Ocala City Council Regular Meeting – October 6, 2026

The Ocala City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue. Mayor Ben Marciano and all five Council members were present: Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr., Pro Tem Jay A. Musleh, and Council Members Kristen M. Dreyer, James P. Hilty Sr., and Barry Mansfield. The Council approved the consent agenda, introduced three ordinances, adopted the FY 2026-27 Transportation Improvement Plan, approved a beer and wine permit for a new Circle K store, approved 14 general business items and two budget resolutions, and appointed two members to the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission. All roll call votes were unanimous (5-0).

Proclamations and New Employees

• New employees welcomed: Stephany Garcia (Electric), Sarah Geter (Human Resources/Risk), and Lashanna Young (Internal Audit).
• Mayor Marciano proclaimed October 22, 2026 as Central Florida Community Action Agency Day in honor of CFCAA's 45th anniversary. A CFCAA board representative said the agency serves Alachua, Levy, and Marion Counties — with most clients in Marion County — through the LIHEAP energy assistance program, home rehabilitation partnerships, and the RISE educational self-sufficiency program, and invited Council to the October 22 annual meeting in Gainesville.
• Mayor Marciano proclaimed October 4-10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week, themed Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower, highlighting lithium-ion battery risks. Fire Chief Clint Welborn accepted the proclamation.

Presentation: 2026 Citywide Team Engagement Survey

• Strategic and Legislative Affairs Administrator Jeannine Robbins reported 93% overall employee satisfaction for 2026, with 88% of employees recommending the city as a great place to work. This is the third consecutive year above 91% overall satisfaction; 2025 and 2026 are the two highest results on record, and the five-year trend has held between 88% and 93%.
• All four engagement drivers (my job, my immediate leader, my direct team, my growth) scored above 89%, with my job highest at 94.7%.
• The survey was a confidential paper survey distributed in May with 18 questions; completed surveys were stored in the city vault and collected by an independent outside contractor.
• Of 60 Florida municipalities contacted through public records requests, only four conducted employee engagement surveys in 2026; Ocala's 93% satisfaction and 88% recommendation scores compared favorably with those four peer cities.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (motion by Pro Tem Musleh, second by Council Member Dreyer; ayes: Musleh, Dreyer, Hilty Sr., Mansfield, Bethea Sr.). Items included:
• Contract with Florida Home Contractors, Inc. for rehabilitation of the Suggs Cadet-Hopson residence at 631 West Silver Springs Place, total project cost not to exceed $98,000.
• Purchase and installation of a slide for Fire Station Six from J.C.I. Stanford and Son Inc., $61,500.
• First amendment to the agreement with North Florida Container and Truck Repair, LLC for dumpster painting and repair services, maximum expenditure $95,000.
• Purchase of a 34-cubic-yard roll-off compactor from Sunbelt Waste Equipment through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement with Marathon Equipment Company, $51,000.
• SunTran 2026-2029 Title VI Plan update.
• Resolution 2027-1, supporting a $200,000 State Revolving Fund loan application for the Water Treatment Plant No. 2 project and designating the Council President and City Manager to execute related documents.
• Purchase of various inventory items for Ocala Fiber Network from multiple vendors, not to exceed $57,457.
• Updated Tri-Party Net Metering Agreement Template for the city's Net Metering Program.
• Approval of City Council meeting minutes.

Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances

• Ordinance 2027-1 (introduced by Council Member Dreyer): repeals Chapter 62, Taxation, Article III (Local Business Tax) and removes references to local business tax, business tax certificates, business tax receipts, and occupational licenses throughout the Code of Ordinances.
• Ordinance 2027-2 (introduced by Council Member Mansfield): amends Sections 90-2, 90-20, and 82-33 to clarify the definition of letter of map change, revise the definition of market value to be consistent with the FDEM definition, and clarify Florida Building Code provisions on repetitive flood damage and cumulative substantial improvement.
• Ordinance 2027-3 (introduced by Council Member Hilty Sr.): approves a franchise agreement granting Peoples Gas System, a Division of Tampa Electric Company, a non-exclusive franchise to use public rights-of-way for construction, maintenance, and operation of a natural gas distribution system.
• Second and final readings are scheduled for October 20, 2026.

Public Hearings

• Resolution 2027-2 (adopted unanimously; motion Hilty Sr., second Mansfield): adopts the Ocala Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for FY 2026-27. Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum said the plan covers capacity projects, operational intersection projects, bicycle and pedestrian projects, and public transportation projects. Since the May workshop, TPO rankings were added, and a new project (M2) was included with $100,000 in design funding in 2030 and the remaining $812,000 programmed in 2032. Staff is coordinating with the school board on bus stop and sidewalk safety data and may bring amendments later.
• Circle K beer and wine permit (approved unanimously; motion Musleh, second Hilty Sr.): quasi-judicial approval for off-premises sale of beer and wine at the new Circle K #6867 under construction at 4755 W. Hwy 40 (Parcel 22854-000-00). Planner David Sablan reported the 5,641-square-foot store provides 24 parking spaces, will operate 24/7 with alcohol sales limited to 7 a.m.-2 a.m. per code, had one police service call in the last two years, a clean criminal history check, no comments or objections from police or fire, and no schools, churches, daycares, or other alcohol establishments within 500 feet.

General Business

All items below were approved unanimously (5-0).

• 10a. Task work order No. 56 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for additional engineering and design services for the Northeast Eighth Avenue Improvement project, $62,180 (motion Mansfield, second Hilty Sr.).
• 10b. Contract with Genesis Construction & Management, Inc. to construct 15 new bus stop shelters, not to exceed $317,515 (motion Dreyer, second Musleh). Eight bids were received on July 13 with Genesis the lowest responsible bidder. Transit Administrator Tom Duncan said all 15 shelters are new, located within city limits, and prioritized by access to city and county government offices, health care, and high-density shopping destinations on major roadways. Council members questioned the site selection; one member suggested shelters at high-volume stops would likely help ridership by protecting riders from Florida weather.
• 10c. Agreement with the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) for business creation, retention, and attraction services, $190,000 (motion Hilty Sr., second Dreyer). Planning Director Aubrey Hale said CEP completed its prior work plan and that the agreement is being updated to align with the 2050 vision plan and community redevelopment areas. Reported results included 33 targeted marketing campaigns, 40 prospect visits (13 at the airport), a GIS-based property portal with over 180 monthly visits, 280 direct business development assistance appointments (15% in downtown and midtown), and 13 responses to requests for information.
• 10d. Purchase of ShinMaywa pumps and equipment from Power & Pumps, Inc. for FY 2026-27, estimated annual expenditure $300,000 (motion Dreyer, second Mansfield). Water Resources Director Bryan Heller said the city operates 151 lift stations; ShinMaywa pumps are used for special applications below 10 horsepower with flush-valve capability. Sole source posting 210 was advertised 15 business days and closed August 23, 2023 with no protests.
• 10e. Purchase of Grundfos pumps and consumable parts from FJ Nugent and Associates, Inc. for FY 2026-27, estimated annual expenditure $450,000 (motion Dreyer, second Musleh). Approximately 70% of submersible pumps in the system are Grundfos models ranging from 2 to 137 horsepower; the oldest was installed in June 2000. Sole source posting 192 closed November 22, 2022 with no protests.
• 10f. Purchase of Sulzer pumps and equipment from Hydra Service, Inc. for FY 2027, estimated annual expenditure $450,000 (motion Hilty Sr., second Mansfield). Sulzer pumps are used for high-flow, high-head-pressure applications. Sole source posting 211 closed September 7, 2023 with no protests; Heller noted standardization saves on training and response time.
• 10g. Contract with Extreme Enterprises of Marion County for grounds maintenance at Ocala Wetland Recharge Park (2105 NW 21st Street), not to exceed $147,535 (motion Musleh, second Dreyer). Eleven vendors bid; the lowest bidder's contract was terminated, and Extreme Enterprises was the next qualified bidder. The initial three-year term runs October 7, 2026 through July 12, 2029 with two one-year renewal options. The amount reflects removal of $5,200 in phase one mowing performed by another vendor and adds 10 extra mows for the rainy season.
• 10h. Budget Resolution 2027-101 (adopted; motion Hilty Sr., second Mansfield): appropriates $2,057,098 total for SunTran operating expenses — $837,458 in FDOT Public Transportation Grant Agreement funds, $788,775 in city matching funds, $210,865 in Marion County matching funds, and $220,000 in program income.
• 10i. Budget Resolution 2027-102 (adopted; motion Dreyer, second Mansfield): accepts and appropriates $4,694,694 in Federal Transit Administration funding for SunTran capital and operating expenditures; the local match is met through Resolution 2027-101.
• 10j. Purchase of citywide information technology equipment — desktops, laptops, tablets, and monitors at end of life — estimated at $645,800 (motion Dreyer, second Mansfield).
• 10k. Purchase of a data backup system from Dell Technologies, estimated at $112,015 (motion Hilty Sr., second Musleh). IT Director Christopher Ramos said the current appliance, installed in December 2019, is at end of life after seven years and is the city's key defense for recovering from ransomware attacks.
• 10l. Purchase of Infoblox software upgrade and virtualization, $136,770 (motion Dreyer, second Musleh). The agenda lists Mel Poole as presenter, but the presenter identified himself as Kenneth Jameson, Deputy Director of Ocala Fiber Network. The current system was purchased in 2021 and is at end of life; the upgrade replaces physical servers with virtual machines for a more resilient and scalable network.
• 10m. Annual renewal of Computer Information Systems software and interfaces, $172,944 (motion Hilty Sr., second Dreyer). Police Chief Mike Balkin presented on behalf of IT Director Joshua Sasso; the software covers call taking, records management, vehicle software, and evidence.
• 10n. Renewal of the one-year contract with PCN-Strategies for Getac in-car video and body camera computer-aided hardware and software, estimated at $229,279 (motion Dreyer, second Mansfield), presented by Chief Balkin.

Appointments to the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission

• The Council filled two vacancies created by the resignations of Dean Flauten and Tito Comas, choosing from three applicants: Michael Bray, Bradley Latcher, and Tasha Neasman.
• On the first ballot, Tasha Neasman received votes from four Council members (a majority), while Michael Bray and Bradley Latcher tied with three votes each. In a runoff, Michael Bray received three votes to Bradley Latcher's two. Neasman and Bray were appointed for the remainder of four-year terms ending March 1, 2028 and March 1, 2030.
• A Council member asked that future board applicants come to the podium to introduce themselves before appointments; the Council President said applicants will be invited to do so.

City Manager's Report

• City Manager Peter Lee said the City Hall elevator repair will be completed by October 16, before the next Council meeting.
• Upcoming events: Sunset Song Series, Friday, October 9, 7-9 p.m. at Citizen's Circle; Haunted Trail, October 17 at Fort King National Historic Landmark; Women in Business Symposium, October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Mary Sue Rich Community Center; Ocala Fine Arts Festival (FAFO), October 24-25 downtown; State of the City, October 21 at the Reilly Arts Center.
• Lee said the information promised on aid-to-private organizations is being compiled and will be brought to the next meeting.
• Council Member Dreyer requested an advance look at FAFO road closures and logistics to avoid blocked business entrances. Staff said the traffic plan will be reviewed and vendors will be kept clear of entrances.

Department Reports

• Ocala Police Department (Chief Mike Balkin): two-week figures were flat versus last year, with total incidents up by only four cases. Officer-initiated calls increased 2% while dispatch calls dropped 3%; reported crimes increased 14%; arrests held flat at 217; traffic enforcement rose 22% with just over 1,300 stops; traffic crashes investigated fell 21% to 143. An apparent 62% increase in violent crime, with reported incidents rising to 81, was driven almost completely by simple misdemeanor battery cases. Priority one response times averaged less than a minute from dispatch to arrival, a 20% improvement; priority two response times rose 3% (about 10 seconds per call).
• Ocala Fire Rescue (Chief Clint Welborn): Rescue 1 had the most responses at 256 and Engine 1 had 168 for 911 calls; OFR responded to 116 motor vehicle accidents (224 citywide), two fires, and 21 community paramedicine and core calls. Calls for the period totaled 1,628, bringing the year-to-date total to 21,443. The period included commercial structure fires and several complex motor vehicle accidents involving compromised utility lines, rollovers, and vehicles in retention ponds.
• City Attorney's Report: no report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment cards were received; no members of the public addressed the Council.

Calendaring and Informational Items

• Upcoming: CRA Agency meeting (October 20, 3:45 p.m.) and City Council meeting (October 20, 4:00 p.m.) in Council Chambers; TPO Meeting October 27 at the Marion County BOCC Auditorium; City Council meetings November 3 and November 17; Light Up Ocala November 21, 3:00 p.m. on the Downtown Square; Veterans Day (November 11) and Thanksgiving (November 26-27) holidays.
• Informational items included fully executed contracts under $50,000, the monthly budget-to-actual and Capital Improvement Project status reports as of August 31, 2026, the August 2026 Power Cost Adjustment Report, and Mutual Aid Assistance Expense.

Comments by Mayor and Council Members

• Mayor Marciano cited two recent deaths at Ole Miss from Kratom overdoses and reported that underage buys at smoke shops and gas stations over the last two weeks resulted in 10 arrests of establishments selling to minors. He said the city is working with the Attorney General on further actions, will launch an educational series with the Children's Alliance, and expects to bring forward an ordinance in the coming weeks. He also invited residents to the Breeds Equine Parade downtown on Saturday, 9-11 a.m., featuring 72 different horse breeds.
• Council Member Hilty Sr. promoted the Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraiser and shared a QR code for volunteers to sign up for bell ringing; Council Member Dreyer suggested the OPD Explorers program as a service project.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 5-0 (items 6a-6i).
• Resolution 2027-2 (FY 2026-27 Transportation Improvement Plan) adopted 5-0.
• Circle K #6867 beer and wine off-premises permit approved 5-0.
• General business items 10a-10n approved 5-0, including budget resolutions 2027-101 ($2,057,098 for SunTran) and 2027-102 ($4,694,694 in FTA funds for SunTran).
• Tasha Neasman and Michael Bray appointed to the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission by ballot vote.
• First readings held for Ordinances 2027-1, 2027-2, and 2027-3; second and final readings scheduled for October 20, 2026.