HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-April 05, 2022 SCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
April 5, 2022
5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 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 and Mayor Veronica
Williams. Vice Mayor John H. Taylor Jr. arrived at 6:04 p.m. Also, in attendance were:
Interim City Manager James B. Wright, City Attorney Norris -Weeks and City Clerk Joanna
Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Bass.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. PUBLIC INPUT: (agenda items only)
City Clerk Joanna Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City
Commission meetings and stated that no one had registered to address the Commission
virtually.
Mayor Williams opened the floor for Public Input.
Mr. Leon Grant who resides at 2350 SW 140th Street gave his 3 minutes to Retired Police
Chief Cheryl Cason.
Retired Police Chief Cheryl Cason of 781 Curtiss Drive began by stating that Saturday's
Winning with Women event was good considering what they know because she said it is
always good to network, fellowship and commune. She said that she was coming before
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 1
the Commission to speak on behalf of Interim City Manager Wright. Additionally, she
said that she wanted to set the record straight, stating that most know her to speak very well
for herself and offering assurances that she has no problems with what she plans to do
about anything in her life in the City. Ms. Cason shared that she talked with some of the
Residents on Friday night and found out a little more detail on Saturday, and she asserted
that she didn't meet with anybody about a recall. She said that she went to the City Clerk's
Office about recall information for her edification if she needs to use it. She recalled
previously saying that she would get on her golf cart and go door to door and do what she
must do, offering additional assurances that she still will. Pointing out that she is grown,
having turned 65 on March 18th, she said that she can meet and talk with somebody,
pointing out that most have spoken and dealt with each other for many years. She said that
for the most part, when the City Commission is discussed, it is done at the polls, and she
also said that the same community voices that came together to put the Commission in on
the Dais would be the same voices that come together to put them out if need be.
Expressing that they are tired of the changes, she said that she has no idea why the meeting
was called and informed the Commission that it is talked about all throughout the City.
Informing the Commission that she's been listening, she reminded them that she told them
she's been watching. Ms. Cason said that she has opened herself up and offered assurances
that she is an open book. She also said that if there's anything she needs to do or say, or if
there are any questions about anything she wants to do or say, to please feel free to ask her.
Stressing that the Commission did not get on the Dais by themselves, she quoted Pastor
D.L. Powell of New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church as saying, everybody used to be or
still is, thanking God for allowing U-turns because all of us at some point hit a dead-end
street and were able to turn around. Ms. Cason also said that she heard talk about possibly
bringing back Mr. Pate, asserting that she prays that's not an issue. Further stating that she
knows about all the political ploys that come up, she said that sometimes when we talk, we
bring attention to ourselves and tell what we're doing indirectly. She said that the events
of the day are going to tell a story about whether real meetings are being held. Pointing
out that Mr. Wright hadn't been serving as Interim City Manager for 90 days, she shared
her understanding from most of the community that she's seen the City moving in a
progressive manner. She also informed the Commission that she has talked to other people
in the Law Enforcement Community and others and said that a lot of people have their eyes
on Opa-locka. Ms. Cason stated that she can say that Mr. Pate has a lot of investigations
going on that are not good, including impersonating a police officer. She went on to say
that she was not going to get too much in there but said that he had, denied the investigations
and they came to fruition. She assured the Commission that they are there for them,
lamenting that they are weak and urging them to do better, continuing to give Mr. Wright
a chance. Praying that he gets the chance, she said that he has a lot of people behind him
and said that they were behind him as well. Stressing that they want the right thing, Ms.
Cason said that she prays the Commission comes together. Additionally, she reported that
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 2
the sign at the Chen Medical Building says welcome Miami Gardens patients, expressing
that she got kind of upset about it because this is Opa-locka, not Miami Gardens and they
need to represent who they are. She then said that she happened to go to the Miami Gardens
facility and because the Park Center Road facility is closed until about December, they're
moving temporarily to that office, and she found out when she called that they were
welcoming the Miami Gardens patients. Recalling that Mayor Williams had talked about
the meetings that are being held behind the scenes, she assured the Commission that they
know, and they would be surprised who else knows it. Ms. Cason concluded by further
encouraging the Commission to pay attention because people are watching, adding that
they should be careful who they are talking to, and stressing for them to do what's right.
