The Clermont Fire Department (CFD) proudly showed off the plaque they received after receiving reaccredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). They spent at least 15,000 hours preparing the more than 1,000 documents required and then addressing issues discovered during the self-assessment.
“This is a proud moment for the men and women of the Clermont Fire Department and one that would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of those very same men and women,” Fire Chief David Ezell said. “Our team worked long and hard on this very demanding process and I am extremely proud of our results.”
The Clermont Fire Department is one of approximately 309 agencies to achieve Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. Only 217 fire departments are accredited in the United States. The department was first accredited in 2018 and has maintained that achievement since. Only 4 percent of Fire Departments have CFAI accreditation.
Commissioner Sean Parks, Lake County Board of County Commissioners, District 2 gave a county update. The main issues discussed:
TRAFFIC – Traffic congestion, road resurfacing, traffic lights, impact fees. Citizens are frustrated and though there are plans under discussion, no immediate relief is in sight. Heavy traffic continues on Hancock, SR 50 and Hartward Marsh Roads.
Meet in the Middle Project – Commissioner Parks said the county will be able to provide financial help via the Tourist Tax.
Solid Waste Pick Up is a big problem across the county. Commissioner asked citizens to contact the County Commissioner’s office at 352-343-9850 or email sparks@lakecountyfl.gov if trash isn’t picked up in a timely manner.
City Pay Increase – The city has 62 job vacancies and is presently stretched thin. In response to improved recruitment and retention, the city’s new minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour, and non-bargaining pay scale ranges receive the corresponding adjustment to maintain the current structure. The adjustments would increase both the minimums and maximums of the pay ranges on the pay and classification schedule, and authorize the HR Director to adjust employees’ pay within the new schedule.
The pay adjustments will begin with the payroll, which begins April 10, 2023. All future performance evaluations and merit for non-bargaining employees will be completed and effective the first full pay period in April starting in 2024.
Effective in April 2024 and every year after, the minimum and maximum of all pay grades shall be adjusted at 50% of whatever the council approves as the maximum merit pay for employees.
Mural Signs In the Central Business District – Artwork painted or affixed to building walls, facades or other exterior surfaces shall be limited to the sides and rear building façades on the first floor of any commercial buildings located in the Central Business District. Mural artworks are to be exclusively non-commercial in nature, and in no way identify a product and deemed to provide artistic value and benefit to the surrounding area and not just of benefit to the building or business proposing the mural.
For further information on the above items and other items in the agenda, visit website: CITY OF CLERMONT
