HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.14.2025 - City Council MinutesCity of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Clermont City
Council Chambers. Mayor Murry called the meeting to order at 6:40pm with the following Council
Members present: Council Members Strange, Howard, Myers and Petersen.
Other City officials present were Interim City Manager Van Wagner, Interim City Attorney Waugh, and
City Clerk Howe.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Police Chaplain James Pagan gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Fire Chief Ezell recognized Fire House Subs for assisting the Fire Department with a grant program to
acquire equipment.
Mike and David Kelly from Fire House Subs started the public safety foundation in 2004. This year will
surpass $100 million of funds to assist Fire Departments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom Bennett, Fire Union President — spoke on his goals as president, forge a relationship with Council and
the desire and need for the Clermont Fire Department to transport patients to the hospital.
Jared Taylor, 1878 Knollcrest Drive — expressed concern regarding car transporters in his neighborhood as
well as the way people drive around them.
Mayor Murry asked Interim City Manager Van Wagner to set a workshop to discuss further after reviewing
state law and speaking to the Home Owners Association.
Council Member Strange asked for a report from the Interim City Manager prior to the next Council
Meeting regarding Councils authority to see if a workshop is warranted.
Mayor Murry reiterated he would like a workshop to get Council Member opinions on the matter.
Glenda Jackson, 1025 Montrose Street — thanked Council and the Police Department for acknowledging
the speeding problem on her street.
Mayor Murry stated that at the next meeting Police Chief Broadway will provide Council with an update
on the findings of the traffic study on Montrose Street.
Nicole Marie, 879 High Point Circle - spoke about Eco Roots, first nature school in south Lake County.
Asked Council for use of the Victory Point building on Friday's from 9AM until 2PM.
Council Member Howard asked if they would be open to using a different location. He asked Mr. Bianchi
of Clermont Main Street to speak with Ms. Marie.
Paula Hoisington, 564 E. Desoto Street — expressed concern on Council behavior and spoke regarding
respect.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — spoke on levity and working as a team.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Van Wagner —
• City offices closed on Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Day.
• The Martin Luther King Day parade and celebration will be on January 20.
• Main Street Wine Stroll on January 17.
• Arbor Day event at Lake Hiawatha on January 18.
• Working with Lake County Commissioner Parks to move forward with Hartwood Marsh Road to
get funding two years early.
• Police Union negotiations are ongoing.
• CFX update, Hooks Street extension starting soon.
• Awarded a grant from the Live Well Foundation.
Parks and Recreation Director Forman stated that the Live Well Foundation allocated a $1 million non -
matching grant to the City towards the Meet Us in the Middle project. There would need to be a motion to
accept the funding from Live Well Foundation.
Part of the grant would include incorporating their logo and the funds are not for the dock project.
Discussion ensued on the Meet Us in the Middle project status and whether the project has been approved.
Council Member Howard informed Council that he has some meetings regarding this project and he has
some additional changes which include realigning the pier with 81 Street. With the changes, he can support
the project.
Council Member Howard moved to support the grant; seconded by Council Member
Myers.
Interim City Manager Van Wagner stated that the project is still in the engineering phase of the process.
Jeff Powell, Power City Architecture explained that they are well underway with the design. They are able
to make adjustments to the design and are looking at having something to present to Council around summer
time.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that if an item that is not on the agenda needs to be voted on then a
motion needs to be made to deem it an emergency item.
Council Member Howard rescinded his original motion.
Council Member Howard moved to make approving the grant an emergency item;
seconded by Council Member Myers.
Council Member Strange asked if this is an approved project from Council.
Mayor Murry stated that there was a consensus to move forward with the project. Council Member Howard
said the that engineering was approved.
Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Council Member Howard moved to accept the Live Well Foundation Grant; seconded by
Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Interim City Attorney Waugh —
• Attended Police Union negotiations.
• Working with Directors.
• There is a new litigation. Appeal of a land use decision filed in Lake County Circuit Court for an
Assisted Living Facility. It was dismissed by the judge for procedural reasons, will be refiled.
• Attended Planning and Zoning Commission meeting last week.
• Mediation regarding settlement agreement.
Mayor Murry asked Interim City Attorney Waugh to provide training to new Planning and Zoning
Commission members.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Strange —
• Attended the Tourism Development Council meeting, Clermont was recognized for three items.
Council Member Howard —
• Thanked Public Services for the sidewalks going in.
• Attended the Clermont Main Street meeting. They are looking at beautification projects, and
discussing trolleys.
• Historical Society presentation has been completed. That presentation will return to Council for
adoption.
Council Member Myers —
• Thanked citizens for reaching out regarding the passing of grandmother.
Council Member Petersen —
• Working with the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and learning.
Mayor Murry —
• Attended a workshop in St. Augustine with the Florida League of Mayors.
• Thanked Council Member Petersen for attending the Lake County League of Cities meeting.
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
Item No. 2 — Federally Funded Subaward and
Grant Agreement
K]
Consider approval of the December 10, 2024
minutes.
Consider approval of the Subaward and Grant
Agreement for DR 4834 in response to
Hurricane Milton.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
Item No. 3 — Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Consider grant for a Digital Surveillance
Equipment with a required cost to the city in the
budgeted amount of $3,890.
Item No. 4 — Term Contract Award
Bank Depository Services
Item No. 5 — Term Contract Award
Financial Auditing Services
Charlene Forth pulled Consent Agenda item 3.
Consider awarding RFP and term contract to
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to provide
banking services.
Consider award of RFP 25-001 and enter into a
term contract with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Consent Agenda items 1.2.4 and 5; seconded
by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 3 — Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — spoke about the cameras, is there a live feed.
Police Chief Broadway stated that having a live feed is a feature that could be used with the cameras. The
cameras will be used by Clermont detectives, they are mobile and able to be deployed to identify criminals.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Consent Agenda item 3; seconded by Council
Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 6 — Ordinance No. 2024-039, The Shops at Waterbrooke PUD Amendment Final
AN ORDINANCE UNDER THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING A PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT (PUD) OF 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.
Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. This agenda item was presented before City
Council on December 10. The agenda item was tabled to January 14, 2025 in order to allow changes to the
Planned Unit Development (PUD) per the discussion at City Council. The applicant has revised the Concept
Plan to include Green Space- Parks and Mixed Use with C-1 Light Commercial Uses in certain areas within
the development. In addition, the applicant has added language to the PUD ordinance to require pocket
parks and linear parks within the development along with requiring 85% open space for land developed
south of Hooks Street. The applicant is requesting to decrease the commercial acreage and to increase the
residential acreage, along with the request to allow a three-story self -storage building not to exceed 100,000
square feet. The applicant has also met with the Waterbrooke Homeowners Association and some changes
are being presented as well due to their meeting with the applicant.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
Staff is supportive of the changes and recommends approval of the Ordinance.
Jimmy Crawford, from Crawford, Modica and Holt represented the applicant. The application was
originally filed in May 2024 as a Conditional Use Permit to add Self -Storage use. The application was
refiled in September 2024 as a Planned Unit Development amendment to the existing Planned Unit
Development. There have been updates made from the last meeting this project was presented at. This
ordinance provides more open space, addition of parks and community space. The design brings increased
connectivity, walkability, and bike ability. There is additional landscape over thirty percent of the entire
development, added mixed use and light commercial in the residential areas. The applicant has worked with
the Waterbrooke community and have come to agreements that are written into the ordinance which
includes a joint lake management agreement and cooperative architectural development and review for the
Self -Storage facility. They have also agreed to enter into a joint effort to improve the intersection of State
Road 50 and Emil Jahna Road. Mr. Crawford spoke about traffic in the area and trip generations from the
proposed project.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. No comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council Member Strange disclosed that she had several meetings with Mr. Crawford and his client as well
as the Waterbrooke Homeowners Association and residents.
Discussion ensued regarding landscape buffers, and open green space within the project.
Council Member Howard stated he opposes this project due to the intensity and using wording such as "use
best efforts" under section 3.7 regarding parks and green space.
Mr. Crawford suggested striking "best efforts" and change to "shall".
Council Member Strange clarified that the twenty percent of Lot 7 referenced in section 3.8 is referring to
the parks and green spaces referenced in section 3.7. She asked Interim City Attorney Waugh to make sure
the language in the ordinance matches the intention in the final draft.
Mr. Crawford suggested updating the language to state "A minimum of twenty percent of Lot 7 shall be
parks and green space as defined in section 3.7 above".
The impact fee credits described in Section 3.11 were discussed. The credits would be transportation impact
fee credits for constructing a segment of Hooks Street. The word "transportation" needs to be added to that
section to clarify it is only transportation impact fee credits.
Council Member Strange said that section 3.18 E states "The Owner shall construct a pedestrian crossing
of Hooks Street; which may consist of a tunnel or a bridge."
Mr. Crawford stated that the section should include golf carts and the owner would be amenable to agree
to a tunnel. The road is owned by Lake County and would need their approval. The section will be updated
to state "The Owner shall construct a pedestrian and golf cart crossing of Hooks Street; which shall consist
of a tunnel, as approved by Lake County."
Council Member Strange moved to approve Item No. 6 — Ordinance No. 2024-039, The
Shops at Waterbrooke PUT) Amendment as amended, seconded by Council Member
Petersen. Passed 4-1 with Council Member Howard opposing
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
Item No. 7 — Ordinance No. 2024-044, Public Camping Final
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, CREATING AND ENACTING CHAPTER 24, "OFFENSES
AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS" ARTICLE 1, "IN GENERAL" SECTION 24-
15 "PUBLIC CAMPING OR SLEEPING OF THE CLERMONT CITY CODE,
PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS, PURPOSE, INTENT AND DEFINITIONS; MAKING
THE ACT OF PUBLIC CAMPING AN OFFENSE PUNISHABLE BY LAW,
PROVIDING FOR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND
PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION, CODIFICATION, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Police Chief Broadway presented the ordinance. The City is subject to a new law that requires the City to
prohibit public camping and sleeping. The law also creates a cause of action in favor of an affected property
owner, if the City fails to prohibit public camping and sleeping. The majority of times there is an interaction
with the unsheltered population there is compliance, this ordinance gives officers the authority if action is
warranted.
Officer Corbett explained that the state statute says that Cities cannot allow public camping but does not
state what they should do. This ordinance gives officers the ability to use discretion on which actions to
take if they come upon public camping.
Discussion ensued on what actions an officer can take if they find someone who is public camping.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — there is no remedy for the unsheltered population.
Joe Fumasi, 2693 Jumping Jack Way — in support of the ordinance.
Sharon Dupointe, 253 Cedar Street — operates an outreach program and works with Officer Diaz.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — spoke on mental health issues within the unsheltered population.
Otis Taylor, 3686 Caladesi Road— spoke on finding a safe haven in Clermont for the population.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued on providing shelters.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that the City is not required to adopt an ordinance, the requirement is
at the County chapter. The ordinance does provide useful guidance for the Police Officers.
Council spoke about the definition of a public park and what constitutes camping in public.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Item No. 7 — Ordinance No. 2024-044, Public
Camping: seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members
present voicing ave.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
Item No. 8 — Board Appointments
Development Services Director Henschel stated there was one opening on the Planning and Zoning
Commission for a two-year term and they received two applications, Merideth Nagel and John Tidona.
There are two openings on the Code Enforcement Board, seat one which expires 03/31/2026 and seat five
which expires 03/31/2027. We received four applications, Melissa Devitt, Maria Gulati, Evan Fracasso
and Sylvester Makowski.
Mayor Murry invited the applicants to come forward and introduce themselves.
Meredith Nagel, 1280 Diana Place — long time Clermont resident and Business owner. Wants to serve and
has unique training.
John Tidona, 3611 Briar Run Drive — Clermont resident for seven years and has served as volunteer in New
York with a community response team for twelve years. Master's degree in Public Administration and has
worked for Orange County.
Maria Guliati, 1245 7th Street — has been a resident for a few years. Worked in Real Estate lending and is
familiar with contracts and legal documents.
