By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@voiceofsouthmarion.com
The Belleview City Commission recently passed two important resolutions by unanimous decision: the tentative award of a contract for the expansion of the Belleview Water Reclamation Facility and a new ordinance establishing standards for business murals.
Water Facility Expansion
Resolution No. 24-19 was approved during a recent commission meeting, awarding a contract to Wharton-Smith, Inc. for the construction of the Belleview Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Project. The project will be financed through the Florida State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program, with a total contract amount of $26,424,003.00.
This resolution follows the city’s solicitation of contractor bids for the project. Belleview initially set a budget of $30 million, but the lowest bid came in at approximately $48 million, far exceeding the planned costs. To address this, the city has opted for a phased approach to the expansion, allowing the project to move forward while staying within the $30 million budget.
New Standards for Business Murals
In other items of interest discussed by the Belleview City Commission, the commission unanimously passed Ordinance 2024-11, which provides standards for business murals inside of Belleview city limits. This ordinance aims to enhance the visual appeal of the city while promoting local businesses.
The key highlights of the new ordinance include:
• Murals are only permitted in non-residential areas.
• Text can occupy no more than 5% of the mural’s design, so that the artwork remains the focal point.
• Unique, hand-rendered murals are encouraged, with strict limitations on advertisements.
• Murals must be painted with exterior-grade materials, and the walls must be well-maintained.
The ordinance also provides that applicants need to submit sketches and gain approval from the City Commission before proceeding with new murals.
Other Noteworthy City Updates
Additionally, the commission received updates on new residential permitting:
• Kreb’s Corner (off C25): 18 units, with 8 homes under construction and 4 homes issued Certificates of Occupancy.
• Autumn Glen Phase 1: 164 units, with 24 homes under construction and 137 COs issued.
• Autumn Glen Phase 2: 145 units, with permits issued for the model home and 12 additional single-family residences.
• Bennah Oaks (Highway 484, near Belleview Public Library): 419 units; the Phase 1 Final Plat and Developer Agreement have been recorded. 65 single-family residence permits have been issued to Century Communities and Highland Homes, with 1 home already granted a CO. Nine additional permits are ready to issue pending payment, and 2 applications are awaiting revisions.
