110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

City Council

Minutes

www.ocalafl.gov

4:00 PM

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 4:40 pm.

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

New Employees

- Kimberly Matchett, Customer Service Office

- Kelsey Dos Santos, Electric

- Christopher Modinger, Electric

- Isiah Rivas, Electric

- Clifton Crowe, Water Resources

- Shane Ferrante, Water Resources

- Laurie Hornberger, Water Resources

- Charles Madison, Water Resources

- Briana Rouse, Water Resources

Public Notice

Public Notice for the August 19, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on

July 16, 2025

Proclamations and Awards

Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Angie Lewis

4a.

Mayor Marciano presented the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Angie Lewis in

appreciation of her contributions to the community. Ms. Lewis expressed her gratitude

for the Ocala community, describing it as the most supportive and caring place she has

ever lived. She credited the community and her team for enabling her to serve and stay

actively involved in local efforts.

Presentation of the National Grief Awareness Day Proclamation to Yolanda Mitchum,

Grief Recovery Method Specialist and Founder of H3Haven, Inc.

4b.

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for National Grief Awareness Day. The City

proclaims August 30, 2025, as National Grief Awareness Day.

Presentation of the National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day Proclamation to

Founder of Picking up the Pieces Michelle Pepin

4c.

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for National Fentanyl Prevention and

Awareness Day. The City proclaims August 21, 2025, as National Fentanyl Prevention

and Awareness Day. Founder of Picking up the Pieces, Michelle Pepin, shared a personal

testimony about losing her son, Ian, to fentanyl poisoning in 2018, which led to her

advocacy against substance use. She expressed gratitude to Ocala Fire Rescue and the

Ocala Police Department for their efforts in addressing the crisis and emphasized the

importance of community support and understanding, noting that addiction is a sickness,

not a choice, and those affected need compassion and help.

Presentation of the Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day Proclamation to Marty Penuel,

retired OEU employee, and representatives from Ocala Electric Utility

4d.

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day.

The City proclaims August 26, 2025, as Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day. Ocala

Electric Utility Director Doug Peebles recognized Marty Penuel for his exceptional

service to the City of Ocala, noting that Mr. Penuel began his career with the City in

1964 and dedicated 42 years to public service. He commended Mr. Penuel’s unwavering

commitment, often leaving his family during storms, holidays, and special occasions to

respond when called. Mr. Peebles expressed heartfelt gratitude for Mr. Penuel’s legacy,

stating that his contributions will be remembered and appreciated for generations to

come.

Service Award - Andrew Blaire - Ocala Fire Rescue - 15 Years of Service

4e.

4f.

Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Andrew Blaire

in appreciation of his 15 years of service to the City of Ocala.

Service Award - Carolyn Giese - Finance Department - 20 Years of Service

Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Carolyn Giese

in appreciation of her 20 years of service to the City of Ocala.

Service Award - Kenneth Jamerson - Ocala Fiber Network - 20 Years of Service

4g.

4h.

Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Kenneth

Jamerson in appreciation of his 20 years of service to the City of Ocala.

Service Award - Sergeant Brandon Sirolli - Ocala Police Department - 20 Years of

Service

Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Sergeant

Brandon Sirolli in appreciation of his 20 years of service to the City of Ocala.

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.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Approve award of the contract for rehabilitation of the Brown residence located at 617

NW First St. to 2W Construction Corporation, for a total project cost not to exceed

$87,000

6a.

6b.

6c.

6d.

Presentation By: James Haynes

Approve award of the contract for rehabilitation of the Brown residence located at 110

SW 24th Avenue to 2W Construction Corporation with a total project cost not to exceed

$57,100

Presentation By: James Haynes

Approve an Affordable Housing Incentive Fund disbursement to Delva One

Construction, LLC for the construction of a new single-family affordable housing unit at

1316 NW Eighth Street, in an amount not to exceed $5,699

Presentation By: James Haynes

Approve an Affordable Housing Incentive Fund disbursement to Delva One

Construction, LLC for the construction of a new single-family affordable housing unit in

the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency subarea, in an amount not to exceed

$9,303

Presentation By: James Haynes

Approve the utilization of Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing agreement with

Marathon Equipment Company for the purchase of a 34-cubic-yard roll-off compactor

from Tampa Crane & Body in the amount of $51,725

6e.

Presentation By: Darren Park

Approve the partial release of a utility easement encumbering Parcel 35512-001-00

6f.

Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza

Approve the release of a utility easement encumbering Parcels 35512-001-00,

35512-001-01, 35512-001-03, 35512-001-08, 35512-001-09, 35512-001-10,

35512+001-01, 35512-001-04, and 35512-002-00

6g.

Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza

Approve the release of a utility easement encumbering Parcels 22854-000-00 and

22852-000-00

6h.

6i.

Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza

Approve Emerson Pointe Phase 3 Conceptual Subdivision

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

Approval of the Developer’s Agreement for Winding Oaks Residential Phase 2

6j.

6k.

6l.

Presentation By: Jeff Shrum

Approval of the Developer’s Agreement for Winding Oaks Residential Phase 4

Presentation By: Jeff Shrum

Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-173 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept

and appropriate a community donation for the National Night Out event in the amount of

$500

Presentation By: Michael Balken

Approval of and authorization for City Council President to execute an assurance and

support letter to Dennis W. Michaud for the West Oak Ocala 1 Business, LLC

multifamily housing project component of the Pine Oaks Redevelopment Project

6m.

6n.

6o.

6p.

Presentation By: William E. Sexton

Adopt Resolution 2025-35 designating an administrative authority to receive, review,

and process plat or replat submittals; designating an administrative official responsible

for approving, approving with conditions, or denying proposed plats or replats

Presentation By: William E. Sexton

Approve additional expenditures under the Municipal Election Agreement with the

Marion County Supervisor of Elections for the City of Ocala’s September 16, 2025,

Special Election in the amount of $54,236

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Approve reappointment of Brian Cretul to a two-year term ending August 6, 2027, and

appointment of David Layman to an unexpired two-year term ending August 6, 2026, on

the Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Approve appointment of Ethan White to an expired four-year term ending March 1,

2028, on the Board of Adjustment

6q.

6r.

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Approve minutes from August 5, 2025 City Council meeting

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

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 - Wednesday, September 3, 2025)

Introduce Ordinance 2025-35 to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential, to R-1AA,

Single-Family Residential, for property located approximately 320 feet east of the

intersection at NE 31st Street and NE Jacksonville Road (Parcel 24728-000-00)

approximately 7.23 acres (Case ZON25-0010) (Quasi-Judicial)

8a.

Barry Mansfield

Introduced By:

RESULT:

INTRODUCED

Introduce Ordinance 2025-36 to rezone approximately 1.59 acres for the property located

at 458 NW First Street (Parcel 2855-005-000) including two contiguous parcels to the

east (Parcel 2855-009-000 and 2855-006-000) from R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) and

B-3C (Community Redevelopment Area Mixed Use 2 District), to B-4, (General

Business), Case ZON25-0009 (Quasi-Judicial)

8b.

Ire J. Bethea Sr

INTRODUCED

Introduced By:

RESULT:

Introduce Ordinance 2025-37 to rezone approximately 0.45 acres for the property located

at 3235 SE Maricamp Road (Parcel 29793-002-02) from B-2, Community Business, to

SC, Shopping Center (Case ZON25-0011) (Quasi-Judicial)

8c.

8d.

RESULT:

PULLED

Introduce Ordinance 2025-38 to annex 39.33 acres comprised of two parcels located in

the 5100 block along the south side SW 20th Street

James P. Hilty Sr

INTRODUCED

Introduced By:

RESULT:

Introduce Ordinance 2025-39 to change the Future Land Use designation on

approximately 39.33 acres comprised of two parcels (Parcel 23311-000-00 & Parcel

23817-004-00) located in the 5100 block, along the south side of SW 20th Street from

High Intensity (County) to Medium Intensity/ Special District (City)(Case

LUC24-45705) (Quasi-Judicial)

8e.

Jay A. Musleh

Introduced By:

RESULT:

INTRODUCED

Introduce Ordinance 2025-40 to rezone approximately 39.33 acres of property comprised

of two parcels (Parcel 23311-000-00 & 23817-004-00) located in the 5100 block, along

the south side of SW 20th Street from R-3, Multi- Family Residential (County), to PD,

Planned Development (Case PD24-45706) (Quasi-Judicial)

8f.

Barry Mansfield

INTRODUCED

Introduced By:

RESULT:

Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances

Adopt Resolution 2025-36 to abrogate a 12-foot-wide alleyway lying east of Lots 10

through 18 and west of Lots 1 through 9, Block 7 of the Meadow View Plat as recorded

in Plat Book B, Page 233, of the public records of Marion County, Florida (Parcel

28574-007-01, 28574-007-03, 28574-07-10 and 28574-007-14), approximately 1.12

acres (Case ABR24-0019) (Quasi-Judicial)

9a.

Presentation By: Endira Madraveren

City Attorney Sexton spoke on the public hearing procedures.

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren discussed the request by Catalyst Design

Group, PC, on behalf of property owners Florida Hospital Ocala, Inc. and the Marion

County Hospital District, to abrogate a 12-foot-wide alleyway located across four parcels

(28574-007-10, 28574-007-14, 28574-007-03, and 28574-007-01). The alleyway, which

contains existing underground utilities but is otherwise undeveloped, lies within the

B-2A and B-4 zoning districts and is designated for High Intensity/Central Core land use.

The applicant intends to redevelop the area to enhance hospital access and expand

parking facilities.

During the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, staff recommended approval of

the abrogation, contingent upon two conditions: (1) the dedication of a perpetual utility

easement to the City, and (2) an executed agreement with Ocala Electric Utility (OEU)

for the relocation of existing electric infrastructure. Staff clarified that responsibility for

utility relocation would be determined between the applicant and OEU, and the

applicant’s representative confirmed that payment for the relocation had already been

made. The Commission unanimously recommended approval (6-0), including the

staff-recommended conditions.

Following the hearing, the applicant submitted documentation fulfilling both

conditions-providing the executed utility easement and proof of payment for utility

relocation. Staff concluded that the proposed abrogation would not negatively impact

adjacent properties and recommended approval of the request to abrogate the alleyway as

recorded in Plat Book B, Page 233 of the public records of Marion County, Florida.

No public comment.

There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Adopt Ordinance 2025-34, amending Sec. 90-20, Code of Ordinances, City of Ocala,

Florida, providing for limitations on enclosures under elevated buildings located in flood

hazard areas

9b.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

James P. Hilty Sr

Introduced By:

City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier discussed the adoption of

ordinance 2025-34. The City is requesting to amend Section 90-20, to prohibit

enclosures of elevated buildings located in flood hazard areas. He provided a brief

overview of the proposed amendment, surveys, stormwater ratings/points, and staff

findings. The Planning & Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.

Council President Dreyer expressed concern regarding the rising cost of insurance and

inquired about additional actions the City could take to achieve the 430 points required

under the Community Rating System (CRS). Mr. Lanier responded that several

initiatives are underway to accumulate points, including the City’s designation as a

StormReady community, which contributes 25 points. Additional points are earned

through mapping and engineering efforts, as well as community outreach activities.

Mr. Lanier elaborated that outreach efforts include distributing flood safety materials

such as FEMA brochures and notices to residents in flood hazard areas. Public education

campaigns like “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” also contribute to the CRS score.

Furthermore, stormwater engineering and maintenance programs, including the City’s

flood response and infrastructure maintenance, are evaluated and credited toward the

overall CRS rating.

Council President Dreyer inquired about the ease of repealing the proposed regulation

should a future applicant present a fully engineered and compliant design. City Attorney

William Sexton confirmed that the regulation could be repealed relatively easily if

necessary. However, he cautioned that in other communities - particularly coastal areas -

initially compliant structures often evolve over time into more permanent additions, such

as enclosed patios or additional rooms, which can create enforcement challenges.

Concerns were raised about whether the City would be assuming responsibilities that

should fall to insurance companies. Mr. Sexton clarified that without a regulation in

place, the City lacks the authority to enforce restrictions. Once adopted, the regulation

would become part of the City’s code and enforceable by Code Enforcement if such

structures were proposed or constructed.

Mr. Sexton noted that adopting the regulation would contribute positively to the City’s

Community Rating System (CRS) score, enhancing flood insurance benefits at no

immediate cost, as the prohibited structures are not currently prevalent in Ocala. Council

President Dreyer requested to be notified if and when the regulation prevents a resident

from constructing a compliant structure, emphasizing the importance of evaluating its

real-world impact.

No public comment.

There being no further 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, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

10.

General Business

Approve Redevelopment Agreement for Project Hometown - Downtown Ocala Marriott

10a.

