110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

City Council

Minutes

www.ocalafl.gov

4:00 PM

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Call to Order

Roll Call

Mayor Ben Marciano

Present:

Pro Tem Jay A. Musleh

Council Member Kristen M. Dreyer

Council Member James P. Hilty Sr

Council Member Barry Mansfield

Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr

Public Notice

Public Notice for the December 2, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted

on November 7, 2025

Proclamations and Awards

Annual President’s Award

4a.

Council President Dreyer presented the annual President’s Award, established in 2011 to

recognize a City of Ocala employee or group of employees for outstanding

accomplishments that enhance city services and improve the quality of life for Ocala

residents. The award is presented annually by the outgoing Council President.

Nominees for the 2025 President’s Award included:

- Discovery Center Staff

- Ocala-Marion Fire Rescue Mentorship Program Team

- Shay Roberts Green, Procurement and Contracting Division

- Information Technology Staff

- Don Lee, Ocala Electric Utility Team

Following the announcement of nominees, Council President Dreyer expressed

appreciation for their dedication and contributions, noting the difficulty in selecting a

single winner due to the high caliber of all nominees.

The 2025 President’s Award was presented to the Ocala-Marion Fire Rescue Mentorship

Program Team, which includes Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bowyer, Firefighter/EMT

Delano Christie, Captain Paramedic Chris Hickman, Captain Paramedic Anthony Ortiz,

Firefighter Paramedic Theron Remington, and Firefighter Paramedic Brian Stoothoff and

two retired members. Council President Dreyer recognized the team for their impactful

mentorship efforts within the department and the broader community.

Captain Paramedic Anthony Ortiz expressed gratitude for the President’s Award and

shared insights into the evolution of the Ocala-Marion Fire Rescue Mentorship Program.

Initially developed as a recruitment tool, the program has grown into a broader initiative

supporting personal and professional development across the community.

He highlighted the program’s outreach efforts, which include working with military

veterans seeking new career paths and engaging with high school students exploring

future opportunities. Through hands-on experiences and guidance, the program helps

participants discover suitable career directions, including roles in fire rescue, law

enforcement, and other city departments.

Ortiz emphasized the program’s impact, noting that some participants have gone on to

join the department, including two current team members. He acknowledged the

challenges and rewards of mentorship and expressed pride in contributing to the growth

of young individuals.

Council President Dreyer added that the program had secured over 50 career

opportunities in the last quarter alone, commending the team’s dedication to preparing

the next generation of first responders, military personnel, and medical professionals.

Presentations

5a.

5b.

5c.

Comments by outgoing Council President

Council President Dreyer reflected on the past year, highlighting steady progress,

investments in public safety, technology modernization, recreation, and neighborhood

revitalization. She expressed gratitude to Council members, staff, and citizens for their

support and engagement. She concluded by presenting personalized gifts to Council

members sourced from local businesses and welcomed the incoming leadership.

Presentation of Plaques and Gifts

Council President Dreyer presented gifts filled with goodies from local small businesses

to her fellow City Council Members and Mayor Marciano.

President Pro Tem Bethea presented a plaque to Council President Dreyer in appreciation

of her service.

Swearing-In of Reelected Council Members

City Council District 1 – Barry Mansfield

City Council District 3 – Jay A. Musleh

City Council District 5 – James P. Hilty Sr.

5d.

5e.

Swearing-In of Mayor Ben Marciano

Council Reorganization

Election of Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Election of Council President Pro-Tem Jay A. Musleh

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Change of seating and name plates

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

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Agreement to accept Victims of Crime Act grant funds received from the State of

Florida, Office of the Attorney General, in the amount of $59,412

6a.

6b.

Presentation By: Michael Balken

Budget Resolution 2026-115 to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept and

appropriate Victims of Crime Act grant funds received from the State of Florida, Office

of the Attorney General, in the amount of $59,412

Presentation By: Michael Balken

Expenditures for utility services provided by SECO Energy for Fiscal Year 2025-26 with

an estimated expenditure of $84,000

6c.

6d.

6e.

6f.

Presentation By: Peter Brill

Resolution 2026-8 to amend each respective community redevelopment plan for the four

redevelopment subareas: West Ocala, East Ocala, North Magnolia, and Downtown

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

Appointment of Donald Gulling to the Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Area Advisory

Committee for an unexpired term ending March 1, 2029

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Minutes from November 18, 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 - December 16, 2025)

Ordinance 2026-4 designating a historic landmark at the southeast corner of 117 E Silver

Springs Boulevard (Parcel ID# 2823-064-007) and installing a historic marker titled

“Elvis in Ocala, Tom Petty Inspired” (Quasi-Judicial)

8a.

James P. Hilty Sr

Introduced By:

Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances

Ordinance 2026-1 to amend the code of ordinances for permitted uses in the M-1, Light

Industrial, zoning district to include churches/places of worship located on major and

minor arterial roadways subject to supplemental regulations (COD25-0003)

9a.

Presentation By: Emily Johnson

Ire J. Bethea Sr

Introduced By:

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Senior Planner Emily Johnson presented a proposed code amendment to allow churches

and places of worship as permitted uses in the M-1 Light Industrial zoning district,

specifically along major and minor arterial roadways. The amendment includes

supplemental regulations and special exception requirements for associated uses such as

private schools and daycares. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended

approval.

Jimmy Gooding, Applicant’s Attorney, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, explained the historical

and procedural background of the proposed ordinance amendment to allow churches and

medical offices in the M-1 zoning district. He noted the property's location in a

historically industrial area and emphasized the ordinance’s intent to permit such uses

only along major and minor arterial roadways. He confirmed staff review and support for

the amendment and offered to answer questions.

No public comment.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Ordinance 2026-2 to change the future land use designation on approximately 10.36

acres (Parcel 21454-000-00) located at 2500 NW 31st Avenue from Medium

Intensity/Special District to Employment Center (Case LUC25-0005) (Quasi-Judicial)

9b.

Presentation By: Emily Johnson

James P. Hilty Sr

Introduced By:

Senior Planner Emily Johnson presented a request to change the future land use

designation of approximately 10.36 acres from Medium Intensity Special District to

Employment Center, and to rezone the property from R-1 and R-2 residential to M-1

Light Industrial. The change aligns with adjacent industrial uses, including a nearby

landfill and Commerce Park, and supports unified development. Staff and the Planning

and Zoning Commission recommended approval.

No public comment.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Ordinance 2026-3 to rezone approximately 10.36 acres (Parcel 21454-000-00) located at

2500 NW 31st Avenue from R-1, Single-Family Residential and R-2, Two-Family

Residential to M-1, Light Industrial (Case ZON25-0012) (Quasi-Judicial)

9c.

Presentation By: Emily Johnson

Jay A. Musleh

Introduced By:

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Planner Emily Johnson discussed the adoption of Ordinance 2026-3. The applicant

requested to rezone the property from R-1 (Single Family Residential) and R-2 (Two

Family Residential) to M-1 (Light Industrial). She provided a brief overview of the

property’s history, zoning, and staff findings. Planning & Zoning Commission and staff

recommend approval.

No public comment.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

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

General Business

Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Ocala and Marion Opportunity Zone

10.

10a.

Investment I, LLC, for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the historic Hotel Marion

property, with total City incentives not to exceed $2,896,670

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

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

brief history of the historic Hotel Marion.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Purchase of physical security equipment from Morse Communications Inc., including

digital cameras, building access controls, and alarms with an estimated expenditure

$245,725

10b.

Presentation By: Christopher Ramos

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

One-year renewal of software maintenance agreement with Harris Corporation for the

City’s customer management system, Cogsdale, with an estimated expenditure of

$258,373

10c.

Presentation By: Christopher Ramos

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Renewal of agreement for professional electric transmission design and engineering

services with GAI Consultants, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000

10d.

Presentation By: Doug Peebles

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Utilization of Florida Department of Management Services cooperative purchasing

agreement with Point Blank Enterprises for the purchase of replacement ballistic vests

for the Ocala Police Department SWAT team in the amount of $161,449

10e.

Presentation By: Michael Balken

Council Member Hilty questioned what happens to the old vests. Police Chief Balken

explained the the police department has donated ballistic vests to smaller agencies, but

noted the material in the vests degrades over time.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Authorization to enter into a purchase and sale agreement for real property located along

the 1900 block of NW 21st Street, approximately 10.49 acres, further identified by parcel

ID: 21943-000-00, in an amount not to exceed $868,000

10f.

Presentation By: Roberto Ellis

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Three-year renewal of the Agreement for Agent of Record and Insurance Consulting

Services with Risk Management Associates, Inc., with a total contract value not to

exceed $270,000

10g.

Presentation By: Todd Swanson

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

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

11.

12.

Internal Auditor's Report

City Manager's Report

Light Up Ocala event

City Manager Pete Lee reported the City hosted a successful Light Up Ocala event with

over 30,000 people in attendance.

Council Board appointments

City Manager Pete Lee reviewed Council Board appointments. Council preferred keep

their current assignments.

Council Member Dreyer reminded Council members of the importance of attending the

TPO meetings, and to contact alternate TPO member Council Pro Tem Musleh if they

need to miss a meeting.

Ocala Golf Course update

City Manager Pete Lee provided a brief update on completed/planned improvements for

the Ocala Golf Course.

13.

Ocala Police Department Report

Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops

Police Chief Mike Balken reported on crime data for the period, November 10, 2025 to

November 23, 2025: 7,106 total incidents, 4,474 proactive calls, 2,632 dispatched calls,

quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus proactive), 267 crimes, 177 arrests, 847 traffic

stops, and 161 crashes.

Department Highlights

Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department hosted a successful Light Up Ocala

event. Furthermore, the department is preparing for the Ocala Christmas Parade on

December 13, 2025.

14.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

Unit Responses

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

18, 2025 to December 1, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (164-unit

responses) and Fire Engine One (120-unit responses).

Service calls update

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

November 18, 2025 to December 1, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 92, structure fires 1,

and community paramedicine/core 22, and calls for service 968 (23,072 calls-to-date).

Department Highlights

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department successfully concealed a fire on

Thanksgiving Day. Furthermore, the Department partnered with several non-profit

organizations to collect non-perishable goods and supplies before December 5, 2025. He

encouraged the public to attend the upcoming Ocala Christmas Parade on December 13,

2025.

15.

16.

City Attorney's Report

Public Comments

Jason Tolbert, 1700 NE 50th Avenue, Ocala, FL, discussed a mixed-use proposal

for City Council to consider

Jason Tolbert, 1700 NE 50th Avenue, Ocala, FL, discussed a mixed-use proposal (Ocala

Opportunity Tower) for City Council to consider. He provided a brief overview of the

following: housing crisis solution, commercial project phase, project funding (estimated

cost $3.8 million), and projected revenue.

Kibbie Fulton, 520 NE 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Kibbie Fulton, 520 NE 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City Council

to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. She requested the Mayor take into

consideration the residents in the community.

Shane Bores, 887 NW 6th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34475, requested the Mayor meet

with residents in the community to discuss Kratom

Shane Bores, 887 NW 6th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34475, requested the Mayor meet with

residents in the community to discuss Kratom. He requested City Council take into

consideration the residents in the community.

Jimmy Voelkel, 129 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL 34473, encouraged the Mayor

and City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Jimmy Voelkel, 129 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL 34473, encouraged the Mayor and

City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. He shared how Muddy Lotus

Tea’s social environment with Kratom products has helped him combat alcohol

addiction.

Dillon Craig Aldridge, 2950 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL 34470, encouraged the

Mayor and City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Dillon Craig Aldridge, 2950 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL 34470, encouraged the Mayor

and City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. He shared his wonderful

experience working at the Muddy Lotus Tea and consuming Kratom products.

Brigitte Smith, 4275 SW 85th Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Brigitte Smith, 4275 SW 85th Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. She explained the medical properties

of Kratom, as well as the difference between the natural leaf products served at Muddy

Lotus Tea and the synthetic version, 70H. Furthermore, she shared how medical Kratom

has greatly benefited her health as an active nurse in the community.

Serena Mojica, 731 SE 13th Street, Ocala, FL 34471, encouraged the Mayor and

City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Serena Mojica, 731 SE 13th Street, Ocala, FL 34471, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. She shared her wonderful experience

working at the Muddy Lotus Tea and explained how Kratom products support the

underserved residents in the community.

Christy House, 240 NW 137th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34482, encouraged the Mayor

and City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Christy House, 240 NW 137th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34482, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. She shared her wonderful experience

consuming Kratom for healing purposes at the Muddy Lotus Tea.

Wesley McNair, 1756 NE 3rd Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Wesley McNair, 1756 NE 3rd Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. He shared his wonderful experience

consuming Kratom for healing purposes at the Muddy Lotus Tea.

Mitchell Tucker, 401 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Mitchell Tucker, 401 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. He shared his wonderful experience

visiting the welcoming social environment at the Muddy Lotus Tea.

Heather Cook, 4100 NE 37th Place, Ocala, FL 34480, encouraged the Mayor and

City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Heather Cook, 4100 NE 37th Place, Ocala, FL 34480, encouraged the Mayor and City

Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. She shared her wonderful experience

consuming Kratom for healing purposes at the Muddy Lotus Tea.

Kimberly Bailey, 11616 SE 55th Avenue, Bellview, FL 34420, encouraged the

Mayor and City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom

Kimberly Bailey, 11616 SE 55th Avenue, Bellview, FL 34420, encouraged the Mayor

and City Council to support Muddy Lotus Tea and Kratom. She shared her wonderful

experience consuming Kratom for healing purposes at the Muddy Lotus Tea.

17.

Informational Items and Calendaring Items

- 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

- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

Power Cost Adjustment Report - October 2025

17a.

Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000

17b.

18.

Comments by Mayor

Kratom Bill

Mayor Marciano expressed concern about the local impact of kratom, citing personal

experiences and community feedback, including youth struggling with addiction. He

emphasized the need for federal regulation, supported potential state-level legislation,

and called for local action to address synthetic drug sales and promote a healthier

community environment. He plans to bring forward related proposals at a future meeting.

Light Up Ocala event

Mayor Marciano recognized the City for hosting a successful Light Up Ocala event.

Additionally, he encouraged the public to tag him on social media or email, to share acts

of kindness during the holiday season.

19.

Comments by City Council Members

Council Member Mansfield recognized past Council President Dreyer for her great

leadership

Council Member Hilty recognized Council Member Dreyer for her service as the

past Council President

Council Member Dreyer commented on the importance of TPO attendance

Council Member Dreyer discussed the importance of TPO attendance. Furthermore, she

reminded Council that the TPO meeting is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Council Pro Tem Musleh expressed gratitude to be able to serve on the City

Council for another term and recognized past Council President Dreyer for her

great leadership

Council President Bethea recognized past Council President Dreyer for her great

leadership

20.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 6:00 pm

Minutes

_______________________________

Ire J. Bethea Sr.

________________________________

Angel B. Jacobs

Council President

City Clerk