05.11.2021 - City Council MinutesCity of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 11, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in the Clermont City Council
Chambers. Mayor Murry called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with the following Council Members
present: Council Members Pines, Entsuah, Bates, and Purvis.
Other City officials present were Interim City Manager Dauderis, City Attorney Mantzaris, and City Clerk
Howe.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation was given by Pastor Marc Milan of Real Life Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Legislative Update — Chris Carmody
Chris Carmody, City Lobbyist — Mr. Carmody made his presentation via a PowerPoint.
• Legislative session wrapped up on time this year.
• The Capitol will be fully opened dealing with gaming compact.
• Legislative Victories
o Expansion of funding for flooding mitigation.
o Expansion of Tourism Development Dollars
o Restrictions on Building designs
o Central Florida Expressway language correction. Changed from "Consent from FDOT" to
"Consult with FDOT" for roadway expansion projects.
o Enforcement of Online Sales Tax placed on retailer and not consumer. Will be used to first
replenish the State Unemployment Fund and then to offset taxes on brick and mortar
businesses.
o Documentary Stamp Tax. Will be sued for flood mitigation and water quality.
• Legislative Losses
o Impact Fee Caps. It is unclear if the governor will sign the bill. The Legislature feels that
some local governments are getting out of hand with raising impact fees so they are limiting
when and how often a government can increase the fees. This is a tough bill for local
governments to swallow.
o Home Based Businesses. People move into a neighborhood and expect it to be a
neighborhood, not a commercial area. There had been conversations towards balance, and
the municipal lobbyists did get some concessions; one being that local governments can
still regulate parking.
• Appropriations
o Public Services Building — Funded by legislature
o Wastewater Plant Expansion — Funded by legislature
• Legal Advertising Requirement changes
Council Member Purvis thanked Mr. Carmody for his in person appearance and relayed that the Council
appreciates his efforts. He also asked for clarification regarding his statements on Representative Sabatini.
Mr. Carmody stated that Representative Sabatini had stated that he would not be submitting any
appropriation bills.
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Council Member Purvis asked with all the new funding sources if there was money available to relocate
infrastructure on a road needing expansion widening. Mr. Carmody replied that the short answer is yes. He
stated they have a good relationship with the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). DEO has funds
at their disposal and the lobby team can work with city management to explore opportunities.
Council Member Bates asked about the home -based business bill. He has concerns with different aspects
and wants to make sure the City stays on top of that. Mr. Carmody stated that the sponsors of the bill are
very friendly and receptive to cities.
Council Member Entsuah asked about unintended consequences and asked if the team has taken a veto
strategy to send to the Governor. Mr. Carmody stated that Governor DeSantis is very different from
Governor Scott whereas Governor Scott leaned heavily on his staff, Governor DeSantis reads the bills
himself and reviews the entire budget himself.
Fire De artment Awards
Fire Chief Ezell recognized Clermont Firefighters for extraordinary efforts conducted in the line of duty.
This is a service award program put in place over a year ago, but this is the first time using this. Normally,
these awards would not come before the Council, but Chief Ezell wanted to take the opportunity to
showcase what the firefighters have been doing in the field.
These recognitions are related to a call that happened on May 3, 2021 at 3:15am. The call was to assist on
a structure fire in Lake County. While crews were in route, they received additional information from
dispatch that there was a woman and dog living in the house. House was over 50 percent involved in fire.
The firefighters went into rescue mode. It was a dangerous procedure. Recognized 13 individuals and 4
awards.
Unit Citation Award
Battalion Chief Daryl Hyatt
Lieutenant Ty Chapel
Lieutenant Jason Ness
Lieutenant Alan Pun
Lieutenant Steve Smith
Engineer Brian Davis
Engineer Judd Lent
Engineer Bruce Mace
Engineer Kenny Thompson
Firefighter David Dominguez
Firefighter Nelson Figueroa
Firefighter Ridge Litz
Firefighter Jhonthan Munoz
Firefighter Dustin Wamsley
Life Saving Award
Engineer Bruce Mace
Firefighter Nelson Figueroa
Distinguished Service Medal
Engineer Bruce Mace
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 11, 2021
Firefighter Nelson Figueroa
Medal of Valor
Lieutenant Steve Smith
Engineer Kenny Thompson
Firefighter Dustin Wamsley
Mayor Murry thanked the Chief on behalf of the Council and residents. He congratulated and thanked the
fire department for their dedication to the community.
