07-10-1984 Regular Meeeting
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 10, 1984
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont
was held July 10, 1984 in the Council Chambers. The Meeting was
called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Beals with the following
Council Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Member Cole,
Council Member Henry, and Council Member Turville. Other City
Officials present were: City Manager Forbes, City Attorney Baird,
Finance Director Saunders and Deputy City Clerk Brandt.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was offered by City Manager Forbes followed by the
repeating of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting held June 26, 1984 and the Work-
shop Meeting held June 28, 1984 were approved as presented.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
ATHLETIC PROGRAM - SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM
It was reported that last year's Athletic Program included field
trips to local attractions. Martha Wilson, Program Director,
wishes to continue this program, and has requested $450 to pay for
a charter bus for three field trips. After a brief discussion, it
was the consensus of the Council to allow this request with funds
for the trips coming from the Parks and Recreation Special Activities
Account.
Mr. Forbes asked permission to hire Donnie Wilson as a part-time
Athletic Program Supervisor for the remainder of the program. It was
the consensus of the Council to allow this request with funds coming
from the Parks and Recreation Special Activities Account.
SOUTH LAKE PLAYERS
It was reported that the South Lake Players had requested use of Jenkins
Auditorium for a full week of rehearsals prior to each play. They have
agreed to pay for two rehearsal nights and the three nights of the
scheduled performance. Mr. Forbes recommended that they be allowed to
use the auditorium except for Wednesday nights, due to many scheduling
conflicts.
After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to allow
the South Lake Players to use the auditorium Sunday through Sunday,
except Wednesdays during scheduled performances.
City Manager Forbes was directed to contact the High School to see if
their facilities could be used for rehearsals or the final play produc-
tions. Many groups use the auditorium on a weekly basis, and granting
everyone's wishes is often difficult to accomplish.
RAILROAD PROPERTY
City Manager Forbes stated that if there were no Council objections, he
would like to send a letter to the Seaboard Systems Railroad requesting
right of first refusal to purchase the abandoned railroad right-of-way
between East Avenue and Twelfth Street in Clermont. There were no
objections to this request.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 10, 1984
Page -3-
Mr. Baird concluded by stating that the intention of the ordinance
was one principal building per platted lot, and explained his legal
opinion in a letter dated July 6, 1984.
Tom Dougherty, attorney representing Mr. Favuzza, stated that there
was a third alternative to consider. He stated that his client was
building "multi-family" and would fall into the multi-family exception
under Section 26-13.
84-l02After much discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE
AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL TO REQUIRE THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT PROCESS IN ANY SITUATION LIKE THE FAVUZZA REQUEST.
Under discussion, Council Member Pool then asked Mr. Turville if it
was his intention to require a CUP for every future development of
this type? Mr. Turville reiterated his position on this matter, and
Mr. Pool asked City Attorney Baird for his opinion.
Attorney Baird stated that he had wanted the Council's intepretation
of the ordinance in question, and was not specifically referring to
the Favuzza property. With this in mind, Mr. Baird stated that he
would have to interprete the motion as meaning that any request with
more than one building per lot would require a CUP or subdivision,
and that he would have to inform the City staff in this manner.
After some further discussion, THE MOTION FAILED BY A FOUR TO ONE VOTE
WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS POOL, HENRY, COLE AND MAYOR BEALS VOTING NAY.
Mayor Beals then asked what the Council wished to do, and it was the
consensus of the Council to go along with Attorney Baird's opinion
dated July 6, 1984, and that if the property is properly subdivided,
Mr. Favuzza could then proceed with his plans as presented.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SAUNDERS' REPORT
CERTIFICATION OF TAXABLE VALUE FORM
Finance Director Saunders requested authorization to complete the
Certification of Taxable Value form for the County Appraiser's
Office. Mr. Saunders stated that the current millage rate was 2.595
and the rollback millage rate was 2.626 mills. The first public budget
hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., September 4, 1984. After a brief
84-103 discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED GRANTING MR. SAUNDERS AUTHORIZATION
TO EXECUTE THE CERTIFICATION OF TAXABLE VALUE FORM.
COUNCIL MEMBER COLE'S REPORT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As Council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Council Member Cole
reported that the Chamber would like to have a fireworks display
for the planned Labor Day Festivities. After a brief discussion,
it was the consensus of the Council to have City Manager Forbes
research this matter and get back with the Council at a later date.
