Public Meetings - Ocala, Florida

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.

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board met on July 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Ocala City Hall to review three Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for historic district properties. The board voted to approve one COA, disapprove another, and approve a third with conditions, and also welcomed a new board member. Certificates of Appropriateness COA 26-0007 – 726 SE Third Street - Proposal: Construct a new two-story garage addition in the rear yard, with recommended setback reductions (side from 8 ft to 5 ft, rear from 25 ft to 3 ft – an 88% reduction). The slab had been previously poured under an expired permit. No applicant or representative was present. - Discussion: Staff noted the addition is attached to the main structure, changing height requirements from 18 ft (accessory) to 35 ft (attached). A board member raised concerns about drainage and lot coverage; staff clarified building coverage (35% for residential) is not exceeded because the pad already exists. The board discussed that previous approvals had expired, but the applicant was continuing the same project. - Vote: Motion to approve the COA including the requested setback variances. Approved unanimously. COA 26-0023 – 216 SE 13th Avenue - Proposal: Construct a one-bedroom addition and two-car garage at the rear, including re-roofing, window/door replacement, removal of eight windows on the north elevation, demolition of an existing detached garage, and a recommendation for a variance to reduce the rear setback from 25 ft to 6 ft. The property is a contributing structure to the Ocala Historic District (built 1935). - Discussion: Staff presented compatible materials (wood windows with raised grills). A board member noted that eight existing windows would be removed and only four added, questioning how the historic character is maintained under code section 94-82G1. The board emphasized its historical strictness on window preservation. No applicant or representative was present. - Vote: Motion to disapprove due to failure to comply with 94-82G1 regarding window preservation. Approved unanimously. COA 26-0024 – 722 NE Second Street - Proposal: Construct a one-bedroom, one-bath rear addition (approx. 14 ft x 21 ft 4 in), alter a rear window to a French door, and build a rear landing and steps. The property is a contributing structure to the Tuscawilla Historic District (built 1940). The applicant was not present. - Discussion: Staff confirmed the addition is not visible from the public right-of-way and uses compatible materials. A board member asked about the CRA grant the applicant is seeking for the roof and historic preservation; staff clarified the grant requires a COA and reimburses at 60% for historic buildings up to $40,000. No public comments. - Vote: Motion to approve with staff conditions, including that final window installation match submitted specifications (grill configuration, profile, mutton depth). Approved unanimously. Board Comments - The board welcomed new member Rita Masters. Existing members encouraged her to study the Secretary of the Interior standards and Ocala codes. The board praised staff for working with applicants on appropriate window specifications in advance, which saved time and reduced tabling. - A board member extended Fourth of July wishes, noting the 250th celebration. Key Outcomes - COA 26-0007: Approved with variances. Applicant must proceed with building permit. - COA 26-0023: Disapproved. Applicant may revise and resubmit a new COA addressing window preservation. - COA 26-0024: Approved subject to staff conditions regarding window specifications. - Next meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

The Ocala Police Officers Retirement Fund Board of Trustees held a special meeting on June 29, 2026, at 1:02 PM to review presentations from three third-party plan administrators and select a firm to manage the pension plan. The meeting was noticed on June 16, 2026. After presentations and deliberation, the board voted to retain Foster & Foster as plan administrator, contingent on keeping Mike Summer as the local liaison. Presentations from Third-Party Administrators - Foster & Foster (Farrell Jenny and Candace Moss): Proposed a retainer fee of $7,083 per month, guaranteed for three years, with a 10% discount if another city plan (general or fire) also hired them. Additional services—such as the annual state report and quarterly financial statements—are priced separately. They emphasized their existing relationship with the city (actuary Doug Lozin), the recent hire of former city administrator Alicia, a dedicated team of 23 administrators, a member portal already in use, and a strong track record (never terminated as a plan administrator). They do not cut payroll checks due to separation-of-duties requirements; benefit payments would be handled by the custodian (Principal) at approximately $2 per check. - HYN (Caleb Henson and Frank Megana): Proposed an all-inclusive fee guaranteed for two years with a 4% annual increase, and a 10% discount if all three city plans (police, fire, general) contract with them. They highlighted their boutique, conflict-free approach (no actuarial or investment services), personalized member counseling (including pre-retirement planning), and a CRM system that tracks all member interactions. They do not provide a member portal for updating personal information, preferring direct phone contact. They also do not cut pension checks; that is done by the custodian. - The Resource Centers (Scott Bauer): Proposed a base monthly retainer of $1,975, with additional