The Ocala City Council met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, a communications update, approval of a consent agenda, a lengthy public hearing on an ordinance to permit above-ground air curtain incinerators at materials recovery facilities (which was denied), approval of three West Oak development items, unanimous approval of multiple general business contracts, and reports on an extreme cold weather event, Ocala Fiber Network updates, and police/fire statistics.
Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum presented the applicant-initiated text amendment to allow above-ground air curtain incinerators as an ancillary use by right at materials recovery facilities citywide, with conditions including a minimum 10-acre site, 200-foot setbacks from residential/ sensitive uses, an operations plan, and daily burn permits. The Planning Commission recommended approval on November 10, 2025; no objections were raised at the Governor’s meeting.
Public speakers in opposition:
Speaker in support:
Applicant’s attorney Fred Roberts and Austin Dailey presented evidence that air curtain incinerators reduce PM 2.5 by over 80% and carbon monoxide by over 90% compared to open burning, referencing studies from Oregon, Arizona, and the USDA. They provided examples of permitted units operating near homes, schools, and airports in Florida, and argued the ordinance includes robust safeguards (10-acre minimum, setbacks, annual city review, daily ignition approvals). Fire Chief Clint Welborn confirmed that after revisions, the fire department has no safety concerns, and the unit would not be placed on the landfill.
Council Member Kristen Dreyer moved to deny, citing quality-of-life concerns, equity (historically undesirable uses placed in minority neighborhoods), and opposition from the community. The motion passed unanimously (5–0). Result: Denied.
Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum presented a CDA for approximately 198.80 acres of the West Oak development (old Pine Oaks golf course). The agreement covers 308 single-family homes, 1,902 multi-family units, 90 senior adult housing units, and 25,000 sq ft of retail, generating 1,082 peak-hour trips. Proportionate share obligations total $368,000 to the city and $62,000 to the county for NW 35th Street. Staff recommended approval. No public comment. Approved unanimously (5–0).
A conceptual plan for 18.26 acres comprising 150 single-family lots, four tracts, and 0.53 miles of roadway. Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval; staff concurred. No public comment. Approved unanimously (5–0).
A developer’s agreement for 140 single-family lots on nearly 24 acres, with public water, sewer, and right-of-way conveyance. Stormwater, landscaping, and open space to be HOA-maintained. Staff recommended approval. No public comment. Approved unanimously (5–0).
All items were approved unanimously (5–0) with brief staff presentations:
Chief Mike Balken reported for January 12–25, 2026: 7,981 total incidents (24% increase over prior year), 5,660 proactive calls, 2,321 dispatched calls, 268 crimes (13% increase), 184 arrests, 1,270 traffic stops (33% increase), 139 crashes. Highlights: arrest of an armed robbery suspect and a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; ongoing participation in Project Safe Neighborhood with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Battalion Chief Pat Feagle reported for January 20 – February 2, 2026: 165 unit responses for Fire Rescue One, 126 for Engine Four; 78 motor vehicle accidents, 4 structure fires, 45 community paramedicine visits, 1,066 calls for service (2,233 calls-to-date). An email was sent to Council regarding mandatory training per Senate Bill 180.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.
Good evening. We will have our invocation chaplain Joe Hassler. Good evening. Would you pray with me this afternoon? Gracious Lord, we are thankful for all that you do with and through us through this community. We ask that you continue to unify and bring us closer to follow your lead each and every day. In your son's name we say, Amen. One nation, another God, individual with liberty and justice for our it is now four o'clock on Tuesday, February the third, twenty twenty-six, and this meeting of the O'Kelly City Council is called to order. Mr. Marciano. Here. Mr. Mudley. Here. Ms. Dreyer. Here. Mr. Hilti. Here. Commandsville. Here. Mr. Bethe. Here. Item two. There are two new employees. When I call your name if you were a fan. John Reedy, elected. And Mary Ann Ward, public works. Welcome. The February 3, 2026 City Council meeting was publicly noticed on January 15th, 2026 on the City of Ocala's website. As a reminder, public comments and presentations are limited to three minutes unless authorized to stand beyond that time by the council president, a majority of council. All materials for the mayor city council must be given to the attendant staff for distribution. Prior to speaking at the podium, please state your name and address for the record and to maintain order. Speakers must be recognized by the council president. Please silence your cell phones and all electronic devices for the duration of this meeting. Thank you. Item four is a presentation of the Black History Month Proclamation to Miss Cynthia Wilson Graham. Photographer and author. Sorry, David. Proclamation for Black History Month. Whereas Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is observed annually across the United States in February and serves as a celebration, honoring the many accomplishments and contributions made by generations of Black Americans and other people of African descent. Whereas citizens will gain further knowledge and understanding of African American history, whereas such understanding of African American history history can strengthen the perception of all citizens regarding the issues of human rights and the struggles to eliminate barriers of racial discrimination. Whereas as we journey towards a more unified nation, let us continue to recognize the contributions of African Americans in history as a reminder for meaningful dialogue and collective commitment towards the advancement of uniform policies and practices that create opportunities for all citizens. Whereas we are thankful for the countless contributions of African Americans in Ocala, Florida and throughout the nation during the month and throughout the year. Now therefore, I Ben Marciano, by the virtue of authority vested in me as the mayor of the city of Ocala, Florida, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month. And I urge all residents to work together to make Ocala, Florida a great place to live, play, and prosper, and witness whereof I hereon to set my hand, cause the seal of the city of Ocala, Florida, to be a fixed this 30th day, January 2026. Awesome. Would you like to say a few words?