new soil. He stated that the City had adopted a testing protocol at that
time to ensure that a problem does not develop because the guidance that the City continues to anticipate
has not been received from the federal government. He stated some ruling regarding pressure treated
lumber being used is out there.
Mayor Turville then stated that work is being done at Center Lake.
Council Member Renick reminded the City Council to place discussion of water rates on the April 4th
workshop agenda.
NO OTI~ER REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Turville read the items of the Consent Agenda and asked if anyone wished any item to be pulled
for discussion:
Item 1 - Local Law Enforcement Grant
Acceptance of Block Grant in the amount of
$10,000 to be utilized in reducing crime and
improving safety
Item 2 - Utility Billing Software
Approval of purchase of new software program
for utility billing system
City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
Page 4
Item 3 - Field Lighting Purchase Approval to purchase lighting for softball fields
Hancock Recreation Area #3 and g4 at Hancock Recreation Area
Item 4 - Fire Department Approval of New Pay Plan
Council Member Caputo stated he would like to pull Items #1 and #3 from the agenda to be addressed
separately.
,4 motion was made by Council Member Caputo, seconded by Council Member
Mullins, and carried unanimously to approve Items Two and Four of the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Turville stated the items pulled from the Consent Agenda would be discussed at this time.
Item #1- Local Law Enforcement Grant
Council Member Caputo stated that his concern is that weapons training and certification should take
place prior to the issuance of these weapons to officers.
City Manager Saunders stated that the people assigned would be fully certified before issuan6e.
Item #3 - Field Lighting Purchase - Hancock Recreation Area
Council Member Caputo stated that the lighting at the park is disruptive to southern-bound traffic on
Hancock Road and that he wants to ensure that this issue is addressed properly for night driving adjacent
to these fields.
City Manager Saunders stated that this particular contract is for the direct purchase of the equipment only,
but that this issue would be addressed in the contract with the installer.
,4 motion was made bY Council Member Caputo, seconded bY Council Member
Renick, and carried unanimously to approve Items #1 and #3 of the Consent ,4genda.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolution No. 1238 - P.J. Marks
Mayor Turville read the resolution by title only.
Planning Director Brown stated this request is to revise an existing Conditional Use Permit that allows for
a boardinghouse and wakeboard camp located at 848 Osceola Street, just west of the City's Eighth Street
Pier. He stated that the applicant is requesting to expand the operation by adding a separate building to
house a beachfront restaurant and bar. He stated that a variance is requested in conjunction with this
request. Planning Director Brown stated that Staff recommends approval with the addition of two
conditions.
0 All water structures shall be within the boundaries oftheproperty as extended into the lake.
City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
Page 5
Planning Director Brown stated that there are structures currently in the water and that Staff is
recommending that they be repositioned within the property boundaries.
2) ,4ll water structures to be located at a minimum of 2 75feet from the Eighth Street public pier.
Mayor Turville opened the public hearing at this time.
Deputy City Clerk Studdard swore in the following:
P.J. Marks, 848 Osceola Street, the applicant, stated he is available to answer questions and stated that the
added condition regarding the repositioning of some of the structures is news to him.
Mayor Turville asked Planning Director Brown how far Mr. Marks' property line is from the actual pier.
City Manager Saunders stated that the pier 'T's at the end, and that Mr. Marks' extended property line is
very close to the western edge of that 'T'.
Discussion followed regarding the added conditions as requested by Planning Director Brown.
Council Member Caputo asked if the 275 feet cited in the condition is a guideline currently used by the
City.
City Manager Saunders stated that this addition is a result of numerous complaints from fishermen
regarding boats and apparatus from the wakeboard camp coming too close to' the Eighth Street Pier.
Mayor Turville closed the public hearing at this time.
Mayor Turville suggested that language could be added allowing Mr. Marks to place structures further
west but giving the City the authority to have these structures removed if necessary.
City Manager Saunders stated that this would be a good compromise.
City Manager Saunders stated that the language added to the Conditional Use Permit should state that the
owner is allowed to place structures west of his property line but in the future the City may require them
to be removed.
A motion was made by Council Member Caputo, seconded b_¥ Council Member
Mullins, and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 1238, as amended.
