Submitted By: Brittany Craven
presenter
Presentation By: Doug Peebles
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Department: Electric Utility
FORMAL TITLE:
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Renaming of Baseline Substation at 950 Northeast 58th Avenue in honor of Marshall T. Penuel
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Baseline Substation, owned and operated by Ocala Electric Utility, serves a vital role in delivering reliable electrical service to customers throughout the community. Mr. Marshall T. “Marty” Penuel devoted his career to the City of Ocala and Ocala Electric Utility, beginning his service on August 31, 1964, as a line worker and advancing through the ranks through dedication, skill, and a commitment to excellence. He retired on July 31, 2006, after 42 years of distinguished service.
Throughout his career, Mr. Penuel made significant contributions to the construction, expansion, and reliability of the electric system. He personally contributed to installing hundreds of miles of conductor and thousands of poles, helping build much of the backbone of the system that continues to serve the community today. He was widely respected for his patience, kindness, and integrity, serving as a mentor and fatherly figure to generations of coworkers. Through his leadership, he instilled the values of safety, quality workmanship, responsibility, and pride in the trade.
Mr. Penuel maintained a lifelong connection to the area surrounding the Baseline Substation, having lived and worked near the site. Renaming this facility provides a fitting opportunity to honor his dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions to Ocala Electric Utility and the citizens it serves.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff finds that renaming the Baseline Substation to the Marshall T. Penuel Substation appropriately recognizes Mr. Penuel’s service and contributions to the utility and the community. The proposed renaming offers a meaningful way to honor his legacy while strengthening the community’s connection to essential public infrastructure.
Approval of this item will authorize staff to complete the administrative actions necessary to implement the name change, including updates to facility records, signage, internal documentation, and public communications. The proposed change is administrative and is not expected to affect system operations or service delivery.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
RESOLUTION 2026-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, RENAMING THE BASELINE SUBSTATION IN HONOR OF MARSHALL T. “MARTY” PENUEL; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Whereas, the Baseline Substation, located at 950 Northeast 58th Avenue, is a critical facility owned and operated by Ocala Electric Utility that supports the reliable delivery of electric service to the community; and
Whereas, Mr. Marshall T. “Marty” Penuel devoted his career to the City of Ocala and Ocala Electric Utility, beginning as a Line Worker and advancing to Line Crew Foreman through dedication, skill, and a commitment to excellence; and
Whereas, Mr. Penuel made significant contributions to the construction, expansion, and reliability of the City’s electric system and is widely respected for his leadership, mentorship, and character; and
Whereas, renaming the Baseline Substation provides a meaningful opportunity to honor Mr. Penuel’s legacy and recognize his lasting impact on Ocala Electric Utility and the citizens it serves.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, in regular session duly assembled as follows:
The Baseline Substation is hereby officially renamed the Marshall T. Penuel Substation.
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2026.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Ire J. Bethea Sr.
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney