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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.11.2025 - City Council MeetingCity of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 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 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
Naomi Gonzalez-Freites gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and presented a trailer
to a documentary about Lake -Sumter College.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Matt Mobley, 1010 East Avenue — provided Council notice that the property at 609 W. Montrose will be
coming available for purchase. They are providing the City the first opportunity to acquire the property.
Joe Fumasi, 2693 Jumping Jack Way — expressed gratitude for the Wellness Way workshop. Lake County
will hold a workshop regarding the Municipal Service Taxing Unit and believes the City needs to be invited.
David Falzone, 1375 Lake Avenue — expressed concern regarding property.
Adam Atherton, 13005 Summerlake Way — thanked Council for their continued support of the Clermont
Multihull Association. Informed Council of the Sailing Regatta February 21 — 23.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — expressed concern regarding the traffic light at Hartwood Marsh and
Hancock.
Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — spoke on public access to meetings through streaming online.
Planning and Zoning Commission, Code Enforcement and Council Workshops are typically not videoed.
Mayor Murry inquired about Information Technology's presentation regarding streaming the meetings.
Interim City Manager Van Wagner stated staff is prepared to have discussion.
Moira Davis, 1445 Lake Avenue — inquired about emergency Council Meetings previously versus the last
couple of months. She inquired the length of time Council has to review items on an agenda as well
reviewing items on an emergency vote.
Council Member Strange asked for clarification if by emergency meetings she is referring to workshops or
actual special meetings.
Ms. Davis stated her understanding is that there were special meetings called that are referred to as
emergency meetings since they are not on the regular schedule. Also inquired on what progress has been
made to hire a qualified City Manager.
Francisco Reyes, Clermont — expressed concern that the Utility Billing system does not accept third party
payments.
Samii Yakovetic, 4480 Powderhorn Place Drive — expressed concern with the intersection of Hartwood
Marsh Road and Hancock. Inquired what is being sprayed on the brush and trees in her area.
Mayor Murry requested Interim City Manager Van Wagner to look into this, he is not aware of the City
spraying.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
Paula Hoisington, 564 E. Desoto Street — thanked staff for looking into the pollution of East Lake. Inquired
on an update with the process of finding a City Manager. Received information that a Council Member
stated "we are looking in another direction and not looking at a headhunting firm" regarding finding a City
Manager and would like to know at what meeting that was discussed since Council cannot speak to each
other outside of a meeting.
Sharon Keys, 644 W. Osceola Street — spoke about Black History Month.
Mayor Murry informed the residents that the City has the told County multiple times about the issues at
Hartwood Marsh and Hancock Road.
Council Member Strange suggested the City hire an Engineer to address that intersection and create a design
to present to the County.
Mayor Murry said his understanding is that there was not an issue with the design but with the funding.
Interim City Manager Van Wagner stated he requested the design from the County and was told the full
design was not completely available at this time.
Mayor Murry addressed the emergency meetings. The Council has not had emergency meetings, there had
been workshops added. One Council meeting there were two emergency votes done.
Council Member Strange stated there is a request for qualifications out until February 20 for a headhunting
firm.
Mayor Murry stated that Council Members need to be mindful of their words when speaking, speak as an
individual and not on behalf of Council.
City Clerk Howe responded to the question of how long Council receives to review the agenda packet.
Council receives the agenda packet the Wednesday prior to a Council meeting.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Van Wagner —
• Meeting with Commissioner Parks and County Manager Barker on February 20 and on February
25 will be on a call with them as well as Representative Yarkosy to discuss funding for Hartwood
Marsh Road.
• Addressed the funds spent on engineering Fire Station 2. $81,019.00 was spent and the full contract
was for $600,000.00.
• Engineering has not begun for the expansion of Fire Station 2, waiting on a quote from the engineer.
The quote has been submitted and the cost will be $17,000.00, the intention is to sign the invoice
and start the schematic design.
• February 14-16 is the Ultraman Marathon.
• February 22 is the Honor the Fallen 5K marathon beginning at Suncreek Brewery at 5:30pm.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Interim City Attorney Waugh —
• Today was the deadline to file a response for an appeal to a Council decision. The applicant filed
their response.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
Defending multiple foreclosures of small City interests.
In the past few weeks we have received two claims for car accidents, they have been referred out
and will be defended.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Strange —
• Addressed resident's requests concerning the background checks of Interim City Manager Van
Wagner and Interim City Attorney Waugh. She requested copies of the background checks from
Human Resources and there was nothing of concern. There was also concern regarding a conflict
of interest from Interim City Attorney Waugh and nothing was founded that would be a conflict.
• Addressed rumors of destruction of the Historic Village, she is not aware of any discussion
regarding that. There are conversations with downtown groups working together around future
plans.
• Attended the Sunshine Sports Council think tank. One of the participants was a representative for
U.S. rowing and she had a chance to speak with her.
• Suggested discussion on using the boathouse as an actual boathouse and use the whole space as a
watersports park.
• Requested an update from the Police Chief since approval of the public camping ordinance was
approved.
• Met with Wellness Way representatives about alternatives to using the potable water.
• Suggested if there are changes made by Council or staff after an item has been through Planning
and Zoning and Council that it return to Planning and Zoning for their feedback.
• Approached by community members downtown regarding expanding the trail on Lake Avenue.
There is a desire for it to be a community project and would like Councils support to request the
City explore that option and spend no more than $10,000.00.
• Requesting up to date financials from the Finance department.
Mayor Murry spoke about Finance presenting a quarterly report to Council. Finance Director Borror stated
he can have the first quarter report at the next meeting
Council Member Howard —
Attended a meeting with Lake County School District regarding options for the Clermont
Elementary School property. Lake Tech is expanding and using it for parking. In the midterm, five
years, they have no plans to surplus that property. The School District wants to hold that property
until they determine the size of Lake Tech. Also spoke about the High School in Wellness Way,
the land they expected to use is not viable because of the roads. They are back looking for land and
weighing options.
Had a meeting with the District Athletic Director and spoke about rowing. There has not been much
reach in from Lake County Rowing Association, he is happy to work with them to expand and
make rowing more known.
Attended a public policy meeting with the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. He did make a
statement that "we the Council have the opportunity to meet with somebody who is qualified." He
stated that he was going to meet with that person. He spoke for himself and not for the Council, is
always clear he is one member and it takes three votes for an approval.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
Council Member Myers —
• Spoke about the history of Black History Month.
• Sought opinions of Council on allowing a five-day grace period for Utility bills.
• Requested designating the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday in Clermont.
Finance Director Borror will review the policy on late fees with Council.
Council Member Petersen —
• Thanked everyone for their condolences on the passing of his mother.
• Working with SECO on the cost of rentals of their light poles.
• Working with Fire Chief Ezell on providing ambulance service in the City. Spoke to Lake County
Commissioner Parks regarding ambulance service and noted we may be able to get an ambulance
from Lake County.
Mayor Murry —
• Requested Interim City Manager Van Wagner contact Lake County School Board regarding weeds
growing on the 20-foot wall by the gym at Aurelia Cole Academy.
• Spoke about a report from the State showing what they would offer the City to maintain the medians
on State Road 50 and US Highway 27. The State has been mowing the medians and it looks good.
• Requested an update from the Police Chief on the public camping ordinance.
• Spoke about the perception that Interim City Attorney Waugh was not transparent regardomg a
conflict of interest.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that he provided all his information in the application that was
provided to Council.
• Spoke about Black History Month and the Tuskegee airman.
• The third Thursday in March is a State holiday commemorating the Tuskegee Airmen. Requested
a Proclamation be presented.
Council Member Myers questioned if Council supported her request for Small Business Saturday. The
consensus was in support and Council Member Howard suggested she reach out to Clermont Main Street.
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 January 8, 2025
workshop minutes.
Item No. 2 — Resolution No. 2025-007R Consider encouraging the Florida Legislature
Support Legislation Providing Public Records to enact legislation to provide a public records
Protection exemption for municipal clerks and employees
who perform city election work.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
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Item No. 3 — Piggyback Purchase Approval Consider approval to purchase from the Florida
Replacement Fire Command, Training, and Sheriffs Association contract FSA23-
Rehabilitation Trailer EQU21.0 with Texas Trailers to acquire one
heavy-duty cargo trailer in the budgeted
amount of $58,313.11.
Item No. 4 — Lake County Schools Proportionate Consider approval of School Concurrency
Share Mitigation Agreement Agreement Case No. 2024-18.
Lumberyard District
Item No. 5 — Retirement Plan Actuarial Valuation Consider approval of the actuarial valuation for
FMPTF Closed Plan the Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund
retirement plan for general employees.
Item No. 6 — Proposed Purchase of Chestnut Street Consider property purchase approval and
Property and Budget Amendment budget amendment in the amount of $60,000
for lift station access.
Council Member Howard pulled Consent Agenda Item No. 4
Council Member Howard moved to approve Consent Agenda items 1,2, 3 and 5-6;
seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present
voicing aye.
Item No. 4 — Lake County Schools Proportionate Share Mitigation Agreement
Council Member Howard stated that this is a mitigation agreement and he is aware the approval is a
ministerial duty for Council. A statement needs to be made to not allow residential growth to overrun
schools and he is not in support of this item.
Requested a discussion on a moratorium on multi -family permits above ten units.
Mayor Murry opened public comments.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — spoke in favor of a moratorium to protect our schools.
McGregor Love spoke on behalf of the applicant. The item is a concurrency mitigation agreement for the
Lumberyard project that was approved last year. The agreement if for the deficiency of 19 high school
students.
Samii Yakovetik, 4480 Powderhorn Place — spoke in favor of a moratorium.
Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that the interlocal agreement with the School Board lays out a process
for what happens when there is not enough capacity for educational facilities. The City also passed a school
concurrency ordinance which states that when a proportionate share agreement is arrived at, it shall be
passed. The Council can vote against the item but the City can be compelled to pass the item.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
Council Member Howard said that before Aurelia Cole Academy, the City did not have any K-8 schools.
Per State law the School Board cannot build for anticipated growth, trying to build local schools with
walkability.
Discussion ensued on the school system and approving multi -family projects.
Council Member Petersen moved to accept the mitigation agreement; seconded by Council
Member Myers. Passed 3-2 with Council Member Strange and Council Member Howard
opposing_
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item No. 7 — Resolution No. 2024-040R, Conduct of Meetings
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE CITY
OF CLERMONT RULES OF CONDUCT RELATED TO THE CONDUCT OF
MEETINGS; THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE; AND THE ACTIVITIES
AND PARTICIPATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS, APPOINTED BOARD
MEMBERS, STAFF AND THE PUBLIC; REPEALING RESOLUTION 2024-007R;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERRORS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Howard stated that Council had a workshop on the proposed changes. An additional
change he would like to add is implementing two sessions of three minutes per Council Member on each
agenda item, this would facilitate moving discussions forward on an item.
Interim City Attorney Waugh clarified that each Council Member would have two rounds of three minutes
to speak on an item, each would have their initial three minutes and then they would go around again for
an additional three minutes, if needed.
Mayor Murry stated there are six recommended changes which will be discussed individually. Currently,
the meetings begin at 6:30pm. The first proposed change would be to have the meeting on the second
Tuesday of the month begin at 3:OOpm and the meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month begin at 5:30pm
Mayor Murry opened public comments.
Keith Mullins, 640 Drew Avenue — encouraged Council to keep meetings at 6:30pm.
Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — concerned about earlier times and different times causing confusion.
Suggested moving to a committee of the whole on the first Tuesday of the month.
Paula Hoisington, 564 E. Desoto Street— concerned with earlier meeting times.
Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Council Member Petersen stated that the senior citizen population cannot attend evening meetings. He
proposed to have one meeting in the morning and the other in the evening which will benefit everyone.
Council Member Howard agreed with doing a committee of the whole, it can be done at a workshop. The
time change would benefit the retired population as well as residents who rely on public transportation
which does not run in the evening.
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City of Clermont
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
Council Member Strange feels that the time of the meetings would not be an issue if they were available on
live stream.
Council Member Myers is in favor of the split times as it gives everyone an opportunity to participate.
Mayor Murry in not in support of changing the meeting time. Stated that a majority of the community
cannot attend meetings earlier than 6:30pm.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Resolution No. 2024-04OR with two sessions
of three minutes for discussion and the time change would not be effective until after the
adoption of the streaming abilities, seconded by Council Member Strange.
Council discussed the best way to move forward with the item, discussing the changes as a whole or going
through each proposed change individually.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated there are options on how to proceed. Council can continue to discuss
each change or move to call the question, which would have to be approved by two thirds vote.
Keith Mullins, 640 Drew Avenue — spoke about Council being mindful of how long they are speaking and
keeping to City business.
Mayor Murry said he disagreed with workshops on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Passed 4-1 with Mavor Murry opposing_
Item No. 8 — Ordinance No. 2025-008, Urban Backyard Chicken Regulations Final
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6 ANIMALS; SECTION 6-45
LIVESTOCK PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION AND 6-46 NUMBER OF ANIMALS
PERMITTED; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION,
THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. City staff has received direction to proceed
with processing amendments within the City's Code of Ordinances. The requested change is to allow the
raising and keeping of chickens on property within the City of Clermont. Under the current code, the
keeping of chickens is considered livestock and is prohibited within the city. Staff has researched other
local jurisdictions that allow chickens and has drafted an ordinance that allows the keeping and raising of
chickens. The major points are:
• Up to five hens may be kept on developed single-family or duplex properties. No roosters.
• Homeowner's association rules and regulations will apply if you are within a subdivision. This
city does not enforce these restrictions.
• No sales of any kind shall be allowed in association with the chickens.
• Chickens must be raised following best management practices such as feed storage, manure
disposal, chicken coops and runs, and nuisance complaints.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
With this proposed change in Section 6-45 Livestock, another change is required to allow the keeping of
chickens along with the existing number of pet's residents may have. The City currently allows up to five
animals per residential property. Language has been added to Section 646, so that the addition of five
chickens would not be considered in the count.
Another item would be allowing chickens as a pilot program, this is currently not in the ordinance and
would need to be added.
The City has received one letter of support and one letter of opposition to this amendment. Staff supports
this requested change.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Samii Yakovetik, 4480 Powderhorn Place — spoke in support of the item.
Marion Ringwood, 1808 Nature Cove Lane — spoke in opposition of the item.
Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile — in support of a pilot program. Consider requiring a permit and education.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills — clarified that the Homeowners Association supersedes a City Ordinance.
Paula Hoisington, 564 E. Desoto Street — in favor of requiring a permit to track and regulate.
Rebecca Van Wagner, 4228 Fawn Meadows Circle— spoke in support of the item. In agreement for online
training.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council Member Howard stated he could support an application, would like to move to only detached single
family properties and is agreeable to a two-year pilot program with a sunset.
Discussion ensued regarding the size of a chicken coup and ensuring there are no roosters.
Council Member Strange moved to approve Item No. 8 with striking duplexes and adding
a two year sunset; seconded by Council Member Howard.
Council Member Strange amended the motion to add an application process; seconded by
Council Member Howard.
Council Member Strange moved to approve Item No. 8 with the amendment to strike
duplex properties and require a basic application, so that we know where the chickens are
being kept in town, and as a pilot program for two years, seconded by Council Member
Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 9 — Ordinance No. 2025-009, Golf Cart Regulations Final
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 32, STREETS, SIDEWALKS
AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES TO PERMIT THE USE OF GOLF CARTS ON ROADS
WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY,
CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVERNERS
ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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City of Clermont
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City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. City staff has received direction to proceed
with processing amendments to the City's Code of Ordinances. The requested change is to allow golf carts
within a specific zone of the city, which is west of US Highway 27 and north of State Road 50. This area
is in the northwest quadrant of the city and comprises of the downtown area. The major points are listed
below with specific requirements contained in the ordinance.
• A golf cart is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.
• It can only be operated on City of Clermont roads. No County or State roadways.
• Golf carts must meet minimum safety requirements.
• It may only be operated by a licensed driver 18 years old or older.
• The operator assumes risk and shall hold the City harmless, attested through registration with a
$20.00 registration fee.
The ordinance is similar to other jurisdictions which have implemented specific golf cart zones successfully.
The staff supports this requested change.
Council Member Howard clarified that State Law allows a golf cart to be operated by anyone 15 or older
with a valid driver's license. Interim City Attorney Waugh explained that the ordinance does state that
language.
Council Member Strange stated that she would like to see a sunset on this item.
Mayor opened the public hearing.
Rob Corbett, General Counsel for the Clermont Police Department — The language in subsection D of the
ordinance states "anyone under the age of 18 that does not have a valid license, and then it states anyone
over the age of 18 does not need one." This excludes actual 18 year olds and asked to amend that language
to include 18 year olds.
Elex Newsome, 582 E. Desoto Street — inquired about liability and insurance.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated there is not an insurance amount requirement in this draft of the
ordinance. The City is requiring registration and at the time of registration the person would be relieving
the City from liability.
Mayor Murry explained that per State Law golf carts are not required to have insurance and the City cannot
supersede State Law.
Fran Falcone, 3904 Dune Way — inquired about golf carts parking in regular parking spaces.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Mayor Murry requested clarification on the definition of a City road.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that ordinance is intended to be limited to one quadrant of municipal
roads. Clarified that City of Clermont roads means any municipal roads. Adding the word municipal in the
definition would resolve the confusion.
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City of Clermont
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Council discussed how to track if a golf cart is registered, safety and staying within the allowed quadrant.
Council Member Howard inquired if the City has administrative Authority to require stickers on golf carts
or would that have to be stated in the ordinance.
Interim City Attorney Waugh and Rob Corbett discussed the legality of requiring a registration sticker on
a golf cart.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Item No. 9, Ordinance No. 2025-009, Golf
Cart Regulations with striking with word "over" and saving 18 or over, adding municipal
road to define the roads within that quadrant and directing for an administrative sticker
with a sunset of one year, seconded by Council Member Strange. Passed unanimously 5-0
with all members present voicing aye.
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 10 — Variance Request, EnviroStruct LLC
Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. The applicant, EnviroStruct LLC, is requesting a
sign variance on an existing building located at 17410 State Road 50. The applicant is requesting to allow
for more than 200 square feet of wall signage located on the second floor of the building facade wall to be
greater than the total allowable copy areas. The Land Development Code allows one primary wall sign,
parallel to a road or street, not exceeding the maximum 200 square footage copy area. A secondary wall
sign may be permitted on up to two walls provided it is a maximum of 50 percent of the primary wall sign.
The applicant is asking for a second wall sign, exceeding the 50 percent allowed copy area.
The applicant currently has the primary wall sign installed on the second floor of the building, which is
approximately 100 square feet. The applicant is requesting a second wall sign that is approximately 100
square feet. Without a variance, the applicant's second wall sign would only be permitted at 50 square feet.
If approved, two wall signs of similar size would be allowed on the second floor building facade. No other
signage would be permitted on the second floor facade.
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 has reviewed the application as presented and finds the
application does not meet a positive finding on two of the five review criteria. Therefore, staff recommends
denial of the requested variance to the Land Development Code.
The applicant was not present.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. No comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council Member Howard moved to table Item No. 10, Variance Request, EnviroStruct
LLC to the next meeting: seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0
with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 11— Main Street Historic Survey
Christine Dalton provided a brief presentation regarding the Historic Resource survey her team completed
in downtown Clermont. There were 250 buildings included and the project was funded by a matching grant
and Clermont Main Street. The survey project identifies architectural styles within Clermont, time periods,
growth patterns and serves as a baseline for future projects. There is a potential of creating a Historic Board.
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Mayor Murry opened the public comment.
Jenny May, 4062 Greystone Drive— spoke in support of the historic survey and creating a Historic Board.
Mayor Murry closed the public comment.
Council Member Strange moved to approve Item No. 11, Survey Report and associated
Master Site file form as prepared by the Clermont Main Street program, seconded by
Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 12 — Negotiation and Contract Award, City Attorney Contract
Interim City Attorney Waugh presented Council with a contract for their consideration. He read the section
called conflicts of interest on the application he submitted in which he stated he represented clients that
involved the City of Clermont in the past.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — spoke about the difference in an hourly rate versus the flat rate from
our previous City Attorney.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council discussed the hourly rate, the number of hours the City Attorney would work on average, and the
additional cost associated with billing hourly instead of a flat rate.
Council Member Strange inquired about Interim City Attorney Waugh's availability and schedule with the
City.
Interim City Attorney Waugh said that he will ensure consistency by remaining available throughout the
entire day on Tuesdays, consistent with the schedule maintained by the former City Attorney.
Mayor Murry asked for clarification about travel.
Interim City Attorney Waugh stated that travel to City Hall on Tuesdays is not billed, to the extent of
litigation travel is billed.
Council Member Howard moved to approve Item No. 12, Negotiation and Contract Award,
City Attorney Contract, seconded by Council Member Petersen. Passed unanimously 4-1
with Mayor Murry opposing_
Item No. 13 — Ordinance No. 2025-001, Land Development Code Amendment 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 12 "CBD CENTRAL
BUSINESS DISTRICT" SECTION 125-369 "PERMITTED USES", SECTION 125-370
"CONDITIONAL USES" AND 125-373 "OFF-STREET PARKING"; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
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City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Howard moved to introduce Item No. 13, Ordinance No. 2025-001. Land
Development Code Amendment, seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed
unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Council Member Strange asked for feedback from Planning and Zoning.
Development Services Director Henschel stated that the official minutes from the meeting were not
available.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Bain provided insight to the discussion and recommendation on
this item from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. There was a 7-0 vote to approve the item.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills - Planning and Zoning Commission volunteers work hard.
Patrick Bianchi, Clermont Main Street — expressed that Clermont Main Street is affected by these changes
and should be a part of the discussion.
Discussion ensued on multi story development and having a footprint versus square footage.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Bain said there was discussion on the item regarding changing
restaurants to match and have it all be 6,000 square feet as well as what that meant for a Conditional Use
Permit.
Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 14 — Ordinance No. 2025-002, Land Development Code Amendment Intro
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER
115, "PARKING AND VEHICULAR USE AREAS", SECTION 115-14 "TABLE OF
MINIMUM PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS'; 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. 14, Ordinance No. 2025-002, Land
Development Code Amendment; seconded by Council Member Myers.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Bain provided insight to the discussion and recommendation on
this item from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The vote was 4-3 to approve with
amendments.
The information below is what Chair Bain stated were the amendments with the Planning and Zoning
Commission approval of the Ordinance.
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Square off red zone section
5-year requirement, if the use changed within 5 years it would be reevaluated based off the new
use.
• Chart — minimum number of spaces required in the Central Business District (CBD) and outside
the CBD. Clarify asterisks - red zone is 0 in both, blue zone what is listed there but crossed out .05 office
& veterinary, 0.83 retail.
Council Member Howard spoke about changing to a five-year mandatory for the parking, the decision not
to square off the red section was made to preserve opportunities. In favor of item with the recommendations
from Planning and Zoning Commission.
Patrick Bianchi, Clermont Main Street — stated the area is a complex discussion. Spoke on parking
exemptions within downtown.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Council spoke about advertising to increase flexibility in decision making at the final reading.
Council Member Howard suggested approving with the smaller red zone since the City is not offering any
entitlements. The red zone could be expanded if Council chooses.
Council Member Howard amended his motion to approve Ordinance 2025-002 with the
original red outline and include all other changes recommended by Planning & Zoning;
seconded by Council Member Strange. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present
voicing aye.
Item No. 15 — Ordinance No. 2025-003, Magnolia Center PUD Amendment 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 Howard moved to introduce Item No. 15, Ordinance No. 2025-003,
Magnolia Center PUD Amendment, seconded by Council Member Myers.
Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Bain provided insight to the discussion and recommendation on
this item from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The vote was 7-0 to approve.
Mayor Murry closed the public hearing.
Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 11, 2025
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 11:04 pm.
APPROVED:
' Tim Murry, Maylor
ATTEST:
�:�d -
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC
City Clerk
14