East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

110 Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala FL, 34471 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 23, 2023 4:00 PM 1. Call To Order a. Roll Call Present Board Member Greg Blair Board Member Tito Comas Board Member Karl Kunz Chairman Rachel Perez Board Member Ronnie Santana Jr. Excused Vice Chair Van Akin Board Member John Gamache 2. Public Notice The Public Notice for the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee meeting was posted on August 11, 2023. 3. Approval of Minutes a. June 28, 2023 Minutes Attachments: East Ocala CRA Minutes from 6-28-2023.pdf RESULT: TABLED 4. Grants / Applications a. East Ocala CRA Residential Paint Grant Application - CRA23-45313 - 948 NE 4th Street Attachments: CRA-23-46313 grant packet 948 NE 4th St.pdf Economic Growth Development Specialist Roberto Ellis discussed a Residential Paint Grant application for the property located at 948 NE 4th Street. The applicant is proposing exterior paint improvements to the historic property (built in 1929). The lowest bid received is $7,885, and the maximum grant is $4,000.00 (based on scope of work). He confirmed the color of the house will not change with Member Comas. Member Perez concurs with Mr. Ellis comments regarding the exterior paint color. The property owner will maintain the existing color of the house. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Tito Comas SECONDER: Greg Blair AYE: Blair, Comas, Kunz, Perez, and Santana Jr. Page 1 of 3 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes August 23, 2023 EXCUSED: Akin, and Gamache 5. Project Updates CRA Manager Gus Gianikas stated no updates at this time. 6. Other Business Mr. Gianikas presented the proposed budget for the East Ocala CRA. The proposed budget will be considered by City Council on September 5, 2023. The CRA budget ($1.25 million) includes the following: expenditures, sidewalks, capital projects, reserve budget ($800,000), and remaining balance ($465,000). The Committee is now able to consider other community-based projects: Mural Grant, New Construction Grant, demolition of dilapidated buildings, and building improvements. Currently, the Downtown CRA is the only CRA that offers the Building Improvement Grant Program. He clarified the improvements and projects covered by the Building Improvement Grant with Members Perez and Blair. Member Comas suggested the Committee evaluate funding underground utilities to revitalize communities. Mr. Gianikas confirmed Ocala Utilities would be responsible for funding underground utility projects with Member Blair. Mr. Hale stated funding underground utilities requires a large budget. The Downtown area was able to successfully fund underground utilities due to the small block length and infrastructure. He provided a brief overview of Ocala’s 2035 Vision Plan. Mr. Ellis stated the budget includes two pending projects: skate park (Tuscawilla Park) and 8th Avenue medium project. Mr. Hale provided a brief overview of the NE 8th Avenue Median Project. The plan includes installing medians along 8th Avenue. The project is listed on the Department of Transportation (DOT) 2027 schedule. Furthermore, City Council requested the City complete the skate park project. 7. Informational Mr. Brady Bowell, 1318 SE 8th Street, discussed a mural grants proposal. He provided a brief overview of the following: mural culture, tourism, revitalization of neighborhoods, revenue benefits, and mural partnerships. The proposed grant program will require approval from the Ocala Municipal Art Commission (OMAC), for $10,000 grant match applications, and artists will be limited to a 5-year waiting period. Furthermore, the plan is to allocate $20,000 to each CRA’s annual budget. Mr. Ellis stated the grant program will be an additional resource for artists to utilize for art projects. Member Comas noted OMAC maintains an artist rooster. Cultural Arts Manager Leslie Nottingham explained the artist rooster and selection process. She Page 2 of 3 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes August 23, 2023 provided a brief overview of the Commissions guidelines and community efforts. Furthermore, OMAC ensures the quality of the artist's work. Deputy Director of Planning Aubrey Hale explained how OMAC is considered the approval authority and the CRA’s provide the grant funding. The Commission was appointed by City Council to oversee cultural public art in the community. The City is working on drafting the framework for the grant program. Furthermore, staff will present the proposed grant structure at the next meeting. Member Comas suggested changing the program name from Mural Grant Program to Art Grant Program. Mr. Hales suggested the name Public Art Grant Program. Furthermore, he explained how art murals require building permits to meet Zoning Code requirements. Member Comas favors creating an inclusive program. 8. Next Meeting: October 25, 2023 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:47 pm. Page 3 of 3