City Council

110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala, FL 34471 City Council www.ocalafl.gov Minutes Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order 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 2a. New Employees - Mark McCutcheon, Electric - Parthkumar Jayani, Engineering - Michael Kincaid, Engineering - Bobby Davis, Water Resources - Clarence Simmons, Water Resources 3. Public Notice Public Notice for the October 21, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted on September 12, 2025 4. Proclamations and Awards 4a. Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Davieoyn Hopson Mayor Marciano presented the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Davieoyn Hopson in appreciation of his contributions to the community. 4b. Presentation of the Reilly Arts Center Day Proclamation to Reilly Arts Center Executive Director Natalie McComb Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Reilly Arts Center Day. The City proclaims October 21, 2025, as Reilly Arts Center Day. Natalie McComb, Executive Director of the Reilly Arts Center, expressed gratitude to the City of Ocala for its ongoing support and highlighted the organization's commitment to providing high-quality entertainment to the community. She introduced members of her team and acknowledged the city's engagement with their venues. Adam Volpe, Senior Director of Programming and Operations, shared excitement about the Center’s upcoming 10th anniversary celebration in February and emphasized the importance of community support, noting that a significant portion of their funding comes from donors and sponsors rather than ticket sales. Page 1 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 4c. Service Award - Kirk Friberg - Ocala Police Department - 25 Years of Service Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Kirk Friberg in appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala. 4d. Service Award - Sergeant Michael Diesso - Ocala Police Department - 25 Years of Service Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Sergeant Michael Diesso in appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala. 5. Presentations 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: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 6a. Additional expenditures under the contract with ElectRx and Health Solutions, LLC to fund continued prescription benefit services for City employees through the end of the current contract term in the amount of $75,000 Presentation By: Todd Swanson 6b. Continued utilization of the cooperative purchasing agreement with Precision Sidewalk Safety Corp. for the provision of concrete sidewalk trip hazard repairs with an expenditure not to exceed $75,000 Presentation By: Darren Park 6c. Greenway Reserve Conceptual Subdivision Plan Presentation By: Aubrey Hale 6d. Winding Oaks Commercial Phase 1 Developer’s Agreement Presentation By: Aubrey Hale 6e. Allocation from the City of Ocala’s Affordable Housing Fund to support the proposed Magnolia Terrace multi-family development totaling $84,000 Presentation By: James Haynes 6f. Appointment of TamBoura Jenkins to the Planning and Zoning commission for the remainder of an unexpired four-year term ending March 1, 2026 Presentation By: Angel Jacobs Page 2 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 6g. Appointment of Bruce Gonseth to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board for the remainder of an unexpired three-year term ending March 1, 2028 Presentation By: Angel Jacobs 6h. Re-appointment of Justin Hardy to the Firefighters’ Retirement System Board of Trustees to a new two-year term ending October 4, 2027 Presentation By: Angel Jacobs 6i. City Council meeting minutes from October 7, 2025 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 9. Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances 9a. Public Hearing to transmit to the Florida Department of Commerce a text amendment to the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan by deleting Policy 18.13 and Policy 18.24 relating to development conditions that apply to 75.93 acres of two parcels of land that total approximately 251.09 (Parcels 2380-000-001 and 23812-001-00) located in the 3000 and 4000 to 4300 blocks of SW 43rd Court (Case FLUP25-0001) Presentation By: Jeff Shrum Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing. Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum presented a request to transmit a comprehensive plan text amendment for two properties owned by KAS Ocala, LLC. The amendment would remove outdated policy requirements, with the intent to address them through an upcoming Planned Development (PD) rezoning and standards plan. The transmittal initiates State review and does not constitute final approval. Mr. Shrum emphasized the importance of evaluating what is being removed from the plan versus what will be provided through the PD process. Fred Roberts, Attorney, 40 SE 11th Avenue, confirmed that the request is solely to transmit the proposed comprehensive plan text amendment to the state for review, initiating the required process. He emphasized that this step does not grant any development rights but allows all related items - such as zoning, traffic studies, and development agreements - to be reviewed together in a coordinated manner. Roberts noted that the existing land use policies are outdated and no longer applicable, as their requirements are now addressed through the City’s current code. He reiterated that the applicant has waived timing rights to ensure all components are considered holistically at a later date. No public comment. Page 3 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 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 9b. Public hearing for the transmittal to the Florida Department of Commerce a request to change the Future Land Use map designation on approximately 74.11 acres, comprised of nine parcels (Parcels 21492-000-00, 21477-000-00, 21474-002-00, 21476-000-00, 21474-000-00, 21474-001-00, 21480-000-00, 21494-000-00, and 21478-000-00) located in the 2300 block, along the west side of NW 27th Avenue from Medium Intensity/Special District to Employment Center (Case LUC25-0004) (Quasi-Judicial) Presentation By: Jeff Shrum Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing. Growth Management Director Jeff Shrum presented a request to transmit a comprehensive plan map amendment for approximately 74 acres owned by Friends Recycling, LLC. The amendment seeks to change the future land use designation from Medium Intensity Special District to Employment Center to resolve a conflict between the current land use and the property's actual industrial operations. The change reflects existing uses, aligns with updated zoning regulations, and results in a reduction in allowable residential density and development intensity. The amendment does not propose any expansion of current uses. Fred Roberts, Attorney, 40 SE 11th Avenue, supported the proposed map amendment, describing it as a necessary cleanup to resolve inconsistencies between the comprehensive plan and the City’s land development code. He agreed with staff’s interpretation that the current use is more appropriately classified under the Employment Center designation and emphasized alignment with the City’s long-term planning vision. Mr. Roberts also noted that other nearby properties may require similar updates and commended staff for their collaborative and thorough approach. No public comment. There being no further 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 9c. Resolution 2026-3 amending Resolution 2021-20 the Winding Oaks Planned Development (PD) Plan (master signage plan) and PD Standards Book for property located at 4090 SW 66th Street, approximately 960.59 acres, excluding the Jaguar property (parcel# 35512-001-03) Page 4 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Presentation By: Endira Madraveren Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing. Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren presented a request to amend the Winding Oaks PD plan to update the master signage plan. The amendment replaces the existing signage plan with a revised version detailing sign types, locations, and design standards, and removes outdated language regarding uniform design motifs. The amendment excludes the Jaguar dealership property and does not affect land use, zoning, or service levels. Both staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. No public comment. There being no further 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 9d. Resolution 2026-4 for the Downtown Event Zone to allow alcoholic beverage sales as part of the 2025 Ocala Art Festival Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, 2025 (Quasi-Judicial) Presentation By: Endira Madraveren Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing. Chief Planning Official Endira Madraveren presented Resolution 2026-4, requesting approval to allow alcoholic beverage sales within the downtown event zone during the 2025 Ocala Arts Festival, scheduled for October 25-26. The request, submitted by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), includes on-premises sales by licensed vendors. All necessary reviews were completed by City departments, and no issues were identified. The event will comply with city code requirements, and police officers will be on-site for security. Staff recommended approval. No public comment. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Jay A. Musleh SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10. General Business 10a. Second amendment to the Agreement for Management of the Fort King Tennis Center to Page 5 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 incorporate a management services fee in an amount not to exceed $98,800 Presentation By: Julie Johnson Recreation and Parks Director Julie Johnson presented a proposed amendment to the Fort King Tennis Center agreement to incorporate a management services fee, supporting the City's strategic goal of fiscal sustainability. The item was previously discussed at the September 16, 2025, Council meeting, where action was deferred to allow for additional financial review. Updated financials from 2022-2025 were included in the current report. Due to a family matter, Mr. Weiss was unable to provide further requested data or attend the meeting. Staff recommended approval. Council President Dreyer asked for clarification on additional asks of the financial documents. Ms. Johnson explained financials from 2020 and 2021 were requested. Council Member Hilty commented he had requested them for a fuller financial report to review trends. He questioned if Mr. Weiss' salary is included in the payroll expenses, and further noted it appeared Mr. Weiss was operating at a loss when the contract was renewed. Ms. Johnson clarified the number of memberships and price increases with the membership fee and non-member hourly rates with Council. As of August, 2025, there are 131 memberships representing 166 individuals. Council Member Hilty expressed concern utilizing taxpayer monies for membership fees. City Manager Pete Lee noted that while the financial report lacked some detail, it showed increased expenses, including higher electric charges. He outlined the Council’s options: approve the proposed amendment, deny it and continue the current contract, or prepare for potential contract termination by the operator. If terminated, the City would need to either reopen the contract for bids or operate the facility in-house, which would be more costly due to staffing needs. He emphasized that continuing under the current contract remains a possibility. Council Member Hilty recommended the City perform an audit. Council Member Musleh noted that the tennis center appears to be operating near breakeven, with the operator potentially earning income from private lessons not disclosed to the City. He suggested that if the management fee is denied, the contract could be canceled and rebid, allowing for a more transparent arrangement. Council Member Hilty expressed concern about using public funds to support a facility serving a small portion of the population and suggested that users should cover costs through membership fees. He acknowledged rising utility costs as a key factor in the operator’s increased expenses. Ms. Johnson confirmed utility increases is responsible for the proposed management services fee. Page 6 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Council President Dreyer expressed mixed feelings about the proposed management fee, acknowledging that paying an operator could make sense but raising concerns about the lack of detailed financial information. She questioned the transparency of the operator’s expenses and income, particularly in comparison to other programs like Little League, which face increased fees. Dreyer emphasized the need for clearer justification of costs and greater oversight of how public funds are being used. Mr. Lee assured City Council that staff will submit the requested information to review before considering the proposed management services fee. City Council agreed to withdraw the motion and table discussion. There being no further discussion the motion tot table carried by roll call vote. RESULT: TABLED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10b. Purchase 36 time clocks from UKG Inc. with an estimated expenditure of $153,632 Presentation By: Kelly Vann There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10c. Ratification of the City Manager’s signature on the 2023 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Marion County’s Continuum of Care Homeless Management Information System 2023-2024 program year grant in the amount of $223,815 Presentation By: James Haynes Jason Tolbert, Resident, spoke in opposition of allocating funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He requested City Council deny the award of grant funds to non-profit organizations; instead give monies directly to the homeless population for housing needs. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr Page 7 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10d. Budget Resolution 2026-105 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and appropriate funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Marion County’s Continuum of Care Homeless Management Information System 2023-2024 program year grant in the amount of $223,815 Presentation By: James Haynes There being no 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 10e. One-year renewal of the contract for supply and delivery of bulk premium high-performance engine oil with Palmdale Oil Company, Inc. with an aggregate expenditure of $175,000 Presentation By: John King 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 10f. Utilization of the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreements with TPH Acquisition, LLP, d/b/a The Parts House for the purchase of replacement auto parts with an aggregate expenditure of $1,277,000 Presentation By: John King 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 10g. Utilization of multiple cooperative purchase agreements for the purchase of 106 vehicles and equipment for various City departments in the amount of $11,366,554 Presentation By: John King Council Member Hilty inquired about the disposal of old city vehicles. Director of Facilities & Fleet Management John King explained that vehicles are liquidated through two sources, with proceeds returned to the original funding accounts. Hilty also asked about requests to donate vehicles, particularly from veterans’ groups. Mr. King noted that such requests are reviewed and approved by the City Manager, with fewer than 10 received annually. He is currently working to fulfill a request for a four-door pickup Page 8 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 truck for a veterans organization. There being no further 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 10h. Five-year maintenance agreement with Environmental Products Group for a TruVac FLXX Hydro Excavator truck in the amount of $75,000 Presentation By: Liza Warmuth There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10i. Utilization of Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement with East Coast Emergency, Inc. for the purchase of emergency audio/visual warning devices with an aggregate expenditure of $300,000 Presentation By: Liza Warmuth Council Member Mansfield asked about equipment delivery timelines, referencing past delays that left vehicles unused. Fleet Division Head Lisa Warmuth responded that equipment is typically delivered within 4-6 weeks and installed promptly upon vehicle arrival. City Manager Pete Lee added that while outfitting vehicles can still take time, the City is actively working to speed up the process, including assigning additional staff to support vehicle preparation. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10j. Sale of the Ocala Electric Utility 230kV Seminole Silver Springs North-to-Shaw 230kV transmission line to Duke Energy Florida, LLC for $9,893,712 Presentation By: Doug Peebles Electric Utility Director Doug Peebles presented a request related to the City’s electric transmission infrastructure. He explained that the City previously approved a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of a 230 kV transmission line from Seminole’s Silver Springs North substation to Ocala’s Shaw substation. The current item involves Duke Energy establishing a new 230 kV connection from its Ross Prairie substation to the Shaw substation. This second connection is essential to support Ocala Page 9 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Electric Utility’s current and future growth and reliability needs. Staff recommended approval. David Tillman, Tillman Associates & Engineering, 1720 SE 16th Avenue, Building 100, Ocala FL, representing West Oak as the master planning engineer, expressed support for the Duke Energy transmission line project but requested continued collaboration with the City and Duke to relocate the line at the developer’s expense. He emphasized the importance of this relocation to support adjacent affordable housing projects and maximize usable land. Tillman thanked City staff for their assistance and asked for a public commitment from Duke to work with the developer on the relocation effort. City Manager Pete Lee assured Mr. Tillman that they will work with Duke to remove the lines/utility easements. City Attorney Will Sexton explained that there were two main concerns with the proposed MOU from West Oak: substantive issues with its content and the timing of its submission, which came late in the process of finalizing the agreement with Duke Energy. He noted that it was unclear whether the MOU would have resolved the matter and emphasized that Duke has expressed a willingness to work directly with West Oak on relocating the transmission line-potentially under more favorable terms than the City could have offered. Galen Halloway, Government Relations Manager, Duke Energy, stated they are committed to working with the City to relocate the line. There being no further 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 10k. Purchase of electric meters from Wesco Distribution, Inc. with a not to exceed expenditure of $2,000,000 Presentation By: Doug Peebles There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10l. One-year extension to the purchase and sale contract for 115 acres of non-aviation property at Ocala International Airport with InSite Real Estate Investment Properties, LLC Presentation By: Matthew Grow Page 10 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 RESULT: PULLED 10m. Budget Resolution 2026-106 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate $225,850 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration and transfer a match of $11,886 from the Airport reserve for projects account to design an extension to the runway 36 safety area for a total cost of $237,736 Presentation By: Matthew Grow Airport Director Matthew Grow presented Budget Resolution 2026-106, which appropriates FAA grant funding for the design of the Runway 36 safety area grading project. Council Member Mansfield inquired about potential impacts to the airport’s control tower due to federal funding issues. Mr. Grow clarified that the tower, operated under an FAA contract with RVA Group, is not currently experiencing any disruptions. The City maintains the building and equipment, while the FAA funds staffing. Mr. Grow confirmed that operations remain unaffected and committed to informing Council if any issues arise. Council Pro Tem Bethea praised Matthew Grow for his success in securing grant funding for the airport. Mr. Grow acknowledged the competitive nature of grant funding, especially for general aviation airports, and credited consistent City Council support as a key factor in their success. He noted that continued support will be important as the airport moves forward with its upcoming master plan project, which will involve additional grant opportunities. City Council agreed to have Mr. Grow deliver a presentation regarding Airport operations in November. 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 10n. Budget Resolution 2026-107 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate $2,664,891 in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, transfer $140,257 for the match and $269,000 for project contingency from the Airport reserve for projects account, to construct the General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation for a total project amount of $3,074,148 Presentation By: Matthew Grow There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Jay A. Musleh SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer Page 11 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 10o. Task work order with Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering, PLLC, for construction engineering inspection services to be performed during the terminal apron rehabilitation project in the amount of $112,476 Presentation By: Matthew Grow 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 10p. Agreement with C.W. Roberts Contracting Inc. for the provision of construction services for the Terminal Apron Rehabilitation project in the amount of $2,690,211 with 10 percent contingency for a total project budget not to exceed $2,959,232 Presentation By: Sean Lanier Council Member Mansfield noted there was only one bidder. Council Member Musleh asked if the bid amount reasonable. City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier agreed it is a reasonable bid within the estimated cost. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr SECONDER: Barry Mansfield AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10q. Third Elevator Change Order and additional expenditure under the contract with SSC Construction Management, LLC for design-build services for the Downtown Parking Garage No. 2 in the amount of $216,000 Presentation By: Sean Lanier Council President Dreyer asked for clarification on the Staff Report, which refers to an $800,000 change order for the fire supression system. City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean Lanier explained a change order related to the fire suppression system for a parking garage project. Originally, only a dry standpipe system was required under the existing code. However, due to recent fire incidents and upcoming changes to the Florida Fire Code, the City opted to upgrade to a full automated sprinkler system to enhance safety and remain compliant. The remaining project contingency was used for this purpose, and the additional $216,000 is being requested to cover the cost for the third elevator. Mr. Lanier plans to approve the total change order of approximately $700,000. City Manager Pete Lee explained that the decision to upgrade the parking garage’s fire Page 12 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 suppression system was made after careful consultation with the fire chief, engineers, and other staff. He cited recent fires in Anaheim and Jacksonville, along with the upcoming 2026 fire code changes, as key factors. Lee emphasized that protecting the City’s $18 million investment in the garage was a prudent and necessary step. Procurement & Contracting Officer Daphne Robinson confirmed the project was advertised as a design-build, where the builder is provided a guaranteed maximum price to design and build the project, and is not required to provide the City with bids for subcontracts. Council Member Mansfield expressed concern regarding the lack of bids for a change order request. Council President Dreyer requested the City solicit for bids. Ms. Robinson stated the City will perform a benchmark of the offer to see if the price is reasonable. Council President Dreyer expressed her frustration with the agenda item, questioning if Council is voting on the fire suppression system or the elevator, or both. Mr. Lanier clarified the vote is specifically to add $216,000 to the overall approved budget for the parking garage, to cover the third elevator, and to approve the change order for the addition of the third elevator. Council President Dreyer commented on lack of oversight for contingency funds. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Jay A. Musleh SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 10r. Expenditures for a contract with Lumen/Level 3 Communications LLC for 40 Gigabits of dedicated internet access in the amount of $400,000 Presentation By: Mel Poole 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 10s. Five-year agreements with PFM Asset Management, LLC, Sawgrass Asset Management, LLC, and Seix Investment Advisors, LLC, for the provision of investment manager Page 13 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 services for the City's treasury funds with an estimated annual expenditure of $180,000 per contract year Presentation By: Peter Brill There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Jay A. Musleh SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer 11. Internal Auditor's Report 12. City Manager's Report - United Way Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Cancellation of the School Board and County meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2025 City Manager Pete Lee reported the School Board and County meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2025, was rescheduled for a future meeting in April 2026. - Recognition of City employee, James Haynes, Director of Community Development Services City Manager Pete Lee recognized James Haynes, Director of Community Development Services, for his hard work. 13. Ocala Police Department Report - Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops Deputy Chief of Police Lou Biondi reported on crime data for the period, September 29, 2025 to October 12, 2025: 7,571 total incidents, 5,054 proactive calls, 2,517 dispatched calls, quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus proactive), 312 crimes, 199 arrests, 1,035 traffic stops, and 158 crashes. - Department Highlights Deputy Chief of Police Lou Biondi reported the department successfully managed the No Kings protest in the City. Mayor Marciano recognized the department for successfully managing the public protest. 14. Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report - Unit Responses Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lietz reported on unit responses for a two-week period, Page 14 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 October 7, 2025 to October 20, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue One (158-unit responses) and Fire Engine One (112-unit responses). - Service calls update Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lietz reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period, October 7, 2025 to October 20, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 69, structure fires 1, and community paramedicine/core 40, and calls for service 928 (20,202 calls-to-date). 15. City Attorney's Report 16. Public Comments - Buddy Oswald, 4304 SE 5th Street, Ocala, FL, commented on the importance of freedom and democracy Buddy Oswald, 4304 SE 5th Street, Ocala, FL, commented on the importance of freedom and democracy. He encouraged the public to attend workshops hosted by Braver Angels, which encourage civic discussion. Furthermore, the workshop titled Navigating Difficult Conversations will be hosted by the Ocala/Marion County Braver Angels Alliance, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:30 pm, Marion County Public Library. - Sandra Yager, Resident, expressed concern regarding the Salvation Army Sandra Yager, Resident, expressed concern regarding the Salvation Army’s inhuman regulations and lack of leadership. Council President Dreyer assured Ms. Yager that staff will contact her by phone. Council Member Hilty stated he will reach out to Ms. Yager. - Jason Tolbert, Resident, commented on the homeless population problem in the City Jason Tolbert, Resident, encouraged the City to take action to manage homelessness in-house instead of allocating grant funds to non-profit organizations. Furthermore, he requested City Council increase the budget for the Police Department. - Carolyn Torrey, 1202 SE 14th Avenue, Ocala, FL, commented on the ARC Corn Hole fundraiser Carolyn Torrey, 1202 SE 14th Avenue, Ocala, FL, encouraged City Council to volunteer for the upcoming ARC Corn Hole fundraiser. Council President Dreyer volunteered the Police Chief and Fire Chief for the upcoming fundraiser. 17. Informational Items and Calendaring Items Page 15 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 - Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium - Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 3:30pm - CRA meeting - Council Chambers - Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers - Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veteran's Day - City Offices closed - Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - 12:00pm - City Council Workshop Re: Solid Waste Rate - Council Chambers - Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers - Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, 2025 - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices closed - Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers 17a. Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000 17b. Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000 17c. Dearmin Substation Transformer Cost Escalation Informational Update 18. Comments by Mayor - State of the City presentation Mayor Marciano recognized City staff for their hard work presenting at the CEP Breakfast event. - Road improvements/safety plan Mayor Marciano discussed the City’s plan for road improvements. Furthermore, he requested the City install a light at 32nd & 7th intersection to prevent motor vehicle accidents. City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will modify the budget to pay for urgent road improvements. Furthermore, he clarified planned road improvements with City Council. Planning Director Aubrey Hale clarified the Chapter 163 Agreement for the full traffic signal at 32nd & 7th intersection. Mr. Lee confirmed the City will review the developer’s agreement. - Interfaith, Saving Mercy and Dignity House Mayor Marciano recognized Interfaith for their community support efforts. The organization plans on opening sixty beds in January. 19. Comments by City Council Members - Council Member Hilty shared his experience attending the IHMC conference Council Member Hilty shared his experience attending the IHMC conference. He suggested the City collaborate with University of Florida to find new ways to dispose of garbage. Furthermore, he suggested the City schedule a workshop with the County to further discuss the matter. Page 16 of 17 City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will take the lead on the project. - Council Member Bethea commented on the homeless population issue Council Member Bethea expressed concern regarding Jason Tolbert’s inappropriate comments regarding City staff. He questioned why Mr. Tolbert has not been able to find a job with the resources available to the public. Carla reported that the two homeless individuals who spoke during public comment have been receiving services since 2016. Furthermore, the homeless population is facing challenges finding affordable housing opportunities in the City. She encouraged City Council to attend the next COC meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. - Council Member Musleh recognized Chief of Staff Chris Watt for hosting a successful presentation at the Kiwanis Club - Council President Dreyer commended Apprentice Lineman Donnelly Yaney Council President Dreyer commended Apprentice Linemane Donnelly Yaney for his defensive driving skills, which helped him avoid a head-on collision. 20. Adjournment Adjourned at 6:31 pm Minutes _______________________________ ________________________________ Kristen M. Dreyer Angel B. Jacobs Council President City Clerk Page 17 of 17