HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.26.2026 - City Council Minutes City of Cles�ssont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 26,2026
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 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, and Petersen_
Other City officials present were City Attorney Waugh, Deputy City Manager Matthys and City Clerk
Howe_
Council Member Myers was absent_
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A moment of silence was observed,followed by the Pledge o£Allegiance_
PRESENTATIONS
2026 Assistant Principal of the Year
Deputy City Manager Matthys recognized Rashonda Scott of East Ridge High School for her outstanding
achievements in education,including being named the State of Florida Department of Education's Assistant
Principal of the Year in 2025, and expressed appreciation for her dedication to improving the lives of
students and the future of the community_
Ms_ Scott thanked the city For the recognition, sharing that the award is especially meaningful because o£
the students she serves and expressing her appreciation for the opportunity to make a positive impact on
the community through education_
Sherri Lewin provided an update on Thrive Clenx is partnership with the city and highlighted the
organization's loth anniversary, including the work of its Teen Advisory Council in planning events,
developing leadership skills, and creating a commemorative video showcasing Thrive's impact on local
youth_Teen Advisory Council member Morgan Owens promoted the upcoming Summer Pop-Ups event in
Downtown Clermont, emphasizing opportunities for teen engagement and social connection. Ms. Lewin
also announced the upcoming Teens Got Talent Showcase, a partnership with the city and a local talent
agency,which will feature Lake County teen performers and student artwork at the Performing Arts Center_
Council was invited to attend upcoming Thrive events and encouraged to continue supporting youth
leadership initiatives in the community_
PROCLAMATIONS
City Clerk Howe read the proclamation£or ALS Awareness Month and Mayor Murry presented it to Sharon
Keeble.
Ms. Keeble th.-'-ea the city For recognizing AILS Awareness Month and shared her family's experience
following her husband Dave's battle with ALS, highlighting the devastating impact of the disease on
patients and caregivers_ She emphasized the importance of raising awareness,supporting those affected by
AILS and other terminal illnesses, and continuing advocacy efforts for research and resources.
City Clerk Howe read the Election Proclamation for Seats 1, 3 and 5_
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 26,2026
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sterling Frey, 1647 First Street— expressed concerns about the condition of East Avenue and Lakeshore
Drive and encouraged the City to prioritize improvements to those heavily traveled roads. He also raised
concerns about speeding in Old Clermont,suggested the city consider traffic-calming measures beyond the
installation of additional stop signs,and provided supporting documents for Council's review.
Mayor Murry informed Mr.Frey that East Avenue and Lakeshore Drive are scheduled for resurfacing this
summer and requested the City Manager have staff and the Police Chief review the traffic-calming
information provided. Mr. Frey recommended the use of speed tables rather than additional stop signs,
stating they are a more effective method of reducing speeding on residential streets.
Sarah Jo Layland, East Avenue— expressed strong opposition to a cannabis dispensary located near her
children's school, stating it may violate zoning setbacks and raising concerns about youth exposure and
public health impacts, and she urged the City to review the approval process and consider relocating the
facility away from the school.
Joe Fumasi, 2693 Jumping Jack Way—expressed concern over repeated water main breaks affecting over
2,000 residents in the Wellness Way area, criticizing third-party contractors and developers for lack of
accountability and calling for stronger enforcement, cost recovery for residents,and a public investigation
into the incidents.
Valerie Schuett, 931 W. Montrose Street — presented findings from a biking audit between downtown
Clermont and CF Fitness, identifying gaps in sidewalk connectivity, safety,and shade along key corridors
such as Pitt Street,Grand Highway,and Minneola Avenue,and emphasized the need for improved bike and
pedestrian infrastructure to enhance safety,mobility,and equitable access throughout the city.
Robert Mock, 270 Division Street—thanked the city for supporting the Memorial Day ceremony held at
the Arts and Recreation Center, shared positive community feedback,noted fundraising efforts for a future
veterans and first responder's memorial,and announced plans to continue outreach and public engagement
at the farmers market and other locations to promote the project.
Michael Cramer, 208 Nautica Mile Drive — commended the city on the Memorial Day ceremony,
advocating for it to be held at the Clermont Performing Arts Center in the future,and encouraged continued
dark sky lighting improvements,including expanded LED and shielded lighting as the Yacht Club area has
done. He also supported the new bike patrol, recommended reduced bike speeds near Waterfront Park for
safety,and commented on the effectiveness of speed tables in managing traffic.
AGENDA CHANGES
There were no changes to the agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Murry advised the next item on the agenda for consideration was the Consent Agenda and requested
anyone wishing to have any item pulled for discussion to please come forward at this time.
Item No. 1 —Meeting Minutes Consider approval of the May 12, 2026, Council
Meeting minutes.
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May 26,2026
Item No.2—Resolution No.2026-016R Consider annual delegation authority for the
Emergency Declaration Authority Mayor to declare a state of emergency.
Item No.3—Imagine Charter School Resource Consider approval of the Education Charter
Officer Agreement Foundation Agreement for the SRO Program
from August 10,2026,through May 2027.
