Clermont City Council Transcript 6/23/26

6:56 I call this meeting to order.
7:00 Welcome to our council meeting for June 23rd, 2023. Virtual participation in council meetings are available on your
7:06 computer or smartphone via Microsoft Teams or your telephone. You can learn how to participate virtually by visiting
7:15 our website at www.cleoutfl.gov and search for attend council meetings.
7:21 In the interest of time efficiency and ensuring everyone who wishes to address the council to give an opportunity to do so, the following will apply to all comments made by the public in person
7:30 and virtually. Each speaker will be permitted three minutes to address the council. In an effort to be respectful during the meeting, please make sure your cell phones are set to silence.
7:42 Thank you for participating in your city government. Uh today's invitation will be given by Father Mark Waiter.
7:49 Okay. A blessed Sacramento Catholic Church. Please rise and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.
7:56 If you'd like to bow your heads and pray with me. Loving God, we give you thanks for all who are gathered here today. We thank you for your abundant blessings,
8:04 for allowing us to be involved in useful work, and for the honor of bearing appropriate responsibilities. Thanks for the freedom to embrace you or the
8:12 freedom to reject you. Thank you for loving us from your boundless and gracious nature. We pray for all who are experiencing the effects of war,
8:20 lawlessness, or lack of suitable employment. During this season of unsettled weather, we pray for the unhoused that they will find shelter and
8:27 food. We pray for first responders and all who will work tirelessly to keep us safe, to keep the power on, and to keep the roads cleared. You have said that
8:36 citizens should obey the governing authorities since you have established those very authorities to promote peace and order and justice. We ask that you
8:43 send your spirit of peace to all gathered here and throughout our state and country. We pray for our mayor Tim Murry, for the various levels of city
8:51 officials and in particular for this assembled council. We pray for the agenda set before us today. Give guidance to what would please you and to
9:00 what would benefit those who live and work in and around our beloved city of Clermont. In your most blessed name we pray. Amen.
9:07 Amen.
9:10 To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
9:18 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please be seated.
9:29 This afternoon we have two presentation. First is the oh recognition of employee. Yes, sir. Mr. Carlos.
9:38 Good afternoon. Brian Foreman, parks and recreation director. Um, recently the city manager received a message about a
9:46 very heroic action by one of our rangers who performed outstanding service. So, the message in part read that I wanted
9:54 to highlight one of the park rangers for, I believe, a life-saving action.
9:58 During an event, an 85-year-old woman fainted and faceplanted at a full run down the hill at Waterfront Park. She's very badly injured. Park Ranger Carlos
10:06 Quavos made a good decision to get her to the paramedics using the ATV. Carlos drove her while supporting her to the paramedics at Waterfront Park, saving
10:15 huge amounts of time. I think her outcome could have been significantly worse if not found by Carlos. So, these are the kind of actions that we really
10:23 appreciate from our employees. So, we like Carlos and Corey. Cory and Cory's Carlos's supervisor if we like them both to come up and be recognized.
10:31 Yes. Okay.
11:17 Thank you. Well done, Carlos.
11:22 Uh second presentation is the legislative update from Chris Kamardi is I know I saw him somewhere. Oh, okay.
11:31 Chris Chris setting a stopwatch here. Um good
11:41 afternoon. Uh Chris Cardy with Gay Robinson. Uh I know you have a packed agenda, so I'm going to do my best to keep my presentation as brief as I can.
11:49 Obviously, we'll answer any questions you all have. Uh, first, I'll state the the obvious and most self-interested statement. It's a true honor to
11:56 represent y'all's city. Um, we love doing your work on on your behalf in Tallahassee and bringing back results and helping represent you. My marketing
12:05 team does that slide. So, when you get these copies, don't don't make fun of me for all these accolades they throw in there. I didn't I didn't write that, but but it's you should read it. It's great.
12:13 Um, okay. I'm going to skip over some of these slides because you know these folks, but again, if if something Hey, I don't know that person. and I want to know more, feel free to stop me. But it
12:21 always helps to know who's the players in the room. Um, not to quote Hamilton, but you get it. And I but I will focus quickly on this and then move to some of
12:28 the other stuff is Senator Trudeau now and Representative Yarowski. They both do awesome amazing work on our behalf.
12:35 Frankly, the entire Lake delegation looks out for the city. Not just Representative Yaroski who represents us specifically in his district, but they all look out for us. So you when you see
12:44 them around town or the county, you should thank them. But we're blessed to have great representation in Tallahassee in the House and Senate. They whenever I've called them on your behalf, whether it's something they want to hear, right?
12:54 Like maybe we're opposed to something or not, or if it's an appropriation, they always say, "Yep, we're on it. What else? What else do you need from me?
13:01 What can we do? You have a great team there and we're proud to work with them." Um, and then so here, setting the scene. Um, property tax reform. I'll get
13:09 into that some. This was going into session. We knew this was going to be something that was going to dominate the conversation. Turns out it dominated the special session conversation and
13:17 congressional redistricting. Uh we're experiencing a little bit of that obviously with Congressman Webster uh deciding he wasn't going to run again.
13:24 Not so much that his seat was redistrict, but uh you know he was decided it was time. But you're seeing those effects across the state as they went through that process. Then of
13:32 course budget building after uh since co and pre precoid after years of growing the budget. um they they were making
13:40 very much an effort to have this year's budget be less than last year's budget uh for fear of uh future expenses coming
13:47 down the line that would outpace the state's revenue. Now, now they've been saying that I've been in this process for 20 years. They've been saying that
13:54 for 20 years and so far 20 years that has not happened. That was me knocking on wood. Um, but you know, they wanted to make sure that the future leaders
14:02 that are coming in, both the new governor and new president, new speaker, would be left with a uh well-kept pantry, if you will, of reserves that they could take care of the state. Um,
14:11 should that actually be the case that expenses overreach? These are the ones I meant to say I was going to skip over.
14:16 You can read them. Um, you can see what passed and died. A theme this year was a lot died. Um, and you know, even though
14:24 the governor uh went out swinging, he didn't get everything he wanted. This was a little unlike sessions from a couple years past where he was expected to run for president and did and he was kind of getting whatever he wished for.
14:34 Um this was a little different as the relationship frankly between the executive branch and the legislative was more like how you would expect an executive and legislative relationship
14:42 of give and take. Uh Senate President unfortunately all his major priorities died but he does have two more years.
14:48 He's not turned out so he can work on some of these and you see Speaker Perez some of his passed and we'll get to that one on sovereign immunity and some did not. Um, but those two that are passed
14:56 obviously will have some impact on on cities and counties. So, the budget, we will get into some details here. So, you could see uh they didn't finish up their
15:04 business during regular session. This is the second year in a row that's happened. They held a special session May 12th through 29th. And what they
15:11 came in was a budget right around uh 114.5 billion. In fact, as I was driving here today, I got notice that the governor received the budget. Sort of
15:19 expected. He has to act by July 1 or we're going to have to do some emergency funding. My guess is he'll act by Mondayish of next week um on that both
15:28 good and bad, right? He'll veto some things. Um it's expected, but he did they did get it done eventually and they did send it to him today. This is what
15:37 it looks like in a pie chart 114.5 billion as I said. Um no surprise in a state Florida size health and human services, one of the larger pieces of
15:44 that pie. education that's K all the way through uh university college system that 27% and then um transportation
15:52 economic development what I'd point out on that is the governor's um job growth grant fund was also funded not at the same amount it was in previous years
16:00 again some of that little push and pull between the house senate and the governor's office the road fund was fully funded though that's obviously extremely important for an area like
16:07 ours where there's a lot of growth um and then in the K12 system for what it's worth that was still year-over-year and they've had for almost 15 years, you
16:16 know, higher even when you take into account inflation and some of those other things. Here's some highlights. I covered a couple of those. Um, you see
16:23 the infrastructure funding, the targeted increases in public safety. Um, and then some of the shift in funding priorities.
16:30 Okay, this is the appropriation we got.
16:33 Again, it was a tough year. They they literally took a billion less than last year, and last year's was a billion yes less than the year before. So, they're they're not going in the direction we'd
16:41 like them to go as far as for funding projects, but we were able to get one through. Not to mention all the other grants that we will have access to that that will go live come July 1. So, we're
16:50 excited about that. We're we're bullish that the governor will approve that.
16:53 He's been pretty good on water projects, but we obviously made a bunch of calls and we'll continue to make calls until he acts on it likely next week. All
17:01 right. Property tax reform. Anybody hear about this? Um, yeah. Okay. Got got a laugh in the back. All right. So, yeah.
17:08 So, this was the worstkept secret that they were going to do something this year. It took a special session. It was sort of the the surprise special session. I say surprise, we knew it was
17:16 coming. We just didn't think it would come until later this summer, but they did act on it. You can see some of the highlights up there. Um the big one is that in the first year, should this
17:24 pass, and that requires 60% approval from the voters, it would move the exemption from 50 to 150,000 for homesteads starting January 1. You all
17:33 know this, but maybe more for the folks in behind me that that are following along. would eventually affect the trim notices going out in uh summer of 2027,
17:42 right? Uh based on when this goes into effect and then of course the next year you can see goes to 250,000 January 1, 2028 which would affect those trim
17:50 notices in um late 2028 and then you see it index the CPI after thereafter.
17:56 You're going to see a lot of articles in the next month or so about the constitutionality of some of the provisions on this. that's already been challenged on ballot summary whether
18:05 that was concise and done right and also some of the provisions. This is one of the first where you'll see some challenges that that could come to
18:12 fruition. Um it there is one argument that you can't do something like this index it to CPI in the constitution. It would have to be have to be done by the
18:20 legislature through an act that would eventually have to go back to the voters to keep doing it. You have because you can't there's no prediction of what the CPI is. the voters would have to
18:28 affirmatively say no, we want it to go to, you know, 300,000 in 2029 or whatever the number might be. Um, we'll see where that goes. I mean, they can
18:37 change the constitution. So, I guess if they want to index at the CPI, they could, but that's one argument. You see, schools taxes are exempted. If you recall, if you're following along, the
18:45 governor originally proposed to have um all of the taxes be exempt as far as that homestead exemption goes. But after
18:54 um two days of discussion, right, this all happened very quickly. They eventually pulled that out. You know, no one had said clearly why it was, but it's some of this is some math, right?
19:04 If they didn't exempt it, that would be about a 5 to10 billion hole in the budget that the legislators would probably have to make up. If you're a future budget writer, i.e. a future
19:13 Senate President and a future speaker, do you really want to try to make up 5 to 10 billion in required local effort if you took it out um here locally?
19:21 Probably not. That's my best guess of why that went away. Also, I think they were feeling a lot of pressure from moms, dads, school, anyone that's
19:29 touched by the traditional K12 system, charter system, whatnot. People who rely on those funds were were heavily questioning whether that was smart. So,
19:37 that got pulled out. Um, and then, uh, as you also know, it talks about, um, the uses of your, uh, and this is
19:45 another area that I think is going to get challenged. It talks about the uses of local cities and counties of what they can do. some obvious ones, police,
19:52 fire, EMS, uh, infrastructure, roads, uh, and they kind of, by the way, the original version didn't equate for water
19:59 and flooding. This is a state with a lot of rain and we have an aquifer below us.
20:03 Flooding is kind of something we all deal with no matter how high or low you are. I know we're in the high country of Florida here in the Clermont area, but um, they did add that in, but they added
20:12 one last section regarding administration, right? Like sort of the theory of you can't have you can't have parks and Rex if you don't have a parks and rex director, right? can't have a city if you don't have a manager, right?
20:22 But some are reading that clause in there to say it's anything you all, and I'm pointing to you all, meaning in the hypothetical, a city commission approves
20:30 would be okay because it says language like if approved by the council. Some are reading that as a catch-all. It gets anything that goes before your body.
20:38 Others are reading it as it's purely just for administration, i.e. you can pay for your parks and rex director, but you can't pay for parks and reck. That's not necessarily something you can do
20:45 with Advalor. That's obviously going to be tested. I think it'll come up in the case. What'll more likely, assuming that language survives, it'll be something
20:52 where maybe not this city, but a city will have to challenge it and say, "Well, we think it should be spent on this." And a judge will start to weigh in and it'll work its way up the court
21:00 system. Um the other thing on there is you may have noticed that there's a um these homestead assessment exemptions do
21:09 not apply after January 1, 2027 to anyone who hasn't been here 5 years. Um that is another area that's going to get a constitutional challenge. this this
21:17 Supreme Court obviously different members threw a similar language out I want to say 15 20 years ago that tried to do that under the United States
21:25 commerce clause saying you can't treat different folks differently under the law. We'll see where it goes. It it was an attempt obviously by the governor and others to to not create a floodgate i.e.
21:35 hey it's free free free for everybody and so that we get a massive population swing which we don't already ex have right now to Florida. Um, but there's
21:44 some questions of whether that could constitutionally pass muster. And then the last one, which many viewed it as a kind of an attempt at an all branch to
21:51 the non-h homestead property owners that are expected to feel some of the brunt of this should it pass is it goes from 10% to 5% on the annual increase on
21:59 those properties assessment. Um, and that was with the presumption of this group is is believing that should this
22:06 pass and homestead owners are no longer eventually paying taxes, this city and every other city in the state and county will have will either have to choose to
22:14 raise taxes and if they do, it'll be on the backs of non-homestead commercial apartments, what have you, or do nothing. But if they choose to raise
22:22 taxes, it'll be on the backs of this group that they're trying to protect. So that was why some of that language was put in there. There was also in the what
22:30 they called the implementing bill, there was some language in there that dealt with the roll back rate. And I bet y'all could teach me more about it than I could. You uh is because you have to
22:38 write your budget every year. But basically, it changed the formula for the roll back rate and that's statutory by the way. The governor got that piece of legislation today. We expect he'll
22:46 sign it. Um but that takes some of the personal income qualifications and the max millage rate in the equation. What it essentially will do will require that
22:55 if you want to keep your budget exactly how it was last year, the new roll back rate will actually be lower. So you would need a super majority of this council to to just put it to where you
23:04 were last year. Whereas in previous years, the way they adjusted it, you just needed a simple majority. So some folks are going to have some tough conversations later this year once
23:12 that's signed of how they get there and what they have to do. So that is that in a nutshell. There's a couple other local bills uh that I thought would be worth
23:20 putting on your radar and then I'm happy to get out of your way and let you continue your business. You net zero, some of these were in the headlines so you know a little bit about it. But it
23:28 prohibited uh net zero policies uh official actions of local government also known as sovereign immunity. The state hasn't raised the sovereign
23:35 immunity caps in 12 years. Um so this or this is the 12th year that they they uh since they did it. Um the good news there's good and bad, right? they've
23:44 they've passed if the governor acts on it and favorably. Uh the the bad news is that they've raised the caps. So it could in theory create cottage industry
23:52 type lawsuits against cities and counties. Um the good news is at least they took the Senate version. The House version had a much more aggressive increase on caps and a more aggressive
24:00 tie to CPI and such. The Senate kept it about what it would be over 12 years if you were just, you know, um stairstepping it up uh naturally. So
24:09 around 400 500,000. So it's unclear what the governor is going to do. He has this bill. He needs to act, I think, now within seven days. He's had it eight. Um
24:18 he, as as you all know, he's not been trial bar friendly. He's been pretty aggressive on tort reform and passing laws and signing laws that that kind of
24:25 reign in the trial bar. Uh on the other hand, he he hasn't always had a sympathetic heart to cities and counties either, right? Uh he's kind of taken the
24:32 stance of um you know, being tough on what he sometimes views as big government at the local level. So, he's sort of what do you do in this
24:40 situation? um here might be some saving grace for cities that are hoping this might not make it to the finish line.
24:46 Hospital districts are also caught up in this cuz they they fall under sovereign immunity. And so it's one thing if governor doesn't care what it's going to
24:53 affect the city of county's insurance rates and he I'm sure he cares, but you get what I'm saying is he's not exactly the champion of local governments like
25:00 others are. Um but hospital districts, right? If now treating patients in your your district uh is going to cost you a whole lot more money because the caps
25:09 have been increased, that's a different story. That can put a lot of them under uh and make them where they can't operate. So, we've heard he's definitely weighing this and trying to figure out
25:17 what he does. So, I wouldn't rule out a veto here. Um even if maybe he he's not vetoing it for us, so to speak, when I say US cities and counties, uh but he
25:25 could indeed still veto it. Uh POS, you've heard about these. This prohibits the use going forward except for emergency purposes. Uh public nuisances.
25:34 This was a law. You may be familiar with this. If you have a a nuisance abatement board, there's a cap on how much you can charge a a nuisance property. And in
25:42 this day and age with with increased properties values, it's negligent. Um and so as a result, a lot of property owners just don't bring their property
25:50 into compliance and just wait till they have to sell it and let that be the next owner's kind of thing, part of the deal.
25:55 And as a result, you never improve that area neighborhood or the commercial district. This now takes away the cap. The government the governor did sign it.
26:02 So it's going to get put more teeth in your nuisance abatement boards to go after properties that are not acting appropriately. Clerks of court. This obviously affects everybody, cities and
26:10 counties included. But they this was a big effort to help give them a better control over the revenue and fees. Um and then local administration of vessel
26:18 restrictions. We do have some lakes here. Um so put it on your radar. Uh there was a lot of bills that died fortunately, not all passed that were
26:26 bad for local. It always feels like I have to explain all the bad things that passed as far as entrenching on your rights, but um they I think knowing property tax reform was coming, they
26:35 kind of let laid low on some of the other stuff with local governments, including in the tax package, which I glossed over, but the tax package, which sometimes always has something going on
26:44 with local governments. Um they kind of left them alone, as well as, as you probably saw, the business rent tax. Uh there was a big piece of legislation that was moving, but that ultimately
26:52 didn't make it to the finish line. Um that I expect will be back in future years, but this year it died. Look at that. 15 minutes. That might be a record
26:59 for me, manager and council. Um please ask me any questions, though. Otherwise, I'll I'll get out of your way. I know you guys have a packed agenda.
27:06 All right. Anyone have any questions?
27:10 I have some since you're here. Um what is the customary or what is the timeline for us to make any requests for uh Congressman Webster before he leaves office in November?
27:19 So, they've already done some of their ear I don't do a lot of federal as you know, but I I know enough to be dangerous and I can get you more information, but as I understand it, a
27:27 lot of the ear marks have already been um worked on and and the various congressmen and women have kind of worked on those. Doesn't mean it's too late to reach out. I mean, there's
27:35 always something happening and given this is a midterm year, my expectation is that the president and this Congress that wants to work with him are going to
27:42 be motivated to get a lot of things done to to bring home some goodies. Um, so I think definitely engage um because I
27:51 think they're going to try to get some wins for folks back home. Um, even if he's retiring, they still got to deliver on these results. Um, and then of course then there's all the grants that go on.
28:00 Um, whether it's HUD or other areas. I think anytime is a good time to do that.
28:05 We have relationships there. I'm sure you all do as well, but I would definitely reach out to his office and ask what they can be doing on that. That our US senators um, don't usually
28:14 participate in the ear marks. That's sort of sadly I wish they would. That would make uh Florida's, you know, job a little easier for those who do that. But
28:21 our congressmen and women do uh I think almost all of our members of Congress in Florida do earmarks, including Congressman Webster.
28:28 Does our agreement with you include communications with his office or No, no, but I'm always happy to to to make those connections there.
28:35 Just curious. Yeah. Uh to clarify, the 150,000 exemption, presuming it passes, would take place in our fiscal year 2028 budget, if I understood what you said.
28:45 So yes, that would be the the exemption would go in effect January 1 when the property appraisers do all the assessments and then so the trim notices in 27 for your 28 29 or 2728 budget.
28:56 So as we're preparing our 27 budget, we we it's more or less business as usual for 27. We're watching 2829. Yeah. Okay.
29:04 Correct. Um, and then there's a definition that I'd like clarification on, if you have it, that there's
29:11 restrictions now on what we can spend property taxes on. Police and fire, for example, can't be reduced, if I
29:18 understand. My question is, in our case, we're under 50% property taxes. The rest comes from other sources. So, even if
29:25 our property taxes are impacted, our police and fire exceed our current property tax collections.
29:34 Do we have any restrictions at that point since most we could we could fairly argue that most of the money we're using for non-public safety is
29:42 coming from sources other than property taxes. Do I have the right argument here?
29:46 Correct. Yes. And and so I mean some of the discussion points in Tallahassee when this was going on was the expectation that cities and counties
29:54 would if they didn't already would would would adopt or increase fees on certain areas. Um you know service areas uh and
30:02 and the the interesting wrinkle on that and I learned this during the process is is is if you know we have at the federal level we have exemp tax writeoffs for
30:11 state and local which most Floridaians don't get to take advantage of because we don't have an income tax. Um, but you do get a small because you do have a
30:18 property tax, you do get to to write off some of that. But if you lose your property tax and you're now paying fees, fees don't count as the write-off. So that's going to make some interesting
30:26 conversations in future years if something like this were to pass. But yes, based on the formula you laid out.
30:32 Um, anything that's not advorum is not controlled under that language.
30:37 Okay. And then if I understood you, I'm seeking clarification. The roll back rate is now the presumption if this passes and in order to keep the millage
30:45 the same presuming roll back is lower it would require a supermajority to keep the millage the same. And that's different because it used to be a a
30:53 majority unless the roll I mean to to get it to the current equation that's there which is personal income and max millage
31:01 factored in with the roll back that would require plus one or supermajority.
31:06 If the roll back rate like the base one that they're moving to happens to be the same, then it would just be simple majority. But if you want to go higher
31:14 than that, which almost across the board it's going to be uh if you want to get back to what you had last year, you'd have to go back higher than that base
31:22 rate, then yes, you would need a super majority.
31:24 And then you mentioned hospital districts, but my understanding is we don't have one anymore here in Clermont. So why why was that important? Uh so on the sovereign
31:31 immunity bill um that's that will have I mean right if that if the caps go up for the city um and pardon me I do we
31:39 self-insure or do we belong to a trust or okay um however you handle it right often there's reinsurance and there's other things you either have to take
31:47 greater retention if there's higher caps or if you're part of self-insure but with some reinsurance type situation your premiums on the reinsurance side
31:55 are going to go up because an expectation even if you go from two and 300,000 which is the current limits to four and 500,000 whether it's single or
32:02 multiple events. You're that small seemingly small increase will will absolutely it's expected to create a
32:09 target industry where the trial bar now largely doesn't target cities. You don't see billboards saying where you run over by your fire or your fireman or your
32:17 garbage truck or what have you. You might start to see more of that. If you get those increase in claims that's going to increase how much you have to
32:24 retain or pay in premiums. So I mentioned that's what the bill would ultimately do if signed. I mentioned the hospital districts. That could be the saving grace for that bill to be vetoed.
32:34 Uh because while the go again, I don't mean to say the governor don't care about cities or counties. I think you get where I'm going with that. It's not not our biggest advocate either. Um but hospital districts is a different story.
32:44 If you're going to take a hospital, which would fall under this legislation, if you're going to take a hospital district, and there's several in the state of Florida that will be impacted
32:50 by this, and increase their caps for the care that they provide, that will absolutely create a cottage industry.
32:57 you know, hospitals and h doctors are targeted already um by trial lawyers.
33:02 Again, not to speak ill. Everyone has a right to sue, but you get what I'm saying. Um and so the governor probably not wanting to penalize them might veto this bill. That's what we're hearing.
33:12 Okay.
33:13 Nothing's for sure, but they're working their way through it. Thank you for being quick. Appreciate it. Anyone else?
33:20 Anyone else? Um I just want to clarify a couple things. SB 168 public news nuisance.
33:28 Yes.
33:28 Uh in your slide you say illegal gambling but that is that's just not applying to illegal gambling unless anytime illegal activity on that piece of property.
33:37 Right.
33:38 Sure. So generally nuisance boards can deal with illegal activity and there's language in the statute that says and it's been expanded and contracted mostly expanded over the years. Right.
33:48 Um of what can establish a nuisance. the gambling was added this year because there's you got those
33:56 um those various popup centers, right, where you know you do I call it arcade gambling, right? Um those are all generally illegal um but and they're
34:04 hard to regulate. So the idea was and that wasn't partly something we worked on necessarily, but it it came part of the bill was to target those and um give
34:14 a little more teeth to law enforcement to go after those. Right? If they can't always catch them in this thing, they can deem the property nuisance, which would make the property owner less
34:22 likely to allow that to happen on their property.
34:24 So, we we can still use that new bill to go after other drug uses and all this kind of stuff on properties, right?
34:32 Absolutely. The hope is that I just I just noted in your slide you had down the illegal gambling. So, I'm like, wait a minute. Uh we we I know we
34:41 looking at actions here to try to enforce uh and beef ours up a little bit. I made sure my Thursday poker night was not covered in that. So, you're fine.
34:48 Thank you. That's the only thing I really had. So, uh well, and I guess I get with my my city attorney to really
34:56 explain the DEI myself. I I'm I'm still trying to figure out all the details on the DEI uh bill that that was that was passed and all. So,
35:03 it's a it's a tricky bill and I think there's been unintended consequences and I say that you can Google it, city of Jacksonville where the one of the sponsors in the Senate were from. they
35:12 they had to come to some clarifications for just local chambers, right? Because I don't think chambers were meant to be included in in the reach of that
35:20 legislation, but there was some concern, right? Um what I've seen so far is that there hasn't been a real press from the
35:28 the executive side of things or even the sponsors to go after folks that weren't intended. Again, that's an amorphous of who was intended or not. I'm sad St.
35:36 Patrick's Day parades are going to go away. But the um you know, they've tried to be open-minded of this as far as like they don't want to be going after
35:44 chamber relationships. A lot of cities and counties rely on local chambers from various backgrounds to help promote business and promote um a good
35:51 ecosystem. Um that's just one example, but they're they're working their way through it. Some of the language isn't perfectly clear, which I'm sure your attorney Chris will help you walk
35:59 through. I say I like when I look at it there's a lot of details in there I'm not quite sure like like the thing on the chamber and a lot of other who else
36:07 going effect. So getting the details would be great.
36:10 The certainty is the effect on a city or county like of what you can do with your programs and your staff. It gets a little more vague when you talk about
36:18 relationships and they and part of it is they wanted to draft it in a way we were following that along. That was obvious that took up a lot of air in the room as that worked its way through the House
36:26 and Senate. Um they they were trying to the the sponsors of it were trying to make sure that let's any city that had an active
36:35 DI program and shut it down because of the law. They they would make sure that it just didn't pop up under a preferred vendor who now is just doing it for the
36:43 city. Um but somehow so they were trying to have tentacles to make sure that a city or county couldn't just or a district couldn't extend it out. Um, and
36:52 that's where some of the rub is is they're trying to work through because a local chamber um is not likely where where a city or county if they were trying to do that was going to. So,
37:00 they're trying to make sure that that doesn't impact those relationships just because it happens to be a Hispanic chamber or an African-American chamber, that kind of thing. Right.
37:08 Okay. All right. All right. Thank you.
37:10 And last thing I got is um if this doesn't receive a 60% in November, what's the possibility of going back
37:18 next year? This is probably good ending note or I don't know if it's good depending on who's listening in the audience. Uh yeah, uh you're right,
37:25 mayor. 60% is required. So 40% of the state plus one voter says no of who shows up in November, it dies. Um so
37:33 this isn't on everyone's radar yet. it was in Tallah the bubble of Tallahassee is if you recall the constitution revision commission every 20-year
37:41 commission where they can a citizens appointed body can can send initiatives directly to the ballot um subject to supreme court review
37:49 there's a similar body that is going to be appointed under the new governor new speaker new president that deals with finance and tax finance and tax
37:57 commission almost the exact makeup just different focus and so they can put things directly to the ballot uh regarding to states finance and taxes,
38:06 right? The group could propose an income tax. Highly unlikely, but they they could propose that, right? They could propose stuff to do with sales tax, right? To to maybe give more flexibility
38:14 or less flexibility. So, I say all that if this fails, I think there's enough people in the room that that truly supported this legislation. When I say
38:23 people in the room in the House and Senate, not because obviously this was the governor's priority, but there were I mean it passed overwhelmingly, so there's clearly people who bought in on
38:30 it. I could see folks in that con that revision commission um putting something to the ballot to try right it wouldn't
38:39 be carbon copy right unless it was like it passed by 50 or 59% to 41% then you could see that group saying well let's
38:46 give it one more go in 28 um but if it's you know if it fails and it fails like in the 55% range I could see them bringing it back but tweaking it some to
38:55 try and get it back on the mark so I don't I don't think this conversation if it fails and I realize y'all are going try to tackle this and get your arms
39:02 around it, good or bad, right? I realize I say bad, that's one p perspective for people. But um I think the if it doesn't
39:10 pass in November, the conversation will continue at least through 2028. And if it still doesn't pass then then I think you're safe for a while. I say safe
39:18 again, not let the voters decide here, but the uh um but at least for y'all's budget exercises, you probably won't have to be thinking through that
39:25 particular side of things for a good while. Okay. All righty. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. and anyone else.
39:32 It's an honor to work with y'all. Thank you for those of you who make it at Tallahassee. Uh whether together or separate, I know many of you make different trips. It's always helpful.
39:39 Gives us an assist. We appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Chris. Appreciate it. Wow.
39:51 All righty. Next item on the agenda is public comment.
39:56 If you wish to address the council in person, please come to the microphone and state your name and address. Once a p once in-person comments have
40:05 concluded, we will move to virtual comments. If you are participating online on Microsoft Teams or wish to
40:12 provide comments, please raise your hand and you will be called on to unmute your microphone when it is time for you to
40:19 speak. If you are participating by phone, you will press star five on your phone to raise your hand. then called upon. When called upon, you will press
40:28 star six to unmute your microphone. All virtual participants, if you wish to comment on other items on the agenda, please stay on the micro Microsoft Teams
40:37 or your phone and raise your hand when it that item comes up on the agenda. This is Yes, sir.
40:44 This portion this portion of of the meeting is only for items that's not on the agenda. In the interest of time,
40:51 efficiency, and ensuring everyone who wishes to address the council given opportunity to do so, each speaker will be permitted three minutes to address the council. To avoid disruption of the
41:00 meeting, speakers should avoid inappropriate language, personal attacks, derogatory statements, and direct comments to the city council.
41:07 Everyone is requested to be respectful and when we even when we disagree. Yes, sir.
41:13 Good evening, council. Uh Otis Taylor, 3686 Kaladis. I want to bring two
41:22 critical safety issues that uh I'm seeing in the city.
41:28 One of them is our um bike lanes. And I'm not quite sure who's responsible for
41:35 that, but they are in rough shape. And you see you see a cyclist in and out of traffic as a result of it because
41:44 there's so much debris in the road. And I know a big part of it is because it drains and of course by the where it
41:52 drains it's going to collect but throughout the city.
41:57 So maybe on your way home uh you can take a look at that because I think it's really missed but 27 is really bad. 50
42:06 is bad and 50 and matter of fact maybe even not so much the debris in some spots some spots the bike lane is being
42:16 encroached by grass and and other stuff that you don't even see the bike lane any longer. So I think that's something we really really need to take a look at before we have some serious problems.
42:27 um you know, not just safety problems of someone getting hit by a car, but a bicyclist falling, having a blowout or
42:36 something that could create other issues. The second problem, uh West Lake, we put a lot of money into West Lake.
42:46 West Lake, I mean, uh yeah, West Lake. Is this West Lake over here where we have the retention pond?
42:55 Is that called West Lake?
42:58 when we have the big retention pond before it drains into Lake Minnola. What's that called? Victory point.
43:04 Vic, you mean victory? Yeah, Victory Point. Victory Point. Okay.
43:06 Yeah. What's that lake? Is that called West Lake? No. Oh, it used to be Westlake. Okay.
43:12 Okay. So, um I guess it's really easy now because of
43:19 the rain and everything being everything being so low, but it look it looks like a cesspool.
43:25 There's debris everywhere uh in the lakes and I know the whole purpose is to clean one so the other don't get dirty
43:33 but it it's really bad and I don't know I guess it's the city responsibility
43:40 to do the cleaning. So I don't know how often we do it but we really need to get someone out there to clean that lake. It is it's it's it's a cess poolool. And
43:49 not only that but you know we got the stairs that go up to the top and all. I know we got the elevators capped off and
43:56 and locked, but even that area is graffiti everywhere. And when I know we
44:03 got cameras, but I know cameras don't catch everything, but we need to do some of the graffiti that's being written on the walls and stuff like that. Uh that's
44:10 going to be a very focal point and having people come in and see that, you know, it's going to make the city look bad. Thank you.
44:18 Thank you.
44:21 This is a public comment. Anyone in the public wish to address anything that's not on the agenda may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
44:32 Good afternoon, mayor, members of the council. Paulo Hoisington, 564 East Street. Um, just want to take
44:39 the opportunity to thank the mayor and the city council for sponsoring partnering with the alliance to do the Junth celebration.
44:49 Um the weather was a little shaky but then it eventually cooperated with us.
44:54 We had a very good crowd. In fact, at the end we had to say, you know, you don't have to go home, but you got to leave here.
45:01 People just didn't want to go home. Um thank the members of the council, Dan and Councilman Bain, for coming out and
45:10 participating in learning. One of the things that the alliance did a few couple of years ago was reach out
45:17 to the school board to see if the school board was interested in having the
45:23 students all in Lake County participate in an essay, art
45:31 or um song just to express themselves of what they thought Junth meant to them.
45:38 So the alliance then raised funds to where we could award a monetary um value to those students that
45:46 participated. We had a a a um judging contest and picked out the winner. This year we had two Last year we had
45:54 several. This year we had two um fantastic art drawings. One from Kaden Kaden Wooding. He actually won last
46:02 year. And then a new participant was Alicia Brown. And I just want to show you their vision of what Junth meant to
46:12 them in their artwork. And then I'll read you a little of what they said. If I can get this.
46:25 So if you can see this, this was our music drawing and it was by Allison.
46:32 Allison said she felt the need to bring together music, dancing, and a No, not
46:38 not our not our council woman at least Brown. A young student a young student at one of our schools.
46:48 A young student who did this.
46:49 She wanted to bring together people dancing, music playing, and just enjoying what it meant to her and her
46:57 spirit. When you see people dancing while music's playing instruments or piano at Juneenth celebration, it represents a community rejoicing
47:06 freedom, honoring ancestors, celebrating cultural heritage, and embracing an ongoing journey for equality. This is from our youth.
47:15 Yes. Embracing equality moving forward.
47:22 And the next one, our first place, some Caden Wooding,
47:29 broken chains, freedom from oppression and slavery, liberation and hope, resilience and perseverance, the ongoing
47:38 pursuit to equality and justice, recognizing that freedom was only the beginning of the struggle for civil rights. the words of our students. If
47:48 they can see this at their young age and feel this and believe this, imagine if we all took lessons from them and what a better place this would be.
47:59 I ask that next year if we're allowed to do this again that we encourage more of our students to express themselves because if they
48:08 see it, they learn it, they hear it, they do it, they grow up, and they become it.
48:13 Amen. Thank you so much council for allowing us to have this celebration.
48:17 This is only the beginning. Some of our students I'm sure that will go on and do greater things and we can say we born, we raised, we tapped them and we gave
48:26 them a platform in the city of Clermont. Thank you. Thank you.
48:37 Uh uh hold on. Uh Paula, can we ask you a question? We we I don't think we made uh provision to hang it in
48:44 the in the U city hall this year, did we?
48:48 I think last year we we hard on the display.
48:51 Can we have that at least for 30 days here?
48:54 If we can put it in the lobby or something.
48:56 Yeah, I would like that. Okay. Yeah.
48:59 Tell them they did a beautiful job when you see them. Yeah, we did. Thank you. Yes, sir.
49:14 Thank you for your time. My name is John Fox and I'm not a longtime resident in Clermont, just over 15 years. But can I get your address, please?
49:24 Yes. I live in the Fox Chase development, 811 Crooked Branch Drive. Okay. Thank you.
49:30 Which the address brings me here. We have a new development next to us that has been cleared for I think well over a
49:40 year. Now it's paved and looks like they have electricity.
49:44 But what we're wanting to know may possibly as a neighborhood association, what steps maybe you could tell us that
49:54 we could follow to see how somebody is able to clear cut 57 acres of land with no mitigation that is shown anywhere.
50:04 Same thing with wildlife. Same thing happened there. There was no mitigation.
50:08 There was no re rehoming or anything of the wildlife in the area. And with they're putting in 145 homes in that area, all rentals.
50:20 You probably know 92% of every household has a car and 60% of them virtually have
50:27 two or three or more. So, it's going to be it's going to affect probably the county maybe more than just the city of
50:35 Clermont. But I do know I think in November of 24 you all had to approve this development. So what we're wanting
50:43 to ask is how do we follow that procedure? How do we find out how somebody is able to clearcut?
50:52 No mitigation, nothing apparent. Same thing with uh wildlife, just they're on
50:59 their own. And uh boy, our neighborhood really noticed them. from coyotes to
51:05 skunks to snakes uh running through our part of the county.
51:13 Um, have you given us just maybe tell how we how we might be able to get in on the process I guess of finding out how
51:22 these things are these how are they um under pretty much it sounds like the control of the de
51:31 developers whatever they wish to do it just appears that way. No sir, I I can sure it's a process they have to go
51:39 go through and they didn't just go out there and just start cutting and everything, but my city manager going to get with you and u have someone uh get
51:47 you information so we can sit down and explain the process with you. That's great. Okay.
51:50 The time I met in South Florida, there was no such thing as clear cutting in Miami day and Broward County. You don't
51:57 do that. So yeah, I really appreciate that effort. Thank you so much for the time. You're welcome, sir. Thank you.
52:04 Thank you, sir. Anyone else?
52:13 This is Yes, sir.
52:18 Good afternoon. My name is Kurt Shu. My address restricted under state law.
52:24 Mayor Tim Murry, city council members, senior staff of the city of Clermont.
52:27 Want to thank you all for the opportunity. I have uh two things. One, I would like to first thank the city clerk and her staff for the forward
52:34 request. I've learned a lot over the last year about they've done a great job as far as I think forward request. I've been there with some other people have some forward requests. It's been
52:43 entertaining um engaging people. Um I say it's challenging for the city staff and I like to thank them and recognize in front of you. Um it's not an easy
52:51 process for them. The other part I like to bring up about veterans near and dear to my heart. We're just about a week away from the 250th anniversary of our
52:59 country next week. So, bless you all and hope you all have a great time. Be safe and God bless. Um, there was a recent
53:06 act passed, the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening and Safe Travel Act, which now gives disabled veterans that have a qualifying disability free TSA PreCheck.
53:16 So, the purp I'm working on, and um, for those people that are disabled veterans, I've sent it out to I know the VFW and other ones.
53:24 So, thank you very much. Have a blessed day. Thank you, sir. Anyone else? This is public comment.
53:31 Anyone wish to speak to anything that's not on the agenda may come to microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Anyone else?
53:40 Seeing no one else in the chamber, I close the chamber. Anyone online, sir?
53:46 Okay. So, I close public comment. Uh before we go in front of Mr.
53:54 bandwagon. We have any changes to the agenda?
53:57 We have one thing, Mr. Mayor, and then I'd like to bring up one other thing. Okay.
54:00 Item 14 is a request for table ordinance 20126-014,
54:07 the final hearing to September 22nd of 2026.
54:13 September 22nd, I'm sorry, September 2 20 sec 22 of 2026.
54:22 Okay. Thank you.
54:24 I'll move to table ordinance number 2026-014 to September 22nd, 2026. A second.
54:32 I have a motion and a second to table item number 14 or ordinance number 2026-014 uh until 22 September 2026.
54:42 And we'd like to let the clerk go ahead and read that ordinance if that would be okay. Yes.
54:47 Well, real real we already tabled this to that date. It's in our final hearing for the final.
54:54 We tabled the intro to se to the first meeting in September. This is to table the final to the second meeting in September. Right.
55:02 So why is the final on the agenda when we tabled the intro?
55:04 It was advertised for this date. That's why we have to table it to the uh September 22nd date.
55:10 We advertised before two weeks before the meeting.
55:13 We have to because we have to advertise 14 days prior to and the meeting date was exactly 14 days. Okay. All right, go ahead.
