Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.29.2025 - City Council Meeting City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 3:00pm in the Clermont City Council Chambers. Mayor Murry called the meeting to order at 3:00pm with the following Council Members present: Council Members Strange,Howard,Myers and Petersen. Other City officials present were Interim City Manager Van Wagner,City Attorney Waugh,and City Clerk Howe. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Father Mark Wajada of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Churchgave the invocation, followed bythe Pledge g of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS Police Chief Graczyk administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Police Chief McMaster. Deputy Police Chief McMaster thanked his family as well as Police Chief Graczyk for the opportunity. PROCLAMATION City Clerk Howe read a proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation month. Parks and Recreation Director Forman accepted the proclamation. PUBLIC COMMENT Charlene Forth,939 W. Desoto Street—spoke about the Council Meetingstart times. P Paula Hoisington,564 W.Desoto Street—spoke on the Lincoln Park area. Banks Helfrich,9600 Sams Lake Road—spoke about Government Charter., Joe Fumasi,2693 Jumping Jack Way—thanked Council and spoke about the County Charter. AGENDA CHANGES No changes 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 June 17, 2025, council workshop and June 24, 2025, council meeting minutes. Item No.2—Surplus Request Consider declaring end-of-life inventory as surplus from Information Technology, Building Services,Parks and Recreation,Public Services- Sanitation, Fire, and Police Departments and providing disposal per the Procurement Policy. 1 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Item No.3—Utility Service Agreement for Water Consider a request for a utility agreement for a And Wastewater fire suppression upgrade on existing building Pro Active Custom Auto located at 13550 Granville Ave. Item No.4—Lake County School Board SRO Consider agreement approval of the LCSB Agreement School Resource Officer Program from August 11,2025,through May 2026. Item No.5—Canvassing Board Appointment Consider appointing canvassing board members for the November 4, 2025, Municipal General Election. Item No.6—Change Order Approval Consider approval of Change Order 2 to the 2025 Street Resurfacing contract with Superior Asphalt, Inc., to provide street resurfacing services in the budgeted amount of$21,000. Item No.7—Sole Source Term Agreement Consider approval of a single/sole source Neptune Water Meters and Equipment agreement from Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. to acquire Neptune water meters and systems, data collector equipment, related accessories, and repair services. Item No.8—Sole Source Purchase Consider single/sole source purchase approval Sunburst Water Treatment Plan from Power& Pumps, Inc. for the acquisition of 3 variable frequency drives for a total budgeted amount of$70,216.65. Item No.9—Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the Pasco As-Needed Pumps Overhaul and Related County Term Contract No.IFB-RH-23-078 Equipment Repair Services with PSI Technologies,Inc.to provide as-needed pumps overhaul and related equipment repair services for water, wastewater, and reclaim treatment plants. Item No. 10—Request for Qualification Award Consider Awarding Request for Qualification On-Call Professional Architectural Services number 25-075 and execute a term contract with Powell Studio Architecture, OLC Architecture, and Bentley Group to provide on-call professional architectural services. 2 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Item No. 11—Contract Amendment Consider approval of the second amendment to Building Official Services the contract between the City of Clermont and Willdan Engineering, Inc.,to add Building Code Administrator or Building Official services. Item No. 12—Resolution No.2025-022R Consider an amendment to Chapter 4: Employment Policies Manual Amendment Compensation/Salary Administration, Section 4.8 Storm or Other Disaster Pay and Leave. Council Member Strange pulled items 10 and 11. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Consent Agenda Items 1-9 and 12; seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 10—Request for Qualification Award Council Member Strange stated that there was a local business that submitted for the RFQ but did not score among the top three. She said she would like to see business stay in the city if there are qualified local firms. Procurement Director Suarez explained the process of choosing the top three candidates from the responses the city received. Discussion ensued on updating the policy of the RFP process and how the committee scores the applicants as well as a possible preference for local firms. City Attorney Waugh explained that including a local preference in an RFP or RFQ can conflict with the idea of competitive bidding. However, he noted that there have been Florida cases that upheld various forms of local preference ordinances. He suggested that if the Council wants to pursue this, they should adopt a policy through an ordinance, so it is consistent across all bidding processes. Council Member Howard asked whether the Council could approve the current item, then hold a workshop to discuss local preference and create an ordinance and afterward revisit this bid to apply the new policy. City Attorney Waugh stated that the bid documents allow the option to reject all responsive bids and to select more than one, so there is flexibility built into the process. The council discussed choosing the top five firms instead of the top three. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item 10 as is and request a workshop specifically on local preference. Council Member Strange requested amending the motion to include the top five firms. Council Member Howard questioned if there was an issue with choosing five instead of three. Procurement Director Suarez stated that the council can choose the top five without changing the ordinance. 3 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29, 2025 Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item 10, Request for Qualification Award to include the top five with a request to bring back to a workshop a discussion on an ordinance for local preference: seconded by Council Member Strange. Mayor Murry opened the public comments. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — spoke in favor of selecting the most qualified firm than prioritizing a local business. Mayor Murry closed the public comments. Council Member Petersen stated he wants the most qualified firm which may not always be local. Council Member Strange explained that she would like to support local businesses who are qualified. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 11 —Contract Amendment Council Member Strange informed the Council that the agreement itself is not part of the current item. She mentioned that it is a three-year contract and said she wants to make sure the City can cancel it at any time, instead of being locked in full term. Procurement Director Suarez informed the council that all contracts have a cancellation clause. Mayor Murry opened the public comments. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street —,inquired why the city will not have an in house Building Official. Deputy City Manager Matthys explained that the City's preference is to have an in-house Building Official. Since the previous Building Official resigned, the city needs someone to fill that role temporarily until a new hire is made. The overall contract is for three years and includes services for a Building Inspector, Plans Reviewer, and Building Official, all on an as-needed basis. Ms. Forth stated that the city needs to hire inspectors and have them in-house and not contracted out. Mayor Murry opened the public comments. City Attorney Waugh informed council of the termination clause within the agreement which is a 30- day written notice. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item 11, Contract Amendment: seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Item No. 13—Lumberyard/Row House Paving City Attorney Waugh explained that the item was discussed a few meetings ago.Ms.Wilson came on behalf of the development to address concerns raised by the City Council regarding the shape of the development, particularly the parking lot being paved pursuant to the Planned Unit Development. Last year, Council approved the Planned Unit Development, which included a community benefit agreement requiring the developer to pave a parking lot by the rowhouse. At that time, he believed there was no need to amend the Planned Unit Development to waive that benefit, as it is a benefit to the city. While the city cannot unilaterally amend an agreement to force something, it can choose to waive benefits it receives. There was concern about the swales shown on the plan,which are going right to the lakefront. These plans have been submitted to and permitted by the water management district. He and Ms. Wilson were in communication to find a way forward acceptable to both parties. In Councils supplemental packet is a memorandum of understanding between the City and Pendler Clermont Lakefront Owner.This document does not amend the Planned Unit Development or the community benefit agreement. Instead, it outlines how the development will proceed going forward,including: 1. No paving of the rowhouse parking area.The developer agrees to revise the city right-of-way permit to remove the proposed paved parking. 2. The developer will revise water management district permits to reduce the size of the stormwater swales. They provided an exhibit to show the proposed changes, which eliminate direct lakefront swales but maintain necessary drainage from roads within the development. 3. The developer will revise permits to ensure no stormwater treatment occurs on the rowhouse property swales. 4. The developer will cover the cost of these permit revisions. 5. The City agrees to continue reviewing plans and issuing permits consistent with this memorandum. The developer expressed willingness to agree to these terms, and representatives may be present. Rebecca Wilson,Lowndes Law Firm,was present on behalf of the development.She stated that she worked closely with City Attorney Waugh to address some of the concerns raised at the last meeting. She stated that timing is important and amending the water management district permits will take time. While they agreed to cover the costs,they also need to avoid starting site work before the permits are finalized. The location of the swales and the water being treated,was addressed through preliminary work by Kimley Horn. They found that they can remove the stormwater treatment from one of the roofs and instead put it into a vault on the property,rather than treating it on the rowhouse property.After removing that treatment and the swales related to the paving, they were able to significantly reduce the size of the swales, which will now only treat stormwater from city right-of-way improvements on city property. 5 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—spoke against the Lumberyard project. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing Council Member Howard stated he was generally supportive but wanted to revisit parts of the community benefit agreement.To resolve Mr. Hess' sewer connection issue,there will have to be a land pass-through which means the city is not receiving that community benefit. With that, he asked for two additional conditions that he believed were insurmountable. There were funds tied to the benefit,estimated around$330,000,that he requested be returned to the City. Additionally, he requested for a small section of abandoned right-of-way on Short Street to be cleared of asphalt.He noted that Mr.Hess has agreed to landscape the area,which could help with any water retention issues by making the area pervious. Ms. Wilson followed up on the concern about the city not getting full benefit from the agreement, she explained that the Community Benefit Agreement requires the developer to dedicate about 17,200 square feet of land to the city. After resolving a property line issue with Mr. Hess, which involves giving him a small portion of land,the developer is still prepared to dedicate over 20,000 square feet to the City,which is more than what is required. Ms. Wilson stated that Mr. Hess requested an additional portion of that land. The developer said they are fine with dedicating the full amount to the city and then letting the city decide if you want to transfer a portion to Mr. Hess. She also mentioned that moving forward with this plan would help avoid delays and keep the project on track. Council Member Howard said he was fine with the plan as long as two things happen:the asphalt on Short Street is removed so the area can be landscaped,and the city receives the$325,000 tied to the community benefit agreement.He stated he was okay with the land being passed through to Mr. Hess to avoid delays, and that improving the drainage bymakingmore isimp ortant. g g o e space pervious Ms. Wilson agreed to the removal of asphalt on Short Street as well as payment to the city of$325,000 under subsection five of the agreement. Council Member Strange stated that she did not want to waste council time on something that she feels needs a workshop. She was comfortable approving the changes without fully understanding. She requested more information or to table the item. She explained that she was not clear why city land was being given to a private owner or the deal with the lift station on city property. Ms. Wilson explained her understanding of the dedication of land. She said that once the land is dedicated the city can decide what to do with it. Council Member Howard said the piece of property they are referring to was disputed through a secondary survey. This secondary survey found that the original markers were incorrect, they discovered the correct markers buried under four feet of sand. 6 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 As a result,that portion of the property,measuring 829 square feet,belongs to Mr.Hess.There was an 11- foot discrepancy,which has now been resolved. The council discussed the lift station location and a landscape buffer between the lift station and Mr.Hess' property. Mr.Hess stated that he will have to maintain the piece of property and requested the city give it to him. Council Member Strange reviewed what she understood was being brought to Council, which had to do with the boat house property and the cost of paving and the swales. She asked for the issue to be tabled so she could have more time to investigate and get a better understanding. Council Member Howard motioned to approve the lumberyard rowhouse paving changes including an agreement to remove asphalt on Short Street and the$325,000 reimbursement. The motion died for the lack of a second to the motion. Council Member Strange motioned to table to the next meeting; seconded by Council Member Petersen. Ms. Wilson informed Council that they agreed to remove the asphalt from Short Street, discontinue the paving and reimburse the$325,000 now so they can move forward with the project. She stated that delays could impact what they can commit to. She said that the lift station issue with Mr.Hess is not what is being decided at this time. City Attorney Waugh explained to Council that the developer is not obligated to provide the city with their requests.He cautioned that if the item is tabled the offer may no longer be available. Council Member Petersen rescinded his second to Council Member Strange's motion. Council Member Petersen motioned to approve Item 13, the Lumberyard/Rowhouse Paving along with the secondary items which was to remove the asphalt from Short Street and reimburse the city $325,000; seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed 3-2 with Mayor Muny and Council Member Strange opposed. The next two items were presented together and voted on separately. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance titles aloud of Ord. 2025-017,and Ord. 2025-018. 7 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Item No. 14—Ordinance No.2025-017,Land Development Code Amendment AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 123, "VEGETATION", ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL", SECTION 123-1 "DEFINITIONS"; ARTICLE II "LANDSCAPING", SECTION 123-40(C) "INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPE MATERIAL", SECTION 123-42(4)"PLANT MATERIAL",SECTION 123-43(E3)(F2)(K)"LANDSCAPE BUFFERS",SECTION 123-46(2) "LANDSCAPING ADJACENT TO FENCES, WALLS OR DUMPSTER ENCLOSURES", SECTION 123-47"PREFERRED TREE LIST', SECTION 123-48 "PREFERRED SHRUB LIST", SECTION 123-49 "NONPREFERRED TREES", PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Item No. 15-Ordinance No.2025-018,Irrigation and Landscaping Regulations AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY,FLORIDA,AMENDING CHAPTER 18,"ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES", ARTICLE VIII "WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPING"; DIVISION 1 "GENERALLY", SECTION 18-212 "DEFINITIONS", SECTION 18-216 "APPLICATION OF LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN PROVISIONS", SECTION 18-218 "EXCEPTION TO LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION PROVISIONS"; DIVISION 2 "IRRIGATION", SECTION 18-247 "IRRIGATION PLAN SUBMITTAL", SECTION 18-248 "IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN", SECTION 18-250 "LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SCHEDULE"; DIVISION 3 "LANDSCAPING", SECTION 18-279 "LANDSCAPING STANDARDS", SECTION 18-281 "DESIGN STANDARDS", PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Development Services Director Henschel presented the items.City staff are proposing code changes to the Land Development Code regarding Landscaping. These changes are focused on water conservation within the city. Several sections of Chapter 123 are being amended to create these changes. The amendments involve definition changes for tree types, soil amendment requirements,and the removal of the "preferred tree list" to allow for a new updated "Landscape Materials list" that will be part of the next presented Ordinance No.2025-18. The changes in Ordinance No. 2025-18 are focused on water conservation within the city. These changes include: 1. The requirement of soil amendments:this proposed change will require the addition of compost material to the top layer of soil before any new landscape material is to be introduced to the parcel. 8 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 2. The requirement of smart controllers. These are wi-fi-based irrigation controllers that operate more efficiently when detecting weather events in the area. 3. Limiting the amount of sod to be used: this limitation will limit the overall amount of non-drought-tolerant sod from the current allowance of 60 percent to 25percent. 4. Allowing additional Florida Friendly plants to be used within the landscape. The current plant list is being revamped to a referenced"Landscape Standards". 5. Reducing the annual water budget for each landscape customer that would be established by the City's most recent Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) issued by St. Johns River Water Management District. These changes will substantially contribute to water conservation measures throughout the city,which are being driven by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved both Ordinances 7-0 and staff recommends approval. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Joe Fumasi,2693 Jumping Jack Way—spoke in opposition of the Ordinances. Charlene Forth,939 W. Desoto Street—spoke about Florida friendly plants and reclaimed water. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard stated that reclaimed and reused water is being discussed across multiple municipalities,and they are working on moving forward with both. City Attorney Waugh informed the Council that both Ordinances violate Senate Bill 180. Florida Senate Bill 180 restricts land development code amendments that are "more restrictive or more burdensome," though the legislation fails to define these terms clearly. A lawsuit, led by Weiss Serota in South Florida, is challenging the law on grounds of vagueness,with a strong likelihood of success. Ordinances 2025-017 and 2025-018 may conflict with Senate Bill 180 due to added regulatory steps but are not automatically void unless legally challenged. A 14-day notice is required before any lawsuit, allowing time to repeal or defend. Despite broad opposition to Senate Bill 180, its currently law, and the decision to proceed rests with the governing body. Mayor Murry stated that the city has received a request to join the lawsuit against the State. He expressed concern that if the Ordinances are passed there are State Laws stating they are not enforceable. Council Member Strange stated that the key legal test under Senate Bill 180 is whether proposed changes are more restrictive or burdensome. Many elements in the ordinances, such as tree lists, landscape buffers, and irrigation,already existed,suggesting no significant increase in restrictions.She said that incorporating the new yard pattern book, which promotes sustainable landscaping practices and offers more options to developers,may reduce restrictions. 9 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Given the vagueness of Senate Bill 180 and the continuity with prior regulations, the ordinances may not violate the law. The council discussed what is considered more restrictive as well as different materials being used in landscaping. Development Services Director Henschel pointed out that the adoption date within Ordinance No. 2025- 018 was incorrect and will need to be updated. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item No. 14 Ordinance No.2025-017,Land Development Code Amendment as amended to incorporate the new yard pattern book as a requirement: seconded by Council Member Petersen. Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item No. 15 Ordinance No. 2025-018, Irrigation and Landscaping Regulations as amended to change the adoption date incorporate the new yard pattern book as a requirement: seconded by Council Member Petersen. Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 16—Executive Recruitment Services for City Manager,RFP Evaluation Procurement Director Suarez stated that there was an RFP for Executive Recruitment Services for a City Manager issued in January. The council had previously discussed it and asked for further review. Three options were presented: enter direct negotiations, create a shortlist with presentations, or terminate the process. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Bryan Bain,245 Nautica Mile Drive—encouraged Council to move forward with the RFP process. Joe Fumasi,2693 Jumping Jack Way—spoke in favor of ending the RFP process. Paula Hoisington,564 E.Desoto Street—requested Council decide and not push this to another meeting. Patrick Bianchi, 810 W. Montrose Street—spoke in favor of ending the RFP process. Charlene Forth,939 W.Desoto Street—spoke about the process of hiring a City Manager being open to the public. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. The council discussed their support for ending the procurement process, feeling confident about where the city is right now.They are happy with staff and Interim City Manager Van Wagner, saying he has brought honesty,transparency,and a better work environment. Discussion ensued on making Interim City Manager Van Wagner the permanent city manager, not just interim. 10 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Council Member Strange invited Deputy City Manager Matthys to speak on his view of becoming the City Manager. Deputy City Manager Matthys said he is still very interested in the job but asked the council to keep Interim City manager Van Wagner on at least through his current contract. He explained that both work very well together on major projects like Conserve II, ambulance services, and fire stations, and that his continued involvement is important. He explained that their skills complement each other and that they are still learning from him. Council Member Strange told Council that she had previously spoken with Interim City Manager Van Wagner,and he said he is willing to stay on as long as the city needs him,with no set end date. Interim City Manager Van Wagner agreed that he was willing to stay with the city as long as he is needed with the same contract terms. Council Member Strange motioned to terminate the procurement process; seconded by Council Member Howard.Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Council discussed whether they need to formally vote to make Interim City Manager Van Wagner the permanent City Manager, or if he can continue as Interim until they officially select someone for the permanent role. Discussion ensued on contract terms and length for Interim City Manager Van Wagner to become permanent.The council requested a contract be on the August 26,2025,agenda. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 17—Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Ad Valorem Millage Rate Finance Director Borror informed the council that,according to Florida law,the city must notify the Lake County Property Appraiser by August 4, 2025, of the proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2026. The proposed rate of 4.7 mils,down from the current 4.88 mils,will appear on property tax notices sent to city residents. The tentative millage rate will be adopted at a public hearing on September 4,2025, and the final rate will be approved at another public hearing on September 18, 2025. The final rate can be lower but cannot be higher than the proposed rate. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Charlene Forth, 939 W.Desoto Street—encouraged Council to set the millage rate at 4.2. Patrick Bianchi, 810 W.Montrose Street—spoke about taxes versus millage rates. Bryan Bain,245 Nautica Mile Drive—encouraged Council to not set the rate above the rolled back rate of 4.6185. Joe Fumasi,2693 Jumping Jack Way—spoke about setting the millage below the 4.7 mils. Otis Taylor,3686 Caladesi Road—questioned the dollar amount difference between the millage rates. 11 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Finance Director Borror informed the Council that the dollar amount associated with one mil change is $630,000. Council Member Strange talked about wanting to lower the millage rate to 4.2 but said it is tough because of rising staff costs and not enough commercial growth.She expressed the need to bring in more commercial projects through better planning to help lower taxes without hurting the community. Council Member Myers expressed her issue with lowering the millage rate to 4.2 mills. The cost of living and expenses such as materials, salaries, and benefits will keep rising. She said the city must be realistic and plan for those increases because prices do not usually go back down. She does not believe it is realistic to drop the millage rate to 4.2 right now since costs continue to increase,and the city needs to be prepared for that. Finance Director Borror presented financial projections comparing different millage rate scenarios. At the proposed 4.7 millage rate, the city would generate about $29.7 million in revenue, with a gradual rate reduction modeled over the next five years down to 4.3. Even with projected property value growth, the analysis showed that by year three, the city would start falling below its reserve balance policy. Based on these projections, staff recommended maintaining the 4.7 rate for now to stay fiscally stable, while supporting 4.2 as a long-term goal. The council talked about the city's growth,how much money is currently in reserves, and the big projects coming up that will need funding as well as ambulance services. Council Member Strange said she supports going with the 4.2 millage rate now.If next year's figures show they are not sustainable,they can raise them,but it will still be lower than the current 4.8 rate. Council Member Petersen stated.that he pledges to reduce taxes when he ran for Council. Council Member Petersen motioned to an advertised rate of 4.59 mils:seconded by Council Member Myers. Council Member Howard supported the idea of lowering the millage rate but said that it must be backed by a clear,realistic financial plan and recurring budget cuts. He said that previous poor planning led to water rate increases and stressed the need for long-term capital planning to avoid issues in the future. Mayor Murry stated that he was not willing to support anything less than the current millage rate. Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 18—Ordinance No.2025-025,CarMax Expansion 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 ordinance title aloud. 12 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Mayor Murry spoke about hearing from the public during Ordinance introductions. City Attorney Waugh explained to Council that if there are big changes to an Ordinance then it is better to make them at the introduction. There does not need to be a full public hearing but if someone from the public would like to comment then Council does have to allow that. Council Member Howard motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-025. CarMax Expansion Annexation; seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 19—Ordinance No.2025-026,CarMax Expansion SSCPA Intro AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE CITY OF CLERMONT, FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACT,CHAPTER 163,PART II, FLORIDA STATUTES; SETTING FORTH THE AUTHORITY FOR ADOPTION OF THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; SETTING FORTH THE PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; ESTABLISHING THE LEGAL STATUS OF THE SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY,ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Council Member Howard motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-026. CarMax Expansion SSCPA;seconded by Council Member Myers.Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No.20—Ordinance No.2025-027,CarMax Expansion 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 ordinance title aloud. Council Member Petersen motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-027. CarMax Expansion Rezoning; seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. 13 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 Item No. 21 —Ordinance No.2025-029,Plats Intro AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY,FLORIDA,AMENDING CHAPTER 119,SECTION 119-123,TO ESTABLISH AN EXPEDITED BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE PROCESS FOR RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION PLATS PURSUANT TO SECTION 173.073, FLORIDA STATUTES; AMENDING CHAPTER 119 OF THE CITY CODE TO REQUIRE APPROVAL OF PLAT SUBMITTALS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY, AND TO INCORPORATE OTHER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 177.071, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Council Member Howard motioned to introduce Ordinance No.2025-029,Plats;seconded by Council Member Petersen. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No.22—Resolution No.2025-021R,Plat Approval A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR INTERIM PROCEDURES FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT APPROVAL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF • SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION, AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Clerk Howe read the resolution title aloud. Council Member Petersen motioned to approve Resolution No. 2025-021 R,Plats Approval. City Attorney Waugh stated that Florida law now requires all plat approvals to be handled administratively, not by legislative bodies.To follow the new law,Council is being asked to approve a temporary resolution until a permanent code change can be made through an Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. REPORTS CITY MANAGER REPORT Interim City Manager Van Wagner—No report. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney Waugh—legislative updates will be coming forth to harmonize the city with the code. 14 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29, 2025 Mayor Murry inquired about the city joining the lawsuit regarding Senate Bill 180. City Attorney Waugh stated he believed it was a good idea and suggested a Resolution indicating support. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council Member Howard—No report. Council Member Myers—No report. Council Member Petersen— • Attended a meeting with a presentation from Live Well regarding grants. • Requested code enforcement go to the Lincoln Park area. • Requested meeting times as an item on the next agenda. Council Member Strange— • Attended the Tourism Development Council meeting and shared that sports related tourism is the number one target for Lake County Tourism. Deputy City Manager Matthys— The council previously requested a report on downtown alcohol-serving establishments. Staff found: There are 5 bars and 9 restaurants.Temporary alcohol events include First Friday,food trucks,wine strolls, and Elks Lodge events. Staff also reviewed police call data over the past three years in the downtown area. Alcohol-related calls remain low,making up: 1.02%in 2023, 1.58%in 2024 and 2.78%so far in 2025. Council Member Strange requested another report in six months to track what is happening. Mayor Muny— • Thanked Otis Taylor for the Champion Circle program which mentors young men ages 13 to 18 years old. • Attended the July 4th celebration. • Informed residents of the Tax-Free holiday. • Requested the Council meeting times on the next agenda. The council discussed making decisions late at night. • Spoke about residents informing Code Enforcement of issues. • Spoke about community policing. 15 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 29,2025 ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm. APPROVED: Tim Murry,Mayo ATTEST: Tracy Ackroyd Howe,MMC City Clerk /44 *t. 16