Item No.4—Lake County School Board SRO Consider agreement approval of the School
Agreement Resource Officer Program from August 10,2026,
through May 2027.
Item No.5—Bid Award Consider approval awarding Term Contract to
Autobody Repairs Tropical Ford, Inc. to provide auto-body repair
services.
Item No.6—AXON Enterprise Purchase Consider purchase approval of AXON Al
Approval ASSIST at a cost of$151,322.58.
Item No.7—Contract for legal services with Stag Consider contract approval for PFAS litigation.
Liuzza and DSK
Item No. 8—Land Purchase—793 W. Montrose Consider purchase approval of property located
Street behind 793 W.Montrose Street.
Dani Page pulled Consent Agenda Items No.6 and 7.
Council Member Strange motioned to approve Consent Agenda items 1-5 and 8. Seconded
by Council Member Petersen. The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing
Item No.6—AXON Enterprise Purchase Approval
Dani Page, Tuscany Ridge - expressed concerns about proposed AI-driven police reporting system,
questioning its accuracy,accountability,transparency,privacy,discovery implications,and cost,and urged
the City to implement clear safeguards and reconsider approval due to potential risks to public trust and
taxpayer funding.
Mayor Murry opened public comments.
Deborah Cedars, 354 Division Street - expressed concerns about artificial intelligence and technology,
citing personal frustrations with AI in healthcare communication and fears about hacking and misuse of
data, while also acknowledging potential beneficial uses of technology in areas such as law enforcement
and computer systems.
Mayor Murry closed public comments.
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May 26,2026
Council Member Strange stated that Ms.Page's questions were valid and responsible and inquired whether
an existing or standard policy could be adopted to address her concerns, noting that she was not aware of
any current policy related to the software.
City Attorney Waugh stated that he did not have an immediate answer,agreed the questions were important,
and said he would consult with Police Chief Graczyk and command staff and return with information for
the next meeting if Council wished to continue discussion.
Council Member Strange motioned to table Consent Agenda Item No.6 to the next Council
Meeting.Seconded by Council Member Petersen.The motion passed 4-0 with all members
present voicing aye.
Item No.7—Contract for legal services with Stag,Liuzza and DSK
Dani Page,Tuscany Ridge-expressed discomfort with the City working with a former city attorney due to
past concerns raised during his tenure and questioned whether the city had explored other legal options or
additional attorneys for the matter instead of relying solely on him.
Mayor Murry opened public comments. There were no comments.Mayor Murry closed public comments.
Council discussed concerns about retaining the former city attorney's firm for PFAS litigation. City
Attorney Waugh explained that multiple firms had contacted the city and that the recommended firm was
selected due to its familiarity with local governments and involvement in similar claims.Council discussed
the option of either tabling the item for additional clarification or moving forward with the federally
approved firm, Stag Liuzza, alone, and City Attorney Waugh noted that timely action was necessary to
allow testing to be completed,meet federal filing deadlines, and preserve the City's opportunity to recover
potential settlement funds.
Council Member Petersen motioned to approve the item only using Stagg. Seconded by
Council Member Strange for discussion.
Council Member Strange noted that there are four federal firms that can represent the city in the PFAS
litigation and suggested modifying the motion to authorize City Attorney Waugh to move forward with the
PFAS claim process and retain qualified counsel other than DSK as deemed appropriate. City Attorney
Waugh agreed with the approach and indicated he would be comfortable proceeding under that authority,
including selecting a different qualified firm if necessary.
Council Member Petersen amended his motion to approve the item with our City Attorney
to locate out of the other four and he has the power to do that. Seconded by Council
Member Strange for discussion.
Council discussed the rationale for recommending DSK as local counsel, with City Attorney Waugh
explaining that DSK's familiarity with local governments and prior relationship with the City factored into
his recommendation, while several Council Members expressed concerns about the involvement of the
former City Attorney and debated whether to proceed with DSK, Stag Liuzza alone, or another qualified
firm. The discussion resulted in a proposed path forward that would allow Stag Liuzza to begin the
necessary testing,estimated at up to$10,000 if reimbursement became necessary,to meet filing deadlines,
while preserving Council's ability to review and approve any local counsel involvement at a future meeting
if needed.
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 26,2026
Council Member Strange motioned to approve the hiringo f Stagg Liuzza and moving
forward with the process with authority by the City Attorney to spend up to $10,000 for
reimbursement if necessary for testing. Seconded by Council Member Petersen. The
motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye.
NEW BUSINESS
Item No.9—Ordinance No. 2026-023,Introduction
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 3 OF THE
CLERMONT CITY CODE TO CREATE SECTION 1-101, PROVIDING FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE FINES, COSTS OF REPAIR,COSTS OF ENFORCEMENT,AND
LIENS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,PUBLICATION AND
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Howe read the title aloud.
Council Member Petersen motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-023. Seconded by
Council Member Strange.The motion passed 4-0 with all members present voicing aye.
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Van Wagner—
• Citizens Academy will begin tomorrow,May 27 at 5:30pm, for 5 weeks.
• May 27 and 28 is Prayer in the Park at Highlander Pavillion.
• June 6 is the Jerk Festival at Waterfront Park; the boat ramp will remain open.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Waugh—
• The agreement for the final downtown Clermont dumpster location was completed following
negotiations regarding a temporary license agreement.
• There have been recent developments in the Falzon litigation, noting that the latest settlement
demand was significantly higher than a previous offer and that the plaintiff had changed legal
counsel again;he requested a shade session by the end of June to discuss litigation strategy,review
the status of the case with outside counsel, and receive guidance on next steps. He also confirmed
that the Florida League of Cities and defense counsel are involved in the matter and support holding
the shade session.
Council discussed scheduling a required shade session on the litigation, with options considered before or
after upcoming meetings on June 9, and June 23; City Attorney Waugh indicated he would coordinate
directly with outside counsel to identify a workable time and then work with the City Clerk to properly
notice and schedule the session in compliance with legal requirements.
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 26,2026
• The city has filed a lawsuit against the owner and tenant of 1919 Sunset Lane, with a motion for
temporary injunction currently pending.
• Reported receiving public input and complaints regarding road maintenance and traffic impacts,
including vibrations and noise from truck traffic affecting nearby homes in the Wellness Ridge
area,with residents also raising concerns about potential construction-related issues such as stucco
stress; he noted he is compiling these complaints, has been in contact with property owners, and
intends to present a report to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Council Member Petersen—
• Concerned with a cannabis dispensary located near a school, questioned compliance with zoning
requirements and how the approval was issued, while noting potential legal risks in reversing an
approved business and seeking clarification on whether the matter had previously come before
Council.
Council and City Attorney Waugh discussed the legality and zoning requirements related to a cannabis
dispensary located near a school/church property,noting uncertainty regarding the 500-foot separation rule,
how property boundaries should be measured,and how the approval process was handled at the staff level;
after discussion,Council considered seeking clarification through an Attorney General opinion and directed
City Attorney Waugh to move forward with obtaining an opinion.
Council Member Petersen motioned that the City Attorney contact the Attorney General
for clarification on the statute, what is the limitation on dispensaries, not pharmacies and
what distance they have to be from churches and schools or churches operating as schools.
Seconded by Council Member Strange. The motion passed 4-0 with all members present
voicing aye.
• Expressed concern over a boil water notice issued in the Wellness Way area,questioning the cause
of the disruption and whether ongoing construction or heavy truck traffic may be contributing to
infrastructure impacts, and requested that staff investigate the issue and report back through the
City Manager on appropriate follow-up actions.
City Manager reported that a subcontractor chain (Liberty Lighting, working through Brewer who was
subcontracted through Lennar)was conducting work on a Sunday without apparent authorization and may
have caused a water line break; staff learned of the issue only after residents reported loss of water service,
and it was further noted that the contractor attempted repairs and shut off water without notifying city staff,
prompting an internal follow-up to review and address multiple concerns related to the incident.
Council Member Strange—
• Requested a follow-up report on the Wellness Way water issue from the City Manager at the June
9 Council Meeting.
Council Member Bain—
• Requested clarification on whether the city has enforcement tools or penalties available to address
contractors who perform work without authorization or in violation of city code, including the
ability to issue fines or other corrective actions.
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May 26,2026
City Attorney Waugh confirmed that the City does have authority to enforce code violations and may
pursue penalties, damages, and other legal or equitable remedies against contractors, often through
insurance or bonds, while noting that specific facts regarding the incident still need to be reviewed
before determining whether weekend work was authorized or what further action is appropriate.
Council Member Bain requested an update regarding the incident at the June 9 Council Meeting.
• Attended the Memorial Day ceremony and the Lake County Community Choir was a wonderful
addition.
• The school year is ending and reminded the public to remain vigilant while driving through
neighborhoods due to increased pedestrian activity.
• U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 "Best Places to Live" list included 250 communities
nationwide,with only two in Central Florida making the list,including Clermont.
Deputy City Manager Matthys—No report.
Mayor Murry—
• Reported ongoing efforts to complete remaining sidewalk segments along Miiuiehaha Avenue,
particularly near Third and Fourth Streets where gaps currently exist.
• Spoke about expanding dark sky lighting standards beyond the Wellness Way area to other parts
of the city,with interest in evaluating additional measures to reduce light pollution citywide.
City Attorney Waugh noted that Council Member Petersen submitted a draft ordinance related to dark sky
lighting standards,and staff are currently reviewing it for consideration.
• Raised concerns about a-bike and bicycle speeds along the waterfront and city trails,noting current
speeds may be too high and requested review of legal limits with the City Attorney and Police
Department; he also supported coordinating with Parks & Recreation and a local a-bike business
to develop safety education classes and explored reducing allowable speeds to improve public
safety.
• Next Tuesday is the mayor's lunch at Calabria Ristorante.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 26,2026
ADJOURN: With no further comments,this meeting adjourned at 4:43 pm.
APPROVED:
Tim Murry,May
ATTES
Tracy Ackroyd Howe,MMC
City Clerk
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