110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
City Council  
Minutes  
5:00 PM  
Tuesday, February 15, 2022  
Revised - 6a added Redline  
1.  
Call to Order  
a.  
b.  
Opening Ceremony  
1.  
2.  
Invocation - Chaplain Gene Kenney  
Pledge of Allegiance  
Welcome and Roll Call  
Municipal Officers/Others Present: The meeting was also attended by City Manager  
Sandra Wilson, City Attorney Robert Batsel Jr., Assistant City Manager Bill Kauffman,  
Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead, Assistant City Manager Pete Lee, City Clerk  
Angel Jacobs, Deputy City Clerk Pamela Omichinski, Fire Chief Clint Welborn, Director  
of Electric Utility Doug Peebles, Police Chief Michael Balken, Internal Auditor Randall  
Bridgeman, Growth Management Director Tye Chighizola, Marketing  
&
Communications Manager Ashley Dobbs, Urban Design Coordinator Aubrey Hale,  
Budget Director Tammi Haslam, Contracting Officer Tiffany Kimball, Director of  
Facilities & Fleet Management John King, City Engineer & Director of Water Resources  
Sean Lanier, Director of Public Works Darren Park, Director of Telecommunications  
Mel Poole, Director of Parks & Recreation Preston Pooser, Assistant Director of Cyber  
and Physical Security Christopher Ramos, Strategic & Legislative Affairs Administrator  
Jeannine Robbins, Director of Finance Emory Roberts, Real Estate Project Manager II  
Tracy Taylor, Ocala Police Dept Representative, IT Representative, The Press and other  
interested parties.  
Mayor Reuben Kent Guinn  
Present:  
Pro Tem James P. Hilty Sr  
Council Member Kristen M. Dreyer  
Council Member Barry Mansfield  
Council Member Jay A. Musleh  
Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr.  
2.  
Public Notice  
Public Notice for the February 15, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on December  
21, 2021  
3.  
Proclamations & Awards  
Service Award - Brett Ortagus - Fire Rescue - 25 years of Service  
a.  
City Manager Wilson and Mayor Guinn presented a service award to Brett Ortagus in  
appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala. He started his career with the  
Ocala Fire Rescue in 1997. During his career, he provided outstanding customer service  
to the community. Today, he is using his expert skill set to help support the Fire  
Prevention Division.  
Engineers Week Proclamation - Florida Engineering Society Forest Chapter members  
and Amber Gartner, Region 2 Vice President  
b.  
Mayor Guinn presented a proclamation for Engineer's Week. The City proclaims  
February 20,2022 to February 26, 2022, as Engineer's Week.  
Amber Gartner thanked City Council and City staff for sponsoring various events during  
Engineers Week. She encouraged families to attend the Discovery Science Center  
Engineering Day on March 5, 2022.  
4.  
Presentations  
Jim Williams 1130 SE 15th Ave – Doug Oswald Bronze Plaque Proposal presentation  
Jim Williams 1130 SE 15th Avenue, Ocala, FL, discussed a proposal for a bronze plaque to  
celebrate the life of Doug Oswald. He shared Mr. Oswald's history and accomplishments with  
Council. He was previously the Mayor of Ocala and was involved in numerous community  
projects. He requested Council approve the placement of the bronze plaque near the north  
entrance of the banquet room, at the Ocala Golf Club. He provided Council with letters of  
support and cost estimates.  
Council Member Musleh commented on his past friendship with Mr. Oswald. He requested  
Council support the plaque proposal.  
Council concurred with Council Member Musleh.  
Council President Bethea requested Mr. Williams work with City Manager Sandra Wilson.  
5.  
Public Comments  
Kevin Towles, 3429 NE 10th Street invited Council to the 5th Annual Emergency Preparedness  
EXPO scheduled on March 30, 2022  
Kevin Towles, 3429 NE 10th Street, invited Council to the 5th Annual Emergency Preparedness  
EXPO scheduled on March 30, 2022 at the Ed Croskey Recreation Center, for people with  
disabilities. The Center for Independent Living supports individuals living in the community  
with disabilities. Currently, they offer services in 16 counties.  
Todd Frobish, 538 SE 39th Terrace, requested Council schedule a workshop to discuss the  
concept of converting the CXL rail line into a bicycle/pedestrian trail  
Todd Frobish, 538 SE 39th Terrace, stated he is speaking on behalf of of a group of  
Ocala/Marion County residents through the Downtown Business Alliance. He discussed  
converting the CXL rail line into a bike trail for the public. He requested Council schedule a  
workshop to discuss the proposed bike trail project. He noted the community needs a safe place  
to bike.  
City Manager Wilson reminded Council of a previous request from Mr. Barber called the "Rail  
to Trail". She asked Council if they are interested in scheduling a workshop. To note, the CXL  
rail line is carrying goods to the Shores.  
Mayor Guinn commented the CXL rail line delivers goods to one building in the Shores.  
Council President Bethea requested the City schedule a workshop to discuss the matter.  
Mayor Guinn commented City Attorney Gooding has documentation to share with Council. To  
note, the City paid $127,000 to build the railroad crossings. Ms. Wilson responded City  
Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier provided the documentation.  
Ms. Wilson commented she will schedule a workshop for Council to further discuss the matter.  
Mary S. Rich, 1802 NW 24th Court, discussed the Ed Croskey Center mural and comments made  
by Council Members  
Mary S. Rich, 1802 NW 24th Court, commented the mural on the side of the Ed Croskey Center  
is beautiful and thanked Council for the mural. She expressed concern regarding comments  
made by Council Member Mansfield and Council Member Dreyer. She questioned why the  
mentioned Council Members are trying to terminate City Manager Sandra Wilson and stated Ms.  
Wilson is doing a good job. Furthermore, she requested the Mayor contact West Ocala regarding  
any celebration for Gold Medal Olympic Athlete Erin Jackson.  
Anthony Dicapua, 3601 W Silver Spring Blvd, commented on Saving Mercy Corporation  
Anthony Dicapua, 3601 W Silver Spring Blvd, stated he is a resident of Saving Mercy  
Corporation. He asked Council when the residents must vacate the RV park and what is the  
actual rent amount due is. Furthermore, he submitted video evidence showing he did not assault  
a Saving Mercy Board Member. He expressed concern residents of the RV park will be evicted  
without proper notice. To note, the rent pay schedule for RV residents was changed from  
monthly to daily.  
Mayor Guinn requested clarification on the new rent schedule. Mr. Dicapua responded the RV  
park residents are required to pay rent daily. Many of the residents have lived in the RV park  
community for over 30-years. He expressed concern the residents are being unlawfully evicted.  
Mayor Guinn discussed the proposed apartment development project that has not started. He  
questioned if the City has any authority over the property.  
City Attorney Batsel explained City Council has no authority of evictions or rent.  
President Bethea commented he spoke with the Continuum of Care and Mr. Dicapua. Mid  
Florida Legal Services scheduled a meeting to meet with the management of Saving Mercy this  
week.  
Council Member Hilty noted he previously spoke with Mr. Dicapua. He advised the Saving  
Mercy attorney is reviewing the matter. Saving Mercy has scheduled several meetings to discuss  
the eviction matter.  
Mr. Dicapua thanked Council for their assistance.  
6.  
Public Hearings  
Approve a Chapter 163 Concurrency Development Agreement for approximately 23.51  
acres of property located at 2550 SE 24th Street (Parcel # 29850-000-27)  
(CDA21-44540). This is the second of two public hearings. The first public hearing was  
held on December 21, 2021. This public hearing was postponed from the January 4, 2022  
and February 1, 2022 City Council Meetings.  
a.  
City Attorney Batsel commented the City did not perform legal advertising for Council  
to consider item 6b. The City will advertise 6b for the next City Council meeting  
scheduled on March 1, 2022. Council can consider item 6a being presented tonight. If  
Council approves 6a, a revision must be adopted. He explained the 163 Chapter  
Developers Agreement will need to be approved subject to the adoption of Ordinance  
2022-13; rezoning the property to R-3.  
The applicant ensured the level of concerns are addressed through onsite/off-site  
improvements. Council has the authority to accept/deny mitigation strategies. The City  
has discussed if the matter is considered quasi-judicial or legislative; however, the  
comprehensive plan amendment is legislative. He suggested the matter be deemed  
legislative to allow Council to have discussions with Mr. Roper. To note, Mr. Roper  
believes the matter is quasi-judicial and expressed concern regarding comments from  
Council Members, stating they visited the property on the record. Council Members who  
visited the property must state their decision is solely based on the evidence presented  
tonight.  
Council Member Musleh stated he drove to the entrance of property and did not enter the  
site. He also spoke with Mr. Albright in early November about the request.  
Council President Pro Tem Hilty stated he was escorted around the property and spoke  
with Mr. Albright two weeks ago.  
Council President Bethea stated he had no conversations and drove to the property.  
Mayor Guinn stated he spoke with Clay Albright and drove through the property.  
Council Member Dreyer stated she had no conversations and has drive through the  
property to access a private residence behind the property.  
Council Member Mansfield stated he spoke with Clay Albright and drove through the  
property.  
All Council Members assured their visitations or conversations will not influence their  
decision.  
Growth Management Director Tye Chighizola briefly recapped the previous Council  
meeting. He explained the City has included decel lanes in the proposed agreement and  
spoke about the right of way being extended. The traffic study shows the proposed  
improvements will remedy traffic concerns. The applicant will be presenting a  
PowerPoint presentation to Council to address right-in/right-out intersection turns. To  
note, staff recommends approval of the Chapter 163 Concurrency Development  
Agreement.  
Attorney Chris Roper, 420 S Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32801, presented a PowerPoint  
presentation to Council. He discussed the proposed R-3 zoning with development  
agreement. The applicant is requesting approval for the following: single-family (180  
units), multi-family (320 units), or a mix of both. The site is 23.65-acres and located on  
SE 24th Street. Furthermore, they are proposing 13.5 units per acre, with a maximum  
height of 3-stories. He provided an overview of the project chronology.  
FDOT reviewed the land use policy amendment and determined it would have no  
significant adverse impacts to traffic. The Developer’s Agreement ensures compatible  
with surrounding neighborhood uses. City staff finds the project is consistent with the  
City comprehensive plan, including amended Land Use Policy (Ordinance 2021-80). The  
Developer’s Agreement requires consistency with all applicable sections of City Land  
Development Code. The applicant submitted a traffic study prepared by Kimley-Horn &  
Associates, which was approved by the City on October 13, 2021.  
The traffic study revealed the following: rebuild SE 24th Street to City standards and  
proportionate share required for a signalized intersection in front of Fluid Routing  
Solutions. The right-in/right-out intersection located at SE 24th & Maricamp; will meet  
or exceed adopted levels of service once rebuilt to City standards. FDOT is known for  
converting a full intersection into a right-in/right-out intersection, which are safer for the  
public. A loop road is not required for the Albright development; however, Mr. Albright  
is willing to dedicate 1,300 feet of right-of-way to the City.  
Amber Gartner, 101 E Silver Springs Blvd, Suite 400, stated she works for Kimley-Horn  
& Associates. She advised Council of the traffic impact analysis. The traffic study was  
performed in October 2021, and the methodology for the study was reviewed/approved  
by City staff. The study included the ARC commercial development as background  
traffic. The impact is projected to be less than 3%, which is not a significant impact.  
She provided an overview of PM peak hour traffic projections. The right-in/right-out  
intersection located at SE 24th & Maricamp is considered a level service "D". The  
signalized intersection on 24th Street showed a transportation deficiency. To note, they  
are not required to make any improvements or proportionate share contributions for the  
signalized intersection on 24th Avenue or the right-in/right-out intersection located at SE  
24th Street. She explained that ARC was included in this study for background traffic,  
but the other proposed developments were not included, as they were approved after this  
property, and thus the Albright property would be background traffic to them. However,  
they did projections for a loop road in the event everything was developed and the  
recommendations would remain the same.  
To note, SE 24th Street will be improved to City standards. She agrees with FDOT  
regarding right-in/right-out intersections, which are safer for the public. She showed  
several current right-in/right-out intersections around the City.  
Mr. Roper commented the project is compatible with the surrounding uses. Furthermore,  
the project is consistent with the comprehensive plan and Land Development Code as  
demonstrated with competent substantial evidence. The benefits to the City include the  
following: additional housing, road upgrades, proportionate share funds, 1,300 feet of  
right-of-way, impact fees, utilities fees, and increased property taxes. In summary, City  
staff and P&Z recommend approval.  
City Attorney Batsel asked if Mr. Roper is requesting approval subject to the revisions  
described earlier? Agreement is effective upon the rezoning approval. Mr. Roper  
responded yes.  
Eric Hayden, 2314 SE 19th Circle, spoke in opposition of the proposed request. He  
expressed concerns the development will impact residents located at Woodland Villages.  
He questioned why development impacts are evaluated individually and not together to  
determine the true community impact. He suggested Council look at the community and  
aggregate impact as a whole.  
Michael Lay, 2309 SE 18th Circle, stated he is a resident of Woodland Villages and  
spoke in opposition of the proposed request. He expressed concern the proposed  
development project will impact traffic for residents in the community. According to the  
National Press, traffic fatalities are up 17.5% from 2019. He requested Council remedy  
the existing traffic problems on Maricamp Road, before approving new development  
projects.  
Jim Tingler, 2402 SE 23rd Place, stated he is a resident of Woodland Villages and spoke  
in opposition of the proposed request. He expressed concern the development will  
contribute to the 8:00 a.m. morning traffic. He suggested Council utilize the intersection  
behind the Wawa to mitigate traffic. He anticipates the continued use of a  
right-in/right-out intersection will cause problems in the future.  
Debra Griffin, 2415 SE 23rd Street, spoke in opposition of the proposed request. She  
expressed concern a right-in/right-out intersection will cause traffic accidents. She does  
not feel it is feasible to put multi-family homes in the area, which will greatly contribute  
to the existing traffic problems. She requested Council take into consideration the  
residents in the community when evaluating the proposed development.  
Mr. Roper explained they are not proposing a connection to the 25th Avenue &  
Maricamp connection. He noted the property owners have been paying property taxes in  
the community for decades. The applicant has hired many qualified professionals to  
perform research.  
Council Member Musleh questioned why the traffic study was conducted for PM hours  
only. Ms. Gartner explained the traffic study is performed during the peak hour. The City  
guidelines state the traffic study must be performed for the PM peak hour; however, there  
is a provision to request the study of additional time periods. The traffic study evaluated  
the operations of the site driveway and signalized intersection of 24th Street during the  
AM peak hour.  
Council President Pro Tem Hilty expressed concern the proposed development will  
increase the traffic problems in the area. He noted the traffic on Maricamp is horrendous  
and the lane extension will cause further issues for traffic needing to make a U-turn to go  
north on Maricamp. . He anticipates individuals will navigate through residential streets  
to avoid traffic, which can lead to higher fatalities and car accidents.  
Mayor Guinn concurs with Council President Pro Tem Hilty. He shared his experience  
with the Publix development. He suggested adding a service road in front of the Wawa.  
Kimley-Horn & Associates have been involved in many of the development projects.  
Council President Bethea commented the property owner has the right to develop their  
property. Furthermore, he anticipates development will continue to grow in the area.  
City Attorney Batsel requested Council modify the motion to include the revised  
contingency.  
Mr. Chighizola commented 31st Street is a universal solution used to mitigate traffic off  
Maricamp. Since the bypass was built, it has taken about 20,000 cars off Maricamp. He  
is hopeful for some traction with Fluid Routing Solutions for another option to help  
mitigate traffic in the area. The intersection improvements on 25th Avenue will help  
remedy the traffic concerns, as well as reducing the speed limit and adding decel lanes to  
reduce traffic impacts.  
Council Member Musleh revised his motion to make the project contingent upon R-3  
zoning being approved at the next City Council meeting.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
NAY:  
Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
Hilty Sr  
Adopt Ordinance 2022-13 for a zoning change to R-3, Multi-Family Residential, for  
approximately 23.51 acres of property located at 2550 SE 24th Street (Parcel #  
29850-000-27) (Case ZON21-44541). This public hearing was postponed from the  
January 4, 2022, February 1, 2022 and February 15, 2022 City Council Meetings  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
b.  
Jay A. Musleh  
Introduced By:  
Council agreed to postpone discussion until the next City Council meeting scheduled on  
March 1, 2022.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE: Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
7.  
Second and Final Reading of Ordinances  
(All are Public Hearings)  
Adopt Ordinance 2022-20 to adjust the General Employees’ Retirement System  
investment assumption rate. This public hearing was postponed from the February 15,  
2022 City Council meeting.  
a.  
James P. Hilty Sr  
Introduced By:  
Council agreed to postpone discussion until the next City Council meeting scheduled on  
March 1, 2022.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
Adopt Ordinance 2022-21 for a zoning change from B-4, General Business, to M-1,  
Light Industrial, for approximately 7.72 acres of property located at 2905 and 2957 N  
Pine Avenue (Case ZON21-44608) (Quasi-Judicial). This public hearing was postponed  
from the February 15, 2022 City Council meeting.  
b.  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
Introduced By:  
Council agreed to postpone discussion until the next City Council meeting scheduled on  
March 1, 2022.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE: Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
General Business  
Approve three-year contract with Ford of Ocala and Advance Auto Parts to supply  
8.  
a.  
consignment auto parts for an estimated expenditure of $500,000  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
Approve the purchase of physical security devices including digital cameras, building  
access controls, building alarms, and server storage from Morse Communications for the  
Mary Sue Rich Community Center in the estimated amount of $116,363  
b.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer  
AYE:  
Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
Approve award of contract to Marion Rock, Inc. for the Lift Station #91 Force Main  
Upgrade project for the bid of $3,032,916 plus 10% contingency for a total of $3,336,208  
c.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
Approve two-year contract with C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. for the Parking Lot  
Improvement Program with a contract value not to exceed $1,000,000  
d.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE: Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
9.  
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.  
a.  
See item 10  
Approve the purchase of a Bauer air cascade system from Breathing Air Systems Inc. of  
Ocala in the amount of $59,952  
b.  
Approve 2-year contract with Frank Fraunfelter, M.D. as the Medical Director for Ocala  
Fire Rescue in the amount of $60,000  
c.  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2022-129 amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget to  
transfer funds from the Infrastructure Sales Surtax Reserve account for the purchase of a  
Cascade System in the amount of $9,952  
d.  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2022-130 amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget to  
appropriate funds from the General Fund Reserve for Contingencies to cover  
expenditures incurred as a result of a judgment for taxable cost in the amount of $67,472  
e.  
Approve the purchase of two Vaughan turbo mixers from FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc.  
for $66,412  
f.  
Approve the first renewal option with Univar Solutions USA, Inc. to supply  
hydrofluosilicic acid used at Water Treatment Plant No. 1 in the amount of $45,000  
g.  
h.  
Approve the release of an Electric Line Easement (above ground line) that will be  
replaced by an Electric Utility Easement to facilitate an underground line on Marion  
County Parcel #31865-000-00.  
Approve two Quit Claim Deeds (QCD) for parcels 21818-000-00 and 21817-002-00 to  
correct legal description errors and release mineral rights.  
i.  
Approve contract for rehabilitation of the Weems residence located on NW 2nd Street to  
Algat Enterprises, Inc. for a total project cost not to exceed $79,425  
j.  
Approve January 2022 city attorney invoices for general city business legal services in  
the amount of $34,636.25 and for risk management-related legal service in the amount of  
$7,942.75  
k.  
Approve City Council Work Session Minutes for Tuesday, January 25, 2022  
Approve Regular Meeting City Council Minutes for Tuesday, February 1, 2022  
l.  
m.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer  
AYE: Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
10.  
Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion  
Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at  
this time.  
Amend existing agreement for litter control services with Wear Gloves Inc. for an  
additional contract expenditure of $28,600  
9a.  
Mayor Guinn asked what area Wear Gloves Inc. provides contract services. Director of  
Public Works Darren Park responded the non-profit organization provides litter control  
in city parks, city-owned property in the midtown area, and road rights-of-way. The  
services will be expanded to the northwest and northeast, some to the south, and they  
target hot spot locations.  
Mayor Guinn commented he supports expanding the budget to provide more litter  
control services. He noted he receives numerous emails from the public regarding the  
large amounts of litter throughout the City.  
Council Pro Tem Hilty discussed receiving numerous calls about Jervey Gantt after  
football games.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Hilty Sr, Dreyer, Mansfield, Musleh, and Bethea  
11.  
12.  
13.  
Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances - None  
Internal Auditor's Report - None  
City Manager's Report  
City Manager Sandra Wilson invited Council members to attend a public information session  
about the proposed parking garage, on February 16 at noon and 5:30pm at Florida Institute for  
Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), 15 SE Osceola Avenue  
Ms. Wilson invited Council members to attend a Building Community Roundtable scheduled on  
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Elevation 89 at the Ocala Airport  
City Manager Sandra Wilson commented they are requesting feedback from the community. The  
Building Community Roundtable event is scheduled on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from  
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; location Elevation 89 (Ocala Airport).  
Ms. Wilson asked Council if they would be interested in a Golf Cart Ordinance 2-year expansion  
review  
City Manager Sandra Wilson asked Council if they would be interested in a Golf Cart Ordinance  
2-year expansion review. The Police Chief stated no major issues have been reported. She asked  
Council if they would like to expand the golf cart territory.  
Mayor Guinn commented there are no existing issues due to the new process. He expressed  
concern mixing golf cart traffic with vehicle traffic. To note, the community greatly supports the  
gold cart parade. He suggested Council not change the current policy.  
Council Member Mansfield stated he supports the Golf Cart Ordinance. Furthermore, he  
supports mixing golf cart traffic with vehicle traffic. He anticipates the use of golf carts  
Downtown will help support local businesses.  
Mayor Guinn expressed concern allowing golf carts Downtown. He asked if the golf cart  
expansion includes the northside of the boulevard. Ms. Wilson responded no.  
Growth Management Director Tye Chighizola commented the City will have a traffic engineer  
perform a study before revising the ordinance. The City will perform an implementation period  
and currently, 300 golf carts are registered in the southeast.  
Council President Bethea asked if golf carts will be expanded to other areas. Mr. Chighizola  
responded the City will perform a study before expanding to other areas.  
Council President Bethea noted many individuals are driving golf carts out of the designated  
area.  
Council President Pro Tem Hilty stated parking is very scarce Downtown. He suggested Council  
revisit the matter after the parking garage is built.  
Council Member Mansfield stated he supports expanding the Golf Cart Ordinance. He noted  
there are many beautiful neighborhoods to expand the use of golf carts.  
Council President Bethea commented many golf carts double park in the Villages.  
Police Chief Mike Balken commented the Police Department took into consideration traffic  
impacts, fatal crashes, possible alcohol consumption and increased crime. To note, golf carts do  
not have child restraints or seat belts to protect the public. Currently, the Police Department does  
not have negative data to present regarding the use of golf carts.  
Council Member Dreyer suggested Council explore the use of golf carts.  
Ms. Wilson commented the City will have the transportation engineers perform a study.  
Council President Bethea commented many residents have contacted him to inquire about  
allowing golf carts in their area. He suggested the study include expanding the use of golf carts  
to multiple areas.  
Council President Pro Tem Hilty concurs with Council President Bethea. He suggested the City  
explore parking options for golf carts.  
14.  
Police and Fire Department Report  
Police Department Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts  
Fire Department Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts  
Police Chief Mike Balken – Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts  
Police Chief Balken discussed the public safety Opioid response efforts for January 31, 2022 to  
February 13, 2022. The Police Departments Opioid response efforts 15, overdose deaths 4,  
Narcan leave behind 2 and Amnesty participation 4. He noted fentanyl is being shipped from  
China to Mexico, and illegally imported into the United States.  
Council President Bethea thanked the Police Department and Fire Department for combating  
illegal drugs in the community. Furthermore, he supports stopping the illegal drug trade in the  
United States.  
Police Chief Balken stated they will continue fighting the war on drugs. He anticipates the  
numbers will continue to trend up as long as there is a high demand. He noted a 15-year old is  
recovering in the ICU from a drug overdose.  
Council President Bethea stated he supports combating drugs in the community to protect the  
youth.  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn – Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts & Community Paramedicine  
Fire Chief Welborn discussed the public safety Opioid response efforts and community  
paramedicine program. The overdose response efforts 13, overdose deaths 1 and Narcan leave  
behind 1. For the month of February, 337 people have enrolled in the Opioid Recovery Project  
and they had a total of 135 community paramedicine graduates.  
15.  
Mayor's Report  
Mayor Guinn commented on two Ocala USA Olympians  
Mayor Guinn played a video about Brittany Bowe and Erin Jackson USA Olympians from  
Ocala. Ms. Jackson is the first African American woman to win an individual medal in speed  
skating at the USA Olympics. The City will honor the Ocala Olympians upon their return. He  
read a letter he received from the White House Liaison. Furthermore, he suggested creating a  
plaque and establishing a flagpole to honor Ms. Jackson at the MLK Jr. Recreational Center. He  
requested the City reach out to Clear Channel regarding the donation of digital billboards to  
honor the Olympians.  
City Manager Sandra Wilson commented the City will contact Clear Channel to discuss the  
donation of digital billboards.  
16.  
City Attorney's Report  
Approve start time of recurring attorney-client meeting pursuant to Florida Statute §  
a.  
286.011 in the matter of Discount Sleep of Ocala et al vs. City of Ocala  
City Attorney Batsel reported recurring meetings will occur at 3:15 p.m. due to the  
change of time for City Council meetings.  
Discount Sleep Final Hearing May 10, 2022 at 1:30 PM, Court Room 3A, Marion County  
Courthouse  
City Attorney Batsel reported the court ordered the City to utilize a third party to send a notice of  
final hearing to disperse funds, attorney fees, costs and class representative service awards. The  
final hearing is scheduled on May 10, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.; location Marion County courtroom  
3A. The public can attend the meeting and exercise their right to object or be heard, but must  
sign up in advance. The City will be expensing $6,649,681.08 to the plaintiff’s attorney and  
$6,480,957.75 amounts to attorney fees. Furthermore, $68,723.33 will go to non-taxable costs  
and each class representative will receive $50,000.  
The remaining $72 million will be available for payment in the form of refunds to class  
members. The checks can be mailed to the last known address or through the formal claims  
administration process. If all the funds are not dispersed, the plaintiff’s counsel will receive  
$100,000 for attorney fees. Furthermore, the order contains a web link for the public to register  
to speak at the hearing.  
Carlton Arms litigation update  
City Attorney Batsel reported the deadline passed for the voluntary dismissal of prejudice. The  
plaintiffs attorney requested more time. The plan is to proceed with bond validation on Friday,  
unless the notice of dismissal is filed.  
Notice of lawsuit filed concerning the Firefighter Retirement Plan  
City Attorney Batsel reported the City received notice of lawsuit filed concerning the Firefighter  
Retirement Plan. The City retained an outside Pension Attorney named Glenn Thomas. A  
complaint for declaratory judgment was filed regarding the overtime pay cap effect on pension  
interests. He requested approval from Council to retain Mr. Thomas to represent the City.  
17.  
Informational Items  
a.  
Calendaring Items  
17a1. City Council meeting start time changes to 4:00 pm starting Tuesday, March 1st  
17a2. City Council Strategic Planning Session - Tuesday, March 22nd - 8:30am -  
12:00pm - Location TBD  
b.  
Comments by Mayor  
Mayor Guinn commented on the Great Cattle Drive event  
Mayor Guinn congratulated the Parks & Recreations Department on the successful Great Cattle  
Drive event. To note, 3,000 people attended the event.  
Mayor Guinn commented on maintaining the Tuscawilla Historic District  
Mayor Guinn expressed concern Larry Bridges is building halfway houses in the Tuscawilla  
area. He was informed halfway houses are being built in the area. The City has received  
numerous complaints from residents regarding the operating halfway houses. The units are  
constructed with four bedrooms per unit and tenants pay $700-$800 monthly rent. He requested  
Council not allow people to build dwellings that are not approved by the City, to help preserve  
the Tuscawilla Historic District.  
City Attorney Batsel commented a code case is pending. He suggested Council schedule  
workshop or strategic planning session to discuss the matter. He noted Federal laws deem  
halfway houses as providing housing for individuals with a disability. The City must be careful  
they are not discriminating against individuals with a disability. The City can enforce code  
violations, if the people residing in the facility are recovering from recent incarceration or  
criminal conduct.  
Mayor Guinn commented the zoning code needs to be enforced.  
Council President Pro Tem Hilty asked who is responsible for enforcement. Mayor Guinn  
responded the Building Department.  
City Manager Sandra Wilson commented the applicant applied for the correct permits.  
City Attorney Batsel commented if the applicant is operating a transitional recovery facility, but  
zoned R-1; it is considered a code violation.  
c.  
Council President Bethea commented the next City Council meeting is scheduled at 4:00 p.m.  
d. Informational  
Executed Contracts under $50,000  
Comments by Council Members  
a.  
18.  
Adjournment  
7:37 PM  
Adjourned at 7:37 p.m.  
Minutes  
_______________________________  
Ire Bethea Sr.  
________________________________  
Angel B. Jacobs  
Council President  
City Clerk