Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-October 28, 2020 VRCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES VIRTUAL REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, October 28, 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, October 28, 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, and Commissioner Alvin Burke. Also in attendance were: City Manager John E. Pate, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, and City Clerk Joanna Flores. Commissioner Sherelean Bass and Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley were not in attendance. 3. INVOCATION: The invocation was delivered by Mayor Matthew Pigatt. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 1 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 A presentation was given by the Florida League of Cities honoring Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley for twenty (20) years of elected service to the City of Opa-locka. The commission also presented him with two (2) plaques and a video which was created by City staff. 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions): 7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to approve the agenda, consent agenda, and pull list. There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Burke Yes Vice Mayor Davis Yes Commissioner Kelley Not Present Commissioner Bass Not Present Mayor Pigatt Yes 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 14, 2020 It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to approve the minutes from the Virtual Regular Commission Meeting of October 14, 2020. There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Burke Yes Vice Mayor Davis Yes Commissioner Kelley Not Present Commissioner Bass Not Present Mayor Pigatt Yes 9. DISTRICT ONE/DISTRICT TWO — COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT: 10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS: 1. Newall J. Daughtrey Ref: Matter relating to previous employment in the City Mr. Daughtrey said he is owed a payment of six thousand three hundred and sixty two dollars and seventy six cents ($6,362.76) and he is respectfully requesting that the commission authorize 2 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 the city manager to pay him because he served as interim city manager for eighteen (18) months and not six (6) months as was reflected. 2. Rodney W. Jacobs, Assistant Director City of Miami Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) Ref: Civilian Investigative Panel Mr. Jacobs explained that civilian oversight is done by utilizing a hybrid approach to ensure the police are conducting themselves in order. The panel convenes and makes decisions regarding holding officers accountable for certain actions they take while on duty. Mayor Pigatt thanked Mr. Jacobs for providing insight on the program. Vice Mayor Davis also thanked Mr. Jacobs and said he is in favor of the program as it provides accountability to officers who may have disorderly conduct on the job. 11. CITIZENS' INPUT: City Clerk Flores read the following public comments into the record. Michele Henney, 10640 Paris Street, Cooper City, FL, asked how much government experience does the Assistant City Manager George Ellis have and how dedicated is the manager to the City if he is job hunting. Is he doing this on the City's time as Newall Daughtrey did when he was manager? She also said the City is paying too much money for the current accounting firm when it can find better and more qualified firms for less. Josey Santana, 13210 Alexandria Drive, Opa-locka, FL, said he is concerned about the behavior of Sergio Perez from the video that has been circulating on the news. How can he punch a mentally ill young man and proceed to drag and tase him until other officers are heard shouting for him to stop tasing the individual. Is this being investigated? He is now concerned for his safety and for the residents of the City as it looks like misconduct. Deborah Dorsett, Greater Miami Service Corp, 810 NW 28th Street, Miami, FL, said she wanted the commission to be aware of the organization and the help they provide to young people in the form of work training and community service, etc. They have also worked with the Public Works Department on beautification projects. She asked the commission to provide a facility in which the program can be housed in the City and continue to assist youth ages 18-24 with work readiness. Mayor Pigatt thanked Ms. Dorsett for her presentation. 3 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 Vice Mayor Davis said he is familiar with the organization and thinks it is a great program that targets youth to prepare them for the future. City Manager Pate addressed the comment made regarding Lieutenant Perez conduct during the incident. He said an internal investigation was complete and the body cam footage was reviewed and it was determined that with the information that was given from the family, and other communications that were reviewed, the police was in right with how the incident was handled given the circumstances. Mayor Pigatt said he knows all too well about dealing with police officers who do not follow protocol when dealing with the public in certain instances. He stressed that everyone should be treated with respect at all times and acknowledged that the manager informed him that all of the officers have had mental health training in order to deal with certain segments of the population. 12. ACTION ITEMS: 13. ADMINISTRATION: CONSENT AGENDA: 13-1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER'S DECISION TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO PIGGYBACK AGREEMENT NUMBER S-946 BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA AND INSTITUFORM TECHNOLOGIES, LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL SERICES TO REHABILITATE PUMP STATION 4 IN THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FOR CURED - IN -PLACE PIPE (CIPP) RELINING METHOD; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL AGREEMENT REGARDING SAME, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINE DOLLARS AND EIGHTY ONE CENTS ($540,109.80); PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager 13-2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY "NEAT STREETS MIAMI" TREE PROGRAM AND APPROVING AN IONTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY REQUIRING THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA TO SUBMIT QUARTERLY REPORTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAID GRANT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager 4 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to pass the consent agenda. The motion passed by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Burke Yes Vice Mayor Davis Yes Commissioner Kelley Not Present Commissioner Bass Not Present Mayor Pigatt Yes 14. NEW ITEMS: 15. PLANNING & ZONING: A. PUBLIC HEARINGS: B. APPEALS 16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. FIRST READING ORDINANCES(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S): B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/ PUBLIC HEARING(S): 1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE ANNUAL ADOPTED GENERAL PROPRIETARY AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, ADJUSTING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES AS REFLECTED IN EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGETS AND EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager The above ordinance was read by Assistant Attorney Cobb. Mayor Pigatt opened the floor for a public hearing. There being no persons to speak on the public hearing, the public hearing was closed. 5 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to pass the ordinance. There being no discussion, the motion on the ordinance passed by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Burke Yes Vice Mayor Davis Yes Commissioner Kelley Not Present Commissioner Bass Not Present Mayor Pigatt Yes C. RESOLUTION(S): 17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: City Manager Pate announced that they were going to go over the four major challenges and then take on any questions the commission may have. He started by asking Finance Department Consultant from Trimerge Gerri Lazarre to provide a report. Ms. Lazarre said they recently submitted a funding request from the county for the CARES Act and received over one million dollars in reimbursements. These include police expenses, remote work from home expenses, overtime and straight time for employees namely the Police Department. They are currently waiting for the county to review the submittal and determine what is reimbursable. They recruited Mr. Eric Walton who started on last Wednesday; Mr. Walton has family in the City and decided this is where he wanted to work. She then went on to highlight the various projects they are working on with numerous agencies to ensure that the books are reconciled for FY 2020 — 2021 and simultaneously preparing for next year's audit. City Manager Pate said he is in the process of providing a response to the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) regarding the delinquent audit; this will be done before the January 2021 meeting. Mayor Pigatt said he is concerned about the timeline for the completion of the FY 2018- - 2019 audit. He asked the manager when he anticipates completing the audit. City Manager Pate said he along with Ms. Lazarre will be meeting tomorrow to determine a timeline. He wants to maintain a level of communication between JLAC and the City. He said an auditing committee was chosen and he appointed Executive Assistant to the City Manager Sha'mecca Lawson to clerk the board. He informed the mayor that he can call a meeting at any time to go over the audit. 6 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 City Manager Pate asked Public Works/CIP Department Director Airia Austin to provide his report on all of the projects that are currently in progress. Mr. Austin thanked all of his staff who have been working tirelessly on behalf of the City to complete the projects in and around the City. He said the milling has been underway and the job is getting done slowly, but surely. The flooding concerns are being mitigated and they hope to get all of the roadways repaved as soon as possible. The Cairo Lane Project is being stalled because of the illegal dumping that is ongoing; tens of thousands of dollars have been spent, but they are working continuously to correct the issue. Contracts have been issued for the restroom and the lighting at Ingram Park. Several pump stations that have been affected by inclement weather are operating at over fifty percent (50%). They have successfully installed lighting around the City with the exception of Sharazad Blvd and 139th Street from 26th Avenue — 24th avenue. In total there were over five hundred (500) lights installed in the City. City Manager Pate asked Mr. Austin how would the residents be informed that it is their responsibility to trim and maintain the trees in the swells. Mr. Austin said the City will do it initially, but it will be up to the residents to maintain the swells and sidewalks. City Manager Pate said it is hard for him to drive to work down Ali -Baba Avenue when the whole road is under water. He asked if the employees are clearing the gutters and using the Round -Up weed killer to eradicate the weeds that are invading the pipes. Mr. Austin said the employees were doing their jobs, but the infrastructure is so outdated, it is difficult to correct the problem permanently. He said the other infrastructure projects are being completed as planned. Commissioner Burke asked if anything can be done about the illegal dumping like installing cameras. Mr. Austin said they had installed cameras, however, the illegal dumpers knocked down the poles where the cameras were installed. Vice Mayor Davis asked about the bus benches and what they are doing to replace the benches. Mr. Austin said they have found a vendor and he anticipates bringing an item to the commission for approval in December. 7 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 Vice Mayor Davis said he was hoping to have it completed before December because it is rain season and people will be seeking shelter periodically. He thanked the manager for working to get the transportation and shelter resolved to be utilized by the residents. Mayor Pigatt asked the manager how is it that the residents end up having to maintain the swells and sidewalks. City Manager Pate said it is in the Code of Ordinances. Mayor Pigatt again stressed the time sensitive manner in which the audit is complete, the information being sent to JLAC, and the City coming from under the state's oversight. City Manager Pate acknowledged his tenure by announcing that his one year anniversary was a couples weeks ago. He thanked the commission and referenced the citizen who questioned him as "Job hunting". He assured the commission that he has their best interest at heart. He readdressed the citizens concern about the residents who questioned the behavior of Officer Perez. He said he has watched the video at least a hundred times and given the circumstances, it was warranted based on the erratic nature of the resident. He then acknowledged that it could have been handled differently and the officers should have the wherewithal to know how to deescalate situations involving mental health individuals. He noted that the City did not charge the individual with anything. He said in his heart he would have been wrong if he had fired any of the officers and he just could not do that because it would not have been right. He changed the discussion by announcing that the Parks and Recreation Department will have a new director and assistant director with Parks and Recreation Director Charles Brown retiring after many years working for the city. Also, motorcycles were delivered to the Police Department and were one hundred percent (100%) paid for. He finished by expressing his fondness for the City and the employees for the time he has served as city manager. 18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS: 19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: The commission agreed to co-sponsor a resolution from the manager to support the City of South Miami in their request to the county to have a licensed professional with the fire department to provide mental health and de-escalation services in instances where individuals may need it. 19. MAYOR /COMMISSION REPORT: 8 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 Commissioner Burke announced that he has been working with Public Relations Consultant Jessica Modkins and the manager, along with the Miami Heat to have a feeding for Veterans on this coming Veterans Day, November 11, 2020. Mayor Pigatt said in the coming meetings, they will propose a list of future special events so that they are all on one accord with events going on in the City at a given time. Vice Mayor Davis welcomed the information from Commissioner Burke and said he hopes that they can have more concentrated events in the future that can be beneficial to the residents. Mayor Pigatt acknowledged that it is surreal to not only be a part of the voting process by voting for himself when he first came in office, but a very important election is going on and he looks forward to being a part of that process as well as it is very important. Commissioner Burke asked everyone to keep Commissioner Bass in Prayer because her mother has been hospitalized. Mayor Pigatt asked for a moment of silence to reflect on Commissioner Bass and her family. City Clerk Flores reminded the commission of the upcoming holidays and stated that the manager recommended to cancel the last commission meetings for November and December. He recommended a Special Commission Meeting to be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 5:30 pm and to reschedule the November 11, 2020 regular meeting to November 19, 2020. She asked if the proposed announcement required a vote. Mayor Pigatt put the motion on the record. There being no further discussion, that motion on the recommendation as stated by the City Clerk passed by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Burke Yes Vice Mayor Davis Yes Commissioner Kelley Not Present Commissioner Bass Not Present Mayor Pigatt Yes 20. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS: 21. ADJOURNMENT: 9 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020 MAYOR There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to adjourn the virtual meeting at 9:29 p.m. ATTEST: 10 Virtual Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 28, 2020