Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.28.2025 - City Council MeetingCity of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 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 City Manager Van Wagner, City Attorney Waugh, and City Clerk Howe. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Brumfield from St. Marks AME Church gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Fumasi, 2693 Jumping Jack Way — thanked the Fire Department for their presence in Wellness Way. Banks Helfrich, 9600 Sams Lake Road — spoke about voting rights and election day. Mayor Murry announced that Cypress Ridge Elementary was hosting a program for veterans on Monday, November 10 at 8:30am breakfast and 9am service. AGENDA CHANGES City Manager Van Wagner informed the Council of the following agenda change: Item No. 8 - Utility Service Agreement, 14319 Johns Lake Road City Manager Van Wagner stated this item was being withdrawn from the agenda.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 — Legislative Priorities Item No. 3 — Federal 287g Grant Money Acceptance Item No. 4 — Piggyback Purchase Approval Public Services Consider approval of the September 23, 2025, Council Meeting minutes. Consider approval of the City of Clermont legislative priorities list. Consider agreement approval between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the City of Clermont for costs incurred in providing resources for joint operations. Consider purchase approval under the Florida Sheriffs Assn Contract FSA23-EQU21.1 with Ring Power Corp. to purchase a Caterpillar Skid Steer in the budgeted amount of $142,659. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 Item No. 5 — Piggyback Purchase Approval Consider approval under Florida Sheriffs Assn Police Dept. Contract FSA25-VEL33.0 with Garber Ford, Inc. and Duval Ford, Inc. to purchase 3 police vehicles in the amount of $154,145.10. Item No. 6 — Piggyback Purchase Approval and Budget Re- Allocation Fire Station 5 Item No. 7 — Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement Fire Dept. Item No. 8 — Utility Service Agreement 14319 Johns Lake Road Item No. 9 — Utility Service Agreement 14355 Lost Lake Road Mayor Murry pulled consent item 6. Consider purchase approval from Sourcewell, a nationwide cooperative contract 113021 with Ten-8 Fire & Safety, LLC. for a pumper fire engine in the budget reallocation of $1,684,606. Consider agreement approval with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for funding one drone in the amount of $25,000. Consider water utility service request to a single- family residence on a 4.8+/- acre tract. Consider a request for water utility service for a new single-family residence on a 9.5 +/- acre tract. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 1-9 with pulling items 6 and 8: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 6 — Piggyback Purchase Approval and Budget Re- Allocation, Fire Station 5 Fire Chief Ezell explained that the department plans to place a new fire truck at the Wellness Way station later this year. The truck is a stock model that meets about 95 percent of their design criteria and is scheduled to be ready by January. This timing aligns with onboarding new staff for that station, allowing the team to be trained and ready when the truck arrives, without having to reassign existing units from other areas. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Joe Fumasi, 2693 Jumping Jack Way — requested approval to help support the area. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Mike Carroll from Olympus stated that they have donated a site for a new fire station along the eastern edge of their Wellness Way property, near Wellness Way and Schofield Road. In the meantime, they are working with Fire Chief Ezell to set up a temporary station at a location near Wellness Way and Epic Boulevard, near the future sports campus, and will continue to support the city in this effort. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item 6. Piggyback Purchase Approval and Budget Re- Allocation, Fire Station 5: Seconded by Council Member Myers. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 Fire Chief Ezell stated that they hope to have the temporary site completed by end of year. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing awe. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Item No. 10 — Meet Us in the Middle® Jeff Powell of Powell Studio Architecture provided an update on the master plan for the site following the workshop from the week prior. The original plan followed the 2015 master plan, aligning the Artwalk with Minneola Avenue, terminating at the gazebo, and incorporating accessible routes throughout the park, including a ramp to improve trail and bicycle access. The full project had been estimated at approximately $12.5 million, with the docks accounting for roughly $4 million. During discussions at the workshop, concerns were raised regarding construction costs, the size of green spaces, phasing the docks versus land improvements, and the potential relocation of the restroom closer to the tiered seating to support the LiveWell grant. In response, an alternative, condensed plan was presented. This version shifted the tiered seating and Veterans Memorial to align with the Artwalk, consolidated open grass and green space to the east for a simpler layout and future development potential, and relocated the restroom building closer to the tiered seating and memorial for better access. The waterfront promenade, fishing, and docking facilities remained intact. The revised plan reduced the need for underground retention, simplified the park layout, and lowered the estimated cost to around $9 million with a 15 percent contingency. Mr. Powell requested Council direction on whether to proceed with the original full design or the condensed alternative. Final design, engineering, and permitting were anticipated to take place in mid-2026, with procurement starting in October 2026, final council approval in December 2026, and project construction potentially beginning in early 2027. Mr. Powell stated that the new plan had not yet been presented to LiveWell, but it aligned with the original plan. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Valerie Schuett, 931 W. Montrose — loved the project, emphasized getting ABA input, keeping plans flexible, securing funding, and ensuring citywide parks remain accessible and affordable. Robert Mock, 278 Division Street — urged the council to approve the project, highlighting the LiveWell Foundation's $1 million grant and the inclusion of a Veterans and First Responders Memorial as a space for community reflection, engagement, and honoring local heroes. Kurt Shuh, Veteran — spoke of the sacrifices of veterans, first responders, and military personnel justify moving forward with the Meet Us in the Middle® project, supporting the memorials and pier while acknowledging cost concerns and the need for timely action. Collin A. Cotterell, 2638 Eagle Lake Drive — urged the council to approve the project, emphasizing that a veteran and first responders memorial park in Clermont would honor those who served, provide a meaningful space for reflection, and give veterans the recognition and respect they deserve. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 Mayor Murry spoke in support of the new project design. He liked the reduced costs and external funding, including $1 million from Live Well and $1.5 million from the state, with plans to request more. He proposed fully funding the project now using a mix of recreation impact fees and reserve funds so permitting and approvals can move forward, and construction can proceed in phases while the dock approval is finalized. Council Member Strange stated that she does not want to put one park ahead of all others, stressing that parks impact families, children, mental health, and the whole community. She was concerned the city is rushing and leaving out expert park designers, noting that $2.5 million has already been identified along with $1 million from the general fund towards this project. Council Member Strange motioned to designate $3.5 million, a million of which would come from the general fund, that we require the American Bicycle Association to weigh in on this and provide feedback notes so it can be edited to support the "Meet Us in the Middle®" concept, that we leave off for the time being the West Park installation so that we have time to figure out what that looks like with a focus on the tiered space. With respect to the veterans memorial, it should either be at the bottom of the tiered space so that it can be seen while people are sitting on the tiered space, or what I requested of this council is that we fix the boondoggle that we call Victory Point, rename it, rebrand it to Veterans Park, and use every board, every wall, every pathway, and every brick in that entire property to honor the veterans of Clermont. Council Member Howard said that the pier, not the floating docks, is what is driving costs and wanted value engineering on the entire dock system before approving anything. While he supported the pier and the overall design, he questioned whether additional spending on day slips is a good use of funds and asked for a cost estimate to move forward with only the veteran's memorial and tiered seating, including necessary infrastructure. Mr. Powell stated that if you focus just on the veteran's memorial, tiered seating, and the Meet Us in the Middle® area, remove the docks, gazebo, and breakwater, you are left with about $5 million of the $9 million budget. Costs could be adjusted further by reducing slips or walkway widths, but the pier itself is the biggest expense, with the breakwater around $250,000 and the pier roughly $1.25 million. There was discussion about wanting input from the American Bicycle Association and DPZ prior to moving forward as well as not wanting to increase the budget beyond the $3.5 million already allocated to the project. Council Member Strange modified her motion. Council Member Strange motioned to allocate $3.5 million, with a million coming from the general fund, to get ABA feedback and DPZ feedback. To not construct the west side of this project and focus on the tier. And then, there are two options for the veterans: either give them an entire park at Victory Pointe or give them this small space. But if it is this small space, I would put it down on the ground so that it can be seen while you're sitting in the tier. The motion died due to the lack of a second to the motion. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 Council Member Howard motioned to use that $2.5 million plus another million and a half out of Parks and Recreation impact fees, which is going to bring the total to $4 million to move the alternate plan for Meet Us in the Middle® forward. The additional money, we will have to do a budget amendment when we get closer to a final design: Seconded by Council Member Myers. Mr. Powell requested clarification on the target for the docks, and once that is identified his company can move toward that goal. Council Member Howard stated that he is looking for a sharpened cost estimate and value engineering before supporting the docks and stated that his motion was to move forward with the land portion of the project. Council Member Myers rescinded her second as she thought it was for the whole project. Council Member Strange seconded the motion with budget of $4 million. The motion failed 2-3 with Mayor Murry, Council Member Myers and Council Member Petersen opposed. Council Member Petersen motioned to move forward with the amended project at $9.1 million with the contingency that these things will be changing within the next two years: Seconded by Council Member Myers. Discussion ensued on the funding of the project. The motion passed 3-2 with Council Member Strange and Council Member Howard o1212osed. Item No. 11— Sole Source Purchase Approval and Budget Amendment, Rowing Dock Public Services Assistant Director Maiworm stated as an update from the last meeting that the project is fully funded by FEMA and insurance, but any changes to the docking system would require FEMA review, which could take up to two months. He also reported that divers found a gangway at the bottom of the lake, which they may be able to recover and reuse if it is in good condition. Council Member Howard informed council that he found an alternative dock option, Easy Dock, approved by the rowing association and used at top rowing locations nationwide, that could be installed for about half the cost, around $160,000. These docks are durable, designed for floating use, easy to move or store during storms, and offer more flexibility than the current AccuDock option, making them a practical and efficient choice. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Mark Vantrees, President of the Lake County Rowing Association — the main requirement is low profile docks, and both Easy Dock and AccuDock meet that standard and can host events. He noted that AccuDocks are more durable and better protected against impact and weather, whereas single wall docks often fail or degrade quickly, making durability the key difference. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Public Services Assistant Director Maiworm stated that the city received committed funds of $389,000 and the estimate for the docks is $350,000. City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 Council Member Petersen motioned to approve the sole source purchase approval for the rowing docks: Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed 4-1 with all Council Member Howard opposed. Item No. 12 — Ordinance No. 2025-031, Olympus PUD 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, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. The applicant, Mike Carroll, is requesting City Council approval for an overall master signage plan, as part of the existing Olympus Planned Unit Development ordinance. The original Planned Unit Development was approved by City Council on May 14, 2019. The current Planned Unit Development, Ordinance 2021-027, included a condition, Section 9, Item 1 that required specific approval for the master signage plan once it was developed. A comprehensive master signage plan has been prepared by Creative Sign Designs and has been submitted for Council consideration. The submitted document is extensive, encompassing 87 pages of signage applications within the Olympus development. In reviewing the document, sign specification tables are included that indicate sign type, sign classification, sign location, max height, and much more. It has been noted that all signs must comply with dark sky lighting rules. The Olympus project is a master planned community that has a unique vision with adopted architectural standards in place. Currently there is an Architectural Review Board that reviews projects and plans prior to City submittal and provides a sign off as part of permitting. Due to the complexity of the proposed signage package, with City Council approval, staff would request a signed letter or stamp of approval from the Olympus Architectural Review Board as part of the sign permit process. This would allow staff the ability to cross reference the sign type within the master signage plan while going through the permitting process. If a sign permit doesn't include the Architectural Review Board signoff, then the sign permit would halt until one was approved. Staff did not oppose the master signage plan. If City Council decides to approve, staff would request the Architectural Review Board signoff as a tool to ensure compliance with the master signage plan during the permitting process. To document the approved master signage plan, it was determined that the Planned Unit Development ordinance would have to be amended to include language the master signage plan was approved by City Council and where to find the recorded document. This change is found under Section 9, Item 1 in Ordinance 2025-031. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 4-1. Mike Carroll, Chairman of the Olympus Community Development District, presented the comprehensive signage program. This plan fulfills a Planned Unit Development requirement by creating a high quality, unified wayfinding and signage system that reflects the project's vision and identity across all zones. 6 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 The plan establishes consistent visual standards for entry monuments, roundabouts, sports and town center areas, and tenant signage, ensuring clear navigation, dark sky compliance, and long-term visual cohesion. With oversight from the Architectural Review Board and enforcement by the Olympus Property Owners Association, the program is designed to maintain a cohesive, intentional look that supports the Olympus brand for decades to come. 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 Ordinance No. 2025-031, Olympus PUD Final: Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing awe. Item No. 13 — Ordinance No. 2025-034, ProActive Auto Small -Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment 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. 14 — Ordinance No. 2025-035, ProActive Auto Rezoning 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. Development Services Planner Gonzalez presented the items. These are staff -initiated requests. City Council approved annexing the site on September 9, 2025, via a utility agreement with the understanding that a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning would be done at a later date. The City, as the applicant, is now moving forward to complete the process to designate the property with the applicable future land use and zoning designations. The property is located at 13550 Granville Avenue, east of Granville Avenue and south of State Road 50 and is approximately 2.35 acres. The property is currently improved and used as an Auto Repair Shop. 7 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 The utility agreement was based upon the facility upgrading their fire protection system and needing the City's water service. The current zoning of the property in Lake County is Heavy Industrial (HM) with a Regional Office future land use. The compatible zoning within the city would be Industrial (M-1) with a future land use of Industrial as well. The majority of the surrounding future land uses in the area consist of Industrial future land use. The change in the future land use to the Industrial designation along with the zoning change to M-1 Industrial does not propose a conflict with the existing uses and land uses in the area. The changes appear to be similar to existing uses within the area. The property owner is aware that any future improvements or expansions would result in the site meeting the City's Land Development Code. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5-0. Staff recommended approval of the Small -Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Ordinance No. 2025-34 and the Rezoning, Ordinance No. 2025-035. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 13 Ordinance No. 2025-034, ProActive Auto Small -Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment Final: Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing ave. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 14 Ordinance No. 2025-035, ProActive Auto Rezoning Final: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing, ave. Item No. 15 — Ordinance No. 2025-036, Hammock Pointe/Reserve 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 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERLOCAL SERVICE BOUNDARY AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 2, 2014, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Development Services Planner Kruse presented the item. The city, as the applicant, is requesting annexation of the subject parcel as authorized by the Utility Agreement with the developer, Michael D. Dinkle. The agreement was approved on January 11, 2005. The parcel has been platted, developed, and is receiving wastewater services from the City of Clermont. As a condition of this agreement, the City has the right to annex the parcel when it chooses to do so. The property, approximately 88.5 acres, consists of the Hammock Reserve and Hammock Pointe subdivisions. The total lot count is 195 single-family homes. The subject property lies within the Joint Planning Area and the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement between the City of Clermont and Lake County. The Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement allows for the annexation of non-contiguous properties into the City of Clermont under certain conditions, one of which is a utility agreement. The property meets the requirements of the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement for annexation along with an executed utility agreement. 8 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 The property owners within the subdivisions were invited to a question/answer session with staff on September 30 at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center. Approximately 50 people were in attendance with a majority of the questions addressed. In addition, a flyer explaining annexation advantages along with key benefits was distributed. The property meets the requirements under Florida Statutes 171 for annexation and is currently being served by the City of Clermont for wastewater services. Staff recommended approval of the annexation request with the understanding that a related request for a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request will be processed in the near future. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2025-036. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. Rodney Bell, 11744 Button Hook Drive — spoke in support of the item. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 15 Ordinance No. 2025-036, Hammock Pointe/Reserve Annexation Final: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicine ave. Item No.16 — Ordinance No. 2025-037, Louisa Grande Annexation 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 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERLOCAL SERVICE BOUNDARY AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 2, 2014, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Development Services Director Henschel presented the item. The city, as the applicant, is requesting annexation of the subject parcel authorized by the Utility Agreement with the developer, Steven Hithersay. The agreement was executed on October 28, 2014. The parcel has been platted, developed, and is receiving wastewater services from the City of Clermont. As a condition of this agreement, the City has the right to annex the parcel when it chooses to do so. The property, approximately 30 acres, consists of the Louisa Grande subdivision with a total lot count of 75 single-family homes. The subject property lies within the Joint Planning Area and the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement between the City of Clermont and Lake County. The Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement allows for the annexation of non-contiguous properties into the City of Clermont under certain conditions, one of which is a Utility Agreement. The property meets the requirements of the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement for annexation along with an executed utility agreement. The property owners within the subdivisions were invited to a question/answer session with staff on September 30 at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center. Approximately 50 people were in attendance with a majority of the questions answered. In addition, a flyer explaining annexation advantages along with key benefits was distributed. The property meets the requirements under Florida Statutes 171 for annexation and is currently being served by the City of Clermont for wastewater services. Staff recommended approval of the annexation request with the understanding that a related request for a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request will be processed in the near future. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 2025- 037. 