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HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-February 09, 2022 RCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING February 9, 2022 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 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 Audrey Dominguez, Vice Mayor John H. Taylor Jr., and Mayor Veronica J. Williams. Also, in attendance were: Acting City Manager James B. Wright, 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. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: SWEARING -IN OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER JAMES B. WRIGHT The Honorable Judge Lizzet Martinez, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida James B. Wright was sworn in as Interim City Manager by the Honorable Judge Lizzet Martinez. Congratulatory speeches were delivered by the Honorable Judge Lizzet Martinez, Miami - Dade County School Board Member Dorothy Bendross-Mindigall. BLACK HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION Marquise Shipp, Soloist Lift Every Voice and Sing Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 1 Mayor Williams invited Marquise Shipp from the NAACP Youth Council to sing LW Every Voice and Sing as part of a special Black History Month presentation. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION TO THE NAACP MIAMI-DADE CHAPTER Presented by Mayor Veronica J. Williams Mayor Williams presented a proclamation to Daniella Pierre, President of the NAACP Miami -Dade Chapter, recognizing them for 113 years of service to the community in their fight for social justice and noting that the organization was originally chartered in Opa-locka. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL BUSINESSES Presented by Mayor Veronica J. Williams Mayor Williams recognized local black owned businesses in Opa-locka, including Juice Defined, Malcolm Davis of Pro Cuts Barber Shop and Katina St. Thomas from Trinity Dry Cleaners and the Mayor encouraged everyone to support black owned businesses. 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions): It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davis to approve the Consent Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes 7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass, to approve the Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the agenda passed by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 2 Mayor Williams Yes 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — January 26, 2022 It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — January 26, 2022. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5-0 vote. Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Mayor Williams Yes 9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT: There was none. 10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS: 1. Airia Austin, Director City of Opa-locka Public Works / CIP Interim City Manager Wright recognized the hard work done by Public Works Director Airia Austin and his staff to get the check that will be presented by Florida State Representative Bush, awarded to the City. Public Works Director Airia Austin made a presentation to the Commission, with the details for the 127th Street Canal Rehabilitation project. As part of his presentation, Mr. Austin shared that his Department was successful in obtaining a grant for $7 million from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for the project. Mayor Williams thanked Public Works Director Airia Austin and the Staff of his Depai tuient for their hard work. 2. Representative Dr. James Bush III Florida House of Representatives, District 109 Re: Glorieta Gardens Apartments Update and $7 Million Dollar Check Presentation to the City of Opa-locka for Infrastructure Improvements Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 3 Mayor Williams invited the members of the Commission to join her at the podium for a check presentation from Florida State Representative Bush. Florida State Representative Bush presented the Commission with an update on Glorieta Gardens Apartments and a $7 million check for infrastructure and he shared that almost $1.4 million has been released by the State of Florida of the funds received from the federal government's American Recovery Act. 11. CITIZENS' FORUM: (Opportunity for discussion of any concerns — please limit to 3 minutes) City Clerk Joanna Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City Commission meetings. Mayor Williams opened the Citizens' Forum. Ms. Shirley Gibson, the first Mayor of the City of Miami Gardens recalled that they had an awful time trying to bring their city to life because everyone said they could not do it and had the nerve to tell her they were too poor. She said that Mr. Wright is a great man who is coming to work for Opa-locka, and she offered assurances that he will do a great job, adding that he will do everything that is needed to be done if Residents know what he and everyone who works for the City are supposed to do. Former Mayor Gibson concluded by stating that it's everyone's responsibility to not let people do things they should not do in the City, particularly the people that have been elected and the people that are paid every day to work and give their absolute best. Ms. Dorothy Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place congratulated Interim City Manager Wright, stating that as a former Commissioner, she had the opportunity to work with him from 2005 to 2008 and she also shared that prior to that, she had the opportunity to work with his sister at the United States Postal Service. Ms. Johnson stated without hesitation, that Mr. Wright will get the job done and urged him to do the right thing. She recalled that one of the Commission's missions during Mr. Wright's tenure was to decrease crime in the Magnolia North area which is called "The Triangle" and pointed out that for 27 months over the 3 years he was serving the City, the staff decreased crime in that area. Ms. Johnson also congratulated the Public Works Department Employees because she said she has seen a lot of cleanups of the City in the last couple of weeks. She urged the Commission to look at the promises made on the outdated Parks & Recreation Depai tinent vehicles, lamenting that they look deplorable and stating that you can hear them before you see them. Ms. Johnson also asked for the status of the Charter Review Board, asserting that it should not be waiting on anybody. She also expressed her thanks for the cleanup of the trash by Family Dollar but said that clothes are all over the street by the clothes drop off container. Ms. Johnson reported that the pump station on 135th Street needs a little tender loving care. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 4 She added that the stumps and old debris from the last 2 storms are still there, sharing that there is a big one right across from her house. Ms. Johnson concluded by stating that branding, accountability and transparency are key, asking God to bless the decision made by the Opa-locka "Dream Team" and urged them to remember that the people are not looking for what they say, but what they do. Retired Police Chief Cheryl Cason who resides at 781 Curtiss Drive noted that everybody has echoed what she said when the Commission first brought on Mr. James Wright, recalling that she stated that they can't go wrong when they go with Wright. She shared that she worked with Mr. Wright as well and said that she will be helping the Manager. Former Chief Cason urged the Commission to keep up the great work. Ms. Desiree Lindsay identified herself as a property manager of over 600,000 square feet of industrial space and over 300 businesses in Opa-locka, stating that she has been doing it for over 15 years. She said that after years of inviting people to come out and asking for assistance and guidance, she never even got a response, but shared that she was highly impressed today when Interim City Manager Wright voluntarily came out to listen for the first time ever. Ms. Lindsay expressed her hope that it continues and that a wonderful relationship can be built for everyone to prosper. Ms. Clara di Martina introduced herself as a representative of a few Hispanic business owners, stating that they are located at 2341 Ali Baba Avenue and welcomed Interim City Manager Wright to the community. She stated that they want to be part of the success spoken of by Mr. Wright, pointing out that they have been working and adding to the community for over 10 years. Acknowledging that they bend some rules but said that they have reason to believe they have been harassed because they are Hispanic, being treated as criminals, threatened to be arrested with no reason, and she asserted that they are tired of being silent. Pointing out that her brother employs and helps a lot of people, she shared that she was present yesterday to see how he was treated as a criminal, being asked if he could read a line in English. Offering assurances that as taxpayers, they try to do the right thing, she stressed that they need the employees of the City to treat them with respect. She said that they had an issue with their license that was suspended and were threatened with being arrested despite explaining that they had issues to renew it because of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The last time she checked, she said they would get a notice but not have the owner told they were going to be arrested and the business would be closed in front of his employees and partners. Informing the Commission that they've been closed since yesterday, and today they came and closed the new location they had to add to work on making the business better. Adding that they want to make the City better, she said they need the Commission's support and appreciate any help they can provide. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 5 Mr. Gary Johnson who resides at Glorieta Gardens Apaitiiients located at 13235 Alexandria Drive stated that they already put Interim City Manager Wright to the test about 2 weeks ago when one of the buildings didn't have water, and despite originally being told that it would come on the next day, Mr. Wright was able to get the water on by 10 PM after having been advised at 7 PM. Stating that he feels like they are the stepson of Opa-locka, he said that the whole road looked like a parade went through for almost a year and despite thinking he was going to wear his welcome out with the Interim Manager, Mr. Wright sent some people down there to clean it and after looking at the pictures, he asks why it was neglected that long. Mr. Johnson commended the Police Department for transforming to community first and arrest second, which he said should have been done a long time ago, having learned what they must do to make a better community. He concluded by urging the Commission to visit them and just listen, offering assurances that they're not that much of a problem and stating that they have good deeds back there. Mr. Enyer Martinez who resides at 88 Bahman Avenue introduced himself as an organizer for Democracy for All and asked that the timeline for the $7 million infrastructure investment plan be made public because he said that after canvassing the area, Residents are asking for the timeline after expressing concerns over issues like the construction on Sesame Street and the canal bridge, as well as the potholes on Superior Street because of the buses and 18 wheelers going through. Ms. Natasha Ervin who resides at 670 Dunad Avenue shared that she has been a business owner since 1994 and owns the property that she runs her business out of and said that for the first time ever on a Saturday she received a visit from Interim City Manager Wright. Stating that in almost 30 years, she has never had anybody come visit her besides Commissioners Burke and Kelley, she said that it really meant a lot to her for her business to be important enough for Mr. Wright to swing by. Ms. Ervin recalled that a few years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission voted for the pool to be open year- round and only closed 3 months of the year, but lamented that despite the pool being cleaned every week, the kids can't get in. Stating that she doesn't know what the issue is but said that she would like to see the kids in the pool by spring break. Ms. Ervin also expressed her hope that the City will get the P -Swap Mentoring and Swim Organization back to get the 100 free lessons for the kids this summer. She concluded by stating that the Hispanic business owners are her friends because when she goes to knock on their door asking for donations for the kids, they come through in big ways, calling them her brothers and sisters. Pastor Raymond Carvil of the Living Word Baptist Church stated that his Church has been in the Triangle since 2006. Pastor Carvil shared that when he first got there it was very rough, but because of his 30 years of service as a Police Major with the City of Miami, as an Active Reserve Officer for the City of Miami, he spoke with Mr. Wright when he was Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 6 the Chief of Police and they made sure they had a watch order which he said was very effective and he recommends it to anyone that has a business and is concerned about the City. He recalled that there was very heavy trafficking of narcotics and said that within a couple of months, they had a great change. Echoing the comments made by former Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson, Pastor Carvil said that they must stick together, and asserted that he didn't come into the City to leave, praising God for the work that they can all do together. Pastor Carvil concluded by encouraging the Commission to feel free to reach out. Mr. John Romano of Aero Precision Products located at 14000 NW 19th Avenue, stated that his company is a manufacturing company that has been in Opa-locka since 1973. Mr. Romano said that he knows it takes teamwork to make the City strong, safe and successful. He also stated that as a company, they offer their full support to Interim City Manager James Wright, because they know he is the man to make it right and they look forward to the great changes he will make for the City. Brother Hassan informed the Commission that he has lived in Opa-locka for about 10 years and worked very closely with Mayor Taylor and her staff a few years back, to put together a Chamber of Commerce. He said that he spoke with Commissioner Davis and that he might come back and do some work in the City. Reporting that he met with some of the wealthiest businesses in the community and showed them some of the pictures that the Interim Manager of the Community Redevelopment Agency Corion DeLaine provided him, he shared that they are ready to get involved, are thrilled about the programs that are being done right now and want to help Opa-locka grow. Informing the Commission that he was once a representative for the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. and has their entire program in his head, he said that he wants to use his skills. Recalling that he and Interim City Manager Wright go way back, he stated that he knows how smart Mr. Wright is and shared his assurances that he is going to do some great things in the City. He concluded by saying that when they start building the City, it will be possible to come to Downtown Opa-locka and sit down on the sidewalk to have dinner, expressing his love for the administration and praying for God to step in and direct their steps, asking for a round of applause for the Commission and new Interim City Manager. There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed the Citizen's Forum. 12. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list): There were none. 13. ADMINISTRATION: Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 7 CONSENT AGENDA: Vote taken on Consent Agenda Items can be viewed under Agenda Item 6 - Approval of Consent Agenda. 1. 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 ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AND UPGRADE AT 2105 ALI-BABA AVENUE, WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager 14. NEW ITEMS: There were none. 15. PLANNING & ZONING: A. PUBLIC HEARINGS: There were none. B. APPEALS: There were none. 16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. FIRST READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S): 1. 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, 2021 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, 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 APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 8 RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; 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 Vice Mayor Taylor to discuss Agenda Item 16-A-1. Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Wright to introduce Agenda Item 16-A-1. Interim City Manager Wright asked Budget Administrator Bob Anathan to introduce Agenda Item 16-A-1. Budget Administrator Bob Anathan presented the proposed budget amendment to the Commission. Mayor Williams opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-A-1. Ms. Dorothy Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place expressed her support for the proposed budget amendment, stating that it will give the 2 members of the Audit Committee a clean bill of health, recognizing the challenges that are coming up. There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-A-1. Commissioner Davis asked of the $73,396 being included in the proposed budget amendment, how much was being allocated for the separation of the former City Manager. Budget Administrator Anathan stated that after including some savings, the separation package for the former City Manager included 20 weeks of compensation and 6 months of healthcare and was in the range of about $80,000. Commissioner Davis expressed concerns about the proposed increase in the enterprise fund budget for unused paid leave payouts with no caps. The Commissioner recalled having spoken of the issue for some time as it has historically been dealt with through budget amendments, and he asserted that he doesn't want to expend taxpayer dollars on something like that. He Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 9 shared that he has had conversations with the City Manager's Office regarding it in the hopes that they can come to some resolution. Interim City Manager Wright informed the Commission that he is working with Human Resource Director Kierra Ward and Staff to ensure that when there is a payout, that it excludes sick leave and that accruals are consistent across the board. Mr. Wright stated that they will probably have an answer for the Commission within a month or less. Commissioner Davis acknowledged that the union contract negotiation with both the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees as well as the Police Benevolent Association have been a point of contention and complicated the matter. The Commissioner expressed his hope that not only a cap is instituted but that the City moves to a 21st century solution of using Paid Time Off in lieu of sick leave, which he said is common practice in most municipalities. There being no additional discussion, the ordinance passed its first reading by a 5-O vote. Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Mayor Williams Yes B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S): There were none. C. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING: There were none. 17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Interim City Manager Wright informed the Commission that they will have his 2 -week report tomorrow. Mr. Wright also asked for direction from the Commission related to the nearly $4 million that is sitting in an American Rescue Plan Act account with very strict guidelines from the United States Department of the Treasury. He said that they need to come up with a spending plan, stating his understanding that the issue had come up around September of last year, but no defmitive decision was made on what was to occur. Interim Manager Wright proposed that the issue be put on the Agenda for the February 23rd Regular Commission Meeting, with a Workshop scheduled for February 22nd based upon Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 10 the Commission members' schedules, so that they can begin some discussion and he can give direction to City Staff. Mayor Williams stated that City Clerk Flores will poll the Commission on the options for the date for the Workshop proposed by Interim City Manager Wright. Interim City Manager Wright acknowledged that there have been ongoing issues with beautification of the City, and he reported that they are being addressed along with illegal dumping. Mr. Wright stated that he has reviewed the City's Memorandum of Understanding with Miami -Dade County and said that there's room for improvement and that he is waiting to have a conversation with the County. He said that he has already had discussions with Public Works Director Airia Austin on innovative ways it can be addressed in the interim. Mr. Wright also informed the Commission that Meet the Manager is scheduled for February 16th followed by Manager's Night Out during which he and City Staff will be going door-to-door asking Residents how services can better be provided to them. He pointed out that it is kind of a spin-off of Chief's Night Out which got a very good reception from Residents when he was Chief of Police. Interim Manager Wright added that it will be followed by his business roundtable to begin engaging business owners about their needs and concerns. He reported that Staff has already completed ethics training, with Senior Staff and Management being scheduled shortly. Mr. Wright assured the Commission that City Staff will find out what Ms. Clara di Martina's concerns are. He also pointed out that the Commission should have seen some improvements in the City, specifically on Ali Baba Avenue, reporting that they are attempting to recoup money for the City in landlord and tenant fees, as well as overdue business licenses. Commissioner Dominguez asked for an update on her proposal to include the paint program as a future agenda item. Interim City Manager Wright stated that City Staff is looking at the cost of bulk paint and then they will begin to identify Residents that meet the criteria for the paint program, including some Senior Citizens may not be in a financial position to make other repairs to their homes. 18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS: It was moved by Mayor Williams, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to appoint former Miami -Dade Board of County Commissioners member Audrey Edmonson as an advisor to the Charter Review Board. There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Davis No Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 11 It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Dominguez to appoint Mr. Frank Vega to the Charter Review Board because the Vice Mayor said that he wanted to ensure that Opa-locka's businesses have a voice on the board. There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 3-2 vote. Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis No Mayor Williams No 19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to propose a future agenda item to approve a contract for the City Clerk, because the Commissioner said that she does not have one yet and previous City Clerks have had one. There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 4-1 vote. Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis No Commissioner Dominguez Yes Mayor Williams Yes It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Dominguez to change the name of the Helen Miller Center to the Helen Miller Senior Center and give the building to the Senior program. There being no discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Mayor Williams Yes 20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS: Mayor Williams thanked everyone that came to the State of the City, which she said was great. The Mayor thanked Freeze Frame Marketing for stepping in the gap, as well as the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 12 City Manager's Office, the City Clerk's Office and everyone on the Commission. She also gave Interim Manager of the Community Redevelopment Agency Corion DeLaine a shoutout. Mayor Williams expressed her excitement as a vice principal working with children, to highlighting the youth of Opa-locka and the surrounding neighborhoods and she invited everyone to join her at Sherbondy Village on Friday, February 25th from 7 to 9 pm for a Youth Black History Showcase with spoken word, dance and drama. She also commended the Public Works Depaitiiient and everyone that is rolling up their sleeves because she said she can clearly see as she drives around the City, that beautification is taking place. The Mayor also said that the Community Redevelopment Agency will be holding the Bazaar on the Boulevard at Historic City Hall this Friday between 5 and 9 pm, adding that Historic City Hall is coming back and that the event is going to be great. Mayor Williams concluded by thanking the City Employees who have the fortitude to keep the City moving forward as transitions come and go, asserting that together we will rise and keep the City going. Vice Mayor Taylor invited the City to the Seniors on the Move annual Valentine's Day Ball at Sherbondy Village on Monday, which he said is going to be fun. The Vice Mayor also said that the first Meet the Manager would be at the Helen Miller Center on Wednesday at 6 pm, encouraging all the citizens and business owners to come out and express their concerns and tell him how they want the City to be run. Commissioner Davis addressed some of the concerns brought up during the Citizens' Forum. The Commissioner joined Desiree Lindsay and Natasha Ervin in expressing excitement, seeing Interim City Manager Wright paying a business owner like them over the weekend and that his presence is being felt in the community, giving Mr. Wight props for his initiative. He echoed the sentiments expressed by Dorothy Johnson regarding the Charter Review Board, noting that the board has a quorum and that 2 appointments were made during the meeting. The Commissioner asserted that the board should go forward, stating that they have been working to change the City for several years and the only way they can create sustainable and long-term change is by placing it in the Charter. Addressing Mr. Angel Martinez's comments, he committed to following up with a timeline for the federal funding that can be used for the Superior Street and Sesame Street bridge and the canal project. Commissioner Davis also shared that he has known Pastor Carvil for years, having gone to high school with his daughter. He said he is happy that he has been a Church owner in the community since 2006 when the Commissioner and the Pastor's daughter graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School and expressed his excitement to see that he is still here and is committed to working with Interim City Manager Wright to get things done. The Commissioner also expressed his hope that Ms. Clara di Martina's statement about how she was being treated by some City staff was noted. He asserted that he wants to be certain the community is not being misled in any way and that they are being afforded the proper due process. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 13 Commissioner Dominguez addressed the comments made by Ms. Clara di Martina as a business owner on Ali Baba Avenue. The Commissioner reported that she got a call regarding an incident that occurred and said she was very disturbed by what she heard. She informed the Commission that she met with about 5 business owners who are part of a large group of business owners on Ali Baba Avenue and have been there for the past 10 years. The Commissioner said that they shared they've been harassed for the past 4 or 5 years and that she could not believe the stories she heard were happening in the City. She said that as a Hispanic, it hurts here because Ms. di Martina stood before the Commission crying, and she shouldn't be crying about being harassed by an Officer because to her, that's bullying. Asserting that she is part of the Community as well, Commissioner Dominguez said that if Ms. di Martina is being bullied, they are bullying the Commissioner as well. Noting that she's seen the change on Ali Baba Avenue with the streets being clean and not seeing all the cars and stating that the City Manager is doing his job, she said that she doesn't like the fact that the owners are being harassed. Commissioner Dominguez said that the business owners contribute to the City, and she didn't know that in the past they had donated turkeys, toys and even sponsored events, yet they never come to the Commission Meetings. She shared that she told them they needed to come and voice their opinion because she is only one person. Pointing out that Opa-locka is a diverse community, Commissioner Dominguez stressed that they must work as a team. The Commissioner said she had already addressed the issue with Interim City Manager Wright and that she would like him to do an investigation regarding what occurred because she doesn't think they would have come to the Commission Meeting if there wasn't some truth to it. She concluded by stating that she wants to let them know that she is here for them and supports them. 21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS: It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to appoint George Suarez to the Historic Environmental Preservation Board. There being no discussion, the appointment was approved by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Not Present Mayor Williams Yes City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that a board application was received from Floralba Wright to serve on the Civil Service Board, and she stated that it is an individual appointment. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 14 22. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Williams thanked everyone for being at the City Commission Meeting and encouraged everyone to celebrate Black History Month, continue being the change agents and continue being a light in the community because they know they cannot be great unless they are all great together. There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. A..t Jo . i na Flores, CMC Ci 1 Clerk Veronica J. Williams Mayor Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2022 15