110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
City Council  
Minutes  
www.ocalafl.gov  
4:00 PM  
Tuesday, June 3, 2025  
1.  
2.  
Call to Order  
Roll Call  
Mayor Ben Marciano  
Present:  
Pro Tem Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Council Member James P. Hilty Sr  
Council Member Barry Mansfield  
Council Member Jay A. Musleh  
Council President Kristen M. Dreyer  
2a.  
New Employees  
- Clay Surdam, Electric  
- Walter Norris, Electric  
Public Notice  
Public Notice for the June 3, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on  
May 16, 2025  
3.  
-
4.  
5.  
Proclamations and Awards  
Presentations  
5a.  
Presentation of the Key to the City to Director of City Projects Tye Chighizola in  
recognition of 36 years of service to the City of Ocala  
Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a Key to the City to Tye  
Chighizola, Director of City Projects, in recognition of 36 years of service to the City of  
Ocala.  
Mr. Lee and Council Member Bethea, commented on Mr.Chighizola’s leadership over  
the years.  
Director of City Projects Tye Chighizola spoke highly of present and past City  
employees he had the pleasure to work with.  
6.  
Consent Agenda  
Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote.  
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of Council or the public  
request specific items to be removed for separate discussion and action.  
RESULT:  
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA  
MOVER:  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve additional expenditures under the Agreement for Consignment Agricultural and  
Landscaping Parts Inventory Services with EFE, Inc., for an increased aggregate  
expenditure amount of $75,000  
6a.  
Presentation By: John King  
Approve an Encroachment Easement from the City of Ocala to Dixie Investments, Inc.,  
associated with Parcel #22621-000-00 and NW 18th Avenue  
6b.  
6c.  
6d.  
Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza  
Approve award of the contract for rehabilitation of the Preston residence located at 2220  
NW 18th St. to D&S Development, LLC, for a total project cost not to exceed $51,300  
Presentation By: James Haynes  
Approve the Winding Oaks Commercial Phase 3 Conceptual Subdivision Plan  
(SUB25-0008)  
Presentation By: Aubrey Hale  
Approve the Market Street at Heathbrook, (HB) Lot 1 Replat Final Plat (SUB23-45407)  
6e.  
6f.  
6g.  
Presentation By: Aubrey Hale  
Approve City Council Work Session minutes from April 29, 2025  
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs  
Approve City Council meeting minutes from May 20, 2025  
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs  
7.  
8.  
Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion  
Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at  
this time.  
Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances  
(Second and Final Reading - June 17, 2025)  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-25 Repeal of Ordinance Sec. 70-371. Fluoridation  
8a.  
8b.  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-26 concerning Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances to  
amend Sections/Subsections 70-301(d)(4), 70-321(b), 70-391, 70-411(a), 70-413,  
70-414, 70-417(b) and (c), and adding Sections/Subsections 70-301(d)(5), 70-418 and  
70-419  
James P. Hilty Sr  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-27 and open a public hearing to adjust the water and sewer  
impact fees under Chapter 70 Article V, Division 2. Section 70-502  
8c.  
Barry Mansfield  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-28 to rezone from B-2, Community Business, to B-4, General  
Business for property located at 2206 SW 10th Road (Parcel 23536-000-00),  
approximately 0.53 acres. (Case ZON25-0005) (Quasi-Judicial)  
8d.  
8e.  
Jay A. Musleh  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2024-29 to change the Future Land Use designation on  
approximately 0.78 acres for property located in the 1900 block of NE 49th Avenue  
(Parcels 2735-006-017 and 2735-009-002) from Neighborhood to Low Intensity (Case  
LUC23-45427) (Quasi-Judicial)  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-30 to rezone approximately 6.83 acres for property located at  
the southwestern corner of the intersection at NE 49th Avenue and E Silver Springs  
Boulevard (Parcel 2735-000-002, 2735-009-001, 2735-009-002, 2735-006-017, and a  
portion of parcel 27028-004-03) from PD, Planned Development, R-1, Single-Family  
Residential, & B-2, Community Business, to PD, Planned Development (Case  
PD23-45431) (Quasi-Judicial)  
8f.  
James P. Hilty Sr  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-31 to rezone approximately 0.59 acres for property located at  
the southwestern corner of the intersection at NE 49th Avenue and E Silver Springs  
Boulevard (a portion of 2735-000-002) from PD, Planned Development, to B-2,  
Community Business (Case ZON23-45419) (Quasi-Judicial)  
8g.  
Barry Mansfield  
Introduced By:  
9.  
Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances  
General Business  
10.  
Approve a quit claim deed from the City of Ocala to Episcopal Children’s Services  
(ECS) for property located at 1701 NW 10th Street  
10a.  
Presentation By: Tye Chighizola  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve Task Work Order #7 with GAI Consultants, Inc., engineering services related to  
the Shaw Substation TX #4 in the amount of $264,234  
10b.  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Resolution 2025-27 to accept Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund  
Grant Agreement VW305 between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection  
and the City of Ocala for funding to be used toward the purchase of an Electric Transit  
Bus in the amount of $300,000  
10c.  
Presentation By: Tom Duncan  
Transit Administrator Tom Duncan explained the City will be required to permanently  
disable one of the buses for reimbursement purposes in the Volkswagen settlement. The  
disabled bus is part of the surplus fleet for vehicle parts. The City will be receiving grant  
funding from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Barry Mansfield  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-157 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to  
appropriate Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust funds from the Florida  
Department of Environmental Protection in the amount of $300,000  
10d.  
10e.  
10f.  
Presentation By: Tom Duncan  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve Task Work Order No. 25-02 with Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering,  
PLLC, to provide design services for the Taxiway-C, C1 and C3 Project in the amount of  
$319,044  
Presentation By: Michael Baker  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve the award of the contract for the provision of air traffic control tower backup  
weather equipment for Ocala International Airport to Wolen, LLC, in the amount of  
$90,914  
Presentation By: Michael Baker  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve three-year contract with Aquasol Commercial Chemical, Inc., d/b/a Poolsure for  
pool chemical supply and delivery in the amount of $120,000  
10g.  
10h.  
10i.  
Presentation By: John Spencer  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve the utilization of a Florida Sheriff’s Association cooperative purchasing  
agreement for the purchase of an International HX620 Tractor in the amount of $186,516  
Presentation By: Liza Warmuth  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-158 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to  
appropriate funds for the purchase of an International HX620 Tractor in the amount of  
$186,516  
Presentation By: Liza Warmuth  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve the City’s letter of support for the Florida Housing Corporation’s Request for  
Applications (RFA) process for competitive 9 percent tax credits  
10j.  
Presentation By: James Haynes  
Amended Motion: Approve the City's letter of support of the Madison Oaks East Project  
for the Florida Housing Corporation’s Request for Applications (RFA) process for  
competitive 9 percent tax credits  
Community Development Services Director James Haynes discussed the Housing Credit  
Program, which provides for profit and nonprofit organizations with dollar for dollar  
reduction and federal tax liability in exchange for providing equity financing for the  
rehabilitation of the City's new construction of affordable housing rental units. To  
receive the maximum points allowed in the application process, projects are required to  
have the support of the local government, as well as a local contribution of at least  
$460,000. The city or local government may only provide a letter of support to one  
project a year; the City has provided such a letter for the Madison Oaks East project for  
the last four years. Two applicants - Madison Oaks East and Magnolia Terrace -  
presented to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on March 26, 2026; the  
AHAC committee voted 3-2 with three members absent to recommend the Madison  
Oaks East project. Each applicant had ten minutes to make their presentations to  
Council.  
Stacy Banic, Developer, Madison Oaks East, spoke on federal grant funding received for  
affordable housing development projects. He provided a brief overview of Madison Oaks  
East, Madison Oaks West, the West Oak Master Plan, and FHFC funding goal. He noted  
the AHAC recommends approval of the Madison Oaks East project. He noted they were  
successful in completing the building of Madison Oaks West in 2024, following the  
receipt of a funding award from Florida Housing in 2022. The proposed development is  
in proximity to grocery stores, medical facilities, pharmacies, food services, community  
centers, parks and other retail stores, as well as the Lillian Bryant community center and  
the Mary Sue Rich community center. He highlighted the amenities to be included with  
the 96-unit development, and noted it is intended to be an affordable rental option for  
seniors. He reviewed the scoring criteria and explained why he believes Madison Oaks  
East is the stronger candidate for the grant funding.  
Council Member Bethea expressed concern regarding the lack of senior housing  
opportunities in the City of Ocala.  
Mr. Banic assured Council the housing project is for seniors only.  
Tim Morgan, President, Jones Investment Corporation, discussed the Magnolia Terrace  
affordable senior housing project. It is a 55+, 92 unit, four-storey midrise building. They  
are able and willing to compete for tax credit opportunities, noting two completed  
Florida projects and two current projects in Palatka and Avon Park. He explained they  
have made a change to their site plan since the March 26 presentation to AHAC, which  
sets aside .75 acres to allow the development of a medical-dental building that would  
provide no-cost care to residents of the project as well as surrounding community. He  
noted the proximity of the development to local amenities such as a grocery store,  
Target, a public bus stop, and urgent care facilities. Marion Senior Services has provided  
a letter of support for the project. He noted Freedom Medical will be responsible for  
building costs associated with the construction of the proposed medical facility. Jones  
Investment Corporation cannot confirm if Marion Senior Services was aware of the other  
project proposals before issuing the letter of support.  
