HomeMy Public PortalAbout10- October 14, 2009 Meeting Minutes CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
Clerk's Action Summary Minutes
Regular Commission Meeting
October 14,2009
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 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October
14, 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 Dorothy
Johnson, Vice Mayor Myra L. Taylor, Commissioner Rose Tydus, Commissioner
Timothy Holmes 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 Mayor Joseph L. Kelley.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and
deletions):
Request to amend the agenda to include the following resolutions under agenda item 12
(new items):
12-1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE ACTION OF THE CITY MANAGER IN
RELOCATING TENENTS FROM 1900 ALI-BABA AVENUE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 7-73 OF THE OPA-LOCKA CODE OF ORDINANCES; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND UP TO TWENTY-SEVEN
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 1
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($27,000.00) TO SETTLE PAYMENTS ASSOCIATED
WITH THE RELOCATION, PAYABLE FROM ACCOUNT NO. 25-525390. Sponsored
by C.M.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to amend
the agenda to include item 12-1.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
12-2: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE QOUTE FROM BURCORP LLC AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
THIRTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND
SEVENTY-SIX CENTS ($36,345.76) FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE
RECREATION BUILDING AND FACILITIES AT INGRAM PARK, PAYABLE
FROM ACCOUNT NO. 72-572461. Sponsored by C.M.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to amend
the agenda to include item 12-2.
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
Commissioner Johnson pulled agenda items 15-3, 15-4, 15-7 and Commissioner Tydus
pulled agenda item 15-5 from the Consent Agenda. The items pulled as reflected above
would be discussed separately under agenda item # 11 (Action Items).
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded Commissioner Holmes 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
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 2
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
7. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Special Commission Meeting— September 21, 2009
Second Budget Hearing— September 21, 2009
Regular Commission Meeting—September 23, 2009
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to approve
the minutes of the Special Commission Meeting of September 21, 2009, Second Budget
Hearing of September 21, 2009 and Regular Commission Meeting of September 23,
2009.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
Mark Brown, Assistant County to District 1 County Commissioner Barbara Jordan came
forward and provided a brief update on the HUD homes and tot lot in the Magnolia North
area. Additionally, he reported on the Miami-Dade County/Opa-locka beautification and
rehabilitation programs of which he would again bring the project directors before the
Commission for a presentation.
He announced that Commissioner Barbara Jordan was sponsoring the Flu Shot at the
North Dade Regional Library on Thursday, October 22, 2009 free to children ages 1-18
and seniors 65 and older.
Commissioner Johnson commended Commissioner Jordan for an excellent Hispanic
Heritage Celebration.
Mayor Kelley expressed his concern regarding the length of time it has taken for the Tot
Lot property.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATION:
1. Bill Sussman
Alzheimer's Association of South Florida
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 3
re: Memory Walk and City Competition
Bill Sussman, volunteer of the Alzheimer's Association of South Florida serving on the
Board of Directors, of 10165 SW 71st Avenue, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Commission and provided some brief facts and statistics relating to Alzheimer's in
addition to the purpose of the Alzheimer's Association of South Florida. He encouraged
participation at the Memory Walk on Saturday, November 14, 2009 in Coral Gables. In
addition to the Memory Walk, they are sponsoring the Alzheimer's Memory Challenge of
which Mayor Kelley would be receiving from the League of Cities an invitation to an
announcement of the City Challenge Kick-Off. The city with the highest percentage of its
population participating in the walk is going to receive a major trophy which would be
suitable for display until the next walk and the next winner. He requested that the city
spread the word about the City Challenge which would have national exposure.
2. Alvin Burke
re: Welfare of the City
Alvin Burke of 540 Sharar Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida, came forward and brought up an
issue he discussed at the previous commission meeting in which he was disturbed that the
citizen's money had been used to pay attorney fees for Commissioner Rose Tydus when
she was doing business for Rose Tydus All Occasions Gift Baskets. He continued by
saying that Commissioner Rose Tydus owes the citizens of the City of Opa-locka
$3,500.00 and it is up to the Mayor/Commission to retrieve the citizens money because
she was conducting personal business and not business for the City of Opa-locka.
Note: The following portion of the minutes is transcribed in verbatim format.
Commissioner Tydus: At the last regular commission meeting Mr. Burke presented, as
he's presenting tonight, half truths concerning an Ethics Commission complaint that was
filed against me on May 14th, 2008. The city records will reflect that on July the 9th, 2008
during that particular commission meeting, I presented an unsolicited statement outlining
the circumstances, the regrets, and the outcome of that particular matter of which I really
don't feel that it's necessary for me reiterated all of that. Most of you were here, Mr.
Burke I believe was here, if not, I'm sure he has checked the records or watched or
viewed the television. But other than that fact, my actions were not found to be criminal
in nature, they were dismissed as stated in the document dated May 12, 2009 and I quote
"all administrative charges against Commissioner Tydus solely in her capacity as
commissioner were dismissed by the Commission on Ethics". Did I sell gift baskets to
Waste Management? Yes! Was it done with a criminal intent, illegal motive or gain? No!
Was a lesson learned? Yes!And I really appreciate the Ethics Commission that that is the
reason that it was established. They are the watch dogs for elected officials to let us know
when we have erred. But I learned...more than anything I've learned that I have to be
more attentive to details of my public responsibilities. Did Mr. Burke leave?
Alvin Burke: No, no, I'm right here.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 4
Commissioner Tydus: Okay...and I also learned at all times to eliminate any appearance
of conflict of influence. But once again, this is an old issue which Mr. Burke and others
have brought before this Commission and as most people in this room have heard those
statements before, this dais has heard these statements before and I had to ask myself Mr.
Burke, why anyone would take special time and effort to discredit or attempt to defame
another person...to hurt another person. But then it came to me, hurt people, hurt people
and I just want to apologize to you and to whoever is a part of this with you for whoever
has hurt you throughout the years. Because hurt people...hurt people...Now the issue of
the city's payment of legal fees on my behalf of$3,500.00, according to the Charter legal
fees are provided for elected officials not to exceed $5,000.00. My legal fees were
$3,500.00, the document that I just made referenced to, also made reference to the fact
that the complaint that was filed against me was within the provisions of the Charter
providing for legal defense. But it's strange Mr. Burke that you failed to mention that the
city received a bill on September of 2006 totaling $7,500.00 from an attorney to
represent the City Clerk regarding an Ethics Commission complaint. The sealing
according to the Charter is $5,000.00, now there was no resolution approving this
payment and the City Manager at that time even indicated on the check that was issued
or the check receipt that they were not in agreement with this payment and that it should
be paid according to resolution. But there was also a note on that particular document
that 3 commissioners verbally approved this. Now it would be interesting Mr. Burke on
your witch hunt to find out who those 3 commissioners were because I was not invited to
that particular party. Double standard! Why? I don't know! Then we have the case of
Terence Pinder...$10,000.00...the city paid $10,000.00 in legal fees for Mr. Pinder. He
was removed from office...I'm not sure but I don't want to bare false witness and that's
why I say I'm not sure but I believe it was in 2006 and the city as recent as 2008 made a
payment for legal fees that included services in 2008. Double standard... Why is that!
Then we have the case of Gail Miller, $5,012.85 on August 25, 2008, the City
Commission approved legal fees for an Ethics Commission complaint. Double
standard...I don't understand it. $3,500.00 against $10,000.00, against $5,000.00,
against $7,500.00...1 just really don't know what to say other than we just need to be
careful. And one of the...the...and this is a message to all of us...one of the greatest
examples that I can give in being careful can be found in the Book of Esther, check it out,
Hayman and Morticia. I suggest that we all read it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Holmes: Let me say this and maybe we can put this to rest...maybe we can
put this to rest okay. On the case of Commissioner Tydus, when the bill was first
presented to the manager for reimbursement I saw a copy of it for $5,000.00. I, listen to
me very carefully citizens, I got in touch with the Attorney General in Tallahassee asking
them to give me their legal opinion. The legal opinion came back stating no, according to
the outcome of the Ethics Complaint, the city do not have to pay that money, but if the
majority of the Commission wanted to then they could do it. Now it never came before the
Commission for the $5,000.00, next thing I know it was reduced to $3,500.00 and it was
paid. Now that's the natural born truth and that's the facts of this and I'm tired of this
okay. Let's put this to rest. Now if I have to get another copy from the Attorney General, I
would do that. I gave a copy...what I recall is I gave a copy to the Manager of the
Attorney General's opinion and I thing I might have gave a copy to the City Attorney but
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 5
f I didn't, I still have a copy in my office, if not, I will get back in touch with him. But
let's put this to rest and move on to better things this commission meeting. I don't even
want to discuss this. I just want to put that out there so we can put it to rest. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Tydus: Mr. Mayor may I please comment on that because I also did an
investigation on that so called opinioned from the Attorney General's Office. First of all
my name was not on it. The Attorney General's Office does not give legal opinions
concerning any individual personal matter. They speak in general terms and that
particular document that you are making reference to Commissioner Holmes at the
bottom and I don't have it here with me but Mr. Burke...
Commissioner Holmes: You should have it, Commissioner.
Commissioner Tydus: Well you should have it, you're the one...
Commissioner Holmes: No, you're the one that brought it up.
Commissioner Tydus:And Mr. Burke...Mr. Burke should have a...
Mayor Kelley: Go ahead and finish your comment Commissioner...go ahead
Commissioner.
Commissioner Holmes: It's not important.
Mayor Kelley: Commissioner Holmes, Commissioner Tydus has the floor. Go ahead
Commissioner Tydus.
Commissioner Holmes: I understand...I understand.
Mayor Kelley: Go ahead Commissioner Tydus.
Commissioner Tydus: Once again it did not have my name on it, it was speaking in
generalities and it ended and I'm not quoting word for word but the essence of...the
conclusion of that document that it was a matter that was to be determined by the
government entity and our Code and Charter address it.
Mayor Kelley: If there's any conflicting document, information that this Commission as a
whole needs to take up legislative, bring it before us in some matter or form. I don't want
to deal with this anymore because I don't want to deal with this whole discussion that is
just going back and forth with information. If this Commission as a whole needs to vote
on some legislation, bring it...whoever wants to bring it, bring it but I don't want to go
back and forth on this discussion anymore. I let it go tonight because Commissioner
Tydus said she wanted to have an opportunity to present her statement, I've done that so
to my colleague and all of us I want to move on. The citizens are here for the meeting and
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 6
I want to move forward...everyone has stated their case and the public, citizens will go
from there but I want to move the agenda.
NOTE: This concludes the verbatim portion of these minutes.
10a. CITIZENS' FORUM:
(opportunity for discussion of any concerns—please limit to 3 minutes)
1. Jacquelyn (inaudible) of 1151 Peri Street, Opa-locka, Florida appeared before the
City Commission and spoke about the importance of having unity amongst the elected
officials which is counterproductive to the growth and movement of this city.
2. Coach Eddie Jones of 13815 NW 23rd Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida came forward
and thanked the Commission for the sports activities as a part of the city's Parks &
Recreation Department.
3. Alvin Burke of 540 Sharar Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida came forward and stated
that as a citizen and taxpayer of Opa-locka, anytime he sees that his money is not being
spent the way it should then he will speak out. The City Clerk is not an elected official
and he is not trying to hurt anyone but as elected officials he expects them to do what
they are suppose to do. He continued by reiterating that Commissioner Tydus owed the
citizens of Opa-locka$3,500.00 because the city had no business paying for her attorney.
4. Steven Barrett of 633 Sharar Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida appeared before the City
Commission and expressed his satisfaction with the lawn maintenance of city properties
by the inmates. He encouraged the Commission to continue having the inmates perform
part of the maintenance which could save the city money.
Mayor Kelley advised that the city does plan on keeping the prisoners to perform some of
the maintenance because they are much cheaper.
Battalion Chief Danny Cardeso of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue came forward to address any
questions/concerns the Commission may have relating to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Mayor Kelley encouraged Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to keep up the good work.
11. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list):
15-3: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A CITY COMMITTEE TO BE REFEREED TO
AS THE "OPA-LOCKA COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS"; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO PARTNER WITH THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS
TRUST TO ADDRESS CRITICAL ISSUES FACING THE HOMELESS WITHIN THE
CITY OF OPA-LOCKA. Sponsored by M T
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 7
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to pass the
above resolution.
Commissioner Johnson asked whether there is money involved with this resolution.
Vice Mayor Taylor advised that there was no money involved. This resolution creates a
coalition of citizens or whomever the Commission wants to appoint to address the
homeless.
Commissioner Johnson said she was totally in support of the resolution.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
15-4: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK
TOGETHER WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO ESTABLISH A REVISED
SCHEDULE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF CANALS AND
STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA.
Sponsored by M.T.
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to pass the
above resolution.
Commissioner Johnson inquired about the difference between this resolution and the one
already on the books for the maintenance and cleaning of the canals and stormwater
drainage systems.
Vice Mayor Taylor explained that whatever is on the books now is not being enforced
because the canals are not maintained on a regular basis and she would like to see this
addressed. She had asked the City Manager to speak to whoever is in charge at the county
to see about getting the maintenance of the canals on a regular basis.
Commissioner Johnson was in agreement with the resolution but stated that staff had to
do their job and must be held accountable because there's an existing resolution and she
didn't see the need for another resolution. All of the elected officials on the dais at one
period or another talked about the cleaning of the canals. When the former City Manager
was in office, Miami-Dade County gave a presentation and there was a maintenance
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 8
schedule for cleaning the canals. In addition to that, there was another resolution to
purchase a boat for this same purpose.
In the budget, Manager Finnie stated that he would look at canal cleaning equipment; it
wasn't in a resolution but it was in the budget.
Commissioner Johnson stated that the canal cleaning equipment was included in last
year's budget as well. If this resolution is going to make it happen then she supports it;
however, there is still legislation on the books to that effect and she would like to know
why it is not being adhered to.
Upon being re-elected into office, Vice Mayor Taylor said she came back and the canals
were dirty and she will stay behind this to make sure that the maintenance takes place.
She thanked the Commission for their report and although there's a double resolution,
this is going to get done.
Mayor Kelley stated that the canal schedule was just done and passed in the last budget
and the City Manager is going to tell the Commission the city doesn't have a schedule
although he'd been on the City Manager for over two months about adding more canal
cleaning opportunities; not just the debris because part of what the Urban Rangers were
going to do was clean the debris and the paper due to the fact that Miami-Dade County
will come in and dredge for the fungus but they don't pick up the paper and litter. The
Urban Rangers were suppose to make that a part of their everyday schedule and the City
Manager is now saying that the city doesn't have a schedule with Miami-Dade County
for stormwater management.
Manager Finnie said that the city does have a schedule and the canals are cleaned
quarterly.
In the discussion with the City Manager two months ago, Mayor Kelley said his concern
at that time was getting the canals cleaned and the City Manager replied that the city had
to wait on Miami-Dade County's budget process before falling in the loop. And that's the
reason why the canals didn't get cleaned in July or August. He said he talked about this at
the League of Cities because citizens were complaining about the canals and the City
Manager indicated at that time he would have Mr. Manning call the county. After
receiving the follow up, the City Manager stated to him then that Miami-Dade County
could not start before September and his response was to either come back to the
Commission with a temporary company to clean the canals because it was filthy then.
The City Manager's recommendation was to have staff to pick up the debris and that the
county would make Opa-locka the first on the priority list when they start on September
1. On September 1, 2009, he asked the City Manager for an update and the City Manager
indicated through Mr. Manning at the time that the county was not able to get to the
canals until mid September. He asked the City Manager if those were his statements.
Manager Finnie replied, yes.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 9
Mayor Kelley said the City Manager is now coming back stating, according to the
resolution, that the Commission needs to create to clean the canal segments. He asked,
was the City Manager saying that this was not already in place and the city doesn't have
an agreement?
Manager Finnie explained that the city has an existing agreement to clean the canals
quarterly. When he indicated Miami-Dade County would be here in September, they have
come here in September and the Urban Rangers did clean along side the canals, but the
city is strapped until they get the lawn issue resolved. The Mayor had been quite
articulate in their conversations about the city being front and center making sure those
people in the county do what they should do in terms of bringing services to Opa-locka;
however, he was at a crossroad because the city does have a schedule and he's been
working with the county for them to pay more attention.
Although Mayor Kelley didn't want to be adversarial in terms of this resolution, he said
that the city already has this resolution. He stated to the City Manager a while back that if
they needed to come back to this Commission to include additional cleaning
opportunities in addition to the four which are done quarterly then bring it back.
Manager Finnie was of the opinion that what this conversation is about at the end of the
day is putting more pressure on the county to maintain its schedule to clean the City of
Opa-locka.
Mayor Kelley stated that the entire Commission wants to see the canals clean.
Commissioner Holmes reminded the Commission that the city has a boat and a truck with
a claw which are housed at the Public Works Department for the purpose of cleaning the
canals. He stated that he would not support this resolution because there's wasn't a need
for it.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that if the resolution is going to put grit and teeth behind what
the city already has in place then she asked for the Commission to support it so she can
work with the City Manager to get the canals cleaned. She said they would do whatever
necessary to make sure the city gets a regular routine cleaning of the canals in the City of
Opa-locka like other cities.
Because of the existing agreement with Miami-Dade County for canal cleaning as stated
by the City Manager, Commissioner Tydus stated that the 1st whereas in the resolution is
redundant because it authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement that the city
already executed. This entire resolution is based on that two year agreement that the city
already has.
Vice Mayor Taylor suggested that if the first resolution/agreement wasn't working then
they should do it again because obviously it's not working because the canals are dirty.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 10
Commissioner Tydus read a section of the resolution as follows: "the agreement further
provides for an adjustment of the tasks and levels of service for canal maintenance". In
speaking about adjustment of tasks, it is talking about enhancing what's already in place.
In her opinion, she didn't see where this resolution was taking away from the original
resolution but enhancing it.
Commissioner Johnson disagreed with having a double resolution because it appeared as
if the Vice Mayor with the City Manager felt wholehearted that this will enhance what
the city already. The resolution is already in place and it appears as if the City Manager
can't get the job done because it doesn't take a duplicate resolution to get the canals
cleaned.
She continued by making reference to the Educational Compact which was passed by the
Commission, but she is still meeting with individuals and anything she can do as an
elected official to enhance it, she doesn't need anyone to come back and piggyback on
anything. The City Manager must make sure he does his job and make sure his staff does
their job which the taxpayers pay for. Furthermore, she stated that she would not support
this resolution.
Mayor Kelley agreed that the Commission wants the canals cleaned but he doesn't think
this resolution is needed because they were very clear even when they passed the
legislation that stated to the City Manager that if the quarterly maintenance wasn't
sufficient then he should come back to the Commission to revise and enhance it. This
resolution will be associated with a cost but there's no cost attached to the resolution and
that should have been part of the negotiation discussion the City Manager was going to
have with the county.
Manager Finnie reassured the Commission that there hasn't been any negligence on the
city's part because they have cleaned the canals and will continue to clean the canals; but
if anyone wants to recommend through a resolution an enhancement and it is in the best
interest of the city then it is the intent of his office to stand down and move forward with
the recommendation from this board. After he sits down with the county, he would come
back to the Commission with detailed modifications to the contract, if required.
In light of the fact that there is an existing agreement, Vice Mayor Taylor said that
something was wrong with the agreement because the canals are not being cleaned and
that is her reason for sponsoring this resolution. There seems to be a breakdown in
communication between the city and the county or the city doesn't have everything
together to where the canals are cleaned on a regular basis. As far as she is concerned, the
city doesn't have the where for ails to clean the canals.
She withdrew her seconded on the above resolution to work with the City Manager and
City Attorney on the existing resolution and agreement and if the existing agreement
needs revising/updating then she would bring it back to the Commission. She asked if the
Commission could agree on that.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 11
Mayor Kelley advised that the city already has an agreement and the City Manager needs
to go to the county and find out how much more it would cost the city for additional
cleaning. Additionally, he needs to enhance the Urban Rangers and support staff
responsible for the debris along the side of the canals.
Vice Mayor Taylor withdrew her seconded, Commissioner Johnson withdrew her motion
on the above resolution.
15-5: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, TERMINATING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CITY
ATTORNEY, BURNADETTE NORRIS-WEEKS, P.A. Sponsored by T.H.
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Tydus, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to pass the
above resolution.
Because the resolution was very vague, Commissioner Tydus suggested that the sponsor
of the resolution elaborate on the section which read"due to losing confidence".
Commissioner Holmes explained that he would not go into details in terms of everything
that had occurred in the past year, but he continued by pointing out two incidents dealing
with the Flea Market and the emergency ordinance for the sewer rates.
Note: This portion of the minutes is transcribed in verbatim format.
Commissioner Tydus: Yes, well first of all, again...the City Attorney is not on trial as far
as the Flea Market lawsuit is concerned. As I brought to the Commission's attention at
the last regular commission meeting we're talking about two separate lawsuits...two
separate lawsuits. Yes, perhaps in fact Mr. Geller is representing the initial lawsuit. The
resolution that I brought before the Commission and the Commission, not the attorney, I
sponsored the resolution, the Commission passed the resolution to authorize the City
Attorney, she did not of her own volition, it was passed by the consensus of the
Commission,for her to initiate the lawsuit of which has absolutely nothing to do with the
lawsuit that you made reference that Mr. Geller is involved with, that's number 1.
Number 2, 1 just don't understand...I don't understand how an individual and a firm can
be respected and can be known as being professional, not only as a firm but an
individual, be respected not only in Dade County as a professional but in Broward
County as well with an arm's length of recognitions for that professionalism for civic
contributions but it's beyond me. We had a former City Attorney, unfortunately most of
the times and embarrassingly you know he was a functioning alcoholic, we all know that.
(outburst from the audience in background)
Commissioner Holmes: Point of order, Mr. Mayor.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 12
Commissioner Tydus: Well, it's...it's a...it's a fact. It's a fact!It's a fact!
Commissioner Holmes: Point of order, Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Tydus: It's a fact and we received half of the service that we should have
received.
Mayor Kelley: (inaudible)...point of order.
Attorney Weeks: I believe the disruption has left.
Mayor Kelley: No I'm saying there's a point of order. Can I rule on the point of order?
Attorney Weeks: Yes, sir.
Mayor Kelley: Point of order, Commissioner Holmes.
Commissioner Holmes: This doesn't call for bringing up the former City Attorney and
calling him an alcoholic and stuff this doesn't call for that. I expect certain of us to say
things on behalf of the City Attorney especially when the City Attorney supports the
paying of the $3,500.00 for her attorney.
Mayor Kelley: Rule on your point of order, not comment.
Commissioner Holmes: This is all in the point of order. This is why...this is why
Commissioner Tydus is so up on this because she knows that the City Attorney is in her
corner. Thank you!
Mayor Kelley: Alright...okay...I heard your point of order, Commissioner. I heard your
point of order. Commissioner Tydus, go ahead.
Commissioner Tydus: Yes, we all know we received half of the service that we should
have received from this particular individual. Me included, it's amazing to me that no
one has ever said termination resolution and let me be perfectly clear on this...uh...the
former City Attorney, I was very close friends with his wife, there was no secret, very
close and I spent more time than anyone here on this dais in the hospital with him and
visiting his home. So this is not in an effort to defame or bear any false witness, we all
knew and we enabled him instead of helping him and that's wrong and I take as much
responsibility for it as I hope you will as well. But in and through all of that, I never
heard termination resolution. He was a brilliant City Attorney when he was with this City
of Miami but he wasn't with the City of Opa-locka, his vice would not allow him to. I
know that, you know that, his wife knows that, his friends know that and when we're
talking...
Commissioner Holmes: Point of order.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 13
Mayor Kelley: I ruled on the point of order. The point of order would have been
(inaudible).
Commissioner Holmes: (inaudible)..,not to talk about the former City Attorney.
Vice Mayor Taylor: Mr. Mayor, excuse me Commissioner Tydus. Now listen, you said to
me we would allow everyone to talk. Is that correct? Now you can't call `point of order"
because you don't like what somebody is saying because we don't always like what
somebody is saying and no one calls `point of order" on you. Let Commissioner Tydus
finish her statement, when she's done we would follow Robert Rule's of Order.
Mayor Kelley: Vice Mayor Taylor?
Vice Mayor Taylor: Yes, sir.
Mayor Kelley: No, no, you don't have to do that because I ruled on the point of order but
I want to allow her to speak.
Vice Mayor Taylor: Oh okay...then never mind.
Commissioner Holmes: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Kelley: Finish your statement Commissioner, you have the floor.
Commissioner Tydus: I'm consistently hearing about full time in-house attorney...we
have that. We've had that on several occasions. Full time in-house does not necessarily
mean full time service. We were not receiving full time service with not only the former
but formers and I know that there's no such word City Attorneys. We have the
representation that we've never had before. We have a firm, a firm...the last firm that I
know of that worked...that was contracted by the city was Weintraub, Weintraub, Seiden,
Dudley and Press and each one of those attorneys were specialized in different areas. We
have that same type of representation here and the office is covered every day of the
week, one of those specialized attorneys is here. We had...and available to meet our
needs. So I don't know what...I wish someone would define full time in-house, we had
that but we didn't have full time service, we did not have full time service. So I'm not in
support of...of...of this and I would like to give the City Attorney an opportunity to
address these two issues. Perhaps there's something I don't know...to address these two
issues or charges that have been placed upon you. Do I have the consensus of the
Commission?
Mayor Kelley: I have discussion; if it's the will of the Commission then I will allow the
attorney to do that. I'm going to finish discussion.
Commissioner Tydus:Alright, thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 14
Commissioner Taylor: I agree with the Commissioner Tydus, I have not lost confidence
in the City Attorney. She has been forthright and operating to the best of her legal ability.
Now whether we obey it or not or whether we go by it or not, she has not lost my
confidence.
Commissioner Holmes: I want the people on the dais, my colleagues...I want the citizens
to know, anytime Commissioner Holmes feels like this meeting is going in a different
direction than it is suppose to go in, I will call `point of order"...1 will call `point of
order". And when you do call point of order, it must be ruled on by the chair. I don't care
what anybody say and you have the right to disagree with what Commissioner Holmes' is
going, I don't have a problem with that. You have a right not to support this resolution.
That's your right, I'm not upset with you because you say you not going to support or this
and that, that's your right to do that. All Commissioner Holmes did was brought it and
explained what's been going on in the past year and some of the things that have been
going on and all these doggone emails every week and the Mayor and I stated no more
emails and the next day I was getting emails left and right the following day. But be as it
may, the resolution is on the agenda, the resolution is on the table for we to make a
decision if the City Attorney want to comment on it, that's her legal right to do that. I do
not have a problem with that...I don't have a problem with any body saying what they
want to say, only thing I say when somebody is dead, let the person rest in peace. I don't
know if I'm sentimental about that because my wife just passed but if the person is dead
let them rest in peace no matter what you did for the person when they was living. I know
what I've done and I'm not bringing all that up. Let him rest in peace, Mr. Mayor. Thank
you, Mr. Mayor.
Note: This concludes the verbatim portion of these minutes.
Attorney Weeks addressed the two issues Commissioner Holmes brought up as to the
reason why he feels there's a lost of confidence on his part.
Commissioner Holmes stated that he would not get into a debate with anyone about this
issue. Although he brought up two concerns, there are many more which he didn't want
to get into at that time.
Mayor Kelley said he would not support the resolution because he had not lost total
confidence, but he does have concerns regarding issues occurring in the legal side.
Commissioner Johnson expressed the importance of having the three appointed officials
on the same page as a unified team and if she didn't see a change within the next 90 days
then she would bring back a resolution.
Furthermore, she voiced her concerns relating to citizens being attacked because the
citizens are allowed to say whatever they want but it doesn't mean the City Attorney has
to justify everything. She stated that the City Attorney doesn't have her total support like
before.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 15
Although she strongly supported this resolution, based on the comments from the
Commission she suggested that the sponsor defer the resolution for 90 days.
Taking into consideration where the discussion was leading and Commissioner Johnson's
suggestion, Commissioner Holmes agreed to defer this resolution for a period of 90 days.
The motion and seconded were withdrawn and the above resolution was deferred for 90
days.
15-7: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND FUNDS
IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS
AND THIRTY EIGHT CENTS ($5,415.38) TO FRANK'S COLLISION, INC. FOR
THE REPAIR AND RESTORATION OF A CITY OWNED 2007 FORD F-150,
PAYABLE FROM ACCOUNT NO. 49-541520. Sponsored by C.M.
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to pass the
above resolution.
Commissioner Johnson said she didn't see supporting documentation to reflect the
vehicle and the corrective action taken, if any, because this is the third vehicle damaged.
Additionally, she asked, if this was an accident, why not have the city's insurance carrier
take care of it?
Although staff would come up to address Commissioner Johnson's concerns, Manager
Finnie explained that this incident happened very early on in his tenure and there was a
long, aggressive and detailed discussion about why this had happened. This was an
accident and human error and he wanted to make a point that he would not tolerate it.
Fritz Armand, former Director of Public Works, came forward and stated that this
incident happened during the beginning of his tenure at the Public Works Department.
The insurance was not able to cover the repairs because the minimum amount for the
insurance is $25,000.00.
Commissioner Johnson expressed her frustration with the resolution not having the
supported documentation. She asked, what employee was involved in the accident?
Manager Finnie stated that the employee is in the building department and there's only
one employee in that department authorized to drive a city vehicle.
Commissioner Johnson asked, is that employee still driving a city vehicle?
Manager Finnie replied, yes, the employee needs a city vehicle as a building inspector.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 16
Commissioner Johnson expressed the importance of putting in place corrective action to
make that employee, as well as others who may be in a similar situation, a better driver
because it appears this employee is still driving a city vehicle. She directed the City
Manager to provide the corrective action for an incident like this by Thursday, October
15, 2009.
During his tenure, Manager Finnie explained that there were other accidents and
depending on the situation, he has moved forward aggressively. There were employee
write ups and employees who were recommended for termination.
Because the accident had occurred in January 2009, Mayor Kelley asked, why did it take
so long for this issue to get to the Commission?
Manager Finnie advised that he would provide the Commission with a separate
memorandum in terms of Mayor Kelley's concern.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
12. NEW ITEMS:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE ACTION OF THE CITY MANAGER IN
RELOCATING TENENTS FROM 1900 ALI-BABA AVENUE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 7-73 OF THE OPA-LOCKA CODE OF ORDINANCES; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND UP TO TWENTY-SEVEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($27,000.00) TO SETTLE PAYMENTS ASSOCIATED
WITH THE RELOCATION, PAYABLE FROM ACCOUNT NO. 25-525390. Sponsored
by C.M.
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to pass the
above resolution.
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
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 17
Mayor Kelley Yes
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE QOUTE FROM BURCORP LLC AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
THIRTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND
SEVENTY-SIX CENTS ($36,345.76) FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE
RECREATION BUILDING AND FACILITIES AT INGRAM PARK, PAYABLE
FROM ACCOUNT NO. 72-572461. Sponsored by C.M.
The above resolution was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to pass the
above resolution.
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
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; REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 21, ARTICLE II,
SECTION 21-77 OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA CODE OF ORDINANCES,
ENTITLED "SCHEDULE OF RATES GENERALLY" IN ITS ENTIRETY;
ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR FISCAL
YEARS 2008-2009, 2009-2010 AND 2010-2011; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND
REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by T.H.
The above ordinance was read by title by Attorney Weeks.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 18
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to pass the
above ordinance on first reading.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
B. SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING:
C. RESOLUTION(S):
15. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 — OCTOBER 15, 2009
AS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. Sponsored by J.K.
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE LIFELINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF
THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO INSTITUTE A CELLULAR TELEPHONE DONATION PROGRAM
FOR THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA IN SUPPORT OF THE LIFELINE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM. Sponsored by J.K.
6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT IN THE MATTER OF STEVEN BARRETT V. CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
PURSUANT TO THE TERMS SET FORTH IN ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A";
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE PAYMENT TO
PLAINTIFF AND RESPECTIVE COUNSEL IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TWO
HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($275,000.00), AS FULL
AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF PENDING LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA. Sponsored by C.A.
8. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE PAYMENT
OF THIRTY SEVEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SIXTY ONE DOLLARS AND
TWELVE CENTS ($37,961.12)TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR THE PURCHASE
OF TEN (10) M7100 POLICE RADIOS, PAYABLE FROM ACCOUNT NO. 21-
521645. Sponsored by C.M.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 19
9. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
AWARD OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES (COPS) LAW ENFORCEMENT
TECHNOLOGY GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($75,000.00) FOR THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Sponsored by C.M.
10. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT AN
AMNESTY PROGRAM TO BRING ALL USERS OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
WATER UTILITY INTO COMPLIANCE WITH STATE, COUNTY AND
MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS. Sponsored by C.M.
The above resolutions under the consent agenda were read by title by Attorney Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes to pass the
above consent agenda resolutions.
The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Johnson Yes
Commissioner Tydus Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Kelley Yes
A. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
Manager Finnie briefly provided an update on the following projects: Sherbondy Park,
Old Water Plant, Red Light Cameras and Weed & Seed.
Over the last week, he polled the Commission on a decision he made to allow the city's
facility to be utilized for homebound services which he believes they are headed in the
right direction.
Lastly, he announced that Assistant Chief Cheryl Cason was certified with the FBI for
attending and completing the Law Enforcement Executive Development Program. He
continued by reading a letter into the record from the State of Florida Department of
Children & Families to Chief James Smith regarding the efforts of Deputy Chief Cheryl
Cason for her assistance in the recovery of one of their long time missing children. He
publicly recognized the Opa-locka Police Department for their assistance in this matter.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 20
Commissioner Holmes thanked the City Manager and staff for putting together the water
& sewer ordinance to give the citizens a relief in their water bills as well as the
Commission for supporting it.
He continued by thanking everyone for their support during his time of bereavement for
the loss of his wife. He announced the viewing and funeral service scheduled for Friday,
October 16, 2009 and Saturday, October 17, 2009.
Manager Finnie informed the Commission that he ended his report prematurely.
Kathy Cole, Program Director for New Journeys Transitional Homes came forward and
gave a presentation on the NJTH program which provides independent living to transition
youth ages 18 — 24 that have been terminated by the foster care system or are considered
homeless. The mission is to decrease the rate of homelessness for young adults by
providing an immediate, safe, affordable and nurturing housing environment that
promotes independence and self sufficiency. This presentation included a taping on New
Journeys Transitional Homes which aired on television's CBS4
Commissioner Johnson stated that she'd asked Starex Smith, Director of Parks &
Recreation to work with Ms. Cole.
Commissioner Holmes left the meeting.
Commissioner Johnson directed the City Manager to have the police department conduct
community policing in the early morning for those students who walk to their bus stops
and more details in the peak hours to address persons running the red lights. Additionally,
the vehicles are parking in the street in residential areas.
She requested that the City Manager fast forward the bus shelters/benches and bring back
a report because it's been too long.
She further stated that she sponsored an ordinance which prohibited selling of any goods
on the city's right of ways and/or thoroughfares; however, on Saturday morning some
citizens came to her but in addition to that a police car was present the entire time at the
location. She asked for further details of this activity which the City Manager indicated
that he didn't have any knowledge of.
After conducting research, Manager Finnie stated that the organization that sponsored the
event was the city's Community Empowerment Team (CET) and somehow there was a
communication lapse because a permit had come to him but he turned it down. The day
CET was to have the event got rained out so they set up a rain date and through failure of
communication, they proceeded to have their event last weekend.
Because that was the second time that team sponsored something similar, Commissioner
Johnson directed the City Manager to provide them with a copy of the ordinance and
hopefully that won't happen again.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 21
She directed the City Manager to have the Human Resources Department draft the
accomplishments for the City Clerk, City Attorney, and City Manager before the next
commission meeting because the Commission is still going out for a search for a City
Manager.
She further asked that the dead trees along NW 27th Avenue be addressed.
Vice Mayor Taylor made it clear that she would work with the City Manager on the issue
with the canals.
After speaking with the City Manager about a week ago regarding the Community
Garden, Commissioner Tydus stated that the City Manager indicated that he would
resume working on that the following day but there has not been any activity since then.
In the City Manager's explanation for work being stopped for that particular project, he
mentioned it was because he had to pull Public Works from that particular project to
assist in the cleaning of the alleyways and other lawn associated tasks. She asked for an
update on the RFP for the lawn service because it appears to her that the Public Works
Department is having to assist with the cleaning of the alleyways and being taken away
from other responsibilities for instance the completion of the Community Garden, the
cleaning of the canals and the cleaning of the streets. She asked for the status of the street
sweeper and when that equipment is being used?
Manager Finnie said he would have staff come forward to speak about the street sweeper
but he would like to address the additional issues raised. He said the last time he talked
about the Community Garden, he told Commissioner Tydus Public Works would be out
there last Friday and they were out there last Friday working. There was not activity this
week because the city is now purchasing of various tiles and items to be put in place. At
the end of the budget year, the city closes purchasing and tightens up account payable
activities. The city is not in the new budget year and they are buying the materials needed
to move forward. In terms of the conversation relating to the allocation of manpower to
work in the city, there's no question that without the lawn contract being in place, that
has presented a challenge and he attempted to supplement that challenge by hiring local
vendors, reallocating people from the state program, using the Urban Rangers and from
time to time other folks from Public Works. He said the city will continue picking up
garbage, cleaning up and doing a lot of things. In terms of the RFP for the lawn
maintenance contract, it was advertised last week and is scheduled to close on Friday,
October 16, 2009.
Commissioner Tydus informed the City Manager that she is still hearing chickens on the
West side of Opa-locka.
Manager Finnie stated that there is a new Code Enforcement Director and he would direct
him to address the issue with the chickens. The problem with the chickens is that they
migrate and usually when the city can find someone who owns chickens and they keep
them in the chicken coup then the city can address the situation. However, the people
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 22
who own chicken allow them to run wild and it is very difficult to tag someone with the
ownership of the chicken.
Commissioner Tydus requested that the City Manager provide her with a strategy/plan at
the next regular meeting to address the chickens.
Commissioner Johnson asked for clarification on the Community Garden.
Commissioner Tydus stated that she was speaking about the Community Garden on
Sharazad Boulevard and Codadad.
Commissioner Johnson asked, when did that item come before the City Commission
because she knows that there was a resolution was presented but failed?
Commissioner Tydus stated that the item came before the Commission last year.
Manager Finnie stated that it was his understanding that it was approved and he moved
forward allocating money in the budget.
Commissioner Johnson recalled a resolution coming to the Commission for $48,000.00
and it failed.
Commissioner Tydus stated that there is a resolution that passed and what Commissioner
Tydus is making reference to was the cost.
Commissioner Johnson said she would pull the resolution.
Mayor Kelley asked for an update on Segal Park.
Hopefully, Manager Finnie stated the city would be released in November from the work
on Sherbondy Park and the water site and next up is Segal Park.
Mayor Kelley directed the City Manager to make sure that Segal Park is maintained and
provide an explanation as to why the lawn at Ingram Park was nicely cut but the lakefront
was not.
He continued to ask for an update on his request to the City Manager to look at a service
center concept for the city. Additionally, he is still receiving complaints from citizens
relating to Customer Service in terms of not receiving follow up calls to keep them
updated as to what is going on in the process.
He further expressed his frustration with minor items citywide that employees see but
nobody addresses it. He made reference to the debris and trash at the entrance of Ingram
Park that existed for almost a week but yet you have Public Works and Park staff going
in and out but nobody does anything about it. The city spent all this money to make
beautify Ingram Park but the entrance is terrible and everybody is waiting for somebody
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 23
else to pick it up. These types of simple minor items should be a part of the Urban
Rangers and Code Enforcement daily routine while traveling through the city.
Mayor Kelley asked whether the City Manager had any idea when the county's final
budget would be adopted. His purpose for asking is because the county will cut and
eliminate some of their positions, etc. which would impact all cities including Opa-locka.
The county put out a final version of the budget along with the implications, therefore, he
would like the City Manager to review the document to make sure the stays ahead.
Manager Finnie advised that he had just received the document for the county late that
afternoon.
B. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ezekiel Orji, Finance Director for the City of Opa-locka came forward and stated that the
city was paying all of its bills.
16. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
17. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
Attorney Weeks reported that the city had been in meetings and negotiations with the
Police Benevolent Association (PBA) for a series of months and they're getting to a point
where they need the Commission's input. She requested an executive session prior to the
next commission at 6:00 p.m. She said she had for the Commission a detailed redline
document in terms of the changes suggested so far that the city is in agreement with;
however, there are some things that they need to work through and massage a little more.
But this would be an excellent time for the Commission to be up to date on where the city
is in terms of the PBA negotiations. The negotiation team includes Chief Smith, Sharlene
Boyd, Dr. Ezekiel Orji and the legal staff.
After further discussion, the consensus of the Commission was to have the attorney/client
session on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. and for the City Attorney to
provide the document in advance. The City Attorney agreed to provide the document to
the Commission on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 and to meet with them individually, if
they like, to go through the document.
Attorney Weeks read the following notice into the record: City of Opa-locka, Florida,
Attorney-Client Session: Pursuant to Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes, an attorney-
client session would be held at a special meeting of the Opa-locka City Commission on
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 777
Sharazad Boulevard, Opa-locka, Florida, to update the City Commission on the status of
negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and determine if the City is
proceeding in the desired direction. In attendance will be Mayor Joseph L. Kelley, Vice
Mayor Myra L. Taylor, Commissioner Timothy Holmes, Commissioner Dorothy
Johnson, Commissioner Rose Tydus, Bryan K. Finnie, Interim City Manager, Burnadette
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 24
Norris-Weeks, City Attorney, Valerie Kiffon-Lewis, Assistant City Attorney and Court
Reporting Services. The attorney-client session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at
approximately 6:50 p.m. This attorney-client session shall be closed to the general public.
Upon conclusion of the attorney-client session, the special City Commission meeting
shall be reopened.
She continued by saying that this notice would be provided to the City Clerk's Office on
the following day.
Commissioner Johnson directed the City Attorney to bring back a resolution or ordinance
banning texting while driving.
Attorney Weeks stated that the Mayor had asked her to prepare a resolution for the next
commission meeting to prohibit receiving or sending text messages while driving.
Commissioner Johnson noticed in the packet that there were several meetings scheduled
for Planning Council and she had asked the City Manager to rescind all agreements. She
requested that the City Attorney bring back a detailed report on all items this firm has
worked on for the Planning Council.
She continued by asking the City Manager if all contracts were rescinded?
Manager Finnie advised that he is going to the process now but there is no way he can
rescind all of the contracts.
Commissioner Johnson informed the City Manager that she didn't want him to decide
which contracts to cease. Although the City Manager didn't enter into all of them, she
was lead to believe that they were rescinded; however, since all of the contracts were not
ceased, she asked for detailed report as to those that are still opened. The City Manager
cannot enter into a contract unless he brings it to the Commission for approval.
She continued by saying that the firm she was speaking about was not brought in to
provide all of those services. Additionally, she previously mentioned that she didn't want
anyone having advanced information as what she was told regarding this firm that was
brought in.
She further stated that the resolution regarding Youth Co-op which was passed by the
Commission, she noticed a contract that she never seen; therefore, she is assuming the
City Attorney came up with the contract.
Manager Finnie advised that the document is a service agreement and not a contract.
Attorney Weeks stated that she did not draft the contract.
As it related to legal sufficiency, Commissioner Johnson suggested that the City Manager
nor his staff draft anything that will be bound by the city unless the City Attorney has
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 25
reviewed it because the knowledge skills and competency of a legal opinion does not lie
with the City Manager and his staff She directed the City Manager to make sure the City
Attorney receives her evaluation because a search will go out in 60 days.
18. CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
Clerk Irby advised the Commission that the Regular Commission Meeting scheduled for
November 11, 2009 falls on a holiday, Veteran's Day.
After brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to cancel the Regular
Commission Meeting of November 11, 2009 reserving the right for the City Manager to
call for a special commission meeting should there be any items requiring immediate
attention.
Clerk Irby provided an update on the Census 2010 and stated that the city had a new
liaison who is working out well. After learning that the city would no longer need to hold
a special election, she requested to utilize the $5,000.00 originally allocated for that
special election to prepare the city for the Census 2010 in terms of getting promotional
items printed, going door to door, having banners put up throughout the city, mail-outs,
etc.
Commissioner Johnson gave direction that this item is brought back in the form of a
resolution to have a paper trail.
Clerk Irby added that the city would have to change the qualifying period for the City of
Opa-locka in 2012.
Vice Mayor Taylor directed the City Clerk to provide a written report to the Commission
on the Census 2010.
19. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORT:
Commissioner Johnson reported that she provided the Department of Human Services
with a letter of support relating to WI FI; attended the Florida Memorial University Gala;
in the process of conducting training for Miami-Gardens and Opa-locka Crossing Guards
at no cost to the city; appointed by Commissioner Jordan to serve on the Community
Action Agency; attended District 1 Hispanic Heritage Celebration; attended several cities
workshops; met with Mayor Shirley Gibson of Miami Gardens on the education compact;
in the process of working with Commissioner Jordan's office to provide technical support
back to the City Manager's Office; and the commencement of her television program
"Straight Talk".
Vice Mayor Taylor expressed sympathy to Commissioner Holmes and family for the
passing of his wife.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 26
Note: This portion of the minutes is transcribed in verbatim.
Vice Mayor Taylor: I have been serving in public service here in the City of Opa-locka
since 1996 and never have I asked anyone what anyone had said in a meeting to anyone,
or have tried to find out anything about whatever my colleagues have said in a meeting. I
had a meeting on last week with the Manager and one of his staff...two of his staff
members. Now there's no federal law, no state law, county or local law here in the City
of Opa-locka that prevents me from talking to anyone, asking them, inquiring or hearing
what they have to say because staff members are in the streets and they hear what our
people are complaining about and of course if I ask them, they will bring it to me. Now
I've never asked anyone and everybody here have meetings but I have my first time to say
who said what in that meeting and who met. Now that was done to me and I didn't
appreciate it because if anybody wants to know anything they can come and ask me and
I'm woman enough to tell them what I have said and I have no problems talking to staff
and I invite them to talk to me. The meeting was held in the Manager's presence with his
staff I wanted to hear what they and I wanted them to give me suggestions on how we
can make this city even better. I am not the enemy here and I don't know why people are
tracking my movements, I don't appreciate it and it should stop. We have enough on our
plate to do then to find out what the Vice Mayor is up to and what she is doing. Our
people are drowning, our citizens are drowning in a sea of water & sewer cost. Even
though we do what we can, they're still drowning, they're losing their homes from
foreclosure, property taxes are increasing and you're keeping up with my movement.
