The Clermont City Council Chambers were filled on Tuesday, January 28, as members of the Lake County Rowing Association (LCRA) passionately voiced their concerns about the future of their boathouse. Rowers and supporters pleaded with city officials to approve an agreement allowing them to continue using the facility they have called home for years.

The issue arose when the city’s management agreement with the LCRA neared its expiration. While Mayor Tim Murry acknowledged he was aware of the contract’s timeline, he had anticipated a routine renewal process. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when he received a letter indicating that other groups were seeking approval for boathouse usage and the council was contemplating other offers.

“I was surprised that a short-term agreement extension would be placed on the consent agenda,” said Mayor Murry, explaining that such an important decision warranted more thorough discussion. The consent agenda is typically reserved for non-controversial matters that city staff or workshops can address without in-depth deliberation. 

The proposed short-term agreement would extend the current contract through July 31, 2025.  City staff recommended the extension to allow additional time for exploring the best long-term management and usage options for the boathouse. Financially, the revenue generated from the agreement has already been factored into the fiscal year 2025 budget. 

The proposed extension would not be advantageous to the LCRA as they prepare for their competitive season.

Tensions were high as rowers and supporters called for greater transparency in the decision-making process. Many voiced concerns that profit motives were being prioritized over community needs.  

Adding another layer of complexity to the debate, City Manager Van Wagner, who is also a local pastor and former mayoral candidate, who lost to Mayor Murry, faced criticism from some members of the public. One speaker acknowledged his strengths as a minister but questioned his qualifications to manage city affairs effectively. 

The controversy surrounding the boathouse is not an isolated incident. Other community spaces under city’s agreements, including CPAC and the Historic Village are underscored by broader concerns about how city resources are managed and allocated. By the end of the discussions, many of the council members seemed to be wavering under the influence of the LCRA members.  

For now, the future of the LCRA and its boathouse remains uncertain. The next opportunity for discussion will be at a city workshop scheduled for Tuesday, February 4 at 5 pm at the Clermont City Center, where stakeholders will have another chance to seek solutions and advocate for their vision of Clermont’s recreational future.

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