03-10-1987 Regular Meeting
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 10, 1987
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont
was held Tuesday, March 10, 1987 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: Mayor Pro Tem Turville,
Council Member Cole, Council Member Huff, and Council Member Dupee.
Other City Officials present were City Manager Saunders, Finance
Director Van Zile, Planning Director Perlick, and Deputy City Clerk
Brandt. City Attorney Baird was absent due to a prior commitment.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was offered by Cuqui Whitehead followed by the repeat-
ing of The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 24, 1987 were approved
as presented.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
PLANTS FOR LANDSCAPING ENTRANCE TO THE CITY SIGNS
Cuqui Whitehead, Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission,
presented each Council Member with a list of prices of cold-hardy
plants to be used around the "City of Clermont" signs located on the
north, east and west city limits. Mrs. Whitehead requested that she
be allowed to spend $450 on plants and shrubbery for these areas.
Council Member Huff stated that the new plantings should be watered
until established, and asked if a City truck could do this. City
Manager Saunders stated that this would be possible. It was the
consensus of Council to allow the request with payment coming from
money already budgeted in the Parks and Recreation Landscaping Budget.
EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
It was reported that a meeting would be held at 10:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, March 11, 1987 in the offices of the ECFRPC in Winter
Park to discuss State comments and recommendations to the regional
comprehensive plan.
Council Member Dupee stated that she would be attending this meeting
as the City's representative.
ORLANDO ROWING CLUB REQUEST TO HOLD REGATTA
It was reported that a letter had been received requesting permission
to use Jaycee Beach on March 28, 1987, for the annual Clermont Mayor's
Cup Rowing Regatta. High school, college and semi-professional rowers
will be featured at this event. It was the consensus of Council to
allow the request as there have been no problems in the past.
SPRING SPRINT TRIATHLON
The Council was reminded of the Spring Sprint Triathlon to be held on
Sunday, March 22, 1987.
WORKSHOP
City Manager Saunders asked that the Workshop originally scheduled
for Wednesday, March II, 1987, be rescheduled. After some discussion,
it was the consensus of Council to hold the Workshop at 6:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 18, 1987.
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COUNCIL MEMBER DUPEE'S REPORT
LAKE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES QUARTERLY DINNER MEETING
Council Member Dupee stated that she had made preliminary arrange-
ments with the Citrus Tower to hold the League's quarterly dinner
meeting on April 8, 1987.
City Manager Saunders stated that he had spoken with Richard Swartz,
President of the Lake County League of Cities, and he had requested
that the meeting be changed to April 29, 1987. Some concern was
expressed that the Citrus Tower may begin renovations to the dining-
room prior to that date. Mr. Saunders stated that he would finalize
the arrangements for the meeting.
ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Council Member Dupee expressed concern that there had been discus-
sion of removing the headwaters of the Palatlakaha River, which are
located in Polk County, from the jurisdiction of the St. Johns River
Water Management District. Since this is the main source of water
for the Clermont Chain-of-Lakes, which hold the distinction of being
"Outstanding Florida Water", it was the consensus of Council that
this area should remain under the jurisdiction of the St. Johns
District.
After much discussion, it was the consensus of Council that a
strongly worded Resolution be written expressing the City's
objection to any redistricting which would remove the headwaters
of the Palatlakaha River from the jurisdiction of the St. Johns
River Water Management District and present said Resolution during
the March 24, 1987, Council Meeting.
It was recommended that copies of the adopted Resolution be sent to
local legislators, and that the City ask for the Lake County League
of Cities support in this matter.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF'S REPORT
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Council Member Huff asked each Council Member to look over the
information that had been presented to them concerning the first
meeting of the Cultural Arts Committee, and stated that representa-
tives would be present at the next Council Meeting to discuss,
promote and make recommendations for the development of the Cultural
Arts in Clermont.
COUNCIL MEMBER COLE'S REPORT
CHESTNUT STREET BASKETBALL COURT
Council Member Cole requested that the area around the new basket-
ball court on Chestnut Street be leveled and either seeded or
sodded. City Manager Saunders stated that the work at the park
soon would be completed, now that the City crew had finished work-
ing on the ball fields.
Mr. Cole also asked if a private citizen could be reimbursed for the
cost of a basketball net which was placed at the Chestnut Street Park.
City Manager Saunders stated that this could be done.
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MAYOR POOL'S REPORT
MONTROSE AND SEVENTH STREET INTERSECTION
Mayor Pool reported that he had received several complaints from
citizens concerning the intersection at Seventh and Montrose Streets.
Cars parking on Montrose Street block the view at this intersection,
and cars on Seventh Street have to ease out into the intersection in
order to see east bound traffic. This is particularaly hazardous
during the lunch hour. The Mayor asked each Council Member to observe
the situation for themselves and decide what should be done at a later
date.
