Brownfields Advisory Committee (Read-Only)

110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala, FL 34471 www.ocalafl.org Ocala Brownfields Advisory Committee Minutes 2:30 PMThursday, March 16, 2023 1. Call To Order and Roll Call Elgin Carelock Ruth Etta Reed Luzonia Waters Evan Kornacki Present: Sandy CraigAbsent: Carolyn Adams Barbara Brooks Brady Fritz Excused: 2. Proof of Publication The public notice for the Brownfields Advisory Committee meeting was posted on March 1, 2023. 3. Approval of February 23, 2023 minutes February 23, 2023 and March 16, 2023 Minutes Attachments: Brownfields AC draft minutes - 2.23.23 RESULT: TABLED 4. Review of Grant Applications Ocala Site Application 26297-000-00 #3 Attachments: Ocala Site Application 26297-000-00#3 Mr. Ellis stated the two applications that were presented at the last meeting got their final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and each consultant was assigned one application. The assessment work should be kicking off as soon as the work orders are completed. Mr. Ellis reviewed Site Application 26297-000-00 #3 and added that the site is part of the Imagine North Magnolia project which is located within the North Magnolia CRA. The city envisions a commercial development on this site and will be putting out a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the next few months to solicit commercial ideas for site development. Mr. Ellis displayed a map of the North Magnolia CRA and pointed out the location of the property. He stated the buildings on the site were demolished in 2019 and then the property was acquired by the city. As of today, the site remains vacant. The two buildings labeled G are a representation of the concept the city has for this lot. He provided descriptions of the other properties in the area. He said the reason the application is being put forth is because in 2019 two Phase I assessments were completed Page 1 of 4

Brownfields Advisory Committee Minutes March 16, 2023 and the primary recommendation was for a Phase II to be done now that the City is ready to move forward with the Imagine North Magnolia project. Mr. Kornacki asked if a Phase II was ever done. Mr. Ellis responded no because the property owner stopped the project. Mr. Kornacki asked why not and was it due to a lack of funds. Mr. Ellis replied the owner at the time had a project but decided not to move forward with it. Mr. Kornacki asked if building E had already been re-mediated. Mr. Ellis responded he was not sure but stated that he could do some research to find out. He added that it is also owned by the City. There were some remediation activities completed recently along the strip there. The history behind the recommendation for the Phase II is that there were gas stations in the area and this is probably why the remediation was needed. Mr. Kornacki asked who owned the property. Mr. Ellis explained that the City owns the property. Mr. Ellis explained that the application will be recommended for approval at the next meeting when a quorum is present. He said he thought it was a good idea to review the details of the application at this meeting in case some Members cannot attend next month's meeting. Mr. Ellis said he did some research about how long Phase I and Phase II assessments are valid in response to a question asked at the last meeting. A Phase I assessment is valid for six months; after six to twelve months, the assessment has to be updated; and after a year, the assessment has to be redone. Phase II assessments have different standards. They are based on the limits of the previous assessments. He noted that if industry standards or EPA standards have changed since the time of initial assessment and project start, lender requirement or any changes to the property, may call for a new Phase II assessment. 5. Update on Brownfields Assessment Grant City of Ocala Draft Community Involvement Plan Attachments: City of Ocala Draft Community Involvement Plan Mr. Ellis said staff participated in Governor's West Neighborhood Revitalization Council and the West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council. They were able to share information about the Brownfields program and answer questions. Mr. Ellis said the other activity staff took part in was the Building Roundtable Quarterly meeting which includes builders, developers and construction companies throughout the city. He reported there was interest in the Brownfields grant and staff hopes grant applications will be submitted. He commented on the importance of having information available and clarified that staff will attend as many community meetings in the city as possible. Mr. Ellis stated the grant can be used outside of the North Magnolia and Downtown target areas. A good justification would have to be submitted along with the applications. Page 2 of 4

Brownfields Advisory Committee Minutes March 16, 2023 Mr. Ellis stated that the Community Involvement Plan was presented to get feedback from the Board. If you have comments, please email them to me; they will be reviewed and added to the plan. The good thing about this plan, is that even after it has been shared with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it can still be updated and changed during its four-year life span to fit the needs of the city. Mr. Kornacki asked for a few copies of the Brownfields Assessment Grant Program brochures to distribute to people who maybe interested in the program. Mr. Ellis replied that copies will be made after the plan has been reviewed by the EPA. They have to ensure that the design requirements meet their publicity and marketing guidelines. Mr. Kornacki asked if the EPA had to approve the brochure. Mr. Ellis replied yes because Brownfields grant funding will be allocated to print the brochures. Once EPA gives it approval, staff will print copies and circulate them to the Board. Mr. Ellis said one consultant is currently working on the site inventory which contains a list of priority sites. The initial applications are based on projects that are already in discussion or already underway. When the site inventory is completed then staff can began a more targeted approach of reaching out directly to private owners to recommend the program and see if they are interested in getting an assessment. As soon as the site inventory is done, then the grant program should gain more traction and staff should receive more applications. Ms. Waters asked about the points of contact for the Brownfields grant program. Mr. Ellis replied the two primary contacts are Aubrey Hale and I, but the Community Outreach Manager Rachel Fautsch can be added as a point of contact too. Mr. Kornacki inquired about the Poinciana Heights group; it is listed as one of the targeted groups. Ms. Fautsch responded that Poinciana Heights is a historic area located in the West Ocala community, near Dr. N. H. Jones school. There are several signs designating the area and they have an active community group. Mr. Ellis emphasized that the brochure and plan are still in draft mode and requested any comments or recommendation be emailed to him. He added that staff would happily review and include ideas in the brochures and the plan. 6. Election of Officers There was a short discussion regarding electing officers. Mr. Ellis clarified the new term started in March. Ms. Waters said her request is that the current chairman and vice chairman continue serving for another term. 7. Other Business None. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 2:48 pm. Page 3 of 4

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