05.28.2024 - City Council MinutesCity of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in the Clermont City Council
Chambers. Mayor Murry called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with the following Council Members
present: Council Members Gonzalez, Howard, Myers and Pines.
Other City officials present were City Manager Bulthuis, City Attorney Mantzaris, and City Clerk Howe.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Alex Paz of Clermont Seventh-Day Adventist Church gave the invocation followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS
City Clerk Howe read the official election results into the record.
For Clermont City Council Seat 2, Tod Howard received 1,810 votes and Otis Taylor, Jr. received 1,442
votes.
Council Member Pines moved to accent the certified results: seconded by Council Member
Gonzalez. Passed unanimouslv 4-0 with all members present voicing ave.
ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE ELECTED OFFICIAL FOR SEAT 2
City Clerk Howe administered the Oath of Office to Tod Howard, Seat 2 for the remainder of a two-year
term.
Council Member Howard said he appreciated the support he has received. He ran his campaign on helping
small businesses; his first request is an agenda item request to repeal annual business tax receipts.
PROCLAMATION
City Clerk Howe read the Election Proclamation aloud.
Council Member Pines moved to accent and declare the Election of November 5. 2024;
seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all members present
voicing ave.
PRESENTATIONS
City staff provided a Quarterly Budget Report.
Finance Director Borror presented a Power Point presentation. The presentation summarized the year to
date activity from the Quarterly Budget with a focus on budget versus actual. He reviewed the top 10
revenues; major fund revenues and expenditures; and general fund expense summary activity from October
2023 through March 2024.
Mayor Murry noted that it shows impact fees are only at 31 percent.
Finance Director Borror stated that the commercial impact fees are out preforming the estimated projection.
The residential impact fees are not where staff had projected. Impact fees are accounted for within special
revenue funds, it does not have a direct correlation to property tax.
Finance Director Borror spoke briefly on the financial comparisons from the same time last year.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Samii Taylor Yakovetik, Hartwood Reserve — Expressed concerns regarding candidate's behavior at the
polling places during the Special Election.
Susan Lane, 2020 Crescent, Lake Minnehaha Estates — Expressed concern on speeding on Sunset Lane and
The Crescent and a drug house in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is small and the residents would
like speed bumps and reduced speed limit.
Pat Woodhouse, 2010 Sunset Lane - Expressed concern on speeding and a drug house in the neighborhood.
She asked for a stop sign at The Crescent and Center Street and a reduced speed limit.
Daryl Woodhouse, 2010 Sunset Lane - Expressed concern on speeding in the neighborhood. GPS will direct
drivers through their neighborhood as a cut through for Lakeshore Drive.
Board Member, Lake Minnehaha Estates - Expressed concern about traffic in his neighborhood. He would
like a stop sign at The Crescent and Center Street and a reduced speed limit.
Cuqui Whitehead, 700 Hooks Street — Expressed concern about speeding on her street. She has previously
contacted Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks regarding the traffic issue.
Banks Helfrich'— Spoke on the people in the community who help others.
Otis Taylor, 3686 Caladesi — Spoke regarding his campaign and thanked his supporters. Congratulated
Council Member Howard on his win.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street - Expressed concern regarding campaign messages.
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge - Spoke on vetting candidates that are running for Council.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that looking at Lake Minnehaha Estates on google maps and there does not
appear to be speed limit signs. He directed staff to place 25mph speed limit signs and evaluate placement
of a stop sign. He directed staff to place 25mph speed limit signs and evaluate placement of a stop sign at
The Crescent and Center Street.
City Attorney Mantzaris spoke about the property in Lake Minnehaha Estates with illegal activity and said
that a Nuisance Abatement Board, which is on the agenda later in the evening, can assist in abating that
behavior. If passed, it would allow the city to prosecute the use of the house if there were certain criminal
activities that occur on a frequent basis.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated in order to reduce a speed limit there needs to be a report in regards to
traffic.
Deputy Police Chief Graczyk said that the Police Department would be placing a traffic -calming device to
get accurate readings on traffic in that area.
