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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.26.2025 - City Council Meeting City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday,August 26,2025, at 3:00 pm in the Clermont City Council Chambers. Mayor Murry called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm with the following Council Members present: Council Members Strange,Howard,Myers and Petersen. Other City officials present were Interim City Manager Van Wagner,Deputy City Manager Matthys,City Attorney Waugh, and Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Police Chaplain James Pagan gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS Annual Comprehensive Financial Report— Finance Director Borror introduced Heather Mosier, Partner with Carr, Riggs and Ingrahm Advisor LLC to present the audit report. This firm was selected by an independent committee to perform the city's independent audit for fiscal year 2024. Ms.Mosier shared that this was her firm's first year handling the audits for both the city and the CRA. She gave a general overview of the results,explaining that both audits received clean,unmodified opinions with no major issues. One significant deficiency was noted involving unbilled receivables and lease reporting, but steps are already being taken to fix it.The management letter included two compliance issues:missing • documentation for required continuing education and the CRA budget not being submitted to the County on time.GASB 100 was implemented this year,changing how some funds are presented,and more changes are expected in the coming years. Overall, the audit went smoothly with no disagreements or major concerns. Discussion ensued on GASB changes as well as the financial information the city provides on the website. Quarterly Budget Report— Finance Director Borror provided a high-level overview of the third quarter budget report,noting no budget amendments at this time and highlighting that the city has already surpassed $1 million in investment interest earnings. Citywide revenues and expenditures are tracking favorably against the expected 75 percent benchmark. The General Fund is performing well, Enterprise fund revenues are at 70 percent, though sewer impact fees are low.Capital spending in enterprise funds is behind pace,with only 40 percent of the capital budget used. One area of concern is public safety overtime,with police and fire departments already at 90 percent of their overtime budgets,which may require adjustments before year-end. PUBLIC COMMENT Amalie Skorman,FloDash Events—spoke about the Freedom 5k. Samii Taylor Yakavetic,Powder Place Drive—spoke about eminent domain and the Lumberyard Project. Mr.Nader, 17431 US Hwy 192-spoke about a civil dispute regarding his business. • Valarie Schuett,931 Montrose Street—spoke about impact fees on additional dwelling units. Joe Fumasi,2693Jumping Jack Way—spoke about Wellness Way. 1 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2025 Charlene Forth, 939 W.Desoto Street—spoke about the sound system in Council Chambers. Jenny May,4062 Greystone Drive—spoke about promoting businesses on Facebook. AGENDA CHANGES There were none. 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 minutes of the July 10,2025,and July 15,2025,council workshops and the July 29, 2025, and August 12, 2025, council meetings. Item No.2—Surplus Request Consider declaring end-of-life inventory as surplus from the Police and Parks and Recreation Departments and providing disposal per the Procurement Policy. Item No.3—RFP Award Consider approval of the RFP award and Development of a Form-Based Code executing a contract with DPZ CoDesign, LLC., to develop and adopt a Form-Based Code (FBC) to replace or supplement the existing zoning regulations for the downtown area in the amount of$450,000. Mayor Murry pulled Item 3. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 1-2: seconded by Council Member Petersen.Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No.3—RFP Award,Development of a Form-Based Code Mayor Murry said he pulled the item because he had some concerns.While he supports form-based codes, he is not sure it is the right fit for downtown. Mayor Murry opened the public comment. Anna Sinclair,575 W Minneola Ave.—expressed her support for choosing DZP for the form-based code. Samii Taylor,Powderhorn Place Drive—spoke about infrastructure. Valarie Schuett,931 W. Montrose Street—spoke in support of form-based code. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—stated that she does not want to see high buildings in the area. 2 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Jenny May,4062 Greystone Drive—spoke in support of the item. Mayor Murry closed the public comment. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item 3,award of a form-based code contract to DPZ Code Design LLC with specific instruction to staff to get started on this right away; seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Murry stated that he agreed with the idea of form-based codes and the strong towns concept but does not think it is a good fit for the city right now. He did not support spending $450,000 on a plan that only covers part of the city. Council Member Strange stated her support for updating the downtown code, saying it has been 10 years since the master plan was created,but the zoning was never updated to match. She spoke about the funds invested in downtown improvements like Victory Pointe and streetscapes to support walkability, and that finishing the job with a proper code makes sense. City Attorney Waugh pointed out that the motion was if the item passed to start immediately. The project is funded in next year's budget so it could not begin before October 1. Council Member Strange stated that there are funds in this year's budget that could be allocated to this project to get started. Council Member Howard expressed his support for the form-based code plan, stating that this is not about new development, but redevelopment. He stated that it is a chance to clean up outdated areas, add smart infill,and plan for future growth.While$450,000 sounds like a lot,he said it is a small price for something that will guide the city's redevelopment for decades. With major changes coming to US Highway 50, he believes now is the time to get ahead of it and make sure the city has a clear vision moving forward. Council Member Petersen motioned to call for a vote.Council Member Strange seconded the motion. Mayor Murry said there is a disconnect between what Council says it wants and how it acts, creating confusion. Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The next three items were presented together and voted on separately. Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski read the ordinance titles aloud of Ord. 2025-025, Ord. 2025-026 and Ord. 2025-027. Item No.4-Ordinance No.2025-025, CarMax Expansion Annexation Final 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. 3 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2025 Item No. 5-Ordinance No.2025-026, CarMax Expansion SSCPA Final 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. Item No.6-Ordinance No.2025-027, CarMax Expansion Rezoning Final AN ORDNANCE 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. Development Services Planner Kruse presented the items. The applicant is requesting annexation, a small- scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning of the subject property.The property is located east of County Road 455 and north of State Road 50, adjacent to Auto Plex Lane, and is approximately 17 acres. The property meets-the requirements for consideration of'annexation under Florida Statues 171'.044 by adjacent to the current city limits. The property is located within the Joint Planning Agreement and Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement service boundaries and the city will be providing water and sewer services.The property shall be developed as a continuation of the existing CarMax dealership to be used as an auto inventory, wholesale auction, and other accessory uses to the dealership. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2025-025. The current future land use in Lake County is Commercial.As part of the annexation process,the property will need a City of Clermont future land use designation. A similar designation in the city is Commercial and would be compatible with the proposed end development. Most of the existing future land uses in the area are Commercial future land use. The applicant's request to change the future land use to the city's Commercial designation does not propose a conflict to the existing uses and land uses in the area.The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval as presented, 7-0. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2025-026. The applicant is requesting a rezoning from Lake County Planned Commercial to City of Clermont Planned Unit Development as part of the annexation process. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 The property has an existing ordinance, Ordinance 2025-03, issued by Lake County that includes specific development requirements relating to the proposed end use as auto inventory,wholesale auction,and other accessory uses with the adjoining CarMax dealership.The property was previously used as an asphalt plant operating under Lake County Industrial zoning prior to the recent zoning change to Planned Commercial in Lake County. The requested City's Planned Unit Development zoning would allow the transfer of the existing specific development requirements. As part of the Planned Unit Development,the applicant would be required to develop the site in substantial accordance with a site plan. The proposed site plan as part of the city's Ordinance has been reviewed by the Clermont Site Review Committee as part of the Joint Planning Agreement to ensure the proposed development is in compliance with the city's regulations. The capturing of the existing Planned Commercial zoning is most appropriately suited to the city's Planned Unit Development, since this allows an ordinance format and allows specific uses to be documented as conditions. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval as presented, 7-0. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2025-027. Jimmy Crawford, Crawford, Modica&Holt were present on behalf of the owner, CarMax. Mr. Crawford explained that this project was approved by the county but is almost surrounded by the city. The usual process is to annex after construction. They chose to annex early, follow the city code, and ensure the city receives impact fees. They work with staff and are ready to move forward, with a team present to answer questions. The project Planner, Cassidy Clemens presented a PowerPoint presentation on their proposed project and addressed some concerns that were asked at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Mr. Crawford stated that the applicant would donate land or cooperate with a vendor to provide space for an amenity for the trail that abuts to the property. He suggested adding language to the ordinance stating, "the owner agrees to cooperate with the city to discuss Viability of providing land alongthe north boun " ' ' b g P Y Y P €� �_'` which could be used for a south trail related amenity". Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Samii Taylor,Powderhorn Place Drive—spoke about heavy trucks and noise abatement. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—spoke about car carrier deliveries. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Discussion followed regarding traffic, landscape buffers and delivery hours, during which Mr. Crawford stated there are no additional conditions in the county ordinance and requested approval to maintain all operational allowances previously permitted by the County. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 4 Ordinance No. 2025-025, CarMax Expansion Annexation. Council Member Petersen asked if this will be wholesale or retail. Mr. Crawford stated that this will be wholesale only. Seconded by Council Member Strange. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. 5 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2025 Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 5 Ordinance No. 2025-026, CarMax Expansion SSCPA: Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 6 Ordinance No. 2025-027, CarMax Expansion Rezoning to include the north boundary agreement language:seconded by Council Member Myers. Council Member Strange listed some amendments within the ordinance that she would like to see. Amend 3B, instead of saying the 1FAS list, the Clermont list. Paragraph 14 has three-year development commencement,Clermont's is two years,and it does reference the Board of County Commissioners which should be Clermont City Council. Council Member Howard amended his motion to include Council Member Strange's remarks; seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 7-Ordinance No.2025-028, Bloxam Offices Rezoning Final 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. Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski read the ordinance title aloud. Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. The applicant, Patrick Harb, is requesting a rezoning for the subject vacant parcel located north of Pitt Street and east of Bloxam Avenue. The 5.65- acre parcel is currently zoned R-3-A Residential/Professional with a Future Land Use Designation of Commercial. The applicant is requesting to rezone the property to Planned Unit Development with Office/Flex space uses. The Planned Unit Development would allow for a multi-tenant development consisting of five Office/Flex Buildings with 48,500 square feet of space.The Office/Flex buildings will consist of office space to include garage doors to utilize for storage capabilities for tenants,catering to businesses that require flexible use. The applicant has provided a list of prohibited uses under Section 3 of the Ordinance. These include tattoo parlors,pawn shops and smoke shops. As part of the Planned Unit Development zoning request,the applicant is requesting one waiver to the City Code. To allow a 14-foot retaining wall adjacent to U.S. Highway 27 instead of the 6 feet required by the Land Development Code due to the existing topography. Staff have also requested the applicant to have a 30 percent landscaping material increase on the south buffer that is adjacent to the residential property. Staff also recommend the elevations provided require additional architectural treatment during the site review process. 6 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2025 The rezoning to Planned Unit Development will be consistent with the City of Clermont Comprehensive Plan Goals, Objectives and Policies. The mixed-use development is consistent with the character of the surrounding properties and will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Land Development Codes. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval 6-0 with two additional conditions: 1) minimum of 82 parking spaces and 2) no live/work units allowed. At the City Council introduction, the Council voted to add a condition that access to the site shall be from Bloxam Ave. The ordinance has been updated to reflect this in Section 3, Item 9. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 2025-028. Jimmy Crawford,Crawford,Modica&Holt were present on behalf of the applicant.He presented Council with a revised concept plan showing the entrance on Bloxam Avenue. He agreed to the parking requirements but requested that instead of a restriction on the live/workspace that the Council incorporate language stating,"owner shall cooperate with City Planning staff and consultants through the site planning and building permit process to provide a project which enhances the community." Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.No comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard requested insight on the live/work restriction from the Chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Chairperson Bain stated that R3 zoning prohibits single family residential and the premise of the addition was to exclude live/work in general from this site not just single family.At the time of the recommendation, there was no planned ingress egress on Bloxam Avenue,so there was no connection to the residential area. He stated that what came before the Planning Commission was not for live/work and it was their hope that if there was a change it would come before them to make a recommendation on that. Discussion ensued on the 14-foot retaining wall and that it would top out below US Highway 27 because s�. of the grade of the property as well as the ingress egress on US Highway 27. Council Member Strange expressed concern that,since this is a Planned Unit Development,any significant changes to the approved layout would require returning to Council for approval,unless the form-based code is adopted and the revised plan complies with it. City Attorney Waugh cited code section 101-284,which is the factors that the city council should consider when dealing with rezoning. It considers if the plan follows existing guidelines, reflects current changes, has enough space for other uses,and fits in with nearby properties. Mr. Crawford stated that the applicants are eager to move forward and would like to break ground within six months. They are acting in good faith and aim to design a project that satisfies both the city and the owners. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 7 Ordinance No. 2025-028, Bloxam Offices Rezoning with stipulation to cooperate with the city on site planning to enhance the community and eliminate the live work housing provision: seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Murry asked what the applicants plan is if the State does not approve the entrance on US Highway 27. Mr. Crawford stated the applicant would return to Council with a new concept plan. 7 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2025 Council Member Strange said she was not in agreement with access off US Highway 27 as well as a 14- foot retaining wall. Discussion ensued concerning the access points to the property. The motion passed by roll call vote 3-2 with Council Member Strange and Council Member Petersen opposed. Item No. 8-Ordinance No.2025-030, Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act Final AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY,FLORIDA,REPEALING CHAPTER 40,ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski read the ordinance title aloud. City Attorney Waugh presented the item.This ordinance is meant to update the city code to match current state law, which no longer allows local governments to ban watercrafts based on the power source. Since the city currently prohibits gas-powered watercrafts,this ordinance was drafted to repeal those now-illegal rules. He stated that in prior conversation Council discussed the possibility of incorporating other types of modifications. Council Member Howard suggested looking at modifications lake by lake instead of having a blanket ordinance that applies to all lakes. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. ..... ' Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—spoke about boats on the smaller lakes. Sammi Taylor, Powderhorn Place Drive—spoke about preserving lakes. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. City Attorney Waugh explained that Home Rule says that a city can govern unless the state says otherwise and they have been closing that gap. Discussion ensued at the reach of the State with this law as well as difference between gas and electric engines and the premise of the law. Council Member Howard would like to pass this ordinance and come back to each lake and make rules and modifications accordingly. Council discussed different modifications such as speed limits and stating no boats in certain areas. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 8 Ordinance No. 2025-030, Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act:Seconded by Council Member Myers.The motion passed by roll call vote 4-1 with Council Member Strange opposed. 8 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Item No.9-Resolution No.2025-013R, Clermont West Phase 2 CUP A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY,FLORIDA,GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT(2025-013R),TO ALLOW FOR TWO HOTELS TO OCCUPY MORE THAN 20,000 SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR SPACE AND TO ALLOW SHARED PARKING AMONG THE HOTELS. IN ADDITION, THE APPLICANT IS REQUESTING THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL CONDITIONS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: (1) TO ALLOW ZERO (0) FOOT INTERNAL LANDSCAPE BUFFERS BETWEEN INTERNAL LOT LINES AND (2) TO ALLOW A MAXIMUM GRADING WITHIN THE PERIMETER LANDSCAPE BUFFERS UP TO 25% SLOPE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,SEVERABILITY,ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski read the resolution title aloud. Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. The applicant, Clermont West Investors is requesting to develop the southern portion of a C-2 General Commercial zoned parcel fronting on Hooks Street, located south of Portillo's, between Hobby Lobby and Ford of Clermont. The property is approximately 10 acres in size.The applicant is proposing two hotels in the interior portion of the property, up to five-stories in height, with a maximum square footage of 70,000 square feet each and a total of 250 rooms collectively.The hotels will not be extended stays,and a condition has been added to the conditional use permit(Section 2,item 4). The southernmost portion of the property will consist of a stormwater pond and a 12,500 square foot daycare facility. An interior vacant lot,approximately one acre,will be available for C-2 General Commercial uses.No user has been identified by the applicant at this time for the vacant lot. Thy applicant is.required to seek a conditional:use permit due to the proposed hotel building sizes over 20,000 square feet, shared parking between the hotels, and two special conditions: (1) to allow zero-foot internal landscape buffers between internal lot line and(2)to allow a maximum grade within the perimeter landscape buffer up to 25 percent. Last year, the applicant previously applied for a similar project with hotel use, three-story self-storage, and daycare use that was not approved by City Council along with six special conditions.The applicant has revised the site plan by removing the self-storage component,reducing the number of special conditions and shifting the stormwater around within the site. Access to the site will be from the existing western driveway access point on Hooks Street,serving Ford of Clermont and this development. In addition, the site will be accessed from the existing State Road 50 entrance and the Sandy Grove access point to the east.The secondary access point on Hooks Street between the stormwater pond and the proposed daycare site has been acknowledged by Lake County and will warrant improvements along Hooks Street,as indicated in the traffic impact analysis review memo. Staff reviewed the CUP application in accordance with Sec. 101-212 of the Land Development Code.With the revised changes,the project does not appear to conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. The future land use is Commercial and the proposed uses, particularly the hotel use, is supported by Policy 1.9.3. The applicant has made some revisions to the original proposal to lessen the intensity along with other site changes that alleviate staff's concerns about the compatibility of the development in the area. In addition, 9 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 with the revision of parking areas within the development,pedestrian safety appears to have been improved. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5 to 2,with an additional condition added for a tree inventory and replacement plan. The applicant provided a tree survey, dated July 22, indicating the existing trees were planted for silviculture use and would be exempt from tree mitigation. Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2025-013R. Jimmy Crawford,Crawford,Modica&Holt was present on behalf of the applicant and provided a synopsis on the revisions,noting the proposal has reduced from six waiver requests to two,removed the self-storage component,prohibited extended stay hotels with a clear defmition,improved pedestrian safety with pocket parks and designated walkways, and enhanced open space and increased safety around the daycare. Mr. Crawford stated that they were approached regarding replacing some of the parking spaces with a public park area south of the hotels to be built at the developer's expense.The applicant acknowledged they may not need all the spaces and suggested the option of removing about thirty spaces to create a public park area.There is an idea that is not final or to scale but could allow them to still meet code or request a waiver, depending on hew staffs evaluation of the blended parking rate during site planning. Mr. Crawford suggested adding language to the resolution stating, "parking requirements may be waived by the city during the site planning process for the area to the south of the hotels,provided land excluded from parking areas shall be used as park and recreation space available to the public at the cost of the developer.If parking requirements are not met the city shall consider a variance/waiver and shall waive such application fees." Corey Sitler,Kimley-Horn,informed Council that the requirement for parking spaces for the project is 311 and currently they have 319. Discussion ensued about the hotels being extended stay and setting the maximum stay at 30 days, having kitchenettes as well as restaurants within the hotels. °• " Ewa Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Jenny May,4062 Greystone Drive—spoke about traffic and the entrance. Samii Taylor,Powderhorn Place Drive—spoke about traffic. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard stated that he is not in support of the extended day hotels allowing the length of stay over fifteen days but does support the park. Council Member Strange expressed her interest in having the park being more of a green space than a playground. She also spoke about parking and being able to reduce the parking spaces for green space. Council discussed the parking spaces and the need for all the parking when the hotel is near or at capacity. 10 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item No. 9 Resolution No. 2025-013R, Clermont West Phase 2 CUP allowing under section 2 the hotel to have an incorporated restaurant and to permit use of kitchenettes and to incorporate the language provided by Jimmy Crawford and under paragraph nine to include under architectural design standards as amended at the time of construction: seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Mayor Murry recessed the meeting at 6:05 pm; Mayor Murry reconvened the meeting at 6:16 pm. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 10-Resolution No.2025-019R, Church at South Lake CUP A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, GRANTING AN AMENDMENT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (2025-019R) TO ALLOW FOR AN EXPANSION TO THE EXISTING CHURCH AT SOUTH LAKE CAMPUS. PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski read the resolution title aloud. Development Services Planner Gonzalez presented the item. The applicant, The Church at South Lake, is requesting an amendment to an existing conditional use permit to allow for the development of a 16,355 square-foot building addition to the existing church campus. The subject property is located within a planned unit development and is operating under an existing conditional use permit. The Church at South Lake was granted a conditional use permit in 2011 to operate a house of worship in the C-2 General Commercial Zoning District. The proposed expansion would include a new worship auditorium and staff offices. :. The site plan provided shows the development of a 16,355 square foot building addition being constructed between the two existing buildings. The current auditorium, which seats approximately 500, will be repurposed as space for the church's youth ministry. Upon completion of the expansion, the total seating capacity of the church auditorium will be 700 seats,representing a net seating increase of 200. In reviewing an application for a conditional use permit, Section 101-212 (c) of the Land Development Code is consulted.The proposed project expansion is consistent with the existing land use designation and surrounding development pattern. Staff have reviewed the proposed amendment and found it consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0, as presented. Staff recommended approval of Resolution 2025-019. Brian Hammond, Senior Pastor at the Church of South Lake said that this project had been in the works since they purchased the property in 2011. They renovated the two existing buildings for church use and always planned to eventually connect them.Now that the need has become clear,they are moving forward by building a new worship auditorium between the buildings, along with added office space. The current auditorium will be repurposed primarily for growing youth and student ministries. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.No comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. 11 CityClermont of MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 10 Resolution No. 2025-019R, Church at South Lake CUP: seconded by Council Member Myers.Passed unanimously 5- 0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 11 - Surplus Property Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. The property, located at the corner of West and Desoto Street,the half-acre parcel is currently used as a city parking lot with about 14 to 20 spaces and was formerly used by the volunteer fire department.The purpose of this item is simply to determine if the City Council wants to declare the parcel as surplus. Mayor Murry opened the public comment. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—spoke against surplus,the city needs parking. Bryan Bain,245 Nautica Mile Drive—inquired about the placement of the item on the agenda and requested transparency,noting the city's need for additional parking. Patrick Bianchi, 810 W. Montrose Street—recommended placing an RFP to ensure strategic development rather than selling it off without a clear vision. Anna Sinclair, 575 W. Minneola — spoke against declaring it surplus and recommended waiting for a planning report to see what's proposed for the property. Mayor Murry closed the public comment. Council Member,Howard acknowledged that he asked for the item to be placed on the agenda.The owner of the adjacent property wants to turn the property into_a mixed-use space,but drainage issues are slowing things down. Right now, it could be used for parking,but someone's interested in buying it, which would help get it back on the tax rolls. Long-term, surface parking is not the answer, he felt that the city needs a parking garage for downtown.He expressed his support for making this property surplus.There is a nearby property owner with an interest in redeveloping the area in the near future. Council Member Strange believes the government should not own real estate without a clear plan, especially in a downtown commercial area. Leaving property off the tax rolls creates dead space and does not serve the community. She is in favor of selling it as surplus to get it back into productive use. She informed the public that this property is in the Community Redevelopment Agency and there is a formal process that must be carried out to sell the property. In the meantime, she suggested issuing an RFP to gather creative development ideas for the property. City Attorney Waugh explained the process to surplus property in the Community Redevelopment Agency. He stated that under Florida law, city-owned property must first be declared surplus before it can be sold. The sale must go through a broker or an RFP process, with at least 30 days' notice before finalizing any contract. The City Council has the authority to decide what serves the public interest best, so the property does not have to go to the highest bidder. 12 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Council discussed the pros and cons of surplusing the property,awaiting feedback from the consulting firm on potential uses for the property, including the option of retaining it as parking. Council Member Petersen motioned to deny Item No. 11 Surplus Property: seconded by Council Member Myers. Discussion ensued on city owned land,redevelopment potential,parking and surplusing property. Council Member Petersen amended his motion to place the property in surplus: seconded by Council Member Strange. City Attorney Waugh stated that there was a second to the original motion and they would have to agree with the amendment. He also stated that there should not be a motion to deny,there needs to be a positive motion. Motion failed 2-3 with Council Member Howard, Council Member Strange and Council Member Petersen opposed. Council Member Petersen motioned to place the property into surplus: seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed 3-2 with Council Member Myers and Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 12- Surplus Property Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. The city council will consider declaring the quarter-acre property at 650 West Montrose Street, which includes a 2,000 sq. ft.building and 10 parking spaces near City.Hall,as surplus. The city bought the property in 2023 with Fire Impact.Fees for$785,000 and spentanother$400,000 on renovations,totaling$1.2 million for the purchase of the property. Mayor Murry opened the public comment. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—spoke against placing the property in surplus. Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills—spoke about the appraised value of the property. Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — asked for the list of all city owned properties before making decisions. Samii Taylor, Powderhorn Place Drive—spoke about the best use for the property. Patrick Bianchi, 810 W. Montrose Street—spoke in favor of placing the property in surplus. Cyn Doyle, 1020 W Minnehaha—spoke against surplusing the property. Jenny May,4062 Greystone Drive—spoke about having a plan for what the city owns. 13 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Ana Sinclair, 575 W. Minneola Avenue —requested to have planners come in and advise before the city surpluses property. Mayor Murry closed the public comment. Council Member Howard said that the purchase of this property was a mistake made by a previous council. It was unnecessary since there was better land available nearby for the fire department, which was the original intended use. The decision was government overreach,and now his priority is to sell the property and place it back on the tax rolls. He explained that if both properties sell the city can look at purchasing the post office property and make a plan for downtown. Council Member Strange stated that there is a list of city owned properties and requested Interim City Manager Van Wagner make it public and place it on the website for residents to see. She agrees with surplusing the property and getting the property back on the tax rolls. Council Member Myers believed that Council should wait to see what the planners suggest with the property and then at that time decide on whether to surplus the property. The council discussed Utility Billing department using the building as they are outgrowing their space in City Hall. Council Member Howard motioned to approve surplusing the property; seconded by Council Member Strange. Passed 3-2 with Council Member Myers and Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 13—Board Appointment Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. He stated that:as mentioned in the previous meeting there was a possibility of a Board Member resigning.Board Member Frances Falcone has resigned from the Code Enforcement Board. The appointment is to fill the remainder of her term in Seat 2, which expires on March 31, 2026. Two applications were submitted to the city for the Code Enforcement Board, which were Bill Kilburn who has previously served on the Code Enforcement Board and Elex Newsome who is a new applicant. Mayor Murry opened the public comment.No comment. Mayor Murry closed the public comment. Mayor Murry explained why Mr.Newsome and Mr.Kilburn could not attend the meeting. Council Member Howard motioned to appoint Bill Kilburn to the Code Enforcement Board; seconded by Council Member Myers. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 14—City Manager Contract City Attorney Waugh stated that he and the Human Resources Director negotiated the contract based on the previous City Manager's contract. He noted some of the differences which included no severance provision,the evaluation process,benefits and the removal of the outside work clause. 14 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Mayor Murry opened the public comment. Samii Taylor,Powderhorn Place Drive—expressed her concern in making this permanent. Joe Fumasi,2693 Jumping Jack Way—spoke in support Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive—he felt that this process should have been handled differently and involved citizens. He also noted additional items in the contract. Paula Hoisington,564 E.Desoto Street—spoke about the process. Cyn Doyle W. 1020 W.Minnehaha Avenue—spoke about transparency. Patrick Bianchi, 810 W.Montrose—spoke in support. Jenny May,4062 Greystone Drive—spoke in support. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—spoke about transparency. Vincent Niemiec,Regency Hills—spoke in support. Mayor Murry closed the public comment. Council discussed their opinions on appointing Interim City Manager Van Wagner to be full-time City Manager. They discussed how he works with Deputy City Manager Matthys as well as parts of the contract including retroactive benefits, vacation time,raises and retirement contributions. Council Member Strange suggested starting any benefits he receives be effective as of today and not retroactively which Interim City Attorney Van Wagner agreed to. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item No. 14 with all benefits should he choose to accept.them to begin as of tonight and retirement to be stricken, will review in six months and can be added then;.seconded by Council Member Howard. Mayor Murry felt that the outside work clause should be placed in the contract and will not support the contract as written. Council Member Strange called the question; seconded by Council Member Howard. Passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 15—Council Meeting Times Interim City Manager Van Wagner informed Council that they requested this item be placed on an agenda to discuss the start time of the Council meetings. Council Member Howard stated that he is opposed to starting meetings later in the evening. The meetings are lasting hours,and the public would not stay for the whole meeting when they are lasting five hours.He said the issue is not the start time, it is how long the meetings drag on. Until the council learns to move through meetings more efficiently, he is not on board with changing the start time but would support splitting the meeting so the public can speak at a certain time. 15 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 Council Member Myers agreed with Council Member Howard and stated that there are many ways to communicate with Council outside of Council meetings. Mayor Murry opened the public comment. Vincent Niemiec,Regency Hills—suggested being able to have public input online. Paula Hoisington,564 E.Desoto Street—expressed her issue with decisions being made before hearing the people. Ana Sinclair, 575 W. Minneola Avenue—suggested issuing agendas two weeks in advance. Samii Taylor,Powderhorn Place Drive—in support of starting meetings at 6:30 pm. Joe Fumasi,2693 Jumping Jack Way—suggested finding a middle ground and starting meetings a 4:00pm or 5:00 pm. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—in support of starting meetings at 6:30 pm. Cyn Doyle, 1020 W. Minnehaha Avenue—restructure meetings and have a zoom option. Patrick Bianchi, 810 W. Montrose Street—spoke in support of technology for public input. Mayor Murry closed the public comment. Council Member Petersen stated that decision making drops the later in the evening it becomes,and Council does not need to be making decisions that late at night. Mayor Murry stated the agenda itself contributes to the issue and emphasized the need for more careful consideration when determining agenda items. The council talked about Making use of the consent agenda which could lessen the meeting times, as well as having a hybrid meeting schedule. REPORTS CITY MANAGER REPORT Interim City Manager Van Wagner— • City Hall will be closed September 1 for Labor Day. • First Budget Public Hearing will be on September 9 at 5:30pm. • First Friday food truck will be on September 5. • Lake County proposed to fund the ambulance service. • Offered to have the Mayor review the agenda ahead of publishing. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney Waugh— • Summary judgment on the Wright-Ahern case and is settled. • Drafting an agreement between the city and sunshine that will come before Council. • There will be two resolutions coming forward,permitting site visits and SB 180. 16 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 • Working with Finance on several resolutions. • Looking into CRA fmancial requirements. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council Member Myers—No report. Council Member Petersen—No report. Council Member Strange— • The Tourism Development Council meets in October and will be sending the strategic plan to the Board of County Commissioners. • Miss Teen Florida lives in Clermont. Council Member Howard— • Requested more understanding of litigation routes for SB 180. • Businesses on social media would like a workshop discussion on new business social media. • Explained the reasons annexations are not contiguous,because they were before the ISBA. Deputy City Manager Matthys— • The city live streams meetings on YouTube and Facebook and allows comments. Staff is experimenting with Teams Town Hall to have more people interact. Mayor Murry— • Attended the Florida League of Cities conference. • Requested notification prior to ten days if a leak is detected. • Mayor's luncheon next week. 17 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 26,2025 ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting adjourned at 9:04 pm. APPROVED: Tim Murry,Ma or ATTEST Tracy Ackroyd How ,M C City Clerk . 4 hat1m�' 18