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Council approves rezoning and multiple contracts; $110,150 housing rehab awarded
Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Ocala City Council adopted two rezoning ordinances, approved a developer agreement to realign Southwest Fortieth Avenue, renewed several service contracts, approved vehicle and equipment purchases, and awarded a housing rehabilitation contract funded through CDBG and the West Ocala CRA.
Ocala City Council on Feb. 18 adopted multiple ordinances and resolutions and approved a string of contracts and purchases that city staff said support transportation, utilities and community programs.
The council unanimously adopted ordinance 2025-16 (case ZON24-0007), rezoning about 5.56 acres at 2211 NE 14th Street and 1409 NE 20th Avenue to Institutional to allow an expansion of the Florida Center for the Blind. Council also adopted ordinance 2025-17 (PD24-45765), rezoning a roughly 16.43-acre parcel for phase 3 of the Emerson Point development as a Planned Development district and adopted the companion resolution 2025-14 tied to the PD standards.
Council approved a developer agreement with BI Realty, LLC and Racetrack Inc. to facilitate a realignment of Southwest Fortieth Avenue and associated infrastructure. The agreement obligates the city to reimburse up to $2,010,800 for roadway improvements (including 50% of the cost to relocate Lift Station 78) and to purchase portions of property required for the alignment at an estimated cost of $1.6 million, the deputy city engineer said.
Other approved items include the purchase of a 2025 Altec AT48M bucket truck procured through the Sourcewell cooperative; a two-year renewal of a supply contract with Airgas USA LLC for liquid carbon dioxide used by the water utility; a one-year renewal for underground and aerial fiber installation services from Service and Technology Network Solutions, Inc.; a one-year renewal with Crystal Communications, Inc.; and the award of a three-year federal lobbying and advocacy contract to Thorn Run Partners.
The council awarded Newson Construction and Consulting LLC the contract for rehabilitation of the Carter residence at a bid of $110,150. Staff said the project will be funded through the city's Community Development Block Grant program and the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area.
All motions that came before the council during the meeting were approved by voice vote or roll call as recorded in the minutes.
Votes at a glance (items discussed and final outcome): - Ordinance 2025-16 (ZON24-0007) — Adopted (rezoning to Institutional for Florida Center for the Blind expansion). - Ordinance 2025-17 (PD24-45765) — Adopted (PD rezoning for Emerson Point phase 3). - Resolution 2025-14 (PD standards/companion to PD24-45765) — Adopted. - Purchase: 2025 Altec AT48M bucket truck — Approved. - Budget resolution 2025-133 — Adopted. - Airgas USA LLC contract (2-year renewal) — Approved. - Newson Construction & Consulting LLC — Contract award $110,150 for Carter residence rehabilitation — Approved (funded by CDBG and West Ocala CRA). - Ocala Fiber Network: one-year renewal with Service and Technology Network Solutions, Inc. — Approved. - Crystal Communications, Inc.: one-year renewal — Approved. - Thorn Run Partners: three-year federal lobbying contract — Approved. - Developer's agreement with BI Realty, LLC and Racetrack Inc. (Southwest Fortieth Ave realignment) — Approved (city reimbursement not to exceed $2,010,800; estimated property purchase cost ~$1.6 million).
Council members who made and seconded motions were recorded on the floor; roll-call votes for the ordinances and resolutions were completed as part of each item’s record.
