here - Satellite Beach

Internet – Newspaper Archives Searches
Wayne Saunders
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
Tab 10
Daily Commercial, The (Leesburg, FL)
February 28, 2004
Clermont declines to offer services to Minneola
Author: PETE SKIBA
Minneola's choices for emergency services got a little slimmer Friday.
Clermont City Council declined to offer an emergency services proposal to Minneola by its
requested 5 p.m. Friday deadline.
"We felt they were placing too many parameters on the services," Clermont City Manager
Wayne Saunders said. "We are open to talk if their negotiations with the county don't work
out."
Months ago, Clermont wanted to offer fire and rescue services to Minneola, but would only do
so if the deal was mutually beneficial, Clermont Fire Department Chief Carle Bishop said.
With Clermont out of the running, Minneola is left with two choices. It could contract with Lake
County again or build its own fire department from scratch. Minneola City Council has said in
the past that building its own fire department could happen in the future, but it could be years off.
Lake County has proposed to build a $900,000 fire station in Minneola to replace the current
dilapidated one. It would retain ownership of the station. Six full-time firefighters with
emergency medical technician certification would be posted to Minneola. A Lake-Sumter
ambulance would also be stationed there, with paramedics.
Displeasure with the county over the emergency services contract about a year ago caused the
current search for an emergency services provider.
"We have made them a fair offer according to the request for a proposal they sent us," County
Manager Bill Neron said. "We hope to hear from them by May 1." Selecting a provider is a long
process, City Councilman and Fire Committee head Joe Teri has said. He expects more
committee meetings before a recommendation is made to City Council.
Page 50 of 69