Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala, FL 34471 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment www.ocalafl.org Advisory Committee Minutes Tuesday, August 23, 2022 10:00 AM 1. Call to Order & Roll Call Present Vice Chair Rhella Murdaugh, Joseph Reichel, and TaMara York Absent Chairman Ted Schatt Excused Jaye Baillie, Summer Gill, and Tom McDonald 2. Proof of publication The public notice for the Downtown Ocala CRA was posted on August 11, 2022. 3. Approval of June 28, 2022 minutes Attachments: Downtown Ocala CRA minutes - 6.28.22 RESULT: TABLED 4. Downtown Ocala CRA grants Downtown Ocala CRA Grant Application - CRA21-44478 Attachments: CRA21-4478 Grant Application packet CRA Manager Gus Gianikas reviewed CRA21-44478 grant application packet from Shannon Roth, located at 22 South Magnolia Avenue. He added the grant was approved in August or September 2021; the project was impacted by supply chain issues and sidewalk construction. The applicant has opted to do a more comprehensive project which includes painting and replacing the existing canvas with like material and new design. The project total is $6,779.60 and the 50% grant request is $3,389.80. Shannon Roth, 22 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala, FL, provided a brief overview of her business and said she has been in the downtown for 28 years. Originally only planned to change the fabric on the awning but the sidewalk construction inspired her to think about painting the building. The project consists of awning and painting in a different tone of blue. Mr. Reichel inquired the last time the awning was changed. Mr. Gianikas responded 2015. Mr. Gianikas commented the new grant program will pay for steel only. Mr. Reichel thanked Ms. Roth for keeping the area so nice. Page 1 of 3 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes August 23, 2022 Mr. Gianikas said the grant application will move forward to CRA Agency and City Council if there are no objections. 5. Downtown Ocala CRA projects & budget update Mr. Gianikas said the building to the immediate north was recently purchased and the owners are starting renovations soon. A grant was given in 2016 for outside work. He talked to the new owner about the grant process. Ms. Murdaugh said the new owners are proposing to have retail or food oriented business on the bottom and offices on the top floor. Mr. Gianikas said at the October meeting discussions can start about FY2024 budget projects for Downtown. The grant programs can be reviewed but there is no need to update. Mr. Gianikas said 65 grants have been given out and quite a bit of the core area has been covered. Approved South Magnolia area grants at the last meeting. It is possible that more will come in from that section of town. Mr. Reichel asked for updates on the district. Mr. Gianikas responded the development agreement for the Infinite Ale project has been approved. This type of agreement typically involves a waiver of permitting fees; right-of-way improvements after completion; and property tax rebates through Downtown Ocala CRA. Ms. Murdaugh asked about outlook for businesses after Covid-19. Mr. Gianikas said hospitality and restaurants suffered the most. Web sales helped and most businesses are back to pre Covid-19 status but some did not survive. Ms. York introduced herself and said Ocala Brokerage is opening soon; renovations are in progress. The business is a cool new concept for Ocala. Mr. Gianikas said the Board could consider doing moderate and new construction grant programs; keep the max at $25,000 for more comprehensive projects. He stated the grant amounts have fluctuated over the years. Revenues are higher than expected so they could consider raising the max amount. Mr. Gianikas said the FY2023 budget will be in operation and funds available by the next meeting. 6. Election of Officers RESULT: TABLED 7. Other business None. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:19 am. Page 2 of 3 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes August 23, 2022 Page 3 of 3