Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout11-November 17, 2021 SCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING November 17, 2021 5:30 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 5:52 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Sherbondy Village, 215 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida. 2. ROLL CALL: The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Sherelean Bass, Commissioner Chris Davis, Commissioner John H. Taylor Jr., and Mayor Veronica Williams. Also, in attendance were: Assistant City Manager George Ellis, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb and City Clerk Joanna Flores. 3. INVOCATION: The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Bass. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 5. PUBLIC INPUT: (agenda items only) City Clerk Joanna Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City Commission meetings. Mayor Williams opened the floor for Public Input. Mr. Brian Dennis of 2140 York Street stated that if God does not tell him something to tell the Commission, he would not tell them. Offering assurances that he'd never be arrogant with anyone, he urged those who have ascended to new positions including Mayor Williams and soon to be Vice Mayor Taylor, to be mindful of what has happened wishing them the best. He stated that there has been nothing that he has said that has not come to pass. Mr. Dennis said that prayer had never happened in a Commission meeting before and has now happened, adding that previously there was someone who he said was double - Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 1 minded and unstable in all his ways. He concluded by saying that whenever you have an individual that has been given something with care and they do not take care of it, it's ripped from them. Mayor Williams reminded the members of the public that all their comments should be about the Agenda items. Retired Police Chief Cheryl Cason of 781 Curtiss Drive stated that she always calls Opa- locka the great City because she was born here and is going to do what she can to help make it great. Ms. Cason congratulated Mayor Williams and Commissioner Taylor for the proposal to appoint him as Vice Mayor, assuring the Commission that they respect each one of them and urging them to continue to move forward positively. She stated that we all must team from the people that were before us by listening to the experience of the trailblazers. Ms. Cason expressed her opinion that the City doesn't need to spend extra money and should stick to the last elections, urging the Commission to appoint Ms. Dottie Johnson to fill the vacancy on the Commission. She noted that Ms. Johnson and Ms. Audrey Dominguez were separated by one vote, adding that they should consider that Ms. Johnson has always worked for the City and is always at the Commission meetings. Ms. Cason concluded asserting that they will help the City move forward, urging the Commission to adhere to the message preached by the Pastors, adding her confidence that God will work it out. Ms. Dorothy Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place stated that she doesn't think the City has the funds for a special election. Ms. Johnson said that in the 2018 Mayor's race, she was the second runner up, and she also said that there are 2 candidates that are still outstanding from the last Commission election. She asked to be considered for the Commission's appointment because she said she has the knowledge, the skills, the ability and has been steadfast in her commitment to the City, the Commission and the citizens. Ms. Johnson offered assurances that she will be a great part of the team and asked that god bless them on their decision. Ms. Jennifer Forbes of 2530 York Street stated that she is pretty sure the members of the Commission have seen her at the meetings before and she said that she would like for them to consider Dottie Johnson. Ms. Forbes shared that she was raised in Opa-locka, and her property is generational property where she raises her kids, and she said that ever since she was a little girl, Ms. Johnson has always been a prevalent person showing positivity in the lives of her family and neighborhood. She expressed that she thinks it would be a good look to have somebody on the Commission that shows their face and is somebody that's for the people. Mr. Andrew Herman of 1770 Opa-locka Boulevard stated that he has been a homeowner in the City of Opa-locka for the last 25 years and has yet to see it reach that point it has Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 2 now, adding that he has a lot of questions and concems. Mr. Herman shared that someone broke into his home, and he said that the officer who came looked familiar because he remembers that Chiverton was the City Manager at one point. Mayor Williams reminded the public that their statements to the Commission must be on an Agenda item. Mr. Andrew Herman said that sometimes the City gets caught up in individual problems, and he asserted that, the City needs to do better. Ms. Ella Ferguson of 13795 NW 22nd Place stated that she has been a resident for 30 years and asked that the Commission consider Dottie Johnson for the position of Commissioner. Ms. Ferguson said that Ms. Johnson has always been a staple in the community and lives on her street, adding that they have never had a problem on their street that Dottie Johnson could not handle. Ms. Audrey Dominguez of 1147 Jann Avenue stated that she wasn't going to come and speak but felt the need to say that she thinks the Commission ultimately needs to make the decision that's going to be best for the City and the residents and follow their heart and whatever God leads them to. Ms. Candida Nieves of 2505 Opa-locka Boulevard stated that she has known Ms. Dorothy Johnson for a long time and said that she can always call her, and she is always there to help. Ms. Nieves concluded by asking the Commission to consider former Commissioner Johnson to be appointed to the Commission again. Mr. Nieves, the husband of Ms. Candida Nieves of 2505 Opa-locka Boulevard stated that he has been a resident of the City of Opa-locka for 50 years. Mr. Nieves said he knows his dear friend Dottie Johnson and that like his wife said, whenever they need her, she's always there. He asked that she be considered for the appointment to the Commission again. Ms. Janice Efford stated that she has been a resident for 40 years and has known Dottie since they worked together at the Post Office, where she gave her the first award she received. Ms. Efford expressed that she trusts her to be fair as she was at the Post Office, where she said that Ms. Johnson was a good worker. She concluded by saying that she would like for her to be Commissioner again. Ms. Sandra Collado of 301 Bahman Avenue stated that there are not only black people in the City and said that there are white people too and Spanish. Ms. Collado expressed her opinion that the City is looking like garbage and too old. She expressed concerns over a lot of people trying to steal and urged the Commission to do something. Ms. Collado asked why there were only 2 schools in Opa-locka, lamenting that her children go to different Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 3 schools. She also expressed concerns over having a lot of trucks, not seeing light on the street, and having a lot of people on bicycles. Ms. Collado stated that if she sits on the Commission, she doesn't care if nobody pays her, and added that she only needs to do the best for the City. For the vacancy on the Commission, she urged the current members of the Commission to choose the person they think will be best, and she listed Ms. Dottie Johnson, Ms. Audrey Dominguez and herself. Ms. Andrea Mobley of 2511 NW 140th Street stated that she has lived in Opa-locka for over 53 years and recalled having seen a lot of Commissioners and Mayors within that time. Ms. Mobley acknowledged that she hasn't been to a Commission meeting in years because she got fed up. She said that Ms. Dottie Johnson may have been a good Commissioner but expressed her opinion that it looks like her neighbors are soliciting for her appointment, and Ms. Mobley said that she didn't think she was coming to the meeting for that. Acknowledging that she did not know if just the Commissioners and Mayor decide who's going to be the next Commissioner, she said that she was shocked that a former elected official encouraged her neighbors to come and speak for her. Ms. Mobley said she could have done the same thing because she has a Commissioner that ran, but she didn't think that the meeting was supposed to be something like that. Mr. Andrew Herman expressed his concerns that he expressed how he felt and was shut down and then other people said how they feel, asking why how he feels matters so little. Vice Mayor Williams explained that because the meeting was a Special Commission Meeting, if he attaches his comments to an Agenda item, the floor is his. Mr. Andrew Herman urged the Commission to stop recycling garbage in the City of Opa- locka. Mr. Herman expressed his opinion that it seems to him like the word "great" has lost its definition because when he hears "the great City of Opa-locka" and "make America great again", it's not been great at all. He asked what is going to be done as a unit to get the City to the next level, because he said that all the nonsense is not getting the City anywhere. Ms. Jannie Russell of 1210 Peri Street offered her congratulations and stated that all the members of the Commission know that she is pulling for them to do the very best. Ms. Russell said that the prayer was awesome because nothing can be done without the Lord. She urged the Commission to make sure that whoever they appoint as Commissioner, that they do it for the betterment of the community. Ms. Russell pointed out that there are a lot of people very concerned about Opa-locka, and that even though some of them are never seen at the podium, they're still concerned about their City. She encouraged each one of the members of the Commission to do the right thing and said that unity is when selfishness is put aside to think about the community. Ms. Russell expressed her confidence that the Commission can get it done. Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 4 Ms. Shirley Mitchell stated that no one has solicited her, but that she would rather have someone on the Commission who has the knowledge and knows what they're doing. Ms. Mitchell concluded by saying that the City needs a big change. There being no additional members of the public to speak, Mayor Williams closed Public Input. 6. RESOLUTIONS: a) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPOINTING VERONICA J. WILLIAMS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to discuss Agenda Item 6-a. There being no discussion, the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 6-a passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes b) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE FEE PROPOSAL FROM 300 ENGINEERING GROUP P.A. FOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CULVERT LOCATED ALONG SESAME STREET, ON THE OPA- LOCKA CANAL AND ENTER INTO A CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH 300 ENGINEERING GROUP, P.A. FOR SAME; 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. Assistant City Manager George Ellis asked Public Works Director Airia Austin to introduce Agenda Item 6-b. Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 5 Public Works Director Airia Austin explained that during the milling and resurfacing process, it was discovered that the bridge on Sesame Street between 135th Street and Atlantic Avenue, is in a compromised state and has since been shut down. Mr. Austin stated that the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-b would have engineering and site work performed to establish the documents necessary to put the item out for bid. He informed the Commission that it is estimated the replacing of the bridge will cost approximately $800,000 and that the proposed resolution is just for the engineering and architectural portion which will cost $192,947. Mr. Austin said that his Department asks that the Commission approve the item. Mayor Williams asked if there was any discussion on Agenda Item 6-b. Commissioner Bass asked to hear the dollar amount again. Public Works Director Airia Austin re -stated that the replacement of the bridge will be an estimated $800,000 and for the engineering company to develop the bid documents for the request for proposals process, it's $192,947. Commissioner Taylor asked for clarification on the request for proposals process. Public Works Director Airia Austin explained that the proposed resolution is to engineer the bridge, discover what's in the canal and develop a holistic model to put the item out for the request for proposals. Assistant City Manager George Ellis stated that there is also an opportunity to see if any of the funding can be used that's coming from the federal government for the infrastructure in municipalities. Public Works Director Airia Austin added that it would benefit the City greatly to have a shovel ready project, by developing the plans for the request for proposals process. Commissioner Davis asked what the fiscal impact was of the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-b. Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that the fiscal impact of the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-b is $192,947. Commissioner Davis stated his understanding that the $192,947 is being expended to get ready for construction, and then the goal is to look at some of the parameters of the American Rescue Plan funds that are expected to be received soon for infrastructure. Commissioner Taylor noted that a lot of citizens have been complaining about the road being blocked, and he asked what the timeline was for the study and the construction. The Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 6 Commissioner also asked if the whole road is going to be blocked or if it will be possible to travel on one lane. Public Works Director Airia Austin informed the Commission that from passage of Agenda Item 6-b to completion of construction, it is anticipated that it will be one year. Mr. Austin also stated that the road must remain closed. Mayor Williams asked if once the information is provided to determine what needs to be fixed if the City can proceed or if it will be necessary to wait for those funds. Public Works Director Airia Austin explained that the infrastructure dollars that have just been passed are expected to be received, otherwise some internal projects will have to be curtailed to get this done. Mayor Williams asked if Public Works Director Airia Austin was sure those federal dollars are coming. Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that while the federal infrastructure dollars are anticipated to be received, his Department has looked at internal projected that are budgeted and can be curtailed. Assistant City Manager George Ellis stated that while the City has money internally that can be moved around to meet the need because it is an emergency, the goal is to have the money from the federal infrastructure bill come in quickly so that it doesn't affect the general fund and so they won't have to stop some projects that are already budgeted to deal with the bridge situation. It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass to pass the resolution. There being no further discussion, the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 6-b passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Mayor Williams Yes c) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER REQUEST FOR H&R PAVING, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL LABOR AND MATERIAL INCURRED DURING THE COMPLETION OF THE TEMPORARY ROADWAY REPAIRS ON CAIRO Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 7 LANE WITHIN THE CITY, IN AN AMOUNT OF FORTY-NINE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND TWENTY-FOUR CENTS ($49,597.24); PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. Assistant City Manager George Ellis asked Public Works Director Airia Austin to introduce Agenda Item 6-c. Public Works Director Airia Austin explained that some unforeseen conditions required additional labor and materials during the temporary roadway installation on Cairo Lane, and that his Department is asking for approval of the $49,597.24 through the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-c to satisfy payments to the firm that was responsible for the installation of the roadway. Mayor Williams asked if there was any discussion of Agenda Item 6-c. Commissioner Bass asked Public Works Director Airia Austin to confirm if the work had been completed. Public Works Director Airia Austin confirmed that the work has been completed and the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-c is for ratification. Commissioner Davis asked what the classification of the expenditure was relative to the project's contract, and what the breakdown was for the $49,000. Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that it would be considered a change order for unforeseen conditions and that most of it was for lime rock and other materials. It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis to pass the resolution. There being no further discussion, the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 6-c passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Taylor Yes Mayor Williams Yes Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 8 d) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH 2 PLUS ARCHITECTS, INC. FOR CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN OF 8 -FOOT WROUGHT IRON FENCING AND ENTRY GATE SYSTEMS FOR INGRAM PARK, MAGNOLIA PARK, SEAGAL PARK, AND SHERBONDY PARK, WITHIN THE CITY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEED FORTY-THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($43,000.00); 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. Assistant City Manager George Ellis asked Public Works Director Airia Austin to introduce Agenda Item 6-d. Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that the amount of $43,000 proposed by the resolution in Agenda Item 6-d is for fencing around the City's parks, to utilize the dollars that were allocated by the State Legislature. Mr. Austin asked for a friendly amendment, to approve the item contingent upon the approval of funding coming from the Community Redevelopment Agency. Mayor Williams asked if there was any discussion on Agenda Item 6-d. Commissioner Taylor asked if the remaining balance will be coming from the Community Redevelopment Agency, and if the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-d is to replace the existing fencing including at Segal Park. Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that a portion of the funding will be coming from the Community Redevelopment Agency, contingent upon their passage of the item. Mr. Austin also confirmed that the fencing would be replaced at all the City's parks with chain link fencing and wrought iron fencing. Commissioner Davis thanked the Commission and Administration for working on the Agenda Item 6-d, noting that the Commission has been advocating for improvements for the parks over the years, ensuring that they have proper safety and security for those that utilize them. The Commissioner acknowledged that several parks lack fencing or need to be re -fenced so that hours can be enforced to get a handle on the wrong elements that have been gathering and making them inaccessible for residents. Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 9 Commissioner Bass echoed the sentiments of her colleagues, acknowledging that the parks need it for the safety of the kids. The Commissioner offered her kudos. Mayor Williams stated that as someone who hangs out at the park a lot with a 5 -year -old, she thanked Public Works Director Airia Austin for bringing this item to the dais because it is needed. The Mayor stated that the Commission hears a lot of residents who have come to the podium to speak on the activity that happens after dark in the parks, which leaves the Parks & Recreation Department Staff to have to clean up the following day. She expressed her hope that the proposed fencing deters those that don't want the best for the City, especially in the parks. City Attorney Norris -Weeks asked that a motion be made to incorporate the change to the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-d, to allow it contingent upon approval by the Community Redevelopment Agency. It was moved by Commissioner Davis to amend the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-d to approve the item contingent on the remaining balance being provided through the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor. There being no further discussion, the Agenda Item 6-d passed as amended by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes e) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPOINTING JOHN H. TAYLOR JR. AS VICE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCICA, FLORIDA, TO FILL THE VACANCY OF VICE MAYOR CREATED AS A RESULT OF MAYOR MATTHEW A. PIGATT'S RESIGNATION; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Clerk The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. City Clerk Joanna Flores stated that the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-e is being presented and the appointment is being made pursuant to Section 2.7, Subsection 3 of the City Charter. Mayor Williams asked if there was any discussion on Agenda Item 6-e. Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 10 Commissioner Davis congratulated Commissioner Taylor. The Commissioner said that Mayor Williams can attest to the fact that stepping up to a position to hold the seat of Vice Mayor is a responsibility. He said that the community is going to expect greatness and added that he is sure he's going to answer the call. Commissioner Davis noted that he thinks he was the youngest Vice Mayor in Opa-locka's history, but now Commissioner Taylor will wear that title. He concluded by urging Commissioner Taylor to wear the title well. Commissioner Bass stated that there was no discussion needed. Mayor Williams said that she just thanked Commissioner Taylor for stealing her title, but she added that she is excited for how the Commission is moving, asserting that things in the past have now washed away. The Mayor also thanked the pastors who prayed over the Commission to make them clean. Commissioner Taylor thanked his colleagues for the inspiration. He thanked the City for supporting the Commission and offered assurances that he won't let them down as they move forward. It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis to pass the resolution. There being no further discussion, the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 6-e passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Mayor Williams Yes 7. SECOND READING ORDINANCE/PUBLIC HEARING: a) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE ANNUAL ADOPTED GENERAL, PROPRIETARY AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2020 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2021, ADJUSTING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES AS REFLECTED IN EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGETS AND EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 11 APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading/public hearing held on November 10, 2021). Sponsored by City Manager The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. Assistant City Manager George Ellis asked Budget Administrator Bob Anathan to introduce Agenda Item 7-a. Budget Administrator Bob Anathan stated that this was the last hearing on the FY 2021 budget amendments. Mr. Anathan pointed out that the first hearing had 9 items, and this one added another 12 which he described as very small, covering open purchase orders that he doesn't this will translate into expenses this year and accounts where he believes there's information that's probably going to be transferred out, as strictly housekeeping. Mayor Williams opened the public hearing for Agenda Item 7-a. Ms. Dorothy Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place commended City Staff for getting the 4th budget amendment down to just housekeeping. Ms. Johnson urged the Commission to break out how the debt service would be spent, reminding them about the parking for the facility and suggesting that they start looking for some grants so they can have parking when they open the new facility and are not negotiating with the Church. There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 7-a. It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to discuss Agenda Item 7-a. Commissioner Davis asked if anything changed between the first and second reading of the budget amendment resolution proposed by Agenda Item 7-a. Budget Administrator Bob Anathan stated that the budget amendment resolution proposed by Agenda Item 7-a had 9 items when the Commission had the first hearing last week, and he added 12 smaller items, so the number of items in the amendment went up to 21. There being no further discussion, the ordinance proposed in Agenda Item 7-a passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Bass Commissioner Davis Yes Yes Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 12 Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Mayor Williams Yes 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Mayor Williams stated that the Discussion Items on the Agenda were deemed to be emergency items and asked City Clerk Joanna Flores to present the items. a) REQUEST FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INSPECTOR GENERAL GOVERNOR'S DESIGNEE City Clerk Flores reported that a request was received from the Governor's Designee in the Office of Florida's Chief Inspector General, to be placed on every City Commission Meeting Agenda for a presentation. The Clerk stated that she placed the item on the agenda to get some input and direction from the Commission. Vice Mayor Taylor asked what the purpose was for the Governor's Designee in the Office of Florida's Chief Inspector General, to present at every meeting. City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that based on the discussion she had with the representatives of the State of Florida, the presentation will be on Agenda Items, to be made at the beginning before any items are voted on. Vice Mayor Taylor stated that it sounds like the Governor' s Designee in the Office of Florida's Chief Inspector General would be giving their opinion on agenda items that the Commission is to vote on at every meeting. City Clerk Flores stated that she didn't have that discussion with the representatives of the State of Florida. The Clerk suggested that perhaps the City Manager's Office can shed light on the discussions they had with the representatives of the State of Florida. Assistant City Attorney Ellis stated he and Budget Administrator Bob Anathan usually speak with the representatives of the State of Florida every Friday, and last Friday they came up with the idea of participating in the Commission Meetings more often because of what has recently occurred, to have the opportunity to express any concerns they have on Agenda Items. Commissioner Bass stated that she doesn't want to be in a position where the Commission is in a place where they can't come to the decisions, they need to make based on peer pressure or the fact that those above them are going at everything that they're trying to work on. The Commissioner said she is not saying it is wrong or right, but that she doesn't feel 100% comfortable with it. She acknowledged that Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 13 the Commission is young and learning the game but asserted that they need an opportunity to prove themselves. The Commissioner pointed out that they have their meetings with the City Manager before the Commission Meetings, to keep them abreast and fmd out what they need to make a decision. She expressed that she's not saying the presence from the representatives of the State of Florida won't be valid but asked at what pressure. Commissioner Davis stated that he had a similar concern to the one expressed by Commissioner Bass, not with the pressure from the State of Florida, but what warranted the recent decision to want to speak at the Commission's public forums more frequently. The Commissioner recalled that the monthly meetings with the representatives of the State of Florida and the Financial Oversight Committee that were held for many years, were stopped and that was taken as a sign of good faith that things were getting better and there wasn't a need for such a presence of oversight. He also noted that there was a will to ask the representatives of the State of Florida to come back in and give the Commission an up-to-date picture of the City's finances and how the City is doing, and the Commissioner said he looked forward to working with the Manager's Office and his colleagues on the recommendations that came out of those conversations. The Commissioner expressed his concerns about the sudden need to create a space for the representatives of the State of Florida to appear on the Agenda in every public meeting including Special Commission Meetings. Acknowledging that he is pretty sure it is relative to the recent occurrences, Commissioner Davis pointed out that if the Commission is going to accept the request from the representatives of the State of Florida, some sort of amendment to the Agenda would need to be made, so that it's considered the regular order of business going forward. Commissioner Bass stated that she would not be opposed to the representatives of the State of Florida meeting with the Commission the same way that they meet with the City Manager for their briefings. Mayor Williams expressed that Discussion Item 8-a gives her pause, just like all her colleagues. The Mayor stated that the recent accusation is just an accusation, adding that the Commission has always had many residents and others making accusations, some of which were founded and some of which were unfounded. She acknowledged that a year ago, the City had glowing remarks as Commissioner Davis said. Mayor Williams said that she is willing to continue the discussion and pointed out that it has always been an option for any of the Commissioners to have meetings with the representatives of the State of Florida, questioning why they should be public now. She concluded by stating that the Commission will get back with the City Manager's Office because City Clerk Flores needed to know what the Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 14 Commission thought so that they can move forward for the next Commission Meetings. b) CITY COMMISSION VACANCY City Clerk Flores stated that the purpose of Discussion Item 8-b was to receive some sort of direction on how the Commission will be handling the vacancy that was created upon the resignation of Mayor Pigatt, in consideration of the 90 -day Charter provision for scheduling a special election. Clerk Flores asked if the Commission will be making an appointment to fill the vacancy or if she should have discussions with the Miami -Dade County Elections Department. Commissioner Davis stated that looking at the situation purely from a cost -benefit perspective, he pointed out that if the City was to take on a special election, it would cost approximately $30,000 and while the option to appoint a new Commissioner would represent no cost to the City, the appointment would need to take place within the next 30 days. Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he totally agreed with his colleagues on the appointment but asked if it was possible to have an application process which was done in 2016, giving a timeline to apply to see who wants to serve on the dais. Mayor Williams stated that the Commission was given a Notice of City Commission Vacancy that goes back to 2016. Commissioner Davis stated that he likes Vice Mayor Taylor's idea of having applicants for the Commission vacancy, including the deadline that would allow more time. The Commissioner asked if there is a standard application or if it is something that would have to be developed. City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that in 2016, letters of interest were accepted from individuals that were qualified because there is no application, but she said that she didn't mind coming up with an application if the Commission decides to have an application. Commissioner Davis stated that he would be satisfied with a letter of inquiry stating why the person wants to serve along with any personal details they would want to share in addition to a resume, to look at their volunteer experience and professional qualifications. Vice Mayor Taylor asked if a timeline could be developed if the Commission agrees to the application process to fill the Commission vacancy. Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 15 City Clerk Flores recommended that Vice Mayor Taylor's question about establishing a timeline for the application process to fill the Commission vacancy, go to City Attorney Norris -Weeks. City Attorney Norris -Weeks pointed out that the Commission can't technically take any action on Agenda Item 8-b because it is only a discussion item, but if the Commission would like to have an application and have City Clerk Flores present them with a timeline, they don't have to vote on it and can simply reach a consensus to give the Clerk the direction she is looking for as the clock is ticking since the resignation. Vice Mayor Taylor asked what the final date was, marking the 30 days from the resignation of Mayor Pigatt. City Clerk Flores stated that December 10th is the final date on which the Commission can appoint a new member to fill the Commission vacancy created by Mayor Pigatt's resignation. Mayor Williams stated that she is hearing her colleagues on the Commission recommend that the application process to fill the Commission vacancy created by Mayor Pigatt's resignation, should include a statement letter and a resume, and recommended that the letter be one page. 9. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davis to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Veronica Williai 's Mayor Attest: anna Flores, CMC City Clerk Special Commission Meeting Minutes — November 17, 2021 16