HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-September 30, 2020 VSCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
VIRTUAL SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
5:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Matthew Pigatt called the virtual Special Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, September 30, 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 Special
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 appearing remotely 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.
City Clerk Flores read the following public comments into the record:
Jefferey Sanders, (No address), asked have the parks been closed and privatized when he knows
the youth have nothing else to do. He feels as though the parks department should remain open
so the youth can keep out of trouble. He disagrees with what is going on.
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Virtual Special Commission Meeting September 30, 2020
Natasha Ervin, 670 Dunad Avenue, Opa-locka, FL, said that as a resident, home and business
owner, she is appalled by the state in which the City is moving and that is a shame on the
commission. She is on social media all of the time and has never seen where Hip Rock Star has
done anything with the City. She hopes the moved does not come from the relationship the
mayor has with the company because it is a conflict of interest and the commission knows it. She
is disappointed that it looks like the reigns have changed from the prior commission. She then
inquired as to why Trimerge is being extended when the City does not have the money to pay the
company. If the City does have the funds to pay them, then why are the property taxes being
increased? It is a shame on the City because of all of the lawsuits that are currently being placed
on the City. She concluded by telling the commission to do unto others as they would have them
do unto them.
Audrey Dominguez, 1147 Jann Avenue, Opa-locka, FL, asked why Hip Hop Rock Star has an
item on the agenda for a special meeting. She mentioned several media, marketing, and
management positions who are at the average marketing level for the positions in which they are
doing their jobs and it is less than the City; an employee could have been hired permanently for
this amount.
Dorothy Johnson, 13724 NW 24th Place, Opa-locka, FL, said she has an issue with item 6-C and
urged the commission should reconsider this as money has been spent for this in the past. She
said she does not see the line item where the $30,000.00 will be coming from. Item 6-D does not
show where it is documented that these services have been delivered. She asked at what point
does the City intend to hire a professional Finance Director to run the department and watch the
money. The City will never get out of the financial problem it is experiencing if it does not
monitor the finances.
City Manager Pate said there are provisions in place to get the parks back up and running. There
is currently active recruiting in place and he will be making a final selection after reviewing all
of the finalist's applications. He feels as though Hip Hop Rock Star is doing their job and he is
confident in the fact that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was put out and the company was
selected so they are here to do the advertising the City is unable to do. The company has done a
lot of work on behalf of the City and he supports them. He addressed the finance director
position by stating that while Trimerge is here, they have agreed to the extension to get the audits
done and he is pleased with the services they are providing. He is confident in the decisions he
has made and is standing behind his choices to work with the companies on the agenda.
Mayor Pigatt agreed with the manger and said that Trimerge is instrumental with the finances of
the city within the last year and that is a huge accomplishment. He commended everyone
involved in the process for their contribution towards the initiative to get the City's finances in
order.
5. SECOND READING ORDINANCES/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA FLORIDA, DUAL -DESIGNATING 37TH AVENUE FROM 135TH STREET TO
151sT STREET AS "COMMISSIONER BARBARA JORDAN WAY"; PROVIDING FOR
REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR
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SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading/public hearing held on September 9, 2020).
Sponsored by Commissioner Kelley
The above ordinance was read by City Attorney Norris -Weeks.
Mayor Pigatt opened the floor for a public hearing. There being no persons to speak on the
public hearing, the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Bass for discussion.
Commissioner Kelley acknowledged that Commissioner Jordan has worked on behalf of the City
for many years and is worthy of this award. He expressed his appreciation for his colleagues for
supporting the item.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the ordinance passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, REPEALING SAME BUDGET ORDINANCE NUMBERS 17-19
AND 13-33 WHICH IMPLEMENTED A BAN ON WEARING SAGGY PANTS AND
SHIRTS IN CITY BUILDINGS AND PARKS; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION
OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND CODIFICATION;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading/public hearing held on
September 9, 2020). Sponsored by Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Pigatt, Vice, Commissioner Bass
and Commissioner Kelley
The above ordinance was read by City Attorney Norris -Weeks.
Mayor Pigatt opened the floor for a public hearing. There being no persons to speak on the
public hearing, the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass for discussion.
Vice Mayor Davis said he is happy that this has become a national conversation. He is glad that
the City can move forward and teach the youth how to dress properly in a different manner.
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Commissioner Bass agreed and said this is a different time and things have to be done differently
when dealing with the youth.
Commissioner Kelley also agreed and said one of the reasons he supports the item at this time is
because there was no follow up and no tracking of the statistics in which it was supposed to
follow.
Mayor Pigatt thanked the vice mayor for bringing forth the item and stated that it is the
responsibility of the adults to lead the youth and make sure the City shines.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the ordinance passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Burke No
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
6. RESOLUTIONS:
A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OFOPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT THE FEE PROPOSAL OF M.C. HARRY AND ASSOCIATES, INC. TO
CONDUCT A CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF HISTORIC CITY HALL AND ENTER
INRO AN AGREEMENT FOR SAME, IN AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEED FORTY-
THREE THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($43,350.00); PROVIDING
FOR INCPORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
The above item was read by Assistant City Attorney Cobb.
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis for discussion.
Public Works Director Airia Austin said the building sat vacant for about twenty four months
and they want to ensure that the structure is still sound before expending any additional funds.
Commissioner Bass asked if the previous assessment was available.
Mr. Austin said that the previous assessment is available and was completed in 2014.
Commissioner Burke said he has been in the building and it has substantial issues. He agreed
with the director that it needs to be assessed again.
Vice Mayor Davis asked if the original contractors could not remobilize to continue the work.
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Virtual Special Commission Meeting September 30, 2020
Mr. Austin said they have been working with the company to come to a resolve with the
completion of the project.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING EMERGENCY ORDER NO. 20-05 IMPLEMENTED
BY THE CITY MANAGER JOHN E. PATE OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA IMPOSED ON APRIL 28, 2020 DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
2019 (COVID-19); PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above item was read by Assistant City Attorney Cobb.
It was moved by Commissioner Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Burke for discussion.
City Manager Pate informed the commission that it is prudent to have this item on the agenda for
approval as it will loosen the restrictions that are currently in place by Miami -Dade County.
Commissioner Kelley said he is glad to see the item on the agenda, but he does not see where the
wording shows that it will be external only; he asked for clarity.
City Manager Pate said he understands how it can be open to interpretation and is willing to
amend the item.
Commissioner Kelley said he would like the wording to reflect exactly what the item is trying to
relay. He made a suggestion to amend Section 2 to allow for the reopening of parks socially and
still requiring the use of masks.
A motion was made to amend Section 2 to allow for the reopening of the parks socially and still
require the use of masks.
A brief debate was held amongst the dais and it was ultimately decided to vote on the item in its
original form.
City Manager Pate informed the commission that he can defer the item until the next commission
meeting and the commission can then decide what they desire at that time.
Commissioner Kelley asked for clarity that the building will be utilized for external business
only.
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Virtual Special Commission Meeting September 30, 2020
Commissioner Burke asked if these decision will affect the order that the state already has in
place.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks said that the state already granted Cities the opportunity to make
their decisions based on what is needed for their individual situations.
A motion was made to amend the resolution to include the external opening of parks facilities
(internal facilities for City business only) for outdoor activities of less than ten (10) people while
abiding by the mask rules and regulations stated by Miami -Dade County.
It was moved by Mayor Pigatt, seconded by Commissioner Bass to pass the amendment.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the amendment passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
There being no 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
C. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH HIP ROCK STAR, LLC FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND
MARKETING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIXTY FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($65,000.00) FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND THIRTY
THOUSAND ($30,000.00) FOR REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES, AND AS SET FORTH IN
EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above item was read by Assistant City Attorney Cobb.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass for discussion.
City Manager Pate reiterated that he supports the item that is connected to the RFP and that the
commission has already approved it; he said he stands by the item.
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Virtual Special Commission Meeting September 30, 2020
Commissioner Kelley said he was challenged by the thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) in
addition to the contract amount and he wants to put it on the record that it is too much.
Mayor Pigatt stated that Ms. Modkins has been doing a great job and he is sure that the company
will continue to provide services on behalf of the City. He understands the concerns, but the City
is being fiscally responsible when it comes to the finances and he hopes it will continue.
Both Vice Mayor Davis and Commissioner Bass agreed with the mayor.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the amendment passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
There being no discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
D. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, EXTENDING AN AGREEMENT WITH TRIMERGE
CONSULTING GROUP, P.A., FOR A SIX MONTH PERIOD; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
The above item was read by Assistant City Attorney Cobb.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass for discussion.
City Manager Pate said in an attempt to fill vacant positions in the Finance Department, the City
has recruited one accountant and an accounts payable employee. He said he has all confidence in
the company and he stands by their work.
Commissioner Kelley asked what is the breakdown of the payments remitted to Trimerge for
their services for six (6) months.
Budget Administrator Robert Anathan said the agreement was for two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars ($250,000.00) for the year, but it is an hourly contract so the amount will vary.
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Virtual Special Commission Meeting September 30, 2020
Mayor Pigatt thanked everyone for assisting with getting the City's finances in order and was
grateful that the City was moving in the right direction.
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
6. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner
Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to adjourn the virtual meeting at 7:27 p.m.
,i-/e.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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Virtual Special Commission Meeting September 30, 2020