Those people that have folk that's spying on whoever and especially me, why don't you
send them to Tallahassee and ask for some rehab money so we can rehab City Hall. This
place is historical and in some areas in rooms it's used as storage. I was looking at some
of the advertisement that was in front of the post office there and here at City Hall and
they were advertising the upcoming events. One of the posters said that the upcoming
event was going to be at Old City Hall. This is not Old City Hall, this is thee City Hall.
This place is deteriorating by the day and no one seems to care which is why Mother
Skiles, if you recall in the minutes, came and made her position clear which is why she
comes to the meetings every now and then so we don't sneak City Hall out from here into
Town Center One. Which brings me to another point, we have enough on our plate to do
either purchase Town Center or the money that we've used in it, we could have built our
own municipal complex but still you're following the Vice Mayor around. Forget me, I'm
not the enemy here, the enemy is what we have to do and because we're nitpicking and
following the Vice Mayor around shows me number one, we have no goal, no mission
and no vision. And even the Bible says that without vision the people parish and I see the
resolutions that we pass up here is no general resolution, our downtown still is not
attractive to anyone. We only have one good restaurant in this whole city and you're
following me around. I'm saying this, with him, the Bible also says to write the vision and
make it plain. Now what has happened is, and a lot of folks saying Mrs. Taylor ain't
saying nothing; Mrs. Taylor trying to find out which way the direction is going and to
learn the layout of the land. The manager, sometimes I feel sorry for you Mr. Manager
and I going to tell you why because you should have a book just like this where five
people have put in what they want to see this city is about and have benchmarks by which
we can track what you're doing. You don't have anything written, there is no vision from
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 27
this Commission written but you're busy following me around, that needs to stop. We
need to get on the bandwagon and let us do something for our citizens that they can
visibly see. They are suffering, our people are suffering, they have no where...we have a
large homeless problem here and I'm glad Ms. Cole had something to say. Of course
she's doing transition but we have older people on the street. When we went over to the
water plant and you know this to be true, there were people living, not just men or
women, there were children in that water plant, they were homeless. We asked them to
leave, they would leave and when we leave they would come back. And all of our homes
that are boarded up, they come back in at night. We have a lot on our plate, following
Mrs. Taylor around ain't it, that won't get it. It's writing a vision, giving it to him and
sometimes when...that's why he has no direction he just does things sometimes on his
own. And this is no criticism to you but you do, you do what you think we that we need
done and then when you do it right hardly anybody say anything but when you do it
wrong, every two weeks you're being fired. You can't help it because you have no plan.
So I'm saying we have created a kingdom of spies and snitches in this city. I know it and I
just got experienced with it. There's no law saying that I cannot speak to anyone and I
will, I will. If you want to know anything that the Vice Mayor is going and I am for a
plan, I can't monitor you without a plan, I can't track you without a plan, I cannot give a
benchmark...I cannot see your benchmarks without giving you a plan and it's not yours
it's ours that we should give to you. So my...my...I'm going to draw my line in the
sand...draw my line in the sand. I'm going to move in this city, I'm going to move around
in this city and if anybody want to know what I'm doing come and ask me. I'm grown
enough to say what I have to say and I would meet with whoever I have to meet with
within the bounds of the law, I would do that. So now for you Mr. Manager,for you and
any of...let me tell you about that meeting...what came out of that meeting was a big lie,
now that's the truth. What came out of that meeting was something said that was never
said and was reacted upon. Phone calls kept going, nobody came and asked the Vice
Mayor, if you were concerned about it so much and was that nosey...come and saly, Vice
Mayor what was going on and I would have told you. My meetings are not secret which is
more than I can say for a lot of meetings in this city so I'm drawing the line in the sand,
I'm going to meet with people within the bounds of the law. I'm going to talk to you, I'm
going to ask you your opinion, I'm going to ask you what's going on. You're in the street
because I want to make this city better for the people, for our people. We have so much
going on and so much should be addressed that's not being addressed because we don't
have a written vision. Your folk, if I meet with you or any of your people, this is what you
tell them and I'm telling you to tell them, if they want to know something, tell them to go
and ask the Vice Mayor and I'll let them know...maybe...maybe not, what I'm doing but
I'm going to move in this city. So now get off me, we have too much to do; get off me,
let's get on with making life better and easier for the citizens of Opa-locka. We have
people that need out help, they're begging, they come to this meeting...a woman said she
don't want to use water because of the water bill, don't want to drink water, who can say
that. Twelve percent in the Census of 2000...in the Census of 2000 that we did, twelve
percent of our population in 2000 was living below the poverty level, not at it, below the
poverty level. Now here we are 2010 and I know that that figure has gone up. So we have
a lot on our plate, we have a lot to do,following the Vice Mayor ain't it. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor that's my report for this time.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 28
Note: This concludes the verbatim portion of these minutes.
Mayor Kelley reported his attendance at the Miami-Dade League of Cities Board
Meeting and the scheduled meeting with the pastors at the Opa-locka Police Department
to encourage them to assist them in making their properties secure and safe. He thanked
the City Manager for the relocation of citizens who were displaced.
He suggested that the City Manager be mindful of the fact that everything the city does
must be done positively to help the citizens. He commended the Opa-locka Police
Department for the recent Chiefs Night Out and stated that he would continue to follow
and improve the city's Crime Watch Organizations in hopes that the crime watch
initiative would get citizens involved.
Although he keeps hearing about vision and plan, he stated that in the beginning of the
year the Commission passed goals & objectives which should be measured from the City
Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk and he would assume the City Manager is
following those goals & objectives laid out for accomplishment; therefore, there is a plan
in place and like anything else the plan could be improved upon. The city is not
wondering around aimlessly because there is a plan in which they are trying to
accomplish but every little bit helps and everybody has a role to play. In the final
analysis, everybody is in this together. Where there's unity, there's strength and they
need to work towards that and do everything possible to make the quality of life better in
the "great" City of Opa-locka.
Commissioner Tydus reported that she met with the Mayor of Miami Lakes and they are
working on projects that will bring about collaboration between the two communities.
She announced the 70's Costume Ball on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Historic City
Hall (west lawn) from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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 ad'ourn the meeting at 9:55
--- MAYOR
ATTEST:
CI Y CLERK
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—10/14/2009 29