City Council - Regular Meeting

Maintains the same density and entitlements of the prior PD zoning district, which is consistent with the overall Heathbrook DRI. The PD plan is consistent with the minimum standards of the PD district, section one twenty two nine forty two of the code of ordinances, that city utilities are available and no level of service issues have been, identified. At their meeting in April, PNZ voted to recommend denial based on the reconfiguration of wetlands that is proposed with this PD amendment. As you may have seen, the agenda packet has some minor revisions from the P and Z packet that was provided to them. Staff has reviewed these changes.

They're minor revisions, mostly clerical in nature. Staff does not change our recommendation of approval. I am happy to answer any questions.

Okay. Ma'am, prior to you answering questions, I have a few comments from the public. So I'm gonna let them to come up, and then you can come back. Okay?

Yes, sir.

Thank you. Thomas Burthardt. Will you give your name and address, please?

Yes, sir. I'm Thomas Burkhart. I live at 6580 Southwest 51st Court in Heathbrook Hills neighborhood. Thank you, counsel. I'll be brief. I won't take up too much of your time. I have three areas of concern I'd like to address. Number one, the access to 66 has been removed. I know the trips that were approved are staying the same, but with the access going solely to Tartan Road, that's gonna create quite quite the congestion. I think that, 66 is much more, capable to handle that traffic.

It doesn't have a shopping center. It doesn't have the median single lane. 66, I believe, is gonna get expanded to four lanes. So taking that off, I believe, is gonna create quite the problem. The second area of concern is gonna be the wetlands. Of course, I know Ocala is growing, and I'm part of that growth. I moved here three years ago, and I'm not opposed to growth, but I just hope we grow with conservation in mind. I, I know you're aware of the huge development across 66, and a lot of that wildlife is being displaced into that wetlands. I constantly see coyotes, bobcats, possums, raccoons. I mean, you name it, we see it.

I love that wildlife. I love the wetlands, and I'd hate to see it displaced. And lastly, I'd like to bring up, the reconfiguration goes from cul de sacs to dead ends. And I know that Heathbrook has an aesthetic. Ocala is has an aesthetic that we're trying to achieve, and I don't believe dead ends, fit into that. I think that the look of Heathbrook with the cul de sacs and the gated communities, to throw in dead ends is just going to I believe it's going to interfere with what we have. So I would hopefully take that under consideration as well. Thank you for your time.

Thank you, sir. Brian Hayes.

Good evening. My name is Brian Hayes, and I live at 6560 Southwest 51st Court in Ocala, Florida. I have some papers that I'd like to hand out if it's alright for the What I have what I've handed out is basically a visual representation of, you know, what is approved currently approved right now in the developer's hands. The top sheet shows, you know, what has been approved, and it and it shows how the developer, you know, a few years ago, did a great job of designing the project to go around the wetlands and preserve them. What you see on the second page is basically, it shows the wetlands, but it shows how the developer is now, you know, building right on top of the wetland, you know, and I concur with Thomas.

I'm not opposed to growth. You know, I I I think the city's done a great job growing, you know, in the last few years, But growth doesn't have to be, you know, in opposition to the environment. You know, you can still take into, you know, the environment into consideration. And I think that the first plan, the plan that the developer has in its in possession right now, the developer can start developing tomorrow. That plan is a great plan that takes into consideration the wetlands.

And that's really that's that's my concern is just, you know, the the developer currently can you know, and I know the developer is within their right to mitigate wetlands, but I I just think that what they're asking the city for is you know, they're asking the city for a natural resource. This is a natural resource to the city. You know, there's no I don't I don't see the compensation. I don't see how it benefits the cities residents of Ocala to give up that natural resource just because the developer has changed their mind. To me, it's it's to ask too much.

And if if you ask any resident in the in the city, I'm sure they would you know, 90 would percent would concur. Let's not give away natural resources for for reasons, you know, on, you know, on reasons unbeknownst to me. So I would I would hope that the city council takes into the takes into consideration the planning and zoning commission, their recommendation to deny this amendment. You know, and I I concur with them that, you know, this is going a step too far. We need to preserve some some wildlife and and environment here in Ocala. So thank you very much.

Thank you. You. Miss Kelly Hayes Hayes.

Hi, y'all. Thank you very much for taking the time to listen to us today. I think my husband and my neighbor pretty much spoke to the bigger pieces of what it is that we wanna convey tonight. I wanna say that, as you all are aware, the planning and zoning committee on 04/13 decided to recommend against this amendment. So, you know, we were very proud of that decision.

We were very proud that, you know, we felt heard in that meeting. And then we stayed and we stayed for the presentation by a city planner for the vision of Ocala for 2050. And I wanna say that, you know, I think all three of us, Thomas included, our neighbor included, are all transplants to the city. We've all moved here. It's a beautiful city.

We're very proud of it. And we we can see the vision. We can see the vision for the growth for the for the city. But at the same time, we hope to to impress upon you that the Planning and Zoning Committee chose to, at least in some of the verbiage that they used in their voting process, to deny that recommendation for the amendment because of the destruction of the wetland. And the destruction of the wetland, I would I would hope would impress upon you all as well that that's probably not the best outcome when especially there's plans already in existence for a development of this property that preserves the two bigger areas of wetland property.

Appreciate your time. I appreciate y'all listening very much. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there any other comments?

Good evening, Mr. Chair and counsel. Rob Batzel, 1531 SE 36th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34471. I'm here on behalf of the applicant, but Mr. Chair, know were proceeding with public comment, so I didn't want to stop that. But I'm here to just present our case, if I may. So, I'm here on behalf of Kenward Living and Eisenhower Property Group. With me tonight is Clark Lohmiller from Kenward. Bo Climber with Climber Farner Barley, of course, he's a civil engineer, and Suzanne Stancil with Michael Pape and Associates. So I appreciate very much the public comments I just heard.

Spoke with them outside before this hearing. And I'm going to get to that, but I'm going to back out for a moment and just present the project, if I may. And if I could ask Madam Clerk, if the composite exhibit A could be shared and some of the materials that are in the packet, I also have some handouts when the time comes. So this is a project that you've seen before. The prior iteration was the Keys at Ocala II, you may recall.

And that was a for rent, really apartment style project. So was this is a 32 acre piece, just so we're recalling. And it's located right at that transition in the Heathbrook DRI from what we would call the more commercial oriented and multi family components of the project that are on 200 or immediately behind the commercial uses into the single family. So currently, it's entitled for 146 units of multi family. These are all buildings that per the old plan are really concentrated and there are 34 buildings in all.

And they're all two to three bedroom units that were going to be for rent apartments. There was also in the current plan, there is also an entitlement for a self serve car wash. So I'm here to tell you that the proposed plan, which is an exact same number of units but a townhome product, a nicer, more modern product, and I'll describe it in more detail, is a significant improvement. So these will be platted townhomes. Different concept altogether, but again, no added units.

Again, 146 units in total. But those will be confined to 26 buildings, so our footprint is much smaller. I'm going to harp on this, but we are significantly improving the open space throughout this project. So spoiler alert, I'm going to address the concern we just heard about a minor impact on wetlands. But I want to paint the picture that overall this is a drastically improved plan with almost double the open space and goes above and beyond to make sure that not only is open space increased, but the water quantity and quality that is being handled on this site is going above and beyond to make sure that it's properly permitted through all agencies, local, state, etc.

So I got ahead of myself there. But each one of these units, unlike the old plan which was sort of drive up and park outside of an apartment building, each one of these townhomes will have a garage and also a driveway. There is some additional we're over parked, so there's some additional parking as well. But each one of these units has its own dedicated garage. It's a much nicer product.

I mentioned the open space and I want to give you some numbers. The existing plan that's approved today had open space calcs of about 41% of the project. We are now going all the way to 53%. So this goes from 13.16 acres to 17.2, more than four additional acres on a 32 acre site. That is not a minor undertaking.

So I'm going to continue to reference the overall design as it relates to a minor impact on a portion of a wetland. The concept plan is on your screen. So thank you, Madam Clerk. I'm going to go through a bit, a high level overview of the concept plan, the architectural design, and the very thorough landscape plans that are in the package as well. One thing to be clear, we had to, before coming to the city, get this approved by the Heathbrook Architecture Committee and they've done that.

So Heathbrook has pretty onerous self imposed architectural review requirements and they've already approved it before our ability to apply. So there are renderings and I'd hate to ask the clerk to do my bidding and flip around, but the architectural standards are in your packet as well. And that's a composite exhibit to the PD standards. So we're bound to those. Some of the components of that were actually I'm always of the opinion that if my client has actually built it in a similar community, I'd rather show you that.

And so there are conceptual renderings. First I'll have her show you what we included with the application materials. Thank you very much. And again, these are binding because they're attached as an exhibit to the PD standard. So I'm not just showing you pretty pictures.

We're obligated to do this if approved. I'm just glad it's you and not me. While he's pulling that up, so some of the photos I'm going to show you in a moment are renderings of the clubhouse and pool and some of the common elements. Those were under construction and frankly they were early in the construction process. This is in Riverview, Florida, another Kenward project with a similar amenity package.

I'm going to hand out an updated photo or set of photos of the same project or the same amenity package in Riverview. So concerning the concept plan, I already hit on the open space. I

don't

have access to what was handed out earlier. But I would characterize the difference between the plan that's approved today and the plan that is presented today. In addition to the open space being significantly improved, it is spreading out and making it less dense. These townhomes are what we expect of a modern product unlike the apartment style, highly concentrated apartment buildings in the prior plan. There was a mention of secondary access.

So we will have our primary access just like the approved plan on Tartan Road. In the prior iteration, secondary access which importantly important to note, it's emergency only. So this would be NOxbox for first responders aided not for use by residents or third parties or guests. But before, that was proposed to be out on 66. There's a Duke Easement that runs along 66 between the project and that road. That's not possible. So secondary access is now also on Tartan. But to be clear, that's not going to add more traffic to Tartan. That would only be used by a first responder in an emergency. Next in your packet is a master landscape and tree preservation plan.

I mentioned that Ms. Stancil is here from Mike Papen Associates. They've really gone above and beyond. Again, these are we need to not only meet city standards, but we have two other things at play. One is that Heathbrook has its own set of standards. But more importantly, Kenward and the applicant group at Eisenhower have higher expectations within their communities. And so the landscaping plan is very thorough. It's more detailed than we typically see. I'm not going to belabor this because actually coming into tonight, I have other exhibits to show you, particularly about the east boundary. At PNZ, we were surprised.

This plan is so much better than the existing plan, in my opinion. We were surprised but understand concerns of those on the East side. At PNZ, was I thought more about less about the wetland and more about the visual and what they may expect on their back porch having coffee being a neighbor to this project. Knowing that Ms. Stansell and her team did a really good job to go above and beyond with this landscaping plan, I have exhibits to show you and to show them as well.

And we talked about it outside about what a nice job we've done on this east boundary. First of all, when council, when the city approved the DRI back in the day, there's a 25 foot strip east of our east boundary, which is owned by the Heathbrook HOA, and that's all wooded and improved. Then we'll have our own buffer excuse me, berm within our buffer, wall, retaining wall, and then additional shade trees and ornamentals. So it's a really, really substantial buffer, much more than we normally see. There will be 50 feet of buffer between their property line and improvements to this project.

Speaking with them prior and then hearing the public comment, I understand that that's not an issue. So I'm not going to waste your time with that. But this is really over landscaped in a nice way. So if you have any questions about that, please don't hesitate to ask. I also heard a comment about traffic. As you know, being part of the Heathbrook DRI, there have been multiple traffic studies done over the years. Everything within the Heathbrook DRI is reserved as long as we're not adding units or intensity. We're not here. We're proposing the same number. So those reserve trips are there and we're not having any there won't be any adverse impact on traffic.

That's already been accounted for by the DRI and those trips have been assigned. There are two deviations predominantly. One relates to the berms around our DRAs. The other relates to the road circulation, block lengths and dead ends. That is really related to two things let's start with the latter.

When it comes to block lengths, because of the circulation plan within this project was designed to minimize impacts. We have a lot of wetlands on-site. And so it was designed thoughtfully to minimize those impacts and still make the project viable. So there are in two locations, I would describe it as our Southwest portion of the project and Southeast portion of the project, two areas where we have stub outs with cul de sacs where cars can turn around. On the Southwest side, both of those terminate in cul de sacs.

So those dead ends have been removed. On the east side, the west side terminates in a cul de sac with some parking on it. So that's fine. On the Southeast corner, there is technically a dead end, it is only 118 feet and it serves about four units. So it's really only going to be used by four owners who take that road, turn into their driveway and park and back out and leave.

We did work with staff to make sure that from the fire safety and FPA standpoint, that didn't cause a problem for fire. It does not. So it's really just a style design form issue and we're confident that it fits. Block lengths, we don't technically have blocks within such a circular plan as I referenced. So we're happy to take that as a deviation, but it's a bit of a different take on things than your typical block.

And then finally, the berms. We're trying, again, to limit or avoid these wetlands and limit any wetland impacts. These berms have been designed for maximum capacity. I do have a visual if you'd like to see it. Believe that's in your packet as well.

Around each DRA, we have code that says we have to berm it and maintain a certain slope and every so many feet have another berm. We are proposing to minimize those berms because all that does is add the ability to add capacity to that pond. We do want to make sure the purpose of the width of those berms is to make sure that zero turn mowers or tractors or whoever's maintaining the DRA can get in there safely. So as long as we're on a four to one slope and we have a berm of a sufficient width, we're safe. In this case, just to put it out there or help you think about it, the city's requirement is 15 feet, the county's is five feet.

We're asking for 10 feet a 10 foot wide berm at the top of slope is just fine to navigate a zero turn or a tractor. Okay, so to the issue we heard about, wetlands. First and foremost, many, many projects that come before you operate on a continuum. And oftentimes, the person standing before you, who I represent, is the purchaser who's first trying to make sure that whatever the planning and zoning, the entitlements of the city allow for the development that they want to pursue, that they think is viable. Obviously, next in that process, there are many steps related to storm water, related to wetlands in many cases.

That is all handled typically after, frankly, we're in this position with the state in some cases with Army Corps, but with DEP and Swift Mudd. So those are all state level reviews. Mr. Kleimer is here and he can come up and add more detail because in this case they're actually far they're underway in the course of those reviews. But the lawyer's version of what has to be shown when you're going through that process is that you're not adversely impacting the environment or any other adjacent owners, That all storm water within the project is properly managed so that post development it is better performing than it was pre development.

So an undeveloped site like this, for example, some of you may have driven through 66th on days where we've had many heavy rains and 66 is underwater. We've had to send traffic around the westbound lane on 66 because of those conditions before. When this is developed, post will be better than pre. That will be part of the pre permitting process. In addition, and I want to get him up here to make sure that you have a technical explanation before I close, but what Mr.

Kleimer's team has to do on a going forward basis with SwiftMud is make sure that they show that we're avoiding these wetlands to the extent we can, that to the extent they're unavoidable, that we're minimizing any impacts. If that then there's a way we have to deal with that if we can't do that. But they can at the end of the day. That's where this analysis stops because that's what they're doing. There are significant wetlands throughout this whole site. Mr. Kleimer, will you mind coming up? I don't want to get into the technical, but I want to let him cover some of the detail before I start trying to sound like an engineer.

Bo Kleimer, Kleimer Farner Barley. 2100 Southeast 17th Street, Suite 202. There are approximately 6.41 acres of wetland on-site. The proposed impact is about 1.6 acres. We have gone through all of our environmental reports, due diligence.

There was a formal jurisdictional wetland delineation done in 2024 that holds until 2029 based on an old firm. So we're still using that wetland delineation. We submitted to the Southwest Florida Water Management District who governs wetlands on April 3. We just received the first request for additional information on May 1. And there was no concern at that time based on the RAI we received of the impact.

Based on every project, whether it has a wetland or not, you are supposed to have an environmental scientist meet you from that's on staff with the water management district, meet you on-site to determine they agree. That's taking place on this site on May 29. And so from a conceptual plan when we started this about over a year ago, we laid the site out to be the most efficient and to get the allowable density with the updated product compared to the original current PUD. As you can see from all of the other renditions, current PUD's, etcetera, the wetland one to the west has been preserved, which needs to be because it's at the bottom of a two fifty acre swarm water basin. So we have lowered flood stages.

We have looked at back to back one hundred years. We have looked at we're governed by DOT and looked at the one hundred year, two forty hour storm for 17 inches of rain. So we've gone through all of the check boxes from a jurisdictional level and environmental reports concern to some of the public that are required.

Do you have any technical questions for him? Because you can tell he knows more about the technical side of this than I do. Yes, sir.

One question on this. So I'm looking at the left. So what's my bottom of my DRA on the left on the wetland number one versus wetland number two?

Bottom is 55.

55. What's the one number two?

Pond number two. Your Pond Number 2, it's a perch condition, so you're at a 74.

Where where you have it covered? Like, right now, you have on the old one you had Pond Number 2 would be on the West. Now you've got it with buildings on it. What is my bottom of my DRA there?

We don't have whatever it is that they handed out. And so you may be referring to May I?

So

the question is what on the right hand side you've got looks like all your DRAs are on the left with your that is your lows like for the whole property. Is the right how what was the depth of that?

The depth it's actually a perch condition so it's there's no hole. It's 50 foot of grade fall from the southeast corner to wetland to the west. It's 50 foot in

Okay. So it's not holding anymore?

It's a continuous kind of perch condition. Yes. So the downstream bowl is around

a Is 50 on the left side?

Correct. Yes, sir.

Okay. So before this was they had left that open, you're saying that that and you're not having to bring in any fill there?

We have to bring in fill to yes, sir. We have to bring in fill to sustain the the the project from from a wall perspective and then the 50 foot of a rate change. So a a tremendous amount of fill will be added on top of that less the the the impact.

But everything's then is going to the wetland number one, which in the middle, right?

The middle on the west. Yes sir.

And then it flows into the big DRA?

Yes sir. All flows.

That's all natural. You're not touching that, right?

We're not

touching it at all. No sir. Okay. We also have proven hydration through the wetland such that it's not dried out or it receives too much water such that the the wildlife there experiences anything different. So we've shown a mean annual hydrograph to the water management district to support that and they haven't had any comments.

Are we using that in any of

the calculations that you have to have for the DRAs? Or is that nodding?

Do I have any of the calculations in the packet? Yeah. No, sir. We didn't provide any calculations.

It was just asked a question. Yep. Okay.

Thank you.

We're also entitled to a certain amount of storm water that's allotted to the existing pond north of the wetland one.

I see. Okay. Thank you.

But you're hitting on the issue which is this all falls toward that wetland that's being entirely preserved. And that's how the topography of the site works. And that's why it's been designed this way. That's why the improvements on the eastern side of the project are where they are. It minimizes and avoids the wetlands to the extent we need to and it minimizes impact. And that amounts to a little over an acre and a half. But that's not, I hate to say, the most valuable wetland. The really valuable wetlands on that West side.

And impervious, you're less than the original, correct?

From a, yes. From an open space, we add more so be less impervious. And we're less in back to back storm events, one hundred year storm events, 22 inches of rain. So we have gone above and beyond drainage. I've met with previous engineers on the site to see their input on it. And we're also governed by DOT who has a larger storm event, the one hundred year two forty hour which is 17 inches of rain.

Okay, understood. Thank you. I had

a question. But you're encroaching I mean, you have more open space but you're encroaching more on more wetlands with this second plan, correct? As opposed to what is approved in the first option, right?

The first option of the approved PD? Yes, sir. We are impacting that wetland to and its entirety to the at 1.6 acres.

I ask a question? Who identifies the wetlands? Is it the Water Management District?

Yes. That wetland delineation that he's referring to from 2024, the owner right now who's under contract to sell it to our client went through that process and did a wetland delineation which is confirmed by SwiftMud.

Yes. And it's valid for five years. So an environmental scientist goes out and looks at different indicators to establish that line. Okay.

Any other questions?

Yes. I guess in closing, you have any questions, please, please ask them. It's a much better design. It does impact a wetland, 1.6 acres of a wetland. But it preserves what is really the high quality portion of that wetland. Overall, with a significant increase in open space, reduction in impervious to your question, it's just a better overall. It's going to perk better and it's going be an overall better overall design. So we're here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

Thank you. Council, any more questions? No? Alright. We take it for a vote then. That'll clerk?

Mister Hilty? No. Mister Mansfield?

Aye.

Miss Dreyer? Aye. Mister Bethea?

Aye. Nine c the adoption of resolution twenty twenty six dash 31. Do I hear a motion to approve this item?

So moved.

Is this miss Endara is recognized for a presentation? Just chop up your name, right? Endira?

Good afternoon for the record, Endira Madrevirn. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the Saving Mercy PD and standards book to allow for the following modifications to increase the total number of residential units from 144 to 200, consisting of 20 duplex units and 180 multi family apartment units. They're increasing the maximum permitted building height from 35 to 45 feet. Revising the development layout to reflect four phases including the 20 existing duplex units and three multi family apartment buildings. These revisions incorporate additional minor non substantial revisions as well.

There are several key factors that we considered. The subject property encompasses a total of approximately 9.31 acres, is currently developed with 20 duplex units, an administrative office building, and two story apartment building containing 59 multi family units that are under construction currently. The subject property is designated as employment center future land use category, which has a maximum density of 24 dwelling units per acre. The existing PD was granted a variation through its previous revisions to reduce the amount of required parking spaces from 1.5 parking spaces per unit to one parking space per unit. There is no additional variations from code that's being requested through this amendment.

Staff does find that the existing PD was approved to provide transitional housing support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The proposed amendment would increase the total number of units from 144 to 200, as well as the building height from 35 feet to 45 feet. That the proposed amendment revises the development layout to reflect four phases. Phase one is complete and phase two is currently under construction. The employment center future land use, as stated before, has a maximum dwelling units per acre, 24 dwelling units per acre.

The proposed density is changing from 15.47 to 21.48 dwelling units, which is still within that maximum density allowance. The PD plan is consistent with the minimum standards of the PD district, section 120 two-nine 42 of our code of ordinances. The proposed rezoning is compatible with the our comprehensive plan and the city's code of ordinances. City utilities are available. No level of service issues have been identified.

At their meeting in April, PNC voted approval of this amendment and staff recommends approvals with the conditions outlined in your staff report. A representative for the applicant is here to answer any questions as well, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Is there any comments from the public in regards to this matter? Do the representative have anything they wanna say?

Just be brief. Chuck Pigeon, Adora Group Inc. Engineering, registered professional civil engineer. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to ask I mean, answer them. And we're trying to move this project along. It's taking a little bit longer for phase two. Had a little bit of construction glitch from some folks out of the country that were supplying materials, and those materials didn't show up. So we're trying to solve that problem now. But it it's the project's going well. Appreciate if you have any questions.

Question for you. The 45 foot is is three stories?

Yes, sir. That was to go the current building under construction is two story. But to to to make a smaller footprint, allow more open space, a bigger playground, park area, three stories, it became both better economic from an economic standpoint and from a land use standpoint. It's much further away from Silver Springs Boulevard. So therefore, you may not see the top roof. Even if look past the two story, you might get to see the three story.

I would only say on this project, I mean I know that there's some homeless that are moving in but it's also an affordable housing option which we are, I get so many calls every day for people with affordable housing. We've been able to get some people that are lined up to be able to get in. So there's a huge need for it in our community. So I do agree with this moving forward.

Yes. It's an affordable housing product, but it is an exceptionally well built product. I was amazed what kind of construction they used for this facility.

I'm going there if there's a hurricane, definitely.

Thank you, sir.

Yes, sir.

Alright. Counsel, any questions or concern?

I would just mimic what the mayor said. We were actually out there not that long ago and it was amazing how beautiful their building is and I'm excited to see it when it's finished.

Caller row.

Miss Dreyer. Aye. Mister Mansfield.

Aye.

Mister Hilty. Aye. Mister Bethe.

Aye. Nine d, the adoption of revolution twenty twenty six dash thirty two. Do I hear a motion to approve this item? So move. Second?

Second.

Miss Adera, you're back.

Good afternoon. For the record, I'm Dheera Madhjavaran, the Growth Management Department. The applicant is requesting to amend the PD PD Standards Book, which were originally approved in March 2023. The amendment proposes minor changes to the overall development layout, including internal lock configurations, setbacks, roadways, development standards, future rights of way. Internal setbacks are now established and will apply to both residential and commercial lots, whereas prior standards only address external property boundaries.

The plan also identifies signage locations for residential areas. Previously only commercial signage was proposed. Updates to the PD standards book include the addition of a definition for ancillary structures, which will be permitted within the 100 foot height restricted buffer with a maximum height of 35 feet. The proposed changes do not increase the density or intensity of the development as maximum development allowances remain, unchanged at 11.88 acres at 11.88 units per acre. I'm so sorry.

That's incorrect. It's 11.88 acres of commercial development and 750 new residential units. I apologize. The amendments do not impact the previously approved level of service analysis and remain consistent with the adopted future land use. Staff finds that the amendment is consistent with the low intensity future land use.

The proposed development will require the extension of sewer services to the project. All other city utilities are available at this location, and no level of service issues have been identified. At their meeting in April, PNC, voted to recommend approval for this resolution. Staff recommends approval with the conditions outlined in the staff report, and a representative for the applicant is in audience as well. I'm happy to answer any questions.

Any questions from the public? Do the applicant representative have anything to say?

Oh, no.

Council president, Fred Rogers, 40 South East 11th Avenue, Ocala here on behalf of the applicant. This is predominantly an amendment to allow for the configuration of single family residential on that portion, which was also contemplated as multi family previously. The conditions are acceptable to the applicant. Happy to answer any questions or to go through this in greater detail. Project continue with representative Kimley Horner here as is the developer. So happy to go through into the detail you'd like to or stand by and wait for public comments.

Any questions? Mm-mm. Thank you. Thank you. Now that's the shortest time we gotta make sure we tell Jay about that.

That was impressive.

Call the roll, please.

Mister Mansfield.

Aye.

Miss Dreyer. Aye. Mister Hulte. Aye. Mister Bethe.

Aye. Item 10 a is the adoption of resolution twenty twenty six dash 33. Do I hear a motion to approve this item?

So moved. Second. Second.

Deputy city engineer Noah Cooper is recognized for presentation.

Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Noel Cooper, deputy city engineer. This agenda item supports the city strategic goals of quality of place and operational excellence. The city was awarded a fiscal year '23 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant by the USDOT for supplemental studies. The amount of the grant from USDT was in the amount of $104.00.

The city march was 26,000 for a total of 130,000. On 01/30/2025, city council approved the agreement with the Dora for the supplemental studies. The supplemental studies include a city wide local road safety plan and a speed management traffic common plan. Public engagement for the planning studies included two community meetings, a project website, an interactive comment map, and online survey. And additionally, we had a stakeholder advisory group which met twice during the study.

And we had a city council workshop on 05/12/2026. The Ocala safety action plan consists of both the city wide local road safety plan and also the speed management traffic calming plan. The plan would be these plans will be used to improve roadway safety for all users. The safety plan will also allow us to pursue safety improvement grant opportunities. The Ocala safety plan aligns with the Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan led by FDOT and also the Ocala Marion TPO Commitment to Zero Action Plan.

Staff recommends approval and I'm here to answer any question. A representative from our consultant, Adora, is here, is present.

Is there any questions or comments from the public? Council? Call the roll.

Mister Hulte? Aye. Mister Mansfield?

Aye.

Miss Dreyer? Aye. Mister Bethea?

Aye. 10 b, the approval of additional expenditures under the agreements for citywide interior and exterior painting services. Do I hear a motion to approve this item?

So moved.

Second. Second. Facilities division head, Gary Cruz, is recognized for a presentation.

