05-19-2008 WorkshopCity of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
MAY 19, 2008
The Clermont City Council met in a workshop on Wednesday, May 19, 2008 in the Council
Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Hal Turville called the workshop to order at 6:00 pm with the
following Council Members present: Mullins, Goodgame, Berlinsky and Hogan. Other officials
present were: City Manager Saunders, City Clerk Ackroyd and Assistant City Manager Gray.
Historical Village Electric Service
The Historical Village requested electricity for a security system. The upfront cost to run the
power to the buildings would be approximately $1,000. Council agreed to pay for the initial cost
of the system and the committee would pay for the monthly expense. The Historical Society
Board would have to approve the expense.
City Manager Saunders noted staff is in discussions with `A Secure America' to help secure
Utilities. Money is currently in the budget to upgrade security in City Hall as well. Staff has
asked for a proposal for monitoring of parks and to include the Historic Village. It will also
include cameras.
Economic Devel~ment Committee
Council agreed to have Assistant City Manager Gray work with the Chamber Economic
Development Committee. It was noted if Council appoints a committee; it becomes open to the
sunshine laws. Council Member Mullins suggested the committee review city regulations to
determine how it affects the business climate. Mike Bucher chairs the committee. He suggested
having one or two members of the Downtown Board as part of this committee also.
Columbarium Plan
City Manager Saunders reviewed the proposed Columbarium project for Oak Hill Cemetery.
Council Member Mullins suggested having local artists design benches. Mayor Turville
suggested staff request the adjacent property owners to remove their fence to allow staff access
to both sides of the proposed wall. Council is in agreement with proposed plan.
Council discussed increasing the cemetery rates. The suggested prices were $600 for residents
and $1,400 non-residents for in ground spaces; $500 for residents and $1,200 for non-residents
for an in-ground cremorial niche; and $600 for residents and $1,200 for non-residents for a
columbarium niche.
Fire Department Dispatch
City Manager Saunders reported on staff reviewing communications set up for emergency
services to determine how it can be improved. It may be best to have Fire Department
dispatched by Lake Sumter EMS. They are all EMT trained to handle medical calls. The cost is
$22,000 to dispatch our calls. Lake Sumter EMS currently pays the City approximately $23,000
annually for lease. This would allow the Police Department to be more efficient on police calls
and no employees would lose their jobs. This would have to return to Council for a vote.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
MAY 19, 2008
Summer Recreation Program
Assistant City Manager Gray proposed a recreation program idea for Lincoln Park. Tim Murray
offered to talk to the area churches about scholarships and/or sponsorships for the kids. The
Council agreed with the concept.
Landscape Projects
Council and staff discussed landscape projects. The suggestions included: Streetscape from East
Ave. and Lake Minneola Drive, Oakley Seaver Drive between Hancock Road and Oakley Seaver
Blvd., and the median on Hwy. 27. Council Member Goodgame recommended Citrus Tower
Blvd. between S.R. 50 and Hwy. 27 as it is already irrigated. Mayor Turville preferred East Ave.
or the median on Hwy. 27. Council Member Mullins preferred the median on Hwy. 27. Staffs
top choice is the East Ave. project. This will be brought back to Council.
Clermont 125 years Celebration
Council is in support of a celebration commemorating 125 years. A suggestion was made to
form a citizens committee.
Project Update
City Manager Saunders provided an update on projects. The ordinance to raise parking fines will
be on the agenda for introduction next Tuesday. Fire Station 3 is being permitted this week and
will go out to bid in 30 days. Funds for the West Park project include: $150,000 from Lake
County, $100,000 willed to the City for parks plus $450,000 from FRDP to do the first phase.
There were no funds budgeted this year for lights at Hancock soccer field. Council Member
Goodgame requested looking at the budget.
Other
City Manager Saunders commented on the upcoming budget noting there is no money for
projects. Also, PJ Marks owns the Wakeboard Camp and is now interested in selling it. It
appraised for $1.5 million.
Council Member Mullins noted the Christmas lights downtown is becoming a hazard and
recommended increasing streetlights on a permanent basis.
Mayor Turville noted a problem with cars parked in front of the Antique store. He
recommended a street sign be placed advising the road will be closed for an event on Sunday.
Council Member Goodgame commented the Hartwood Marsh Road improvement from Hancock
to Hwy. 27 will take place in 2009.
ADJOURN: With no further comments, the workshop was adjourned at 7:59pm
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