East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee Meeting – June 24, 2026

Discrepancy note: The agenda provided lists the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission meeting on June 25, 2026, but the transcript and minutes correspond to the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee meeting held on June 24, 2026 (as instructed). The summary follows the transcript.

The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Committee met to review and vote on multiple residential and commercial improvement grant applications, hear public comments, and receive updates on proposed changes to the grant program structure.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The committee approved the minutes from the previous meetings (dates not specified in transcript) by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Torre, representing Fort King Realty (1229 East Fort King Street), commented on the need for three bids instead of two for commercial projects and raised concerns about the age requirement (100 years) for historic district grants. He suggested that non-contributing structures over 50 years old should be considered contributing. Staff acknowledged these points and noted that guidelines are being updated.

Discussion Items

• Grants Review and Approvals:

  • Case CRA 26‑0020 – Andrew and Samantha Harrison: Request to replace HVAC and install shingle roof at 722 NE 2nd Street. Staff noted the applicants are preparing for a new baby. Low quote: $16,110; max grant: $9,383. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0026 – Richard Brinkley: Exterior painting of primary residence and garage at 1030 NE 3rd Street. Low quote: $27,950; max grant: $20,000. Some committee members questioned the high cost compared to personal experience, but staff explained the scope included extensive prep and premium paint. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0023 – Moses Property Holdings LLC: Parking lot improvements (concrete paving) at 226 NE Sanchez Avenue (commercial). Low quote: ~$18,000; max grant: $10,871. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0025 – Kelly Hart Demshock: Replacement of approximately 20 windows at a commercial building on NE 12th Terrace. Low quote: $15,212.46; max grant at 60% match. Staff confirmed unpaid 2025 property taxes were paid before the agenda was published. Concern raised about the applicant’s history of late tax payments, but the grant was approved with a suggestion to consider future guidelines. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0027 – Matt Reber and Terence Marinz (Blakeley House): Repainting two attached residential buildings in the Tuscawilla Historic District. Low quote high due to size; qualifies for max grant. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0015 – Brian Kuhn (Evolution Salon): Parking lot resurfacing and repainting at East Fort King Street. Low quotes: parking lot $15,067, painting $4,700; max grant: $6,874. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0019 – Noble Householdings LLC (represented by Dwayne Carter): Perimeter fence installation at 836 NE 11th Avenue (property used as Airbnb). Low quote: $9,250; max grant: $6,938. Applicant present. Approved.
  • Case CRA 26‑0014 – Winter Hearst Properties LLC (Jonathan Tomhave): Repainting six residential structures on one parcel (103-117 NE Sanchez Avenue). Low quotes total ~$23,400; max grant: $17,550. Applicant spoke about the property being a possible Sears kit home. Approved.

• Program Updates and Proposed Changes:

  • Staff (Roberto Ellis, Economic Development Manager) reported on a city council workshop held June 9, 2026, regarding changes to CRA advisory committees and grant processes. Key proposals include: standardized application deadlines (1st of month), expedited approvals for grants under $10,000 (city manager authority up to $50,000 per CRA district), reduction of approval time from 67-78 days to ~10 days, and shifting advisory committees to a policy-focused role. Committee members expressed interest in receiving the presentation slides.

• Officer Elections:

  • The committee needed to elect a chair and vice chair. Incumbent chair Rachel was term-limited. After some discussion, the election was tabled to the next meeting (August 5, 2026) due to lack of consensus and the need to review the proposed changes first.

Key Outcomes

• All eight grant applications were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Officer elections postponed to the next meeting on August 5, 2026.
• Staff will distribute the June 9 workshop slides to committee members.
• No project updates were presented; the item was skipped.
• Public comment suggestions regarding bid requirements and historic district age criteria will be considered in the ongoing guideline updates.