Ocala City Council Meeting Summary - March 17, 2026

The Ocala City Council met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Ben Marciano was excused; all other council members were present. The meeting included proclamations, service awards, a presentation on a community health center, consent agenda approvals, a public hearing on pension plan changes, several general business items, and extensive public commentary regarding fiber optic installation vendor disruptions. The meeting adjourned at 5:27 PM.

Proclamations and Awards

• National Minority Health Month Proclamation: Presented to Levonda Goodson, CEO of the Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center, declaring April 2026 as National Minority Health Month.
• Ocala Lions Club Appreciation Day Proclamation: Presented by Council Member Mansfield, declaring March 17, 2026, as Ocala Lions Club Appreciation Day, recognizing the club's 100-year affiliation with Lions Club International.
• Procurement Month Proclamation: Presented to Director of Procurement Daphne Robinson and staff, declaring March 2026 as Procurement Month.
• Service Awards:
  • Randolph Hahn, Ocala Electric Utility Chief Regulatory & Compliance Officer, recognized for 25 years of service.
  • Karen Cupp, Planning & Zoning Manager, recognized for 30 years of service.

Presentation

• Update on Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness & Community Resource Center: CEO Levonda Goodson reported significant growth: 321 patient visits in 2023, nearly 3,000 in 2024 (749 unduplicated patients), and nearly 4,000 in 2025 (811 unduplicated patients). The center offers comprehensive primary care, chronic disease management, telehealth, in-house lab work, low-cost medication dispensing, and transportation. Partnerships include SMA, Marion County Hospital District, and others. City Manager Pete Lee commended the team.

Consent Calendar

All items on the consent agenda were approved by a 5-0 vote (Musleh, Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Bethea Sr) without discussion. Items included:

• Contracts for rehabilitation of three residences (McGirth, Medina, Braithwaite) totaling $179,770.
• Appointment of Linda Wilkerson to West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee.
• Reappointments to East Ocala and North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committees.
• Purchase of a 60kW generator for Water Resources ($50,276).
• Amendment to Developer’s Agreement for Emerson Pointe Phase 2.
• West Oak Phase 3 Residential Developer’s Agreement.
• Purchase of ShinMaywa pumps and equipment ($75,000 annually).
• Two-year contract for grounds maintenance at fire stations ($54,400).
• Approval of meeting minutes.

Public Hearing – Ordinance 2026-9

• Adoption of Changes to General Employees' Pension Plan Actuarial Assumptions: CFO Janice Mitchell presented the ordinance, based on a required experience study (2014-2024). Changes include adjusting the investment return assumption from 6.6% to 6.5%, updating salary/retirement assumptions, adopting updated mortality tables, and continuing the entry age normal cost method. The net fiscal impact: an increased employer contribution of $287,896 starting October 1, 2025. The Pension Board recommended approval. No public comment. Approved unanimously (5-0).

General Business

All items were approved unanimously. Key highlights:

• 10a – Purchase of 15 vehicles and equipment ($1,717,330): Council President Bethea initially had reservations but clarified after review that the vehicles are specialized commercial equipment (e.g., pothole repair trucks), justifying the cost.
• 10b – Award of contract for Woodbury residence rebuild ($138,320): To Bentley Pinder Construction, LLC after the original contractor withdrew.
• 10c – Purchase of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories equipment ($124,036): For substation upgrades. Bethea commended OEU staff after shadowing them.
• 10d – Renewal of contract with Lewis Steel Works ($385,000): For waste containers.
• 10e – Pool deck resurfacing at Jervey Gantt Aquatic Center ($262,580): To Aquatic Renovation Systems, Inc.
• 10f – Renewal of ground maintenance contract with Southern Lawn Care ($261,900): Council Member Hilty questioned the 12% increase; Procurement Director Robinson explained it was due to expanded scope, not rate increases. Assistant City Manager Whitehead confirmed the vendor maintained original unit pricing.
• 10g – Two-year contract with Dr. Frank Fraunfelter as Medical Director ($110,000): Council Member Hilty asked why medical services are exempt from bidding; Robinson explained state statute exceptions for continuity of care. Council retains authority to request future bids.

Department Reports

• City Manager: Upcoming events: Parking garage top-out (March 23), Citizens Academy (starts March 26), Skate Park grand opening (March 28), Fort King event, and No Kings protest (March 28).
• Ocala Police Department: Chief Mike Balken reported 8,018 total incidents (Feb 23 – Mar 8), 5,548 proactive calls, 316 crimes, 225 arrests, 1,261 traffic stops (up 17%), and 146 crashes (down 12%). Proactive calls increased 21%.
• Ocala Fire Rescue: Chief Clint Welborn reported 1,041 calls for the two-week period (Mar 3-16), with 96 motor vehicle accidents, 2 structure fires, 31 community paramedicine calls, and 5,344 calls-for-service year-to-date. Busiest units: Rescue Three (165) and Engine Four (114).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Mikula, President of Rosewood Homeowners Association (3624 SE 18th Avenue): Testified about ongoing property damage and safety hazards caused by fiber installation vendors. Reported a gas line rupture requiring Ocala Fire Rescue response, damaged lawns, exposed cables, abandoned lines, and lack of advance notice or identification. He urged the City to advocate for policy changes increasing vendor liability and requiring notification and site restoration. He offered to assist at state and federal levels.

Discussion Items

• Fiber Vendor Disruptions (following public comment): Extensive discussion ensued. Council members expressed deep frustration. City Manager Lee clarified vendors must obtain permits but do not provide start/end dates; vendors cannot enter private property without consent. City Attorney Sexton noted state statute prohibits requiring notification to HOAs or residents. Council directed the City to contact state and federal officials. Fire Chief Welborn has been documenting response costs; Electric Utility Director Peebles noted locates are only valid for 30 days and utility poles are at capacity. Assistant City Manager Whitehead stated a $500,000 bond is required, and the City helps residents file claims. Council Member Mansfield suggested exploring City-owned cable infrastructure. The matter has been added to the City’s Legislative Priorities List. City Attorney Sexton reported the City has sued one vendor and recovered $110,000 for a sewer line break.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (5-0).
• Ordinance 2026-9 (Pension Plan Changes): Adopted (5-0).
• All General Business Items (10a-10g): Approved (5-0 each).
• Fiber Vendor Action Plan: City Manager will draft a letter to state and federal officials by March 18, 2026, for Council review. The City will compile data on response costs from Fire Rescue and Electric Utility. Staff will assist Rosewood HOA residents in filing damage claims. The City will explore partnering with other municipalities for legislative relief.