Clermont Youth Council
Communications Director Deen recognized the graduating Youth Council members Tyler Irby, Mary
Landaberde and Luis Mustafa.
Mural Update
Development Services Director Curt Henschel provided an update on murals in the City. He explained to
the Council that the current sign code addressing murals was adopted in November 2020, and the reason
for this presentation was that the City Council requested a six (6) month update.
In December 2020, the Council approved three of four mural applications within the Central Business
District (CBD). A fifth mural has recently been applied for that will be brought to Council in the next
months. He continued that two murals have been painted outside the CBD and staff is reviewing their
eligibility for a non -conforming use determination by staff. A third mural has been reviewed by staff and
appears to be a sign advertising a business and not an actual mural as contemplated in the mural code. The
owner is pursuing a sign variance for this location.
Council Member Bates recommended that the murals at the Clermont Fish House and at the Kim's Cabbage
Patch be grandfathered since they have been there awhile. The Modern Orthodontists should not be
grandfathered as it is new.
The Council discussed expanding the mural borders from the CBD to the Community Redevelopment
District boundaries which would then encompass the first two murals. The consensus was to keep the
boundaries tied to the CBD.
The Council discussed switching approval from Council approval to administrative. The consensus was to
keep applications coming before the Council.
The Council discussed leaving everything as is, but grandfathering in the Clermont Fish House and Kim's
Cabbage Patch. The consensus of the Council was to move forward with this option.
PROCLAMATIONS
Energy Efficiency
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation into the record. The proclamation was accepted by Council Member
Entsuah.
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World Cultural Diversity Day
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation into the record. The proclamation was accepted by Interim City
Manager Dauderis.
Law Enforcement Month
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation into the record. The proclamation was accepted by Police Chief
Broadway and Captain McMaster.
Election
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation into the record. Election qualifying will open on June 7, 2021 at
12-noon and close on June 11, 2021 at 12-noon.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Stephen Franklin, 378 12' Street — Asked if the boat ramp workshop will be a discussion open to public.
Mayor Murry told him there would be opportunity for public comment.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — She stated she is proud of the Fire Departments. She reported a
concern she had about actions at the last Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and freedom of speech.
Lavonte Rogers 667 W. Osceola Street — Thanked the Council for their support of the Moonlight Players
Theatre.
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge — Stated she was concerned with the World Cultural Diversity Day proclamation.
She felt it was offensive and divisive.
Chris Ballard, 775 W. Montrose — Told the Council that the downtown parking situation is unbelievably
packed.
Bill Delaney, 10312 Lake Minneola Shores — Welcomed new council members.
Vincent Niemiec, 4569 Barrister Drive, Regency Hills — Informed the Council that Lake County moved the
Hartwood Marsh road project from tier 2 to tier 1.
REPORTS
INTERIM CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Dauderis first reviewed changes to the agenda.
Agenda Item No. 8 was heard out of order and was considered at this time.
Item No. 8 — Ordinance No. 2021-013 — TABLED TO MAY 25, 2021— Disston Duplexes PUD
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AN ORDINANCE UNDER THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT REFERRED TO IN CHAPTER 122 OF
ORDINANCE NO. 289-C, CODE OF ORDINANCES; REZONING THE REAL
PROPERTIES DESCRIBED HEREIN AS SHOWN BELOW; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS
ERROR, RECORDING, AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND PUBLICATION.
City Clerk Howe read the ordinance into the record by legal title only.
MOTION TO TABLE consideration of Ordinance No. 2021-013 until Ma: 25. 2021
made by Council Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Entsuah. Passed
unanimously with all members present voicing aye.
Agenda Item No. 9 was heard out of order and was considered at this time.
Item No. 9 — Variance Request — DWW Squared — TABLED TO MAY 25, 2021
MOTION TO TABLE consideration of the Variance reguest for DWW Scluared until May 25
2021 made by Council Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Purvis. Passed
unanimously with all members present voicing aye.
Returning to her report, Interim City Manager Dauderis informed the Council that there will be no workshop
on May 18 and that the May 25 Council meeting will be held in the Council Chambers. She concluded her
report by highlighting the employee breakfast held last week and giving an update on the City Manager
recruitment process.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Mantzaris —
• Informed the Council that the City was brought into the lawsuit with VP Development LLC. The
City is a defendant in lawsuit and is working through pleadings. He informed the Council that they
will have a closed session on it in a few weeks.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Bates —
• Expressed confusion regarding Charlene Forth's statements during public comments.
Regarding Ms. Forth's statement, City Attorney Mantzaris informed the Council that he is not aware of
what Ms. Forth is referring to. At the Planning & Zoning Commission, he provided general information to
the board members as to their roles as it relates to quasi-judicial proceedings and due process.
Mayor Murry opened the floor for comments from Ms. Forth.
Ms. Forth stated that her concern specifically was when one citizen spoke how a circumstance impacted
them, the City Attorney informed the board that the citizen's comments were not pertinent to their decision.
Mayor Murry again closed the floor.
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Council Member Purvis —
• Unable to attend the last MPO meeting.
• Inquired as to when the Council is going to have a parking workshop.
• Expressed frustration at the diversity day proclamation. Would like to see a come together day.
• Spoke to a letter received from Citizen Frey regarding snipe signs. Requested staff return with a
proposal to address snipe signs.
• Asked the Council to take a vote of no confidence in Mr. Vincent Niemiec as a Planning &
Zoning Board member.
Regarding the parking workshop, Interim City Manager Dauderis stated that the properties the Council
selected are under review and staff will be bringing it back to Council in June.
Regarding snipe signs, City Attorney Mantzaris explained that snipe signs are temporary in nature and are
located within the city's right-of-way. It is a problem throughout the state. Interim City Manager Dauderis
explained that the City has a task force of Parks & Recreation, Clermont Police and Code Enforcement.
They are looking into the issue and how best to approach it. They will come back to the Council with a
plan.
Regarding the vote of no confidence, Council Member Bates agreed that he was very frustrated with Mr.
Niemiec regarding the video presentation and stated that it was very unprofessional. He was appalled with
the way it happened.
Council Member Pines agreed with Council Member Bates stating that applicants coming to the City have
to have confidence that they will receive a fair minded assessment. She asserted that what Mr. Niemiec did
at the meeting undermined the work of the Planning & Zoning Board. It could be putting the City at risk.
Mayor Murry said that the last meeting was contested and full of emotion. He was not in agreement with
many of the comments made and felt the video was very misleading. He did say the Mr. Niemiec makes it
clear that he is representing himself when speaking and not the Planning & Zoning Board. He is not in favor
of removal.
The consensus of the Council was disapproval of the actions of Mr. Niemiec, but there was no support for
a vote of no confidence.
Council Member Entsuah —
• "Pig on the Pond" will be held this year. They had four scholarship recipients out of 100
applicants.
• Attended the FCA banquet with Mayor Murry.
• Attended the "Boots and Bunnies" event for Greater Cancer Foundation.
Council Member Pines — No report.
Mayor Murry —
• Attended the employee appreciation breakfast. Offered congratulations to employees who
received awards. Congratulated Interim City Manager Dauderis and staff on a great event.
• Attended police department promotion ceremony.
• Addressed comments by Council Member Purvis on Diversity Day. Stated the proclamation is
about bringing people together. Clermont is a diverse city.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 11, 2021
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Murry advised the next item on the Agenda for consideration was the Consent Agenda and requested
anyone wishing to have any item pulled for discussion to please come forward at this time.
Item No. 1— Plat Approval
Item No. 2 — Surplus Request
Item No. 3 — Piggyback Agreement
Item No. 4 — Piggyback Purchase and Budget
Amendment
Item No. 5 — Lease Agreement
Consider approval of Hartwood Landing Phase 1
Plat — 173 lots
Consider declaring end of life inventory as surplus
from Parks & Recreation and Information
Technology and dispose of in accordance with the
Purchasing Policy.