AC between the City of Ocala and Domach, LLC, with total City incentives not to

exceed $5,619,644

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

Jessica Fieldhouse, Ocala Main Street, 516 SE Sanchez Street, spoke in support of the

proposed agreement. The development project will contribute to revitalizing Downtown

and support local businesses.

There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Approve Parking Agreement for Project Hometown - Downtown Ocala Marriott AC for

dedicated parking spaces in the second City parking garage

10b.

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

Planning Director Aubrey Hale asked for confirmation from Council whether or not they

wanted to review the presentation from the CRA meeting. He noted that the sixth floor

of the parking garage will be dedicated to hotel parking and public access will be

restricted to that floor. The spaces reserved for hotel guests on the fifth floor will be

available to the public for select large-scale events.

Rob Batsel, Applicant’s Attorney, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471

acknowledged that the downtown development project is relatively new for the City and

emphasized its potential to catalyze further investment in the southwest portion of

downtown. He noted that the City’s investment in an 800+ space parking garage

demonstrates long-term planning and provides sufficient capacity to accommodate future

demand. He also suggested that, to reduce reliance on the parking incentive, the City

could consider extending the CRA beyond its current expiration. This would allow for

continued CRA-based incentives while potentially shortening the duration of the parking

subsidy.

Council Member Hilty questioned where hotel employees would park. Mr. Batsel

explained the spaces reserved for hotel parking include spaces for employees, so they

will not be taking up additional spaces within the parking garage.

Jimmy Gooding, Applicant’s Attorney, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, addressed previous

questions regarding the cost-sharing of the third elevator, confirming that the City would

cover any cost overruns beyond the estimated $216,000, though the contractor is

confident the cost will remain within budget. He praised the City's progress in downtown

redevelopment, highlighting the success of past projects and the growing appeal of

Downtown Ocala. Mr. Gooding encouraged consideration of extending the CRA to

support future development and reduce reliance on parking incentives. He also

commended City staff, particularly Roberto Ellis, for their diligence and attention to

detail in preparing the agreement, and expressed strong support for the project and the

City's continued investment in downtown revitalization.

There being no further 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

Approve the utilization of State of Florida’s alternative source agreement with Canon

U.S.A., Inc., for citywide copier and printer services with an estimated expenditure of

$957,096

10c.

10d.

10e.

Presentation By: Christopher Ramos

There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Approve one-year renewal of contract with Tyler Technologies for ongoing service and

maintenance costs for the City's financial and human resource enterprise software,

Munis, with an estimated expenditure amount of $321,089

Presentation By: Christopher Ramos

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 renewal of the contract with Wrike, Inc, for cloud-based project management

and collaboration software with an estimated expenditure amount of $122,760

Presentation By: Christopher Ramos

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, Mansfield, and Dreyer

Musleh

ABSENT:

Approve a one-year renewal of the contract with CentralSquare, for ongoing service and

maintenance costs for asset management and work order software, Lucity, with an

estimated expenditure amount of $113,938

10f.

Presentation By: Kelly Vann

There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Dreyer

Musleh

ABSENT:

Approve the utilization of OMNIA Partners’ cooperative purchasing agreement with

Synnex Corporation for the purchase of a new digital backup storage system for the

Ocala Police Department’s Information Technology Department in the amount of

$118,364

10g.

Presentation By: Joshua Sasso

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, and Dreyer

Musleh

ABSENT:

Approve additional expenditures under the agreements with Marion Tree Trimming and

Stump Removal, LLC, and Flyway Access, LLC, for citywide tree trimming and removal

services in an amount of $90,000 for a contract total not to exceed $1,341,980

10h.

Presentation By: Greg Vandeventer

There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Approve an interlocal agreement with Marion County for the Emerald Road Extension

project in an amount not to exceed $2,332,730

10i.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

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

Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-174 appropriating funds from Marion County for the

Emerald Road Extension Project in the amount of $1,760,400

10j.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Approve award of the contract for the SW 43rd Court and SW 20th Street signalization

project to Traffic Control Devices, LLC, in the amount of $1,110,732

10k.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

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 award of the contract for construction services for the annual sidewalk

maintenance and repair program to Marion Rock, LLC, in an amount not to exceed

$600,000

10l.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

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 a one-year renewal of the contract with Pace Analytical Services, LLC, for

environmental water testing in the amount of $105,000

10m.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Approve one-year renewal agreements for continuing professional engineering services

with multiple firms for citywide projects requiring engineering services

10n.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

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

11.