Director of Community Development Services James Haynes spoke on the competitive  
grant application process for the County and City.  
Council Member Musleh spoke in support of the Madison Oaks East project.  
Council agreed to support the Madison Oaks East project and approve the letter of  
support.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
APPROVED  
MOVER:  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Resolution 2025-28 accepting Public Transportation Grant Agreement  
FM#438477-1-94-01 with the Florida Department of Transportation for Taxiway C  
construction funds in the amount of $600,000  
10k.  
Presentation By: Michael Baker  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Barry Mansfield  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
11.  
12.  
Internal Auditor's Report  
City Manager's Report  
-
City Council Special Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 5:00  
pm on the topic of the Fire Assessment for FY25/26  
Individual budget review meetings to be scheduled with Council members  
EMS Impact Fee Public Hearing Update  
-
-
City Manager Pete Lee reported City Attorney William Sexton is drafting the Interlocal  
Agreements for EMS and fire impact fees. The City will schedule individual meetings  
with City Council Members to discuss the proposed agreements to be executed by the  
County.  
-
Tye Chighizola's retirement reception is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025, from  
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, location Marion Theater  
13.  
Ocala Police Department Report  
-
Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported on the Police Departments efforts for a two-week  
period, May 19, 2025 to June 3, 2025: 44 significant crimes, 250 arrests, 104 FIRs, and  
1,236 traffic stops. Furthermore, the department host a successful Citizens Academy, and  
several Police Officers performed lifesaving CPR at a 5K Run event.  
14.  
Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report  
-
-
-
Unit Responses  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, May 20,  
2025 to June 2, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (164-unit responses) and  
Fire Engine Four (119-unit responses).  
Service calls update  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a two-week period, May 20,  
2025 to June 2, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 75, structure fires 2, and community  
paramedicine/core 51, and 973 calls for service (10,494 calls-to-date).  
Department Highlights  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department participated in the successful Citizens  
Academy (May 29, 2025) and had two employee retirements. Furthermore, he  
encouraged the public to attend the PTSD Awareness Walk on Friday, June 27, 2025.  
15.  
16.  
City Attorney's Report  
Public Comments  
-
Roger Johnson, Quality by Design, expressed concern regarding the health of palm  
trees in the City  
Roger Johnson, Quality by Design, requested City Council take action to combat the  
palm tree disease that is rapidly spreading throughout the City. The disease traveled from  
the State of Texas to the State of Florida. Furthermore, he is willing to offer his tree  
services to help the City remove infected trees at a faster pace to combat the disease.  
City Manager Pete Lee spoke on the City’s efforts to combat the palm tree disease.  
-
Dr. Johnny Johnson, Pediatric Dentist, commented on the new State law regarding  
the removal of fluoride from City water supply  
Dr. Johnny Johnson, Pediatric Dentist, requested City Council deny the proposed  
ordinance regarding the removal of fluoride from the City’s water supply, as the removal  
of fluoridation is detrimental to the public’s health. To note, neighboring communities  
have not modified their water ordinance to comply with the new State law.  
17.  
Informational Items and Calendaring Items  
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Thursday, June 19, 2025 - Juneteenth Day Holiday - City Offices closed  
- Monday, June 23, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO meeting - Marion County Public Library  
- Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Friday, July 4, 2025 - Independence Day Holiday - City Offices closed  
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
Power Cost Adjustment Report - April 2025  
17a.  
17b.  
Monthly budget to actual report and Capital Improvement Project status report as of  
April 30, 2025  
Informational item regarding the emergency payment of the price difference for  
offloading and field service for transformer unit in the amount of $56,000.  
17c.  
18.  
Comments by Mayor  
-
SunTran tour  
Mayor Marciano shared his wonderful experience touring SunTran.  
-
Police Department recognition  
Mayor Marciano recognized Police Chief Mike Balken and the Police Department for  
their public safety efforts.  
19.  
Comments by City Council Members  
-
Council Member Hilty addressed funding for the Salvation Army  
Council Member Hilty confirmed the Salvation Army is not closing their location in the  
City. Furthermore, the organization is seeking grant funding opportunities to support  
business operations.  
-
-
Council Member Bethea recognized the Police and Fire Department for their great  
mentorship programs  
Council President Dreyer and Council Member Musleh thanked Tye Chighizola for  
his service to the City of Ocala  
20.  
Adjournment  
Adjourned at 5:44 pm  
Minutes  
_______________________________  
Barry Mansfield  
________________________________  
Angel B. Jacobs  
Council President  
City Clerk