Ocala City Council Regular Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Ocala City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Ocala City Hall. Mayor Ben Marciano presided, and all five council members were present: Pro Tem Jay A. Musleh, Council Members Kristen M. Dreyer, James P. Hilty Sr, Barry Mansfield, and Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr. The meeting was called to order, roll call was taken, and new employees were welcomed. The public notice was confirmed posted on December 3, 2025.

Proclamations and Awards

• Arbor Day Proclamation (January 16, 2026) presented to Pioneer Garden Club Presidents Jacqua Ballas and Marjorie Hendon. They invited the public to a tree planting at Tuscawilla Park on January 16 at 10:00 AM.
• Newton A. Perry Day Proclamation (January 6, 2026) presented to his daughter Delee Perry. The proclamation celebrated Perry's underwater feats, Hollywood consulting, WWII training of Navy SEAL precursors, and teaching over 120,000 people to swim.
• Marion County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Day Proclamation (January 19, 2026) presented to Paula Leahmon, President of the MLK Commemorative Commission. Upcoming events include a food drive, MLK Day in the park, prayer breakfast, and commemorative service.
• Late Honorable Mrs. Mary Sue Rich Proclamation presented to her family. Mayor Marciano shared a story of her welcoming a new employee and noted her guiding principles: family, service, and "one Ocala." The family expressed heartfelt thanks for the city's support during their bereavement.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda (items 6a-6h) was approved unanimously by a roll call vote (Ayes: Musleh, Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Bethea Sr). Items included:

• Fiscal Year 2026-27 tentative budget calendar
• Budget Resolution 2026-119 for $48,515 for handheld x-ray equipment purchase
• Certified administrative costs for SunTran FY2024-25
• Four-year renewal of banking services with Truist Bank through May 31, 2030
• Resolution 2026-10 accepting outdoor sculpture "Flamingo" valued at $9,500 for Tuscawilla Park
• Resolution 2026-11 appointing Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members for three-year terms ending December 31, 2028
• Budget Resolution 2026-120 accepting $1,152 program income for State Housing Initiative Program grant
• December 16, 2025, City Council meeting minutes

Public Hearings

• 9a – SunTran Federal FY2025 Budget: Tom Duncan presented a $6,300,562 total budget (including federal, state, and local funds) for SunTran operating and capital funding. No public comments were heard, and no action was required by council.
• 9b – Walmart #4245 Liquor Permit (Quasi-Judicial): A location permit for off-premises beer, wine, and liquor sales was granted for a new neighborhood Walmart with a separate liquor store (47,914 sq ft, 90-95 employees). Staff noted no churches/schools/daycares within 500 feet; two existing alcohol retailers nearby (Walgreens and Ocala Food Mart). OPD reported three self-initiated security calls in two years. Council approved unanimously.
• 9c – Ordinance 2026-5 (Air Curtain Burners): Introduced by Councilman Hilty, this ordinance would amend Section 122-1225 to authorize above-ground air curtain burners as an ancillary use to a materials recovery facility. Staff and the applicant requested a continuance. Council voted unanimously to postpone to the February 3, 2026, City Council meeting. No public speakers were present.
• 9d – Ordinance 2026-6 (Rezone 3.57 acres): Quasi-judicial item to rezone 3.57 acres at 2336 NW Seventh Street from M-1 (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Medium Industrial) for additional outdoor storage for an existing repair garage. Staff recommended approval; the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend. The applicant (Mickey Truck Bodies) agreed to remove Section 7(1) (effective date provision) from the ordinance. Council adopted the amended ordinance unanimously.

Discussion Items

• General Business (Items 10a-10h) were all approved unanimously with motions and roll-call votes:
• 10a: One-year renewal of Construction Services Agreement with Miller Pipeline for Water Resources Improvement Program Projects (not to exceed $2,000,000).
• 10b: Renewal of contract with Art Walker Construction for lime sludge hauling at Water Treatment Plant No. 1 (two-year expenditure of $180,000).
• 10c: Cost-share agreement with St. Johns River Water Management District for Ocala Lower Floridan Aquifer Conversion Phase IV project ($2,000,000).
• 10d: Budget Resolution 2026-121 to accept and appropriate the $2,000,000 grant and transfer $2,000,000 from Water Resources fund reserve.
• 10f: Budget Resolution 2026-122 to accept $242,771 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program funding (5% decrease from prior year).
• 10g: Purchase of inventory items for Ocala Fiber Network from multiple vendors (not to exceed $207,590).
• 10h: Three-year agreement with Exceleron Software for MyUsage Prepaid Software (not to exceed $1,500,000).
• Item 10e was pulled from the agenda.

City Manager's Report

• Legacy Contracts Update: Councilwoman Dreyer requested review. Staff began a deep dive: 325 total contracts (including tri-party solar, revenue contracts, lease agreements). Finance closed 58 recreation parks contracts, returning $116,698 to the general fund. Goal: minimize rollover of unspent funds.
• Business Tax Receipt (BTR) Review: Discussion centered on fairness and efficiency. The city collects ~$34,477 annually (revenue minus expenses). Concerns raised about burdens on businesses, lack of enforcement, and staff time. Councilmember Dreyer expressed willingness to consider abolishing the BTR if revenue is low. City Manager will bring back a draft recommendation.
• 2050 Vision Workshop: Scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at noon in Council Chambers.
• Baseball Field Rentals: Staff held prices at prior level and will bring an ordinance with analytics to justify any future fee changes. Issue identified: a missing fee schedule component caused a tenfold increase. Resolution expected at next meeting or first February meeting.
• Train Derailment on Magnolia (third in 12 months): Concern raised about safety. Council President Bethea urged involvement of U.S. senators and representatives. City Manager will write a letter to DOT. The derailment occurred during yard operations; no cars overturned.
• Safe Routes to School: Community meeting on January 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Howard Middle School. Project includes sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting improvements. Grant application due end of January. Staff exploring early reimbursement to start work on dangerous spots.

Ocala Police Department Report

Chief Michael Balken presented a 2025 year-end recap:

• Total incidents handled increased 15% (168,000 to 192,000+), but dispatch calls dropped about 1%.
• Crimes investigated: 7,000+ (6% decrease). Arrests: 5,558 (down).
• Traffic stops: 28,000+ (21% increase). Traffic crashes: 5% overall increase (but latter part of year saw a downward trend).
• Drug overdose responses: 22% decrease; 23 fatal (higher percentage of fatal incidents).
• Homicides: significant decrease; a murder on Christmas morning had a suspect incarcerated. Full year-end report expected in February.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

Chief Clint Welburn reported:

• December 16–31, 2025: 1,093 calls (including 216 motor vehicle accidents, 6 structure fires, 28 community paramedicine calls).
• Full-year 2025: 25,141 calls, over 1,700 public education contacts, over 3,300 annual inspections.
• Two new apparatus replaced engines 2 and 5; rescue 7 added, bringing all stations to full engine and rescue complement.
• January 1–5, 2026: 317 calls so far.
• Congratulated new promotees: BC Jules Bucket, Captain Justin Claver, and FEO Derek Martin.
• Question about Station 8 coming online expected to reduce call load.

Public Comments

• Shanta Norton (117 NW 16th Terrace) spoke on pedestrian safety, proposing sidewalk expansion, street lighting, and safe routes for youth in west Ocala. She referenced a recent fatal accident. Council offered condolences and assured ongoing work.
• Dr. Kathryn Crowell-Grate and Nathaniel Grate (2825 SW 34th Avenue) raised concerns about speeding near their church/school/daycare for children with disabilities, requesting a flashing light. They also discussed a retention pond behind their property—FDOT-owned—that needs maintenance. Public Works Director Darren Park clarified FDOT ownership and said spraying and clearing are scheduled. Contact information was provided.
• Jason Tolbert (201 NE 37th Court), a Wingstop employee, requested permission to place temporary signs near the sidewalk and median on East Silver Springs Boulevard to increase business. Council explained that such signs ("snipes") are not allowed; a person holding a sign is permissible. He was thanked for his initiative.
• Jerry Lourenco (9875 SE 58th Avenue), a roll-off compactor hauler, expressed concern that the city's roll-off compactor ordinance is now being applied to commercial customers. He stated a long-time customer requested a compactor at a new location, but the city claimed the account. He noted the city does not offer zero-waste service (incineration). Councilmember Dreyer and City Manager discussed the ordinance intent (residential focus) and acknowledged the issue; City Manager will meet with Mr. Lourenco to resolve the specific account.

Mayor's Comments

• Mayor's Fitness Challenge 2026: Running in all public schools for January to encourage student activity.
• Mental Health Services for the Incarcerated: Collaboration with Sheriff's office to implement programs (job training, addiction treatment) for inmates during 50-60 day average stays to reduce recidivism. Councilmember Dreyer suggested integrating Pearl Project techniques.

Council Members' Comments

• Council Member Dreyer: Requested that city staff meet with Marion County's Affordable Housing Committee to help streamline their process. Also commented on a public notice sign left at a strip mall where a liquor permit was denied; staff confirmed the appeal period had passed and the sign would be removed.
• Council President Bethea: Thanked the city for the exceptional services provided for Mrs. Mary Sue Rich's burial celebration, appreciating the police chief's staff and all council members who attended.

Upcoming Meetings & Informational Items

• January 13, 2026 – City Council Workshop (Sanitation Rate Study) at noon.
• January 19, 2026 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday (offices closed).
• January 20, 2026 – CRA Board meeting at 3:30 PM, City Council meeting at 4:00 PM.
• January 27, 2026 – TPO Meeting at 3:00 PM.
• February 3, 2026 – City Council meeting at 4:00 PM.
• February 10, 2026 – 2050 Vision Workshop at noon in Council Chambers.
• Power Cost Adjustment Report for November 2025 was noted.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:35 PM.