Ocala City Council Meeting – February 3, 2026

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.

Proclamations and Awards

• Mayor Ben Marciano presented a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month to Cynthia Wilson-Graham, educator, photographer, and author. She spoke on working together to overcome differences.

Presentations

• Public Information Officer Gregory Davis reported strong earned media performance and social media growth: the City of Ocala Government Facebook page reached 19,000 followers (up 2,000), Instagram nearly 8,000, and LinkedIn is now actively managed. Since September, 29 press releases were issued. New initiatives include the “Downtown with Darling” series and a revamped pre-recorded Mayor’s Message. Engagement records were set by posts for the Chalk Walk event and a tribute to Mary Sue Rich.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (5–0) the following routine items:
  • Release of an electric utility easement in Ocala Preserve Phase 8 and Ashley Farms.
  • Release of utility easements on Parcel 28672-000-00.
  • One-year renewal of city-wide fencing services with Charles White Fence, Inc. ($75,000).
  • One-year renewal of contract with Priority Dispatch Corporation ($91,590).
  • Puravida Conceptual Subdivision.
  • Ocala 75 Logistics Park Developer’s Agreement.
  • Assignment of ground lease from Worldwide Alliance, LLC to PRP Hangars, LLC.
  • Approval of City Council meeting minutes.

Public Hearings

Ordinance 2026-5 – Air Curtain Incinerators (Denied)

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:

• Tim Haines (attorney for West Oak Developers) argued that the use constitutes “materials destruction,” not recovery, and conflicts with existing code. He noted the Friends Recycling property was designated for future revitalization under the city’s vision plan, and its proximity to new residential development (including affordable housing) makes the use incompatible. He raised concerns about greenhouse gases and limited testing (only forest material, not urban waste with chemicals).
• David Latham (Geosyntec Consultants) stated PM 2.5 particulates are harmful to health, and FDEP advises against such facilities in urban areas. He estimated annual PM 2.5 emissions equivalent to 3,300 idling diesel trucks.
• Jon Harvey (Tillman Associates) recommended requiring a special exception permit rather than a use by right.
• Scott Siemen (West Oak Developers) announced the Madison Oaks East senior affordable housing project (102 units) received state approval; he argued the incinerator would endanger seniors and contradict the city’s revitalization goals.
• David Tillman warned of fire risks from placing a burn box near a C&D landfill, citing that landfill fires are extremely difficult to extinguish.

Speaker in support:

• Narvella Haynes (2916 NW 3rd Terrace) spoke in support of Friends Recycling’s owner, citing his community engagement and trust in city staff to ensure safety.

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.

West Oak Concurrency Development Agreement

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).

West Oak Townhouses Conceptual Subdivision

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).

West Oak PH 4 Residential Developer’s Agreement

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).

General Business

All items were approved unanimously (5–0) with brief staff presentations:

• 10a: Contracts for single- and three-phase pad- and pole-mount transformers with Stuart C. Irby Co. and Gresco Supply, aggregate not to exceed $13,000,000. Lead times now 12–14 weeks (normalized post-COVID).
• 10b: Additional expenditures under FDMS contract for tires, tubes, and services: $185,000, increasing aggregate to $460,000.
• 10c: Two-year renewal of cooperative purchasing agreement with Pavement Technology, Inc. for pavement rejuvenation, not to exceed $1,000,000 (141 city streets).
• 10d: Contract with R & M Service Solutions LLC for fire hydrant and valve installation/repair/maintenance, estimated $974,464 (to test 2,200 hydrants and 3,100 valves).
• 10e: Additional expenditures for citywide tree trimming and removal with Marion Tree Trimming and Flyway Access: $513,000, updated aggregate $1,854,980.
• 10f: One-year renewal with Extreme Enterprises of Marion County for grounds maintenance (south section rights-of-way, medians, city lots), $170,888.
• 10g: Resolution 2026-13 adopting a new solid waste rate schedule after eliminating curbside recycling (as directed at prior workshops). Staff noted the rate for Trinity Villas will phase out; a presentation was waived due to previous briefings.

City Manager’s Report

• Extreme Cold Weather Event: CFO Janice Mitchell reported that on Sunday, January 31, three generation units in the Florida Municipal Power Pool were lost due to freezing, triggering Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 (critically low reserves). Emergency power purchases at up to $1,800 per megawatt (normally $2–$3) cost approximately $2.3 million. Coordinated efforts avoided rolling outages; Ocala Electric customers will see no rate increase due to the rate stabilization reserve, though individual bills may be higher from increased usage. Council President Bethea requested a public outreach synopsis, and Council Member Musleh emphasized explaining the rate stabilization fund.
• Ocala Fiber Network (OFN): Ms. Mitchell reported OFN added 850 new customers in the past year, totaling over 4,200 connections. An RFP for a new operating system is under negotiation; a dedicated OFN website will launch in two weeks. Marketing will target 25 priority locations; design work for fiber expansion to 4,000 homes is in progress. Council discussed an unsolicited offer to purchase OFN; members emphasized the need for a thorough valuation, including costs to decouple from city systems, before any decision. Council Member Mansfield noted $22 million in assets on the books; Ms. Mitchell confirmed a scope from Uptown for valuation analysis is under review.
• Legislative Update: City Manager Pete Lee reported a trip to Tallahassee with Council President Bethea and staff; discussions focused on potential property tax relief for homesteaded properties and mental health issues.
• Strategic Initiatives: A binder with the January 31 update on eight strategic initiatives (2050 Plan, affordable housing, etc.) was distributed; the next update is April 30.
• Brick City Music Festival announced for Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1–7 PM at Citizen Circle.

Ocala Police Department Report

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.

Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report

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.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2026-5 (air curtain incinerators) DENIED (5–0).
• West Oak Concurrency Development Agreement APPROVED (5–0).
• West Oak Townhouses Conceptual Subdivision APPROVED (5–0).
• West Oak PH 4 Residential Developer’s Agreement APPROVED (5–0).
• All General Business items (10a–10g) APPROVED (5–0).
• Consent Agenda APPROVED (5–0).
• Directives: Staff to perform community outreach about the extreme cold weather event and the Rate Stabilization Fund; staff to continue reviewing OFN valuation (scope from Uptown under review).
• Next meetings: February 10 (Vision 2050 workshop), February 17 (CRA Board and City Council), March 3 (City Council), March 17 (CRA and Council), March 24 (TPO meeting).

Informational Items

• Power Cost Adjustment Report for December 2025.
• Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000.
• Monthly budget-to-actual and Capital Improvement Project status as of December 31, 2025.

Meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.