Submitted By: Aubrey Hale
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Presentation By: Jeff Shrum
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Request from Robert W. Batsel, Jr., to represent Flyover Ocala, LLC and R.C.P. Ocala, LLC concerning a rezoning request for properties located west of Interstate 75 and northeast of the intersection of SW 66th Street and SW 43rd Avenue
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: On April 4, 2023, City Council adopted guidelines concerning whether former city attorneys (W. James Gooding II and Robert W. Batsel, Jr.) participated “personally and substantially” in any matters involving land use, zoning, and/or other real estate entitlements.
For this request, Mr. Batsel seeks to represent property owners Flyover Ocala, LLC and R.C.P. Ocala, LLC in the rezoning of their properties. Flyover Ocala, LLC owns part of the current Mockingbird Ridge PD, and R.C.P. Ocala, LLC owns part of the Heath Brook PD. The forthcoming rezoning will result in rezoning requests for each property owner. The amendments may also further modify the Heath Brook DRI.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: If a DRI amendment is necessary, Mr. Batsel has represented the City of Ocala during matters of the DRI. Staff believes Mr. Batsel’s role was limited to reviewing legal documents associated with the establishment and amendments to the DRI. Therefore, staff has no issues with Mr. Batsel representing the clients concerning any proposed rezoning of the property or any associated DRI amendment, as may be required.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: This agenda item will be reviewed by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny