Ocala City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

The Ocala City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, a homeless prevention update, approval of consent items, introduction of two ordinances, adoption of a historic landmark ordinance, and numerous general business items. The meeting adjourned at 5:17 PM.

Proclamations & Awards

• The Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award for Brett Stanley was postponed as he was not present.
• Mayor Marciano recognized City staff and a Florida Highway Patrol Officer on behalf of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for their heroic actions on October 28, 2025, that saved a man’s life.

Presentations

• Office of Homeless Prevention Quarterly Update: Deputy Director Robin Ford reported that in fiscal year 2024-25, the office served 939 clients (including 113 children), achieved an 81% permanent housing placement rate, delivered 3,531 services, and handled 2,771 prevention calls. The Ticket Home Program diverted 72 clients from homelessness, with 16 diverted this quarter. The Saving Mercy Duplexes (20 units) are opening on December 17, 2025, and the Mercy Village tower (59 units) is expected to open in February 2026. The annual Point-in-Time count begins January 21, 2026. Council Member Hilty requested that veterans be included in the count; Ms. Ford confirmed the VA provides volunteers each year.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the Consent Agenda (items 6a–6m) by a 4-0 vote (Musleh absent). Items included: CDBG Annual Performance Report, a contract amendment for the Norton Residence ($5,512), adoption of the Citizen Participation Plan, an affordable housing agreement with MCAN LLC, FDOT grants for speed and distracted driving programs ($65,000 and $40,000), budget amendments, renewal of Granicus services ($52,085), Fourth Amendment to the Community Paramedicine Agreement with AdventHealth, donation of a surplus vehicle to Veterans Helping Veterans USA, a settlement with FiberPro Network Services ($110,000 payable to the City), and approval of the December 2, 2025 meeting minutes.

Public Hearings & Ordinances

• Ordinance 2026-4 (Historic Landmark): Adopted unanimously (4-0, Musleh absent). The ordinance designates the southeast corner of 117 East Silver Springs Boulevard as a historic landmark to install a marker titled “Elvis in Ocala, Tom Petty Inspired,” recognizing Elvis Presley’s 1961 visit.
• Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2025 Annual Report: Presented by James Haynes. The committee selected five strategies for the next three-year Local Housing Action Plan: expedited permitting, ongoing regulatory review, promotion of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), flexible lot configurations, and increased affordable housing production. The report was received for informational purposes.
• Ordinances Introduced (First Reading):
  • Ordinance 2026-5: Amends zoning code to authorize above-ground air curtain burners as an ancillary use at materials recovery facilities. Second reading scheduled for January 6, 2026.
  • Ordinance 2026-6: Rezones 3.57 acres at 2336 NW Seventh Street from M-1 (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Medium Industrial). Second reading scheduled for January 6, 2026.

General Business (All Approved Unanimously)

• 10a: Purchase of three TITUS Twister Mixing Aerators with ozone enhancement from The Wass Company LLC ($161,479).
• 10b: Change order for Upper Floridan Aquifer Wells at Water Treatment Plant No. 2 ($432,225 total).
• 10c: Three-year contract for Manhole and Structure Rehabilitation Services with Engineered Spray Solutions LLC (not to exceed $3,300,000).
• 10d: Pulled from agenda.
• 10e: Purchase of retractable bleachers for E.D. Croskey Recreation Center Gymnasium ($124,886) using a Sourcewell cooperative agreement.
• 10f: Renewal of property and casualty insurance broker services with Risk Management Associates for three years ($235,500).
• 10g: Additional expenditures for Premise Health clinic through December 31, 2025 ($425,000) due to increased staffing and rising costs.
• 10h: Fifth Amendment to extend the Premise Health on-site clinic agreement through September 30, 2026 ($2,271,022). Staff noted the contract will go out for competitive bid in 2026.
• 10i: Purchase of four R-Mag circuit breakers for Shaw Substation ($177,999).
• 10j: Continued use of Sourcewell cooperative with Fastenal for supplies ($100,000 increase).
• 10k & 10l: Grant agreement and budget resolution for Community Paramedicine Program with Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County ($100,000).
• 10m: Award of contract to Robinrose Construction LLC for new build of Taylor residence ($169,500).

Public Comments

• Jason Tolbert (1700 NE 50th Avenue) presented a proposal for a $65–$90 million entertainment/sports center near the airport, to be funded by tourist development tax and citizen investment bonds. He requested City Council direct staff to file FAA Form 7461 to begin height restriction waivers. Council President Bethea acknowledged the proposal but asked Mr. Tolbert to share his ideas with department directors, noting that government processes take time.

City Manager's Report

• Sanitation workshop scheduled for January 13, 2026 at noon.
• Vision 2050 workshop tentatively scheduled for January 28, 2026 at noon.
• Uptown fiber presentation at the January 20, 2026 Council meeting.
• Annual legislative visit to Tallahassee on January 27, 2026.

Ocala Police Department Report

• Chief Mike Balken reported 6,054 total incidents, 235 crimes (down 25% from the prior period), 260 arrests, 662 traffic stops, and 117 crashes (down 30%). A juvenile with a gun was arrested before the Christmas parade. The department conducted Shop With A Cop events and began Operation Secret Santa. Crashes are down 15% year-to-date.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

• Chief Clint Welborn reported 918 calls for service (24,001 year-to-date), 112 motor vehicle accidents, 2 structure fires, and 23 community paramedicine calls. Three new Firefighter EMTs were welcomed. The department hosted a successful Cathy’s Kids shopping event.

Key Outcomes

• All consent and general business items were approved unanimously (votes varied with Council Member Musleh absent for early items).
• Ordinance 2026-4 was adopted; Ordinances 2026-5 and 2026-6 introduced for second readings on January 6, 2026.
• Council directed staff to schedule a sanitation workshop on January 13, 2026.
• A resident’s proposal for a stadium complex was referred to City directors for further review.
• Meeting adjourned at 5:17 PM.