HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-March 23, 2022 RCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
March 23, 2022
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 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 Audrey Dominguez, Vice Mayor John H. Taylor Jr., and Mayor
Veronica J. Williams. Also, in attendance were: Interim 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:
There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
There were no Items on the Consent Agenda.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor, to approve
the Agenda.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 1
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the agenda passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Not Present
Mayor Williams Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 9, 2022
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the
minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 9, 2022.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Not Present
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
There was none.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:
There were none.
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.
Mr. Alex Van Mecl introduced himself as the proud new owner of one of Opa-locka' s few
remaining historic homes, located at 806 Jan Avenue. Mr. Van Mecl noted that the street
he resides on mirrors his own middle name, which he said was one of the many cosmic
happenings that led him to discovering the exceptionally historic city of Opa-locka. He
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 2
said that he wanted to address the Commission about an issue that he is aware many
homeowners are concerned about and would like action on, as they look to the future of
the city substantial. Sharing his vision of a city that takes great pride in its upkeep and
appearance, he acknowledged that a large part of that requires legislation and a
commitment to enforcement. Mr. Van Mecl asked the Commission to seriously consider
an immediate addition to the City's municipal code, that would require single and multi-
family residences to comply with an open storage ordinance for unsightly miscellaneous
items that are clearly visible from the streets and negatively affect another property.
Lamenting that there are countless eyesores in the City, he pointed out that there is currently
not an ordinance to enforce that no materials, refuse or waste materials can be stored or
accumulated outside of a fully enclosed building within any zoning district. Mr. Van Mecl
stated that he is advocating for items such as those to be placed in an approved, permitted
and enclosed structure with 4 walls and a roof because he doesn't believe any property
owner should be allowed to place their items on or against another's property, including a
fence, wall or zero lot line circumstance as is the case that he is contending with. He
informed the Commission that the verbiage he is proposing is consistent with other
municipal ordinances of similar effect, adding that this is an important moment to elevate
enforcement and prevent it from going on, helping to manage the appearance of the City
and any associated health risks as well as animal intrusions to other properties. Offering
to speak with any of the Members of the Commission to help them understand his own
experience, he shared his belief that it is important he is proposing an important solution
to one aspect of the City's broader beautification agenda. Mr. Van Mecl thanked the
Commission for their time and added that he looks forward to continued discussion on this
and his other passion point, which he said is historic preservation. He also pointed out that
he emailed the Commission a fantastic, digitized archive of Bernhardt Muller's entire
architectural drawings from the University of Miami, and he looks forward to imparting all
the historical knowledge that he's recently uncovered.
Mr. Ario Lundy who resides at 14911 Duval Street stated that he has a problem in the
triangle in Magnolia where there are abandoned houses. Mr. Lundy said he is trying to
figure out how liens can be put on them by the City, to take those properties back and
revitalize them. He asked the Commission how the solution can be found.
Mayor Williams stated that Interim City Manager Wright would answer Mr. Ario Lundy's
question during his report, but not during Citizens' Forum.
Mr. John Riley who resides at 2963 NW 135th Street reminded Mayor Williams that he
had spoken to her previously about Opa-locka's insurance premium and what it is costing
the City. Mr. Riley stated that the procedure to revoke or not renew a business license is
not happening in Opa-locka, and he said that the City gets sued and has lost so much
taxpayer money because the Code has been violated. He went on to say that if a person's
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license is not going to be renewed, the City must give them notice of the grounds in writing
and provide them a public hearing with the opportunity for appeal to the City Commission,
but he expressed disappointment that none of that is happening, which he said is in violation
of the law. Mr. Riley said that Florida Statute 162 stipulates how Code Enforcement is
supposed to work, stating that before a citation is issued, a warning is given with time to
cure a problem, also adding that it doesn't happen in Opa-locka. Reminding the
Commission that they are the policy makers and that they took an oath to obey the United
States Constitution, to enforce the laws of the State of Florida and the ordinances of the
City, and obey the County and the City's Charter, Mr. Riley concluded by asserting that he
expects them to carry out that oath.
Ms. Gloria Hayes who resides at 1724 NW 154th Street stated that she was before the
Commission to bring attention to a matter that she believes is a necessity for the health and
well-being of the residents living between 151st and 155th, east of 22nd Avenue. Ms.
Hayes reported that the area is still using a primitive septic system that she said is a
financial burden to the elder and low-income families in that area, is a burden to repair and
maintain, and is environmentally toxic to all the homeowners. Sharing that she has been
in this community for well over 40 years, with her parents being one of the first families
that moved here from Overtown, and she said that she acquired the property after her
Mom's death. Ms. Hayes stated that they've had the same system with the same problem
all her life. Pleading to Opa-locka and Miami -Dade County, she said that she can't even
sit outside because of the stench and asked that any plans in place for this, to be expedited
for environmental justice.
Ms. Dorothy Johnson who resides at 13724 NW 22nd Place thanked Mr. Alex Van Mecl
and said that she truly hopes that he continues to come to the Commission Meetings
because his expertise and youthfulness are needed. Ms. Johnson also thanked Interim City
Manager Wright for providing a written response to inquiries made by her and other
Citizens. She reported that she took pictures of some of the roads that are being repaired
and is also thankful for the Main Street initiative which she said she knows about because
she is on the Planning & Zoning Board. Ms. Johnson reported that she finally got her
public record request completed, and said that even without looking at it, she knows that
public safety is the top priority and the salaries for the City's Police Officers should not be
compared to Miami -Dade County Police. She stated for the record that if the Commission
wants more money, the Police need money for safety. Ms. Johnson informed the
Commission that she purchases from local businesses and has been questioned about how
they get awards. She urged the Commission to crank up the Community Relations Board
that she is appointed to, so that it can make recommendations, set goals and objectives for
who gets recognized. Additionally, she encouraged the Commission to look at the progress
in the last couple of months that she said she knows can be felt, seen and smelled, asking
them to adhere to the City Charter and allow the Interim Manager to do his job. Recalling
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 4
that City Staff always said she was smarter than a 5th grader, she said she believed she is.
Ms. Johnson said that they all want a better City where they can work, have fun and live in
a safe environment. Adding that she knows the majority of the Members of the
Commission didn't come in with the expertise, she said that she thinks Interim Manager
Wright came in because of his experience. Ms. Johnson also shared that before he was
sworn in, she asked Mr. Wright to do the right thing and he told her that he would never
mess up his family name. She concluded by stating that resume enhancement isn't needed
because promotions come from God.
Retired Police Chief Cheryl Cason of 781 Curtiss Drive welcomed Mr. Alex Van Mecl and
stated that she is sure he will get a warm welcome from the Commission as well. She went
on to echo what Ms. Dorothy Johnson said. Retired Chief Cason also reported that she
spoke with some new people about investment and told them that the City had a new City
Manager and said that he is well known. She also said that she was riding with her fiance
and ran into some folks cleaning up and noted that positive stuff is being done. Retired
Chief Cason also said that City Employees are happier, and when they're happier, they
work better. Addressing old City Employees, she said that experience makes them better
for the most part and expressed her opinion that she thinks they need a chance, adding that
just because someone has a title, it doesn't mean they're the best for the job. She added
that City Employees who have dedicated their lives, having raised their families here, need
to be utilized and stop being looked over. Retired Chief Cason said that most of the
Members of the Commission are educators and shared that she raised her boys in the City
who she said played in the park, but she also said that she thinks some of the City's
programs need to be opened, offering the example of the pool. She said that she knows
Interim Manager Wright knows, recalling that he was the Chief of Police, expressing that
she knows he has the experience. Informing the Commission that she has spoken to Mr.
Wright, she said that he still listens. Also stating that they must make people feel important
and let them know they are appreciated, she pointed out that those people who stay could
have gone to other places. Retired Chief Cason urged Interim Manager Wright to keep up
the good work, sharing that people are speaking highly of him, including Mother Daniels.
She also stated that one of the main reasons people were very receptive to her, was because
he lived here and they knew her and she wasn't any better than them other than her job,
which she said somebody had to do. Asserting that everybody is essential and important,
she also stressed that the City needs to do better for the Police Department, stating that she
is glad that Interim Police Chief Steel has the bid out because the leadership is needed.
Retired Chief Cason concluded by stating that they have the confidence and were the ones
that got the Commission elected.
Toroni Mitchell who resides at 14225 NW 22nd Place thanked the Police Department for
having a visual presence at Segal Park, reporting that they have not had any of the homeless
laying around and stopping the kids. Ms. Mitchell shared that she had an event at the park
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on Saturday and she did have to call the Police to have 2 homeless people removed, but
she said that the young Office came right away and was very courteous and professional.
She also asked that the timer on the lights be checked because she said it is still dark since
the time change. Ms. Michell also informed the Commission that she had been given the
confirmation for one of the residents who applied for the mortgage assistance, and offered
to provide them a copy, urging them to investigate it because she said it's not fair that
people put in their application on time to receive assistance and didn't get a reply. She
concluded by expressing her appreciation for the people who cut the alley being sent out
but lamented that the big bult of tree limbs and other trash is being left and asked that they
be told to get that as well as part of the cleanup, and said they want to keep doing what
they're doing to move the City forward.
Ms. Chris Roberts who resides at 640 Dunad Avenue stated that everybody complains
about change, but when change is made, they always have a problem with it. Ms. Roberts
said that it's very bad that they live in a city where everybody pays taxes, and everybody
is complaining and doing so many favors. She went on to say that at one point in time,
Teen Upward Bound would not step foot in a Commission Meeting until the Dias changed
and she said that they did nothing for us, adding that if you've been in business for 30 plus
years and you don't own your own business and are still begging, she expressed her opinion
that she believes there's a problem. Ms. Roberts also expressed concern over not having
Interim City Manager Wright's number and she said that she doesn't know how everybody
talks to him on the phone, adding that she takes any complaints through the City Manager's
Office, asserting that she doesn't want anybody's phone number because she will say
anything she has to say, to the people. Also expressing her feeling as a resident that she is
tired of the same thing, she said that the City was paying $160,000 worth of salaries to the
Parks & Recreation Staff and asked why everybody was complaining that they resigned.
Ms. Roberts said that they did nothing for 2 years but collect the check, and she also stated
that the only kids playing in the park are the ones who like the Coaches and she added that
if they didn't have the Coaches, nobody would be there. She concluded by stating that they
have people on the Dais whose children are at Teen Upward Bound and she asked if the
management of the Parks & Recreation Department was so good, why their children are at
Teen Upward Bound.
Mr. Enyer Martinez who resides at 88 Bahman Avenue reported that he had a couple of
complaints from his canvassing of the community, stating that on Superior Street people
are saying that the potholes were fixed but they don't see it as a permanent solution and
want to know when the roads will be fully repaired with the money that the City is getting.
Mr. Martinez shared that people who have been there for over 30 years say that the road
has never been fixed. He also said that near the 135th Street canal, people are complaining
that their bill is still high due to the canal not being clean. Recalling that Florida State
Representative James Bush stated that $7 million was going to be given to the City, he
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 6
stated that he wanted to know when that report will be public and what repairs will be done,
asserting that people want transparency and he said it is the main way to get the support of
the community.
Mr. Beltran Walthour who resides at 1781 NW 154th Street stated that he owns about 4 or
5 properties on the east side of 22nd and between 152 and 154, and he said that he was
speaking before the Commission to push for them to get sewer through that area. Mr.
Walthour said that if you make an addition to your house and don't have the required
setback, you must get an aerobic system which he said is about $20,000 and requires having
a service agreement with a separate septic company and going through the Miami -Dade
County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources Environmental Resource
Management Division. He stated that he thinks it is overdue, noting that the roads have
been paved and storm drains have been installed, but he thinks the sewer connection will
help everybody in the long run, and urged the Commission to make it a priority.
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:
CONSENT AGENDA:
There were no Items on the Consent Agenda.
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:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 7
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
There were none.
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
There were none.
C. RESOLUTION(S):
There were none.
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
Interim City Manager Wright stated that the Commission was provided with a report
addressing Citizen's concerns from the previous meeting. The Interim Manager also
reported that the Building & Licenses Department collected approximately $88,000 for
occupational licenses and permits during the period from March 4th through the 17th. He
informed the Commission that because of a grant that had been applied for, the City was
notified about 2 weeks ago that it will receive $500,000 to develop an African American
cultural center as part of the restoration of Historic City Hall with no requirement to match
those funds. Additionally, he said that the City received a $50,000 grant from Miami -Dade
County, primarily to plant approximately 150 trees on Perviz Avenue, with the City being
obligated to provide a match of $16,667. Interim Manager Wright reported that ongoing
complaints had been received with respect to Cairo Lane, and he said that the Cairo Lane
assessment has been submitted to the State of Florida for evaluation, to determine what
additional funding will be provided through the State's revolving loan program. He also
stated that his Staff is attempting to finalize discussions with Enterprise to upgrade the
City's fleet with an additional 15 Police vehicles and 16 trucks for the Public Works and
Code Enforcement Departments. Interim Manager Wright reported that the gas station
located at 27th Avenue and Superior Street is nearing the completion of its construction
which is expected to be finalized by the end of April and the ancillary project to extend the
water main and supply the required adjacent new fire hydrant, is also nearing completion
and he believes the date is around April 5th. He went on to state that because of a Police
auction that occurred a few weeks ago, the City received approximately $62,000 from the
first round. Interim Manager Wright also shared that he had a conversation with the City's
league to get a better understanding of the policy premium and why it's so high, assuring
the Commission that he is reviewing that information to see where the City can improve.
Expounding further, he said that the amount of money that was paid out in claims in 2016
is why the premium is so high but based on the decrease in claims over the years, they
indicated that the City should begin to see a reduction in that premium.
Commissioner Bass stated that there's a lot going on behind the scenes that some people
are not privy to, adding that the Commission hears them and will continue to hear them.
The Commission also shared her major concern that they were having a meeting with no
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 8
Agenda Items and expressed her hope that it is the last meeting that they will walk into
with an Agenda like that.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked what the projected date was for the completion of Historic City
Hall.
Interim City Manager Wright stated that there were some initial discussions between him
and Public Works Director Airia Austin with respect to the time frame for the completion
of Historic City Hall and he has asked the Public Works Director to be aggressive in his
approach to see if they can get it completed prior to the end of the year.
Vice Mayor Taylor recalled that the City's website previously had included information on
when roads were going to be resurfaced as part of the roadway restoration project and asked
if that could be done again.
Interim City Manager Wright stated that he would coordinate with Information Technology
Department Director Nelson Rodriguez to post details about the road restoration project,
and he informed the Commission that he had conversations this week about pushing out as
much information as possible on the City's website regarding some of the progress that is
being made in several areas.
Commissioner Dominguez stated that she had the same question about Interim City
Manager Wright not having anything on the Agenda when she had her briefing, but she
said that the items were not ready for him to review. The Commissioner recalled that the
prior Mayor complained that he didn't have backup documentation when the Agenda was
presented, and she said that if the Interim Manager didn't have anything, it was because he
requested the information from his Staff, and they didn't have it ready.
Commissioner Bass stated that she would like Interim City Manager Wright to answer by
himself, and she said that she doesn't think he needs her assistance.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission was elected as legislators and said that there
are 8 people who can put legislation on the Agenda. The Vice Mayor said that it was not
fair to talk about the Manager and attack him, because everybody on the Dais can put
legislation on the Agenda.
Commissioner Bass said that no one is attacking and that she was just asking questions.
Mayor Williams said that Commissioner Bass asked Interim City Manager Wright a
question and he didn't respond, but that everybody on the Dais is responding.
Interim City Manager Wright stated that he perceived what Commissioner Bass said as a
statement that she does not want to come to another Commission Meeting where there's
nothing on the Agenda, and he didn't respond to that.
