HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-April 22, 2020 VRCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
VIRTUAL REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Matthew Pigatt called the virtual Regular Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, issued by the office of the Governor Ron DeSantis
on March 20, 2020, municipalities may conduct meetings of their governing boards without
having a quorum of its members present physically or at any specific location, and utilizing
communications media technology such as telephonic or video conferencing, as provided by
Section 120.54(5)(b)2, Florida Statutes.
An opportunity was given to the public to email the City Clerk prior to the Commission
Meeting with any questions/comments/concerns on items we will hear on this evening's
Regular Commission Meeting agenda. This meeting is being streamed live at
https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofOpalocka.
Since this is a virtual meeting as authorized by the Governor of the state of Florida, again,
members of the public wishing to address the commission have been offered the opportunity
to do so. Public comments will be included as part of the public record for this virtual
meeting and will be considered by the City commission prior to any action taken.
2. ROLL CALL:
The members of the City Commission appearing remotely were: Mayor Matthew Pigatt, Vice
Mayor Chris Davis, Commissioner Sherelean Bass, Commissioner Alvin Burke, and
Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley. Also in attendance were: City Manager John E. Pate, City
Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, and City Clerk Joanna Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The invocation was delivered by Commissioner Sherelean Bass.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda to be discussed separately under
Action Items: pulled 13-2 (Mayor Pigatt).
NEW ITEMS:
14-1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITIY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN
EMERGENCY AGREEMENT WITH HIP ROCKSTAR, LLC, FOR
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($15,000.00) AS SET
FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City
Manager
The above resolution was read by City Clerk Flores.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass to amend the agenda to
include Item 14-1.
Mayor Pigatt asked the manager to clarify why the item is being added to agenda.
City Manager Pate said after reviewing available information, it was advised that someone
come in and provide information to the community regarding COVID-19.
Commissioner Kelley said he wants to state for the record that this item does not meet the
criteria for what is going on.
There being no discussion, the motion on the amendment failed by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Burke No
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
A motion was made to amend the agenda to allow for a public presentation regarding the
new item above.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Mayor Pigatt to approve the amendment.
There being no discussion, the motion on the amendment failed by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Burke No
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass for discussion.
Commissioner Kelley stated for the record that the item was initially presented as one and
now it has been split three (3) different ways. He said he will speak to the attorney and the
manager at a later date regarding the matter.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Virtual Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 03, 2020
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass to approve the
minutes from the Virtual Special Commission Meeting of April 03, 2020.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 08, 2020
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to approve the
minutes from the Virtual Regular Commission Meeting of April 08, 2020.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE/DISTRICT TWO — COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
City Clerk Flores state that she received a message from Larry Gardner, Commissioner
Barbara Jordan's Office, District I, which stated that the commissioner would like for the
City/Commission to go on her Facebook page to receive updates regarding COVID-19.
District II was not available.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:
11. CITIZENS' INPUT:
City Attorney Norris -Weeks said by order of the governor, the public was allowed to submit
responses to address the commission prior to the meeting through the clerk's office and that
information was also provided in the agenda packet.
City Clerk Flores confirmed that no one from the public provided information prior to the
meeting.
12. ACTION ITEMS:
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT OF ALL ACCRUED
ANNUAL LEAVE, PERSONAL LEAVE AND SICK LEAVE, TOTALING
$6,362.73, CONNECTED WITH THE TENURE OF FORMER INTERIM
CITY MANAGER NEWALL DAUGHTREY; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Norris -Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Kelley, seconded by Commission Bass for discussion.
Commissioner Kelley asked the manager if this was the total amount that is owed to the
former manager.
City Manager Pate said, "Yes."
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
Commissioner Bass wants to make sure the amount is exact and it is documented.
Mayor Pigatt said he pulled the item because he wants to ensure proper reports are being
provided regarding the City and its finances. He asked the manager what he intends to do
about the unusually high annual and sick leave balances of over one million dollars that the
city currently has.
City Manager Pate said he is currently reviewing employee balances and is also working with
the Budget Department to start cashing out those balances over a three to five year period.
This will be included in the five year recovery plan.
Vice Mayor Davis said this seems to be a problem and he hopes the manager will implement
a policy as he is reviewing the employee balances.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt No
13. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
PIGGYBACK THE SOURCEWELL NJPA SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH
UNIFIRST CORPORATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWELVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED
DOLLARS ($12,100.00) IN THE FORM ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT
"A"; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT THE STATE OF FLORIDA
GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS RETROACTIVELY AUTHORIZE PAYMENT
OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO AFFECTED WORKERS FROM THE
TIME OF LAYOFF, EVEN IN CASES THE LAYOFF WAS NOT DIRECTLY
RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Burke to pass the consent
agenda.
The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
14. NEW ITEMS:
15. PLANNING & ZONING:
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE STRUCTURE AT 490 ALI-
BABA AVENUE TO ALLOW FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF WINDOWS AND
DOORS ON THIS REGISTERED HISTORIC PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Norris -Weeks.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks restated her earlier comments about the public having had the
opportunity to submit their comments prior to the start of the meeting and there are no
comments at this time.
Planning & Community Development Director Gregory Gay said the certificate allows for
the replacement of windows and doors at historic structures and buildings. The state has
provided a letter regarding the criteria for doing so while noting that all of the windows and
doors have to be the same and must be impact windows. They recommend that the item is
approved by the commission at this time.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Kelley for discussion.
Commissioner Burke asked Mr. Gay if an assessment was done to the old city hall to
determine if it meets the requirements.
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
Mr. Gay said, "No." The item is coming before the commission because there are owners
who own historic properties so they will have to follow the protocol for obtaining the
Hurricane impact windows and doors.
Vice Mayor Davis said if the discussion is about the Hurt Building where the Opa-locka
CDC is housed, those windows and doors are extremely outdated and this item will allow for
well needed upgrades.
Commissioner Bass thanked the vice mayor and Mr. Gay for providing clarity on the item.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCES(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/ PUBLIC HEARING(S):
C. RESOLUTION(S):
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
City Manager Pate said he is working closely with county and state officials to take all of the
necessary steps to keep the public safe from the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). He
spoke to the county regarding placing a testing site in the City and was told the City would
have to foot the bill for the site setup, doctors, security, etc... They will look into a joint
partnership to reduce the financial burden while providing assistance to residents who may
need it. They are still working on the Auditor General's 99 Findings, roads and streets, the
pump stations, and all of the other goals and objectives that the City is responsible for during
the pandemic. He thanked the commission for their support with what staff is doing and will
continue to monitor the orders and recommendations from the county and the state.
Commissioner Bass asked the manager how many people currently have been diagnosed with
the virus.
City Manager Pate said there are 160 confirmed cases of the virus.
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
Commissioner Burke said he is surprised the numbers are not higher because he has been
calling the manager since the stay at home order was put in place and there was no
enforcement from the City. The businesses were still opened and the residents were still
hanging out outside. He encouraged the commission to ride around and see for themselves
because until there is enforcement the numbers will continue to rise.
City Manager Pate said they are actively working on enforcing the curfew. Arrests have been
made and he will encourage the police chief to ramp up the enforcement while not arresting
everyone.
Commissioner Bass said she noticed the Rotary Club had a community feeding on yesterday
and she had no knowledge of it; if she would have known she could have supported it.
Commissioner Burke said there was an issue that took place on Johnson Street and Lincoln
Avenue, where the rotary club of Doral brought food that they wanted to distribute. An
altercation took place with Pastor Mikell and they were going to take the food away from the
City. He called the manager and asked if the food can be taken to Sherbondy Park and be
available to everyone. The manager approved the request and he along with Mr. Pepe
transferred the food to the park and fed over two hundred 200 people.
Vice Mayor Davis encouraged the Police Department to exercise discretion while enforcing
the curfew to avoid many arrests.
Commissioner Kelley said he is concerned that not enough testing is being done and hopes
the City will look for funding to do what needs to be done so there can be testing for those
who do not have access to it. He said he will draft a letter to the county requesting assistance
from the mayor with providing testing for the residents.
Mayor Pigatt said he has been in communication with several agencies in the county and
while it is frustrating, it is ongoing and he is actively working on behalf of the City.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks announced an Executive Session to be held virtually with the
city commission on May 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing pending litigation
in The Brown Law Group, LLC v. City of Opa-locka, Case No. 2019-027913-CA-01.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
19. MAYOR /COMMISSION REPORT:
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
Commissioner Bass said she understands that there is alot going on, but she would like for
the commission to be included in everything that is going on in and around the City.
Commissioner Burke left the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Commissioner Kelley commended everyone for the work they have been doing with the food
drives and its benefits to the residents. He said he would hope that if it is allowed, that
everyone will participate in the National Day of Prayer on May 7, 2020.
Mayor Pigatt reminded the public that the City is currently dealing with two things at the
same time and that is the financial crisis and the Coronavirus. He said this is a critical time
and the basics of public safety, water, infrastructure, and health is not good. He said the
manager is being called and pulled from everyone when at the last meeting it was voted
down to give him the authority to act on behalf of the City with issues stemming from the
virus. If that legislation was approved, the commission would not have to convene for every
issue and it would be easier to communicate with other agencies and actions could be taken
faster. It is on the commission to work as a collective to make things happen on behalf the
residents.
Commissioner Kelley left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks reminded the commission that there is work that needs to be
done and the manager does not have the authority to take certain actions. She said if there is
reasonable notice then the commission can convene to take certain actions quickly for
everything that may arise.
City Manager Pate said certain actions take at least a 24 hour notice before the commission
can convene because the work has to be prepared for discussion.
Commissioner Keller Kelley returned to the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
Vice Mayor Davis said the commission realizes the severity of what is going on and also
wishes the full commission can be informed when there are things happening in and around
the City and when residents call or approach the commission, they have knowledge of what
is going on and can respond accordingly.
Mayor Pigatt asked that a weekly meeting be held relating to COVID-19 until the virus has
been eradicated.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks said this can be done with proper notice and if there is business
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020
to attend to. If the manager does not have any business to bring before the commission, then
they do not need to meet on the reoccurring date and time they choose. If the commission
wants to call a weekly meeting for Thursday at 6:00 p.m. with the majority of the
commission available, then they can so with the option to consider issues.
The City Commission agreed to conduct a workshop every Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. to
discuss pending issues regarding COVID-19 and any actions they intend to take.
20. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
21. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no more business to come before the Commission, it was moved by
Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 p.m.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 22, 2020