HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.12.2026 - City Council Minutes City of Clev inon[
M1N U"I'ES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 12,2026
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 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,Petersen and Myers_
Other City officials present were City Attorney Waugh, Deputy City Manager Matthys and City Clerk
Howe.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Jordan from New Jacob Chapel gave the invocation,followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATIONS
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation for Building Department Month and Mayor Murry presented it to
the Building Department.
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation for GBS and CIDP Awareness Month,and Mayor Murry presented
it to Ms. Karri-Linn Velnis, who shared her experience with GBS and encouraged others to leans more
about the condition_
PRESENTATIONS
Lake County Commissioner Parks provided updates on county initiatives, including the public lands
referendum process,comprehensive plan outreach efforts,and upcoming America 250 celebrations.
Lake County Public Works Director For South Lake,Mike O1ka,presented updates on major transportation
projects, including North Hancock Road, Citrus Grove Road, Hooks Street, Villa City Road, Ray
Goodgame Road,Wellness Way,and State Road 516_
Council members and county staff discussed project timelines, funding challenges, roadway safety,traffic
circulation,future roadway lighting and landscaping,intersection improvements,and ongoing coordination
with FDOT and CFX on transportation projects throughout South Lake County_
PUBLIC COMMENT
Rani Page,Tuscany Ridge-expressed concerns regarding transparency and the handling o£public records
requests by the police department, specifically related to the denial of requested surveillance footage.
Banks Helfrich,Clay Road District-shared information about a local sustainable teaching farm focused on
community education,organic agriculture,and food accessibility.
Paula Hoisington, 564 E_ Desoto Street - requested replacement and stronger enforcement of no parking
signage on Scott and Dotto Streets,citing ongoing parking violations and neighborhood concerns_
Kurt Schuh, Clerir t resident - advocated for community support of the proposed veterans memorial
project,honoring military service and sacrifice,including recognition of Clenront soldier Alexander Miller,
who was killed in service in 2009_
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Robert Mock, 270 Division Street — spoke about upcoming Memorial Day events and urged continued
progress toward establishing a Veterans and First Responders Memorial to honor local service members
and strengthen community remembrance.
AGENDA CHANGES
Deputy City Manager Matthys informed the Council of the following agenda change:
Item No.8—Piggyback Purchase,Public Services
Deputy City Manager Matthys 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. I —Meeting Minutes Consider approval of the April 21,2026,Council
workshop and the April 28, 2026, Council
Meeting minutes.
Item No. 2— Purchase of Downtown Property Consider approval of downtown property
purchase for dumpster enclosures.
Item No.3—Request for Bid Award Consider awarding bid and contract execution
Construction of Downtown Dumpster Enclosures with DCRV Contracting, LLC in the budgeted
amount of$258,964.
Item No.4—Request for Qualification Award Consider Awarding Term Contracts to the top ten
Civil Engineer Services firms for On-Call Civil Engineer Services.
Item No.5—Request for Proposal Award Consider awarding RFP 26-064,Mobile Food
City Parks and Facilities Truck Vendor Services to the 5 highest-ranked
vendors as recommended by the Evaluation
Committee.
Item No.6—Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the Sourcewell
Refuse and Recycling Container Solutions Term Contract No. 120324-REH with Rehrig
Pacific Company.
Item No. 7—Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the
SCADA Instrumentation and Control Services Tohopekaliga Water Authority Term Contract
No. RFP-25-005-02 with General Control
Systems,Inc.
Item No.8—Piggyback Purchase Consider purchase approval from the State of
Public Services Florida contract number 25100000-23-STC with
Step One Automotive DBA Ford Crestview/
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CDJR Fort Walton Beach to purchase one (1)
Ford F450 in the total budgeted amount of
$86,995.
Item No.9—Piggyback Term Contract Consider approval to piggyback the City of Mesa
Information Technology Term Contract No. 2024056 with CDW
Government, LLC to provide IT solutions,
products,and services.
Item No. 10—Event and Boat Ramp Closure Consider the event request from Friday,April 2—
Request Sunday,April 4,2027, at Waterfront Park with
Pig on the Pond 2027 open container in the approved area, fee waiver,
signage on city property, fireworks, staff
assistance and trail and boat ramp closure.
Item No. 11—Utility Agreement Amendment Consider approval of the First Amendment to
Hartle Utility Service Agreement for Water and
Wastewater.
Item No. 12—Resolution No. 2026-015R Consider a resolution outlining the review criteria
City Manager Evaluation Criteria and process for the City Managers annual
evaluation.
Paula Hoisington pulled Consent Agenda item 1.
Council Member Bain pulled Consent Agenda item 12.
Council Member Bain stated that he had a few questions on Consent Agenda item 2.
Item No.2—Purchase of Downtown Property
Council Member Bain requested an update on the status and timeline for acquiring all downtown dumpster
enclosure sites,City Attorney Waugh explained that two sites are already secured or effectively secured,a
third is near completion under a temporary license agreement expected imminently,and the fourth contract
was being finalized and would be brought forward at the next meeting,indicating the project is close to full
completion.
Council Member Strange motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 2-7 and 9-11.
Seconded by Council Member Petersen The motion passed 5-0 with all members present
voicing aye.
Item No. 1 —Meeting Minutes
Paula Hoisington,564 E.Desoto Street-requested clarification on the timeline and process for completing
and implementing the Planning and Zoning checklist following recent council workshop direction.
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City Attorney Waugh clarified that the ordinance draft is nearly complete and was expected to be finalized
within 24 hours;however,it will first be presented at the June Planning and Zoning meeting before returning
to Council for consideration.
Council Member Strange motioned to improve Consent Agenda item 1. Seconded by
Council Member Bain The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 12—Resolution No.2026-015R,City Manager Evaluation Criteria
Council Member Bain proposed amending the process to include individual scoring results in addition to
averages and raised concerns about the timeline in the resolution, noting the August 1 submission,
September 1 return date, and early September meeting may conflict,and suggesting a possible adjustment
to an August 15 return deadline to ensure the City Clerk can meet reporting requirements for the September
agenda.
Deputy City Manager Matthys confirmed that an August 15 submission deadline would provide sufficient
time to prepare materials for the first September meeting and noted the city is also exploring a digital form
to streamline submission and processing.
Mayor Murry opened public comments.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Council Member Bain motioned to approve item 12 Resolution No.2026-015R.with two
changes to add that in addition to what the clerk is already providing in section 2 that thev
provide the individual scores for each item in addition to the averages and that we change
the timeline for Council Members to complete the evaluation from September 1 to August
15 Seconded by Council Member Strange.
Council Member Strange suggested amending the language to state the item would be placed on the agenda
no later than the first regularly scheduled council meeting,noting this would provide flexibility for the item
to potentially be heard at the second August meeting depending on the timeline.
Council Member Bain amended his motion to include lang_ua eg stating no later than the
first meeting in September. Seconded by Council Member Strange. The motion passed 5-
0 with all members present voicing awe.
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 13—Variance Request,168 E. Lakeshore Dr.
Development Services Planner Day presented the variance request. The applicant and owner, James
Phillips, is requesting two variances to the Land Development Code(LDC)to install a swimming pool on
his property at 168 E. Lakeshore Dr. The site overlooks Lake Minnehaha, is zoned R-1-A Single-Family
Low Density Residential and is approximately 11,305 square feet.The lot currently contains a single-family
home,shed,and boat dock.
The first variance request is to exceed the maximum impervious surface ratio (ISR) of 55 percent. This
would bring the ISR to an estimated 57 percent for the proposed pool and deck.This estimate includes the
portion of land adjacent to Lake Minnehaha which may change the gross area of the site depending on the
yearly rainfall.
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The second variance request is to place the pool in the front yard at a setback of 22 feet from the front
property line. Section 125-520 of the Land Development Code requires in-ground pools to be located
behind the front building line,meaning they cannot extend farther forward than wall of the main structure.
The R-1-A district requires a minimum of 35 feet for the front yard setback.The existing home sits 54 feet
from the front property line, creating more usable space in the front yard than in the rear. Due to the
placement of the home and the irregularly shaped lot, a variance request would be required to permit the
pool in either the front or rear yard of the property.To take advantage of the lake front view,the applicant
is proposing the pool,deck,and spa to be constructed in the front yard,rather than the rear.
The applicant is also proposing to raise the pool deck up and install landscaping around the deck to help
reduce potential impacts. These improvements may slow stormwater runoff before reaching the overall
drainage system for the area and provide screening from public view while reducing glare from oncoming
traffic.
Upon review of the applicant's request, staff is unable to support the pool being located in the front yard
due to the potential of increase in storm water run-off that may occur if the pool was to overflow during a
storm.The property naturally drains from the rear down towards E.Lakeshore Dr.,and it is unclear whether
additional runoff would be conveyed through the overall drainage and storm water system for the area or if
flooding may occur.
Under LDC Section 101-246,a variance may only be granted with a positive finding on all review criteria.
Staff find the application fails to meet one of the five required criteria. Therefore, staff recommend denial
of the variance request.
The applicant,Mrs.Phillips,expressed appreciation for the Council's consideration of her pool project and
stated that her family has deep ties with the community and intends to remain in Clermont long-term,noting
their desire to complete their home and address staff concerns regarding impervious ratio requirements
through continued coordination.
Mayor Murry opened public comments.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Council discussed stormwater and drainage concerns related to the proposed pool, noting that a licensed
engineer has not yet been retained but is planned to evaluate drainage capacity, and that landscaping is
proposed as a mitigation measure. Questions were raised regarding enforcement of mitigation conditions,
with Deputy City Manager Matthys noting such requirements could be made conditions of approval.
Members expressed concern about increased runoff toward the lake, and discussion included the potential
need to table the item pending engineering review to ensure compliance with drainage standards and
adequately assess impacts.
Council Member Strange proposed addressing the request in two parts,separating the variance for the front-
yard pool from the stormwater impervious surface threshold, and suggested approval of the pool location
with the condition that the impervious ratio be limited to 55 percent unless a favorable engineering report
supports up to 57 percent. She noted that this approach would allow staff and the applicant flexibility to
meet requirements,potentially through minor site adjustments to reduce impervious areas, and confirmed
agreement with staff and Council on the proposed motion structure
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Council Member Strange motioned to approve item 13 subject to the condition that in
order to exceed the 55 percent ratio that the applicant provide an engineering report,
otherwise it be approved with the pool in the front subject to the 55 percent maximum.
Seconded by Council Member Bain.
Mayor Murry requested that a condition be included requiring landscaping measures to ensure the proposed
improvements are appropriately screened from view of the roadway.
Council Member Strange amended her motion to include the landscaping suggestions by
staff as presented in the packet Seconded by Council Member Bain.
Council Member Strange called for the question.
The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 14—Utility Agreement Request,Islamic Center of Clermont, Inc.
Development Services Planner Kruse presented the request.The applicant,Islamic Center of Clermont,Inc.
is proceeding with a site expansion at their current location in Lake County at 15020 Johns Lake Road.
The project is located within the City's Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement (ISBA), Joint Planning
Agreement (JPA), and utility service area. The applicant is proposing an expansion at the site, which
includes a new 4,800 square foot worship hall,associated parking,and the conversion of an existing single-
family residence into non-residential occupancy use. The site is currently served by a well and septic
system. The applicant needs City water in order to meet the demands for fire protection and potable water
use.
The City has been requested by the County to provide a utility agreement in order to proceed with the site
approval process. The project appears to meet the distance requirements for connection to both water
(within 300 feet) and sewer(within 1,000 feet). The connection to City water is adjacent to the property
line.The distance to the nearest gravity manhole is approximately 706 linear feet.This is within the 1,000-
foot requirement for connection.The requested demand is 1,000 gallons per day for potable water and 1,000
gallons per day for sewer.The owner will be responsible for all costs of onsite and off-site improvements,
including,but not limited to,design,material,permitting and installation of sufficient size lines,lift stations
and other appurtenances necessary to allow the City to serve the property.
Staff have reviewed the applicant's request and recommend approval of the utility agreement with the
understanding that they will have to meet all the City's requirements for development.
Jimmy Crawford,representing the Islamic Center of Clermont,clarified that the property currently operates
as a community food pantry in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and noted the applicant's intent
to pursue annexation into the city when eligible. He also indicated that representatives from the
congregation were present and available to answer questions.
Mayor Murry opened public comments.There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Council Member Bain sought clarification on project design standards in anticipation of possible future
annexation, noting that the utility agreement requires compliance with City of Clermont standards. Mr.
Crawford confirmed the project is being designed to meet city standards. It was further confirmed that the
utility agreement applies to both water and sewer service.
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Council Member Bain motioned to approve item 14 utility agreement request with the
Islamic Center of Clermont Inc Seconded by Council Member Myers.
Discussion ensued regarding Section 2A of the agreement and whether it addresses concerns related to city
standards. City Attorney Waugh clarified that the provision requires development to comply with City of
Clermont standards,including both design and construction requirements.Further discussion noted that the
agreement includes provisions for potential future annexation once utility services are provided, including
both water and sewer. City Attorney Waugh explained that while annexation authority exists within the
agreement framework,any decision to proceed would remain a future policy determination of the Council.
The motion passed 5-0 with all members present voicing aye.
Item No. 15—Bishop Field Design Approval
Parks and Recreation Director Forman presented a proposed design developed with the Bentley Group for
the replacement of the grandstand and dugouts at Bishop Field. The project includes demolition of the
existing grandstand, restrooms, and dugouts, and construction of a new 200-seat grandstand, restrooms,
concession facilities, new dugouts, additional parking, and landscaping, with an estimated cost of$2.5
million. Staff provided conceptual renderings of the site layout and noted that the Bentley Group was
present to answer questions, seeking Council direction on the proposed design and how to proceed.
Mayor Murry opened public comments.
Jeff Deardorff, 18015 Victorian Drive — expressed strong support for the Bishop Field project while
emphasizing the importance of preserving the field's historic character and legacy and encouraged
improvements that balance modernization with maintaining its traditional identity and community
significance.
Council Member Strange asked if Mr. Deardorff would be willing to assist the city with improvements to
Bishop Field, and he responded affirmatively. Mr. Deardorff emphasized support for upgrades while
stressing the importance of preserving the field's historic character and maintaining its traditional
community feel.
Patrick Bianchi, Montrose Street— supported upgrading the facility for expanded regional use but urged
Council to take the project to workshop for further design refinement to ensure a well-planned, long-term
investment.
Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Mayor Murry emphasized preserving the historical character of Bishop Field while raising concerns
regarding the proposed design,parking safety along East Avenue,and potential lighting impacts on nearby
residents, and requested further review and collaboration with staff before proceeding; Council Member
Petersen also supported moving the item to a workshop to further evaluate funding sources and refine the
design prior to final approval
Council Member Strange asked Mr.Deardorff about potential collaboration with other professional baseball
figures and funding opportunities,he responded that local and former MLB players and scouts could help
support and invest in enhancing Bishop Field, suggesting expanded programming and facilities such as
batting cages,tournaments,and community events to increase use and economic benefit while building on
Clermont's baseball legacy.
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Council Member Bain proposed forming a small, informal working group of community members, staff,
and youth sports representatives to help refine the Bishop Field concept before bringing a more developed
proposal back to Council for workshop.Council Member Strange also suggested establishing a preliminary
$2.5 million project scope to guide grant seeking efforts and funding alignment.
Council discussed forming an informal, staff led community working group with Bentley to gather input
on Bishop Field design concepts, with City Attorney Waugh advising the effort would comply with
Sunshine Law provided it remains strictly fact finding and advisory with no decision making authority;
staff and Council agreed to proceed with this approach and to utilize the already scheduled June workshop
with the American Bicycle Association presentation as an opportunity to begin incorporating initial input
and advancing the project timeline.
Council Member Strange motioned to direct staff to coordinate with the community
members to come up with a community driven design and bring it back to Council at the
workshop in June Seconded by Council Member Bain.
Council Member Strange amended the motion to seek grants to help fund the construction
of this project Seconded by Council Member Bain. The motion passed 5-0 with all
members present voicing.ape.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Deputy City Manager Matthys—
• There is a Council workshop on May 19 to discuss the budget.
• City offices will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day.
• May 15 is the downtown wine stroll.
• May 25 is the Memorial Day ceremony at the Arts and Recreation Center.
• May 20 is the Ride of Silence at Waterfront Park.
• The St.Johns River Water Management District has issued a water advisory,and water restrictions
will be implemented.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Waugh—
• Several ordinances are being prepared,including updates to code enforcement,nuisance abatement,
and public notice requirements for land use and zoning matters,while also providing an update on
ongoing code enforcement issues and potential legal action related to 1919 Sunset Lane.
• Explained that surveillance footage from city facilities, including the police department lobby, is
exempt and confidential under Florida law governing security and surveillance systems, citing
appellate case law and an Attorney General opinion supporting the city's position that such footage
cannot be released through public records requests.
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Council discussed the confidentiality of surveillance footage from government buildings, with City
Attorney Waugh explaining that while the recordings are public records,Florida law classifies security and
surveillance system footage as exempt and confidential, leaving the city no discretion to release it through
public records requests. He clarified that footage may still be discover opinion and litigation, cited
supporting case law and a 2015 Attorney General opinion, and offered to share the legal references with
Council.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Strange—
• Announced that New Florida Media asked her to serve as honorary chair for the nation's 250th
anniversary celebration and discussed early ideas to expand the City's July 4th events through
neighborhood block parties and additional community gathering locations, and invited Council
feedback as planning continues.
• Spoke about the Planning and Zoning checklist and confirmed it remains on track.
• expressed concern that Meet Us in the Middle®is being combined with a veteran's memorial and
urged further discussion on whether the waterfront location is appropriate for a peaceful,reflective
space before moving forward with funding decisions.
Council Member Bain—
• Reminded residents that the City's Citizens Academy is being offered again this summer,beginning
May 27
• Raised a scheduling question regarding the upcoming workshop start time,noting a conflict with a
9:00 a.m. start and asking whether the meeting could be moved to 10:00 a.m.
Council discussed adjusting the start time for the upcoming budget workshop due to scheduling conflicts
with Deputy City Manager Matthys noting that the meeting had not yet been formally advertised.Council
expressed a preference for later start options; after discussion clarifying the agenda would focus on budget
priorities rather than full departmental presentations,Council reached consensus to hold the workshop from
2:00-5:00 p.m.that day.
• Requested clarification on the process for blocking or barricading streets for events and who
residents or businesses should contact to initiate the request.
Council discussed the process for blocking or barricading city streets,with Deputy City Manager Matthys
explaining that requests typically go through Parks and Recreation and are reviewed through a formal
approval process, often requiring City Council action depending on the scope of the closure. Council also
discussed whether the process is clearly documented in writing, noting that most city street closures are
brought forward for Council approval to ensure transparency and consistency, and suggested staff review
and potentially formalize the procedure,particularly in connection with upcoming block party concepts tied
to the 250th celebration.
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• Spoke about the Meet Us in the Middle®project noting that Council previously directed staff to
proceed with a scaled-down design through Mr. Powell that would stay within a lower cost
threshold and then proceed through the Request for Proposal process for future Council
consideration and approval and indicated any change in direction would require formal Council
action.
Council Member Myers—
• Attended the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council Institute.
Council Member Petersen—
• May is GBS and CIDP awareness month.
Mayor Murry—
• Requested coordination with Public Works and the Police Department to review and reinstall or
address parking signage on Desoto and Scott.
• Spoke about Habitat for Humanity building homes for people.
• Visited Aurelia Cole Academy STEM program.
• Attended the Lake Community Arts concert.
• Attended prayer breakfasts on National Prayer Day.
• Attended Heartland League of Cities meeting and was awarded the Hometown Hero award.
• Questioned Council Member Strange about New Florida Media's role in the 250th celebration,
expressing concern about potential conflict and preferring that all planning be handled through
Parks and Recreation rather than an outside entity.
Council Member Strange responded that she was working in coordination with the Deputy City Manager
and staff to explore additional community celebration options as part of the 250th anniversary,emphasizing
collaboration rather than replacing existing City efforts.
Council discussed whether engagement with New Florida Media and 250th anniversary planning would
involve City staff, funding, or Council approval. Mayor Murry raised concerns about transparency, the
group's role, and potential political involvement in City celebrations, stating that any expanded activities
should be clearly defined and brought forward for Council review.Council Member Strange responded that
discussions were preliminary and intended to explore ideas collaboratively with staff.
The workshop time was brought up again for discussion due to scheduling concerns. Council agreed to set
the workshop for 3:00 p.m.,with confirmation that the revised time would allow sufficient duration for the
agenda. Council also suggested that future workshop time changes be discussed in advance at a prior
meeting to improve clarity and scheduling consistency,and the item concluded with consensus at the 3:00
p.m. start time.
Mayor Murry provided a 2009 proclamation honoring Clermont soldier Alexander Miller,which was given
to City Clerk Howe to read aloud.
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ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting adjourned at 5:59 pm.
APPROVED:
Tim Murry, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tracy Ackroyd Howe,MMC
City Clerk
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