01-28-2008 RetreatCity of Clermont
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
JANUARY 28, 2008 - 8:45am
The following were present: Mayor Turville, Council Members Berlinsky, Mullins, Goodgame and
Hogan. Other officials present were: City Manager Saunders, City Attorney Mantzaris, Assistant City
Manager Gray and City Clerk Ackroyd.
City Manager Saunders provided an update on the current year capital projects from all departments. All
of the Department Heads were present to answer questions.
Jim Shira, President of Downtown Partnership, Jan Shira, and Bob Bowman were present to discuss the
Central Business District Signage Project. Mr. Shira provided an illustration of the sign locations. The
Downtown Partnership intends on funding the signs and requested the City install and maintains the
signs. The Downtown Partnership has not decided on a downtown logo. City Manager Saunders noted
entrance signs are also needed in the City. He suggested the downtown signs have a logo that signifies
the historic downtown and the logo could have a connection to the entrance signs into the City. There is
$10,000 in the Main Street Program to help with this expense. Council was in agreement to move
forward with the "blue" phase of the Signage project. The businesses will pay a fee to have their name on
a sign and will generate revenue for the partnership. City Manager Saunders stated this would be placed
on a Council agenda for approval.
GatorSktch Architects was selected for restoration of the Cooper Library and Depot. It was discussed to
turn the old library into a museum for the City. The idea was to make it more of a visual museum of
history using a flat screen for the projection. The direction is for it to look as original as possible. The
challenge will involve historical research case work that was in the original building to bring through the
restoration process. City Manager Saunders and Council were confident in locating resources. They
discussed ideas of a master planning area and the interior.
Mayor Turville called for a recess at 10:24am; the retreat reconvened at 10:44am.
Staff and Council discussed prioritization of capital projects and reviewed unfunded or partially funded
capital projects.
A possible governmental office in place of the old Library location was discussed.
Council talked about having a city library in downtown.
Council discussed alternative water supply and if it is necessary.
Mayor Turville called for a recess at 12:02pm; the retreat reconvened at 1:17pm.
Council and staff reviewed the major capital projects funding plan and fund projections. They discussed
the priorities and staff recommended postponing the Community Center for a year or two. Council
preferred to build the Community Center now and noted August would be a better time to bid out the
project. Staff suggested the Council consider financing as an option and to reevaluate the Community
Center in August.
Council discussed the Wakeboard Camp and the Baptist Church Community Life Center facility
Council and staff considered completing the West Park project in phases.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
JANUARY 28, 2008 - 8:45am
City Manager Saunders noted a portion of the $900,000 designated for the Streetscape Project can be
allocated to signage.
Mayor Turville called for a recess at 2:22pm; the retreat reconvened at 2:37pm.
The City Council spoke to community volunteers interested in being appointed to various City Boards
including Judy Proli, Edward Goliak, Alfred Mannella and Andrea Palka.
Council and staff discussed requiring all buildings to meet Green Building Certification. Council agreed
to meeting certification but not technical certification.
Lake County is interested in purchasing the Max Hooks Road spray field area for a County Park. It is 120
acres with 85 acres above the flood plain. It will be available in about 14 months. Staff has designed a
preliminary plan to include 15 fields, a skate park and tennis courts. They are interested in structured
financing. Council expressed an interest in selling the property to Lake County for a regional park and
for staff to arrange financing options.
Council suggested auditing the cemetery rates.
Staff commented on extending the summer recreation program to McKinney Park this summer. The Boys
and Girls Club of South Lake County are interested in running that program. Council was in favor of
working with them.
Staff provided an update on the right of way annexations. City Manager Saunders will be meeting with
Lake County to discuss Chapters 171 for City and County to enter into a service boundary agreement
which includes zoning and code enforcement.
Mayor Turville called for a recess at 3:44pm; the meeting reconvened at 3:49pm.
Staff and Council discussed having non-smoking City facilities. It was agreed upon to not allow
employees to use tobacco products around entranceways or in City vehicles. It was also discussed to have
a designated smoking area in the parks.
City Manager Saunders suggested an employee smoking cessation program. Council recommended a
wellness program for overall health instead of limited the program to smoking.
Council Member Goodgame requested the Council consider changing the mileage expense
reimbursement to the rate approved by the Internal Revenue Service instead of the State of Florida.
Council and staff discussed when to have the outdoor lights on in Downtown. Council agreed to have
them on for special events and Friday and Saturday nights.
ADJOURN: With no further comments, the retreat was adjourned at 4:38pm.
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