HomeMy Public PortalAbout12-December 14, 2016 Regular Commission Meeting Minutes CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2016
7:00 P.M.
Sherbondy Village Auditorium
215 Perviz Avenue
Opa-locka, FL 33054
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Myra Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2016
in the Auditorium at Sherbondy Village, 215 President Barack Obama (Perviz) Avenue, Opa-
locka, Florida.
2. ROLL CALL:
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Timothy Holmes,
Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelley, Commissioner John Riley, Commissioner Matthew Pigatt, and
Mayor Myra L. Taylor. Also in attendance were: City Manager Yvette Harrell, City Attorney
Vincent T. Brown, and City Clerk Joanna Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The invocation was delivered by Mayor Myra L. Taylor.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The Opa-locka Police Department presented an award to Jameelah Sydney, a 31"d grader at
Nathan B. Young Elementary School for doing the right thing. Officer Scherry Thompson also
received an award for outstanding lifesaving efforts.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda to be discussed separately under
Action Items: withdraw 13-12 and 13-13; pull 13-6, 13-7, and 13-8 (Commissioner Riley); pull
13-2, 13-3, 13-4, and 13-5 (Vice Mayor Kelley); pull 13-9, 13-10, and 13-11 (Commissioner
Pigatt); defer 13-2 and 13-4 (City Manager Harrell).
A request was made to amend the agenda as follows:
NEW ITEMS:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 1
14-1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RENEWING AND ADOPTING A RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO
ARTICLE IV SECTION 4.5(B) OF THE CITY CHARTER; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Attorney
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Riley to amend the agenda to
include the above resolution as item 14-1.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Commissioner Pigatt to approve the agenda,
consent agenda and pull list.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Special Commission Meeting—08/31/2016
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Special Commission Meeting on August 31, 2016.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
First Budget Hearing—09/13/2016
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the First Budget Hearing on September 13, 2016.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 2
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
Second Budget Hearing— 10/03/2016
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Second Budget Hearing on October 3, 2016.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
Regular Commission Meeting— 10/26/2016
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Regular Commission Meeting on October 26, 2016.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
Special Commission Meeting— 10/27/2016
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Special Commission Meeting on October 27, 2016.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
First Budget Hearing— 11/22/2016
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 3
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Special Commission Meeting on November 22, 2016.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
Special Commission Meeting— 11/30/2016
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Special Commission Meeting on November 30, 2016.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE/DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT
Larry Gardner, District I, said that he has nothing to report and told Commissioner Holmes that
he has not forgotten about the buses and will inform him when he has heard anything about
getting the transportation.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATION:
11. CITIZENS' INPUT:
Brian Dennis, 3135 NW 135th Street, said that when people wanted votes, they went knocking
doors and asking the people to vote for them, but now it is a different story. He said that he will
have a problem if Code Enforcement comes and knocks on his bay and tries to give him a
citation because the lease is not in his name. Also, if the garbage company comes and forces him
to take something he does not need, he will have a problem with it because he does not need it.
He does not have a problem with UWS, but he will not be forced to take something he does not
need. What is going on is not right, but what is done in the dark will come into the light.
Toroni Mitchell, 14170 NW 22nd Place, said that the codes need to be put back on the water bills
so that the residents can know what is going on. She does not know if there are late fees being
assessed or what because she cannot understand what she is being billed for. She said that she
and other residents have not received a water bill in months and the elderly residents need to
know what is going on with their bills. She is also due a credit that she has met with the city
manager about several times, but has not received anything.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 4
Mayor Taylor asked the city manager to have someone from her staff to meet with Ms. Mitchell
to address her issues.
Antonette Mitchell, 14170 NW 22nd Place, said that she is currently a police explorer and would
like to know if the explorers information can be placed on the gateway and city website.
Pricess Fuller, 1881 Ali-Baba Avenue, said that she is in support of the legislation regarding
felons being able to work and she hopes that in the future there will be legislation to restore
voting rights.
Darlene Lewis, 360 Sinbad Avenue, said that a schedule be passed out to the residents and
business owners so they know when to put out their garbage because she received a ticket last
year. Also, other cities and municipalities are picking up the garbage every month while the City
is picking up quarterly, this is not enough.
Julio Guzman, spoke regarding the property at 1800 Service Road. He is proposing a twelve
thousand dollar ($12,000.00) amount to cover the current liens on the property. He plans to use
new materials to renovate and update the property so that it does not look like an eye sore.
City Attorney Brown said that the item has been pulled for discussion.
Former Commissioner Dorothy Johnson said that she supports the item and hopes that the city
will do the right thing. She also said that the newly elected officials need to go to the Florida
League of Cities and go through the training. The tax certificate on the city hall building has not
been paid so anyone can come in and purchase the building and the City will not have a city hall.
The employees need to have evaluations. The commission needs to do its due diligence and do
what is right by the City.
Commissioner Holmes questioned the tax certificate mentioned by Ms. Johnson.
Mayor Taylor asked the city attorney for clarity.
City Attorney Brown said that he was not aware of it and will research it and see what is going
on. He said that the building was purchased over one year ago and the taxes were paid at that
time. The bill should have been taken care of during closing and he does not know if it is the
current year so he will look into it.
Ms. Johnson said that she did not want to sit on the information and the City becomes default
with the city hall building.
Eric Redmon, Villa Francine, congratulated the vice mayor and commissioners who were
appointed to the city commission in the recent election. He said there was a time when you can
go to the city manager and sit down and speak and voice his concerns. He thinks that there is
something going on that is personal. He said that since day one the sponsor of this resolution has
had an issue with the manager. Instead of catering to the citizens or a certain group, he needs to
meet with the manager instead of trying to bring in someone to replace her. It has only been six
months, give her a year and see what she can do. This is not business, this is personal. He asked
the commission to vote no on item#7.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 5
Vice Mayor Kelley said that he was going to wait until afterwards to speak, but it is personal
when employees have to get a second job to pay their bills, feed their families; when senior
citizens can't afford to pay their water bills, its personal, but he will wait until he gets to the item.
Alvin Burke, 1240 Jann Avenue, said that that the last time he checked this was the City of Opa-
locka and he said before that it wasn't being ran right and nobody listened. They want to talk
about personal, but it was personal when Steve Shiver was fired after only three months. If it was
not for him, the city would have been bankrupt because no one knew the extent of what was
going. It seems like everything is personal in the City. Had Mr. Shiver still been here this would
not be going on. Ms. Harrell knew when she got in the seat that it was a difficult job, so has
every other manager who has sat in the seat before her because the commission will not allow
the city managers to do their jobs. Some of the commission wants to do legislation and do the
city manager's job at the same time; If you hire a manager then let them do their job; it does not
work that way. Nobody wants to take the blame. At last night's meeting, the conversation started
about revitalizing the city. Then mayor said that she contacted the governor for assistance and
Steve Shiver is the one who did that, the mayor kept everyone in the dark. No one would have
known if he had not done that. The City is rehabbing a building it does not even own.
Mayor Taylor said that the City has never been in bankruptcy. Steve Shiver violated the charter
and that it why he was terminated. He was supposed to come to the commission for direction on
how to communicate with the governor before going over the commission. He was hired by the
commission and the commission should have given him the directive.
Commissioner Holmes said that the same way the mayor allowed a citizen to speak in favor of
the city manager, and then another citizen should be allowed the same time to talk against her.
Mayor Taylor said that is fine, but Mr. burke did not ask for extra time and he was talking about
her specifically so that made it different.
Former Commissioner Luis Santiago said that he sees a bright future in Commissioner Pigatt. He
then went on to say that the city managers seat is a hot potato and it takes a lot of work and the
manager is doing the job. If the commission votes tonight, then the state will still have to decide
tomorrow.
Lamar Cruz, 13831 NW 24th Avenue, said that Opa-locka has been in this position and the
commission has been sitting on the board for years now and that mean that the commission
created this mess. He said that out of due respect someone needs to resign or sir back; or the
community needs to write something up to make the commission resign, the community needs
not to be afraid, something needs to change.
12. ACTION ITEMS:
1 (13-3). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING A CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN SETTLEMENT
WITH WONOSOBO, LLC (EXHIBIT "A"); PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 6
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that the challenge that he has is that the settlement is for four thousand
dollars ($4,000.00) and thinks that this is a small amount.
Mayor Taylor asked the attorney for clarity.
City Attorney Brown said that the city manager does not have authority to settle liens and that is
why the item was brought before the commission. If the dollar amount is too small, then the
commission can suggest a dollar amount for the manager to go back and negotiate the settlement
amount.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that the amount is too small when the total amount is forty two thousand
dollars ($42,000.00) and the City should look at getting more.
Mayor Taylor asked the city manager for clarity.
City Manager Harrell said that when she and the city attorney are negotiating settlements, they
normally start at sixty percent (60%), then they go down to forty percent (40%), this settlement is
for twenty eight percent (28%). She also mentioned that she was instructed by the way of a
resolution to come before the commission with anything over ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).
City Attorney Brown asked the commission not to negotiate an amount during the meeting.
Commissioner Pigatt agreed with the attorney that no negotiations should be done from the dais.
Commissioner Riley withdrew his second.
City Manager Harrell deferred the item.
2 (13-5). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY ATTORNEY RETAINER AGREEMENT
WITH THE BROWN LAW GROUP, LLC PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Mayor Taylor
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that it is no secret that he always thought the amount has been high. His
opinion has nothing to do with Mr. Brown as an attorney or his law firm, the City just cannot
afford it at this time. He would have more comfort if Mr. Brown would charge less for smaller
items that he has to litigate.
City Attorney Brown said that he and the vice mayor did speak and he has reduced the fees. For
cases in the U.S. Federal Court the amount will be ($200.00); State of Florida Circuit Court
($200.00); State of Florida County Court ($180.00); Small Claims County Court ($170.00);
matters before American Arbitration Association ($200.00); Special Projects ($150.00); Appeals
($200,00).
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 7
Vice Mayor Kelley said that he appreciates the fact that the attorney is willing to work with the
City and would like to make a motion to amend the resolution to add the fee schedule to the
agreement.
Commissioner Riley seconded the motion.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the amendment passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Pigatt said that he will not support the resolution to extend an agreement with the
attorney because he is new and he has not evaluated his performance to know if he warrants an
extension to his contract.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt No
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
3 (13-6). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO AND THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO DEVELOP A PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLNE POLICY FOR ALL
EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY NOT COVERED BY A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelley
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Commissioner Riley said that there is a section in the charter that covers this item, he will
support it, but it is already covered in the charter.
Commissioner Holmes said that the City should check with the union to see if the employees are
covered.
Vice Mayor Kelley told Commissioner Riley that he heard from the oversight board and the city
attorney that there was nothing in place to cover employees not under the collective bargaining
agreement. He heard what the commissioner said, but he was told that those not covered have
been treated unfairly in terms of discipline because there is no policy set forth for them.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 8
Commissioner Riley said that he will support the item, but he thinks the commission should
enforce what is in place in the charter.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that he just wants something in place to protect the employees and the
City.
Commissioner Pigatt said that he agrees and a tier policy should be in place so that when an
employee has gone through the steps and may lead up to termination, then they will know why
they were terminated if they do not fall under any bargaining agreement.
City Attorney Brown said that some of the ground work has been done through H.R., but they
can go back and create a new policy to cover the employees in question.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that he would like to move forward with the item for those who are not
covered.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
4 (13-7). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, TERMINATING THE CITY MANAGER YVETTE HARRELL;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelley
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, motioned died for lack of a second.
5 (13-8). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPOINTING AS CITY MANAGER;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelley
The above resolution was not read into record because it was contingent upon item 13-7.
6 (13-9). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO DEVELOP AN
ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR ALL NEWLY ELECTED COMMISSIONERS;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.Sponsored by Commissioner Pigatt
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Commissioner Pigatt, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 9
Commissioner Pigatt thanked God that he had other resources and mayors and commissioners to
give him advice and show him how things should go when a newly elected official comes into
office. He would like to amend the item to include the manager and the attorney so that they can
be on one accord with the process.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that since Commissioner Pigatt is extending the scope, it may have a
fiscal impact. He will support it tonight, but he thinks it will have an impact. He wants to know if
the item will be brought back.
Commissioner Pigatt said that he wants it created and effective upon completion.
Vice Mayor Kelley asked that it comes back to the commission for approval.
Mayor Taylor asked if the league has to be included in the development of the item.
City Attorney Brown said that the City has no jurisdiction over the league.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
7 (13-10). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST EX-FELONS IN
EMPLOYMENT AND CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE CITY;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Commissioner Pigatt
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Commissioner Pigatt, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Commissioner Riley said that a resolution was passed earlier this year to ban the box so that
people who are ex-felons have an opportunity to apply for employment without first having to
disclose their status. The City has adopted to remove that box from the employment application
and he would like for there to be a fair hiring policy when making decisions for employment.
Commissioner Riley said that the county also has an ordinance in place and that should be used
when creating the policy.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that section 2 should be changed from "hereby adopts" to "hereby
creates" so that it can come back to the commission for approval.
City Attorney Brown asked to strike all references for contracting because those are two different
things. Focus on ex-felons and employment only.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 10
Commissioner Pigatt agreed.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
8 (13-11). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO INVESTIGATE HOW
THE CITY CAN ALLOW EX-FELONS TO VOTE IN CITY HELD ELECTIONS;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Commissioner Pigatt, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Commissioner Pigatt said that based upon Florida law and statutes, when someone is charged
with a felony, they lose their right to vote and cannot be heard. While he was running for office,
he experienced quite a few people who have lost their rights to vote, but are tax payers and active
citizens in their communities. He thinks that the City should start the conversation and begin the
movement to have these individuals be allowed to vote in the elections process.
Commissioner Riley told Commissioner Pigatt that he applauds his effort for the item, but no
municipality in the state has the authority to do this, it is unconstitutional. The State of Florida
controls who votes and who doesn't.
Commissioner Holmes said that there is nothing that can't be done since Trump has been elected
to office; all things are possible.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that is why he sponsored the item before with the hopes that the
legislature would look into making it possible. He is going to support the item, as Commissioner
Holmes said, if anyone can be elected to office, then anything is possible.
Mayor Taylor said she supports the item and can see the passion that Commissioner Pigatt has
for it and she too experienced it while campaigning. She asked the attorney about the sealing and
expungement program.
City Attorney Brown said that the City needs to call the Public Defender's Office to host another
sealing and expungement program.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 11
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley said that the only way that it will happen is if you get up to Tallahassee to the
legislatures and let them know what the city is trying to do.
13. CONSENT AGENDA:
14. NEW ITEMS:
14-1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, RENEWING AND ADOPTING A RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO
ARTICLE IV SECTION 4.5(B) OF THE CITY CHARTER; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Attorney
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
Mayor Taylor opened the floor for a public hearing. There being no persons to speak on the
public hearing, the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Commissioner Pigatt to pass the resolution.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
15. PLANNING & ZONING:
A. HEARINGS:
16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARING:
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCE(S):
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A NEW LAND USE ADVISORY BOARD TO
THE CITY COMMISSION TO INCLUDE THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE
PLANNING COUNCIL AND THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A CONFLICT AND REPEALER
CLAUSE AND RESCINDING ALL ORIDNANCESIN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE; Sponsored by City Manager
The above ordinance was read by Attorney Brown.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 12
Mayor Taylor opened the floor for a public hearing. There being no persons to speak on the
public hearing, the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Commissioner Pigatt to pass the resolution.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING:
C. RESOLUTIONS:
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
City Manager Harrell included the memos that have been presented to the commission since the
last meeting. From this point forward, that is how it will be. She is always available to assist and
address each member of the dais to discuss concerns and issues. She is willing to do what it takes
to move the City forward and appreciates the confidence that the commission has in her. She has
provided her report to the commission and is prepared to answer any questions they may have.
Commissioner Holmes asked the city manager if the budget was going to be balanced this time
around. He said that in all of his years in office, he has not seen where it has taken this long to
pass a budget.
City Manager Harrell said that she intends to present a balanced budget to the state for approval;
this includes the typographical and numerical recommendations from the state.
Commissioner Holmes said that he does not believe that the City has all of the issues that are
said from the state. He also does not stand high and look down on others. He told the manager
that while he understands that she is educated and has degrees, she should talk to people with
respect. He wants to give her a second chance to see what she can do.
Commissioner Pigatt said that he did not terminate the city manager for several reasons. First of
all, he does not have a working relationship with her. Secondly, he is uncomfortable bringing
someone new in in the middle of a budget adoption. If the city manager is not the fit for the city,
then the commission needs to hire a manager by going through the proper process.
Commissioner Riley said that the oversight board made a statement that the City is known for
hiring and firing city managers and it is not a good look. He read where The Miami Herald is
writing lies in the paper and that is not right. He is all about stability and he does not want to
drag anyone through the mud.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that out of respect for the mayor and protocol he did not speak on things
that were said about him earlier. He loves the City and when he brings legislation to the dais, it is
for the benefit of the City. There is a whole laundry list of things that the city manager has not
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 13
done since she has been here. It's no secret that he did not support the manager being here, but
he works with her anyway. He is going to continue to sound the alarm when things are not right.
Its personal when employees have had to take on second jobs to pay bills, or lost their cars, or
move in with family members because of things that the City has done; its personal when the
residents can't pay their water bills and other people get breaks; its personal when the citizens
can't get answers; its personal when there is favoritism with selected employees; its personal
when employees are layed off arbitrarily; its personal when there is selective enforcement. 'That
is why the budget is not passed, from lack of experience. It's not personal, it comes down to lack
of experience and not knowing what to do in that seat in the moment. And if the manager can sit
there without the experience, then the finance director can sit there and not have the experience
either because it is the same thing. He is now hearing that five year recovery plan is not complete
and that was part of the interlocal agreement. If someone is brought in that will be a fiscal
impact. He will sound the alarm every time on behalf of the residents and employees. The City
should be much further along with this process. This is not personal, it is the lack of experience;
he will work with the manager, but he will sound the alarm every time. If the commission sees
something that isn't right and they don't sound the alarm, then they are just as guilty. He asked
the city manager for a copy of all current reports pertaining to city business.
Mayor Taylor said that the city manager has been there for about seven months and she has been
doing the best she can. People talk about how you should not call the City "The Great" City of
Opa-locka, but she will continue to say it because the City will get back to where it once was.
She is sorry for the employees who were laid off and those who have had to get second jobs to
pay bills. She is sorry for the situation that the City is in, but it did not start with the current
administration. The money went towards employees' salaries, it was not spent by the
commission. She thanked everyone for all that they do for the City.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
No reports at this time.
19. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORT:
Commissioner Holmes said that the decisions that he made were for the betterment of the City.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that he wants all of the comments that are being made to be accurate. He
is cordial with everyone and would like to keep it that way. He said that Farm Share was last
Wednesday; feeding South Florida is this Friday; Meet Me Monday was at Ingram Park on
Monday; the seniors Christmas Luncheon will be next Wednesday at no cost to the City; the
MLK Walk will be on January 14, 2017 at no cost to the City.
Commissioner Pigatt thanked the employees for staying on with the City. He thanked everyone
for supporting him and assured them that he will make everyone proud once he learns the
process of being an elected official.
Mayor Taylor asked the entire community to come together in unity. She said that there was
nothing personal with her and Steve Shiver despite what everyone is saying. She announced that
Bingo will continue at no cost to the City. She asked the commission if they would like to cancel
the December 28, 2016 meeting in observance of the Christmas holiday and the commission
agreed.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 14
20. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
21. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner
Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Pigatt to adjourn the meeting at 9: 49p.m.
M- YOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—12/14/2016 15