HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-May 27, 2020 VRCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
VIRTUAL REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Matthew Pigatt called the virtual Regular Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, issued by the office of the Governor Ron DeSantis on
March 20, 2020, municipalities may conduct meetings of their governing boards without having
a quorum of its members present physically or at any specific location, and utilizing
communications media technology such as telephonic or video conferencing, as provided by
Section 120.54(5)(b)2, Florida Statutes.
An opportunity was given to the public to email the City Clerk prior to the Commission Meeting
with any questions/comments/concerns on items we will hear on this evening's Regular
Commission Meeting agenda. This meeting is being streamed live at
https ://www. youtube. com/user/CityofOpalocka.
Since this is a virtual meeting as authorized by the Governor of the state of Florida, again,
members of the public wishing to address the commission have been offered the opportunity to
do so. Public comments will be included as part of the public record for this virtual meeting and
will be considered by the City commission prior to any action taken.
2. ROLL CALL:
The members of the City Commission appearing remotely were: Mayor Matthew Pigatt, Vice
Mayor Chris Davis, Commissioner Sherelean Bass, Commissioner Alvin Burke, and
Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley. Also in attendance were: City Manager John E. Pate, City
Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, and City Clerk Joanna Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The invocation was delivered by Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
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6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to approve the agenda,
consent agenda, and pull list.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 13, 2020
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Kelley to approve the
minutes from the Virtual Regular Commission Meeting of May 13, 2020.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
Virtual Special Commission Meeting Minutes — May 14, 2020
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Kelley to approve the minutes
from the Virtual Special Commission Meeting of May 14, 2020.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE/DISTRICT TWO — COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
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City Clerk Flores relayed an email to the commission from Larry Gardner, Commissioner
Barbara Jordan's Office, District I, which stated that he had nothing to report, but will take any
of the their concerns back to Commissioner Jordan.
Vice Mayor Davis said he has been researching the CARES Act and wants to know if District I
can provide more information on how Cities can apply for funding during emergency situations.
Mayor Pigatt thanked Commissioner Jordan for helping with the setup efforts regarding the
COVID-19 testing center at Sherbondy Park which will be open to the public for people who are
twelve years of age and older.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:
1. Airia Austin, Public Works/CIP Director
City of Opa-locka
Ref: Roads and Streets
Mr. Austin said they intended to proceed with additional milling and surfacing of the roads and
streets and anticipate more work once the budget amendment passes. The work on the pump
stations are also ongoing and they anticipate an estimated time of completion before the rainy
season arrives.
Commissioner Kelley asked Mr. Austin how many miles of road will be completed once the
milling project is finished.
Mr. Austin said six and a half miles of road will be completed.
Vice Mayor Davis asked Mr. Austin to speak to the completion of the drainage projects and the
plea for residents to stop flushing disposable wipes as they are wreaking havoc on the sewer
system.
Mr. Austin implored upon the residents not to flush the wipes or disinfecting wipes down the
drain and that will aide with clearing out the sewer system.
Mayor Pigatt thanked Public Works for spear heading the projects and making the proper plans
for 8 of the City's pump stations to be fully functional.
11. CITIZENS' INPUT:
City Clerk Flores read the following comments from the public into the record:
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020
Audrey Dominguez, 1147 Jann Avenue, Opa-locka, FL, said on April 22, 2020, the regular
commission meeting was a mockery to watch of certain members of the city commission who
were elected to serve to public. The mayor cutting off the microphone of commissioners who
were speaking was totally rude and disrespectful and showed a lack of education. She said she
thought watching the Lake Worth Beach city commission meeting was bad, but Opa-locka's was
worst. The commission needs to remember the videos are being watched by people everywhere
and they have to conduct themselves in a certain manner. Commissioner Omari Hardy
apologized for his behavior at the aforementioned meeting, however the mayor has yet to
apologize to his colleagues for muting their microphones. A resolution was brought forth to hire
Hip Rock Star as a marketing consultant to bring awareness to the public on matters regarding
the Coronavirus and was voted down by Commissioners Burke and Kelley, while the mayor
spoke on it as though it were his baby. The item was then brought back again by the manager at
the following meeting and it made her wonder why it was brought back. Something didn't smell
right and this is nothing personal to the company. She then found out that the owner of the
company is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and so is the mayor. She said the mayor
should have recused himself from the meeting because it is a conflict of interest, but now it is on
the record. This is not personal to the mayor, it is business as her tax dollars should not be used
for unnecessary things. She said Commissioner Kelley was against it from the beginning, but the
others who voted for it now have their names on the record as approving this record. She has
been hearing shootings on weekends and it is getting dangerous. She asked that the Police
presence be more visible in that area.
Natasha Ervin, 647 Dunad Avenue, Opa-locka, FL, she was on the interne and notice residents
from the Glorietta Apartments online asking for help with the flooding in the complex. She asked
that the City have HUD and the owners fix the issue as they receive funding to resolve those
issues. She asked that if the City has funds for such issues, then it should go to homeowners who
also have flooding issues and pay taxes in the City.
Cassandra Williams, 3120 NW 131st Street Ingram Terrace Apartments, Opa-locka, FL, said
there are many elderly people who live at the complex and they cannot leave their homes to do
anything because of all of the heavy rain. The complex is constantly flooded and they do not
know what to do. They understand that the City does not own the road in the area, but something
needs to be done.
Vice Mayor Davis said the flooding has been going on for years and he hopes the manager will
address this with the public as well as the sewer clogging issue. Commissioner Burke agreed that
the problem has been going on for years and that is property that is owned by the county. He
does not want the City to have a liability problem stemming from going in to the complex to
pump out standing water.
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020
Commissioner Bass said she is concerned about all of the recent shootings and she hopes
residents will have a better living setup in the City.
Commissioner Kelley said he has been working on the Ingram Terrace issue for years and he
hopes they will eventually find a resolve.
Mayor Pigatt said they are working to resolve all of the issues and concerns in question and
encouraged the public to allow the City to find a solution with what is going on. He asked the
attorney to address certain remarks made by the public that may be deemed as slanderous. He
said he has a job like everyone else and is addressing the needs of the citizens. He said an ethics
complaint is the way to go about addressing this situation. He informed the public that the
Coronavirus is still present in the City and residents can go to Sherbondy Park and receive
testing for free.
12. ACTION ITEMS:
13. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING TO TRANSFER THE
SOURCE OF FUNDING OF THE 141sT STREET ROADWAY MILLING AND
RESURFACING PROJECT FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE SAFE
NEIGHBORHOOD FUND; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PIGGYBACK THE
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FLORIDA CONTRACT WITH H&R PAVING, INC. FOR
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO CONTINUE A MILLING
AND RESURFACING PROJECT WITHIN THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO
THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY TWO DOLLARS ($1,182,462.00); PROVIDING
FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PIGGYBACK THE
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CONTRACT WITH INSTITUFORM
TECHNOLOGIES, LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020
SERVICES TO COMPLETE THE LSO SERVICE BASIN CURED-INPLACE PIPE
LINING (CIPP) METHOD REHABILITATION OF PUMP STATION #7 IN THE CITY
OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED
THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($103,600.00), IN A CONTRACT
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PIGGYBACK THE
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CONTRACT WITH INSTITUFORM
TECHNOLOGIES, LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES TO COMPLETE THE LSO SERVICE BASIN CURED-INPLACE PIPE
LINING (CIPP) METHOD REHABILITATION OF PUMP STATION #8 IN THE CITY
OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THREE HUNDRED
EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY FIVE DOLLARS ($308,695.00), IN A
CONTRACT FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
5. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PROTECTIONS OF EXEMPT PUBLIC
INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY'S "AGREEMENT FOR ACCESS TO CERTAIN EXEMPT
INFORMATION MAINTAINED BY THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY
APPRAISER"; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
It was moved by Commissioner Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to pass the consent
agenda.
The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
14. NEW ITEMS:
15. PLANNING & ZONING:
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A. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF A DRAINAGE EASEMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, AND CASTLE
OPA, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR A SPECIFIC
PORTION OF A PUBLIC RIGHT -OF WAY KNOWN AS SERVICE ROAD AND
IDENTIFIED BY FOLIO 08-2122-005-2170; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE THE EASEMENT AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt opened the floor for a public hearing.
Planning & Community Development Director Gregory Gay said they had been working with
the company for the last three years and were going through the process of remediating the
contamination from the property. As a part of the mitigation process they have determined that
the site has drainage issues and hinders removing the contamination. Staff has reviewed the
agreement and recommends approval from the commission.
Elliot Stone, Castle Opa, LLC., said they have been working for years to clean the site and as
part of the cleanup they have to haul a minimum of one inch of water on site, but there are things
that are buried deep within the soil and it is difficult to clean the site. The area in question will be
a grassy area that they want to be attractive as an entrance area.
Commissioner Kelley said he has been working on doing something with the Cuyahoga lot for
years and he is glad someone is finally taking charge of the property.
Commissioner Burke agreed with Commissioner Kelley and stated that he is concerned that the
City will not face liability with the contamination.
Mr. Stone said his company is actively working to clean the site of any hazards and see the
property being cleared moving forward.
Vice Mayor Davis said he agrees with Commissioner Burke as the site comes under the
Brownsfield project.
Mr. Stone said they are moving expeditiously and the immediate goal is to clear the land; that is
the current focus.
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020
Mayor Pigatt thanked the developer for bringing the project to the City.
There being no further persons to speak on the public hearing, the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Commissioner Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis for discussion.
Mayor Pigatt asked Mr. Gay if he anticipates any expenditures or costs to the City.
Mr. Gay said, "No".
Mayor Pigatt said he wants to put on the record that as new developments come in to the City, all
of the impact fees are received to cover anything that should arise from the project.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCES(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE ANNUAL ADOPTED GENERAL
PROPRIETARY AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2020,
ADJUSTING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES AS REFLECTED IN EXHIBIT "A";
PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE
BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS;
PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGETS AND EXPENDITURES;
PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATIONS AND
AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING
FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above ordinance was read by Assistant City Attorney Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt opened the floor for a public hearing. There being no persons to speak on the
public hearing, the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Burke for discussion.
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020
Budget Administrator Robert Anathan said there are currently about forty (40) amendments to
the budget and they are working to include all budget requests for consideration approval.
There being no discussion, the motion on the ordinance passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/ PUBLIC HEARING(S):
C. RESOLUTION(S):
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
City Manager Pate said the county has just completed an assessment of the Police Department
and he will be working with the chief to address any findings. He is working with Public Works
to resolve the flooding and drainage concerns that are ongoing. Heavy rains are projected to
continue, but the City is constantly working to assess potential water issues. The finances are
being estimated to project revenues for next year and they are closely monitoring the numbers in
terms of the budget. He encouraged the community to take advantage of the free testing for the
Coronavirus (COVID-19) as needed. He then thanked all of the staff for working diligently
during the pandemic to ensure the health and safety of all residents.
Commissioner Kelley asked the manager when a report will be made available on the county's
assessment of the Police Department because the shootings are a big factor and he is unaware of
anything specific going on.
City Manager Pate said once he receives the information from the chief, he will provide it to the
commission.
Mayor Pigatt asked about the numbers at the testing center.
City Manager Pate said there are currently four hundred (400) people that have been tested at the
testing center and forty (40) confirmed cases that have come back positive.
Mayor Pigatt requested a regular update on the numbers from the testing center.
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
19. MAYOR /COMMISSION REPORT:
Commissioner Burke thanked Commissioner Kelley and all of the volunteers for being consistent
with the feeding program.
Commissioner Kelley also thanked staff, the police, and the volunteers for all of their efforts. He
invited all of the youth to log in to zoom tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. as he will be reading from the
book that was recommended from the Florida League of Cities.
Commissioner Bass also thanked the volunteers and stated that she would like to see them
wearing shirts that say "Opa-locka Strong".
Vice Mayor Davis agreed.
Mayor Pigatt also thanked everyone for their time and efforts with moving the City forward. He
said they are working on the 5 Year Recovery Plan and the audits so the City can come from
under financial oversight. The water issues are being addressed and the Public Works
Department is almost finished repairing all of the pump stations. He empathized with residents
who are experiencing issues with flood waters coming into their homes and asked that they be
patient while the City works to resolve the issues. He said the mask ordinance is moving forward
to make it a law to wear face coverings to combat the spread of the virus. He asked that the
community provide feedback on their opinions of the current legislation before it is adopted.
20. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
21. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner
Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to adjourn the virtual meeting at 9:01 p.m.
MAYOR
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ATTEST:
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Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 27, 2020