monthly fees for benefit payments ($625), quarterly financial statements ($750), and annual state report ($750). The base fee includes a CPI-based increase after three years. They emphasized their 30+ years of experience, ability to integrate with current administrator Mike Summer, and willingness to pay benefits from the existing Truist account (or Wells Fargo) to ensure continuity for retirees. They noted a past termination in Cape Coral tied to an unresponsive employee, but stated that issue has been resolved. Board Discussion and Decision Board members discussed the pros and cons of each firm. Key considerations included: - Cost: Foster & Foster’s total estimated annual cost (with all add-ons) was about $92,000, compared to $34,000–$43,500 for the other two firms. The current in-house budget for Alicia and Dale was approximately $41,000 per year. - Continuity & Local Support: The board agreed that retaining Mike Summer as a local liaison was important regardless of the chosen administrator. All three firms indicated they could work with Mike. - Experience & Relationship: The board noted Foster & Foster is already the plan’s actuary and had recently hired Alicia, who had 25 years of institutional knowledge of the plan. The firm’s robust team, security measures, and established member portal were seen as valuable. After narrowing the choice to Foster & Foster and HYN, a motion was made and seconded to select Foster & Foster as plan administrator, contingent on the firm accepting Mike Summer as the board’s local liaison with necessary access to systems. The motion passed unanimously (all ayes, no opposition). Key Outcomes - Selected Administrator: Foster & Foster, subject to contract negotiation that includes retaining Mike Summer as liaison. - Vote: Unanimous (all board members present voted in favor). - Next Steps: The board will formalize the agreement with Foster & Foster, ensuring Mike Summer’s role is preserved. The transition is expected to take two to three months, with the July 15, 2026 benefit payments to be handled by the current administrator (Mike Summer) to avoid disruption. - Cost Impact: The new contract will increase annual administrative expenses compared to the prior in-house budget, but the board considered it a small percentage (about 2.5%) of the total plan’s annual administrative budget of approximately $2.2 million.

On June 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM, the Ocala General Employees Pension Board met to interview three third-party plan administration firms and select an administrator for the city's general employees pension plan. Trustees present in the room were Anthony Ortiz, Lynn Cole, Barney Hirsch, and Charlie Varney; Trustee Hope participated remotely after the board unanimously approved remote participation due to exigent circumstances. The agenda and minutes were not provided with the source transcript. After hearing presentations from Foster & Foster, HYN Consulting, and Resource Centers, the board voted unanimously to direct staff to negotiate and execute a contract with Resource Centers. Vendor Presentations Foster & Foster - Presenters Farrell Jenny and Candace Moss described Foster & Foster's plan administration division as established in 2013, with 22 staff members dedicated solely to third-party administration, over 115 Florida plans, and no terminations as an administrator in more than 14 years. - They proposed a $7,916 monthly retainer that includes quarterly board meetings, member portal maintenance, and no processing or copy fees; the fee is guaranteed for three years, with CPI increases averaging about 2% not starting until October 2027. A 10% discount would apply if other city pension boards also hire the firm, and the presenters said the discount would be honored if two boards rather than all three selected them. - The proposal included quarterly financial statements prepared by their asset team at $30,000 per statement. - They stated the firm does not cut pension checks as a policy and would work through the custodian, currently Principal. HYN Consulting - Caleb Henson and Frank Mega described HYN as a small boutique firm with about 30 plans, emphasizing direct member relationships rather than a 1-800 call center. - They quoted a $4,400 flat rate for four dedicated board meetings, with a built-in 4% cost increase or retainer described as a way to avoid frequent fee renegotiations. Special projects outside regular meetings would require advance board approval and could incur additional costs or travel. - They said benefit checks would be processed by the custodian, with HYN authorizing payments and collecting member data; implementation typically takes about a month. Resource Centers - Scott Bauer, with more than 30 years in plan administration, presented Resource Centers as a small, Florida-based, employee-owned firm focused exclusively on plan administration. - He highlighted the ability to pay benefits directly through the board's existing local accounts as an option, which he said could provide continuity and help avoid a separate benefit-payment transition. He said the firm currently processes about 4,500 recurring benefit payments per month and has a roughly 3-to-1 support-to-front-line staffing ratio. - The monthly fee for benefit payment and invoice processing is $1,525. Resource Centers could also offer local member-facing support through Mike Summer under a separate contract, but the board would not be required to use him. - Bauer acknowledged losing some clients around 2018-2019 during a realignment, including personnel-related losses after 15-18 years without a client loss. Discussion & Deliberation - Trustees compared the three proposals closely, focusing on cost, check processing, and member service. They noted the city currently pays benefits in-house and wants to move that work, and that an administrator must still coordinate changes even when a custodian mails the checks. - Bonnie, the board's consultant, reached out to Carl Hutchinson at Principal and reported a Principal quote of $1.75 per check for benefit payments; trustees calculated Resource Centers' bundled fee at about $1.83 per check, or $1,525 per month divided by 835 payments. - Trustees noted roughly 835 monthly benefit payments, about 176 vested deferred members, and about 76 active members remaining. - Some trustees expressed concern that HYN was small and less organized, and that Foster & Foster was almost double the cost of other proposals and would still require separate actuary and contract administration fees. Others liked the one-stop approach of Resource Centers, which bundles administration, member support, and payment issuance. - A trustee raised concern that local contractor Mike Summer sometimes appeared to suggest benefit choices rather than only explaining options; any future contract would need to limit his role to information and education. Discussion of a separate Mike Summer contract was deferred to the next quarterly meeting. Key Outcomes - Motion to direct Bonnie to negotiate and execute a contract with Resource Centers for administration of the general employees pension plan passed unanimously. - The board agreed not to rush the transition for July; implementation will target August 2026. - Resource Centers must provide the financial and actuarial data needed for the city's ACFAR reporting; a trustee requested a hard date, and Bonnie agreed to provide one the same day, with delivery needed by mid-December. - The potential separate local-support contract with Mike Summer was deferred to the next quarterly board meeting to avoid overlapping with Resource Centers' duties.

The Ocala Firefighters' Pension Board met on June 29, 2026, to hear presentations from five firms vying to become the plan's new administrator following the departure of the previous administrator, Alicia. The board heard from three firms during the recorded portion of the meeting (the remaining two presentations are referenced in later discussion but not captured in the transcript), deliberated on the proposals, and scheduled a special meeting for a final decision. Proceedings from Recorded Presentations Presentation by First Firm (likely HYN Consulting or Pension Resource Center – identity uncertain; transcript conflicts with later trustee descriptions) - The speaker introduced his firm as employee-owned with 24 staff, administering about 70 Florida public plans. He emphasized a 3:1 ratio of back-office to front-facing staff, independent status, and a focus on people and technology. - He proposed maintaining a local point of contact by integrating Mike Summer as an independent contractor for member services (similar to his existing role for the police plan). He offered to be operational within 30 days for benefit payments, including taking over the current Truist checking account and handling year-end 1099-R reporting. - He stated the firm can perform the state annual report for a separate fee of $3,300, and can provide interim financial statements via a detailed general ledger (at an additional cost, as not all clients need it). He noted the firm undergoes a SOC 1 Type 2 audit (process and security). - In response to questions, he clarified that the transition could be rapid (30 days for payments) and that the firm is experienced in handling payroll deductions (e.g., health insurance, union dues). He expressed a preference for the board to keep benefit payments with the administrator rather than moving them to the custodian, citing continuity and nimbleness. Presentation by NIH (Nyhart) – Lawrence and Ryan Badel - Lawrence, the board's actuary for eight years, introduced the firm's administration team. He stressed that NIH knows the plan intimately, including unique features like the COLA structure and lawsuit history. He noted that NIH already performs some administrative functions in partnership with the former administrator. - Ryan Badel demonstrated the NIPASS online portal, which provides members with benefit calculators, self-service options, and real-time status updates. He highlighted that the portal is used internally and externally, and that NIH has strengthened its IT infrastructure since being acquired by Ascensus. - Lawrence estimated the annual fee for administration between $50,000 and $70,000, which includes the state report. He clarified that bookkeeping (preparing the plan’s general ledger and financial statements) is not included in that estimate and would require additional fees if desired. He stated that NIH prefers not to hold plan assets but can issue payment directives to a custodian; they could also coordinate payments in-house if the board prefers. - In response to a question about what would change if the board chose NIH, Lawrence explained that board meetings would be coordinated with a dedicated contact (Javier) who would prepare agendas, handle notices, and support the chair. He emphasized NIH’s values of integrity, transparency, and people-first service. Presentation by Lauderbach & Eamon – Jennifer Flores and Marlene Barker - Jennifer Flores introduced the firm as a government-accounting specialist founded in 1997, now with over 200 team members and 2,000+ active clients. They process 18,000 pensioner payments monthly and have a dedicated pension administration team. - She stated that the firm has experience in Florida, notably with the Deltona Firefighters' Pension Plan. Their proposed fee is $55,000 flat, which is 100% comprehensive with no add-ons. This includes meeting attendance, agenda preparation, taking minutes, processing payroll, filing the state report, and bookkeeping. They do not charge extra for travel or postage. - For benefit payments, they typically use a bank account in the pension fund’s name (e.g., with BML Bank) and the firm has signatory authority to run payroll. They can create a customized member portal with benefit calculators. - Key engagement personnel would be Molly Barker, who is already the administrator for Deltona Fire. They provided client references (Deltona Fire and Lubbock Fire) for the board to contact. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - After the presentations, the board discussed the five firms (HYN Consulting, Foster & Foster, Pension Resource Center, NIH, and Lauderbach & Eamon). Three of these (HYN, Foster & Foster, and Resource Center) were not fully captured in the transcript; the board’s discussion referenced them only briefly. - Trustees narrowed their focus to three firms that offer broader services beyond pure administration: Foster & Foster, NIH, and Lauderbach & Eamon. They noted that Foster & Foster is a large actuarial firm with a strong Florida presence, NIH has a long-standing relationship and deep knowledge of the plan, and Lauderbach offered a very competitive comprehensive fee of $55,000. - Concerns were raised about Lauderbach’s out-of-state location and the need for local support. Trustees agreed to contact the Deltona Fire pension board as a reference. They also considered that NIH had never done anything wrong and valued loyalty, while Lauderbach’s price was attractive but required verification. - A motion was made to select NIH as the administrator, but it was withdrawn to allow time for due diligence, particularly to contact Deltona Fire about Lauderbach’s service. Key Outcomes - The board decided not to make a decision at this meeting. Instead, they will have one trustee (Rob) independently contact Deltona Fire’s pension board (with the stipulation that trustees cannot communicate outside of a public meeting) to gather feedback on Lauderbach & Eamon. - A special meeting was scheduled for July 8, 2026 (with July 9 or 10 as back-up) to vote on the administrator. The board will meet publicly to discuss findings and render a decision. - Note: The transcript captures only three of the five presentations. The board’s discussion references presentations from HYN Consulting, Foster & Foster, and Pension Resource Center that are not included in the provided recording. This summary is based solely on the available transcript.

The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) met on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 4:05 PM in Ocala City Hall. Key actions included approval of minutes from February and April 2026, approval of the Mount Moriah Commemorative Public Art Project, and discussion of the public artist roster update and license plate fund. Consent Calendar - The minutes from February 4, 2026 and April 1, 2026 were approved separately by voice vote with no opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Mount Moriah Commemorative Public Art Project: Staff presented the project, funded with $40,000 from the new parking garage budget. A call for Florida-based artists resulted in four finalists who each received a $500 honorarium to create design concepts. The community and congregation selected the design \"Legacy of Light\" by the team of Beth Rabbitt and George Gadson, an eight-foot tall sculpture of laser-cut aluminum with laminated etched glass to be located near Southwest Third Avenue and Southwest Broadway Street. Staff recommended approval of the selected team to move forward with contracting. - Public Artist Roster Update: Jamie Antonetti guided members on using the CAFE platform for scoring applicants. The roster has 386 applicants. Scoring is on a 1-20 scale (professional experience and artwork quality), with a threshold of 14 or higher for recommendation. Members discussed concerns about AI-generated imagery and fraudulent applicants. Staff suggested that if there are concerns, members can note them in the comments for later discussion. The goal is to have all scoring completed by the October meeting, with an interim update at the August 5 meeting. - License Plate Fund Review: The current balance is $10,337.65, with an available spending balance of $4,800 after setting aside $8,000 base. No current grant applications are pending, but outstanding grants include Leap of Faith dance lessons and Magnolia Art Exchange mural project. - Board Comments on Arts Funding: Several members expressed frustration about the lack of support for the arts in Marion County, including low awareness of the arts license plate and the absence of a dedicated funding source like a penny sales tax. Member Greg Thompson noted that surrounding counties have such funding. Suggestions included using influencers, partnering with the Visitors Bureau, and placing ads in programs. Staff noted that the license plate fund can be used for advertising. Key Outcomes - Approved: Motion to approve the Mount Moriah Commemorative Public Art Project as presented passed unanimously. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 5, 2026. Members are expected to have completed scoring on the public artist roster by that meeting, with a final deadline in October 2026. - Directives: Staff will look into developing an AI policy for the city\'s arts programs and explore marketing opportunities for the arts license plate. Members committed to completing individual scoring and will consider additional meetings between August and October if needed.

