10.22.2024 - City Council MinutesCity of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 6:30pm 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
Mayor Murry asked for a moment of silence in honor of former Mayor Gail Ash who passed away on
October 18, 2024.
Police Chaplain Dawn Carter gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Murry presented a proclamation for National American Indian Heritage Month to Susan DeHart,
Jane Daruso and Stacy Reimer.
Jane Daruso thanked the Council for the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge — spoke regarding Sunshine Law, candidate forums and candidate mailers.
Paula Hoisington, 564 Desoto Street - inquired on the state of the construction on the Desoto property.
Development Services Director Henschel stated that the permits will expire soon and they will go through
the Code Enforcement process and will be presented to the Code Enforcement Board next month.
City Attorney Mantzaris explained the process and stated that he will work with staff on expediting the
process.
AGENDA CHANGES
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council of the following agenda changes:
Item No. 32 — Resolution No. 2024-02111, US Highway 27 Self -Storage & Car Wash CUP
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council this item has been withdrawn.
Item No. 33 — Variance Request,1149 W. Montrose Street
City Manager Bulthuis informed the Council this item has been withdrawn.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Bulthuis —
• City offices closed November 11 for Veterans Day.
• Police Department along with Parks and Recreation have Halloween on the Trail on October 29.
• Taste of South Lake on November 7.
• Thanked city staff for work during the hurricane.
• Lake County opened a FEMA site at Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
FEMA will be at the Clermont City Center on Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for any business or resident
needing assistance.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Mantzaris — No report.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Gonzalez —
• Thanked staff for their hard work.
• Attended Clermont Police Department Citizens Academy graduation.
Council Member Howard —
Attended a briefing on Florida Department of Law Enforcement activity regarding sunshine issues.
Met with Commissioner Sean Parks, Senator Baxley, and Representative Yarkosky in an effort to
restore confidence in the budgeting process and requested an audit of Clermont.
The water has crested; Lake Louisa is dropping a half inch daily. The levels should be back to
normal in four to six weeks.
Council Member Myers —
• Attended Clermont Police Department Citizens Academy graduation.
• The Fire Department will install smoke detectors at no charge.
• October is Breast Cancer awareness month.
Council Member Pines —
Thanked city staff and public works for all of their work done for the citizens of Clermont prior,
during, and after the hurricane.
Mayor Murry —
• Attended Clermont Police Department Citizens Academy graduation.
• Another Citizens Academy began last week.
• Spoke on the state of Emerald Lakes.
• Mayor's luncheon will be November 5 at Robata.
• Three Olympic athletes were at the city on Saturday. Eight Olympians live in Clermont.
• Veterans Day parade on November 11.
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 please come forward at this time.
Item No. 1 — Meeting Minutes Consider approval of the Sept. 17, 2024
Workshop; Sept. 24, 2024 Meeting; and Sept.
30, 2024 Final Budget Public Hearing minutes.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 2 — Legislative Priorities Consider approval of the City of Clermont
legislative priorities list.
Item No. 3 — Plat Approval
Wellness Ridge Phase 3
Item No. 4 — Surplus Request
Item No. 5 — Resolution No. 2024-037R
Item No. 6 — Firefighter Pension Board
Appointment
Consider approval of Wellness Ridge Phase 3
plat consisting of 196 residential lots within
Wellness Way.
Consider declaring end -of -life inventory as
surplus from the City Clerk, Building Services
and Police Department and providing disposal
per the Procurement Policy.
Consider Boat Ramp Daily Parking Fee
Adjustment from $5 to $6 per day.
Consider board appointment to the pension
board.
Item No. 7 — School Resource Officer Agreement Consider the Lake County School Board
for Year 2024-2025 agreement for the SRO Program from August
12, 2024, through May 29, 2025.
Item No. 8 — Imagine Charter School Resource
Officer Agreement for Year 2024-2025
Consider the Education Charter Foundation
agreement for the SRO Program from August
12, 2024 through May 29, 2025.
Item No. 9 — Contract Amendment with Budget Consider approval of a contract amendment
Amendment between the City of Clermont and Stryker
Stryker Agreement Sales, LLC to implement a City-wide AED
program.
Item No. 10 — Interlocal Agreement Amendment Consider First Amendment approval where all
parties will contribute to a consultant for the
oversight of the South Lake Regional
Technical Advisory Committee and including
the Town of Howey-In-The-Hills.
Item No. 11 — Interlocal Agreement Amendment
Consider Second Amendment between the
Cities of Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte,
Minneola, and Sunshine Water Services
Company (f/k/a Utilities Inc. of Florida) by
including the Town of Howey-In-The-Hills for
regional water supply planning and strategies.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 12 - Assignment of Easement Rights
Item No. 13 - SECO Energy Easement
Item No. 14 - Piggyback Term Contract
Fire Station Alerting and Dispatch Automation
System
Item No. 15 - Piggyback Purchase Approval
Public Services Ford Trucks
Item No. 16 - Piggyback Purchase Approval
City Hall Carpet Installation
Item No. 17 - Piggyback Purchase
Public Services F450 Truck
Item No. 18 - Piggyback Purchase
Public Services Cargo Van
Item No. 19 - Piggyback Purchase Approval
Fire Truck
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Consider Assignment of Easement Rights
approval to allow city -owned facilities to be
relocated out of conflict with the Hartwood
Marsh Road widening project.
Consider approval of Non -Exclusive Utility
Easement to be located at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
Consider approval to piggyback the Lee
County term contract number RFP230172CJV
with Honeywell International, Inc. in the
budgeted amount of $248,000.
Consider approval to purchase from the State
of Florida contract number 25101600-21-STC
with Step One Automotive FD CW, LLC to
purchase four (4) Ford F 150 trucks for the
budgeted amount of $160,824.
Consider approval to purchase from the State
of Florida contract number 30161700-24-
SRCWL-ACS with Mohawk Carpet
Distribution, LLC to install new carpet in City
Hall in the budgeted amount of $206,592.81.
Consider approval to purchase from the State
of Florida contract number 25101600-21-STC
with Step One Automotive FD CW, LLC to
purchase a Ford F450 for the budgeted amount
of $76,373.
Consider approval to purchase from the
Sourcewell contract number 091521-NAF with
Alan Jay Fleet Sales to purchase a Ram
Promaster Cargo Van for the budgeted amount
of $117,415.
Consider approval to purchase from
Sourcewell, a nationwide cooperative contract,
number 113021 with Ten-8 Fire & Safety,
LLC. for a pumper truck in the budgeted
amount of $931,479.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 20 — Piggyback Term Contract
Disaster Recovery Consultant Services — FEMA
Item No. 21— Sole Source Purchase
Body Worn Cameras
Item No. 22 — Sole Source
Dave Symonds and Associates
Item No. 23 — Fiscal Year Road Maintenance
Program
Item No. 24 — Sips and Salsa 2025 Event and
Open Container Request
Consider approval to piggyback the Seminole
County term contract number RFP-604605-
23/LAS with Carlisle Thompson, LLC to
provide debris monitoring consultation
services.
Consider a single/sole source purchase from
Metrix Solutions to acquire BodyWorn
Cameras in the total budgeted amount of
$65,475.
Consider approval of a single/sole source
purchase from Dave Symonds and Associates
to acquire Augagold corrosion control
chemical products.
Consider approval of the 2025 Fiscal Year
Road Maintenance Program.
Consider approval for "Clermont Sips & Salsa"
on September 13, 2025, at Waterfront Park.
Item No. 25 — Red White & Boom Event 2025, Consider City event request and open container
Fireworks, and Open Container Request area at Waterfront Park between 3rd Street and
4th Street on July 4, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:30
PM.
Item No. 26 — Clermont Main Street 2025 Request Consider approval of their 2025 season of
events and road closures for all events up to
October 22, 2025.
Item No. 27 - Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival Consider approval of CAALC to have an open
Event 2025 — Open Container, Sign Request, and container area for their event on June 7, 2025,
Boat Ramp Closure Request at Waterfront Park, and signs to promote the
event, and the boat ramp closure request.
Item No. 28 — Light Up Clermont Road Closure Consider road closure updates for the Light Up
Updates Clermont event hosted annually on Friday,
December 6, 2024.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 29 — Event, Open Container and Road Consider allowing Suncreek Brewery to host
Closure Request event in downtown Clermont with street
Irish Fest 2025 closures and open container allowance.
Item No. 30 — Sommer Sports 2025 Events
Request and Boat Ramp Closure
Item No. 31 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Event
and Parade Request.
Consider approval of Sommer Sports 2025
season, open container allowance, and waive
all associated ground fees, road closure for two
events, and partial day closure of the boat ramp
for two events.
Consider approval of the event, with road
closures (parade), and signs placed on City
property on January 20, 2025 at McKinney
Park and continuing to Waterfront Park.
Charlene Forth pulled Consent Agenda Items 15, 16 and 17.
Vincent Niemiec pulled Consent Agenda Items 16 and 19.
Paula Hoisington pulled Consent Agenda Items 2, 7, 10, 25, 27, 29 and 30.
Council Member Howard pulled Consent Agenda Items 2, 3, 19, 27 and 30.
Council Member Howard moved to annrove the Consent Agenda excludint items 2.3.7.
10.15.16.17.19.25.27.29 and 30: seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed
unanimously 5-0 with all members Dresent voicin¢ ave.
Item No. 2 — Legislative Priorities
Council Member Howard feels there should have been a workshop to determine what Council deems
as legislative priorities. There needs to be a discussion regarding downtown parking, storm water
recapture in Wellness Way, a data collection device in Lake Louisa, Live Local Act, Fire Station in
Wellness Way, and the prospect of a gunsmithing program in conjunction with Lake Tech. He would
like to table this item to the next meeting to allow Council to have a workshop.
Mayor Murry said that there is not a workshop scheduled before the next Council meeting.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that the deadline to submit the legislative priorities is late November.
There was discussion on the list provided along with local legislative support.
Council agreed to a workshop on October 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM to discuss further.
Council Member Howard moved to table Legislative Priorities to November 12. 2024.
seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present
voicinLy ave.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 3 — Plat Approval, Wellness Ridge Phase 3
Council Member Howard said he would not support projects in Wellness Way without storm water
recapture for irrigation purposes.
Council Member Pines inquired on the repercussions of not approving the item.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated that this item is to determine if the plat has met the requirements of the
entitlement for the project. This is a perfunctory approval; city staff reviews and determines that it
meets the entitlement and follows approval.
City Manager Bulthuis explained that Wellness Ridge is currently using potable water from the city.
City Manager Mantzaris said that he would look into the agreement with Wellness Ridge regarding
water use to see if there are other avenues for recapture/reclaim water.
Council Member Pines moved to approve Item 3. Plat Annroval: seconded by Council
Member Gonzalez. Passed 3-2 with Council Member Howard and Council Member Mvers
opposing.
Item No. 7 — School Resource Officer Agreement for Year 2024-2025
City Manager Bulthuis stated that this is the School Resource Officer Agreement with Lake County
for them to pay for four Clermont Police Officers at Lake County schools around Clermont.
Council Member Howard moved to annrove Consent Al enda Item 7. School Resource
Officer Agreement for Year 2024-2025: seconded by Council Member Gonzalez. Passed
unanimouslv 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
Item No. 10 — Interlocal Agreement Amendment
Paula Hoisington, 564 Desoto Street - inquired on the functionality of the committee. The consultant's
functionality and success measurement along with payment.
City Attorney Mantzaris clarified that the item before Council is an amendment to add Howey in the
Hills to the Interlocal Agreement.
Council Member Pines stated that each entity in the agreement pays $5,000 annually for the consultant.
Public Services Deputy Director VanDever explained that the committee is a group of surrounding
cities that meet every other month to get direction on initiatives, challenges, collaborate with other
cities, and work together with the state on regulations and rules as things change.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated that the original agreement identified certain projects for the consultant
to work on. Success is measured on the project list and what was accomplished. He would provide a
copy of the original agreement and project list.
Council Member Pines moved to approve Consent Aeenda Item 7. School Resource
Officer Agreement for Year 2024-2025: seconded by Council Member Gonzalez. Passed
unanimouslv 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 15 — Piggyback Purchase Approval, Public Services Ford Trucks
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto — requested clarification on the use of the vehicles.
Public Services Assistant Director Maiworm explained the four vehicles are replacement vehicles for older
vehicles in the fleet. Each year the department looks at all vehicles and merge repair cost, mileage, and age
to come up with what vehicles need replacing. These vehicles are not take home vehicles.
Council Member Pines moved to annrove Consent Agenda Item 15. Public Services Ford
Trucks; seconded by Council Member Gonzalez. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all
members Dresent voicing ave.
Item No.16 — Piggyback Purchase Approval, City Hall Carpet Installation
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto — requested clarification on replacement of the carpet.
City Manager Bulthuis explained that the carpet would be replaced throughout all of City Hall and is
original to when the building was built in 2003, over twenty years ago.
Council Member Gonzalez moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 16. City Hall Camet
Installation; seconded by Council Member Pines. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all
members Dresent voicing ave.
Item No. 17 — Piggyback Purchase, Public Services F450 Truck
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto — requested clarification on the purpose of the vehicle.
Public Services Assistant Director Maiworm stated that this vehicle is for joint use between Public Services
and Police Department. The Police Department have heavy load barricades that require a heavy-duty
vehicle to transport; this vehicle was built to be a fully functioning vehicle for Public Services when not in
use by the Police Department.
Council Member Pines moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 17. Public Services F450
Truck; seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed unanimously_ 5-0 with all members
Dresent voicing ave.
Item No. 18 — Piggyback Purchase, Public Services Cargo Van
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto — requested clarification on the purpose of the vehicle.
Public Services Assistant Director Maiworm explained that the vehicle is a cargo van with a man lift on the
rear. This will assist public services employees with such tasks as placing holiday lights downtown as they
are currently using ladders.
This item approved with the original approval of Consent Agenda items.
Item No. 19 — Piggyback Purchase Approval, Fire Truck
Council Member Howard would like to table this item to January as he is in discussions that may have a
positive impact on this budget item.
Fire Chief Ezell stated that the main factor of approving now is a price increase, which in previous years
have gone up by five percent. If we wait until January, the cost of the fire truck will be higher.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — inquired on this truck being a replacement or new to the fleet.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Fire Chief Ezell stated that this truck is part of the twenty-year replacement plan. This is a replacement
truck and the old truck will go into reserve to replace the truck in reserve.
Discussion ensued on the contract and cancellation clause for the fire truck.
Council Member Pines moved to approve Item 19. Pieevback Purchase Annroval. Fire
Truck: seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed 4-1 with Council Member Howard
opposing.
Item No. 25 — Red White & Boom Event 2025, Fireworks, and Open Container Request
Paula Hoisington, 564 Desoto Street — spoke about the open container portion of the item. She expressed
concern regarding intoxicated citizens and encouraging alcohol consumption.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that the vendors selling alcohol are required to have the proper permits.
City Attorney Mantzaris explained that all events have to submit paperwork showing insurance and naming
the City as an additional insured. Vendors are also required to have a special license from the State.
Council Member Howard moved to annrove Consent Agenda Item 25. Red White & Boom
Event 2025. Fireworks. and Oren Container Reauest: seconded by Council Member
Gonzalez. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
Item No. 27 - Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival Event 2025 — Open Container, Sign Request,
and Boat Ramp Closure Request
Council Member Howard stated that he is not in support of summertime closures of the boat ramp. The
closures have a negative impact on the businesses on the lake.
Ginger Howard, 1986 Brantley Circle — expressed her concern with closing the boat ramp for any events.
Maritza Rivera, MARS event management — representing the Caribbean Association. This is the twelfth
year at Waterfront Park. Prior to the boat ramp, this area was a parking lot, which this event used for parking
spaces. Requested consideration for this event.
Alison Strange, 1120 Lakeshore Drive — expressed the need for Council to have a workshop regarding
events, parking for events and using Victory Pointe.
Mr. Thompson, 3212 Sonesta Court — the closure of the boat ramp is to use the parking for the large event.
All parking at the schools and downtown are utilized.
Christopher Barrett, 2785 Falcon Ridge Rd. — spoke in favor of the boat ramp closure.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto St. — requested the boat ramp remain open during the event.
Shelly Linder, Sommer Sports — boat ramp closure during certain events is for safety.
Council Member Pines asked staff how many days per year the boat ramp is closed for events.
Parks and Recreation Director Forman reviewed boat ramp closures in 2024.
Mayor Murry stated that prior to the boat ramp there were 150 parking spaces for Waterfront Park. He is in
support of closing the boat ramp for the event.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Discussion ensued on the statistics of the boat ramp closures, the challenges for the event as well as the
Police Department if the boat ramp remains open and finding alternative parking solutions for future events.
Council Member Gonzalez moved to annrove Item No. 27. Clermont Caribbean Jerk
Festival Event 2025 — ODen Container. Sian Reauest, and Boat Ramn Closure Reauest:
seconded by Council Member Pines. Passed 4-1 with Council Member Howard oDDosin¢.
Item No. 29 — Event, Open Container and Road Closure Request, Irish Fest 2025
Council Member Howard moved to annrove Consent Aeenda Item No. 29. Event. Onen
Container and Road Closure Reauest. Irish Fest 2025: seconded by Council Member
Mvers. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all members Dresent voicing ave.
Item No. 30 — Sommer Sports 2025 Events Request and Boat Ramp Closure
Council Member Howard requested to table this item to December 10 for Council Member Pines to speak
with the Tourist Development Council at their meeting on October 30 to request the Lake County Board of
County Commissioners sponsor this group of events, up to $100,000.00. That would allow the city to collect
the fees and costs for Police, Fire and Facilities.
Mayor Murry opened the floor for public comments.
Shelly Linder, Sommer Sports — stated that Sommer Sports pays for all Fire and Police at events. The city
sponsors the venues.
Discussion ensued on bringing Tourist Development Council dollars back to Clermont and tabling this item
to ask for the sponsorship from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners before approved.
Alison Strange, 2350 Legends Way — Believes tabling the item provides a better opportunity to be awarded
the sponsorship. If approved tonight, the city will not get the sponsorship.
Council discussed how the Tourist Development Council looks at events, needing to have a discussion with
Sommer Sports on their statistics and the schedule of events that are included in this item.
Deputy City Manager Davidoff explained the community partnership with Sommer Sports and The Spring
Games and Pig on the Pond. Grounds fees and tent permit fees are waived from the city.
Council Member Howard moved to table Item No. 30. Sommer Snorts 2025 Events
Reauest, and Boat RamD Closure to December 10. 2024: seconded bv_ Council Member
Mvers. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all members Dresent voicine ave.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item No. 32 — This item has been withdrawn.
Item No. 33 — This item has been withdrawn.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 34 — Variance Request, Ashley Furniture
Development Services Planner Kruse presented the variance request. The applicant, Ashley Furniture Store,
is requesting a sign variance to allow for two wall signs to be greater than the total allowable copy area.
The new 55,000 square foot store will be constructed at the intersection of Magnolia Point Blvd. and State
Road 50. The applicant is requesting two 300 square foot signs, one on the north wall facade and the other
on the west wall facade that will provide a total of 600 square feet of building signage for the one retail
store.
The request to allow two 300 square feet building signs may be considered as excessive and out of character
with other wall signs located within the Master Development Plan. The applicant is able to place two wall
signs of 200 square feet each on the north and west facade. The increase over the 200 square feet is
triggering the variance request.
Section 101-246 of the Land Development Code requires a positive finding in the review criteria and
findings in order to grant a variance. Staff reviewed the application as presented and finds the application
does not meet a positive finding. Therefore, staff recommends denial of the requested variance to the Land
Development Code.
Kevin Letch, The Sembler Company, was present on behalf of Ashley Furniture. The building faces west
with the north side facing State Road 50. Requesting the variance based on visibility, the topography makes
it difficult to see the site until you are there. The top of the building is visible as you approach which is the
cause for asking for the 300-foot sign on the building.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — spoke in opposition of the variance.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued regarding their entitlement to signage and other sign variances in the area.
Mayor Murry stated the he is not in support of the variance. .
Council Member Howard stated that he would support the variance if there were no other signs on the
building. Council Member Pines stated her support.
Mr. Letch stated that they are only proposing the two signs. Applicant agrees to Councils suggestion of
only having the two signs.
Council Member Pines moved to annrove Variance Reauest. Ashlev Furniture 300-foot
sign on the front. and 200-foot sign on the side and no other signage on the building_
seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed 4-1 with Mavor Murry onnosine.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Item No. 35 — Ordinance No. 2024-030, Old Hwy 50 Property Annexation Intro
AN ORDINANCE UNDER THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND
CONTIGUOUS TO THE PRESENT CITY BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,
SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING,
PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Pines moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2024-030.Old Hwv 50 Pronertv
Annexation Intro: seconded by Council Member Gonzalez. Passed unanimously 5-0 with
all members Dresent voicine ave.
Item No. 36 — Ordinance No. 2024-032, Old Hwy 50 Property Rezoning Intro
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.
Council Member Pines moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2024-032.Old Hwv 50 ProDertv
Rezoning Intro. seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all
members Dresent voicine ave.
Item No. 37 — Ordinance No. 2024-041, Land -Bridge Annexation Intro
AN ORDINANCE UNDER THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND
CONTIGUOUS TO THE PRESENT CITY BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,
SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING,
PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Gonzalez requested that staff present this item.
Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. The applicant, Southern Citrus Groves LLC,
is requesting annexation of 449 acres located off County Road 561, 2.5 miles south of State Road 50 and
12th Street. The applicant desires to develop the site for a residential subdivision.
The property is currently unimproved and is located in the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern.
The property is located in the Joint Planning Area with Lake County but not within the Interlocal Service
Boundary Agreement. Currently, there is no availability of City water and/or sewer west of the City Limits
at the Palatlakaha Bridge. The City is not anticipating bringing service over or under the Palatlakaha River
at this time. The developer would be required to complete all necessary infrastructure to serve the project
and be fully funded by the developer, if the property were annexed.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
The subject property proposed for annexation does not meet the minimum requirements of law that a
substantial portion of its boundaries is not contiguous to the city. The applicant states there is a small portion
of the property contiguous to the city by connection to Lake Minnehaha. Additionally, the Interlocal Service
Boundary Agreement with Lake County requires County approval of annexation outside of the Interlocal
Service Boundary Agreement area. The subject property is located outside of the Interlocal Service
Boundary Agreement area. For these reasons staff is recommending denial of the annexation request.
City Manager Bulthuis explained that this property is outside of the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement
area. The county would have to consent to the city annexing the property. If Council approves the
annexation, it would have to go before the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for approval.
City Attorney Mantzaris clarified that if Lake County does not approve the annexation then it does not
move forward. The city does not recommend Council take final action on the annexation until Lake County
has consented. Council taking action prior to Lake County would be a breach of the Interlocal Service
Boundary Agreement.
Saxon Evans was present representing Southern Citrus Groves, LLC. The property has been in the Joint
Planning Area since 2007 for future growth of the city. The project has the ability to provide their own
water and sewer, which could be dedicated to the city. This would not be a high -density development. The
applicant had gone to Lake County and suggested to come before the city first. The impression was that the
decision to allow the annexation would not go before the Lake County Board of County Commissioners
but be an administrative decision. The property borders the City of Groveland to the west and they have
extended their water and sewer to the property line. This property is surrounded on all sides by city or
private water and sewer.
City Attorney Mantzaris explained that the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement is an approved
agreement and the city would not accept a staff recommendation from Lake County as complying with the
terms of the agreement. The agreement is between City Council and the Board of County Commissioners
and they would have the right of approval or denial.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that the city provides water and sewer within the city limits and the developers
take on the expense to run the lines. He also spoke about city services such as police and fire and stretching
the city's resources if annexation occurs.
Discussion ensued on the density on the proposed property, definition of contiguous, the properties location,
and land use in that area.
City Attorney Mantzaris stated that the only continuity is one piece of the property that comes out and
touches Lake Minnehaha; otherwise, the property is surrounded by unincorporated Lake County. The law
speaks about a substantial part of a boundary, the applicants position is the small edge of property that
touches the lake is the boundary that is contiguous to the city. The small part of the property that touches
would not constitute as a substantial part.
Council Member Howard expressed that he would not be in support of annexation.
Mr. Evans requested to table the item to give the attorneys from each side time to discuss the annexation.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Murry closed the public
hearing.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
Mr. Evans spoke about a property that the City of Groveland annexed with the same portion size of that
property being contiguous as well as the Joint Planning Area Agreement.
Council Member Pines and Council Member Myers stated they were not in support of the annexation.
Council Member Howard moved to denv Ordinance No. 2024-041. Land -Bridge
Annexation Introduction; seconded by Council Member Pines. Passed unanimously 5-0
with all members present voicing ave.
Item No. 38 — Ordinance No. 2024-042, Bradshaw Road ROW Vacation Intro
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, CLOSING AND PERMANENTLY ABANDONING A PORTION OF NORTH BRADSHAW
ROAD (MAINTAINED CLAY ROAD) AND AN UNNAMED 30 FOOT PLATTED RIGHT-OF-WAY,
ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF MONTE VISTA PARK FARMS, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 2,
PAGE 27, PUBLIC RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED AS BELOW; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Pines moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2024-042. Bradshaw Road
Right of Wav Vacation Introduction; seconded by Council Member Mvers. Passed
unanimouslv 5-0 with all members present voicing ave.
14
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 22, 2024
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 9:26pm.
:;L:
Tracy Ackroyd Kowe, MMC
City Clerk
15
APPROVED:
t_ Q
Tim Murry, Mayor A