P.J. Marks - Variance Request
Planning Director Brown stated that this request is for a variance to the City Code to allow the required
landscape buffer along Osceola Street to be installed on the City's right of way in conjunc.tion with the
previous request of Resolution No. 1238.
Mayor Turville opened the public hearing at this time.
City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
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Council Member Renick discussed the parking on the site with Planning Director Brown.
Council Member Mullins asked who would be responsible for the maintenance of the landscape buffer on
City property.
Council Member Dupee stated that a second entrance should be added to accommodate pedestrian and
bike traffic.
Deputy City Clerk Studdard swore in the following:
P.J. Marks, 848 Osceola Street, the applicant, stated that there will be an additional entrance for bikes to
the north.
Planning Director Brown stated that a maintenance agreement should be executed in conjunction with the
variance.
Mayor Turville closed the public hearing at this time.
motion was made by Council Member Caputo, seconded by Council Member
Renick, and carried unanimously to approve the variance request.
Resolution No. 1242 - Clermont Professional Center
Mayor Turville read the resolution by title only.
Planning Director Brown stated that the request is to amend the existing Conditional Use Permit to
increase the size of the property by approximately five acres to allow the construction of three additional
medical/professional office buildings on the site located at the southwest comer of Citrus Tower
Boulevard and Grand Highway.
He stated that the applicant is also proposing to realign Hunt Street to the north as a part of this
Conditional Use Permit. He stated that the property owner to the south is agreeable to the proposed
realignment.
Planning Director Brown stated that on page two, #6 under Section 3 - Transportation, he proposed a
change to read 'The entire roadway is constructed between U.S. 27 and Hunt Street prior to issuance of
Certificate of Occupancy for the third building.'
Mayor Turville opened the public heating at this time.
Deputy City Clerk Studdard swore in the following:
Rick McCoy, McCoy & Associates, 713 West Montrose Street, spoke regarding the specifics of the
project.
Planning Director Brown stated that Condition g4 under Section 3 - Transportation should be deleted.
City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
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Don Ballard, 3526 Westerham Drive, asked if the properties to the south would have access after the
realignment of Hunt.
Robert Thompson, 1958 Brantley Circle, the applicant, stated that the properties would have access off
Grand Highway to the south and that an easement has been provided across his property.
Council Member Caputo asked why cross access is not being provided for Lots 4 & 5 to keep traffic off
Hunt Street.
Mr. McCoy stated this was planned as a cul-de-sac to prevent use as a cut through.
Council Member Renick stated a condition could be added stating 'in the event the City deems it
appropriate, cross access be provided at Lots 4 & 5.
City Manager Saunders asked Planning Director Brown if the conditions outlined in Mr. Holland's letter
(the property owner to the south) were addressed in the Conditional Use Permit and, if not, stated they
should be added.
He stated that the first condition was a request to revert the existing right of way of Hunt Street to Holland
ownership. He stated this could not be accomplished tonight as it would be considered a street closing and
must be advertised prior to being heard by the City Council. He stated that the Conditional Use Permit
could move forward with the stipulation that this street closing would be accomplished. The second
condition is that the road be extended to the property line with appropriate utilities. The third is that Mr.
Thompson would pay all costs and assessments associated with the road being built, and the fourth that
the engineered drawings would have utilities with adequate size to allow tapping into without cost.
Mr. Thompson requested waiting to develop the road until Mr. Holland is ready to develop his property.
Mayor Turville closed the public hearing at this time.
City Manager Saunders stated that the Conditional Use Permit could stipulate that the road be built unless
an agreement is reached with Mr. Holland.
City Manager Saunders stated that Holland would have to allow a temporary pond on his property and
that the roadway and stormwater are to be on Thompson property, not Holland.
City Manager Saunders stated that Condition 4, Section 3 that Planning Director Brown had requested to
be deleted should actually remain, with the addition of 'In the event Lake County does not make
improvements' before the existing language.
Council Member Mullins stated that two Hunt Streets exist in the City.
City Manager Saunders stated that the City will investigate for 911 purposes.
