Ocala City Council Meeting - July 7, 2026
Ocala City Council Meeting - July 7, 2026
The Ocala City Council met on July 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Ben Marciano was excused. The council took action on a range of routine and substantive items, including adoption of a consent agenda, introduction of a police retirement ordinance, approval of quasi-judicial resolutions and an ordinance, and approval of several general business items. The meeting lasted approximately 49 minutes.
Consent Calendar
- Approved en bloc by a 5-0 vote (all present members in favor). Items included:
- SunTran 2026 Public Transit Agency Safety Plan annual update.
- Budget Resolution 2026-148 ($22,854 for Bulletproof Vest Partnership).
- Budget Resolution 2026-149 ($15,800 for explosives detection K9).
- Contract with JRD & Associates for a Growth Management fee study (not to exceed $91,546).
- Budget Resolution 2026-150 ($42,558 for fee study fund transfer).
- Contract for rehabilitation of the Johnson residence ($52,000).
- TBMI Commercial Outparcel Development Conceptual Subdivision.
- Mockingbird Ridge Conceptual Subdivision.
- Estoppel certificates for Gabriels Winghouse, LLC and Londons Landholdings, LLC ground leases.
- Removal of Recreation Commission member Reinaldo Mercado.
- Appointment of Charles Hannah to Municipal Code Enforcement Board as alternate.
- Approval of City Council meeting minutes.
Presentations & Proclamations
- The Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation was presented to Director of Recreation and Parks Kathy Crile and staff. Council President Bethea, a former recreation professional, presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Marciano.
Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings
- Resolution 2026-42: Approved 5-0 to create a downtown event zone for alcoholic beverage sales (beer, wine, liquor) at the Christmas-in-July event on July 25, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM on Southwest Broadway Street. Vendors include Black Sheep on Broadway and District Bar & Kitchen.
- Resolution 2026-43: Approved 5-0 to abrogate approximately 7.21 acres of public rights-of-way on Lake Louise Estates and Lake Louise Manor plats. One letter of objection was received; Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 5-0.
- Ordinance 2026-19: Approved 5-0 to rezone 2.04 acres at 619 SE 17th Street from O-1 Office District to B-2A Limited Business Commercial District. The property currently houses a pharmacy; staff recommended approval.
General Business
- Interlocal Agreement with Marion County: Approved 5-0 for a five-year renewal for household hazardous and electronic waste disposal, total contract value $141,325. Council Member Dreyer requested better public notification of this service.
- Cogent Communications Expenditures: Approved 5-0 for additional $439,600 to secure IP addresses and bandwidth, converting to a 12-month term. Council discussion confirmed costs are passed to customers and addresses are allocated.
- Employee Insurance Plan Renewals: Approved 5-0 for the October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 plan year. City-paid benefits total approximately $1.36 million; voluntary pet insurance switches to Spot Pet Insurance. Most programs had no rate increase; health insurance administrative fee increases for the first time since 2021 ($5,134 to $5,288 per employee per month).
- Tyler Technologies Contract: Approved 5-0 for one-year renewal of Munis software maintenance ($267,546).
- Four-Drum Cable Puller/Tensioner Trailer: Approved 5-0 to purchase from Altec, Inc. via Sourcewell contract for $164,643. The existing 24-year-old unit is beyond economical repair.
- Mack Refuse Chassis: Approved 5-0 to purchase from Nextran Truck Centers for $299,604 via Florida Sheriffs Association agreement. The chassis will mount a salvaged refuse body from a 2021 accident.
- Recreation Commission Appointments: By ballot vote, the council appointed Lisa Sprung and Bob Witter to two vacancies. Council members Bethea and Mansfield voted for Catherine McKay and Bob Witter; Dreyer, Musleh, and Hilty voted for Sprung and Witter.
Internal Auditor's Report
- No report. City Manager Peter Lee noted the internal auditor position advertisement should close soon and interviews will be scheduled.
City Manager's Report
- Council gave consensus to finalize the executive summary from the strategic planning session.
Ocala Police Department Report
- Deputy Chief Lewis Biandi reported for June 15–28, 2026: over 7,100 total calls for service (63% proactive), 949 traffic stops, 171 crashes (11% increase year-over-year), and 230 arrests from 290 reported crimes. Notable cases included an arrest for felony murder after a drug rip and traffic fatality, and convictions in ICAC investigations (one life sentence, one 20-year sentence, one pending). Council discussed fentanyl as a driver of Marchman Act increases.
Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report
- Fire Chief Clint Welburn reported for June 15 – July 5: 244 rescue calls, 163 engine calls for Engine 4 and Engine 1, 119 motor vehicle accidents with 221 OFR responses, 8 structure fires, and 51 community paramedicine calls. Year-to-date total calls: 14,139.
Public Comments
- Narvella Haynes (2916 NW 3rd Terrace) asked for clarification on recycling drop-off locations, specifically the West Ocala site near CFCC. City Manager Lee and staff committed to clearer signage and mapping.
Comments by Council Members
- Council Member Mansfield praised the Fourth of July parade and OPD officers.
- Council Member Dreyer thanked staff for installing a stop sign at Sanchez and Third, and requested an update on business tax receipts. City Manager reported that the revenue is pledged to bonds but staff is working with bond counsel to explore release options; an ordinance update is expected next meeting.
- Council President Bethea highlighted a successful Fourth of July event at Tuscawilla Park and commended staff for delivering meals to employees.
Key Outcomes
- All consent agenda items and general business items approved unanimously (5-0).
- Ordinance 2026-21 (Police Officers' Retirement System) introduced on first reading; second reading set for July 21, 2026.
- Resolutions 2026-42 and 2026-43, and Ordinance 2026-19 adopted unanimously.
- Lisa Sprung and Bob Witter appointed to Recreation Commission.
- Council consensus given to finalize strategic plan executive summary.
- Business tax receipt update deferred to next council meeting pending bond counsel review.
- Informational items noted: upcoming meetings including July 21 CRA and Council meetings, budget workshops, and the September 9 public hearing on FY 2026/27 Budget and Fire Assessment.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon. Our invitation will be offered by Chaplain Joe Hassler. Good evening. Will you join me in prayer this evening? Gracious God, we are thankful for the opportunity to come and to be a part of your leadership and your direction for your community and your people. We ask that you continue to guide us closer to you and closer to your heart on how to lead and to lead well. We thank you for all that you do. In your son's name we say, Amen. Our pledge delicious of America and Republicans for which stands one nation under God with justice for all. Clerk, please call the role. Mr. Mudsley, here Miss Dreyer, here. Mr. Holty, here. Mr. Mansfield. Here. Mr. Bethe. Here. All right. So we have some new employees today. And as I call your name, if you would please stand, Leyton Word, Electric, Tama Valente, Information Technology, Jamil Barnes, Procurement, Casbin, Cameron, Water Resources, Camilla Falcon, Water Resources, Amber Lopez, Water Resources, William Nelson, Water Resources, Payton Schooley, Water Resources, and Corey Sharon, Water Resources. Well, what happened at Water Resources? Everybody left. I have him on my list. Right after Corey. He's not here. Oh, wait a minute. I'm sorry. Excuse me. No, he's not here. I don't have. Thank you. The clerk will provide the public notice for this evening's meeting. The July 7, 2026 City Council meeting was publicly noticed on June 3, 2026 on the City of O'Callis website. As a reminder, public comments and presentations are limited to three minutes unless authorized to send beyond that time by the council president or majority of council. All materials for the mayor city council must be given to the attendant staff of 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 4A will be presented by Mayor Marciano at a future meeting. So good afternoon. All right, so we have a proclamation here, and it reads as such, whereas the U.S. House of Representatives have designated July as park and recreation month. And whereas park and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the city of O'Kellow, Florida. And whereas park and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community and promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and medical health of people who live near parks. And whereas park and recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swim pools, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles, and whereas parking recreation programming and educational activities, such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports, and environmental education are critical to childhood development. And whereas park and recreation increases a community economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction, our parks and national resource, excuse me, and recreation areas, ensures the ecological beauty of our community and provide a space for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors.
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