
Meeting Minutes
Citra Improvement Society General Meeting Minutes 08/28/2025
08/28/2025 Citra Improvement Society Member Meeting at the Community Center
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Meeting called to order at 6:06 PM by Mark Helzer who is replacing Donald Barber in his absence.
18:07 Roll Call in attendance: Joanne Brayton, Mary Carter, Raylon Hailey, Mark Helzer, Wanda Lasher, - note Donald Barber arrived late 19:21 A quorum was present.
18:08 Pledge of allegiance by Mark Helzer
18:09 Prayer by Mary Carter
18:03 Welcome and Introduction by Mark Helzer: announced speakers Steven Cohoon County Engineer, Jared Peltz Assistant Director/Assistant County Engineer and Lieutenant Keith Miller Marion County Sheriffs Department. Mark continued with two positions available on the board “Director of Communications”, “Director of Marketing” and confirmed the scheduled meetings:
The first Thursday of the month is the Historical Museum Meeting at 6:00 September 5th
The second Thursday of the month is the Events Committee workshop at 6:00 September 12th
The third Thursday of the month is a combined Board Workshop and Orange A-Fair meeting at 6:00 September 19th
The last of the month is the General Membership meeting at 6:00 September 26th
18:15 Treasurer’s Report Mary Carter: CIS Account # 9552 end balance $2165.68, CIS Historical Account # 9544 end balance $2089.09, motion to accept Treasurer’s Report by Joanne Brayton, seconded by Wanda Lasher, motion passed.
18:22 Secretary’s Report Joanne Brayton: A Motion to accept the Minutes of the July 31st General Membership Meeting was made by Mary Carter and seconded by Wanda Lasher. Website citraimprovementsociety.com will be live next week.
18:32 Mark Helzer introduced Guest Speakers Steven Cohoon County Engineer and Jared Peltz Assistant Director/Assistant County Engineer:
Department of Engineering presentation included a review of what they are managing – transportation, property management, survey, design, road maintenance, storm water quality/quantity. They noted that the fuel tax is based on an old law that battery operated vehicles are not contributing to the coffers. In summary, annual funding needed estimated at $44,011,588 with a projected 20-year requirement of $913,232,163.
Closer to home projects include a signal at 301 and NE 175th street planned for 6 months or Spring of 2026.
Their contact information is: Roads@marionfl.org and phone number 352-671-8686.
Mark Helzer introduced guest speaker Lieutenant Keith Miller Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Lieutenant Miller explained deputy coverage of a total of 10 deputies with 5 deputies on each day (3 during the day and 2 at night). They cover 330 square miles of our district. We have 13 districts in Marion County. He announced a recent arrest involving 9 vehicles broken into and advised us to lock our cars. Lieutenant Miller plans to be present at our future monthly Community meetings.
19:30 Orange A-Fair 03/107/2026 Premier Events NCF proposal
Premier Scope of Services
Provide full-service event management and support.
Secure food vendors
Secure Arts & Crafts for children
Design events flyer/poster
Market the event across social media platforms with possible radio spots
Weekly communication with the Board
Create and execute a full fun-of-show itinerary
Create and execute the event layout
Sell sponsors
Set up and operate a beer & wine station
Book all entertainment
NCF team member will attend or call to each Board meeting through 03/07/2026
CIS will:
Cover permitting expenses
Provide police presence for the event
Provide port-a-poties and wash stations
Provide trash receptacles
Retain 100% of parking revenue
Financial Agreement:
Vendor fees: Premier Events NCF retains 100%
Sponsorship Fees: 75% Premier Events NCF / 25% CIS
Beer & Wine sales after expenses 75% Premier Events NCF/25% CIS
19:45 Two-minute Public Comments were offered. Several members stayed past the meeting to speak with the Guest Speakers.
19:50 Mark moved to adjourn the meeting, Mary Carter Seconded.
Meeting adjourned19:51
Next General Meeting 09/26/2025 @ 6:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne J. Brayton