The city’s mayor defended his decision to veto a landfill ordinance in the face of criticism from city council members surprised by the decision.
Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, who vetoed the landfill measure before a vacation prevented him from attending the May 4 meeting, discussed his decision during the May 18 meeting of the Ocala City Council.
In search of a “win-win” solution, Guinn stated that he intentionally vetoed the ordinance before going on vacation so that he could have time to find a solution that “worked for everyone.”
“When I vetoed it, I was leaving to go on vacation, so I figured that I could go ahead and veto it and come back and fix it,” said Guinn. The mayor says he met with city staff and looked at the to work on some additional buffers that don’t further hinder those in the community trying to build and develop property.
“For years, you know, the residents of West Ocala have come to council and have said ‘Why do we always have to be, you know, the ones so to speak that’s dumped on, pardon the pun,” said Guinn of the decision.
Most of the council agreed that the new solution was one they would stand behind.
“You’re being fair with everybody with this,” said councilman Brent Malever.
“I would support this. As Mr. Musleh said, we’re still stuck. We still have a landfill there. Whether we do this or not, the landfill is not going to go away,” said Councilman Matthew Wardell, who recently announced that he will step down from his council seat. “This might give us the greatest opportunity to protect that community and preserve a service that we need.”
During public comments, multiple members of the community took to the mic to lend their support behind the proposed ordinance.
Dr. Pamela Lewin said she supported the efforts to find an amicable resolution, and recommended that residents drive through the area to dispel rumors of odor.
“I took the liberty to drive into this place today with the windows of my car rolled down. I smelt nothing,” said Dr. Lewin. She mentioned that had there not been a sign designating the area as a landfill, she wouldn’t have known.
“I really want to encourage people who believe there is an odor to go and check it out for yourself.”
The matter will come before the Ocala City Council again in the coming months. Check back on Ocala-News.com for updates.