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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 Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022 3 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