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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.23.2025 - City Council MeetingCity of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 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 Deputy City Manager Matthys, City Attorney Waugh, and City Clerk Howe. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Father Mark Wajada from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATION Mayor Murry presented a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week to the Clermont Fire Department. City Clerk Howe read the proclamation aloud. PRESENTATIONS Fire Chief Ezell introduced Haley Wheeler, Fire and Life Safety Educator, who provided an overview of National Fire Prevention Month and outlined the various events the Clermont Fire Department has planned throughout the month of October. Chief Ezell also announced that the Clermont Fire Department has once again earned an ISO Class 1 rating for the upcoming year. This re -designation will officially take effect in December; a formal presentation will be made to the City Council at the October meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Mock, 270 Division Street — spoke about the Veterans Memorial portion of the Meet Us in the Middle project. Requested this topic to be discussed at the October 21 City Council workshop. Kurt Schuh, VFW — Requested a Veterans Memorial and spoke of distinguished Clermont Veterans. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — spoke about addressing government in person. Toni Bell — 1139 W. Lakeshore Drive — spoke about meeting start times. Vincent Niemic, Regency Hills — spoke about the expansion of Hartwood Marsh Road. Colin A. Cotterel, 2638 Eagle Lake — spoke about a Veterans Memorial and requested support from Council. Jason Hunt, Vice Commander for American Legion Post 55 — spoke about a Veterans Memorial. Stanley Lay, 302 Misty Haven Drive, Groveland — spoke about a Veterans Memorial. Duwayne Orth, 9606 Saragossa Street, Commander of VFW in Clermont — spoke about a Veterans Memorial. Mark Koloc, 3658 Rollingbrook Street — spoke about a Veterans Memorial. Mr. Alexander, 1837 Valley Ridge Loop — spoke in support of a Veterans Memorial. 1 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Mayor Murry and Council Member Myers expressed full support for placing the Veterans Memorial on an agenda. Council Member Howard stated that permitting for the dock portion of Meet Us in the Middle is still at least a year out and suggested tying the DeHoya property to the Live Well section to move that part of the project forward. Council Member Strange raised concerns about the $16 million project potentially using veteran support to justify funding a broader park initiative without secured financing and questioned whether the memorial should be relocated to Victory Pointe. Council Member Petersen supported moving forward with the veteran's component, noting there is genuine interest from veterans and urging the Council to begin work despite limited participation. Council added the discussion regarding the Veterans Memorial and the Live Well Amphitheater to the October 21, 2025, workshop which will provide an opportunity to discuss location, branding, and integrating the memorial with the project. Legislative Update Chris Carmody, Gray Robinson, provided the annual legislative update. He stated that the recent legislative session was largely a win for the City of Clermont, especially in securing funding and support for local initiatives like "Meet Us in the Middle." While productive, the session was unstable at the state level. Despite leadership changes and delays on issues, Clermont received funding for infrastructure, education, and disaster relief. There were over 2,000 bills filed, 270 passed, and 246 signed into law. The final approved $115.1 billion budget includes a $2.4 billion tax package with permanent tax holidays and business rent tax cuts. Property taxes, hemp, gun laws, and local budget autonomy are expected to return in the coming year. Mayor Murry questioned a $1,000 property tax rebate he heard about. Mr. Carmody explained that Governor DeSantis proposed a $1,000 rebate for homestead property owners using state reserves, with no impact on local budgets. Legislative leaders did not support it, and the idea did not move forward. Council Member Myers asked Mr. Carmody if he thought the Governor is trying to push the idea that cities are overtaxing residents to reduce the role of local elected officials and shift more control to the state. Mr. Carmody responded that friction has always existed between Tallahassee and local governments. He noted that it is not clear whether there is a long-term plan, this reflects an ongoing struggle between state and local leaders over who gets to make the rules. Council Member Howard raised concerns about not being properly prepared last year and asked when legislative priorities are due. Mr. Carmody stated that priorities, especially appropriations, should be submitted as soon as possible, with the official drafting deadline on November 21. It is important to prioritize requests since not all will be filed or funded. Mr. Carmody emphasized submitting early to avoid last-minute rush and said the team is ready to help the council finalize and submit priorities on time. Council Member Howard wants a more collaborative approach this year, proposing two workshops in October to discuss and agree on priorities early. Council Member Stange asked for the top three appropriation requests likely to get support from the state. Mr. Carmody stated that water quality funding is a top priority since legislature and governor support it, especially when aligned with grant eligibility. Infrastructure and community center projects, like trail improvements, also have good chances. Lastly, road funding. It is important to understand where a road project fits in the state's work plan before requesting funds. 