12-17-2008 WorkshopCity of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 17, 2008
The Clermont City Council met in a workshop on Wednesday, December 17, 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: Council Members Mullins, Goodgame, Hogan and Thompson. Other City
officials present were: City Manager Saunders.
Downtown Library Project
Mayor Turville read a letter from Hope Lamb stepping down from fund raising efforts supporting a
Downtown Library.
City Manager Saunders commented on options researched for a Downtown Library. Library Services
Group offers a variety of assistance in setting up libraries, including turnkey options. The City would be
looking at operating and maintenance expenses of $500,000 to $600,000 a year, depending on book
collection growth, DVD's, electronics, and other options. City Manager Saunders suggested hiring
Library Services Group for at least the first year through their turnkey operation option. The County is
willing to leave all the shelving, desks, and possibly some of the computer stations.
Council requested staff to work on the cost for a library dedicated to children's programs and recreational
reading, with minimal staff and open 40 hours a week.
Reuse Water Distribution Areas/Rate Changes
The expansion is near completion for reuse water distribution. The first phase will be Summit Greens,
Somerset and Magnolia Park. Under consideration for phase lA is College Park and Hills of Clermont.
Phase 2 should be on line next summer for Lost Lake Reserve, Southern Pines, and Southridge. The
Hartwood Marsh area will be tied in by the fall of 2009.
City Manager Saunders stated once completed, there will be times when there is not enough reuse water.
The current plan is to place a supplemental well on line to use when needed. The City is still in
negotiations with Conserve II for some of their reuse water.
The general consensus was to move forward with the phases as presented.
City Manager Saunders presented proposed rate schedules.
The general consensus was to use a revised version of rate tier C.
City Manager Saunders commented the bulk rate has never been adjusted and staff will review the rates
and provide them to Council.
West Side Water Treatment Facility
City Manager Saunders stated the best site for the facility would be the location behind Dairy Queen
where the City has a 100,000 gallon water tank.
Council requested staff research removing the tower and placing the storage tank, fuel tank, and generator
where the tower is currently located. Council agreed the fuel tank and generator should be moved away
from the road, lowering the tank in the ground as far as possible, and making the wall more decorative.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 17, 2008
City Manager Saunders commented on the income the City receives from cell phone companies and
stated the City could erect a flag pole tower for cell phone antennas.
Smoking Policy
City Manager Saunders stated Council Member Goodgame had provided information which contained the
South Lake Hospital smoking policy. City Manager Saunders commented on the current employee
smoking policy and stated Council Member Goodgame desired a no smoking policy for the public on
City property.
Council agreed to have attractive signs to use during large events such as Light Up Clermont. Council
requested improving the signs in park bleacher areas and providing smoking areas.
Additional Items
Council Member Goodgame requested staff research signs from the Department of Transportation stating
"Lights On, Wipers On" and place them around the City in strategic places.
Council Member Goodgame mentioned Oakley Seaver Drive and Hancock Road needing two street
lights. He offered to ride with Chief Graham or City Manager Saunders one night to see where lights are
needed.
City Manger Saunders commented having taken out approximately thirty street lights in the past and
mentioned the upcoming Progress Energy rate increase.
Council Member Mullins inquired on the status of Bee's Auto. City Manager Saunders stated the site
plan required several variances and the owners decided to wait for the outcome of Jerry Jones.
City Manager Saunders mentioned holding a retreat in January and staff will be contacting Council to
coordinate the date.