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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.21.2025 CRA Minutes City of Clermont MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/CRA JOINT WORKSHOP October 21,2025 CALL TO ORDER Council Member Myers provided the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance. Deputy City Manager Matthys introduced the city's new Urban Designer and Economic Development Director. AGENDAITEMS 1. Alternative Water Supply Presentation Public Services Director Brunson presented an update on the Alternative Water Supply project for the City of Clermont and Lake County. The city was awarded a$500,000 Department of Environmental Protection grant to look at long-term options for alternative water sources, including reclaimed and reuse water. The city currently has a Request for Qualifications out and are reviewing proposals to bring on an engineer who specializes in this type of work and will help guide the study. The goal is to take a regional, collaborative approach with Lake County, utility providers, and other partners to make sure future water needs are planned in a sustainable way.Once the engineer is selected and work begins,we will return to Council with a more detailed presentation and next steps as the project moves forward through the 2028 grant timeline. Public Services Director Brunson provided examples of alternative water sources for irrigation in Florida: 1. Reclaimed(recycled)water 2. Stormwater harvesting 3. Rainwater harvesting 4. Surface water withdrawals The study is focused on finding the best mix of alternative water sources for irrigation. That could include reclaimed water, stormwater capture, potential reservoir storage, and possibly limited use of the lower aquifer,but those decisions will be guided by the district and the engineer once they are on board.The goal is to conserve as much water as possible and reduce reliance on wells, since the less stormwater and reclaimed water we capture, the more we will have to depend on groundwater. This will need to be a cooperative effort since a shared solution like a reservoir could benefit everyone. This will likely be a combination of several approaches to ensure the region has a sustainable irrigation water supply moving forward. Lake County Commissioner Parks thanked everyone and said Lake County was glad to be part of the partnership.He acknowledged it has been a long and sometimes tricky process,especially working with the neighboring county,and said Lake County is looking forward to working together with the City and partners to move it forward. Mayor Murry opened public comments. Kurt Shuh,address restricted-suggested zeroscape landscaping. Mayor Murry closed public comments. Discussion ensued on the New Yard pattern book that City Council adopted. 1 City of Clermont MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/CRA JOINT WORKSHOP October 21,2025 2. Meet Us in the Middle® Jeff Powell, Principal of Powell Studio Architecture, presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Meet Us in the Middle®project. The presentation provided an overview of the Meet Us in the Middle®project,highlighting the integration of public spaces, memorials, and waterfront access. Key features include a Veterans Memorial and a First Responders Memorial, tiered seating, ADA-accessible pathways, a gazebo, fixed and floating docks, and green spaces for public use and events. The design maximizes the existing site grade and seawall, incorporates Florida friendly landscaping, and allows for future expansion and flexibility. The memorial areas are designed to honor multiple branches of the military and first responder departments, with space to grow over time. The project also anticipates community engagement, events, and recreational use, with careful attention to safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. The current budget estimate for the full project, including landscaping, docks,utilities, and site improvements, is just under$12.5 million. Mayor Murry opened public comments. Kurt Shuh, Veteran — thanked Council and stated it would be a great addition and bring visitors to downtown. Anna Sinclair, 575 W. Minneola Avenue - talked about the trail, suggesting covered bike parking and a volunteer bike valet to keep bikes safe and encourage people to visit downtown Clermont. Dwayne Worth, VFW Post 5277 — stated that the Veterans Memorial would be a meaningful tribute for veterans and first responders in the community. Jason Hunts,4131 Mount Pleasant,Groveland—a memorial will represent that veterans are not forgotten. Mark Koloc, 3658 Rolling brook Street—chose to move to Clermont because of the Veteran community. Robert Mock, 270 Division Street—envisioned putting a Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Meet Us in the Middle®because it is a central, peaceful spot where people gather. Other locations were out of the way or less accessible, and this site lets visitors reflect, connect with the community, and honor those who served. He encouraged support for the project, saying It is a meaningful way to show respect for veterans and first responders. Vincent Niemiec, Regency Hills—stated his love for the project, inquired on the number of phases to build and when the parking garage would be included. Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street — expressed concern that the project will take away downtown Clermont's historic,quiet spots,like the pier,that locals and veterans really value. Charles Forth, 939 W. Desoto Street—urged the city to respect Clermont's history, avoid putting boats at the memorial pier,and ensure taxpayers are not funding amenities that mainly benefit a few. Jenny May,4062 Greystone Drive—suggested adding bike storage,dark-sky lighting,water stations,using tiered seating for activities like yoga, and possibly a brick dedication fundraiser to enhance the project. Mayor Murry closed public comments. 2 City of Clermont MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/CRA JOINT WORKSHOP October 21, 2025 Discussion centered on the waterfront park project's design, amenities, funding, and phasing. Key community focused elements include bike parking and storage,water bottle stations,fishing access,proper safety lighting,and ADA compliant tiered seating.The LiveWell Foundation funded the tiered seating as a wellness initiative,emphasizing reflection,mental health,and group activities,with careful attention to turf, accessibility, and versatile public use. The Veterans Memorial and First Responders Memorial were highlighted as civic priorities, with the location chosen for visibility along the trail and to appropriately honor veterans. While amplified music will follow existing ordinances, the tiered seating is not designed for performances,maintaining flexibility for public activities. Funding,timeline,and phasing were also major topics.Initial project costs ranged from$6 to 8 million and have grown, with roughly$15 million in recreation impact fees available. Phasing is necessary, especially for docks requiring Army Corps permitting, which can take about twelve months, though starting early could save six months. Council and CRA emphasized moving forward with the Veterans Memorial, First Responders Memorial, and LiveWell components, while other features, like docks, interactive art, and hardscape may be phased.Additional design work may be needed to address stormwater,ADA compliance, and site integration, with construction drawings on track for May completion and full construction potentially finishing by 2028. The next council meeting will address funding and approval for the initial section,while DPZ and the American Bicycle Association are expected to provide broader lakefront design recommendations by spring. 3. Sharing Expenses of Downtown Code from DPZ Discussion focused on funding responsibility for downtown improvements, emphasizing that projects benefiting the Community Redevelopment Agency area should primarily be paid for by the Community Redevelopment Agency. Since the Community Redevelopment Agency operates at a higher millage rate and exists to enhance and reinvest in the redevelopment area,the position was that it should cover more of its own costs, especially given significant past general fund investments such as Victory Point and the downtown water and brick project. The conversation centered on the approximately $450,000 cost of the DPZ downtown code update and whether the Community Redevelopment Agency should reimburse part of that expense. While the project had already been approved and funded, consensus from City Council and the Community Redevelopment Agency Board was to have the Community Redevelopment Agency cover 50 percent of the cost,or roughly$200,000,which would require a formal vote at a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting and a budget amendment. Overall, there was agreement to move it forward for Community Redevelopment Agency consideration. 4. Parking Garage Plans Staff received preliminary concepts for a downtown parking garage,with options ranging from three to five stories and costs between $9.29 million for 292 spaces and $17.94 million for 737 spaces. Larger designs include a flyover feature across the ArtWalk, allowing for mixed-use space and covered pedestrian areas beneath,which could enhance walkability and create a unique downtown feature.While more spaces reduce the cost per space, there is concern about placing a large garage in the heart of a potentially pedestrian- focused downtown. 3 City of Clermont MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/CRA JOINT WORKSHOP October 21,2025 Conversation centered on whether a garage is truly needed,where it should be located,and how it should be funded. Some expressed concern that placing a garage on Seventh Street could conflict with long term goals of a pedestrian oriented core. There was discussion about the De Hoya property possibly being a more appropriate location, highlighting its size, topography, and potential for mixed-use development, while preserving valuable waterfront views. There was strong consensus that before committing to a major investment,the city should wait for guidance from planning consultants, DPZ to define the vision for downtown and determine the best placement and design for parking infrastructure. Pausing for expert input could avoid costly mistakes,ensure community consensus,and lead to better long-term outcomes. 5. Art Walk(DeHoya Property) Discussion ensued with consensus of moving forward with purchasing the De Hoya property to extend the ArtWalk, with the contract finalized and ready to be sent to the seller and preliminary design concepts expected within two months from staff and outside consultants, with input from DPZ. Broader concerns were raised about funding responsibility,emphasizing the need to clearly define what should be paid by the Community Redevelopment Agency versus the general fund, especially given the Community Redevelopment Agency's available reserves and unspent grant funds. While the purchase is proceeding despite the Community Redevelopment Agency not currently funding it, the importance was stressed of creating consistent standards for how Community Redevelopment Agency funds are used so future projects are handled more transparently and equitably. 6. Comprehensive Plan Funding for Community Redevelopment Agency(CRA) The Community Redevelopment Agency redevelopment plan is ten years old and mostly outdated, all agreed it is time to update it, ideally alongside the city's comprehensive plan and land development regulations.They discussed using DPZ for the update and possibly funding it through a mix of Community Redevelopment Agency reserves and the general fund,making sure expenditures are appropriate and benefit the Community Redevelopment Agency area. There was also conversation about grants and incentives, some money has not been used because the rules might be too narrow or complicated.The idea was to make it easier for both businesses and residents to access, including options like reducing impact fees for Additional Dwelling Units to encourage infill and affordable housing. Discussion also touched on parking, particularly for zero lot line buildings downtown, and the importance of encouraging higher density development with solutions like a parking garage.Consensus was to move forward on getting proposals for updating the Community Redevelopment Agency plan and possibly addressing street parking issues downtown,aiming to schedule the next Community Redevelopment Agency meeting so work can start. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/CRA JOINT WORKSHOP October 21, 2025 ADJOURN: With no further comments,this workshop adjourned at 6:13 pm. APPROVED: nAj 9 6 Tim Murry,May ATT T: Tracy Ackroyd Howe,MMC City Clerk 5