2 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Council discussed different dates for the workshops to discuss priorities and collectively agreed on October 7, 2025, and October 20, 2025, to discuss the legislative priorities. Mr. Carmody spoke briefly on Live Local as well as Senate Bill 180. AGENDA CHANGES There were no changes to the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Murry advised the next item on the agenda for consideration was the Consent Agenda and requested anyone wishing to have any item pulled for discussion to please come forward at this time. Item No. 1— Meeting Minutes Item No. 2 — Surplus Request Approval Item No. 3 — Request for Proposal Award Comprehensive Plan Consider approval of the August 26, 2025, Council Meeting and September 4, 2025, First Budget Public Hearing minutes. Consider declaring inventory as surplus from the Information Technology, Fire, City Clerk, and Finance Departments and provide disposal per the Procurement Policy. Consider awarding an RFP and executing a contract with DPZ CoDesign, LLC to develop and update a citywide comprehensive plan in the amount of $685,068. Item No. 4 — Single/Sole Source Contract Award Consider approval of a single/sole source contract Parks and Recreation from ABA Ethos, LLC. to provide Vision and Activation Planning services in the total budgeted amount of $100,000. Item No. 5 — Piggyback Term Contract Public Services Item No. 6 — Bid Award Generator Maintenance and Repair Services Item No. 7 — Resolution No. 2025-031 R Reimbursement 3 Consider approval to piggyback the State of FL NASPO No. 25172500-24—ACS awarded contracts to provide tires, tubes, and services. Consider awarding a Term Contract to Alternative Power Solutions, Inc. to provide generator maintenance and repair services in the budgeted annual amount of $199,405. Consider approval to be reimbursed with anticipated debt issuance for a Downtown Parking Garage project. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Item No. 8 — Resolution No. 2025-038R Consider changes to amounts for Planning & Fiscal Year 2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule Zoning, Parks & Recreation, Police, and Utility Billing, and a new section of fees for Utility Installation work. Bryan Bain requested to pull item 7 and Mayor Murry requested to pull item 3. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 1-2.4-6 and 8: Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing, awe. Item No. 3 — Request for Proposal Award, Comprehensive Plan Mayor Murry expressed concern over the proposed contract costing $685,000, which is significantly higher than all other bids, more than twice the next closest at $358,000. He questioned why the city is willing to pay so much when the previous comprehensive plan was contracted at $300,000, and felt any of the other companies, including the previous one, could have handled the job just as well. Council Member Strange stated that DPZ Design Co. stands out because they are experts, they wrote the book that all the other applicants quoted. She felt staff did a great job lowering the price by almost $200,000 and she is happy with the choice and believes it is great for Clermont. Council Member Howard clarified that the $250,000 was not wasted, as the data collected will be used moving forward. He spoke about the importance of updating outdated city codes that are outdated and hard to work with. Council Member Petersen believed hiring DPZ is worth it because they are the best in the field and will help the city run better and generate more revenue through smarter planning and design. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Valerie Schuett, 931 W. Montrose Street — spoke in support of the item. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard motioned to Uprove Consent Agenda item 3: Seconded bv_ Council Member Petersen. The motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 7 — Resolution No. 2025-031R, Reimbursement Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — inquired about the rationale for bringing this forward, noting it does not authorize debt, the numbers do not match the budget, and there has been no clear council consensus on using debt to fund the parking structure. He questioned the push for debt funding given the unclear costs and lack of clarity on the purpose of the resolution. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Kurt Schuh, 855 Desoto Street — referenced Florida Statute that speaks about a requirement for holding an election before issuing government bonds or debt. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Council Member Strange motioned to table item 7, Resolution No. 2025-031 R. Council Member Strange stated that she supports the downtown parking issues but feels it is too soon to commit to a garage on Seventh Street. She would like the full picture before deciding. Council Member Howard expressed the need for council to move forward to get concrete plans, costs, and designs. Delaying stalls the planning process, and with new housing coming, future parking needs are clear. This is not a funding commitment, but a step toward planning. Seconded by Council Member Petersen. Discussion ensued concerning changing the location and the possible cost of the project. City Attorney Waugh explained the dollar amount differences are because the resolution includes a buffer in case some costs come in higher than expected. The motion passed 3-2 with Council Member Howard and Council Member Petersen opposed UNFINISHED BUSINESS Item No. 9 — Ordinance No. 2025-032, LDC Amendment Final AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 117-12 (b)(6), "HEIGHT AND SETBACKS", SECTION 125-522 (a) "GENERAL DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS", PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. City Attorney Waugh stated that the item proposes an amendment to the Land Development Code to allow an exemption from flagpole height restrictions, but only for poles displaying a single American flag. If additional flags are added, the exemption would no longer apply and would be considered a code violation. The revised language clarifies that the flag must be displayed in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. Additionally, any lighting used for nighttime display must comply with all other applicable codes and laws and must not create a nuisance in residential areas. The item is now before the council for consideration and possible adoption. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Vincent Niemic, Regency Hills — spoke about the rules on the American Flag. Bryan Bain, 245 Nautica Mile Drive — requested council maintain the 55-foot flagpole height in residential neighborhoods. Mike Kraemer, 208 Nautica Mile Drive— spoke in opposition of the item. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Mayor Murry opposed changing the ordinance to accommodate a business that did not follow the rules. 5 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Discussion ensued on issuing a one-time variance or changing the rules for flagpole height as well as the effects of changing the height limit on residential versus commercial. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item No. 9, Ordinance No. 2025-032 as amended and presented: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed by roll call vote 4-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. Item No. 10 — Ordinance No. 2025-033, Police Officers Retirement Pension Plan Final AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT; LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY OF CLERMONT POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT PLAN AT CHAPTER 28, ARTICLE III; AMENDING SECTION 28-59, FINANCES AND FUND MANAGEMENT; AMENDING SECTION 28-60, CONTRIBUTIONS; AMENDING SECTION 28-62, PRE -RETIREMENT DEATH; AMENDING SECTION 28-71, MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS; AMENDING SECTION 28-84, SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT COMPONENT FOR SPECIAL BENEFITS; CHAPTER 185 SHARE ACCOUNTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Human Resources Director Ohlinger presented the item. Ordinance No. 2025-033 is proposed to amend the Police Officer Retirement Pension Plan, reflecting changes recently approved by the Pension Board of Trustees in April 2025 following the collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers and Sergeants Union. The amendments allow the City to retain 75 percent of Chapter 185 premium tax revenues exceeding $211,000 in 2025 and 100 percent of those revenues in 2026 and 2027 to help offset the City's required pension contributions. The ordinance incorporates provisions from the SECURE Act 2.0, granting the Pension Board discretion to waive recovery of inadvertent overpayments on a case -by -case basis and updating the required minimum distribution age from 70 and a half to 73. According to the plan's actuary, these changes will have no actuarial impact. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 2025-033. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 10, Ordinance No. 2025-033, Police Officers Retirement Pension Plan: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. C. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Item No. 11— Ordinance No. 2025-038, 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, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. City Attorney Waugh explained that the ordinance was previously brought to council and failed on the second reading. The ordinance is being brought before council again because Florida law still requires the provisions it contains. The ordinance remains the same as it was during its last presentation. Council Member Howard motioned to introduce Item No. 11, Ordinance No. 2025-038, Plats Intro: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed 4-1 with Council Member Strange opposed - NEW BUSINESS Item No. 12 — Resolution No. 2025-023R, Plaza Collina Pod 1 CUP A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE PLAZA COLLINA PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (RESOLUTION NO. 2015-08), TO ALLOW FOR SHARED INTERNAL DRIVEWAYS AND INTERNAL LANDSCAPE BUFFERS TO BE LESS THAN THE MINIMUM CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARCELS IDENTIFIED AS POD I, WITHIN A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the resolution title aloud. Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. The applicant is requesting to amend the Plaza Collina PUD Planned Unit Development to allow for internal shared drive isles and reduced landscape buffers for parcel identified as Pod I within the parent parcel. The property is located on the north side of State Road 50 and east of Magnolia Pointe Boulevard, west of Lake Boulevard. The proposed site is a vacant portion within the Plaza Collina Mixed Use project that consists of C-2 General Commercial uses. The Land Development Code requires an amendment to the Planned Unit Development for any uses or site changes not identified in the Master Development Plan or permitted by the land development regulations for the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. 7 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 The site proposes a quick -service restaurant, retail and other commercial uses under the C-2 General Commercial uses. The parcel to the west was granted the same conditions, ensuring that the shared driveways provide maximum feasible interconnectivity while reducing the number of driveway cuts along the north frontage road. Staff reviewed the application as submitted in accordance with the development standards criteria and found the proposed use can meet the general criteria for granting a Conditional Use Permit. The proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the surrounding community. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adding conditions to the resolution requiring that any reduction in landscaping within the internal buffers be redistributed elsewhere within the site. In addition, the applicant must coordinate with the developer on the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk from Pod I across Collina Terrace to the north, unless engineering standards determine a more appropriate location. The Commission approved the amended resolution by a 6-0 vote, with the changes contained in Section 2, Items 1 and 2. Staff recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the conditions contained in Resolution No. 2025-023R. Jessica Gow, Cobb Cole Law Firm, was present on behalf of the applicant. She explained that the requested modification to the internal landscaping buffers is the same that were approved for the adjacent western parcel. She clarified that the landscaping would be redistributed through the site, not removed. Ms. Gow stated that the roadway for the requested pedestrian crosswalk is privately owned. She said they are coordinating with the master developer's engineer on the crosswalk location and asked that the project's approval not be contingent on actions requiring third -party consent beyond their control. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 12 Resolution No. 2025-023R. Plaza Collina Pod I CUP with the amendment that the applicant will make a good faith effort on the crosswalk: Seconded by Council Member Myers. Discussion ensued on roadway connections, site access, parking layout and walkability of the development. The motion passed 4-1 with Council Member Strange opposed Item No. 13 — Resolution No. 2025-024R, 1227 Bloxam Ave. CUP A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE USE AND EMS/AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE R-3 RESIDENTIAL/PROFESSIONAL ZONING DISTRICT. PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 City Clerk Howe read the resolution title aloud. Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. The applicant, Lake County, is requesting to use the existing building located at 1227 Bloxam Avenue for public safety use as an EMS/ambulance station. This site provides an optimal location, according to Lake County. The property consists of a single-family home that will have to undergo a change of use/life safety inspection if approved. Lake County plans to use the site as -is and no improvements to the site are planned. The site will function as it appears with the existing gravel parking. A condition has been placed within the Conditional Use Permit that any damage resulting from the operation of this use on Bloxam Avenue or the City's right of way as a result of the as -is condition will be required to be repaired by the Applicant/Owner. The total number of ambulances onsite will be limited to two with a maximum of four onsite personnel. The property is currently zoned R-3 Residential/Professional. The proposed EMS/ambulance station is not listed under Section 125-250 as a conditional use. This is due to the unique nature of the use with the property being occupied 24 hours a day/7 days a week with personnel in conjunction with the station. Section 125-250(b) states that in case of uncertainty of the classification of any use, uses may be permitted which, after consideration by the planning and zoning commission and approval by the city council. Staff reviewed the CUP application in accordance with Sec. 10 1 -212 of the Land Development Code. The project does not appear to conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. The future land use is Commercial and the proposed use, municipal facilities, is identified in Objective 1.9. The site does have access to the major arterial roadways to serve the community. The service provided by the EMS/ambulance station is needed within the City of Clermont and the proposed use may be desirable in this location. Conditions, such as potential off -site improvements of warning lights, adequate parking, and potential Bloxam Avenue improvements have been added to the resolution to ensure safe operations at the site. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 4-2, with the addition of landscaping along the northern property line forward of the existing building similar to the existing landscaping along the southern property line. Staff recommended approval of Resolution 2025-024R. Michelle Wilkinson and David Kilbury from Lake County along with Aaron Blake, owner representative, were present to speak on the request. Ms. Wilkinson explained that Lake County has been searching for a centrally located site in Clermont for public safety purposes. The property owner agreed to a lease contingent on city council approval. The site is zoned residential professional and can be used with a life safety inspection and potential modifications for 24-hour occupancy. She stated that to address neighbor concerns, a landscaping hedge will be added as a buffer. She requested council approval to proceed, emphasizing the urgent need for public safety services. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Vincent Niemic, Regency Hills — spoke in opposition of the request. Paula Hoisington, 564 E. Desoto — spoke in opposition of the request. Mike Kramer, 208 Nautica Mile Drive — spoke in support of the request. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Mayor Murry questioned if there had previously been a business in that location. Development Services Director Henschel explained that there was a business there that had a conditional use permit which ended when the business moved out. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Lake County Public Safety Director Kilbury informed Council that the ambulance location only needs a small, residential -style space for two people to rest, write reports, and access equipment, rather than a full- size facility or commercial space. Discussion ensued on the noise of the ambulances in which Mr. Kilbury stated that crews use quieter driving and siren protocols, when possible, though sirens must be used for critical calls. They also spoke about the landscape buffer and the traffic on Bloxam, especially at the corner of Bloxam and State Road 50. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 13 — Resolution No. 2025-024R, 1227 Bloxam Ave. CUP. Council Member Strange abstained from voting, declaring a conflict of interest. City Attorney Waugh explained that Council Member Strange is a relative of the owner who authorized the application. Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion failed 2-2 with Mayor Mugy and Council Member Myers opposed. Item No. 14 — Variance Request, 693 Skyridge Road Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. The applicant is requesting two variances to the Land Development Code on his property located at 693 Skyridge Road as a result of a pending code enforcement case for installed pavers. The property is located within the R-1 Single -Family Medium Density Residential Zoning District. The first variance request is to allow for a side yard setback to be less than the minimum seven -and -a -half - foot requirement. The variance request would allow an existing paver driveway expansion to encroach into the side yard setback at zero feet from the southwest property line. The second variance request is to allow for an increase to the Impervious Surface Ratio on the subject parcel to be over fifty-five (55) percent maximum. The existing paver driveway and parking area would put the parcel at an estimate of 62 percent for the Impervious Surface Ratio. The paver driveway expansion had initially received a zoning clearance to increase the driveway width to approximately twenty-seven and a half feet, which was the maximum allowed under the ISR. Additional pavers outside this area were placed on the property without a zoning clearance. The variance request would also allow the applicant to apply for a revision to the initial permit to bring the property back into compliance. Upon review of the applicant's request, staff is not able to support the reduction to the side setback of zero feet. Land Development Code Section 125-520 states Driveways must maintain at least a five-foot setback from the side lot line; however, the subject parcel has a recorded seven - and -a -half -foot drainage and Utility Easement on all side and rear property lines. Thus, the driveway expansion may negatively impact the abutting property due to stormwater runoff. Section 101-246 of the Land Development Code requires a positive finding on the review criteria in order to grant a variance. Staff reviewed the application as submitted and found the application does not meet a positive finding on three of the five criteria. Therefore, staff recommended denial of the variance request. The applicants, Susan and Peter Lumsden, were present. Ms. Lumsden stated that they did not realize they were violating city code when they expanded their driveway. Once they learned of the violation, they took steps to correct it. The reason for the expansion and variance request is to safely park their seven vehicles, reduce street congestion, and ensure access for sanitation, school buses, and delivery vehicles. 10 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Mr. Lumsden said that he came to city hall and requested information and submitted documents and was told someone would respond in three days. A week went by with no communication, so he assumed it was okay to start the project. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Mr. Alexander, 1837 Valley Ridge Loop, HOA representative— spoke about the traffic and congestion in the neighborhood as well as the applicants not following the community guidelines and going through the proper channels for their project. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Ms. Lumsden informed Council that they received HOA approval to extend their driveway after parking issues began. The HOA initially suggested parking on the grass, but that caused damage, so they decided to extend the driveway with HOA support and documentation. Council discussed the original driveway extension request, noting that portion did not require a variance, but voiced concern about the loss of landscaping, excess impervious surface, and potential drainage issues. Mr. Lumsden explained that a French drain had been installed to direct water to the rear of the property. Council talked about tabling the request to allow for an engineering study on water flow. They suggested the homeowners provide proof of HOA approval along with the engineering plans and discussed alternatives, such as installing a Hollywood -style driveway instead of full pavers. Council Member Strange motioned to table the item to January 13, 2026: Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed 5-0. REPORTS CITY MANAGER REPORT Deputy City Manager Matthys— • Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting on October 14 at 2:30pm. • October 1 is National Night Out at Waterfront Park from 5pm to 8pm. Council Member Strange requested the following items be placed on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) agenda. 1. Sharing Expenses of Downtown Code from DPZ. 2. Art Walk (DeHoya Property) 3. Parking Garage Plans 4. Meet Us in the Middle 5. Comprehensive Plan Funding for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) 6. New Comprehensive Plan Team 7. Issue of Reimbursement 8. Clarify Expenses Funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Compared to the General Funds. 9. Projected Income from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Mayor Murry requested information on the flag on the cell tower on 121h Street. Deputy City Manager Matthys said he has not received any information as of today. 11 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Mayor Murry inquired about breaking ground on Wellness Way to connect it to Independence Way. Deputy City Manager Matthys said he believes they are scheduled to break ground in August. Mayor Murry spoke about sending a letter from Council to Lake County Board of County Commissioners in opposition to removing Hartwood Marsh Road from their list. The Lake County Board of County Commissioners placed an item on their next agenda regarding this. Council Member Strange asked for Council support to encourage Lake County to build the middle section of Hartwood Marsh the same as the beginning and end. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney Waugh — No report. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council Member Strange — • The October 6 Tourism Development Council meeting will finalize the five-year strategic plan and recommend capital projects for the Board of County Commissioners, with a focus on sports tourism, which could benefit Clermont given its contribution to the tourist development tax. • She learned of regular meetings happening with certain groups regarding the Meet Us in the Middle project that some of Council was not aware of. She expressed that the lack of communication creates confusion in the community. Council Member Howard — • Requested a Proclamation on October 28 for Charlie Kirk. Council Member Myers — • Attended the 9/11 Memorial. • Requested a Proclamation in October for Breast Cancer Awareness and to wear pink. • Suggested having ribbons at City Hall to provide for a donation of $1.00 as well as information on mammograms. Council Member Strange suggested having staff place information on the city website. Council Member Petersen — • Attended the annual First Responders Award breakfast. • Attended a meeting with Kings Ridge men's club. Mayor Murry — • Attended the First Responder's breakfast. • Sips and Salsa was a great event at Waterfront Park. • Inquired about the five percent sales tax increase from Lake County. Deputy City Manager Matthys stated that the item failed with a 3-2 vote. Council Member Strange asked Council whether they would support annexing adjacent properties to fill gaps in city coverage and take on full responsibility for public safety and roads, if the county reimbursed the city for related costs. 12 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 Council discussed_ongoing annexation plans, noting most commercial properties along US Highway 27 are already annexed, with a few exceptions such as Kohl's and Gerber Collision. They explained the processes of voluntary and involuntary annexation, including referendums for residential areas. Also, spoke about the importance of making careful, data driven decisions to balance services, funding, and community support before annexing more homes. • Addressed the monthly meetings Council Member Strange spoke about. The meetings were about a Veterans Memorial and ways to help fund it. 13 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2025 ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm. ATTEST• Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC City Clerk 14 APPROVED: Tim Murry, Mayor