10-23-2008 Council WorkshopCity of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 23, 2008
The Clermont City Council met in a workshop on Thursday, October 23, 2008 in the Council
Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Hal Turville called the workshop to order at 6:30pm 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.
Clermont Mavericks/Bishop Field
Representatives of the Mavericks team are interested in using Bishop Field as their home field.
Staff believes it would be great to have a Clermont team. Scott Blankenship, Jeff Schafer is the
Engineer and Dan Decker, owner of Mavericks was present. They requested a few upgrades to
the facility for the Mavericks and little league could use for small tournaments. Mr. Decker
proposed to make the dugouts larger to facilitate a 25 man college baseball squad and additional
stands. Also, the bathrooms does not meet the standards for little league tournaments. A new
concession stand and press box was suggested for future years. The lighting is adequate. Council
expressed an interest to work with the Mavericks and come up with a plan.
Sale of Spray Field to Lake Count
City Manager Saunders met with Cindy Hall, County Manager, and Sandy Minkoff, County
Attorney to discuss the sale of the spray field. The County is moving forward with Phase I of the
Environmental survey and with the conceptual plan. The County had the site appraised which
came in at $4.2 million. Staff does not have an issue with the appraised value. In previous
discussions, the deal included the sale and no payment for 3 years until the third budget year
from the time of closing and they would have 3 years of equal payments with no interest and no
down payment. The Council made that deal to allow the County to put all the money into
developing the site. They have $2.5 million in the fiscal year 2008-2009. County Manager Cindy
Hall requested spreading payments over 5 years instead of 3 years. City Manager Saunders
advised Ms. Hall the City may want to charge interest or request a down payment if the time
period is extended.
Mr. Saunders suggested requiring a deed restriction to only be a park, commit to phasing over a
certain number of years and a clause stating the County will pay us if the property is not
developed. He recommended we remain with no down payment, no interest for the first 3 years
however when payment begins we give them 5 years. There will be a 4 percent interest rate.
Three years with no payments and then equal payments over 5 years at 4 percent with deed
restriction and language to tie into phasing. Mr. Saunders discussed with County Commissioner
Renick and she was supportive.
It was suggested the County be required to put in what the City needs to serve the area. Staff
agreed that it would be in the first phase and noted language would be added for the first phase.
Hand Held Signs on Roadways
Council suggested requiring a permit for hand held signs. City Manager Saunders noted staff will
draft language and return to Council for consideration.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 23, 2008
North Hancock Road Alignment
The City Council was in agreement with the alignment decision made by the City of Minneola.
City Manager Saunders will send a letter on behalf of the Council.
Others
Staff received the Request for Qualifications for the schematic design of the Pavilion. The
committee has reviewed and selected the top 3. Council agreed to interview the top 3 at a
workshop.
City Manager Saunders suggested the Council consider a Library Service organization in which
they set up and operate libraries. Council agreed to look into the concept.
Council agreed to move forward on an ordinance to regulate collection times of garbage
collection to tie into the noise ordinance.
City Manager Saunders suggested amending the cemetery ordinance to allow for burial owners
to resale lots only to the City. Council agreed to draft the ordinance.
Council and staff discussed establishing criteria for a pioneer agreement. It was suggested
applicants would have to request a pioneer agreement from the city.
Council Member Berlinsky proposed privatizing the community center. Council was not in favor
of the suggestion.
Council Member Mullins questioned the process of notifying businesses of the sale of alcoholic
beverage change in hours. Council Member Goodgame commented Lowe's had not been
notified of their Christmas tree permit approval. Mr. Gray noted he would look into it.
Assistant City Manager Gray noted he is setting up the committee for the 125 year celebration.
Jim Purvis questioned what the city can do to foreclosed homes in code enforcement situations.
City Manager Saunders noted staff contacts someone to mow the lawn and keeps track of it.
Mayor Turville asked staff to notify the Code Enforcement Board of this process.
Jim Purvis expressed concern with tractor trailers parking at commercial properties. He
suggested requiring commercial properties to cordon off the property to general access to deter
the public when a property has been abandoned. Council Member Mullins was concerned with
the appearance of barriers and suggested signage.
Tim Murry requested assistance from the City for the Boys and Girls Club. Mayor Turville
encouraged him to meet with City Manager Saunders.
Judy Proli requested the Council invest in downtown instead of a library.
ADJOURN: With no further comments, the workshop was adjourned at 8:30pm
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