HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-April 27, 2022 RCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
April 27, 2022
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at
Sherbondy Village, 215 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida.
2. ROLL CALL:
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Chris Davis,
Commissioner Sherelean Bass, Commissioner Audrey Dominguez, Vice Mayor John H.
Taylor Jr., and Mayor Veronica J. Williams. Also, in attendance were: Interim City
Manager Darvin Williams, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks and City Clerk Joanna
Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Davis.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Vice Mayor Taylor, joined by his colleagues on the City Commission presented an
Appreciation Award to Information Technology Department Director Nelson Rodriguez.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
Commissioner Dominguez pulled Agenda Item 13-2 from the Consent Agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the
Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed by a 5-0
vote (agenda item 13-1).
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 1
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Dominguez, to approve
the Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Agenda passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the
minutes from the Special Commission Meeting Minutes — April 5, 2022.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
There was none.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:
1. Florida Department of Transportation Ref: FDOT Safety Project along NW 135th
Street between Cairo Lane and Sesame Street
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 2
Mr. John Garzia introduced himself as the Florida Department of Transportation Project
Manager for the installation of a mid -block crossing for safe pedestrian crossing along
State Road 916/NW 135th Street from Cairo Lane and Sesame Street, and he presented the
details of the project which he stated begins construction on May 9, 2022 with construction
expected to be completed by Fall 2022.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked why the location where the project will be constructed was
chosen, as opposed to installing the crosswalk closer to Alexandria Drive where the kids
pass by. The Vice Mayor pointed out that they would have to come down Alexandria Drive,
make a left and then cross the street.
Florida Department of Transportation Project Manager John Garzia stated that he is part of
the construction team and wasn't involved in the design. Mr. Garzia committed to provide
the Commission with a response from the designer of the safety project along NW 135th
Street between Cairo Lane and Sesame Street, about why the location was chosen as
opposed to installing the crosswalk closer to Alexandria Drive.
2. Ignacio Calderin, Transformational Resource Center Ref: Community and
Vocational Programs
Mr. Ignacio Calderin introduced himself as a representative of Transformational Resource
Center and presented information about their Community and Vocational Programs to the
Commission. Mr. Calderin informed the Commission that the organization he represents is
a construction apprenticeship program which they have in five other cities and three
correctional facilities, adding that it is for the underserved, underemployed returning
citizens, veterans and anyone seeking an opportunity to learn a trade that can turn into a
career.
Mr. Mitch Alusma introduced himself as one of the directors and instructors at the
Transformational Resource Center and informed the Commission that he was raised in
Opa-locka and went through the program himself. Mr. Alusma shared that the
Transformational Resource Center is inclusive, and available to all participants.
Commissioner Bass asked the representatives from Transformational Resource Center to
provide information on how long the program is, how much it costs and what the schedule
is.
Transformational Resource Center representative Ignacio Calderin informed the
Commission that there is no cost to the students. Mr. Calderin went on to say that while
there are operational costs for the instructors and books, he didn't have that cost in front of
him. He also said that it is a 6 -month program, 2 -nights a week from 10 am to 2 pm or 5
pm to 9 pm, and he described it as a pre -apprenticeship.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 3
Commissioner Dominguez asked how many students have gone through the
Transformational Resource Center program and have been successful.
Transformational Resource Center representative Ignacio Calderin informed the
Commission that their organization started in 2018 with thirty students, and now has 183
with an 83% success rate getting the participants employed and staying employed.
Mayor Williams asked what the minimum age was for the Transformational Resource
Center program.
Transformational Resource Center representative Ignacio Calderin informed the
Commission the minimum age to participate in their program is eighteen because of the
liability required by construction companies, adding that their youngest student is 66 years
old.
Mayor Williams applauded the representatives of the Transformational Resource Center
and said that it brings to mind Jobs Corps, which she added she has sent many there,
expressing that she thinks it is a great thing because skilled laborers are needed. The Mayor
offered assurances that the City can assist them whenever there's a need and shared her
hope that the skilled laborers will be hired and do work in the Community, with a job
pathway program into the City.
Transformational Resource Center representative Ignacio Calderin informed the
Commission that they have a local general contractor that's willing to hire the students as
they're going through the program. Mr. Calderin also explained that the difference between
Transformational Resource Center program and Jobs Corps is that the Transformational
Resource Center assigns a success coach to their students and will knock on doors if they're
not going to work because they have boots on the ground and know who's who.
11. CITIZENS' FORUM:
(Opportunity for discussion of any concerns — please limit to 3 minutes)
City Clerk Joanna Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City
Commission meetings and informed the Commission that Ms. Dottie Johnson had
registered to address the Commission virtually.
Mayor Williams opened the Citizens' Forum.
Ms. Dorothy Johnson who resides at 13724 NW 22nd Place informed the Commission that
she was participating via Zoom from the Atlanta airport. Ms. Johnson expressed concern
over the canceling of the Charter Review Board Meeting, reminding the Commission that
it is time sensitive because of the deadline to make the recommendation for the upcoming
election ballot. She strongly suggested improvement of the method to notify Citizens of
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 4
events, stating that each of the Members of the Commission know of creative ideas they
have demonstrated in their past election campaign and urging them to put all of their
resources together. Ms. Johnson shared that during her leave from home for about 7 days,
she has been receiving calls from Citizens saying they are fearing coming to the meeting,
adding that she would greatly appreciate decreasing that fear. She also suggested that the
leadership team must set the standards for others to follow, highly recommending that they
attend conflict resolution training because their tolerance level has to be high with
education and wisdom being key. Ms. Johnson congratulated all those exceeding in their
education and career, but she said that it is not a requirement for a Commission to have a
high degree. She expressed her opinion that listening skills are your best friend along with
execution of legislation that will benefit the community at large, adding that it's not what
they say but what they do as a public servant. Ms. Johnson concluded by informing the
Commission that they have been heard loud and clear and as a result, they have decided to
exercise their rights in a different format, urging them to stay tuned and expressing their
love for the Commission.
Mr. Brian Dennis who resides at 2140 York Street stated that he decided to run for the
Miami -Dade Board of County Commissioners District 3 seat against Keon Hardemon in
January of 2020, during which time he was writing for the Miami Times. Mr. Dennis
explained that the last article he wrote was on April 20th because he said it would have
been a conflict of interest for him to continue writing for the Miami Times and run for the
County seat. He went on to say that after the August primary election, he never wrote
another column because he was bombarded about who he should support. Mr. Dennis also
shared that the following month, his mother passed, and said that her death was the reason
he stopped writing for the Miami Times, despite people running around saying he was
fired. He said that he never takes anything personal with anybody on the Dais and that if
he has anything to say to anybody, he will directly call them into a meeting. Pointing out
that he has not come into a Commission Meeting or said a word for 6 months but lamented
that he watched all the foolishness that took place. Mr. Dennis asserted that if former Mayor
Kelley doesn't run for Mayor, he is and said that there could be five new faces on the
Commission come November. He concluded by stating that if they won't work with him,
he can work for the City up on the Dais.
Ms. Natasha Ervin who resides at 670 Dunad Avenue stated that the Commission is held
to the same decorum policy that's read by the Clerk. Mr. Ervin went on to say that they
don't have to like what they say at the podium, but they have a right to say it. She also said
that for the last few meetings, there's a Commissioner that always has something to say
and her opinion is that someone responded to the madness. Sharing that she believes mental
illness is real, she expressed her belief that there is definitely an issue. Informing the
Commission that she has been investigating what residents can do, she said that she can
file a complaint as a resident. Ms. Ervin added that the Dais has the right to punish the
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 5
Commissioner that was involved in the situation, just like there was punishment for Ms.
Roberts. She also stated that Employees don't like to come to the podium because they're
worried about retaliation, which she said happens all the time. Ms. Ervin concluded by
saying that she feels the Dais is the worst Commission she has seen after coming to
meetings for 30 years.
Ms. Toroni Mitchell who resides at 14225 NW 22nd Place reported that she had previously
mentioned that the striping was not finished on the streets from 22nd Avenue and 143rd all
the way to Nathan B. Young Elementary School and had been advised that it would be
done by March 31st. Ms. Mitchell also asked for feedback on the hiring of the crossing
guards because she was told it would be done by March 21St. She said that there was an
alligator sighting in the canal by Nathan B. Young Elementary School, stating that it is not
the first sighting, adding that they are also in the water at Ingram Park. Informing the
Commission that the signs indicating alligator sightings have disappeared, she urged them
to have someone put more up because the kids are down by the canals. She also stated that
the manatees are coming this way with their babies, sharing that she walks along the canal
during the evening. Ms. Mitchell then presented the Commission with a document that
included a confirmation email which read rental assistance, but she said it was for mortgage
assistance which she said the resident never received and asked for someone to get some
type of feedback from Miami -Dade County on what happened.
Ms. Sandra Collado who resides at 301 Bahman Avenue expressed her concerns about the
traffic and tickets being issued by police near Amazon at the 37th Avenue and 134th Street
intersection light and asked the Commission to find out what's going on. Ms. Collado also
reported a hole on Sharazad Boulevard, close to the offices of the Department of Children
and Family, urging the Commission to help. She went on to inform the Commission that
there are a lot of drugs close to the school on 27th Avenue and Ali Baba Avenue. Pointing
out that she has a lot of years living here, Ms. Collado asserted that she wants her City to
look nice. She concluded by encouraging the Commission to see what they can do for the
park by her house because she sees people sleeping there.
There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor
Williams closed the Citizen's Forum.
12. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list):
1. 113-21 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER'S
EMERGENCY DECISION TO SECURE FLOTECH ENVIRONMENTAL
LLC. FOR CCTV INSPECTION AND HEAVY CLEANING OF CITY
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM ON SHARAZAD BOULEVARD
(BETWEEN NW 27TH AVENUE AND AHMAD STREET), IN AN
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 6
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FORTY-ONE THOUSAND, THREE
HUNDRED FORTY DOLLARS ($41,340.00); PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to discuss
Agenda Item 12-1.
Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda Item
12-1.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Public Works Director Airia Austin to
introduce Agenda Item 12-1.
Public Works Director Airia Austin informed the Commission that the Public
Works Department intended to evaluate the Sharazad Boulevard drainage system
to establish the degree of damage in the system that was resulting in flooding
between 27th Avenue and Ahmad Street, as a recommended project for the
American Rescue Plan Act funds. Mr. Austin explained that during the evaluation
process, the system was found to be inundated with mud and foreign objects. He
went on to say that the decision was made to continue with the evaluation to see the
extent of damage, resulting in a charge of $41,301, at which point the evaluation
was stopped until a request for proposals could be issued to continue with the
evaluation of the entire system.
Commissioner Dominguez stated that the reason she pulled Agenda Item 12-1 is
because despite her knowing that it is a great idea for the drainage to be cleaned,
she wanted to ask what measures would be taken to avoid allowing the drainage to
get to that point. The Commissioner said that it was her understanding that it had
been over 8 years since the drainage had been cleared and suggested having a
system in place to inspect the conditions of the drainage whenever the City has a
heavy rainstorm.
Public Works Director Airia Austin acknowledged that it had been a while since
the Sharazad Boulevard drainage system had been cleaned. Mr. Austin said that 3
years ago, the City acquired a stormwater jet vac truck to address the drainage
systems, admitting that it was a neglected system prior to that. He also pointed out
that his Department has been using a third -party vendor because keeping up with
the drainage systems is such an extensive project but assured the Commission that
inspections will be done on a monthly basis moving forward with cleaning where
it is needed. Mr. Austin added that his Department has a 5 -year plan to address the
over four hundred drains throughout the City.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 7
Commissioner Bass stated that she is relieved that the cleaning of the drainage
system is in the process of being taken care of. The Commissioner shared that she
has passed Sharazad Boulevard for the last 22 years going to and from work, and
lamented that during the rainy season, it is nasty with the kids having to walk
through it and cars splashing water. Adding her hopes that it would be in the past
this year, she said that she is looking forward to a final project and asked when
Public Works Director Airia Austin thinks it is going to be completed.
Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that a request for proposals will be
coming before the Commission to allow a vendor to complete the evaluation of the
drainage system, with the process lasting 25 days. Mr. Austin said that his
Department hopes to have the Item back before the Commission within 3 weeks
after the approval and selection.
Commissioner Bass asked if there was a possibility that the cleaning of the drainage
system would be taken care of during the coming rainy months.
Public Works Director Airia Austin stated that right now, his Department has not
seen any flooding during rain events and added that they are hopeful they'll be able
to traverse the roadway without any flooding.
There being no further discussion, the resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
13. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
PIGGYBACK THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CONTRACT WITH H&R
PAVING, INC. FOR QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR PUSH
BUTTON INTERSECTIONS IMPROVEMENT, AND ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH H&R PAVING, INC. FOR DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENT ALONG NW 133RD STREET FROM NW 42ND
AVENUE TO 4400 NW 133RD STREET, WITHIN THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FORTY -
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 8
THREE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED TWO DOLLARS ($143,702.00);
AUTHORIZING A TEN PERCENT (10%) PROJECT CONTINGENCY
BUDGET, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FOURTEEN THOUSAND,
THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY DOLLARS ($14,370.00); PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
Vote taken on Consent Agenda items can be viewed under Agenda Item 6 - Approval of
Consent Agenda.
14. NEW ITEMS:
There were none.
15. PLANNING & ZONING:
A. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
There were none.
B. APPEALS:
There were none.
16. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. FIRST READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
There were none.
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE ANNUAL ADOPTED
GENERAL, PROPRIETARY AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER
1, 2021 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, ADJUSTING
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES AS REFLECTED IN EXHIBIT
"A"; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR
APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGETS AND EXPENDITURES;
PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATIONS
AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 9
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading/public hearing held on April 13,
2022). Sponsored by City Manager
It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass to
discuss Agenda Item 16-B-1.
Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda
Item 16-B-1.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Budget and Risk Management
Director Bob Anathan to introduce Agenda Item 16-B-1.
Budget Administrator Bob Anathan made a presentation to the Commission
on the FY 22 Budget Amendment #3.
Mayor Williams opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-B-1.
There being no members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor
Williams closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-B-1.
Commissioner Davis asked for insight on the overtime for the Parks &
Recreation Department summer programs.
Budget Administrator Bob Anathan explained that Interim City Manager
Williams felt that because the Parks & Recreation Department summer
programs are in both the daytime and evening, it was necessary to beef up
the overtime budget. Mr. Anathan said that he thought the budget was
originally $2,000 and thinks they added $3,000 to provide a window in case
there was additional overtime for the evening programs.
Commissioner Davis asked if the proposed increase in overtime budget for
the Parks & Recreation Department was for programs that took place this
summer.
Budget Administrator Bob Anathan clarified that the proposed increase in
overtime budget for the Parks & Recreation Department would be for
programs that will take place this summer.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that as preparations are made for
future budgets, he also wanted to address the line item for City Employees
that cash out their paid time off upon their departures from employment
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 10
with the City which he said was about $60,000 last year while $300,000 was
spent. Mr. Williams asserted that it is something that is going to need to be
addressed and the Commission should be concerned about.
Mayor Williams acknowledged that the amount budgeted for the payment
of personal time off that is cashed out by City Employees upon their
departures from employment with the City, is a concern and she expressed
her appreciation to Interim City Manager Williams for addressing it.
There being no further discussion, the ordinance passed by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Not Present
Mayor Williams Yes
C. RESOLUTION(S):
There were none.
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
Interim City Manager Williams stated that it is always an honor to have the opportunity to
speak before the Dais, its Members and the Residents of the Community. Mr. Williams
informed the Commission that his Office will be reaching out to have names submitted by
them to serve on the Citizens Committee, which he said will be initiated next week with
meeting dates announced soon. He also invited Citizens to participate, explaining that it
will provide the opportunity to have direct access to the City Manager's Office. Mr.
Williams said that he has noticed several items frequently come before the Dais which he
said should be addressed by the administration and he added that they want to be responsive
to Citizens, have an open dialogue and get the work done transparently. Interim Manager
Williams also announced First Amendment training for all of the City's Police Officers
identified by Captain Michael Steel, Captain Alvin Rogers and Acting Captain Lawrence
Holborow. Mr. Williams asserted that it is important for Law Enforcement, which is
entrusted to uphold the law, to understand that the First Amendment is part of our
Constitutional rights and one of the founding principles of our government, but it has its
limits. He pointed out that if he yells "fire" in a crowded theater and someone is injured,
he can be held criminally liable because of the limit to First Amendment rights.
Additionally, he pointed out that if he yells "bomb" on a plane, he can be held criminally
liable because of the limit to First Amendment rights, and he stressed that the City's Police
Force needs to understand where those boundaries are. Interim Manager Williams
concluded by giving the Commission a new introduction to Adelina Gross as the new
Manager for Capital Improvement Projects, Wilma Wilcox as Code Enforcement Manager
and Bob Anathan who has agreed to serve as Risk Management Director along with his
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 11
role as Budget Administrator, giving each of them special recognition for their promotions
from the Dais.
Commissioner Davis stated that they had a recent update on the American Rescue Plan Act
Funds but said that they are unaware of the definite timeline to get the funds expended. The
Commissioner asked for a brief update on the procurement process and getting the ball
rolling on fixing the roads and infrastructure, which he said is one of their most pressing
concerns.
Interim City Manager Williams reported that the City met the April 30th reporting deadline
and offered assurances that they will continue meeting the deadlines including the
December deadline to actually encumber the funds, which he anticipates will be done ahead
of time. The Interim Manager said that the next item is to secure the administrative
oversight and support required to administer the funds, explaining that his Office is looking
at outside support in addition to the contract they already have with Financial Consultant
Gerri Lazarre and her firm TriMerge Consulting Group. Mr. Williams informed the
Commission that as his Office looks for the most judicious and least expensive way to get
the job done, he hopes they will be scheduling a Workshop sometime next month to have
a discussion on the recommendations for how they're going to distribute the American
Rescue Plan Act funds. Interim City Manager Williams concluded by pointing out that one
of the Agenda Items was proposed to help determine the cost so they can finish their
recommendations.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
There were none.
19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
There were none.
20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS:
Commissioner Davis shared that the Aswan Village Apaitwent were renamed the Mary
Alice Brown Apartments, in recognition of the longtime trailblazer who helped establish
Bunche Park Pool as she fought for the youth in the Community to have the right to learn
how to swim and have a proper facility, in addition to her advocacy for Residents over the
years and her work with local non -profits. The Commissioner said that they should give
people their flowers while they're here and urged his colleagues to move the City forward
in the spirit of Mary Alice Brown.
Vice Mayor Taylor pointed out that the National Day of Prayer is next week on May 5th,
and he said that the Commission as a whole is sponsoring a prayer for the City of Opa-
locka that will be held in front of City Hall at 780 Fisherman Street at 10 AM and he said
that he hopes everybody can come out.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 12
Commissioner Bass announced that beginning Friday, May 7th she will be in her office at
780 Fisherman Street from 4 PM to 5 PM to meet about any concerns that she is able to
help with, offering assurances that she knows who to go to for assistance. The
Commissioner also stated that she wanted to put to rest any rumors that she doesn't support
the women of Opa-locks, explaining that she will not be in attendance of the women's event
this week because it is going to be her first Mother's Day without her Mom and she shared
that she is not in a good place to pretend she's having a good time.
Mayor Williams invited women to the Women of Many Hats Mother's Day Dinner on
Friday, May 6th at 6:30 PM at Sherbondy Village. The Mayor shared that they will be
honoring Mothers who are Residents of Opa-locka and have made a difference at Nathan
B. Young Elementary and Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary and she thanked Teen Upward
Bound, the Carrie Meek Foundation and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for sponsoring
the event. Mayor Williams reminded her colleagues that they ran on change and stated that
is what they will continue to do, expressing her hope that the Members of the Dais continue
to move with fortitude, resilience and perseverance, asserting that they will not move on
rumors, lies and conspiracy theories that she said they tend to hear each Commission
Meeting. She concluded by thanking the Commissioners on the Dais for just being
themselves and urged them to continue to move forward.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks announced a private closed door attorney client session on
May 11th at 6 PM, before the next Commission Meeting to discuss pending litigation
including Ingram Park Apat tnuents LLC vs Miami -Dade County and City of Opa-locka
(Case #2020-008684CA01), Raul Fernandez DJ Opportunities vs Miami -Dade county and
City of Opa-locka (Case #2019-035518CA01), Lakeview Apartments LLC vs Miami -Dade
County and City of Opa-locka (Case #20-0011124-CA01), Opa-locka Warehouse
Condominium Association Inc vs City of Opa-locka (Case #2018-002828CA01), and GFM
Operations Inc vs City of Opa-locka (Case #2016-026601CA01).
Commissioner Dominguez said she would also like to announce her Mother's Day event
Mom's Night Out, on Saturday, May 7th at 6 PM. The Commissioner said that the event is
being sponsored by Juice Defined, DC2WIN and Chen Medical, adding that the event will
include food, music, fun and giveaways, urging everyone not to miss it.
Mayor Williams asked the Commission to stick to the Agenda Items so that they can make
sure that they get out earlier than later.
21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that there are two pending applications from
Deborah Irby and Enyer Martinez for individual appointments to the Civil Service Board.
Mayor Williams appointed Enyer Martinez to the Civil Service Board.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 13
Vice Mayor Taylor appointed Deborah Irby to the Civil Service Board.
22. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by
Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davis to adjourn the Meeting at 8:24 p.m.
Veronica J. Williakis
Mayor
Attest:
Jo na Flores, CMC
Ci Clerk
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — April 27, 2022 14