07.20.2023 - City Council MinutesCity of Clermont
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP
July 20, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a workshop session on Thursday, July 20, 2023 in the Clermont City Council
Chambers. Mayor Murry called the workshop to order at 6:30 pm with the following Council Members
present: Council Members Pines, Gonzalez, and Purvis.
Absent: Council Member Entsuah
Other City officials present were City Manager Bulthuis, City Attorney Mantzaris, and City Clerk Howe.
OPENING COMMENTS
City Manager Bulthuis gave an overview of the funds reviewed at the previous workshop. Staff has taken
the information and recommendation from Council to continue with a millage rate of 5.06 which would be
no change from 2022. The city will advertise the maximum millage rate to be 5.06, the next step would be
the First Budget Public Hearing at 6:30pm on September 6 and then the Final Budget Public Hearing to
adopt the budget and millage rate at 6:30pm on September 20.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Discussion
City Manager Bulthuis spoke about an amendment to the current budget for the purchase of a Fire Truck.
Fiscal Year 2024 projected revenues should be $47 million which is what the budget is based off of. The
millage rate of 5.06 is still one of the lowest in Lake County.
Fire Chief Ezell reviewed the fleet replacement schedule and the condition of the current trucks. The budget
amendment allows the city to purchase the truck this year and once there is a firm build date, the city will
budget for equipment.
City Manager Bulthuis moved on to discuss installing fiber over to Fire Station No 4 as requested by
Council at the last workshop. Mr. Bulthuis showed Council a map of where there is currently fiber within
the city. To add fiber to Fire Station No. 4, the cost would be approximately S50,000.00 that has been
added to the budget.
Information Technology Director Fountain explained to Council how the fiber will be run to the Fire
Station. Fire Chief Ezell explained the importance of the fiber at the Fire Station.
City Manager Bulthuis discussed sidewalks within the city. The new Aurelia Cole Academy has a one mile
radius for walkers which goes beyond Lakeshore Drive on the south side of State Road 50. Mr. Bulthuis
showed Council where the existing sidewalks are located. The budget for sidewalks will be amended to add
$150,000.00 for sidewalks this year and S75,000.00 for next year out of the Infrastructure Fund.
Public Services Director Brunson informed Council of areas staff believes are top priority for placing
sidewalks. Discussion ensued on different areas and what is needed to repair or add a sidewalk.
City Manager Bulthuis informed Council of an issue that has come up repeatedly. There have been nine
water main breaks in the area of Hillview Drive since 2020. The pipes have been in the ground for over 20
years, the pipes have been sent to the manufacturer and there is nothing wrong with the pipes. The pressure
is running high. As a fix, Public Services will be adding pressure reducing valves.
Cith, of Clermont
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP
July 20, 2023
The vales cost approximately S 15,000.00 per valve and there is a need for seven valves so we can control
the pressure. The project has a cost of $120,000.00 out of the water fund, which will require a budget
amendment. Council consensus is to move forward with the project.
City Manager Bulthuis reviewed the Building Services budget. This is a separate fund that receives funding
from building permits. The need for building permits is decreasing therefor the fund is barely breaking
even. Mr. Bulthuis spoke about third party inspectors and salaries. Building Services Director Widican
expanded on the need for third party inspectors. There are specific licenses they have to acquire and hold
which takes training and education.
City Manager Bulthuis moved on to the cemetery fund. This fund is barely breaking even, it is showing a
S73,000 loss. The reason for the loss was from the purchase of two new columbaria in the amount of
S98,000. With sales continuing like this year we are showing a loss of S 17,000 for next year. There were
requests for two more columbarium's and an additional caretaker. Once all the spaces are sold, the fund
balance will disappear and then the maintenance will be fully funded out of the General Fund.
Council discussed the need to look at the fees and possible expansion of the cemetery. The question was
asked about continuing with the cemetery or sell out of the available spaces and only maintain it. The
number of spaces sold within the columbaria were discussed along with the cost.
Mr. Bulthuis recommended adding the cost of the columbarium's into the capital budget for next year and
asked Council to add another caretaker. Council agreed the cost should come out of capital next year and
to add another caretaker for the cemetery.
2. Other
City Manager Bulthuis reminded council that the budget was configured off of a millage rate of 5.06. A
budget amendment for this Fiscal Year will come before Council at the August 8, 2023 meeting and the
two Budget Public Hearings will be in September.
Mayor Murry opened the workshop for public comment. No comments. Mayor Murry closed the workshop
for public comments.
CLOSING COMMIENTS
Council Member Purvis and Mayor Murry commended staff on the budget process this year.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP
July 20, 2023
ADJOURN: With no finther comments, this workshop adjourned at 7:42 pm.
APPROVED:
Tim Murry. Mayor
ATTEST:
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC
City Clerk
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