Ms. Gail Miller of 14235 NW 22nd Place stated that the Commission was acting like they
are in kindergarten, asking what kind of Commissioners they were if they were going to
bring back Mr. Pate if he dropped his lawsuit against the City. Ms. Miller said that 2 of
the Members of the Commission don't even live in the City, but said she is not going to
even go that way because they know who she is talking to. She also said that at Saturday's
Winning With Women event, Commissioner Dominguez was left out, and they didn't even
recognize her. Ms. Miller went on with her observation that they sat up there and talked
about what God did, but she said they were now acting like the devil. Adding that she was
praying that the Commission keeps Mr. Wright here and don't bring Mr. Pate back after
firing him because they said he was off more than he was at work. Ms. Miller joined
Retired Police Chief Cheryl Cason in urging the Commission to be careful who they are
talking to because they don't know who they're talking to and are talking about their
business, alleging that they're violating the sunshine law. She said they need to get the
book from the City Clerk and read it because she believes that every one of them is going
to go to jail for violating the sunshine law.
Commissioner Bass asserted that the devil is a liar and it's not going to happen.
Ms. Natasha Ervin who resides at 670 Dunad Avenue said that she too has no idea how
they wound up here today. Ms. Ervin shared that she sent a text message to one of the
Commissioners to find out how they got here, and she said that she felt like he had his
panties in a bunch, but she said that now she sees why he had his panties in a bunch. She
shared that she goes by City Hall every day just to see if Mr. Wright's car is in the parking
spot designated for him and despite her acknowledging that she is the one going late to
work, he's there every day and she said she hasn't heard 1 regular employee complain
about him. Ms. Ervin said that the employees that were in the paid click complain because
they must come to work and do what the City is paying them for, so she said that she can
understand that. Sharing that she also prayed, tossing and turning with what she was going
to say, Ms. Ervin said that she decided to tell them a story about her daughter's 6th grade
teacher Ms. Hicks at Opa-locka Elementary. She shared that from the beginning of the
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semester for the first 18 weeks, her daughter and the teacher were like oil and water, but
she told them they had to work it out because they weren't going to drive her crazy with it.
Ms. Ervin went on to say that to her surprise, they found their happy medium and Ms.
Hicks invited her daughter to dance at her retirement party because she said that was
enough for her. She said that it takes a while to get to learn people and she doesn't think
they've given themselves enough time to learn Mr. Wright and see where he's coming
from. Asking that Mr. Wright be given a chance to prove himself, she said that she hoped
to call him tomorrow and say congratulations, urging him to do what he needs to do.
Ms. Christina Banks introduced herself as a former employee of the City of Opa-locka,
recalling having worked in the City Manager's Office when she started in the City and said
that she worked under 7 different Managers and umpteen Commissioners. Ms. Banks
stated she was coming before the Commission as a taxpayer in the City and said it doesn't
make any sense to see the City right back where it started. She asked how the Commission
knows what Mr. Wright can do unless they give him an opportunity to do it, adding that it
is the same way they do the employees and she said that at some point it must stop.
Reminding the Commission that they all represent the Community, she said that they
shouldn't think people aren't watching them and that these things will be remembered
when they get ready to run again, adding that she believes they're going to have to connive
to get where they want to get again. Lamenting that taxes are sky high and stating that she
feels they have nothing to show for it in the City of Opa-locka, Ms. Banks said they need
the Commission to do the right thing because they're talking about tax paying dollars. She
reminded the Commission that they're there to legislate and bring these things in so they
have a community that is conducive to the generations that are coming, warning that they
will be held accountable for this. She went on to say that they may not be held accountable
here, but if there is something greater than this, they're going to be held accountable when
they stand before Him and must tell Him why they made their bad decisions. Ms. Banks
then said that she wouldn't go into some of the things that she wanted to bring up because
it's not necessary because they all know it already. Pointing out that she never comes up
to approach the Commission because she said that she respects them all, she asked that the
Commission give the people in the Community respect too. Stressing that not all of them
are crazy, she offered assurances that some of them have good sense and are paying close
attention to what the Commission is doing. Expressing that she feels they are slapping
residents in the face, she urged the Commission to come together to do the right thing,
saying that it doesn't take much, and encouraging them to rethink what they want to do
simply because of what they feel unless they have something to hide. She continued,
stating that if they don't have anything to hide, then they're going to do the right thing
because some of them went out and voted for all of them on the dais. Ms. Banks recalled
that it was said they would make change happen, but she said that they were doing the same
thing the old ones did. She also shared her recollection that she heard them saying they
don't want old ones doing anything but said that it appears they need some wisdom from
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 4
some old people because they're doing the crazy stuff. Recognizing that they're all
educated, she once again urged them to make the right decisions. She added that there are
things going on undercover which she said is getting back to the public, stating that they
know everything they do and the whole community talks about it. Ms. Banks concluded
by stating that when the Members of the Commission walk onto the dais, that they represent
them and once again urged them to do the right thing.
Ms. Chris Roberts who resides at 640 Dunad Avenue stated that she has concerns about
the meeting to fire the Interim City Manager while she said that the Police Depaitiuent is
under fire because everybody's quitting because they're not getting salaries. Ms. Roberts
also said that the City Clerk hasn't gotten a raise, her time or anything while they're
fighting over having the old City Manager come here. Offering assurances that she comes
directly to everybody with the problems and issues she has, adding that she doesn't throw
rocks or play games with people because it is not who she is as an individual. Continuing
to address the proposal to bring Mr. Pate back to the City, Ms. Roberts asked about the
other 20 people that Mr. Pate fired and are fighting to get their jobs back but haven't come
back despite having won their lawsuit, adding that nobody says nothing about it. She also
expressed her opinion that the buddy system stinks, saying that you can smell it today,
tomorrow and the next day. Addressing the talk about respect, she said that respect is due
to a dog. Ms. Roberts also said that they have Officers standing around because they don't
even have a Police Benevolent Association contract because they keep changing City
Managers. Adding that the basic salary for an Officer being $37,000, she said that they
might as well work at Burger King while she said that they were fighting for a new car for
the old City Manager and to get him transported back from Chicago in addition to him
wanting more salary, she asked when it will stop. Ms. Roberts assured the Commission
that everything she says to the dais, she says to everybody that she talks to, and that she
doesn't have favorites or do favors because it is not who she is, adding that she doesn't
look for favors because she said that when you look for favors, you have problems. She
also said that the only reason the Commissioner wants Mr. Pate back is because of the deals
that have been made, and that the writing is on the wall. Offering assurances that it is not
personal for her, she said it is business. Stating that it is a sad day in Opa-locka, noting
that they are going through the same cycle they've been going through for the last 20 years.
Ms. Roberts concluded by saying that everybody knows that this is personal, and if the
Commissioner is fighting for him, he's not fighting for the Employees that were here and
lost houses, can't make their rent or mortgage, can't take care of their children and have
lost everything, but coincidentally the frat brother needs his job back.
Ms. Dorothy Johnson who resides at 13724 NW 22nd Place stated that she has never been,
nor will she ever be disrespectful to anyone on the dais. Describing herself as an influencer
in the Community, she said that she is thankful because she's very honest. She noted that
only one of the Members of the Commission had a chance to be on the dais and come back
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 5
into the Community, but she said when you come into the Community, you see things
differently. Ms. Johnson informed the Commission that she knows of one that moved back
because of the boots on the ground and said that they got pictures when they moved out.
Sharing that her grandmother was a very good influence in her life, Ms. Johnson
recommended being careful with the rock that is thrown. Ms. Johnson also said that she
was the first tenant at the Aswan Village Apartment Complex, which she acknowledged is
now the Mary Brown Apartments, and she said that she would attest with her hand on the
Bible that the City is in one of the best conditions she's seen since 1975. Recalling having
heard someone say that morale was bad, she informed the Commission that when she went
to pay for her public records request, which she said she was fmancially stable enough to
pay for, she had Employees thanking her for speaking out on their contract which has been
attempted to get done and Mr. Wright got done. Ms. Johnson stated that she thinks if the
Commission allows the City Manager to be the Chief Executive Officer according to the
City Charter, they will have a better outcome. She strongly suggested that they not be
concerned with a lawsuit, reminding the Commission that she filed 3 lawsuits and won all
3, adding that she wished they would have let her represent herself just because of the
knowledge, skills and ability she has. Ms. Johnson also said that she learned when she was
pregnant with her baby for 8 weeks, she was able to know that she was pregnant, but it
took 9 months for her to bring that big baby into the world, pointing out that whatever you
want done is going to take time. She lamented that the City was really in a mess, pointing
out that she supported the previous Manager and she said that she met with him to share
ideas as much as she could. Ms. Johnson said that she has not yet met with Mr. Wright
because she thinks that his experience, ability and knowledge through the Commission's
guidance, can get the job done. She said that she's heard of some favors that are going on
and doesn't like it but stated she won't put it on record because she is her brother's and
sister's keeper. Reasserting her warning to be careful because the rock is coming right
back at them, she added that she wasn't talking to any individuals and the Members of the
Commission didn't have to nod their head at her because she isn't scared, adding that she
is from 18th Avenue and there is no scared blood in her. Ms. Johnson concluded by stating
that she was a headhunter and God forgave her.
Mr. Gary Johnson who resides at 13235 Alexandria Drive stated that Ms. Dottie Johnson
is a tough act to follow but he was going to do the best he can. Stating that he had quite a
few questions that he wasn't sure if the Commission would be able to address, he asked
how long Sesame Street would be closed.
Mayor Williams informed Mr. Gary Johnson that because the meeting was a Special
Commission Meeting, public input can only address what's on the Agenda and
recommended that he can come back next week if he has specific questions.
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 6
Mr. Gary Johnson continued informing the Commission that he also came to thank the City
Manager. Mr. Johnson said he thinks he mentioned at the last meeting that Management
had left and one of the buildings had no lights due to an overload, and that somebody told
the Residents they would have to wait the whole entire day to get their lights the next day,
which he said was inappropriate. He reported that they kept calling around and finally got
City Manager Wright, who he said was able to make some phone calls and got some lights
in the buildings back on, which he said they were truly thankful for. Mr. Johnson also gave
thanks for the Police Department, to whom he'd like to give thanks because he said they
finally see eye to eye, seeing their presence at Glorieta Gardens Apattiiients at 1:00 and
2:00 in the morning. He shared that his son had a little altercation with the Police
Department because they flashed the light in his car, and he flashed the light back out of
his car at them, which he told his son was inappropriate. Acknowledging that they can see
they are making a difference, he said that he would like to thank the City Manager and
Police Department and noted that there were at least some thanks for the City of Opa-locka.
Mr. Demarcus Haynes stated that he feels like the Commission should give Mr. Wright his
rightful chance, sharing that he and his grandmother had a conversation about it earlier and
he gave his time to her.
Retired Police Chief Cheryl Cason addressed the Commission again and said that Mr.
Demarcus Haynes was her oldest grandson of quite a few, having graduated from USC and
living in Opa-locka. Ms. Cason said that her grandson is looking at the Commission
because he's interested in doing some of this stuff, and encouraged them to look him up,
sharing that he opened for Rick Ross. She also said that she told her grandson he could
come up and speak for Mr. Wright because he recalls him from the time when he came to
the Police Depaitinent, and she worked there under his direction. Ms. Cason continued to
urge the Commission to do what's right, recalling that Mayor Williams had said to give
Mr. Pate a chance because he didn't have one. She expressed her confidence that she knew
they were all going to what's right and said they must get it together because they have the
young people watching and mimicking them. Ms. Cason shared that her grandson noted
that Mr. Wright had just gotten here. She also informed the Commission that people are
talking about programs, and she is not even going to deal with the Police Department
because she knows it encompasses a lot and expressed her confidence that he is going to
deal with that as the former Chief. Reminding the Commission that everything wasn't built
in a day, she concluded by once again reminding them to do the right thing and that when
they go right, they can't go wrong while cautioning them to be careful who they go with
because you get what you ask for.
There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor
Williams closed Public Input.
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 7
6. RESOLUTION:
a) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, TERMINATING INTERIM CITY MANAGER JAMES
B. WRIGHT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Commissioner Davis
The above resolution was read by City Attorney Norris -Weeks.
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis to discuss
Agenda Item 6-a.
