06-23-2008 Council WorkshopCity of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JUNE 23, 2008
The Clermont City Council met in a workshop on Monday, June 23, 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.
Former Cooper Library Site -Proposed Use
City Manager Saunders commented on the potential use previously brought forth of the former
Cooper Library site at Montrose Street and Lake Avenue of a public/private partnership office
building. At that time, there was not enough support to move forward. The Chamber and Mark
Graff are asking Council to reconsider a revised proposal. Mr. Graff has not shared details of this new
proposed use. Mr. Saunders suggested Council consider a couple of questions. First, determine
whether to do something with the site or hold onto it for the city do something with it or move
forward with apublic/private partnership. Second, if yes, then consider whether to move ahead
and work with Mr. Graff on refining the previous proposal with revisions or consider opening up
for others to give a competitive proposal. The City Attorney informed staff the City is not
required to open this up for proposals. Mr. Graff does not want to discuss details of the proposal
because he would be at a disadvantage should Council consider to seek competitive proposals.
Meredith Nagel, Chamber President, spoke in favor of apublic/private partnership. The
Chamber, Mark Graff, Bob McKee and other constitutional officers are interested in joining in.
The chamber needs additional space plus the location is ideal as it is in downtown and would
help drive business into the downtown area.
Mayor Turville noted the City could determine to surplus the land and entertain other offers.
Council Member Berlinsky expressed interest in hearing the proposal.
Ms. Nagel requested an agreement to begin to work with city staff to put a proposal together.
Mayor Turville prefers the City to advertise for Request for Proposals (RFP)
Council Member Goodgame would like to hear the proposed plan. Council Member Hogan
spoke in favor of hearing the proposal of a government center. Council Member Mullins
commented he would like to see a mixed use multi story building.
Mayor Turville requested an appraisal be completed first and then advertise for an RFP.
Mark Graff expressed his intentions for wanting to build in downtown to rejuvenate the area.
The Council reached a consensus requesting staff to advertise a Request for Proposal.
Mayor Turville directed staff to seek an appraisal of the property. He requested Ms. Nagel and
Mr. Graff contact Bob McKee and other constitutional officers and ask what they need to do to
accommodate this arrangement.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JUNE 23, 2008
Mayor Turville called for a recess at 6:54pm; the workshop reconvened at 7:10pm.
Historic Depot -Conceptual Plan
Mike and Jeff with Gatorsktch were present to review the floor plan with Council. They
discussed the design of the roof. City Manager Saunders suggested Gatorsktch return with all 3
suggested roof concepts. Council Member Goodgame recommended benches instead of picnic
tables. Council Member Mullins suggested a larger pavilion area.
City Fire Service Coverage -Unincorporated Area
City Manager Saunders reviewed a map of the city limits. He suggested entering into an
agreement with Lake County where the City could cover part of the unincorporated area for a
portion of the fire assessment fee. Lake County Commissioner Renick has asked City Manager
Saunders to speak to the County Commission regarding the City covering part of the
unincorporated area roadways and being compensated for it. Mr. Saunders pointed out the
possible areas the City could cover. There are certain areas that do not have fire hydrants and we
do not have the ability to provide protection unless there are hydrants. The County can because
they have tankers. If Lake County likes the proposal, they will direct staff to prepare an
agreement. The City Council agreed.
Water~'ront Pavilion
City Manager Saunders reported on phase 2 of the Waterfront Park for a pavilion and Highlander
Hut. The first step is to request qualifications to do a schematic design and to work with staff
and Council to determine the desired result. Then, organize a detail schedule, advertise for
architects to do a preliminary schematic design, obtain approval and then arrange for a design
build contract. The City Council agreed to move forward.
Other
City Manager Saunders reported on the Fire and Police Department positions. Currently, there
are no open positions in the Fire Department. Last October, the Police Department had 7 open
positions including new positions. There are 4 open positions today but are actively interviewing.
The Police Department received a number of applications however the department is selective in
hiring. There were 2 hired in the last week. Staff will be proposing a recruiting tool in the
budget to hire at a lower rate and send to the academy. There will be a commitment to stay
employed for a certain length of time.
City Manager Saunders reported on expanding the Police Department. When the Sheriff's Office
moves out, we will have more space. There is money in the budget to purchase Bee's Auto. The
next step is to obtain an appraisal on the property. The Council agreed to request an appraisal.
ADJOURN: With no further comments, the workshop was adjourned at 8:13pm.
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