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HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-May 11, 2022CITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES CHARTER REVIEW BOARD CITIZENS' INPUT WORKSHOP Wednesday, May 11, 2022 6:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Board Chair Jannie Russell called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Sherbondy Village, 215 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida. 2. ROLL CALL: The following members of the Charter Review Board were present: Board Member Christina Banks, Board Member Audrey Edmonson, Board Member Mykeisha Fenn, Board Member Frank Vega, Board Vice Chair Nikisha Williams and Board Chair Jannie Russell. Also in attendance were Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb and Deputy City Clerk Chris Wills. City Clerk Joanna Flores arrived at 6:15 p.m. and Board Member John Riley was not in attendance. 3. INVOCATION: The invocation was delivered by Board Member Banks. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The pledge of allegiance was recited in unison. 5. ADDITIONS/CHANGES/DELETIONS: Request to add, change or delete items from the agenda There were none. 6. REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CHARTER REVIEW BOARD MEMBERS: Board Vice Chair Williams read the recommendations for possible Charter amendments that were discussed during previous Charter Review Board Meetings. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 Board Chair Russell reminded her colleagues that the City Attorney had previously informed them that they should try to keep the Charter amendments as compact as they can and should not include a whole lot in one referendum. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT: Please limit to not more than three (3) minutes Board Chair Russell opened Public Comment and stated that the Board only has until 7:00 PM because there is a Commission Meeting. The Chair said that they want to spend most of their time hearing from the Residents, so that when they have their final meetings, they'll be able to come to a definite conclusion on what they're going to send to the Commission to amend the Charter. Ms. Dorothy Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place restated her support for establishing single member districts and said that she thinks it is critical for people to be able to identify the individuals who live in those areas. Ms. Johnson added that while they may not be able to make the change now, she thinks they need to look at the Vice Mayor becoming the Interim Mayor unless you have a special election. She shared her support for an increase in the Commission's salary and expressed her hope that it will include a formula along with health and life insurance. Ms. Johnson went on to stress that she doesn't agree with the amount of $18,000, and said that she thinks $12,000 would be reasonable, pointing out that $6,000 is almost doubling the current amount. She reminded the Board that whatever they're going to recommend is going to have to be chosen by the Public, and added that she doesn't see the impact with the financial emergency because it is not going to be enforced until everything is over with that. Ms. Johnson pointed out that the City Manager does currently have the power to be over the Police Department and said she would like to remove her suggestion for the Police Chief to be elected because she said that they need some research on that. She went on to say that she clarified information about the Civic Service Board and now they're meeting. Ms. Johnson also acknowledged that she clarified the budget amendment process, re -asserting her opinion that the ordinance is needed to have more input as often as possible from the Citizens. She concluded by sharing her appreciation for the Board's dialogue. Board Vice Chair Williams thanked Ms. Dorothy Johnson for all of her comments and asked if she was thinking that both the Mayor and Vice Mayor should be elected at -large. Ms. Dorothy Johnson pointed out that currently, the highest vote getter in the race for Commission becomes the Vice Mayor for 2 years until the next election. Ms. Johnson went on to explain her opinion that based on her deep research, single member districts are a better fit for Opa-locka because you get individuals that know the citizens and the problems, but she added that she doesn't think they need to be restricted to just their area. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 She lamented that in the last 4 years she's seen that people who don't even know, start the rumors, and she noted that new citizens are coming in. Board Chair Russell asked if the City already has a map that outlined the 4 sections Ms. Dorothy Johnson was proposing to be divided into single member districts. Ms. Dorothy Johnson recalled that under former Mayor Joseph L. Kelley, they worked really hard to make sure they had 4 sections. Ms. Johnson acknowledged that they had a mini section for Magnolia North but it merged into 1 of the 4 sections. Board Chair Russell acknowledged that one of the hot topics on the Board was the Commission salaries. The Board Chair shared her understanding that Ms. Dorothy Johnson was proposing that the Mayor would be separate if single member districts were recommended. She went on to share her understanding that Board Vice Chair Williams suggested that the Mayor's duties should be outlined separate from the duties of the Commission. Ms. Dorothy Johnson shared her understanding of the current City Charter, explaining that the Mayor's position is ceremonial as the spokesperson when the Commission is not meeting, adding that the Mayor and Vice Mayor have equal accessibility and authority over the 3 individuals who report to them: the outsourced City Attorney's Office, the Clerk's Office and the City Manager. Ms. Johnson recalled that one of the Board Members said it takes a lot of money to run for Mayor, and she shared that she paid her whole $9,000 personally last election because she didn't want any commitment to anybody holding anything over her head. She said that she won't be doing that going forward and that her husband didn't find out until the end. Ms. Johnson asserted that it's not how much money you raise but the commitments being made to the people. She went on to express her opinion that based on the traumas Opa-locka is going through, she doesn't think they are ready for a strong Mayor, but does think it needs to be structures, acknowledging that the Mayor and Vice Mayor positions are already outlined in the Charter. Adding that she doesn't see any more responsibility, Ms. Johnson also said that if voters approve the salary increase for the Commission, she thinks it's going to be equal. She went on to share that under former Mayor Kelley's administration, she, Mayor Kelley and Mayor Taylor gave reports on what they learned from the conferences they attended, to provide accountability to the people, adding that she hasn't seen that. Ms. Johnson also asked what expertise the Commission and Mayor bring to the Board, asserting that all that has to be leveraged. She informed the Board that she spoke with so many people in the last week that her battery is low, and she said that she doesn't give her secondary phone number out. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 Board Chair Russell recalled that Board Member Riley was the only Charter Review Board Member who suggested that he would like to see a strong Mayor form of government, but he could not be at the meeting. Ms. Dorothy Johnson suggested that the Charter Review Board propose amendments piece by piece, stating that if the Commission salary goes from $550 to $700 or $800, she agreed with Board Chair Russell that it would represent progress. Ms. Johnson went on to suggest that the Charter Review Board could come in as an ad hoc committee next year and recommend something else with a feel for the Community. She shared that people in her coalition that organizes Zoom calls were asking if she was going to the Charter Review Board Meeting, but she said that she was talking for herself and what she believes. Ms. Johnson concluded by asserting that they have to build trust back with the People, sharing her opinion that it is not there with too many rumors, division and retaliation against people that come up and speak. She also said that her federal government experience and the anointing that comes from above, keep her anxious because she doesn't want to go 18th Avenue. Board Chair Russell recalled that Board Member Riley had proposed that the Commission's salary not exceed $18,000. Rev. Joseph L. Kelley, who resides at 485 Dunad Avenue, said that he was trying to read the Charter real fast and offered to send some emails before the Charter Review Board meets again. Rev. Kelley stated that he doesn't really have a problem with the district concept. He went on to suggest that if the Board is going to recommend any kind of income increase for the Commission, that the salary and benefits as a package should be tied to the Consumer Price Index. Rev. Kelley said that doing so would make increases automatic, pointing out that it's very hard to pass something through the voters for any kind of compensation. He also said that he didn't have enough information to speak on carpooling. Rev. Kelley stated that he would not be in favor of separating the Chief of Police from the City Manager, adding that it does not need to be an elected position because in his opinion Opa-locka is not that big. He went on to suggest that the Charter Review Board recommend to the City Commission that the Board come back to review the Charter every 2 years. Joining Ms. Dorothy Johnson in encouraging the Charter Review Board to not change budget amendments to a resolution, Rev. Kelley said that they will just get swallowed up in paperwork, stressing the importance of the Public having at least 2 opportunities to hear whatever the budget amendment is. He concluded by sharing his observation that over the last couple of years, he's seen resolutions that are going out spending money and not really telling the Public what's been done. Board Chair Russell addressed Rev. Kelley's suggestion to have a 2 -year Charter review process, acknowledging that some of the items the Charter Review Board Members have Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 looked at might need more time to hash out because she said there are some things that they all agree on but just don't agree on the dynamics. The Board Chair stated that she does agree that they need more time. Rev. Joseph L. Kelley stated as a former elected official and a resident of Opa-locka, he was asking the Charter Review Board to not rush it and to get it right. Rev. Kelley added that he kind of supports single member districts in a way, but said that looking at how the district lines will be drawn will take time, but pointed out that it is in the hands of the Charter Review Board now. Board Chair Russell stated that she was told there was a map at one time that sliced the City up into different areas, and she said that the Charter Review Board could be looking at that infoiciiation, even if they're not able to do it this time. Rev. Joseph L. Kelley stated his opinion that if the Charter Review Board doesn't have enough information, they should leave the single districts issue out for now because they want to get it right. Rev. Kelley concluded by asking if it was former Miami -Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson that he saw sitting on the dais as a Member of the Charter Review Board. Board Chair Russell confirmed that both former Miami -Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson and Mr. Frank Vega have been very helpful, not giving the Charter Review Board a whole lot of advice but enough to make sure they're going in the right direction. The Board Chair stated that having former elected officials help them out and give them some insight and direction, is helpful and she thanked them for being there. She went on to say that the process the Board is going through is not easy, and said that if they're going to do it right, they have to research and ask questions to not just make a decision for the moment. While asserting that they are going to work diligently together to respect everybody's opinion, she recognized that some of the Board Members are adamant about how they feel, but other Members don't feel the way they feel and are just as important. Board Member Fenn requested that a copy of the map which sectioned off the City, be provided to the Charter Review Board. Board Vice Chair Williams stated that she is intrigued by the proposal to have the City divided into single member districts, but said she would love to have even more conversation to discuss how many at -large Commission Members there should be. The Vice Chair expressed her appreciation for the guidance suggesting that maybe now is not the time to make the decision if the Charter Review Board doesn't have all the information, but asserted that she would love to dig into it a little bit further. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 Board Member Banks also stated that she would like to have a little more input on the proposal to divide the City into single member districts, sharing that she is intrigued with it and would just like to have more dialogue on it while recognizing that the Charter Review Board is pressed for time. 8. DISCUSSION ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHARTER AMENDMENTS: Board Chair Russell noted that the Charter Review Board has talked a lot about compensation. The Board Chair informed her colleagues on the Board that Clerk Flores provided her clarification that the Members of the City Commission are not full-time employees and are considered part-time employees, which is why they don't automatically get the benefits that full time employees receive including health insurance, which she said she thinks is something that should be offered. She pointed out that the packet provided by the Florida League of Cities indicated that a lot of cities give health insurance to elected officials and some even offered it at 50% for their dependents. Chair Russell urged her colleagues to think about health insurance when they're talking about compensation, in addition to putting in car allowance and a cell phone. She asserted that all those things need to be encompassed in the packet because they were removed from the Commission in the past because there was not a policy in place. The Chair also recalled that the Charter Review Board had gotten information that those benefits were taken away from the Commission because of an audit finding, but she said that it was just that there was no policy or procedure in place. Board Member Fenn stated that she is in full support of increasing the Commission's salary, encompassing a cell phone and a stipend for a vehicle. The Board Member added that she supports including a healthcare benefit, but maybe not for the family because of the increased amount, and also suggested the option to decline healthcare because the Members of the Dais who already receive healthcare packages through other positions, may not need it. She said that maybe the package with the salary and all of the benefits could hit the $9,000 or $12,000 mark but Board Member Fenn asserted that she is not in favor of $18,000 despite her understanding that it was proposed for the compensation to be up to that amount, adding that she feels it is a great jump that the City is not ready to bear. Board Chair Russell asked City Clerk Flores if the City Commission had ever received life insurance as a benefit and if the City paid for it. City Clerk Flores confirmed that at one point, the City Commission was provided a life insurance benefit that was paid for by the City. The Clerk also stated that the Commission does not have any benefits at this time outside of their monthly compensation which is $550 per month, in addition to a monthly allowance of up to $200 on a reimbursable basis. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 Board Vice Chair Williams asserted her opinion that the compensation for the City Commission should be tied to some type of formula, possibly the Consumer Price Index as former Mayor Kelley suggested. The Vice Chair implored her colleagues on the Charter Review Board not to pull a number out of their hats, adding that she loves the idea of setting a maximum. She pointed out that there are lots of formulas that exist throughout the state of Florida, and the amount that has been in the Charter for a really long time would move based on the economy. Vice Chair Williams suggested that the Clerk can run those numbers to see what they look like based on the formula. Board Chair Russell informed her colleagues on the Charter Review Board that she looked over the documents provided by the Florida League of Cities again, and said that there were so many formulas that you need to workshop them. The Board Chair went on to state that they have to be educated on what would be good for the City according to the Residents. She said that it's going to take a little time to go through all of the formulas, because she believes that when you don't understand it's best to get the correct information. Chair Russell also shared that she went back and looked and when the increases in salary for the Commission was previously on the ballot and how the voting went, considering the type of election and how people vote, urging the Board to keep that in mind. She also said that she didn't get clarity on the language in the Charter that mentions the Interim City Manager in Section 3.4. Assistant City Attorney Cobb explained that the Acting City Manager is basically a holdover with some overlap between the Manager that's going out and the new Manager that's coming in with a transition period. The Assistant City Attorney went on to say that the Interim Manager is a temporary position before the City Manager is chosen. Board Chair Russell recalled that at some point the term Acting City Manager was used in addition to Interim City Manager, but noted that the Charter only makes reference to one. Assistant City Attorney Cobb recalled that Board Chair Russell's recommendation was to clarify the definition of Interim and Acting City Manager in the Charter. Board Chair Russell commented on the recommendation from former Mayor Kelley and former Commissioner Johnson to stick to approving budget amendments by ordinance, recalling that Budget Administrator Anathan had stated there was sometimes a delay in payment and moving requests for proposals forward. The Board Chair said she is still trying to understand the process more, stating that she knows that right now, the budget amendment has to be read 2 times. She asked if anyone knew what other cities favor. City Clerk Flores stated that some cities use resolutions and some use ordinances. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 Board Chair Russell stated that the Board has heard from Residents that they would like to stick with the way budget amendments are currently approved, and she suggested that City Staff would have to do some more convincing. The Board Chair also recognized that Board Member Riley was not present at the meeting and said she's sure he's going to have a lot for them when he gets back. She acknowledged that Board Member Riley had recommended that the Charter be amended to once again include the Civil Service Board, and noted that the Charter Review Board Members had been provided a letter from the Human Resources Department, outlining the policy in place if City Employees have issues and problems. Board Chair Russell shared her understanding that the policy in place allows City Employees to have the same outcome as if they took an issue to the Civic Service Board. City Clerk Flores stated that she had the same understanding of the policy that Board Chair Russell had shared, but pointed out that she is not the Human Resources Department and can't elaborate. Board Chair Russell asked the City Attorney to look at the letter provided by the Human Resources Department outlining the policy if City Employees have problems, asserting that they want to make sure that Employees still have the opportunity to voice their complaints. Assistant City Attorney Cobb stated that they would review the letter provided by the Human Resources Department outlining the policy if City Employees have problems. Board Member Banks stated that she would like to know whether the letter provided by the Human Resources Department outlining the policy if City Employees have problems, is actually in the policies and procedures for the Employees and how the Depattaalent is making sure that Employees know they have that guideline. The Board Member asked if there was any set procedure for new Employees, stating that she understand the letter from the Human Resources Director, but asking if a package is given because she said if not, it is another piece of paper with a policy on hand for when something happens, with none of the Employees knowing anything about it. Board Chair Russell stated her understanding that Board Member Banks are concerned about whether or not there is a policy or procedure that is given to every City Employee including long-time Employees. Board Member Banks asked if new City Employees sign onto the package that includes the policy that establishes what they should do if they have a problem and if that is placed in their employment file. Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 City Clerk Flores stated that Board Member Banks has some very good concerns that she will take back to the Human Resources Depai talent and bring a report back to the Charter Review Board at the next meeting. 9. PUBLIC COMMENT: Please limit to not more than three (3) minutes Ms. Dorothy Johnson of 13724 NW 22nd Place stated that normally if there's an amendment to a policy in the Human Resources Depaitnient, the Employee has to sign and date it and are given a copy of the signed document that goes in their file. Ms. Johnson went on to say that she agrees with the lower amount of $800 in compensation per month for the City Commission, which with all of the other little perks comes to $9,600 which she said is good enough, adding that it is not $10,000 like the crossing guards. She also said that single member districts would not go into effect until 2024 if it is put on the ballot this year, providing time to do all the research needed. Ms. Johnson also recalled that when she was a Commissioner, she didn't need life insurance because she had it with the Post Office, which represented savings. She concluded by pointing out that the Charter Review Board is getting input from the voters for what they are going to get on the ballot, and will be rolling in 2 years in 2024. Board Chair Russell thanked everyone for coming to the Citizens' Input Workshop, stating that it's a pleasure to have Citizens give their input which helps the Charter Review Board to move forward. The Board Chair reminded her colleagues on the Board that they're getting close to the end and thanked everyone again for coming. 10. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING AGENDA: City Clerk Flores asked the Charter Review Board if they could agree on the next meeting date, reminding them that their regular meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, with the next Thursday being May 19th. The Clerk informed the Board that May 19th is not available and asked if they wanted to meet next Wednesday, May 18th at 6:00 pm. Board Chair Russell noted that there is no Commission Meeting on May 18th, so they will have more time to discuss and narrow some of the items down to determine what they want to go after this election and what they want to put off until a later date. City Clerk Flores reminded the Charter Review Board Members that if there are any ballot questions to go on the primary election ballot, the deadline to submit the resolution from the City Commission to the Elections Department is May 27th and thus would have to be on the May 25th Regular Commission Meeting Agenda. The Clerk added that the Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022 Board still has until the end of July to submit proposed ballot amendments for the general election in November. Board Chair Russell suggested that the Charter Review Board move forward with the plan to meet on Wednesday, May 18th and urged her colleagues on the Board to come with something solid to give to the City Attorney to look over. Acknowledging the deadlines provided by the City Clerk, the Board Chair suggested that they forget about the possibility of putting the proposed Charter amendments onto the primary election ballot and will just go for the general election so they will have more time. Board Member Edmonson pointed out that they will have more voters participating in the November general election than those who will participate in the August primary election. City Clerk Flores asked for confirmation that the Charter Review Board would schedule its next meeting on Wednesday, May 18th. Board Chair Russell confirmed that it was fine to schedule the next Charter Review Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 18th. 12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Charter Review Board, it was moved by Board Member Fenn, seconded by Board Vice Chair Williams to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 p.m. e Russell Board Chair AT ST: Joama Flores, CMC City Jerk Charter Review Board Citizens' Input Workshop — May 11, 2022