55:22 Ordinance 2026 014, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Clermont, Lake County, Florida, amending chapter
55:29 125 to establish procedures for the review and approval of mobile food dispensing vehicles pursuant to section
55:36 509.102 Florida statutes providing for conflict, severability, codification, administrative correction of scrivener's
55:44 error, publication, and effect effective date.
55:49 Okay. Have a motion and a second to table item number 14, ordinance number 2026-014 to 22 September 2026. Any further discussion?
55:59 I'm sorry. Just for procedural clarification, I think we tabled the intro to September 22nd, didn't we? What is that one? To the 9th. The first meeting in September.
56:07 That's in the 9th. Okay. All right. Got it. All right. Thank you.
56:12 All right. And apologies for the premature motion there. I I forget we still have to read it even if we're going to table. It's okay. We we we go back. We can do it.
56:21 Any further discussion hearing? None.
56:23 All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Chair vote. I as well. Motion carries 5. Yes, sir.
56:32 And one other thing, Mr. Mayor.
56:34 Recently, city hall was hit by a lightning strike which impacted our air conditioning unit. And I'd like to make
56:41 a request for an emergency purchase of two air conditioning units for the second and the third floor. We were going to have that in the budget for
56:49 this next year, but we're asking if we could do that now, and it's going to be in the amount of around $300,000. We'd
56:56 like to use our current uh continued service group called West Book to go ahead and bid that out for us and help us get the best price, but we'd like to
57:05 start that immediately. it just just so everybody knows it's between 85 and 95°
57:12 up there at times and it's not conducive for people to be working up there right now. So, we have repairs coming
57:19 hopefully tomorrow with parts, but this is a temporary thing. It needs to be taken care of. It's been on the fritz for a little while now.
57:27 Um, let me let me see. I I asked Mr. Mr.
57:32 the van wagon uh to do emergency quest for repair of the replacement these air condition because these air condition
57:39 these buildings been on the fritz for years now. Um you never know what you're going to get. It's almost like being in the Navy. It's an adventure every day
57:46 you come in the building. Um I know they saying this time it hit by lightning but uh fun to spend time in here a couple of
57:54 days a week. every day uh when I come in here even on second floor I don't know where is it going to be hot or cold or freeze me out and they can't regulate it
58:03 and all we spending a a trend a tremendous amount of money just trying to keep these things going so I asked him to go ahead and with this lady's
58:11 thing especially yesterday when I went upstairs and I mean soon as I opened the door to upstairs the heat just rushed out and hit me so hard uh I just figured
58:19 like we need to stop wasting our money and go ahead and replace them because they definitely need to be replaced so uh I know it sound like a lot of money, but I think we have the funding in in in
58:27 funding available. So, let's go ahead and I would like to see a motion to go ahead and get this thing done, get the process done.
58:35 So, do we need to uh city manager or city attorney, do we need to identify where the funds come from in the motion?
58:44 Um, no. In your procurement procedures, you do have a section on emergency purchases. So long as the city manager
58:51 certifies in writing that, you know, there is an equipment failure and issue, which he will do before signing the contract, it's it's permissible by the city council to act as we uh as moved.
59:03 Okay. And I would I I echo the the mayor's comments. I been up on third floor a couple weeks ago and thought, gosh, it feels really warm up here. Um,
59:11 and that was before this week and last week where it's I mean we have staff who in the finance department who need to be in their offices with their equipment.
59:19 They can't really take that mobile and um I I I I fear that we are creating a really harsh working environment for
59:27 them. So I would I would move uh as uh presented by the city manager to do this. I second. Okay.
59:34 I'm sorry. Is it in our supplemental packet or is there an email? I I mean I'm not I completely appreciate the need
59:42 to take care of air conditioning. Don't don't misunderstand, but I think $300,000 is a lot to just say we're just throwing on the agenda with no paperwork. I mean, did I miss something?
59:53 No, it that's why it's an emergency because it just got hit with lightning this week. So, well, we were having problems last week
1:00:01 when I Well, this this we this is no control. Now, it's completely gone now.
1:00:05 Okay. So what we're saying so I understand is the air conditioning entire air conditioning system for the building is damaged and
1:00:13 the second the third floor second and third floor but that's what I'm saying it's the air conditioning I thought you presented that we needed generators or backup but
1:00:21 we're actually you're asking to replace the air conditioning systems in the building. Yes.
1:00:27 Okay. We we like I say we've been having problem with it and I know it was I think they was talking about trying to put it in the budget this year but every
1:00:35 week uh especially on Monday mornings I walk in here uh to spend time in the building and Brian God bless his soul. I
1:00:42 mean he doing all these candid trying to make these things work. Um Ken never regulated. I know a week before last I came in and went into the clerk's office
1:00:50 and the air the second floor was just hot as I don't know what uh oh no and the fact that we have expected mothers
1:00:57 here working in these building they cannot we cannot continue to ask them to work under the uh uh conditions especially up on the third floor hard as
1:01:04 it was up there yesterday uh the young lady having to come down every so many minutes to just just try to uh cool off
1:01:12 you know and like I said we continue to spend the money on these thing. So, let's let's stop wasting our time, wasting the money. Just go ahead and get
1:01:20 it done. Even though I know we were looking at putting in the budget, but every week we spending money on these air conditions, but we're saying they can't be fixed now.
1:01:28 Well, we going to have to we going to have to fix it now. We f to spend a whole lot of money because because of the uh lightning strike. We're going to have to fix it right now. But still,
1:01:36 next week, we going to probably have another problem. So, why we keep going round in circles instead of going in and fixing the problem, getting it over with instead of wasting the money? Uh, I think they the original air condition.
1:01:47 I'm not sure. Uh, that's been in here for 20 some odd years. I'm not quite sure, but they've been here for a while.
1:01:52 So, it's time to just go ahead and get it done. U, okay. So, how much does it cost to fix right now?
1:01:57 You're asking me to make a $300,000 decision. I'm I'm just asking the question.
1:02:03 How much is it to fix what's broken now versus replacing what's broken? And what's the timeline to fix it versus to replace it?
1:02:11 Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, members of the city council, James Mayworm, assistant director, answering your question, in the neighborhood of $14,000.
1:02:20 Okay.
1:02:20 So, the plan is right now the uh contractors on the roof preparing the location, removing all of the damaged
1:02:27 components, and there are several uh tomorrow morning at 7:00. A crane will arrive. The parts will be here, and the
1:02:35 crane will lift the parts necessary to make the repairs onto the roof. and then hopefully by midday tomorrow, the air
1:02:44 conditioning will be reestablished. Uh it's interesting to note that this
1:02:50 particular fail will be the seventh time this calendar year that we have had problems with either the heating in the
1:02:59 duck work or the air conditioning systems. So, it is a very old system.
1:03:04 The building's 23 years old. We do have it, excuse me, in the budget for next year, but um
1:03:12 if we can make the move now, that would be very advantageous for us. Has it been bid out? Uh not at the moment. No.
1:03:22 So, so I think it's they're already set up to have it repaired. I the emergency to me is it's hot and it's Florida and it's 96 degrees and there's a plan in
1:03:30 place to have it ready by tomorrow at noon and it costs 14,000 and I'm perfectly happy to move forward with that. I'm perfectly happy to move
1:03:38 forward with a bid to have it bid out so we can make sure we're getting the right price for replacing the units if it's 27
1:03:45 years old. And I thought when you said this that this was one of the items that had been voted on back in 2022 when all
1:03:53 the carpet in the building was replaced, but that's going off memory because I'm getting hit by this and I I'm I I wasn't prepared for this. But to me, the
1:04:01 emergency seems like get it repaired, which I'm fully supportive of, and then let's bring it back at the next meeting to get, you know, once we bid it out and
1:04:09 get some quotes. Well, the thing is where we pass this motion today, then we will be able to go to procurement to go
1:04:16 out for the bids. Okay? Until we until we get the motion and authorize procurement to act, it's not going to get betted. And yes, we can put the
1:04:24 $14,000 in there tomorrow if that's what it end up costing. It may end up costing them more. Uh what who's to say the next day we don't have another problem. And
1:04:32 that's that's the thing. If we keep going round and round the circuit, as they said is this is the seventh time we've had to try to repair these air condition this year. uh we just we just
1:04:40 keep spending money. So um if we put it in the budget for next year, yeah, we'll still have to wait another five or six months down the road until the new
1:04:47 budget come in if it's get approved in the new budget. We have the fundings available right now. Okay. So let's let's just go ahead and do it. And I
1:04:55 think we'll save ourselves the money in the long run because I can almost guarantee you next week sometime we going to have to put some more money in that air conditioning because we do it
1:05:02 just about every week. Okay. in this building. And I just want to clarify that what the city manager mentioned wasn't to get
1:05:10 bids. It was to use someone who I think we have a continuing contract with because of the emergencies. So, if that is the city's direction,
1:05:19 it'll have to change what the city's city manager recommendation was.
1:05:22 But this goes to an item that we've been talking about, which is we have several different contractors. Are we getting
1:05:29 bids from each of those contractors or are we just saying the next one up gets to tell us how much they're going to charge us? Because I thought we picked
1:05:37 contractors so that we could say, "Okay, we have an emergency situation. You have 24 hours to give me a bid to replace these items and then we get the lowest
1:05:44 bidder from the contractors that have been approved." But that's not being done or that's not allowed or that's not what's being proposed today.
1:05:52 Why wouldn't we do that?
1:05:55 We certainly can't. So there's there's various different ways that this can be procured. Our traditional way to do it
1:06:03 would be to write up a scope of work specifications, put a bid out on the street, allow that to be on the street
1:06:10 for potentially a month to two months, have everybody have time to ask questions, digest the scope of work, giving us the best price that they
1:06:18 possibly can. Um, in this case, we were talking about an emergency purchase, at which point in time we don't
1:06:26 competitively bid it. We don't typically competitively quote it because it is an emergency. We just move forward, get a
1:06:34 contractor that we already have a contract with available and get the work done. Um, I don't know, maybe Freddy can
1:06:41 speak to this, but perhaps we could get three quotes and then just just move from that point.
1:06:49 It just seems to me like the emergency is there's no air conditioning on the second and third floor. We have a $14,000 solution that gets it done tomorrow at noon. Why Why don't we just
1:06:57 do that and then get the quotes? If the bid's off by $50,000 from someone else, we spent 14, but we saved 50 and that works.
1:07:07 Absolutely.
1:07:08 I'm sorry. Excuse me. But I think you're assuming that because they put $14,000 in, it means it's going to be fixed. I don't know if you hadn't had an air
1:07:15 conditioner go bad. But I have and I know what it's like when you put money in, then it's still not fixed, and then you got to get a new one.
1:07:22 Yeah, but this isn't our money. And it it is our money. It's it's our taxpayer dollars money. And I think that we have to be reasonable. It is hot as the dickens in the state of Florida.
1:07:32 This thing is old. It needs to be fixed.
1:07:34 That's why it's called an emergency because it's been hit by lightning. It's been repaired seven times. We have employees coming here. We cannot expect
1:07:42 them to work in these conditions cuz people can have strokes. They can die.
1:07:46 They can have all kinds of health challenges because it's too hot in here.
1:07:50 And we do need to get the solution, which is to get a new air conditioning system. I I don't disagree with you. I'm just disagreeing with the process that's
1:07:58 being requested. I I completely agree with you. I just think it doesn't make sense to me. Mhm.
1:08:05 If I can fix my broken air conditioning, if I can put a band-aid on it this moment while I bid out a $300,000 line
1:08:12 item to contractors that we already have under continuing services and give them a chance to bid it out, even if they
1:08:20 come in next week and replace the unit, if it saves $50,000 because we competitively sought quotes, then in the end we've spent 264 instead of 300.
1:08:31 That's what I'm looking the emergency is it's hot on the second third floor. I'm hearing a solution by tomorrow at noon.
1:08:37 I don't think we talk about yes, we can vote on anything, but I don't want to set a standard of where we say, well, here's an emergency that creates an
1:08:44 opportunity for us to spend a six figure change to our budget without notifying the public that this is an item that we're going to take up from from the
1:08:53 council. I mean, I I just You could get me to, hey, we'll authorize up to 300,000, but we're going to get the bids from all of our existing contractors and
1:09:02 move forward. That's fine. But now, how much does that slow down the tomorrow at noon? I think they should move forward with tomorrow at noon, get it done so
1:09:09 it's taken care of, and then handle the quotes. But I'm just one vote. I it just to be to hear $300,000 with no nothing
1:09:17 in writing and no clarification. That's Miss Strange. I think we gonna move forward with the 14,000 for tomorrow.
1:09:25 But then again, who's to say uh uh what's tomorrow? When Thursday, we don't have to spend another 14,000 cuz something else is wrong. And that's what
1:09:32 I'm saying. You talk about it's not our money. You're right. It's the taxpayer money. And my thing is to save the taxpayer money as much as possible. And
1:09:40 I don't like with even with my money keep putting money into something that's constantly breaking down and everything.
1:09:46 I rather go ahead and fix it and get out of get it out of the way rather than constantly week after week after week spending dollars because eventually it's
1:09:54 going to add up to to what where we at right now with the $300,000. We can put $14,000 in there tomorrow. Hopefully that's all it's going to cost us
1:10:02 tomorrow. And next week we have to put another $20,000 in it. Okay. And who's to say even while we out getting the bid that doesn't happen? But my my thing is
1:10:11 let's go ahead and get the process going. If we need to go out and get three, if you feel satisfied with us going out and getting three bid, I have no problem with getting the three bid,
1:10:18 but we need to me to get this process taken care of rather than waiting another two or three months waiting for it to get approved all in in the uh
1:10:27 upcoming budget and everything and then starting the process. Let's go ahead and get it done because I know we're spending money every week on just about
1:10:34 every week on these air condition. So, I have a question for the city attorney.
1:10:38 Um, we have this emergency procurement process to use the existing contract. Um,
1:10:49 are we prohibited from being creative and saying put out a 24-hour bid to the all
1:10:57 existing and get those back under the same emergency rule or do we have to follow what's there?
1:11:05 No, I mean I I I take the position that in an emergency we have more flexibility with our procurement procedures. So,
1:11:12 just as we're able to um approve something like this under a continuing contract,
1:11:19 um I think we would have more flexibility to try and that the problem is that if we do go out and put it out to bids,
1:11:27 there are certain that fairness is the name of the game in procurement process, right? And so I'm
1:11:36 just thinking through how we would do it under a as long as it's certified as an emergency. The answer to your question is yes, we could.
1:11:45 Well, I don't want to create a hoop that doesn't need to be created. Um I've been on the third floor um
1:11:52 during this week and last week and the week before. Um and it was hot, hotter,
1:12:00 and hotter than I'll get out. Um and so, um that's not a good working condition.
1:12:07 I think it's responsible even under an emergency situation. We have this process for a reason. We don't do it on a regular basis. That would not be the
1:12:15 definition of an emergency. Um and if we were planning on replacing this at this
1:12:21 level next year, yes, fix it at the 14 grand, get it working because we're even
1:12:28 if we approve this right now, and I hope we do, um it's not going to be Monday when the new one goes in. It's going to
1:12:36 be some time yet before that new one goes in and we need it to work up to that point. And so I I I'm fine with the
1:12:44 motion that I made that's relative to what the city manager proposed and that's been seconded and I hope that we can support that.
1:12:51 Okay. Any well for clarification I know you're looking at me Mr. Van Wagner with the motion you
1:12:59 made Mr. Mr. is it uh considered emergency and they could just go out and use the under continuous contract.
1:13:06 The city manager would have to certify the emergency under a procedure, but yes. And um if we did go on a bidding process, I'm just reviewing the
1:13:14 statutes. We would I would need to talk to Freddy about some of the hoops we'd have to jump through, okay, to do that. Okay.
1:13:19 I'm fine with the emergency process we have.
1:13:21 Okay. Well, I just wanted to make sure I know Mr. Van Wagon were looking for some clarification here. So, okay. But I do have a motion and and a second for to go
1:13:29 ahead and uh proceed with the emergency uh repair of air conditioning on the second and third floor of city hall. Any
1:13:37 further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? Let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Nay.
1:13:43 And the chair vote I as well. Motion passes 41.
1:13:49 Please let's get her taken care of. And thank you. Anything else, Mr. That's it. Thank you.
1:13:57 That's it. Thank you. Hit a bug here.
1:14:06 All right. The next portion of the meeting is the consent it consent agenda which contains items that have been determined to be routine and non-controversial. If anyone in the
1:14:14 audience wish to address address a particular item on the consent agenda, now is the opportunity for you to do so.
1:14:20 Additionally, if staff or members of the city council wish to address a particular item on the consent agenda, they have the same opportunity. The
1:14:28 consent agenda items tonight is items 1 through 11.
1:14:34 Is there any items that need to be approved?
1:14:37 I have a couple things. Um, Mr. Bain or Mr. for a while, maybe you can help me because I I don't necessarily know that
1:14:44 I'm voting against, but I have questions and an edit and so I don't know if I need to pull them. Um, on the council
1:14:52 meeting minutes, I felt like there was something missing from my reports last meeting, so I don't know if I need to pull that. Um, on item number five,
1:15:01 there's installation of two fishing fishing peers. My understanding is that there was a grant to cover that. So, it's a budget amendment with a grant. I
1:15:09 just wanted to get clarification on that. That relates to item number four.
1:15:13 And then item number 10, I'll go ahead and pull.
1:15:18 And item number 11, I'll pull. Do I need to pull the meeting minutes or can I just for the meeting?
1:15:24 As for the meeting minutes, if you It would be appropriate if the council approved to make a motion to approve it with your proposed revision. Okay.
1:15:34 If that was seconded and approved, it would be fine. I don't know what your revision is.
1:15:40 It's just to add that I spoke on the tourism update from Lake County.
1:15:44 Well, yeah, I would think Mr. W that would have to be pulled and we'll have to approve that with the added changes, right? No, you're saying no.
1:15:52 No, you can if you want, but you don't need to. If if you all in agreement, in other words, you know, if it was a contract and you just wanted to approve
1:16:00 it on consent, but it had a typo, you could move to approve it subject to fixing the typo. Same type of deal.
1:16:05 All right. And then can can we get clarification on item five or do I have to pull I don't know the answer to that.
1:16:11 Item five. We'll go ahead and pull that one.
1:16:14 Well, unfortunately it relates to item four because four is the budget amendment and then five. So that was why I was trying not to have to pull a bunch of things.
1:16:22 Yeah. C can we just get the clarification before we decide to pull it? Yeah, Scott's in the audience.
1:16:30 I heard Scott. Mr. Bora. It could be public works. The question is on item number five with the two fishing peers, my recollection was that we got either
1:16:38 insurance or a grant or FEMA money because it was hurricane damage, but it shows as a budget amendment. And so I
1:16:45 just want to be clear that it's a budget amendment with a corresponding revenue. And if not, I just want to I was seeking clarity on that.
1:16:54 Good afternoon again. Um I can answer the question to number five. If you recall, we had four of our docks destroyed during the hurricane.
1:17:04 Negotiations with FEMA, they said, "Yes, we will replace all of those." At some point, there was a decision made to go
1:17:13 ahead and take the funding for these two peers that we're talking about and move that funding over to the 8th Street pier
1:17:21 to help fund the project. And FEMA agreed with that. So we forfeited our opportunity to use the FEMA money to
1:17:30 replace these and then decision was made to please go ahead and replace these peers. And so now that's where we're at.
1:17:37 The decision was made to move. I'll go ahead and pull item number five please.
1:17:41 So we'll talk about it later. So I'm pulling five, 10, and 11.
1:17:47 Okay. Five, 10, and 11. Any other?
1:17:52 I entertain a motion item number one with proposed with the uh associated changes on item number one. Item two,
1:18:00 three, four, six, seven, eight, nine. May I interject? Yes.
1:18:07 I just want for clarification, council member Strange, page 16, third bullet point does provide an update regarding
1:18:15 your comments on the tours and development council.
1:18:17 Okay. Under my the reports, it didn't show there. So it's in a different section.
1:18:23 It is there. It's because we had dis the council was there. There was discussion regarding other items that was brought up and then the additional information
1:18:31 regarding the TDC is listed under the third bullet point on page 16 of the minutes.
1:18:37 Okay. I guess in the one I looked at it wasn't okay. So it's been updated. All right. Well then never mind.
1:18:42 So let me go back. I entertain a motion for items one through four and six through nine.
1:18:51 I'll make a motion one through four, six through nine of the consent to approve.
1:18:57 I have a motion in a second for approval of uh consent item 1 through 4 and 6 through nine. Any further discussion? No.
1:19:05 Hear none. All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. I.
1:19:07 All oppose. Chair vote I as well. Motion carries 5. Item number five, bid award and budget amendment.
1:19:14 So yeah, I'm just seeking clarification or reminder. I think Mr. Mayworm.
1:19:28 So just to understand myself and then also the public. So, we have the they had the four peers that were covered by
1:19:35 FEMA. And what I heard you say is that at some point the decision was made and I'm wondering if we made that decision
1:19:42 to use the peers, the replacement peers that we're talking about today for 187,000 towards you said the eighth
1:19:51 street pier. So, is that meet me in the middle or is that the eighth street?
1:19:54 Meet me in the middle. Yeah, that that particular project. So, we got the demolition of the old 8th Street pier funded by FEMA.
1:20:04 They funded that 100% and whatever proportion they were going to give us to rebuild uh the two peers at
1:20:13 waterfront um that is also allocated to meet us in the middle a street whatever the project is termed.
1:20:24 Did this council approve that? Yes, it's my understanding you did.
1:20:31 I don't remember us funding meat in the middle.
1:20:34 Yeah. No, the the money is there. It's it's a grant from FEMA, right?
1:20:40 Typically. Yeah. And so the money is is there and available for us whenever we apply for it.
1:20:47 Is it available for us to use for these projects, for these peers?
1:20:50 I would have to check. I'm not sure in in regards to the process. We went through the formal process of moving the
1:20:58 monies and they agreed. I'm not I don't know if we can go back and say can we we've changed our mind. Can we shift the
1:21:05 funds to something different? So, we can check on that. Okay.
1:21:15 Okay.
1:21:18 Public meeting had to pull it. All righty. This is a public meeting.
1:21:23 Anybody in the um chamber wish to address this item may come to microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:21:31 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to microphone, state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:21:36 Seeing no one in the chamber, anyone online, sir? No one online. I close public comment.
1:21:41 Bring it back to council. What say council on item number five? Move to approve item number five.
1:21:51 A second.
1:21:52 Have a motion and a second for approval of consent agenda item number five bid award and budget amendment for the installation of two fishing peers. Any further discussion? None. All in favor?
1:22:03 Let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Nay.
1:22:07 And the chair vote I as well. Motion passes 41. Item number 10. Uh what is it? facility use and license agreement.
1:22:17 Yeah, this is probably a question for Mr. Wah. I understand it's hard for me to tell from these if this is a sub assignment, if it's a new agreement, if
1:22:26 it's a new agreement, has it been bid out? I I understand the general concept.
1:22:31 I'm not necessarily opposed to the general concept, but I feel like for purposes of the public to understand what we're doing at Performing Arts Center that it would be helpful to have
1:22:39 a explanation of how we came to potentially doing a contract with someone without bidding it out and how that works.
1:22:47 Well, I wasn't involved in that process.
1:22:50 Um, I was given terms and I helped draft some of the agreement. So, I can tell you about the drafting, but I didn't negotiate any of the terms.
1:22:58 Okay. Yeah.
1:23:00 Um, so yeah, I mean what you have before you is a proposed Yeah. Right. Okay.
1:23:15 Good afternoon again. Yes. So, Thrive reached out to us for space to run their homeschool program at the Ark. Then
1:23:23 after some back and forth and some delay, they asked for space that was more exclusive that the Boys and Girls
1:23:31 Club could handle. I reached out to the Boys and Girls Club. They were interested in working with this program. It worked for them. Their fee goes down.
1:23:40 They have the opportunity to recruit their students into their after school program and we went from there.
1:23:48 Okay. Thank you. Sure.
1:23:50 But it wasn't bid. It didn't go through a bidding process.
1:23:53 No, there was no there was no bid process. They reached out to us.
1:23:56 Okay. I'm I'm just I want to make sure that we're following the processes and procedures that we do for everything
1:24:04 else. And so this one seemed outside of the ordinary process to me. And so that's why I pulled it.
1:24:13 It's not required to go out for bid. No. Oh, yeah. Why? Yeah. Why not?
1:24:20 There's no rule or regulation that requires it. Um, this is there's an existing agreement with Boys and Girls Club for use of the facility.
1:24:28 It's not in the um it's not subject to Florida statute section 163 uh 380,
1:24:35 which would require some kind of a public notice process. Like if it was across the street from here, it would,
1:24:42 but this is not that location. And so the city under its home ruled powers can can do this if it wants to. So why is this coming for us? Why isn't this a staff issue?
1:24:51 Because it is a property interest. I mean it's a license, you know, agreement. It's not technically um a lease, but generally because the
1:25:00 signatory for these is usually the mayor. You know, whether it's a deed or a lease or a license because it's an interest in property. Um it comes to you
1:25:10 and I think Mr. Well, one of the thing my understanding one of the other reason has to come before us because we have the contract with the boys and girls
1:25:17 club for the building and uh boys and girls club do not have the authority to enter into the agreement. It has to be the council to go ahead and approve all
1:25:25 that. Okay. So, um trust me it was a big when I saw this it was a big concern to me as you know I was the one that bought
1:25:32 Boys and Girls Club here into the city and got them into that building. So, you know, when I saw it, uh, yeah, my antenna went up big, uh, big, but I'm a
1:25:39 supporter of Thrive as well, and I think it's a good after looking into it, I think it's a good partnership for the two of them and everything. They both
1:25:47 deal with youth, and it's opportunity for the Boys and Girls Club to expand as well as thrive. So, I think it's a good partnership and I I can I can support
1:25:55 it. So, thank you. Um, and I I think this is one of the things
1:26:02 we have to really start looking at in the future, especially if that property tax uh proposal go through because um
1:26:10 private partnerships and things like this going to be a big thing how we going to have to make through it a lot of times in the future. So when we can get uh different organization come come
1:26:18 together and work together like this, it it be it's tremendous. So I commend them for it. So thank you. Sorry, I think I've I've pulled it. So, I have to
1:26:26 trigger I've triggered public comment, so we have to go through that. I'm sorry to put you through that, mayor. That's okay. We got to go through that process.
1:26:34 Uh, do I have a motion?
1:26:36 A public comment. Sorry, we haven't done public comment.
1:26:39 Oh, I didn't do public comment. I'm sorry. That's okay. Well, this is this is uh public hearing. Anyone in the public I thought I did.
1:26:47 Anyone in the public wish to speak to this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:26:53 Anyone in the public wish to speak to this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:27:07 Afternoon, Mayor Paula Hoisington, 564 East. I'm just confused on is this like
1:27:14 a if I was teaching my children, not that I have little children, but if I was teaching my children in my home, regular
1:27:23 home school, and this group, Thrive has a home school that they're now attaching to the Boys
1:27:31 and Girls Club that's going in the Arts and Rec Center. I'm just confused.
1:27:36 No, it's not. Thrive is not a home school. It is it is a this is a homeschool program.
1:27:41 Yeah. Well, Boys and Girls Club basically utilize our facility has the contract have had the contract for 10 12 year or what 13 for whatever it is quite
1:27:50 a few number of years to utilize some space. Thrive are looking for some additional space. So they went to the Boys and Girls Club and try to utilize
1:27:58 some of the space. So the Boys and Girls say, "Hey, we got some we got some space that we don't actually utilize." Yes, they can go in there and do this, but it's not really a home school. Um, well,
1:28:07 I know they say homeschool, but what is it? I understand Boys and Girls Club has space
1:28:16 and they partner with someone, but it says homeschool program. What What What are they doing different than the Boys and Girls Clubs are doing for the
1:28:24 Well, well, one of the thing Thrive does, it has a whole different set of kids and they're a little bit older, more of high school type kids and they they have a more, I would say, a more
1:28:33 advanced program than the Boys and Girls Club. And that's one of the reason Boys and Girls Club is ready to to partner with them because hopefully they'll be able to drive uh draw from them and get
1:28:42 some experience help them with their younger kids. Uh but I I for I never look at Thrive as being a home school because that's that's not what they do.
1:28:51 Um now they do they do a lot of work with our kids and educating our kids, our youth and everything. Um, of course,
1:28:59 I think we was just had them here, what, two weeks ago in here with a presentation and everything and all the different things they do as well. Okay.
1:29:06 Is it safe to describe it as daytime programming versus after school programming? After school program.
1:29:11 Yeah. Because when it says homeschooled, I'm thinking, well, why can't I start their program and go to arts and wreck and set it up?
1:29:19 Just Well, it's good. And um, it is is great. And I I just like I say,
1:29:27 I I saw it as a great opportunity that them work together, you know, and uh with our kids, our youth and Thrive has a great program going. So to help them
1:29:36 out, I have no problem with it. But any anyone else public comment? Anyone else?
1:29:44 Anyone online? Mr. M.
1:29:47 Okay. Well, we'll close public comment, but bring it back to council. What say council item number 10?
1:29:52 Mr. Mayor, um my understanding when I talked to staff in the staff agenda review that this is essentially two entities that work with youth in our
1:30:00 community, right?
1:30:01 The Boys and Girls Club currently has a contract with us to use space in the arts and recreation center. Thrive is looking to partner with Boys and Girls
1:30:10 Club to utilize some of that same space when Boys and Girls Club is not using it. Uh they're paying um um for the use
1:30:19 of that. It's it's not just something that they're getting. they're actually paying for it. So, it reduces Boys and Girls Club fees by nearly $45,000
1:30:28 and the revenue generated from Thrive using it is $21,000. So, it's actually a net positive to the city of about
1:30:36 $16,500 of additional revenue of these two partner entities working together to serve our youth in one location.
1:30:44 Um, and so, uh, for that reason, because of their missions, I I'll support that.
1:30:49 Yeah. Well, and I understood it the same way. And part of the reason why it jumps out to me is one I was concerned about
1:30:56 the policy process of it and you know picking who's going to be in the space.
1:31:02 The other is what happens in the event that there's a conflict between the organizations because now the city has two separate agreements with two
1:31:10 separate organizations for using the same space which has personal belongings in it. I mean Boys and Girls Club is going to have personal items in it. And
1:31:18 it almost seemed to me like rather than the city having to be involved in that potentially just saying, "Okay, this is
1:31:26 between the Boys and Girls Club and whatever agency they choose to use is I think I would have been less concerned if it was an amendment that just amended
1:31:34 the Boys and Girls Club's fee versus now we have our staff dealing with two different agencies that have two different contracts, but they're using
1:31:42 the same space and the same personal belongings are in it.
1:31:46 So, it just seemed like a potential for conflict down the road. Well, is where I had Isn't there personal belongings that
1:31:54 that are kept or is it everybody just takes their belongings when they leave? They don't leave.
1:31:59 Well, like the Boys and Girls Club itself is going to have stuff whether it's crayons and pencils or, you know, I mean, they're going to have things. And so, that was my concern was
1:32:07 this crossover of shared space and why aren't we just amending it so that the Boys and Girls Club pays a higher fee and they're collecting from Thrive. And
1:32:15 maybe there's a good reason, but I I kind of had the same thing. Like there's other micro schools in Clermont, and if we're just opening it up during the day
1:32:23 for anybody to use, then why not just open it up and see what kind of bids we can get? And if we're not opening up during the day because it's a
1:32:30 relationship with Boys and Girls Club, why not let Boys and Girls Club handle that relationship?
1:32:34 There's a million ways the city could choose to do it, and this is one of them. That's one of them. Um, as far as personal belongings, theft is still
1:32:42 against the law. Conversion is still against the law. So I mean I'm and frankly that's between those organizations
1:32:50 and it's my understanding the Boys and Girls Club was able to move out of area to give them this area um to accommodate
1:32:58 them. So and do both contracts have the same 90-day out?
1:33:02 No. Um the Boys and Girls Club has a 180day termination provision. Uh the one with Thrive is I think 60 days. It's much shorter.
1:33:10 60 days. Okay.
1:33:11 So Okay. I do agree with you, Mr. Mayor. I think that the collaboration between the organizations is good. I just again concerned about the process and policy.
1:33:21 Okay. Well, like I said, I was a little little concerned because I knew nothing about it until I saw it on here. So, I had to question it myself and I went through, but I'm okay with it and all.
1:33:30 Uh hopefully we won't have those type problems you you considering right now and all. And uh as Brian say, Mr. Bain
1:33:39 said it's a it's a benefit to the city because it increased some income for us and well and of course I know Boys and Girls Club have because it reduced there
1:33:47 of course cost but I entertain a motion if there's no other comment. I'll move to approve item number 10.
1:33:55 Second sir have a motion and a second for approval item number 10. Any further discussion hear none. All in favor let it be known by saying I.
1:34:04 I. All oppose. Chair vote I as well. Motion carries 5. Item number 11.
1:34:09 So, I pulled this one because it seems unnecessary.
1:34:13 Um, I the Short Street is a public street. I don't fully understand the rationale here. This property has come
1:34:21 up now three times before this council for various reasons and not sure I can support it. But if if you want to give
1:34:29 me clarification, Mr. W, as to why we should do it, I'm I'm open to changing my mind. Uh well, I was I was directed
1:34:35 to find a way to preserve uh Mr. Hess's access in the event that the city
1:34:41 vacated that public access. And so I'm not aware of the city having any plans.
1:34:48 Um I think that arguably even if the city did vacate the street, there may still exist public access. But the
1:34:56 concern that was expressed to me is that normally when a city does vacate uh a street if it has ownership then the
1:35:04 ownership goes to the center line of the adjacent property owners. So the concern is that there may be a an administration
1:35:13 here in the city that u may do that in the future. And so my direct the direction I received was to come up with
1:35:21 a legal way to preserve access. And so what I said is well if there's an easement agreement in place even if the
1:35:28 city does vacate that it doesn't make the easement necessarily go away. That's something that occurs to the um the
1:35:35 grantee of the easement. So that's why it's before you um upon direction.
1:35:41 And can you do you know off the top of your head the current law with easement by necessity and what is there a fee that goes one way or the other with those these days?
1:35:50 Well, there's two ways to I mean, so academically speaking, there really is no such thing as a landlock parcel in
1:35:58 the state of Florida. And the reason is that there are two ways to have access, and they're actually codified in our
1:36:05 Florida statutes. One is even if it appears landlocked, if it was once a part of a larger parcel that did have
1:36:12 access to a road, that quote unquote landlock parcel will still have reasonable access across. Uh if that's
1:36:20 not the case, then the owner of a landlock parcel would be able to have reasonable access to the nearest public road, but have to pay a reasonable fee.
1:36:29 You might have to sue for it. Um but there's always a way. That's I don't if Am I answering your question?
1:36:36 Yeah, I just haven't done it for a while. So, I was curious.
1:36:39 And I don't get out much. So, there you go. There you go. So, that works. All right.
1:36:43 Yeah. I I didn't see I mean the the presumption then is in case there's tyranny in the future, we want to protect against it.
1:36:51 That's my understanding from conversing with Mr. Hess about why he asked for it. Okay. All right.
1:37:00 Very confusing. But I think what he's asking for, he wants that easement in the event of some council in the future
1:37:09 removes that from this where he has that to hold. Correct?
1:37:12 You know, so I mean it's that it guarantees access in the event the public road is vacated. I thought I thought we had well my thing was when I
1:37:19 saw it again I'm I'm trying to figure out why it's back at us because I thought two years ago u actually we ba basically gave him that access and when
1:37:28 we eliminated the um public access to that road when we cut it off and say hey public cannot go through there any
1:37:35 longer so why is keep coming back as I don't know um and because um I know it was a couple years ago I guess it first came before
1:37:43 us and we gave them that access and as long as we kept our easement there for utilities and everything, but I always thought that road had been cut off in
1:37:51 half and the property on it to the west of it had to access it from 12th Street.
1:37:57 Okay. And he had he had his access from from the east side. Okay. But where are we?
1:38:03 Uh can can I ask staff? I talked about this with the city manager and deputy city manager um in agenda review. Can
1:38:10 you explain it how you explained it to me? Uh maybe that will help provide some information or additional information cuz it was my understanding that we did vacate.
1:38:19 Yeah.
1:38:19 Uh so it is vacated and that's why we're doing the easement.
1:38:22 Yeah. We vacated most of Short Street, not the whole thing. So there's still a little stub left and so Mr. Hes came to us and asked us as we indicated that if
1:38:31 a future council decides to vacate the rest of that then he would be kind of stuck there. So, he just he just asked if we could work with him to give him
1:38:40 permanent access in the event that something would ever happen. Uh but but you're right, Short Street was vacated,
1:38:48 not the whole thing. And so, he wants to make sure that he's got the access to 12 Street with the with the lumberyard apartments coming in and all there's a
1:38:55 lot of their traffic coming on to Carol Street and Carol Street's kind of blocking him off now. He just wants to make sure he has a
1:39:03 good access over to 12th Street in perpetuity. And it was my understanding that essentially I kind of equated it to
1:39:10 what what is still there that wasn't vacated is like the curb cut basically from Yeah. But essentially it's the it's
1:39:18 in my brain to try to wrap my head around it. It's like the curb cut going onto there and the rest of this this ement area the city no longer would be required to maintain it. I know that
1:39:26 that was something that was originally requested but this that this would be need to be maintained by the property owner. Um, and essentially it's an
1:39:34 extension of their driveway to get to that section that's the public piece from Short to 12 to connect the two. And that's why we're granting the easement.
1:39:44 And he's even indicated that he would be open to making it a private road if council would agree and that he would take over full maintenance of everything, right?
1:39:51 If if council would grant him that being a p private road. Okay.
1:39:56 Because I I too initially had some concerns about granting an easement in perpetuity forever and ever. But uh especially if it was a public road, why
1:40:03 why are we granting an easement on a public road? But I didn't realize it is actually most of it has been vacated already. Uh and get clarity on that because my
1:40:12 understanding is the only part that was vacated is the part that's in between the two parcels that he owns and everything from his property line to 12th Street is remains public.
1:40:20 Otherwise, we can't give an easement over it. Yeah, I think that's right.
1:40:24 Well, see, and that that was my understanding, too. When we vacated it before, we gave him everything up to this property line until the center point between the two properties only.
1:40:32 I mean, Mr. W no longer can go through from uh Carol Street can go through 12 uh Short Street out to 12 u uh 12th Street. And the
1:40:41 property owner to the west of that center line has to come in off of off of 12th Street. in in your agenda packet there should there's an exhibit B to
1:40:50 this that shows what we envision as being the easement area which is far more than just the curb cut.
1:40:58 It's not the whole thing. It is more Yeah, it's more than the curb cut, right?
1:41:03 Well, my example of the saying the curb cut that was my understanding of that's what the city still owned.
1:41:09 We can't give an easement over anything we don't own.
1:41:11 He needs this to get Why don't you So, we're being asked to put an easement over a public street. If a public street was to be vacated, yeah,
1:41:19 to create a landlocked parcel, what's the legal analysis? I'm asking you to do his lawyering and I am I'm sorry.
1:41:28 I've explained this to him as well. I mean, it's and encouraged him to retain his own legal counsel. I mean, I don't think that he would, like I just told
1:41:37 you, frankly, I don't think he would lose access if the city vacated. Um I think that are there any legal scenarios where a
1:41:45 city has vacated a public road to cause Oh yeah. a and what was the result?
1:41:51 Legal battles. I mean I I I was I you see it's not so uncommon but what I what I mean is
1:41:58 if the city did choose to vacate I am of the opinion that he would still have access. But I I don't know that they
1:42:06 feel that way. um he's asked for a guarantee from us that this is the way I
1:42:13 can guarantee permanent access in a document that I guess makes him comfortable. Now, I will say this and
1:42:21 I've explained this to him as well. It's not necessarily perpetual. It's not necessarily permanent. If the city wanted, we still do have a remedy to
1:42:30 take it away. It's called eminent domain. Now, I'm not proposing that. I'm just saying that I
1:42:39 I you know I have to be honest about what this would do. So I Well, I have no problem with it. Like
1:42:47 I say, it was it was a little short street and basically it was what three uh owners that actually have um you live down there and it was being utilized
1:42:56 quite a bit by public uh traffic going through and and in out of there all the time as a shortcut. So, I don't have any
1:43:05 problem with doing this, but I just thought when we did the action before, we we took care of all this and I was just surprised to see it come back again because I thought it was already taken
1:43:13 care of. So, um wouldn't wouldn't it be easier for us to vacate that to him, let him be responsible for it just where the city's not responsible for that road or at all?
1:43:24 That that's a policy decision for you and Mr. Matthysse. I mean, it would cost us less money in the long run. We wouldn't have to wouldn't have to maintain it at all. It's only it's really is an extension of his driveway.
1:43:34 So yeah, but we still have a problem. We still have some utilities and easements that you know he could grant we could still
1:43:41 have right away but he could maintain it. So want to do public comment and yes
1:43:49 this is a public hearing. Everyone in in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:43:56 Oh. Yes, sir.
1:44:04 Todd Howard, 1986, Brantley Circle. I think I can shed light on this.
1:44:10 Okay. So, the piece of property right here. Mhm.
1:44:16 Um, that gentleman expressed interest in vacating the rest of Short Street right here. The
1:44:24 problem for Brian Hess is that if you vacate this piece of the road right here, the property would go to um I forgot his name.
1:44:33 Um Bishop Mr. Bishop and this guy cutting off Mr.
1:44:40 Hessa's access through here. So that's why he's wanting that dedicated so that he can maintain access because this is his driveway to his where he wants his
1:44:48 garage. It's right here somewhere. So but anyway, that's why it's being that's why he asked for it. This is it's old, but
1:44:56 that is why it was being asked. So Okay. Well, it it's my my recollection is the fact is in between Mr. the
1:45:04 property, Mr. Hes property and everything when we first started this, he was asking for um Short Street to be
1:45:11 cut off from public access and he only have access from Carol Street and Okay.
1:45:15 See, so they did. No, he's just making sure that he can still get to his building from that end because if the two
1:45:22 property owners adjacent to that had the city abandon it, then he has no access to that part of his driveway
1:45:31 which goes to a garage. So, I mean, that was the conversation I had. So, the conversation I had with I'm not representing Brian Hes. I'm just
1:45:38 telling you that was that was the reasoning behind it. And um I know I didn't hear the real reasoning behind it, but that is that is his concern is not being able to get to his driveway.
1:45:48 Well, I I remember when we vacated part of it they to keep public uh people from being able to drive through there and we had cut it all off. But now we asking
1:45:57 basically to open it back up and people can still go through there, I guess. I don't know. But anyway, it's I I have no problem with it. Let's
1:46:05 go ahead and uh what uh again, this is public comment. Anyone in the public wish to address this item may make the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:46:14 Seeing no one in the chamber. Yes, sir.
1:46:17 No one with what state council item number 11.
1:46:22 I'd like to make a motion to approve number 11. Ease me agreement. I second.
1:46:27 I have a motion in a second for approval of item number 11 on the consent agenda. Easement agreement on 1166 Short Street.
1:46:35 Any further discussion? Hearing none.
1:46:37 All in favor? Let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Nay.
1:46:42 And the chair will eyes as well. Motion carries 41. Uh item number 12.
1:46:50 Um if it's okay with you all. I see item number 12. I don't think should take long. 13 14 been f save. Um I would like
1:46:59 to go ahead and take care 12 and 13 before we uh move on to 15. That may take a little time and then take a little break if that's okay. That's fine.
1:47:08 Item number 12.
1:47:14 Now, at our workshop, we I thought we said we were going to go ahead and deny this. Do we want to go Oh, it's a public meeting. Sorry. Go ahead. Sorry.
1:47:22 Just to Yeah, we spoke about this at the workshop last week, but just to refresh everybody's memory, this is for design of the stage project here at city hall.
1:47:33 Okay. This Uh this is a publicly inform. Anyone in
1:47:40 the chamber wish to address this item item number 12 may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:47:53 Valerie Shuitt, uh West Montro Street. I missed the part where you all might already be denying this, but I was just going to say I think there's a
1:48:01 conversation later that could have an impact on this one. So maybe we should wait. Yeah.
1:48:08 Okay. Anyone else? This is a public forum. Anyone in the chamber that wish to address it may come to the microphone, state your name and their address and have three minutes.
1:48:17 Anyone else? Seeing no one else. Anyone online? No one online. We bring it back to council. What say council?
1:48:23 Move to approve item number 12 to approve it.
1:48:28 We'll vote against it if we want to deny it. It's easier than doing a negative vote. Okay.
1:48:35 Mhm. I second. Thanks.
1:48:38 Okay. I have a motion and a second for approval of item number 12, uh, task order approval, city hall stage. Any further discussion? Yes, mayor. Thank you.
1:48:46 Yes.
1:48:46 Um, I agree with us not deciding this today, but I think killing it is basic. I don't
1:48:54 think we should kill it unless we really don't want to ever do it. I think if we want to have this out there and and still part of a conversation, we table
1:49:02 it to a meeting, not kill it, um killing it, unless that's the consensus of the majority of the council that we don't
1:49:11 want to do this project, then we should vote it down and move on. But if we want to keep this active and we want to
1:49:18 continue to have this conversation, um I think sending the better message is to table it to a specific meeting in order
1:49:26 for us to then address it. But either way, that's fine. I I that's where I'm at. Um and I just don't like the message
1:49:32 of voting it down and killing it sends if we really that's not the goal.
1:49:39 Any other anyone else? Anyone else? I do have a motion and a second for approval of uh
1:49:46 item number 12, task order approval, city hall park stage. Any further discussion?
1:49:53 And none. All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose.
1:50:00 And the chair vote I as well. Motion fails three to two.
1:50:07 All right. Item number 13, request for proposal award late Fner Park.
1:50:17 Had a growth spurt before. It's I now it's now it's reduced.
1:50:23 Um okay. So, Lake Felter Park, the evaluation committee recommends approval of the action that the parks and
1:50:32 recreation took in coordination with the procurement services department where we saw proposals to convert an existing natural grass athletic field at Lake
1:50:40 Felter Park to a high performance artificial turf system to address ongoing maintenance challenges resulting from heavy field use and to provide a consistent year-round playability.
1:50:49 Legacy Sports Surfacing submitted a lump sum turnkey proposal in the amount of $510,000.
1:50:56 The evaluation committee also selected ad alternate number four with the organic infill in the amount of $98,500.
1:51:02 It includes shock pad installed on top of stone beneath the turf and anorn organic infill system consisting of sand
1:51:10 and coconut or pine infill. The total recommended award amount is 68,500.
1:51:17 What was the budgeted item? The budget 700,000. Okay. Is that it?
1:51:26 That's it.
1:51:26 Okay. This is a public hearing. Anyone in the public wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
1:51:35 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing no one in chamber, I close public comment for chamber.
1:51:44 Anyone online, sir?
1:51:45 No one online. And so I bring it back to council. Let's let's see council.
1:51:50 There's still problems with the bathrooms in are they going to be remedied or there's you know there's some foul odor coming out of them.
1:51:58 The the bathrooms at Lake Felter Park. Yeah, I think so.
1:52:00 I I could work with public services on that. I This is the f this is the first I'm hearing of this. Okay.
1:52:05 So I could work with public services on that.
1:52:08 So that could be remedied also as part of package.
1:52:10 Well, this is the restrooms. This is not part of the restrooms wouldn't be part of this project. Okay.
1:52:16 We we already have um janitorial service that come in here every night, right?
1:52:21 No, I don't think I think it's correct. Yeah, there's there's cleaning company. Correct.
1:52:25 Cleaning company and well, I don't know what the file order is. I had never heard of it. So, uh but maybe we need to
1:52:32 contact public public uh uh services and everything having to go like that to make sure it's not nothing uh do with the uh restroom itself or sewer u backup
1:52:42 or something. Yeah, I got asked uh to to walk the the area with someone and I can
1:52:49 tell you there is a foul odor and smell that comes out and it's I think it's the pipes on top and so we might need to do a scope of
1:52:57 that just to make sure it's it's uh going through properly. Um it's not I don't think it's a cleanliness thing. I
1:53:04 think it's just maybe the the lines aren't working quite properly. Okay. Yeah. Okay. All right.
1:53:11 All righty.
1:53:13 Public comment back there. I think he's late on a public comment. Good afternoon.
1:53:20 It's my first time attending, but I just had a question on this last um Can I get your name and address, ma'am?
1:53:26 It's Joyce Scalin and the address my address is um 2354 Calonian Street and that's in Clermont.
1:53:34 Okay. So, I was just asking myself, what's the cost to maintain this? And are we really saving money?
1:53:44 What are we giving up for maintenance? Okay. What's the cost to maintain it? All right.
1:53:52 Well, I can say I don't know what the cost to maintain it, but it's I guarantee you we we'll be Brian, you want to answer that?
1:54:01 Good afternoon. So on an artificial turf multi-purpose soccer field, the cost to maintain is very minimal. It's mostly
1:54:09 sweeping around gold mounds. The cost to maintain the grass field is is between 20 and $30,000 a year.
1:54:16 And then we resold costing us two or 300,000 every year to resold the grass field.
1:54:22 So it well if we resolded the entire if we resolded the entire field, yeah, it probably would be in the $200,000 range.
1:54:30 No. How often have you resided the field there? What's the best history?
1:54:35 Lake Lake Felter. That field at Lake Felter had a partial resaw about two
1:54:42 years ago when we when we resought we resolded both uh soccer fields at Hancock and we resolded the multi-purpose field at PAL
1:54:51 and then we took some extra pieces and partially resided Lake Felter.
1:54:59 We we are we're spending a lot of money right now trying to keep our fields sorted with the real grass and then with
1:55:05 the high use because we get so much use on our fields and the other part with that when we turn uh when we have to resold them we have to shut them down
1:55:13 for three four months and so then we get bombarded with the fact that they have nowhere to no fields to use. know uh by
1:55:20 going to the astro turf and everything I think we'll save ourselves a long on the long run because I don't think we have
1:55:28 to replace it for 10 to 15 years I think uh so you don't have all the regular maintenance every year and we can use the f fields year round rather than
1:55:36 having to shut them down so in the long run it's beneficial so my question is does that also include removing the astro
1:55:44 part of the maintenance no we we're not looking yeah so removing the grass First, did you Sorry. Yes. If you're going to replace
1:55:52 it, if it has to be maintained, is there a cost to remove the astroturf and replacing it?
1:55:58 Well, I'm Brian, I'm assuming the whole thing to remove the turf and everything, the grass there now and re putting the astroturf is that's all
1:56:07 correct. Yes. The 6 the 68,000 is to remove the grass that's in place and to install the system. That's one
1:56:14 that's all in one price. Yes. In 10 or 15 years, the turf will the turf will wear out and it would have to be replaced either with another turf system
1:56:23 or if the city chose to go back to grass at that time. But that's 10 or 15 years down the road. Okay. Thank you.
1:56:31 Thank you.
1:56:33 Anyone else in the public wish to address this item? Anyone else? Seeing no one else. Anyone online? No.
1:56:42 So, say council.
1:56:45 I would like to move to approve item number 13.
1:56:48 I second. I have a motion and a second for approval of item number 13. Any further discussion?
1:56:57 Hearing none. All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Chair vote. I as well.
1:57:04 Good luck, Brian. I know you're going to be know you're going to get a lot of calls because they can't use it for a while.
1:57:10 Why we getting this done? But but we'll be all right. Um, it's 7 5. So, can we take a 10-minute break and start back up at uh 5:15, please?
1:57:21 Yes. Okay.
2:01:59 Hey,
2:02:56 Hey, hey, hey.
2:05:41 Heat
2:05:57 up
2:06:36 Wow, I lost I lost half my counsel. Okay.
2:06:47 Okay.
2:07:14 If I All right. Uh
2:07:21 if I if I can get everybody attention, we'll go ahead and resume. Uh 17 15. Yes, sir.
2:07:29 Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh David Eel, fire chief. Uh, also joining me up here tonight is uh Rick Gastler, assistant chief of administration. Uh,
2:07:37 we are bringing the item for you to uh, make a determination if we can move forward with an application to apply for a COPCN with Lake County. So, I'm going
2:07:45 to do two things up here tonight. We're going to talk a little bit about the transport plan that we have uh a little bit of the basis on why we feel this is
2:07:53 a necessary step for Clermont and then we're going to talk about the COPCN application and more importantly what it what it does and what that application
2:08:01 does not do. So starting off uh why we want to get into transport uh that is 70% of our business that uh we do today
2:08:08 is u is medical related calls and we we have metrics that we have for our different responses and we want our first unit on scene inside of six
2:08:17 minutes and we want the full complement of the alarm on scene inside of 10 minutes. Uh with the medical call that full complement is the ambulance joining the the first arriving unit to get
2:08:25 there. So we've established that benchmark at 10 minutes. that's done through the strategic plan that we've brought to council which has been adopted and we apply that to all of our
2:08:34 programs. So, what we've seen in the last 6 months is that the county has added ambulances. Uh but we were still seeing challenges with hitting that
2:08:42 10-minute mark. Uh they've been able to do a little better job getting to that point during the day where they moved up ambulances to key locations around the
2:08:50 uh around the city and then they have to go back to their ambulance hubs at night. But we're seeing the times go up by about 2 minutes. And that's that's identifying the second problem. uh that
2:08:59 we is not just the ambulances, but there's a lack of infrastructure inside of Lake County to be able to provide those responses at the time frames needed. So, what our plan that we're
2:09:08 bringing to you is is to do that to to build that infrastructure to put those additional units on the road and to hit that benchmark and then uh going
2:09:16 forward, we want to maintain that. So currently with the MSTU that's collected by the county, there's approximately 2.9
2:09:24 million that's coming out of the Clermont area and going to the county where us having no say in how the uh the
2:09:31 services are being provided to the community. And uh you know, like I said, they do not have the infrastructure to deliver those services on a 247 basis.
2:09:41 So what we're proposing is a uh phased approach. Um, we're going to invest in the infrastructure, the personnel, the equipment, the training, uh, to be able
2:09:49 to provide the transport system distributed across K Clermont, beginning with two ambulances. And we're going to expand that system as needed so
2:09:58 that we maintain that 10-minute response time. But we're going to do that uh with with modeling and other things that we bring back to council where we can use heat maps. we can show what the impact
2:10:06 is across different areas of the community and show you know the different models where if we add ambulances what the impact on services is going to be. So currently what our
2:10:15 model shows is that it's going to take six ambulance ambulances to effectively serve Lake County uh or Clermont in this area of Lake County and the county
2:10:24 has placed four in in service since that model was built. So there's an additional two needed and then we'll have to monitor to see what the county is going to do with those additional
2:10:31 units whether they get moved to another location in the county or you know so we'll just we'll follow that and make recommendations based on what we're
2:10:38 seeing in real time and using a combination of transport revenue EMS MSTU funding and city investment is what we will use to support the operations.
2:10:51 So, what we're proposing here is a is a model where we're receiving absolutely zero support from Lake County. I hope that's not the case. I hope we do have
2:10:59 some partnership with them and there's some there's some avenues where we can get some we can get a little bit of relief on the cost of the program, but I
2:11:07 I do want to put out a worst case scenario for you so you know what we're getting into. So, what we have proposed is for year one, the startup cost will
2:11:15 be $5.3 million. And the reason I'm throwing that number out there, this would be in fiscal year 2027. Uh if
2:11:22 council elected to collect the MSTU in lie of the county and we wanted to cancel that contract, that contract would would have to continue for a year
2:11:30 before we could uh look to start collecting that ourselves. So in that fiscal year 27, no revenues would be coming into the city. We would not have
2:11:38 ambulances out transporting. So there would be no transport revenue and there would be no MSTU funds. So that would be our sunk cost to get that program up and
2:11:45 running. Year two, when we get the ambulances running and with the MSTU revenue coming into the into the city instead of the county and with the
2:11:54 transport revenues, that would be a net cost of that program of $521,000 operating cost each year. And then
2:12:02 beyond that point at today's numbers, uh if we for every two ambulances that we added to the system outside of the capital cost to purchase the equipment,
2:12:10 just looking at the operating personnel, um maintenance, other things to keep the program going, we we we would be looking at an additional 825,000 for those two
2:12:19 those two ambulances. So when we built this out for the full six ambulances that would be needed, what we saw there
2:12:27 was a 70% offset in the in the cost of that program with those revenues coming into the city. So in in total it was
2:12:34 about 2.1 million after the after the revenue offset. Uh which is a it's it's a fantastic bargain as far as getting
2:12:41 firefighters So on the implementation timeline uh
2:12:49 right now in 26 we're doing we're looking at the cop PCN application and planning and 27 that's where we're
2:12:56 looking to hire procure and procure the equipment and do the training for the personnel. In fiscal year 28 that's when the first two ambulances we would be
2:13:05 deployed and based on the timeline the earliest we would see that happening would be January of 2028. And then for the fiscal year 29 and beyond, that's
2:13:13 where we'd be looking to maintain the system at the uh at at the established benchmarks.
2:13:20 So going away from the plan and talking about the COPCN, uh the COPCN is the certificate of public con convenience
2:13:27 and necessity. Uh this is something that we have to have in order to be able to provide transport services. And that's
2:13:35 uh right now the the COPCN4 transport is uh is held solely by Lake County Fire Rescue.
2:13:42 So under Florida law, it's the Lake County Board of of County Commissioners that issue COPCN's to different entities. Uh they're the only ones under
2:13:50 state statute that can do it. So that we have to go to them for the application in order to request that. And we the
2:13:57 COPCN is the first step and the next step after that if once granted then we would be able to go to the state and apply for an ALS license uh which is
2:14:05 where we register all the vehicles and then you know when we get that license then we can actually get into the business of transporting
2:14:13 and what a COPCN will do for us it's going to preserve our ability to develop our own system evaluate implement as we see fit and what I want to talk about
2:14:22 what it does not do it does not establish an ambulance service. It does not authorize spending. It doesn't hire personnel. It doesn't purchase
2:14:30 ambulances or equipment, and it doesn't commit us to anything. So, and it doesn't have to change anything that we're doing. So, this is just for us to
2:14:37 go to the county, request the uh the the certificate, and then when we receive the certificate, any next steps that we do have to come back for this council for direction and approval.
2:14:50 So the key consideration tonight is whether we should preserve the option to independently provide EMS transport services in the future. And the thing I
2:14:58 want everyone to realize is that without that COPCN, we do not have that option.
2:15:02 We will be dependent on the county and whatever whatever services they elect to provide to our community.
2:15:11 So thank you. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer them. I've got some other subject matter experts here so we can go as deep as we need to on anything that you want to bring up.
2:15:21 Thank you, Chief.
2:15:23 This is a public forum. Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
2:15:31 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
2:15:41 Good afternoon.
2:15:42 Yes, sir. to Murry Council. My name is Kurt Shu. My address is restricted. I do live in the city of Clermont. Um the only thing I'm confused about and it
2:15:51 I've heard about this about past year now is I was under the impression and if I'm mistaken I apologize now to the fire
2:15:59 chief and the council um that they did go to the they did go to Lake County and Lake County had said no. Is is that am I
2:16:06 is that so there was meetings at Lake Pardon me ma'am.
2:16:10 Oh no. So okay. So, so I thought there was a I thought some of the I shouldn't do that. Sorry about myself, sir. I'm trying to get better.
2:16:19 All right.
2:16:20 I I thought some members of the council and members of our community went up there and they were like, "No, we're not doing this." So, that's why I'm confused. Is that Am I right?
2:16:29 Yeah. Well, somewhat you're right. But then that's why we have to come back and do this uh agreement, a convenience necessary certificate of agreement.
2:16:36 So, would this be then contingent? I don't want to take too much time that if the if Lake County still says no, then
2:16:44 we're still at a point where there's really no appeal. Am I correct in that?
2:16:49 Thank you. Well, I look to you because you're I'm happy for you to answer that question. Technically, no. So then you appeal to the state then?
2:16:56 It would be possible to appeal it to a court. Okay.
2:17:02 You start getting into That's why I was confused. Thank Thank you. I just Anyone
2:17:10 else? This is a public form. Anyone in the chamber wish to address that I make under the microphone and state your name and address and I have three minutes.
2:17:17 Anyone else? Seeing no one else, I close down chamber portion of a public comment. Uh anyone online, sir?
2:17:24 We'll bring it back to council for sake council.
2:17:28 I chief if you can speak to and just make sure I'm and I realize you're just asking for the COCN right now or COPCN
2:17:36 right now. Um but when you talk about startup costs of 5.3 million net and
2:17:43 half a million to 800,000 net loss pres you know each year or net cost. Does that take into account the
2:17:51 ability to use ambulances at our fire stations instead of fire truck apparatus
2:18:00 because we're expanding from four fire stations to six with the seventh one coming online. And the way I understand it is we either are buying two fire
2:18:09 trucks per station or we're buying one firetruck and one ambulance. And so we're actually I I believe you're looking at this from EMS. And I just
2:18:18 want to make sure we haven't taken into consideration here the penny saved on the fire side.
2:18:25 Yeah, there there's a few things there that we can uh that we will have the option to take advantage of. Um you know, and you're correct on that. That is the model we're looking at is to have a fire truck along with an ambulance.
2:18:35 that has firefighters.
2:18:36 When you say it's cost high, the the the suppression side is not included in those numbers. It's the EMS side. So, if you're looking at station
2:18:44 six, we've covered the ambulance with these numbers, but not the fire engine.
2:18:48 But there's other opportunities there as well that can result in operational savings. Uh, one of the things that uh, is commonly seen in a lot of jurisdictions is you start looking at
2:18:57 the types of calls that you run to and you look at your lower acuity calls and and look at it and say, "Okay, you know, we can run that with just an ambulance
2:19:06 instead of running the fire truck and the ambulance." And, uh, you know, in Lake County, uh, with the way our system is set up, it's more efficient to run the firetruck there with the delays on
2:19:14 the ambulances so that, you know, the care starts sooner. But with our coverage here that we have in Clermont, uh that wouldn't necessarily be the the
2:19:22 most optimal way to provide service to the community. We could still get the ambulances there inside of that 6-minute window. And if needed, the trucks would be on standby for anything that was more
2:19:30 serious, but if it was just a general weakness, toe pain, something like that, you know, that would be a potential savings. And we currently do not see that with the Lake County system.
2:19:41 I think what you were alluding to is that uh you didn't take into consideration the cost savings that we're going to have with not having to
2:19:48 use equipment, not having to wear out equipment on going on calls that that is not included in these numbers I'm showing. So I mean that's that could be a huge savings that it
2:19:57 might not be tangible that but somebody could figure it out probably you know what would be our s we might save 800,000 and just not using equipment you
2:20:06 know not having to purchase an equipment that you know rapidly right now there's like a time that let's say a ladder truck lasts three years four years maybe
2:20:15 then it would last six years because it's not being utilized as much which is a huge cost saving that's in millions of dollars it costs plus the wear and tear
2:20:23 of the vehicle etc., etc. Granted, we'd have to buy ambulances, but a cost of an ambulance is way less than than the cost of a fire truck.
2:20:31 Yeah. Less than half.
2:20:32 Right. And and I think you you also said we're only voting on approving, you know, approving to send
2:20:39 this out. I like kind of equated as, well, we're going to have a driver's license. We're not going to have a car, but we can hold on to that. Almost like
2:20:47 when my children got their driver's license, they were excited about, but they didn't have a car yet. So now we can look forward to getting the car.
2:20:57 With that, you know, the only questions I have right now. Okay. Anyone else?
2:21:07 With that, I'd like to make a motion. Uh, hold on just said nobody else.
2:21:12 I said anyone else. Um, uh, Chief, again, you know, I know we just doing this certificate of public
2:21:19 convenience and nec necessity. That's all we voting on, and it don't obligate us or anything else. But, uh, I, again, as I keep saying, I keep looking at all the numbers you're presenting me.
2:21:29 They're not adding up to me. Okay? And I'm going continue to say this over and over because you keep giving me the same numbers. Um, you tell me we need in your
2:21:38 presentation, you saying we're going to do start with two ambulance, but we need six to meet your goals.
2:21:42 Yes, sir. And if if county right now isn't meeting our goal with four and five or whatever they have with it, how we going to meet it with two? Okay. And
2:21:50 of course, I know last time I asked you that question, you say you expect the county to to supplement the other ones in the meantime, but yet and still you
2:21:57 keep showing me uh talking about recouping the 2.9 million we paying the county. County isn't going to supplement
2:22:04 us and help us and not not keep that a lot of that MSTU. That that's one option. These numbers not adding up to me.
2:22:12 There's also opportunities for partnerships with the county that could uh you know could take the place of that and still result in you know significant savings.
2:22:18 So I'm I'm just presenting the worst case scenario to you. You know we've we've been through the numbers in the plan. They they are solid. They do work.
2:22:25 Um we you know we're we're anytime you want to come over we can we can give you the deep dive on it and and walk you through all all you know all the costs and the numbers and
2:22:33 how it's done. But the first two ambulances is just to get started. I'm not saying it's the fix. This is how we get started in there. you know, we may come back the next year and say, you
2:22:41 know, we need four more, but we're going to put in for two this budget year. You know, it's we it we want to do it in a measurable lift so that we can do it
2:22:48 effectively. And it may take time to get down to that 10-minute uh mark. And depending on what the county does, if those units get moved away that are here
2:22:55 today, um that's going to increase the lift that we have to do. And like I said, the model showed six ambulances.
2:23:01 The county has added four. We're looking to do two by by uh by January of 28. If the county doesn't move those other four
2:23:08 units and our population stays fairly stable, uh we may not need to go to the next two. Uh but I anticipate that there are going to be some movements of
2:23:16 ambulances. You the county is going to continue to grow. So I think in all likelihood we would be coming back and saying we need to add two more. And that's something we're going to be
2:23:24 looking at every year is look going back and looking at that data and looking do we have gaps? Do we have holes in our community where we're not providing services? You know, we're seeing that today up in the the Verdie Ridge area.
2:23:34 Uh we've got some other gaps around Johns Lake Road and some other places where there'll be opportunities for these units to be dropped in to plug some of those holes and ensure that
2:23:43 we're giving good service to everybody in the community and not just select areas. Well, and and I I understand that and that's our goal and I I'm I'm with
2:23:51 you there to try to get get that to that goal of 10 minutes uh and everything, but they just I'm looking at everything and you talked about infrastructure. A
2:23:59 lot of the we don't have a lot of infrastructure in place either. And that's one of the things you say in the presentation that we have to pay to put infrastructure in. That's correct.
2:24:07 I think one of the things I asked you before uh last time you here was u station number one. We can't even put an ambulance in there.
2:24:13 Not today. No, we can't. So anything close to this side of town where we would would come out of station three or whatever and even if we had the six am
2:24:23 station on that side we have a call on on 12th Street. Can you make it there in 10 minutes? See so so it's a lot of other things I'm saying it's a lot of
2:24:31 other factors here that I think we have to really look at other than what we have here. But I'm also in support of trying to do your aunt with how much it
2:24:40 is going to cost our residents. uh we going to end up paying our res the resident having to pay double uh for the service just to be on our own. Okay. And that's that's one of my concerns. Okay.
2:24:49 Uh but I have no problem uh supporting this and moving this this certificate uh forward and everything. It may take them some time. I understand it can take some
2:24:58 time to get this through the county. It can and everything. So I have no problem with that. Uh, but I'm just I keep looking at the numbers and
2:25:06 I I I would I would welcome you to come over and spend some time with us so we can take that deep dive offline and really spend some time answering your questions.
2:25:13 Okay. We we'll we'll we'll take you up on that. Thank you, sir.
2:25:16 Yes, sir. M Mr. Peterson, may I ask, would you be willing to include in your amendment uh a requirement that council get a copy of the application u that's presented?
2:25:27 Sure.
2:25:27 Because I I just want to make sure we I think this is obviously whether the county says yes or no, this isn't going away. And and so I think you're assuming they're going to say no.
2:25:37 So we're going to go to the next I I don't assume anything. Uh uh I I I think um but I would like to be able to
2:25:44 have a copy of of the application. So if that's if that's agreeable. Yeah.
2:25:49 Thank you, Mr. Mr. Bain. will email that to the entire council once we have a final copy and we'll be working very closely with Christian on getting the application put together so that we have everything
2:25:58 dotted the way that we need to for the president I just would like to see kind of what it all actually entails then at that point so thank you and when is our MSTU agreement with the
2:26:06 county up what year I believe we have two more years and do can can we get at some point whenever we would give notice that we're
2:26:15 terminating it if so we don't miss any deadlines to terminate it I want to make sure I I understand your question is about the MSTU and when it
2:26:23 expires. Yes, cuz the MSTU encomp also contemplates an interlocal agreement as part of the MSTU ordinance. So, I just want to make sure
2:26:30 we're talking about the same thing, but the MSTU ordinance renews every year. Yes.
2:26:35 Annually and and the city would have the ability to uh terminate uh it has to do
2:26:42 so 60 days before the renewal. I think it was passed uh on October 20th or 22nd
2:26:49 of 2022. So what that means is it would need to be by mid August, but it's annual, right?
2:26:56 So I don't know if it's the interlocal you're talking about that's every No, it's the ambulance MSTU. Uh it was annual. I believe it was in 2022 the
2:27:04 previous administration elected to go from a from an annual to a 5-year contract.
2:27:08 I I don't I've never seen a copy of that. So I'd love to see that.
2:27:11 I'll I'll send you a copy. I mean, and I don't think a contract has the ability to override an ordinance. So, I'm very interested to see what that is.
2:27:18 Can we get that? Cuz you're talking about 8 weeks from now. I mean, we wouldn't have the COPCN within 8 weeks, would we? I I doubt it.
2:27:26 But is there a scenario where we might be asked to give notice of termination because we have a pending COPCN or No,
2:27:35 I'm just wondering if I'm running into a timeline here.
2:27:37 Well, we can't. Here's the thing. We cannot do our own service unless they approve the the certificate. It's the first step.
2:27:43 So that's the you have to get the certificate approval and that's one of the things concern I keep saying concerning me is this MSTU. Even if you
2:27:52 gave a notification that you going to terminate the MSTU and we stopped paying that now we only have even if we had two ambulance how we going to provide this
2:28:00 10-minute service when we only got two ambulance because now is the county still required to supplement us at that point when we're not giving them CU? No, they aren't.
2:28:08 So, we out here and we in worse than uh shape than we were before we started. All right. So, that that's my concern.
2:28:14 We need those kind of thing need to be tied up for me before we we go too far.
2:28:19 But first of our first step is for the county to give us permission to be able to go out on our own through a certificate. Okay.
2:28:26 We can't do we basically tie it up, right? We at a standstill and tell the county say yeah and on the certificate right now and we say the certificate can take a
2:28:34 long time. But what is a long time? Is it five years? Is it 6 months? What what kind of timeline?
2:28:39 It's going to depend on the level of cooperation with the county.
2:28:41 Well, I understand that, but I've heard I've heard realistically I've heard them taking years sometime.
2:28:47 I think this becomes our attorneys. Am I directing this to our attorney at this point?
2:28:52 How fast? What's the soonest we could get it done to get up and running? Assuming they approve the certificate, the COPCN.
2:29:00 Well, then we have to apply with the state. Correct.
2:29:03 And then that's a whole other application that I have no idea how long they're processing. So I would I I really don't want to speculate.
2:29:12 I have no idea how the shortest possible time. It wouldn't be before, five, six months. No. Okay, that helps. Thank you.
2:29:20 I was told at least 6 months for the certificate approval. Then I've been told some some places they've taken years to get this thing through. So, but
2:29:28 I'm just saying uh like I say, I I I can support us doing it on as long as it's not going to cost us a whole lot of money in the long run. Okay. From what
2:29:37 we're paying right now. Okay. Um, did I have a motion?
2:29:41 I made a motion to uh to approve item number 15, application of the COPN. A second.
2:29:47 I have a motion and second for approval of item number 15 application for COPCN.
2:29:54 Uh, any further discussion? Hear none.
2:29:57 All in favor? Let it be known by saying I. I.
2:29:59 All oppose. Chair vote as well. Motion carries 50.
2:30:04 Thank you, mayor, council. You're welcome. Thank you.
2:30:09 Item number 16 is for a variance request. Yes, ma'am.
2:30:18 Good afternoon, mayor, city council members and guests. Justine day with development services.
2:30:25 The applicant Kemp Signs and Service Incorporated is requesting a variance to the land development code to install a
2:30:32 ground sign on a property that is currently undergoing site review. The subject property is located at 4741 Kina
2:30:40 Terrace within Pod H of the Plaza Kina planned unit development.
2:30:46 Land Development Code section 117-15 limits ground signs for single occupancy commercial sites to a maximum height of
2:30:54 10 ft. The applicant is requesting a variance to exceed the maximum height for an overall height of 15 ft measured from finish grade to the top of the
2:31:03 sign. The applicant indicated that the existing topography on the site limits sign visibility at the proposed
2:31:10 location. The subject property also has an existing 10- foot wide utility easement along the southern property
2:31:16 line, also um known as State Road 50, that restricts where a ground sign can be placed. These site constraints
2:31:25 prevent the sign being located closer to the property line and required it to be set back further than the minimum setback.
2:31:34 The applicant submitted a grading plan showing a 5- foot change in the elevation from State Road 50, approximately 147 ft, to the proposed
2:31:43 sign location, which is approximately 142 ft. The photos provided show that the proposed sign would not exceed the
2:31:52 established line of sight created by the existing signs within the planned unit development due to the lower grade at the proposed sign location. The sign
2:32:01 will meet all applicable land development code requirements, including landscaping, which may further limit visibility of the sign without a
2:32:08 variance. The request appears to meet the minimum allowed to make reasonable use of the site due to existing site constraints not caused by the applicant.
2:32:18 Under land development code section 101246, a variance may only be granted with a positive finding on all review
2:32:25 criteria. Staff finds the applicant uh provided substantial evidence meeting all five of the required criteria.
2:32:32 Therefore, staff recommends approval of the variance request. This concludes staff presentation.
2:32:38 Thank you, ma'am. This is a public forum. Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and their address and have three minutes.
2:32:46 Anyone in the chamber? Yes, sir.
2:32:52 I'm sorry. I got ahead. Is the African present?
2:32:56 So I'm just I just I'm I'm with Cam Science. I didn't uh I'm sorry I jumped ahead of myself.
2:33:03 Yeah, but you you on in behalf of the applicant.
2:33:07 Um it's just uh if you've seen by the pictures, the uh signage is uh
2:33:14 uh 10 feet back more than the Bojango sign that you guys approved the variance earlier for. And if you see the uh the
2:33:22 grade from the property line there, it drops down five feet. We're only asking for five feet, which would bring it to the exact height if you were at the property line. It's just that it has to
2:33:30 come back because of the setbacks and the underground utilities. That's all. Okay. All right. Thank you, sir. Thank you. All right. Thank you, sir. I'm sorry.
2:33:38 Now it's anyone in the in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have uh three minutes. This
2:33:46 is a public hearing. Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone, state your name, address three minutes. Seeing no one no
2:33:53 one online, come back to ch uh council what say council.
2:33:58 Um if if you look at page 227 here in the booklet, it shows like that Taco Bell sign and then the McDonald's sign.
2:34:06 Is this is this just for this isn't real yet. This is what you're proposing. So they're going to bring it up so it'll be on the same line as a Taco Bell sign.
2:34:15 Well, basic basically we had that problem. We've been approving all these signs because of the topography out there. And you're right, it basically put it in conformant with
2:34:23 So, I mean, it'll be a line of sight, so it'll be all the same then. Yeah, we we've had to Yeah.
2:34:27 had to do just about every site out there like this. So, so, but it'll bring in in conformity and
2:34:35 keep everything uniform out there anyway. So, anyone else? No.
2:34:43 I entertain a motion.
2:34:45 I'd like to make a motion for item number 16, the uh variance for the sign height.
2:34:52 I second it.
2:34:55 The grant uh that would grant the variance. Yes.
2:34:58 Okay. I didn't hear that voice, but I have a motion and a second to approve item number 16, variance request. Any further discussion?
2:35:06 Hearing none. All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Nay.
2:35:11 And the chair vote I as well. Motion carry 4 to1. Thank you.
2:35:17 Uh item 17, variance request.
2:35:23 Good evening, mayor, city council members, and guests. Nick and Zas Development Services. This is variance request perimeter park uh phase three.
2:35:33 The applicant is requesting a variance to allow a retaining wall height exceeding the 6 foot maximum permitted under the land development code section 125-521C2.
2:35:45 The subject property located on Ray Good Parkway was annexed into the city on March 10th, 2026 with an industrial
2:35:53 future land use designation and a plan unit development zoning to allow M1 industrial uses. The PUD approval
2:36:00 provides flexibility in the site design while establishing specific conditions for project development.
2:36:06 The conceptual plan included approximately 185,000 square ft of industrial warehouse space across three
2:36:14 buildings. Due to the physical site constraints caused by a depression area, waiverss were granted for cut and fill
2:36:21 and a special condition was imposed requiring a 100 foot rideaway dedication for the planned extension of Hook Street.
2:36:30 During the initial site review, the applicant did not anticipate the extent of grading that would be required until
2:36:36 a detailed site design was underway. The project engineer has since advised that increasing the retaining wall height is
2:36:44 necessary to address challenges associated with the site's topography.
2:36:48 As a result, the applicant is requesting a variance to allow three retaining walls to exceed the six foot maximum height with a proposed maximum height of
2:36:57 up to 20 feet rather than the limit established under the land development code. The tallest portions of the retaining walls are located along the
2:37:05 northwest and northeast corners of the property oriented inward towards the project. The walls would be inward
2:37:12 facing as shown in the cross-sections AA and BB.
2:37:16 Lake County, which will construct the roadway extension, has noted that the proposed ex retaining wall adjacent to the future Hook Street extension will
2:37:24 require structural design analysis and calculations due to the roadway being elevated above the existing grade.
2:37:33 The requested variance to allow retaining wall up to 20 ft is inconsistent with the character of surrounding properties. The proposed
2:37:41 height may be considered excessive and potential intrusive to adjacent properties because the site is currently undeveloped. The prop the project could
2:37:49 be designed in a less intensive manner that avoids the need for a single 20ft wall, including options such as stepped
2:37:57 or terrace retaining wall configurations to reduce visual and physical impacts.
2:38:02 Section 101-246 of the land development code requires a positive finding on all the review criteria and findings in
2:38:09 order to grant a variance. Staff has reviewed the application as presented and finds the application cannot meet a positive finding on two of the five
2:38:16 criteria. Therefore, staff recommends denial of the variance request. And that concludes staff's presentation.
2:38:23 Thank you. Is the African present? Yes, sir.
2:38:32 Good afternoon, mayor and council members. Uh Dave Schmidt, DSSE2301 Lake Underh Hill Road, Orlando 32828. Um
2:38:41 since we've submitted this, we've probably done five alternate designs for this wall. Um the developer has reduced
2:38:47 the building length by 20 ft on the north side abuing the this rightway and shifted the building 10 more feet on the
2:38:55 west side. Um, our walls now are uh 10 feet or less, really 3 to 10 feet on the west side now. And on the north side
2:39:02 along the rideway, um, the maximum is 15 ft. It's like 10 to 15 ft. Um, and it has to be a thicken wall, a single wall,
2:39:10 can't be a double wall per uh, Lake County. Um, with, as mentioned, the structural support needed to handle the
2:39:17 heavy uh, traffic load on X Road. So, we are requesting uh, approval of the variance. Again, not as high as 20 feet
2:39:26 anymore. 10 feet on the west side and 10 10 to 15 feet on the north side.
2:39:32 Okay. Thank you. Uh is it still wall going to be inward facing? So it won't be seen from the outside. Okay.
2:39:40 That's that's remain the same. Okay. Thank you. This is a public uh form.
2:39:44 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Anyone in the chamber
2:39:51 wish to address the item may come to the microphone, state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing no one in the chamber, Mr. Wayne, anyone online?
2:40:00 No one online. I close public comment with say council.
2:40:05 Our citizens have made it clear that one of the things they love about this town is the hills and the lakes. And if we continue to allow developers to come in
2:40:12 and tear down our hills and flatten the land, then we are perpetuating the problem that our citizens complain about the most after traffic. So, I think that
2:40:21 we have a a code in place for good reason. I think if this property owner wanted flat land, they should have bought flat land. And I'm not inclined
2:40:30 to cut into our hills, so I'll be against it. Anyone else?
2:40:39 Um, I'll say this in this case, it's not I I think I was one of the ones that came
2:40:47 into this council some years ago and and insisted that we put in a grade and limitation u no more than 10% and
2:40:55 everything, but some of the time we have to even go by that because they were cutting down some of the hills and cut down a lot of beautiful hills that I thought. But in this case, I don't think
2:41:04 we looking to cutting down the hills. I think we felling in an impression here.
2:41:07 They trying to fill this in to help maintain the land around it. Okay. And it's not it's not degrading. My
2:41:14 understanding is kind of like a big sinkhole out there that you're trying to share up this uh with the wall and be able to fill it in. Okay. So, uh instead
2:41:23 of uh grading it or cutting it down, we're trying to actually build it up to make it and plus I think they've already
2:41:30 donated a portion of the land to uh for Hook Street Extension, right? And this wall will help also share up the the
2:41:38 train uh load of traffic with traffic weight and everything of going going across Hook Street once that's
2:41:45 developed. So in in a way we we kind of like winning if they're ready to build this wall and help us chew up that road and support that wall without us having
2:41:53 to pay for it and the county having to pay for all that. So I have no problem supporting it uh at this point. So,
2:42:02 but I need a motion for purposes of moving it forward. I'm going to move to approve item number 17.
2:42:13 Excuse me, mayor. Before Before we move um forward with the motion, would it be for the 20 foot or for the 15T?
2:42:20 I think he just said 10 to 15. So, would it be for the 15 foot?
2:42:23 10 to 15. I think he he what he just said. Okay.
2:42:27 Okay. I just wanted clarification if if it had to be changed at all.
2:42:31 If there's an opinion, someone else should make the motion because I'm going to vote no. So, I don't really make sure on it.
2:42:41 Fairness. Yeah, that Thank Thank you. Um, I don't I'm torn because I I I do want the
2:42:50 ability for us to get this roadway dedication and be able to support that that road. Um, I'm willing to I don't
2:43:00 know structurally and maybe we staff can't answer this question. Um, you know, I'd be willing our code allows goes to six. I'd be willing to go up to 10. Um, 20 is out of the question. 15.
2:43:13 Uh, that's 20. Uh, so, you know, I'd be willing to go up to 10. Uh, if it I I
2:43:21 don't know if staff's able to answer whether or not uh structurally that that would um work for on the north side for hooks.
2:43:31 I would refer to to the uh okay to Dave if that can work for them. I know they have to work with the county to make sure that uh the county is okay
2:43:40 with whatever they do come up with that make sure it's the calculations can support the load of the Hook Street extension. So
2:43:48 yeah, I don't I certainly don't want a roadway that's not going to be safe. That's right.
2:43:52 By something we by action we take. Well, keep in mind, like I said, this isn't this isn't in a case where we grading.
2:43:59 Uh I know we have some areas out there where previous council have actually grandfathered in some some areas where
2:44:08 we have no say so over where they can grade up to 20 feet sometime. Okay.
2:44:13 Because of the topography in here, like I say, it's not like we going in there grading. We trying to fill it up and shing the the the land around it, keep
2:44:22 it from caving in and everything. So I think that's a a plus and of course it helps share of his facility as well. So that's a plus.
2:44:29 And not only that, we have over 30 ft of topo variation on the site. So that's part of it. And then like you mentioned, the developer dedicated 100 foot rightway, right?
2:44:38 Um for the road. And then he's also reduced the building by 20 more feet to reduce the height of the wall and pull it back off further off the
2:44:46 rightway for the county. So So he gave up a little jumping through a lot of hoops. Yeah. So he he's working with us and trying to help us out. Uh, and the other thing is,
2:44:54 that's why I asked the question, is this wall going to be inward looking? So, you won't be able to see it from the outside. It's from the inside, so you won't see it.
2:45:01 Then, to go back to your question after you were getting ready to make the motion, I I say make the motion and see where the chips fall
2:45:11 because I I I'm not I'm not inclined then to to start doing numbers games. I I think we just vote it up or vote it down as presented.
2:45:18 So, I'll move to approve item number 17. I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. Move to approve item number 17.
2:45:25 Okay. Have second.
2:45:28 I have a motion and approve for item number 17. The variance requested parameter of park phase three. I guess any further discussion? None. All in favor? Let it be known by saying I.
2:45:42 All oppose. Nay. Nay. Chair vote. I motion carry 4 to one. Fails four to one.
2:45:51 else. All right.
2:45:54 I'm really proud of us for getting that no. That was cool. I think that's the first time we've done that.
2:46:01 Item number 18, Vance request 1391 Citrus Tower Boulevard.
2:46:07 Good afternoon, mayor, city council members, and guests. Justine Day with development services.
2:46:15 The applicant Ingred Cahill is requesting a variance to the land development code to install a sign on
2:46:22 the existing building located at 1391 Citrus Tower Boulevard. The subject property is located within the Citrus Tower commercial center and is
2:46:30 designated with the C2 General Commercial Zoning District.
2:46:35 Land Development Code section 117-8 specifically prohibits the installation of roof signs within city limits. The
2:46:42 applicant is requesting a variance to install a roof sign on the upper slope of the hip roof of the existing building. The applicant indicated that
2:46:50 the building's design prevents a wall sign from being installed on the existing facade due to the building lacking a vertical flat wall surface
2:46:57 below the roof line. The applicant is claiming a practical hardship due to the code restricting sign placement to areas that are not physically available on the building.
2:47:09 When reviewing prior occupancies at the subject property, staff has found areas on the existing building where wall signs were previously installed. In
2:47:16 2008, First Green Bank installed a wall sign on the west facade of the Copala.
2:47:21 In 2019, Ellie Lou's Bruise and Barbecue installed a wall sign on the west facade under the roof line between the
2:47:28 supporting pillars. Similar wall signs would be supported in these locations under land development code section 117-15.
2:47:36 Staff's review of the building elevations shows locations for both primary and secondary walls. Under Land
2:47:43 Development Code section 117-15, the building may have one primary wall sign on each wall of the building parallel or perpendicular to a road.
2:47:52 This would allow up to three primary wall signs, one each on the north, south, and west side of the building.
2:47:59 Additionally, the code permits secondary wall signs on up to two walls, provided that they don't exceed 50% of the primary sign square footage.
2:48:09 Staff is unable to support the variance request due to it not being the minimum allowed to make reasonable use of the building. The land development code
2:48:16 provides multiple compliant signage options for a single occupancy commercial site and previous business at the subject property were able to meet the intent of the land development code.
2:48:26 Under land development code section 101246, a variance may only be granted with a positive finding on all review
2:48:33 criteria. Staff finds the application fails to meet three of the five required criteria. Therefore, staff recommends denial of the variance request. This concludes staff presentation.
2:48:45 Thank you. Is the applicant present?
2:48:55 Good afternoon. My name is Alisa. I'm here on behalf of the applicant. I just wanted to bring something to attention.
2:49:00 Um when we did the initial application, our sign our sign was supposed to be located the same way as the sign from the bank was and we were denied. So
2:49:07 that's why we did the variance on the second sign. Um so I just wanted to inform that if we were able to get the sign on the same place that the first
2:49:16 green bank was, we'll be happy to do so as well. Okay. Thank you. Can I get clarity on that? What? Yeah.
2:49:25 So, and she said is uh they they applied to put a sign on the side where in this picture the barbecue is at.
2:49:31 No, actually the first green bank sign, we did an application using that same place. I have a picture here. I don't know if I can show it.
2:49:41 Was it a variance request? Did it come to this council or No, it didn't come to the council because we just did the initial permit application and we were denied and they
2:49:48 said that it was not approved. And then we did a we try another way with the sign underneath the window and then they
2:49:55 say that we had to try a variance because it will not be allowed anywhere in the roof. But our initial permit application was for the sign on the
2:50:02 window but it was not approved. So we try a second type of sign in another place and then they told us that we have to make a variance application. So if we
2:50:11 were to be able to put the sign on the window we will be happy to do so as well. Yeah.
2:50:17 Okay. Well, that's different. Okay. Thank you.
2:50:25 Okay. This is a public forum. Anyone in the in the uh chamber that wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
2:50:34 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing no one in the chamber, I close public comment for the
2:50:42 chamber. And no one online. I bring it back to council. Uh, Kirk, I'm sorry.
2:50:49 Uh, I I What's What's going on?
2:50:53 That's bit news to me. You see the red box in the bottom right hand picture?
2:50:57 You can see clearly there's a barbecue sign there.
2:51:00 If that's where they were going, I don't understand why it wouldn't have been permitted. Maybe they submitted something slightly larger in that space.
2:51:06 It was denied. I don't have that detail right at the moment, but if it's within code size-wise of that front facade,
2:51:14 which they're allowed 15% of that front facade to be signage, they can put it there.
2:51:19 But I'm thinking what she's saying is where the picture of their first green bank that's on the side of the building where you have the windows is what she's
2:51:27 saying. I I'm I'm thinking that's what I heard.
2:51:29 There is some windows on the side. You can have, sorry, you can have signage on the side of your building as well. As long as it's perpendicular to a road,
2:51:37 which is Citrus Tower, they can have signage there, too. Again, as long as it's within our parameters of that 15%.
2:51:44 If they submitted something at 20%, then it would have been turned down.
2:51:48 Oh, well, I'm assuming that's what she mean First Bank cuz that's on the side where the windows and that's what she's saying. If that's where they put in a
2:51:55 request to have their sign put at the beginning and it was denied.
2:51:58 Yeah, I think that's what I heard. I I did too.
2:52:02 But again, if it's within the percentage of our code a lotment, they can have the sign there.
2:52:08 Does she have a copy of the application that was denied? Up on top.
2:52:17 Up on top. Oh, that's still considered a roof sign. Okay.
2:52:20 Oh, see up on the top, not Yeah, she's not talking about Oh, okay.
2:52:23 But it's in the it's in the package as an example of what was an alternative that could have been done.
2:52:30 H in the presentation by staff the first green bank sign which is located exactly where the one on the screen now
2:52:39 was used as an example of what could have been done. Right. Right. Yeah.
2:52:46 But where I saw in the other picture uh picture picture where you had first green bank I was assuming she was referring to that the glass on that side. So is first green.
2:52:54 Is this your original application? What's on the screen now? The first one. And this is the one that was denied.
2:53:02 I mean, how how do we deny it but then use this location as an example of what would have been approved? I'm confused.
2:53:08 C can I ask a question to clarify because I think the question you're asking, correct me, is right there in this picture where it says kingdom up in that
2:53:17 little uh top part of the roof. Is that the same spot that the first Green Bank sign on the windows was?
2:53:25 That was on the glass. I I I was thinking that that's what they were using as the example, but it's not the same location.
2:53:32 First Green Bank on the side of Sorry, I got a little clarification.
2:53:36 There's a lot going on here. I'm tell it out. Is that what you were asking? Okay. That's what I was thinking, too.
2:53:44 Okay. Okay.
2:53:46 I would approve the first Kurt, can you go back to the slide with the the First Green Bank? First Green Bank.
2:53:55 Where where is that first green bank sign?
2:53:57 Okay. I'm sorry. I did just It is up on the top on that. H I can't point to it here. It's up on the top of the roof.
2:54:05 Yes, it is on there's three windows up there.
2:54:10 I'm trying to figure out how to point to Above the solar panels. Above the solar panels. Above the solar panels. Yes.
2:54:15 So, we're saying that that's okay. But so, are we saying that that would have been okay?
2:54:20 Yes. Yeah, that's where the first Green Bank sign was. I was not aware that they were turned down for that.
2:54:26 Ah, okay.
2:54:30 Wait, Kirk, one more question if I can ask. Yeah. Okay.
2:54:35 How How long ago was that First Green Bank signed permitted? 2008. No. Okay. 20 2008 2009.
2:54:43 Has it has the sign code changed since 2008?
2:54:45 Not for that location? No. So, so if the if that sign was approved, couldn't she put it on the side then? Why was it disapproved if it was the same footprint as the first green bank?
2:54:57 Yeah.
2:55:01 And you know, we I mean, we gave variances for Dick Sporting Good and and Costco. I think we should try to like be
2:55:10 concerned with people that are trying to start businesses in town that aren't being obnoxious about it. I've never even knew that there was a barbecue
2:55:18 restaurant beside I've never knew it because there the signage was so small.
2:55:22 I mean, I think it's important that we kind of lean towards the new entrepreneurs that are coming into town with, you know, with a little uh there's
2:55:30 a Jewish word ramanis, you know, have some heart.
2:55:34 I need to learn how to spell that because I'm not familiar with that word, but I like it. I think so. Hold on, Kurt. Can you All right.
2:55:42 You You got it all worked out. I'm sitting there waiting on you to finish. I clarify for me, please. There was some confusion that go back to that.
2:55:50 I'll give her that. Where we at?
2:55:53 The applicant just agreed the sign that you see on the top there which says kingdom, right?
2:55:58 They could replace that's where the first green bank was. They can replace it at that location. Somehow it got confused over they wanted to go on the
2:56:06 roof where the solar panels are because they're not there anymore. That was a change of location. That's where we got a little confused on.
2:56:13 So, okay. So, where where they got it? Well, I always looked at the picture and thought it was on the glass underneath. Correct.
2:56:19 And so, that is the glass and that's where they want to sign and that was where Green Bank was at before first. So, we have no problem.
2:56:26 We do not have We don't really need a Okay. So, then we don't need to vote on anything.
2:56:29 I would like to speak to the applicant, please.
2:56:33 Do you know how much you paid to go through this process?
2:56:38 I don't exactly because I'm just here on behalf of but it was a lot of money because we had to redo applications. We had to then come here to pay for the
2:56:45 variance application as well and we had to redo all the drawings and everything.
2:56:49 Did you hire an expert or a professional to do the drawings?
2:56:52 Yes, we did like like an architect engineer. Yes, we had a GC and an architect.
2:56:58 And how much time have you spent on this process? Couple of months now.
2:57:03 Yeah, we opened back in April. So we are trying to do this since before April.
2:57:08 Let's make it quick and just say hey let's reim if we can reimburse. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
2:57:13 Yeah. Do we have any idea of how much I mean what what are you all comfortable? I
2:57:20 I have been in situations where the people that I rely on to um execute justice
2:57:29 failed to do so. and it is a powerless feeling and I don't want to leave her in that place.
2:57:37 I don't know that it's enough to just say reimburse her what she's paid. I don't know what options we have, but there are very real costs associated
2:57:44 with not being able to get your business done as well as hiring people and the time. So, I don't know what we can do.
2:57:52 Christian, if you can kind of help us, I definitely would like to see her be reimbursed whatever she spent on this process. Yeah.
2:57:59 Um I mean is there any other res is there anything else we can do to help her? Can we do a 10%?
2:58:08 You have discretion. You know you you have a lot of discretion on what you choose to do. So I don't think I'm going to limit what your options are. What I
2:58:17 would say is just cautionary about precedent and and um we don't we we would want proof if
2:58:25 you're going to you know reimburse taxpayer.
2:58:27 Sure. we would want proof. So, um, your direction on what your ultimate objective is would be useful and then if
2:58:35 you could give staff permission on how to work to work it out the details.
2:58:39 Uh, can someone on staff give give us an idea of what it costs to do a variance application? What are the fees associated?
2:58:44 It's just over 600 like $660 is the application fee and then there is an advertisement fee maybe about a 100.
2:58:53 So, okay. 600 660.
2:58:56 Yeah. But then how much it cost her for engineering and everything.
2:58:59 Well, keep in mind the engineer is always required to have you have to have an engineer to submit for the signed permit anyway.
2:59:06 So that's that is a requirement for the permit.
2:59:09 But but if she needed new drawings, would before I make a motion, would council entertain something like double her actual costs to us
2:59:18 if she can demonstrate that it was a result of like the second drawing. So not the first drawing. She has to do the drawings to get the permit. if she can
2:59:26 demonstrate that she was injured in this process with professional fees.
2:59:32 I mean, if it's $670, you're talking up to about $1,300 or so. I mean, is that something that we would entertain or am I out of line, do you think?
2:59:40 I I'd be willing to I would be willing to reimburse the variance request application fee, but I I'm not sure that I'd want to go beyond that.
2:59:49 And that's why I'm I'm floating it out there. I mean, we've never been and maybe that would be easy. um what council member Bain said and then to the
2:59:57 extent that you wanted to allow them an opportunity to seek anything else they could petition you bring it up at another meeting that's a good idea
3:00:06 but I definitely think we should reimburse for the variance fee 660 I don't think we need
3:00:14 to go through the process and see I don't I don't have no problem saying okay reimburse her for for a fee but then also give an additional 10% for
3:00:23 the inconvenience and everything else that that we caused. Okay. How do we feel about that? I'm fine with that.
3:00:28 And then if she wants more, come back and ask for it. Yeah, I'm fine with that.
3:00:32 City attorney is saying, you know, we want to open up ourselves up to a position where people are going to be coming to us for reimbursement for staff mistakes.
3:00:41 Well, when we don't if we don't make these mistakes, I don't think we have to worry about it. Well, I I understand that, but I I I think that it's
3:00:49 reasonable to say the variance I I think no one in here is saying that the variance application was required and so
3:00:57 we ought to reimburse that. If there's additional damages that the applicant feels that they would be owed, I would
3:01:05 prefer them to to apply to us through a a agenda item and provide us that
3:01:12 documentation as to here's why I'm asking for these these damages rather than just assume 10% 20% whatever a number that we're
3:01:21 just making up is a adequate number or even a needed number. But I definitely feel like we should That's very reimburse the variance application fee.
3:01:31 I think that's very fair.
3:01:33 And and it may not even be nec I mean city management's heard you. They have certain authority up to you know 4,900
3:01:41 999 or so. So you know we might be able to work it out. Okay. Okay.
3:01:47 So I'm going to move to reimburse the applicant for item number 18 at 1391 Citrus Tower Boulevard. all of the fees
3:01:55 that were paid for the variance that was brought before us tonight. Second.
3:01:59 Second. And Kirk, what she was asking for, we do not need a variance, right? For sure. That's correct.
3:02:05 Okay. So, we're good. All right. I have a motion and a second on item number the previous just to be clear. The previous request up on the very top.
3:02:13 Okay.
3:02:14 The what she was asking for request tonight, we didn't know about that one on the very very top. Okay.
3:02:19 And it was on the roof itself that needed the variance. All right.
3:02:22 So, we're going to go back to the original request just to be clear. It's on the glass. Okay. Yep. All right. Okay.
3:02:29 All right. We have a motion and uh second for approval of item number 18, Varian request for 1391 Citrus Tower
3:02:36 Boulevard. Any uh with uh reimbursement for the applicant's uh inconvenience
3:02:43 the fees. Yep. The application fees for fees. No, damage fees. Any further discussion?
3:02:52 All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Chair will eye as well. Motion carries. Good luck to you. Thank you.
3:02:59 Thank you so much. I appreciate your time.
3:03:01 Thank you. Good luck, ma'am. Uh item number 19, resolution number 2026-005R.
3:03:12 Good evening, mayor, city council members, and guests. John Cruz, Development Services. Um, the city
3:03:18 council approved resolution 2026-005R in March of 2026 with the addition of a condition for a 15 foot wide easement
3:03:27 for the future construction of a public boardwalk along the north property line and outlined in yellow on the display is
3:03:34 the upland area of the salt shack. The applicant is unable to comply with this condition regarding public access. The
3:03:42 condition came about as a recommendation from planning and zoning for staff to work with DPZ on a possible trail connection behind the restaurant. Staff
3:03:51 did work with DPZ who recommended the 15oot easement dedication. The applicant originally agreed with the condition at the count at the council hearing.
3:04:00 However, the property owner who is Lily Pad LLC is unwilling to grant the easement.
3:04:08 The applicant is asking for a review and waiver of this condition which is under section 2 land use condition for within
3:04:15 the resolution. Um and uh in the yellow text is that condition number. It says prior to issuance of any development
3:04:23 permit or certificate occupancy, the applicant shall grant the city a 15 foot wide easement for the future construction of a public boardwalk. The
3:04:31 specific location, alignment, and terms of the easement shall be determined at a later date in coordination and cooperation with the city and applicant.
3:04:39 Uh staff is just uh attempting to seek direction from council on the existing easement uh condition. And I know our
3:04:46 city attorney and the applicant attorney has had uh quite extensive discussions how to comply with this condition and
3:04:54 we're just here to get direction. That concludes staff's presentation. All right. Is applicant present?
3:05:04 Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor. Afternoon, sir. Members, uh, administration and staff.
3:05:10 My name is Jimmy Crawford. I'm a lawyer with the law firm of Crawford Monica and Holt, 702 West Montro Street, uh,
3:05:18 Clermont, Florida. And yes, this is not my finest hour coming and asking for
3:05:26 this because uh if you remember what happened in March, council approved the CUP amendment. Um the condition was
3:05:35 suggested to assist public access to the beach in the lakefront area. We're kind of a one private property between
3:05:44 several public properties down there. um that it it had come up at planning and
3:05:52 zoning, but there wasn't any firm recommendation. It was just talk with the DPZ folks and see what we can work out. This came up literally the morning
3:06:00 of of the council meeting. Um it was a suggestion from the DICE. We caucused for a minute here with my client. We
3:06:07 said, you know what, we're fine with that. We we don't we don't oppose that at all. We'll figure out a way to do it.
3:06:14 Uh then we walked outside and talked a little bit and I realized that that was
3:06:22 from our point of view a legal impossibility. We're just a lesie. We don't own the property. Uh we can't and
3:06:30 I'm just going to say usually I think government moves entirely too slow. I think that time we probably moved a
3:06:37 little too fast and my apologies for having to be here and and do that again.
3:06:44 We have a very tight lease um and have achieved even the application that the
3:06:51 owner signed to get this conditional use you use use permit amended through a lengthy negotiation process that
3:06:59 required us to redo the lease with additional concessions. It does not allow us to give permissive access to
3:07:06 non-c customers. If anybody wants to come in and buy a Coke, then they can come all over all all the place. But uh
3:07:15 and our insurance people also told us no. That was an additional writer or a new policy that we'd have to discuss and and pay for.
3:07:24 So that week we contacted the city and said, "You have a problem. Let's sit down and talk about it." And since then
3:07:31 we've been working on a solution. and in concert with staff and the city attorney came up with the idea that that
3:07:39 condition can be waved without going back through the whole conditional use permit process. If you put additional
3:07:47 conditions or you change things too much, you have to, but we don't. So, what we're asking for is the waiver of
3:07:53 that uh section 2.4 tonight. It does not mean we don't want to cooperate with the
3:08:00 city and whatever meet in the middle winds up looking at the eight street pier all of those things those are Salt
3:08:08 Shack has has found a wonderful home and they hope they can extend their lease until none of us are here anymore. Um
3:08:18 but but we're we're we're unable to move forward with it the way it is and uh so we're we're asking for your help. I do
3:08:26 have uh Robin Mueller and Katherryn her from Salt Check here. If you go down there much, you see them and we would
3:08:34 together be try to h happy to try to answer whatever questions you guys might have. Okay. Thank Thank you, sir.
3:08:43 This is a public forum. Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
3:08:49 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing no one in chamber
3:08:57 closed chamber public comment. No one online. I bring it back to council for say council.
3:09:04 I think the initial when we this was back in March when when they put the variance for the uh for the deck. One of the stipulations we had was we would
3:09:13 approve that if we if DP and DPZ said that we needed to have that that boardwalk that 15 foot and and that was
3:09:20 one of the reasons why we passed it. If that wasn't in place, I don't think we would have passed the uh the variance for allowing them to do it. So I don't think we can really approve this thing.
3:09:31 We have to pull that variance back.
3:09:34 I have great respect for um rule of law being followed. I'm I'm not thrilled
3:09:41 with coming back so quickly to say we can't do a thing that we said we were going to do. It's representation.
3:09:48 Um that we relied upon that it could be done. Um I think it's
3:09:55 in the interest of justice being just um my understanding
3:10:02 as I understood DPZ's recommendation was because this is the only parcel in between a number of public parcels and
3:10:10 because of the possibility of a contig contiguous waterfront park that that was the the thought process was if if you
3:10:18 can get this 15 foot rightway we don't know exly where it might be. We haven't done the drawings yet. You know, there would be a great deal of time before we
3:10:27 would ever even call on this condition is my understanding. I don't think that we're ready to go execute a lakefront plan in the next
3:10:36 I mean I might say five years would be my speculation on it. Um, and and the flip side of that is I can understand I
3:10:44 do understand how this happened in the timeline of things. And so I don't have the impression that this was a bad faith
3:10:51 situation. I think this was a genuine willingness to comply, but a legal impossibility to comply.
3:10:58 And so I am and I and I want to I think Salt Track has become a beloved downtown business. I I've never heard somebody in
3:11:07 Clermont say anything bad. I've never heard anyone say anything bad. I've everyone who's ever come to Clermont that I've talked to who goes loves it.
3:11:14 So I want to support their I want to encourage and and create the possibility of pursuing their happiness and their
3:11:20 growth. Um, but I'm concerned with the cup being permanent in nature that
3:11:27 because they're a lessor, I worry about giving a permanent right to
3:11:35 a property owner who doesn't want to engage in the future waterfront usage of the land in our community. Whereas on
3:11:44 one hand, we have an applicant who is willing to do so, but then we have a property owner who's not. And so if it is poss if it's legally possible, and
3:11:52 that's my question for the the attorney, I would be open to waving the requirement for a period of time because
3:12:01 time can heal all wounds. Um five years, I'd be open to up to 10 years. I would not be open to more than that. That
3:12:09 might be too many. But I would want it to be tied to the current use of the property if possible. So, that's I don't
3:12:17 know if those are legal, if that's if that's a possibility. I I had a version of this conversation in fairness with Mr. Crawford for for disclosure purposes.
3:12:25 Um, but I don't even know what we can and can't do. That's where I'm at. I'm all for enforcing the rule of law. You can get me there. I can say, "Nope, that
3:12:32 was the condition. Comply or don't." Um, but I also am open to exploring options.
3:12:38 So, um, well, third person to talk, third different perspective. Um I I I I
3:12:47 actually would be willing to uh agree to the cup without this. This was not a staff condition. This was a condition
3:12:54 that was added based off some conversations, very good conversations at the planning and zoning commission level that in turn
3:13:02 the council heard and moved and took action on to include. Um and and
3:13:10 allowing the CUP to move forward does not preclude us with the waiver of this item does not preclude us as a city from
3:13:17 engaging the property owner in some sort of easement for a future project that
3:13:24 might occur. Um and uh I I just I so I I was willing I would have approved this
3:13:33 without condition 2.4 4 in March and I'd be willing to wave 2.4 and approve it
3:13:40 without it today. Um and and my preference would be to do such that and then direct staff to start engaging some
3:13:49 conversations because we know these conversations don't occur overnight. I think we all could uh think of a couple of properties in our historic downtown
3:13:56 area that has been under uh uh conversation for quite some time. um and start those conversations about an
3:14:03 easement um and and see what we could do with the property owner to uh to to uh bring them to the table.
3:14:12 Anyone else?
3:14:14 Just a followup to that. Um on this application, was there a waiver of parking requirements or any other because this was the reason went to CU
3:14:23 is because we were adding space, right? So there would have been parking obligations and now we have the fee for parking. So, I'm just wondering if that was waved as well.
3:14:31 It is 2.3 and it says that we will either supply the parking, which we cannot, or pay the parking fees that are
3:14:40 in there. And that's before building permit. So, no waiverss. Um, when this came before us before, I
3:14:48 didn't understand how we was asking a private property owner down on that lakefront to give access, give us that
3:14:58 15t access across their property. It was some concern for me then and it's still a concern with me. As Mr. Bain said, "I I were willing to approve it without it
3:15:06 before, and I'm willing ready to to say, uh, let's take it out." Because basically what we're trying to ask them to do is open up their piece of
3:15:14 property, allow the city to have people running back and forth across their property with no security of protecting
3:15:21 their facility. Okay. Um, I mean my concern at that time was the fact that okay, we give this 15 foot access across
3:15:28 this piece of property and we have what I guess I think at the time they were talking about uh running the trail cross through there. Okay, people coming off
3:15:37 the trail have easy access to their facility. How they going to secure their facility and be responsible everything on there? That's why I didn't understand how we was even even thinking about
3:15:46 doing this thing. Okay, that was a big concern of mine and I I appreciate the fact that they were willing to to try to work with us and uh I'm glad you all
3:15:55 realized that that uh it was going to be a little bit of a honest I still I'm willing to say hey let's wave it and
3:16:02 move on. Uh and hopefully in the future uh we can work with the land owner and maybe as Mr. Bain say may work with the land owner sometime and get some kind of
3:16:11 thing. But right now, what we gave you and what we did before, um, I was still trying to figure out how this was going to work. Okay.
3:16:17 My clients hope someday to be a property owner. So maybe we can solve all that. But we don't have it right now.
3:16:23 And as you said, you you talk to your insurance. I guess that's one of the concerns the insurance has is how how you secured it and all these things handled. It's just money.
3:16:31 It's going to cost you more money. Yes, sir.
3:16:33 Yeah. So So I'm I'm I'm I can support going ahead and waving myself. and uh and I appreciate everything Salt Shack
3:16:42 have done uh since they've come here and it's like I say it's one of the top destinations here in Climouth for dinner and everything and I appreciate them
3:16:49 willing to continue to invest in the community and make the improvements they're looking to make and you know in talking to the client they they get a surprising number of out
3:16:58 of town people that come out and want and they see Clermont's waterfront and they're downtown and they're going like why didn't we know about this?
3:17:06 So it it If if we can keep it going right, it's a win-win for sure.
3:17:11 Right. They when we brought them here, you know, they they you know, I guess I don't want to get into it, but when the other thing
3:17:19 that was there and what we went through and we got rid of them and bought them in here, you know, I had my fingers crossed, but they've done a fantastic
3:17:26 job and and like you say, I get comments everywhere I go about the people coming here to Salt Shack and everything. Our out of town, a lot of out of town folks.
3:17:33 So, um I entertain a motion. No, I don't know where you Yeah, I'll I'll move resol um to wave
3:17:41 2.4 on resolution number 2026005R. I second.
3:17:47 I have a motion and a second to wave uh for approval of resolution number 2026-005R
3:17:56 salt shack waiver of section two of land use code condition 4. Any further discussion for clarification? Is that for a period
3:18:03 of time or in perpetuity? in perpetuity just to wave it. Any further discussion hearing? None.
3:18:10 All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose.
3:18:14 And the chair vote I as well. Motion carries 3 to two.
3:18:19 We are a part of downtown. We're not going anywhere. So, we'll continue the conversation. Good. Thank you. Thank you.
3:18:27 Uh item number 20, citizen request.
3:18:51 Yeah, I was just looking at Jimmy Crawford and I thought, man, I can remember when he was slim, had all black hair and I had hair and,
3:18:59 you know, been doing this an awful long time. So, but you ready to show something right now?
3:19:06 Uh, yeah. I just Yeah, a second. Let let me just kind of introd reintroduce this.
3:19:12 Um, first of all, thank you for all the city council members met with me and we walked off the parking lot. We walked
3:19:21 off downtown. Uh, some of you your schedules were tough and you couldn't do that, but most of you did that. Um and
3:19:30 Bill Peterson met me at Panera and we both suffered through a non-airconditioned Panera.
3:19:37 But um we were able to, you know, kind of re-review what was going on downtown with the parking lot. And so, you know,
3:19:46 most of you probably remember back in November, we actually had this on the city council agenda.
3:19:53 And then for whatever reason it was tabled and it never came back.
3:19:59 And so, you know, the effort that we're doing today is just to to put it back in the slot, try to get it to where we can
3:20:08 get to a vote so that we can pick the spot, pick the location, pick the pick the actual structure and get going.
3:20:20 And you know, it's like, you ever tried to catch a grease pig? It it it's real difficult. It's almost
3:20:27 impossible. And to try to get a consensus with five city council members like trying to catch a grease pig, you
3:20:35 know, it's really hard. Everybody's got a different opinion of what they want to do, but the one thing that we all agree on is that we're at a point where we
3:20:44 need parking. And so, you know, want to start there.
3:20:49 um city council, I mean the city manager was good enough to invite um Fenfrock,
3:20:55 who if you recall is your approved uh provider to build build your garage.
3:21:02 And in November, we were going to have a vote on some options that were available for the spot on 7th and Minola Avenue.
3:21:14 And everybody's got a different opinion about what should be there, what shouldn't be there, how high it should be, how big it should be, how small it
3:21:23 should be. I mean, it just goes everywhere. But we all agree on one thing, and that is we're at a point
3:21:30 where we're at a parking deficit. And what really drove it home to me today is I couldn't find a place to park at city
3:21:38 hall to come into the um CRA meeting today. So, I actually had a guy move his
3:21:46 truck which was parked in front of my gate over here in front of my office and said, "Hey, you're you're blocking my gate." So, I got a parking space, but I
3:21:55 mean, you know, it's Tuesday at 2:00. Um, I think uh some Did you
3:22:03 tell me some somebody told me, you know, I couldn't park in the Seventh Street parking garage. And so, they're already, you know, overflowing. So, and there's
3:22:10 no doubt that we're at the point where we need to do it. And you know, there's a lot of discussion
3:22:18 about location, location, location. And so I I just want to just re-review. I don't
3:22:26 want to spend a whole lot of time because I've spoken with each one of you about all the moving parts to this. You know, we've been working on it for about
3:22:34 five years and we're just trying to get you to the point where we're going to pull the trigger. And I'd love to make everybody happy up here. and give you
3:22:43 what you want, but there's got to be a compromise somewhere because it's not possible to give everybody what they'd
3:22:52 like to have. So, what we'd like to do is get it back on the agenda, move forward
3:22:59 in some capacity to where we're not just sitting in limbo. There's a lot of things that, you know, are hanging out
3:23:07 there waiting for this garage to be built on the Seventh Street spot.
3:23:12 that both affect me and affect everybody around us. So, you know, those have waited long enough. But
3:23:21 the the main things that are important to us is to follow through on our on our five-year commitment. And that is, and
3:23:29 I've talked to each one of you about it, is to get the northeast southwest corridor of what's called the
3:23:36 art district or downtown, whatever you want to call it. And I got a picture I'll show you in a second.
3:23:41 which we've got, you know, 80% of it complete. And the the rest of it would be behind the parking garage, which
3:23:50 would also be an area where we have more art. And if you could call anything, it' be like the art walk too,
3:23:59 um, which I've shown each of you as well. But the things that we want to protect is that pedestrian walkway so
3:24:06 that when someone comes out of a parking garage that they can walk north, south, east, west, and they can get to anywhere easily downtown.
3:24:17 Both if you are handicapped in a wheelchair or if you're, you know, perfectly mobile that you can easily
3:24:25 access downtown. We don't want it too low. We don't want it too high. We like you, we want it to be in the grade. And
3:24:32 we want to kind of remind everybody this is not a permanent singular solution.
3:24:40 This is just one of the solutions. Um was talking to Allison actually today
3:24:47 um about you know there's so many moving parts. I mean I I thank you for your service and I I cannot do what you do. I
3:24:57 do not have the patience for what you do. Um, but you know, this garage is for the merchants.
3:25:06 It It's for the pedestrians, but it's for the sustainability of our downtown.
3:25:11 It's for our merchants. It's not for, you know, another city project that's going on, you know, in the future. It's
3:25:19 not for, you know, JC Well, it's not called JC Beach anymore. What's it What's it called now?
3:25:27 West Beach. It It's It's not for anything else. It's just to get at least 300 spaces.
3:25:36 250 would be stretching it for the downtown merchants to get that movement
3:25:44 for the downtown merchants. And we were right there. We're right at the edge of it. And then it all kind of fell apart.
3:25:51 And then there's so many other projects going on that you're you're working through. through and I totally get it, but we just canned it. We just set it
3:25:59 aside and in November you were going to vote on three options and
3:26:08 that never happened. You approved a a provider who is who is Fenfrock. They're here to answer specific questions about
3:26:15 that. And so I'm gonna stop talking too much, but I just want to kind of go over it real real quick. I' I've talked to each of you individually.
3:26:26 Um, and again, the consensus is we're ready, but in what capacity? You know, Allison
3:26:35 has some specific things she'd like to see, and I think we're okay with most of those. Um, you know, and I think, uh,
3:26:44 Brian has some questions for Finnfrock in regards to heights and elevations and and and everything's good there and and
3:26:53 you know, Bill and and I'm going to mess your name up. Sandra, right? Shandra.
3:26:58 Shandra. um is is good and and they realize that we need it, but I'm just trying to pull you all together to pull
3:27:06 pull you together um and concentrate on that one thing that we all agree on, which is we need parking. We need
3:27:13 parking. And if it's not all of the parking like Alice and I talked to about today,
3:27:21 the number for us to to to augment the surface parking, and when I say us, I'm talking about the merchants all the way downtown from the restaurants and
3:27:29 everywhere is about 300 spaces.
3:27:34 Anything above that is gravy for us. But if we can get, you know, that number
3:27:41 close to it and meet some of your expectations, this is a win for us. And that's what
3:27:50 we're trying to accomplish today. So, what we want you to do is to ask questions, both financial, which Todd, I I don't
3:27:59 know how we were going to pay for it. I I I have a little bit of an idea, but Todd kind of ran that. I I mean, as much
3:28:07 as I've built, I have never built a parking garage. I couldn't tell you the first thing about how it goes together, but Fenfrock's here. So, what I'm asking
3:28:16 you to do is ask real specific targeted questions. Come to a consensus if we possibly can. Preserve the the north,
3:28:23 south, east, west walk. And if you've forgotten what that is about, I'd be glad to re-review that. preserve the
3:28:32 additional art because the way that it's set up now, we've got places on each of the exits
3:28:40 for the parking garage where we can do static art. There's a lot of art that's that we even have uh the Windixie
3:28:50 funded the the statue for the Windixie, but we've never built it. So, we'd like to have like four pieces of static are.
3:28:56 And then we've got a long wall that uh has a about a 28 foot section between it where the brick will be and and I'll
3:29:05 show you that after you kind of get some of the questions where we'll have more art. And you know, we want public
3:29:13 interaction, which Allison actually came up with a really good suggestion as we
3:29:20 were bantering, and it was actual banter uh back and forth. um which would be you know once you give
3:29:28 some direction say okay you know Fenfrock you know this is the parameters of what we want to do
3:29:37 um we've already engaged DPZ we already have other people in the community that have you know good visual art experience
3:29:45 and let's come up with uh like an architectural committee not a design committee because we're not qualified to do that
3:29:53 not uh FinFrock is but a committee bring that back to you and say okay this is what it's going to look like these are
3:30:01 the art elements that you know here's two or three options let you narrow those down but we need you to just say
3:30:10 okay this is what we're going to do this is this is how we want to do it this is about you know I'll I'll support this
3:30:18 and I'll not support that and we come up with something to where we can move forward because we're so far behind the eightball. You
3:30:26 know, municipalities work in seasons and we work in days.
3:30:31 And so, you know, we can't go another season, which is like five years for a municipal project because you can
3:30:40 ask DPZ, you know, we've probably got six, seven months just of design work before they can put a shovel in the ground. And I think it takes a year.
3:30:53 Is it take about a year to build?
3:30:57 Does it take about a year to build a garage?
3:31:00 Okay. So if we can't move this forward, you know, and we we
3:31:08 push it, you know, to some other agenda and we keep moving it and it's going to be 2031,
3:31:17 2032 and we're already behind the eightball. So just quick refresher and then please ask real questions. Where does this sit? Right here.
3:31:29 So, this is just an overhead.
3:31:33 The color doesn't really come out that great, but this is Seventh Street. This is Minola Avenue.
3:31:44 This is actually the footprint of what the garage would would be and whatever configuration we can come to a consensus
3:31:52 on. The parts that we want to protect is we've already got the art walk through here with the anticipation of extending
3:32:01 it on down to the lakes from a hairy arm and we've already got this connection
3:32:07 over to 8 street and we want to preserve this which all these buildings are set back 25 foot.
3:32:17 This gray area is actually the property line not the building structure. This is the property line and the those this
3:32:26 one's set back seven and a half ft if my memory is correct. This building is my building. It's set back an additional 12t. And this is an 18t brick walkway.
3:32:38 So that's just shy of 30 ft. And all across here on this side of the building is where we want to do
3:32:47 the artwalk 2, which is an extension of what we now have under the cover on the artwalk. So those are the areas we want
3:32:56 to protect. And then we want to also put static art on the exits. Now there's a
3:33:04 lot of elevations. There's a lot of different, you know, concepts out there.
3:33:09 This is just one concept that came with the RFP.
3:33:16 Well, I think it was an RFP or was an RFQ.
3:33:20 RFP came with the RFP. That's the Seventh Street side. It's a poor representation of how that looks.
3:33:26 There's another one here that's on my computer which I I didn't print, which I should have, but it's a much larger
3:33:33 space in between it than that looks like. It's not an alleyway. It's 30 ft.
3:33:38 It's It's relatively large and it goes all the way through and that's where we want to have the artwork
3:33:46 too. This is um and again these are these are just
3:33:55 representations of what it could be, not what it has to be.
3:34:00 But this is if you had your back to Pepes and you're looking over that's basically
3:34:08 what you would see. That's the highest side of the structure
3:34:14 which you know is basically a walkout basement for you guys in the north or you know subgrade for us southern people.
3:34:26 And then these art elements all of these are you know what we want the committee
3:34:34 to do. Now there's there's some other opinions about you know what
3:34:41 you know has to be there and I I went out and and started asking
3:34:49 people I I said you know will you support a garage? Will you support this location? what's best for you. And you
3:34:57 know, we we gave you first because I I I don't know about you guys, but I really kind of hate petitions, especially if you're on the recipient
3:35:05 end of them. Um, so, you know, we we had a full page.
3:35:14 This is what we want. We support the garage. We support the location. We really need it. And we gave you 200 and
3:35:21 some odd of those signatures. And then we went out and got, you know, more petition style, but the same ask, "Is
3:35:30 this good? Is this, you know, what you want?" The first thing we ask them is, "Do you live in Clermont? Do you have a
3:35:36 Clermont address?" "Yes." "Do you vote?" "Yes." "Are you over 18?" "Yes." And then we start talking to them about it because we want to make sure that these people are actually voters.
3:35:47 They're citizens. They live here. They interact.
3:35:51 And the only negative comment that I got more than once was,
3:35:59 "Is there any way to make the stairway just a little shorter so it's not quite so tall?" And they're talking about this
3:36:08 image right here because it makes it look like it's six stories.
3:36:12 It's a little big. Um, and I don't know that that's the height that we're going to do. This is just a representation.
3:36:20 So, the only negative comment other than that was, "How much longer is it going to take? Are we going to do
3:36:29 this another two years? Are you are you really going to get it done?" I'm like, "Well, we're going to try to get it done." So, Fenfrock's here. Um, but
3:36:39 if you don't mind ex talking about the finance, ask finance questions. I know you've got a some finance questions and
3:36:46 I know Brian's got some structural design questions and I'm sure everybody else has other questions, but the goal
3:36:54 here is to get at least you know I'd love to have a complete census, but you know that's almost that happened today
3:37:03 which was really surprising. you all voted yes on the same thing. But as long as we can get, you know, a majority to
3:37:11 where we say, okay, you know, if they've got conditions that we can meet, great.
3:37:18 But if they are specific, you know, three stories maximum, four stories on that, that's fine, too. Our again, our
3:37:27 goal is 300 spaces. And if there's other elements then you know we'll work with that as well. But we just we just want
3:37:36 to start the dialogue. We want to end it with a positive note with a direction with a timeline. And that that's our our
3:37:44 goal. So I mean it might take us a little while to go through this process but we'll try to try to do it back. You you okay? Can you say those three things again?
3:37:53 Your goal is the the goal is three things. three things. Yeah.
3:38:00 We want to get a vote that says we're going forward. Okay.
3:38:05 Number two is a committee to do this the design part of it so we can come back to you. Okay.
3:38:13 With an actual design and that's really that's really it.
3:38:18 You said directions timeline. That's what it was.
3:38:21 Timeline. But those are all associated with the timeline. So if you say, okay, we like whatever the consensus is right
3:38:30 now, let's just say we've got Ford a little bit further. Um, you know, no more than this, no, no larger than this,
3:38:39 no wider than that. And architectural, um, we want to send you back with a committee for the actual architect, the
3:38:48 look, the art, the design, even the artwork, landscaping, everything.
3:38:55 no more than, you know, two months, bring them back to us with three options.
3:39:02 And, you know, Allison made a great suggestion about who should be on that committee, and I'm I'm with that. So, I'll have you make that recommendation if we get that part.
3:39:12 But what we want to go away with is, okay, Penfrock, you know, this is basically what you want to do. you work
3:39:20 with this committee to come back to us in x amount of time and give us those
3:39:28 options so we can design, get started and go. Does that answer your question?
3:39:36 Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Um, again, I don't know how we were going to present this.
3:39:44 staff was going to present this and actually when I gave them to Rick I was like you mean I got to present
3:39:53 this? I I thought we're going to get staff to do it again. So um I'm presenting it as the citizen presenter,
3:40:01 but at one point staff actually had a report via committee selection. And so you know we're going to try to pull that
3:40:09 all back together right now. So we'll do it in a very relaxed way. take it easy but come to a consensus if you possibly can.
3:40:18 Good. And then the financing I'm g hand over to him and then Fenfrock's available for you and I'm hanging out here.
3:40:26 Hold on. Um before we go any further Mr.
3:40:28 Mr. White um Mr. W as I read this to say Mr. Jason Strangefell made a request to address council regarding the proposed
3:40:37 parking garage and all he asking for all these votes and everything tonight. is that um I don't think that's what we're here
3:40:45 for tonight according to what I'm reading here the all these different proposals uh in and be honest with you
3:40:52 I'm not ready to do that I'm really I'm ready to say hey if we want to talk about this garage I think we need a workshop and we can talk about finance
3:41:00 we can talk about what we want in a in a parking garage but to sit here and try to um make these type of votes and and
3:41:07 these decision tonight without any insight what I'm seeing here and everything. I'm not ready to entertain that. I agree that I think it's time if
3:41:16 we start talking about a garage. Um, and I know I've gotten a lot of feedback and a lot of emails from uh some emails
3:41:24 from other people that that's, you know, I'm still sitting down trying to work through and see what their opinions are.
3:41:30 So, I would I would be willing to sit here and say, "Hey, okay, we want to move this forward. Let's let's look at a a workshop so that we can sit down and
3:41:38 council whatever can give their opinion on what what they look for. Is this the right location
3:41:45 for a garage? You know, uh I know DBZ have put uh come out and told us uh different locations as well uh looking
3:41:54 at different location their recommendations. So I think these things we need to sit down and and do a workshop and kind of uh work through all
3:42:00 these issues. So, as always, I I bring the uh Sunshine Manual just so you don't have to take my word for it, but I'm just going to read you a brief sentence.
3:42:10 Um, the Sunshine Law does not require boards to consider only those matters on a published agenda. But even though the
3:42:18 Sunshine Law does not prohibit a board from adding topics to the agenda of a regularly noticed meeting, the Attorney General's office does advise to postpone
3:42:26 formal action on any added items that are controversial. So if it's controversial on your your view, you
3:42:33 wouldn't be able to you might not want to vote on it. But as a general matter, you have discretion as long as the meeting itself is noticed. The agenda doesn't matter so much.
3:42:43 Yeah. Well, you you're right. We notice the meeting, but as as Miss Strange say quite often, whether it advertised properly, right?
3:42:52 And that's what that's my concern here. This isn't what it's saying we want.
3:42:55 They just wanted to talk to us about it and present it. And I have no problem with that at all. And but I, you know, and I do feel like it's time
3:43:02 for us to sit down and maybe look at some of these, but I hear other recommendation. I hear other feedback from other people. So, as a best practice, you're right, Mayor.
3:43:10 And I'm not trying to get you to I'm just saying legally, you can do what you want. Now, should you? Different question.
3:43:18 Yeah. So, well, and for what it's I agree with you, Mr. mayor on the subject of um I wanted to see what was in our agenda
3:43:26 packet on this one. Um but I agree with you on the issue of one of the drawings that was provided to
3:43:35 us. I'm not in a situation I mean we need to have public comment. We need to hear from it. But I would be it's going
3:43:42 to be hardressed to get me to yes on on one of the drawings that was just showed. That being said, what I'm hearing, and I say this not to pre to
3:43:51 keep the public from talking, but more to understand, I think what's in my head, and I think it's worth the public knowing what we might need to hear, is
3:43:58 I'm hearing, is there a recognition that we have a parking issue that needs a solution?
3:44:05 If we agree that there's a parking issue downtown that needs a solution, that it's been talked about for the better part of a decade, then that would be item number one that they've asked for.
3:44:16 I love that the request was for a committee, you know, just like we just did with Bishop Field and one of the
3:44:24 complaints I've had with Meet Me in the Middle, work, play downtown have the ability to
3:44:33 engage in the process and I don't feel like they've been given that opportunity to engage in the process. I'm hearing the
3:44:42 citizens saying, "We have been hearing about this thing and nothing's happening and we want to see something happen."
3:44:49 And so allowing them to have a voice, I think, is what I'm hearing. I'm not hearing we're funding a garage. I'm not
3:44:57 hearing this is what it looks like. I'm hearing we want to give the citizens a chance to weigh in on what this looks like. And then as the timeline, I get
3:45:04 it. I mean, I just had what might be considered a fit four hours ago about the fact that we've been going, you know, for six months in the CRA and and
3:45:13 I don't see it going anywhere. And so I feel their pain and I understand and I think that what I've heard, we should
3:45:21 have something in the way of a code by next month. So if he said two months, is that possible? I don't know. I think so.
3:45:29 Maybe something like that. at least get us an update from the committee, you know, in two months. And then direction and parameters and and I think to your
3:45:36 point, that's probably a workshop. Um, maybe we want to give the committee a chance before we start doing a workshop.
3:45:42 We've got July's budget meetings. We've got August and September coming up. I don't see us being able to workshop this, but I'm hearing hundreds of people
3:45:51 in the public who are like, "Put me in, coach. I'll take it." And so I'm open to the request of can the citizens engage
3:46:00 and and that's how I'm hearing this and I'm open to that conversation about let's address parking options, parking
3:46:08 solutions and I'm also mindful it's been you know four and a half hours tonight.
3:46:13 So yeah so that's where I that's what I'm hearing and I'm okay with what's being asked. Can we let Mr. Howard share what he wanted to share? So what I can
3:46:22 share on exactly what you're talking about is no, I don't expect a vote tonight. I don't think Mr. Stringfellow does either. But what does need and
3:46:30 having sat in that seat, I wouldn't want that either. But what I would like to see is some direction for city management to start saying, "Okay, we're
3:46:38 going to move this ball again instead of it just being set off in the corner." And I think that's where that part is, is if it's just set off into the side,
3:46:47 all we're doing is digging a bigger and bigger hole. And the more years that go by, the worse the parking gets. So Jason
3:46:55 was talking about the person who couldn't find parking this morning, and that would be me. At 10:00 this morning, that entire parking lot was full cuz I
3:47:02 had an orthodontics appointment for my child. And I was like, "Are you kidding?
3:47:05 There you go park in the dirt." So um you know, and cross the road. So which is fine, but it just shows that on a
3:47:12 Tuesday morning at 10:00 for no reason it was full. And you have FUMO that's getting ready to open. We have all of
3:47:19 these businesses that are opening and and we just, you know, we've talked about supporting these businesses and we
3:47:26 brought in the parking fee and have really just paved the way for businesses
3:47:33 to flourish down here. But the the parking issue is going to come up over and over and over again. And it's a hamstring to them. And the longer we
3:47:41 wait, let's say two years. And not only is it those two years, but we lose 10 whatever park is there 109. there. We lose 109 parking spots that are available right now during that time.
3:47:53 And it's not just building that parking lot. We have we have power lines that need to come down with transformers.
3:48:01 We've got to have his dumpsters moved, which has already been put into motion. So, there's a lot of pieces and parts.
3:48:07 There's power lines that are flying across people's property that shouldn't be because of aerial rights. There's a lot of pieces and parts on this. I've
3:48:14 worked I worked a lot of hours on this and so it's not something that um you know I I think we just need to get
3:48:23 there. Um now I came to talk primarily about the the finance side and just to be clear because I know it'll come up.
3:48:31 I've never met Fenfrock even when I was sitting on this DAS. Um to this day I've still never shaken their hands. I don't know who they are.
3:48:40 Um, I know that city staff met with them, but there was no behind-the-scenes meetings or anything that I've ever had.
3:48:46 So, I've never had a single word with them. Um, so I had nothing to do with any of this beyond saying, "Hey, this is
3:48:53 where we're going." And staff handled everything else. Um, from a finance standpoint, I did talk with Scott and
3:49:02 probably the cleanest way to do it is simply taking and assuming it's 12 million and depending on where it goes
3:49:09 and what's added and subtracted and who knows, but the 12 million estimate was for 47
3:49:16 470. So maybe it goes down, maybe it goes up. If we do some retail spots, it probably goes up. I mean, whatever. Um,
3:49:24 but you can take 6 million from the reserves, which I believe I last saw that we had more than 24 million in reserves. So 6 million there and then
3:49:33 bond the rest through the CRA and then the CRA would have the choice because this specifically benefits the CRA. I
3:49:40 mean, this is their wheelhouse. This is hopefully they support it. Um, and then the CRA would have the choice of
3:49:49 supplementing that through parking fees or however they decided to do it. And that would also go along with your
3:49:56 ordinance on stopping long-term parking along the street side so that people have more access to get in and out of businesses.
3:50:04 is, you know, if you limited it to two hours Monday through Friday, you know, 8 to 7 or whatever it is, that
3:50:14 frees people up so there's more parking available street side having employees park in a garage. I can't tell you how many times I've had people, you know
3:50:21 what, they're park their employees take up all of my parking and I'm certain that you guys have had that same complaint, too. So, this just solves a
3:50:28 lot of problems moving forward. Um, and having that CRA do that and it doesn't kill the CRA because then they can
3:50:37 decide what their how much they need to charge for parking and knowing that you guys are getting ready to face a 30%
3:50:44 budget deficit within your ad valorum this is the probably the cleanest way to do it that puts it on the responsibility
3:50:53 of the party that it should be which is the CRA and allows them to kind of make decisions on how they want to fund it
3:51:01 and how they want to make it work. Um, so that was what we came up with. I sort of have Scott's blessing. We couldn't go
3:51:08 into a ton of this because with the changing of the adorum, we're expecting that interest rates are
3:51:16 probably going for municipality interest rates are probably going to rise a little bit. There's going to be some there's going to be some things that
3:51:22 change going forward and we don't know exactly what that looks like. And he didn't I wasn't going to pin him down and say you have to give council an
3:51:30 answer. Um, but that's a rough framework that gets us where we're going. It allows staff to start saying, "Okay, let's, you know, let's have our
3:51:38 committee. Here's our baseline. Here's what we're going to do. Here's how it's going to look." And start moving that ball forward. And I think that's the important part. And like I said, I think
3:51:46 that's what this effort today is to start that rolling again.
3:51:53 And then I know that y'all have friend stuff. If y'all have any questions for me, I'm happy to answer it. I mean, I didn't go over a lot of stuff, so I can
3:52:00 answer a lot, but this this this is that friend proc I see right there.
3:52:08 Yeah.
3:52:09 Did you all have some you want to add, please?
3:52:18 Hi. Can you all hear me? Okay. My name is Kyle Myers. I'm the vice president for project development at Finnfrock. We are a um uh central Florida design build
3:52:27 construction firm that's built over 300 garages. So we have in-house architecture act as a general contractor and parking is what we do. Um so we were
3:52:35 just here tonight the deputy city manager had reached out when he saw what was on the agenda for us to come in case there are any questions for us. Uh
3:52:42 obviously as was pointed out um the the city did put out an RFP you know for response specifically for that piece of
3:52:50 land uh for what what would a garage solution be? Um so what what the images that were shared that was our design solution just based on you know
3:52:57 integration into the sight slope and that was talked about earlier as well as uh hitting kind of the minimum face counts and the maximum uh that within
3:53:06 about a fivestory building. uh the the architectural side of things is just what our designers came up with as a
3:53:13 first point of reference without having the ability to um you know have that forum with with the city stakeholders um
3:53:21 due to a con of silence in the competitive process. Uh what I will say to the point of the whether it's a committee or getting public input, we
3:53:29 had a very similar process uh when we built the first downtown the public downtown garage in the city of Ocala. Uh
3:53:36 they put out a very very similar process for design build solicitation. Uh our design team came up with a a
3:53:45 building design and facade that we thought fit into the character of downtown very well. And one of the first things that we did after being formally
3:53:52 brought on is go through a public comment process where those elevations were presented. We had, you know, public meetings actually were in in the council
3:54:01 chambers at that time in Ocala. And we we did make a few tweaks. The what I'd say is the the very most focal corner got more brick added to it and things
3:54:09 like that. So there are options that that we can fit into kind of I believe what I've heard here. Um so that's just wanted to say we're here to answer any
3:54:16 questions. don't have any other agenda than that. Obviously, if you if you want to build a garage, we it's what we do.
3:54:22 We're happy to do it. So, well well thank you stay here.
3:54:25 Thank you for coming out. Uh this is a public this is a public forum. Anyone in the public wish in the chamber wish to address this item may come to microphone
3:54:34 state your name and address and have three minutes.
3:54:40 Hello Anna Sinclair 575 West Mola. I already sent you a very long boring email so I'm not going to reiterate all that I have said. I just want to keep it
3:54:48 fun. So to that end I am going to quote the wise words of one of the most influential figures of my generation.
3:54:54 Tell me what you want, what you really really want.
3:54:58 We want a thriving downtown that is walkable and bikable. That is the goal, right? That is the that is what we want.
3:55:04 A parking garage can be part of the puzzle piece to get there, but a one of that specific location on seventh would actually work against us.
3:55:13 And this is why the lot on Seventh Street is actually centrally located.
3:55:16 And that is precisely why it's a bad location. When you go to Magic Kingdom, do you park by the castle? Do you or do you park far away? When you go to the
3:55:24 mall, do you park in front of the store that you want to go on, like right by it, or do you park far away? There's a reason for that. Walking takes effort,
3:55:32 and here in Florida, it takes a lot of effort. And cars take space. So to keep the pedestrian experience good, you have
3:55:40 to make things compact. Generally speaking, a pedestrian will walk no more than 60 feet with nothing going on. A
3:55:47 parking garages, nothing going on. You can of course make it better by wrapping it with retail space at the bottom floor. However, there are some other
3:55:55 challenges that you face that you cannot fix by the by by it being centrally located. And that one is namely, you
3:56:02 know, efficiency. When it comes to traffic flow, a parking garage is inefficient by design because you have one entry point, one exit point. So, you're funneling all these cars through
3:56:11 one uh through one spot. As a result, you want to have as few conflicts as possible, you know, with pedestrians, for example. The entrance to the concept
3:56:20 that I saw is on Seventh Street, which is right on the trail. And if you were to move the entrance to the other end, then you would be right by the Orwok
3:56:28 extension. So, as a driver, you're going to face way more conflict points. You're going to have to start and stop all the
3:56:35 time because, of course, you're going to prioritize the lady on the stroller, or you should. And that brings me to my next point, you know, safety.
3:56:44 Pedestrians are kept safe when vehicle speeds and traffic volumes are low. A parking garage will increase traffic volume at that location. To make matters
3:56:51 worse, drivers do get lulled into a false sense of security in parking facilities because speeds are low.
3:56:57 According to a poll by the National Security Council, 66% of drivers make phone calls, 63% programs GPS systems,
3:57:04 56% text, all of this while the vehicle is in motion. The trail is right there. We have a problem with speeding ebikes.
3:57:12 So, that is not a safe spot where you can put a parking garage. Again, you put it in the periphery. So, it wouldn't be efficient and it wouldn't be safe, but
3:57:19 at least it would be bring paying customers downtown, which is the goal, right? And I think for events it would actually it would actually bring uh
3:57:27 customers but the reason why we have to do events in the first place is that we don't have a lot of people who live and work here to patronize the the
3:57:35 businesses that we do have and that's what you need. So I'm going to ask you again tell me what you want what you really want already.
3:57:45 So anyhow, you get a walkable downtown by fixing your code by making it really easy to build the things that you want to build uh that you want to see and you're already working on that with the
3:57:53 best friend that money can buy. And those guys are telling you don't build the lot on seventh. Build it behind city hall if you're going to build a parking lot. Thank you for listening to my TED talk. That's it.
3:58:02 Thank you. Yes, sir.
3:58:08 Uh Bill Downs, Sunreek Brewery, 790 West Manila. Uh, I've only spoken before council three times and all three or two
3:58:15 of them were on parking. Uh, the last one was about six years ago. I've sent some emails to a few of you. This is my fourth or fifth city council. So, not
3:58:24 all of you have got the speech from me, but I can tell on a first Friday or first Saturday or whatever event day we're having, once the lower bowl next
3:58:33 to me gets filled up, I'm within about $75 of how much money we we can make from that point on because people once
3:58:42 that bowl fills up and you start seeing people circling around like sharks waiting for somebody to back out, that's when business in downtown is capped.
3:58:51 Nothing else will happen after that until until the next day because everybody will just go home. I don't know how some of you a few city council
3:59:00 people have even said you don't come downtown during some of these events because of the traffic and that that's never going to get fixed. I and I've
3:59:09 also emailed about the fact that we have a a monster coming out of the ground in Minnola right now, a a competitor to downtown uh Clermont.
3:59:18 They're way ahead of us in a lot of ways because they don't have to work around some of the historic chain uh decisions that were made in Clermont by other city councils and just the way things
3:59:26 work in in old downtowns being revitalized. They are going to have plenty of parking up there. They're going to have a farmers market on
3:59:34 Sunday. They're going to have events like we do possibly on the same days we do and they're not that far away. So we
3:59:41 are as as Mr. Stringfellow said 18 months, let's just give it 24 months away from any solution if it was decided on today. However, we're now talking
3:59:50 about more delays and even and and creating workshops. And Allison, you just said we can't have work, you know how you're going to fit a workshop in before September. Then we get into
3:59:59 Christmas. So, this could be till this time this next year before you even decide to do anything. And then it has to go through the entire process to
4:00:07 actually get something out of the ground.
4:00:10 I first heard about the downtown parking garage in 2017 by former city manager James Hit who told me it was coming.
4:00:19 Uh I've seen so many things built not only in Clermont but in Florida Disney World I believe build another park
4:00:26 before we build a parking garage, you know, another land. So I don't see why this is so difficult to come up with a
4:00:34 if not I don't necessarily I said I don't know anything about parking garages. I do beer. In fact, I'm I applaud you guys for sitting up here for
4:00:41 four hours. I went home. I did my payroll and I had a beer and I came back. That's So, but this process is
4:00:49 taking way too long. And I feel that unless this council, like you said, it's seasonal. We can't wait another four
4:00:57 years. We can't wait till the right people get on the council or the wrong people get off. as a as a business owner downtown with 19 miles of feed and I'm
4:01:05 pretty open to Allison about this when I when I spoke to her. My goal is to make sure that my employees can live and work
4:01:13 here. And right now they sometimes have to park four or five blocks away during a small event just to come in to work.
4:01:21 And I think that needs a change. So thank anybody has any questions. This is a passion project for me. I didn't have anything to do with any of this today, but I would like to talk to you if you if you want to talk to me. Thank you.
4:01:33 Thank you, sir.
4:01:36 Valerie Shu at West Montro Street. Uh, I'm both a downtown business owner and resident, so I love my downtown business buddies and property owners. I believe
4:01:44 we are after the same thing. I just respectfully disagree that this location is what's best. I am actually for a garage, just not there. Um, imagine you're planning a day trip this weekend.
4:01:55 You pull up your phone, you start searching. What do you look for? You're looking for something beautiful, unique, perhaps a cool waterfront. I do feel
4:02:03 pretty confident in saying that most people don't search for the best parking garage. Parking is a utility. It's not a draw. And though parking friction is
4:02:10 present here, there is no evidence or precedent to support the hope that having a garage will generate a substantial bump in business. In fact,
4:02:18 we have seen this movie before nationally, and it didn't end well for the downtowns that prioritize parking over placemaking. What draws people and
4:02:25 what keeps them coming back is beauty, character, and walkability. So, let's advocate for that. Clermont has something genuinely rare. We have a
4:02:33 stunning lakefront and dramatic topography. That combination is our competitive advantage over our surrounding towns. The place between the
4:02:41 waterfront and Montrose is the best opportunity in our downtown where we can actually pull visitors up from the waterfront right to the commerce center.
4:02:48 Now, imagine that done right. Maybe it's mixeduse buildings facing inward onto a pedestrian pathway with parks and storefronts. This is the kind of design that makes people want to keep walking.
4:02:59 It's the kind of design people travel to Europe for, let alone walk up a hill for.
4:03:05 That's a proven pattern in town planning. And a garage taller than every building on Montrose placed on Minnola, no matter how well-designed, which it is
4:03:12 welldesigned, permanently forecloses that possibility and hides the historic buildings behind it. Another thing that increases economic resiliency in a
4:03:21 downtown is more people living here. As residents, we spend thousands of dollars at downtown businesses every year.
4:03:27 Mixeduse infill on that site and other sites like it in downtown put more humans within daily walking distance of every business here. And I cannot
4:03:35 overstate what that would do for our downtown businesses. So, let's advocate for that. Lastly, downtown is our most
4:03:42 walkable neighborhood in the entire city that struggles with walkability already.
4:03:46 Let's not compromise that asset by placing a car ccentric structure right in the center. So I believe that locking onto Seventh Street is actually a part
4:03:54 of what has prolonged this. Um City Hall is less than a block away and initial assessments say it could wrap retail on the ground floor which is an economic
4:04:02 win in itself. Has that option or any of the other recommendations been explored with the same depth? If not, why not? In
4:04:10 two months, can this committee I like the idea of a committee. I agree. Let's not keep delaying with workshops. Can they come back with research on the top maybe two to three locations instead of
4:04:18 just this one? We still only really talked about this one spot. So, and here's something else we're saying about how our CRA works if it's going to be a part of funding this. The more
4:04:27 productive our properties are, the more tax revenue we have to reinvest back in downtown. Parking garages do not produce
4:04:35 revenue for the city. The Row building was recently reported as the most financially productive property in the county by square foot. And that's the kind of model we should be replicating.
4:04:45 All that said, I still support a garage uh because building one at the right location could help free up maybe one or two surface lots for this kind of
4:04:53 redevelopment that would be really productive and would be a draw for our town. Uh and maybe even selling that could help offset some of the cost of
4:05:01 the garage. But I just believe that downtown is where we should accept nothing less than the best development decision decision available to us. Um,
4:05:09 and I would love to see us explore these other options. But please, let's I agree. The way this conversation has constantly stalled, it baffles me. Um,
4:05:17 so let's please keep it moving and add a fast clip ideally. Thanks. Thank you. Yes, sir.
4:05:28 Good evening. Brendan Curl, 860 Street.
4:05:30 Um, I'm in favor of parking garage. Uh, as a resident here in downtown Clermont, I think that it would behoove
4:05:37 all of us to have a better, uh, parking availability to us. Um, this location, I
4:05:45 think, would be a horrible location. I'm sorry, but as a resident, I want to come down. I want to walk around, enjoy my my downtown area. And I think that plopping
4:05:54 it right there, aside from what some of the other speakers uh mentioned as far as um increasing traffic where we have
4:06:02 pedestrian traffic, um I just think they're love the idea of a parking garage. Let's look at some other locations. Um I just as a resident, I
4:06:12 don't know who owns what, you know, but big lot over on 12th and 50 be a great spot. Um, she mentioned, you know, here
4:06:20 uh next to city hall with some some retail space downstairs. I think that would be great. Um, also I think that
4:06:27 location on 7th of Minnola directly across from that looking at a map before my phone died. Um, there's houses right
4:06:34 there. Who wants to live right across the street from a parking garage? So, um, love the idea. Love to keep the conversation going. Let's please look at some other locations.
4:06:45 Thank you. Thank you.
4:06:47 This is a public form. Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
4:06:53 Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing no one in chamber,
4:07:01 we got one online. Go ahead online caller.
4:07:11 Did they hear me? Hello includ unmuted. Um hopefully you guys can hear
4:07:22 me well. I would like to speak on this agenda item. So I personally am against um building a parking garage but I
4:07:31 understand that um residents are concerned about traffic. So um I
4:07:39 understand if you know the u the ultimate conclusion will be to build one. Um so I wanted to kind of shift my
4:07:47 focus uh and my comment on if the parking garage were to be built. I definitely don't want to have it built on seventh street um for a few reasons.
4:07:58 Um um first first of all is that um according to the studies that has been done on the traffic and we we hired this
4:08:08 brilliant uh expert from EPC uh to help us out to look into multiple locations.
4:08:15 Um I went to a couple of the workshops uh with such brilliant team. Um I find
4:08:22 that uh with the DPC's pick uh best pick for the parking location being behind the city hall. Um I find that location
4:08:31 much better than the seventh city original location as proposed in the agenda item. Um I another point that I
4:08:41 wanted to make is I definitely dislike that the original seven street location cuts through the bike which is the
4:08:48 access from the lakefront to the downtown. Um, so if you mix the traffic
4:08:56 of the cars going in and out of the parking garage with the trans and especially the cyclist that will that
4:09:04 will definitely make me feel um that that feel in danger in that sense. Um
4:09:13 then uh another issue I have with the seven uh street location is that uh it places the
4:09:21 parking garage um behind the um two streets the Montros and the Mola
4:09:29 streets. uh from the perspective if you're pand from the highway or if you um uh from from the south part of the
4:09:38 city then you have to cross these streets to park and then you walk back to the downtown. Um, and I think the
4:09:45 parking garage would benefit from the location that is besides uh the walkable place that we want to create in the downtown rather than in the middle of it
4:09:54 or behind it as as the seven street liberation would uh create. Um and I wanted to also comment on I'm in big
4:10:03 favor of having a workshop uh to have public opinion and public discussion regarding these parking garages
4:10:11 especially since when I looked at the petition that was brought in into the agenda item that petition has no mention
4:10:19 of PPZ's work and no mention of other location so I'm in favor of workshop to bring uh to be informative to people so
4:10:29 that they can make an informative decision and voice their opinions uh with as much information as possible on this subject matter.
4:10:38 Why? Um that's it.
4:10:39 Any way you can notify him this time, please. Uh did he hear me?
4:10:46 All right. Thank you. Anyone else? No, sir.
4:10:51 Okay. I will close public comment. Bring it back to council. Um, as I as I was saying earlier, you know,
4:11:00 it's I heard comments about 2017 and the thing about 2017 that was around here during that time come downtown was still
4:11:08 almost a ghost town then. We were still talking about a parking garage even back then. Uh, we've been talking about this parking garage. I think when I first got
4:11:15 involved the city way back in 2007 or so we started talking about a parking garage and of course um where were the
4:11:23 location where was this and and I do believe as I've told a couple people now because I come down here on some Sundays
4:11:30 and I'm finding problem when I come down on Sunday after I get out of church and come down here to try to get my teas and all this on Sundays uh I'm finding
4:11:38 problem uh finding parking on Sunday afternoons now where I used to not have that problem but I think it is time for us to have that serious conversation
4:11:46 about parking. But uh as one of the speakers said earlier is the fact that uh the parking guard garage aren't going
4:11:54 to assure success downtown. We still need to get more businesses. We still need to get more foot traffic downtown.
4:12:01 And I'm not going to wake up every morning and say, "Hey, I'm going downtown to visit the Kilamount parking garage." What about the businesses and everything? That's one of the concerns I
4:12:08 have. what else we gonna bring in in businesses and everything to make sure we gonna have that parking garage. It's not just sitting there empty uh when we
4:12:16 don't have special events. Okay. Um and other problem I've had um I think when I first got elected, we did a study on on
4:12:24 parking garage. We looked at five or six different location and Seventh Street was the worst location out of all of them. Okay. So, I I still stand behind
4:12:32 that. I do not support a parking garage going on Seventh Street. Uh I think After we got that study, the council at
4:12:41 that time made a decision and we kind of went back and said, "Hey, we're going to put one in here at city hall. Okay, let's do the best location." And it's
4:12:49 still some things there. Okay, let's do it then.
4:12:51 Yeah. Well, that's fine. But like I say, let's stop. Let's just do it. Sir, excuse me.
4:12:57 That's where you want to put it and you'll vote for it.
4:12:59 I I'm not saying where I'm not I'm not here. I'm here. I'm just saying at that time that's what we decided. And as I said earlier, I think it's time for us
4:13:08 as a council to sit down and make that decision and move move in that direction or where where we going to put it.
4:13:14 What's the best location? How many people I mean I hear you talking about $12 million, but yet still we don't know exactly have any design of how much it
4:13:22 going to actually cost us to do that. So we've done none none of this. Well, let's pick a location. I'm not let let's let's sit down.
4:13:30 You want it down by the water park.
4:13:31 You're the only person by the water park. To be honest with you, all councils along when I sit out there in in in this in this chamber for years and
4:13:39 they talk about uh a parking garage, the uh the decision and the unanimous decision at that time, the best place to
4:13:47 put a a parking garage was the Hoya property. You're right, the Hoya property. However, when I came back, when I like I said, when I got elected
4:13:55 here, uh we decided, hey, we didn't want to look the Hoya. We didn't own it. We we looked at this and we we backed off of that and said, "Okay, what are we
4:14:02 going to do?" But I'm not in support of Seventh Street. Hey, but if we want to look at other location, that's fine.
4:14:07 Again, if we get a consensus tonight, which I asked for approval. I didn't ask for just discussion. My my application says for an approval. If you'd like for me to
4:14:16 show you my application, I'll be glad to do it. Well, if you want make Well, I'm not if you want the parking garage back
4:14:24 here, I'll make concessions to where you can make money on that lot over there as long as you protect our pedestrian walkways, our north,southeast, west.
4:14:35 That's Is it protected now? Is it protected now? Is it protected now?
4:14:40 It's a parking garage right now. You want to finish as a parking lot. Is it protected? No, it's a parking lot.
4:14:48 and all all those things are are protected. I don't think the parking garage the parking lot over there right now interfere with the walk or anything your uh pedestrian walk
4:14:57 as it as it was seen. I think it's time for us as a council to sit down and try to work out some of the details. Where is the best location? How much how many
4:15:06 stories do we needed? Okay. Um how much are we willing to spend on a parking garage and all?
4:15:14 And even as somebody said earlier, you know, um this is deja vu, Tim.
4:15:19 This is deja vu. Okay.
4:15:22 You you're starting from square one. We we Well, I I I'm for one. If you're looking for a vote for me tonight to say, "Hey, let's build this parking rod." That's a no for me.
4:15:30 That's fine.
4:15:30 Because a lot of other things has to be worked out here. Okay. One vote. And as you're right, I'm one vote. One vote.
4:15:36 But but gentlemen, I'd like to We're all neighbors. Let's Let's be neighborly.
4:15:40 I am being neighborly. You trying to push me to do something here where I'm saying, "Hey, we as a council need to sit down and work this and you came here
4:15:48 presented yourself. I got plenty people coming here and totally against it and all." So, let's let's And I felt if you could give me just a
4:15:56 minute, Mr. String, if you could give me just a minute. I I felt the same way when when I'm hearing there's 300 signatures, there's 500 signatures and
4:16:04 it's this feeling and I talk sometimes about, you know, when you sit up here, it's like you're in a fishbowl and and then there's pressure and then
4:16:11 I'm disagreeable and so I go, "No, I'm just going to dig in." And I said, "That doesn't work. Don't don't do that." And so I met with Mr. Stringfellow. Um we
4:16:20 had a great meeting. He wasn't joking. I mean, it was iron. We were going back and forth and and frankly it was fun.
4:16:24 It's fun to have meetings where you can debate, you know, debate ideas and you can debate ideas in the goal of
4:16:32 pursuit of the truth. And and Mr. Mayor, I think you make really valid points and and I think that's why this conversation
4:16:40 has gone on for as long as it has. And and I really, for what it's worth, don't think that anybody in this room tonight
4:16:47 is going to come up with the $10 million solution to this problem. But if we're open to it, recognizing the struggle
4:16:57 that you know, Mr. Down spoke, I mean, you bought property 10 years ago based on a promise that, hey, there's going to
4:17:06 be a parking garage right across from your property. He invested. He's got a zero lot line. There is no parking on his property. And so when we look at the
4:17:13 justice of businesses that were sought out maybe not by this council but by this council at some point we have to
4:17:22 deliver what was promised and so we're busy Mr.
4:17:27 Van you have said several times maybe the city is growing maybe we're getting to this point where we can't keep doing things the way we've maturing. Thank you. We are Mitch. I like that much
4:17:35 better. And I really believe that after the iron, what Mr. Stringfell and I
4:17:44 discussed about having a committee of people who maybe have different interests in this conversation, but all of whom love downtown.
4:17:54 I I want I'm happy to say let's do that.
4:17:58 Let's let's help the people take it into their hands to, you know, battle with Finnfrock and battle with DPZ and go and
4:18:06 do go do it. They've got more energy than we probably have up here. So, if we're open to that, I am 100% in support
4:18:14 of a citizens committee or a a public just a committee of people to work on designs. I loved the idea when I talked to Mr.
4:18:23 Stringfellow about at least three designs. I hate this. Here's your one design. Do you like it or do you hate it? And if you don't like it, then you're a bad person. I don't like that.
4:18:31 I don't know how you'll feel. It sounds you said they'll build it. I mean, what if we on the subject of direction say,
4:18:38 "Hey, where do you citizens think what do you think are the best parking solutions?" Because it may not be where
4:18:45 do we put our one garage? It might be where do we put parking or what other parking solutions might there be? Um,
4:18:53 Mr. Howard in a meeting a year ago commented that we were going to have a trolley coming from downtown. And I
4:19:01 went, "Well, why can't we do that all the time?" And you there may be solutions that we aren't given that the creative business-minded people in the community can come up with like that.
4:19:11 They're probably sitting here going, "I got an idea for you and it'll cost you a half a million instead of 20 million." And so I'm all for putting it in the
4:19:18 hands, not in the hands, but let's empower the people to bring us back
4:19:25 options while we focus on the budget and the things that we need to focus on the next few months because DPZ is coming
4:19:33 down with their their code during this time. I mean, let them do it. They're sitting here saying, "I'll volunteer.
4:19:39 Put me in coach. I'm all for it." That's all I'm going to say. And Miss Miss Strange, I agree with you.
4:19:43 And that's all I'm saying. Hey, if that's what you want to do, get a committee and let them come back and tell us stuff. But right now, I'm not ready to sit down here and say, "Hey, we going to do this, this, that. Let's do
4:19:52 the committee and look at these different ideas and everything." Uh uh I feel like, you know, you're trying to force us to obligate oursel to something
4:20:00 like right away, which I don't I'm not ready to do.
4:20:03 We're trying to get you to make work out. Uh I got to concern my myself with the the people's money, as you say, you know, and
4:20:11 everything else. what's best for the city and what's best uh for the residents where where they going to get the money uh to do all this. So uh but I
4:20:19 don't know what you want to do by the committee. How you going to form the committee? That's fine. If you want to do a committee committ
4:20:27 I think what you initially said you know we're not going to make a you know we're not going to do a vote now and all of a sudden a garage is coming next week. I think what we but I think it is
4:20:35 important that we get a garage. I think it's it's something we need to do. I think what you said before, whether it be a committee or a workshop, we should
4:20:43 do it, get it done, and then then we could do a vote on it and and get it done as soon as we can. But I don't think we're going to be able to do that tonight. No, I don't think we're going to have a
4:20:52 vote. Okay, let's have a garage over on that side there. Go start building it.
4:20:56 You know, we're not going to get that done. We just we got to figure out funding, how we're going to about doing it. You know, we can't put the whole burden on a CRA. They're not going to be
4:21:05 able to afford that. So it has to be we have you know the city has to contribute to it too. Now we the second part what we have is you know we have the property
4:21:13 tax situation that's coming up. What how's that going to impact us? I know our city manager and our finance department is working really hard now to
4:21:22 mitigate the problem so we don't have issues so it won't be a real burden on our on the taxpayers because we don't want to say let's put fees on everybody.
4:21:30 So we have a lot of things. We got the meet the middle project. You know we got the veterans they're still clamoring when are we going to get it? when are we going to get it? You know, we need the
4:21:37 dock. People say, "Where are we going to have a fishing dock?" You know, we have all these other projects. But, as I said, let's not dilute ourselves and say,
4:21:45 since we have so many, let's not do nothing. Let's create a let's do a workshop, create a committee like we had for the uh baseball fields, get people
4:21:54 that are knowledgeable. Do I know where the best spot? No. I don't think any of us here know what the But we have people that are available that do know the best
4:22:01 spot. We probably have the best garage builders here right now. So, we have somebody can build it. We just got to know where and how do we fund it?
4:22:11 Well, as you say, hey, get I don't know.
4:22:14 Let the city manager, hey, pick go get a committee. Uh, and I don't know who you put on the committee. Uh I don't know
4:22:21 whether you all want any input on who put go on the committee and everything else but hey have the um city manager go out and form that committee to come back
4:22:30 with to us with ideas and everything and let's see if we can get this thing done within like 60-day period or something.
4:22:35 I was just about to say going on forever, right? So we we get a committee what's the timeline because we don't want to keep kicking this down the down the road
4:22:43 or whatnot. We yeah it's long I've been here too long but um to get a committee conformed give them as you say what
4:22:52 September come back in September with the these are the designs then we as a council actually vote on yes we want to
4:22:59 have this we this is the designs we like we narrow it down to two or three who's going to do it and the funding and maybe
4:23:06 by this time in the committee um we can get some merchants who have um funds to actually help contribute to the building
4:23:14 of this parking lot. So, it's not all on um the CRA or the city. We have a partnership going because this does need
4:23:21 to happen because the longer you wait, the more money it's going to cost cuz nothing is getting cheaper.
4:23:26 Unfortunately, everything is going up and we have got to commit, you know, we we just can't keep saying, "Oh, in a year, two years, three years." No. Um Yeah.
4:23:36 Let let me add another wrinkle to just to what you said, council member. I there's some things that your committee probably can do and there's some things
4:23:44 your committee committee probably can't do. So, for example, reviewing and picking designs probably is off the table.
4:23:52 Um and and part of the reason is if if the one thing the committee could do is give you guidance or advice on a location. Okay?
4:24:01 You could choose to accept it or not, by the way, but but let's say you did and let's say the committee came back with city hall as the location. If that
4:24:08 happened, we have to bid it out again anyways. Um, it would be a new design for long past the original 90-day period,
4:24:16 okay, under the original. Now, they they might choose to still agree to those terms and build it out, but but maybe not in cost change. My only point is if it is a
4:24:25 different location, you've got a different design anyways. True. Yeah. Uh, Mr. Mr. Bank.
4:24:30 Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Um, Mr. City attorney, if we
4:24:39 were to ask, could we ask Finnfrock because they were awarded the RFP
4:24:46 that was issued um what did the 258 uh 086?
4:24:53 Could we ask them to also design a second location or would that have to be a separate RFP?
4:25:03 Separate RFP. Okay, thank you. Um, I think it should Hold on real quick on that, please.
4:25:11 Yeah, give What about the whole thing with the contract that was a sub that has the long-term planning agreement that they're working with, right?
4:25:20 I'm not sure what you're asking.
4:25:22 The one I called you about that came up in the public records request.
4:25:27 There's the contract that exists for like 10 years and that they're working with Venrock. I don't know what that contract is. I I know what you're talking about, but I haven't seen it.
4:25:35 There might be a workound.
4:25:37 Okay. The So, thank you for that. Um I'm usually the one who sits up here and says I am all for committees, workg groups, workshops.
4:25:49 I I think we have analyzed this to an oblivion.
4:25:59 And when I ran for this seat,
4:26:07 I was I felt I was adamantly against the seventh and Minnola location. I'll be completely honest about that.
4:26:18 And I thought there's a perfect location somewhere.
4:26:22 I was wrong. There's not a perfect location. There is not a perfect location for a parking structure. There
4:26:30 are ideals. There are ideals in this location. And this is why this makes it ideal. There's ideals. If we go over here, it makes it ideal.
4:26:42 We owe it to our downtown business owners,
4:26:48 property owners, sorry, our merchants, our business owners,
4:26:57 and the people who want to come support them on a regular basis and support the
4:27:03 groups that do things to bring business to them.
4:27:11 We owe it to not just open-endedly committee this or workshop this. I think
4:27:18 we need to take we're elected to make a decision and I think we are well within our right to say
4:27:26 we would like to see a plan for location A, location B. Here's the design. We want a design. We want a budget. We want
4:27:36 um uh um what were the some of the other things here? Uh how many spaces meets the goals, committee design, timeline,
4:27:45 how is it paid for? Um and getting public comment on it, and it comes back and we vote yes or no, A or B.
4:27:56 Because if we if we go back to another committee, we're going to get a 50 more ideas of what parking should be in
4:28:04 downtown. We did that well before I ever considered moving here. Well before I ever thought about Clermont, heard
4:28:11 about Clermont to when I started to learn about Clermont and thought this is a really cool place to when I said I think I'm going to move to Clermont.
4:28:19 And now 7 years later it's the same conversation. It literally has not changed.
4:28:28 And so we owe it in my opinion to make a decision whether that decision is today
4:28:35 on a spot or we we pick two spots. We
4:28:41 say we want no more than five stories otherwise bring it back to us with
4:28:48 design how it interfaces. Uh what's the storm water runoff? because that's one of the things I've heard about the the uh city hall parking lot is the water underneath there. What would that do?
4:28:58 And I asked our public works about that on Monday and they're not sure. We need to get that figured out because this idea of city hall parking lot being
4:29:06 better. Well, maybe better in a person's opinion of aesthetic, but what does it mean for the storm water retention
4:29:15 underneath there? And how does that affect that? We don't know. We have no idea. I didn't even know that that existed there.
4:29:23 Okay. So, I I ju I just feel like it shouldn't be adversarial. I don't think
4:29:30 anybody I think I thought when I heard this coming forward that this was going to be the pitchforks with the yellow
4:29:38 shirts and uh you know uh parking cones and the whole nine yards uh of approve this spot tonight or else.
4:29:49 and I took the time to meet with individuals involved.
4:29:54 And I'm going to give a lot of props to Mr. Howard for reaching out and having conversations with me about this and Mr.
4:30:00 Stringfellow for reaching out and having conversations with me because I'm in a different spot mentally about that
4:30:06 location than I was before. And and I appreciate the fact that you've clarified and I think that you've you've made it very clear that there's no
4:30:15 desire. I don't think that you would walk away unhappy if a decision was made here today. But that is not the demand
4:30:22 today. The demand is stop workshopping it to death and and make a call. Are we doing a
4:30:31 structure and where?
4:30:35 How are we funding it? Decide. Move forward.
4:30:40 Okay. And so, um, I'm willing to
4:30:47 peacemeal this right now of say, okay, we pick spots, we pick the process, we
4:30:53 pick a, you know, maximum, and we put a couple of parameters on it. I'm open.
4:30:59 But what I'm not necessarily open to is um
4:31:05 a a another lengthy drawn out process because I I yes we have new people who live here and have businesses here and
4:31:13 we always want to get their input but at some point you have to say we got to make a decision. We've got to make the decision and I feel like we're at that point. We're past that point.
4:31:23 Can I meet you in in discussion on this? Can we? So, I'm good with the committee.
4:31:30 I'm also appreciate the make a decision. Miss Strange, hold on for a second. Mr.
4:31:35 Van Wagner, if it's okay, Kirk, uh the study we had done what three four years ago on all the different location.
4:31:44 Uh what Mr. Mr. Bain was just speaking to is the fact that I think we had somewhat they came in and gave us uh a
4:31:52 what it would do a parking garage here 1073. I think the other one was uh city hall uh city center and the other one
4:32:00 was the de Hoya property. Can you go back and get that and make sure all the council members get that cuz uh what he's basically what he was just asking
4:32:08 for I think we just had that done about 3 four years ago. Uh and like I say if I'm not mistaken doing that study and I'm not well ready to sit here and spend
4:32:15 another dime on another study. Okay. and all. Uh I think at that one uh we they came up
4:32:23 and they showed us what they can put a parking garage here, what it can be and cost about uh what Seventh Street and I think we ruled out cuz we I think we was
4:32:32 al I was talking about the church parking lot but we ruled that one out alto together but I think it was three or four different location. If you can go back and find that study and get that
4:32:39 to all the council members uh please sir so they can look at that and maybe Mr. Bain they can help you out a little bit.
4:32:46 Yeah, thank you. I appreciate that. And um but as much as I want to I'm not trying to be adver adversarial,
4:32:54 but as much as I want to potentially entertain the Doyas property, we don't own it. We got to move on.
4:32:59 We got to Well, I I think we just have to move on beyond because we don't own it. And to say we want to put a parking structure there, I maybe they'll build it.
4:33:10 Yeah, maybe. I don't know. But I feel like we've got to say if we're going to move forward in some direction, we either we we have to say it has to be a
4:33:19 a property that we own that we can do a structure correct on because otherwise it's it's
4:33:27 my dad used to say wish in one hand and and I'll clean it up um uh pour water in the other and see which one fills up
4:33:34 faster. Um, and that's kind of I feel like what we're doing there because um, we're wishing we're wishing for this spot and we don't even own it.
4:33:43 Yeah, we we may never own it.
4:33:45 I know we're trying, but I I I feel like we've got to at least give direction on we have spots that we own that we can do
4:33:53 this. And I don't know if if if downtown grows to the point where we all hope it does in terms of of of volume and
4:34:02 attraction and desire, then I think we're probably going to need additional parking, whether that's additional lot andor structure.
4:34:11 And maybe a parcel that we currently are not entertaining or don't currently own may be that second item for that down
4:34:20 the road. I hope we have that problem. I really do. Um, but I I I think it needs to be focused on what can we actually do
4:34:28 and decide upon in the next I don't know 60 days, 90 days max.
4:34:35 Yeah. So, here's Mr. Go ahead, Mr.
4:34:38 Thank you. Thank you. Uh, here's what I am my brain is going to seventh street.
4:34:44 We have a contractor who's gone through the bless you the process who's prepared to work on all sorts of things. I'm
4:34:52 sure. Yes, we you want a parking garage, we'll build a parking garage. That's what I heard. Um I'm with you in the can we figure out a
4:35:02 way for them to also do a drawing somewhere else. If that can't be done, we have other architectural firms
4:35:10 including DPZ who saying city hall is the ideal location.
4:35:15 if we could en encourage a citizen participation so there's a sense of empowerment to work with Finnfrock on
4:35:23 here's some ideas there's specifics having to do with the artwalk human friendliness and so on and so forth and
4:35:29 also whoever can do a city hall proposal same thing beautiful human friendly you know all the things that we've talked
4:35:37 about I agree with you I have no problem saying all right we're not investing in a study but we are investing in a
4:35:45 concept that plan with a rough budget giving us an idea and I'm going to suggest help me I'm going to need your
4:35:53 help simultaneously that we somehow advise the world that we are open to a public private partnership
4:36:02 for purposes of parking solutions in downtown Clermont because one thing that was really interesting someone suggested a property we don't own and I
4:36:10 mean I was only kind of joking about the deoyo's property but if we communicate to the world that we've got property that's currently in surplus that we
4:36:18 haven't done anything with. So, those are all potential locations. Maybe maybe there are four or five or six different
4:36:25 parking locations throughout the city that are maybe behind some new structures that get built and maybe you
4:36:32 don't have just one egg, you know, all your basket, all your eggs in one basket. maybe we can and and see what the public says, but if we don't put it
4:36:40 out there to say we're we're open to taking ideas from the public while we simultaneously work on two locations
4:36:48 that seem to be the ones that always come to the top. I mean, there's enough information. I don't mind putting money into that study to figure out what those
4:36:57 concepts look like. I would like the community to be involved. I can tell you I do not like a giant building with nothing but a wall. I don't feel safe. I
4:37:05 don't want to push my kids in a stroller down that. I am very much looking for a human-friendly thing here. Um, not a big wall. I don't love it. Um, but those are
4:37:14 details. I mean, we can't even figure out the direction that we're going. So, the details are less important, but I
4:37:21 think if we empower maybe the committee where direction is come up with a design with FinFrock on Seventh Street, Mr. Was
4:37:29 see if you can figure out a way for Finnfrock to do city hall. If not, let's get DPZ cuz they're the ones saying if they're the one saying it's the best spot, they see something, let them draw
4:37:37 it. And if we got to pay them, let them draw it. And then simultaneously reaching out to people who build parking garages and manage them. Or maybe
4:37:46 there's a list of developers who might be interested in developing a whole block and might incorporate some parking into it and maybe we can incentivize
4:37:53 that somehow. So, if we could take that kind of three-prong approach to this, engaging the public, picking two sites, with some direction, and then
4:38:02 encouraging a private sector solution, I think we could advance something pretty.
4:38:07 I don't know the the last process would take, how fast we could. I just need to know if I can do it and how fast.
4:38:12 The answer is yes. The city of Winter Park is doing it right now. Uh looking for a P3 for a parking garage.
4:38:19 Um and 60 days to get proposals back. So 90 days. Yeah, they would know.
4:38:26 I think the one of the fin individuals may have like I'm jumping out of my skin and I'm like at 7:46. Come on up. I'm sorry that's the mayor's I don't I don't
4:38:34 mean to step on your toes, but that's where that's where my head is at moving it forward.
4:38:40 I have a few thoughts. Um the first one and I don't want anybody to do anything illegal, so don't take that this but you made a pretty blunt statement that it
4:38:48 could not be transferred one from one to the other. Um, as I was sitting here just thinking of through all the different projects that we've done over the years, um, we've never done that
4:38:55 with the where it's changed a site on a on a municipal one. We have had, we're doing right now where the city of Hollywood had, um, an advertisement come
4:39:04 out. We were selected and then commission really as our contract is being presented said, "We want this study to be done in conjunction with
4:39:13 it." And it was changing the program in the garage a little bit. Um, and that appeared to be within the bounds. I know there was another one at the University of Florida. So I don't know how public
4:39:20 procurement is the same or it's different there, but the University of Florida garage 14 was a design build uh solicitation that was originally going
4:39:28 to be by Batty Towers and ended up being um in a different location uh and that never was readvertised. So maybe your
4:39:36 attorney or you've already discussed talking maybe just how they procurement Freddy Suarez and I have already discussed it and what our
4:39:43 conclusion is is that we'd have to because we would want to give a fair opportunity to the other biders based on a change in sight because it could change the design.
4:39:51 Fair enough. That if we could get engaged in we could absolutely do a design concept here there. But I was just going to offer that um because I I do think that would be the fastest.
4:39:59 Winter Park is out. That is factual. 60 days is step one of the two-step process. Um, so I don't want you to get
4:40:09 that's going to take longer is my opinion.
4:40:12 So, okay. So, are you ready to give direction to the for for a committee or whatever you want?
4:40:21 I'm curious how Mr. Bain feels having heard what I've said.
4:40:27 if we can put a timeline on it, a a 60 to 90day is where my head is, that at
4:40:36 the end of that we're we're taking a vote and we are specific to
4:40:42 um direction, whether it's direction of location or it has to be on a
4:40:49 city-owned. No, no. If we get this property, we could do this, right? Um, I I I can support that.
4:41:00 Yeah. Just quick question for you. Would you like me to go to an RFP or an RFQ
4:41:07 for the city hall location also because then their process is moving. And I just
4:41:15 want to mention DPZ and our staff walked the entire downtown.
4:41:19 So it this they know what's here, right? So, it's not necessary to do another unless you want a different
4:41:27 person to weigh in. But I would just suggest if you're going to do something, let's get the ball rolling if you really
4:41:34 want to do something. And you know, Finnfrock could as a tell us what they think. I mean, I I don't know. But I
4:41:41 would say do something cuz that was a very tedious long process when we went through all the vendors and did that. It
4:41:49 was not 60 days. I don't even know if we can get it done in 90. Let let me take a stab at emotion. Tracy, brace yourself.
4:41:56 Let's see what we can do here. All right. So, it's going to start with I make a motion. And the terms are going to be something like this.
4:42:05 citizen committee to work with city staff and professionals
4:42:12 identified by our attorney who meet the legal criteria
4:42:21 to come up with designs for a garage at the Seventh Street
4:42:28 property and at city hall and to deliver concept plans with estimated budgets
4:42:36 within 60 days while also simultaneously
4:42:43 staff advertising an RFP
4:42:50 for public private partnerships for garage or parking development
4:42:58 solutions within the boundaries of the CRA in downtown Clermont.
4:43:06 All of which to be delivered at a meeting. September.
4:43:15 Put a blank there. Put a blank there.
4:43:17 Yeah, put a blank in September for council decision in September. And the reason why I'm hesitating is we have different meetings in September because of the budget.
4:43:27 What about first meeting in October?
4:43:29 Well, here's my concern is if we have a plan we're coming into the fiscal year 27 budget October 1.
4:43:38 Yeah.
4:43:38 So, I'm kind of trying to get it before October 1. So, if there's a budget item, we're not adopting a budget, then
4:43:46 changing it the next month. So, my goal is to get it before the final budget adoption.
4:43:52 Yeah. But in Well, you'll have to do it in September sometime September because I think we have to vote on the final budget. What the 20? What is it? 23rd of September.
4:44:01 The 22nd or 22 is the final.
4:44:04 But there's a there's a final budget meeting different from our second budget hearing. It would be the 24th. 24th. The week of the 24th. Yeah.
4:44:13 So, let's say September. Did you say 22nd?
4:44:18 Well, that's a council meeting, but the final budget has to be done between 20.
4:44:21 Uh, we normally don't do it on that Tuesday night because county and everybody else that thing. We move it to Thursday. Thursday at 5:30.
4:44:29 Um, September 22nd. It's got to be.
4:44:37 What do we think? I told you it's not going to be pretty.
4:44:46 Could you Is there a way just to summarize it? That's Yeah.
4:44:49 So, appoint a committee to work with staff. Yep. And professionals. Professionals identified by staff.
4:44:58 to come up with concept plans for Seventh Street and City Hall with budgets
4:45:06 while simultaneously advertising requests for proposals for public private partnerships for parking solutions in the CRA downtown Clermont.
4:45:17 Could I ask that that be an RFQ instead of an RFP?
4:45:20 Why do we want a Q? I actually want them to make proposals. like I want the that property and I'm going to build this.
4:45:26 You don't even have the results of your committee that you're asking for the staff about the designs and the concept. So, how can you do an RFP?
4:45:33 Thank you. No, I'm looking for people in the public who know what they're talking about and have done this before. Like maybe these guys want to be developers
4:45:41 and so they say, "Hey, you've got that surplus property on Dodto. We'll build you a parking garage right there. We'll charge for it. This is what we'll do.
4:45:49 This is what the city gets." like a totally totally different than the city building a parking garage. Like literally, we might say we have land and
4:45:58 you can have a a a 40-year lease for a dollar a year and you're building a parking like literally out into the ether for the public to say, "No, I can
4:46:07 build you a parking garage." Okay.
4:46:09 And I'm not joking. De Hoyos might say, "We'll build a parking garage." Here here's here's the other thing I'm looking at with that, Miss Strange, is the fact that we're asking for the
4:46:17 committee to do that with u you're asking the committee to come back to us on the 22nd of September with their proposals.
4:46:25 I'd actually like the committee to come back within 60 days.
4:46:29 Yeah, within 60 days. Yeah. Of course, we have to sit down and and of course all agree on all this here. So, um I didn't I'm sorry. I made it
4:46:36 first part was 60 days. last one September. That's right. I don't think we can get P3s in less than 90 days, but then 60 days where we in June, July.
4:46:45 So, we're asking them to come back in August or so. Yeah.
4:46:49 And then we turn around and asking the RFQ, RFP, whichever one we looking for to be done within 30 days.
4:46:56 No, that after we make the decision once the committee come back with us.
4:47:00 Yeah, this is I'm glad for the clarification. What I'm So, two separate things. Yeah, there's working on a municipal garage
4:47:07 solution and partnership with community members and the contractor or the professionals that we already have. The second is a completely different idea
4:47:16 that we can start publishing this week for people who are or businesses who are in the space of parking solutions who
4:47:24 might say, "Hey, as a prof as a professional, I'll build a parking garage. I will build it as the public and I'm gonna charge for it and this is
4:47:32 my deal or or whatever whatever they say because there's a scenario where there are six parking solutions in Clermont
4:47:40 and maybe they're smaller and some are private and some are public and some cost more and some cost less and that's okay for me that's okay. So that's what
4:47:48 I'm putting out there is let's in some ways I'm talking about a shotgun approach to get us done in the next 90 days.
4:47:55 Yeah. Well here's the go back to what Mr. Wall was just interrating is the fact that you're asking for RFP, RFQ for something that we really when like if we
4:48:03 go out tomorrow and start asking for that we have no qualification of uh uh proposals to give them what what our expectations are thing and that's what
4:48:12 I'm saying. Uh we're asking for a committee to come in and give us all this and then at that point I feel like once we get that and we as a council
4:48:20 decide on hey we want this this and this we go out and have we have to go out and ask for them. Right now, I don't think we qualified to go out on that. We can
4:48:28 go out and ask for public partnership on what what are they going to build. We haven't given them any uh uh requirements or qualifi what we want in a uh garage. Okay.
4:48:38 So, I'm I'm limiting the committee and staff to 7th Street and City Hall. Okay. Seventh Street and City Hall.
4:48:46 The RFP would be for any property that the city owns. There might be a private
4:48:53 property owner who wants to make a proposal. It's literally open to anybody with their own ideas, not taking our
4:49:02 ideas and building what we're working on with the committee and the design professionals. There might be someone
4:49:09 out there, the Deoyos family might be saying, "We're waiting to build a garage. We're going to build a garage.
4:49:14 That's what we're going to do." And we don't know because we haven't invited them to make a suggestion. I'm just using that as an example, but you might
4:49:22 get the lumber yard people that say, "Hey, we want to build a garage. We'll build you a garage. It's going to charge." Oh, we don't know what's going to happen. So, that's what I'm saying.
4:49:28 The the second item is just open for anybody to make a request for it's a
4:49:36 proposal for what you could do. Not a proposal as in a bid, but a proposal is what might I what am I proposing to do?
4:49:43 So on this property basically you guys have RFP RSP RFQ out there for for actually your second committee just come up with a proposal
4:49:51 for garage from some from public private partnerships besides what you're doing with the committee because normally when
4:49:58 you do a RFP RFQ and everything you give some qu uh some uh scope of work and all these kind type things
4:50:05 that's for the RFP we really can't issue an RFP unless we have a specific set of deliverables if
4:50:12 that because we can't evaluate them apples to apples without setting some parameters.
4:50:20 I understand what you're saying, but there I think we might use a different mechanism for that. Now I So I guess
4:50:27 what I your motion is still on the table, but I I would ask that if you were willing to because I don't think
4:50:35 that management needs council approval to send some competitive or um bid document out into the ether.
4:50:45 If you would trust management to select the right vehicle after talking to Mr.
4:50:50 Suarez, it could be an invitation to negotiate. It could be an invitation to bid. It could be something like that, but it wouldn't be an RFP based on what you're saying. Does that make sense?
4:50:59 On the language. The end result I'm looking for is that people who we don't know can say, "I see something you don't see. Here's my proposal."
4:51:07 And and there's a similar, you know, the legislature last year passed that new statute where if you get an unsolicited development bid, you know, someone comes
4:51:16 to you and says, "I want to build you a parking garage." Right? then you are required. You could actually take them up on it, but you
4:51:23 have to put it out into the public to see if there's anyone else who wants the gig. Yeah. Um I think Winter Haven just did something like that. I think they
4:51:30 got a bid. I I In any event, um there's different mechanisms. So I don't want us to get wed to this RFP of No, I'm not wed to that.
4:51:38 So whatever method item number two is seek ideas from people we don't know.
4:51:43 I was going to say I would second that if that's what then the second part of that language. from people we don't know.
4:51:50 Staff come up with the actual vehicle, but this is what we're asking.
4:51:55 That Tracy, what he said, seek ideas from people we don't know. Staff come up with the mechanism. Okay.
4:52:01 It's the worst motion ever, but All right. Uh, I'm not going to try to repeat all that. Okay. Uh, committee.
4:52:09 Yeah. Committee. Seventh Street. Yep. City Hall. Yep. 60 days. 60 days. Concept plans with the budget. Concept plans with budget.
4:52:16 All right. 90 days for anything we don't know. Staff, go get creative.
4:52:21 Where are we? 90 item number 20. Any any further discussion?
4:52:26 No. Do Yes, sir. Go ahead.
4:52:30 Seventh Street. I have bids and we picked somebody. Do you need me to go back and do it again if we already willing to do it?
4:52:40 I'm thinking it would be profitable to ask them to look at if they will city hall also. No, that's if he can get to Yes. I'm okay with that.
4:52:50 Well, I heard you say Seventh Street several times, so I want to make sure I understand what your request question. Yeah. I mean, I think I need it. Yeah,
4:52:58 I think you might. Um, no, I'm just teasing.
4:53:01 So, your motion, just so that I understand it, we're still going to go like with two locations. Mhm.
4:53:09 In 60 days, you know, we're going to bring back to you, and I'm saying we is globally. We're going to vote on going to bring back suggestions, designs
4:53:19 for everything that we can think of for city hall and for Seventh Street. Correct.
4:53:24 In addition to that, and I'm saying the word addition with emphasis, you're going to put out
4:53:32 something, I don't know what you're going to call it, something something to the community and you're going to say, "Hey, look, in addition to what
4:53:40 we're doing, bring us ideas. give us suggestions. If you've got some, you know, even if it's 50 parking spaces or whatever, right,
4:53:48 and it's in a place that's reasonable. Yeah.
4:53:53 Then you'll look at that, but it's not going to delay the first two, right? Okay.
4:53:58 Yeah. It's just I understand shotgun approach. Wonderful. Yeah.
4:54:02 Thank you. I feel like you're actually moving and and Mr. been waiting to go back what you're concerned like I say the study I think we did in 21 20 I think I think it
4:54:11 was 22 I think they in there it was a cons concept for the parking garage here
4:54:16 at city hall one is seventh street uh I can't I can't remember where else it was it was two or three different
4:54:24 locations and all that so uh but if we can get that have something to go by it's already done so some concepts
4:54:33 and I can say I think after we did that when we decided to well at that time we we voted to put it in in in city hall
4:54:40 new city hall parking lot but uh I don't be honest with I don't know why why we why we got away from it and everything so
4:54:48 uh but anyway the motion yes I'd like to call the question okay we have the motion
4:54:55 uh Tracy as I think he's got all that right Tracy okay you know but any any further discussion
4:55:04 All in favor let it be known by saying I. I.
4:55:08 All oppose. Chair vote I as well. Motion carries 5. It's number 20. Item number 21.
4:55:16 Resolution number 2026-023 are parks and recreation. A resolution of the city council of the city of
4:55:23 Clermont, Lake County, Florida, creating a special advisory committee for parks and recreation providing for membership of the committee appointment
4:55:31 by the city council and duties providing for conflict severability administrative correction of scriveners error publication and defective dates.
4:55:43 Yes, sir.
4:55:44 So I I'll go ahead and take this. So yes, sir. Uh so last week you guys discussed at your workshop to create a
4:55:51 bishop field committee and so what we're you gave direction to staff to create this this bishop field special technical advisory committee
4:56:00 consisting of seven members. The uh LDO says that we can or the LDC states that we can create that special committee uh
4:56:08 through this resolution and the special committee is a little bit different from a normal committee or a board. So appointments to special committees has
4:56:15 to be made by council and the technical advisory committee has additional flexibility.
4:56:21 So what staff is recommending council do is approve the resolution establishing the bishop fields tech special technical
4:56:28 advisory committee and provide staff with direction as to the seven seven to 10. I know you want a sevenperson committee but if you can give us 10
4:56:36 names that we can go out and and try to get them on board with this then we can get started. In addition, if you have any additional direction for staff on
4:56:44 specific instructions that you want, like you just did on this last one, specific instructions on what you want us to provide to the committee that that
4:56:52 ultimately ends up agreeing to be on this, we would greatly appreciate that. It would make it a lot faster.
4:56:58 Okay, Brian, you okay? This is a public form.
4:57:06 Any anyone in the uh chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. This is
4:57:14 a public form. Anyone in the chamber wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Sir, are you wishing to speak? Thank Thank you. Good evening.
4:57:24 I I'm a me well I've been a resident of Clermont for over 63 years. I have
4:57:30 lived in the shadow of Bishop Park and I enjoy it tremendously even in the condition it's in and the city's been
4:57:38 wonderful and patched up after storms and painted it and I love the park. Love the park the way it is and I totally
4:57:46 support any improvements that you will do to just the park.
4:57:53 seeing the well, I don't have a copy of it, but I'm sure you do. The drawing is there's going to be parking along the
4:58:02 backs of those houses and along Second Street. Well, okay, Second Street is bad
4:58:09 enough, but the parking behind the houses, the houses that live along the
4:58:16 border there of the park will now be subjected to the party. noise, the boom
4:58:24 boxes, the highowered car stereoss, all playing a different song at full volume.
4:58:32 Do you want this in your backyard? Now, there has been no official that I've seen notice of food trucks.
4:58:42 Put food trucks back there.
4:58:45 Do you want food trucks in your backyard? I really, seriously, you
4:58:50 don't. the smell, the smoke, the noise, the generators.
4:58:59 You've totally lost your backyard. You have made a giant investment in your home. Yes, you don't own that property
4:59:07 back there where the park is, but you bought it thinking that that would be there, that little green buffer
4:59:15 between the boom boxes and the car stereoss and the partying. Now,
4:59:22 I like I said, I live in the shadow of it. So long as there's been that buffer there, it's been great. Now, water
4:59:31 right now, the runoff from East Street down to Sodto is significant. Even on a
4:59:38 light rainy day, on a heavy rainy day or a storm, it comes up over the curb of my property. It comes down Second Street,
4:59:48 Dot East Street, Dodto Street, Second Street. It all goes down to the corner, unfortunately, where my house is. It
4:59:57 runs up into the abandoned Second Street. And you have probably you could probably have witnessed it being a city
5:00:04 manager. It cuts a twoft groove from Dodto all the way down to the lake.
5:00:11 And that water flows directly into the lake cutting a groove.
5:00:16 Since I live there at that house at the abandoned Second Street, I know of what I speak.
5:00:24 Uh, like I say, I can fully I fully appreciate improvements to the park, to
5:00:31 the ballpark, but if you're going to put in that parking, you're totally going to destroy the lives of the people who live at the park edge or adjacent to.
5:00:44 Is there a solution to get to be able to get more parking there?
5:00:50 possibly, but I I honestly don't know what I honestly don't know what it is.
5:00:57 Well, you're right, sir. And first of all, uh, one thing, a couple of things.
5:01:02 Can I get your name again and your address?
5:01:04 Sorry. William Ree Pine Dotto Street, Clermont, Dotto Dotto Street. You live down in the in the in the I'm sorry.
5:01:13 You live down in the bottom at Dotto and Second Street. Pardon?
5:01:16 You're down in the bottom. Dotto and Second. You've been down there many times. Yes, I have.
5:01:22 I go through there quite often time. I appreciate it.
5:01:24 Quite often. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Yes, sir. Good evening. Good evening, uh, Mr.
5:01:29 Mayor and council members. My name is Jacob Simpson. I'm at 193 West Dotto Street, just across the street from Mr.
5:01:35 Repine. So, we share a lot a lot of the concerns and although he he is across the street from me, I'm going to be subject to more of everything that he
5:01:43 said than than some of what he would be impacted by. But um uh I'm we are all
5:01:51 for the improvement of that park. It's a beautiful park. It can be better, right?
5:01:57 Uh but we we like to keep it in the footprint of what's there. Um I have young kids. We play in our backyard all the time. We really don't want
5:02:05 transients, you know, in and out of there. It's a really wonderful opportunity to have that space um turn into something negative. Um,
5:02:15 uh, I have I've submitted my my information, uh, to Miss How for the committee to be part of that group. Cool.
5:02:21 Um, I have copies for everybody that she has for your review for the next steps if if it takes off. Um,
5:02:30 I guess that's all I have to say, but I appreciate your time and thank you for listening.
5:02:33 How do you feel about people being able to sit beyond the outfield fence and watch games versus cars?
5:02:40 It's not too bad. I mean, we see them and they're not too bad. Okay. We're more concerned like more on the Second Street side, there's groups that will party after games.
5:02:49 Yes. Oh, really? Oh, lots of trash. Yeah. Yeah.
5:02:52 Um the second out beyond left field fence.
5:02:55 Yeah. That Yes. Left field.
5:02:57 Yeah. Across from the uh daycare. That's the daycare that is there. Yeah. Yep. Yep. Yep.
5:03:01 Um don't me wrong, I appreciate good music, but sometimes you you don't want to hear it, right?
5:03:07 Thank you. Well, and I I of course Yes, sir. I I we hear you. That that is a concern of mine. As I've always said,
5:03:14 that was a concern because um we didn't allow back in my days, we didn't allow them to park back there because we was always breaking windshields
5:03:23 and all because we didn't have the netting to protect things. So, so as I said, when they first came in that one of the concern is the parking back there,
5:03:30 it disturb y'all and the lighting is I'm hoping we don't do that's why we have the committee. We're looking for a community and hope. Thank you for wanting to be on the committee to help us with some of these things.
5:03:40 Yes. No, I appreciate you guys listening. Thank you for your open-mindedness and um you have my information. If you have any questions or anything, feel free feel free to reach out and uh I might do the same.
5:03:50 Well, you got one for the committee already. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
5:03:56 20 12.
5:03:58 Good evening again, Brendan Curl, 8602nd Street. Um, I would just like to second what Jacob said about the uh the getting
5:04:08 together, if you will, um, at the end of uh, Second Street towards 50 uh, on the other side of left field. Um, those
5:04:16 people I've actually called noise complaints um, to the non-emergency police department at least three or four
5:04:25 times um, because I can hear them over my TV. um as well as the fact that they
5:04:33 have left large amounts of trash in the past. Um which then sits there until,
5:04:41 you know, whoever is responsible gets it cleaned up. Um but animals tear it all apart. It, you know, moves all over the
5:04:50 place. Um so that's unsightly. Uh as far as Mr. Rapine, what he was saying about the water, I can I can vouch to that. If
5:04:58 we get a quarter inch of rain here in Clermont coming down Second Street, by the time it gets to my house at 860,
5:05:04 it's 6 in 6 in deep. And by the end of the time it merges with the end of Dodto down there in the corner.
5:05:15 If if we're getting an inch of rain in an hour, which is definitely possible, you got two plus feet of rain of water going down there.
5:05:25 um the old resident that lived there. I mean, today's meeting has gone kind of long. There are actually several other residents uh on this from that community right there. They weren't able to stay.
5:05:34 They've left. Um but the the old residents um Bill and Mary Lynn that used to live in that house there on the
5:05:43 corner, they actually put cement bags down there. If you drive down there, you'll see them to try and prevent some of that runoff. And I mean, it's about
5:05:52 this high up past the curb. I don't know when he did that. May have been 20 years ago because he lived there for about 30 years. Um, but the whole runoff from if
5:06:00 a parking lot does go in there and it does exit out onto Second Street, it's it's going to go down that road and is going to be awful. And not to mention
5:06:10 that Crystal Lake is the the repository for all the drainage from that whole area. So any other impervious surface is
5:06:19 going to greatly increase that. is going to increase the wash out of uh the oils and whatever else is dripping out of
5:06:26 cars and trash and things like that into the lake. So, there's storm drains all along second and all along Dodto and
5:06:33 it's just it's going to really increase all of that and decrease the quality of Crystal Lake. And I'm sure anybody who's
5:06:42 been here for a long time knows Crystal Lake is the original water source for Clermont, too. That's a springfed lake.
5:06:48 Yes. So, um I just wanted to voice my concern as far as that parking lot and
5:06:54 what the um detrimental effects to the privacy of the community as well as the environmental potential impacts for Crystal Lake as well. Thank you.
5:07:05 Right. And sir, while you're there and I'm thinking about it down there, of course, you get it from Dodto and you get it from Second Street. It all gather
5:07:13 right there in the corner. We I think we went back some years ago and put some uh cement breakers in there to try to stop some of that. Are they still there?
5:07:22 They're still there. That's not tall enough. They're not tall enough.
5:07:25 No, not not enough. I mean, I've been around and we we've gotten, you know, three or four inches of rain in a short
5:07:32 amount of time and it's white water rapids going down those streets.
5:07:36 It's still shooting over them and going in and across the curb into the into the property.
5:07:40 Yeah. Like like Mr. Pine said there's a twoft rut that can get cut down there.
5:07:45 We haven't had any rain for a while now, so you may or may not see much evidence of that down there. But when we do get a decent afternoon thunderstorm, it's really heavy down there.
5:07:56 I know. I I live on East Dotto and I come down through there quite a bit and sometime when it's raining, it's it's just highly impossible to get through there sometime. Um, but I was just
5:08:04 curious. I hadn't been in through there a while and looked and see if the the the breakers were still there to try to deflect some of it. Mr. Van Wagner, if
5:08:12 you don't mind, have have uh uh public service go and see see what else we can do down in there for for that anyway for the rank. Please, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, sir.
5:08:25 I'm not very good at just talking. I'm just going to make it real quick.
5:08:30 Uh anyway, um he said that um as I live right across the street at 9002nd Street
5:08:36 and um um as far as I'm concerned, the park need to be redone. I have no problem with that. I don't want all that
5:08:44 extra pavement. That's horrible. That going to ruin the neighborhood and because the wood run off is just brutal.
5:08:50 But anyway, I'm sorry I don't talk very well. I see you got Can you give us a name? And
5:08:57 it's just important to me that we we tried to take care of things. Yes, ma'am.
5:09:02 His name is Chris Simmons. I'm his wife, Andrea Simmons. Thank you. We live at 942nd Street. 942nd Street.
5:09:10 We are the home directly behind the Auto Zone. Right.
5:09:14 Um we have enjoyed Bishop Field for 20 years now. We purchased a big piece of property. We built two homes. My sister
5:09:22 lives next door. We've enjoyed the field. We've enjoyed the families and the fun. We support 100% the
5:09:31 infrastructure of the field itself with the footprint that Clarence Bishop was named after.
5:09:39 Right?
5:09:40 That is a monumental part of history history in Clermont.
5:09:47 Um, everything that our neighbors have said is 100% true about the noise, the
5:09:55 partying. We've picked up their garbage because there's been bags of trash left
5:10:02 and we got tired of seeing it. So, we hauled it down the hill. Our driveway is 800 ft long. Yes.
5:10:08 You try bringing a trash can up that hill.
5:10:12 Um, as far as the runoff, without that field, we have had damage to our concrete. The
5:10:19 the rain has washed all the the borders along. We've had to put in drainage. Our concrete has sunk in places where we've
5:10:28 had to have that restored. Um, I know many of you live in downtown Clermont.
5:10:35 I don't want to live across the street from an amusement park. I don't mind the field. I don't mind the families. We'll
5:10:42 pick up their garbage if we have to, but we don't want food trucks. This is a little paradise.
5:10:50 Um, living on Second Street and Dodto, it's quiet. Um, it's it's a a monumental
5:10:57 impact on the residents of Clermont to change that. If you want to appoint a committee to make those decisions,
5:11:07 please allow the residents on Second Street and Dodto Street to decide who is in that committee so that we have
5:11:16 firsthand say so as to what happens with Bishop Field.
5:11:22 Ma'am, we will look for a lot of in input from you all down in that in that area. I'm very concerned. I don't I didn't realize it's been 20 years.
5:11:29 It's been 20 years. I know you welt.
5:11:31 Yeah, I know. I know. I helped I remember when you when you when you built your house. I remember all of that down in there and everything and we help
5:11:40 you with all that down in there. I didn't realize it's been that long, though. But good to see you. But we will we want to continue to have fun. We want to
5:11:47 continue to believe that you all care about the residents right of Clermont. We do. Thank you.
5:11:55 Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate. And if if you want to give our your clerk uh your name and information, phone number that they can contact you uh when the
5:12:03 committee get together so you can give some feedback and everything, we would appreciate that. Thank you. Anyone else?
5:12:10 Anyone else?
5:12:13 This is a public forum. Anyone in the public wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name, address, and have three minutes. Seeing no one else, anyone online, Mr.
5:12:22 Wayne, no one went online. We'll close down public portion and bring back council west council. Where are we? 21.
5:12:29 Yeah, number 21.
5:12:32 Um just to speak to the parking. I I think um if I remember correctly at the
5:12:40 workshop when I said uh I looked at that parking and I think the words I uttered was heck to the no. Yes.
5:12:48 um because it it really changes the overall aesthetic of what we're doing
5:12:55 there in that historic area um of our of our community. Um I also think the idea
5:13:02 of of putting a a charge to the committee to say whatever you bring us
5:13:09 respect the green buffer zone. Uh I think that should be something that we should entertain and put into the language.
5:13:17 Question for staff. Uh are you will will this need to come to our July meeting to uh make the actual official appointment?
5:13:29 Yes.
5:13:30 Okay. So given that we have a month because we don't have a first meeting in July this this uh next month we only have the one at the end. I'm apt to just
5:13:39 say let's just use the application process that we have and encourage people to to mark other and put bishop field so we know that that's what
5:13:47 they're doing and tell us why they want to be on the committee. Um, I do think we should give deference to
5:13:55 people who are are citizens and residents of Clermont.
5:13:59 And I also think that we should make sure that if it's seven, that we have two or three, if it's 10, maybe three or
5:14:07 four seats for people who live on second or um Dodto.
5:14:14 That's my uh direction or advice on direction. It's not a motion because I think I want to give people opportunity to speak, but that's my thought on what
5:14:22 I would like to see give direction for staff.
5:14:24 My notes were as far as the composition of the committee. Two professional baseball players or former professional
5:14:32 baseball players with direct ties to Clermont. They may not still live here, but if they grew up here and played bowl here and they still come here, some sort
5:14:40 of connection. Um, if we take seven, if two are pro ball players and I think two local residents
5:14:48 within 500 ft of the park, ideally one from Second Street, one from Dodto, so they can talk to their neighbors to get people to come to the meeting if they
5:14:57 need to. That's four. And so it leaves three seats and I'd like to see at least one representative from the South Lake Little League and one business owner
5:15:06 who's connected to baseball as a Clermont business, whatever that might look like. There may not be many, but I
5:15:13 think that would be helpful. Um, as far as specific instruction, the notes that I made were I would like the committee
5:15:20 to come back with very clear direction on what Major League Baseball grant opportunities exist for this facility. I
5:15:28 would like to see a design that preserves and protects the historic value and aesthetic of the park. Um, I
5:15:35 would like to see a priority of use for Clermont residents, parents, and their children.
5:15:43 That is designed for travel ball and practices and things like that. I'd like it to take into consideration that it's
5:15:50 the gateway to the city on the east side, the gateway to downtown. I think there's some architectural standards related to East Avenue that should be
5:15:58 considered on this. And then I I would like to see it remain a baseball field and not become a multi-purpose field or
5:16:08 a little bit of sarcasm as we start talking about the parking a water retention project. Um I'm happy for the parking to stay grass or that whole area
5:16:17 to be grass that I'm right I'm going to be hardressed not to push for that. your heck to the no was a big second from me. So those were my notes
5:16:26 if that helps. Mr. Matthysse, I can agree with all that and far as the parking and all that on the outfield. I would like to see that remain grassy and everything untouched.
5:16:37 Yes. Anyone else?
5:16:40 Is it just I just clarification because I was trying to write really fast on that. I think I got all of the direction. It's the the makeup. You had
5:16:47 two pro players, two residents, preferably one on second, one on Dodto, one uh little league, the South Lake
5:16:55 Little League, and one Clermont business related. Yes. Baseball. Okay, that leaves six. Well, we got one on the stood already. He's already given it.
5:17:04 And what about what about for the seventh person? Either a high school or collegiate level player. Oh, I like that.
5:17:10 High school or collegiate level player. A youth.
5:17:14 Oh, yeah. So, we get somebody who's a younger younger than us.
5:17:18 Oh, that's when we talked last time. We had uh there was a coach from the local high school that was here.
5:17:23 Why not have why not have it be a high school or collegiate level player?
5:17:26 I I don't necessarily mind us anticipating a bigger committee because if you start getting into one player and one coach, you're up to eight. So, I I
5:17:35 like that idea. I like what you said there a lot. Only only thing I I advise and and give caution to we asking for
5:17:43 specific like professional ball players and everything. We put too much specification on that.
5:17:49 We may end up taking a while to fill this committee.
5:17:52 Okay. Trying to find trying to find I think they've already Yeah.
5:17:56 I mean, it's fine, but but uh you know, when you you want this specific person, these need specific skills and everything.
5:18:02 And I think too if they willing to do it, if we um if we put this out there that these are the you know, I think we have two, four, five, six, seven, eight. Now,
5:18:10 if we say a player and then a coach, um if we say eight, those we want at least those eight and and we don't get them,
5:18:19 then we don't get then we don't get them. Then we appoint a third per you know if three people live within 500 people who apply then we tried but I think if we could advertise
5:18:27 it that way it's similar to you know we always try to find somebody who has code enforcement background or planning and
5:18:34 zoning background to give you know I'm just saying it's okay to ask for that but then to try to get them to actually come out and donate their time
5:18:42 and services may be a different story and prolong the fact of Do you want to move that because I would second it.
5:18:47 All right. I move for the creation of a Bishop Field Special Technical Advisory Committee comprised of at least seven
5:18:54 individuals with backgrounds in professional baseball, South Lake Little League uh baseball business owner from
5:19:02 Clermont, local residents within 500 ft. and that that committee be focused on bringing back direction and
5:19:11 recommendations to council for Major League Baseball grant opportunities with a design standard that preserves the historic value of Clermont with a use
5:19:20 that's focused on Clermont residents with a infrastructure consideration to the gateway to the city location on East
5:19:30 Avenue and that the use of the field be a baseball field without adding
5:19:36 extensive parking or other uses to the site. Second.
5:19:42 Okay, I have a motion to second with all that included. I think Miss Tracy got it all down, Mr. Van Wagner, for you to I have it all written like this.
5:19:49 Can I Can I quick Does that motion and second also include approval of the resolution to create the committee? Yes. Yes. Thank you.
5:19:57 Yes. Okay, I'll definitely second that. Okay. Um, any further discussion?
5:20:03 No. All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose and chair vote I as well. Mr.
5:20:08 Van Wagner, while I'm here, I'm thinking about it. I think I had it in my uh uh report. But we had East Avenue repaved
5:20:16 and when they did the parking along Bishop Field there on East Avenue, they put the parking right up to the curve again on Broom Street, right up to the
5:20:24 corner of Broom Street. I would like and Mr. Maywell did back there. I guess I would like to see them go back and eliminate that that first park in there.
5:20:32 Uh, as I think I said before, if you're coming out of Broom Street to try to get on East Dodto, uh, on East Avenue,
5:20:41 you're blinded when they park there. Uh, right up, they parking right up to the corner and it's kind of hard to see. Um, like I say, I I go in and out that way
5:20:50 quite a bit. Yeah. Okay. So, I think if we eliminate that one parking that first parking space from the corner there is
5:20:56 broom back up. But, by the way, I I'll just say this while I'm here and still there. Great job on on on redoing East
5:21:03 Avenue. Okay. Just Thank you, sir. Great job. But just just to be clear, the the what you see out there, those are just temporary lines.
5:21:14 Okay. The contractor was obliged to just recreate what's there. Um that's just paint, not thermal plastic.
5:21:21 Thermoplastic can't go down for another three weeks, which gives us time. We're actually working on dimensioning the
5:21:29 potential for putting bike lanes. So, as soon as we get completed, we'll be coming back to you with a small change order to install bike lanes.
5:21:38 Well, that was gonna be a part of my comments. Like I said, I had it on my list to talk about East Avenue because I didn't see any back lanes out there after we did the paving, but I did know
5:21:46 the park parking. I come in and out there quite a bit because I go to AutoZone and that's how I avoid 50 going
5:21:54 through there and it's very dangerous trying to get in and out and I've seen a lot of people almost have accidents on that corner trying to get out. Okay, understood.
5:22:00 And I support as wide a bike lane as you can get. Slow traffic down and get those kids to school safely.
5:22:06 It's going to be a little tricky because the um the schools had requested some on street parking. So, we're looking at
5:22:14 doing some things like narrowing the drive lanes which slows drivers down, makes the environment even safer so we
5:22:21 can fit the bike lanes in and still have a small area for parking as well. So, trying to take care of everybody.
5:22:29 One of the other things I did notice though, we we have the parking on the west side next to the field, but on east side of East Avenue along them houses
5:22:38 over there. We we never put any parking spaces there. I don't know if anybody want them.
5:22:41 We did not. Again, that was the I think there were some original spaces striped by the baseball field, but I never recall seeing anything.
5:22:49 No, none was on the east side of it.
5:22:51 Yeah. And I I don't anticipate there'll be anything there either. Okay. Except a bike lane. Okay. Good. Love that.
5:22:57 Thank you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, but it was on there while I was thinking about it. Uh, item number 22, I think, a
5:23:05 location of community meetings. Is this you, Mr. W? Well, actually, I think it's me. Oh, okay. It is.
5:23:12 Yes. Um, so I I had asked for this to be put on the agenda simply because uh I
5:23:19 was under the wrong impression that our DPZ meetings that we were hosting were
5:23:26 actually um being uh advertised and structured as public meetings and not
5:23:34 community meetings. And the difference is when they're public meetings, they're noticed by our clerk as a public
5:23:42 meeting. They are open to the entire public and they're noticed that council members may be there and engaged in
5:23:50 conversation at that meeting. Is that correct, Mr. Wah? Yes.
5:23:56 Okay. Um, and so when I learned that we were hosting a community meeting in a
5:24:04 gated community that it wasn't open to the public and it wasn't being advertised and and noticed by the city
5:24:12 clerk and it it kind of potentially put us in positions as council members to violate
5:24:20 Sunshine Law uh or at least have an appearance of violation of Sunshine Law if did speak.
5:24:30 That concerned me and I know of at least two individuals who were turned away from that community meeting that the noon meeting worked for them to go and
5:24:39 they couldn't go because it was behind a gate in a gated community and it was not a public meeting. It was a community meeting. And so I just think that when
5:24:47 we're doing meetings like that, they should be public meetings. they can be held in a private place in a gated community as long as they're willing to
5:24:55 allow the public to attend that meeting um at that time. Um otherwise I think that there are enough public venues or
5:25:05 private venues that would allow them to be public meetings and I think they should be noticed as that so that we
5:25:11 don't run the risk of um you know being asked questions in these meetings and not being able to actually engage and interact because that's the whole purpose. Yes, we're there to listen to.
5:25:22 However, people when they want to ask questions when we're not in this chamber, we're not sitting up here. it really stifles that if we don't have
5:25:29 that notice to have that engagement. And so, um, I just really want to see the these be public meetings, noticed by
5:25:36 sunshine, hosted in public locations or private locations with public access for the meeting versus a community meeting.
5:25:47 I mean, I think there's there's two different types of meetings here.
5:25:50 community meetings. There's a lot of gated communities here, you know, uh like Summit Green, Heritage Hills,
5:25:58 Legends, and as DPZ, I think they want to they want to get input from all of these type of uh communities that, you
5:26:06 know, they're not going to come to the ARC because, you know, some of them don't, you know, they don't drive or whatever, you know, they only use golf
5:26:13 carts. At at any rate, I mean, we have to make a decision. Do we want to have input of everybody or we just want to
5:26:20 have input of some? And I think you know we shouldn't we shouldn't just because it's a gated community. But I think your
5:26:28 point was that if a council member or two are there we can't answer any questions that has to do with city business.
5:26:38 I mean that was my understanding. Is that correct Mr. W?
5:26:42 Not not technically. I mean, look, as a technical matter, can one council member speak at a meeting like that? Yes,
5:26:50 absolutely. It's just it becomes very risky if the second person then speaks.
5:26:55 And what I what I think is a concern for you is the race. Who's going to race to be the first council member to, you
5:27:02 know, now as well, I I mean, I I want to tell you the full law. I mean, all five of you could go to a meeting and
5:27:09 announce a policy position on something so long as you're not responding to, you know, the other person. But that's why
5:27:18 things like uh debates are okay. I mean, or policy forums are okay under the
5:27:25 sunshine law. Um, even when not noticed as a meeting because theoretically you're announcing what you would do,
5:27:32 your policy. not a discussion on what's going to happen. But the thing is is we don't want I mean I as your city
5:27:40 attorney don't want you putting yourself in a position where you might be tempted or accidentally engage in an unintentional sunshine violation by
5:27:49 responding to something that someone else said. So that's the technical of it if that makes sense.
5:27:56 I didn't think we could go to those I'll get back to that for a minute. This is a public hearing. Any any anyone in the public wish to address the item may come
5:28:04 to the microphone and state your name and address. They have three minutes.
5:28:16 Valerie Shu at West Montro. I'll make this quick. Um I think I agree with the concerns that were brought up. Um I would hate to see people turned away at
5:28:23 the gate. I do think there is a value to these smaller neighborhood venues. So, I would just hate to see that um totally shut down in this, but I think there's a
5:28:31 way to achieve that and still make sure that it remains open the way that it needs to remain open. But this setting can be very intimidating for citizens
5:28:39 and we saw I think a lot of engagement in these community meetings for a reason. Um the bar was a lot lower for engagement. So,
5:28:46 thank you. And 3686 counties. My question is what was
5:28:58 the purpose of the meeting? And if it was for the public, why could I and I'm a neighbor of Kings
5:29:07 Ridge, why can I not come in if it's a public meeting done by the city? That that would be my question.
5:29:14 Okay. Thank you. Anyone else?
5:29:18 This is public forum. Anyone in the public wish to address this item may come to microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
5:29:25 Seeing no one else, Mr. Wayne. Anyone online? Not this time.
5:29:29 Not at this time. Good. We'll close public comment. Miss Miss Meyers, I'm sorry.
5:29:34 Okay. I'm sorry. I forgot. Um I thought for these things that you didn't want us to attend because of that
5:29:42 reason as council members. That's what I was advised. Um and then secondly, if you live in a gated community, you have
5:29:50 the right to decide who you want to come into your community. that's why it's gated. Um, but my understanding is that
5:29:58 it's not just going to be in gated communities. Correct me if I'm wrong.
5:30:01 Isn't it going to be on a Zoom and it's going to be here um at city hall or whatn not? I mean city center. So it's
5:30:08 the same presentations. So I don't see what the issue is because it's still it's a community. The purpose is for community. Public is here because we
5:30:17 can't control public in a private gated community.
5:30:21 And if I may answer directly to that, um I I agree with you 100%. I live in a gated community. We we restrict at times
5:30:30 who can access our our community. I I have zero qualms with that. My my thing is is that if we're hosting a public forum
5:30:39 in a gated community, if they want us to host a public forum, public meeting on a city initiative,
5:30:48 um that they they have to realize that that at that time for that meeting, it's open. It's a public meeting. Otherwise,
5:30:55 we're going to host it in a different location where anyone can attend, not just for the people who live behind that
5:31:01 gate. Now, um you know the argument of saying uh that we're hosting it for
5:31:09 people who live in behind a gate for a specific reason. Well, we don't host public meetings in non-gated
5:31:18 communities. We expect them to get in their car and go to that public venue.
5:31:22 There are plenty of neighborhoods that have amenities that are not gated that we could host these meetings in. My
5:31:29 thing is just that it there's a difference between a community meeting and a public meeting. A community meeting if if uh Summit Greens, the
5:31:37 neighborhood of Summit Greens or the neighborhood of Clermont Yacht Club wanted to have uh reached out to the city manager and said, "Can we do some sort of community meeting with city
5:31:46 staff just to get some updates and and meet city staff and and hear about what's going on?" I think that that is
5:31:53 completely okay because that is an invitation that's coming in to that community and they want to engage their city in that way. But when we're going
5:32:03 out there in a in a venue like or or through through the lens of something like DPZ where we're trying to get public input, these are they're public
5:32:10 meetings. They're it's not a community meeting. I I don't I I don't know that that that we should restrict who can
5:32:17 attend a public input session. um when when that is being advertised by the by
5:32:24 the city as a as an input session, a citizen input session. Um I I just think that if Clermont Yacht Club wants to
5:32:33 host it, they just have to say, "Okay, we have to realize for that hour, anybody who does come that wants to attend should be able to gets to attend.
5:32:41 Otherwise, we just find a different venue to host it." Is my perspective is I guess where is where I was coming from. Okay. Okay.
5:32:48 I guess my viewpoint is though is the point is to engage the community and so we're going to the community. So if we
5:32:56 have different areas for for the community to attend, I don't see what the big deal is because again these
5:33:03 these are gated communities for a reason. Um it's still the same presentations, the same information.
5:33:09 You're just getting different feedback from different, you know, groups of people or whatnot. You know, you you're right in that it is the same
5:33:16 uh presentation and the same reason why you're going into community community uh gated community. As Mr. Peterson said,
5:33:24 some of those folks don't want to go outside their community. Exactly.
5:33:27 So, if you don't want to go outside your community to a community uh regular city venue where everybody invited, then
5:33:35 I don't think we should be holding community meetings in there and not allowing the public to come in and see.
5:33:41 Okay? If you want to do it in your community, that's fine. But you need to open up that gate at that time. We spend taxpayers dollar to hold these meetings.
5:33:50 And I'm one of those that had had it on my agenda to go to that one. Okay?
5:33:54 Because that was the only one in my schedule that I was able to I thought I could attend until I got the email from
5:34:01 Mr. W kind of like advis advising me not to. and he he of course I made a phone call to him right away and let him know
5:34:08 how I felt about it because I was elected by those same folks in King Ridge and all behind these gated community to represent them too. So I
5:34:17 would still would have loved to go into that community hear what they hear the feedback from them and be able to engage in those people as well. I don't think
5:34:24 any comm any meeting that we doing with DPZ or anybody that we calling community meeting type meeting u on this in this
5:34:34 type of scale should be closed to anyone and they should all as I told Mr. W they should all be advertised for sunshine so
5:34:42 we can go back in we can be able to go into these meeting without fear of violating sunshine law and and attend them. Like I say, I had it on my agenda
5:34:51 to attend and I get a I get the email and I'm like, uhoh, there just went my plan cuz I couldn't attend the one on Monday because I had something else. I couldn't attend the one on Wednesday.
5:34:59 So, Tuesday was the one I was going to go. Uh that's fine if they don't want to come outside their community and they want to
5:35:07 come in. They I feel like gated communities have to then open it up. As Mr. Mr. Bain said, they have to open up to the public. This is a public form.
5:35:16 The whole idea with the community DPZ wants to get information from a community. So they send their
5:35:23 representative to explain okay and then they get that feedback. It's not it's not truly a public meeting. It's for that particular community whether that
5:35:32 community be a 55 and over or the yach club or any other community that's gated that and it's really DPZ is is kind of
5:35:41 gleaning information to bring back and then they bring to us. It's not like what they're trying to keep people out.
5:35:47 They're trying to get information in or information out of those communities. So this way they can get a better rounded
5:35:53 picture of what what we want, what we want as a community, not just this particular section here or that section
5:36:01 there. This way they get a true picture of what Clermont wants.
5:36:06 That's what I think. And I understand, I mean, if if I wasn't allowed to get in, I would be I would be offended, too. But I I don't think that's a question of
5:36:14 that we weren't allowed in. It's a question that they were just trying to get that information from that particular community. And it wasn't a
5:36:22 public meeting. Absolutely not. Because the public couldn't get in. So, it could never be a public meeting in any gated community.
5:36:30 That's not true. Actually, that's not true, though. They could they're not going to open the gate and just let anybody come in, but they could. An HOA could could do that.
5:36:37 Hold on. Hold on. I don't think they would.
5:36:39 But it was and as I told Mr. War, we put it on our Facebook page. We put it on the city website. It was all out there in the public as we were having these
5:36:47 meetings in these places as public meetings. Then it was misinformed.
5:36:52 Well, it was well well it was put out there and that's the way it was. Now, I figured it was okay. And like I say, when I looked at the schedule, I said,
5:36:59 "Hey, I'll go to Kings Ridge." that fit into my schedule. I'll go to the one at Kingsbridgeidge and people if somebody said to me, well, as far I said, well,
5:37:07 far as I'm concerned, it's a public meeting and if I get to the gate and everything, they want to turn away.
5:37:13 We'll have that discussion at the gate because it's like saying, "Okay, I'm having a meeting here acrossing city hall. Uh,
5:37:21 but I'm not going to let the people in Kingsbury in because you don't live in this community here." Okay.
5:37:25 It was a gated I mean, that's the whole purpose of a gated community.
5:37:28 Well, I I tell you what, it's gated community. That's true. But it was supposed to been a public meeting. Okay.
5:37:35 But so it was advertised pretty correctly then.
5:37:38 Well, right. Isn't that what you're saying?
5:37:40 Well, only thing it didn't advertise according to Mr. I was getting from Mr.
5:37:43 W is the fact that he said it wasn't advertised as a sunshine meeting. That's the only reason I didn't go after I I talked with him.
5:37:49 Right. That's a separate issue. But I mean sunshine issue and whether it's be a public or or a community meeting. I don't see how you could ever change. You
5:37:58 know, if you have if you're a gated community, the whole idea is, you know, you you feel like that's the protection of a gated community. Whether it is or
5:38:07 not, that's another thing to say. But I mean, if you can't have a public meeting in a gated community, they're not going to open up all the gates.
5:38:15 Well, in your gated community, if you going to have a meeting, if you want to keep it all all for your gated community, then you do things that's particularly pertaining to your
5:38:23 community. This meeting was about everything happening in the about gathering information for the city of Clermont which makes it's not long a
5:38:31 public community right it was for it should be open to the public okay it should be what I'm saying right and my suggestion Mr. from here on out.
5:38:40 Anytime we do all these, we advertise it as as a sun in the way of sunshine so we can all attend and if we decide to
5:38:49 attend and people want to uh council members or whatever want to engage with the people and everything, they'll be able to do that without fear of any repercussion from sunshine law.
5:38:59 Okay.
5:39:00 Uh is is what I'm saying. Um I don't think we need to do these. And here I am, we got DPZ out here having these
5:39:08 meeting, getting all this information, but I can't attend to hear what the people saying themselves. I got to depend upon DPZ to come back and trans
5:39:16 and try to provide this information to me. I would like to be able to go to the meeting and hear and give my feedback and listen to what the people have to say.
5:39:24 All right.
5:39:25 Don't you think that would like bias the people if you were attending a meeting and you were trying to get their information and you're trying to say,
5:39:32 "Well, this is how you know, they would look at you as, well, you're trying to bias them. I'm not trying to bias.
5:39:38 Get information from a certain cell and you know, that cell has a particular.
5:39:44 So, I think DPC is trying to get a global picture. Let me let me ask you this. I understand what you're saying. Yeah.
5:39:49 You wanted to be there because you wanted to be there and I understand.
5:39:53 No, let me ask you this. This information they gathering, is it only going to pertain to Kings?
5:39:58 No, it's going to probably It's going to contain to the rest of the city. And so why shouldn't the rest of the city be able to come and attend and hear what but the point is to make it more the
5:40:06 point is to reach the citizens and that's a way to reach the citizens is going to their community. That's the point is to get information from the
5:40:14 citizens in those communities. And so I see it as a tradeoff if you really want the information from those citizens in those communities because a lot of them
5:40:22 are going to say no. They may say no. So then you say okay well you're not going to go there but then then DBZD doesn't get that information from them. So the goal is to get the information, right?
5:40:32 Isn't that the goal? To get the information. So if that's the goal, then we have to compromise and be okay with it. If that's the goal is to get the
5:40:40 information at the different communities. That's the goal to get the information.
5:40:44 But like I say, I would like to be able to attend some of these meetings myself without repercussion of having to worry
5:40:49 about violating sunshine law special. um when a lot of the information they're trying to gather from everybody else
5:40:58 having to do pertain to my the area I actually live in the same city I live in and everything. So I would like to hear their feedback as well. Okay. All right.
5:41:07 Now if it's going to be a community meeting where it's only pertaining to what's happening in Kings, close the gate. I have no problem with that. But
5:41:15 this this was supposed been a this is about uh getting information about the whole city of Clout. what the opinion about the whole city of Clement
5:41:22 community uh the city not just Kingsbury I I I understand what you're saying I'm just I understand what you're saying but
5:41:29 my point is is that you cannot control what another gated community does and if the point is is to get information from
5:41:37 these people in different communities then we have to bend some if if that's the if that's the goal to get the information well let me ask you this if I had that
5:41:45 meeting right here in this room and we bu we build it as a community um sunshine law and everything, right?
5:41:53 Why Why can't they come here?
5:41:56 They could if they wanted to if if they're physically fit cuz some of them may not be physically some of them may not be mobile because of health and age
5:42:04 reasons and stuff too. So again, my point is is the point to get the community from different communities to hear what these people are saying and
5:42:12 their viewpoints or is the point to be right? Well, I don't want to be this, but they can say they may not be mobile and and like I said, according to my
5:42:21 schedule, the three time that was scheduled, the only one I looked at that was available for me was the King Ridge.
5:42:27 Okay? Just like they had a handicap to be able to come here, I had a handicap to be a being able to do that. So, we got to consider that if you're going to
5:42:35 be public meetings in the United Gated community, they need to be able to open up to the public. Okay. Um, I think
5:42:42 we've had this discussion a few times, Mr. War. I think um that's that's I just think anytime any of these Tourettes or
5:42:52 whatever we call them, we go doing out there for public, they should be able to be advertised as public meeting with
5:42:58 sunshine implication. So, if council members or somebody want to attend, they can attend without having to uh be
5:43:06 worried about sunshine law. Okay? they can hear from your hearput.
5:43:11 All right. Uh can I go? Sure.
5:43:16 Okay. Um I absolutely agree that we need to go to the people. I think that we
5:43:22 need to go to the people and period. So then the question be I mean if we had 30
5:43:29 public meetings next month in every single neighborhood in Clermont, I would be happy. Mhm.
5:43:35 And I don't care if the gates are closed, if the gates are open. I don't care if it's in their public lawn or their clubhouse or a person's home. It
5:43:43 makes zero difference to me. We need to get the public's feedback. So then the issue is, okay, what about sunshine law?
5:43:51 So I'm going to go extreme and say we're all grown adults. We all agreed to sunshine. We all know what it says.
5:43:56 There's no I have every intention of going to every single meeting. I want to hear what the public says. Now, I
5:44:05 remember us going through this in February and I requested that we all keep our mouths shut so that we don't have a sunshine law issue. And my
5:44:14 recollection is that after that I was told I don't get to ask any of you to shut your mouths and that we're not
5:44:21 going to agree to that rule. So, as far as I'm concerned, we just need to respect sunshine. And if I talk first
5:44:28 about an item, don't respond to me. And if you talk first, I won't respond to you. And maybe we might say, "I'll handle this one and you handle that one
5:44:35 and we just recognize that sunshine exists." We could we could just, you know, be elected officials in that
5:44:42 regard. Or we might say when it's a private community meeting, we publish it as a community meeting open only to that
5:44:49 community and we all agree when those situations happen, we keep our mouth shut. I'm happy with any of those
5:44:55 solutions, but I I 100% support going into the community and I can either self-regulate or we can agree to a rule
5:45:04 that we'll all follow. But I encourage every one of us to go to every one of these meetings because we represent all
5:45:10 the people. And I I'm open to keeping my mouth shut and I'm open to recognizing
5:45:19 and honoring sunshine. All of those work for me. But going into the and I think probably somewhere in the world of we notice community meetings as community
5:45:27 meetings. We advertise this one is open to the public or we say this one is not open to the public. And then we as five adults sit here and say this is what we
5:45:36 all agree we're going to do when we individually the five of us for the 50,000 of them when we're in the same
5:45:43 space how are we going to conduct ourselves? And I'm happy with whatever we come up with. I truly am.
5:45:50 Yeah. But I have found having gone to the meetings, there are times that there are questions that are asked. And
5:45:57 sometimes because we're involved with as many things that we are, we happen to be the people who have the answers. And if
5:46:04 that happens, do we really want to say we can't talk or do we want to say, "Hey Brian, you know about this one. Do you want to take it?" Or we might say, "Hey
5:46:12 Shandra, this is your neighborhood. Do you want to take it?" I mean, we go to events together. We go to League of Cities things. We go to Christmas
5:46:21 parties. Shandra and I were invited to the same event last night. Sometimes we're in the same space. As long as we don't talk about city business, we're
5:46:28 fine. We're allowed to talk to each other and be humane to each other and to the public. So, I'm open for whatever you all want to do. But my votes going
5:46:36 to be on the issue of do we go to the public? Yes, we go to the public. And then I think the question is when it's private and I think it's great to say,
5:46:44 "Hey staff, can we ask these communities if they're willing to open the gate?" I agree with you, Mr. Bain. I I think
5:46:52 that's a perfectly appropriate thing to ask. But I also think it's a perfectly appropriate thing for them to say, "No, it's just a request." And then we notice
5:47:00 it properly and then we have whatever agreement on the third issue, which is sunshine. So that's where I'm at. How do we feel?
5:47:08 Is there common ground anywhere? Well, like you say, you're right. And I don't have no problem going out to the community. That's what it's all about
5:47:15 and reaching the community. And like I said, they are they are part of the community. So why can't I go in there and listen to what they have to say about I'm so sorry. You should have gone.
5:47:25 I I'm sorry that you had that feeling because you did miss out and and and I hope you're at all of them. The people love you.
5:47:31 And actually when I looked at my schedule, I was going to try it, but then my schedule didn't allow but I made Pacific. I say, "Okay, I will skip this one so I can go to King's Ridge tomorrow
5:47:39 because I got something else to come up here. I can't do this one." And I was about 30 minutes away from getting in my car when I see the email come from Mr.
5:47:47 Wall. And I called him and we had a conversation about it. So, I ended up not going because of that. Um, I hear what he say because I'm the type of
5:47:56 person if I go to these meetings and things are being discussed, somebody come and ask me something, I'mma answer the question. I don't care whether you
5:48:03 there or anybody else. I'm ask question because that's what they expect of me. Yeah.
5:48:08 So that's why I say when we do these things, we just we just build them with the intention of if council member show up and sunshine and and we'll be able
5:48:16 free to talk. Okay. I've been told that yeah, you attending them all. And I've some people come back and say, "Well, uh Miss Allison Strange was speaking."
5:48:24 I say, "Oh, okay." But we was asked not to say anything at these things, you know. And I and that's why the first round I didn't hardly go to because I
5:48:32 knew if I went to him the first round I was probably going to see and especially me when I go in they gonna start asking question and the one I did even Mr.
5:48:42 North first thing he well the mayor is here you know I have to get up and say well I'm speaking as a resident of the community not the mayor okay
5:48:49 because he expected me to speak of course there was no other council member there so I was in safe confinement but still
5:48:55 yeah and again on the issue of us I'm open to either one we can agree to be quiet but I think the public should also know
5:49:03 if we're not going to talk hey there's a sunshine it's not noticed they're here to listen to you they're not here to talk to you I think that's fair and I
5:49:12 think the public would be fine with that. Here's how you can reach us.
5:49:14 Here's our contact information. You know, however we want to handle that, but I don't think we should not go into the public because we are five
5:49:21 individuals that have a sunshine law restriction that makes our lives difficult. That that's not their problem. That's our problem.
5:49:27 Well, like I say, we elected by the people. So, I think when we go out there, I I don't want to restrict you from having not being able to say anything. I don't want to be restricted.
5:49:35 If you go out there, you like I say, people expect you to talk. If they ask you a question, they want answers and I'm okay with that.
5:49:42 So I think and so just like with me if we just advertise them with sunshine law uh and
5:49:50 but we can't if it's closed. So that's the issue. So if it's closed it means we don't get the freedom of speaking in a public forum and the sunshine law
5:49:59 applies. If it's an open meeting and it's advertised as an open meeting then we can talk however we want to talk. But I think Mr. Mr. Peterson makes a good
5:50:07 point is we do want to be careful that we're not leading the conversation. Um, so yeah. So I think the last question on
5:50:15 the agenda item, should they always be noticed in a manner to permit council member discussion which would be a public meeting which would which would
5:50:22 allow um to cover sunshine. I I don't think we have three votes to say yes. So the direction is continue as we are and I think we move on to item number 23.
5:50:33 Well, for what it's worth, I think there is a distinguishment if it is a because I was confused by that. If it is a community meeting, let's use that word
5:50:41 community meeting and identify whether it's open to the public or whether it's a private meeting for that community so that that's known to the public and not
5:50:50 confusing to I would just call it the name of the community. I mean, because community me if I were a resident, I would say community meeting. I would think that's for anyone in our community, anyone in
5:50:59 Clermont, not good advice, not just uh a community. So, I think, you know, language does matter. Um, I brought this
5:51:07 up because I I I just genuinely feel like if the city is hosting a meeting in a location, it ought to be public
5:51:14 and it ought to be open to anyone in our public to attend unless it is a neighborhood specific
5:51:23 request. Um, this the the comprehensive plan is not a neighborhoodspecific item.
5:51:29 It's a it is a city of Clermont item and so that's why that's just where my concern came. Um and uh it does not seem
5:51:38 like we have some consensus to do that differently right now. And so um we'll proceed as we are and move forward.
5:51:46 Okay. I'm okay with that. All right.
5:51:48 Well, I appreciate you explaining it because I heard it from some people and I'm like I don't understand I don't understand the question. So at least now I understand your concern and
5:51:57 um Okay. Let me ask this question. Let me and then we going to move on. Well, Mr.
5:52:02 Taylor, we mentioned he he he lived the community right behind that. Oh yeah.
5:52:08 He's a gated community. So why they didn't go in his gated community and get get consensually his community is two three times the size of King Bridge.
5:52:17 It's a great question.
5:52:18 See, so why didn't we go in there and you know and get some you want to see from input? Yeah.
5:52:24 From people. I mean, I think you got two or three times the number of homes in Heritage Hill than you got in King's Ridge, but yet still. And he couldn't
5:52:33 come in just come skip across the street and come in and listen to what was going on. See, and this is what I'm saying.
5:52:38 Don't advertise that as community. If it's going to be a community meeting, then keep it information pertain to that community, not the city. Okay? You know,
5:52:48 this is a citywide meeting far as I'm concerned. Uh information gathering for the whole city, not just that community.
5:52:55 Okay. Uh, but we going to move on. Uh, you okay with where we are, Mr. Bain? I think I heard you say, so you don't want to take any other actions, right?
5:53:02 Ordinance number item number 23, uh, ordinance number 2026-024.
5:53:11 Introduction.
5:53:12 An ordinance of the city council of the city of Clermont, Lake County, Florida, amending chapter 18 of the code of ordinances to include definitions and
5:53:20 prohibitions relating to elicit discharges and elicit connections to the city's municipal separate storm water
5:53:29 system and to establish inspection, monitoring, and enforcement authority relating there to providing for conflict, severability, administrative
5:53:37 correction of scrivener's error, codification, publication, and effective date.
5:53:43 Okay. Introduction. Do we want a motion or you want to open up a public with let's say council?
5:53:50 I would just move to uh approve intro ordinance number 2026-024. I second.
5:53:57 I have a motion and a second for approval introduction of storm water management. Any further discussion? No sir.
5:54:03 Hear none. All in favor let it be known by saying I. I.
5:54:06 All oppose. Chair vote I as well. Motion carries 50. Item number 20 4, ordinance number 2026-028.
5:54:15 Intro an ordinance granting to Duke Energy Florida LLC DBA Duke Energy non-exclusive rights of right rights of
5:54:24 way utilization franchise prescribing the terms and conditions related to the occupancy of municipal streets and
5:54:32 rights of way in the city of Clermont Florida for the purpose of providing electric service providing for severability of provisions and providing an effective date.
5:54:43 I'd like this one to be a public meeting, please. Or open. I need to talk about it.
5:54:51 I can give you an introduction then. I mean, from staff perspective, um, you currently already have a a franchise and you passed an ordinance 30 years ago.
5:55:02 The term of your deal with the power company expires next month. And so as a result, uh, Duke reached out last year,
5:55:10 got way ahead of it, and the city and Duke Energy started negotiating. We have representatives from Duke here who have
5:55:17 patiently waited. Um, we've been in uh, you know, I, it's been a comprehensive discussion, negotiation. You've been a
5:55:24 part of those discussions. We've relayed all of your concerns um, to Duke Energy.
5:55:29 the ordinance that you have before you as a result of the negotiation, which we did not put on the agenda until we felt that some of your conditions had been
5:55:38 met. Um, so what this would do is it would renew the uh the deal with Duke
5:55:46 for 10 years instead of another 30 years. But in exchange, um, they would agree to help us if we're doing
5:55:55 right-of-way work on the streets, uh, with holding up their infrastructure if we need, and that's something that we've had to do and pay for in the past.
5:56:03 They're willing to do that at no charge.
5:56:06 In exchange, uh, we wouldn't make them have to pay permit fees um, every time they want to do certain right-of-way
5:56:13 work. So um this is something that has each side has had some asks and it's before you today
5:56:22 but it's just introduction tonight right final final vote end next to two we next council meeting July 28th
5:56:31 end of July okay public I'd like to make a motion to Oh I please don't no
5:56:38 I'm going to cut you off real quick. Do we want to do public comment? I'm going to go ahead and do public comments.
5:56:44 I thought I just Well, uh, this is a public forum. Anyone in the public wish to, um, comment on
5:56:51 this item may come to the microphone, state your name and address, and have three minutes.
5:56:56 Anyone in the public wish to address this item, item number 24, or number 2026-028, may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing none, we got four.
5:57:08 Just kidding. Oh, okay. How dare you? Okay.
5:57:14 You You just gave Miss Strange a heart attack over here.
5:57:20 Okay. Well, I'mma close the public comment and bring it back. What say what say you, Miss Strange?
5:57:25 Okay. Um, so I've had some engagement with the public. Um, as a result, I mean, just kind of in the interest of
5:57:33 transparency, I I have actually known council for Duke Energy for a couple decades.
5:57:39 um and didn't know she was involved until Friday and um with the blessing of
5:57:47 our attorney, I spoke to her about the issue that I had asked that's not in this with buried lines. So, starting to
5:57:55 convert from the polls to buried lines and what that might look like and how it might look. And and one of the things that she mentioned, and I only bring it up because in the first reading, if
5:58:04 there's going to be changes, we need to talk about it. And so I didn't want to miss the opportunity. Um it's my understanding that Duke Energy has some
5:58:12 standard kind of agreements that they will do when they're working with cities to address some of the concerns that I had. Um the four items that I spoke with
5:58:22 her about and with our attorney is um moving forward with some sort of plan where when we're replacing poles where
5:58:29 we can burying the the infrastructure, moving forward with any location that is having blackouts, brownouts, it is um
5:58:39 something that came up during the comprehensive plan meetings and it's something that I've heard from several property owners downtown which I think really relates to the age of the
5:58:47 infrastructure downtown. So places with black and brownouts that are happening frequently starting to replace those or
5:58:53 ideally underground infrastructure that so anything that's old looking again as we're replacing something let's
5:59:01 be focusing on doing an underground and then as we're working on any sort of trails or trail systems anticipating that that could be happening so that if
5:59:09 we are working on widening sidewalks things along those lines as we're digging into the earth let's bury the lines whenever we can. So, those are the
5:59:18 four areas that I asked that between now and the final reading, um, Mr. Wah and, um, council for Duke work on some sort
5:59:27 of agreement to bring back to supplement what's already been provided to us tonight. So, I'm going to move forward tonight with the understanding it's the first reading. U, but those are going to
5:59:36 be areas that I'd like to see addressed before the second reading comes up.
5:59:41 I got three. I got burying when relocating poles, brown and blackout areas, trails, paths. What was the fourth? Anything that's old or historic.
5:59:50 Old or historic.
5:59:54 Okay. The other thing that I'm I went to a conference a while ago with Duke Energy and they had a whole thing with solar street lights and you know saving
6:00:03 energy and things like that and they had this person I spoke to said they have a leasing program which is very reasonable because this way you would lease it from
6:00:12 them and if it breaks then they fix it and it has you know has a pretty long you know it has a long life expectancy
6:00:18 and it it could green our city a little bit you know and I don't know if they have anything to talk about that maybe the next meeting.
6:00:26 I I figure the attorneys can handle it between now and then, but I wanted to create opportunities. Yeah. To put it in the final. Good. Okay. Okay.
6:00:36 So, can I have a motion for you?
6:00:40 I'll make a motion to accept what you say, Mr. W.
6:00:45 No, I I just don't know if Duke's willing to agree to these things. I I I don't know.
6:00:50 If I if I may. Yeah. council. Um Katie Christian, director of government relations for Duke Energy. Um thank you very much for for allowing us to be here
6:00:59 and considering this. Um so yes, I spoke with uh Council Member Strange. Um
6:01:06 undergrounding is really um got we're regulated by the state by the Florida Public Service Commission at the state level. um and we submit our plan to the
6:01:16 state about what we're going to underground based on reliability, based on um some of the state requirements for
6:01:23 storm hardening. Um so that plan is really already in place. Um we definitely have with other cities done a
6:01:32 memorandum of understanding that talks about working together on undergrounding um and looking at things like
6:01:39 reliability uh while we are um you know upgrading our facilities and things like that. So I think there's some aspirational language that we could put
6:01:47 together where we work with the city and coordinate. Um so I think we could work on that. Um but definitely
6:01:55 um you know there is some case law saying that cities can't require Duke to put things underground just because we are regulated by the states and not local governments.
6:02:06 So I'm not sure about that. I mean but I mean I I think you're right. I mean I
6:02:14 don't have we don't have like eminent domain power to or some kind of police power to compel Duke to do it. But I do think it could be a part of a
6:02:21 negotiation. But that said, if Duke is willing to I get what I think I hear you saying is that we could put something in
6:02:30 there about good faith efforts to reach a memorandum of understanding for a a process on undergrounding
6:02:38 infrastructure as it comes. I mean, I guess what would that be the tri what would the trigger be for something like that?
6:02:44 I was really thinking more of a separate agreement called the memorandum of understanding. And so the there's franchise agreement separate and then we have a memorandum of understanding and
6:02:52 why not reference it in the ordinance and say we intend on entering a memorandum of understanding.
6:02:57 Yeah, we could do that. Um so yep. Um yeah, so we can think about it and how how it works and what the trigger is and all that sort of thing.
6:03:09 How a lot of times we do like quarterly meetings with the city so that we're making sure that we are coordinating and And that's how we implement it.
6:03:20 Is quarterly meetings in the franchise agreement? No. No. Should it be?
6:03:24 But it's something that we can put in the memorandum. Some memorandums have that. Are you willing?
6:03:30 Yeah. And I I'll just say they've been extremely responsive and have gone out of their way to communicate and I feel
6:03:37 very comfortable with the team from Duke working with them. I I I have no concerns. Thank you. Okay.
6:03:46 So, we like underground and we like creative solutions for green, you know, solar lighting and things like that and the aspirations
6:03:54 that's always available. I mean, that's if I'm not mistaken, we've already been working on putting some things underground anyway, right? Like in the downtown area, I think we put stuff in.
6:04:03 That is correct. When when it was available, we've already been converting some of them already. So, never been a problem. And of course,
6:04:11 like I used to say, I was always told you have to get approval from the state or something on it. But I know in uh when we did our streetscape, a lot of
6:04:19 the stuff was converted and put down underground downtown. So yeah. And Patty just reminded me, Patty is the um
6:04:27 government community relations manager for this area. Reese Patt is your large account manager. So they're here here with me. Um and she just reminded me
6:04:34 that um city manager at Wagner has a note about areas that we are currently undergrounding. Okay. So we are currently doing some of that.
6:04:42 Yeah.
6:04:43 And I thought I thought a lot of the things in the wellness waver been underground.
6:04:48 Now that is not in our service territory.
6:04:50 Yeah. I know. See, but not just you all but them down there. Uh because this is one of the things we've been over the years we've been working on it like
6:04:58 welders way. I think a lot of the uh electricals and everything underground.
6:05:02 very effective for cities and I think Mr. W and I have talked about this to have developers do the undergrounding, right?
6:05:10 That's usually the easier, cheaper way to do it. Yeah.
6:05:14 But I I think in the past in some of the areas where we've been able to do it at a reasonable cost and everything, we we converted a lot of some of the stuff
6:05:22 underground already. We've already been working with so great. I know we did downtown. Yes.
6:05:28 Because I was getting a lot of heat from the bricks and everything and I said, "Well, forget about that. Look at what we doing with the infrastructure. That's more important. Okay. And then the
6:05:37 bricks. Okay. But uh we appreciate I've been happy with pretty much everything with Duke over the years and everything.
6:05:44 Service sometime, you know, we have to push them a little harder sometimes. Uh so much is going on, but I'm okay.
6:05:53 Again, do I have a motion?
6:05:55 Yeah. I'd like to make a motion to approve the introduction for ordinance number 2026-28.
6:06:01 I second with Oh.
6:06:04 Oh, I'm sorry. That's her with all Councilman Strange's stipulations for an MOU.
6:06:13 Okay. All right. All right. Have a motion in in a second to approve of U for introduction of ordinance number 2026-028
6:06:22 to include all Councilman Strange uh stipulation stipulation forou
6:06:29 memor understanding. All right. Any further questions or discussion?
6:06:35 Hearing none. All in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. I. All oppose. Share vote. I as well. Motion carry 50.
6:06:43 Uh item number 25.
6:06:45 Do we need Do we need a five minute otherwise I'll I'm happy to just get up on my own. I'm going to take five.
6:06:49 I'm so sorry. I But for Yeah, you got I have all the time in the world. Absolutely.
6:06:55 920 if that's okay. Thank cuz
6:07:08 they see we'll go ahead and get started back.
6:07:18 I'm so sorry.
6:07:32 I hadn't g but I'm f to g.
6:07:45 All righty. You ready? Yes, ma'am.
6:07:48 All right, let's start. Uh, Mayor Murry, members of the council, um, we've had the pleasure of meeting with you and briefing you each individually.
6:07:57 So, tonight I just want to do a quick refresher, um, answer any remaining questions that you might have, and then we can move into, um, further discussion
6:08:06 for you guys. Um, the I want to just kind of level set us on why the why the effort. We talked about this at length.
6:08:16 Um, but as you all know, I'm pretty passionate about communications, not just as a way of informing the public,
6:08:23 but a way of engaging um and leveraging communications for for good. Um I also
6:08:30 um shared with you all that that I believe communications is really if not the only one um one of the only
6:08:38 departments in the organization who is specifically designed to again not just inform but also establish emotional
6:08:47 connections to you and your stakeholders and your residents and your businesses.
6:08:52 And so these are all the things that communications has the power to do. they can make people feel engaged and seen and heard and connected. And those are
6:09:01 all incredibly important facets of a strong community.
6:09:06 So, as a reminder, our approach was pretty simple. You all gave us a task, and what we did was roll up our sleeves, get under the hood, and um diagnose some
6:09:15 issues, and then we've got some recommendations for you. We did that by uh evaluating the brand identity for Clermont. We did that by looking at
6:09:24 your website pretty thoroughly. We did a social media audit and then we reviewed several materials that were made available to us. Um, additionally, we
6:09:32 did a competitive analysis and so we put each of those four uh top bullets on
6:09:39 Clermont and we compared them to those of five other cities and they were Winter Garden, Winter Park, Sanford,
6:09:46 Groveland, and CMI. And then finally um we conducted stakeholder interviews um with several people on staff with all of
6:09:55 you uh individually and then also with some external folks.
6:10:01 So I think I'm going to skip this part because I think you all know your what your priorities are. But I just want to again just say that it's um it felt good
6:10:10 as a as a resident of Clermont to know that we are um pretty much aligned with
6:10:17 one another on where we're going as a community and um and and that made me feel good and made me feel like I was part of something um that had a really strong vision.
6:10:30 So let's start with what we discovered.
6:10:31 So, I'm going to I'm going to share with you what we discovered and then I'm going to share um what our recommendations are. So, the first thing that we discovered, it's a little hard
6:10:39 to I hope you guys can read that. It's hard to read up here, but maybe it's better on your screen. Um good. Perfect. Thank you. So, the the
6:10:48 first thing is we need a communication strategy. And there's a lot of reasons for that. Um, real briefly, uh, we
6:10:56 reviewed these, but any strategy for any department, any organization, any entity
6:11:03 at all is going to provide all of these things. And so it makes sense that the communications team, the communications
6:11:10 function for the city um, will have greater alignment and more proactivity, more chances to be proactive, more
6:11:19 consistency, and more efficiency with a strategy. Um and and the added bonus which is probably the the best one of
6:11:29 those five up there is that it it creates stronger trust um not just with the communications team but with the
6:11:36 folks that that you all are representing.
6:11:40 Um this is we reviewed these two um what it looks like. So this we go through a full process from from identifying what
6:11:49 those goals are to all the way down to what resources that would take and that includes a timeline and a budget. And so it is a a comprehensive plan building uh
6:11:58 program but once you have it it's worth every every um effort that we put into it.
6:12:08 So the second thing that we need um as a city are policies, procedures and processes. Um I I've pulled out some
6:12:16 some examples of these. Um and I and I um I remember in our conversations
6:12:23 sharing with you that you know we all we all are either in our own businesses or we work for businesses and without
6:12:31 policies procedures and processes those businesses wouldn't run we wouldn't be successful they would fold. Same is true
6:12:39 for any organization, right? So for a government entity and I know a lot of departments um have these um certainly
6:12:48 at in in Clermont um the communications team will benefit from those as well.
6:12:53 And so those are everything from event marketing briefs to how do we manage um when we get immediate inquiries coming in to how do we handle a crisis, right?
6:13:02 Right. And so there's varying levels of risk depending on what we're talking about, but it's al always so important to have these things that are in place
6:13:10 in advance and everyone's aware of them so that you're not scrambling at the last minute and you miss something or you didn't do as good a job as you thought you were going to do.
6:13:21 The next thing is we need tools and systems. I think this is kind of where I saw your eyes light up almost every one of you on the tools and systems because
6:13:29 they are for they're built for efficiency. Um and I did share with you that they were um fairly affordable. So I do have some some even just initial
6:13:38 pricing for each of these. So I'll share that with you tonight because you did ask about that.
6:13:51 Oh. We do. We need Let's start here.
6:14:02 Maybe I'm No. Oh, yeah. I can just do that.
6:14:12 Okay. There's your mouse if you need it.
6:14:14 Oh, no. I'm good. I can just advance here. Right. Yep.
6:14:17 There we go. Look at that. Okay. So, the first tool that we talked about was a social media management tool that will
6:14:24 allow the the communications team to um to to plan, to add content, to publish,
6:14:34 and then to get reports out um all in one tool. And and this is especially important for an organization like
6:14:42 Clermont where it's not just the communications team that is doing the the posting, right? It's also the police
6:14:50 department and fire department um and and parks and wreck. So So a tool like this, whether we just invest in it and
6:14:57 and kick the tires with the communications team or we decide, hey, this looks like a really cool thing. Let's try it for multiple departments.
6:15:05 Um it is it is a gamecher. Um and I I speak from personal experience on that.
6:15:11 Just um for uh just for your reference, Sprouto, which I'm showing you up here,
6:15:19 is $299 a seat a month. And so if we were to purchase um two seats, that
6:15:26 would be $36. Someone check my math. I'm not a good math person. I'm a more creative. $3,600 a year.
6:15:35 Is that two people? Okay, perfect. Okay, so one person for one person.
6:15:43 Thank you. Thank you. I I did ask that at the beginning. So, it's $3,600 for one person for the entire year. And you
6:15:51 could get away with that for this for the communications team because one person will be primarily accountable,
6:15:58 right, for that. and then whoever else needs to jump in there for vacations or what have you, they can just use the login. So, it's a pretty affordable uh
6:16:07 tool there. The second tool that we talked about was a project management tool. Um, and again, this is just a way
6:16:14 to keep teams, cross departmental teams, um, communications teams, anyone that's even project teams that are working on
6:16:23 things that have deadlines and have to be done and everybody is relying on one another. um this is a beautiful tool for
6:16:30 that. There's all kinds of different um levels of of technology um and uses. I'm
6:16:37 showing you a very simple one called Monday. And for Monday, you get 10 seats a month for $220.
6:16:46 So, um and what would that be? I'm I now I don't trust myself. I think it's 26.40.
6:16:56 So, it's around there. It's around there. Yeah. A month. Yeah. Each 10.
6:17:03 Yes. Correct. 10. You get 10 seats on that one, which is good because you I mean, it wouldn't really help you if you were just one person. So, you can have
6:17:10 10 people that are using this project management tool and it cost you $220 a
6:17:16 month. Um, the next tool is chat GPT or an an other type of productivity AI. I
6:17:26 did price out chat GBT for business. Um I my clients always ask me and have
6:17:32 hesitation around AI because it they are worried that we're putting confidential information in that we're putting in
6:17:40 information that could be competitive with others and it would allow other people to kind of learn off of our backs. The way we get around that is
6:17:48 that we step it up to a business um program. So, chat GPT for business, which is what I use, it's a closed
6:17:55 system. Um, I just set my my settings on closed system and anything I put in there, it cannot it does not get shared
6:18:03 anywhere and so no one can learn from anything that I'm putting in there for any of my clients. So, it's um I it's a
6:18:10 godsend for me. Um uh and then chat GBT for two seats it's um $40 a month for $480 for um for business.
6:18:23 So So the next thing so that those are all tools and I'm I'm excited about those for you guys. The next thing is we need a stronger brand identity. We
6:18:31 talked a lot about this. Um, and just real briefly, when we're looking at the current brand standards, they're really
6:18:40 strong for the logo and for the colors and for the positioning line, but as I shared, they leave a lot open to
6:18:48 interpretation. And so what we would recommend is actually going um into a
6:18:55 much more robust um aspirational brand guide that everything on the left hand side all of those bullets it includes in
6:19:03 that. So you've got tone of voice, you've got messaging pillars, you've got all kinds of things that that once it's
6:19:12 there and and it's distributed and everybody embraces it and starts using it, then you start to look like and s
6:19:20 first of all, you already look like because I've already said, you know, primary colors. I know it's Clermont, but when you have this new guide in
6:19:28 place and people are using it, then you start to sound like you sound like the same thing and you feel like the same
6:19:36 type of community. And again, if you go back to those emotions at the front end, we can't establish those emotional connections with people without speaking
6:19:45 from the same sheet of music. So on the brand positioning, this was one of those uh conversations that we
6:19:54 actually enjoyed having um uh internally because you all you know you have a a
6:20:02 choice of champions. It was developed back in 2014 or at least it was codified in 2014 in the brand standards manual
6:20:10 and that's been a long time. And so I think it was very fair for folks to say, okay, does this still work for us or do
6:20:18 we need something else? And in our research, particularly the the research that we did with the other cities, we
6:20:25 came away really believing that you all have a distinct and ownable
6:20:33 tagline, positioning line in choice of champions. Now, right now, we're not necessarily we're definitely not using
6:20:41 it consistently and there aren't any guidelines around how to use it. And so, this new brand guide would provide all of those brand would provide all of that
6:20:49 those, you know, how to how to actually use it um and when to use it and how to use it correctly.
6:20:56 And we went through this. Um, I I did want to bring up the one on veterans because I didn't I didn't spend any time with
6:21:04 veterans in any of your meetings, but I know veterans are incredibly important to Clermont. Like every meeting I've
6:21:11 been to for for the city council, I hear about either about veterans or from veterans. And so that's part of our
6:21:20 community fabric. And so this is a a champion spotlight and and it's focused on our heroes. Um, and I'm not going to
6:21:28 read through it all, but it it just it allows us to communicate in such a way that that there's no question what our
6:21:36 brand values are, right? And so it's it's kind of evolving. We're not going to abandon who we who we are as a
6:21:44 community, which is that rich rich history and culture um surrounding wellness and health and sports. We would
6:21:52 never abandon that, but we just want to expand it so that more people can relate to that positioning line. Um, and so we
6:22:01 don't think you should you should abandon that one at all. We think you should um just expand it and get more use out of it.
6:22:09 We need insights. You know, it's interesting sitting back in the in the audience today. Um, and you all of course had robust conversations around
6:22:17 the parking garage and not that this would be anything that we would do now.
6:22:23 And I'm not sure how far we would have had to gone back to to get insights on this from from the community, but as I
6:22:30 shared with you, there is a there is a tool. It's called Flush Vote and I work with them a lot for other municipalities
6:22:37 and it is a a survey tool and it is designed to poll um a panel of community
6:22:46 and once you reach a certain number of of people that have signed up to take this poll, you are at a statistically relevant number. And so that means that
6:22:56 whatever you're asking about, you can be confident that the results represent
6:23:02 your entire community. And so and and then you can you can ask questions that
6:23:10 are are important, right? Or that you want more more information on. You want to hear more from your community. Now,
6:23:17 there are some limitations. I think that they're actually there they're there benefits to this program. Um, but there would be limitations in asking, you
6:23:25 know, significant numbers of questions because flash vote only asks five questions and it takes less than five
6:23:32 minutes. It's open for 48 hours and then once it's over, it's the pillar of transparency because every single thing
6:23:41 that we see as a city, all the results, all of the all the comments, the word forword verbatims, they're all available
6:23:48 to the public. And so if you think about kind of things that that you all have wanted to know more what I wish I knew a
6:23:56 little bit more about how people were feeling about this or something that's coming up. This would be a good tool for that. So and this one um as I I think I
6:24:06 shared with most of you this is actually about $12,000 a year. You get four um four surveys in English language um for
6:24:14 that cost. If you wanted to add a second Spanish language or another language, um that would be a little bit more. And then any other surveys that you want to
6:24:23 add beyond the four, it's only for uh $1,500 a survey.
6:24:29 All right. And then finally, we need a communications team.
6:24:34 Um we were able to kind of evaluate just from a a
6:24:41 a focus. I'm just moving on. Let's just move on people. Um team organization um
6:24:49 is what we is where we started because right now we've got one one person on the team who is you know from a capacity perspective is very very over capacity.
6:25:01 Um and so we stepped back. We took people out of the boxes and we said okay if we were going to create and we have done this many times. If we were going
6:25:10 to build you a communications team how would we start? where would we start?
6:25:14 What would what does that look like? And so we started with all right, what are the things that we'd ideally like to
6:25:21 have covered by that team? So, so for this one, we're recommending a threeperson team. It could grow, it
6:25:29 could grow more than that. And if you have budget restrictions at the front end, you don't have to hire. In fact, I don't recommend that you hire all three at the first right out of the gate
6:25:37 because when you get your leader in here, that leader is the one that really should have a say in who they bring on
6:25:43 to the team. So, um, but it having the threeperson team, if if all of those
6:25:52 things at the top of those six bullets can be covered by those three people, that's fantastic.
6:26:00 Um, so we're recommending the first the first hire um would be someone in a communications and engagement director
6:26:07 role. And so you see all of these primary focus um things. It doesn't mean that this person has to be an expert in
6:26:15 everything. It just means they have to understand it and had some experience in it. doesn't have to me that doesn't mean
6:26:22 that they have had to lead crisis communications or um you know executive communications. They just had to be
6:26:30 familiar with it and and know how to get resources for themselves.
6:26:35 I also think that this person is um has some government relations just having come in and and worked with folks that
6:26:43 don't have a lot of government relations uh or government um experience. they they can struggle and it can be a little
6:26:51 bit harder to ramp up. So, um just something to consider.
6:26:56 The second person that I would hire is a digital content and multimedia manager.
6:27:02 This is the person that's going to manage your Sprouto. And this is the person that's going to do all of your
6:27:09 website content and your all of your social media management. Um they're going to they're the utility player. And
6:27:16 so they they've got special skills and and in certain channels and they've got special expertise that they bring to the
6:27:23 table. It's all in the digital space and they're the they're doers. Um they manage projects. They they could manage
6:27:30 people. They don't have to, but they do manage a lot of big projects and and they're reliable, you know, they and they also, you know, very much support
6:27:38 the communications and engagement director. And then finally, um I we're recommending a community engagement
6:27:45 coordinator. And so this is not to say that this is the only thing this community this this third coordinator
6:27:53 would do because it's a small team and everybody's going to have to support the other person, right? It bec everybody's
6:28:01 just every week sit down. What are the priorities? Okay, I need help with hit this and this and everybody's got to gel really well together and be willing to
6:28:09 do whatever it takes. But I do like having someone on the team who is focused on community engagement so that
6:28:17 they wake up every morning and that's what they're thinking about. And so that could be workshops, that could be neighborhood huddles, that could be
6:28:25 going out to events, that could be managing the the um survey uh tool we just talked about. Um, lots of things could fall up under that, but this is
6:28:33 the person that is that is out there with that has the closest ear to the ground for your constituents.
6:28:45 And that is my very brief truncated presentation and I hope you um liked that it was truncated. So, thank you.
6:28:54 You're welcome. Happy to answer any questions.
6:28:57 Yes, ma'am. What do we have? Anyway, we'll get back with you in a minute, but in the meantime, this is a public forum.
6:29:02 Anyone in the public wish to address this item may come to the microphone and state your name and address and have three minutes.
6:29:09 Anyone in the public wish to address this item may come to the microphone, state your name and address and have three minutes. Seeing no one, I close.
6:29:18 No. Okay, we close public comment. Bring it back to council. What say council?
6:29:27 I have a couple of questions. if it's if I can start. Um yeah, go ahead. First, thank you. You're welcome.
6:29:34 Um the project management tool that you referenced or any project management, it is that just for communications
6:29:43 engagement or is that project management from a 30,000 foot view that we could even go as far as saying council puts uh
6:29:53 hey, we want to see something happen in 6 months. that could go into this PM tool and it could be yes be there and tracked and and who's responsible and all that kind of stuff.
6:30:02 Absolutely. Yes. It's not communications um focused. It is in you know it's industry and project agnostic. I what I
6:30:09 will say though is if you have um over a certain number of people or a larger a certain size of a project, you may want to look at a different tool. Okay.
6:30:18 But that's all I'll say.
6:30:19 Um I appreciate the fact that you referenced for the three staff the the the
6:30:27 proverbial question of how do we do all this at once and and I think it makes total sense, but I appreciate the fact that you put it out there is hire hiring
6:30:36 the the director first and allowing then the director to build their team. Um, have you provided with city staff or are
6:30:44 you prepared to provide um here an idea of what kind of um overall budget or
6:30:53 startup budget uh costs would be associated with this?
6:30:58 Yes, actually Dan and I have had multiple conversations. I'm going to let him answer that.
6:31:02 Okay. Yeah, we we do have a budget for all three positions u base salary and all in with benefits and all that stuff.
6:31:09 We have we have that tallied up for all of them.
6:31:11 Okay. Um and will that be a part of the budget process?
6:31:18 Uh well I I think we have enough to get the director on now.
6:31:24 The other two I think the second one the manager one we're close to getting to it now. Yeah.
6:31:30 The last one we definitely have to wait till the budget. Okay. Midyear next year.
6:31:34 Okay. Um, and then my final question, I don't know, I don't know this is necessarily for the presenter, but maybe more for for uh the city manager. Um, is
6:31:43 what are our next steps now that we're here? And it just what what where do we go from here?
6:31:53 Well, we're looking from direction from you all if you'd like to engage this group to work with us and to hire
6:32:02 because we're going to put a budget according to what you're willing to let us do. They've given us a recommendation. They vetted us and we
6:32:09 have no reason to think other than what they've said that that's the best thing to do right now. They've spent hours and hours and hours. So that's if you guys
6:32:18 are willing, we'll put that in the budget and like Dan said, we have enough to get started. And if I can add to that, what what I would like to do in a
6:32:26 in a perfect world is to to get these at least two of these positions now, get the third one later, but also retain
6:32:35 True North to help us while the new directors coming on board to help us write the policies and procedures to
6:32:41 help us write the the uh media training guide and the strategic guide for the communications department. That would be
6:32:50 my dream if if we got everything we wanted tonight. You don't want all three?
6:32:55 I do want all three, but I want to be cautious with the budget and I want to I I want to Your dream.
6:33:00 Well, I mean, I want 10 if you want me to, but No, I'm kidding.
6:33:05 Yeah. I But I I think I I mean, I see it as a department, a new department, right? A communications department. And so the director will come in and they'll
6:33:12 hire one or two people over time and um then we can tackle with everything that that we need to do. This the city's big
6:33:20 enough to have a multi-person communications department.
6:33:33 I'll go. Um, is this you said three people is any portion of that proposal
6:33:42 potentially outsourcable? Is it better if it's inhouse? What what would be your recommendation? What are the pros and cons?
6:33:51 I'm well I'm a little bit biased because I'm a consultant. Um, but I've also been
6:33:58 in house in numerous organizations, big real estate investment firm, workforce development firm, all kinds of things.
6:34:05 So, I've been on both sides of the aisle.
6:34:08 And I've honestly I've never been a place where it's either or. And so
6:34:16 typically organizations will have a a team um inhouse and there's lots of
6:34:24 reasons for that because that's the cohesion that you have with all the rest of the organization because having a
6:34:31 consultant come in and having to have build those relationships in house and with all of you and it it's
6:34:39 daunting. it can be done, but it's daunting and it's probably not the best use of of a consultant's time or money.
6:34:45 So, so I definitely think having that in-house um team is really important.
6:34:50 And I also think too there are certain things like when you have your um emergency operations command center,
6:34:57 right? I mean, that's not something that I I mean, I can and I have, but that's something that is best fulfilled. Um
6:35:06 especially since everybody's, you know, super tight-knit. um that's definitely something that's best fulfilled um with that team. At the same time, there are
6:35:14 certain skill sets that that well let me talk about skill sets and let me talk about efficiencies. So skill sets,
6:35:22 there are certain things like crisis communications or media training, those types of things.
6:35:30 It may not be possible to find the the unicorn in your communications director that has all of that experience and that has the the capacity to do all of it.
6:35:40 And so that might be something that you would want to hire out to do. Um and and when the other part of that is is
6:35:48 efficiencies. When you hire externally in, then you're not committing to
6:35:55 anything beyond whatever the contract says. And our contracts, if we if we're working on a monthly retainer basis, our contracts are 30 days out. So I can give
6:36:04 you 30 days, you can give me 30 days, we walk away friends. That's already built in the contract. Um and and so that
6:36:12 gives a lot of flexibility. Plus, you get the whole team, right? You don't just get one person and and hope for the best. You get a whole
6:36:21 team behind you and you know we're we're you we're all utility players on the on the consulting side. So,
6:36:29 so I don't if I missed it tonight, I apologize, but I recall at your first presentation and in our meeting, we
6:36:37 discussed what I took away as your recommendation that we not have multiple channels of,
6:36:45 for example, on Facebook where we have the city page, the fire department page, police department page, parks and wreck. Is there another one?
6:36:54 I don't think so. I think you got them all. So, uh, Mr. Math, do I remember correctly? You did not recommend that.
6:37:02 What what we'd like to do is evaluate it further because right now the city is on probably 10 different channels. Just the
6:37:11 city is on 10 different channels like Next Door. So, all the all the usual suspects plus Next Door plus plus. So,
6:37:20 what we would recommend is going in and getting rid of some of them. And they're all so obvious because when we did the social media audit, some of them have
6:37:28 zero engagement. Some of them have two followers and yet we're still kind of trying to use those channels now and
6:37:35 that just takes time. It just eats time, right? And it takes you away from something else. So that's the first thing to do. And then the second thing
6:37:42 to do is yes, let's figure out a way to better make use of the the the police,
6:37:50 the fire, the parks and rack or the rack. um and and the city so that we each have a distinct role to play in the universe in terms of communicating.
6:38:02 So police should be should be communicating about X Y and Z and fire X Y and Z. The city gets a lot of stuff.
6:38:11 Now that doesn't mean that if the when police post something that the city wouldn't repost it, right? And so it's
6:38:19 this whole ecosystem that can be built that will solve a lot of the efficiency issues and also make it more meaningful
6:38:27 for the people that are actually following you.
6:38:29 Well, the reason why I asked is perhaps to give Mr. Matthysse a lead on maybe we're allocating staff
6:38:39 resources and possibly payroll to different department
6:38:46 uh social medias that we don't need to do anymore which could alleviate some of those personnel to actually do the
6:38:54 substance of their job and then we could have the media funded from maybe those departments if there I don't know if
6:39:02 they have people or if it's just one person who's doing it, you know, in their free time, so to speak. But I imagine, you know, our police would be better off policing than doing Facebook.
6:39:13 But I could be wrong. I'm just that might be a way to help fund more more quickly the plan. So, don't
6:39:22 don't forget about those because I think we sometimes forget about them. I'm pretty tired, but I like I like it.
6:39:29 I I like the idea, Mr. Matthysse. I'll just put it out there for everybody because I'm kind of losing it is um I
6:39:37 like the idea of engaging True North in a more rigorous role for the time being
6:39:44 while seeking out whatever personnel you think we can come up with. And I I' I'd
6:39:51 like to get started a year ago. So, I'm cool with that. So, however that vote needs to go, I'm there.
6:40:04 Yes, sir. I mean, I I agree with you. I mean, I think probably it should have started two years ago. There was a lot of things that went unanswered, but I'm
6:40:12 not blaming or pointing fingers that it could be just that pe some things maybe are above somebody's expectations. But I
6:40:19 think that the that, you know, when I spoke with you, you you know, it was just a reiteration of what you just said today.
6:40:25 And it was good. I mean, I think we we need to get this going. We need to get it going quickly. The city is growing quickly. We we got to not have
6:40:34 everything, you know, we have fire, we have police, everybody has their own. We need to have it under one umbrella. And then underneath that, they can be
6:40:42 separate, but we have to have some kind of control over everybody for parks and wreck, even public works. Everybody has things that they want to put out, but we
6:40:51 have to get a control of it and have a uniform message. And I think that's where the director is going to come in. So, uh, you know, I'm a I'm a plus vote.
6:40:59 Ready to go now. I'd like to make a motion to uh Hold on. Nope. You just I just got a motion.
6:41:08 Hold on. What's that? Cheers. Okay, good. All right.
6:41:14 So, I guess um a couple things I heard um I heard you
6:41:21 say communic you, Mr. Matthews, talk about a communication department. So, so what about the PIO department?
6:41:30 Public information officer would would would not that position is not recommended to stay in this format.
6:41:42 Now, it would still be in another role within the organization helping out with some of the social media and stuff under
6:41:48 the guidance of the director. But if we do like embed a social media person in
6:41:54 uh police, fire or parks, then that that PIO could serve in that role while helping out under the guidance of the director.
6:42:03 And so basically you're saying eliminate the PO PIO uh office and and go to the communication.
6:42:10 Yeah, the PIO right now is not its own department. It's just it's a it's a oneperson shop.
6:42:14 Well, well, it's a one person department because we we got rid of one, but one person left. Um, and we made no effort to try to hire
6:42:23 another person. And I I feel like uh we have a very capable person right there for especially social media uh that we
6:42:31 that's in that position right now that's capable of probably handling one of this one uh the social media position here.
6:42:37 Um, and I admit when we first hired her a couple years ago, I was a little skeptical about her, but what I've seen
6:42:45 so far uh in the last year or so, basically holding down this whole department by herself uh which we handic
6:42:52 handicapped her uh over the last year and year and a half where she been in the position and we basically put her in
6:42:59 the position um took her from the position she was in which was I think she was hired more for social media and we tried to put her over over over the
6:43:08 top of the department. Um, Mr. Mayor, I want to be very careful that we don't cross into an HR issue
6:43:15 because we don't oversee the hiring of individual personnel beyond the city manager.
6:43:21 You're right. You we we not I'm not trying to cross over into that, but I'm just saying uh we got this person and and I'm hearing these three positions
6:43:29 which I always felt like we needed well three. I kind of like say we needed four for it. I think the first time we met and we talked I told you three maybe four people for the position.
6:43:38 You did?
6:43:39 And and everything. Um and my own evaluation of it and I was the one here.
6:43:45 Um when I first came in as mayor, we only had one person up there running an office and we went out and hired the second position. They're trying to get
6:43:52 there. And of course, we then we lost the person. Okay. And I'm just saying, yeah, we're liking a lot of things here, but we we had this person in there. We kind of handicapped him.
6:44:02 Okay. had not really gave an opportunity to do the job and I think she's very capable. Uh so right now as far as I'm concerned we can move that person right
6:44:09 into one position you go out go out and hire the other ones. Uh and I'm I'm all for the three position like say I'm I'm
6:44:17 leaning towards four really to do the job. Um, we are absolutely happy to keep the PO PIO if you want to if Well, yeah, because I think she what
6:44:25 I've seen so far over the last year and if it if it if it does meet up to social media, I think she's very very capable of social
6:44:33 media, that's what we hired her for to begin with and we took away from that.
6:44:37 Okay. And now we we we trying to handicap her. Uh, going back to social media, going back to social media, we talked about you mentioned I hear you
6:44:45 mentioned about the police department and everything else. I still think the police department um I'm not sure about the fire department, but at least the police department need their own social
6:44:54 media person because and I totally agree with that because it's a lot of rules and things that there that they have to
6:45:02 adhereing to that a regular hearer may not be able to handle. Okay. So, I totally agree with you keeping keeping
6:45:09 it somewhat separate. Okay. On that, the police and the regular social media for the rest of the department and maybe even the fire department. I'm not quite
6:45:17 sure, but I know the police has a lot of little legalities that they have to be aware of. Okay.
6:45:23 Um, other thing I heard you talk about uh comm community uh crisis communication, which is always one of my big things and
6:45:30 why we got to have our own in-house as I I explained to you before when we met. I I truly believe in in-house personnel
6:45:38 especially for emergency crisis emergency situation. Can we continue to do uh handle emergency situation, crisis
6:45:46 situation in a consistent manner? That one person that always make sure it gets out here and and things happen in the middle of the night when things happen.
6:45:54 We got that one person we can call and make sure the message that we send out is consistent each time because that's the key to crisis management. Uh I mean
6:46:03 uh I was just in a I was just in a um class on crisis communications here about four month four or five months ago
6:46:11 you know and everything mayors and all we met and that's one of the classes we talked about crisis communication and some of the uh scenarios or they carried
6:46:18 us through man it was it was really tough but that's why I spoke to you when I spoke to you I always felt like crisis
6:46:26 we got to have that in-house person that we can we can rely on okay uh for emergencies and all uh
6:46:34 branding. I totally agree with you. Um we we we rebranded ourselves some years
6:46:43 ago. I think it was more or less around 2012 2013 there about. And actually I'm thinking it's just not catching hope.
6:46:50 Choice of champion. Even though we brand oursel we went out and spend all this money to to put it all over lo new logos and everything. We didn't start really
6:46:58 utilizing it until the last couple of years. And I know myself every chance I get I try to use it use it as much as I can in speeches and things like this.
6:47:06 And I I think we need to if we going to be choice of champions I think we need to we need to uh utilize that a little bit more. And I don't think we've been
6:47:14 using it to it fullest potential and we even still have some problem and I'm guilty of it. Uh want to refer back to
6:47:22 the gym of the hills. Okay. And everything. I see Main Street a lot of stuff I just saw tonight. Main Street had gym of the hills in it and things.
6:47:30 And I'm guilty of it too because I love gym of the hills. I grew up on the gym of the hills. But um I've come to realize that choice of champion is where
6:47:38 we are now. And we need we need to do more branding of that and with the amount of people and the different people coming in the city and and the
6:47:46 successes of the city, we need to make uh capitalize on it. Not just with veterans but with all the Oh, absolutely. resident for one of the
6:47:55 things I I really that came to me in that area was our medical service here here in the city of Clmont have has have
6:48:04 grown tremendously and we can be champions of of medical service and with the new uh
6:48:12 center we just opened up over here on Hook Street and everything the surgical clinic over there it came to me that wow why aren't we promoting more champions
6:48:20 of medicine with the quality medicine medical we got here and especially with big uh amount of senior citizens we have
6:48:27 here which medical is very important too. So so I I agree on all that but uh so I'm I'm willing at this point I'm willing to say hey let's give let's give
6:48:35 council I mean city staff opportunity to go ahead and as far as I'm concerned let's go out and hire hire three I'm I'm
6:48:42 willing to go to four people myself and everything but I've always felt like we need at least three. I came in here we had one we got the second hired but
6:48:51 shortly after we we lost one. U and we've been basically trying to operate the department with one person and she's been kind of handicapped but I I think
6:48:58 she's capable got some skills that we can really utilize and everything.
6:49:05 I move to direct staff to to uh move forward with a transitional consulting
6:49:12 agreement with True North if they're willing and to immediately move for the fulfillment of the
6:49:21 positions as described by True North so long as we stay within the current budget and that if we need to exceed
6:49:29 that budget that staff come back with specific requests. requests and an explanation for what they need.
6:49:35 Hold on. Just go ahead. You have a second. I'll second.
6:49:37 Second. Mr. Mr. uh Matthew, what are you going to say something?
6:49:41 No, sir. I was just going to say I agree. I agree with you.
6:49:43 Oh, I thought I I thought before she started, I thought I saw you get ready to say. Okay.
6:49:48 So, we have a motion in the second to go ahead and move forward with her um True North for consulting and filling the was that fill the position? Yeah. To start
6:49:56 filling the positions at the recommendation with the guidance of True North as long as we stay within budget and if we need to adjust the budget to have it come back with an explanation of what we need.
6:50:05 Okay. Any further discussion?
6:50:08 Just a clarification question with that uh because it's the way we're doing it.
6:50:13 Will they will that come back as another action to approve the actual positions or is this actually doing it all right here?
6:50:22 Um I think it's doing it all right here.
6:50:24 Sounds good. I support that. say mine what I I'm seeing we've proven it all right here with city manager having the authority to hire
6:50:32 right okay uh again any other further discussion
6:50:40 hearing none all in favor let it be known by saying I all oppose and the chair vote I as well motion carry 50 thank you all have a good one
6:50:48 thank you Lord if um council So, I would like to make a motion for us to adjourn.
6:50:59 Um, I second. Okay. Call for a vote.
6:51:04 Well, it's it's a privileged motion, so it's not one that can be debated actually. So, it it is up for a vote.
6:51:13 Okay.
6:51:14 Um, before I got Mr. Mr. Van Wagner, any
6:51:21 painfully? Yes. I Sorry. I'm going to call a point of privilege or point of order here. If there is a motion to
6:51:28 uh adjourn, we I don't think we have the ability the chair has the ability to ask for additional information. I think we have to vote on it before we do anything
6:51:36 else. I I'm I'm frustrated by that to be honest and I'm going to vote against it, but I I think um I was going to actually
6:51:45 make a motion that we actually enforce our rule of three minutes uh for for all reports, but there's a motion on the
6:51:52 floor. Correct me if I'm wrong, city attorney, you are correct. We have to vote.
6:51:57 Well, we have a motion on on and a second on the floor for uh to go ahead and adjourn. Is there f any
6:52:05 further discussion now that at that point I think I can ask is there anything urgently pressing that
6:52:12 the council need to need to hear again unfortunately I'm going to call the the point of order because I I don't
6:52:19 think we can that's the frustrating part of the motion being made that way is that we have to vote this up or down and
6:52:27 if it approves we adjourn. I'm not agree I'm not agreement what with it. I'm not.
6:52:31 Well, but that's I think I think we have to vote.
6:52:35 Help me make my determination whether I'm vote yes or no. I'm glad to gather some more information. Is is the motion been made? It's been second. I'm asking
6:52:43 for any discussion discussion on the vote.
6:52:47 Well, yeah. Well, all for the whole motion. Yes.
6:52:51 And my question, my concern is hey, is there any uh I asked Mr. Mr. Van Wagner, our city manager. Is there any pressing information this council need to hear?
6:53:01 Okay. And that's going to help me determine whether I say y and when I I call the motion. Okay.
6:53:07 Oh, I mean I think normally when we we make a motion, we have a discussion period or that policy.
6:53:13 I agree. I agree with you. But parliamentary wise, this is a privileged motion that doesn't allow for debate or conversation. And and that's the
6:53:22 frustrating part with it. I agree with you. It's just but it is what it is. Yeah.
6:53:28 Um but
6:53:36 we do have a motion in a second on the floor is no further discussion. All in favor let it be known by saying I. I. All oppose. Nay.
6:53:43 And chair vote and chair vote nay as well. three to two again.
6:54:00 Okay.
6:54:02 Again, I I feel like our residents get get cheated because we we don't want to
6:54:07 understand here to our uh our elected
6:54:17 If not made and adjourn.