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.

The Downtown Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Ocala City Hall Council Chambers. The committee received updates on downtown projects, discussed the outcomes of a June 9 City Council workshop, and elected new officers. A quorum was present with six members (Kendall Drake, TaMara York, Ted Schatt, Brad Harper, Don Gulling); Dr. Rhella Murdaugh was excused. Consent Calendar - Roll Call: Present: Drake, York, Schatt, Harper, Gulling. Quorum established. Absent: Murdaugh (excused). - Approval of Minutes: The April 28, 2026, meeting minutes were approved after a discussion about whether board comments were correctly recorded as "none." Motion passed without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Project Updates (Eric Smith, Senior Transportation Project Administrator): Smith provided an overview of downtown projects, most on track. He shared photos from a site visit to Orlando showing parklets (sidewalk extensions into parallel parking spots) and pocket parks (small open spaces with interactive art). These are conceptual for downtown Ocala. A parking garage at Fort King and Broadway is scheduled for a grand opening in early to mid-August (delayed from late July). Smith also discussed mural opportunities, noting that a walking tour of potential facades is planned. The committee discussed the balance between CRA-funded public art and general revenue-funded parks. - Grant Update (Charlotte Whitehead, Economic Development Project Coordinator): Whitehead reported on the Hagen Dass ice cream shop at 40 South Magnolia Ave. The project cost is over $447,000, with a CRA grant of $50,000. The business is awaiting health inspection before opening; signage is being installed. - Staff Comments (Roberto Ellis, Economic Development Manager): - City Council Workshop Recap (June 9): Ellis reviewed key discussions: alignment of CRA goals with programs, grant activity (108 applications across all CRAs over the past five years, totaling $3.4 million in incentives, leveraging $27 in private investment per $1 of CRA funds). Recommendations included: allowing single bids for certified contractors, requiring completion of outstanding grants before new applications (primarily for residential projects), reducing committee membership from 7–9 to 5, meeting monthly instead of every other month, and adopting formal CRA bylaws. A community meeting to gather input on grant modifications is planned. - CRA Budget Update: The downtown CRA has a total budget of approximately $4.6 million for the current fiscal year, with $1.1 million allocated for grants and incentives, $725,000 in reserves, and the remainder for capital improvement projects (CIP) and operations. Only about $1 million in revenue was brought in this year; the budget relies on carryover funds. Over the next three years, $2.4 million is committed to projects like the AC Marriott and Hotel Marion incentives. Schatt questioned using $250,000 for a pocket park near Marion Theater when a main park is less than a block away; he argued CRA funds should prioritize economic development over parks. Other members suggested focusing on activating Fort King corridor instead. - Board Comments: Don Gulling supported murals but wanted more business owner input. He also urged prioritizing first-floor retail and residential uses in grants. TaMara York emphasized the need for retail and residential studies before master plans. Ted Schatt advocated for smaller, faster grants to help retailers rather than large catalytic projects consuming most funds. - Election of Officers: The committee elected new officers for the remainder of the term (through March 1, 2027). Kendall Drake was nominated and elected Chair (unanimous). TaMara York was nominated and elected Vice Chair (unanimous). Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2026, meeting minutes approved. - Officer Election: Chair – Kendall Drake; Vice Chair – TaMara York. - Direction to Staff: - Proceed with a walking tour of potential mural facades. - Consider prioritizing retail and residential studies before master plans. - Review grant programs to potentially increase maximum awards, allow single bids, and create smaller, faster grants for retailers. - Plan a community meeting for feedback on grant modifications. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 25, 2026.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Ocala City Hall. The meeting included updates on community housing services, a detailed presentation on technical support for AHAC recommendations, and discussion of critical housing challenges, including veteran homelessness and expiring emergency housing vouchers. Consent Calendar - Approval of March 18, 2026, Minutes: The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - C. Calabello provided an update on veterans housing: a motel near Medicakes has been purchased by Veterans Housing Corporation (a Miami charity) to house veterans; four veterans are already placed, with room for eight more and plans for a 44-person building. He also noted that Senator Rick Scott's office is working to reopen the grant opportunity for the VOA (Volunteers of America) veterans program, but no guarantee of funding. He asked the committee and city to consider a “life raft” if funding fails by September. Community Housing Services Update - Department Name/Location Change: Director James Haynes announced the department is now called Community Housing (formerly Community Development Housing Services) and has relocated to the Lillian Bryant Center. The move unifies the department and improves communication. - Rental Assistance Program: A new $200,000 rental assistance program launched on June 15, 2026, repurposed from CDBG-CV micro business loan funds. The program assists with moving expenses (security deposit, first/last month) and rental arrears (up to 90 days). Eligibility: City of Ocala residents at or below 80% AMI, not assisted in the last four years. Expected to help 50 to 75 households, with first payments by June 26, 2026. About 70% of calls are from outside city limits. - Veterans Housing Update: VOA (Volunteers of America) missed a HUD grant submission deadline (no exceptions for lateness). Of 42 veterans originally affected, 38 remain; some have volunteered to relocate, including to Key West. The City of Ocala Continuum of Care (COC) is monitoring and assisting through coordinated entry. Dr. Dawson noted that OHA is receiving additional VASH vouchers (10 recently, 20 more expected) for veterans. - Annual Action Plan Presentation: For fiscal year 2026-2027, the city expects $514,897 in CDBG, $494,937 in SHIP, and a share of HOME (about 35% of county consortium). Focus remains on housing rehabilitation and rebuild programs. The city will also apply for the state’s pro-housing grant. AHAC Technical Support Presentation A representative from Florida Housing Finance Coalition presented findings and recommendations based on a full audit of Ocala’s affordable housing incentive strategies. Key recommendations included: - Expedited Permitting: Codify in land development code; establish cross-departmental coordination; target delays. - Fee Waivers: Create a formal fee relief program for affordable housing; ensure the existing Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIF) is clearly referenced in annual reports. - Density Bonuses: Evaluate current 25% density bonus; consider expanding to include height, setbacks, parking flexibility. - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Allow by right in all single-family districts; exempt from density calculations; reduce minimum lot size and setbacks. - Flexible Lot Configurations: Expand the Residential Zero Lot Line (RZL) district; reduce minimum lot sizes (currently 5,000 sq ft in RZL, 6,000 in R1AA); reduce open space requirement (currently 50%). - Inventory of Publicly Owned Lands: Improve transparency; define “appropriate for affordable housing”; adopt permanent affordability conditions on land disposition; move from spreadsheet to searchable online portal. - Starter Homes: Reduce minimum dwelling size requirements; allow missing middle housing (duplexes, triplexes) by right; allow administrative lot splits. - Local Housing Trust Fund: Expand funding sources (general revenue, proceeds from public land sales, in-lieu payments, bonds). Planning Director Aubrey Hale clarified that the RZL district is problematic and largely dormant, though some PDs are achieving lots of 3,500–4,500 sq ft. The committee discussed the state’s new law (HB 399) requiring modular/manufactured homes by right in single-family districts. Staff will use the presentation to shape the next annual AHAC report, with board review over the next two meetings. Key Outcomes - No formal votes on recommendations; staff will incorporate the technical support into the annual report process. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 22, 2026. - Urgent Concern: Dr. Dawson announced that 42 families with Emergency Housing Vouchers (originally part of a 9-year program) will lose assistance on December 31, 2026, due to HUD funding cuts. The Housing Authority cannot issue new vouchers this year. The committee discussed church partnerships and the need for a long-term solution. - State Ballot Measure: Discussion of the proposed homestead exemption increase (up to $250,000) for new homeowners; staff clarified it appears to apply only to new residents, and the impact on local government revenue is a concern. - Board Membership: Two positions may be open; a recommendation to reduce the board from 11 to 9 members is pending city manager decision.