110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
City Council  
Minutes  
4:00 PM  
Tuesday, September 16, 2025  
1.  
2.  
Call to Order  
Roll Call  
Mayor Ben Marciano  
Present:  
Pro Tem Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Council Member James P. Hilty Sr  
Council Member Barry Mansfield  
Council Member Jay A. Musleh  
Council President Kristen M. Dreyer  
Municipal Officers/Others Present: The meeting was also attended by City Manager Peter Lee,  
City Attorney William Sexton, Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead, Deputy City Clerk  
Pamela Omichinski, Fire Chief Clint Welborn, Police Chief Michael Balken, Internal Auditor  
Randall Bridgeman, Assistant Finance Director Peter Brill, Director of Airport Matthew Grow,  
Planning Director Aubrey Hale, Budget Director Tammi Haslam, Community Development  
Services Director James Haynes, Director of Parks & Recreation Julie Johnson, HR/Risk  
Management Director Todd Swanson, City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean  
Lanier, Chief Financial Officer Janice Mitchell, Director of Public Works Darren Park, Director  
of Electric Utility Doug Peebles, Director of Ocala Fiber Network Mel Poole, IT Director  
Christopher Ramos, Strategic & Legislative Affairs Administrator Jeannine Robbins,  
Procurement & Contracting Officer Daphne Robinson, Growth Management Director Jeff  
Shrum, Chief of Staff Chris Watt, Ocala Police Dept Representative, IT Representative, The  
Press and other interested parties.  
2a.  
New Employees  
- Jordan Price, Ocala Fiber Network  
- Zachariah Farrell, Ocala Fiber Network  
- Bradley Ottinger, Public Works  
- Alex Jones, Public Works  
3.  
4.  
Public Notice  
-
Public Notice for the September 16, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted  
on August 20, 2025  
Proclamations and Awards  
Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Michael Hoffmann  
4a.  
Mayor Marciano presented the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Michael  
Hoffmann in appreciation of his contributions to the community. Mr. Hoffmann thanked  
the Mayor for the award, as well as the parents of his students at Forest High School for  
their continued support.  
Presentation of the Give4Marion Day Proclamation to Ocala/Marion County Community  
Foundation President and Executive Director, Lauren DeIorio  
4b.  
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Give4Marion Day. The City proclaims  
September 16, 2025, as Give4Marion Day. Ms. DeIorio, on behalf of dozens of citizens  
involved with Give4Marion Day, urged everyone to donate and help local community  
nonprofits through the donation drive. A celebration will be held at the Riley Black Box  
Theatre on Wednesday, September 17 at 5:00 pm.  
Presentation of the Constitution Week Proclamation to the Daughters of the American  
Revolution Regent, Rochelle Gerofsky  
4c.  
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Constitution Week. The City proclaims  
September 17, 2025 to September 23, 2025, as Constitution Week. Ms. Gerofsky  
discussed the importance of the Constitution and urged everyone to join in celebrating  
the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on September 17 at 4pm by ringing a  
bell. She noted every fifth grader in Marion County has received a workbook to learn  
about the Constitution.  
Presentation of the Central Florida Community Action Agency Day Proclamation to  
CFCAA Board Member Dr. Gwendolyn B. Dawson  
4d.  
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Central Florida Community Action  
Agency Day. The City proclaims October 16, 2025, as Central Florida Community  
Action Agency Day. Ms. Dawson thanked the City for its continued support and  
partnership. The agency served over 10,000 individuals and 4,000 households last year  
across Marion and Levy counties and looks forward to expanding collaboration on  
housing initiatives.  
Presentation of the Osceola Middle School Centennial Celebration Proclamation to  
Osceola Middle School Principal Renee Johnson  
4e.  
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Osceola Middle School Centennial  
Celebration Day. The City proclaims September 20, 2025, as Osceola Middle School  
Centennial Celebration Day.  
Service Award – Sergeant Michael Diesso – Ocala Police Department - 25 Years of  
Service  
4f.  
RESULT:  
PULLED  
Service Award – Captain Anthony Vizzini – 25 Years of Service  
4g.  
Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Captain  
Anthony Vizzini in appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala. Captain  
Vizzini expressed gratitude to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and Chief Balken  
for their support, and acknowledged the importance of family and leadership in his  
career.  
5.  
Presentations  
Public Information Officer, Gregory Davis – Communications Update  
5a.  
Public Information Officer Gregory Davis provided a six-month communications update,  
highlighting team changes, social media growth, earned media coverage, and increased  
use of video content. Facebook remains the strongest platform, with notable engagement  
on posts related to public transparency and community events. The department issued 22  
press releases and continues to expand outreach through new platforms and content  
strategies.  
CEP annual presentation by Tamara Fleischhaker and Heather Shubirg  
5b.  
Tamara Fleischhaker, Interim CEO and Chief Experience Officer of the CEP, thanked  
the City for its continued partnership and support. She highlighted the success of the  
Ocala Downtown Market, which now attracts approximately 5,000 visitors each weekend  
and hosts over 95 additional events annually. The market continues to serve as a vibrant  
community venue supporting local businesses and economic growth.  
Heather Shubirg, CEP Chief Growth Officer, highlighted the organization’s  
entrepreneurial and job creation efforts. The Business Creation team hosted 77 events  
citywide, including Ocala’s first business lender matchmaking event. Programs like Fast  
Track and One Million Cups saw strong participation, including Spanish-language  
offerings. The Job Creation team continues to promote growth sectors such as aviation  
and life sciences. A new Air Mobility Task Force was formed to explore advanced air  
travel opportunities at Ocala International Airport.  
Ms. Shubirg also highlighted CEP’s strategic initiatives, including plans to develop a  
healthcare incubator and ongoing talent development efforts. The organization recently  
hosted a Life Sciences Career Day for high school students and reported over 4,000 jobs  
and $1.4 billion in capital investment over the past five years. Marketing efforts continue  
through LocateOcala.com and the Live Life Here campaign. CEP is also exploring  
advanced air mobility opportunities and promoting Ocala internationally through  
partnerships with Florida Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Ms.  
Shubirg concluded by recognizing her team’s professional growth and shared her  
excitement as she transitions to a new role with the Florida Commerce Department.  
City Manager Pete Lee thanked Ms. Fleischhaker and Ms. Shubirg for their hard work.  
6.  
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  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Five-year Pole Attachment Agreement between the City of Ocala and Wire 3, LLC,  
outlining the terms for attaching telecommunications equipment to City-owned utility  
poles  
6a.  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
6b.  
See Item 7  
Assignment of an airport hangar ground lease from Townley Engineering and  
Manufacturing to Tem2025Holdings, Inc.  
6c.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
Renewal of the annual maintenance and support contract of VMWare for the Ocala  
Police Department in the amount of $86,303  
6d.  
6e.  
Presentation By: Joshua Sasso  
Minutes from September 3, 2025 meeting  
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs  
7.  
Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion  
Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at  
this time.  
Second amendment to the Agreement for Management of the Fort King Tennis Center to  
incorporate a management services fee in an amount not to exceed $98,800  
6b.  
Presentation By: Julie Johnson  
Recreation and Parks Director Julie Johnson presented a proposed amendment to the  
City’s existing contract with Jason Weiss Ventures, Inc. for management services at the  
tennis center. Due to rising operational costs, staff recommends adding a monthly  
management services fee of $1,900 from October 1, 2025, through January 31, 2030. The  
total not-to-exceed amount is $98,800. Staff recommends approval.  
Council Member Hilty expressed concern over the lack of current financial information  
provided with the proposed contract amendment for tennis center management. He  
questioned the early renewal of the contract and suggested it may have been timed to  
avoid a new bid process. He also raised issues regarding membership data, contract  
performance, and fairness, noting that subsidizing a private business could be perceived  
as inequitable given other local businesses facing financial challenges.  
In response to Council President Dreyer questioning an alternative option, Ms. Johnson  
explained that if the City were to operate the tennis center directly, the net annual cost  
would be approximately $144,227, primarily due to staffing. Total expenses would be  
around $250,000, offset by an estimated $105,000 in revenue. Operating the facility  
would require hiring a manager, maintenance worker, and part-time staff, along with  
contracting a teaching professional. She noted that maintaining clay courts requires  
specialized training and experience, and turnover could impact quality. While the City  
has managed the facility in the past, the current contract amendment is considered the  
most cost-effective option. Ms. Johnson noted staff typically try to renew contracts six  
months in advance.  
Council Member Hilty reiterated concerns regarding the vendor’s lack of financial  
reporting.  
Council President Dreyer suggested tabling the item to allow the vendor an opportunity  
to submit the requested financial information to the City.  
Council Member Bethea suggested reopening the item for bid.  
Council Member Musleh spoke in favor of allowing the vendor an opportunity to submit  
financial reports.  
City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will present financial reports and in-house  
operation costs at a future meeting.  
City Council agreed to withdraw the motion and table the item to the next meeting.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
TABLED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
NAY:  
Bethea Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Hilty Sr  
8.  
Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances  
(Second and Final Reading - October 7, 2025)  
Ordinance 2025-41, amending Sec. 54-31 and 54-121, Code of Ordinances, City of  
Ocala, Florida, providing for maximum accumulation of waste and modifying the rate for  
multi-family units with roll-off compactors  
8a.  
Presentation By: Darren Park  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
INTRODUCED  
Introduced By:  
RESULT:  
9.  
Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances  
Note: Items 9c through 9f will be heard at 5:01pm or shortly thereafter.  
Permit for the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption for Genki Izakaya,  
LLC., doing business as Koto Hibachi Express Sushi and Bubble Tea, located at 3811  
SW College Road (Parcel 2388-002-00)(Quasi-Judicial)  
9a.  
Presentation By: Endira Madraveren  
Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.  
Planning Director Aubrey Hale discussed an alcohol permit application submitted by  
Genki Izakaya, LLC. The applicant is requesting approval of an alcohol permit for the  
sale of beer and wine for on premises consumption for the subject property known as  
Koto Hibachi Express Sushi and Bubble Tea, located at 3811 SW College Road. To  
note, staff recommends approval.  
No public comment.  
There being no further 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  
Sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption for Shelijen, LLC, doing  
business as, Staybridge Suites Ocala located at 4627 NW Blitchton Rd (Parcel  
21509-001-02)(Quasi-Judicial)  
9b.  
Presentation By: Endira Madraveren  
Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.  
Planning Director Aubrey Hale discussed an alcohol permit application submitted by  
Shelijen, LLC. The applicant is requesting approval of an alcohol permit for the sale of  
beer, wine, and liquor for on premises consumption for the subject property known as  
Staybridge Suites Ocala, located at 4627 NW Blitchton Rd. To note, staff recommends  
approval.  
No public comment.  
There being no further 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  
Resolution 2025-182 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 millage rates for the Downtown  
Development Districts at the current rates of 1.7185 (District A), 1.6332 (District B), and  
1.4699 (District C)  
9c.  
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam  
Budget Director Tammi Haslam discussed the adoption of resolutions 2025-182 and  
2025-183. She provided a brief overview of the proposed millage rates for the  
Downtown Development Districts and budget; staff recommends adoption.  
Deputy City Clerk Pamela Omichinski read the following information on the millage  
resolution:  
1.  
Name of Taxing Authority - City of Ocala Downtown Development  
Districts A, B and C  
2.  
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate for Downtown District A  
is 1.7185, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 1.5995 by 7.44%.  
3.  
is 1.6332, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 1.5175 by 7.62%.  
4. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate for Downtown District C  
is 1.4699, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 1.3758 by 6.84%.  
5. Ad valorem tax revenues are increasing to support increased operating  
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate for Downtown District B  
expenditures in the Districts.  
No public comment.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:07 pm.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Budget Resolution 2025-183 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the Downtown  
Development fund in the amount of $695,065  
9d.  
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam  
Deputy Clerk Omichinski announced the total Fiscal Year 2025-26 Downtown  
Development fund operating budget is $695,065.  
No public comment.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:08 pm.  
Council President Dreyer closed the public hearing at 5:08 pm.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Resolution 2025-184 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 millage rate for the City of Ocala  
at the current rate of 6.6177  
9e.  
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam  
Budget Director Tammi Haslam discussed the adoption of resolutions 2025-184 and  
2025-185. The proposed millage rates, budget, and revised fee schedule are consistent  
with the workshop information presented to City Council and the Mayor on August 12,  
2025; staff recommends adoption.  
Deputy City Clerk Omichinski read the following information on the millage resolution:  
1.  
2.  
