110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
City Council  
Minutes  
www.ocalafl.org  
4:00 PM  
Tuesday, May 2, 2023  
1. Call to Order  
a.  
Opening Ceremony  
1.  
2.  
Invocation  
Pledge of Allegiance  
b.  
Welcome and Roll Call  
Mayor Reuben Kent Guinn  
Present:  
Pro Tem Barry Mansfield  
Council Member Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Council Member Kristen M. Dreyer  
Council Member Jay A. Musleh  
Council President James P. Hilty Sr  
Municipal Officers/Others Present: The meeting was also attended by City Manager Peter Lee,  
City Attorney Robert Batsel Jr., City Attorney William Sexton, Assistant City Manager Ken  
Whitehead, City Clerk Angel Jacobs, Deputy City Clerk Pamela Omichinski, Police Chief  
Michael Balken, Internal Auditor Randall Bridgeman,Growth Management Director Tye  
Chighizola, Marketing & Communication Manager Ashley Dobbs, Deputy Director Planning  
Aubrey Hale, Budget Director Tammi Haslam, Planning Director Patricia Hitchcock, Director of  
Facilities & Fleet Management John King, City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean  
Lanier, Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lietz, Director of Public Works Darren Park, Director of  
Electric Utility Doug Peebles, Director of Telecommunications Mel Poole, Director of Parks &  
Recreation Preston Pooser, Strategic & Legislative Affairs Administrator Jeannine Robbins,  
Director of Finance Emory Roberts, Procurement & Contracting Officer Daphne Robinson,  
Chief of Staff Chris Watt, Ocala Police Dept Representative, IT Representative, The Press and  
other interested parties.  
c.  
New Employees  
- Lisa Singleton, Growth Management  
- Todd Swanson, HR & Risk Management  
- Avis Davis, Recreation & Parks  
- Darryl Gutierrez, Recreation & Parks  
- Wesley Hogan, Recreation & Parks  
- Ronald Lewis, Recreation & Parks  
- Christina Morris, Recreation & Parks  
- David Ricks, Recreation & Parks  
- Khristian Roberts, Recreation & Parks  
- Terra West, Recreation & Parks  
2.  
Public Notice for the May 2, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on April 4, 2023  
3. Proclamations & Awards  
Public Notice  
Historic Preservation Month Proclamation will be presented to Breah Miller, Planner II;  
3a.  
Gus Gianikas CRA Manager; Shari D. Ausley, Chair-Ocala Historic Preservation  
Advisory Board; Christina Anne Snook, Vice Chair-Ocala Historic Preservation  
Advisory Board; Matt Grow, Board Member-Historic Ocala Preservation Society, and to  
Pamela Stafford, Board Member - Historic Ocala Preservation Society  
Mayor Guinn presented a proclamation for Historic Preservation Month. The City  
proclaims May 2023, as Historic Preservation Month.  
Shari D. Ausley, Chair, Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, spoke on the  
importance of preserving Ocala’s history.  
Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation will be presented to Rabbi Yossi Hecht,  
Director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Ocala, Florida  
3b.  
Mayor Guinn presented a proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month. The City  
proclaims May 2023, as Jewish American Heritage Month.  
Rabbi Yossi Hecht thanked Mayor Guinn for the proclamation and made a brief  
presentation.  
Drinking Water Week Proclamation will be presented to Sean Lanier, Water Resources  
Director and City Engineer; Rusella Bowes-Johnson, Water Resources Assistant  
Director; Robyn Preston, Manager of Water Treatment & Reclamation; Ryan Tassa,  
Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator; and to the Water Operators  
3c.  
Mayor Guinn presented a proclamation for Drinking Water Week. The City proclaims  
May 7, 2023 to May 13, 2023, as Drinking Water Week.  
Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator Ryan Tassa spoke on the importance of preserving  
water.  
City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier thanked Mayor Guinn for the  
proclamation.  
Andrea Ditto, Chair of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association  
Region XI, will be presenting the Best-Tasting Drinking Water 2023 Region XI award to  
Sean Lanier, Water Resources Director and City Engineer; Rusella Bowes-Johnson,  
Water Resources Assistant Director; Robyn Preston, Manager of Water Treatment &  
Reclamation; Ryan Tassa, Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator; and to the Water  
Operators  
3d.  
Andrea Ditto, Chair of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association  
Region XI presented the Best Tasting Drinking Water 2023 Region XI award to the City.  
Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator Ryan Tassa thanked Ms. Ditto for the award.  
Manager of Water Treatment & Reclamation Robyn Preston spoke on the plant  
operations.  
American Wetlands Month Proclamation will be presented to Sean Lanier, Water  
Resources Director and City Engineer; Rusella Bowes-Johnson, Water Resources  
Assistant Director; Robyn Preston, Manager of Water Treatment and Reclamation; and  
to Gabriela Sullivan, Water Resources Conservation Coordinator  
3e.  
Mayor Guinn presented a proclamation for American Wetlands Month. The City  
proclaims May 2023, as American Wetlands Month.  
Water Resources Conservation Coordinator Gabriela Sullivan spoke on the importance  
of the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.  
Manager of Water Treatment & Reclamation Robyn Preston thanked Mayor Guinn for  
the proclamation.  
Proclamation calling for a General Election for Tuesday, September 19, 2023  
3f.  
Council President Hilty on behalf of Mayor Guinn presented a proclamation calling for a  
General Election for Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  
4.  
5.  
Presentations  
Public Comments  
Brian Creekbaum, 103 NE 31st Terrace, commented on the closure of City offices during storms  
Brian Creekbaum, 103 NE 31st Terrace, expressed concern regarding the closure of City offices  
during storms. He requested information regarding idle employee benefits for the day the City  
offices were closed for Hurricane Nicole.  
Council President Hilty suggested Mr. Creekbaum submit a public records request.  
Andrea Farrar, 1411 SE 18th Avenue, commented on traffic impacts near Woodfield  
Andrea Farrar, 1411 SE 18th Avenue, spoke on the traffic control issues and safety concerns  
near Woodfields. She requested Council help calm traffic in the area.  
City Manager Pete Lee confirmed the City has utilized traffic control devices in the area.  
City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier stated the City has surveyed the area  
for sidewalk improvements to promote pedestrian safety while complying with ADA  
(Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and noted there are some challenges with  
topography. He explained the City has also considered on adding chokers and speed tables to  
control the speed limit.  
City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will follow up with traffic recommendations and costs.  
Mr. Lanier commented the plan is to apply engineering/traffic calming solutions to remedy the  
matter. He will provide an update next month.  
6.  
Public Hearings  
Open a public hearing concerning a Chapter 163 Development Agreement for  
approximately 26.63 acres of property located on the east side of SW 43rd Court in the  
3600 block (across from Saddlewood Elementary) (DMA23-45165). This is the first of  
two public hearings. The second and final public hearing is scheduled for May 16, 2023,  
at 4:00 pm  
6a.  
Council President Hilty opened the Public Hearing at 4:40 pm.  
Growth Management Director Tye Chighizola provided a brief history of the requested  
relief and development project. The applicant will not start development until the road  
improvements are completed by the City. The second public hearing is scheduled on May  
16, 2023, to discuss the Chapter 163 Development Agreement and rezoning.  
Fred Roberts, 40 SE 11th Avenue, thanked staff for their hard work. He confirmed the  
applicant agreed to not start construction until the road improvements are completed.  
RESULT:  
OPENED A PUBLIC HEARING  
7.  
8.  
Second and Final Reading of Ordinances - None  
General Business  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-137 amending the Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023 budget to  
provide a supplemental appropriation to reconcile cash balance forward accounts and for  
the continuation of projects not completed in Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 in the amount of  
$77,167,433  
8a.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve one-year renewal with All Seasons Landscape Contractors, Inc. for street  
8b.  
sweeping services in the amount of $239,640  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve contract with R&R Builders, LLC, for the rehabilitation of the Pennington  
residence located at 322 NE 12th Avenue for a total project cost not to exceed $157,100  
8c.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve Community Development Block Grant-Corona Virus Grant Sub-Recipient  
Agreement with the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation to execute a  
micro-business loan program in the amount of $200,000  
8d.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve a three-year contract with The Fishel Company for third party pole attachment  
analysis services for Ocala Electric Utility in the estimated amount of $900,000  
8e.  
Council Member Musleh asked if the pole attachment must be recertified every year.  
Director of Electric Utility Doug Peebles responded no; only new attachments need to be  
certified.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Barry Mansfield  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve the purchase of electric meters from Wesco Distribution, Inc. with an estimated  
expenditure of $250,000  
8f.  
RESULT:  
PULLED  
Adopt Resolution 2023-26 approving an amendment to the Public Transportation Grant  
Agreement (PTGA) 449858-1-94-01 with the Florida Department of Transportation for  
8g.  
design and construction of the north T-hangar access road in the amount of $500,000  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve the Legal Services Agreement with Roper, P.A. for outside counsel services  
8h.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve appointment of and establish compensation for Jared R. Gainey as Assistant  
City Attorney  
8i.  
Mayor Guinn asked if the Police Department will be able to utilize Mr. Gainey for their  
legal needs. City Attorney Sexton confirmed the Police Department will be able to utilize  
Mr. Gainey for their legal matters.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve settlement in the matter of Cynthia Haile v. the City of Ocala, Florida in the  
amount of $100,000  
8j.  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve a two-year contract with C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. for the Transportation  
Rehabilitation Improvement Program with an aggregate expenditure not to exceed  
$5,000,000  
8k.  
Council Member Dreyer thanked Mr. Sean Lanier and Ms. Daphne Robinson for  
answering council members' questions and concerns from the previous council meeting.  
Stuart Savoy, C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc., Vice President Division Manager, 4034  
SE 38th Loop, thanked Council for their support.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
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.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Approve the First Amendment to the Contract for Sale and Purchase of property between  
the City of Ocala and Newco Homes of Ocala Inc.  
9a.  
9b.  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-138 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget to  
appropriate $500,000 in additional grant funding from the Florida Department of  
Transportation and transfer an additional $125,000 from the Airport reserve for  
contingencies account for design and construction of the north T-hangar access road for a  
total amount of $625,000  
Approve renewal of Trakit software maintenance with Superion LLC for six months at  
an estimated expenditure of $23,512  
9c.  
9d.  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-139 amending the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget to  
appropriate funds from the reserve building fund for related expenses in the amount of  
$57,012  
Approve appointment of Antoinette Hunt to the Brownfields Advisory Committee for an  
unexpired four-year term ending March 1, 2027  
9e.  
9f.  
Accept the grant of an avigation easement from TBMI II, LLC, over property located on  
the east side of SW 60th Avenue, between SW 31st Street and SW 38th Street,  
approximately 61.39 acres  
Approve College Park Townhomes Final Plat (SUB22-44997)  
Approve Heath Preserve Phase 1 and 2 Final Plat (SUB22-44738)  
9g.  
9h.  
9i.  
Approve estoppel certificate as required by the fixed base operator lease with Sheltair  
Aviation Ocala, LLC  
Approve Supervisor of Elections recommendation for the 2023 Early Voting period  
Approve Regular Meeting City Council Minutes from April 18, 2023  
9j.  
9k.  
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.  
11.  
Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances  
(Second and Final Reading - May 16, 2023)  
Introduce Ordinance 2023-45 revising the language in section (7) c. 1. increasing the  
General Employees Retirement System benefit multiplier from 1.0% to 1.3%. The  
benefit for current retirees, Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) members, and  
vested terminated members shall change to reflect the 1.3 percent multiplier for all years  
of service prospectively beginning with the October 1, 2023 payment  
11a.  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Introduced By:  
Introduce Ordinance 2023-46 concerning a zoning change to R-3, Multi-family  
Residential, for approximately 15 acres of property located on the east side of SW 43rd  
Court in the 3600 block (across from Saddlewood Elementary) (Case ZON23-45169)  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
11b.  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
Introduced By:  
12.  
13.  
Internal Auditor's Report - None  
City Manager's Report  
13a. Rescheduling of July 4, 2023 City Council meeting  
A motion was made to cancel the July 4, 2023 City Council meeting.  
City Manager Pete Lee stated staff recommends canceling the City Council meeting  
scheduled on July 4, 2023.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer  
AYE: Mansfield, Bethea Sr, Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty Sr  
Storm Update  
City Manager Pete Lee thanked City staff for their fast emergency response efforts during the  
recent storm.  
14.  
Police and Fire Department Report  
Police Chief Mike Balken – Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts  
Police Chief Balken discussed the public safety Opioid response efforts for April 17, 2023 to  
April 30, 2023. The Police Departments Opioid response efforts 4, overdose deaths 1, Narcan  
leave behind 0, and Amnesty participation 2. The department will be swearing in new Police  
Officers on Monday, May 8, 2023, from 10 am to 11 am. He commented the department will set  
up a special traffic detail in the Woodfields area to address traffic issues.  
Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lietz – Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts & Community  
Paramedicine  
Deputy Fire Chief Lietz discussed the public safety Opioid response efforts and community  
paramedicine program. The overdose response efforts 6, overdose deaths 1, Narcan leave behind  
0, and calls for service 2,159. Year to date, 442 OD2A Program participants, and 262  
community paramedicine graduates.  
15.  
House Bill 1359 Update  
Mayor Guinn reported House Bill 1359 passed. He is working on scheduling a ceremonial  
Mayor's Report  
signing of the Bill.  
16.  
17.  
City Attorney's Report  
Informational Items  
17a. Calendaring Items  
17a1. Community Redevelopment Area Agency Meeting - May 16, 2023 - 3:45pm -  
Council Chambers  
17b. Comments by Mayor  
17c. Comments by Council Members  
Council Member Bethea thanked City staff for their support efforts during the recent storm  
17d. Informational  
Power Cost Adjustment Report - March 2023  
17d1.  
17d2.  
Monthly budget to actual report and Capital Improvement Project status report as of  
March 31, 2023  
Executed Contracts Under $50,000  
17d3.  
18.  
Adjournment  
Adjourned at 5:13 pm  
Minutes  
_______________________________  
James P. Hilty Sr.  
________________________________  
Angel B. Jacobs  
Council President  
City Clerk