HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-June 23, 2021 RCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
June 23, 2021
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Pigatt called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Sherbondy
Village, 215 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida.
2. ROLL CALL:
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Alvin Burke,
Commissioner Chris Davis, Vice Mayor Veronica J. Williams and Mayor Matthew A. Pigatt.
Commissioner John H. Taylor Jr. arrived at 7:53 p.m. Also, in attendance were: City Manager
John E. Pate, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobbs and
City Clerk Joanna Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by Vice Mayor Williams.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
There were none.
Mayor Pigatt acknowledged the passing of Dr. Musgrove, mother of former City of Opa-locka
Commissioner Sherelean Bass.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
City Manager Pate requested the deferral of Agenda Items 15-A-3 and 15-A-4, until the next
Regular Commission Meeting.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 1
City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that the next Regular Commission Meeting is
scheduled on July 14th. She also stated that Vice Mayor Williams withdrew Agenda Item 13-5.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Davis to approve the consent
agenda.
The motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Not Present
Mayor Pigatt Yes
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Williams to approve the agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Not Present
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 26, 2021
It was moved by Vice Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Burke to approve the minutes
of the Regular Commission Meeting on May 26, 2021.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Not Present
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 2
There were none.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pigatt recognized Florida State Representative James Bush for his public presentation.
Because Representative Bush was not present, the Mayor stated the Commission would come back
to him. He then recognized Katherine Beck of Florida Main Street for her public presentation.
Florida Main Street Program Coordinator Katherine Beck introduced the Commission to the
program of the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources, explaining that it
is economic development within the context of historic preservation.
Mayor Pigatt thanked Florida Main Street Program Coordinator Katherine Beck and recalled that
when she spoke about the program, she said it needs community engagement to be successful.
Acknowledging the political changes on the dais, the Mayor stated that the Commission wants to
bring in a downtown that creates more jobs while respecting and honoring the City's historic
architecture. The Mayor suggested establishing a separate board to make sure it is successful. He
pointed out that the Commission has Ms. Beck's slides and said they would be posted on the
website, adding that the Commission looks forward to further engagement. Mayor Pigatt then
recognized Florida State Representative James Bush for his check presentation.
Florida State Representative James Bush stated that he wanted to address the Commission before
the check presentation.
Mayor Pigatt stated that Florida State Representative James Bush had the floor to address the
Commission.
Florida State Representative James Bush provided the Commission with a legislative update and
then presented the check with the funding from the State.
Commissioner Burke thanked Florida State Representative James Bush from the bottom of his
heart. The Commissioner recalled sitting in McDonald's with the Representative, to talk about the
money for the Police Station, and he said he recognized that he made it happen. He said that he
thought the Representative was talking up dirt when he said he would go up to Tallahassee and
bring the money back for a new Police Station, but he said that he did his due diligence. The
Commissioner stated that he can't remember the last time a Representative brought money from
Tallahassee to Opa-locka, adding that he knows the City has somebody in Tallahassee that is
looking out for it.
Vice Mayor Williams stated that she followed Commissioner Burke's sentiments exactly. The
Vice Mayor said that it had been such a long time since the City had seen money and characterized
it as a game changer. She also shared that she saw the Representative attending many high school
graduations, after he was fighting for Opa-locka in Tallahassee during the legislative session. Vice
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 3
Mayor Williams concluded by thanking Representative Bush for being a leader and mentor to all
the members of the Commission.
Commissioner Davis echoed his colleagues' sentiments by thanking Florida State Representative
James Bush. The Commissioner stated that the Representatives' presence is always valued in the
City of Opa-locka, acknowledging that he can always be depended upon whether the conversation
is about those who want to dissolve the city or dealing with flooding in an area of the community.
Expressing appreciation for the Representative's support and his continued efforts, the
Commissioner stated that the legislative allocation was a yeoman's task that was years in the
making, recognizing that he made it possible to reach the point to bring the resources into the
community.
Mayor Pigatt stated that when a man brings home $1.1 million, you must give that man the floor
and called for another round of applause for Florida State Representative James Bush. The Mayor
noted that clapping is usually not part of the Commission's decorum but declared that this was a
special time to celebrate the Representative and what he brought home to the City of Opa-locka.
He pointed out that the Representative has been doing this for decades and said the Commission
is happy that the Representative went up to Tallahassee and knocked it out of the park, to bring
home the funds needed to build the Police Station and develop programs for the youth. The Mayor
also acknowledged that the Representative was having weekly meetings in Glorietta Gardens to
assist with the flooding in that community among all the other things he does throughout the district
and thanked him for all the work he puts in on behalf of the people of the City of Opa-locks.
11. CITIZENS' FORUM:
(Opportunity for discussion of any concerns — please limit to 3 minutes)
Mayor Pigatt opened the Citizens' Forum.
Clerk Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City Commission meetings.
Mr. Jeff Stanley stated that he has worked very closely over the last several months with Florida
State Representative James Bush, City Manager John Pate, Mayor Matthew Pigatt, Public Works
Director Airia Austin and the new Chief of Police and reported seeing a dramatic improvement
with crime, flooding and some of the other things that are going on. He shared that they have been
incredibly helpful and available for any issues they have had.
Sandra Brown of 2480 NW 141st Street, Opa-locka, FL 33054 asked why a letter was sent out
about putting the $6 monthly stormwater management charge onto the property tax bill. Ms.
Brown noted that the $6 is still on the water bill that she just received, asking when it would stop
being charged on the monthly bill and why it needed to change. She pointed out that the letter
stated that failure to pay the assessment would cause a tax certificate to be issued against the
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 4
property, which may result in the loss of title. Ms. Brown expressed those taxes are high enough
as it is and that she just wanted to understand why the Commission was doing this.
Mayor Pigatt reminded the public that the Commission is unable to answer questions while citizens
are at the microphone, but they will have some time at the end of Citizens Forum for the
Commission and City manager to address the issues.
Carol Douglas of 13735 NW 23rd Avenue piggybacked on the concerns expressed by Ms. Sandra
Brown, and inquired about the letter she received, asking why Opa-locka is transferring the
stormwater management fee to the tax bill. Ms. Douglas reported that she sees a lot of flooding in
the area where she is and asked what is in place and what is going to change to help with the
mitigation of flooding. She shared that she had a lot of flooding in her house from the last major
rainstorm in November of last year and would like to understand what difference it will make to
transfer the stormwater management fee to the tax bill.
Natasha Ervin of 670 Dunad Avenue thanked Commissioner Burke, Vice Mayor Williams,
Commissioner Davis and everybody that came out for the Father's Day Fish Fry, stating that it
was amazing. Ms. Ervin also expressed having been perturbed by Florida State Representative
James Bush being denied three extra minutes, asserting that she could not believe it under any
circumstances. She said that she didn't care what the agenda said or what the meeting was about,
and that if somebody is coming to bring you some money, they should be allowed to talk for two
hours, and she would sit there and listen for that kind of money. Characterizing it as disrespectful,
Ms. Ervin said she apologized to Representative Bush and told him that he was a true man of God.
She said that nobody cares about Opa-locka, and that denying three minutes to someone that does
care about Opa-locka, wasn't right. Ms. Ervin stated that she thinks she knows why it was done
and offered to share it after the meeting. She also thanked City Manager Pate for doing what needs
to be done to keep the City going. Ms. Ervin concluded by saying that she doesn't like the color
of the pool and that they need to get it right.
Ms. Dottie Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place stated that she too wanted to publicly apologize to
Florida State Representative Bush for what she characterized as unprofessional conduct from the
leadership that she said was condoned. Ms. Johnson recalled hearing a lot of talk about outsourcing
and asserted that it is not going to happen. She added that if the Commission lets it happen on
their watch, she said that she is glad the election is coming up in 2022. Sharing her recollection
of what happened with Waste Management, Ms. Johnson said they promised to hire the people,
then she said they hired them for a month and found every reason to let them go. Urging the
Commission to not get fooled, she stressed that the residents need services and people that are
going to look out for them. Ms. Johnson also expressed her opinion that the Management
Agreement is unattainable and that she is glad that some of the members of the Commission are
saying no to it. Describing herself as a trained and certified human resource professional, she
stated that you cannot add elements once you have agreed to it. Stating that she feels like
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 5
sometimes she is talking to the wall, Ms. Johnson said she did not want to waste her time going to
the workshop but did look at it and noted that she had never seen the public providing input before
staff presentations, saying that there have been a lot of changes. Ms. Johnson also reminded the
Commission that she has asked several times for a member of the Commission to sponsor an
ordinance to look at legislation to have elections by district seats. She said that many candidates
come from one side to lie to the people on the other side and asserted that they don't need anybody
lying to them, and just need to know who they are and what they are doing. Recalling having seen
a few of the members of the Commission visiting residents in golf carts, she encouraged them to
rent a golf cart and talk to the residents, just like they do every election because they don't want
to see them after the election. Ms. Johnson also remembered that the Commission approved tree
trimming last year and stated that all the tree trimming is not needed because Opa-locka is a USA
Tree City. She also said that trimming and cutting are two different things. Recommending that
the Commission look at the City of Miami Gardens corrections agreement, she said they started
with their correction agreement at the same time as the City of Opa-locka, and suggested they look
up what happened. Stating that there is a lot of low -hanging fruit, Ms. Johnson asserted that a
beautiful city is needed. Adding that they want to know what the Commission is doing with their
taxpayer dollars, she concluded by stating that the Commission cannot put everything on the
Manager.
Brian Dennis of 821 NW 54th Street commended the City Manager's Office for its dedication and
service to the City. Mr. Dennis also stated that Commissioner Burke is right in stating that Opa-
locka hasn't had one state representative bring any money from Tallahassee to the City in 34 years.
He said that what Florida State Representative Bush won't tell them is that outside of the state
colleges, the four private black colleges, including Florida Memorial, Bethune-Cookman and
Edward Waters, are funded through the Governor's office because the Representative pushed for
that. Mr. Dennis asserted that when people are talking about bringing money and value to the City,
they need to be able to leverage that money and be able to look at what's going on in the City.
Addressing the discussion about outsourcing, he recalled that there were two garbage companies
in the City at one time, and that people got hired and fired. Mr. Dennis stressed the importance of
appearing in front of the Charter Review Board, to ask them to include a percentage for hiring of
residents, stating that it would not force anyone to do anything when the Commission legislates
by law. He stated that the key to everything that builds economics in the City, is legislating
everything by law without twisting anybody's hand. Mr. Dennis added that the 2002 County First
Program was introduced when he was the president of Brothers of the Same Mind and as a result,
they got the Community Workforce Program. He said that when Opa-locka created 95-6, it
became the first City ordinance in Miami -Dade County that had strict intentions to hire residents
and suggested that the Commission go back to revisit it. Mr. Dennis expressed his support of the
Commission and Teen Up -Ward Bound. He also recalled that the last time Opa-locka had an
advertisement out for bus benches, the Commissioners put their faces all over them, and he said
that they were the same ones who dug the City into the ground. Mr. Dennis urged the Commission
to not put their faces on the bus benches to advertise. He said that they haven't done anything yet,
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 6
and that everybody on the Commission is new. Mr. Dennis stated that it takes three to five years
to see what a business is going to do, and that some of the members of the Commission were
elected two years ago while others were elected four years ago but said that he feels they all just
got there, and nothing has been accomplished. He concluded by tipping his hat to the City Manager
and Commissioner Burke for a great job.
Lamar Cruse of 21001 NW 31st Avenue in Miami Gardens and 13831 NW 24th Avenue stated
that he came to speak about putting money back into Opa-locka. Mr. Cruse noted that the
alleyways haven't been cut for a while and said that is good because the crew that was being used
was sending money outside of Opa-locka. Recalling having spoken about this months ago, Mr.
Cruse suggested hiring from inside Opa-locka to keep the money inside the City and hold the
community together. He said that the crew that used to come didn't speak English, and he told
them to make sure the road was clear instead of throwing stuff on the road for the City to pick up.
Mr. Cruse added that if you stay in Opa-locka, you have more respect and you know that the City
is going to fine you. He concluded by suggesting that the Commission put money back into the
City by hiring the people of Opa-locka.
Derek Hunter of Real is Rare Charity stated that he used to have the complex center where he had
kids coming to the community center, but he recently found out that the second floor is now closed,
and he has nowhere to bring the kids. Mr. Hunter explained that it is more important than ever to
provide a safe haven for the youth, pointing out that there are not many places with open doors for
them. He said that home is a resting place to see parents and loved ones, but that there is a need
for a place where kids can build and empower their community with their peers. Mr. Hunter also
said that there is no safe place for kids where they can thrive and learn with their peers as they
build self-esteem. He asserted that community centers are the building block to help bridge the
connection among the youth. As an example, Mr. Hunter said that if a kid from Overtown likes
the program that is being offered and attend with a kid from Opa-locka, they will build their own
sense of community and won't want to hurt each other when they cross paths again in life because
of the chance they had to build and grow together. He assured the Commission that the programs
will not harm anyone. Mr. Hunter stated that the community center being sought can help with
the divide in the community and will also help keep the youth alive. He said that everyone would
know that the community center is a safe place where they can become the next change makers
and innovators. Mr. Hunter asked the Commission to help him build the connection with the youth
and the community. He also encouraged the Commission to consider that adults are looking to
volunteer as mentors to invest in kids, and who want to provide service, and the community center
can be a place for them to come and serve the community. Mr. Hunter asked for Opa-locka to
donate a building so that change can be created within the community. He said that he is that boy
who decided to make a change, recalling that he had a choice and that he wanted to show that he
chose to invest back into his community. Lamenting that kids are being lost at an alarming rate,
he concluded with a passionate assertion that something needs to be done.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 7
D.L. Parrish of 14310 NW 16th Court in unincorporated Miami -Dade County stated that she grew
up in Opa-locka and played in Sherbondy Park, where she was also a cheerleader, and her father
was the dojo coach, when they offered karate. Ms. Parrish said that Opa-locka no longer has
anything but the support of its State Representative and the City Manager and all that the
Commission wants to put into the City. She joined community leader Derek Hunter in stating that
she would like to see a community center because it is needed. Ms. Parrish shared that she lost a
brother who played football at Opa-locka Park, recalling that they had picnics during which they
picked up bottles and traded them in for 10 cents. She expressed her love for the City of Opa-
locka. As a parent who has not lost a child but who is a friend to many who have, Ms. Parrish
asserted her love for the children and said she would like to see the City pour into the children and
parents, because she said that they are hurting parents who have nothing but each other. Urging
everyone to come together and remember the community they had back in the day, she asked the
Commission to consider donating a place where she and Mr. Derek Hunter can rebuild the children,
parents and community to make a better day for tomorrow.
Chris Roberts of 1980 Rutland Street stated that she is concerned for the kids, but she asserted that
the City doesn't need anybody getting free space. Ms. Roberts said that the City should be open
to anybody who wants to pay under a contract. She added that she wants to save the kids and
suggested that she will save hers and others can save theirs, with everybody coming together as a
community.
With there being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Pigatt
closed the public input portion of Citizens' Forum.
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to address the flooding and stormwater concerns. The
Mayor acknowledged that the Commission was going to talk about it later but noted that it was
towards the end of the agenda.
City Manager Pate stated that the reason the stormwater fees are being transferred from the water
bill to the property tax assessment is because the collectability of the funds has made it very
difficult for the City to plan stormwater infrastructure projects. Mr. Pate explained that in addition
to the public hearing on the agenda item, the City was also required to send every resident that is
going to be affected, a letter delineating the liability of the assessment being switched over. He
offered assurances that no resident will be charged on their water bill and then on their tax bill
because it is a transitional process. Mr. Pate said that once everything is approved by the
Commission and it goes to the assessor's office, the stormwater fee will immediately stop being
added to the water bill and will begin being added to the yearly tax assessment. He re -asserted
that the proposed change is purely because of collectability and stated that it will provide the City
with the funding to do proper stormwater planning moving forward.
Mayor Pigatt opened the floor for any of his colleagues to make comments on the statements made
during Citizens' Forum.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 8
Commissioner Davis addressed the comments made by Mr. Brian Dennis & Mr. Lamar Cruse
about opportunities for residents to participate in the beautification process. The Commissioner
offered assurances that the Commission is looking at those things internally, pointing out that
going through the procurement process presents many challenges. He stated that the Commission
is committed to hiring residents. The Commissioner shared that the City will be putting forth a
summer project to hire local youth between the ages of 18 - 24, with some of the money that was
received through Miami -Dade County's CARES Act reconciliation. He said that the Commission
is always looking to involve the youth in meaningful work in the community, acknowledging that
oftentimes there are not as many of those opportunities as the Commission would like. The
Commissioner stated that the Commission is putting forth the effort to engage the youth and
residents with meaningful opportunities. He also directly addressed Mr. Dennis' point about
ensuring that developers hire residents, acknowledging that Mr. Dennis disagrees with him, but
asserting that the City can't legally require any segment of a population to comply with a standard.
As an example, the Commissioner pointed out that he moved to repeal the saggy pants ordinance
and any law that he felt disproportionately impacted a specific subsection of the population. He
said that the City can encourage developers to hire residents, the challenge is that it can't be
mandated. The Commissioner reported that the City Attorney has agreed to meet with the
members of the Commission individually, to put something with a little more teeth into effect.
Commissioner Davis concluded by stating that the City's revitalization effort is a work in progress,
and that the Commission is committed to engaging both young and old members of the community
in the process.
Mayor Pigatt thanked all the Citizens that came before the Commission, welcoming them to
continue joining the Commission to discuss problems, especially major issues like the City's
stormwater plan. Recognizing that flooding is one of Opa-locka's four major challenges, he said
that it was declared an emergency and the City Manager and City staff were tasked with coming
up with plans to address it. The Mayor pointed out that when the Commission looks at these
challenges, it fundamentally always comes down to finances. He stated that almost 40% of Opa-
locka's properties were not paying their fair share of the stormwater fees through the water billing
process, and as a result, the City's staff proposed to transfer it to the tax bill so that the collections
of the stormwater fee could increase to 95%, bringing in at least $1 million in additional revenues.
The Mayor also said that an assessment of the City's stormwater system was done, and the
Commission is in the process of getting the report so that they can put together capital improvement
projects. Noting that once the projects have been proposed, the City is going to need the funds to
execute them, he added that residents and commercial property owners must do their part to fund
the projects. The Mayor also offered assurances that the Commission is working with State and
Federal representatives to bring funds to Opa-locka to address the stormwater challenges. He also
suggested that those interested in being engaged in the City through mentoring, should share their
ideas with Parks & Recreation Director Delven Patterson and should also continue engaging with
the Commission. The Mayor pointed out that the Commission meeting was and is always held at
Sherbondy Village Community Center and asserted that the Commission wants to make sure that
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 9
all the facilities throughout the City are utilized. He concluded by once again thanking everyone
for coming to the Commission meeting, and urged them to come back, question, challenge and
hold them accountable as officials who were elected to serve them.
12. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list):
The Agenda was amended under Agenda Item 15-A-3, to pull Items 13-3 and 13-4 from the
Consent Agenda.
1. (13-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, REJECTING ALL BIDS RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH RFP
NO. 21-0406200 AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RE -
ADVERTISE AND ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR QUALIFIED FIRMS
FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION
OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt asked if there was a motion to discuss Agenda Item 12-1.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to discuss Agenda Item
12-1.
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to introduce Agenda Item 12-1.
City Manager Pate stated that Agenda Item 12-1 is for the request for proposals for building
management services. Mr. Pate reported that the City received 1 response to the request for
proposals, and he feels that response needs to be rejected and that the request for proposals needs
to be re -advertised to get multiple responses. He added that multiple entities are interested in
providing the management services, but they contacted the City after the period that was allotted
for the request for proposals. Mr. Pate pointed out that the company that submitted the previous
response, would not be precluded from re -submitting their proposal for building management
services.
Mayor Pigatt recalled that the request for proposals for building management services was put out
a few months ago and expressed concerns that only one proposal was received despite City
Manager Pate reporting that there were quite a few. The Mayor asked how the proposal was put
out and what mechanisms are being used for the request for proposals process to ensure that a
robust number of bids are received.
City Manager Pate stated that the City advertises requests for proposals using Demand Star and
the Miami Herald. Mr. Pate reported that since the City began using Demand Star, typically
several responses are received for requests for proposals, but this request only received one
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 10
response with multiple inquiries received after the closing of the request for proposal period. He
reminded the Commission that a request for proposals process can't be reopened once it closes and
said that it was not beneficial to accept one proposal, especially considering the astronomical cost
that was proposed. Mr. Pate suggested it would be prudent to bring three or four options before
the Commission, to be able to provide a final recommendation.
Mayor Pigatt asked if it was possible to advertise requests for proposals on the Opa-locka website,
social media pages and other local newspapers such as the Miami Times and Spanish language
outlets.
City Manager Pate stated that requests for proposals are already posted on the Opa-locka website
and said that if the Commission wants him to expand the publication of requests for proposals to
other newspapers, he can research that. Mr. Pate asserted that the biggest responses usually come
from Demand Star and assured the Commission that plenty of people were interested in providing
building management services to the City after the expiration date of the request for proposals
period.
Mayor Pigatt suggested that the request for proposals for the building management services be
posted on social media, pointing out that there are a lot of people that follow the City. The Mayor
said that Demand Star is usually for construction and major operations, but that property
management can be done by firms that don't normally operate in the government sphere. He
asserted that the Commission would love to get more proposals for the City's building
management services.
There being no further discussion on Agenda Item 12-1, the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
2. (13-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR BUS BENCHES / SHELTERS AND TRASH
RECEPTACLE ADVERTISING AND MAINTENANCE; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt asked if there was a motion to discuss Agenda Item 12-2.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 11
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Mayor Williams to discuss Agenda Item
12-2.
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to introduce Agenda Item 12-2.
City Manager Pate stated that Agenda Item 12-2 is for a request for proposals for bus benches,
trash receptacles and shelters, which was requested by the City Commission. Mr. Pate said that
the request for proposals was prepared to be made public upon approval from the Commission and
the State. He reminded the Commission that a formal request for proposals is not required by
Florida law, but the Manager said he will proceed with the process with the Commission's
approval.
Commissioner Burke recalled that the Commission talked about the bus benches so long ago and
asked why the request for proposals was just being put out.
City Manager Pate stated that he believed the Commission requested that the bus bench project be
handled through a request for proposals process about a month or month and a half ago. Mr. Pate
said that his office was prepared to solicit and look at companies without the request for proposals
process, but the Commission specifically asked for it to be drafted, which is why it is on the
Commission Meeting Agenda.
Mayor Pigatt noted that the request for proposals for the City's bus benches, states that all bus
locations must be approved by the City, but that potential locations are proposed by the vendor.
The Mayor asked if the City would be telling the vendor where to install the bus benches.
City Manager Pate stated that the City would be notifying the vendor where to install the bus
benches but would also request that the vendor complete a suitability study to make their own
recommendations. Mr. Pate said that once responses to the request for proposals come back, and
a contract is generated, the City will have the locations where the bus benches, trash receptacles
and shelters will be located and that will have to come before the Commission for approval.
Mayor Pigatt also noted that the request for proposals for the City's bus benches states that trash
collection and disposal will only be one time per week. The Mayor pointed out that the trash cans
in some areas fill up quickly, and that having trash sitting and piling up for a week is quite a bit.
He asked if there was a reason why the proposal only includes one trash pickup per week.
City Manager Pate stated that if the Commission wanted to include trash pickup twice or multiple
times per week in the request for proposals for the City's bus benches, trash receptacles and
shelters, he assured them that the language can be inserted.
Mayor Pigatt asked if trash pickup multiple times a week could be included in the request for
proposals for the City's bus benches, trash receptacles and shelters.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 12
City Manager Pate recommended that a set number of trash pickups be stipulated in the request
for proposals for the City's bus benches, trash receptacles and shelters so that different proposals
are not received with various numbers. Mr. Pate asked if Mayor Pigatt preferred that trash pickup
twice a week be included in the request for proposals.
Mayor Pigatt stated that it would be helpful if trash pickup a minimum of twice a week could be
included in the request for proposals for the City's bus benches, trash receptacles and shelters. The
Mayor asked if a motion was necessary to change the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 12-2 or
if City Manager Pate would be okay making a friendly amendment to the resolution.
City Manager Pate stated that he had no problem making a friendly amendment to Agenda Item
12-2, to include trash pickup at a minimum of twice a week in the request for proposals for the
City's bus benches, trash receptacles and shelters.
Mayor Pigatt also noted that the request for proposals states that the contractors shall not be
required to maintain bus benches and trash receptacles where advertising benches are not installed.
The Mayor asked if the vendor will not maintain the benches or pick up the trash.
City Manager Pate stated that if the vendor is not responsible for putting out the advertisement, it
would be the City's responsibility to make sure they're maintained. Mr. Pate assured the
Commission that expectations are communicated to the vendor, and they are responsible for
maintaining and replacing the advertising that they're charging for.
Mayor Pigatt asked for clarification on whether the City would be taking on the bill of maintaining
the bus benches where there aren't any ads up.
City Manager Pate stated that while the current request for proposals for the City's bus benches,
trash receptacles and shelters is projecting to have the City maintain the bus benches that are not
chosen for advertising, he offered to include a friendly amendment to the resolution in Agenda
Item 12-2 to add that the vendor would be responsible for that maintenance.
Mayor Pigatt said that while he isn't familiar with the details of the process, he asserted that he
wants to know that if the maintenance is not being put on the vendor, that the City will have the
staff to make sure that the bus stops are clean. The Mayor pointed out that there are currently a
lot of bus stops throughout the City that are not being maintained, and he stressed that if this is
going to be put out to bid, that either the contractor or the City should have a plan to make sure the
bus benches and shelters are maintained. He asked if the requirement to have the vendor maintain
the bus benches and shelters that aren't selected for advertising would not be in the request for
proposals, if City Management will have a proposal detailing their maintenance plan.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 13
City Manager Pate assured the Commission that he has no problem adding the maintenance of all
bus benches, shelters and trash receptacles to the request for proposals, so that the dollar amounts
in the responses are accurate.
Mayor Pigatt also noted that the request for proposals for the City's bus benches, trash receptacles
and shelters states that the contractor will be responsible for any damages caused by the placement
or removal of ads in the City's bus shelters, but that the City will continue to maintain the shelter
and the area around it, including trash can removal. The Mayor asserted that he wants to make
sure there is a plan to do that if it is what is being proposed.
City Manager Pate stated that just as of this week, he had the Public Works Department start
removing trash receptacles from bus stops that have no benches because they were being filled
despite the benches and shelters being non-existent or not being used for a significant amount of
time, and cleaning those receptacles was putting a burden on the department. He assured Mayor
Pigatt that it could be added as well to address that concern.
Mayor Pigatt acknowledged that Mr. Brian Dennis spoke about the public service advertising on
the benches and noted that the request for proposals for the City's bus benches, trash receptacles
and shelters states that the contractor shall provide 10% of the bus benches for public service
advertising at no cost to the City. The Mayor asked who would choose which benches will include
the public service advertising.
City Manager Pate explained that his office will choose which bus benches will include public
service advertising.
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to confirm that the City will choose which bus benches will
include public service advertising, and not the contractor.
City Manager Pate confirmed that the City will choose which bus benches will include public
service advertising.
There being no further discussion on Agenda Item 12-2, the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
13. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 14
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE
ATTACHED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, BETWEEN THE OPA-LOCKA
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE INSTALLATION OF A MURAL SIGN ON THE ACE
HARDWARE BUILDING WALL FACING BURLINGTON STREET, ON THE
PROPERTY IDENTIFIED BY FOLIO 08-2121-007-0790 AT 700 OPA-LOCKA
BOULEVARD, OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA 33054 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ZONING
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CITY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION,
ORDINANCE 15-31, ARTICLE X, SECTION 22-242 AND SECTION 22-246; PROVIDING
FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
5. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER EVALUATION TOOL IN THE FORM
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Williams
Deferred from SCM 06/15/2021
Vote taken on Consent Agenda items can be viewed under Agenda Item 6 — Approval of the
Consent Agenda.
14. NEW ITEMS:
There were none.
15. PLANNING & ZONING:
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FINAL SITE PLAN REQUEST FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
FACILITY LOCATED AT 14703 NW 27TH AVENUE, IDENTIFIED BY FOLIOS 08-
2122- 025-0580 AND 08-2122-025-0590; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 15
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to introduce Agenda Item 15-A-1.
City Manager Pate asked Planning & Community Development Director Gregory Gay to introduce
Agenda Item 15-A-1.
Planning & Community Development Director Gregory Gay stated that Agenda Item 15-A-1 is
for the site plan for an elderly residential development that is part of the Wellspring community
development. Mr. Gay explained that the group is seeking to redevelop a portion of the old Jackson
birthing center site, to restore the medical complex and create an additional development for senior
residents. He reported that the Planning & Zoning Board approved the proposal and that his
department's staff also recommended approval of the project. Mr. Gay also informed the
Commission that the development team is available if they would like for them to make a
presentation during the meeting or at another suitable time.
Mayor Pigatt opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 15-A-1.
Ms. Dottie Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place stated that she is in total support of the project being
proposed in Agenda Item 15-A-1. Ms. Johnson reminded the Commission that the property was
previously given to Opa-locka by former Miami -Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, but
she said that nothing was done on the property and Commissioner Jordan took it back. Noting that
the City had an opportunity with a great organization, she urged the Commission to take advantage
of it, encouraging them to do their research and analyze the benefits and impact. Ms. Johnson also
recalled hearing that nothing can be for the fair share and suggested that the Commission should
look at their education compact that she has mentioned and is already passed. She asserted that
there is something they can put towards education, asking the Commission to do their due
diligence, read, and analyze to determine what they can do for the City.
Natasha Ervin of 670 Dunad Avenue stated that she was made aware of the plan being proposed
in Agenda Item 15-A-1, not long ago. Ms. Ervin said that she liked the proposed plan and
expressed her hope that the Commission will accept it.
There being no additional members of the public to speak, Mayor Pigatt closed the public hearing
on Agenda Item 15-A-1.
Mayor Pigatt asked if there was a motion to discuss Agenda Item 15-A-1.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Davis to discuss Agenda Item
15-A-1.
Commissioner Davis expressed his excitement to see the site plan and development agreement for
this project that he characterized as shovel ready, recalling when the developer came before the
Commission just over a year ago. The Commissioner also remembered concerns being raised
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 16
about parking and asked how those issues are being worked around and managed, in consideration
of the fact that there is not a lot of undeveloped land to build out parking in the City.
Mr. Robert Holland identified himself as general counsel for the Wellspring Group and explained
that senior facilities don't normally have the number of vehicles at their facilities that a typical
apartment building would have. Mr. Holland added that residents will have parking decals to be
on site to avoid derelict vehicles. He also said that elderly persons who are active, are typically
out during the day and don't use their parking spaces. With relation to the medical facility, Mr.
Holland said that it will have some dedicated spaces but will also use some of the senior's
apartment parking. Additionally, he said that most of the people within Opa-locka who are served
by the medical facility, will have shuttle bus service. Pointing out that having the senior facility
there makes the medical facility even more viable, Mr. Holland said that the elderly apartment
residents will be able to traverse by foot to the facility. He assured the Commission that if they
have an issue with parking at any point, they will incorporate valet service to double park vehicles.
Also considering the available street parking, Mr. Holland said that while it was not calculated in
their proposal, he committed to continue working with City staff to make accommodations for
parking if they see an issue down the line. Right now, he doesn't think that there will be a parking
issue based on the parking ratios and asserted that he thinks the City's staff would concur.
Commissioner Davis stated that his only concern with the project was the parking, noting that the
City usually must get creative and think outside of the box when looking at parking options. The
Commissioner expressed that he is glad to see them working through the parking issues and said
that he is looking forward to seeing the project come to the City.
Mr. Robert Holland explained that they chose to incorporate senior housing instead of regular
apartments, because less vehicles are used in the parking lot.
Vice Mayor Williams expressed her excitement for the project being proposed in Agenda Item 15-
A-1 and stated that she is in full support of it. The Vice Mayor asked what the benefits are of
having a medical center in the community.
Mr. Robert Holland stated that the primary benefit of having a medical center in the community is
having health services close to you. Mr. Holland pointed out that some people don't want to travel
long distances and as a result, neglect their health.
Dr. Darvin Williams, President of Wellspring Community Resources stated that Opa-locka is in a
health and wellness desert and thus they are going to be providing a plethora of services in addition
to what the City's infrastructure provides. Dr. Williams explained that they are going to have a
40,000 medical square foot facility that will provide all health and wellness services to Opa-locka,
including 6 primary care doctors, 2 OB-GYNs, 2 pediatricians, 2 psychiatrists, 2 psychologists, a
full -service pharmacy, rehabilitation center with chiropractic and physical therapy services, dental
center, and vision center offering contact lenses and compounding. He reminded the Commission
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 17
that there are currently only 2 primary care doctors and 1 pharmacy within the Opa-locka city
limits, for a population of 16,400 residents. Dr. Williams asserted that they are looking to fill a
need for service, where there is a gap.
Commissioner Taylor asked if Wellspring Community Resources will be employing Opa-locka
citizens.
Dr. Williams assured the Commission that he has written a plan to address the hiring of Opa-locka
citizens. Dr. Williams stated that in its first year, the development being proposed in Agenda Item
15-A-1 would create 147 jobs with a payroll of $10.1 million. He shared that he included a
preference for hiring citizens of Opa-locka into the lease with the County and said that this is the
first lease agreement he has written with the City of Opa-locka which includes a residential bonus
of 5% for all positions on top of their annual salary, for citizens that reside within the City limits.
Dr. Williams also said that he has written four certificate programs, including for health care
administration, medical assistant, medical office assistant and medical billing and coding, and
explained that he is currently seeking additional dollars to provide the money for the citizens of
Opa-locka to go through the programs so they will have the certificates, so that he can employ
them once the center is open.
Commissioner Burke asked what WellSpring LLC is.
Dr. Williams stated that Wellsprings LLC is the development company that he has partnered with
to build the senior housing complex that is being proposed in Agenda Item 15-A-1. Dr. Williams
added that Wellspring Community Resources is the 501(c)(3) non-profit that he founded that has
the lease with Miami -Dade County.
Mayor Pigatt thanked Mr. Holland and Dr. Williams and all those involved in the project being
proposed in Agenda Item 15-A-1, for bringing it to the City and considering Opa-locka as a
development opportunity. The Mayor stated that the project checks all the boxes as it fills the
community's wellness needs, getting doctors, OB-GYNs, dentists and eye doctors into the City.
He also acknowledged the beautiful drawings that can be used to promote the project and the job
opportunity commitment for residents that was made to the Commission. The Mayor asserted that
this is the type of package the Commission wishes every developer would think about when they
come to Opa-locka and stressed that it is the standard the Commission wants to see in the City.
He offered much respect for all the work they have done and stated that he is looking forward to
seeing the progression and being there when it is time to open.
There being no further discussion on Agenda Item 15-A-1, the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 18
Commissioner Burke
Mayor Pigatt
Yes
Yes
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA AND WELLSPRING COMMUNITY RESOURCES, INC. FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
FACILITY LOCATED AT 14703 NW 27TH AVENUE, IDENTIFIED BY FOLIOS 08-
2122-025-0580 AND 08-2122-025-0590; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to introduce Agenda Item 15-A-2.
City Manager Pate asked Planning & Community Development Director Gregory Gay to introduce
Agenda Item 15-A-2.
Community Development Director Gregory Gay informed the Commission that Agenda Item 15-
A-2 is for the development agreement associated with the development of the affordable housing
for seniors. Mr. Gay said that the development agreement included aspects addressed by Dr.
Darvin Williams, President of Wellspring Community Resources such as the local preference for
hiring. He assured the Commission that it was included in the development agreement under
section 9, to move people into a workspace during construction as well as for the operation of the
facility once construction is done. Mr. Gay reported that both the Planning & Zoning Board and
his department's staff recommended approval of the development agreement.
Mayor Pigatt opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 15-A-2.
There being no members of the public to speak, Mayor Pigatt closed the public hearing on Agenda
Item 15-A-2.
Mayor Pigatt asked if there was a motion to discuss Agenda Item 15-A-1.
It was moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to discuss Agenda Item
15-A-2.
There being no discussion on Agenda Item 15-A-2, the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 19
Commissioner Davis
Mayor Pigatt
Yes
Yes
3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FINAL SITE PLAN REQUEST FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A RESIDENTIAL MIXED -USE BUILDING
LOCATED AT 2050 ALI BABA AVENUE, IDENTIFIED BY FOLIOS 08-2122-003-2140,
08-2122-003-2150, 08-2122-003-2160; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
City Clerk Flores reminded the Commission that Agenda Item 15-A-3 was deferred until the
Regular Commission Meeting on July 14th, as noted under Agenda Item 6, Approval of Consent
Agenda and Pull List (deferrals and deletions).
Mayor Pigatt stated that he thought Agenda Items 13-3 and 13-4 were the items that had been
deferred.
City Clerk Flores clarified that the Agenda Items which had been deferred were 15-A-3 and 15-A-
4 and that the Commission had approved all the Consent Agenda Items except 13-5 which was
withdrawn.
Mayor Pigatt made a motion to amend the Agenda and pull Items 13-3 and 13-4, because he said
that the Commission needed to talk about the bus benches and the proposal for property
management services.
It was moved by Mayor Pigatt, seconded by Commissioner Davis to amend the Agenda and pull
Items 13-3 and 13-4.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF
A CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT AND FINISHED CONCRETE PRODUCTION
COMPANY FACILITY ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13050 NW 30TH AVENUE
AND IDENTIFIED BY FOLIOS08-2128-002-0020, 08-2128-002-0030, 08-2128-002-0040, 08-
2128-002-0050, 08-2128-002-0060, 08-2128-002-0090, 08-2128-004-0380, AND 08 -2128 -004 -
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 20
0330, IN THE I-2 ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager Deferred from RCM 05/26/2021
Agenda Item 15-A-4 was deferred until the Regular Commission Meeting on July 14th, as noted
under Agenda Item 6, Approval of Consent Agenda and Pull List (deferrals and deletions).
B. APPEALS:
16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCE(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, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE
AGREEMENT, ATTACHED HERETO, WITH TEEN UP -WARD BOUND,
INCORPORATED TO OCCUPY SPACE AT 2105 ALI BABA AVENUE; PROVIDING
FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND
REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR SCRIVENER'S
ERRORS, CONFLICTS OF LAW, AND SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading/public hearing held on June 9, 2021). Sponsored by City
Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-B-1.
Jannie Russell of 1210 Peri Street introduced herself as the Executive Director and Founder of
Teen Up -ward Bound and said that she looks forward to bringing some good things to the area
known as "the triangle." Ms. Russell thanked the Manager, his team and the Parks & Recreation
Director for assisting her in being able to start the summer camp. She also acknowledged the
Police Chief for meeting with her personally to make sure that everything was going well. Mr.
Russell gave a shout out to her husband Mr. Russell, reporting that he cleaned up the park and
talked to the residents, leading to them cleaning the park every other day so that it doesn't have to
be done every morning. She expressed that it has been a lot of work but said it had been a pleasure.
Ms. Russell also reported that about five residents from the area have signed their kids up for the
program, and they have had other members of the community who have come looking for jobs and
to use the computers and said they've been referring them to other resources. She also stated that
it is a pleasure to hear that the City is trying to get its own social service mechanisms in place to
help all the residents. Ms. Russell concluded by thanking the Commission, encouraging them to
come read to the children and tell them about Opa-tisha-wocka-locka, and she stated that she looks
forward to doing even greater things in Opa-locka.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 21
There being no additional members of the public to speak, Mayor Pigatt closed the public hearing
on Agenda Item 16-B-1.
It was moved by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Vice Mayor Williams to discuss Agenda Item
16-B-1.
Commissioner Burke stated that the City is going to have to be careful with the kids being over
near the Blanford property, where he said people are living and sleeping, and that it is overgrown
and a health hazard, lamenting that something should have been done with the property years ago.
The Commissioner offered assurances that he will work with the City Manager and Code
Enforcement on the issues with the Blanford property, but he wanted the Russell's to be aware that
they need to keep a good eye out for the kids.
There being no further discussion, the ordinance passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis piggybacked on Commissioner Burke's point, acknowledging that the
Blanford building has been a problematic property. The Commissioner recalled that the building
was an eyesore when he moved to build the park in the area, and he said that the City's position
was that it was on a demolition list, despite that demolition never happening. He shared that a
mural was put on the building to mask the fact that it was an eyesore and to add to the area. The
Commissioner expressed that he would like to see something done about the building and most of
the derelict properties in the area, stating that they just add to the crime and violence, serving as
safe havens for the very same sort of criminal activity that is trying to be prevented. He reminded
the Commission that a vacant property ordinance had been proposed which had passed first
reading, and he offered assurances that he would do his due diligence to bring the item back before
the Commission. Commissioner Davis concluded by thanking Commissioner Burke for bringing
up his valid point.
Vice Mayor Williams also thanked Commissioner Burke for bringing up the concerns about the
vacant property in the area. The Vice Mayor stated that she is over in the area every day and
suggested that Police presence is critical, adding that she is sure the Police Chief has stepped that
up. She reported having seen residents taking pride in doing the work to clean up the Magnolia
North area with Mr. Russell. Expressing her appreciation, the Vice Mayor stated as someone who
comes from the education field, she recognized that they were spot on with the educators that work
for the summer camp, their programming and curriculum. She said that theirs is a model for other
programs out there and offered thanks that it is in the great City of Opa-locka.
There being no further discussion, the ordinance passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 22
Commissioner Davis
Mayor Pigatt
Yes
Yes
C. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE STORMWATER NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT
ROLL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Mayor Pigatt opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-C-1.
There being no members of the public to speak, Mayor Pigatt closed the public hearing on Agenda
Item 16-C-1.
It was moved by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Vice Mayor Williams to discuss Agenda Item
16-C-1.
Commissioner Davis thanked City Manager Pate for the response he provided about the movement
of the stormwater management fee to the property tax bill, during the Citizens Forum. In
addressing the complaints that the City has been getting from the community, the Commissioner
acknowledged that Opa-locka has a slightly older community and that many of the residents are
on fixed incomes, and he stated that he is starting to think that the installment payments through
the water bill were more convenient for residents. He asked if there was any way that any options
could be offered to residents on fixed incomes who may be experiencing some sort of hardship.
City Manager Pate thanked Commissioner Davis for bringing up the concern about the impact on
residents with financial hardships that could be felt by moving the stormwater management fee
from the monthly water bill to the annual tax bill. Mr. Pate explained that the same rules apply for
anyone with a tax bill that has a hardship paying their taxes in a timely manner, and that the
appropriate steps are there, and the property owner just pays an additional fee. He reminded the
Commission that the collectability of the stormwater management fee has been significantly
diminished by being placed on the water bill. The Manager stated that the City is trying to build
up more funding from stormwater assessments to be able to make sure they address all flooding in
the community and not just in certain areas. He added that moving the stormwater assessment fee
from the water bill to the tax bill will bring in almost an additional million dollars and pointed out
that the revenue can go towards stormwater management.
Commissioner Davis expressed his hope that there will be education provided on whatever options
are out there for residents who are unable to pay their tax bill because of a financial hardship.
Acknowledging that the City gets a lot of responses when they send letters in the mail, the
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 23
Commissioner suggested the City's channel, website or some sort of additional outreach should
be used to inform residents about their options for paying their tax bill when they are facing a
financial hardship. He stated that he knows it's going to be a point of concern when residents start
paying attention and realize that the stormwater management fee has been moved from their
monthly water bills to the annual tax bill.
City Manager Pate stated that as a matter of record, he wanted the Commission to note that the
stormwater fee affects commercial and industrial properties way more than residential properties.
Mr. Pate explained that residential property owners have one flat fee, while commercial and
industrial properties are charged a lot more. He said that he understood it would take a little bit
more education for residents to understand the difference between residential and commercial and
industrial properties and how the stormwater fee is calculated. The Manager committed to working
with this staff to speak about doing an advertising campaign on social media and even reaching
out to the appropriate tax office to ensure that residents are afforded their rights to contest a tax
bill or set up a payment plan schedule.
Commissioner Burke recalled that he had a problem with the proposal to move the stormwater
management fee from the water bill to the tax bill when it first came before the Commission. The
Commissioner reminded his colleagues that Opa-locka has elderly residents that are on a fixed
income, and he stated that it seems whenever the Commission starts looking for money, those
elderly residents on a fixed income are the ones to be hit. He said that the stormwater management
fee has been on the water bill during all the years that he's been on the Commission, as was noted
by the residents who spoke during the Citizens Forum. Despite acknowledging that the City
Manager stated the stormwater management fee will be easier to collect on the tax bill and will
generate a million dollars more, the Commissioner said that it is going to cause hardship for the
elderly people who are on a fixed income and can't afford it. The Commissioner pointed out that
while the Manager said the amount being added to the tax bill will only be $72, if it was being
paid at a rate of $6 a month it was not a problem but could be a problem with their taxes going up
now. He asserted that he didn't support the proposal when it first came before the Commission,
and he won't support it now because he thinks the City must do better for the elderly on fixed
incomes.
Commissioner Taylor stated that he understands the necessity of moving the stormwater
management fee from the monthly water bill to the annual tax bill, but he reminded his colleagues
that Opa-locka has one of the highest tax rates in the state and said that he thinks increasing that is
problematic for residents. The Commissioner acknowledged that some residents don't agree with
the change because of the hardships even though the fee is being transferred from one collection
mechanism to another. He joined Commissioner Davis in asking if options can be provided for
residents, suggesting that perhaps they could choose to either pay the stormwater fee on their taxes
or choose to pay it on their water bill. Commissioner Taylor asserted that $72 is not a lot of money
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 24
for some, but to others it is. Acknowledging that the money is needed, he urged his colleagues to
find another way to collect it.
City Manager Pate stated that there were two mechanisms to collect the stormwater management
fee, and those were through the water bill or the tax bill. Mr. Pate added that if it remains on the
water bill and becomes uncollectible, individuals risk having their water shut off. He asserted that
it is money the City needs to move itself forward to ensure collectability is maximized. The
Manager also cautioned the Commission that no matter the direction they go in, wherever the
money comes from is going to cause hardship whether on their tax bill or water bill. He lamented
not having an alternative response but said that keeping the stormwater fee on the water bill would
lead to continued lack of collectability with the monies owed to the City compounded by multiple
years but stated that moving the stormwater fee to the tax bill would make it easily collectible.
Mr. Pate also pointed out that if somebody is not able to pay their tax bill and their home is
purchased through the issuance of the tax certificate, the funds owed to the City would be recouped
but if they don't pay their water bill it is written off and the City never sees the funds. He asserted
that moving the stormwater fee from the water bill to the tax bill provides for efficient
collectability, and he asked Budget Administrator Bob Anathan to speak more on the subject.
Budget Administrator Bob Anathan stated that he thinks everybody knows that if you have
problems paying your property tax bill, you can pay on an installment plan quarterly. Mr. Anathan
explained that if $72 is too big a bite for some folks, paying on an installment plan would add $18
to their quarterly payment. Addressing the question about setting up an optional assessment, he
stated that it must be all the stormwater management fees on the tax bill or none of them.
Commissioner Taylor stated that he understood that the City needs the $72 for stormwater
management, but he said that some can afford to pay $72 at the end of the year on their tax bill as
opposed to paying $6 a month on their water bill, and he asserted that some can't afford it.
Budget Administrator Anathan stated that those who would not be able to afford to pay the $72
stormwater management fee on their tax bill, would be able to set up an installment plan and pay
$18 per quarter.
Commissioner Taylor asked if paying the stormwater management fee in $18 per quarter
installments was the option that Budget Administrator Anathan was proposing for those who
would be unable to pay the $72 stormwater management fee on their tax bill.
Budget Administrator Anathan explained that the option to pay the stormwater management fee in
$18 quarterly installments would not be an option offered by Opa-locka, but that any time anybody
has a problem paying their property tax bill, they can pay it in quarterly installments.
Commissioner Taylor asked if there is a penalty for paying a property tax bill in quarterly
installments.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 25
Budget Administrator Anathan stated that there may be a small percentage charged by the Miami -
Dade County Tax Collector for paying a property tax bill in quarterly installments but pointed out
that a small percentage of $18 would not be a large amount of money.
Commissioner Taylor lamented being back at square one, pointing out that residents who can't
afford to pay the $72 stormwater maintenance fee on their tax bill, would be charged because they
can't afford to pay it.
Budget Administrator Anathan stated that he thinks property owners would pay pennies on the $18
if they chose to make quarterly payments for the stormwater management fee on their tax bill.
Commissioner Taylor said that to Budget Administrator Anathan the cost to set up a property tax
payment plan may just be pennies, but to somebody else those pennies may be a lot of money.
Mayor Pigatt reminded his colleagues on the Commission that flooding is one of the major
challenges for Opa-locka. The Mayor said that the main reason the stormwater management fee
is being moved from the monthly water bill to the annual tax bill, is because the City was having
difficulty getting commercial properties to pay their fair share. Acknowledging that there may be
a small elderly population that may have issues with paying the stormwater management fee, he
suggested that the Commission can create a budget of $10,000, raise funds and advocate for a
program with Miami -Dade County to provide relief for those residents that may have challenges
paying the fee. Pointing out that the City is going to get a lot of calls about flooding over the next
few weeks and that residents have spoken before the Commission to share that they have flooding
in their houses, he asserted that they need to maximize the collectible dollars to address flooding.
The Mayor stated that the debate is over whether Opa-locka will get an extra $500,000 in revenue
for stormwater management and whether they are going to have difficulty trying to collect the fee
through a water billing process that he said comes with its own fees. As they vote on Agenda Item
16-C-2, the Mayor urged his colleagues to keep in mind that this is a major step towards addressing
the flooding throughout Opa-locka, to make sure that commercial properties pay their fair share,
and the City can take care of its residents if they need to.
Vice Mayor Williams stated that it seemed to her that residents had a hard time understanding the
letter that was sent, informing them of the moving of the stormwater management fee from the
monthly water bill to the annual tax bill. The Vice Mayor said she didn't hear that they had
financial hardships to pay the stormwater management fee. She shared that her own mother, who
is a retired educator, asked her what the letter meant. She said that she thinks the issue is not that
they can't afford the stormwater management fee, but that they may not fully understand the letter
that was sent. The Vice Mayor suggested that a second letter could be a little clearer, stating that
while it was clear to her, she noted that the letter was front and back, a lot to read and that she had
to extrapolate a lot and sum it up in chunks, and she said that it made it seem as if their taxes are
going up.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 26
Commissioner Burke stated that by moving the stormwater management fee from the monthly
water bill to the annual tax bill, residents' taxes are going up.
Vice Mayor Williams acknowledged that the residents' tax bills will go up by moving the
stormwater management fee from the monthly water bill to the annual tax bill, and she suggested
that the City needs to tell residents why and help them understand it a little more clearly. The Vice
Mayor said that in her own opinion, the letter that was sent explaining the change was not as clear
as it could have been.
City Manager Pate asked Budget Director Anathan how much it cost to send the letter to every
resident, informing them that the stormwater management fee was being moved from the monthly
water bill to the annual property tax bill.
Budget Director Anathan stated that it cost the City about $2,200 to send the letter to every
resident, informing them that the stormwater management fee was being moved from the monthly
water bill to the annual property tax bill.
City Manager Pate expressed his opinion that he thinks sending out a second letter informing
residents that the stormwater management fee is being moved from the monthly water bill to the
annual property tax bill, may cause more confusion. Mr. Pate added that if it is the Commission's
will for additional clarification to be provided, it can be sent out.
Vice Mayor Williams suggested that a town hall could be held to have the moving of the
stormwater management fee from the monthly water bill to the annual property tax bill explained
in an open forum setting, and if residents don't come that would be it.
City Manager Pate stated that the Commission Meeting included the public hearing that was
advertised and was in the correspondence that went out to all residents, and that a town hall would
be another public hearing for residents to come out and ask for clarification on the moving of the
stormwater management fee from the monthly water bill to the annual property tax bill. Mr. Pate
assured the Commission that he has no problem explaining it a little bit differently or trying to
figure something out by talking to staff tomorrow, but he asserted that the Commission Meeting
was the public's time to express themselves as far as the public hearing process is concerned.
Mayor Pigatt assured Vice Mayor Williams that if the proposed resolution passes, to approve the
moving of the stormwater management fee from the monthly water bill to the annual property tax
bill, a town hall can be organized later in the year if needed. The Mayor suggested that the
Commission could discuss water bills, stormwater management, all the services that are available
in the City and all the changes being made at a town hall.
There being no further discussion, the resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 27
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke No
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor No
Mayor Pigatt Yes
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
Mayor Pigatt asked City Manager Pate to deliver a report to the Commission.
City Manager Pate provided the Commission with an update on some of the items that they had
brought up at previous meetings, including the following:
• Commissioner Davis' request to have the Human Resources building designated as a
historical building.
City Manager Pate explained that after his staff did research on the matter, it was
determined that the Human Resources building cannot be designated as a historical
building because it does not have any historical features that represent Opa-locka's history.
• Status of illegal dumping initiative brought forward by Vice Mayor Williams
City Manager Pate reported that the Click Fix software is active. Mr. Pate reminded the
Commission that the budget amendment which included the funding for the initiative was
just approved at the last Commission meeting, and he committed to have his staff schedule
a follow-up meeting with Vice Mayor Williams within the next week and a half, to ensure
the program and its implementation are meeting expectations.
• Questions about what the City Manager's Office is doing to ensure there are checks and
balances in the Building & Licensing Department
City Manager Pate stated that the Building & Licensing Department was relocated to be
able to segregate duties, payments are being accepted by the cashier and cash payments
have no longer been accepted for a lengthy period.
• $1.125 million in State funding for the Police Department
City Manager Pate stated that his staff is completing an assessment of the properties,
including those owned by the City, other entities as well as the site where the Police
Department currently is located. Mr. Pate informed the Commission that the monies
distributed by the State of Florida will be treated as a grant, and he reported that while
correspondence from the State was received regarding the $100,000 in State funds that
were approved for the Parks & Recreation Department, but that nothing had been received
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 28
regarding the $1.125 million for the Police Department. He stated that the feedback from
the State is being awaited to determine how it fits within the City's five-year plan. The
Manager also said that additional financing options will be based on the site that is used,
explaining that a remodel of the current site would be somewhat cheaper than a tear down
of the current site or the use of a site with no development on it.
• Holding developers accountable
City Manager Pate stated that the City's development agreement speaks of the best
efforts to employ City residents, but he said that the legal threshold prevents the forcing
of employment, which he noted had been mentioned by Commissioner Davis.
• Mayor Pigatt's request for the status of Comprehensive Emergency Management and
Hurricane Season Plan
City Manager Pate reported that the Comprehensive Emergency Management and
Hurricane Season Plans were submitted to the Commission on June 1st at the request of
Mayor Pigatt.
• Mayor Pigatt's request for an update on the Glorieta Gardens Police Department
Substation.
City Manager Pate reported that the Glorieta Gardens Police Department Substation is
operational and occupied by the street crimes unit. Mr. Pate also informed the Commission
that he had a meeting today with the ownership of Glorietta Gardens about the substation
and other matters.
• Mayor Pigatt's request for the status of the request for proposals for the City's bus benches
City Manager Pate pointed out that the request for proposals for the City's bus benches
was just passed by the Commission today.
• Providing copies of previous union contracts
City Manager Pate stated that he believes City Clerk Flores sent out the previous union
contracts to the Commission so that they will be prepared for their meeting on July 7th.
• Status of inmate workers
City Manager Pate stated that he is working with the City Attorney's Office to draft a
contract that will be sent to the Miami -Dade County Corrections Department.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 29
" V i c e M a y o r W i l l i a m s q u e s t i o n a b o u t b e a u t i f i c a t i o n f u n d s
C i t y M a n a g e r P a t e r e p o r t e d t h a t O p a - l o c k a h a d b e e n a w a r d e d a t r e e p l a n t i n g g r a n t t h a t
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$ 2 0 , 0 0 0 , a n d t h u s t h e C o m m i s s i o n w i l l s t a r t s e e i n g t r e e s b e i n g i n s t a l l e d o n P e r v i z
A v e n u e . M r . P a t e s t a t e d t h a t o t h e r g r a n t o p p o r t u n i t i e s a r e b e i n g s o u g h t f o r t h e C i t y ' s
b e a u t i f i c a t i o n .
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C i t y ' s r e s p o n s e t o t h e v i o l e n c e o c c u r r i n g i n M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y . H e a s k e d t h e C o m m i s s i o n t o
a l l o w h i m t o d e f e r t h e r e m a i n d e r o f h i s t i m e e x c l u d i n g t h e t i m e n e e d e d t o a d d r e s s a n y q u e s t i o n s
t h e y h a v e f o r h i m , t o a l l o w t h e C h i e f o f P o l i c e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o p r o v i d e t h e m a n u p d a t e o n w h a t
i s b e i n g d o n e t o c o m b a t t h e v i o l e n t c r i m e o c c u r r i n g t h r o u g h o u t t h e r e g i o n .
C o m m i s s i o n e r B u r k e a s k e d t h a t b e f o r e t h e C h i e f o f P o l i c e a d d r e s s e d t h e C o m m i s s i o n , t h a t C i t y
M a n a g e r P a t e c l a r i f y w h e t h e r M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y h a d b e e n r e a c h e d o u t t o f o r s o m e o f t h e m o n e y
b e i n g m a d e a v a i l a b l e t h r o u g h t h e i r b i g i n i t i a t i v e t o c o m b a t v i o l e n c e .
C i t y M a n a g e r P a t e s t a t e d t h a t t h e r e w a s a m e e t i n g t h e d a y t h a t t h e p r o s p e r i t y p l a n w a s p r e s e n t e d ,
w i t h o n e o f t h e n e w d i r e c t o r s w h o w o r k d i r e c t l y f o r M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y M a y o r D a n i e l l a L e v i n e
C a v a . M r . P a t e i n f o r m e d t h e C o m m i s s i o n t h a t a v i s i t h a s b e e n r e s c h e d u l e d f o r J u l y t o a l l o w t h e
C o u n t y t o s e e t h e s o c i a l s e r v i c e p r o g r a m s a v a i l a b l e i n O p a - l o c k a , w h i c h w i l l a l l o w t h e m t o a s s e s s
w h a t t h e C i t y n e e d s a n d c o m e u p w i t h a g a m e p l a n f o r h o w t h e f u n d s w i l l b e r e - i n v e s t e d i n O p a -
l o c k a . H e n o t e d t h a t c u r r e n t l y m o n e y f o r s o c i a l s e r v i c e p r o g r a m s i s b e i n g m a n a g e d t h r o u g h t h e
C o u n t y , b u t h e s t a t e d t h a t h e w a n t s t o r e q u e s t s o m e o f t h e C i t y ' s o w n f u n d i n g . T h e M a n a g e r
p o i n t e d o u t t h a t w h i l e a l o t o f t h e v i o l e n t c r i m e m a y n o t n e c e s s a r i l y b e o c c u r r i n g i n O p a - l o c k a , t h e
n e w s a r t i c l e s i n d i c a t e t h a t s o m e o f t h e p e o p l e c o m m i t t i n g c r i m e s l i v e i n t h e C i t y . M r . P a t e a s s e r t e d
t h a t h e w a n t s t o m a k e s u r e t h a t p r o p e r p l a n n i n g a n d t h e s o c i a l s e r v i c e p r o g r a m s n e e d e d a r e
a v a i l a b l e f o r t h e y o u t h , t o a d d r e s s t h e m a t t e r o f t h e r i s e i n v i o l e n c e i n t h e c o m m u n i t y .
M a y o r P i g a t t f o l l o w e d u p o n C i t y M a n a g e r P a t e ' s r e s p o n s e t o C o m m i s s i o n e r B u r k e ' s q u e s t i o n
a n d r e p o r t e d t h a t h e m e t w i t h M i a m i - D a d e B o a r d o f C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s V i c e C h a i r O l i v e r
G i l b e r t a n d q u i t e a f e w o t h e r s , i n c l u d i n g M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y D e p u t y M a y o r M o r r i s C o p e l a n d
w h o i s o v e r a n e w d e p a r t m e n t t h a t M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y M a y o r D a n i e l l a L e v i n e C a v a p u t t o g e t h e r
t o p u l l t o g e t h e r P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n , C u l t u r a l A f f a i r s a n d m a n y o t h e r s . T h e M a y o r s t a t e d t h a t
M i a m i - D a d e D e p u t y M a y o r C o p e l a n d i s g o i n g t o c o m e t o O p a - l o c k a t o c o m p l e t e a n a s s e s s m e n t
o f t h e C i t y , t o s e e w h a t t h e n e e d s a r e . H e s t a t e d t h a t n o n - p r o f i t s l i k e T e e n U p - W a r d B o u n d , G a n g
A l t e r n a t i v e a n d m a n y o t h e r s a r e p a r t o f t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n t o m a k e s u r e t h a t t h e f u n d s b e i n g m a d e
a v a i l a b l e b y M i a m i - D a d e C o u n t y , a r e a l l o c a t e d t o O p a - l o c k a . M a y o r P i g a t t a l s o s h a r e d t h a t h e
m e t w i t h t h e C i t y M a n a g e r a n d t h e C h i e f o f P o l i c e a n d r e q u e s t e d t h a t t h e y m a k e s p e c i f i c r e q u e s t s
f o r t h e n e e d s o f t h e P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t t o g e t t h e f u n d s o f f e r e d b y t h e C o u n t y . T h r o u g h t h e
R e g u l a r C o m m i s s i o n M e e t i n g M i n u t e s J u n e 2 3 , 2 0 2 1 3 0
meeting, the Mayor said that they identified issues with receiving calls at the Police Dispatch
Center and other technology that could be paid for with those funds, if the Commission is made
aware, so that they can make sure that Opa-locka has the resources needed to fight crime. As an
example, he cited the Shot Spotter program, and stated that if the Commission knows about it, they
can do their due diligence to make sure that when funds are allocated, they go to the proper places.
The Mayor offered assurances that he has seen that Opa-locka is in good hands, and that they just
must follow through to get the funds allocated. He also offered his respect to Mayor Levine Cava,
Vice Chair Gilbert, and Miami -Dade Police Department Chief Ramirz, stating that they are big
champions for Opa-locka, who are looking out for the City and its residents.
Police Chief Barreira thanked Mayor Pigatt, the entire Commission and City Manager Pate for
having him to address them. Chief Barreira stated that his primary focus has always been and
continues to be engagement, enforcement and environment and he is adding education in. To
address the current violent crime spike and trend in the general area, he said that over the last
couple of months as part of a continuing process with the City Manager and his command staff,
the street crimes unit was created, and they are remaining focused on violent crime. He said that
he is fine-tuning the agency's crime analysis capabilities to ensure that their limited resources are
being focused in the right areas and the right individuals. The Chief reported that over the last few
months, they have recovered over 22 firearms and seized over 70 grams of illegal narcotics, while
continuing to focus their efforts on keeping citizens safe. He shared that he believes in the
decentralization of law enforcement and said that he thinks they can operate within the community
as part of the community engagement experience. He also said that he found it to be very effective
to have the Captain of the street crimes unit work remotely in one of the more active areas in the
community, not only to provide enforcement, but to start building relationships and getting to
know members of the community. The Chief informed the Commission that he is meeting weekly
with the owner of the Glorieta complex, as well as with some other business partners, to ensure
that their needs are being met and that they are aligning themselves to move forward as an agency
and a City, to reduce crime and the fear of crime among residents. Acknowledging that his
department is an active participant in Miami -Dade County' s Summer Heat Operation, he reported
that it involved quite a bit of intelligence sharing. Recognizing the fine work of the men and
women of his agency, he informed the Commission that they were instrumental in providing some
of the detailed information to their County partners that made it possible to successfully solve
some of the high -profile incidents that have occurred. Noting that his research indicates that the
Police Department has less staff and resources than in the past, the Chief said they are making the
best of what they have and that secondary employment officers working off duty end up being a
force multiplier for the agency by assisting with service calls that officers would have to go to in
addition to providing backup when needed. The Chief also stated that secondary employment jobs
within the City take priority and get filled first to ensure that the safety and manpower needed are
provided should an incident arise. He reported that over just the last 6 months, Opa-locka's officers
have worked over 8,354 hours. In addition to the Summer Heat Operation, he informed the
Commission that the Police Department is partnering with surrounding local agencies and are
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 31
active participants in the multi -agency task force with which they coordinate efforts at least once
a month. Coordinating with probation and parole partners, the Chief said that they are ensuring
those who are on supervised probation for violent crimes or who are new gang members, are
identified and checked on if an incident arises to make sure they're in compliance with their
probation. The Chief also said the Police Department is working with the County's crime
suppression team and are identifying search warrants and arrest warrants in the area.
Acknowledging that narcotics are not the sole reason for some of the issues that are going on, he
asserted that K-9 officers are very important for narcotics detection and informed the Commission
that two canine officers will complete their training by the end of July. Additionally, he stated that
K-9 officers assist in providing a layer of safety for human life during offender apprehensions, as
well as with evidence location. The Chief also stated that he meets regularly with the area
managers to address any criminal activities that are urgent primary needs and develop strategies
to address it, but he acknowledged that he doesn't feel they can arrest their way out of any of the
issues. Addressing his long-term approaches, the Chief said that he has proposed legislation that
is going to the attorney, that would allow him to introduce a crime -free multi -housing program
which has been very effective for many years in Arizona. The Chief also informed the
Commission that the Police Department has 2 mobile license plate readers which should be going
live in the first week of July, which he said provide valuable information on stolen vehicles and
on people who may be wanted in other jurisdictions. He shared that in his conversations with the
license plate reader vendor, he has discussed the potential for other uses of the technology
including partnerships with multi -housing and business communities to provide video information
and feedback when an emergency arises. Acknowledging that it would come through the City
Manager to the Commission, he said he just wanted to keep them updated. As part of the long-
term engagement strategy, the Chief also said the Police Department is launching social media
initiatives. Pointing out that a lot of criminals obtain their firearms from other illegal activity such
as breaking into cars and taking firearms that are stored in vehicles or burglarizing homes, the
Chief stated the Police Department is launching the "Opa-Locklt" campaign through social media
to ensure residents understand the problem and take preventative measures to keep firearms out of
the hands of criminals. The Chief said he is continuing to do his community walks, and invited
the Commission to participate, with one scheduled for Monday of next week at Glorieta Gardens.
Expressing that he thinks it is important for him to get out there and talk directly to the community,
he shared that he has other programs in place such as "Coffee with a Cop", "Lunch with the Law"
and the "C3 - Chiefs Community Council". The Chief concluded by stating that his agency is
obtaining information and making sure that they are not only activating individually but also
collectively as a region.
Mayor Pigatt thanked Police Chief Barreira for his report to the people of the community.
Commissioner Burke asked Police Chief Barreira what size his department is supposed to be and
how many staff members he is supposed to have.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 32
Police Chief Barreira stated that he would have to look at the specific information to give the
Commission an accurate answer but said that the Opa-locka Police Department has about 48
officers sworn in, and that is about half a dozen shy of where the department has previously been.
Commissioner Burke asked Police Chief Barreira if there was money available in the budget to
hire the 6 additional officers that the department is short.
Police Chief Barreira reported that he had a meeting with City Manager Pate about reconfiguring
some of the Police Department's organization to maximize its efficiency. Chief Barreira said that
budgetary questions are in the hands of the Commission, adding that he has sat with Budget
Administrator Bob Anathan to discuss the details of the budget quite extensively. He also informed
the Commission that the Police Department is looking for grant opportunities and said that they
applied for the cops grant for community policing, expressing how critical that resource is to him.
The Chief asserted that community policing is an agency -wide philosophy and no one unit within
the agency is going to be responsible for it. He stated that he believes in community policing, but
that he does not have the resources available to fully commit to the multi -housing program, the
Police Athletic League or Police Explorers which he said require specific resources. As part of
community outreach, the Chief referenced the broken windows theory and assured the
Commission of his commitment to address root causes for crime. He shared that he has at least 5
properties on file that he is working on with Code Enforcement, because he feels that they are
contributing to the underlying issues that lead to criminal activity.
Commissioner Burke stated that he was asking about the Police Department staffing because when
the new Sailboat Cove development on 17th Avenue becomes operational, it is going to be another
big unit. Noting that the development is almost completed, the Commissioner said that he would
like for the Police Department to be fully staffed. He said that the officers who are now in the
Police Department are being burned out and affirmed his opinion that if the money is in the budget
to hire the 6 officers, they are short, that the department must get ahead of the program and not
wait until problems begin. The Commissioner urged his colleagues and the City Manager to be
proactive and get the officers in place now, so they can answer the calls when emergencies arise.
Commissioner Davis asked Police Chief Barreira to elaborate on the problems the Police
Department is having with its dispatch center.
Police Chief Barreira stated that the overall philosophy of his agency is, if you think you know it
all you don't and if you think you can't do any better you probably won't. The Chief said that he
is constantly evaluating the processes in the Police Department to see what can be done to increase
efficiency and improve their service. While he pointed out that he has only been Police Chief for
60 days, he has noted that despite all Opa-locka's 9-1-1 calls being dispatched through Miami -
Dade County, that their software is not compatible with the City's software. The Chief lamented
that the information the Opa-locka Police Department must work with is not directly obtained from
the individuals involved in a crime, and he said that he would rather have as much direct
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 33
information as possible prior to an officer going to the scene, to ensure better services and officer
safety. Acknowledging that it is not a situation within Opa-locka's control, he informed the
Commission that Miami -Dade County has issued a request for proposals to change their software
and said that as a result the Opa-locka Police Department is on standby until a decision is made on
the County level. The Chief stated that as soon as the County presents its new software, he will
come back before the Commission to create a patch that would create immediate savings in-house,
provide better information and better service to the community.
Commissioner Davis stated that he knows the Police Department dispatch center is a point of
concern in the past because he was the person who brought it up, stemming from many complaints
about the long response time for 9-1-1 calls in the small community of 4 %2 square miles that is
Opa-locka. The Commissioner acknowledged that the long response times have been a problem
due to the rerouting of 9-1-1 calls through Miami -Dade County, in addition to not being able to
hear from the person reporting the crime and receiving it from the County as a secondary source.
Recalling that it was previously proposed to provide better service by bringing the dispatch center
in-house and maybe hiring a dispatcher, because the infrastructure was set up that way. The
Commissioner suggested that alternatively, the Opa-locka Police Department should ensure that
whatever they are doing internally, is compatible with the direction that Miami -Dade County is
moving in. Despite the Opa-locka Police Department's dispatch time being a point of concern
over the years, the Commission expressed his hope that under the leadership and direction of Chief
Barreira, with his knowledge and resources, the department will be able to overcome that issue.
Police Chief Barreira assured Commissioner Davis that the Police Department is staying on top of
the issue with their dispatch center's response time.
Vice Mayor Williams recalled speaking extensively with Police Chief Barreira and gave him kudos
for beginning with the end in mind, because she said that's how you create and lay out a plan. The
Vice Mayor thanked City Manager Pate for allowing Chief Barreira to present his plan to the
Commission and the residents, and she stressed the importance of hearing the plan for the Police
Department. She said she was glad that the Chief is with her on eating the elephant one bite at a
time and added how great it was to lay out the deliberate and intentional plan while urging the
Chief to keep the focus. The Vice Mayor stated that she can't wait to see the exciting programs,
projects and change that's going to come to the Police Department.
Mayor Pigatt thanked Police Chief Barreira for his report and the work that he and his officers do.
The Mayor asked if the Chief was putting in a request for more officers.
Police Chief Barreira stated that he is looking at the Police Department organizational chart and
has sat with City Manager Pate to work through the budget and the number of officers. Chief
Barreira said that he couldn't give an exact count and explained that he had provided a comparison
over the number of officers in the Police Department over previous years.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 34
Mayor Pigatt asked Police Chief Barreira how many officers the Police Department currently has.
Police Chief Barreira stated that the Police Department has approximately 48 officers including
all command staff and supervisors.
Mayor Pigatt recalled that last year, the Commission enlisted Miami -Dade County to complete a
comprehensive review of the Police Department. The Mayor said that the report recommended a
staffmg allocation of 41 officers, and that those officers would be sufficient to handle the call
volume and investigative workload of the Police Department. He also noted that when comparing
Opa-locka with similar sized cities in Miami -Dade County who have a maximum of 50 officers,
if more officers were added, it would put the City on the high end. The Mayor asked if Police
Chief Barreira or City Manager Pate had put together a plan to address the findings of the County's
review of the Police Department, and if so, he asked for the Commission to see it.
