East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

110 Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala FL, 34471 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 22, 2023 4:00 PM 1. Call To Order & Roll Call Present Board Member Greg Blair Board Member Tito Comas Board Member John Gamache Board Member Karl Kunz Chairman Rachel Perez Excused Vice Chair Van Akin Board Member Ronnie Santana Jr. 2. Proof of Publication The public notice for the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee was posted on February 10, 2023. 3. Approval of December 14, 2022 Minutes December 14, 2022 minutes Attachments: East Ocala CRA draft minutes - 12.14.22 RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Greg Blair SECONDER: Tito Comas AYE: Blair, Comas, Gamache, Kunz, and Perez EXCUSED: Akin, and Santana Jr. 4. Review of East Ocala CRA Grant Applications CRA23-45100 - 621 E Ft King St Attachments: CRA23-45100 grant packet - 621 E Ft King St Mr. Gianikas stated the changes to the grant programs recommended by the Committee were approved by the Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board on the 21st of February. Mr. Gianikas reviewed grant application CRA23-45100. The applicant applied for the historic building grant for their restoration project. The applicant is replacing 28 windows; and the total project cost is $80,960 which makes the applicant eligible for the maximum grant of $40,000. The proposed windows are vinyl clad wood windows, which closely resemble the original windows. The windows were approved by the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OHPAB). Page 1 of 3 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes February 22, 2023 Mr. Brian Kuhn, 621 East Fort King Street, Ocala, FL, stated the window mullion on the exterior is vinyl clad and the mullion on the interior is wood. Mr. Gianikas added last fiscal year the property was approved for a grant for several improvements including siding, painting, back staircase, and awning. Mr. Kuhn confirmed the exterior framing will stay the same. Motion to approve grant application CRA23-45100 for a maximum grant award of $40,000. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: John Gamache SECONDER: Greg Blair AYE: Blair, Comas, Gamache, Kunz, and Perez EXCUSED: Akin, and Santana Jr. CRA23-45101 - 709 E Ft King St Attachments: CRA23-45101 grant packet - 709 E Ft King St Mr. Gianikas reviewed grant application CRA23-45101 and added the scope of the project includes roof replacement, air conditioning, and foundation stabilization. The total project cost is $70,057; which makes the applicant eligible for the maximum grant of $40,000. Mr. Gianikas stated the upper roofing has asbestos tiles. Mr. Juan Espinoza, 709 East Fort King Street, Ocala, FL, stated they plan to reside in one of the units and rent the other units. He added the quotes include the disposal and removal of asbestos. Ms. Lara Perea, 709 East Fort King Street, Ocala, FL, confirmed the roofing on both buildings will be replaced. She clarified the location of condensing/mini split units. Motion to approve grant application CRA23-45101 for a maximum grant award of $40,000. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Greg Blair SECONDER: Karl Kunz AYE: Blair, Comas, Gamache, Kunz, and Perez EXCUSED: Akin, and Santana Jr. 5. East Ocala CRA Projects & Budget Updates Mr. Gianikas provided a brief overview of the budget for fiscal years 2022 & 2023. The Committee would need to request a transfer of funds from the reserve account to approve any Page 2 of 3 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes February 22, 2023 future grant applications. For fiscal year 2024, the City will request $200,000 be allocated for grants and an additional $200,000 for the NE 2nd Street sidewalk project. Ms. Perez asked about funding for the sidewalks. Mr. Gianikas replied $200,000 has been requested in the FY2024 budget for sidewalks and he clarified the priority areas for the sidewalk improvements. Mr. Gianikas used the CRA map to show where the bus shelters will be placed on NE 2nd Street. Mr. Gamache suggested focusing on NE 3rd Street for the sidewalks because the money will go quickly if they try to do both streets. Mr. Gianikas explained the first step is conceptual design. Ms. Perez asked if the decision of where to start will be made after the study is completed. Mr. Gianikas replied yes and added staff will be meeting with the Engineering Department to kickoff design work for the sidewalk. Since the project is in the road right-of-way, City Engineering will oversee the project. Mr. Gamache asked about Reilly Arts Center Parking lot. Mr. Gianikas confirmed the City purchased two properties in the NE for parking but additional property purchases are on hold because of the high prices. The Reilly will be monitored to see if additional parking is needed. Mr. Gianikas stated the City is moving forward with the design for NE 8th Avenue roundabouts at 2nd Street & 3rd Street. The project will likely start in two or three years; the City has applied for a grant from FDOT. Mr. Comas asked about the old Fire Station project. Mr. Gianikas explained that the CRA has budgeted $100,000 for a roof replacement which will be reimbursed to the developer when Infinite Ale Works completes their project. Mr. Blair asked about parking lot repair with the historic building grant. Mr. Gianikas confirmed parking lots are not eligible in the Historic Building grant but for commercial properties, it can be done with the Commercial Grant Program. 6. Other Business Mr. Gianikas commented Ronnie Santana was appointed as new Committee Member but he was unable to attend today. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm. Page 3 of 3