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03-10-1987 Regular Meeting (2) e e 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. e e ft~~ULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 1987 Page -2- 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. e e REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 1987 Page -3- 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 .e e REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 1987 Page -4- 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 e - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 1987 Page -5- 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 e e REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 1987 Page -6- 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. e e REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 1987 Page -7- 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: