HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-April 30, 2020 VSCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
VIRTUAL SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, April 30, 2020
6:30 P.M.
Sherbondy Village Auditorium
215 Perviz Avenue
Opa-locka, FL 33054
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Matthew Pigatt called the virtual Regular Commission Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on
Thursday, April 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 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 received by the deadline will be included as part of the public record for
this virtual meeting.
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.
5. PUBLIC INPUT:
Agenda Items Only
1
No public comments submitted.
6. RESOLUTIONS:
a) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RATIFYING 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 THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19); PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by
City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Norris -Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis for discussion.
Commissioner Kelley asked the manager to provide the specifics of what the item entails.
City Manager Pate said the order will keep the green spaces and the parks closed until further
notice due to the high confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. It also addresses the use of face
coverings and making it mandatory when entering businesses. This item will also ensure that
non -essential businesses remain closed. The order was piggybacked off of the City of Miami
Gardens and they do not require signs, but they require the businesses to enforce the coverings.
He sent correspondences to the Police Department yesterday to ensure the orders are enforced.
Vice Mayor Davis asked the manager what happens to businesses who do not comply.
City Manager Pate had to leave the meeting and return because of technical difficulties.
Mayor Pigatt asked the attorney if the order can be amended.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks said, "Yes". She said it can't be done tonight because this is a
special meeting and only what is on the agenda can be considered.
City Manager Pate said the police will monitor the businesses and residents, but it is ultimately
up to the businesses to enforce coverings and the six foot order when entering their
establishments.
Commissioner Kelley asked the manager to look into placing signage throughout the City to
enforce the rules.
City Manager Pate asked Mr. Austin to look into ordering large signs to be placed around the
City to inform the residents of the rules.
Mayor Pigatt said that is why he asked about amending the item, so that it includes the placement
of signs to inform the community of how they are to maneuver throughout the City.
Commissioner Burke left at 7:00 p.m.
2
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Not Present
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
b) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
AND THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; 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 Vice Mayor Davis for discussion.
City Manager Pate said Miami -Dade County has included more civil enforcement penalties and
will be issuing more civil citations rather than criminal citations which means that there will be
less arrests relating to enforcement of the order that is currently in place with an array of
infractions.
Mayor Pigatt said he is in favor of the item as there are too many people being incarcerated for
non-violent infractions and being charged criminally.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks said she will email the commission the supporting document her
office has been working on as it relates to this item.
Vice Mayor Davis said he is also in support of the item so that residents can stop receiving harsh
punishments for minor non-violent infractions.
Commissioner Kelley said he is for enforcement and it does not matter if it is a citation or an
arrest, the order needs to be enforced because this is a serious matter for the safety of the public
and people are not taking it seriously. He hopes all of the orders are enforced.
Mayor Pigatt said the City should provide training to all of the officers about de-escalation while
enforcing these orders so that the proper judgement is used when dealing with the people
respectfully. He hopes funds are available if needed for this.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Not Present
Vice Mayor Davis Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
3
Mayor Pigatt thanked everyone for taking the proper steps to get through the virus by abiding by
the orders and keeping safe.
6. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner
Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
4