03-18-2004 Workshop Meeting City of Clermont
MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
March 18, 2004
Page 1
A Workshop Meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held on Thursday, March 18,
2004, at City Hall in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Turville called the meeting to order at 6:05
p.m. Council Members Ash, Caputo, and Renick were present. Council Member Mullins was absent.
Also present was City Manager Saunders, Planning Director Brown, and City Engineer Richardson.
Mayor Turville welcomed those present and recognized Mr. Matt Modica and thanked him for being
present to discuss with the City Council his concerns about the Landscaping Ordinance and the type of
plant material that is being installed throughout the City.
After discussion Mr. Modica recommended that the City revise its Ordinance to provide for a 3"
container grown tree rather than the current standard of a 4" that allows burlap trees. Mr. Modica
further recommended that the container size be a least 45 gallons, but a 65 gallon container would be
more desirable. He also recommended that Laurel Oaks should be removed from the list of allowable
trees for commercial projects.
Council Member Renick stated that she would like to see a follow up inspection of landscape and
irrigation, possibly 6-12 months following the certificate of occupancy being issued for the initial
installation. After discussion of the following proper methods of staking of newly planted trees, it was
the consensus that the inspection should be one year following installation.
The City Council moved outside to the City Hall parking lot to look at some trees that showed Florida
Grade #1 characteristics.
City Council then moved back into the Council Chambers and continued the discussion of landscaping
tree requirements as well as other landscaping issues.
Council Member Ash stated that she would like to see planters or planting areas be required in front of
and adjacent to buildings. City Manager Saunders stated that he would work with the Planning
Department to provide a revision of the Landscape Code that would incorporate the ideas that were
discussed during the meeting.
Planning Director Brown then reviewed with the City Council a proposed Ordinance that will address
signage on multi-story buildings. City Manager Saunders stated that this Ordinance is on the upcoming
City Council Agenda for introduction, but that he would be recommending that the introduction be
tabled until additional work could be done on this Ordinance, regarding the size of the signage. It was
the consensus of the City Council that only one sign be allowed for a multi-story building rather than
the individual business signs.
City Engineer Richardson then reviewed with the City Council the proposed Water Wise Irrigation and
Landscape Ordinance. City Manager Saunders stated that this had been previously reviewed with the
City Council however, some changes were requested that were reviewed with Council. Mr. Saunders
further stated that this Ordinance will be on the next Council Agenda for introduction.
City of Clermottt
MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
March 18, 2004
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City Engineer Richardson then reviewed with the City Council the Cross Connection Ordinance that
will be on the next City Council Agenda for introduction. She stated that this type of Ordinance is
necessary since the City is now providing re-use water. The Ordinance is designed to implement safety
practices to prevent cross connection of re-use water with potable water.
Council Member Caputo stated that he would like to see additional landscaping or screening around
back flow preventors that are being installed throughout the City.
Mayor Turville then discussed a water inter-connection that was once proposed between the Cities of
Clermont and Minneola and stated that he had discussed this earlier in the day with City Manager
Saunders. City Manager Saunders stated that he had looked into this and had found that much of the
work had been accomplished but there was an additional small (?) pipe that need to be installed.
However the original design was to allow water to be transferred from Clermont to Minneola.
Additional engineering and work would be required in order to make this an inter-connection where
water could flow in either direction. It was the consensus that the City should pursue this inter-
connection for any future problems that either City may have with water supply.
City Manager Saunders then reviewed with the City Council the issue with property between 8a Street
and West Avenue that was owned several years ago by the Flavin Family. He explained that the Flavins
were charged a special assessment when the Osceola Street improvements were made. It has been
discovered that a strip of property exists between the right-of-way and the Flavin's property that
actually belongs to the City of Clermont. City Manager Saunders stated that this in the past has been
viewed as additional right-of-way for Osceola Street. However there is an argument on the Flavin's side
that the City never incorporated this strip into the Osceola Street right-of-way, therefore they should
not have been charged a special assessment for this length of property. City Manager Saunders stated
that since there is some disagreement over this right-of-way, he would propose to refund the Flavin's
initially assessment but not provide any interest on the assessment as requested by the Flavins. It was
the consensus of the City Council to move ahead with refunding of this assessment.
Mayor Turville then discussed with the City Council the possibility of installing landscape islands along
East Avenue, north of Highway 50. He stated . After the discussion it was the
consensus that City Manager Saunders should review this potential project and come up with an
estimated cost and report back to the City Council.
Mayor Turville asked if there was anyone in the audience that would like to address the City Council.
Mr. Ray Goodgane stated that there are several intersections throughout the City with poor lighting
and he would like for the City, County or State, or whoever is responsible for that area to take a look at
the possibility of installing additional lighting. City Manager Saunders stated he would look into this
and contact the appropriate jurisdiction.
City of Clermont
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WORKSHOP MEETING
March 18, 2004
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City Managers Saunders stated that he did have some additional items for the City Council. He stated
that he had received a report on the old City Hall regarding the repairs that need to be done to the
building in order to make it desirable to lease. He stated that there would be close to $100,000 of initial
repairs and approximately an additional $140,000 of recommended upgrades to the building. City
Manager Saunders stated that it might be best for the City Council to reconsider their position
regarding the disposal of this property and requested Council's approval to obtain appraisal for the
value of the property. It was the consensus of the Council to allow Mr. Saunders to move ahead with
appraisals and report back to the City Council before moving forward with any repairs. City Manager
Saunders also stated that he has received the report for the old Depot which indicated approximately
$35,000 of repairs that would need to be made in order to open the building to the public.
It was the consensus of Council that this building should be utilized in a productive manner and
concluded that City Manager Saunders should proceed with repairs for this facility.
City Manager Saunders then discussed with the Council the property west of Fire Station 1. He stated
that several months ago the City Council acquired appraisals for this property and offered to purchase
the property from the owners who rejected the City's offer. He stated that this is an important piece of
property for the future of the Fire Station and that he would like to approach the owners again but if
they are unreceptive he would like the City to consider condemnation for the acquisition of this
property.
Council Member Renick stated that she was not comfortable with the City condemning property. The
other Council Members stated that it may be the only way to move forward with the acquisition. City
Manager Saunders stated that he would still attempt to purchase the property and that he would report
back to the City Council.
City Manager Saunders then stated that the City Council would begin receiving an update memo from
his office ever other week. He stated that at times it is difficult for him to relay information about all
the things that are happening in the community to Council Members and that this update memo will
provide Council Members with a more up to date picture of what is happening in the community.
City Manager Saunders then stated it has come to staff's attention that members of the Fire
Department are possibly considering forming a Fire Union and it is believed that an initial meeting has
been held regarding this issue. City Managers Saunders stated that he, Chief Bishop and
Administrative Services Director Van Zile met earlier that day with the City's Labor Attorney and
reviewed what steps the City should or should not take at this point. City Manager Saunders then
handed out a list of things that staff and Council Member should not do regarding the Union. City
Manger Saunders stated that it was very important that staff and Council Members be careful not to
involve themselves in certain issues regarding the union as outlined in the handout and that the best
advice he could provide the. Council Members was not to be drawn into any discussion with members
of the Fire Department or others regarding the union at this point. He stated at some point a meeting
will be held with the City Council and that this is one of the meetings that can be held behind closed
doors, out of the sunshine, with the City Council to discuss Union negotiations.
City of Clermont
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WORKSHOP MEETING
March 18, 2004
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City Manager Saunders reminded the Council Members of the next Workshop Meeting that will be held
on Thursday, March 25, 2004.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.