HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-June 18, 2020 VWS Covid-16CITYOF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP (COVID-19)
Thursday, June 18, 2020
5:30 P.M.
1. WELCOME/OPENING REMARKS:
Mayor Matthew Pigatt called the Virtual Workshop Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday,
June 18, 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 Virtual Workshop with
any questions/comments/concems. This meeting is streamed live at
https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofOpalocka.
Since this is a virtual meeting as authorized by the Govemor 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 Workshop.
2. ROLL CALL
The members of the City Commission appearing remotely were: Mayor Matthew Pigatt, Vice
Mayor Chris Davis, Commissioner Sherelean Bass, Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley, and
Commissioner Alvin Burke. Also appearing remotely were: City Attorney Burnadette Norris -
Weeks, Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb, City Manager John E. Pate, and City Clerk Joanna
Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The invocation was delivered by Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
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5. PUBLIC INPUT:
Clerk Flores stated the protocols for public participation and read the following public comment
into the record:
Natasha Ervin
670 Dunad Avenue
Opa-locka, Florida
Good evening, I was very disappointed in the fact that this Commission agreed to have these
workshops every week. I could agree with once a month, but to have these workshops every week
for hours on hours at a time is inconsiderate. Our employees have been at work all day long then
to spend another 3 hours in a meeting is unacceptable. They too have families that they need to
spend a little time with. A burned out employee doesn't help us.
I would like to see those employees receive the living wage increase. We have the resources to
help make it happen, we just have to be willing to tap into those resources.
Lastly, this mask ordinance is a waste of money. It's a gamble that we cannot afford. I vote NO for
the mask ordinance. For one, no one is going to pay these tickets. This ordinance is going to end
up just like the "SAGGY PANTS" Ordinance. Ask the Police Department how many tickets were
issued and how many were paid.
6. DISCUSSION ITEM:
a) City's Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
City Manager Pate reported on the increasing number of tests at the testing site. He advised that
the temperature checking device was to be installed next week at City Hall. The payment center
for Miami -Dade County reopened that week. He asked Chief Dobson to provide a report on the
City's COVID-19 safety measure enforcement.
Chief James Dobson, Opa-locka Police Department reported an increase in vehicle and foot traffic
in the City. Within the previous week, the department issued 166 face mask warnings and 136
social distancing warnings, however, there were no business closures and no arrests for curfew
violations.
City Manager Pate asked Ms. Modkins to provide a report regarding public relations efforts in the
City.
Jessica Modkins, Public Relations Consultant for the City of Opa-locka reported the efforts to
reach out to the residents regarding COVID-19 guidelines, using social media, radio and TV. In
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addition, the City reached out to residents regarding hurricane preparedness, in English, Spanish
and Creole.
Commissioner Burke asked Ms. Modkins about an event scheduled for Saturday.
Ms. Modkins advised that a Virtual Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Saturday at noon on the
City of Opa-locka's Facebook live.
b) Ordinance relating to face masks or face coverings during pandemic related
public health emergency that threatens life, health, and safety of residents
In terms of the face masks, Mayor Pigatt requested the results of a recent survey regarding the
mask ordinance.
Ms. Modkins said the survey was done online via Facebook, with the question being asked "The
City of Opa-locka is proposing an ordinance requiring residences to wear a facemask when outside
of their home. Are you in favor?" in English, Spanish and Creole. The results were: 112 in favor,
41 against it, and 12 maybe.
Mayor Pigatt stated that the goal of that day was to fmalize the proposed amendments for the mask
ordinance and get more information from the City Manager on how it will be implemented. He
requested to do the amendments first and the details later. The commission previously agreed that
children 5 and up should wear the facemasks. The Mayor further spoke about the provision for
terminating the ordinance and the penalties for violating the ordinance.
Commissioner Bass proposed dropping the third violation from $200 to $175.
Mayor Pigatt recommended a $100 penalty for each violation.
Commissioner Bass agreed.
Vice Mayor Davis also agreed.
Mayor Pigatt then discussed when the ordinance will become effective. He said there were many
studies that say facemasks can significantly reduce the infection rate of COVID-19. He suggested
adding specific language that would trigger the ordinance based on when a "respiratory transmitted
infection pandemic" had been declared.
City Attorney Norris -Week stated that can certainly be added.
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Mayor Pigatt asked if the mask should be worn when the individuals are within 6 feet or at all
times when outside.
Commissioner Burke stated that the survey did not specify that those who violated the ordinance
would be fined.
Mayor Pigatt requested City Manager Pate to explain the fiscal impact.
City Manager Pate said the fiscal impact portion will be presented by Gerri Lazarre, Financial
Consultant for the city.
Gerri Lazarre, Financial Consultant for the City of Opa-locka stated that a meeting was held to
come up with the assumptions regarding the cost of the ordinance. She explained a few of the
scenarios involving the County as well. If the City tried to administer the program, with one
individual it would cost $60,000 a year. It was anticipated that 1,000 citations would be issued per
month and the overall cost would be in the range of $173,000 to $239,000.
Mayor Pigatt asked what portion of that cost would be reimbursable.
City Manager Pate explained it would only cover the cost for overtime during a pandemic.
Robert Anathan, Budget Administrator for the City of Opa-locka stated that none of it was
reimbursable because the City will be creating revenue from the program.
Mayor Pigatt asked what would be the ongoing cost of the program.
Ms. Lazarre said there was no data to predict that amount. At the current collectible rate of 14%
that may be profitable to the City at 1,000 citations a month, but that is still based on assumptions.
Commissioner Kelley voiced his concern about the high cost of implementing the program and the
pressure on the police officers to fine residents to meet quotas or for the program to be profitable.
Commissioner Bass agreed with Commissioner Kelley. She stated she had no idea it would cost
the City that much money to implement the penalty program.
Mayor Pigatt said it may be reimbursable by FEMA.
Vice Mayor Davis expressed his opposition in terms of the City having to meet a quota of 1,000
citations a month for facemasks.
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Mayor Pigatt asked the City Manager to address the FEMA reimbursement and implementation of
the mask ordinance
City Manager Pate said that Monroe County previously implemented a mask ordinance with
penalties ranging from $500 to $15,000. His concern was that the 1,000 a month number would
certainly be much lower after some time and compared it to the saggy pants ordinance, which had
zero citations in the past two months. He briefly provided other factors which may affect the
implementation.
Mayor Pigatt suggested that the Commission continue the discussion regarding the mask ordinance
at the commission meeting following the workshop. He asked that the City Manager get
confirmation from the County as to whether they can implement the program so that the City can
assess the cost accurately.
c) Staff analysis on the Rent and Utility Program
Gregory Gay, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Opa-locka
advised that an analysis was conducted by his department in terms of rental assistance. He
explained the application process, and that those seeking assistance must meet certain criteria and
provide required documentation to qualify for the program.
Vice Mayor Davis suggested that the two are handled separately.
7. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by
Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Kelley to adjourn the virtual workshop at 6:37
p.m.
Joni a Flores, CMC
City Clerk
ST:
Matthew A. Pigatt
Mayor
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