East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

110 Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala FL, 34471 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes Wednesday, October 18, 2023 4:00 PM 1. Call To Order a. Roll Call Present Vice Chair Van Akin Board Member John Gamache Board Member Karl Kunz Chairman Rachel Perez Excused Board Member Greg Blair Board Member Tito Comas Board Member Ronnie Santana Jr. 2. Proof of Publication The Public Notice for the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee meeting was posted on October 4, 2023. 3. Approval of June 28, 2023 Minutes a. June 28, 2023 Minutes Attachments: East Ocala CRA Minutes from 6-28-2023.pdf RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Van Akin SECONDER: John Gamache AYE: Akin, Gamache, Kunz, and Perez EXCUSED: Blair, Comas, and Santana Jr. 4. Grant Applications a. East Ocala CRA Historic Building Grant Application - 723 E. Fort King Street Attachments: CRA23-45339-723 E. Fort King Street.pdf Mr. Ellis discussed a Historic Building Grant application for the property located at 723 East Fort King Street. The applicant is proposing to improve his HVAC system. The applicant is changing the zoning use from commercial to residential. The applicant he has begun work on the project, but not the HVAC installation. Any work previously started is ineligible for the grant. The total project cost is $29,023.30 and the grant request match is 60% ($17,413.98). Mr. Ellis confirmed the property located to the east was previously awarded a grant in February 2023. The City and Chairman Perez conducted a site visit on October 10, 2023. Page 1 of 3 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes October 18, 2023 Ms. Perez stated economic inflation significantly impacted the project. The applicant gutted out the interior to install a new HVAC system. Mr. Akin asked if the Board noticed the significant bid price differences. Mr. Ellis spoke on the applicant’s contractor challenges. Ms. Perez noted the applicant experienced great challenges finding contractors willing to visit the site and provide a quote. Motion to approve CRA23-45339 for a Historic Building grant in the amount of $17,413.98 RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: John Gamache SECONDER: Rachel Perez AYE: Akin, Gamache, Kunz, and Perez EXCUSED: Blair, Comas, and Santana Jr. 5. Project Updates Mr. Ellis discussed the Infinite Ale Works Brewery renovation project at the old Fire Station location. The majority of the interior demolition work is complete and the last inspection was completed on September 26, 2023. The developer is working on completing the structural elements, electrical, foundation (exterior patio) and installation items (windows and doors). The expected completion date is Spring 2024. The City executed a Redevelopment Agreement with the developer. 6. Other Business Mr. Ellis provided a brief overview of the City’s proposed changes for the following grant programs: Residential Painting Grant, Commercial Façade, and Historic Commercial Building. And he explained how the proposed changes benefit the Affordable Housing Program. Mr. Hale spoke on the importance of modifying the grant programs to include affordable housing. City Council wants a more influential presence in the affordable housing area. The City will be presenting changes to the Affordable Housing Incentives Fund for City Council to consider in November 2023. Mr. Gamache asked how the City maintains affordable housing rental prices with market rate increases. Mr. Hale explained the Affordable Housing program has regulations to maintain affordable housing in the City. The City places liens against affordable housing properties to maintain affordable rates. Mr. Hale clarified the affordable housing requirements. The City will invite the Community Development Services Director James Haynes to the next meeting to discuss the Affordable Housing Program. Mr. Gamache asked if affordable housing developers have expressed interest in vacant Page 2 of 3 East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes October 18, 2023 properties located in North Magnolia. Mr. Hale responded no, not at this time. He explained the property challenges associated with North Magnolia properties, such as title issues. Mr. Ellis shared the East Ocala CRA Residential Paint Grant Program results for fiscal year 2022 and 2023. The goal for next year is to increase application submissions. 7. Informational None. 8. Next Meeting Date - December 27, 2023 Mr. Ellis stated the next meeting is scheduled on December 27, 2023. The City is discussing rescheduling the meeting to December 11, 2023 due to the holiday season. 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:32 pm. Page 3 of 3