Commissioner Bass acknowledged that all of those sitting on the Dais were accountable
like Vice Mayor Taylor said, offering assurances that what she said was not an attack.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 9
Mayor Williams informed the Commission that she was on a Zoom with Legislative Aide
Randy Grice and the Florida Department of Health on February 9th, to inform her that the
City received a $500,000 federal grant and she wanted to let the public know. The Mayor
asked Interim City Manager Wright for an update on the proposal that needed to be written.
Interim City Manager Wright stated that he was under the impression that there was some
application process for the $500,000 federal grant that the Florida Department of Health
informed Mayor Williams about and he said that he directed City Staff to prepare the
documentation under the criteria and come up with creative ideas for those dollars. The
Interim Manager informed the Commission that initially he was provided with a proposal
for COVID testing sites and sending COVID testing kits to homeowners, and he rejected
that and asked the City Staff to go back to the drawing board. He shared that Mr. Corion
DeLaine from the Community Development Department came up with a proposed work
program partly administered through Miami -Dade College to employ individuals in the
community. Interim Manager Wright reported that the item was recently returned to have
some additional information provided and he assured the Commission that the outstanding
questions would be resolved by April 1st for the City to participate.
Mayor Williams stated that the update Interim City Manager Wright provided on the
$500,000 federal grant opportunity that she was informed of through the Florida
Department of Health, was great and thanked City Staff for the proposals for the grant,
adding that she thinks they need to make sure they highlight that in the City.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
City Clerk Flores stated that a request was made at the last Commission Meeting to provide
the status of the City of Opa-locka Boards, and she said that she provided everyone on the
Commission with a memorandum detailing the status of the Boards, offering to take any
questions.
Mayor Williams asked if the information about the Boards could be made public and
suggested that it be put on the City's website, so that the public knows which Boards are
available and which vacancies are open. The Mayor acknowledged that former
Commissioner Dorothy Johnson stated the City has Boards, but the Commission needs to
make sure that they fill them as soon as possible.
City Clerk Flores pointed out that the information about the City's Boards is currently on
the City's website in addition to the Board application, and she encourages anyone
interested in serving on one of the City's Boards to visit the website and fill out the
application.
Mayor Williams asked if the information included in the memorandum that the City Clerk's
Office provided to the Commission, is posted on the City's website.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 10
City Clerk Flores confirmed that all the Board vacancies along with the ordinance that
spells out the terms and duties of each Board are on the City's website.
Mayor Williams expressed her hope that the Commission can get more residents involved,
to fill the vacant positions on the City's Boards.
19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Vice Mayor Taylor proposed to have the City Manager negotiate with Miami -Dade County
to establish a special taxing district in the City's commercial areas where there are heavy
equipment transporters using the roadways. The Vice Mayor also proposed an annexation
study for the industrial areas to the west and south of the City, stating that Opa-locka needs
to be more revenue driven and get a little more money flowing into the City to help bring
taxes down for residents.
It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bass to have Vice
Mayor Taylor's proposed Items considering a special taxing district in the City's
commercial areas and an annexation study, added to a future Commission Meeting Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Future Agenda Items passed by a 4-
0 vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Not Present
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
Mayor Williams stated that based on the interesting conversation about beautification, she
would like to proffer a future Agenda Item ensuring that residents contain unsightly items
in their yard, acknowledging that it has been a prolonged issue and other municipalities
have had that established into law.
It was moved by Commissioner Bass and seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to have Mayor
Williams' proposed Item considering an open storage ordinance, added onto a future
Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Future Agenda Item passed by a 4-0
vote.
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Not Present
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 11
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
Commissioner Dominguez proposed the enacting of a Code Enforcement Board, pointing
out that other cities have one, including City of Miami, North Miami Beach, City of Fort
Lauderdale and the City of Vero Beach. The Commissioner said that she knows the Special
Magistrate meetings were being done on Zoon because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but
she requested that they go back to meetings in person to avoid technical issues because she
has seen screenshots of a resident trying to log on and failed to be able to call in and was
therefore unable to present his case. She also recommended having a second Special
Magistrate as a backup to avoid prejudice and favor against one person or group considered
as biased, reporting that in the past a business owner went in front of the magistrate who
knew the respondent. The Commissioner pointed out that the Opa-locka Code of
Ordinances states that no Special Master shall act in any case in which that Special Master
has a conflict of interest, and if that Special Master has a conflict of interest with any case,
he or she shall orally announce such at the scheduled hearing and shall notify the clerk of
court enforcement whereby that case shall be rescheduled or heard before another Special
Master. She acknowledged that the City has a secondary Special Master, but they were
serving in the Florida Legislative Session and the Special Master Code Enforcement
calendar is backed up about a month, with the last one having been in February, meaning
that in April all the code enforcement tickets will be backed up. Commissioner Dominguez
asserted that the City must give residents and businesses due process because everybody
has a right to present their case in front of the Magistrate and Board, and if both groups
find them guilty, the City can say it was a fair process and if they must pay, then they will
just have to pay, but she thinks they need to be fair.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks informed the Commission that cities have either a Code
Enforcement Board or they have a Special Magistrate, adding that most cities have gotten
away from the boards. The City Attorney also pointed out that there is a process in the
Opa-locka Code of Ordinance, to have multiple Code Enforcement Magistrates, recalling
that the issue had come up before and she had made the former City Manager aware of it
so that the process can be initiated by the City Manager. She said that the City can have
multiple people sit as Special Magistrates to get the cases moving, but they won't see a
Board in a Magistrate process because Florida State Statute allows for one or the other, not
for both. The City Attorney offered to talk with the Commission about it offline but wanted
to be clear on what the law is.
Commissioner Dominguez shared that she read Florida State Statute 162 and said that it
states that a municipality can have a Code Enforcement Board, and she pointed out that
other cities have it.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 12
City Attorney Norris -Weeks stated that she was simply saying that a municipality has one
or the other, and that right now, Opa-locka has a Special Magistrate process. The City
Attorney went on to say that the Commission can improve that by doing part of what
Commissioner Dominguez suggested, but they can't set up a Board with a Special
Magistrate Process under the State Statute. She suggested that the issues can be addressed
by simply having the City Manager upstart the process for the selection of additional
Special Magistrates.
Interim City Manager Wright informed the Commission that City Staff had indicated some
of the issues and concerns from one of the Special Magistrate meetings. The Interim City
Manager reported that he has the resume of 1 attorney and was looking for 2 more to begin
the process for the selection of additional Special Magistrates.
Mayor Williams stated that with the illegal dumping legislation she proffered, the
Magistrate is involved in that process, and she said that having someone steady would be
great because it ensures that those that need to be heard will be able to do so in a timely
manner and the City can collect the fines.
20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS:
Mayor Williams shared that she and her Commission colleagues went to the Florida Black
Caucus of Local Elected Officials Spring Conference in Kissimmee, and she said it was
amazing that they were able to network with a lot of other cities and got to see and hear
what's going on. The Mayor also said that they found out that Opa-locka's very own
former Mayor John Riley and former Commissioner Dorothy Johnson were the catalysts
of the movement as founders, thanking them for their vision and adding that they were
encouraged to be at the founder's day event next year. The Mayor also stated that she was
able to be on a national Zoom earlier that day with the Congressional Black Caucus, on
which the participants talked about women leading and how women continue to be at the
forefront of making things happen, which she said was amazing. She also recalled that
when she joined the Commission, she talked about being a change agent, and lamented
how disheartened she was to know that there's always a meeting before the real meeting
taking place. Mayor Williams also expressed being disheartened by many City Employees
leaving the City or being removed from the City while the Members of the Commission
were out of town. She pointed out that under the Commission's powers outlined in the
City Charter, they can inquire, but she said that it was unfortunate that communication
failed to trickle down to the Commission. As a leader, Mayor Williams said she knows
people leave people, not organizations, and she concluded by offering assurances that she
is going to continue to work hard even if she's the lone vote, because she will not form
alliances or try to make others look bad to build others up, committing to always make the
right decision, no matter what.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 13
21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
Commissioner Dominguez appointed Ms. Floralba Wright to the Civil Service Board.
22. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by
Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to adjourn the Meeting at 8:04
p.m.
Veronica J. Williams
Mayor
Attest:
Jonna Flores, CMC
City Clerk
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2022 14