HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-May 10, 2017 Regular Commission CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY,May 10, 2017
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, May 10, 2017 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: Mayor Myra L. Taylor, Vice
Mayor Joseph L. Kelley, Commissioner Timothy Holmes, Commissioner John Riley, and
Commissioner Matthew Pigatt. 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:
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: deferred 13-3, 13-5, and 14-1 (City Manager Harrell); pulled 13-1, 13-2, and 13-4
(Vice Mayor Kelley); pulled 13-8 (Pigatt); pulled 13-6 and 13-7 (Holmes); deferred 15.B.1
(Marc Cooper).
A separate meeting will be held to discuss and decide on the appeal from Marc Cooper.
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.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 1
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—March 8, 2017
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to approve the minutes
of the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes of March 8, 2017.
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
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—March 22, 2017
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Commissioner Pigatt to approve the minutes
of the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2017.
There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE/DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT
Larry Gardener, Commissioner Barbara Jordan's Office, District I, said that he does not have
anything for the commission today, but will take any issues or concerns they may have back to
Commissioner Jordan.
Commissioner Holmes asked Mr. Gardener where he was with getting the bus for the senior's
program.
Mr. Gardener said that the process has to go through the Board of County Commissioners and as
soon as that is done, it can be brought back to the City.
Mayor Taylor asked Mr. Gardener to give Commissioner Jordan the City's regards.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 2
Cedric Brazil, Commissioner Jean Monestime's Office, District II, said that the Taste of Haiti
event is going to be held on this coming Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 3:00— 10:00 p.m. at
Miami Dade College.
Mayor Taylor asked for Mr. Brazil to e-mail the flyer for the event to the clerk and also give the
City's regards to Commissioner Monestime.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATION:
11. CITIZENS' INPUT:
Hector Castellanos, Lejeune Commerce Center, said that his main concern is the interim city
manager. There is a city manager already here and she should stay on until a permanent manager
is chosen.
Brian Dennis, 3135 NW 135th Street, said that he attended a meeting yesterday in which there
was talk of abolishing the City. He may write a lot of things and come to the meetings and say a
lot of things, but he is not okay with abolishing the City. He has been invited to attend recall
meetings, but he has not attended any. He said everyone needs to come to the table and figure out
how to save the City. He said that he does not agree with everything that Commissioner Johnson
does, but you cannot spearhead something knowing that you were up there doing the same thing.
He does not agree with everything Mr. Barrett does, but you cannot sue the City and then talk
about how much you love it. He has not been writing anything in the paper as of late, but all of
the personal feelings need to be put to the side and everyone come to terms with what is going
on. He loves the City and refuses to get on board with anything involving abolishing the City.
Marcus Gutierrez, 13090 NW 43`d Avenue, said that he seconds Hector and thinks that the city
manager should remain with the City until a permanent manager is chosen. He said that he e-
mailed the manager and Commissioner Pigatt and he would like for his questions to be answered.
Alvin Burke, 1241 Jann Avenue, said that he has an issue with agenda items 1 and 2. The City
needs money and should not be satisfying these properties without benefitting from it. Whoever
is selling it will be making money from it. He also said he did not receive an invite to the
meeting to abolish the City, but he is not for it. This is a good City and it should not be
abolished.
Eddie Hernandez said that he is concerned because he has tenants coming to him about Code
Enforcement forcing certain things on them and it is not right. The cars being on the third rack
should not be an issue for a few tenants. If this is going to be enforced, it should be done across
the board with all of the salvage yards. The City will need to be consistent and not have one
Code Enforcement officer picking on tenants.
The mayor asked the manager to look into Mr. Hernandez issue and then relinquished the gavel
to Vice Mayor Kelley.
Commissioner Holmes said that Commissioner Pigatt's intern should not be walking around city
hall after hours because anything can happen and the City will be liable. The commissioner
should get approval from the commission to meet with the appointed officials and have interns in
the building after hours to avoid any potential liabilities to the City. He is not for abolishing the
City and thinks that the focus should be on doing what's right for the City.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 3
Commissioner Pigatt asked the attorney if he needed the commission's approval to meet with
appointed officials.
City Attorney Brown said, "No."
Commissioner Pigatt asked the attorney if he needed the commission's approval to have interns
working in city hall.
City Attorney Brown said that he will need to refer to H.R. to see about the intern being able to
work at city hall.
Human Resources Director Kierra Ward confirmed that interns can work at city hall as long as
they go through the process. She announced that the commissioner has three (3) interns who
have been approved to work in the City.
Commissioner Holmes asked the attorney to bring a resolution at the next meeting to address
appointed officials having meetings outside of the City with one commissioner because things
should be done the right way.
Commissioner Riley said that there should be clarity so that everyone understands what is going
on. He asked that the commission follow what is in the charter as an elected body.
Vice Mayor Kelley relinquished the gavel back to the mayor.
City Manager Harrell rescinded her resignation to allow the City to hire a new city manager.
Commissioner Riley withdrew item 8.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that he was going to be quiet, but he has to speak up. It is obvious of
what is going on and everyone sitting here can see the games that are being played here. There
are serious issues here in the City and the residents are totally in the dark. He knows what is
going on and he will continue to do as he sees fit for the city. Unless what the commission is
doing now stops, and things are done differently, then absolutely nothing will change in the City.
