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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.24.2026 - City Council Minutes City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24,2026 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday,February 24,2026,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, Bain,Myers and Petersen. Other City officials present were City Manager Van Wagner,City Attorney Waugh, Deputy City Manager Matthys and City Clerk Howe. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Sean Cort of Freedom Prospective Ministries gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Cort spoke about Black History Month, emphasizing unity and sustainability. He urged individuals to focus on collective purpose and long-term impact to help prevent societal decline. PROCLAMATION City Clerk Howe read the proclamation for Miss Teen Florida. Mayor Murry presented the proclamation. Miss Florida's Teen, Noelle Schnacky, shared her gratitude for the community and her faith, she spoke about starting Hope for Heart Kids in memory of her cousin. She highlighted how their ministry brings real encouragement to families and patients,making a lasting impact. City Clerk Howe read the proclamation for Arbor Day. PRESENTATIONS Finance Director Borror presented the first-quarter budget report, highlighting that revenues and expenditures were on track,with most funds showing healthy year-to-date percentages and spending below budget. He noted that general fund revenues were slightly lower than the same point last year,likely due to timing of specific revenue sources,and explained that ad valorem collections historically remain high at 94 to 96 percent. The report also introduced a new section tracking fund balances across all city funds, including historical comparisons and projections for the fiscal year,and noted that the adopted budget used reserves to balance projected expenditures. Mayor Murry inquired about the decrease in the general fund and the projected drop in fund balance from $26 million to $20 million. Finance Director Borror clarified that the use of reserves accounted for the projected reduction, and that final audited numbers are expected to be higher, which would adjust the projections. PUBLIC COMMENT Rudy Bowen, 5' Street—expressed pride in Clermont and spoke about fair wages. Samii Taylor, Powderhorn Place—spoke about the 1988 disappearance and recent identification of Ernest Joe Manzares'remains,urging the community to come forward with any information to help solve the case and bring justice for the family. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street - spoke about the effort to identify Ernest Joe Manzares' remains, giving credit to reporter Linda Charlton for uncovering the truth and seeking justice for his family. 1 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24,2026 Linda Charlton,9101 County Road 561 -spoke about her long-term investigation into Ernest Joe Manzares' disappearance,raising questions about the possible recovery of his 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo and seeking a point of contact to follow up on evidence related to the case. Mayor Murry requested the City Manager coordinate with staff and Ms. Charlton. Joe Fumasi, 2693 Jumping Jack Way — requested an independent investigation into the mayor's actions during the May 27, 2025, city meeting. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability to restore proper function and unity within the city government. Sharon Keys, 644 W. Oceola — stated that Black history is American history and must be honored to preserve truth,unity,and the contributions that shaped the nation. Kurt Schuh,Clermont resident—shared his military experience, explaining that veterans carry the physical and emotional costs of combat, including post-traumatic stress, because of the extreme moral and ethical challenges faced in war. AGENDA CHANGES City Manager Van Wagner informed the Council of the following changes to the agenda: Item No.3—Bid Award,Firefighter Equipment City Manager Van Wagner stated that a bidder notified staff that they could not honor the unit price for line item 57. The award for line item 57 is going from W.S. Darley& Co. at$4,813.13 to Ten-8 Fire& Safety at $5,000, which is the next lowest bidder. The difference is an additional $186.87 for this item. The new total cost is now $240,833.87 City Attorney Waugh informed Council that no further action was needed on the item. 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 February 10, 2026, Council Meeting minutes. Item No. 2—Surplus Request Consider declaring end-of-life inventory as surplus from the City Manager, Information Technology, Finance, and Environmental Services Departments and provide disposal per the Procurement Policy. Item No.3—Bid Award Consider awarding bid to AEST Fire and Safety Firefighter Equipment Inc., Firefighter One LLC., Matheny Fire & Emergency, Municipal Equipment Company LLC., North America Fire Equipment Company, Inc., Team Equipment, Inc., TechnicalRescue.com, Inc., Ten-8 Fire& Safety 2 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2026 LLC., and W.S. Darley & Co. purchase equipment for Ladder 102 in the total budgeted amount of$240,647. Item No.4—Piggyback Purchase Approval Consider approval under the Florida Sheriffs Public Services Sanitation Trucks Association Contract No. FSA25-VEH23.0 with Container Systems & Equipment CO., Inc. to purchase two(2)2024 Battle Raider LET2 Low- Entry with Loadmaster Eclipse collection trucks in the amount of$753,775. Item No.5—Task Order Consider Task Order approval with Halff Road Reconstruction Associates, Inc.to provide civil engineering and surveying services to complete Bloxam Avenue for a total budgeted amount of$250,515. Item No.6—Land Purchase& Grant Acceptance Consider purchasing land for a ground storage 15817 Old Hwy 50 tank in the budgeted amount of$1,100,000. Council Member Petersen motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 1-6. Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The next two items were heard together and voted on separately. Item No. 7—Ordinance No.2025-039,Ivey Ridge LSCPA Final AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE LARGE-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 LARGE-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; SETTING FORTH THE PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE LARGE-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; ESTABLISHING THE LEGAL STATUS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the ordinance title aloud. Item No. 8—Ordinance No. 2025-040,Ivey Ridge Rezoning Final 3 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2026 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 Kruse presented the items. The City, as the applicant, requested a Large- Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment of the subject property as a follow-up to the staff-initiated annexation request. The amendment would change the future land use from Lake County Urban Low to City of Clermont Low Density Residential. The property is located southeast of Lake Louisa Road and Hammock Ridge Road intersection and is approximately 57 acres. The property was approved under Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ordinance No. 2020-03 in Lake County for up to 155 single-family dwelling units.The property is currently moving forward,and construction activity is starting.The property was annexed by City Council on June 10,2025, prior to building permit issuance to capture $1.8 million dollars' worth of impact fees for the City of Clermont. Since the project is greater than 50 acres, a large-scale comprehensive plan review was required. The amendment (25-02ESR) was transmitted for comment to the State of Florida, Florida Commerce Department and other state agencies for review in December 2025. The city received five responses from the reviewing agencies,with no"comments"being provided other than no adverse impacts had been found. Since no substantial comments or objections were received,the city is proceeding forward with the adoption of this request. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5-0. Staff recommended approval of the Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment,Ordinance 2025-039. The City,as the applicant,requested a Rezoning of the Subject property as a follow-up to the staff-initiated annexation request. The zoning change would be from Lake County Planned Unit Development to City of Clermont Planned Unit Development. The property is located southeast of Lake Louisa Road and Hammock Ridge Road intersection and is approximately 57 acres. The property was approved under PUD Ordinance No. 2020-03 in Lake County for up to 155 single-family dwelling units. The PUD zoning does not propose a conflict to the existing uses and land uses in the area. The proposed use is compatible with the adjoining properties as required by the comprehensive plan.The transfer of Lake County's PUD Ordinance into the City's PUD Ordinance is a"like for like"with small adjustments made due to code references, such as County to City. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5-0, with an additional condition that the development builds to the City's landscape code. Staff notes that this condition is already captured within the Ordinance under Section 6, entitled Landscaping Requirements. Staff recommends approval of the rezoning to PUD with the conditions contained in Ordinance 2025-040. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24,2026 Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Petersen motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2026-039. Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed by roll call vote 4-1 with Council Member Strange apposed. Council Member Myers motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2026-040. Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed by roll call vote 4-1 with Council Member Strange opposed. NEW BUSINESS Item No.9—Variance Request, 1222 Yh Street Development Services Planner Day presented the variance request. The applicant and owner, Kenneth Ramsey, is requesting two variances to the Land Development Code to install a 288 square-foot storage building on his property located at 1222 5th St. The property is designated with the R-1 Single-Family Medium Density Residential Zoning District and is approximately 9,000 sq. ft. Currently, the property consists of an existing single-family residence and a detached garage that were built around 1925 as indicated on the Lake County Property Appraiser's website. The property owner would like to install a storage building in a similar location to the existing detached garage. The first variance request is to allow for a side yard setback to be less than the minimum 7.5-foot requirement. The second variance request is to allow for a rear yard setback to be less than the minimum 25-foot requirement. These requests would allow for the proposed storage building to encroach into the side yard setback at 5.5 feet from the south property line and encroach into the rear yard setback at seven and a half feet from the west property line. The applicant has indicated the proposed storage building would not be encroaching into the rear yard setback any further past the existing detached garage that sits at 7.5 feet from the rear property line. The existing garage, built in 1925, is a legal non-conforming structure since it does not meet the current rear yard setback of 25 feet. The applicant would like to keep the proposed storage building in line with the existing detached garage, since it would give their family more outdoor space for backyard activities as well. Upon review of the applicant's request, staff were unable to support the request for a reduction to both the side and rear setbacks.Land Development Code section 125-520(b)states storage buildings over 150 square feet shall be subject to setbacks for all other structures. The variance requested is not the minimum that would make reasonable use of the land due to the structure being able to be located elsewhere and meeting the applicable Land Development Codes. Section 101-246 of the Land Development Code requires a positive finding on the review criteria in order to grant a variance. Staff have reviewed the application as submitted and find the application does not meet a positive finding on one of the five criteria. Therefore, staff recommended denial of the variance request. The applicant,Kenneth Ramsey explained to Council that he and his family have lived in their Spanish Run home for about a year and a half and wanted to add a storage shed in the backyard. He said he wants it in the southwest corner near the garage because it is the most practical spot, and by moving it slightly closer to the fence it would be centered and give them more space to work on projects and use the yard efficiently. 5 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2026 Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council discussed the proposed storage shed's placement, size, and design, asking if it would match the existing home, how much space would be between it and the garage, and why setbacks could not meet current code. Mr. Ramsey stated that the shed would be wooden to blend in and confirmed the neighbor was aware. City Attorney Waugh clarified that approval of this variance would allow the specific side and rear setbacks for this structure. Council Member Petersen motioned to approve Item 9. Seconded by Council Member Bain.The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing Ave. Item No. 10-Resolution No.2026-006R,FDEPSRF Program A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN PROGRAM; MAKING FINDINGS; AUTHORIZING THE LOAN APPLICATION AND EXECUTION OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT NO. 351413; DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES; PROVIDING ASSURANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the title aloud. Finance Director Borror updated council on Clermont's drinking water capital projects being included on the 2026 State Revolving Fund(SRF)priority list by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This makes the city eligible for a $15.6 million loan, which includes a 50 percent principal forgiveness subsidy, effectively reducing the debt burden. He explained that the resolution before council authorizes both the application and acceptance of the loan, with specific loan terms to be provided about six weeks after submission and reported back to council. Key deadlines include submitting the application by March 12, 2026, accepting the loan by June 10, 2026, completing all projects by December 2031, and beginning repayment either six months after the last project is finished or in fiscal year 2029-30. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Strange inquired about funding and feasibility of the$15.6 million SRF loan, including whether repayment would come from the water fund or impact fees and if it would require rate increases. Finance Director Borror explained that repayment would be addressed in the ongoing rate study,noted that debt coming off the water fund could help stabilize rates, and highlighted that reimbursing projects as they are completed could allow a zero percent interest rate. Public Services Assistant Director Griffen explained that the loan is a prudent way to fund planned water projects, including the Wellness Way and Verde Ridge facilities, effectively getting $15 million of work done for roughly$7-8 million after principal forgiveness. Council Member Strange motioned to approve Item 10. Seconded by Council Member Myers.The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. 6 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2026 Item No. 11 —Ordinance No. 2026-012, vacate ROW Intro AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CLOSING AND PERMANENTLY ABANDONING A PORTION OF SHORT STREET RIGHT OF WAY, JOHNSON'S REPLAT, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGE 71, PUBLIC RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS BELOW; THIS ORDINANCE WILL REPEAL AND REPLACE ORDINANCE NO. 2025-016 DUE TO REVISED LEGAL DESCRIPTION. PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,SEVERABILITY,ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the title aloud. Council Member Bain motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-012. Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye. REPORTS CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Van Wagner— • March workshop will be on March 17 at 3:00pm. • Great Clermont Campout will be February 28-March 1 at Waterfront Park. • Clermont Multihull Regatta will be March 6—8. • The Great Clermont Triathlon will be on March 8 at Waterfront Park. Mayor Murry requested increased promotion for the Jazz Festival, scheduled for April 18-19, to boost community awareness and participation. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney Waugh— • Updated council on ongoing negotiations with Duke Energy, noting progress on street lighting, infrastructure support during right-of-way work, and pending issues like Highland Avenue, with the ordinance expected for council review in April. Mayor Murry noted that the street lighting at Highland Avenue and Bloxam Street is inadequate and emphasized that Duke Energy should address the darkness promptly since the city is already paying for these lights. City Attorney Waugh agreed, adding that any extension of the franchise agreement should ensure the company fulfills these basic obligations. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council Member Petersen— • Spoke about expanding the Public Information Office. 7 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24,2026 • Spoke about Veterans and post-traumatic stress. • Attended the DPZ meeting and noted the high quality of work. Council Member Strange— • Requested council support to direct staff and the public works team to ensure the Bloxom Avenue design aligns with DPZ's walkable and bikeable concepts, emphasizing intentional, high-quality planning rather than a standard,business-as-usual approach. Council discussed ensuring Bloxom Avenue improvements prioritize walkability, multimodal access, and stormwater management,with caution against strictly requiring adherence to DPZ concepts since they have not been formally adopted; Council consensus was to have staff direct engineers to maintain human- friendly,bikeable,and pedestrian-focused standards consistent with previous nearby street improvements. City Attorney Waugh asked for formal direction to city management via a motion to ensure clarity, as relying on consensus can be confusing. Council Member Strange said she was unsure how to make a formal motion; City Attorney Waugh stated his understanding of her intent which was for the work to conform to the multimodal vision. Council Member Strange confirmed this, and City Attorney Waugh noted that if she is satisfied, staff has clear direction. • Requested notes from Planning and Zoning Commission meetings in their agenda packets. • Requested that Planning and Zoning create a list of standards they use when reviewing applications, even if not yet formal city standards, so that these can be communicated to applicants, shared with the DPZ team,and presented to Council for transparency and guidance in the comprehensive plan process. Council Member Petersen inquired about blanket zoning rules,noting that some zones allow certain actions while others do not. City Attorney Waugh recommended a joint workshop between Council and Planning and Zoning to gather input while keeping final decision-making authority with Council.Council agreed by consensus to move forward with a joint workshop. • Provided an update from the Lake County Tourism Director that the projected economic impact of the national disc golf championship is about$1 million,and follow-up confirmed that all promoted lodging is in Clermont,including a local RV park with a disc golf course. • The Springs Games start February 27 through the month of March. • Acknowledged that she had submitted a records request she intended as a point of inquiry, not as direction to staff,and apologized for any confusion caused. City Attorney Waugh clarified that Council Members are allowed to request information and ask questions, and that doing so is not considered a willful violation of the city charter. He explained the distinction between a"point of inquiry"and giving direction,noting that formal direction to staff must go through the City Manager. City Attorney Waugh advised that Council Members continue to use the City Manager as the primary point of contact for requests beyond general inquiries to ensure that staff can manage responsibilities. 8 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24,2026 Council Member Bain— • Noted that as Planning and Zoning Commission Chair he prepared summaries for Council, which are not required,and recommended staff consult the Commission on continuing the practice. • Discussed the Charter's provisions distinguishing Council Members from the general public. • Raised concerns about the new autopay utility billing, noting missing"direct debit" verbiage on bills, which may confuse customers and lead to duplicate payments; suggested staff explore a solution to clarify bills before the next cycle. Finance Director Borror explained that updating the bill language will take approximately eight weeks, involves a small cost within the budget, and will clearly communicate to customers that their autopay enrollment covers the payment.He also noted that text notifications could be used to alert customers about the upcoming changes. He informed Council that efforts are underway to ensure the new verbiage and communications help reduce confusion and prevent duplicate payments. • Requested updates from the City Manager on downtown initiatives. • Suggested increased engagement with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board to include regular meetings or updates, leveraging input from CRA members to provide broader perspectives on downtown activities. • Recognized Shirley Chisolm as the first black woman elected to US Congress. Council Member Myers— • Recognized her mentor Senator Geraldine Thompson and the passing of Jesse Jackson. • Requested a proclamation for International Women's History Month in March and suggested highlighting the women working for the city. Deputy City Manager Matthys—No report. Mayor Murry— • Commented on the importance of recognizing the lasting effects of military service. • Spoke about parking at City Hall and leaving open spaces for residents. • Highlighted the need to address divisive behavior and promote unity in our community. • Attended the Honor the Fallen 5K on Saturday. • Mayor's luncheon next Tuesday at IHOP for national pancake day. • Spoke about leading Council meetings. • Responded to the request for investigation, stating he was open to any review. City Attorney Waugh explained that he will not conduct an investigation personally; any investigation of a council member would require a majority vote from the City Council to appoint a special counsel, as he represents all council members. He noted that ethical violations are handled by the Commission on Ethics and referenced that the current allegation regarding Section 3.05 of the Clermont City Charter has already been addressed. 9 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24,2026 Council Member Strange raised concerns about three instances where Mayor Murry directed staff without the City Manager's prior knowledge, noting that, while not necessarily ethical violations, these situations could be perceived as overstepping,create confusion,and generate public controversy. She emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and ensuring the City Manager is informed whenever Council actions involve staff,both to uphold proper protocol and to avoid negative perceptions. Mayor Murry said he will ask staff questions or seek information,especially about minor issues that can be quickly resolved. He spoke about proper roles, referring serious matters to the City Manager, while also acknowledging that, as Mayor, people often expect immediate answers, so some inquiry is necessary to respond effectively. • Recognized Captain Donnie Cochran as the first African American pilot selected for the Blue Angels. 10 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2026 ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting adjourned at 5:34 pm. APPROVED: 3k- Tim Murry, Mayor ATTEST: Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC City Clerk 11