Good evening, city council mayor. I'm I'm Gary Cruz, the facilities division head for the city of Ocala. This evening, I'm requesting your approval of this agenda item relevant to Ocala's strategic goal for quality of place. The approval of the additional funds provides painting services citywide and allows the completion for the remaining CIP twenty twenty six locations. I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Anybody in the public have any questions? Council? Call the roll.

Miss Dreyer? Aye. Mister Hilty? Aye. Mister Mansfield? Aye. Mister Bethe?

Aye. Thank you. 10 c is the approval of the award of contract with HDR Engineering Inc. Do I hear a motion to approve this item?

So moved.

Is there a

second? Second.

Transit administrator Tom Duncan is recognized for his presentation.

Good afternoon. Tom Duncan, transit administrator. This afternoon's item I have before you meets Ocala's strategic goals of fiscally sustainable and operational excellence. In January of this year, the city released a request for proposal for the procurement of professional services to perform a comprehensive operational analysis of Suntrans operations. Six proposals were received and the city's selection committee met in April to review these and evaluate them against the scope of work.

Based off that review, we found that HDR Engineering was a highest ranked firm. And this afternoon, what we'd like to recommend is the approval of the contract with HDR Engineering for their comprehensive operational analysis in an amount not to exceed $215,998. This is funded with FDA capital funds, requires no local match from the city or county. Staff recommends approval. I'm here to answer any questions that you may have.

Any comments from the public? Counsel?

I have a comment.

So what are we doing?

So this COA, as we refer to it

Understood. It is

We're having somebody else come in and actually go through everything we're doing for an analysis. We're paying $250,000

Correct. What they'll do is a strategic analysis. They'll look at our entire operations.

We don't have anybody in house

that does any of this stuff?

The staff took the direction to bring consultants in that handle this. HDR is actually a company, I believe, that did our transportation development plan back in 'twenty three, if I remember right. We chose to or the decision was discussed to bring in experts in the field to look at all of our operations. And then we added an element.

How long have you been running Centurion?

It's been in operation since 'ninety eight, and I believe it came over to the city in 2019, 2018 time frame before me.

And they never had any con did they ever have a

When it was under the county, they had done a COA. I have records of a COA from 2017, I believe. Don't I have those specific details with me right now. And so part of this COA, what I wanted to add into it is our agreement with RAP Dev is coming up for review. Actually, we're going be renegotiating or bidding that contract.

We also wanted to add an element in there so that we can evaluate the cost effectiveness of moving forward with the contract or other options. What staff didn't want to do is come before City Council with a new operations and maintenance contract in the millions of dollars and not have another option available and the COA is bringing that component in as well.

Jeff, I can tell you're looking at me funny. It's just to me, seems like I've just a lot of money for a report that we should know what we're doing anyhow and I think we've done a couple other reports on some other you know departments and we haven't about you know done anything about those so I don't know I just I'm just asking a question.

Yeah. For the record, Jess from Growth Management. It's been about, I think, ten years or maybe a little more since the last one of these has been done. Why this is important is from the standpoint of getting a third party, and it's gonna be detailed. I mean, looking at they're gonna run through all the all of our federal state grant process. They're gonna look at all the routes, the efficiencies of all that. It's really an efficiency looking at that. It's looking at the financials. It's looking at everything, and we really do need to reassess that. This is gonna be the building block for when we get into the transit development plan, which is our long range plan.

So it's going to build upon that as far as recommendations to changes to that. It's going to look at the financials, which has been a a hot topic of late to make sure that we're doing everything as efficiently as we can to make sure that there's funding sources in place to maintain the system because we we obviously have some concerns on that moving forward. It's important that we get this from a third party as well, and that's the industry standard on these things. I agree with you from the cost standpoint. I if I recall back in my prior MPO days, I think these these plans were in the in the order of about 75 to $100,000. So, obviously, things have increased. But I hope that helps a little bit. It it is important for us.

I understand we have to have an audit. Again, it's just I don't know. Make sure we use it. You know? I mean, let's make sure we abide by it if we do get one.

No. This is this is gonna be a key tool for us to utilize moving forward. If I could get it done sooner, we would. We really needed to have this to look at the system. And again as a building block getting into the transit development plan as we look at changes to the future long term plans.

Shouldn't this have been done before the report to the TPO was given two weeks ago?

We we were in process as as Tom mentioned. We started this process back earlier in the year. So in advance of any any concerns about our financial status on things. I don't wanna get into much of the details on that. I know the city manager and I are working through some stuff to provide some updated information on that for you all as well as meet with the county as on that topic.

We've had our finance department relook at some of the information we've provided to you at that presentation. We think with the changes that we made, we're we're okay through the end of the fiscal year. But, obviously, this is another resource after that to look at that longer term getting into the next budget year, what's our status going to look like? And so this is this financial component of the COA is going to be important and critical for us to consider those the findings of that as we move forward.

Okay. I mean I know you came to us and said that you were losing money so you had to cut routes and everything of that nature and that caused a whole stir and now we're going to go after a study that you're saying now that the accounting department looked at and says well it's not bad as it was reported to the TPO.

Yeah. Finance department has looked at it, what we came to you before was just a reduction in the service times. And if you recall from that presentation, I also mentioned the COA that we were pursuing that was gonna be coming to city council was gonna be critical for us to make the better decisions moving forward on in terms of the financial status as well. So this is the the same information we were we were trying to portray at that that meeting as well. But like I said, we did have finance relook at our financial status. They did provide us some updated figures on that indicating there's not a concern that we had before.

Can I ask a question?

Sure ma'am.

So are we we're looking at the routes we currently have. Are we also looking at expanding some of the routes like out I know we serve the county but there's a lot of additional growth in the county that's taken place.

That's where that's where the transit development plan when we get into that, which will initiate late this year, early next year. So after the COA and as part of that going into that plan update, that's when we're gonna look at are the routes that we have and the COA is going to going to give us information on, are there better efficient efficiencies that we could gain by changing some of the routes, con configurations that we currently have? And then what's our ability to expand as we know that there are need needs in other areas as well? So this will dovetail into the transit development plan as we get into looking at the bigger picture on where is the system going to go in the next five to ten years.

Thank you.

Any other questions? Having none. Call the roll.

Miss Dreyer? Aye. Mister Hilty? Aye. Mister Mansfield? Aye. Mister Pathe?

Aye. Thank you. 10 d is the approval of the purchase of inventory items for Okela Electric Utilities. Didn't we do this last time?

We do it every time. Do

I hear a motion to approve this item? Second. Is there a second?

Second.

Utility director Doug Peebles is recognized for a presentation.

Thank you. Good afternoon, council mayor. Doug Peebles, director of Ocala Electric Utility. This item supports council's strategic goal of operational excellence. The inventory items included in this agenda item are ductile iron, concrete and wooden poles used in new construction, capital improvement projects and storm hardening maintenance. These items were approved through the FY twenty six budget. Approximately 30% of this inventory cost will be reimbursed through developer and customer agreements. Staff recommends your approval and I'm here to answer any questions.

Any comments from the public? Council?

Thank you, Doug, for telling us that they're helping paying for some of the stuff. Yep.

Call the roll.

Mister Mansfield?

Aye.

Mister Hilty? Aye. Miss Dreyer? Aye. Mister Bethe?

Aye. Thank you. T and E is the approval of a request to retroactively approve the expenditure of $8,277 in SHIP funding for the Simpson rehabilitation. Do I hear a motion to approve?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Community Housing Service Director James Haynes is recognized for his presentation.

Good evening. James Haynes, Director of Community Housing Services. This agenda item meets the strategic goal of operational excellence. So on 12/09/2025, the Florida Housing Finance Council completed the compliance monitoring of the city's twenty twenty two, twenty twenty three SHIP grant, which was our closeout year grant for compliance with the state. During the course of that monitoring, it was observed that the city exceeded its internal limit for SHIP rehabilitation projects for the Simpson rehabilitation job that was approved by city council on 07/09/2022.

The expenses were exceeded by $8,276.68. That job was originally approved on 07/09/2022 in the amount of a $117,536. There was preconstruction cost of $1,725 for asbestos testing and mold testing. We also expended $4,149.68 on January 10 under the city's citywide tree contract to cut down trees that were threatening the residents. There were three change orders that totaled $10,416 during the course of the project.

During the monitoring, it was discovered that the expenses exceeded the city's internal maximum amount of 125,000 by $8,002.76 88. The monitor had three recommendations, either the ship admin funding, if it was available, could be used to pay this back or a technical revision to the LHAP requesting authorization from the state could be submitted or a submission to the city council seeking retroactive approval for the amount by which the award was exceeded. Because the city had already increased the maximum rehabilitation amount to a 150,000 in its current LHAB to account for rising construction costs, staff seeks council's approval for recommendation number three, the retroactive approval to exceed the 2023 threshold of a 125,000 for ship owner occupied rehabilitation. This will avoid the repayment of $8,276.88 to the state, and staff recommends approval.

Any comments from the public? Council?

James. That's a nice tie. Thank you. That's it.

Call the roll.

Miss Dreyer. Aye. Mister Mansfield.

Aye.

Mister Hilty. Aye. Mister Bethea.

Aye. Thank you.

10 f. Approval of budget resolution twenty twenty six dash one four two. Do I hear a motion to approve this item?

So moved. Is there a second?

Second.

Economic development manager, Roberto Ellis.

For the record, Roberto Ellis, economic development manager. This item was presented earlier at the CRA board meeting. It was recommended for approval. It was approved by the CRA board. With the grant that was awarded earlier, we have maxed out all the funds that were budgeted for the current fiscal year. This will allow us to move forward with other grant applications. It pertains to operational excellence and quality of place. The staff recommends approval.

Okay. So I I do have a person that would like to speak. Jonathan Tom Half.

I've not done this kind of thing before, so you'll excuse me if I stumble a bit. I am Marciano and City Council members. The reason Sir?

Give us your name and address, please, for

Jonathan Tomhave. Address, 3895 South Southeast 51st Court in Ocala. And I'm a new resident. Been here a year and a half. And in that time, we purchased some property.

And I've been dealing with Roberto and Edwin and Charlita and Sarah all for a a concept, I would say. In contrast to many of the other proposals that you've seen before us today, there's an idea that is being voted on. And the idea is whether it's worthwhile to continue restoration and improvement and renewal in the historic district. And I think that concept is a good concept. And not only that, we've been voting for it in a way that you might think is unusual.

And that is, it's here because it's a success. And it's asking to be more successful than it has been. And the way it's been voted on is that there are a lot of people working on these historic properties, and they vote with hammers, they vote with nails, with paintbrushes, with new windows, etcetera. And all those votes are worth tallying, and they lead me to believe that we should continue this project and expand the project. I don't want you to change your ideas on this project. I want you to reaffirm it and to continue it and to expand it. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. Is there any other comment comments from the public? Council? Call the roll.

Mister Hilty?

Aye.

Miss Dreyer? Aye. Mister Mansfield?

Aye.

Mister Bethea.

Aye. Alright. Assistant City Manager. Report.

Just two things, council, really quick. We had a very successful Sand and Sun Festival this past Saturday between eleven and five. It was well attended. A lot of people had a lot of fun, so it's really nice to see that. And speaking of fun, we'll also have our Rhythm Fest Festival, May 30, which is a Saturday from eleven to five at Webfield. And got a really good lineup for that. The Family Stone will start off or be the headliner. And a lot lot of of fun and games for kids and families to enjoy. So looking forward to that as well. And that's all I've got, sir.

Thank you, sir. Agenda item 13 Ocala Police Department.

Mike Balkin, Police Chief. Good afternoon, everybody. For the police department's public safety report, our total incident reports or incidents rather rose just a half a percent ending the period with 7,762 calls. We saw a 6% reduction in proactive calls work. That's likely attributable to a significant 13% increase in dispatch calls for service, which totaled over 2,800 calls that period.

Of those, calls excuse me, crime calls rose from two sixty seven to three sixteen. That's a significant increase of 18%. Arrests decreased from two twenty four to 179. Our traffic stops rose substantially by 26% totaling over 1,000 and our crash rate dropped by about 9% with 140 for the period. Real quick, did want to wrap up tonight by highlighting, if I can get back.

There we go. Sorry. By highlighting our K-nine unit, those folks are out there working pretty significant cases going after the worst of worst throughout the community Each and every shift for those of you that don't know, we have seven teams currently out there. Six of those are assigned to our patrol division and they work everything from building searches to apprehensions, canine drug stiffs and things like that. Our seventh dog is assigned to our Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. That is a single purpose dog and that dog's job is solely to identify and recover illicit drugs from the street. Got a quick video

just

Our main job function is for patrol. We're looking for any warrant that's got a violent misdemeanor or any felony warrant. We're available for drug sniffs.

Dogs really give us a tool to be able to find narcotics and get those drug traffickers and people that are possessing things they shouldn't be possessing off the streets.

We use these dogs to track very dangerous people. We can find guns that people have tossed into the wood line. Any time that we're able to get a bad guy off the street, whether it be a dope sniff and we find drugs or doing a track where we get an apprehension.

Get on the ground.

You know, somebody that committed a violent felony or anything of that nature, I think that makes a big difference.

Dogs go through extensive training. So we like doing any kind of drill that really reinforces discipline. Sergeant Rodriguez can literally touch Graham's face with that sleeve, leave it, and he will not bite it. Leave it. Pocket. Oh. Drills like this reinforces his ability to listen and pay attention to what

I

say.

It really is, truly is the best job that you would imagine.

That's a good boy, buddy.

We got the best job hands down. I I love the bond that I have with Diesel. I know Diesel will give me a 110% no matter what day it is, what time it is. If I'm asking him to do something, he's gonna he's gonna do it, he's gonna have my back on him. We'll do anything for each other.

Some great teams. Last year's operational activities included nearly 700 drug sniffs, eight forty nine arrest assists, 138 of those coming directly from the canine handlers themselves. They assisted the sheriff's office a dozen times. They had 36 non bite captures along with 13 bite captures. Part of their work obviously involves removing dangerous and illegally possessed items from our streets.

From last year's numbers, you can see they were extremely busy seizing 22 illegally possessed firearms, over 1,200 grams of narcotics and nearly $15 in illegally held cash. Certainly due to the high risk work that they're tasked with doing, it involves a tremendous amount of ongoing training over 1,800 last year alone combined. I say all that to say this, unfortunately with the current state of affairs throughout the world, you're going to see me push forward for the acquisition of a explosives detection dog. We've had some significant incidents that were hampered or delayed by us having to rely on other agencies explosive dogs. So that's coming before you soon and that'll be paid for through completely through community donations.

That's all I have. Thank you.

Good afternoon. Clint Welburn, fire chief. And for our two week department update, you can see the unit responses. Rescue three, this time with 158 in the lead there, and engine one for the engine side with 114. Two zero two motor vehicle accidents, six structure fires, 36 community paramescene and core calls for a total call for this period ten eighty two, bringing the total for this year 10,370.

The crews did have a significant week when it came to types of calls, multiple significant calls this week. We captured a few. We weren't able to capture all, but there's a little video. So outside of that, also would like to welcome our new apparatus for Rescue seven. And then also this week is EMS week, May 17 through the twenty third.

That's all I have, unless you have any other questions.

Who took the kitten? Any of your firefighters?

No, the one that was got out of the gutter was taken by the caller, the resident of the caller.

Oh, nice. That's awesome. Chief, think we Chief Falcon, we've step up our game and rescue a dog or something. Good job.

City Attorney, Mr. Okay, so I do have a public comment, Ms. Patricia Tumlinson, regarding curbside Recycling.

Tomlinson, 606 SE 33rd Avenue, Ocala, Florida. This just recently got on my radar. I knew nothing about it until about a week ago. I'm extremely dismayed about the cessation of curbside recycling in the city of Ocala. Deliverable one waste management system capacity analysis from May 2025 confirms that we are running out of space in our landfills and the cessation of recycling is only going to make this worse.

In addition, data shows that people are up to 60 to 70% more likely to recycle when it is simple and convenient. When barriers such as travel and other things from a facility are removed. The likelihood of a household recycling is cut roughly in half when people must travel at drop off sites. I am fully aware that rising costs are an issue. However, I also know that our garbage disposal costs are rising regardless of the recycling program.

I am also aware that contamination is a problem and that incorrect items are being placed in the recycling bins. However, there has been very little public education as to proper recycling procedures. I have lived here for ten years. I have seen nothing other than a small magnet that comes every year and one can put on one's fridge. So I think a lot of the problems that we are facing with contamination and improper recycling is from lack of education.

People must be taught in order to do things correctly if you want them to. They simply don't know how to do it. Each of you was elected to our community to solve problems and I really encourage you to solve this. Ocala is a world famous destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor spaces, it's beloved by tourists, those of us who live here in the community and call it home. With our natural resources excuse me we tout our natural resources and advertise them in commercials, trade publications and even international places as paradise.

Yet it is proposed, well actually apparently it's planned that Ocala has no convenient city wide recycling program curbside and I find that incredible after all of the natural resources we tout on a daily basis. I cannot urge you enough to find a better way. Thank you. Thank you.

Alright, agenda item 17. Pay attention to your calendars for information that is pertinent to us. Alright. Agenda item 18. Mayor, comments.

Thank you, council president. Last week we had the fallen officer memorial on Thursday. Every year it's at Veterans Memorial Park. You know, chief and I talked afterwards and just we have to do a better job. I think he and I both agree in how we get that out in the community and have representation there for that day.

A lot of the family members come out and these are officers who died in the line of duty. We have a lot of officers and deputies who come locally and from across the state but there's not a lot of representation of our citizens and we're going to push really hard next year so I'd ask the same. We'll get in front of it. We'll get it out to you but we'd really like to have the support out there to the families and the people who gave their lives. Last meeting I talked about our domestic violence center and being concerned that it was going to be there was going be a little bit of transition going from CASA to being locally run and that there was going to be a gap, a shortfall of funding.

And I'm pleased to announce that Meadowbrook Church and Advent both stepped up significantly. I'm not going to give them out but a group of local volunteers I see David Tillman in here today. There's a group of local volunteers that work extensively to make this happen so I'm really excited to see that this is going to create a great runway to have this great facility that's going to be run locally by the sexual assault center and I know it's going to save lives and it was a significant amount and that will be announced pretty soon. Again just very grateful for them. Admin's doing a lot in our community lately.

I'm sure you're seeing it out in the community. But this was a significant gift that will create a sustainable future for Lotus is what it's called now. And then lastly, I'm glad that we took a moment of silence for Randall. You know, Randall and I would talk quite frequently. He was a New York Giants fan. I'm a Giants fan. And we talked about this being the year that they do well. And I'm praying for that for him. But he was just a great man. And it kind of puts things in perspective of how short life is and to live every moment and just be kind and serve others is one of the messages that I leave but that's how Randall lived so I'm glad that we took the time to recognize him today. Thank you.

Councilman Mamfield. Good.

One thing that's come to the surface and I just want to make everybody aware that the Ritz Hotel that houses about 100 veterans because of a timing issue supposedly in putting the grant process in. They're not gonna get their funding from the VA this year. And there's gonna be of the 100 residents, 35 to 40 are gonna become homeless on October 1 when this funding ends. We've been working a little bit behind the scenes, but it became official when they gave letters to all the residents this week about their potential eviction. So I've taken it upon myself to talk to Senator Scott and Kat Kamik and other representatives, so I ask anybody that has any influence with them.

The VA denied it because what I'm getting is they were twelve minutes late in putting in the application. I'm not sure whether that is a 100% true, but they were late. The sad part is they hired a grant writing company to put it in and they missed the deadline. So we're going to have a challenge going forward come September. I know James is probably well, he's probably already left but he's probably aware of this situation coming. We're going have to look at what we do to try and help these people out.

What is their shortfall? Do you know? Their financial shortfall?

I think it was $5,000,000 Now this not only affects Ocala, it's the whole district. Tallahassee, Gainesville, Lake City and Ocala that were denied funding.

So multiple locations in that district that tallied $5,000,000 in total? What does the Ritz need

I don't to know what the Ritz is. I didn't get that number. I'll try and get that to you. Because like I say right now, originally I was told 100 people. Now I got the real number that's 35 to 40 because some of them are on rent. They're not on VA subsidized or anything like that. But all of them work with counselors to try and get jobs and all that type of stuff and move out. But it's going to be a little bit of a challenge.

We had myself, the county commissioners, I know several others wrote letters in support to try to get them to look at this since it was several minutes late and we didn't we obviously couldn't get it done. I feel like the number is close to a million dollars is what I remember hearing but we should confirm that. I'm sure the county and Cheryl Martin is working on something but we need to obviously do whatever we can to support our veterans. Maybe we can also talk to Saving Mercy and see in the meantime if that's a contingency plan that we can have some of those housing units lined up if we have to. I don't know but we need to do something. So thanks for bringing it to light.

Councilwoman Dreyer.

I'm good. Thank you, sir.

All right. I have nothing this evening.

Mr. President. Yes.

I'm told there's someone who didn't turn in a comment card but would still like to make a public comment if it's the pleasure of counsel to allow that.

Come to the podium. State your name and address.

Thank you very much for being here. I wasn't sure when I was waiting until the agenda was over to see. My name is Mamie Fisher. I live at 480 Southwest 22nd Place, Ocala, Florida, in the community subdivision of Bear Track Ranch. I was coming because our community, we followed through.

I've been to meetings for the zoning and the development and all and I've been on record that. And I think this council had record before from the zoning and all of the development that was planned behind us. And that was our first meeting with the attorneys and the developer for that KS project. A big huge going in behind us which is totally green lands, wetlands. We have coyotes, we have bears, we have everything.

And when they came to us back on 02/17/2025, Timberwood, another project, but ours is more directly involved with this development. We met with them at the College of Central Florida and we had one meeting with them with their one of the attorneys that were there. The main one was Mr. Roberts. We put our comments, we listened to what they said.

At that time it was 1,500 homes they were going to put in that development. Our concerns were mainly of the environment, privacy coming in right behind us because we all have bigger, more acreage homes and as well as the Greenlands. The other thing now is we thought when I had talked to Ms. Lucky at that, that we were told and when the two developments from the zoning was done on Mondays that we would be about the city council on Tuesdays and we had been waiting to receive that and then we had just found out maybe that is our lateness but we weren't informed or involved at Brailing and Zoning when I was here. Those attorneys for that development said they would get with us, each group, individually of our housing areas.

They have not done anything. They haven't touched us, received us, commented, anything since that February of twenty fifth initial meeting for plans. Now we find out after the fact on the paper of Caligazette that they had met. It got approved. Apparently May 5 was the second meeting and it was finalized. I had addressed the council for Mr. Hilty. He did respond to me back explaining that. I tried to get Mr. Musilah but the phone number the city gave me was no good to try to reach people.

So this is why I am here tonight that what happened with the city attorneys, city council, whatever happened that we weren't regarded. And those attorneys and developers never got with us like they said with us. I read your meetings from that night. They have not gotten with us any to develop it, what they're doing, what they're going to do. We were promised 25 feet, then we were promised 50 feet by the surveyors that had been coming in and the big drones.

And now I understand through the minutes that that was now to 30 feet and some type of fence. So I just wanted the city to be concerned. We would have been here to sit in on those meetings but to hear that they had been with us assessing us, meeting with us, discussing with us, that was never ever done. We had the original meeting before everything went to permits for the zoning and everything. So I just wanted the city to know what happened.

Is there some other way? When we were very involved in this project, it means a lot to us. Is there some way we could be informed with those concerns? Zoning said they are working on it now to get people more informed of the meetings. And hopefully they think the city council was going to maybe adjust doing the same thing. So that was my concerns. I wanted you to know we weren't here. We didn't realize it. We would have been here, trust me. I don't think Timberwood has been reached out to as well by any of this group or this development.

They just purged through, went from 12 units to 30 units an acre. The whole thing has been kind of ramparted. We were left out. And I just think the city council should know what happened along with that. And I understand it looks like it's too late now, but I think kind of we are owed an apology. Maybe those developers can adjust with us because they did nothing. They have not approached any of us ever. And they definitely had our comments from day one, February 25. I appreciate you taking the time for me to come before you. It hurts us.

You know, I originally built my house. I've been there forty five years and have owned it. I loved Ocala. I was here before the mall when 200 had nothing on it but I think a pure gas station way out there till you got near the top of the world.

Yeah. We we we truly appreciate you come sharing with us.

Yes. You do.

Sorry that I don't I don't know if there's anything we can do. But I think mister Whitehead Yeah. Could share with mister Roberts y'all your your concern?

I did not call him and approach yet once we found out this to thee. I wanted to be with y'all first.

Okay.

Just lucky he asked me if I had addressed them. I said no, not yet. Okay. I wanted to talk to the council and before I called them because I didn't know whether they'd show up or say they did but in fact, from every resident on that and I'm on the road that they totally affect come right behind our one to two acre property. That's why we built there for privacy and we love the animals and critters behind us. I'd rather have them.

Thank you.

Thank you

for taking time for me to come before you.

Ma'am, I'll get with you right after you.

Don't we send

out letters to people within a certain proximity of a zoning change?

Yes. Thank you again for the record. Jeff Schrum, growth management. Yes. In this case, we do send out the notices, and I don't think there is anything incorrect as far as the notice and the advertisement for this. I did actually have I sent sent some correspondence today to staff that when we have citizens reach out to us to inquire or provide feedback on an application, I've asked them to create a second second list that that when we have meetings, they'll get notified on those meetings dates. That's over and above what we're required to do, but I don't think there is anything incorrect on the advertisements and notices for this case.

Okay. But letters were sent?

Yes. Okay.

Thank Okay. You.

Mayor? Yeah, I was just thinking, this is not in reference to you Jeff, I was just thinking and I'm not sure if all counsels are aware but me and counsel President Batya sit on the Opioid Settlement Committee and we have opioid settlement money at the city. From my understanding it's a pretty significant amount. I don't know what the number is but I think we should all know. I don't know if at the next meeting we could bring that back, that amount that we took in because all the money wasn't pulled together.

The city kept their portion of the money. But in a scenario like this where we have the writs that we might be having 35 veterans on the street, I think this might be an option where we could look at some of those dollars, maybe even to put some in there. But I think if we could at least get the number I'm not sure if we're all aware of what that number is that we have our portion. Will, I don't know if you know that number.

I don't know what it

is off the top of my head. And I know that's paid out in annual ink.

Yeah.

Even if the sum as a round number is large and might cover that cost because it's paid out I think over five or ten years, it's you have to wait until the whole time period to accumulate that amount.

Yeah, the first year they give us the larger amount and then it starts to trim down. But I think when we hear these things, it gives you guys the opportunity to look and say is that something you want to pull from for the scenarios like this? That I think it would fall in line with it and really help a lot of people. So anyway, I think at the next meeting, if we could bring that amount and then see also if this meets the criteria that would fall in the privy to be able to use some of that funding for it and then you guys can vote on it.

Think the chief has something to add to that.

Clint Wildburn, fire chief. So real quick on that mayor. I think that we're gonna have to check. I'm pretty sure that that money is already allocated for certain programs that we're currently using.

Okay. Well, guess if we could just find out if there is any additional resources if there's some that'd be great. It's being used for your program then it lines perfectly with that. I didn't know it was being used.

Are there any other comments?

Kelly McTee. 111720. I just, really wanted to thank you and put, it in public record that the Ocala fire department saved my house almost exactly two weeks ago. Got there within about four minutes and if they wouldn't have my house, luckily it was not in that video because it had only gotten the fence and had made it up to the house, but luckily they were able to get there in time and and save my home. And I just wanna commend them.

I didn't get to see them. I was racing back from Marion Oaks, and there was no way I could get to them to thank them. And I just want them to know that the Ocala Fire Rescue saved saved the day along with the person who called 911.

Thank you. Great. Thank you.

Thank you.

Great job there, chief, you and your staff. If there's no other comments, meeting adjourned.

No. I think it's supposed to be something where you guys should have had to pay.

Well, I think you're exactly right.