City Manager Bulthuis clarified that a Nuisance Abatement Board would pursue the owner of the property
while the police department pursues any individuals engaged in illegal activity on the property.
City Attorney Mantzaris addressed the comment regarding candidate's behaviors at polling places. The city
contracts with the Lake County Supervisor of Elections to provide election services. The polling places
become jurisdiction of the Lake County Supervisor of Elections. The city does not have authority to address
any issues that occur at a polling place.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
AGENDA CHANGES
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council of the following agenda changes:
Item No. 7 — Ordinance No. 2024-020
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council this item has been withdrawn.
Item No. 12 — Resolution No. 2024-013R, The River Church CUP
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW FOR THE BUILDING ADDITION EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING
CHURCH FACILITY LOCATED IN THE R-2 MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,
SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS
ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council this is a request to table the item to July 23, 2024.
Council Member Pines moved to table item 12, Resolution No. 2024-013R. The River
Church CUP to July 23. 2024, seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously
5-0 with all members present voicine ave.
Item No. 13 — Ordinance No. 2024-018, First Baptist Church SSCPA
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
FOR THE CITY OF CLERMONT, FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL
GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACT, CHAPTER 163, PART H,
FLORIDA STATUTES; SETTING FORTH THE AUTHORITY FOR ADOPTION
OF THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; SETTING
FORTH THE PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE SMALL-SCALE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT;
ESTABLISHING THE LEGAL STATUS OF THE SMALL-SCALE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,
SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS
ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council this is a request to table the item to June 25, 2024.
Council Member Pines moved to table item 13. Ordinance No. 2024-018. First Baptist
Church SSCPA to June 25. 2024: seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed
unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicine ave.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Item No. 14 — Ordinance No. 2024-019, First Baptist Church Rezoning
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, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council this is a request to table the item to June 25, 2024.
Council Member Pines moved to table item 14. Ordinance No. 2024-019. First Baptist
Church Rezoning to June 25. 2024: seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed
unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Bulthuis —
• Welcomed Tod Howard to the Council.
• June 1 is the Caribbean Jerk Festival at Waterfront Park.
• Thanked the Submarine Veterans for putting on the ceremony yesterday for Memorial Day.
• Currently in July there are three meetings scheduled for the week of July 8. There is the regular
City Council Meeting scheduled for July 9 and budget workshops on July 10 and July 11. There
has been a request to cancel the regular council meeting on July 9 and move the budget workshop
scheduled for July 11 to July 9 to start at 5pm.
Council Member Gonzalez moved to cancel the City Council meetine on July 9. 2024 and
chanee it to a Budeet Workshop starting at 5pm; seconded by Council Member Myers.
Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Mantzaris — No report.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Pines —
• Welcomed Tod Howard to the Council.
• Lake 100 hosted their 351 annual Community Service Awards and Mayor Murry was a recipient.
• Attended the employee recognition breakfast.
• The chamber breakfast was well attended.
• Attended the Memorial Day service.
Council Member Howard — No report.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Council Member Myers —
• Welcomed Mr. Howard and suggested the IEMO classes.
• Attended the Memorial Day service.
• Attended her final canvassing board meeting for the Special Election.
• Requesting council to perform a formal review for the City Manager.
Council Member Gonzalez —
• Congratulated Tod Howard.
• Attended Police department events.
• Attended the chamber after hour's event.
• Attended the Memorial Day service.
Mayor Murry —
• Addressed the City Manager review. Asked City Attorney Mantzaris to provide Council Member
Myers with the evaluation form examples he had previously given council.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated that he provided Council Member Myers with two examples. The general
premise in the City Manager contract was that there would be an agreed upon evaluation form which has
not occurred.
City Attorney Mantzaris suggested the forms be distributed to council and discuss changes at a workshop.
Mayor Murry asked staff to schedule a workshop for June 18. Council Member Pines stated that she is out
of town that week; they asked her to provide any changes to staff to include at the workshop.
Council Member Myers had copies of the two evaluation forms City Attorney Mantzaris provided and
passed them out to council.
• Reminded council about the Ethics training video that was sent to them.
• Attended the employee recognition breakfast.
• Attended the Memorial Day service.
• Attended the Police Department recruitment.
• Mayor's luncheon will be at Keke's on Tuesday.
• Placed flags on the graves of 520 veterans at Oak Hill Cemetery with the Kiwanis Club.
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 come forward at this time.
Item No. 1— Meeting Minutes
Item No. 2 — Resolution No. 2024-017R
Florida Division of Arts and Cultural Facilities
Program
Item No. 3 — Resolution No. 2024-019R
Budget Amendment
Consider approval of the April 9, 2024,
meeting minutes.
Consider a grant application request in the
amount of $500,000 with 2 to 1 matching funds
in the budgeted amount of $1,000,000.
Consider approval of the resolution to amend
the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Item No. 4 — Resolution No. 2024-020R Consider approval of the purchase of a public
836 W. Montrose utility easement in the budgeted amount of
$155,000.
Item No. 5 — Piggyback Award Consider piggybacking the Pasco County term
P-Card Services contract with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to
acquire commercial card services.
Item No. 6 — Piggyback Purchase and Budget Consider purchasing from the Florida Sheriffs
Amendment Association contract number FSA23-VEH21.0
Side -Loader Truck with Container Systems & Equipment
Company, Inc. in the amount of $399,206 and
a budget amendment of $135,645.
Council Member Howard pulled Consent Item No. 2 for further discussion.
Council Member Pines moved to approve Consent Aeenda Item 1 and Items 3-6 as
presented; seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members
present voicine ave.
Item No. 2 — Resolution 2024-017R. Florida Division ofArts and Cultural Facilities Program
Council Member Howard asked his fellow Council Members if this project was one of their primary
projects. He believes there are other projects in the Parks and Recreation department such as a Community
Center in place of this project. He is not in support of the Meet Us in the Middle project with an
amphitheater or the $15 million price.
Council Member Pines stated that Meet Us in the Middle and docks were part of the 2015 Community
Redevelopment Agency Plan where over 1,000 citizens provided input. Council did previously direct staff
to move forward with bidding the project.
City Manager Bulthuis explained that this project is part of the 81 Street pier replacement. The project is
in the Community Redevelopment Agency Plan and the estimated cost is $6 to $8 million for the whole
project. Council's direction to staff was to do the engineering and look for grants for this project. To date
staff has applied for $2 million in grants.
Council Member Howard stated that he was on the committee for the Community Redevelopment Agency
Plan and they did not want anything to affect the view. He cannot support $15 million of impact fees being
budgeted on this project.
Council Member Myers inquired on what plan the committee wanted.
Council Member Howard stated that the committee did not want to add anything to the lakefront to affect
the view.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — Expressed concern regarding the project. Would like the pier
repaired.
Joey Quant, 655 Shady Nook Drive — Expressed concern regarding the project. Would like to see a simple
dock.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
City Manager Bulthuis clarified that $15 million was included in the Impact Fee study but the city does
not have that amount budgeted. When preforming a study they will estimate higher than the cost of a
project.
Council has the decision on whether to tear down the existing pier rebuild or move in the direction of the
Meet Us in the Middle project. The direction given to staff to this point from Council was to engineer and
design the project.
Council Member Myers asked if staff knew the cost to rebuild the existing pier.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that he did not have an actual cost but estimated to be upwards of $1 million.
There would need to be design and engineering done to have a better understanding of the cost.
Mayor Murry stated that since the pier is an existing structure, the city has to use General Funds to tear
down and rebuild. The Meet Us in the Middle project would be new therefore Impact fees could be utilized.
Council Member Pines stated that moving forward with the project and using Impact Fees does not come
from citizen's taxes. Applying for grants allows the city to reduce the amount of Impact Fees used and can
go to other projects.
Deputy City Manager Davidoff stated that staff received direction to pursue grant opportunities. To date
the city has applied for $2.3 million in grant funds and looking at applying for another $3 million. He
clarified that the designed structure is not an amphitheater; it is a tiered seating area.
Council inquired about the total cost for the project.
Deputy City Manager Davidoff said that staff would not know the dollar amount until final approval of
engineering and design in August/September. Once the amount is configured, the project will return to
Council for approval to move forward.
Council Member Pines moved to approve Consent Asenda Item 2 as presented: seconded
by Council Member Gonzalez.
Mayor Murry asked if any of the grants would cover the demolition cost of the existing pier.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that none of the grant funds would cover that expense. The demolition will
come from General Fund.
Motion passed 3-2 with Council Member Mvers and Council Member Howard oDnosine.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item No. 7 — This item was withdrawn.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Item No. 8 — Ordinance No. 2024-023, Family Entertainment Center Final
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 title aloud.
Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. In February of 2021, 1.04 acres of land at 524
West Ave was approved for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) called Victory Village. Included in the
approval was a 25 unit 3 story apartment building, an approximate 3,600sq foot new building identified as
"Market", and approximately 6,500 square feet of open plaza space identified to use for food trailers, new
gazebo/eating/bar and other .open air activities that are allowed in the Central Business District (CBD)
zoning regulations. The entire parcel is in the Central Business District and has a future land use of
Downtown Mixed Use.
When the PUD was approved "Section 3 Condition 11 states, "Any market operating on site shall be
continuously operated by one single operator." The issue before council is that there is no longer a "Market"
operating on site, it has closed. The applicant, Victory Coast Land Co. LLC, is requesting that Condition
11 be eliminated from the PUD and that indoor recreational use is allowed. By making these changes to the
PUD, it will clear up the issue of what uses are allowed on the property and that the use is the same as
others in the CBD zoning district.
On May 23, 2023, a variance was approved for signage affixed to the lower roof edge of the building. The
City Council approved this variance with specific conditions such as only two roof signs, specific locations
and wording of the signs. Since this is a Planned Unit Development, special conditions can be placed into
the Ordinance to address variances within a project. As part of the amended PUD, the sign variance will be
incorporated as a special condition. The applicant is requesting the PUD variance be changed so that the
sign can be changed for any user as long as the sign locations will not change, and the dimensions will be
the same. Any future signs shall adhere to the existing parallelogram and square footage along with location.
The signage wording may be changed for a future tenant as long as the same type and style of individual
letters are used. The specific conditions are listed in proposed new PUD Ordinance 2024-023.
Staff has reviewed the application and proposed project concerning -Section 125-487 Review Criteria for a
Planned Unit Development. The proposed amendments deal with specific conditions in the original
approval. The residential component has not been amended, and the commercial portion has been
constructed and is operational. The proposed operator will be making some interior changes to the building.
However, the use of the property will still be a mixed -use project with residential and commercial uses.
The requested changes by the applicant are not in conflict with the City's Comprehensive Plan, and the
proposed changes are in accordance with the Land Development Code. Staff is able to support the request
and recommends approval of Ordinance 2024-023. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval, 4-1.
Darren Johnson, applicant, was present and available for questions.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
David Wallace, 995 W. Lakeshore Drive - In support as it is consistent with the downtown area.
Charles Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — Questioned the location of the axe throwing.
Samii Taylor Yakovetik, Hartwood Reserve - The business going in that space is great, the city needs more
parking.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council Member Howard asked the applicant how many parking spaces were originally put in, how many
were required and if that included the seven encumbered for the spa.
Mr. Johnson stated that there are 25 parking spaces there currently; the requirement was 23, which included
the seven from the spa encumbrance.
Development Services Director Henschel stated that per City Code, in the Central Business District for
existing nonresidential structures, no additional parking spaces shall be required for a change in use to
another nonresidential use, provided the square footage remains the same.
Council Member Howard stated that the request before council is a repeal and replace of the original
Planned Unit Development (PUD) that was approved. He would like to see increased parking spaces and a
substantial start and completion date for the apartment building.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated that this would be a new Planned Unit Development. This would essentially
restart the timeframe the applicant has to begin construction on the apartment building. Council can add
language to this version. The previous version stated that substantial construction had to commence within
5 years of the approval. The uniqueness of this project is that it has two distinct phases. The applicant began
the first phase, commercial, and met the requirements. The second phase, apartment building, has not had
any activity. Council cannot make changes for an existing building but can make changes for a vacant lot.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of the building and parking calculations for different uses in the
downtown area.
Mayor Murry suggested tabling the item to a future meeting.
Mr. Johnson stated that he does not want to table the item. He believes the code has been met per discussions
with staff and would like to move forward.
Council Member Pines moved to annrove Item No. 8. Ordinance No. 2024-023. Family
Entertainment Center Final; Seconded by Council Member Gonzalez.
Mayor Murry asked if the motion was as presented or if there would be conditions regarding the
construction start date on the second phase.
City Attorney Mantzaris clarified that the way the ordinance reads is that substantial construction
has already occurred. The criteria that was in the previous ordinance, based on how it has been
presented has already been met.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Council Member Pines stated the motion was for approval as presented.
The motion Dassed by roll call vote 4-1 with Council Member Howard oDDosine.
Item No. 9 — Ordinance No. 2024-024, Nuisance Abatement Board Final
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1 "GENERAL
PROVISIONS", ARTICLE II "CODE ENFORCEMENT", DIVISION 1
"GENERALLY", AMENDING SECTIONS 1-41 "INTENT OF ARTICLE, 1-
42 "ALTERNATE CODE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM" AND 1-
43 "SUPPLEMENTAL ENFORCEMENT", AND CREATING DIVISION 5
"PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT BOARD" SECTIONS 1-140 THROUGH
1-160 OF THE CITY CODES OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT CREATING A
PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT BOARD; PROVIDING FOR CREATION,
COMPOSITION, TERMS OF BOARD MEMBERS AND BOARD OFFICERS;
DEFINITIONS; POWERS OF BOARD; INITIATING A COMPLAINT;
HEARING; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS; JUDICIAL
REVIEW; SUPPLEMENTAL ENFORCEMENT; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated this is a request to create a Nuisance Abatement Board. This is a provision
that is authorized under Florida Statute that allows for a municipality to create a board that would address
specific issues related to activity on properties. The board would address specific criminal behaviors on
properties. If a property has been used for certain criminal activity, it can be declared a nuisance by this
established board. There are multiple ways the board can address the nuisance, setting requirements for the
property up to and including the property being torn down.
The existing Code Enforcement Board would sit as the Nuisance Abatement Board, city staff would present
their case and if a nuisance is found, the board can address that nuisance.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — Not in support of creating the board.
Shawna Vaughn, 835 7' Street — Not in support of creating the board.
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge — Not in support of creating the board.
Samii Taylor Yakovetik, Hartwood Reserve — Not in support of creating the board.
Charles Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — Expressed concern for safety of the citizens who would sit on the
board.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Jenny Ray, 4062 Greystone Drive - Expressed concern for safety of those serving on this board.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Mantzaris explained that only after extensive police activity at a particular location is it
brought before the Nuisance Abatement Board. When it reaches a point of a certain amount of frequency,
it would then be brought to the Nuisance Abatement Board to seek further action. The board only address
the use of the property; criminal activity will be handled by the Police Department. These are quasi-judicial
hearings like a court of law. The individuals are provided notice and are able to speak at the hearing.
Council discussed using the Code Enforcement Board as the Nuisance Abatement Board and members
serving on both boards.
Deputy Police Chief Graczyk said that there would possibly be only a hand full of cases a year. The Police
Department would prefer to be proactive.
Council Member Mvers moved to annrove Item No. 9.Ordinance No. 2024-024. Nuisance
Abatement Board Final: Seconded by Council Member Pines. The motion passed by roll
call vote 3-2 with Council Member Howard and Council Member Gonzalez onnosins.
