The Magnolia CRA advisory committee recorded three formal actions during the meeting: approval of the previous meeting minutes, passage of a motion to increase the budget as presented to the committee, and approval to add murals to the North Magnolia commercial building improvement grant program.

The committee approved the prior meeting’s minutes after a motion and a second; the vote was taken by voice and recorded as passed. Later in the meeting staff described proposed budget adjustments linked to CRA priorities including an increased land-acquisition budget; a committee member moved to ‘increase the budget as presented,’ the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they will return formal budget details to the CRA board as part of the regular budget process.

The committee also voted to add murals to the North Magnolia commercial grant framework. Staff explained that the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission would review mural proposals for artist qualifications, placement and longevity and that final projects would require CRA approval prior to reimbursement. The committee’s vote authorizes the program change at the committee level; staff told the committee the related proposed $20,000 maximum commercial grant cap will be forwarded to the CRA board for final approval on March 18.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes: Motion to approve the minutes (mover/second not specified in the transcript); outcome: approved by voice vote; tally not specified.

- Budget increase: Motion to “increase the budget as presented” (mover/second not specified in transcript); outcome: approved by voice vote; tally not specified. Staff linked the request to proposed increases for land-acquisition budgeting and CRA priorities; details will be before the CRA board as part of formal budget actions.

- Murals added to commercial grant framework: Motion to add murals to the North Magnolia commercial grant framework (mover/second not specified in transcript); outcome: approved by voice vote; tally not specified. Staff will forward the $20,000 commercial cap proposal to the CRA board for final action.

Ending: The committee adjourned and noted its next meeting on March 27, 2025.