Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala, FL 34471 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment www.ocalafl.org Advisory Committee Minutes Tuesday, February 28, 2023 10:00 AM 1. Call To Order & Roll Call Present Vice Chair Rhella Murdaugh, TaMara York, and Rachel Laxton 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 February 16, 2023. 3. Approval of August 23, 2022 and December 6, 2022 Minutes August 23, 2022 and December 6, 2022 minutes Attachments: Downtown Ocala CRA draft minutes - 8.23.22 Downtown Ocala CRA draft minutes - 12.6.22 RESULT: TABLED 4. Downtown Ocala CRA Grants Downtown Ocala CRA New Grant Summary Attachments: Downtown CRA New Grant Summary Feb 2023 rev Mr. Gianikas provided a brief overview of the grant programs. The City has distributed over $1.5 million in grant funds since 2016 for renovation of existing buildings. The City is proposing a grant program for new construction. Mr. Hale provided a brief overview of the proposed grant program for new construction. The goal is to fund three large construction projects annually and budget $300,000 per year in grant funds. The program will generate tax revenue for the City; and the applicant will define funding utilization in the application. All proposed grant projects must be incompliance with zoning and code enforcement regulations before applying for grant funding. Mr. Hale stated the City can still utilize the Chapter 163 Developers Agreement for larger projects. The program will support development and growth in the City. Mr. Drake requested the City modify the language to state the grant will be awarded to the property, not applicant. Mr. Hale said the proposed grant program will be presented to the other three CRA sub-areas. Page 1 of 2 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes February 28, 2023 5. Downtown Ocala CRA projects & budget updates Mr. Gianikas said the budget fiscal year starts October 1; the City is planning for fiscal year 2024. He provided a brief overview of the infrastructure projects. Mr. Hale stated the parking garage project will greatly contribute to the Downtown’s growth. The City is working on resolving a title issue on the last property. Furthermore, he clarified the grants impact on properties. Mr. Gianikas commented the CRA’s revenues increased this fiscal year. The City favors investing grant funds in redevelopment programs and public infrastructure projects. Mr. Hale spoke on the importance of utilizing CRA funds. 6. Other Business The new members, Ms. Laxton, Mr. Drake and Ms. York, introduced themselves and provided background information. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:33 am. Page 2 of 2