City Council

110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala, FL 34471 City Council www.ocalafl.gov Minutes Tuesday, August 19, 2025 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:40 pm. 2. Roll Call Present: Mayor Ben Marciano Pro Tem Ire J. Bethea Sr Council Member James P. Hilty Sr Council Member Barry Mansfield Council Member Jay A. Musleh Council President Kristen M. Dreyer a. New Employees - Kimberly Matchett, Customer Service Office - Kelsey Dos Santos, Electric - Christopher Modinger, Electric - Isiah Rivas, Electric - Clifton Crowe, Water Resources - Shane Ferrante, Water Resources - Laurie Hornberger, Water Resources - Charles Madison, Water Resources - Briana Rouse, Water Resources 3. Public Notice - Public Notice for the August 19, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on July 16, 2025 4. Proclamations and Awards 4a. Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Angie Lewis Mayor Marciano presented the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Angie Lewis in appreciation of her contributions to the community. Ms. Lewis expressed her gratitude for the Ocala community, describing it as the most supportive and caring place she has ever lived. She credited the community and her team for enabling her to serve and stay actively involved in local efforts. 4b. Presentation of the National Grief Awareness Day Proclamation to Yolanda Mitchum, Grief Recovery Method Specialist and Founder of H3Haven, Inc. Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for National Grief Awareness Day. The City proclaims August 30, 2025, as National Grief Awareness Day. Page 1 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 4c. Presentation of the National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day Proclamation to Founder of Picking up the Pieces Michelle Pepin Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. The City proclaims August 21, 2025, as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Founder of Picking up the Pieces, Michelle Pepin, shared a personal testimony about losing her son, Ian, to fentanyl poisoning in 2018, which led to her advocacy against substance use. She expressed gratitude to Ocala Fire Rescue and the Ocala Police Department for their efforts in addressing the crisis and emphasized the importance of community support and understanding, noting that addiction is a sickness, not a choice, and those affected need compassion and help. 4d. Presentation of the Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day Proclamation to Marty Penuel, retired OEU employee, and representatives from Ocala Electric Utility Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day. The City proclaims August 26, 2025, as Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day. Ocala Electric Utility Director Doug Peebles recognized Marty Penuel for his exceptional service to the City of Ocala, noting that Mr. Penuel began his career with the City in 1964 and dedicated 42 years to public service. He commended Mr. Penuel’s unwavering commitment, often leaving his family during storms, holidays, and special occasions to respond when called. Mr. Peebles expressed heartfelt gratitude for Mr. Penuel’s legacy, stating that his contributions will be remembered and appreciated for generations to come. 4e. Service Award - Andrew Blaire - Ocala Fire Rescue - 15 Years of Service Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Andrew Blaire in appreciation of his 15 years of service to the City of Ocala. 4f. Service Award - Carolyn Giese - Finance Department - 20 Years of Service Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Carolyn Giese in appreciation of her 20 years of service to the City of Ocala. 4g. Service Award - Kenneth Jamerson - Ocala Fiber Network - 20 Years of Service Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Kenneth Jamerson in appreciation of his 20 years of service to the City of Ocala. 4h. Service Award - Sergeant Brandon Sirolli - Ocala Police Department - 20 Years of Service Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Sergeant Brandon Sirolli in appreciation of his 20 years of service to the City of Ocala. 5. Presentations Page 2 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 6. Consent Agenda Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of Council or the public request specific items to be removed for separate discussion and action. RESULT: APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 6a. Approve award of the contract for rehabilitation of the Brown residence located at 617 NW First St. to 2W Construction Corporation, for a total project cost not to exceed $87,000 Presentation By: James Haynes 6b. Approve award of the contract for rehabilitation of the Brown residence located at 110 SW 24th Avenue to 2W Construction Corporation with a total project cost not to exceed $57,100 Presentation By: James Haynes 6c. Approve an Affordable Housing Incentive Fund disbursement to Delva One Construction, LLC for the construction of a new single-family affordable housing unit at 1316 NW Eighth Street, in an amount not to exceed $5,699 Presentation By: James Haynes 6d. Approve an Affordable Housing Incentive Fund disbursement to Delva One Construction, LLC for the construction of a new single-family affordable housing unit in the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency subarea, in an amount not to exceed $9,303 Presentation By: James Haynes 6e. Approve the utilization of Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing agreement with Marathon Equipment Company for the purchase of a 34-cubic-yard roll-off compactor from Tampa Crane & Body in the amount of $51,725 Presentation By: Darren Park 6f. Approve the partial release of a utility easement encumbering Parcel 35512-001-00 Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza 6g. Approve the release of a utility easement encumbering Parcels 35512-001-00, 35512-001-01, 35512-001-03, 35512-001-08, 35512-001-09, 35512-001-10, 35512+001-01, 35512-001-04, and 35512-002-00 Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza 6h. Approve the release of a utility easement encumbering Parcels 22854-000-00 and 22852-000-00 Presentation By: Stephanie Galarza Page 3 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 6i. Approve Emerson Pointe Phase 3 Conceptual Subdivision Presentation By: Aubrey Hale 6j. Approval of the Developer’s Agreement for Winding Oaks Residential Phase 2 Presentation By: Jeff Shrum 6k. Approval of the Developer’s Agreement for Winding Oaks Residential Phase 4 Presentation By: Jeff Shrum 6l. Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-173 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept and appropriate a community donation for the National Night Out event in the amount of $500 Presentation By: Michael Balken 6m. Approval of and authorization for City Council President to execute an assurance and support letter to Dennis W. Michaud for the West Oak Ocala 1 Business, LLC multifamily housing project component of the Pine Oaks Redevelopment Project Presentation By: William E. Sexton 6n. Adopt Resolution 2025-35 designating an administrative authority to receive, review, and process plat or replat submittals; designating an administrative official responsible for approving, approving with conditions, or denying proposed plats or replats Presentation By: William E. Sexton 6o. Approve additional expenditures under the Municipal Election Agreement with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections for the City of Ocala’s September 16, 2025, Special Election in the amount of $54,236 Presentation By: Angel Jacobs 6p. Approve reappointment of Brian Cretul to a two-year term ending August 6, 2027, and appointment of David Layman to an unexpired two-year term ending August 6, 2026, on the Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees Presentation By: Angel Jacobs 6q. Approve appointment of Ethan White to an expired four-year term ending March 1, 2028, on the Board of Adjustment Presentation By: Angel Jacobs 6r. Approve minutes from August 5, 2025 City Council meeting Presentation By: Angel Jacobs 7. Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at this time. 8. Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances (Second and Final Reading - Wednesday, September 3, 2025) 8a. Introduce Ordinance 2025-35 to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential, to R-1AA, Single-Family Residential, for property located approximately 320 feet east of the Page 4 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 intersection at NE 31st Street and NE Jacksonville Road (Parcel 24728-000-00) approximately 7.23 acres (Case ZON25-0010) (Quasi-Judicial) Introduced By: Barry Mansfield RESULT: INTRODUCED 8b. Introduce Ordinance 2025-36 to rezone approximately 1.59 acres for the property located at 458 NW First Street (Parcel 2855-005-000) including two contiguous parcels to the east (Parcel 2855-009-000 and 2855-006-000) from R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) and B-3C (Community Redevelopment Area Mixed Use 2 District), to B-4, (General Business), Case ZON25-0009 (Quasi-Judicial) Introduced By: Ire J. Bethea Sr RESULT: INTRODUCED 8c. Introduce Ordinance 2025-37 to rezone approximately 0.45 acres for the property located at 3235 SE Maricamp Road (Parcel 29793-002-02) from B-2, Community Business, to SC, Shopping Center (Case ZON25-0011) (Quasi-Judicial) RESULT: PULLED 8d. Introduce Ordinance 2025-38 to annex 39.33 acres comprised of two parcels located in the 5100 block along the south side SW 20th Street Introduced By: James P. Hilty Sr RESULT: INTRODUCED 8e. Introduce Ordinance 2025-39 to change the Future Land Use designation on approximately 39.33 acres comprised of two parcels (Parcel 23311-000-00 & Parcel 23817-004-00) located in the 5100 block, along the south side of SW 20th Street from High Intensity (County) to Medium Intensity/ Special District (City)(Case LUC24-45705) (Quasi-Judicial) Introduced By: Jay A. Musleh RESULT: INTRODUCED 8f. Introduce Ordinance 2025-40 to rezone approximately 39.33 acres of property comprised of two parcels (Parcel 23311-000-00 & 23817-004-00) located in the 5100 block, along the south side of SW 20th Street from R-3, Multi- Family Residential (County), to PD, Planned Development (Case PD24-45706) (Quasi-Judicial) Introduced By: Barry Mansfield RESULT: INTRODUCED 9. Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances 9a. Adopt Resolution 2025-36 to abrogate a 12-foot-wide alleyway lying east of Lots 10 through 18 and west of Lots 1 through 9, Block 7 of the Meadow View Plat as recorded in Plat Book B, Page 233, of the public records of Marion County, Florida (Parcel 28574-007-01, 28574-007-03, 28574-07-10 and 28574-007-14), approximately 1.12 acres (Case ABR24-0019) (Quasi-Judicial) Presentation By: Endira Madraveren Page 5 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 City Attorney Sexton spoke on the public hearing procedures. Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing. Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren discussed the request by Catalyst Design Group, PC, on behalf of property owners Florida Hospital Ocala, Inc. and the Marion County Hospital District, to abrogate a 12-foot-wide alleyway located across four parcels (28574-007-10, 28574-007-14, 28574-007-03, and 28574-007-01). The alleyway, which contains existing underground utilities but is otherwise undeveloped, lies within the B-2A and B-4 zoning districts and is designated for High Intensity/Central Core land use. The applicant intends to redevelop the area to enhance hospital access and expand parking facilities. During the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, staff recommended approval of the abrogation, contingent upon two conditions: (1) the dedication of a perpetual utility easement to the City, and (2) an executed agreement with Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) for the relocation of existing electric infrastructure. Staff clarified that responsibility for utility relocation would be determined between the applicant and OEU, and the applicant’s representative confirmed that payment for the relocation had already been made. The Commission unanimously recommended approval (6-0), including the staff-recommended conditions. Following the hearing, the applicant submitted documentation fulfilling both conditions-providing the executed utility easement and proof of payment for utility relocation. Staff concluded that the proposed abrogation would not negatively impact adjacent properties and recommended approval of the request to abrogate the alleyway as recorded in Plat Book B, Page 233 of the public records of Marion County, Florida. No public comment. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Barry Mansfield SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 9b. Adopt Ordinance 2025-34, amending Sec. 90-20, Code of Ordinances, City of Ocala, Florida, providing for limitations on enclosures under elevated buildings located in flood hazard areas Presentation By: Sean Lanier Introduced By: James P. Hilty Sr City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier discussed the adoption of ordinance 2025-34. The City is requesting to amend Section 90-20, to prohibit enclosures of elevated buildings located in flood hazard areas. He provided a brief Page 6 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 overview of the proposed amendment, surveys, stormwater ratings/points, and staff findings. The Planning & Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval. Council President Dreyer expressed concern regarding the rising cost of insurance and inquired about additional actions the City could take to achieve the 430 points required under the Community Rating System (CRS). Mr. Lanier responded that several initiatives are underway to accumulate points, including the City’s designation as a StormReady community, which contributes 25 points. Additional points are earned through mapping and engineering efforts, as well as community outreach activities. Mr. Lanier elaborated that outreach efforts include distributing flood safety materials such as FEMA brochures and notices to residents in flood hazard areas. Public education campaigns like “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” also contribute to the CRS score. Furthermore, stormwater engineering and maintenance programs, including the City’s flood response and infrastructure maintenance, are evaluated and credited toward the overall CRS rating. Council President Dreyer inquired about the ease of repealing the proposed regulation should a future applicant present a fully engineered and compliant design. City Attorney William Sexton confirmed that the regulation could be repealed relatively easily if necessary. However, he cautioned that in other communities - particularly coastal areas - initially compliant structures often evolve over time into more permanent additions, such as enclosed patios or additional rooms, which can create enforcement challenges. Concerns were raised about whether the City would be assuming responsibilities that should fall to insurance companies. Mr. Sexton clarified that without a regulation in place, the City lacks the authority to enforce restrictions. Once adopted, the regulation would become part of the City’s code and enforceable by Code Enforcement if such structures were proposed or constructed. Mr. Sexton noted that adopting the regulation would contribute positively to the City’s Community Rating System (CRS) score, enhancing flood insurance benefits at no immediate cost, as the prohibited structures are not currently prevalent in Ocala. Council President Dreyer requested to be notified if and when the regulation prevents a resident from constructing a compliant structure, emphasizing the importance of evaluating its real-world impact. No public comment. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10. General Business Page 7 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 10a. Approve Redevelopment Agreement for Project Hometown - Downtown Ocala Marriott AC between the City of Ocala and Domach, LLC, with total City incentives not to exceed $5,619,644 Presentation By: Aubrey Hale Jessica Fieldhouse, Ocala Main Street, 516 SE Sanchez Street, spoke in support of the proposed agreement. The development project will contribute to revitalizing Downtown and support local businesses. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Barry Mansfield SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10b. Approve Parking Agreement for Project Hometown - Downtown Ocala Marriott AC for dedicated parking spaces in the second City parking garage Presentation By: Aubrey Hale Planning Director Aubrey Hale asked for confirmation from Council whether or not they wanted to review the presentation from the CRA meeting. He noted that the sixth floor of the parking garage will be dedicated to hotel parking and public access will be restricted to that floor. The spaces reserved for hotel guests on the fifth floor will be available to the public for select large-scale events. Rob Batsel, Applicant’s Attorney, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471 acknowledged that the downtown development project is relatively new for the City and emphasized its potential to catalyze further investment in the southwest portion of downtown. He noted that the City’s investment in an 800+ space parking garage demonstrates long-term planning and provides sufficient capacity to accommodate future demand. He also suggested that, to reduce reliance on the parking incentive, the City could consider extending the CRA beyond its current expiration. This would allow for continued CRA-based incentives while potentially shortening the duration of the parking subsidy. Council Member Hilty questioned where hotel employees would park. Mr. Batsel explained the spaces reserved for hotel parking include spaces for employees, so they will not be taking up additional spaces within the parking garage. Jimmy Gooding, Applicant’s Attorney, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, addressed previous questions regarding the cost-sharing of the third elevator, confirming that the City would cover any cost overruns beyond the estimated $216,000, though the contractor is Page 8 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 confident the cost will remain within budget. He praised the City's progress in downtown redevelopment, highlighting the success of past projects and the growing appeal of Downtown Ocala. Mr. Gooding encouraged consideration of extending the CRA to support future development and reduce reliance on parking incentives. He also commended City staff, particularly Roberto Ellis, for their diligence and attention to detail in preparing the agreement, and expressed strong support for the project and the City's continued investment in downtown revitalization. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Jay A. Musleh SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10c. Approve the utilization of State of Florida’s alternative source agreement with Canon U.S.A., Inc., for citywide copier and printer services with an estimated expenditure of $957,096 Presentation By: Christopher Ramos There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Barry Mansfield SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10d. Approve one-year renewal of contract with Tyler Technologies for ongoing service and maintenance costs for the City's financial and human resource enterprise software, Munis, with an estimated expenditure amount of $321,089 Presentation By: Christopher Ramos There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10e. Approve renewal of the contract with Wrike, Inc, for cloud-based project management and collaboration software with an estimated expenditure amount of $122,760 Presentation By: Christopher Ramos There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED Page 9 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Dreyer ABSENT: Musleh 10f. Approve a one-year renewal of the contract with CentralSquare, for ongoing service and maintenance costs for asset management and work order software, Lucity, with an estimated expenditure amount of $113,938 Presentation By: Kelly Vann There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Barry Mansfield SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Dreyer ABSENT: Musleh 10g. Approve the utilization of OMNIA Partners’ cooperative purchasing agreement with Synnex Corporation for the purchase of a new digital backup storage system for the Ocala Police Department’s Information Technology Department in the amount of $118,364 Presentation By: Joshua Sasso There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, and Dreyer ABSENT: Musleh 10h. Approve additional expenditures under the agreements with Marion Tree Trimming and Stump Removal, LLC, and Flyway Access, LLC, for citywide tree trimming and removal services in an amount of $90,000 for a contract total not to exceed $1,341,980 Presentation By: Greg Vandeventer There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Barry Mansfield SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10i. Approve an interlocal agreement with Marion County for the Emerald Road Extension project in an amount not to exceed $2,332,730 Page 10 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 Presentation By: Sean Lanier There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10j. Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-174 appropriating funds from Marion County for the Emerald Road Extension Project in the amount of $1,760,400 Presentation By: Sean Lanier There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10k. Approve award of the contract for the SW 43rd Court and SW 20th Street signalization project to Traffic Control Devices, LLC, in the amount of $1,110,732 Presentation By: Sean Lanier There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10l. Approve award of the contract for construction services for the annual sidewalk maintenance and repair program to Marion Rock, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $600,000 Presentation By: Sean Lanier There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10m. Approve a one-year renewal of the contract with Pace Analytical Services, LLC, for environmental water testing in the amount of $105,000 Presentation By: Sean Lanier There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. Page 11 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10n. Approve one-year renewal agreements for continuing professional engineering services with multiple firms for citywide projects requiring engineering services Presentation By: Sean Lanier There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 11. Internal Auditor's Report 12. City Manager's Report - Skate Park Ground Breaking Ceremony City Manager Pete Lee announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ocala Skate Park, scheduled for Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at 517 NE 9th Street. The project will be completed in a single phase, with minimal closures during construction, and is expected to be finished by February. - Comments on Downtown Vision and CRAs Mr. Lee emphasized the importance of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) as a critical tool for implementing long-term revitalization efforts. He highlighted the City’s success in executing its downtown vision, contrasting the sustainable, infrastructure-efficient development downtown with the more resource-intensive growth on the city’s periphery. He encouraged continued investment in downtown projects and transparency in the development process, inviting feedback to ensure staff provides the necessary information for informed decision-making. 13. Ocala Police Department Report - Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops Police Chief Mike Balken reported on the Police Departments efforts for a two-week period, August 4, 2025 to August 17, 2025: 31 significant crimes, 238 arrests, and 1,410 traffic stops. Page 12 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 - Department Highlights Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department hosted a successful National Night Out event and Town Hall meetings. Furthermore, the department hosted a swearing-in ceremony yesterday for eleven new Police Officers. 14. Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report - Unit Responses Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, August 5, 2025 to August 19, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Three (163-unit responses) and Fire Engine One (106-unit responses). - Service calls update Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period, August 5, 2025 to August 19, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 89, structure fires 3, and community paramedicine/core 41, and calls for service 916 (15,867 calls-to-date). - Department Highlights Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department responded to two incidents: I-75 motor vehicle crash on August 13, 2025, and the structure fire on August 15, 2025. 15. City Attorney's Report 15a. Approval of and authorization for City Council President to execute a letter of support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed repeal of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission standards for fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs), published under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124 Presentation By: William E. Sexton City Attorney Sexton discussed the approval of an authorization for City Council President to execute a letter of support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He requested City Council approve the draft letter to support the repeal of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission standards for fossil fuel fired electric generating units (EGUs). Council Member Hilty noted the State of Florida is dependent on natural gas by seventy-five percent. City Council unanimously agreed to approve the letter of support. 16. Public Comments 17. Informational Items and Calendaring Items Page 13 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 - Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium - Monday, September 1, 2025 - Labor Day Holiday - City offices closed - Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers - Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers - Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 5:00pm - City Council Special Meeting re: Fire Assessment - Council Chambers - Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers - Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers - Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium 17a. Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000 18. Comments by Mayor - State Road 200 update Mayor Marciano reported he had a successful meeting with FDOT to discuss the State Road 200 project. The meeting discussed the public concerns including pedestrian safety, increasing U-turn radiuses, and increasing access points for busy locations. FDOT made a commitment to meet with the City to discuss future projects. Additionally, Noel Cooper with the Engineering Department will provide updates at future meetings regarding City projects. City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will email an improvements list to City Council and the TPO. Furthermore, the City will evaluate the increased traffic on 441 to determine necessary traffic improvements. Mayor Marciano discussed the purpose behind the beacon pedestrian crosswalks on State Road 200 with Council Member Bethea. The beacon pedestrian crosswalks were established to support pedestrian safety to combat the issue of pedestrian deaths from not crossing at the crosswalk. Council President Dreyer encouraged her fellow Council Members to review the new traffic dashboard released by the TPO. 19. Comments by City Council Members - Council Member Mansfield shared his experience visiting the town of Newbridge in Ireland - Council Member Bethea shared his experience attending the Florida League of Cities Conference Council Member Bethea shared his experience attending the Florida League of Cities Conference. He requested the City prepare for DOGE’s visit to ensure the City is incompliance. City Manager Pete Lee stated he will inform the Internal Auditor, Randall Bridgeman, of DOGE’s upcoming visit. Page 14 of 15 City Council Minutes August 19, 2025 Council Member Bethea noted the conference discussed eliminating the Homestead Exemption, which will impact funding for schools and infrastructure. Mr. Lee reported the City will be presenting a ten-year plan to City Council at a future meeting, which will address the funding for schools and infrastructure. 20. Adjournment - Adjourned at 6:16 pm Minutes _______________________________ ________________________________ Kristen M. Dreyer Angel B. Jacobs Council President City Clerk Page 15 of 15