110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
City Council  
Minutes  
www.ocalafl.gov  
4:00 PM  
Tuesday, November 4, 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 Jay A. Musleh  
Council President Kristen M. Dreyer  
Council Member Barry Mansfield  
Excused:  
2a.  
New Employees  
- Darren Hollin, Electric  
Public Notice  
3.  
Public Notice for the November 4, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on October 7,  
2025  
4.  
Proclamations and Awards  
Presentation of the Look Up Marion, Put Down the Phone Day Proclamation to Beth  
4a.  
McCall, Executive Director of Marion County Children’s Alliance  
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Look Up Marion, Put Down the Phone  
Day. Several community partners briefly introduced themselves and shared their  
involvement in the “Put Down the Phone and Look Up, Marion” campaign.  
Representatives from organizations including the Kimberly Center for Child Protection,  
a digital marketing agency, Marion County government, trauma support initiatives,  
drowning prevention efforts, and Marion County Public Schools expressed their support  
and highlighted the campaign’s positive impact on children, families, and community  
safety. The initiative promotes digital awareness, encourages outdoor engagement, and  
aims to foster stronger relational connections. Ms. McCall encouraged everyone to  
participate in the campaign on November 15 by putting down their phones, spending  
time with loved ones, and performing a random act of kindness.  
5.  
6.  
Presentations  
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.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
EXCUSED:  
One-year renewal of Connexo NetSense Service Maintenance Agreement with  
Honeywell in the amount of $55,619  
6a.  
6b.  
6c.  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
Grant agreement with the Florida Department of Financial Services for the purchase of  
decontamination equipment in the amount of $6,373  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
Budget Resolution 2026-108 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and  
appropriate funds from the Florida Department of Financial Services for the purchase of  
decontamination equipment in the amount of $6,373  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
Purchase of two sets of battery-powered extrication equipment from North America Fire  
Equipment Co. Inc. in the amount of $87,020  
6d.  
6e.  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
Foundation waterproofing services contract with Stable Foundation Solutions, Inc. for an  
aggregate amount of $61,200  
Presentation By: John King  
6f.  
See Item 7  
Resolution 2026-5 to approve the Emergency Solutions Grant Program Agreement  
between Marion County and the City of Ocala with the goal to prevent further instances  
of homelessness and reduce the number of those currently experiencing literal  
homelessness in the amount of $99,437  
6g.  
Presentation By: James Haynes  
Budget Resolution 2026-109 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and  
appropriate Emergency Solutions Grant program funding from Marion County for  
outreach services in the amount of $99,437  
6h.  
6i.  
Presentation By: James Haynes  
Resolution 2026-6 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant for a Federal  
Aviation Administration grant match requirement for the Runway 36 Safety Area  
Grading project in the amount of $9,509  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
Budget Resolution 2026-110 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate  
grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation for the design of the  
Runway 36 safety area grading in the amount of $9,509  
6j.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
Workers Compensation settlement in the matter of Betty Moore versus City of Ocala,  
Florida with a proposed settlement amount of $75,000  
6k.  
Presentation By: William E Sexton  
6l.  
See Item 7  
October 21, 2025 City Council meeting minutes  
6m.  
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs  
7.  
Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion  
Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at  
this time.  
Additional expenditures under the contract agreement for fencing installation services  
with Charles White Fencing in the amount of $45,857  
6f.  
Presentation By: John King  
City Manager Pete Lee explained he requested it pulled from Consent for transparency;  
Council had previous approved the contract for $196,000 in 2022 and an additional  
$45,857 is being requested.  
Director of Facilities & Fleet Management John King discussed the proposed fencing  
project. The City intends to fence the entire perimeter surrounding Ocala Fiber Network  
materials to prevent theft.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Renewal of Mark’s Prime (Ocala Prime Partners Holdings, LLC) valet parking license  
6l.  
Presentation By: William Spinney  
Community Outreach Manager William Spinney presented the annual renewal request  
for Mark’s Prime valet parking license (Item 6L). The permit remains unchanged since  
its last update in 2022, which included the addition of an approved parking lot with  
access from SW 2nd Avenue. The valet service has been in operation since 2009, with  
the current stakeholders managing it since 2022. .  
Council Member Hilty raised concerns about ongoing valet parking violations at Mark’s  
Prime, specifically vehicles remaining at the drop-off area beyond the permitted  
15-minute limit, creating traffic and safety issues. He emphasized the need for  
enforcement, noting that past efforts had been ineffective.  
Mr. Spinney stated that for the first time, dedicated staff are now assigned downtown  
during peak valet hours, seven days a week until 9:30 p.m., allowing real-time  
monitoring and enforcement of valet operations.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
8.  
Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances  
Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances  
General Business  
9.  
10.  
Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Ocala and Marion Opportunity Zone  
Investment I, LLC, for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the historic Hotel Marion  
property, with total City incentives not to exceed $2,896,670  
10a.  
Presentation By: Aubrey Hale  
RESULT:  
PULLED  
Agreement for business creation, retention, and attraction services with the Ocala Metro  
Chamber & Economic Partnership, in the amount of $190,000  
10b.  
Presentation By: Aubrey Hale  
Mayor Marciano recognized the CEP for driving new business to the City of Ocala.  
Council Member Hilty recognized the CEP for supporting the Tourist Development Tax.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Contract with 2W Construction Corporation for a new build of the Thomas residence  
located at 1635 NW 24th Avenue for a total project cost not to exceed $220,500  
10c.  
Presentation By: James Haynes  
Mayor Marciano questioned the cost to rebuild versus the cost to renovate. Director of  
Community Development Services James Haynes confirmed the only feasible option is  
to rebuild. He clarified grant caps and rebuild guidelines with City Council. He noted the  
lack of grant funding has caused challenges funding affordable housing development  
projects.  
There being no further 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, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Contract with Stejack, LLC for a new build of the Coy residence located at 1922 NW  
Second Street for a total project cost not to exceed $190,000  
10d.  
Presentation By: James Haynes  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Renewal of Computer Information Systems software in an amount of $203,844  
10e.  
Presentation By: Joshua Sasso  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
A one-year renewal for underground and aerial fiber optic cable installation services  
from Service and Technology Network Solutions, Inc. in an amount not to exceed  
$1,300,000  
10f.  
Presentation By: Kenneth Jamerson  
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, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Purchase of 95 LifePak CR2 Cellular Defibrillators in the amount of $219,435  
10g.  
Presentation By: Michael Balken  
Jason Tolbert, 201 NE 37th Court, spoke in support of increasing funding for the Police  
Department.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
One-year contract extension with Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., through the Florida  
Municipal Power Agency, for continued inspection and remediation of underground  
equipment not to exceed $200,000  
10h.  
10i.  
10j.  
Presentation By: Chad Lynch  
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, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
One-year contract extension and price increase with Osmose Utilities Services, Inc.,  
through Florida Municipal Power Agency, for continued inspection and treatment of  
wood utility poles not to exceed $200,000  
Presentation By: Chad Lynch  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
One-year extension to the purchase and sale contract for 115 acres of non-aviation  
property at Ocala International Airport with InSite Real Estate Investment Properties,  
LLC  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
Airport Director Matthew Grow confirmed that City Council is considering a one-year  
extension.  
City Attorney Sexton and City Manager Pete Lee clarified the amendment and extension  
with Council Member Musleh. The amendment allows Insite to, if they choose, extend  
from May 2026 through September 2027. The goal is to ensure Insite can complete their  
due diligence and make sure they know they can get their end user to closing. The  
expectation is to close in 2026.  
Mr. Grow confirmed the City has witnessed the developer expensing monies for the  
development project. Furthermore, he clarified the City’s solicitation marketing efforts.  
City Attorney Sexton clarified the contracts due diligence clause and real estate process  
with City Council.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Resolution 2026-7 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant for a Federal  
Aviation Administration grant match requirement for the Terminal Apron Rehabilitation  
project in the amount of $112,206  
10k.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Budget Resolution 2026-111 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate  
grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation for the construction of the  
rehabilitation of the terminal apron in the amount of $112,206  
10l.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Airport Development Inquiry Form, revised Airport Leasing and Property Development  
Policy, revised Airport Development Standards, and Airport Properties Website  
10m.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
President Dreyer shared her experience in the real estate market and suggested listing  
properties in the MLS.  
City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will evaluate adding properties to the MLS.  
City Attorney Sexton discussed legal challenges associated with listing properties at fair  
market value in the marketplace.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Agreement between the Marion County Hospital District and City of Ocala to provide  
funding for medical services to overdose patients in the amount of $199,999  
10n.  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Budget Resolution 2026-112 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and  
appropriate funding from the Marion County Hospital District to provide medical  
services to overdose patients in the amount of $199,999  
10o.  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
Purchase of one automatic aid chest compression device and two Life Pak 35s from  
Stryker Sales Corporation utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement in the  
amount of $140,811  
10p.  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
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, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Mansfield  
ABSENT:  
11.  
12.  
Internal Auditor's Report  
City Manager's Report  
-
TPO meeting rescheduled to Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 3 pm, at the Board of  
County Commissioners Auditorium  
-
City Employee Health Fair to be held November 5, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm, at the  
Downtown Market  
13.  
Ocala Police Department Report  
-
Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported on crime data for the period, October 13, 2025 to  
October 26, 2025: 7,221 total incidents, 4,617 proactive calls, 2,604 dispatched calls,  
quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus proactive), 320 crimes, 187 arrests, 924 traffic  
stops, and 153 crashes.  
-
Department Highlights  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department successfully responded to two  
incidents in October regarding the following: possession of a firearm by a convicted  
felon and suicide attempt. The department will be hosting a Cops & Cars event on  
November 15, 2025, at 10 am, location OPD Headquarters.  
14.  
Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report  
-
-
-
Unit Responses  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, October 21,  
2025 to November 3, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (152-unit  
responses) and Fire Engine One (92-unit responses).  
Service calls update  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period,  
October 21, 2025 to November 3, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 87, structure fires 1,  
and community paramedicine/core 38, and calls for service 891 (21,092 calls-to-date).  
Department Highlights  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn provided a brief overview of Fire Prevention Month and Save  
Training.  
15.  
16.  
City Attorney's Report  
Public Comments  
-
-
-
Jason Tolbert, 201 NE 37th Court, Ocala, FL, commented on the homeless  
population problem in the City  
Jason Tolbert, 201 NE 37th Court, Ocala, FL, stated he still has not received housing  
assistance from local non-profit organizations. He challenged the City to establish their  
own homeless shelter to better serve the homeless population in the City.  
Sandra Yager, Resident, commented on the homeless population problem in the  
City  
Sandra Yager, Resident, stated she still has not received housing assistance from local  
non-profit organizations. She challenged City Council to experience homelessness for 48  
hours.  
Kristen Walden, 4601 SE 37th Court, expressed concerns about student safety due  
to hazardous traffic, inadequate sidewalks, and poor lighting on routes to school  
Kristen Walden, 4601 SE 37th Court, discussed student safety in the City. She expressed  
concern regarding the following: lack of pedestrian safety infrastructure, lack of  
sidewalks/signage, and poor lighting on school routes. Furthermore, she is partnering  
with several City departments and organizations to support student safety efforts.  
Council President Dreyer stated the TPO will be creating a task force to support student  
safety.  
City Manager Pete Lee stated the City is working with the TPO and School Board to  
improve routes for students.  
Mayor Marciano spoke on the City’s efforts to improve student safety in the City.  
City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier encouraged the public to  
attend tomorrow’s community meeting hosted by the City’s consultants regarding  
pedestrian safety improvements.  
Council Member Bethea spoke in support of pedestrian safety improvements.  
City Manager Pete Lee advised City Council on the City’s current priorities.  
17.  
Informational Items and Calendaring Items  
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veterans Day - City Offices closed  
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - 12:00pm - City Council Workshop Re: Solid Waste Rate -  
Council Chambers  
- Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium  
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, 2025 - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices  
closed  
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Christmas Eve & Christmas  
Day Holidays - City Offices closed  
- Thursday, January 1, 2026 - New Year's Day Holiday - City Offices closed  
Power Cost Adjustment Report - September 2025  
17a.  
Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000  
17b.  
18.  
Comments by Mayor  
-
Healthy Ocala website traffic update  
Mayor Marciano discussed the October 2025 Analytics Report for Healthy Ocala. He  
provided a brief overview of the following: social media outreach, web traffic, and  
advertisements. Healthy Ocala has become a tremendous success with numerous  
resources for the public to utilize.  
-
State Road 40 safety improvements  
Mayor Marciano reported that the public has expressed great concern regarding  
pedestrian safety on State Road 40.  
City Manager Pete Lee discussed how the City is working with DOT to improve  
pedestrian safety on State Road 40.  
-
Mayor Marciano expressed concerns regarding the strategy for securing  
commercial tenants for the ground floor of the Downtown Hilton and also noted the  
presence of overgrown weeds on the property  
Mayor Marciano discussed how the Downtown Hilton property is an eyesore in the  
community and requested the City take action to address the matter.  
City Manager Pete Lee assured the Mayor that the City is working with the property to  
remedy the matter for the community.  
-
Resources for homeless individuals  
Mayor Marciano recognized the Dignity House organization for helping a young adult  
who aged out of the foster system by helping the individual secure a housing opportunity  
in the City.  
19.  
Comments by City Council Members  
-
Council Member Hilty commented on the homeless population problem in the City  
Council Member Hilty addressed concerns expressed during public comment regarding  
lack of resources for the homeless population. He assured City Council that there are  
many resources and programs available for the public to utilize.  
-
-
Council Member Hilty invited City Council to tour a new dementia facility on  
November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am  
Council President Dreyer clarified City Council assignments to  
Boards/Commissions  
20.  
Adjournment  
Adjourned at 6:02 pm  
Minutes  
_______________________________  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
________________________________  
Angel B. Jacobs  
Council President  
City Clerk