Evan Fracasso, 1844 121 Street — over 20 years' experience in commercial management. Previously worked
for a developer where he dealt with Code Enforcement issues.
Sylvester Makowski, 3813 Scarborough Court— retired Police Sergeant of 30 years, like to see the city
organized and taken care of.
Council Member Myers suggested John Tidona for Planning and Zoning.
Council Members Howard and Petersen stated their support for John Tidona.
Council discussed the idea of establishing a Historical Committee. Council Member Strange suggested
Merideth Nagel for this committee if not picked for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Council Member Howard moved to appoint John Tidona to the Planning and Zoning
Commission; seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all
members present voicing aye.
Council Member Howard Suggested Sylvester Makowski for the Code Enforcement Board,
Council Member Petersen agreed.
Council Member Petersen moved to appoint Sylvester Makowski to Code Enforcement
Board Seat 5. seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all
members present voicing aye.
Council Member Myers suggested Evan Fracasso for the Code Enforcement Board, Council
Member Howard agreed.
Council Member Myers moved to appoint Evan Fracasso to Code Enforcement Board Seat
1. seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members
present voicing aye.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 9 — Variance Request, Dick's Sporting Goods at Plaza Collin
Development Services Director Henschel presented the variance request. The applicant, Dick's Sporting
Goods, is requesting a sign variance to allow for two wall signs located on the front entrance building fagade
to be greater than the total allowable copy area as permitted by the Land Development Code, Section 117-
15. On April 28, 2015, the City Council annexed the subject parcel, which is located north of State Road
50, west of the Orange County line, and south of Old Highway 50. The proposed retail development is part
of the Plaza Collina Planned Unit Development. The 60,000 square foot retail building site plan was
recently approved, and currently under construction.
The Land Development Code Section 117-15 (b) allows one primary wall sign on each building fagade
which is perpendicular to a road or street, not exceeding the maximum 200 square footage copy area. A
secondary wall sign may be permitted, provided it is a maximum 50 percent of the primary wall sign's
square footage, and both signs shall be counted separately toward the maximum 200 square feet of permitted
signage.
The two separate building sign variances will allow for the Golf Galaxy entrance sign to be 145 square feet
and the Dick's Sporting Goods sign entrance to be 301 square feet with a combined total of 446 square feet
of total copy area. This request will exceed the maximum permitted copy area by 246 square feet. The
variance request to allow two wall signs up to 446 square feet may be considered as excessive and out of
character with other wall signs located within the Master Development Plan.
Section 101-246 of the Land Development Code requires a positive finding on the Review Criteria and
Findings in order to grant a variance. Staff has 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.
McGregor Love from Lowndes was present on behalf of the applicant. The building is set back off State
Road 50 which is why they are requesting the variance for a larger sign. The surrounding buildings have
received sign variances for larger copy areas. The code measures signs by four sides, parallelogram, if you
were to take just the letters of the primary sign fagade it comes to 230 square feet which would bring the
total to 375 square feet. The actual bulk of the sign is smaller than what is represented by the application.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Keith Mullins, Drew Avenue — A bigger sign is not necessary.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills - spoke in opposition of the request.
Patrick Bianchi, 752 W. Montrose Street — spoke in support of the request.
Betsy Sorg, 13120 Shore Drive — spoke in opposition of the request.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — spoke in opposition of the request.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued on the size of the store and previous variances in the area.
Interim City Attorney Waugh explained that variance approvals are not something that can set precedence.
He read to Council the section of code that applies to variance requests.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
Council Member Howard stated he is not in support of the Dick's sign; he would approve the Golf Galaxy
sign.
Mr. Love clarified that their immediate neighbor received a sign variance for a larger copy area than they
are requesting. If they have to reduce their sign, it will be very noticeable next to the larger sign next door.
Dick's is not asking for a variance to increase the sign any more than what is their standard font across all
of their stores.
Development Services Director Henschel stated that the original location did receive a variance for their
sign. There was discussion on the copy area previously approved and what they are currently requesting.
Discussion ensued on the size of their sign request versus the signage on Floor and D6cor and Ashley
Furniture and calculating percentage versus square footage for signs.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Item No. 9 — Variance Request, Dick's
Sporting Goods at Plaza Collina: seconded by Council Member Petersen. Passed
unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing`ve.
Item No. 10 — Fire Station 2
Interim City Manager Van Wagner stated that Fire Station No. 2 is growing and the facility cannot
accommodate the firefighters. Previous Council approved building a new Fire Station on the Baptist Church
property which cost between $13 and $14 million dollars. The purchase of the land cost $740,000.00 along
with engineering fees for a total around $15 million dollars. This Council seems to be wanting to move in
a different direction so this item has been brought to discuss.
In lieu of wanting to build a new facility, before Council is an option to expand the existing Fire Station on
Hartwood Marsh. The expansion will cost around $3.5 million dollars.
Staff has spoken with the architect, Mr. Powell regarding shifting focus from a new facility to an expansion.
Fire Chief Ezell spoke about the different options. The primary issues that need to be addressed at the
station are health and safety as well as space. Building a new facility means not having to think about
expansion for at least another 50 years. Expanding the current building will remedy the health and safety
issues and provide more space but may need to be updated or expanded in another 15 years. Looking for
direction from Council on how to move forward.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Otis Taylor, 3686 Caladesi Road — spoke regarding a Fire Station for Wellness Way.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — spoke regarding traffic on Hartwood Marsh.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued on the different options and where the firefighters will go if they chose to expand the
current facility.
Council Member Howard stated that he supports the expansion of the current facility as the City currently
has the funds to complete this versus a new building where the City will accrue debt.
Discussion was had on what funds can be used for the expansion and traffic on Hartwood Marsh.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
Interim City Attorney Waugh informed Council that he would like more than consensus on how they would
like to move forward. There is a contract in place that would need to terminate and a pending contract for
the expansion if Council chooses that direction.
Council Member Howard asked Interim City Attorney Waugh if this item meets the requirements to do an
emergency vote. He was told that is for Council to determine.
Interim City Manager Van Wagner stated if Council votes on this matter, the best way would be an
amendment to the contract so Mr. Powell would move focus to the expansion from the new facility.
Council Member Howard motioned for an emergency hearing on Fire Station No. 2:
Seconded by Council Member Myers. Motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposing_
Council Member Howard motioned to amend the contract for Fire Station No. 2 movine
forward with the renovations at the existing Fire Station with Mr. Powell: Seconded by
Council Member Petersen.
Council Member Howard asked Interim City Attorney Waugh if the motion was sufficient.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that his understanding is that there is a current contract the City is
operating under. He informed Council that the motion would be to terminate for convenience and move
forward with the other.
Council Member Howard modify the motion to terminate the current contract Station No.
2 at the Baptist Church property and to move forward with the ongoing contract with Mr.
Powell. Seconded by Council Member Myers.
Mayor Murry asked for the cost to terminate the current contract.
Interim City Manager Van Wagner stated that there is no cost to terminate. Mr. Powell will be paid for the
work that has been done and will shift over to the expansion.
Motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposing_
Item No. 11— Fire Prevention Division Office
Fire Chief Ezell stated that they have run out of room in their administrative offices. The building on
Montrose was identified as a potential office space for the Fire Prevention Division. The building went
through renovations and will be complete in February.
There is another option that was identified if Council decides not to move forward with the Montrose Street
building. The 121 Street facility that Public Services vacated has some office space that can be utilized.
Other than carpet and paint, there are no major renovations needed at that location and there are currently
funds for office furniture that would go in either location.
Mayor opened the public hearing.
Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — spoke about transparency and voting on changes without paperwork.
Mayor closed public hearing.
Council Member Howard spoke about knowing what facilities the City owns and what can be used instead
of purchasing new. In support of moving the Fire Prevention Division to the 121 Street location.
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City of Clermont
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January 14, 2025
Discussion ensued on maintenance costs of buildings, property insurance and what to do with the Montrose
Street building.
Councils consensus was to move the Fire Prevention Division office to the 12' Street facility, formerly the
Public Services offices.
Item No. 12 — Closed Door Session Request
Interim City Attorney Waugh informed Council of a closed door session that is needed to seek advice on
pending litigation matters. There are three cases that are needing to be discussed and the lawyers are only
available on one Tuesday in February which is February 4, 2025.
Council discussed the date and a time to have the closed door session. There are three cases that will be
discussed and should take an hour to get through the three cases.
Council Member Strange moved to have a shade session to hear pending litigation at 4:00
PM on February 4. 2025, seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0
with all members present voicing`ve.
Item No. 13 — City Attorney RFQ Discussion
Procurement Director Suarez informed Council on the process and the current requirement for
qualifications for a City Attorney. Inquired if Council would like to update the requirements or continue
with the current language.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Keith Mullins, 640 Drew Avenue — expressed concerns with the requirements listed.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — asked for clarification on the item.
Patrick Bianchi, 752 W. Montrose Street — spoke on board certification.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council discussed the board certified requirement and of that limits the responses.
Procurement Director Suarez stated that the request for qualifications expires on Thursday at 12:00 PM and
at that time staff can see what responses have come in.
Discussion ensued on the evaluation process once responses have been received as well as the possibility
of extending the due date of the request for qualifications to amend the requirements.
The consensus of Council was to move forward with the current request for qualifications.
Item No. 14 — Executive Search Firm for City Manager RFP Discussion
Procurement Director Suarez explained to Council that the request for proposal is currently in draft form.
There was feedback from Council regarding the language in the proposal and staff would like clarification
and direction on the requirements Council would like.
Interim City Manager informed Council that staff does not have clear direction other than the motion that
was made.
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City of Clermont
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January 14, 2025
Council discussed the language in the request for proposal and what they believe is important in a firm to
hire a City Manager.
The consensus was to remove the sentence that states "Demonstrate experience in filling positions in cities
that successfully navigated transitions into what is recognized as "best practices" or award -winning cities"
under experience in the request for proposal.
Item No. 15 — Ordinance No. 2025-004, Land Development Code Amendment C-2 Storage Intro
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER
125, "ZONING", ARTICLE III "DISTRICTS", DIVISION 11 "C-2 GENERAL
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT" SECTION 125-337 "CONDITIONAL USES"
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Howard moved to introduce Item No. 15 — Ordinance No. 2025-004,
Land Development Code Amendment C-2 Storage: seconded by Council Member Myers.
Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing`ve.
Item No. 16 — Ordinance No. 2025-005, Land Development Code Amendment M-1 Storage Intro
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER
125, "ZONING", ARTICLE III "DISTRICTS", DIVISION 13 "M-1 INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT", SECTION 125-397 "CONDITIONAL USES" PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Howard moved to introduce Item No. 16 — Ordinance No. 2025-005
Land Development Code Amendment M-1 Storage, seconded by Council Member Myers.
Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing, aye.
Item No.17 - Ordinance No. 2025-006, Land Development Code Amendment Time Limit for Commencing
Construction Intro
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER
101, "GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS", ARTICLE III "ORDERS
AND PERMITS", DIVISION 3 "CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS", SECTION 101-216
"TIME LIMIT FOR COMMENCING CONSTRUCTION", PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
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City of Clermont
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January 14, 2025
Council Member Howard moved to introduce Item No. 17 - Ordinance No. 2025-006, Land
Development Code Amendment Time Limit for Commencing Construction, seconded by
Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 18 — Ordinance No. 2025-007, BTR Intro
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
FLORIDA, REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY SECTIONS 34-126 THROUGH 34-140 OF
ARTICLE IV OF CHAPTER 34 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING BUSINESS TAX
RECEIPTS AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION,
THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Howard moved to introduce Item No. 18 — Ordinance No. 2025-007,
BTR: seconded by Council Member Petersen. Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposing
13
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 14, 2025
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 10:54 pm.
A -
ATTEST:
Tracy Ackro Howe, MMC
City Clerk
14
APPROVED:
Tim Murry, Mayor
