110 SE Watula Avenue  
Ocala, FL 34471  
Ocala  
City Council  
Minutes  
www.ocalafl.gov  
4:00 PM  
Tuesday, July 1, 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, City Clerk Angel  
Jacobs, Deputy City Clerk Pamela Omichinski, Fire Chief Clint Welborn, Police Chief Michael  
Balken, Internal Auditor Randall Bridgeman, Finance Director Peter Brill, Planning Director  
Aubrey Hale, Budget Director Tammi Haslam, Community Development Services Director  
James Haynes, Director of Parks & Recreation Julie Johnson, HR/Risk Management Director  
Devan Kikendall, 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, 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.  
3.  
4.  
Public Notice  
-
Public Notice for the July 1, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on June  
10, 2025  
Proclamations and Awards  
Presentation of the Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation to Director of Recreation  
4a.  
and Parks Julie Johnson, Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks Bill Rodriguez, and  
division head staff members  
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month. The City  
proclaims the month of July 2025, as Parks and Recreation Month.  
5.  
Presentations  
Presentation of the ‘2025 Legislative Session Debrief’ by Sarah Suskey and Stephen  
a.  
Shiver, The Advocacy Partners  
Sarah Suskey, The Advocacy Partners, discussed the 2025 Legislative Session. Governor  
Ron DeSantis approved a $115 billion budget for the State of Florida and vetoed $600  
million worth of projects. The Advocacy Partners will meet with the City’s leadership in  
September, to discuss priorities for next year. Next year’s 2026 Legislative Session will  
be the last session for Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Ben Albritton, and  
House Representative Daniel Perez; terms ending in year 2027. The Advocacy Partners  
anticipate next year’s session will address the following issues: property tax reform,  
sales tax reform, and property insurance.  
Building Officials Association of Florida selected Mike Brown, Ocala Chief Building  
Inspector, as the 2025 Building Inspector of the Year  
b.  
City Manager Pete Lee recognized Mike Brown, Ocala Chief Building Inspector, for  
being formally recognized by the Building Official Association of Florida, as the 2025  
Building Inspector of the Year. Mr. Brown is the City’s first employee to receive the  
prestigious recognition award.  
Ocala Chief Building Inspector Mike Brown recognized his team for their community  
support efforts.  
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.  
Council President Dreyer commented on item 6l. She requested the Master Services and  
Purchasing Agreement approved on October 15, 2024, aligns with all the privacy issues in the  
contract, specifically page 10.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve the purchase of two generator electronic control module upgrades from  
Caterpillar Inc., utilizing a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement in the amount  
of $68,521  
6a.  
Presentation By: Liza Warmuth  
Approve an Agreement for Subordination of Utility Interest to the Florida Department of  
Transportation  
6b.  
6c.  
6d.  
Presentation By: Tracy Taylor  
Adopt Resolution 2025-32 for an Agreement for Subordination of Utility Interest to the  
Florida Department of Transportation  
Presentation By: Tracy Taylor  
Approve the partial release of a utility easement encumbering Parcel #35512-002-00  
Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza  
Approve the release of a utility easement encumbering Parcels 35512-002-00,  
35512-001-05, 35512-001-07, and 35512-001-00  
6e.  
6f.  
Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza  
Approve one-year renewals of janitorial services contracts with First Coast Franchising,  
Inc. d/b/a Jani King of Jacksonville and Serviamigos Solutions, LLC, with an aggregate  
expenditure of $51,694  
Presentation By: John King  
Approve a Mutual Aid Agreement with Florida Municipal Power Agency for Leased  
Employee Services in an amount not to exceed $90,000  
6g.  
6h.  
6i.  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
Approve the purchase of inventory items for Ocala Electric Utility from multiple vendors  
in the amount of $65,370  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
Approve award to Gresco Utility Supply for the sole source purchase of triple-single  
reclosers and related inventory items for Ocala Electric Utility in the amount of $64,398  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
Approve one-year renewal of the contract with Boot Barn, Inc., for discount pricing on  
protective footwear in the amount of $88,000  
6j.  
6k.  
6l.  
Presentation By: Devan Kikendall  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-162 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept  
and appropriate a community donation for K-9-related expenses in the amount of $200  
Presentation By: Michael Balken  
Approve an agreement between the School Board of Marion County and the Ocala Police  
Department giving the Ocala Police Department access to the School Board of Marion  
County’s cameras in times of emergency  
Presentation By: Michael Balken  
Approve City Council meeting minutes from June 17, 2025  
6m.  
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs  
7.  
8.  
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 - July 15, 2025)  
Introduce Ordinance 2025-33 to rezone approximately 18.24 acres for the property  
located southwest of the intersection at SW 48th Avenue and SW 49th Place (Parcel  
23832-000-00 and a portion of 23894-002-00) from R-3, Multi-Family Residential, to  
B-2, Community Business (Case ZON25-0007) (Quasi-Judicial)  
8a.  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Introduced By:  
9.  
Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances  
Request to postpone to the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting - Adopt Resolution  
2025-29 to abrogate a portion of NE 47th Court between Block I, Lot 2 and Block F, Lot  
17 of Glynnwood Unit 1 as recorded in Plat Book G, Page 91, of the public records of  
Marion County, Florida (Parcels 2735-0006-017 & 2735-009-002) (Case ABR23-45418)  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
9a.  
Presentation By: Jeff Shrum  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Request to postpone to the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting - Adopt Ordinance  
2025-29 to change the Future Land Use designation on approximately 0.78 acres for  
property located in the 1900 block of NE 49th Avenue (Parcels 2735-006-017 and  
2735-009-002) from Neighborhood to Low Intensity (Case LUC23-45427)  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
9b.  
Presentation By: Jeff Shrum  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
Introduced By:  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Request to postpone to the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting - Adopt Ordinance  
2025-30 to rezone approximately 6.83 acres for property located at the southwestern  
corner of the intersection at NE 49th Avenue and E Silver Springs Boulevard (Parcel  
2735-000-002, 2735-009-001, 2735-009-002, 2735-006-017, and a portion of parcel  
27028-004-03) from PD, Planned Development, R-1, Single-Family Residential, & B-2,  
Community Business, to PD, Planned Development (Case PD23-45431) (Quasi-Judicial)  
9c.  
Presentation By: Jeff Shrum  
James P. Hilty Sr  
Introduced By:  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Request to postpone to the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting - Adopt Ordinance  
2025-31 to rezone approximately 0.59 acres for property located at the southwestern  
9d.  
corner of the intersection at NE 49th Avenue and E Silver Springs Boulevard (a portion  
of 2735-000-002) from PD, Planned Development, to B-2, Community Business (Case  
ZON23-45419) (Quasi-Judicial)  
Presentation By: Jeff Shrum  
Barry Mansfield  
Introduced By:  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Request to postpone to the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting - Adopt Resolution  
2025-30 to approve a resolution for a Planned Development Plan and Standards Book for  
property located at the southwestern corner of the intersection at NE 49th Avenue and E  
Silver Springs Boulevard (Parcel 2735-000-002, 2735-009-001, 2735-009-002,  
2735-006-017, and a portion of parcel 27028-004-03), approximately 6.83 acres (Case  
No. PD23-45431) (Quasi-Judicial)  
9e.  
Presentation By: Jeff Shrum  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
POSTPONED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Resolution 2025-33 to amend the Planned Development, Plan and Standards Book  
for property located at the northeast corner of the intersection of NE 25th Avenue and  
NE 28th Street (Parcel 24274-000-00), approximately 12.61 acres (Case No.  
PD24-45735) (Quasi-Judicial)  
9f.  
Presentation By: Emily W. Johnson  
Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing at 4:26 pm.  
Senior Planner Emily Johnson discussed the adoption of Resolution 2025-33. The  
applicant requested to amend the Planned Development Plan and Standards Book for the  
subject property. She provided a brief overview of the property’s history, zoning, and  
staff findings. Staff recommends approval of the proposed resolution.  
No public comment.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Ordinance 2025-32 to amend the boundaries of the Ridge at Heath Brook  
Community Development District generally located southeast of SW Highway 200  
(College Road) and west of I-75 by adding approximately 29.142 acres to increase the  
size of the Community Development District to approximately 104.938 acres (Case No.  
CDD25-0001) (Quasi-Judicial)  
9g.  
Presentation By: Emily Johnson  
Jay A. Musleh  
Introduced By:  
Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing at 4:29 pm.  
Senior Planner Emily Johnson discussed the adoption of Ordinance 2025-32. The  
applicant requested to amend the boundaries of the Ridge at Heath Brook Community  
Development District to increase the size of the district to approximately 104.938 acres.  
She provided a brief overview of the property’s history, zoning, and staff findings. Staff  
recommends approval of the proposed ordinance.  
No public comment.  
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Jay A. Musleh  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
General Business  
Approve additional expenditures and Task Work Order No. 3 under the City’s continuing  
10.  
10a.  
professional architectural services agreement with Architecture Studio, Inc., for the  
provision of architectural and engineering services related to the Water Resources Utility  
Maintenance Complex in the amount of $279,000, and increasing the aggregate threshold  
to $750,000  
Presentation By: Sean Lanier  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve Task Work Order No.43 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for the  
provision of engineering services related to the update of the City’s Reclaimed Water  
Master Plan in the amount of $88,209  
10b.  
Presentation By: Sean Lanier  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve Task Work Order No. 44 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for the  
provision of engineering services related to Water Reclamation Facility Biosolids System  
Evaluation in the amount of $80,586  
10c.  
10d.  
10e.  
10f.  
Presentation By: Sean Lanier  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-163 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to transfer  
funds from the Water Resources Reserve for Contingency account for professional  
services in the amount of $550,000  
Presentation By: Sean Lanier  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
ADOPTED  
Ire J. Bethea Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve award of a two-year contract to Chinese Connection Painting, Inc., Lamphier  
Company, and Overall Contractors Group, Inc. for the provision of citywide painting  
services with an estimated aggregate expenditure of $250,000  
Presentation By: Gary Crews  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve agreement with Powerserve Technologies, Inc. for the provision of design and  
furnishing of relays and panels for the Dearmin and Water Plant Substations in the  
amount of $298,373  
Presentation By: Doug Peebles  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
Barry Mansfield  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
Approve award of a two-year contract with Brian Bombassei, LLC for miscellaneous  
pavement striping and marking services in an amount not to exceed $100,000  
10g.  
10h.  
10i.  
Presentation By: Darren Park  
Council Member Mansfield requested clarification on what happens when the $100,000  
are depleted. He commented there is $100,000 or more of restriping work within the  
City of Ocala. Public Works Director Darren Park confirmed the contract is for small  
projects. A separate contract is used for bigger projects.  
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  
Approve the purchase of five Federal Transit Administration Heavy-duty Category B  
35-foot low-floor plus battery electric transit buses from Gillig, LLC, in the amount of  
$6,264,500  
Presentation By: Tom Duncan  
Mayor Marciano questioned if the buses were replacing the gas fleet. Transit  
Administrator Tom Duncan confirmed the City will maintain blended fleet of diesel and  
electric vehicles.  
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  
Approve employee paid insurance plans for dental, vision, life, group Medicare,  
short-term disability, pet, legal services, flexible spending accounts, and  
cancer/accident/critical illness at no cost to the City and City paid plans in an annual  
amount $175,500 for life insurance, $11,345 for flexible spending account  
administration, and $19,709 for Employee Assistance Program premiums  
Presentation By: Devan Kikendall  
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED  
James P. Hilty Sr  
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh  
AYE:  
Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer  
11.  
12.  
Internal Auditor's Report  
City Manager's Report  
-
July 4th Patriot Skies event  
City Manager Pete Lee encouraged the public to attend the Patriot Skies event on July 4,  
2025, at 6 pm.  
13.  
Ocala Police Department Report  
-
Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported on the Police Departments efforts for a two-week  
period, June 16, 2025 to June 29, 2025: 31 significant crimes, 227 arrests, and 1,093  
traffic stops.  
-
Department Highlights  
Police Chief Mike Balken reported the Police Department was recognized by the  
community (TD Bank) for successfully responding to a bank robbery taking place in the  
City. Chief Balken discussed with Council his desire to expand the crime center and  
create partnerships (third party surveillance connections) to support public safety efforts.  
Council President Dreyer expressed concerns of connecting to private cameras. Chief  
Balken explained how public partnerships for private camera access will benefit law  
enforcements criminal investigations and public safety efforts.  
Council President Dreyer requested staff create an agenda item to allow public comment  
at a future meeting.  
Council Member Musleh concurs with Council President Dreyer. He expressed concern  
regarding loss of privacy.  
Council Member Mansfield spoke in support of executing public partnerships to combat  
theft crimes in the City.  
Council Member Hilty concurs with Council President Dreyer.  
Mayor Marciano spoke in support of executing public partnerships to increase citizen  
safety.  
Council President Dreyer requested staff present draft policies for Council to consider at  
a future meeting.  
Chief Balken confirmed staff will work on drafting policies for City Council to consider  
at a future meeting.  
Chief Balken noted June 29th marks the one-year anniversary for zero homicides in the  
City.  
14.  
Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report  
-
-
-
Unit Responses  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, June 16,  
2025 to June 29, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (156-unit responses) and  
Angel One (112-unit responses).  
Service calls update  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a two-week period, June 16,  
2025 to June 29, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 78, structure fires 2, and community  
paramedicine/core 38, and 1,011 calls for service (12,432 calls-to-date).  
Department Highlights  
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department responded to several incidents:  
vehicle building crash, rollover collision, and Dunkin Donuts building fire. The City  
hosted a successful PTSD Awareness Walk on Friday, June 27, 2025, and the department  
participated in the Mayor For The Day event on June 30, 2025.  
15.  
City Attorney's Report  
-
Approval of a Satisfaction and Release of Lien for a Nuisance Abatement Board lien dated  
August 7, 2012  
City Attorney Sexton discussed the approval of a release of lien for a nuisance abatement board  
lien recorded on August 7, 2012. The property owners have agreed to comply with the title  
company’s demand to satisfy the lien ($1,670) before executing the real estate closing for the  
property sale. He requested City Council approve the proposed release of lien.  
Council Member Musleh stated he remembers hearing about this case.  
Mr. Sexton noted the City was unable to determine the end period for the case.  
There being no further 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  
16.  
Public Comments  
17.  
Informational Items and Calendaring Items  
- Friday, July 4, 2025 - Independence Day Holiday - City Offices closed  
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - 12:00pm - City Council Workshop Re: FY 2025-26 Budget -  
Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers  
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers  
Power Cost Adjustment Report - May 2025  
17a.  
18.  
Comments by Mayor  
-
-
July 4th Patriot Skies event  
Mayor Marciano encouraged the public to attend the Patriot Skies event on July 4, 2025,  
at 6 pm. He recognized Ocala Main Street for helping the City secure donations for the  
event.  
Letter of Support for World Equestrian Center sports complex project  
Mayor Marciano spoke on the City’s need for a local sports complex. He requested the  
City draft a letter of support for the World Equestrian Center’s proposed sports complex  
project.  
City Manager Pete Lee confirmed the City will work on drafting the letter of support for  
the World Equestrian Center.  
Council President Dreyer and Council Member Musleh spoke in support of building a  
sports complex.  
Mayor Marciano stated the proposed sports complex will greatly benefit the community.  
19.  
Comments by City Council Members  
-
Council Member Mansfield expressed concern regarding crosswalks established by  
FDOT across SR200  
Council Member Mansfield noted FDOT did not perform a traffic study before  
establishing the hazardous crosswalks.  
-
Council Member Mansfield expressed concern for Downtown businesses  
Council Member Mansfield requested the City take action to help Downtown businesses  
who are suffering during the summer season's low foot traffic.  
Council Member Hilty spoke on the nationwide trend of low sales for small businesses  
during the summer season. He discussed how retail is disappearing, due to the high  
increase of incoming restaurants/bars.  
City Manager Pete Lee spoke on increasing housing opportunities Downtown to increase  
foot traffic for local businesses. Downtown businesses will experience decreased foot  
traffic during the summer season, due to construction.  
-
Council Member Hilty reported on fiber installation complaints  
Council Member Hilty requested the City regulate fiber installations, due to the high  
volume of public complaints.  
City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier explained the City’s  
permitting process for fiber installations. Many businesses have received federal grant  
funding for fiber installation projects.  
City Manager Pete Lee assured Council the City’s building/code enforcement staff are  
regulating permits issued for fiber installation projects.  
20.  
Adjournment  
Adjourned at 5:24 pm  
Minutes  
_______________________________  
Kristen M. Dreyer  
________________________________  
Angel B. Jacobs  
Council President  
City Clerk