Public Meetings - Ocala, Florida

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission met on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The commission considered two conceptual subdivision plans and two rezoning requests, along with routine administrative items. All actions are advisory to the City Council. Key topics included a 97‑lot single‑family subdivision (Puravida), a 150‑unit townhouse subdivision (West Oak), a rezoning for multifamily near NE 14th Street, and a rezoning for light industrial on West Silver Springs Boulevard. Consent Calendar - Proof of Publication: Acknowledged that the public meeting notice was posted at City Hall and published in the Ocala Gazette on December 26, 2025. - Approval of Minutes: The November 10, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Gerald Strand (1516 NE 12th Street) spoke during the Puravida subdivision (SUB25‑0006) and the rezoning ZON25‑0016. He expressed opposition to multi‑family development in his neighborhood, citing concerns about property values and neighborhood character. For the subdivision, staff clarified it consists of single‑family detached homes, not multi‑family. For the rezoning, he reiterated his opposition to multifamily. Discussion Items - Puravida Conceptual Subdivision (SUB25‑0006): Staff presented a proposal for 97 single‑family residential lots on 25.99 acres. The plan complies with the approved Planned Development (PD) standards. Traffic generation was under 100 peak trips, so a full traffic impact analysis was not required. Public comment was heard. The board clarified the project is single‑family detached. Motion to approve carried unanimously (7‑0). - West Oak Townhouses Conceptual Subdivision (SUB25‑0002): Staff presented a proposal for 150 single‑family lots (townhouses) on 17.83 acres, also under PD zoning. Stormwater and roads will be maintained by the HOA; water/sewer by the city after a one‑year period. Approval is subject to the City Council’s concurrent approval of a concurrency development agreement. The item was added to the agenda the same day; board member Campbell noted the unusual timing. The petitioner was absent. Motion to approve carried unanimously (7‑0). - Rezoning ZON25‑0016 (1400 block NE 14th Street): Request to rezone 2.26 acres from RO (Residential Office) and R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential) to R‑3 (Multi‑Family Residential). Staff found the proposal consistent with the low‑intensity future land use and noted utilities are available. Maximum density under R‑3 is 18 units per acre (≈40 units maximum). No specific development plan is tied to the rezoning; permitted uses include townhouses, apartments, and certain non‑residential uses. School capacity was confirmed available. Public comment reiterated opposition. Motion to approve carried 6‑1 (Commissioner Jenkins opposed). - Rezoning ZON25‑0018 (5019 W Silver Springs Blvd): Request to rezone 30.49 acres from PD (Planned Development) to M‑1 (Light Industrial). The property was previously approved for up to 468 multifamily units and 180,991 sq ft of commercial uses. The applicant (Rodney Rogers, representing the owner) stated that the multifamily market has saturated and a commercial truck tire center is interested in the front parcel. The three non‑conforming single‑family residences on the property were recently demolished. Commissioner McDonald recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest. Motion to approve carried 6‑0 (McDonald recused). - Rezoning ZON25‑0017 (2242 NW 1st Avenue): The applicant requested to postpone this rezoning case to the next regular meeting. The board voted to amend the motion to specify the date of February 9, 2026, and then approved the postponement unanimously. Key Outcomes - SUB25‑0006 (Puravida): Approved unanimously. Next step: submittal of improvement plans. - SUB25‑0002 (West Oak Townhouses): Approved unanimously, subject to City Council approval of the concurrency development agreement. - ZON25‑0016 (NE 14th St rezoning): Approved 6‑1; recommendation to City Council. - ZON25‑0018 (W Silver Springs Blvd rezoning): Approved 6‑0 (with one recusal); recommendation to City Council. - ZON25‑0017 (NW 1st Ave rezoning): Postponed to February 9, 2026. - Next Meeting: February 9, 2026.

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board met on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board reviewed and voted on multiple code enforcement cases, including new violations and old business consent agenda items. All motions passed, with one opposing vote recorded on a sign violation case. Staff recommendations were generally followed, with compliance dates set in February and March 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 and December 11, 2025 meetings. - Proof of Publication: A proof of publication dated December 26, 2025, was presented. - Swearing of Officers: Code enforcement staff (Dale Hollingsworth, Jennipher Buller, Rob Moore, Stephanie Smith, Jeff Gilbo, Steve Knight, Charles Hannah, Greg McClellan) were sworn in. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Case CE25-1204: Half Price Mattress Ocala (Prohibited Signs): Staff reported that the business repeatedly placed prohibited signs on a utility pole in the state right-of-way without permits, despite a prior warning. The property owner assured compliance. The board found the business guilty. A motion to accept the staff recommendation (order to maintain compliance, pay $161.97 in prosecution costs, no fine) passed 6-1, with one board member opposing. - Case 202310164: Shamrock Cove Inn LLC (Building Permits/Site Plan): The property failed to obtain permits for mini-split systems and site plan approval. The representative presented a new permit application filed January 6, 2026. The board accepted staff recommendation: compliance date of March 5, 2026 for permits, plus 90 days to complete work. Motion passed unanimously. - Old Business – Lien Reduction (Young): Property owners Earl and Janice Young faced a $10,300 fine for an unpermitted roof, later reduced by staff to $1,000 fine plus $166.95 hard costs. The board further reduced the fine to $500 plus hard costs, totaling $666.95. Motion passed unanimously. - Case CE25-0169: Cox (Weeds/Debris): The property had made progress but still needed debris removal. Compliance date set for February 5, 2026. Motion passed unanimously. - Case CE25-1041: Certain Lending Inc (Dangerous Building): Bank-owned property with no repair intentions; Ocala PD reported activity. Compliance date March 5, 2026; fines will accrue thereafter. Motion passed unanimously. - Case CE25-1073: Harrel Estate (Weeds): No contact with owner. Staff recommendation adopted unanimously. - Case CE25-1182: Patriot Homes LLC (Weeds, Repeat Violator): No contact. Staff recommendation adopted unanimously. - Case ENV25-0226: Berkshire Oaks Ocala LLC (Weeds/DRA): Partial compliance with DRA cutting. Staff recommendation for continued compliance adopted unanimously. - Case ENV25-0265: Noorani Hospitality LLC (Weeds/Sinkholes): Sinkholes causing damage to neighbor’s fence. Owner working on cleanup and repairs. Staff recommendation adopted unanimously. - Case ENV25-0275: Baker et al (Weeds): No contact. Staff recommendation adopted unanimously. - Case ENV25-0282: Toney (Weeds): No contact. Staff recommendation adopted unanimously. - Case ENV25-0293: ASL Holdings LLC (Weeds): Abandoned commercial property with homeless activity. No contact. Staff recommendation adopted unanimously. - Case CE25-1124: Jeneddy Florida Holdings LLC (Building Permit): Expired permit for parking lot striping. Owner aware; staff recommendation adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Votes: All motions carried. Case CE25-1204 passed 6-1; all others unanimously. - Fines/Costs: Half Price Mattress ordered to pay $161.97 in costs; Young lien reduced to $500 fine plus $166.95 hard costs; other cases imposed compliance dates with potential fines for non-compliance. - Compliance Dates: February 5, 2026 (Case CE25-0169) and March 5, 2026 (Cases 202310164, CE25-1041, ENV25-0226, ENV25-0265, ENV25-0275, ENV25-0282, ENV25-0293, CE25-1124). Case 202310164 also required completion within 90 days of permits. - Consent Agenda: All old business consent items (liens and non-compliance cases) were approved en masse, accepting previous orders. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The Contractors Board of Examiners and Appeals held a hearing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered a single enforcement case brought by the City of Ocala against Tampa Bay HVAC (Jason Spicola) related to unpermitted work and alleged fraud/deceit/negligence. The meeting included an invocation, proof of publication (published December 26, 2025), swearing in of officers, and the hearing. New Business: Case CON25-0048 – City of Ocala vs. Tampa Bay HVAC - Case Details: Violations of Sections 22-151(a)(12) (proceeding/completing contracting work without a required permit) and 22-151(a)(15) (committing fraud, deceit, or negligence). The violations stemmed from an ADA ramp built inside Play It Again Sports at 1805 E. Silver Springs Blvd., discovered by the fire marshal in May 2025. The building department notified the contractor in July 2025; a permit was applied for that month but stalled with corrections needed. As of the meeting date, the contractor had paid fees online and the permit appeared ready for issuance. - Staff Presentation: Dale Hollingsworth (Chief Code Official) presented the case. He noted that despite six months of contact, the permit had not progressed until recently. He stated that the contractor had already paid the prosecution costs in good faith and that a $100 fine remained unpaid pending board ruling. He also rescinded the earlier staff recommendation for a letter of reprimand, deeming it no longer appropriate given recent compliance. - Board Deliberation: Board member Michael Kroitor moved to accept the staff recommendation as amended, including the $100 fine. Bruce Gonseth seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously in favor (all ayes, no nays). - Evidence and Testimony: A subsequent motion by Michael Kroitor and seconded by Shirley J. Wright to accept the evidence and testimony into the record also passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - The board approved the staff recommendation (as amended): a $100 fine and prosecution costs (already paid). No letter of reprimand was issued. - The permit is now ready for issuance; the contractor must call for final inspections to close out the case. - The board concluded the contractors board portion of the meeting, then moved to the code enforcement board agenda.