Council Member Cole also reported that Joyce Walker of the Chamber
would be willing to taking over the booking of Jenkins Auditorium.
The City Manager stated that he would be meeting with Mrs. Walker
on this matter.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 10, 1984
Page -2-
CLERMONT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
It was explained that due to organizational problems, the Clermont
Senior Center was now operating independently from the Lake County
Council On Aging. The Senior Center was formed by the City's Senior
Citizens Committee which was appointed several years ago by the
Council.
Mr. Ken Peach of the Clermont Senior Center had requested permission
for the group to continue to operate from Jenkins Auditorium. He also
requested that the City Attorney assist the group in writing by-laws
and articles of incorporation so they could be chartered as a non-
profit corporation.
City Attorney Baird stated that it would cost approximately $200 to
incorporate the Center as a non-profit organization.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Clermont Senior Center
was a worthwhile organization which provided needed services for
senior citizens and that the requests should be allowed.
CITY ATTORNEY'S LETTER - FAVUZZA PROPERTY
City Attorney Baird stated that he had reviewed a proposal presented
to the City by William Favuzza to build thirteen units on two acres
on the north side of his property, as represented by the site plan
prepared by Zahradnik and Associates, dated June 19, 1984.
Mr. Baird then stated that several questions needed to be addressed
concerning this property. Can the City of Clermont issue a building
permit when there is an unsigned Conditional Use Permit for this prop-
erty? What is the intent of Section 26-13 of the City Zoning Ordinance?
Can the City grant several permits for several buildings on one lot? Can
the City allow more than one building on one parcel, or should the City
require Mr. Favuzza to subdivide the property? Or should he be required
to obtain a CUP or a PUD to develop the property?
Mr. Baird further stated that it appears that the intent of the City's
ordinance is to allow one building per lot. The property is subdivided,
but the the buildings on the site plan cross lot lines. However, inter-
pretation of Section 26-13 is unclear regarding this.
City Attorney Baird stated that the Council must clarify the interpre-
tation of multiple family buildings and the question of one principal
building per lot. If the Council feels that Section 26-13 exempts all
multi-family buildings that contain less than twenty-four units, then
Mr. Favuzza should probably be granted a permit. If, however, the
intent of the ordinance is to control growth by allowing one building
per lot except through a CUP or PUD, then Mr. Favuzza should be required
to obtain a CUP or subdivide the property.
Council Member Turville stated that the zoning ordinance should be more
stringent and the Council should maintain control even if it means going
to court. He stated that he felt the City should require a CUP or PUD,
based on the fact that Mr. Favuzza was trying to put more than one unit
per lot on the property. He stated that he did not want any precedent
set by allowing this.
Mr. Claude Smoak, property owner to the north of the Favuzza property,
and former Mayor, then spoke. He stated that he felt Mr. Favuzza was
trying to circumvent the intent of the ordinance as written. He stated
that if 13 units went in, it would be safe to say the other end of the
property also would be developed, especially considering that the
developer would have to put in a force main and lift station for the
northern end of the property.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
July 10, 1984
Page -4-
MAYOR BEALS' REPORT
CENTER LAKE
Mayor Beals reported that the duck population at Center Lake was
growing and made it difficult to use the fitness trail. He stated
that he would like the City to hire someone to humanely remove all
of the Muscovy Ducks from Center Lake, since previous efforts to
remove them have proven futile. Council Member Turville stated that
he agreed with the Mayor, and it was the consensus of the Council to
have City Manager Forbes advertise for bids to relocate Muscovy Ducks
from Center Lake.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
ED AUGUSTINE - REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO CUP AT 1153 TENTH STREET
Mr. Augustine was present and explained his request to the City Council
asking for an amendment to his existing Conditional Use Permit to allow
light retail sales in addition to mini-warehouses and offices at 1153
Tenth Street.
Mayor Beals called for comments from those present in the audience, and
no one spoke for or against the request.
It was then explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission had unani-
mously voted to recommend that Resolution No. 398 be amended with the
following condition:
Only mini-warehouses, offices and light retail business shall
be permitted. All office and light retail sales uses must be
confined to one of the eight existing office units. Businesses
which create a high volume of traffic, such as mini-markets,
retaurants, liquor stores, beauty and barber shops, laundromats,
dance studios, and automotive services are prohibited. The defi-
nitions forautomotive services shall be determined as listed in
the C-2 General Commercial Zoning Classification. Only wall
signs shall be allowed to identify these business uses. A copy
of the lease agreement for all units must be on file at City Hall.
84-104 After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL, AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED BY ROLL CALL
VOTE GRANTING THE REQUEST TO AMEND THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AND INCORPORATING
THE CONDITION AS WRITTEN ABOVE INTO RESOLUTION #398, ALLOWING LIGHT
RETAIL SALES IN ADDITION TO THE MINI-WAREHOUSES AND OFFICES AT 1153
TENTH STREET. VOTING WAS AS FOLLOWS: COUNCIL MEMBERS HENRY, POOL,
COLE, AND TURVILLE, AYE; AND MAYOR BEALS, AYE.
COMMISSIONER CLAUDE SMOKE - TWO CENTS ADDITIONAL GAS TAX
Commissioner Smoak appeared before Council to explain the County's
position on the two cents additional gas tax which was formally
adopted earlier that afternoon. Because of this additional tax,
the County's Road and Bridge Tax of .373 mills has been dropped.
It was explained that the cities received $135,000 from the $270,000
generated by the roads and bridge tax. With the new gas tax, the
cities will divide $360,000 in absolute dollars.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 10, 1984
Page -5-
He further explained that the people who use the roads the most
will pay the most taxes because of gas consumed. In conclusion,
Commissioner Smoak stated that the money will be distributed
according to State Statute because no interlocal agreement was
signed. This distribution will be very similar to 30 - 70% split
proposed by the County.
HARVEY NAGEL - LUMP SUM PENSION BENEFITS REQUEST
It was explained that the City's Pension Plan sets three options for an
employee to choose his pension benefits. Options 1 and 2 consist of
monthly pension payments, whereas, Option 3 states that benefits may be
paid in any form approved by the Council, so long as actuarial equi-
valances with the benefits otherwise payable are maintained. Mr. Nagel
has chosen Option 3 and asked that all his benefits be paid in one lump
sum.
Mr. Nagel appeared before Council to reiterate his request. Finance
Director Saunders explained the Actuaries recommendations against such
lump sum payments.
Council Member Pool explained his feelings about the request, and
stated that he favored granting it only because he believed the City
would be changing to a different type of pension plan which would
allow lump sum benefit payments. He further stated that if he
thought the City would stay with the present plan, he would not
be in favor of the lump sum payment to Mr. Nagel. He then asked
Finance Director Saunders' opinion on this matter. Mr. Saunders
explained that one such request would not cause any problems with
the soundness of the overall pension plan, but if too many requests
of this type were made there could be problems. Mr. Saunders also
stated that the City would be looking into a different type of
pension plan which allows lump sum benefit payments, and asked
permission to spend $400 for the League of Cities' Actuaries to
study our present plan and make their recommendations for imple-
mentation of the new plan.
After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that if
they granted Mr. Nagel's request, it would only be fair to grant
other requests of a similar nature. They concluded it was a diffi-
cult decision to make.
84-105 After much discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND CARRIED BY A FOUR TO ONE VOTE
TO ALLOW MR. NAGEL'S REQUEST TO RECEIVE A LUMP SUM PENSION BENEFIT
IN THE AMOUNT AS STATED BY OUR ACTUARIES. MAYOR BEALS VOTED NAY.
84-l06A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER POOL AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED GRANTING FINANCE DIRECTOR
SAUNDERS PERMISSION TO SPEND $400 WITH MONIES COMING FROM GENERAL
FUND RESERVES, FOR THE LEAGUE OF CITIES' ACTUARIES TO STUDY OUR
EXISTING PENSION PLAN AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A NEW PENSION PLAN.
OLD BUSINESS
FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE l6l-M, PINE LANE STREET CLOSING
It was reported that Ordinance l6l-M would close the east 30 feet of
Pine Lane in the Oakview Subdivision.
City Manager Forbes expressed his concern that the City retain proper
utility easements and an easement allowing the City and adjoining
property owners the use of the turnaround on this property.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 10, 1984
Page -6-
City Attorney Baird stated that he would take care of this matter
when the property to the east is deeded back to the original owner.
Mayor Beals called for comments from those present in the audience,
and no one spoke for or against the proposed street closing.
84-107 After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED BY ROLL CALL
VOTE TO ADOPT ORDINANCE l6l-M ABANDONING THE EAST THIRTY FEET OF PINE
LANE IN THE OAK VIEW SUBDIVISION. VOTING WAS AS FOLLOWS: COUNCIL
MEMBERS COLE, TURVILLE, HENRY AND POOL; AYE AND MAYOR BEALS, AYE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE l56-M, REZONING REQUEST , NE CORNER OF
ANDERSON STREET AND HIGHLAND AVENUE FROM R-l TO R-3.
Mayor Beals explained that Mr. Steve Richey had requested to rezone
a five acre tract of land at the northeast corner of the intersection
of the Anderson Street right-of-way and Highland Avenue. The Planning
and zoning Commission at its June 3, 1984 Meeting had recommended
that this request be delayed without prejudice until revisions to
the Comprehensive Plan are completed.
Bill Stone, Attorney for Mr. Richey, appeared before Council and
stated that Mr. Richey had applied for the rezoning under existing
conditions and wished consideration of the request now. It meets
the criteria of the existing Comprehensive Plan. He further stated
that there appeared to be no definite timetable for revisions to
the present Comprehensive Plan.
84-108 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HENRY TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE l56-M. THE ORDINANCE WAS READ
BY TITLE ONLY.
BID AWARD - GARBAGE TRUCK
It was reported that the City had received bids for the new garbage
truck cab and chassis. Low bidder was Transtat Equipment Company
with a total bid of $38,564, including options 1 and 2 and delivery
in 90-120 days. The other bidder, Heintzelman's Truck bid
$38,578 with both options and delivery in 30 days.
A letter from Public Works Director Smythe was read recommending
acceptance of the $38,578 bid from Heintzelman's Truck. They have
the chassis in stock and can complete the project within 30 days.
Mr. Smythe also recommended the addition of $575 to the bid so the
1978 chassis and truck cab could be repainted. $47,000 had been
budgeted for this project.
84-109 After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO ACCEPT
BID OF HEINTZELMAN'S TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,578 INCLUDING BOTH
OPTIONS AND TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL $575 FOR REPAINTING THE CHASSIS
AND CAB OF THE 1978 TRUCK, THE TOTAL AMOUNT BEING $39,153.
BID AWARD - TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL
It was reported that the City had received several bids for the
removal and/or trimming of seventy trees damaged by the December
freeze. The bids were as follows:
Southeastern Tree Service
Davey Tree Expert Co.
Florida Forestry Tree Science
$10,145
$30,960
$26,050 Trim all Trees
$39,800 Remove all Trees
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 10, 1984
Page -7-
84-ll0After a bried discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POOL AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO ACCEPT THE
LOW BID OF SOUTHEASTERN TREE SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,145. AN
ADDITIONAL $8,000 WAS BUDGETED, IF NEEDED, FOR ADDITIONAL TREE REMOVAL
AS NECESSARY.
THE MOTION WAS MADE IN THE FORM OF A BUDGET AMENDMENT WITH PAYMENT
OF THE $18,145 COMING FROM GENERAL FUND RESERVES.
REQUEST FOR TENT REVIVAL MEETING
Emma McDuffie, who was present in the audience, asked for permission
to hold a thirteen day tent revival meeting at the southeast corner
of the intersection of Highways 27 and 50. City Policy allows such
meetings to be held three days. After a brief discussion concerning
the out-of-the-way location for the meeting and past exceptions to
84-lllthe policy, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE, SECONDED
BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO GRANT MRS. McDUFFIE'S
REQUEST FOR A THIRTEEN DAY TENT REVIVAL MEETING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER
OF THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAYS 27 & 50.
Mrs. McDuffie was directed to go to City Hall to obtain the necessary
permits and information for this type of meeting.
There being no further business,
th~jOUrned at 9:30
13.80_1._
CHARLES B. BEALS, MAYOR
p.m.
ATTEST:
~ r/:,(J, ~
WA SAUNDERS, CITY CLERK