Name of Taxing Authority - City of Ocala  
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate is 6.6177, which is greater  
than the rolled-back rate of 6.2532 by 5.83%.  
3.  
Ad valorem tax revenues are increasing to support the addition of critical  
employees and assist with increasing cost pressures related to salary, benefits, and  
operating costs.  
No public comment.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:10 pm.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Barry Mansfield  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Budget Resolution 2025-185 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the City of  
Ocala in the amount of $1,152,885,830  
9f.  
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam  
Deputy City Clerk Omichinski announced the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund budget  
total is $188,100,612. The City’s total Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget is $1,152,885,830.  
No public comment.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:11 pm.  
Council President Dreyer closed the public hearing at 5:11 pm.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
General Business  
Additional expenditures under the existing agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast  
10.  
10a.  
LLC for solid waste disposal services in the amount of $1,719,574 for an estimated  
contract total of $19,368,574  
Presentation By: Darren Park  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Award of a five-year contract to GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC, for the provision of  
solid waste disposal services with an approximate total expenditure of $19,412,250  
10b.  
10c.  
10d.  
Presentation By: Darren Park  
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  
Seventh amendment to the agreement with Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. for single-stream  
curbside recycling with a yearly expenditure of $1,684,065  
Presentation By: Darren Park  
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  
Three-year contract award to Shellard Lighting Design, LLC, for holiday lighting and  
décor services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $508,023  
Presentation By: Amy Casaletto  
Jessica Fieldhouse, Ocala Mainstreet, 516 NE Sanchez Avenue, spoke in favor of  
decorating Downtown with holiday lights to increase foot traffic to support small  
businesses during the holiday season.  
There being no further 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  
Expenditures for a contract with CenturyLink/Lumen Technologies for  
bandwidth/metropolitan area network circuits in the amount of $298,296  
10e.  
Presentation By: Mel Poole  
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  
Resolution 2025-41 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement  
grant for the rehabilitation of the general aviation terminal apron in the amount of  
$2,664,891  
10f.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
There being no 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  
Resolution 2025-42 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement  
grant to extend the runway safety area (Runway 36) in the amount of $225,850  
10g.  
10h.  
10i.  
Presentation By: Matthew Grow  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Barry Mansfield  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
One year renewal with Read’s Uniforms, LLC, to provide fire rescue uniforms for an  
annual estimated expenditure of $138,000  
Presentation By: Clint Welborn  
There being no 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  
Collective bargaining agreements with the Police Officer Bargaining Unit and the  
Lieutenants and Sergeants Bargaining Unit of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #129  
for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028  
Presentation By: Todd Swanson  
Mayor Marciano commended Chief of Staff, Chris Watt, for his hard work supporting  
first responders and recruiting new officers. Furthermore, he believes the City is moving  
in the right direction.  
There being no further 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  
11.  
12.  
Internal Auditor's Report  
City Manager's Report  
-
Staff legislative priorities review  
City Manager Pete Lee discussed the list of staff legislative priorities. The City is  
requesting consensus from Council to move forward with the priorities, which will be  
presented to the Marion County Legislative Delegation on October 1, 2025. To note, the  
2026 Legislative Session begins on January 13, 2026 to March 13, 2026.  
Council Member Musleh requested the City allow Council twenty-four hours to respond.  
Mr. Lee stated he will contact each Council Member individually, prior to the end of the  
week. Furthermore, he confirmed the City has not received a response regarding  
Hometown Heroes.  
Council President Dreyer requested the City add affordable housing refinancing through  
Hometown Heroes to the list.  
-
-
O-Line Trolley update  
City Manager Pete Lee reported the O-Line Trolley will launch on Thursday, September  
18, 2025. Furthermore, he clarified the operation hours.  
City staff recognition  
City Manager Pete Lee recognized staff for their hard work this year.  
13.  
Ocala Police Department Report  
-
Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported on crime data for the period, August 25, 2025 to  
September 7, 2025: 7,600 total incidents, quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus  
proactive), 274 crimes, 180 arrests, 1,067 traffic stops, 131 crashes, 18 Baker Acts, and  
15 Marchman Acts.  
-
Department Highlights  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department successfully responded to three  
incidents in August regarding a loaded weapon and burglaries. Furthermore, Hometown  
Heros honored several Police Officers with awards and catered lunch in honor of 9/11.  
14.  
Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report  
-
-
-
Unit Responses  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, September 2,  
2025 to September 15, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (164-unit  
responses) and Fire Engine Four (120-unit responses).  
Service calls update  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period,  
September 2, 2025 to September 15, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 78, structure fires 5,  
and community paramedicine/core 52, and calls for service 964 (17,751 calls-to-date).  
Department Highlights  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department was awarded the HCA Life Saving  
Award and attended the Hometown Heros Award Gala on September 4, 2025. The  
department responded to a structure fire (September 5, 2025) and participated in several  
9/11 remembrance ceremonies. Furthermore, four employees were recently promoted.  
Council President Dreyer recognized staff for hosting several successful meetings with  
the Fire Department.  
15.  
City Attorney's Report  
Request for Quit Claim Deed  
-
City Attorney Sexton discussed the execution of a Quit Claim Deed. He provided a brief  
overview of a past abrogation performed by the City in 2006. He requested City Council  
approve the Quit Claim Deed to clarify a prior abrogation of a property.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Public Comments  
Jason Tolbert, Resident, commented on homeless challenges  
16.  
-
Jason Tolbert, no fixed address, shared his personal experience with homelessness and  
health challenges, expressing frustration with barriers to assistance due to having a  
service dog and lack of income. He raised concerns about the effectiveness and  
accountability of the Office of Homeless Prevention and called for more targeted support  
and oversight, particularly for individuals not struggling with addiction.  
Mr. Tolbert emphasized that addressing homelessness requires individualized support  
rather than broad policies. He shared his efforts to remain clean, contribute to the  
community, and seek employment despite health challenges and systemic barriers. He  
criticized local service providers, including the Office of Homeless Prevention, Salvation  
Army, Interfaith, and the soup kitchen, for lack of accountability and ineffective case  
management. He advocated for relocating services away from downtown and called for  
more oversight and support for individuals like himself who are sober, motivated, and  
seeking stability. He expressed a desire to work with the City to help others facing  
homelessness.  
Mr. Tolbert concluded by commending the City of Ocala and its police department for  
treating him with dignity, noting that discrimination he has experienced comes primarily  
from private businesses. He criticized the stigmatization of homelessness and expressed  
a desire to help change public perception, emphasizing that not all homeless individuals  
are criminals and that he hopes to be part of a positive shift in the community.  
Council President Dreyer requested Mr. Tolbert meet with Deputy Director of  
Community Development Services Robin Ford to discuss his struggles.  
-
Lindsey Turner, Resident, concerns of homeless issues  
Lindsey Turner, Resident, concurred with Mr. Tolbert’s comments and noted he is  
homeless as well.  
17.  
Informational Items and Calendaring Items  
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium  
- Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 3:30pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veteran's Day - City Offices closed  
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices  
closed  
Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000  
17a.  
Flood Insurance Assessment Report  
17b.  
18.  
Comments by Mayor  
Ride-along with Code Enforcement  
-
Mayor Marciano shared his positive experience during a recent ride-along with Code  
Enforcement Officer Dale Hollingworth. He praised the department for its  
professionalism, dedication, and ability to handle difficult interactions with calm and  
respect. The experience provided valuable insight into the important role code  
enforcement plays in maintaining city standards, and he commended the team for their  
commitment despite limited resources.  
-
-
-
Comments on Downtown Autumn decorations  
Mayor Marciano recognized the Parks & Recreations Department for decorating the City  
with beautiful autumn decorations.  
Workout with the Mayor event  
Mayor Marciano encouraged the public to attend the next Workout with the Mayor event  
on Thursday, September 18, 2025.  
9/11 Memorial request  
Mayor Marciano expressed concern that the City did not hold a formal remembrance  
event for 9/11 this year. While the “Feed the Fearless” initiative took place, he noted that  
the County typically hosts a morning event and suggested that if they do not in the future,  
the City should take the lead. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a  
commemoration is held next year, stating it is the right thing to do.  
19.  
20.  
Comments by City Council Members  
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Council Member Musleh thanked the public for supporting his reelection  
Council President Dreyer encouraged the public to go vote  
Adjournment  
Adjourned at 5:53 pm  
Minutes  
_______________________________  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
________________________________  
Angel B. Jacobs  
Council President  
City Clerk