Submitted By: Sarah Andre
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE (Motion Ready):
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Applications to fill two vacancies on the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Ocala City Council adopted resolutions on November 1, 2016, establishing the West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee), and nine members were appointed. Staff is proposing that the CRA Board appoint two candidates to fill expired terms ending on March 1, 2028, and March 1, 2029.
Advisory Committee members shall serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. If a term is vacated, the candidate will serve the remainder of the term.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
There are four eligible applicants for the vacant positions on the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee. Long-serving member Mr. Dwan Thomas resigned, resulting in an unexpired vacancy. Outgoing member Ms. Carolyn Adams’ term has ended, and she will not seek reappointment. Summaries of the applicants’ qualifications are provided below. Please refer to the attached copies of each applicant’s completed application.
Jamie Gilmore: Co-Founder and CEO of Kut Different INC, a nonprofit organization founded in 2020, which serves Marion County youth, with a focus on underserved youth and young African American males. Due to Mr. Gilmore’s current role and direct involvement with Howard Middle School and other youth in West Ocala, he is eligible for consideration.
Gloria Robeson: Currently serves as a Family Engagement Liaison (FEL) with Marion County Public Schools at Howard Middle School. Due to Ms. Robeson’s current professional position, which allows her to work directly with students and families in need in West Ocala, she is eligible for consideration.
Darnitha Johnson: Founder of Royal Queens Women Empowerment INC, and Operation: Blankets, Socks, and Snacks. Ms. Johnson is eligible for consideration due to her organization's community outreach operations in West Ocala.
Joanie Gaskin: Retired US Army Veteran. Because Ms. Gaskin lives in and is part of the Poinciana Heights Homeowners and Renters Task Force, she is eligible for consideration.
Given that there are four candidates and only two vacancies, the Ocala CRA Board will vote to appoint the candidates best suited for the role. The selected candidates will be presented on the consent agenda of the next scheduled Ocala City Council meeting for final confirmation. The remaining candidate applications will be held for future vacancies.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny