Ocala City Council Meeting – November 3, 2026

The Ocala City Council met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, adoption of several zoning ordinances, approval of multiple contracts and budget resolutions, and reports from city staff.

Proclamations & Awards

• Citizen of the Month: Alina Stutthof was recognized for over 10 years of service expanding problem-solving courts in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, including 2,500 participants in Marion County. She received a $100 gift card to Black Sheep restaurant and a Mayor’s coin.
• LookUp Marion – Put Down the Phone Day Proclamation: Mayor Marciano declared November 14, 2026, as "LookUp Marion, Put Down Your Phone Day" to encourage families to disconnect from screens. Beth McCall, executive director of the Marion County Children’s Alliance, spoke about the initiative’s goal to address youth mental health.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (motion by Councilman Mosley, seconded). Items included routine approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mamie Fisher (resident of Bear Track Ranch) expressed concerns about the KAS Ocala development (approx. 248 acres). She stated that since a February 2025 community meeting, neither the developer nor staff had engaged with residents. She cited traffic issues (backed-up single lane at 43rd Court) and that the project had grown from 1,500 to 2,300 units. She asked for plans and communication.
• Response from Mr. Roberts (attorney for KAS) explained that the development agreement item was a cleanup of existing agreements, not an expansion. He noted that opaque fencing and buffer expansions were already addressed in the approved PD plan. He offered to meet with Ms. Fisher after the meeting. Council asked staff to send approved PD plans to Ms. Fisher.

Discussion Items

Ordinance 2027-4 (Item 9A) – Rezoning at 5203 SW 20th St

• Staff and agent (Davis Dinkins) requested rezoning from B1A to B1 neighborhood business (2.80 acres) to allow pharmacy, fruit stands, and full-service gas stations via special exception, and to remove restrictions on hours and building size. Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 4-0. Council unanimously adopted. (Vote: 5-0)

Ordinance 2027-5 (Item 9C) – Rezoning at 2015 & 2141 NE 14th St

• Rezoning from R1A, INST, and RO to INST Institutional (13.34 acres) for a proposed church. Consistent with comprehensive plan. P&Z voted 4-0 to approve. Council unanimously adopted. (Vote: 5-0)

Ordinance 2027-6 (Item 9D) – Rezoning at 1920 NE 8th Rd

• Rezoning from R3 and B4 to B2 Community Business (1.118 acres) to unify zoning and reduce commercial intensity. P&Z voted 4-0 to approve. Council unanimously adopted. (Vote: 5-0)

Item 9E – Alcohol License for AC Hotel Downtown

• Approval of sale of beer, wine, and liquor for on-premise consumption at the new AC Hotel by Marriott (four components: AC Kitchen, AC Lounge, Bellissimo restaurant, private event space). Staff found no criminal issues; 10 alcohol establishments within 500 feet, no schools/churches. Council unanimously approved. (Vote: 5-0)

Item 9F – Resolution for Special Event – Christmas in July Rescheduled

• Approval of a special event permit for December 13, 2026 (2-8 PM) on Broadway, with two vendor bars. Staff recommended approval. Council unanimously approved resolution. (Vote: 5-0)

Item 9G – Concurrency Development Agreement Amendment for KAS Ocala

• Amended and restated Chapter 163 development agreement for the 248-acre KAS project (east of I-75, south of SW 20th St). Changes include referencing the approved PD plan, updated legal description, and tracking of project trips. This was the second public hearing. Council unanimously approved. (Vote: 5-0)

Item 10A – Representation Approval for Rob Batsel

• Council approved representation of Fly Over Ocala LLC and RCP Ocala by former City Attorney Rob Batsel for rezoning a 109-120 acre portion of the Mockingbird Ridge PD from residential to commercial. Batsel stated no ethical conflict. Unanimous vote.

Item 10B – Pool Deck Resurfacing Contract

• Awarded to Aquatic Renovations Systems Inc. for $252,360 to resurface 16,500 sq ft at Hampton Aquatic Center. Funded through CIP. Unanimous vote.

Item 10C – Budget Resolution for Water Resources

• Approved acceptance of $718,476 for water resources. Unanimous.

Item 10D – Renewal of Fiber Optic Contract with American Cable Electric LLC

• One-year renewal for underground and aerial fiber installations, part of Ocala Fiber Network expansion. Council questioned coordination with electric and home counts (4,500 homes in Deerman area plus other projects). Unanimous.

Item 10E – Additional Expenditure for Fiber Optic Construction (Gulf Coast Customs Cable)

• Approved $3 million for additional fiber infrastructure work (splicing, final builds) through a piggyback contract with City of Lakeland. Council noted difference from 10D. Unanimous.

Item 10F – Replacement of Vehicle Routers for Police and Fire

• Approved replacement of mobile routers to connect GPS, cameras, etc. Unanimous.

Item 10G & 10H – Grant Modification and Budget Resolution

• Approved modification to subaward grant agreement (reinstate, increase budget, extend performance to Dec 31, 2026) for project completed April 2025. Accompanying budget resolution approved. Unanimous.

Item 10I & 10J – Agreement with Marion County Hospital District and Budget Resolution

• Approved one-year agreement to provide medication-assisted treatment services to overdose patients (CORE program). Accompanying budget resolution approved. Unanimous.

Item 10K – Expenditures for Street Lighting in Fore Ranch (SECO)

• Approved not-to-exceed $260,000 for SECO street lighting in Fore Ranch. Council questioned cost increase from $2,200/month to $6,300/month. Staff will audit number of lights (144 lights on 127 poles) and review agreements. Unanimous.

Item 10L – Budget Resolution for Continuum of Care (HUD Grant)

• Approved $237,244 for CoC software and personnel for HMIS system (FY2024 grant). Unanimous.

Item 10M – Approval of Vehicle and Equipment Purchases

• Approved $14.4 million for 85 vehicles (70 replacements, 15 new) using cooperative purchase agreements. Council noted savings of $56,000 on fire apparatus. Unanimous.

Reports

Internal Auditor’s Report

• Two senior auditors obtaining certifications (Certified Government Finance Officer and Certified Construction Auditor). Audits in progress: utility dispute process, financial audit assistance, EPA cyber drill tabletop exercise. Upcoming: warehouse perpetual inventory system audit.

Police Chief Mike Balkin

• Reported a 5% increase in overall calls (7,530 total), but a 12% decrease in reported crimes (286) and 6% increase in arrests (209). Traffic stops up 46% (1,270), but crashes up 8%. Violent/property crime on par with last year; societal crimes down 34% due to temporary staffing. Response time: 1 minute 10 seconds for hot calls. Noted double homicide, pedestrian fatalities, SWAT callout on Halloween. Highlighted ICAC arrests (67-68 so far, expected 100 by year-end).

Fire Chief Clint Welbourn

• Reported 1,120 calls in two-week period (total 23,763 YTD). Six new firefighter-EMTs hired. Community paramedicine CORE calls: 25. Ribbon cutting for Station 8 on November 19. Unanimous.

City Attorney William E. Saxon

• Requested approval of Melissa Alexander as Assistant City Attorney at salary $130,000. Council unanimously appointed.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda and ordinance items passed unanimously (5-0).
• All general business items (10A-10M) approved unanimously.
• Public commenter Mamie Fisher will receive PD plans from staff; attorney Roberts offered to meet.
• Staff directed to audit Fore Ranch street lighting and report back.
• Police chief emphasized ongoing ICAC operations.
• City attorney appointment approved.