110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

City Council

Minutes

www.ocalafl.gov

4:00 PM

Tuesday, October 21, 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

- Mark McCutcheon, Electric

- Parthkumar Jayani, Engineering

- Michael Kincaid, Engineering

- Bobby Davis, Water Resources

- Clarence Simmons, Water Resources

Public Notice

Public Notice for the October 21, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on September

12, 2025

Proclamations and Awards

Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Davieoyn Hopson

4a.

Mayor Marciano presented the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Davieoyn Hopson

in appreciation of his contributions to the community.

Presentation of the Reilly Arts Center Day Proclamation to Reilly Arts Center Executive

Director Natalie McComb

4b.

Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Reilly Arts Center Day. The City

proclaims October 21, 2025, as Reilly Arts Center Day.

Natalie McComb, Executive Director of the Reilly Arts Center, expressed gratitude to

the City of Ocala for its ongoing support and highlighted the organization's commitment

to providing high-quality entertainment to the community. She introduced members of

her team and acknowledged the city's engagement with their venues. Adam Volpe,

Senior Director of Programming and Operations, shared excitement about the Center’s

upcoming 10th anniversary celebration in February and emphasized the importance of

community support, noting that a significant portion of their funding comes from donors

and sponsors rather than ticket sales.

Service Award - Kirk Friberg - Ocala Police Department - 25 Years of Service

4c.

4d.

Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Kirk Friberg in

appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala.

Service Award - Sergeant Michael Diesso - Ocala Police Department - 25 Years of

Service

Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Sergeant

Michael Diesso in appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala.

Presentations

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: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Additional expenditures under the contract with ElectRx and Health Solutions, LLC to

fund continued prescription benefit services for City employees through the end of the

current contract term in the amount of $75,000

6a.

6b.

Presentation By: Todd Swanson

Continued utilization of the cooperative purchasing agreement with Precision Sidewalk

Safety Corp. for the provision of concrete sidewalk trip hazard repairs with an

expenditure not to exceed $75,000

Presentation By: Darren Park

Greenway Reserve Conceptual Subdivision Plan

6c.

6d.

6e.

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

Winding Oaks Commercial Phase 1 Developer’s Agreement

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

Allocation from the City of Ocala’s Affordable Housing Fund to support the proposed

Magnolia Terrace multi-family development totaling $84,000

Presentation By: James Haynes

Appointment of TamBoura Jenkins to the Planning and Zoning commission for the

remainder of an unexpired four-year term ending March 1, 2026

6f.

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Appointment of Bruce Gonseth to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board for the

6g.

remainder of an unexpired three-year term ending March 1, 2028

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Re-appointment of Justin Hardy to the Firefighters’ Retirement System Board of

Trustees to a new two-year term ending October 4, 2027

6h.

6i.

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

City Council meeting minutes from October 7, 2025

Presentation By: Angel Jacobs

Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion

Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at

this time.

Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances

Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances

Public Hearing to transmit to the Florida Department of Commerce a text amendment to

the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan by deleting Policy 18.13 and

Policy 18.24 relating to development conditions that apply to 75.93 acres of two parcels

of land that total approximately 251.09 (Parcels 2380-000-001 and 23812-001-00)

located in the 3000 and 4000 to 4300 blocks of SW 43rd Court (Case FLUP25-0001)

9a.

Presentation By: Jeff Shrum

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum presented a request to transmit a

comprehensive plan text amendment for two properties owned by KAS Ocala, LLC. The

amendment would remove outdated policy requirements, with the intent to address them

through an upcoming Planned Development (PD) rezoning and standards plan. The

transmittal initiates State review and does not constitute final approval. Mr. Shrum

emphasized the importance of evaluating what is being removed from the plan versus

what will be provided through the PD process.

Fred Roberts, Attorney, 40 SE 11th Avenue, confirmed that the request is solely to

transmit the proposed comprehensive plan text amendment to the state for review,

initiating the required process. He emphasized that this step does not grant any

development rights but allows all related items - such as zoning, traffic studies, and

development agreements - to be reviewed together in a coordinated manner. Roberts

noted that the existing land use policies are outdated and no longer applicable, as their

requirements are now addressed through the City’s current code. He reiterated that the

applicant has waived timing rights to ensure all components are considered holistically at

a later date.

No public comment.

There being no further 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

Public hearing for the transmittal to the Florida Department of Commerce a request to

change the Future Land Use map designation on approximately 74.11 acres, comprised

of nine parcels (Parcels 21492-000-00, 21477-000-00, 21474-002-00, 21476-000-00,

21474-000-00, 21474-001-00, 21480-000-00, 21494-000-00, and 21478-000-00) located

in the 2300 block, along the west side of NW 27th Avenue from Medium

9b.

Intensity/Special District to Employment Center (Case LUC25-0004) (Quasi-Judicial)

Presentation By: Jeff Shrum

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum presented a request to transmit a

comprehensive plan map amendment for approximately 74 acres owned by Friends

Recycling, LLC. The amendment seeks to change the future land use designation from

Medium Intensity Special District to Employment Center to resolve a conflict between

the current land use and the property's actual industrial operations. The change reflects

existing uses, aligns with updated zoning regulations, and results in a reduction in

allowable residential density and development intensity. The amendment does not

propose any expansion of current uses.

Fred Roberts, Attorney, 40 SE 11th Avenue, supported the proposed map amendment,

describing it as a necessary cleanup to resolve inconsistencies between the

comprehensive plan and the City’s land development code. He agreed with staff’s

interpretation that the current use is more appropriately classified under the Employment

Center designation and emphasized alignment with the City’s long-term planning vision.

Mr. Roberts also noted that other nearby properties may require similar updates and

commended staff for their collaborative and thorough approach.

No public comment.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Resolution 2026-3 amending Resolution 2021-20 the Winding Oaks Planned

Development (PD) Plan (master signage plan) and PD Standards Book for property

located at 4090 SW 66th Street, approximately 960.59 acres, excluding the Jaguar

property (parcel# 35512-001-03)

9c.

Presentation By: Endira Madraveren

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren presented a request to amend the Winding

Oaks PD plan to update the master signage plan. The amendment replaces the existing

signage plan with a revised version detailing sign types, locations, and design standards,

and removes outdated language regarding uniform design motifs. The amendment

excludes the Jaguar dealership property and does not affect land use, zoning, or service

levels. Both staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval.

No public comment.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

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

Resolution 2026-4 for the Downtown Event Zone to allow alcoholic beverage sales as

part of the 2025 Ocala Art Festival Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, 2025

(Quasi-Judicial)

9d.

Presentation By: Endira Madraveren

Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.

Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren presented Resolution 2026-4, requesting

approval to allow alcoholic beverage sales within the downtown event zone during the

2025 Ocala Arts Festival, scheduled for October 25-26. The request, submitted by Fine

Arts for Ocala (FAFO), includes on-premises sales by licensed vendors. All necessary

reviews were completed by City departments, and no issues were identified. The event

will comply with city code requirements, and police officers will be on-site for security.

Staff recommended approval.

No public comment.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

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

General Business

Second amendment to the Agreement for Management of the Fort King Tennis Center to

10.

10a.

incorporate a management services fee in an amount not to exceed $98,800

Presentation By: Julie Johnson

Recreation and Parks Director Julie Johnson presented a proposed amendment to the Fort

King Tennis Center agreement to incorporate a management services fee, supporting the

City's strategic goal of fiscal sustainability. The item was previously discussed at the

September 16, 2025, Council meeting, where action was deferred to allow for additional

financial review. Updated financials from 2022-2025 were included in the current report.

Due to a family matter, Mr. Weiss was unable to provide further requested data or attend

the meeting. Staff recommended approval.

Council President Dreyer asked for clarification on additional asks of the financial

documents. Ms. Johnson explained financials from 2020 and 2021 were requested.

Council Member Hilty commented he had requested them for a fuller financial report to

review trends. He questioned if Mr. Weiss' salary is included in the payroll expenses,

and further noted it appeared Mr. Weiss was operating at a loss when the contract was

renewed.

Ms. Johnson clarified the number of memberships and price increases with the

membership fee and non-member hourly rates with Council. As of August, 2025, there

are 131 memberships representing 166 individuals.

Council Member Hilty expressed concern utilizing taxpayer monies for membership

fees.

City Manager Pete Lee noted that while the financial report lacked some detail, it showed

increased expenses, including higher electric charges. He outlined the Council’s options:

approve the proposed amendment, deny it and continue the current contract, or prepare

for potential contract termination by the operator. If terminated, the City would need to

either reopen the contract for bids or operate the facility in-house, which would be more

costly due to staffing needs. He emphasized that continuing under the current contract

remains a possibility.

Council Member Hilty recommended the City perform an audit.

Council Member Musleh noted that the tennis center appears to be operating near

breakeven, with the operator potentially earning income from private lessons not

disclosed to the City. He suggested that if the management fee is denied, the contract

could be canceled and rebid, allowing for a more transparent arrangement.

Council Member Hilty expressed concern about using public funds to support a facility

serving a small portion of the population and suggested that users should cover costs

through membership fees. He acknowledged rising utility costs as a key factor in the

operator’s increased expenses.

Ms. Johnson confirmed utility increases is responsible for the proposed management

services fee.

Council President Dreyer expressed mixed feelings about the proposed management fee,

acknowledging that paying an operator could make sense but raising concerns about the

lack of detailed financial information. She questioned the transparency of the operator’s

expenses and income, particularly in comparison to other programs like Little League,

which face increased fees. Dreyer emphasized the need for clearer justification of costs

and greater oversight of how public funds are being used.

Mr. Lee assured City Council that staff will submit the requested information to review

before considering the proposed management services fee.

City Council agreed to withdraw the motion and table discussion.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

TABLED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

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

Purchase 36 time clocks from UKG Inc. with an estimated expenditure of $153,632

10b.

Presentation By: Kelly Vann

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

Ratification of the City Manager’s signature on the 2023 U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development for Marion County’s Continuum of Care Homeless

Management Information System 2023-2024 program year grant in the amount of

$223,815

10c.

Presentation By: James Haynes

Jason Tolbert, Resident, spoke in opposition of allocating funds to the Department of

Housing and Urban Development. He requested City Council deny the award of grant

funds to non-profit organizations; instead give monies directly to the homeless

population for housing needs.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

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

Budget Resolution 2026-105 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and

appropriate funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for

Marion County’s Continuum of Care Homeless Management Information System

2023-2024 program year grant in the amount of $223,815

10d.

Presentation By: James Haynes

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

One-year renewal of the contract for supply and delivery of bulk premium

high-performance engine oil with Palmdale Oil Company, Inc. with an aggregate

expenditure of $175,000

10e.

10f.

10g.

Presentation By: John King

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

Utilization of the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreements with TPH Acquisition,

LLP, d/b/a The Parts House for the purchase of replacement auto parts with an aggregate

expenditure of $1,277,000

Presentation By: John King

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

Utilization of multiple cooperative purchase agreements for the purchase of 106 vehicles

and equipment for various City departments in the amount of $11,366,554

Presentation By: John King

Council Member Hilty inquired about the disposal of old city vehicles. Director of

Facilities & Fleet Management John King explained that vehicles are liquidated through

two sources, with proceeds returned to the original funding accounts. Hilty also asked

about requests to donate vehicles, particularly from veterans’ groups. Mr. King noted that

such requests are reviewed and approved by the City Manager, with fewer than 10

received annually. He is currently working to fulfill a request for a four-door pickup

truck for a veterans organization.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Five-year maintenance agreement with Environmental Products Group for a TruVac

FLXX Hydro Excavator truck in the amount of $75,000

10h.

Presentation By: Liza Warmuth

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

Utilization of Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement with East Coast Emergency,

Inc. for the purchase of emergency audio/visual warning devices with an aggregate

expenditure of $300,000

10i.

Presentation By: Liza Warmuth

Council Member Mansfield asked about equipment delivery timelines, referencing past

delays that left vehicles unused. Fleet Division Head Lisa Warmuth responded that

equipment is typically delivered within 4-6 weeks and installed promptly upon vehicle

arrival. City Manager Pete Lee added that while outfitting vehicles can still take time, the

City is actively working to speed up the process, including assigning additional staff to

support vehicle preparation.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

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

Sale of the Ocala Electric Utility 230kV Seminole Silver Springs North-to-Shaw 230kV

transmission line to Duke Energy Florida, LLC for $9,893,712

10j.

Presentation By: Doug Peebles

Electric Utility Director Doug Peebles presented a request related to the City’s electric

transmission infrastructure. He explained that the City previously approved a

memorandum of understanding for the transfer of a 230 kV transmission line from

Seminole’s Silver Springs North substation to Ocala’s Shaw substation. The current item

involves Duke Energy establishing a new 230 kV connection from its Ross Prairie

substation to the Shaw substation. This second connection is essential to support Ocala

Electric Utility’s current and future growth and reliability needs. Staff recommended

approval.

David Tillman, Tillman Associates & Engineering, 1720 SE 16th Avenue, Building 100,

Ocala FL, representing West Oak as the master planning engineer, expressed support for

the Duke Energy transmission line project but requested continued collaboration with the

City and Duke to relocate the line at the developer’s expense. He emphasized the

importance of this relocation to support adjacent affordable housing projects and

maximize usable land. Tillman thanked City staff for their assistance and asked for a

public commitment from Duke to work with the developer on the relocation effort.

City Manager Pete Lee assured Mr. Tillman that they will work with Duke to remove the

lines/utility easements.

City Attorney Will Sexton explained that there were two main concerns with the

proposed MOU from West Oak: substantive issues with its content and the timing of its

submission, which came late in the process of finalizing the agreement with Duke

Energy. He noted that it was unclear whether the MOU would have resolved the matter

and emphasized that Duke has expressed a willingness to work directly with West Oak

on relocating the transmission line-potentially under more favorable terms than the City

could have offered.

Galen Halloway, Government Relations Manager, Duke Energy, stated they are

committed to working with the City to relocate the line.

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

Purchase of electric meters from Wesco Distribution, Inc. with a not to exceed

expenditure of $2,000,000

10k.

Presentation By: Doug Peebles

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

One-year extension to the purchase and sale contract for 115 acres of non-aviation

10l.

property at Ocala International Airport with InSite Real Estate Investment Properties,

LLC

Presentation By: Matthew Grow

RESULT:

PULLED

Budget Resolution 2026-106 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate

$225,850 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration and transfer a match

of $11,886 from the Airport reserve for projects account to design an extension to the

runway 36 safety area for a total cost of $237,736

10m.

Presentation By: Matthew Grow

Airport Director Matthew Grow presented Budget Resolution 2026-106, which

appropriates FAA grant funding for the design of the Runway 36 safety area grading

project. Council Member Mansfield inquired about potential impacts to the airport’s

control tower due to federal funding issues. Mr. Grow clarified that the tower, operated

under an FAA contract with RVA Group, is not currently experiencing any disruptions.

The City maintains the building and equipment, while the FAA funds staffing. Mr. Grow

confirmed that operations remain unaffected and committed to informing Council if any

issues arise.

Council Pro Tem Bethea praised Matthew Grow for his success in securing grant funding

for the airport. Mr. Grow acknowledged the competitive nature of grant funding,

especially for general aviation airports, and credited consistent City Council support as a

key factor in their success. He noted that continued support will be important as the

airport moves forward with its upcoming master plan project, which will involve

additional grant opportunities.

City Council agreed to have Mr. Grow deliver a presentation regarding Airport

operations in November.

There being no further 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

Budget Resolution 2026-107 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate

$2,664,891 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, transfer $140,257

for the match and $269,000 for project contingency from the Airport reserve for projects

account, to construct the General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation for a total project

amount of $3,074,148

10n.

Presentation By: Matthew Grow

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Task work order with Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering, PLLC, for construction

engineering inspection services to be performed during the terminal apron rehabilitation

project in the amount of $112,476

10o.

Presentation By: Matthew Grow

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Agreement with C.W. Roberts Contracting Inc. for the provision of construction services

for the Terminal Apron Rehabilitation project in the amount of $2,690,211 with 10

percent contingency for a total project budget not to exceed $2,959,232

10p.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

Council Member Mansfield noted there was only one bidder. Council Member Musleh

asked if the bid amount reasonable.

City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier agreed it is a reasonable bid

within the estimated cost.

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

Third Elevator Change Order and additional expenditure under the contract with SSC

Construction Management, LLC for design-build services for the Downtown Parking

Garage No. 2 in the amount of $216,000

10q.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

Council President Dreyer asked for clarification on the Staff Report, which refers to an

$800,000 change order for the fire supression system. City Engineer & Director of

Water Resources Sean Lanier explained a change order related to the fire suppression

system for a parking garage project. Originally, only a dry standpipe system was required

under the existing code. However, due to recent fire incidents and upcoming changes to

the Florida Fire Code, the City opted to upgrade to a full automated sprinkler system to

enhance safety and remain compliant. The remaining project contingency was used for

this purpose, and the additional $216,000 is being requested to cover the cost for the

third elevator. Mr. Lanier plans to approve the total change order of approximately

$700,000.

City Manager Pete Lee explained that the decision to upgrade the parking garage’s fire

suppression system was made after careful consultation with the fire chief, engineers,

and other staff. He cited recent fires in Anaheim and Jacksonville, along with the

upcoming 2026 fire code changes, as key factors. Lee emphasized that protecting the

City’s $18 million investment in the garage was a prudent and necessary step.

Procurement & Contracting Officer Daphne Robinson confirmed the project was

advertised as a design-build, where the builder is provided a guaranteed maximum price

to design and build the project, and is not required to provide the City with bids for

subcontracts.

Council Member Mansfield expressed concern regarding the lack of bids for a change

order request.

Council President Dreyer requested the City solicit for bids.

Ms. Robinson stated the City will perform a benchmark of the offer to see if the price is

reasonable.

Council President Dreyer expressed her frustration with the agenda item, questioning if

Council is voting on the fire suppression system or the elevator, or both.

Mr. Lanier clarified the vote is specifically to add $216,000 to the overall approved

budget for the parking garage, to cover the third elevator, and to approve the change

order for the addition of the third elevator.

Council President Dreyer commented on lack of oversight for contingency funds.

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

Expenditures for a contract with Lumen/Level 3 Communications LLC for 40 Gigabits

of dedicated internet access in the amount of $400,000

10r.

Presentation By: Mel Poole

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Five-year agreements with PFM Asset Management, LLC, Sawgrass Asset Management,

LLC, and Seix Investment Advisors, LLC, for the provision of investment manager

services for the City's treasury funds with an estimated annual expenditure of $180,000

per contract year

10s.

Presentation By: Peter Brill

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

Internal Auditor's Report

11.

12.

City Manager's Report

United Way Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Cancellation of the School Board and County meeting scheduled for Tuesday,

October 29, 2025

City Manager Pete Lee reported the School Board and County meeting scheduled for

Tuesday, October 29, 2025, was rescheduled for a future meeting in April 2026.

Recognition of City employee, James Haynes, Director of Community Development

Services

City Manager Pete Lee recognized James Haynes, Director of Community Development

Services, for his hard work.

13.

Ocala Police Department Report

Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops

Deputy Chief of Police Lou Biondi reported on crime data for the period, September 29,

2025 to October 12, 2025: 7,571 total incidents, 5,054 proactive calls, 2,517 dispatched

calls, quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus proactive), 312 crimes, 199 arrests, 1,035

traffic stops, and 158 crashes.

Department Highlights

Deputy Chief of Police Lou Biondi reported the department successfully managed the No

Kings protest in the City.

Mayor Marciano recognized the department for successfully managing the public protest.

14.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

Unit Responses

Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lietz reported on unit responses for a two-week period,

October 7, 2025 to October 20, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue One (158-unit

responses) and Fire Engine One (112-unit responses).

Service calls update

Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lietz reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period,

October 7, 2025 to October 20, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 69, structure fires 1, and

community paramedicine/core 40, and calls for service 928 (20,202 calls-to-date).

15.

16.

City Attorney's Report

Public Comments

Buddy Oswald, 4304 SE 5th Street, Ocala, FL, commented on the importance of

freedom and democracy

Buddy Oswald, 4304 SE 5th Street, Ocala, FL, commented on the importance of freedom

and democracy. He encouraged the public to attend workshops hosted by Braver Angels,

which encourage civic discussion. Furthermore, the workshop titled Navigating Difficult

Conversations will be hosted by the Ocala/Marion County Braver Angels Alliance,

scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:30 pm, Marion County Public Library.

Sandra Yager, Resident, expressed concern regarding the Salvation Army

Sandra Yager, Resident, expressed concern regarding the Salvation Army’s inhuman

regulations and lack of leadership.

Council President Dreyer assured Ms. Yager that staff will contact her by phone.

Council Member Hilty stated he will reach out to Ms. Yager.

Jason Tolbert, Resident, commented on the homeless population problem in the

City

Jason Tolbert, Resident, encouraged the City to take action to manage homelessness

in-house instead of allocating grant funds to non-profit organizations. Furthermore, he

requested City Council increase the budget for the Police Department.

Carolyn Torrey, 1202 SE 14th Avenue, Ocala, FL, commented on the ARC Corn

Hole fundraiser

Carolyn Torrey, 1202 SE 14th Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged City Council to volunteer

for the upcoming ARC Corn Hole fundraiser.

Council President Dreyer volunteered the Police Chief and Fire Chief for the upcoming

fundraiser.

17.

Informational Items and Calendaring Items

- Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium

- Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 3:30pm - CRA meeting - Council Chambers

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

- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veteran's Day - City Offices closed

- Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - 12:00pm - City Council Workshop Re: Solid Waste Rate -

Council Chambers

- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

- Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, 2025 - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices

closed

- Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers

Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000

17a.

17b.

17c.

Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000

Dearmin Substation Transformer Cost Escalation Informational Update

18.

Comments by Mayor

State of the City presentation

Mayor Marciano recognized City staff for their hard work presenting at the CEP

Breakfast event.

Road improvements/safety plan

Mayor Marciano discussed the City’s plan for road improvements. Furthermore, he

requested the City install a light at 32nd & 7th intersection to prevent motor vehicle

accidents.

City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will modify the budget to pay for urgent road

improvements. Furthermore, he clarified planned road improvements with City Council.

Planning Director Aubrey Hale clarified the Chapter 163 Agreement for the full traffic

signal at 32nd & 7th intersection.

Mr. Lee confirmed the City will review the developer’s agreement.

Interfaith, Saving Mercy and Dignity House

Mayor Marciano recognized Interfaith for their community support efforts. The

organization plans on opening sixty beds in January.

19.

Comments by City Council Members

Council Member Hilty shared his experience attending the IHMC conference

Council Member Hilty shared his experience attending the IHMC conference. He

suggested the City collaborate with University of Florida to find new ways to dispose of

garbage. Furthermore, he suggested the City schedule a workshop with the County to

further discuss the matter.

City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will take the lead on the project.

Council Member Bethea commented on the homeless population issue

Council Member Bethea expressed concern regarding Jason Tolbert’s inappropriate

comments regarding City staff. He questioned why Mr. Tolbert has not been able to find

a job with the resources available to the public.

Carla reported that the two homeless individuals who spoke during public comment have

been receiving services since 2016. Furthermore, the homeless population is facing

challenges finding affordable housing opportunities in the City. She encouraged City

Council to attend the next COC meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Council Member Musleh recognized Chief of Staff Chris Watt for hosting a

successful presentation at the Kiwanis Club