Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Ocala 110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala, FL 34471 www.ocalafl.org Minutes Tuesday, June 28, 2022 10:00 AM Ocala City Hall 110 SE Watula Avenue Second Floor - Council Chambers Ocala, Florida https://www.ocalafl.org/meetings Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Committee Members Jaye Baillie Summer Gill Tom McDonald Dr. Rhella Murdaugh, Vice Chairman Joseph Reichel Ted Schatt, Chairman Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes June 28, 2022 Page 1 of 1 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes June 28, 2022 1. Call To Order & Roll Call Staff in attendance: CRA Manger Gus Gianikas, Senior Planner Endira Madraveren, Planner I Divya Govindaraju, Community Engagement Coordinator Ramona Williams, Senior Transportation/Projects Administrator Eric Smith and Administrative Coordinator Mireya Diaz Present Summer Gill, Tom McDonald, Vice Chair Rhella Murdaugh, and Joseph Reichel Absent Chairperson Ted Schatt Excused Jaye Baillie 2. Proof of publication The public notice was posted on the city website on June 13, 2022. 3. Approval of October 26, 2021 & December 14, 2021 minutes There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. October 26, 2021 and December 14, 2021 minutes Attachments: Downtown Ocala CRA minutes - 10.26.21 Downtown Ocala CRA minutes - 12.14.21 RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Summer Gill SECONDER: Tom McDonald AYE: Gill, McDonald, Vice Chair Murdaugh, and Reichel 4. Downtown Ocala CRA grants Downtown Ocala CRA Grant Application - CRA22-44862 - 112 S Magnolia Avenue, Engel and Voelkers Ocala Attachments: Application - 112 S Magnolia Avenue Engel and Voelkers Ocala Application Pictures - 112 S Magnolia Avenue Engel and Voelkers Ocala CRA Manger Gus Gianikas reviewed grant application CRA22-44862, and presented photos as visual aids for the Committee. The project involves comprehensive renovation to interior/exterior of the building to accommodate a new business. The project cost amounts to $75,000, and the grant request is eligible for the 50% maximum grant ($25,000). The applicant recently purchased the building, which previously operated as a salon, and the building will be used as a real estate office. Member McDonald asked if the property has foundation issues. Mr. Gianikas responded he is unaware of any foundation issues. Ms. TaMara York commented the building will be transformed into a real estate brokerage, and they plan on hosting workshops. The plan is to maintain the interior brick design. The retired property owner sold the building to Ms. York, due to their 40-year friendship. To note, the contractor fixed the roof damage, and building has a minor ceiling crack. Furthermore, the following improvements will be performed: electrical Page 1 of 3 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes June 28, 2022 work, fixing uneven flooring, and interior brick restoration. Member Reichel asked if the completion date is November 1, 2022. Ms. York responded yes; however, they are experiencing supply chain issues. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Summer Gill SECONDER: Tom McDonald AYE: Gill, McDonald, Vice Chair Murdaugh, and Reichel Downtown Ocala CRA Grant Application - CRA22-44864 - 521 S Magnolia Avenue, Cyrus Rug, Inc. Attachments: Application - 521 S Magnolia Avenue Cyrus Rug Inc Application Pictures - 521 S Magnolia Avenue Cyrus Rug Inc Mr. Gianikas reviewed grant application CRA22-44864; facade renovation project (metal awning, signage, and painting). The project cost amounts to $36,300, and the grant request is eligible for the 50% maximum grant ($18,150). The property owner installed new windows and entrance doors. Mr. Bahram Assay spoke on the design plan drawings. The proposed design will beautify the Downtown area. Member McDonald favors the design plan. The proposed building facade renovation project will have a positive impact in the Downtown area. Mr. Gianikas agrees with Member McDonald. To note, the two grant applications will go before the CRA Board for final approval on July 19, 2022. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Joseph Reichel SECONDER: Summer Gill AYE: Gill, McDonald, Vice Chair Murdaugh, and Reichel 5. Downtown Ocala CRA projects & budget update Mr. Gianikas provided an update on grant application CRA21-44478. The project involved the replacement of an awning, and the grant request is eligible for the 50% maximum grant ($1,771). The project has been delayed due to supply chain issues and the South Magnolia sidewalk improvement project. He noted the final cost will increase due to engineering. He recommended the applicant apply for more facade grants. Furthermore, the CRA is looking to fund more comprehensive projects, versus single-item projects. To note, the awning design is grandfathered in, and the grant application will come back to the Committee at the next meeting. Member Reichel asked if the new engineering will change the posts location. Mr. Gianikas Page 2 of 3 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes June 28, 2022 responded the posts will be relocated against the building. Currently, the posts are not incompliance with the less than 3-feet requirement. 6. Election of Officers There was a short discussion regarding electing new officers. Motion to table the Election of Officers until all Members are in attendance. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Joseph Reichel SECONDER: Tom McDonald AYE: Gill, McDonald, Vice Chair Murdaugh, and Reichel 7. Other business None. 8. Adjournment Vice Chairman Murdaugh adjourned the meeting at 10:24 am. Page 3 of 3