03-26-1985 Workshop Meeting
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 26, 1985
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was
held Tuesday, March 26, 1985 in the Council Chambers. The Meeting
was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pool with the following
Council Members in attendance: Council Member Henry, Council Member
Huff, Council Member Cole 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 given 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 March 12, 1985 and the
Workshop Meeting held March 18, 1985 were approved as presented.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
YMCA
Each Council Member had been given a letter from Kathy Asmann, Chair-
person, asking permission for the YMCA to rent the Highlander Hut for
ten dollars per week for eight weeks beginning June 17, 1985 to conduct
a Summer Day Camp. They also agreed that the day camp would not inter-
fere with the Boy and Girl Scout Day Camps.
85-57 After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HENRY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO GRANT THE
REQUEST AND ALLOW THE SOUTH LAKE YMCA TO RENT THE HIGHLANDER HUT FOR
TEN DOLLARS PER WEEK FOR EIGHT WEEKS BEGINNING JUNE 17, 1985.
RECLAMITE PROJECT
It was reported that the City's Reclamite Project (asphalt rejuvenator)
had begun today. Streets being treated were closed for one hour, and
there appeared to be no problems.
CLERMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT
It was reported that the 1984 Annual Report from the Florida Department
of Law Enforcement had been received, and the City of Clermont's crime
rate was down 21.9% with a clearance rate of 42.2%. City Manager Forbes
then commended the Police Department for a job well done.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SEAWALL NOTIFICATION
It was reported that two property owners in Emerald Lakes Mobile Home
Park had requested permits from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
to allow the construction of seawalls. City Manager Forbes further stated
that the City had fourteen days to file objections to these projects, if
there were any.
FUTURE LAND USE MAP
City Manager Forbes suggested that Workshops be held Monday through
Thursday of the following week to complete work on the City's Future
Land Use Map. It was also suggested that a Workshop be held on
Monday, April 15th to discuss Utility Benefit Fees. After a brief
discussion, it was the consensus of Council to hold these Workshops.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 26, 1985
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CLERMONT URBAN RESERVE AREA MAP
City Manager Forbes reported that the East Central Florida Regional
Planning Council would prepare a Draft Clermont Urban Reserve Area
Future Land Use Map for $5,000. Mr. Forbes stated that he would like
this map to coordinate with the County's new Land Use Map. It was the
consensus of Council that this work should be completed.
85-58 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBE~ HUFF, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO HAVE THE EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL
PLANNING COUNCIL COMPLETE THE CITY'S CLERMONT URBAN RESERVE AREA MAP
FOR A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED $5,000 WITH FUNDS COMING FROM GENERAL FUND
RESERVES.
COUNCIL MEMBER HENRY'S REPORT
RED STOCKING REVIEW
Council Member Henry reminded those present to attend the Chamber of
Commerce's Red Stocking Review March 29th and 30th.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF'S REPORT
ASPHALT PLANT
As liaison to the Lake County Board of Commissioners, Council Member
Huff reported that a Mr. Myers had bought 56 acres of land east of
Clermont and was going to build an asphalt plant on half of the
property containing the old clay pit. The other half would be
developed into an industrial park. Mr. Huff continued by stating
that the asphalt plant would be well buffered with trees and shrubbery.
COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE'S REPORT
NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
Council Member Turville reported that the Lake News was now being
delivered in the same manner as the Leesburg Commercial, and asked
the City Attorney for a status report on this matter.
City Attorney Baird stated that he had written both newspapers letters
to stop the practice of throwing unsolicited newspapers in yards
throughout Clermont within 30 days. He further stated that he would
follow up on this matter and make a recommendation as to what course
of action to take during the next Council Meeting.
BOB THOMPSON - VARIANCE REQUEST
Bob Thompson appeared before Council to request front and rear yard
variances on the south 90' of Lot 17, and Lots 18 and 19 of Block 73,
City Blocks in order to build an eight unit office building on the
property. The front yard variance would be 40', whereas 50' are
required, and the rear yard variance would be 12', whereas 25' are
required.
Mr. Thompson further stated that the offices would be sold, not
rented and that all sides of the property would be buffered and an
irrigation system installed.
Council Member Turville asked if it could not be construed as "property
overloading" with the eight units because if you meet the front yard set-
back requirements of the zoning ordinance, the results are no back yard.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 26, 1985
Page -3-
City Manager Forbes stated that the proposed office building appeared to
meet all of the City requirements with respect to lot coverage, and could
be built with the requested variances.
Mayor Pool then read a letter from Robert and Martha Turley, owners of
property north of Lot 17, protesting the rear yard setback request.
Mr. and Mrs. Turley were present in the audience, and first asked that
Mr. Thompson build five office units which would not require any
variances.
Mr. Thompson stated that for him, it would not be economically feasible
to build fewer office units than eight.
The Turleys then requested that three smaller offices be built in the
area of Lot 17, requiring a 5' variance instead of the 13' requested.
No one else in the audience spoke for or against the request.
Council Member Huff stated that he believed that the vacant lot to the
west must be considered when making any decisions on this property
because that property is only 80' wide.
Council Member Turville asked City Attorney Baird if there was any
merit to Council Member Huff's feelings as stated. City Attorney
Baird stated that each individual lot should be considered on its
own merit, particularly if the owner of the corner lot owned the
property before the zoning ordinance was adopted. The City would
be hard pressed not to grant him a variance, if requested.
85-59 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HENRY TO GRANT A FRONT YARD VARIANCE OF 40', WHEREAS 50'
ARE REQUIRED, AND A REAR YARD VARIANCE OF 12', WHEREAS 25' ARE
REQUIRED.
Under discussion, Council Member Turville stated that he took
exception to the idea that you must consider the lot next to the
property when making a decision on Mr. Thompson's request. He
further stated that he believed the office building could be re-
positioned on the lot and a variance would not be needed.
Council Member Huff called for the question, AND THE MOTION CARRIED
A BY A FOUR TO ONE VOTE WITH COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE VOTING NAY.
FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE l70-M, REZONING LOTS 7 & 8, BLOCK I
FROM R-l TO R-2.
Mr. Ben Blackburn appeared before Council to explain Mrs. Blackburn's
request.
He stated that Mrs. Blackburn would like the property zoned R-2 in
order to subdivide the property for duplex construction. He displayed
a highlighted map showing the various zoning areas surrounding the
Blackburn property. While displaying the multi-colored map, he stated
that he believed that Mr. Langley, who owns property north of the
Blackburn property, would request that his property be rezoned from
R-l to R-3. In conclusion, he stated that numerous duplexes had been
built in the area, and he believed that Mrs. Blackburn's request should
be granted.
City Manager Forbes stated that a better reason for the rezoning request
could be based on creating a buffer between the school and surrounding
properties with the R-2 zone, but not based on the map presented by
Mr. Blackburn.
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 26, 1985
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City Attorney Baird stated that the big issue is the school. Is it
proper to have an R-l zone next to the school?
Mayor Pool stated that the area on East Avenue was low density and
that the lake and school would act as buffers between the R-l and
R-2 zones.
Council Member Turville stated that the area is presently zoned R-l
and he would like it to remain that way.
After some further discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER
TURVILLE TO DENY THE REQUEST.
This motion died for lack of a second.
85-60 After some further discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND CARRIED BY A FOUR TO ONE
ROLL CALL VOTE TO ADOPT ORDINANCE l70-M , REZONING LOTS 7 AND 8,
BLOCK I FROM R-l TO R-2. VOTING WAS AS FOLLOWS: COUNCIL MEMBERS
HUFF, HENRY, AND COLE, AYE~ MAYOR POOL, AYE AND COUNCIL MEMBER
TURVILLE, NAY. THE ORDINANCE WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY.
REFUSE COLLECTION SURVEY
85-61
As directed during the previous Council Meeting, each Council Member
was given a proposed Refuse Collection Survey for review. It was
the consensus of Council that the survey should be used as presented.
After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO HAVE THE
SURVEY PRINTED IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND DISTRIBUTED AT CITY HALL
AND TO LOCAL SERVICE CLUBS.
After a reasonable period of time, the results will be tabulated and
a decision made as to the type of refuse collection service to be
provided.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE l73-M, CLOSING A PORTION OF AN UNNAMED STREET
ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LAKE WINONA
It was explained that Herman and Julia Reed have requested that the City
permanently abandon a portion of an unnamed street that adjoins property
they own on Lake Winona, described as Lots 1, 2, 3, and 17 of Block 88,
City of Clermont.
Dennis Horton, Attorney for the Reeds, appeared before Council and
explained that his clients wished to sell the property, and the addi-
tional land would make the parcel more desirable. However, since the
time of the request, the prospective buyers have decided not to buy
the property. He further stated that all roads have been closed
around this parcel, and that the City does have a sewer line on the
property and that an easement would be given the City, if the road
is abandoned.
There was some discussion concerning not abandoning the road until
such time as the property is sold.
Mr. Horton stated that if this was the case, it would take another
two months to petition for the closing. He would prefer that the
Council at least introduce the ordinance at this time, and if they
decided not to allow the request, it could be denied during the
final reading.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 26, 1985
Page -5-
Jack Sargent, who was present in the audience, stated that he does
have a prospective buyer for the property, and would like to have
the ordinance introduced at this time.
85-,p2 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER COLE TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE l73-M. THE ORDINANCE WAS READ
BY TITLE ONLY.
EMPLOYEES' CREDIT UNION
It was reported that the City had been contact by the Central Florida
Educators' Federal Credit Union asking if the City would be interested
in joining the organization. Finance Director Saunders explained some
of the services offered, and stated that the City of Leesburg recently
joined this credit union. It would not cost the City anything to join.
After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of Council that they
had no objections to the City joining the credit union. It was decided
that this matter should be discussed with the employees to receive their
input, and brought before Council at a later date.
RESOLUTION NO. 495 - FEES FOR WATER METERS AND CONNECTIONS
It was reported that fees for new water meter installations should be
increased due to the increased cost of materials and labor since the
fees were established in 1978. The water meter fees in Section 1 of
the Resolution were the only fees to be increased.
City Manager Forbes stated that the ordinance could be adopted but
not take effect for thirty days. This would allow time for area
contractors to be notified of the increased rates for water meters,
and consideration given to work in progress.
85-63 After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 495 SETTING FEES FOR WATER METERS AND CONNECTIONS FOR
WATER AND SEWER SERVICE. THE RESOLUTION WAS READ BY TITLE ONLY.
Council Member Henry left the meeting at this time.
VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
LOCAL HEADS TART PROGRAM
Mrs. Dorothy McGriff of the Lake County Headstart Program appeared
before Council to ask the Council to declare May 11, 1985 Headstart
Dollar Day in Clermont. She stated that on that day properly identi-
fied Headstart Representatives would go door to door to collect funds
for the program.
Mrs. McGriff then gave a brief outline of the services provided by
Headstart in Clermont.
It was the consensus of Council that they had no problems with this
request, and May 11, 1985 was declared Headstart Dollar Day in Clermont.
LAKE HIGHLANDS NURSING HOME
Herb Rogers, owner of Lake Highland Nursing Home, appeared before
Council to request that he be allowed to have a Certificate of Occupancy
for the nursing home before the mansards are placed on the outside of
the building.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 26, 1985
Page -6-
Mr. Rogers further explained that all inside work is complete and that
he has had three inspections on the building since January 9, 1985, and
the fourth is scheduled for the end of this week and the beginning of
next week. At that time, if HRS approves the building, he would like
to move in. All work will be completed before the inspections, except
for the exterior mansards. The contractor has one mansard up and will
need approximately thirty days to complete the facelift. As long as
the building remains unoccupied, it is costing him $1,000 per day in
interest payments on his loan.
Council Member Turville asked what control the Council would have if
the request was granted. City Attorney Baird stated that he had no
problem'with the request, and control could be maintained by stating
that if the work was not completed in six weeks, Mr. Rogers could be
brought before the Code Enforcement Board and fined until the work
was completed.
85-64 After some further discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER
HUFF, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO
ALLOW MR. ROGERS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FOR THE
NURSING HOME BEFORE THE FACELIFT WORK IS COMPLETED ON THE OUTSIDE
OF THE BUILDING AND CONTINGENT UPON PASSING ALL INSPECTIONS FOR
THE WORK. IF THE WORK IS NOT COMPLETED WITHIN SIX WEEKS, MR.
ROGERS WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD.
Mrs. Henry was not present during the voting on this matter.
ABANDONED GARAGE AND TRASH
Mr. and Mrs. Turley asked the Council what could be done about the
abandoned garage next to their property. Someone was using the
building for beer parties and littering the area with cans.
City Manager Forbes stated that the City had no jurisdiction over
the building unless it was unsound structurally or presented a fire
hazard. Mr. Forbes stated that he would investigate this matter
further.
The Turleys also asked about trash pick up, and Mr. Forbes explained
the procedures to follow.
There being no further business,
A3_~20
Robert A. Pool, Mayor
p.m.
Attest: