110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

City Council

Minutes

www.ocalafl.gov

4:00 PM

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

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

2a.

New Employees

- Amber Delonge, Growth Management

- Lacey Ritchie, Growth Management

- Amarilis Rivera, Growth Management

- Demetrius Franklin, Public Works

- Diego Zea, Water Resources

Public Notice

Public Notice for the May 6, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on

April 15, 2025

Proclamations and Awards

Presentation of the Drinking Water Week Proclamation to Water Resources City

Engineer Director Sean Lanier and to Water Resources Lead Operator Jennifer

Kampwerth

4a.

4b.

4c.

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Drinking Water Week. The City proclaims

May 4, 2025 to May 10, 2025, as Drinking Water Week.

Presentation of the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Proclamation to ABATE of

Florida, Inc., Forest Chapter of Marion County President Greg Smale and Public

Relations Kim Plawecki Brown

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The

City proclaims the month of May 2025, as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Presentation of the Older Americans Month Proclamation to Jenny Martinez Marion

Senior Services Executive Director and Cindy Moody Marion Senior Services Fund

Development Officer

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Older Americans Month. The City

proclaims the month of May 2025, as Older Americans Month.

Presentation of the Melanoma Awareness Month Proclamation to Jessica Strange,

Advocate for Melanoma Research Foundation

4d.

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Melanoma Awareness Month. The City

proclaims the month of May 2025, as Melanoma Awareness Month.

Presentations

Marion County Litter Task Force

5a.

Lacey Lamore, Marion County, Solid Waste Resource Liaison, 601 SE 25th Avenue,

Ocala, FL 34471, discussed Marion County’s Litter Task Force. The task force initiative

is to spread awareness against litter through community outreach efforts and

partnerships. There are over 13 cases at the State Attorney's Office being prosecuted for

litter violations. Mascots Rubbish and Debrie are available for local events.

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

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

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

Approve the purchase of a Vista Pad-mount Gas Operated Switch from Stuart C. Irby

with an estimated expenditure of $81,940

6a.

6b.

6c.

Approve agreement with Marion County Public Schools for the rental of buses for the

City’s summer programs in the amount of $1,600

Approve Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ocala and Marion County

School Board for the use of Aquatic Fun Centers for high school swim team practices

and meets with receivables not to exceed $9,000

Approve award of a contract for the rehabilitation of the Richardson residence located at

2217 SW Second Street to Stejack, LLC, for a total project cost not to exceed $69,180

6d.

6e.

Approve the award of development opportunity to, and an Affordable Housing

Agreement with, the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County Inc. to construct and sell an

affordable housing unit on surplus property in West Ocala

Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-147 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept

and appropriate community donations for K-9 related expenses in the amount of $5,800

6f.

Adopt Resolution 2025-21 accepting the donation of two Skydio X2 Thermal Drones

from the Florida Highway Patrol

6g.

6h.

Approve Winding Oaks Commercial Phase 2 Conceptual Subdivision Plan

(SUB25-0007)

Approve minutes from April 15, 2025 City Council meeting

6i.

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 - May 20, 2025)

Introduce Ordinance 2025-23 amending sections 2-195 and 2-196, Code of Ordinances,

City of Ocala, Florida; providing for the administration of preemployment fingerprinting

and background checks

8a.

Jay A. Musleh

Introduced By:

Introduce Ordinance 2025-24 to rezone approximately 1.00 acre of property located at

3640 SW Seventh Place from INST, Institutional, to M-2, Medium Industrial (Case

ZON25-0004) (Quasi-Judicial)

8b.

Ire J. Bethea Sr

Introduced By:

Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances

Open a public hearing to review and receive comments concerning SunTran’s proposed

budget for Fiscal Year 2024 which includes 5307 grant funding in the amount of

$3,938,144 from the Federal Transit Administration, Florida Department of

Transportation Block Grant funding, toll road revenue credits, and local matches from

the City and County for a total of $5,175,717

9a.

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing at 4:26 pm.

Transit Administrator Tom Duncan explained the purpose of the hearing is to receive

comments on SunTran’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024. He provided a brief

overview of the grant funding ($5,175,717), proposed purchases, and staff findings. No

action required by City Council.

There were no public comments or comments from Council.

Approve a request to amend the Amended and Restated Site and Concurrency

Development Agreement pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (Grand Oaks Town

Center PUD, F/K/A Stolen Hours PUD) for approximately 56.72 acres located

approximately 850 feet north and 1,200 feet east of the intersection at SW 27th Avenue

and SW 42nd Street (Parcels 23930-000-00, 23930-002-00, 23930-003-00,

23930-003-01, 23930-003-03, and 23930-005-00) (DMA25-0001). This is the second of

two public hearings; the first was held on April 14, 2025, before the Planning & Zoning

Commission Board

9b.

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren discussed a request to amend the amended

and restated Site and Concurrency Development Agreement. The applicants’ request

alters the architectural standards and increases density. Ms. Madraveren explained the

PUD rezoning standards book were approved by City Council in August 2024 with the

condition that the Chapter 163 Development Agreement affecting the subject property

was amended by August 20, 2025. Staff finds that the requested amendments are

consistent with the conditions as requested by staff during the approval of the PUD last

summer. The Planning & Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.

Jimmy Gooding, Applicants Attorney, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, stated City Council

unanimously approved the rezoning last year with conditions. The applicant has followed

through on the conditions by updating the Site and Concurrency Development

Agreement and agrees with the City’s recommendation.

Council Member Hilty expressed concern regarding the increased density.

Mr. Gooding explained how the proposed four-story luxury apartment buildings

(previously three-stories) will result in reduced traffic impacts. He clarified the traffic

study and confirmed the apartment buildings will have elevators with Council President

Dreyer.

Council Member Hilty explained how the area is surrounded by apartment development

projects, which could result in a flood of unnecessary housing.

Mr. Gooding assured City Council the applicants’ unique luxury product will meet the

demand of the housing market. The applicant has submitted building plans to the City to

start construction.

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

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

NAY:

Bethea Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer

Hilty Sr

10.

General Business

Approve the purchase of a Federal Transit Administration heavy-duty Category B

35-foot diesel transit bus from Gillig, LLC, using Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Contract P-23-030 State of Florida Heavy Duty Buses, in the amount of $717,172

10a.

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 the purchase of a Federal Transit Administration Category 3 diesel trolley bus

from Hometown Manufacturing, Inc., using the State of Georgia contract for Public Mass

Transit Vehicles and Related Options, Equipment, and Accessories, in the amount of

10b.

$422,819

Transit Administrator Tom Duncan noted the diesel trolley will be delivered by

Christmas.

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

Approve continued use of the renewed Bradford County Agreement and expenditures for

the purchase of vehicle and non-vehicle accessories with Dana Safety Supply, Inc.

through September 30, 2029, for an aggregate amount of $425,000

10c.

10d.

10e.

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 continued use of State of Florida Department of Management Services term

agreement for the purchase of ammunition and defense products for the Ocala Police

Department in the amount of $462,700

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. 1 under the City’s continuing professional architectural

services agreement with Monarch Design Group for the provision of architectural and

engineering design services for the Fire Station No. 7 Truck Shed Project in the amount

of $132,688

Council Member Musleh questioned the cost of the architecture for the shed. City

Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier clarified the project and confirmed

the shed will cost $500,000.

There being no further 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

Approve additional expenditures and associated task work orders under the City's

10f.

continuing professional engineering services agreement with DRMP, Inc., increasing the

aggregate threshold from $150,000 to $300,000

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

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

Approve Developer’s Agreement between the City of Ocala and WPG-Triple Crown,

LLC for property located at SE 52nd Street at US 301 C-Store and reimbursements in an

amount not to exceed $122,936

10g.

10h.

10i.

10j.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Approve award of contract to Precon Corporation for the construction of two ground

storage tanks at Water Treatment Plant No. 2 in the amount of $4,959,872 plus a 10

percent contingency of $495,987, for a total expenditure of $5,455,859

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

Adopt Resolution 2025-22 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant to

design and construct an entrance for site development at Ocala International Airport in

the amount of $100,000

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

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

Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-148 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to

appropriate $100,000 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation

and transfer $25,000 from the Airport Reserve for Projects account to design and

construct an entrance for site development at the Ocala International Airport for a total

amount of $125,000

There being no 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

Adopt Resolution 2025-23 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant to

design hangar infrastructure at the Ocala International Airport in the amount of $116,081

10k.

There being no 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 Budget Resolution 2025-149 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to

appropriate $116,081 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation

and transfer $29,020 from the Airport reserve for projects account to design parcel

infrastructure at the Ocala International Airport for a total amount of $145,101

10l.

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

Adopt Resolution 2025-24 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant to

procure and install airfield equipment upgrades at the Ocala International Airport in the

amount of $109,972

10m.

There being no 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 Budget Resolution 2025-150 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to

appropriate $109,972 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation,

transfer $16,298 from the Airport Reserve for Projects account, and transfer $11,195

from the Airport Reserve for Contingencies account to procure and install airfield

equipment at the Ocala International Airport for a total amount of $137,465

10n.

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

Adopt Resolution 2025-25 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant to

design and construct taxilane and apron rehabilitation at the Ocala International Airport

in the amount of $706,829

10o.

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

Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-151 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to

appropriate $706,829 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation

and transfer $176,707 from the Airport Reserve for Contingencies account for the design

and construction of taxilane and apron rehabilitation at the Ocala International Airport

for a total amount of $883,536

10p.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Adopt Resolution 2025-26 to accept a Florida Department of Transportation grant to

design and construct fuel farm, wash rack, and parking concrete pads at the Ocala

International Airport in the amount of $543,320

10q.

There being no 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 Budget Resolution 2025-152 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to

appropriate $543,320 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation

and transfer $135,830 from the Airport reserve for contingencies account for the design

and construction of fuel farm, wash rack, and parking concrete aprons at the Ocala

Airport for a total amount of $679,150

10r.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

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

11.

12.

Internal Auditor's Report

City Manager's Report

Executive Summary FY2025 to FY2026

City Manager Pete Lee requested City Council provide feedback to staff regarding the

Executive Summary document. The finalized document will be posted on the City

website.

County Workshop on Transportation update

City Manager Pete Lee reported the City met with the County to discuss the

transportation/EMS fees. The County favored the City’s recommendations. The City will

continue their partnership with the County and present next steps at a future City Council

meeting.

13.

14.

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, April 21, 2025 to May 4, 2025: 37 significant crimes, 213 arrests, 156 FIRs, and

1,140 traffic stops. The department responded to two incidents: child abduction (April

23, 2025) and bank robbery (May 3, 2025).

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

Unit Responses

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, April 15,

2025 to May 5, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (1234-unit responses) and

Fire Engine Four (151-unit responses).

Service calls update

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

15, 2025 to May 5, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 134, structure fires 3, and community

paramedicine/core 70, and 1,394 calls for service (8,585 calls-to-date).

Department Highlights

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department responded to two gas leak incidents:

SE 28th Avenue & E Fort King (April 29, 2025) and 209 NE 36th Avenue (May 1,

2025). The Fire Department visited several schools and attended the Art Fest.

Mayor Marciano asked if they noticing a reduction in accidents on SR 200. Chief

Welborn stated vehicle accidents are down for the calendar year.

15.

City Attorney's Report

Approve settlement in the matter of Gregory Baker vs. City of Ocala, Case Number

15a.

2023-CA-3571, with a proposed settlement amount of $60,000

City Attorney Sexton discussed the approval of a settlement for an automobile accident

that occurred on December 31, 2022, in the matter of Gregory Baker vs. City of Ocala.

Pursuant to Resolution 2019-10 the settlement is recommended to the City Council by

the HR Risk Director and City Manager for approval.

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

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

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

Public Comments

16.

17.

Informational Items and Calendaring Items

- Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 12:00pm - City Council Workshop Re: Solid Waste/Sanitation -

Council Chambers

- Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

- Monday, May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day Holiday - City Offices closed

- Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County Commission Auditorium

Power Cost Adjustment Report - March 2025

17a.

17b.

17c.

Executed Contracts Under $50,000

Monthly budget to actual report and Capital Improvement Project status report as of

March 31, 2025

18.

Comments by Mayor

Police Department recognition

Mayor Marciano recognized the Police Department for their public safety efforts.

Downtown parking lot paving project update

Mayor Marciano stated local businesses favor the newly paved parking lot Downtown.

Dignity House ribbon cutting event

Mayor Marciano shared his wonderful experience attending the Dignity House ribbon

cutting event.

Workout with the Mayor event scheduled for May 15, 2025, 6 pm to 7 pm, location

Mary Sue Rich Community Center

Mayor Marciano encouraged the public to attend the Workout with the Mayor event on

May 15, 2025. The public can choose to partake in a zumba or yoga class.

19.

20.

Comments by City Council Members

Council President Dreyer commented on the Healthy Ocala app

Council President Dreyer shared her wonderful experience sharing the Healthy Ocala app

to a friend looking for mental health resources.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 5:09 pm

Minutes

_______________________________

Kristen M. Dreyer

________________________________

Angel B. Jacobs

Council President

City Clerk