Consider request to piggyback the Sarasota County
contract with NAFECO of Florida to provide Fire
Department Uniforms in the annual budgeted
amount of $75,000.
Consider piggyback purchase of Florida State
contract no. 25100000-19-1 with Duval Ford to
purchase one vehicle in the amount of $44,952.75
and a budget amendment in the amount of
$55,000 in the Fire Impact Fund.
Consider first amendment to the South Lake
Chamber of Commerce lease agreement.
Item No. 6 — Resolution No. 2021-035R Consider resolution to oppose mining the Green
Swamp
Prior to approval of the consent agenda, a member of the public requested that Item No. 6 be pulled for further
consideration. Council Member Bates also asked that Item No. 1 be pulled for further consideration.
MOTION TO APPROVE the consent agenda items 2-5 for May I L 2021 made by
Council Member Bates. Seconded bv Council Member Purvis. Passed unanimously with
all members present voicing aye.
The Council first heard Item No. 6 which was pulled from the agenda.
Rick Alt, 10723 Lake Route Drive — Stated he is in favor of the resolution. Informed the Council about the
importance of the Green Swamp.
MOTION TO APPROVE the consent agenda item no. 6 made by Council Member Bates.
Seconded by Council Member Purvis. Passed unanimously with all members present
voicing- aye.
Regarding the approval of the plat, Council Member Bates stated that this development in the corridor
where the City has seen arise in issues and he would like to see something on the record alerting potential
buyers to problems in the area specifically traffic on Hartwood Marsh.
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City Attorney Mantzaris stated that it is unfortunately too late in the process for this project to make any
kind of meaningful action. It falls on a potential buyer to do their due diligence when purchasing the
property.
MOTION TO APPROVE the consent agenda item no. 1 made by Council Member Bates.
Seconded by Council Member Purvis. Passed unanimously with all members present
voicing aye.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Prior to the consideration of agenda item no. 7, Mayor Murry read a statement regarding the conditions and
process of a quasi-judicial hearing.
Item No. 7 — Ordinance No. 2021-010 — FINAL — Graff Building
AN ORDINANCE UNDER THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT REFERRED TO IN CHAPTER 122 OF
ORDINANCE NO. 289-C, CODE OF ORDINANCES; REZONING THE REAL
PROPERTIES DESCRIBED HEREIN AS SHOWN BELOW; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF
SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the ordinance into the record by legal title only. The staff presentation was made by
Planning Manager John Kruse.
The applicant, Mark Graff, is requesting a rezoning to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to redevelop the
subject parcel into a three-story mixed -use project consisting of ten (10) residential apartments and office
use. The property is located at 872 W. Minneola Avenue and is approximately 13,500 square feet in
size. Each floor in the building will be 4,540 square feet, for a total of 13,620 square feet in the building.
The first floor will be office use and common use, such as elevator, electrical rooms, etc. The second and
third story will consist of five (5) residential units on each floor, ranging from one -bedroom apartments
starting at 600 square feet up to two -bedroom apartments at 944 square feet. The proposed square footage
meets the minimum for dwelling unit size in the Central Business District.
The applicant is requesting the use of a density bonus in the Central Business District (CBD). The applicant
is requesting three (3) additional units through the density bonus over the seven (7) units permitted under
the code. According to the Code, bonus density may be awarded to a project based upon successful
compliance with one or more of the eight criteria through a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA). The
applicant, in his community benefit agreement offer, has agreed to fully contribute to the cost and
installation of nine (9) public parking spaces along Minneola Ave. The City's costs for these spaces has
been calculated to be $29,286. The nine (9) spaces will not be reserved for the project and will be open to
the public.
The applicant is also requesting three (3) waivers to the land development code. The waivers include a
reduction of five (5) on -site parking spaces, a reduction in the landscape buffer from ten (10) feet to seven
(7) feet around the parking area, and the ability to irrigate the landscape from the potable water system.
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Staff has reviewed the application and proposed project and determined that the location is suitable for a
mixed -use project consisting of residential and office use. The proposed project allows redevelopment of
an obsolete structure and site in an urban setting. Staff is able to support the requested waivers and
recommends approval of Ordinance 2021-010. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended 6-1
for approval.
Mayor Murry asked if the applicant was present.
Mark Graff, 1944 Brantley Circle — Applicant. Mr. Graff gave a brief history of his involvement with the
City and his participation in the visioning process. He congratulated the Council on its success at reviving
the downtown area through the City's investments. He then told the Council that he has acquired two (2)
dilapidated buildings across from the post office, and he is proposing the City's first three (3) story building
that is privately funded. He reiterated that he is asking for a waiver as he is five (5) parking spaces short of
the requirement. He added that he is able to put four (4) more spaces onto the street. Mr. Graff thanked the
Council for their time and encouraged them to recognize the success of their policies and the amount of
private investment going into the downtown.
During Mr. Graff s presentation, he mentioned that he had met with each of the Council Members. Prior to
opening the floor, City Attorney Mantzaris informed the Council that they should each disclose if they did
indeed meet with the applicant. Each member of the Council stated that they had either met with Mr. Graff
or spoken to him on the phone regarding this project.
Mayor Murry opened the floor for comments from the public.
Darren Johnson, 1075 W. Lakeshore Drive — Spoke in support of the project. Stated that a long-term parking
solution is needed for the downtown.
Ronaldo Carmalgo, 1949 Brantley Circle — Spoke in support of the project. Stated that a long-term parking
solution is needed for the downtown.
David Colby, 3072 St. Croix Avenue - Supports the project in the downtown. Likes that it is mixed use.
Stated that a long-term parking solution is needed for the downtown.
Meredith Nagel, 1280 Dianna Place — Supports the project. She recently bought a house in downtown
because of the development. She pointed out that parking spaces are being lost because of a dumpster
requirement. Urged to approve.
Chris Ballard, 773 W. Montrose — Indifferent about the project. Concerned about parking and about the
overdevelopment of small spaces in this area of downtown.
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge — Indifferent about the project. Concerned about continuity in downtown; she
does not feel that a three (3) story fits with current downtown. Asked if this would be affordable housing.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — Not completely against this project. She would prefer a two (2)
story. Concerned with parking in the downtown.
Paul Gainer, 1375 Briar Haven Lane — Spoke in support of the project. Feels that it is not private developer's
responsibility to deal with the parking problems downtown.
Tod Howard, 1986 Brantley Circle — Supports the project.
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Stephen Franklin, 378 12' Street — Concerned with parking. Has a concern that staff is being too lenient on
developers when it comes to parking.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council Member Bates said he supports the project. He has a concern with the third waiver request of
potable water for irrigation. Planner Kruse said that the impact is minimal.
Council Member Bates asked if Mr. Graff was proposing a dumpster. Mr. Graff said that he put in a
dumpster because that was what was required, but the Council should know he loses two (2) parking spaces
doing that.
Public Services Director Stoney Brunson informed the Council that staff was reviewing solid waste
management in the downtown and would be bringing a proposal to a future workshop.
After some discussion on dumpsters versus collection cans, City Attorney Mantzaris informed the Council
that the ordinance before them does not have a reference related to a dumpster. The dumpster issue was
brought up as an ancillary issue and is not a part of the Council's review on this item.
Mayor Murry asked if Mr. Graff could lease parking spaces from the post office. City Attorney Mantzaris
cautioned that it would be an enforcement issue if they are even able to use the post office parking.
MOTION TO APPROVE and adopt Ordinance No. 2021-010 with the understanding that
staff will work with the applicant on the dumpster issue so that it may be removed at some
point to install two 2 parking spaces. unless staff comes u with a better solution made
by Council Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Entsuah. Passed 510 on roll call
vote with all members present voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Murry recessed the meeting at 9:53pm;
Mayor Murry reconvened the meeting at 9:59pm.
Item No. 8 — Heard Out of Order - TABLED
Item No. 9 — Heard Out of Order - TABLED
Item No. 10 — Variance Request —1066 Nathan Ridge Road
Planning Manager John Kruse presented the variance request.
The applicant is requesting one (1) setback variance in order to allow the expansion of an existing covered
lanai with a solid insulated roof ten (10) feet towards the rear property line and twenty two (22) feet along
the existing lanai. Under the current code, solid roofs are considered a structure and are required to meet
the setbacks for the primary structures. The rear property setback in this subdivision is twenty (20) feet
from the rear property line for primary structures.
The existing single-family residence with the proposed structure will be located fourteen (14) feet from the
rear property line. This would be a six (6) feet intrusion into the rear setback. The addition of this structure
will increase the impervious surface area by 3.5 percent, but will still be under the 75 percent permitted for
the total lot coverage.
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The applicant has indicated the installation of the insulated solid roof with the screened walls will provide
a play area of artificial turf for their children while protecting them from the environment and mosquitos.
Staff recognizes the applicant is seeking reasonable use of the property. However, the impervious surface
area is increasing, and the installation of the insulated solid roof into the rear property setback may be
intrusive to surrounding property owners.
After review, staff has determined the application as submitted does not meet a positive finding on all of
the five review criteria for a variance. Therefore, staff recommends denial of the variance request.
Mayor Murry asked if the applicant was present.
John Garcia, 1066 Nathan Ridge Road —Applicant. Mr. Garcia stated he spoke to his neighbors and received
support of his request.
Mayor Murry opened the floor for comments from the public.
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge - Supported the request.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills - Asked if this is a Homeowner's Association (HOA) community and if
the applicant had sought HOA approval.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
In response to the public comments, Mr. Garcia informed the Council that he was told to go to the city first
then return to the HOA with the approval.
Council Member Bates stated that he would like to have seen an HOA approval. Council Member Entsuah
agreed. City Attorney Mantzaris reminded the Council that one of the reasons staff was recommending
denial was due to the impact on surrounding property owners.
Council Member Purvis informed Mr. Garcia of the process for obtaining a variance.
City Attorney Mantzaris informed the Council that the application as presented does not meet the criteria
for a variance. He told the Council that they could table their approval to give the applicant time to get his
HOA's approval.
MOTION TO TABLE consideration of the variance reguest until July 13 2021 made b
Council Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Purvis. Passed unanimously with
all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 11— Boat Ramp and Jet Ski Update
Parks and Recreation Director Scott Davidoff provided an update on actions taken by the City's
administration following the April 20, 2021 workshop on the boat ramp and jet ski challenges. The City
has received positive feedback from the boating community. He highlighted several of the changes that had
been made including: additional signage, barriers along the shoreline, and that vehicles without trailers are
no longer allowed to park at the boat ramp.
Regarding enforcement, Director Davidoff informed the Council that the Lake County Sheriff's Office
legally has jurisdiction on Lake Minneola, but has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Clermont Police Department (CPD) granting CPD the authority to enforce ordinances upon the waterways.
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Upon review, CPD is requesting a marine unit totaling $657,000 to effectively and efficiently enforce the
City's laws upon the water. The city is finalizing agreement with Florida Wildlife Commission to install
No Wake Zone buoys in designated areas. FWC only approved placement of buoys at the boat ramp and
Lake Hiawatha docks. The permit for Lake Hiawatha will not be approved until the new docks are in place
mid -summer.
Regarding the jet ski challenge, the city is continuing to receive complaints. The majority of boat ramps
throughout the state do not provide a beaching area for boats or jet skis. Boat ramps are generally standalone
facilities, not adjacent to recreational facilities. Staff has installed barriers and signage to prohibit beaching
adjacent to the boat ramp. Some jet ski owners say they need to beach because they cannot carry coolers,
chairs, extra fuel and stand up jet skis cannot utilize finger docks.
Director Davidoff continued that the City has not prohibited beaching behind the splash pad, at the
waterfront pavilion or at Lake Hiawatha dock area. However, the area behind the splash pad and waterfront
pavilion has become extremely congested with many jet skis beaching and this is causing hazardous
conditions. The City is permitted to restrict any area from beaching along City property, but the City cannot
designate a specific area for beaching without getting a land lease agreement from the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection.
Regarding jet ski commercial operations, staff has observed 5 to 10 commercial operators renting jet skis
and boats. The City Attorney has advised staff that if transactions take place offsite without violating rules
and regulations, the City can do very little. This is very common throughout the state, but staff has worked
to develop procedures to reduce issues and ensure compliance since late March 2021. There has been no
real pushback from vendors.
Director Davidoff highlighted some provisions of an ordinance that will be coming before the Council at a
future meeting regarding enforcement. One of these includes the employment of a code enforcement officer
to staff the boat ramp.
Mayor Murry asked why the CPD marine unit cannot do the work of the code enforcement officer. Director
Davidoff explained that the marine unit will be on the water and the code enforcement officer will be on
the land.
Mayor Murry opened the floor for comments from the public.
Tod Howard, 1986 Brantley Circle — Informed the Council that jet ski owners do not have adequate docking
space on the water.
Mark Reed, 845 Forest Wood Drive — Owns a stand up jet ski, so he cannot pull up to the dock. He would
like to see a load and unloading zone next to the boat ramp. Has a petition for a load and unload zone.
Expressed concerns that the City has unpermitted buoys on the waters.
Chris Ballard, 1644 Lakeshore Drive — Feels that there needs to be a public docking system, so that people
can get off the lake and go into the downtown.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. DeSoto Street — Opposed to the hiring of additional code enforcement for the boat
ramp. Code Enforcement needs to focus on the City not on the boat ramp.
Katie,1838 Great Falls Way — Owner of a jet ski company. Supports a permitting process.
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Stephen Franklin, 378 12" Street — Reminded the Council that everyone should be considered equal; both
boaters and jet skiers.
Carrie Carredy, 11136 Lake Catherine Circle — Parent of a child who rows. Has seen children flipped from
the boats.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council Member Pines asked Director Davidoff to explain why the rowing area is not getting a no -wake
area. Director Davidoff explained that there is no launching at the rowing area, so FWC will not permit a
no -wake area.
Council Member Purvis asked for an explanation of the $750,000 for a marine unit. Police Chief Broadway
responded that the cost includes the hiring of four (4) new officers and vehicles. A police boat costs
approximately $80,000 and the truck to haul it is approximately $60,000. The vast majority of the cost is
for personnel. Currently, officers are working on the waterways volunteering for overtime on the weekends
and holidays, but this system is not sustainable and there are weekends when there is no coverage.
Interim City Manager Dauderis reminded the Council that staff had suggested easing into the program by
utilizing the fire boat for now.
The Council had a discussion on beaching, barriers, and fees near the boat ramp. Director Davidoff stated
that the barriers are not just for jet skis as there are paddlers and kayakers that are also causing hazardous
conditions.
The Council gave consensus that staff should provide them with an ordinance to review and the issue should
come back for their consideration.
The Council stated that they want an update from the Police Department in 90 days on how enforcement is
going utilizing the resources currently provided.
The Council directed that staff should remove the barriers and signage on the west side of the boat ramp
area.
Council Member Bates asked if there was the possibility of putting in a kayak launch at the rowing area
and if that would then allow FWC to grant a permit. Director Davidoff stated that they would have to reach
out.
Mayor Murry asked staff to review recently acquired properties on the lakeshore to see if relief areas could
be provided there as well.
13
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 11, 2021
Item No. 12 — Ordinance No. 2021-014 — INTRODUCTION
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 70 "WATERWAYS" OF THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES, AMENDING ARTICLE I "SPEED LIMITS", SECTION 70-1
"AUTHORITY", SECTION 70-2 "DEFINITIONS", SECTION 70-3 "IDLE SPEED NO
WAKE ZONES, SECTION 70-4 "ADOPTION OF SPEED LIMITS" AND SECTION 70-
5 `ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY"; PROVIDING FOR THE ERECTION OF
SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the ordinance into the record by legal title only.
MOTION TO INTRODUCE for future consideration Ordinance No. 2021-014 made b
Council Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Pines. Passed unanimously with all
members present voicing aye.
14
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 11, 2021
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 11:27 pm.
�. td
•EST:
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC
City Clerk
15
APPROVED:
Tim Murry, . ayor