Police Chief Barreira stated that he has spoken with City Manager Pate about restructuring the
Police Department's organizational chart to make the department's resources as efficient as
possible. Chief Barreira informed the Commission that he has seen the report from Miami -Dade
County's review of the Police Department and is working on it, adding that 60 days in he can only
eat so much of the elephant. He said that at the moment, he could not explain the rationale behind
the Miami -Dade County report and would like more information. The Chief stated he wanted to
know on what they based their assessment that 41 officers were sufficient for the Opa-locka Police
Department. He reminded the Commission that they were presented with a Lexipol policy
including adjustments to create a framework for the agency to work in. The Chief also reported
that he is working on crime analysis and developing the agency analysis. He expressed his
preference to work off the information he has once it's been validated, at which time he said he
will be better suited to be able to respond.
Mayor Pigatt stated that he would love to see that information so that the Commission can get the
comparison between what Miami -Dade County's review stated and what Opa-locka's Police
Officers are stating, and make sure they address the issue. The Mayor said that he knows the
Police Department Officers can have quite a bit of an impact on the budget, stating that he thinks
bringing in an officer is about $100,000 a year for each officer. He also noted that the report on
the Police Department mentions bringing in a coordinator and other positions that are needed
within the police framework to make it a more efficient department. The Mayor concluded by
asserting that he is looking forward to seeing that, so that public safety is handled.
Commissioner Davis piggybacked off Mayor Pigatt's comments and asked Police Chief Barreira
if he had looked at any restructuring of the staffing in the Police Department. He stated that he
thinks all the members of the Commission would agree that there's a gap with police patrolling,
presence and response time and noted that Opa-locka is in line with similar cities, so the
Commissioner asked if the Police Department could be top heavy and suggested looking at the
structure of the agency.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 35
Police Chief Barreira stated that he is_fmalizing a draft for suggested restructuring to maximize
what the Police Department is doing and said that he has met with City Manager Pate about it.
Chief Barreira assured the Commission that as a steward of public funds, he won't come in front
of them or to the City Manager to make a request if he didn't feel it was necessary and if it couldn't
be justified with more than just an opinion. He said that while the information he has indicates
that the size of the agency is historically smaller than it has been, he asserted that he will not use
that as a crutch and will make do to provide the best possible services with the resources available.
The Chief said that restructuring the Police Department is something being considered, including
civilianizing some of the positions that are sworn officers, to better use the resource somewhere
else. He also added that a supervisor's test has been implemented to ensure that officers have the
appropriate supervision on the road.
Mayor Pigatt stated that the Commission has not been receiving reports on Opa-locka's four major
challenges and said that it is very serious with all the critical things that affect residents including
the City's Finance Department, water billing, flooding, DERM moratorium and capital
improvement projects. The Mayor asked City Manager Pate to begin providing those reports,
including an update on the progress the City is making, to make sure that the progress is aligned
with the timetable set out for taking care of those challenges.
City Manager Pate thanked Mayor Pigatt for expressing his concern and explained that City staff
is currently overtaxed with the State in the City's facilities on an everyday basis, requesting
information from the Finance Department for the ongoing operational audit, in addition to the
financial audit that he expressed hope would be closed out by Tuesday, as well as other priorities.
Mr. Pate offered assurances that he will speak to City staff about providing an update. He stated
that his office usually provides the Mayor with a bi-weekly update but lamented that the Mayor no
longer meets with his office to discuss those items. The Manager said that a report will most likely
have to be generated once demand goes down, regarding the priorities that are currently being dealt
with on an everyday basis. He asked the Commission to rest assured that the four major challenges
are always near and dear to his heart, as well as the department directors' hearts because they
genuinely care about the City and its progress. Mr. Pate said that Public Works Director Airia
Austin's report addressed some of the four major challenges and that the Finance Department deals
with the four major challenges daily. He also reminded the Commission that he has provided some
reports on the status of the Finance Department's audits and the City's financial well-being.
Pointing out that water billing is a sensitive subject, he said that it can't be spoken about. He stated
that typically there is a bi-weekly verbal briefing from each department director and that he will
work on having that report available to the Commission monthly. The Manager also said that the
Finance Department should be able to provide actual financial updates based on accurate numbers
once the last audits and reconciliations are closed out. Mr. Pate apologized if the Commission
feels that City staff has been slacking on that priority but said that they have a whole bunch of
other simultaneously competing priorities. He concluded by committing to address it
appropriately.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 36
Mayor Pigatt stated that the reports issued by City Manager Pate are provided to the people and
the Commission regularly and he stressed the need to have very clear communication on
challenges like the status of the City's finances and audits, as well as storm water flooding. The
Mayor also recalled that the Commission approved the request for proposals, a study was done,
and at the Commission's last Infrastructure Workshop it was determined that information on the
City's stormwater assessment was supposed to come back before the Commission in May. He
asked for an update on the City's stormwater assessment and the projects that were proposed to
tackle flooding throughout the City.
City Manager Pate asked Public Works Director Airia Austin to give a brief update to the
Commission on the City's stormwater assessment.
Public Works Director Airia Austin reported that his department is getting bi-weekly updates from
the consultant on the stormwater initiative. Mr. Austin explained that the consultant deployed their
model, and it did not provide them with the results that they were expecting. He said that the
consultant's model has been tweaked and offered assurances that they will have an update at the
second Commission meeting in July, including a priority list of projects.
Mayor Pigatt confirmed his understanding that the Commission will receive a list of priority
stormwater management projects in July. The Mayor also asked what the status was on moving
the Cairo Lane project forward.
Public Works Director Airia Austin reported that the Cairo Lane project is ongoing and that bi-
weekly updates are provided in the Capital Improvement Projects report along with updates on all
ongoing major projects, including specific timelines and any slippages that may occur. Mr. Austin
stated that his department is waiting on the contractor to sign an agreement with the subcontractor,
so that the contract can be brought back before the Commission as a procurement under the
selected sub -consultant, so that the project can be paid for by the State. He explained that the State
did not like the way the contract was procured, and he said they preferred to see it under the
contractor itself, and his department is working toward accomplishing that goal. Mr. Austin also
added that the State is assessing other aspects of the Cairo Lane project, including the criteria
document that was developed by Intercounty Engineering.
Mayor Pigatt requested a report from the Chief Inspector General and asked that they come to
either a Commission Workshop or Commission Meeting, to provide an update on Opa-locka's
finances. The Mayor said he didn't think they've had a financial emergency board meeting and
recalled that they used to do dual meetings with the Commission at least once a year. He asserted
that the Commission needs an update on the five-year recovery plan, to make sure the City is
aligned as it moves forward.
City Manager Pate informed the Commission that the request for an update from the Chief
Inspector General has already been made and will be scheduled for next month. Mr. Pate stated
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 37
that when the 10 -day notice is provided, it will be properly routed to City Clerk Flores and the
Commission.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
There were none.
19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Taylor proposed that the Commission convene a Charter Review Board.
Mayor Pigatt asked if there was a motion to consider Commissioner Taylor's proposal for the
Commission to convene a Charter Review Board.
It was moved by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Burke to include the proposal
for the Commission to convene a Charter Review Board as an item on a future Commission
Agenda.
Vice Mayor Williams, Commissioner Davis and Mayor Pigatt indicated interest in co -sponsoring
Commissioner Taylor's proposed item for the Commission to convene a Charter Review Board.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Burke Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Mayor Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Taylor proposed that the Commission consider legislation to set end times for their
meetings. In consideration of the department heads who the Commissioner acknowledged had
been working all day, and the citizens watching. He noted that it was after 10:00 PM and proposed
that perhaps 9:30 PM or 10 PM could be set as a hard stop time for the Commission's meetings.
He suggested that anything on the agenda that had not been passed, would be deferred to the next
meeting.
Mayor Pigatt asked if there was a motion to consider Commissioner Taylor's proposal for the
Commission to set a hard stop end time for their meetings.
It was moved by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Burke to include the proposal
for the Commission to set a hard stop end time for their meetings, on a future Commission Meeting
Agenda.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 38
Mayor Pigatt stated that it is a very uncommon practice in government to set a hard stop time for
Commission Meetings and cautioned that it may hinder their ability to get some things done. The
Mayor said that sometimes the Commission has agendas that are long and some that are short and
suggested that agenda management may be a better way to address the issue. He lamented that it
is very difficult because of the reports and things the Commission must go through, the number of
agenda items they must pass as well as the detail that staff presents. The Mayor concluded by
asking his colleagues to consider that.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Burke Yes
Mayor Pigatt No
20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS:
Commissioner Davis announced that on Monday, July 12th, he will be partnering with Mr. Wayne
Rawlins for a walking one -stop violence reduction initiative. The Commissioner explained that
Mr. Rawlings partners with various cities including the City of Miami and Miami Gardens, to
bring much -needed critical resources directly to residents' doors. He said that the initiative is
aimed at targeting victims of crime as well as those who have been targeted as offenders of crime
and goes into the hot bed areas to let the residents know the City has resources, including various
programs for the kids and safety net programs such as the light bill assistance program. The
Commissioner stated he is looking forward to participating in the initiative with Mr. Rawlins and
the Police Department, as they knock on some doors and get the word out about the City's
community policing initiatives and parks services.
Commissioner Burke stated that on Saturday, July 10th, he is organizing a meet and greet with the
police at Sherbondy Village. The Commissioner said that when Deputy Police Chief Jenkins gets
back, he thinks they are going to have a meeting to put the final touches on the event because he
would really like for it to be nice for the residents and officers. He expressed that he thinks it
should be a great project and he is glad everybody's on board.
Vice Mayor Williams thanked Commissioner Burke for asking her to partner with him for the
Father's Day Fish Fry. The Vice Mayor stated that she had a great experience at the event, pointing
out that Commissioner Taylor saw her work. Despite the event being for the City's male
employees, the Vice Mayor noted that a whole lot of female employees ate the delicious food too.
She said the event was amazing and a lot of people from Opa-locka as well as people from outside
of Opa-locka, gave them kudos for the event. The Vice Mayor thanked the Commission members
who attended, the Parks & Recreation Department, Al & Natasha Ervin for the delicious food, and
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 39
the Public Works Department for putting the tent up and taking it down. She suggested that the
City should do the event again for men and women, so that they can continue to mingle and build
great relationships with the City's employees.
21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
There were none.
22. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by
Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
Matthew A. Pigatt
Mayor
Attest:
Joa na Flores, CMC
City Clerk
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 23, 2021 40