12.

Internal Auditor's Report

City Manager's Report

Skate Park Ground Breaking Ceremony

City Manager Pete Lee announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ocala Skate

Park, scheduled for Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at 517 NE 9th Street. The project will be

completed in a single phase, with minimal closures during construction, and is expected

to be finished by February.

Comments on Downtown Vision and CRAs

Mr. Lee emphasized the importance of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) as a

critical tool for implementing long-term revitalization efforts. He highlighted the City’s

success in executing its downtown vision, contrasting the sustainable,

infrastructure-efficient development downtown with the more resource-intensive growth

on the city’s periphery. He encouraged continued investment in downtown projects and

transparency in the development process, inviting feedback to ensure staff provides the

necessary information for informed decision-making.

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, August 4, 2025 to August 17, 2025: 31 significant crimes, 238 arrests, and 1,410

traffic stops.

Department Highlights

Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department hosted a successful National Night

Out event and Town Hall meetings. Furthermore, the department hosted a swearing-in

ceremony yesterday for eleven new Police Officers.

14.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

Unit Responses

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, August 5,

2025 to August 19, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Three (163-unit responses)

and Fire Engine One (106-unit responses).

Service calls update

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period, August

5, 2025 to August 19, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 89, structure fires 3, and

community paramedicine/core 41, and calls for service 916 (15,867 calls-to-date).

Department Highlights

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department responded to two incidents: I-75

motor vehicle crash on August 13, 2025, and the structure fire on August 15, 2025.

15.

City Attorney's Report

Approval of and authorization for City Council President to execute a letter of support

15a.

for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed repeal of greenhouse gases

(GHGs) emission standards for fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs),

published under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124

Presentation By: William E. Sexton

City Attorney Sexton discussed the approval of an authorization for City Council

President to execute a letter of support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

He requested City Council approve the draft letter to support the repeal of greenhouse

gases (GHGs) emission standards for fossil fuel fired electric generating units (EGUs).

Council Member Hilty noted the State of Florida is dependent on natural gas by

seventy-five percent.

City Council unanimously agreed to approve the letter of support.

16.

17.

Public Comments

Informational Items and Calendaring Items

- Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium

- Monday, September 1, 2025 - Labor Day Holiday - City offices closed

- Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers

- Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

- Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 5:00pm - City Council Special Meeting re: Fire Assessment -

Council Chambers

- Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium

Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000

Comments by Mayor

State Road 200 update

17a.

18.

Mayor Marciano reported he had a successful meeting with FDOT to discuss the State

Road 200 project. The meeting discussed the public concerns including pedestrian safety,

increasing U-turn radiuses, and increasing access points for busy locations. FDOT made

a commitment to meet with the City to discuss future projects. Additionally, Noel

Cooper with the Engineering Department will provide updates at future meetings

regarding City projects.

City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will email an improvements list to City Council

and the TPO. Furthermore, the City will evaluate the increased traffic on 441 to

determine necessary traffic improvements.

Mayor Marciano discussed the purpose behind the beacon pedestrian crosswalks on State

Road 200 with Council Member Bethea. The beacon pedestrian crosswalks were

established to support pedestrian safety to combat the issue of pedestrian deaths from not

crossing at the crosswalk.

Council President Dreyer encouraged her fellow Council Members to review the new

traffic dashboard released by the TPO.

19.

Comments by City Council Members

Council Member Mansfield shared his experience visiting the town of Newbridge in

Ireland

Council Member Bethea shared his experience attending the Florida League of

Cities Conference

Council Member Bethea shared his experience attending the Florida League of Cities

Conference. He requested the City prepare for DOGE’s visit to ensure the City is

incompliance.

City Manager Pete Lee stated he will inform the Internal Auditor, Randall Bridgeman, of

DOGE’s upcoming visit.

Council Member Bethea noted the conference discussed eliminating the Homestead

Exemption, which will impact funding for schools and infrastructure.

Mr. Lee reported the City will be presenting a ten-year plan to City Council at a future

meeting, which will address the funding for schools and infrastructure.

20.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 6:16 pm

Minutes

_______________________________

Kristen M. Dreyer

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Angel B. Jacobs

Council President

City Clerk