Commissioner Davis read the following statement into the record:
The reason I chose to bring this legislation forward is due to the recent challenges
this Commission has faced with the current City Manager around issues of
transparency, responsiveness and accountability. In our local government as public
officials, we are duly elected by the Citizens of this Community and when we took
the oath of public office, we agreed to uphold the Charter, carrying out its duties
and responsibilities in addition to the Charter oath that we all took. When we were
elected or appointed, we also made a promise to our Residents that we will uphold
a culture of accountability and transparency while holding this government
accountable for its actions. The recent decisions carried out by the current City
Manager has made it extremely difficult to achieve our goals, as he has made it
harder at times for this Commission to exercise its rights and responsibilities
through the powers that have been entrusted to us as a Board. Limiting power in a
system of checks and balances isn't good for anyone and I'm extremely concerned
about the current limiting of the Commission's Chartered powers of promoting and
passing legislation. For the last three Commission Meetings we have had minimal
amounts to no legislation, i.e., resolutions and ordinances being presented, which
seriously affects our ability as elected officials to be responsive and accountable to
the needs of our Residents and Staff. In addition, too little to no legislation being
pushed, the deliberate unresponsiveness and not following up on directives given
at Commission Meetings and private meetings is concerning. The Commission
gave several directives including holding an ARPA funding capital projects
infrastructure and debt workshop to discuss the $7 million allocation from the
federal government, and to come up with a spending plan to address our
infrastructure needs as soon as possible. A hard date for this workshop still not has
not been set and proffered to the Commission, as we were originally given the
timeline of March and now, according to an email sent to us through the Manager's
Office, the deadline is slated for December 31, 2024. I want to make it clear I don't
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 8
agree with the overspending that has been taking place. The administrative decision
to exceed the budget on various line items for events and new programs in my
opinion is a misuse of the $25,000 threshold provided by the Charter to the
Manager. The last budget amendment had numerous changes between first and
second reading and it was the Manager's decision to not have this item presented in
a public meeting to our Board and Citizens. In addition to limiting the
Commission's powers, there are also many questions that pertain to the day-to-day
hiring, firing and personnel decisions which is an administrative responsibility that
falls under the Manager's purview, however as members of the Commission, we
can ask questions and inquire about these sorts of day-to-day actions that have not
taken place. A member of the Commission even sought to sponsor legislation to
re-establish our City Civil Service Board to offer proper due process for personnel
matters involving staff. The manager says he is comprehensively evaluating City
Departments before administrative decisions are made relative to firing and
personnel changes but also states that there hasn't been enough time to evaluate the
Building Depaitinent to determine if it should be outsourced, given the challenges
we faced. The State Attorney's Office prosecuted a former Staff Member for grand
theft and the amount of over $300,000. It appears as if we have time to evaluate
Employees and not our Departments, especially the ones that have the City and
consent decrees and sanctions by DERM, which handicaps our ability to develop
and grow as a Community. I'm extremely concerned with these challenges,
specifically not answering formal inquiries made by the Commission in a timely
manner regarding arbitrary Management decisions being made in our government,
providing feedback on procured items in a timely fashion. Procurement processes
aren't clear and transparent under this new administration. Future agenda items
have been passed by motions of the Commission unanimously and are not being
presented as legislation at our regularly scheduled Commission Meeting. For us as
a Board to effectively and efficiently govern the City from a policy perspective, we
must protect and preserve the policy making powers that are granted to us as duly
elected officials of this Community by our City's Charter. The current leadership
that's in place has not promoted this idea, which in my opinion is a threat to the
Democratic process and the checks and balances that have been created to ensure
that power is not abused in our system of government. Our Residents are depending
on us to do better and to do the right thing and I will ensure if it's within my power
to do so that the Residents will get what they truly deserve, a responsive, transparent
government that's accountable to its people.
Mayor Williams read the following statement into the record:
As Mayor of the great City of Opa-locka, I made a commitment to uphold its
Charter and to always make decisions that are in the best interest of its residents,
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 9
and yes, I am and have always been one. Sometimes those decisions are hard,
misunderstood and may not be popular, however it is my responsibility to make
them. Making tough decisions is what real leaders do. Our City Manager must not
only uphold our Charter, but as our senior level executive, he must adhere to the
morals and ethics and principles that we as a Commission and we as Residents of
this City expect. Here our current Manager has failed in just 2 months. Under this
City Manager, we have seen a record number of resignations and terminations of
senior level and key Staff. This is a whole new low in the history of the City and
is a crushing weight on the morale and productivity of the Staff remaining. If one
Manager could wreak such havoc in 2 months, I shudder to think what could happen
if left to remain for 2 more. As the Mayor and the Members of this Commission,
our Charter authorizes us to make inquiries of the City Manager regarding issues
that impact our City. Concerned about the inability of the Residents and businesses
to navigate our Departments lacking leadership, I reached out to the City Manager.
During that meeting, I was appalled as a leader. I could not believe what was stated
to me. I was told by the City Manager, and I quote, "According to our Charter, I
don't have to tell you anything." In this same meeting, he repeated to me, "Let's
just say what this is, I'm not your pick. I'm not your manager." Shocked, I could
not believe that our City Manager was speaking to me in this tone that was
unprofessional, disrespectful and rude. Although I found the City Manager's
response rude and unprofessional, the more important issue is that he was wrong
under the law. For a City Manager to disrespect a Commissioner at that level, I
was astonished. I clearly ended the meeting because I could tell he was very upset.
I said to him, "we're done." He stood up and said, "do you want your door open or
closed." For a City Manager to mistake and violate the basics of our Charter is not
a scenario that this Commission should tolerate so clearly. I know my male
counterparts that sat in this seat would have never been spoken to in that manner.
Finally, the halt of movement with our Capital Improvement Projects and
Community Development is insufferable. Leaders in these areas have been
terminated or pushed out with no clear plan, which is what I asked for, how to move
this city forward. The result is a standstill that we see now. The city of Opa-locka
has received millions of dollars in funding to move projects forward. These
projects will bring jobs, health and wellness services and a better quality of life to
our residents for our City and for our Residents. This Commission must demand a
City Manager who is willing to move timely on important projects. Yes, this is a
tough decision that I wrestled with, but never in my professional career as a leader,
has anyone spoken to me in that manner. True leaders do not shy away from tough
decisions. For the reasons I have shared and for the betterment of our City and
Residents, this is a decision that I must make, so that is why I shall vote to terminate
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 10
our City Manager under the willful disregard of a direct order, demand and the
policy of Commission Conduct unbecoming of a City Manager.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he does not believe this is the time to make such a
move. The Vice Mayor said that though he has not always agreed with the moves
made by the current City Manager, he lamented that he was being blamed for stuff
that was not done on his watch. He went on to point out that the American Rescue
Plan Act money was received last year, and the Capital Improvement Projects were
started last year under another City Manager, but Mr. Wright is being blamed after
only being the Manager for 2 months. Vice Mayor Taylor said that the Commission
talks about transparency and change but said that they're not willing to do it because
they're going right back to where they just left from. He also said that everything
they've said on the dais could have been said last year when they had issues, but he
lamented that nobody said a word. The Vice Mayor said like his colleagues, he
would like to see a plan and why the City is moving the way it is moving, but he is
not going to give up on a person after just 2 months. He noted that his colleagues
were tallcing about accountability and asked who is going to hold the Commission
accountable because they do a lot of things that other people don't agree with either.
The Vice Mayor concluded by reiterating that it had just been 2 months.
Mayor Williams stated that Mr. Pate never disrespected her.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that Mr. Pate did disrespect Mayor Williams. The Vice
Mayor went on to say that the Mayor's meeting with Interim City Manager Wright
was in private, but Mr. Pate disrespected her and the former Mayor in public and
she never said a word.
Mayor Williams asked Vice Mayor Taylor if he was there at her meeting with
Interim City Manager Wright.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he was just going by what Mayor Williams just said
that Mr. Pate had never disrespected her.
Commissioner Bass stated that when the City Manager came in a couple of months
ago, she did not support him then and she was not going to support him now for
one reason, which she said was that she is true to herself and to her beliefs. The
Commissioner also stated that those who think that her political career is in their
control are sadly mistaken, because she said it is in the hands of the Almighty God.
Commissioner Dominguez stated that she would like to say something and went on
to say that she has known this City Manager for 2 months. The Commissioner
acknowledged that she didn't know who she was voting for the night that she voted
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 11
for him, but she took that chance with him. She stated that she doesn't have just
cause for termination for him right now. The Commissioner shared that if she gets
a call from a Resident on a Friday or Saturday night, she calls Mr. Wright and he
answers her call with an immediate response either via text or email, so she is not
understanding why they are there. Pointing out that they already know about the
previous City Manager, she stated that they take 2 steps forward and 4 backwards
and said she doesn't get it and is lost for words. The Commissioner asserted that
they need to do what is best for the Residents in the City, not what the Commission
wants because it is not about them, reminding her colleagues that come next year,
none of them might be on the dais. Despite her not seeing why they are doing this;
Commissioner Dominguez said the writing is on the wall and she already sees
what's going on.
There being no additional discussion, the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 6-a
passed by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez No
Vice Mayor Taylor No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
b) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPOINTING JOHN E. PATE AS THE INTERIM
CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Commissioner Davis
The above resolution was read by City Attorney Norris -Weeks.
Commissioner Davis stated that the resolution proposed in Agenda Item 6-b
appoints Mr. Pate as Interim City Manager. The Commissioner said that he has
had conversations with Mr. Pate, and he said he included his name because he was
always his choice for City Manager. He stated that if anyone else has any other
potential appointees, those were welcome. The Commissioner also stated for the
record that he has been one of Mr. Pate's biggest supporters, recalling that he and
Commissioner Bass participated in the national search to bring him from Chicago
because he wasn't tied to anyone in the city and wasn't a pushover, so he wouldn't
fall victim to the many pressures that exist in the South Florida Community and in
the City. Despite always being his first choice, Commissioner Davis acknowledged
the challenges throughout the years with his management and how the Commission
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 12
priorities were communicated. The Commissioner concluded by reiterating that
Mr. Pate is his first choice, which is why he's included in the legislation.
It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass to end
discussion on Agenda Item 6-b.
There being no discussion, the resolution proposed by Agenda Item 6-b failed by
a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Dominguez No
Vice Mayor Taylor No
Commissioner Bass No
Commissioner Davis Yes
Mayor Williams No
Commissioner Davis proposed appointing Newall Daughtrey as Interim City Manager.
Mayor Williams proposed appointing Darvin Williams as Interim City Manager.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks stated that it looked as though there was no second for either
of the names that were proposed to be appointed as Interim City Manager. The City
Attorney said that one of the things they can do under the Charter is appoint a person who
is a Staff Member, as the Acting City Manager, which she said the City Charter calls for.
Commissioner Bass stated that she was a little bit lost.
Commissioner Davis stated that for any of the nominations for Interim City Manager to go
forth, a motion would be needed followed by a second.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks stated that Commissioner Davis was right, and she said that
because neither of the names received a second after being proposed for appointment as
Interim City Manager, those motions failed. The City Attorney said she thought that the
Mayor was asking what she can do next, and she re -stated that the Commission could, if it
wanted to, appoint someone as an Acting City Manager who is a current Staff person,
which she said is provided for in the City Charter.
Mayor Williams stated that the Commission was putting forth names that they were
proposing to be appointed as Interim City Manager.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks noted that there was no second for either one of the names
that the Commission proposed to be appointed as Interim City Manager.
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 13
Mayor Williams pointed out that she hadn't called for a second yet on the names that the
Commission proposed to be appointed as Interim City Manager.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks informed the Commission that normally the Mayor doesn't
have to call for a second under Robert's Rules of Order, and she said it's just automatic,
adding that somebody can just say second and that would be proper. The City Attorney
further explained that when there was a space, it was thought by her and Commissioner
Davis that there wasn't a second. She informed the Commission that if either one of the
names that were proposed to be appointed as Interim City Manager, could get a second,
the motion could survive.
Commissioner Davis stated that he obviously hasn't had a chance to speak with anyone
except for Mr. Newall Daughtrey prior to the appointment, and he asked if anyone had a
conversation with Mr. Davin Williams about being open to accepting the position of
Interim City Manager.
Commissioner Bass confirmed that she has spoken with Darvin Williams about being open
to accepting the Commission's appointment as Interim City Manager.
It was moved by Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Bass to appoint Darvin
Williams as Interim City Manager.
There being no additional discussion, the motion by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
7. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Williams
adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
eronica Wi11'iams
Mayor
Attest:
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022
14
na Flores, CMC
Ci " Clerk
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 15