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board convened on January 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Ocala City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, two Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications that were postponed, and informal updates on local historic properties. Board members present included Carol Barber, Joshua DeMonte, Rick Hugli, Tom McCullough (Chair), Noelle Smith, and Melissa Townsend (Vice Chair). Jane Cosand and Holland Drake were absent. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously after a brief clarification regarding a previously announced resignation. Discussion Items - COA25-0042 (609 NE 2nd Street – Windows) and COA25-0043 (Rear Door Replacement): Staff requested postponement of both applications to the next meeting due to the need for additional information and conflicting details in one application. The board voted to table each item separately to the February 5, 2026 meeting. Both motions passed unanimously. - Affirmative Maintenance: None were reported. - Public Comments: No members of the public spoke. - Staff Comments: Staff thanked the board for their patience and extended New Year wishes. - Board Comments: Members discussed ongoing work at a neighboring property (the Briggs house) and provided an update on the Israel Brown House, noting that the owner has made improvements and that staff have received inquiries but no new applications. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously approved the December 4, 2025 meeting minutes. - COA Postponements: COA25-0042 and COA25-0043 were both postponed to the next regular meeting on February 5, 2026, by separate unanimous votes. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for February 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after a brief session.

The Ocala City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Ocala City Hall. Mayor Ben Marciano presided, and all five council members were present: Pro Tem Jay A. Musleh, Council Members Kristen M. Dreyer, James P. Hilty Sr, Barry Mansfield, and Council President Ire J. Bethea Sr. The meeting was called to order, roll call was taken, and new employees were welcomed. The public notice was confirmed posted on December 3, 2025. Proclamations and Awards - Arbor Day Proclamation (January 16, 2026) presented to Pioneer Garden Club Presidents Jacqua Ballas and Marjorie Hendon. They invited the public to a tree planting at Tuscawilla Park on January 16 at 10:00 AM. - Newton A. Perry Day Proclamation (January 6, 2026) presented to his daughter Delee Perry. The proclamation celebrated Perry's underwater feats, Hollywood consulting, WWII training of Navy SEAL precursors, and teaching over 120,000 people to swim. - Marion County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Day Proclamation (January 19, 2026) presented to Paula Leahmon, President of the MLK Commemorative Commission. Upcoming events include a food drive, MLK Day in the park, prayer breakfast, and commemorative service. - Late Honorable Mrs. Mary Sue Rich Proclamation presented to her family. Mayor Marciano shared a story of her welcoming a new employee and noted her guiding principles: family, service, and "one Ocala." The family expressed heartfelt thanks for the city's support during their bereavement. Consent Calendar The consent agenda (items 6a-6h) was approved unanimously by a roll call vote (Ayes: Musleh, Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Bethea Sr). Items included: - Fiscal Year 2026-27 tentative budget calendar - Budget Resolution 2026-119 for $48,515 for handheld x-ray equipment purchase - Certified administrative costs for SunTran FY2024-25 - Four-year renewal of banking services with Truist Bank through May 31, 2030 - Resolution 2026-10 accepting outdoor sculpture "Flamingo" valued at $9,500 for Tuscawilla Park - Resolution 2026-11 appointing Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members for three-year terms ending December 31, 2028 - Budget Resolution 2026-120 accepting $1,152 program income for State Housing Initiative Program grant - December 16, 2025, City Council meeting minutes Public Hearings - 9a – SunTran Federal FY2025 Budget: Tom Duncan presented a $6,300,562 total budget (including federal, state, and local funds) for SunTran operating and capital funding. No public comments were heard, and no action was required by council. - 9b – Walmart 4245 Liquor Permit (Quasi-Judicial): A location permit for off-premises beer, wine, and liquor sales was granted for a new neighborhood Walmart with a separate liquor store (47,914 sq ft, 90-95 employees). Staff noted no churches/schools/daycares within 500 feet; two existing alcohol retailers nearby (Walgreens and Ocala Food Mart). OPD reported three self-initiated security calls in two years. Council approved unanimously. - 9c – Ordinance 2026-5 (Air Curtain Burners): Introduced by Councilman Hilty, this ordinance would amend Section 122-1225 to authorize above-ground air curtain burners as an ancillary use to a materials recovery facility. Staff and the applicant requested a continuance. Council voted unanimously to postpone to the February 3, 2026, City Council meeting. No public speakers were present. - 9d – Ordinance 2026-6 (Rezone 3.57 acres): Quasi-judicial item to rezone 3.57 acres at 2336 NW Seventh Street from M-1 (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Medium Industrial) for additional outdoor storage for an existing repair garage. Staff recommended approval; the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend. The applicant (Mickey Truck Bodies) agreed to remove Section 7(1) (effective date provision) from the ordinance. Council adopted the amended ordinance unanimously. Discussion Items - General Business (Items 10a-10h) were all approved unanimously with motions and roll-call votes: - 10a: One-year renewal of Construction Services Agreement with Miller Pipeline for Water Resources Improvement Program Projects (not to exceed $2,000,000). - 10b: Renewal of contract with Art Walker Construction for lime sludge hauling at Water Treatment Plant No. 1 (two-year expenditure of $180,000). - 10c: Cost-share agreement with St. Johns River Water Management District for Ocala Lower Floridan Aquifer Conversion Phase IV project ($2,000,000). - 10d: Budget Resolution 2026-121 to accept and appropriate the $2,000,000 grant and transfer $2,000,000 from Water Resources fund reserve. - 10f: Budget Resolution 2026-122 to accept $242,771 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program funding (5% decrease from prior year). - 10g: Purchase of inventory items for Ocala Fiber Network from multiple vendors (not to exceed $207,590). - 10h: Three-year agreement with Exceleron Software for MyUsage Prepaid Software (not to exceed $1,500,000). - Item 10e was pulled from the agenda. City Manager's Report - Legacy Contracts Update: Councilwoman Dreyer requested review. Staff began a deep dive: 325 total contracts (including tri-party solar, revenue contracts, lease agreements). Finance closed 58 recreation parks contracts, returning $116,698 to the general fund. Goal: minimize rollover of unspent funds. - Business Tax Receipt (BTR) Review: Discussion centered on fairness and efficiency. The city collects $34,477 annually (revenue minus expenses). Concerns raised about burdens on businesses, lack of enforcement, and staff time. Councilmember Dreyer expressed willingness to consider abolishing the BTR if revenue is low. City Manager will bring back a draft recommendation. - 2050 Vision Workshop: Scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at noon in Council Chambers. - Baseball Field Rentals: Staff held prices at prior level and will bring an ordinance with analytics to justify any future fee changes. Issue identified: a missing fee schedule component caused a tenfold increase. Resolution expected at next meeting or first February meeting. - Train Derailment on Magnolia (third in 12 months): Concern raised about safety. Council President Bethea urged involvement of U.S. senators and representatives. City Manager will write a letter to DOT. The derailment occurred during yard operations; no cars overturned. - Safe Routes to School: Community meeting on January 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Howard Middle School. Project includes sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting improvements. Grant application due end of January. Staff exploring early reimbursement to start work on dangerous spots. Ocala Police Department Report Chief Michael Balken presented a 2025 year-end recap: - Total incidents handled increased 15% (168,000 to 192,000+), but dispatch calls dropped about 1%. - Crimes investigated: 7,000+ (6% decrease). Arrests: 5,558 (down). - Traffic stops: 28,000+ (21% increase). Traffic crashes: 5% overall increase (but latter part of year saw a downward trend). - Drug overdose responses: 22% decrease; 23 fatal (higher percentage of fatal incidents). - Homicides: significant decrease; a murder on Christmas morning had a suspect incarcerated. Full year-end report expected in February. Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report Chief Clint Welburn reported: - December 16–31, 2025: 1,093 calls (including 216 motor vehicle accidents, 6 structure fires, 28 community paramedicine calls). - Full-year 2025: 25,141 calls, over 1,700 public education contacts, over 3,300 annual inspections. - Two new apparatus replaced engines 2 and 5; rescue 7 added, bringing all stations to full engine and rescue complement. - January 1–5, 2026: 317 calls so far. - Congratulated new promotees: BC Jules Bucket, Captain Justin Claver, and FEO Derek Martin. - Question about Station 8 coming online expected to reduce call load. Public Comments - Shanta Norton (117 NW 16th Terrace) spoke on pedestrian safety, proposing sidewalk expansion, street lighting, and safe routes for youth in west Ocala. She referenced a recent fatal accident. Council offered condolences and assured ongoing work. - Dr. Kathryn Crowell-Grate and Nathaniel Grate (2825 SW 34th Avenue) raised concerns about speeding near their church/school/daycare for children with disabilities, requesting a flashing light. They also discussed a retention pond behind their property—FDOT-owned—that needs maintenance. Public Works Director Darren Park clarified FDOT ownership and said spraying and clearing are scheduled. Contact information was provided. - Jason Tolbert (201 NE 37th Court), a Wingstop employee, requested permission to place temporary signs near the sidewalk and median on East Silver Springs Boulevard to increase business. Council explained that such signs ("snipes") are not allowed; a person holding a sign is permissible. He was thanked for his initiative. - Jerry Lourenco (9875 SE 58th Avenue), a roll-off compactor hauler, expressed concern that the city's roll-off compactor ordinance is now being applied to commercial customers. He stated a long-time customer requested a compactor at a new location, but the city claimed the account. He noted the city does not offer zero-waste service (incineration). Councilmember Dreyer and City Manager discussed the ordinance intent (residential focus) and acknowledged the issue; City Manager will meet with Mr. Lourenco to resolve the specific account. Mayor's Comments - Mayor's Fitness Challenge 2026: Running in all public schools for January to encourage student activity. - Mental Health Services for the Incarcerated: Collaboration with Sheriff's office to implement programs (job training, addiction treatment) for inmates during 50-60 day average stays to reduce recidivism. Councilmember Dreyer suggested integrating Pearl Project techniques. Council Members' Comments - Council Member Dreyer: Requested that city staff meet with Marion County's Affordable Housing Committee to help streamline their process. Also commented on a public notice sign left at a strip mall where a liquor permit was denied; staff confirmed the appeal period had passed and the sign would be removed. - Council President Bethea: Thanked the city for the exceptional services provided for Mrs. Mary Sue Rich's burial celebration, appreciating the police chief's staff and all council members who attended. Upcoming Meetings & Informational Items - January 13, 2026 – City Council Workshop (Sanitation Rate Study) at noon. - January 19, 2026 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday (offices closed). - January 20, 2026 – CRA Board meeting at 3:30 PM, City Council meeting at 4:00 PM. - January 27, 2026 – TPO Meeting at 3:00 PM. - February 3, 2026 – City Council meeting at 4:00 PM. - February 10, 2026 – 2050 Vision Workshop at noon in Council Chambers. - Power Cost Adjustment Report for November 2025 was noted. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:35 PM.

The Downtown Ocala CRA Advisory Committee convened on December 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Ocala City Hall. The agenda included a call to order, roll call, public notice, approval of minutes from October 28, 2025, a commercial building improvement grant application, project updates, other business, public comments, staff and board comments, and scheduling the next meeting for February 24, 2026. No transcript or minutes were provided, so detailed discussion and decisions are not available. Discussion Items - Commercial Building Improvement Grant: A grant request for property at 40 S. Magnolia Avenue, not to exceed $50,000, presented by Roberto Ellis. No further information on discussion or outcome is recorded.

The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Advisory Committee convened on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Ocala City Hall Council Chambers. The committee reviewed six grant applications, received project updates, and discussed policy matters. The meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting were approved by motion of Member Comas, seconded by Member Gamache, and carried unanimously. Grant Application Reviews 1. Residential Property Improvement Grant – 937 NE 3rd Street - Applicant David Ross requested up to $6,374 (70% of cost) to replace an HVAC system at risk of failure. Staff (Roberto Ellis) recommended approval. Vice Chairman Van Akin noted the property is well-maintained and praised prior grant outcomes. Motion by Mr. Akin, seconded, passed unanimously. 2. Residential Property Improvement Grant – 837 NE 2nd Street - Applicant Jody Talmaj requested the maximum $20,000 for a new fence and comprehensive landscaping. Discussion focused on plant spacing and appropriate mature sizes; board members advised consulting a master gardener. Ms. Talmaj described challenges coordinating with a landscaper and expressed willingness to adjust the plan. Motion to approve, seconded by members Gamache and Comas, passed unanimously. 3. Residential Property Improvement Grant – 214 NE 11th Avenue - Applicant Peter Coles and Linda Lecher requested $2,764 for exterior painting of a 1931 home. Staff (Charlita Whitehead) recommended approval. Board member Gamache, who conducted the site visit, attested to the applicant’s good stewardship and noted the property is a strong example of grant use. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Historic Building Improvement Grant – 732 NE 2nd Street - Robert Brooks and Kristen Dreyer (a city council member, noting her conflict of interest and that she would recuse at the CRA board) sought $30,549 for exterior painting, termite treatment, insulation, and foundation leveling. Discussion centered on proposed pink accent colors; some board members expressed hesitation, but the applicant explained the designer’s reasoning and the colors’ historical appropriateness. Motion by Mr. Comas, seconded, passed unanimously. 5. Historic Building Improvement Grant – 721 NE 2nd Street - Stephen Dawson (representative Anton Dawson) requested the maximum $40,000 for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rehabilitation and conversion of a triplex back to a single-family home. Board members discussed that the submitted building plans were for reference only and were not part of this grant. A motion was made with the condition that all work requiring permits and Historic Preservation Board approvals must follow those processes. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Commercial Property Improvement Grants (Two Phases) – 605 East Silver Springs Boulevard - Applicant Branson Boone (Eugene R. Boone Revocable Trust) requested two grants of $50,000 each (total $100,000) to convert a vacant building into office space. Phase one (CRA 25-0051, FY2025-26) covers the building shell; Phase two (CRA 25-0053, FY2026-27) covers the build-out, subject to fund availability. Staff noted this phased approach was previously used for the Bank Street project in the downtown CRA. Discussion included project cost comparisons with the New Construction Incentive Grant (10% or up to $300,000) and the timeline for permitting and construction. Funds would be disbursed only upon completion of the entire project. Separate motions for each phase passed unanimously. Project Updates - Skate Park: Approximately 40% complete, on schedule for a February 2026 completion. - Sidewalk Gap Analysis: Initial maps created; staff is beginning to assess right-of-way and potential new sidewalks. - Land Acquisition: Staff inspected properties along 8th Avenue and sent letters to owners. Seven of eight parcels are owned by one entity that approached the city; one owner-occupied property is a key parcel for connectivity to the skate park. Staff Comments - CRA sunset dates have been extended: East Ocala CRA now extends to 2055 (previously 2045). - Policy and procedure updates will be reviewed at the next advisory committee meeting in January 2026. - Four pending grants with conflicts of interest will bypass the advisory committee and go directly to the CRA board. - Staff asked the committee to consider prioritizing homestead properties over LLC-owned or second homes in future grant framework revisions. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the designated comment period. Key Outcomes - All six grant applications were approved unanimously (each with individual motions and votes). - Project updates noted progress and next steps for skate park, sidewalk gaps, and land acquisition. - The next meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025 (as listed in the agenda; this date may be a typo given the December 2025 meeting). - Meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM.