110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

City Council

Minutes

www.ocalafl.gov

4:00 PM

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Call to Order

Roll Call

Mayor Ben Marciano

Present:

Pro Tem Jay A. Musleh

Council Member Kristen M. Dreyer

Council Member James P. Hilty Sr

Council Member Barry Mansfield

Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr

2a.

New Employees

- Bryan Cohen, Electric

- Kayla McDonald, Electric

- Richard Russell, Electric

- Trenton Clancy, Information Technology

- Travis Hutchinson, Information Technology

- Gregory Means, Water Resources

Public Notice

Public Notice for the December 16, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted

on November 24, 2025

Proclamations and Awards

The Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award will be presented to Brett Stanley

4a.

4b.

The item was postponed, as Brett Stanley was not present to receive the Mayor’s Citizen

Recognition Award.

RESULT:

POSTPONED

On behalf of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, Mayor Marciano’s recognition of City of

Ocala staff and a Florida Highway Patrol Officer

Mayor Marciano recognized City staff and a Florida Highway Patrol Officer on behalf of

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, for their heroic efforts.

Presentations

Office of Homeless Prevention Quarterly Update

5a.

Deputy Director Community Development Services Robin Ford provided a quarterly

update on the Office of Homeless Prevention. She provided a brief overview of the

following: clients served (939 clients), housing outcomes (81% permanent housing

placement), services provided (3,531 services delivered), call volume (2,771 calls),

Ticket Home Program (16 homeless clients), permanent supportive housing project, and

Point-In-Time (PIT) count (starts January 21, 2026).

Council Member Hilty expressed gratitude for Saving Mercy’s community support

efforts, a successful program created by former City Manager John Zobler. He requested

the organization ensure veterans are included in the PIT count.

Ms. Ford advised City Council that the PIT count includes veterans.

Council President Bethea recognized the Office of Homeless Prevention and partnering

organizations for their community support efforts.

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

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Bethea Sr

Musleh

ABSENT:

2025 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Annual Performance

Evaluation Report

6a.

6b.

Presentation By: James Haynes

First Amendment to the agreement with Stejack, LLC, for additional services required on

the Norton Residence in the amount of $5,512, resulting in a total contract value not to

exceed $50,552

Presentation By: James Haynes

Resolution 2026-9 to adopt the Marion County Consortium 2024-2028 Citizen

Participation Plan

6c.

6d.

Presentation By: James Haynes

Award of development opportunity, and an Affordable Housing Agreement, to MCAN,

LLC, to construct and sell an affordable housing unit on surplus property in West Ocala

identified as Parcel 2849-005-027

Presentation By: James Haynes

Funding from the Florida Department of Transportation to reimburse overtime expenses

relating to the Speed and Aggressive Driving Program in the amount of $65,000

6e.

6f.

Presentation By: Michael Balken

Budget Resolution 2026-116 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and

appropriate funds from the Florida Department of Transportation to reimburse expenses

relating to the Speed and Aggressive Driving Program in the amount of $65,000

Presentation By: Michael Balken

Budget Resolution 2026-117 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and

appropriate funds from the Florida Department of Transportation to reimburse overtime

expenses relating to the Distracted Driving Program in the amount of $40,000

6g.

Presentation By: Michael Balken

6h.

See item 10j.

One-year renewal of contract with Granicus for video streaming, agenda management,

and captioning services with an estimated expenditure amount of $52,085

6i.

Presentation By: Christopher Ramos

Fourth Amendment to the Community Paramedicine Program Agreement with Florida

Hospital Ocala, Inc. doing business as AdventHealth Ocala

6j.

6k.

6l.

Presentation By: Clint Welborn

Donation of one surplus vehicle to Veterans Helping Veterans USA with an estimated

residual auction value of $5,500

Presentation By: John King

Approval of settlement in the matter of City of Ocala, Florida versus FiberPro Network

Services, LLC, with a proposed settlement amount of $110,000 payable to the City of

Ocala, Florida

Presentation By: William E. Sexton

December 2, 2025 City Council meeting minutes

6m.

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

(Second and Final Reading - January 6, 2026)

Ordinance 2026-5 to amend the code of ordinances Section 122-1225 to authorize the

use of above-ground air curtain burners as an ancillary use to a materials recovery facility

as well as establishing conditions and limitations relating to such ancillary use

(COD25-0004)

8a.

James P. Hilty Sr

INTRODUCED

Introduced By:

RESULT:

Ordinance 2026-6 to rezone approximately 3.57 acres for a portion of property located at

2336 NW Seventh Street (Parcel 22682-000-00) from M-1, Light Industrial, to M-2,

Medium Industrial (Case ZON25-0014) (Quasi-Judicial)

8b.

Kristen M. Dreyer

INTRODUCED

Introduced By:

RESULT:

Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances

Ordinance 2026-4 designating a historic landmark at the southeast corner of 117 East

Silver Springs Boulevard (Parcel ID# 2823-064-007) and installing a historic marker

titled “Elvis in Ocala, Tom Petty Inspired” (Quasi-Judicial)

9a.

Presentation By: Aubrey Hale

James P. Hilty Sr

Introduced By:

Council President Bethea opened the public hearing.

Planning Director Aubrey Hale discussed the adoption of Ordinance 2026-4. The

applicant requested to designate a historic landmark in honor of Elvis Presley’s visit in

1961, for the filming of the movie Follow That Dream. He provided a brief overview of

the criteria for historic landmark designations. To note, the Ocala Historic Preservation

Advisory Board and staff recommend approval.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Bethea Sr

Musleh

ABSENT:

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2025 Annual Report

9b.

Presentation By: James Haynes

James Haynes, Director of Community Development Services, presented the 2025

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Annual Report. The committee,

comprising 10 members from diverse professional backgrounds, meets bi-monthly to

support staff efforts and reduce barriers to affordable housing. The report outlines five

key strategies selected for the next three-year Local Housing Action Plan (LHAP),

including expedited permitting, ongoing regulatory review, promotion of accessory

dwelling units (ADUs), flexible lot configurations, and increased affordable housing

production. The City Council may choose to act on these recommendations or accept the

report for informational purposes.

10.

General Business

Purchase of three TITUS Twister Mixing Aerators with Ozone Enhancement from The

10a.

Wass Company LLC., with an estimated cost not to exceed $161,479

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier clarified the operations of the

TITUS Twister Mixing Aerators and anticipated cost savings with Council President

Bethea.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Bethea Sr

Musleh

ABSENT:

Change order and additional expenditures under the contract with All Webbs Enterprises,

Inc., for the construction of two Upper Floridan Aquifer Wells at Water Treatment Plant

No. 2 in the amount of $382,225 plus a contingency of $50,000 for a total expenditure of

$432,225

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:

Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Bethea Sr

Musleh

ABSENT:

Contract for Manhole and Structure Rehabilitation Services with Engineered Spray

Solutions, LLC., for an amount not to exceed $3,300,000

10c.

Presentation By: Sean Lanier

City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier clarified the three-year

contract and number of manholes with Council Member Mansfield. Furthermore, he

explained methane gas causes with Council President Bethea.

Council Member Musleh arrived 4:34 PM.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Bethea Sr

Musleh

ABSENT:

Additional expenditures under the Agreement for Overhead Door Repair, Maintenance,

and Replacement with Material Handling Systems, Inc., for an increased aggregate

expenditure not to exceed $100,000

10d.

10e.

Presentation By: Gary Crews

RESULT:

PULLED

Utilization of Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing agreement with Hussey Seating

Corporation for the purchase of retractable bleachers for the E. D. Croskey Recreation

Center Gymnasium in the amount of $124,886

Presentation By: John Spencer

Recreation Division Head John Spencer clarified the planned improvements and program

enhancements with Mayor Marciano.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

First Amendment to renew the Agreement for Property and Casualty Insurance Broker

Services between the City of Ocala and Risk Management Associates, Inc., for an

additional three-year period with compensation not to exceed $235,500

10f.

Presentation By: Todd Swanson

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Additional expenditures under the Agreement with Premise Health Employer Solutions,

LLC, for the period ending December 31, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $425,000

10g.

Presentation By: Todd Swanson

Director of Human Resources & Risk Management Todd Swanson clarified increased

costs with Mayor Marciano and Council Member Hilty.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Fifth Amendment to the agreement with Premise Health Employer Solutions, LLC, for

on-site health and wellness center services in an amount not to exceed $2,271,022

10h.

Presentation By: Todd Swanson

Director of Human Resources & Risk Management Todd Swanson reported that the

City’s on-site health clinic is now fully staffed as of the previous month, marking the

first time in three years. The increase in staffing has contributed to higher operational

costs, including salaries and liability insurance. Rising prescription costs have also

impacted the budget. Utilization remains strong, with over 1,200 unique patients served

in 2024, more than 15,000 lab draws, and nearly 15,500 diagnoses treated. The clinic

continues to be a key cost-control strategy for the City’s self-insured health plan, offering

primary care, wellness services, and treatment for work-related injuries at no cost to

employees, retirees, and covered dependents. A contract amendment with Premise Health

was proposed to extend services through September 30, 2026, aligning with the City’s

fiscal year and updating pricing based on the approved staffing model. The amendment

includes a not-to-exceed amount of $2,271,022 and will be reviewed by the City

Attorney. He noted the contract would be going out to bid in 2026.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

AYE:

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

Purchase of four R-Mag circuit breakers from WESCO Distribution for the Shaw

Substation in the amount of $177,999

10i.

Presentation By: Doug Peebles

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Continued utilization of Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement with Fastenal

Company for facility, industrial, and other related supplies and equipment purchases with

an increased aggregate expenditure amount of $100,000

10j.

Presentation By: Doug Peebles

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Grant agreement between the City of Ocala and Community Foundation for

Ocala/Marion County for the Community Paramedicine Program in the amount of

$100,000

10k.

Presentation By: Clint Welborn

Mayor Marciano spoke in support of the Community Paramedicine Program

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Budget Resolution 2026-118 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and

appropriate funding from the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County for the

Community Paramedicine program in the amount of $100,000

10l.

Presentation By: Clint Welborn

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

James P. Hilty Sr

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Award of contract to Robinrose Construction, LLC, for a new build of the Taylor

10m.

residence located at 725 SW Third Street with a total project cost not to exceed $169,500

Presentation By: James Haynes

Director of Community Development Services James Haynes confirmed the City

evaluates the lowest bids with Mayor Marciano.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr

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

11.

12.

Internal Auditor's Report

City Manager's Report

Sanitation Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 12 pm

Vision 2050 Workshop pending for January 28, 2026, at 12 pm

Upcoming events

City Manager Pete Lee reported on upcoming events for the New Year: Uptown

presentation (January 20, 2026, City Council meeting), and Tallahassee Annual

Legislative Visit (January 27, 2026).

City staff recognition

City Manager Pete Lee recognized City 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, November 24, 2025 to

December 7, 2025: 6,054 total incidents, 3,721 proactive calls, 2,333 dispatched calls

quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus proactive), 235 crimes, 260 arrests, 662 traffic

stops, and 117 crashes.

Department Highlights

Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department successfully disarmed a juvenile with

a gun during the Christmas Parade. Furthermore, the department conducted several Shop

With A Cop events in the community, and Operation Secret Santa in underway for the

holidays. He confirmed motor vehicle accidents have decreased, due to grant funding,

with Mayor Marciano.

14.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

Unit Responses

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, December 2,

2025 to December 15, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (159-unit

responses) and Fire Engine Four (98-unit responses).

Service calls update

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

December 2, 2025 to December 15, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 112, structure fires 2,

and community paramedicine/core 23, and calls for service 918 (24,001 calls-to-date).

Department Highlights

Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department welcomed three new Firefighter

EMT’s. Furthermore, the department hosted a successful Cathy’s Kids event and

Christmas Parade.

15.

16.

City Attorney's Report

Public Comments

Jason Tolbert, 1700 NE 50th Avenue, Ocala, FL, proposed an entertainment/sports

center development project near the Airport

Jason Tolbert, 201 NE 37th Court, Ocala, FL, discussed a proposal for an

entertainment/sports center development project near the Airport. He provided a brief

overview of the following: estimated project cost ($65-$90 million), funding, anticipated

revenue, and community benefits. Furthermore, he requested City Council direct staff to

complete the FAA Form to proceed with the development project.

17.

Informational Items and Calendaring Items

- Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Christmas Eve & Christmas

Day Holidays - City Offices closed

- Thursday, January 1, 2026 - New Year's Day Holiday - City Offices closed

- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - City Council meeting - 4:00pm - Council Chambers

- Monday, January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday - City Offices closed

- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - CRA Board meeting - 3:45pm - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - City Council meeting - 4:00pm - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - TPO Meeting - 3:00pm - Marion County Commissioners'

Auditorium

- Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - City Council meeting - 4:00pm - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - CRA Board meeting - 3:45pm - Council Chambers

- Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - City Council meeting - 4:00pm - Council Chambers

Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000

Comments by Mayor

2025 Christmas Parade

Mayor Marciano recognized City staff for hosting a successful Christmas Parade.

17a.

18.

19.

Comments by City Council Members

Council Member Mansfield shared his wonderful experience attending the

Christmas Parade

Council Member Hilty recognized the City for hosting a successful Christmas

Parade

Council Member Dreyer congratulated fellow Council Member's on re-elections

Council Member Musleh wished the public a Merry Christmas and Happy New

Year

Council President Bethea requested Mr. Tolbert share his ideas with City directors

20.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 5:17 pm

Minutes

_______________________________

Ire J. Bethea Sr.

________________________________

Angel B. Jacobs

Council President

City Clerk