HomeMy Public PortalAbout03- March 11, 2009 Meeting Minutes CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
Clerk's Action Summary Minutes
Regular Commission Meeting
March 11,2009
7:00 p.m.
City Commission Chambers
777 Sharazad Boulevard
Opa-locka,FL 33054
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Joseph L. Kelley called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. on Wednesday, March
11, 2009 in the City Commission Chambers, 777 Sharazad Boulevard, Opa-locka, Florida
33054.
2. ROLL CALL:
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Rose
Tydus, Vice Mayor Myra L. Taylor, Commissioner Timothy Holmes, Commissioner
Dorothy Johnson and Mayor Joseph L. Kelley. Also, in attendance were: Interim City
Manager Bryan K. Finnie, City Attorney Burnadette Norris-Weeks and City Clerk
Deborah S. Irby.
3. INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Dorothy Johnson.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Manager Finnie deferred agenda item 14A1 (first reading ordinance).
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and
deletions):
Commissioner Tydus pulled agenda item 15-2 from the consent agenda.
Attorney Weeks advised that agenda item 15-3 under the consent agenda should be under
the public hearing portion of the agenda and Florida Statues requires two public hearings
on this item.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 1
Commissioner Johnson asked about the resolution being advertised for public hearing.
Attorney Weeks advised that Florida Law provides that the city notice this item like they
would all other ordinances. The Commission can proceed with the first hearing as long as
it's noticed and it's a part of the packet; therefore, they would be operating appropriately.
Commissioner Johnson expressed her concerns regarding the resolution not being
advertised for a public hearing and the citizens not having the knowledge and opportunity
to speak under the first public hearing.
With the Commission having the item on the agenda, Attorney Weeks stated that it would
be fine to proceed; but in the abundance of caution, the Commission could hold the first
public hearing at the March 25, 2009 commission meeting and the second public hearing
at the April 8, 2009 commission meeting.
Commissioner Johnson asked, is this resolution urgent?
Manager Finnie replied, no.
Commissioner Johnson suggested that the resolution is deferred and brought back before
the Commission once it has been advertised.
Manager Finnie deferred agenda item 15-3 (consent agenda).
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the
agenda, consent agenda and pull list.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
7. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Commission Meeting—February 25,2009
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the
minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of February 25, 2009.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 2
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
Mayor Kelley acknowledged the presence of Chief Danny Gonzalez of the Miami-Dade
Fire Rescue who was present to address any concerns the Commission may have had.
9. DISTRICT ONE - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
Mark Brown, Assistant to District 1, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan,
appeared before the City Commission and provided a brief update on the Tot Lot in the
Magnolia North area which has recently been allocated to the City of Opa-locka; the
concern raised by Commissioner Johnson at the previous meeting regarding the trimming
of trees on NW 37th Avenue; and a workshop Commissioner Jordan is sponsoring at
Florida Memorial University in regards to the proposed Marlins Stadium.
Commissioner Johnson asked about the possibility of having workshops for businesses
within District 1 to assist with facing economic hardship.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATION:
1. U.S. Census Bureau
re: 2010 Census
Venghan (Winnie) Tang, Partnership Specialist, South Florida Team Leader for the US
Census Bureau, Atlanta Regional Census Center appeared before the City Commission
and provided a brief presentation on the importance of getting a complete and accurate
count which affects political representation and directs the allocation of dollars in
government. She further introduced members of her team who would be working with the
South Florida community and said she looked forward to working with the city on
bringing up the count.
For the 2000 Census, Vice Mayor Taylor said she was working with the City Clerk and
the city got one count; however, the Census Bureau got another. The count the Census
got didn't help the city at all. She expressed the importance of getting that count as far as
revenue and services were concerned. She said there was a big difference in the counts,
and she hopes the Census would get a better count this year.
Of concern to Mayor Kelley was the numbers in terms of what they turn out to be
because of the impact on the city. He said he would wait on Mrs. Tang to meet with the
members of the Commission individually because obviously a correct and accurate count
is critical in the overall picture.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 3
2. Alvin Burke
re: welfare of the city
Alvin Burke came forward and expressed his concerns relating to whether the city had
monies for equipment for the Tot Lot in Magnolia North. Additionally, he voiced his
frustration with the three public hearings scheduled regarding the Opa-locka Executive
Airport and not one of those is being held in Opa-locka.
As it relates to the Magnolia North equipment for the Tot Lot, Mayor Kelley stated that
Mr. Brown just reported on the addition to the Tot Lot and while the city is going to
apply for dollars, the City Manager is looking at the possibility during the budget
amendment process to include funds for upgrades. With regards to the Opa-locka
Executive Airport, he said that he was aware of the information Mr. Burke is referencing
and he had asked questions but is still waiting on a response. His question was, although
those hearings were advertised, he still would like for it to be held in the City of Opa-
locka. He said he would keep Mr. Burke informed.
Commissioner Holmes expressed his concerns relating to the notice of public hearing
regarding the Opa-locka Executive Airport and the public hearings not being held in Opa-
locka. He further stated that the City Manager would be attending the public hearing on
Thursday, March 12, 2009 to express those same concerns.
3. Laurie Mosby, grant writer for Anything, Anytime Services came forward and
informed them of the grant funds available and opportunities coming from Washington,
DC as a part of the stimulus package to train and place citizens in the green segment.
Commissioner Johnson asked Mrs. Mosby whether she writes herself into the grant
because the City of Opa-locka doesn't have any monies to pay for a grant writer.
Mrs. Mosby stated they would write the grant for the city and the charges would be
placed directly into the grant so there wouldn't be any out of pocket expenses for the City
of Opa-locka.
Ken Detco gave a brief presentation on stationary hydrogen fuel cell and bringing it to
the city to lower the cost of electricity to residents.
Mayor Kelley suggested that Mrs. Mosby and Mr. Detco set up meetings with the City
Manager.
4. Bret Kyle of Kimley Horn & Associates, 5200 NW 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
Florida came forward and stated that as a transportation engineering and planning firm,
they are working with the city to establish a local transit system to benefit the residents.
He provided a brief overview on the transit circular study. Additionally, they would be
working on organizing a public workshop to seek input from both the Commission and
the community to assist in identifying the community's needs.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 4
With the high number of foreclosures in the City of Opa-locka, Vice Mayor Taylor
presented Attorney C. Anthony Rumore who would provide legal assistance to City of
Opa-locka residents facing foreclosure.
5. C. Anthony Rumore, P.A., 517 SW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida came
forward and gave a brief overview of the services provided relating to foreclosures.
Commissioner Holmes announced that the City of Opa-locka Regular Commission
Meeting is now being broadcast live.
10a. CITIZENS' FORUM:
Olga Thomas, condominium owner at 14250 NW 22nd Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida, came
forward and voiced her concerns relating to the units in foreclosure; condominium fees
not paid by homeowners; and the garbage not being picked up in addition to everyone
using the containers as a dumping site.
Mayor Kelley directed the City Manager to have someone speak to Mrs. Thomas and for
the City Attorney to look into this issue from a legal standpoint.
11. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list):
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RECOMMENDING A YEAR 2010 FIRST ANNUAL
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA CELEBRATION WITHIN THE CITY AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO COORDINATE WITH COMMUNITY
CAPACITY BUILDERS, INC. FOR EVENT PLANNING AND FUNDRAISING
NEEDS. Sponsored by D.J.
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Tydus, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to pass the
above resolution.
Commissioner Tydus asked, is the budget complete for the Barack Obama Streetnaming
Dedication?
Manager Finnie stated that the final tally was not complete; however, that report is fairly
close to completion. The net figure is approximately $40,000.00 for that event.
Commissioner Tydus asked, was Community Capacity Builders, Inc. involved in the
fundraising for Barack Obama Streetnaming Event?
Commissioner Johnson advised that she didn't have an organization together for the last
12 day venture. There were individuals helping with the event. This resolution provides
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 5
for Capacity Builders, Inc. to not only raise money for the monument but for this event as
well so that it doesn't have to come to the city for any monies.
Commissioner Tydus asked, how much money was raised for the Barack Obama
Streetnaming Dedication?
Manager Finnie stated that the pledge was $15,000.00 and 50% of that has been received.
Commissioner Tydus asked, who raised that money?
Commissioner Johnson said she raised most of the money by soliciting individuals for
sponsorship.
The purpose of her questions, Commissioner Tydus stated was that this resolution
includes fundraising responsibilities to Community Capacity Builders, Inc. and she is
trying to establish in her mind their fundraising ability based on their fundraising
responsibility for the Barack Obama Streetnaming event.
Commissioner Johnson stated that 80% of the event was coordinated by Community
Capacity Builders, Inc. and this is the same company doing the monument; therefore,
there would be no cost to the city.
Commissioner Tydus further expressed her concerns relating the last whereas in the
resolution which reads: "the payment for Community Capacity Builders ("CCB") shall be
tied to fundraising efforts and any payment for CCB services shall be considered by the
Commission at a later time". She said she was not comfortable with the "later date"
because there's no scope of services.
Commissioner Johnson suggested that the Commission take that portion out of the
resolution because she didn't discuss any fees with anyone. The resolution is to allow
Community Capacity Builders the capability of raising funds.
She recommended deferring the resolution to allow the City Attorney to make the
correction and bring it back.
Attorney Weeks suggested that a period is placed after the word "efforts" in the sixth
whereas of the resolution.
Commissioner Holmes suggested that the resolution be pulled and brought back at a later
time because the City Commission has yet to receive the complete expenditure report for
the Barack Obama Streetnaming event.
Although this is not a time sensitive item, Commissioner Johnson said it would allow the
company adequate time for fundraising.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 6
Vice Mayor Taylor commended Commissioner Johnson for the Barack Obama
Streetnaming in which Opa-locka was the first city in the nation to do this; however, she
doesn't know if it is overkill or overplayed if the city continues the Barack Obama
Celebration. She further spoke relating to the city not having events that are income
generating because everything goes out but nothing comes in. Additionally, she
expressed her concerns about having a clean resolution and not having the resolution
amended.
As it relates to the sixth whereas, she said that in order for Community Capacity Builders,
Inc. to start fundraising they have to know how much they are going to get otherwise
there's no incentive for raising the money and that must be included in this resolution.
Vice Mayor Taylor suggested that the sponsor withdraw the resolution make all the
necessary changes and bring it back to the Commission.
Mayor Kelley said he didn't have a problem supporting the resolution but he had the
same concern with the payment. However, another concern he has in moving forward
with city events is that not only are the events not generating revenue but the number of
city events. The city must look toward the future as to how many events they will have as
a whole. The City Commission should have received the memorandum from the City
Clerk as to the number of events and the possibility of a planner because of the strain
placed on staff.
In moving forward, he suggested that the Commission give some thought on the number
of events for the city that are going to cost money.
In her opinion, Commissioner Johnson said that the city should outsource event planning.
She further said she would withdraw the resolution.
Commissioner Johnson withdrew her seconded, Commissioner Tydus withdrew her
motion.
12. NEW ITEMS:
13. PLANNING & ZONING:
A. HEARINGS:
B. APPEALS:
14. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARING:
A. FIRST READING:
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 20 OF THE OPA-LOCKA CODE OF
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 7
ORDINANCES ENTITLED "TRAILERS" BY CREATING SECTION 20.8 ENTITLED
"TRUCK ROUTES ESTABLISHED" AND ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR
ROAD USAGE BY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES WITHIN THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY AND DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING
FOR EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUCK ROUTES;
PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The above ordinance was deferred by the City Manager.
B. SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING:
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA; REPEALING ORDINANCE 07-02, CODIFIED AS CHAPTER 7,
ARTICLE I, SECTION 7-12 OF THE OPA-LOCKA CODE OF ORDINANCES
ENTITLED "APARTMENT BUILDINGS WITH TWENTY FOUR UNITS OR
MORE"; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading held on February 25, 2009). Sponsored by
D.J.
The above ordinance was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
Mayor Kelley 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 Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to pass the
above ordinance.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
C. RESOLUTION(S):
15. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING AND CLARIFYING RESOLUTION NO. 07-7074,
RESOLUTION 08-7314 AND RESOLUTION 08-7342 IN SUPPORT OF VICE
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 8
MAYOR DOROTHY "DOTTIE" JOHNSON'S "HEALTH/WELLNESS
SHOWDOWN" FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN AND EXTENDING THE WEIGH-
IN DATE TO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009. Sponsored by D.J.
4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION AND STRONG CONCERNS
REGARDING SENATE BILL 630 AND SIMILAR LEGISLATION THAT WOULD
IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON THE COLLECTION OF IMPACT FEES BY LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS; URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE NOT TO PASS SUCH
LEGISLATION AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT
THIS RESOLUTION AS SET FORTH HEREIN. Sponsored by J.K.
The above resolutions under the consent agenda were read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to pass the
consent agenda resolutions.
The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
As a result of the city's hard work and dedication for funding, Mayor Kelley announced
that two of the city's request had been funded: one for the police department in the
amount of $75,000.00 and the other for wastewater improvements in the amount of
$500,000.00.
A. CITY MANAGER'S REPOT:
Manager Finnie reported that the Finance Department had completed its budget
amendment process and he will meet with each commissioner individually to discuss the
recommended budget; the Building Department over the last 35 — 40 days have issued
105 permits and collected $21,000.00 in fees; the Public Works Department commenced
the Water Plant Beautification Project in addition to repairing sewers and facilitating the
pick-up of 33,000 tons of trash within the city and generating tipping fees of $2,000.00;
the Planning & Community Development participated in issuing 101 occupational
licenses and building permits, in addition to coordinating a Chamber of Commerce
meeting on March 18, 2009 with the Opa-locka Executive Airport; the Code Enforcement
Department issued 247 warnings, processed 264 cases for Special Master Hearing; and
lastly, the Opa-locka Police Department did an outstanding job on Friday, March 6, 2009
where they prevented two local gangs merging at an entertainment location which could
have resulted in a horrendous situation within the city's borders.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 9
As the Public Works Department is doing their job on Burlington which was a homeless
self made shelter, Vice Mayor Taylor said the city was able to get the homeless out which
was a concern of the residents who lived on that street; however, the homeless end up
somewhere else. She informed the City Manager that a representative from the Homeless
Trust will be in touch with him or the police department regarding the Community
Partnership for the Homeless which sends out case workers to seek out the homeless and
bring them in housing, provides training and assists with job training and placement.
She continued by saying that she is aware the city has infrastructure problems; however,
the City Manager can look into fixing other areas. The rail along the Atlantic Avenue
canal which feeds into NW 135th Street is broke and the property nearby needs cutting
which is not necessary the city's responsibility. Additionally, she requested that the city
put lines on the streets (i.e. Veteran's Way) and start beautifying the top while working
on the bottom.
She further asked for an update on the cleaning of the canals.
Manager Finnie stated that the city is cleaning a canal everyday.
Vice Mayor Taylor suggested that the city clean those canals that are highly visible first.
Commissioner Johnson expressed her concerns relating to the tractor trailers in
residential areas and residual garbage on the vacant lot behind Bobby's Liquor's. She
directed the City Manager to strive to have the hurricane preparedness manual by the
second meeting in April 2009.
Manager Finnie advised that he would target that date; however, that assignment was
given to Don Manning, Code Enforcement Director and they are working on it.
Commissioner Johnson requested that the hurricane preparedness manual is made
available on the city's website in addition to the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance.
As it relates to economic development, she suggested that the city come up with a plan to
purchase different items from area businesses. She recommended the City Manager look
into the Shop to Earn program for the city.
She further stated that she would like to see the city develop a plan for Professional
Development for high potential employees.
Lastly, Commissioner Johnson directed the City Manager to provide the Commission
with the status on the bus benches/shelters.
After having several meetings, telephone conversations, and providing written
information to the City Manager regarding Bio-Diesel, Commissioner Tydus said she had
not heard anything from the City Manager which is an important component for the city
when talking about becoming a Green Community, as well as the fact that Bio-Diesel is a
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 10
great alternative to petroleum. She further provided the City Manager with additional
information which she hoped would help in this process. She directed that the City
Manager provide a report by the next commission meeting as to how he will go forth with
this matter.
Commissioner Holmes directed the City Manager to make sure a representative from the
city is in attendance at the public hearing on the Opa-locka Executive Airport on
Thursday, March 12, 2009.
Mayor Kelley stated that the City Manager had received a couple of directives regarding
the homeless issue and he would like to know what direction the city is going to address
this issue.
Manager Finnie said he would like to have the opportunity to meet with the Homeless
Trust and come up with that strategy as it relates to long and short term
recommendations.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that a shelter is short term and the city doesn't have the
capability unless they create a wrap around system for the homeless, then all they will
have is a shelter which is a transit system. The Community Partnership for the Homeless
has a wrap around system whereby when the homeless come in, first thing give them a
physical followed by training and assistance with job placement which is a long term
operation that the city is not prepared to do. All the city has to do is cooperate with the
Community Partnership for the Homeless and identify where the homeless people are.
Mayor Kelley said he fully understood what the Community Partnership for the
Homeless does; however, his question was whether the city was going to look at that as
long term so that they don't only have just the shelter, or whether the City Manager
would just utilize this agency and come up with the possibility because that was the
whole point of what the CET program was doing in Magnolia North to get the homeless
back on their feet.
He further recommended that the City Manager bring his recommendation back to the
Commission.
B. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ezekiel Orji, Finance Director for the City of Opa-locka came forward and said the city is
paying their bills on time.
16. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
17. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
Attorney Weeks reported on the Nuisance Abatement Board Meeting held on Monday,
March 9, 2009. She said it appears that through the ordinance which was prepared prior
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 11
to her arrival, there are some items in the ordinance adjustment like statutory references
to avoid any problems from a legal standpoint.
She advised the Commission that from a liability standpoint when there are issues such as
damaged rails, sidewalks, etc. those concerns should be given to the City Manager
privately being that the meetings are now broadcast live.
Commissioner Johnson asked for the status on the Opa-locka Executive Airport
concerning the impact fees.
Attorney Weeks said she prepared an extensive memorandum which she passed out to the
Commission which is a complete report.
18. CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
Clerk Irby reminded the Commission of the advertising deadlines for ordinances going
for second reading. She requested that she is informed prior to the meeting if an
ordinance is going to be deferred in order for her to pull the advertisement before the
deadline.
Commissioner Johnson directed the City Manager to provide her with the date for the
strategic plan priority so that she can individually meet with the City Clerk, City Manager
and City Attorney for evaluation. Additionally, she requested in a previous workshop
setting that the City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney have quarterly meetings and
that is not being done.
Mayor Kelley suggested that the Commission let the City Clerk know their availability to
attend the Workshop on the Charter/Code of Ordinances on March 26, 2009.
19. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORT:
Vice Mayor Taylor reported that the Burlington Street project is coming along nicely and
she publicly thanked those involved particularly the Opa-locka Police Department and
Public Works.
Commissioner Johnson reported that she is working with Mrs. Mosby on the stimulus
plan for employment; she is working with a group to come up with a date for Violence
for Seniors and the meeting for Nile Gardens scheduled for March 4, 2009 was
postponed. She said she was told that the Nile Gardens Apartments was in foreclosure
and she will be meeting with some of the investors.
Manager Finnie asked for clarification on the apartment complex.
Commissioner Johnson said she would provide the City Manager with the information;
however, if anyone should purchase the property she is concerned about security and the
city must make sure that is addressed.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 12
Manager Finnie said he is glad Commissioner Johnson brought this issue up because he
had a meeting with Section 8 and that was a tenant based project.
In meeting with Miami-Dade Housing regarding Section 8, Mayor Kelley said some of
those issues came up; however, Miami-Dade Housing is going through a split process
where they no longer will be in charge of both components and they are outsourcing one
half. This is a work in progress, but he does share some of those same concerns.
He continued by saying that the Commission must make sure they are on the same page
as far as what they are trying to accomplish and that they are not approached by
individuals trying to purchase the complex.
Commissioner Tydus reported that she attended the Charter Review Board Meeting and
traveled to Tallahassee with the Mayor and City Manager to present the city's federal
economic stimulus request to the legislators who they knew had great influence. She
believes the city will experience good results because of the good work in representing
the city.
Mayor Kelley reported that he met with HUD along with the City Manager to go over
concerns relating to citizens challenges with apartment complexes and/or single family
units rented through housing and the HUD process. In learning about the process of what
they are doing and how they will transition in terms of splitting up their responsibilities
and having a portion outsourced, he did express his concerns because there are properties
within the city challenged with HUD ownership. The city must be more diligent and the
representative is supportive in working with the city to address those kinds of issues. The
City Manager could provide the Commission with a detailed report at a later time.
He continued by reporting that he attended the Miami-Dade County League of Cities
Meeting on March 5, 2009; traveled to Tallahassee to present the city's federal economic
stimulus request to push the concept that small cities need to be able to get a piece of the
funding without going through the process which normally takes them out of the loop
(i.e. when most formulas that allocate funding deal with population).
He announced that through the Faith & Community Based Initiative prayers are held on
the first Wednesday of each month in different areas of the city. Additionally, they are
working on an outreach initiative with the faith based community which will be held on
March 28, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at Iglesia Betesda.
20. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
21. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by
Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to adjourn the meeting at 8:55
p.m.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 13
MA 'O�
ATTEST:
Y CLERK
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—03/11/2009 14