12. ACTION ITEMS:
1 (13-1). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SETTLE, SATISFY
AND EXECUTE LIEN RELEASES IN MITIGATION OF WATER AND SEWER LIENS
ON PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 14255, 14265, 14305, 14315, 14325, 14335, 14355 NW
22ND AVENUE, OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,976.51;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
City Attorney Brown said that the amount of the settlement has increased from what is in the
resolution which is half of the original amount to $73,050.40 for a sixty three percent (63%) lien
settlement amount.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 4
It was moved by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that if people owe the City, then they should pay what they owe.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes No
Vice Mayor Kelley No
Mayor Taylor Yes
2 (13-2). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SETTLE, SATISFY
AND EXECUTE LIEN RELEASES IN MITIGATION OF WATER AND SEWER LIENS
ON PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 14460, 14350, 14370 NW 22ND AVENUE, OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,575.13; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
City Attorney Brown said that the amount of the settlement has increased from what is in the
resolution which is half of the original amount to $53,000.00 for a sixty three percent (63%) lien
settlement amount.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley repeated that if people owe the City, then they should pay what they owe.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes No
Vice Mayor Kelley No
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
3 (13-4). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SETTLE, SATISFY
AND EXECUTE LIEN RELEASES IN MITIGATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
LIENS ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1810 SERVICE ROAD, OPA-LOCKA,
FLORIDA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,002.64; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Attorney
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 5
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley repeated that if people owe the City, then they should pay what they owe.
Commissioner Riley said that he has seen the citations and the process that has to be done and it
is good that the City tries to reach a settlement because sometimes it costs more during
mitigation.
Commissioner Pigatt asked if the amounts were negotiated or presented by the owner.
City Manager Harrell said that negotiation was done based on a standard that was previously set
by the commission.
Commissioner Pigatt said that there should be legislation that deals with the settlements so that
issues can be addressed. The negotiations should be done so that the City gets the most out of it.
City Attorney Brown said that the City code states that all settlements have to come back to the
commission for final approval. Every municipality has a different standard on what they will
approve and in some instances it can go before a special magistrate before going before the
commission.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Holmes Yes
Vice Mayor Kelley No
Commissioner Pigatt No
Commissioner Riley Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
4 (13-6). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR THE
POSITION OF CITY MANAGER AND RESOLVING TO ADHERE TO THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA AND ITS PROCEDURE FOR THE HIRING OF A NEW
CITY MANAGER; 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 Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley for discussion.
Vice Mayor Kelley said that the advertising should be for one (1) month.
Commissioner Pigatt said that the advertising should be done for two (2) months and a selection
committee should be chosen to hire.
Mayor Taylor told Commissioner Pigatt that the commission has not opted to choose a selection
committee at this time.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 6
Commissioner Riley said that the commission should choose the manager and no one else. This
is in the constitution and the City's Charter.
Mayor Taylor said that she wants to move on the motion to direct the clerk to advertise and then
choose the date.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt No
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes No
Mayor Taylor Yes
5 (13-7). A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO RESEARCH THE
FEASIBILITY OF INSTALLING METERED PARKING THROUGHOUT THE CITY
WHERE VIABLE; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Attorney
The above resolution was read by Attorney Brown.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Kelley, seconded by Commissioner Riley for discussion.
There being no further discussion, the motion on the resolution passed by a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Riley Yes
Commissioner Holmes No
Vice Mayor Kelley Yes
Commissioner Pigatt Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
13. CONSENT AGENDA:
14. NEW ITEMS:
15. PLANNING & ZONING:
A. HEARINGS:
B. APPEALS:
16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARING:
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCE(S):
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING:
C. RESOLUTIONS:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 7
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
City Manager Harrell announced the new Budget Administrator, Ernesto Reyes to the City. She
said that her decision to stay on as manager until one is chosen was decided tonight on the dais
as she heard people speak on wanting the City to go in the right direction.
Vice Mayor Kelley asked the manager to look at the parks and see what can be done about the
conditions. The water bills are still an issue and people are calling and complaining. When
citations are given, it should be done across the board. Some should not get warnings while
others are given $500.00 tickets.
Commissioner Pigatt asked the manager to address the citation complaints and the water billing
issues. He invited everyone to the Toast to the Art paint night event that is being held on Friday,
May 12, 2017 and is being hosted by the OL-CDC. The last event for the Inside/Out program
will be on the 14th.
Mayor Taylor asked the manager to look into the pothole situation and see what can be done
since the rain season is approaching.
Commissioner Holmes asked the manager where the old city hall renovations were.
City Manager Harrell said that once the payments are made, then the work can continue.
Commissioner Holmes asked that the Saggy Pants Ordinance is enforced by the police
department.
Commissioner Riley said that he is concerned that the City is giving everything to the county;
after a while there will be nothing left. Also the City is paying for the sewer that is used by the
airport and it is unfair.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
No reports at this time.
19. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORT:
Vice Mayor Kelley said that the monthly Farm Share was held on last Wednesday and feeding
South Florida will be held on this coming Friday. He is looking into funding for the youth
summer jobs. Career Source has said that the City has to match the funding that they provide in
order to participate in the program. There will be a Father's Day essay writing contest as well as
a father's day fishing event held on Ingram Park on Saturday, June 17, 2017; trophies will be
given way.
20. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
21. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Commissioner
Riley, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelley to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 8
MA •R
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes—5/10/2017 9