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