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES
Mayor Pool also reported that he had received complaints about and
personally observed non-handicapped people parking in the handicapped
parking spaces and others parking in the fire lanes at the South Lake
Plaza and Winn-Dixie Shopping Center, and asked if the City could do
something to solve these problems.
City Manager Saunders stated that the City's traffic ordinance did
not address parking problems on private property such as the shop-
ping centers.
After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of Council to have the
City Attorney rewrite the ordinance to allow the City to be able to
issue citations for parking violations on private property. City
Manager Saunders stated that he would contact Mr. Baird concerning
this matter.
COUNCIL MEMBER'TURVILLE'S REPORT
CLERMONT HIGH SCHOOL PARKING PROBLEM
87-050
Council Member Turville asked if anything had been done to alleviate
the parking problem on East Avenue by the High School.
City Manager Saunders stated that he had spoken with David Coggshall,
Principal at the High School, and they were planning to pave the
grass parking lot on the north side of the school presently being
used by the students.
Under discussion the Council questioned the desirability and practi-
cality of paving this lot, which is located on an extreme slope down
to Spring Lake. In light of the fact that consideration is being
given to consolidation of Groveland and Clermont High Schools,
concern was expressed that it would appear to be an inappropriate
use of capital outlay funds to pave the lot when the existing grass
parking lot adjacent to the football field could be used for student
parking.
After some further discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER
TURVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED
TO HAVE CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS EXPRESS THE CITY'S CONCERNS IN A
LETTER TO SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FREDDIE GARNER.
STATUS OF ACOUSTICAL STUDY FOR JENKINS AUDITORIUM
Council Member Huff inquired as to the status of the acoustical
study being done for Jenkins Auditorium. City Manager Saunders
stated that it should be completed in the very near future, and
that he would contact Dave Thomas concerning this matter.
87-051
87-052
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VISITORS WITH BUSINESS
BRETT STATES - LAKE COUNTY FORESTER
Mr. Brett States, Lake County Forester, appeared before Council to
explain his work and discuss how he can assist with developing urban
forests and landscaping programs in Clermont.
Mr. States informed the Council that he was very pleased with the
City of Clermont's landscaping program. In fact, he reported that
he had taken slides of the Montrose Street tree project and used
them when presenting slide shows to interested cities and garden
clubs.
Mr. States gave each Council Member a brochure explaining the
national "Tree City USA" program, and stated that it appeared that
Clermont already was very close to meeting the required standards.
He then indicated that the following criteria would have to be met
to qualify for the annual "Tree City USA" recognition: [1] A
legally constituted tree body, [2] A community tree ordinance, [3]
An active community forestry program supported by a minimum of $1.00
per capita, and [4] an Arbor Day Proclamation and public tree planting.
It was explained that only the second item had not been met, and that
the City was waiting for the County-wide tree ordinance to be passed
before changing its landscaping ordinance or passing a tree ordinance.
After the report was given, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER
DUPEE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED FOR
THE CITY TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO BECOME A "TREE CITY USA".
RAYMOND WRIGHTSON - VARIANCE REQUEST
It was reported that Mr. Wrightson was requesting a variance to the
Zoning Ordinance regarding fences which allows the maximum height
for a fence from the street right-of-way to the building setback
line to be 4'. Mr. Wrightson has had a 6' fence in this area for
several years and would like to replace it with a new 6' fence.
The side yard where the fence is to be located abuts the rear yard
of his neighbor, Douglas Fortune, who also prefers the replacement
fence to be 6'.
Mayor Pool called for comments from those present in the audience,
and Mrs. Fortune and another lady who did not state her name spoke
in favor of the request. Mr. Saunders read a letter from Mr. Ed
Hornkeith who objected to the request.
After a brief discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER DUPEE,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO GRANT THE
VARIANCE RE UEST ALLOWING A 6'FENCE TO BE CONSTRUCTED FROM THE STREET
RIGHT-OF-WAY TO THE BUILDING SETBACK LINE AT FOURTH STREET.
ED AUGUSTINE - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST
Mr. Ed Augustine appeared before Council to request a Conditional
Use Permit for the construction of an additional storage facility
at Westgate Business & Storage located at 1153 Tenth Steet. Mr.
Augustine stated that he did not want to pave the driveway located
south of the proposed addition and that the driveway would be one
way. and l6'6" wide with turnarounds located on the the ends.
City Manager Saunders stated that the City Engineer and City Staff
recommend that all driveways be a minimum of 18' wide to allow for
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adequate passage of vehicles. However, with the small amount of
traffic at the facility, the 16'6" grass driveway would probably
be adequate, but the turnarounds on each end should be paved.
Council Member Huff stated that he believed the "green belt"
afforded by the grass driveway would be better than a paved
driveway because it would reduce storm water run-off.
Mr. Augustine also asked permission to plant trees on the City
right-of-way along the south and west fence lines. Council was
advised that this type of request had been granted in the past.
It was pointed out that the Planning and Zoning Commission had
unanimously recommended approval, subject to the conditions on
the copy of the Conditional Use Permit attached and made part
of this permanent record. They also recommended approval of
the request for no paving on the driveway south of the addition.
87-053 In view of the foregoing discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL
MEMBER TURVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND UNANIMOUSLY
CARRIED BY ROLL CALL VOTE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 1547 AS AMENDED TO
INCLUDE THE l6'6" GRASS DRIVEWAY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE NEW ADDI-
TION.
87-054 A MOTION WAS THEN MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO ALLOW USE OF THE
CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR LANDSCAPING ON THE SOUTH AND WEST FENCE
LINES.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
H. GRIFFIS - OPEN AIR SALES PERMIT
City Manager Saunders stated that this request for an open air
sales permit had been tabled at the last Council meeting to allow
Mr. Griffis time to work with the City Staff to improve the appear-
ance of his site. Although several messages were left at his place
of business, Mr. Griffis has never contacted the City. As a result,
no requested improvements have been made at the site.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TURVILLE TO DENY THE REQUEST FOR
AN OPEN AIR SALES PERMIT FOR 960 EAST HIGHWAY 50.
87-055
Under discussion, Council Member Huff stated that he would like to
see the spools painted, inside storage of all produce, and neat
umbrellas placed in the spools because the site was one of the
first places people see coming into Clermont, and it should make
a favorable impression. He further stated that he did not want
to put Mr. Griffis out of business, and that he should be given
another chance to bring the site up to City requirements.
At this point in the discussion, Council Member Turville withdrew
his motion.
It was the consensus of Council to allow Mr. Griffis two weeks
to meet the City requirements. If the requirements have not
been met by the next Council Meeting the request for the Open
Air Sales Permit will be denied.
NEW BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE l83-M
It was explained that Mr. Walter Poynter is requesting the closing
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of unimproved Strickling Street right-of-way running south from
the north right-of-way line of closed Hill Street to the north
right-of-way line of Minnehaha Avenue. The request was being made
as part of a plan for a forty-two unit townhouse development to the
west of Strickling Street.
87-056
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER COLE AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HUFF TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE l83-M. The Ordinanace was read
by title only.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 185-M
Along with the previous request, it was explained that Mr. Walter
Poynter is requesting the rezoning of a portion of R-lA property to
R-2 in order to include that property in his proposed 42 unit town-
house development.
87-057
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER COLE TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE 185-M. The Ordinance was read
by title only.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE l86-M
Mr. Bob Thompson, representing RDW, Inc., and who was present in
the audience, stated that he wished to withdraw his request for
rezoning at this time and have it considered at a later date.
Council Member Turville asked if the Council chose not to introduce
the ordinance at this time, if it would be the same as withdrawing
the request.
City Manager Saunders explained that failure to introduce the
ordinance would require Mr. Thompson to wait a year before he could
request rezoning again. Mr. Thompson stated that he did not want to
wait a year .
It was the consensus of Council to table this matter until a
future Council agenda.
LEASE AGREEMENT
87-058
City Manager Saunders explained that the City owned building on
the southeast corner of Eighth Street and Minneola Avenue was
vacant and was advertised for lease bids, but no bids were
received. It was recommended that a lease amount be established
by the Council and authorization granted to advertise the building
for lease without competitive bidding. At that time City Attorney
Baird would be instructed to draw up a one year lease with one or
two option periods.
Considerable discussion occurred concerning the minimum amount of
rent to charge for use of the building.
After some further discussion, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER
TURVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED
TO ALLOW CITY MANAGER SAUNDERS TO USE HIS DISCRETION WITH REGARD
TO THE MINIMUM AMOUNT TO CHARGE FOR LEASING THE BUILDING LOCATED
AT THE CORNER OF EIGHTH STREET AND MINNEOLA AVENUE. CITY ATTORNEY
BAIRD WILt DRAW UP A STANDARD LEASE FOR USE OF THE BUILDING.
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CITIZEN COMMENTS
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT CLERMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Cuqui Whitehead stated that although the One Way traffic signs at
the elementary school had helped somewhat, parents were still
double parking and blocking traffic, as well as parking in residents
yards on Second Street while waiting to pick up their childrens.
Extensive discussion occurred concerning how to alleviate this
problem. Council Member Turville suggested that a letter on City
Letterhead be sent to all parents asking for their cooperation to
solve the problem.
It was the consensus of Council that City Manager Saunders meet
with Sharon Powell, Principal at the Clermont Elementary School,
to discuss sending out the letter.
INTERSECTION OF FIFTH STREET AND OSCEOLA AVENUE
Cecil Smart asked if something could be done to wid~n the intersection
at Fifth Street and Osceola Avenue. He stated that~as narrow and
created a traffic hazard. City Manager Saunders stated that he would
look into this matter.
There being no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned
at 8:45 p.m.
CITY OF CLERMONT
~1M
Ro ert A.400 , Mayor'
Attest: