East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee Meeting - April 29, 2026

The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee met on April 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. The committee approved the prior meeting's minutes, discussed a residential property improvement grant application, received project updates from staff, reviewed grant allocation status, and addressed committee vacancies and potential role changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Prior Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

Discussion Items

• Residential Property Improvement Grant Application (CRA 26-0017): Charlotte Whitehead, Economic Development Project Coordinator, presented a grant application from Walter and Kelly Demshock for 1113 Northeast Second Street. The proposed work includes replacing windows and installing a fence. Quotes ranged from $25,242 (low) to $34,837.92 (high). The maximum eligible reimbursement is $18,932, but due to limited available funds ($17,785), the grant would be capped. Committee members raised concerns about the window quotes—one specified impact windows (not required in the area) and the other lacked description. A motion was made and seconded to table the application until the next meeting (June 24, 2026) to allow the applicant to obtain more detailed bids and to potentially access additional funds expected to be approved at the May 19 CRA board meeting.
• Project Updates (Eric Smith):
  • State Road 40 Improvements: Milling and resurfacing is underway through the East Ocala CRA. FDOT approved stamped crosswalks at Watullah and Eighth intersections, similar to downtown designs. Landscaping enhancements are also planned. At-grade lighting and other requested features were not approved.
  • Tesca Willa Park Signage: Wayfinding signage for the park is postponed pending completion of a downtown wayfinding contract.
  • Sidewalk Gaps on Second and Third Streets: Staff is investigating filling gaps but noted challenges with utility poles and sprinklers. A final determination is expected by the next meeting.
  • Skate Park: Public art originally planned for skate bowls will instead be implemented on decorative slats to avoid durability issues.
• Grant Allocations Update (Roberto Elis): The committee reviewed current fiscal year grant activity. Of the $400,000 allocated, approximately 95% has been committed. 21 applications were approved (2 historic, 14 residential, 5 commercial), but only one project is completed. Staff plans to request additional funds from the CRA reserves (~$1.3 million) at the May 19 CRA board meeting to cover pending applications and the June intake cycle. Next fiscal year's grant budget is nearly double due to high demand. Discussion also touched on the property improvement grant requirement that improvements must be maintained for five years, with prorated repayment if sold.
• Committee Role and Vacancies: Roberto Elis noted that the CRA board will discuss the advisory committee's policies and procedures on June 9, 2026, potentially shifting the committee's focus from grant approvals to policy influence and framework recommendations. Two vacancies on the committee were announced, with a call for interested individuals to apply via the city clerk's website.
• Sand and Sun Festival: Staff announced the Cultural Arts Department's event on May 16, 2026, at Citizen Circle, featuring sand sculptures and interactive activities.

Key Outcomes

• The committee voted unanimously to table the grant application for 1113 Northeast Second Street to the next meeting (June 24, 2026), pending additional window bid details and possible fund availability.
• Staff will notify the applicant of the tabling and encourage obtaining a third window quote.
• Staff will bring a resolution to the May 19 CRA board meeting to appropriate additional grant funds.
• The committee will receive a final update on sidewalk feasibility by the next meeting.
• The committee adjourned the meeting.