110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

City Council

Minutes

www.ocalafl.org

4:00 PM

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

1. Call to Order

Opening Ceremony

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome and Roll Call

Mayor Reuben Kent Guinn

Present:

Pro Tem Barry Mansfield

Council Member Ire J. Bethea Sr

Council Member Kristen M. Dreyer

Council Member Jay A. Musleh

Council President James P. Hilty Sr

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, Deputy Police Chief

Lou Biondi, Internal Auditor Randall Bridgeman,Growth Management Director Tye Chighizola,

Marketing & Communication Manager Ashley Dobbs, Deputy Director Planning Aubrey Hale,

Budget Director Tammi Haslam, Planning Director Patricia Hitchcock, Director of Facilities &

Fleet Management John King, City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier,

Director of Public Works Darren Park, Director of Electric Utility Doug Peebles, Director of

Telecommunications Mel Poole, Director of Parks & Recreation Preston Pooser, Strategic &

Legislative Affairs Administrator Jeannine Robbins, Procurement & Contracting Officer Daphne

Robinson, Chief of Staff Chris Watt, Ocala Police Dept Representative, IT Representative, The

Press and other interested parties.

New Employees

- Anthony Fuentes, Fleet Management

- Martin Lemay, Fleet Management

- Normon Silon, Fleet Management

- Alfred Corbin, Facilities Management

- John Donaldson, Facilities Management

- Elizabeth Friehauf, Facilities Management

- Mark Kober, Facilities Management

- Roderick Barriner, Recreation & Parks

- Samantha Jarvis, Recreation & Parks

- Bertram Miller, Recreation & Parks

Public Notice

Public Notice for the June 6, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on May 1, 2023

Proclamations & Awards

Presentations

Public Comments

Public Hearings

Approve the City of Ocala’s Community Development Block Grant 2023 Annual Action

6a.

Plan for submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Director of Community Development Services James Haynes provided a brief overview

of the Action Plan. The goal is to increase affordable housing opportunities for the

public; and the City has completed twenty housing rehabilitation projects. The CDBG

budget: $397,452 (rehab, clearance, demo, and acquisition), $99,363 (planning and

administration), $715,000 (SHIP Funding), and $360,000 (HOME Funding).

City Manager Pete Lee clarified the housing needs with Council Member Mansfield.

Mr. Haynes confirmed the City tracks the homeless population to determine shelter

needs. Furthermore, the program primarily focuses on owner-occupied dwellings.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

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

Open a public hearing and introduce Ordinance 2023-47 by adding the definition/use of

recreational and boat storage as a permitted use in the M-2 and M-3 zoning districts

(Case #COD23-45160). This is the first of two public hearings. The second and final

public hearing is scheduled for June 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm or, as soon thereafter as

possible

6b.

Barry Mansfield

Introduced By:

Council President Hilty opened the public hearing at 4:14 pm.

Planning Director Patricia Hitchcock reported outdoor storage is only allowed as an

accessory use to a principal use. The proposed ordinance will allow recreational and boat

storage as a permitted use in the M-2 and M-3 zoning districts. Currently, the City allows

RV storage as an accessory use. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommends

approval. The second public hearing is scheduled on June 20, 2023.

Council Member Mansfield asked why property owners cannot place outdoor storage on

grass.

Ms. Hitchcock responded property owners must construct an organized path by utilizing

paving alternatives, such as asphalt. She confirmed DRA’s will undergo site plan review

and clarified buffering requirements.

Open a public hearing and introduce Ordinance 2023-48 to rezone from G-U,

Governmental Use, to PD, Planned Development, property (former Pine Oaks Golf

Course) located south of NW 35th Street, east of NW 27th Avenue, north of NW 21st

Street and west of CSX railroad, approximately 216.75 acres (Case #PD23-45144)

(Quasi-judicial). The public hearing will also include the proposed PD Plan and

Standards. This is the first of two public hearings. The second and final hearing is

scheduled for June 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm or, as soon thereafter as possible

6c.

Ire J. Bethea Sr

Introduced By:

Planning Director Patricia Hitchcock explained the City executed a Redevelopment

Agreement with West Oak Developers LLC. Due to an error in advertising (according to

State Statutes, the size of the property rezoning requires two legal ads, rather than the

standard single ad), the matter has been brought back for Council re-approval. The

applicant is requesting to change the zoning from G-U (Governmental Use) to PD

(Planned Development). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of

the rezoning request, which was previously approved by City Council on February 2,

2021. She clarified the City’s deficiency and noted staff recommends approval.

Open a public hearing and approve a Concurrency Development Agreement between

Lake Louise, LLC, The Rosemere Apartments, LLC, and the City of Ocala providing for

vehicular trip capacity reservation and transportation mitigation contributions for

required traffic improvements for the development of a 326-unit apartment complex and

future phased residential development on property located northeast of the intersection of

SW Seventh Avenue and SW 32nd Street, approximately 88.73 acres. (This is the second

of two public hearings. The first public hearing was held by the Planning & Zoning

Commission on Monday, May 8, 2023.) (Case CDA23-45162)

6d.

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

Planning Director Patricia Hitchcock reported the City approved the PD/site plan for the

project. She provided a brief overview of the recommended traffic study improvements.

The City will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until improvements are completed.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh

AYE:

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

Second and Final Reading of Ordinances - None

General Business

Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-143 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget for the

carry forward of prior fiscal year grant funds totaling $23,273,656

8a.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-144 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget to

appropriate and transfer funds from the American Rescue Plan Act Reserves in the

amount of $5,142,323

8b.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

ADOPTED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

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

Approve the purchase of additional electric meters from Wesco Distribution, Inc. with an

estimated expenditure of $150,000

8c.

Director of Electric Utility Doug Peebles confirmed the estimated expenditure amounts

to only 750 electric meters with Pro Tem Mansfield. The meters will be utilized for

planned construction within the next year.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Approve the purchase of inventory items for Ocala Electric Utility awarded to multiple

vendors in the amount of $189,102

8d.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

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

Approve expenditures on a five-year piggyback contract for the purchase of vehicle and

non-vehicle accessories with Dana Safety Supply, Inc. for an increased aggregate

expenditure amount of $274,062

8e.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Ire J. Bethea Sr

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Consider a twelfth amendment to the Acquisition and Redevelopment Agreement for

Mixed-Use Development (Hilton Garden Inn)

8f.

RESULT:

PULLED

Approve agreement with Zabatt Power Systems, Inc., for the provision of construction

services related to the Lift Station Generators Installation & Manhole Lids and Seal

Replacement Project for $2,376,876, plus a ten percent contingency, for a total

expenditure of $2,614,564

8g.

City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier confirmed only a few of the

major lift stations have generators with Council Member Musleh, and this agreement will

improve redundancy measures.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Barry Mansfield

SECONDER: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Approve use of a Lee County cooperative purchasing agreement with Evoqua Water

Technologies, LLC for wastewater odor and corrosion control in an amount not to

exceed $1,260,000

8h.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Jay A. Musleh

SECONDER: Barry Mansfield

AYE:

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

Approve a thirteen-month contract for fuel supply and transport load services with

Petroleum Traders Corporation in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000

8i.

Director of Facilities & Fleet Management John King clarified the competitive bidding

process with Mayor Guinn. He confirmed the City purchased bulk off-road diesel fuel

with Pro Tem Mansfield.

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

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Kristen M. Dreyer

SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr

AYE:

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

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: Kristen M. Dreyer

AYE:

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

Adopt Resolution 2023-28 to approve new water and sewer rates for 10-inch and 12-inch

meters

9a.

9b.

Approve the First Amendment to Ocala South/Long Green Farms Subdivision

Developer’s Agreement between the City of Ocala, Sunbelt Land Fund I-Ocala South,

LLC and Merrimac SWC Ocala, LLC to connect to the City of Ocala’s central water and

wastewater services

Approve the purchase of a 2023 Toyota Rav4 for SunTran from Deluca Toyota in the

amount of $31,284

9c.

9d.

Adopt Resolution 2023-29 extending the Public Transportation Grant Agreement

#433304-2-94-01 from the Florida Department of Transportation for SunTran's public

transit system capital expenses from June 30, 2023, to June 30, 2024

Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-145 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget to

appropriate 2022-2023 State Housing Initiatives Partnership grant funding in the amount

of $44,612

9e.

Approve Labor Attorney invoices for April 2023 in the amount of $58.00

9f.

Approve one-year renewal agreements with Eason Lawn Service, LLC and D & J Lawn

Service, LLC for Airport grounds maintenance services with an aggregate expenditure

not to exceed $15,025

9g.

Approve Regular Meeting City Council minutes from May 16, 2023

9h.

10.

Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion

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

this time.

11.

Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances

(Second and Final Reading - June 20, 2023)

Introduce Ordinance 2023-49 revising the definition/criteria of the Medium

Intensity/Special District land use classification (Policy 6.2) of the Future Land Use

Element of the Comprehensive Plan (CPTA23-45126)

11a.

Kristen M. Dreyer

Introduced By:

Introduce Ordinance 2023-50 concerning a rezoning from M-1, Light Industrial, to M-2,

Medium Industrial, for property located at 500 SW 33rd Avenue, parcel numbers

22774-000-03 and 2277-002-007, approximately 12.9 acres (Case ZON23-45150)

11b.

Ire J. Bethea Sr

Introduced By:

12.

13.

Internal Auditor's Report - None

City Manager's Report

President Hilty requested staff schedule a workshop to discuss Affordable Housing

President Hilty requested staff schedule a workshop to discuss utilizing vacant land to increase

affordable housing stock, with various groups including Habitat for Humanity and the Florida

Housing Authority.

City Manager Pete Lee spoke on utilizing surplus lots to meet affordable housing goals.

President Hilty requested staff add Police motorcycles on the June 20th agenda

14.

Police and Fire Department Report

Deputy Police Chief Lou Biondi – Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts

Deputy Police Chief Biondi discussed the public safety Opioid response efforts for May 15,

2023 to June 4, 2023. The Police Department's Opioid response efforts 9, overdose deaths 1,

Narcan leave behind 5, Amnesty participation 0, vehicle accidents 108, emergency services calls

7,829, and traffic stops 88.

Fire Chief Clint Welborn – Public Safety Opioid Response Efforts & Community Paramedicine

Fire Chief Welborn discussed the public safety Opioid response efforts and community

paramedicine program. The overdose response efforts 11, overdose deaths 1, Narcan leave

behind 1, and calls for service 2,163. Year to date, 383 OD2A Program participants, and 272

community paramedicine graduates.

15.

Mayor's Report

Manhattan Film Festival recognizing Magic the therapy horse

Mayor Guinn commented on June 18, 2023, the Manhattan Film Festival will be presenting an

award to Magic the Therapy Horse.

Therapy Dog event scheduled on Thursday, June 8, 2023, location Police Department

College of Central Florida & North Marion High School baseball teams won championships

Mayor Guinn stated an event will be scheduled to honor the College of Central Florida & North

Marion High School baseball teams. The College of Central Florida team won the national

championship, and the North Marion High School team won the state championship.

Unveiling of Molly statue scheduled on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 11 am

16.

17.

City Attorney's Report

Informational Items

17a. Calendaring Items

- Monday, June 19 - Juneteenth Holiday - City Offices Closed

- Tuesday, June 20 - CRA meeting, 3:45pm, Council Chambers

- Tuesday, July 4 - Fourth of July Holiday - Council Meeting Cancelled, City Offices

Closed

17b. Comments by Mayor

17c. Comments by Council Members

Council Member Mansfield commented on pedestrian safety

Council Member Mansfield expressed concern regarding pedestrian safety by Harry’s Seafood,

Bar & Grille.

Council Member Dreyer suggested installing speed bumps to calm traffic.

City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier suggested installing a raised crossing

and LED sign flashers to calm traffic.

City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will evaluate the intersection to determine appropriate

pedestrian safety improvements.

Council Member Mansfield suggested posting a Police Officer at the intersection to cite

violators.

Council Member Dreyer requested staff add the FMEA presentation to the pending workshop

17d. Informational

Information update on the proposed kiosk/bathrooms for SunTran at Union Station

Power Cost Adjustment Report - April 2023

17d1.

17d2.

17d3.

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

April 30, 2023

Executed Contracts Under $50,000

17d4.

18.

Adjournment