Item No. 10 — Ordinance No. 2024-026, Land Development Code Amendment Final
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE
LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 117 SIGNS, SECTION 117-23
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY,
CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS
ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. Staff is proposing changes to the Land
Development Code to allow for electronic messages on monument signs, which is currently prohibited per
code. This ordinance allows for the use of electronic message signage within 25 percent of the permitted
sign area. These message signs will be able to provide various display content on a timed basis. The intent
is not to allow flashing lights to create distractions, but to allow expanded content/messages for commercial
uses. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 4-1.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — She inquired about this coming before Council.
Development Services Director Henschel stated that this was previously spoken about and he received
direction to bring it to Council.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Mayor Murry said that he has been asking staff to update the sign ordinance. Digital signs look cleaner and
presents a better appearance for the city. Businesses have been asking for this update.
Council Member Howard would like to see this prohibited in mixed -use areas.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Development Services Director Henschel explained that in a mixed -use area this would require a
Conditional Use Permit or Planned Unit Development and implement conditions at that time.
City Attorney Mantzaris explained that Council could specifically write in to the Ordinance anything they
wish to exclude. Under number 4, section 2 of the Ordinance you could add that it would be prohibited in
mixed use.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Item No. 10. 2024-026. Land Development
Code Amendment Final with the chance of addine lanauaee to specifically prohibit in
mixed use areas: seconded by Council Member Pines. The motion passed by roll call vote
5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 11— Enhancement of Pickleball Facilities
City Manager Bulthuis stated that Council held a workshop regarding this item and reviewed the options
presented. Option 1 — Leave everything as is. Option 2 — Add pickleball lines to all tennis courts. Option 3
- Felter Park conversion. Option 4 — Add 6 additional pickleball courts at Arts and Recreation Center with
the possible additions of lighting, restrooms and shade. Option 5 — Add lights to the six existing pickleball
courts at the Arts and Recreation Center. All costs associated with the options are estimates; nothing has
been designed. Once staff receives direction from Council, a design and budget will be done and will go
out to bid.
Council Member Howard asked about converting the basketball courts at Palatlakaha Park to pickleball
courts. This could be an immediate turnaround and fiscally responsible.
Parks and Recreation Director Forman stated that he would look at the size of the court.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — Thanked Council Member Myers for this item coming back to
Council.
Gabrielle Tucci, 1439 Muir Circle — The Arts and Recreation Center have become home to the pickleball
community. She is asking for shade.
Joey Quant, 655 Shady Nook Drive — Option 4 is ideal.
Sophia O'Keefe, W. Minnehaha Avenue — Option 4 would be a great option.
Cheryl Chaplin, 3950 Liberty Hill Drive — Prefers option 4. It is an investment in the town.
Hope Feliciano, Reserve at Lost Lake — Option 4 is great and would like lights to play at night.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that a pickleball court is 44 x 20. The basketball court at Palatlakaha Park is
82 x 50 which could fit three pickleball courts.
Council discussed adding lights at the Arts and Recreation Center with the surrounding neighbors. Parks
and Recreation Director Forman informed Council that a photometric study was conducted and adding
lights will not affect the neighboring homes.
The consensus from Council was to add additional courts to the Arts and Recreation Center.
12
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
Council Member Gonzalez moved to approve 6 additional pickleball courts. light all 12
courts and shade at the Arts and Recreation Center; seconded by Council Member Pines.
Council Member Myers asked if there are funds for this project. Mayor Murry then added if staff could bid
for the whole project including parking and bathrooms.
City Manager Bulthuis said that there are funds for this project. To go to bid for the additional items would
be a difference in design if Council only wants the courts, lights and shade.
Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
Item No. 12 - This item was addressed earlier in the meeting and tabled to July 23, 2024.
Item No. 13 — This item was addressed earlier in the meeting and tabled to June 25, 2024.
Item No. 14 — This item was addressed earlier in the meeting and tabled to June 25, 2024.
13
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 28, 2024
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 10:31 pm.
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC
City Clerk
14
APPROVED:
Tim Murry, Mayor