Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.14.2026 City Council Minutes City o_f'Clernsons M INCITES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14, 2026 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 3:00 pm in the Clermont City Council Chambers_ Mayor Murry called the meeting to order at 3:07 pm with the following Council Members present: Council Members Strange,Bain, and Myers_ Mayor Murry stated that the meeting was not currently being streamed due to technical difficulties. Other City officials present were City Manager Van Wagner,City Attorney Waugh,Deputy City Manager Mattbys and City Clerk Howe_ Council Member Petersen was absent_ II�TVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Nelson E14 em of Better Life Worship Center gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance_ Council Member Bain noted that no notice had been Posted indicating the meeting was not currently being streamed and requested one be provided; Mayor Murry confirmed the issue was being addressed and that streaming may resume. PROCLAMATION City Clerk Howe read the proclamation for Water Conservation Month and Mayor Murry presented it to Water Conservation Coordinator Jordan Sharpe. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Murry announced that the Drop Savers Program Awards would be presented later in the meeting. Police Chief Graczyk highlighted the significance and growth of the Honor the Fallen SIC—noting that over $20,000 was raised and distributed between the Code 4 Initiative and Concerns of Police Survivoa_ He showed a video oFhigblights from the event_ PUBLIC COMMENT S hauna Vaughn, Clermont resident — thanked the Council For recognizing April as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, shared her husband's diagnosis in 2018, his survival, and recent recurrence, and requested a copy of the proclamation_ Vernon Nyhuis, 170 W. Desoto Street—he was a representative of the Clermont Shuffleboard Association and requested repainting court lines For state tournaments to help bring events back to Clermont_ City Manager Van Wagner would follow up on the matter. Banks Helfrich,Clay Road District—spoke about responsibility and accountability_ Paula Hoisington,564 E_Desoto Street—raised concerns about missing signs on Scott Street and requested improved placement. She requested that procedures be established for travel to ensure accountability and suggested returning meetings to 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. for safety and accessibility, and questioned security measures and consistency at Planning and Zoning meetings compared to Council meetings_ 1 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 Kurt Schuh, Clermont resident — discussed concerns about artificial intelligence, including its potential impact on jobs and children's safety, referenced a conference he attended and urged stronger protections such as name,image,and likeness rights for minors. Mayor Murry announced that the Teams platform was online and invited virtual comments.There were no virtual comments. AGENDA CHANGES City Manager Van Wagner informed the Council of the following agenda change: Item No. 13—Ordinance No.2026-011,Amend Community Development District Final City Manager Van Wagner stated this item was being tabled to April 28,2026. Council Member Strange motioned to table Item 13 to April 28. 2026. Seconded by Council Member Myers.The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye. 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 March 17, 2026, Council workshop and the March 24, 2026, Council Meeting minutes. Item No.2—Sole Source Purchase Consider approval of a single/sole source PADtrax purchase from PADtrax for the acquisition of an evidence and accountability system to track and monitor evidence items through RFID detection devices in the total budgeted amount of$54,519. Item No.3—Request for Qualification Award Consider awarding Term Contracts to the top five Grant Writing and Administrative Services firms for Grant Writing and Administration Services. Item No.4—Request for Qualification Award Consider awarding Term Contracts to the three Building Services Inspector firms for Building Inspector Services. Item No.5—Request for Qualification Award Consider awarding Term Contracts to the top Geotechnical Services three firms for Geotechnical Services. Item No.6—Bid Award Consider approval of bid award to KC Petroleum Bleach Tanks LLC for the replacement of two 6,000-gallon bleach tanks in the budgeted amount of$93,977. 2 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 Item No. 7—Bid Award Consider approval of bid award to Frontline Replace Fire Alarm System at City Hall Integration Systems, LLC to replace the existing proprietary Simplex fire alarm system with a fully addressable, non-proprietary fire alarm system in the budgeted amount of$71,010. Item No. 8—Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the City of Reservoir Environmental Cleaning Services Orlando Term Contract No.IFB23-0211 with US Submergent Technologies, LLC to provide vacuum cleaning services for aeration basins, including the removal and disposal of sludge, sediment, grit, and debris to support wastewater treatment operations. Item No.9-Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the Sourcewell Fleet Management Software Term Contract No. 121923-SHI with SHI International Corp. to obtain fleet management software. Item No. 10—Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the Gainesville SCADA Instrumentation and Controls Regional Utilities Term Contract No. RFSQ- 2024-104 with Revere Control Systems, LLC.to provide SCADA-related services. Item No. I I —Piggyback Purchase Consider approval to purchase under the Orlando Sanitation Trucks Freightliner Contract No. FSA25-VEH23.0 with the Florida Sheriffs Association for 3 Freightliner M2 106 Grapple Loader Trucks in the total budgeted amount of$677,666. Item No. 12—Fire Department Battalion Chief Consider approval of three(3)Battalion Chief Position and Funding Transfer Approval positions and funding transfer from EMS Transport Division (10525) to Fire Division (10522). Council Member Bain pulled Consent Agenda Item No.12. Council Member Bain motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 1-11. Seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 12—Fire Department Battalion Chief Position and Funding Transfer Approval Council Member Bain stated he was not opposed to funding three battalion chief positions or the related budget transfer but expressed concern that public safety staffing decisions are being made without a comprehensive,long-term budget discussion. 3 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 He emphasized the need to evaluate all public safety positions together, including future police and fire staffing impacts,and suggested the item be tabled to allow for broader consideration. Mayor Murry opened public comments. There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed public comments. Council Member Bain began to make a motion to table the item and asked staff which upcoming meeting would be most appropriate.City Manager Van Wagner noted that the next meeting would have a significant agenda volume and indicated flexibility in scheduling but stated he needed further clarification on the specific topics to be discussed before providing a full response. Council Member Bain expressed concern that additional public safety positions were being considered in isolation without a comprehensive review of the overall budget and long-term staffing impacts and noted Council Member Peterson's absence from the discussion. Council Member Strange confirmed with Fire Chief Ezell that the battalion chief positions are already included in the budget. Fire Chief Ezell explained that additional supervision is needed to maintain appropriate span of control as new fire stations come online and to support response time goals.He further noted that without the positions, the department would exceed optimal supervisory limits and that the staffing structure is necessary to support upcoming station expansions and operational demands. Council Member Bain reiterated the need for a broader fiscal review of public safety funding and its long- term impacts, including Emergency Medical Services(EMS)transport costs. Fire Chief Ezell stated that the battalion chief testing is scheduled for April 29, with staffing intended to align with the opening of Fire Station 5. He recommended moving forward with the positions to avoid delays and operational uncertainty during the station's launch, noting that postponement could create staffing and planning challenges. Council Member Strange indicated she believed Council Member Peterson would likely support proceeding and asked Council Member Bain if he had additional questions before moving forward. Council Member Bain questioned whether Fire Station 5 could open without the battalion chief positions and stated this had not been previously communicated.Fire Chief Ezell explained that the temporary station is anticipated to be operational as early as May or June through a potential interim agreement with Integra, allowing use of a building until a permanent site is available. Fire Chief Ezell noted there would be no additional operational cost for the temporary arrangement and that the permanent station location and broader infrastructure timeline would not be impacted. Mayor Murry expressed concern about transferring funds from EMS transport to the Fire Department, questioning why the positions were not originally budgeted within Fire and stating discomfort with shifting funds between departments. Fire Chief Ezell confirmed the positions were already budgeted and explained the transfer was procedural and required council approval before expenditure. Council Member Strange supported moving forward,citing the need to improve response times at Wellness Way and address current supervisory workload as Fire Station 5 comes online. Discussion ensued concerning making public safety staffing and funding decisions in isolation, with a preference expressed for a broader, more comprehensive review of related positions and budget impacts. Fire Chief Ezell clarified that the item represents a budget adjustment within the general fund rather than an increase in overall expenditures and referenced prior workshop direction supporting the positions in relation to Fire Station 5. 4 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 The discussion concluded with general agreement that the item should be treated as a budget adjustment while acknowledging the need for continued review of overall public safety funding as part of the broader budget process. Council Member Bain motioned to table item 12 to April 28, 2026. Seconded by Council Member Strange for discussion. Council discussion included support for proceeding with current fire staffing needs and related adjustments to maintain operational readiness,alongside concerns regarding the broader fiscal impact of multiple public safety requests on future budgeting and reserve planning. The conversation reflected differing views on timing, with some emphasizing the need for immediate action to support service demands and others advocating for a consolidated review of fire and police staffing and funding to better assess long-term budget implications. Council discussion focused on clarifying the timing of Fire Station 5 staffing decisions in relation to upcoming testing and whether action on the item would proceed at the next meeting. There was agreement that moving forward would not halt operational hiring processes, though concerns were noted about uncertainty in implementation if action is delayed. The conversation also revisited fiscal policy concerns regarding the use of EMS transport funds versus general fund budgeting,with differing views on whether reallocating previously designated funds or handling the request through a broader budget adjustment process was more appropriate. Council Member Bain called the question on the vote. The motion failed 2-2 with Council Member Strange and Council Member Myers opposed. Council Member Bain motioned to approve item 12. Seconded by Council Member Strange.The motion passed 3-1 with Mayor Murry opposed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Item No. 13—This item was addressed earlier in the meeting and tabled to April 28, 2026. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 14—Ordinance No.2026-015,Kohl's Annexation Intro. AN ORDINANCE UNDER THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND CONTIGUOUS TO THE PRESENT CITY BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, RECORDING, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the title aloud. Council Member Bain motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-015. Seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. 5 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aLe. Item No. 15—Ordinance No.2026-016,Kohl's SSCPA Intro. 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 EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the title aloud. Council Member Bain motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-016. Seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye. Item No. 16—Ordinance No.2026-017,Kohl's Rezoning Intro. 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 title aloud. Council Member Bain motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-017. Seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye. 6 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 Item No. 17—Ordinance No.2026-018,Sanitation Impact Fees Intro. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTER 30, SOLID WASTE, OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT CITY CODE, CREATING A NEW ARTICLE III, SOLID WASTE IMPACT FEE; SECTION 30-33,FEE IMPOSITION; SECTION 30-34,ADOPTION OF TECHNICAL REPORT AS BASIS OF IMPACT FEES; SECTION 30-35, DEFINITIONS; SECTION 30-36, DETERMINATION OF FEE; SECTION 30-37, COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE IMPACT; SECTION 30-38, SOLID WASTE IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE; SECTION 30-39, USE OF FUNDS COLLECTED; SECTION 30-40, EXEMPTIONS; SECTION 30-41, INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE AND FEE SCHEDULE; SECTION 30-42,EFFECT ON OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; SECTION 30-43, ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION OF SOLID WASTE IMPACT FEES; AND SECTION 30-44, APPEALS; AND SECTION 30-45, UPDATING,ANNUAL REPORTING, AND AUDITS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENER'S ERRORS,PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Howe read the title aloud. Council Member Bain motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-018. Seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Murry opened the public hearing.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed the public hearing. Council Member Bain requested additional information from Public Services regarding the rationale for residential rates exceeding commercial rates, along with a projected annual revenue forecast. Assistant Public Services Director Maiworm confirmed that the consultant will be present for the second reading and will provide detailed responses and noted that presentation materials or slides can be shared in advance of the meeting for Council review. The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye. Water Conservation Coordinator Jordan Sharpe presented the awards for the 2026 Drop Saver Poster Contest and provided an overview of the Drop Saver Program before introducing the winners. Division One—Kindergarten and First Grade • Third Place—Alejandro Pina Vanova,Real Life Christian Academy • Second Place—Kayla Peters, Real Life Christian Academy • First Place—Lilly Stoddard,Cypress Ridge Elementary Division Two—Second and Third Grade • Third Place—Bianca Rivera, Lost Lake Elementary • Second Place—Lucialha Flora, Lost Lake Elementary 7 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 • First Place—Nathan Roberts, Lost Lake Elementary Division Three—Fourth and Fifth Grade • Third Place—Kyler Blanchard,Real Life Christian Academy • Second Place—Elizabeth Cooper,Aurelia Cole Academy • First Place—Chelsea Rampersand,Aurelia Cole Academy Division Four—Sixth, Seventh,and Eighth Grade • Third Place—Ariana Garcia Solis,Aurelia Cole Academy • Second Place—Rowan Peters,Aurelia Cole Academy • First Place—Elena Roca,East Ridge Middle School Water Conservation Coordinator Jordan Sharpe announced that Elena Roja of East Ridge Middle School was selected as the overall contest winner. Her artwork will be displayed on the second floor of City Hall. REPORTS CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Van Wagner— • The Downtown Wine Stroll is April 18. • Clermont's first Jazz Festival is April 18— 19 from 3pm to 9pm • April 25 is Earth Day. • There will be a Council Workshop on April 21 at 1 pm. • The next Community Redevelopemnt Agency(CRA)meeting is on April 28 at 2pm. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney Waugh— • Pre-suit notices have been issued for 1919 Sunset Lane as a step toward possible legal action over ongoing nuisances. Despite recent cleanup efforts, the property remains under active code enforcement with a second violation pending,qualifying it as a repeat offender subject to immediate fines. The city is pursuing expedited action while considering full enforcement options, including potential injunctive relief. Mayor Murry questioned whether the city could adopt a stronger ordinance to address weaknesses in the current code and expedite enforcement. City Attorney Waugh explained that staff are actively working on amendments to strengthen the city's code to better align with state law, with a proposed update expected by May, stating that any changes require Council approval and could be applied moving forward once adopted,but not retroactively. • The city is finalizing two nearly negotiated contracts for a permanent and temporary downtown dumpster site,with terms expected to be ready for consideration by the end of the week.One of the 8 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14, 2026 previously considered sites is no longer available,but a third location has been identified,and initial contract negotiations are underway. Council Member Bain asked whether the dumpster agreements would come forward individually or all at once. City Manager Van Wagner said the plan is to bring all three together, likely by the next meeting, noting the newly identified third site may be a better option. • Provided an update that the 8-acre property contract on Old Highway 50,approved in February, is moving forward with due diligence underway and a completed Phase I environmental review,with closing expected in early May and a final deadline in late May. • Informed Council that a shade session will be requested at the next meeting regarding the Falzone litigation,noting the case has been ongoing since 2015,has recently involved additional opposing counsel,and continues to present settlement uncertainties,with a preliminary meeting planned with Council beforehand to review the matter. Mayor Murry asked for an update on 1919 Sunset Lane regarding lighting,patrols,and enforcement status. City Manager Van Wagner confirmed that additional lighting has been requested and is in progress, increased police presence is being implemented, and the property remains under active code enforcement with the red tag. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council Member Myers—No report. Council Member Strange— • Lake County Performing Arts Choir will host a concert on May 9 at 6:00 PM titled"1 Hear America Singing,"celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation. • Highlighted the Kehlor Recreation Center as a lesser-known community facility, noting it as a hidden gem offering shuffleboard activities on Tuesday,Thursday,Friday,and Saturday mornings during the summer. • The Tourist Development Council met last week and noted the Lake County capital funding program which opens May I has approximately $7 million available for tourism-related projects, encouraging staff to pursue grant opportunities and take advantage of the recently approved grant writer. • Stated concerns about Artificial Intelligence reliability and emphasized the importance of community and interpersonal relationships. • Reported that the City of Clermont received a clean audit opinion confirming compliance with Section 218.415,Florida Statutes,for the fiscal year ending September 30,2025. Council Member Myers left the meeting at 4:58pm. Mayor Murry noted that the Kehlor Recreation Center serves as a senior center and is actively used for senior programming, including classes, projects, a chess club, and other scheduled activities. Council Member Strange discussed opportunities to expand engagement through multi-generational programming, highlighting ideas to bring different age groups together in shared recreational activities. 9 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 Council Member Bain— • The Lake County Fair is currently underway and runs through April 19. • Stated that Clermont is increasingly being recognized as a destination for events and activities, noting strong internal and external interest in hosting events and continued community growth and visibility. Deputy City Manager Matthys—No report. Mayor Murry— • Thanked everyone for coming out to the mayor's luncheon and meeting with the Women's club of Clermont. • There are a lot of people expected to be at the Arts and Jazz Festival. • Commented on the Pig on the Pond event. • April is Autism month. • Addressed the parking signage concerns on Scott Street and requested staff investigate the issue and increase enforcement patrols in the area. • Thanked the Finance department for their hard work. • Asked City Attorney Waugh to briefly explain House Bill 1329 to Council, noting it generally relates to financial matters. City Attorney Waugh informed Council that House Bill 1329 is part of a group of state legislative changes that would impose new municipal compliance requirements, including posting a detailed budget, expenditures, an organizational chart, and salary information on the city's website, as well as establishing timelines such as a 30-day response requirement for certain impact fee disputes. He noted the bill is extensive and would add new administrative obligations, although the city already complies with some elements. Council discussed additional provisions and concerns related to House Bill 1329 and similar state legislation, including requirements for earlier public posting of the tentative budget, extended online retention of financial documents, and a mandated annual budget exercise to identify potential spending reductions,along with broader uncertainty about implementation details and potential impacts on municipal budgeting practices. Discussion ensued on when our lobbyist would next report back on state legislative updates, noting that communications are ongoing but final action on the state budget and related issues is not expected until later in the year,with continued uncertainty as the process moves forward. City Manager Van Wagner recognized Finance Director Borror and staff for completing the annual audit 90 days early by improving internal processes, with appreciation also expressed for leadership decisions supporting timely reporting and audit completion. 10 City of Clermont MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 14,2026 ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting adjourned at 5:21 pm. APPROVED: Tim Murry,May r ATTEST: Tracy Ackroyd Howe,MM City Clerk C '14 ,A,f ip xq>yn,"7v 11