A motion was made b_¥ Council Member Dupee, seconded by Council Member
Mullins, and carried unanimouslF to adopt Resolution No. 1242, as amended
City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
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Variance Request - Levitt Care Corporation
Planning Director Brown stated that the applicant is requesting a variance to allow private streets for the
proposed Regency Hills subdivision located at the southeast comer of Hartwood Marsh and Hancock
Roads. He stated that this request was tabled at a prior City Council meeting in order to allow the City
Council to discuss the issue at a Workshop meeting.
Mayor Turville opened the public hearing at this time.
Deputy City Clerk Studdard swore in the following:
Harry Sleek, Senior Vice President of Levitt Care Corporation, 7777 Glades Road, Suite 410, Boca
Raton, FL, the applicant, spoke regarding the request and stated that the Homeowners' Association would
be responsible for the street maintenance inside the community.
Elaine Tharpe, 232 Twickingham Court, spoke in support of gated communities.
Maggie Miller, 2721 Sunburry Street, stated that one entrance is not sufficient for the community.
Mr. Sleek responded that there will be two entrances at Hartwood Marsh Road area and that they are
working with the church to provide entrance at Hancock Road area as well.
Council Member Renick stated that her understanding was that both entrances would not be on Hartwood
Marsh, but that there would be a temporary second entrance at Hancock Road.
City Manager Saunders stated that the discussion regarding the second entrance was to stabilize a dirt
road off the future Hancock Road for emergencies but that Mr. Sleek had recommended providing a
second entrance at Hartwood Marsh with Phase I.
Council Member Renick stated the temporary entrance off Hancock Road is still needed.
Mr. Sleek stated that they are working with the church to provide that.
Mayor Turville closed the public hearing at this time.
Council Member Caputo asked if the Conditional Use Permit for the church requires the dedication of
right of way for Hancock Road.
Planning Director Brown confirmed that it would.
Council Member Caputo stated that, along with the right of way provided by Levitt, that road can be
taken to their entrance at the southwestern portion of the community.
City Manager Saunders stated that the church will be bringing their site plan for approval for their
Conditional Use Permit, and that the requirement of the dedication of right of way will be a part of that
process for site approval. A certain date cannot be determined at this time.
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Page 9
Discussion determined that these two property owners would only provide the eastern half of the right of
way for Hancock Road.
Mayor Turville stated that a temporary road could fit on that area.
Council Member Caputo stated that a stipulation can be attached to a number of homes being built to
ensure that that entrance is provided.
Council Member Renick concurred with Council Member Caputo and added that a stipulation should be
added that the temporary road on the property should remain until that time.
Mayor Turville stated that a variance request cannot be conditioned.
City Attorney Guthr~.e determined that stating that a certain number of ingress/egress points are required
at some point is sufficient, as the two entrances presented are adequate.
Discussion followed regarding the required number of entrances for the subdivision.
City Manager Saunders stated that the Site Review. Committee is in the process of reviewing the
subdivision plan and will require the requested ingress/egress points as part of the approval.
~4 motion was made b~¥ Council Member Mullins, seconded by Council Member
Dupee, and carried b_¥ a vote a flour to one to approve the variance request,
with Council Member Caputo being the opposing vote.
Ordinance No. 440-M - Final Hearing
Mayor Turville read the ordinance by title only.
Planner Barbara Hollerand explained that this is the adoption phase of the Large Scale Comprehensive
Plan Amendment. She stated that this is the Amendment that the City Council approved transmittal of in
October 2001. She stated that the Department of Community Affairs replied with comments and no
objections. Ms. Hollerand outlined the annexations and map changes at this time.
City Manager Saunders commended Ms. Hollerand for a great job on this submittal.
Mayor Turville asked for public comment. No one spoke.
A motion was made bY Council Member Mullins, seconded by Council Member
Caputo, and carried b~¥ a unanimous roll call vote to adopt Ordinance No. 440-M.
Mayor Turville recessed the meeting at 8:45, the meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
Resolution No. 1245 - Westminster Care Communities
Mayor Turville read the resolution by title only.
City of Clermont
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City Manager Saunders requested that this be tabled to the next meeting to coincide with the final reading
of Ordinance No. 439-M being introduced tonight, which is the rezoning in conjunction with this request.
motion was made by Council Member Caputo, seconded b_¥ Council Member
Mullins, and carried unanimously to table Resolution No. 1245 to the meeting
of April 9, 2002.
Resolution No. 1246 - Clermont 8, Inc.
Mayor Turville read the resolution by title only.
City Manager Saunders stated that the existing building on the west side of Eighth Street just south of
Montrose Street is the proposed location of a furniture store. He stated that the Planning & Zoning
Commission tabled this request at their meeting due to the owner not being present to answer questions,
therefore he recommended tabling this request to allow time for the Planning & Zoning Commission to
make their recommendation to the City Council.
Council Member Dupee stated she had been by the site and it was not ready.
A motion was made bp Council Member Caputo, seconded by Council Member
Mullins, and carried unanimously to table Resolution No. 1246 to the meeting
of'April 23, 2002.
Melanie Anderson
Melanie Anderson, 10727 Bursisles Boulevard, President of South Lake Slammers, requested to pay
league fees as outlined in Resolution No. 1100 for field usage and thanked the City Council for their
consideration.
City Manager Saunders stated that Resolution No. 1100 was adopted in November 1999, which was the
last time that field usage fees were addressed. He stated that the resolution establishes league fees at a per
season, per team rate and establishes hourly rental fees for facility usage by others. He stated that the
definition of a league was not included in the resolution as there have always been two established
leagues operating in the City for many years; Clermont Girls Softball League and South Lake Little
League. He stated that since that time a lot of individual teams, organizations and even leagues are
coming to the area, which would necessitate a more clear definition of who would fall under league fees
rather than the per hour fees. He stated that Ms. Anderson's request is for her team to be allowed to pay
league fees for field usage rather than the hourly rate. He stated that there are several teams in the area
similar to this team that are not a part of Clermont Girls Softball or South Lake Little League that have
used our fields from time to time, along with other cities' fields. Therefore, the City Council may want to
better define what constitutes a league for requests that may come in the future.
Mayor Turville asked if there have been teams in the past who have requested relief from paying the
hourly fees.
City Manager Saunders stated he was not aware of any such ease.
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Mayor Turville asked if all other teams using City fields have paid the hourly rates for usage.
City Manager Saunders stated that Public Services Director Davis and Parks & Recreation Coordinator
Amy Lesner handle the fields and could better answer that question, but that one problem with field
rentals is that there is not a lot of field time available during the season, and that many teams go to other
cities for field usage.
Ms. Lesner stated that she has been approached by many teams, leagues and organizations for field .usage,
and that the hourly rate is paid by all who are not a part of the City's established leagues.
Ms. Anderson stated that they have two teams and are a league, therefore they are requesting to pay
league fees.
City Manager Saunders stated that even. if the City defines what a league is for the future, the next
question is whether the City wants to accommodate other teams and leagues during the season or not. He
stated that Clermont Gifts Softball League has worked very hard with the City for many years to reach the
ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of Hancock Recreation Area and that until then the girls were
scrambling to find space to play, with only one field dedicated to softball games at Palatlakaha and having
to share at other facilities for practice. He stated that for the past 15 to 20 years this has been the League
recognized in the City as the league for Clermont Gifts Softball. He stated that the City Council has
always tried to provide fields for everyone in South Lake County and that over 70% of the people using
the fields are not City residents.
Debbie Goode, P.O. Box 838, Mascotte, FL, stated that she understands that monies from grants from the
South Lake Foundation helped to fund the Hancock Recreation Area, and specifically for tournament
travel teams, which they are. She stated that they should be considered equal to other travel teams.
Debbie Mixon, 12435 Friendship Road, stated that she had requested to use fields in the City over a year
ago for her teams and was never able to do so.
Shawna Cook, 10401 Quail Roost Road, stated that this is a growing community and the City should
accommodate more than one travel softball team on the fields.
Ken Gaul, President, Clermont Girls Softball League, thanked the City Council for the additional field
lighting approved on tonight's agenda to help alleviate the problem of scheduling field usage. He stated
that the Clermont Girls Softball League was formed over 25 years ago in the City to provide a
recreational softball program for girls. He stated that last year over 400 girls aged 5 to 16 participated in
four age divisions in the fall and spring seasons. He stated that the League promotes good sportsmanship,
teamwork, honesty, courage and mutual respect for each player and provides team activity regardless of
skill level, and that all gifts who try out are placed on a team. He stated it is a 501-C3 organization with a
volunteer Board and coaches to support the League. He stated that every child in the area is welcome in
their League, as is the case with South Lake Little League. He stated that field availability is low right
now and that they do the best they can. He concluded that the City had approached them as well as South
Lake Little League to provide some access time for other teams in the area, which was accomplished by
proclaiming Sunday a family day with the fields open for use.
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Cindy Moran,. 314 Laurel Cove Court, spoke in support of Clermont Girls Softball League.
Joann Mull, 11200 Crooked River Court, stated that the parents and children of South Lake Slammers
chose to form new league and should not be penalized for this choice.
Ronaldo Camargo, 1949 Brantley Circle, spoke regarding the need for new facilities and the possibility of
new parks being built and dedicated to the City along with new development.
Robin Rohn, 15917 Bay Lake Trail, Board member of Clermont Girls Softball, stated that the members of
the Board of Clermont Girls Softball League work very hard with the City and could not do this without
the fields and thanked them for the field usage. She stated that with the constant growth it is a challenge
and they are very proud to be utilizing the new softball complex. She stated that every field is utilized to
ensure that the girls have a safe activity. She stated that the League is open and everyone is welcome and
they strive to make it an organization that the girls are proud to be a part of. She stated that there are rules
that need to be abided by but they are necessary in order to provide a good, safe place for the girls to play
and an organization they can be proud to be a part of. She stated that when the travel teams go to
tournaments they represent the place where we live, and it's about more than winning.
Ed Jordan, 10129 Jacaranda Avenue, Minneola, FL, spoke regarding his legal representation of the South
Lake Slammers in their efforts to obtain 501-C3 status, regarding his involvement in all leagues in the
City, and in support of equal access for everyone.
Delores Stewart, 8441 Doral Drive, mother of Melanie Anderson, alleged that City employees Wayne
Saunders, Preston Davis and Amy Lesner have harassed her daughter and called her a liar. She stated that
the City of Clermont practices dirty politics.
Robert Beasley, 1345 12th Street, member of the City of Clermont Parks and Recreation Committee,
spoke in support of the City Parks & Recreation Department and stated that the City needs volunteers for
the committee if citizens would like to become more involved.
Mayor Turville stated that the question should not be who or what is a league but do we have enough
fields to accommodate everyone who wants to use the fields. He stated that about 70% of the people who
utilize the City's ball fields are not residents of the City and that the residents should be thanked for
helping to provide these fields.
City Manager Saunders stated that the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee had recommended the fee
changes that were put into place in November of 1999 by Resolution No. 1100. He stated that this
committee does hold open monthly meetings for anyone to attend and this Committee could advise the
City Council regarding what constitutes a league.
Discussion followed regarding how to fairly schedule field usage and what a league is.
City Manager Saunders reminded the City Council that the issue is whether or not to recognize this new
organization as a league or just another team wanting field usage. He stated that this will affect other
teams that are in a similar situation and that there have been other leagues and teams requesting field
usage that the City could not accommodate.
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City Manager Saunders stated that some of the teams within the recognized leagues of the City are still
having scheduling problems and must hold late Friday night practices. He stated that the County has not
done its part in providing enough ball fields and that the City should not have to provide fields for every
team that comes along. He further stated that the City has had a great partnership with Clermont Girls
Softball for the last 20 years and even longer with South Lake Little League, which has prevented the
hiring of full time staff by the City to run leagues as cities such as Leesburg have to do. He stated that
these two organizations have provided the volunteer hours and effort to run these leagues in the City. He
stated that allowing anyone else to use the fields at this time would be taking field time away from
Clermont Girls Softball.
Council Member Renick spoke regarding whether field availability should be made no matter which of
the two organizations you are with.
Discussion followed regarding the differences of the two organizations.
Debbie Goode spoke regarding the City opening up a Wednesday evening practice time for non-league
usage.
Mayor Turville asked the South Lake Slammers if they would be willing to give up their practice fields
for newer organizations down the road if they were allotted the field usage? He stated that the only
question that remains to be answered is what fee is appropriate since the Wednesday evening time has
been made available.
Discussion followed regarding the appropriate use of the fields.
Council Member Dupee and City Manager Saunders spoke regarding the status of the County providing
some fields for public use at its schools.
City Manager Saunders stated he would discuss this further with the County.
Council Member Dupee spoke regarding volunteers for the Parks & Recreation Committee.
Mr. Beasley stated that the City advertises for volunteers for the various boards and committees each
year.
Mayor Turville asked for clarification regarding the Wednesday evening time available for public use.
A representative of the Slammers stated that the City had advised that West Field would be open for
public use from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., and that beginning each Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. the field time
could be reserved on a first come-first serve basis.
Council Member Caputo asked Ms. Lesner for information regarding how many other teams have
requested field usage.
Ms. Lesner stated that, regarding non-league usage, since January 1, 2002 she has rented 9 baseball fields,
9 softball fields and 36 soccer fields and that in the year 2001 she rented 26 baseball fields, 29 softball
fields and 30 soccer fields. She stated that lots of different groups are constantly requesting fields
throughout the week.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
Page 14
City Manager Saunders supported Ms. Lesner's statement by saying that there are many teams and
organizations requesting regular field usage in the City.
Council Member Renick discussed the number of teams and players within the league, including travel
teams. She questioned why the two groups could not be together.
The South Lake Slammers representatives stated that it was an adult problem and a personal choice to
organize their own group.
City Manager Saunders stated that there are also other travel softball teams in the area.
Discussion followed regarding other fields in South Lake County being utilized by the South Lake
Slammers.
Repre.sentatives of the South Lake Slammers stated they wish to use Clermont softball fields.
Council Member Caputo stated that the adult issue appears to be penalizing the children.
Sharon Dent spoke regarding the different levels of travel ball teams within th~ specified age groups, and
in support of Clermont Girls Softball.
Ms. Rohn stated that the League has had the 5, 6 and 7 year olds practice together at times in order to
have enough field time. She stated that the League makes it work because they have to.
Council Member Renick asked what the reasons were for the parents of the South Lake Slammers to
remove their girls fi.om the Clermont Girls Softball League and form their own group.
'Representatives of the South Lake Slammers stated it was not important and was a preference decision.
Rick Roberts, 10317 Carlson Circle, member of the Board of South Lake Little League, spoke in support
of open field availability for all non-profit organizations.
Mayor Turville stated that the issue is whether or not the City will provide fields for use by other teams
and organizations when they are already fairly saturated.
~4 motion was made b_¥ Council Member Renick to provide League rates
to the South Lake Slammers. Motion died due to lack o_f second.
Discussion followed regarding the setting of fees and field usage and who would qualify for this.
City Manager Saunders stated that, regarding scheduling, the fields are already saturated; but that it
should get better in the future. He stated that this is the reason that Staff has always worked within the
guidelines set by the City Council. He stated that the City should redefine what a league is as well but that
the City should not be obligated to provide fields for every demand for them.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 26, 2002
Page 15
A motion was made bp Council Member Dupee to allow the South Lake Slammers
to pay league rates_for field usage for a 3-month period and to provide them a certain
practice time weeM¥. Motion died due to lack o_f second.
A motion was made b~ Council Member Caputo to direct Stafftoformulate a new Resolution
regarding field usage and to provide current league usage information. Motion died
due to lack of second.
A motion was made bY Council Member Mullins, seconded by Council Member Renick,
and carried unanimously to deny the request for prqference of scheduling and the request
to pay League_fees for field usage bP the South Lake Slammers, and to direct Parks &
Recreation Staff to provide current field usage information to the Cit~ Council.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 439-M - Introduction
Mayor Turville read the ordinance by title only.
A tnotion was made bp Council Member Caputo, seconded by Council
Member Mullins, and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance No.
439-M.
Mayor Turville asked if anyone wished to speak on any other issues.
Cleo' Selby, 1345 12th Street, spoke in support of the City.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
Attest:
Hal Turville, Mayor