0 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 16 Ordinance No. 2025-037, Louisa Grande Annexation: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. Council discussed that all three subdivisions were invited to a single meeting, attended by about 50 residents and Homeowners Association representatives, with proper notice provided and no formal objections received. They also spoke about annexing this property due to the location. The motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 17 — Resolution No. 2025-026R, Lakehaven on Grand CUP A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR A CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT IN THE R-2 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT. PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the resolution title aloud. Development Services Planner Gonzalez presented the item. The applicant, Joe Zagame, Jr., is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow for condominium development in the R-2 Medium Density Residential Zoning District. The vacant parcels are located east of South Grand Highway and north of East State Road 50. The subject property is designated for High Density Residential use under the City's Future Land Use and is zoned R-2, which permits multi -family development subject to Conditional Use Permit approval. The proposed project includes a 20-unit condominium development that is consistent with both the density allowances and the intent of the R-2 zoning district. No waivers or variances have been requested by the applicant at this time. The site is located adjacent to residential and commercial uses, with frontage and access from South Grand Highway. The proposed development will serve as a compatible transition between existing single-family neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The site is located directly behind the At Home store and down from an existing stormwater pond. The development could be considered to be infill development since majority of the surrounding area has been developed. The Site Plan has been updated in response to the Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation to extend the walking path and include dedicated parking for property owners. When evaluating a request for a Conditional Use Permit, the Land Development Code, Section 101-212, requires specific development standards that are required to be met. 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. Planning and Zoning recommended approval 5- 0 with two additions to be added in Section 2 of the resolution. 10 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 To prohibit on -street parking and allow waste collection through a centralized dumpster enclosure rather than individual cans at each specific parcel. Staff recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit, Resolution No. 2025-026R. The applicant, Joe Zagame, Jr. stated that he was present and able to answer any questions Council may have. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Discussion focused on the property's slope and grading, potential need for variances, and whether the road design can accommodate city vehicles, including garbage trucks, fire trucks, and ambulances. Council Member Howard motioned to approve Item No. 17 Resolution No. 2025-026R. Lakehaven on Grand CUP: Seconded by Council Member Myers. Council Member Strange asked whether Mr. Zagame, Jr., could work with staff to make the project more of a community asset, whether they felt restricted by city codes or regulations, and if the development would connect to the existing sidewalk system to improve walkability and integration with the surrounding area. Mr. Zagame, Jr., responded that the project complies with existing codes and unit limits, and while they are constrained by surrounding development, they plan to connect to the existing sidewalk system and enhance the site with landscaping to create a high -quality, attractive community space. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 18 — Ordinance No. 2025-043, Police Pension Plan Intro 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 28-63, DISABILITY; 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 Item No. 18 Ordinance No. 2025-043 Police Pension Plan Intro: Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. REPORTS CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Van Wagner— • City offices will be closed on November 11. • Council Meeting for November is moved to November 18. • Taste of South Lake is November 6 at Waterfront Park • Veterans Day parade is November 8. 11 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 • Introduced Economic Development Director Nathan Norris, Urban Planner Robert Fox and Development Liaison Zane Ertel. • Lake County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve funding for construction of Hartwood Marsh expansion starting in spring 2026. Mayor Murry requested an update on the extension of Hancock Road. City Manager Van Wagner stated that he has not yet received any new information but will follow up and request an update. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney Waugh — • There will be two resolutions brought forth at the November meeting regarding credit card fees and parking downtown. • Provided information on annexations and possible opposition. Mayor Murry asked City Attorney Waugh to investigate House Bill 105. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council Member Myers — • Prayers with those in Jamaica. • She attended the MPO meeting, they will be asking cities to give toward road projects. • November 8 is the Veterans Day parade. Council Member Petersen — • Spoke about four-year terms. Council Member Strange — No report. Council Member Howard — No report. Mayor Murry — • Scaremont at 6:30pm at Waterfront Park tonight. • Mayors lunch next week at Piesano's. • Spoke to Mr. Waugh about four-year terms and would like to place it on the ballot in 2026. ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 5:21pm. 12 ATTEST: Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC City Clerk City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2025 13 APPROVED: Tim Murry, Ma or