HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-April 20, 2022 WSCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
WORKSHOP
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Veronica Williams called the Workshop to order at 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April
20, 2022.
2. ROLL CALL:
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Sherelean
Bass, Commissioner Audrey Dominguez, Vice Mayor John H. Taylor Jr., and Mayor
Veronica J. Williams. Also, in attendance were: Interim City Manager Darvin Williams,
Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb and City Clerk Joanna Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The invocation was delivered by Mayor Williams.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Agenda item(s) only
City Clerk Joanna Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City
Commission meetings.
Mayor Williams opened public comments.
There being no members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed
Public Comments.
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
a) FY 2023 BUDGET AND FIVE-YEAR PLAN
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Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to begin the discussion on the FY
2023 budget and five-year plan.
Interim City Manager Williams informed the Commission that the Workshop discussion
will cover what will be the Commission's agenda with options from Budget Director Bob
Anathan as the guide, and he asked him to deliver his presentation to the Dais.
Budget Director Bob Anathan delivered a presentation to the Commission on the FY 23
budget and the five-year plan. Mr. Anathan concluded his presentation by asking for the
Commission's direction based on consensus, pointing out that if separate direction is
provided from each member of the Commission, the resulting product probably won't
satisfy anybody.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the proposal for public safety includes the building of the
Police Department, or if it just includes training and hiring.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that it does include that and informed the
Commission that his Office believes they have the resources secured to fund at least part
of that and they want to proceed to secure additional resources to fund it all. Manager
Williams explained that the biggest concern moving forward is the salaries for law
enforcement. As City Manager, Mr. Williams said that his position is that increasing the
salaries of the Police force needs to be looked at very firmly, pointing out that the average
starting salary in Miami -Dade County is $51,000 while it is $38,000 in Opa-locka. He
informed the Commission that they want to try to hit somewhere between $45,000 to
$48,000 which would represent a $1.5 to $1.7 million hit to the City's finances. While he
explained that his Office is looking to be as creative as they possibly can be, the biggest
concern is covering the gap.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the proposal for infrastructure includes flooding.
Budget Administrator Anathan confirmed that the proposal for infrastructure includes
flooding.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the Manager's Office was thinking about hiring a grant writer.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that they were not thinking about it at this time.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if it was part of the five-year plan.
Interim City Manager Williams informed the Commission that the contract with Financial
Consultant Gerri Lazarre includes grant writing services, and all of the individual grants
are initiated in the Finance Department and filter that way.
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Mayor Williams recalled that about 2 years ago, the Commission listed its priorities at the
time, and while a few other Commissioners were not there, they listed what they wanted to
see, and beautification was at the top of all their lists. The Mayor wondered if a
comprehensive beautification plan had been put together including goals and those things
that will be tackled first, because she said that beautification is subjective, and everyone
sees it in a different way. She also asked what department it would be funneled through,
stating that everything can't be on the Public Works Department's lap, acknowledging that
it is traditionally it is the department that is thought of related to beautification, but pointing
out that it could also be things like grant funding and soliciting the services of private
organizations to provide those services.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that he and his Staff share the concerns expressed
by Mayor Williams regarding beautification. The Manager said that they do not have a
comprehensive beautification plan to date, but he offered assurances that at the direction
of the Commission, funds can be allocated to get that done. Absent that direction, Mr.
Williams, his Staff will continue to work with the Parks & Recreation Department and
Public Works Department through a piecemeal approach with initiatives like the painting
program for homes, targeting certain trees and workshops with Residents.
Mayor Williams thanked Interim City Manager Williams for being honest in the spirit of
transparency and she acknowledged that he was right about where the City is right now.
The Mayor stated that she thinks the City should move forward thinking of a
comprehensive beautification plan, so that they and residents know that it is checked off
the list and that the City is moving in the right direction obtaining its goals.
Commissioner Davis spring boarded off some of the issues brought up by Mayor Williams
such as City beautification, which he described as valuable issues. The Commissioner also
recalled that there was a consensus from the Commission during their budget workshop,
with beautification being at the top of their list. He also remembered that during that time,
the Commission wanted to see some sort of maintenance schedule that shows what is being
done on a consistent basis including tree trimming, park cleaning, trash pickup and gutter
cleaning. The Commissioner said they want to know what the schedule is and how often
it's occurring so that they can share that with the Residents, acknowledging that they are
aware these things are happening but that they just don't know when and where. He went
on to note that the presentation delivered to the Commission mentioned a quality park
system with a broad range of innovative and engaging recreational programs, and he asked
if it was the intent for all of the City's community parks to have that programming.
Interim City Manager Williams assured the Commission that the plan for each one of the
City's parks will absolutely have some form of activity that reaches out to the community
and that they receive some funding so that it can be utilized by the Residents.
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Commissioner Davis also asked if the Commission would see grant opportunities extend
to programming at the City's parks.
Interim City Manager Williams confirmed that the City's parks will absolutely have grant
opportunities extended to their programming.
Commissioner Davis reminded the Commission that they allocated a significant amount
towards the City's parks to make certain infrastructure improvements, including fencing.
The Commission said he wasn't sure if it's still in the budget or if they amended it but said
that he didn't recall it being pulled through the budget amendment process and assumed
that the line item is still there. He asked about the implementation of the fencing and
different features that would increase safety and the usability of the parks. The
Commissioner concluded by pointing out that Ingram and Sherbondy Parks have some
level of fencing to provide safety, but he lamented that Kaboom Park doesn't have fencing
and he reminded the Commission that it is a park that is geared towards a younger
demographic and he believes the City would want to put certain procedures in place to
prevent Residents from being harmed in any way.
Interim City Manager Williams confirmed that the funding is already allocated and
available to commence with the fencing of the City's parks, with the exception of Kaboom
Park because he pointed out that the City is not the only owner of the lots that make up the
park and thus the City will have to negotiate with the other 2 owners to ensure that they
have the right to complete the fencing.
Commissioner Bass asked for Interim City Manager Williams to elaborate on the section
of the presentation that was made to the Commission, which proposed highly effective and
ongoing communications between the City government and Community.
Interim City Manager Williams informed the Commission that programs such as the
Citizens' Committee are being put together to facilitate outreach, so that Residents have
information. Manager Williams also said that his Office is looking at things like the
pamphlet suggested by Commissioner Dominguez, with the details of all the City's
activities. Stressing that his Office is making government as transparent as possible for
Residents so that they can understand what their government does, adding that Citizens
will be able to evaluate their government and give feedback on how services are being
provided and their experience with things like coming to City Hall to get a permit and
paying a water bill, feedback on outreach from the Commission and Parks & Recreation
Department and other services, and if they are feeling safe based on how responsive the
Police force is.
Commissioner Bass shared that she was driving through what she believed was North
Miami Beach and noticed their kiosks where they advertise their events and she said that
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she thought it is an impressive thing to have. Acknowledging that she doesn't know if it is
in the City's budget, she stated that he would personally love to see that in Opa-locka.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that his administration can absolutely review the
pricing on kiosks to advertise City events, to see if that's something that can get done.
Mayor Williams asked Budget Administrator Anathan if he had more to present to the
Commission.
Budget Administrator Anathan stated he didn't have anything more to present and stated
that he was sensing an acceptance of the objectives that were outlined in his presentation,
for the budget to correspond to those objectives both for FY 23 and for the five-year plan.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the verbiage proposed by the Commission during the
workshop, such as the creation of a comprehensive plan for beautification, can be added
into the document presented by Budget Administrator Anathan.
Interim City Manager Williams assured the Commission that his intention is to have a list
of all their priorities forwarded to them by email after the Workshop for their confirmation,
and added that if anything had been omitted, it can be addressed moving forward.
Mayor Williams stated that she thinks the Commission has provided information to Interim
City Manager Williams and can provide any updates moving forward. The Mayor added
that when she thinks about the Commission priorities, including the ones that she said
Commissioner Dominguez has provided as well, she would like to see them added to the
list and bucketed under the places they fit.
Commissioner Dominguez noted that the presentation delivered by Budget Administrator
Anathan proposed a declining mileage rate. The Commissioner pointed out that Opa-locka
has the highest mileage rate of all the municipalities at 9.65, despite being a small City.
She acknowledged that the mileage rate went down last year a little and expressed her hope
that it will go down a little bit for the Residents.
Budget Administrator Anathan confirmed that the goal is for the mileage rate to decline.
Interim City Manager Williams acknowledged that it is well documented that Opa-locka
has the highest mileage rate in the State of Florida, which he believes is a disservice to the
Residents. The Manager stated that his administration plans to address that by diversifying
the City's revenue portfolio so that they're not solely relying on the mileage rate for
revenue to support the City's services. He said that the diversification will increase the
City's revenue stream and will make it possible to lower the mileage rate, asserting that it
is one of his administration's targets.
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Mayor Williams asked Budget Administrator Anathan to deliver his presentation on the
Commission Department Budget.
Budget Administrator Anathan delivered his presentation on the Commission Department
Budget.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the events budget for the Commission was being done away
with.
Budget Administrator Anathan explained that the events budget for the Commission is a
separate budget under the special events policy that was adopted by the Commission. The
Budget Administrator said that the Parks & Recreation Department will come before the
Commission in May to get their approval for the standard special events for next year,
including a discussion on their discretionary budgets.
Vice Mayor Taylor suggested that the proposed line item for training, conferences and
seminars be raised from $4,000 to $5,000 because there are five members of the
Commission. The Vice Mayor also suggested that the proposed line item for publications,
subscriptions and memberships be raised from $1,900 to $2,000.
Interim City Manager Williams confirmed that the budget increases requested by Vice
Mayor Taylor could absolutely be included in the proposed budget.
Mayor Williams pointed out that there are times that Members of the Commission are
asked to support specific events by buying a ticket or an ad in a book, and she asked if that
would fall under the publications/subscriptions/memberships proposed budget line item.
The Mayor said that she has been doing what she is sure all the Members of the
Commission have been doing, by personally paying out of their own pocket. She went on
to say that the assumption is that they have something written in the budget to support other
entities. The Mayor also said that it was great to be able to support the Trayvon Martin
Foundation with a table at their event and asked if there was something available for when
the Commission wants to offer support.
Interim City Manager Williams informed the Commission that a proposed budget to
support other entities would not fall under the publications/subscriptions/members
proposed budget line item, but he said that he would defer to Budget Administrator
Anathan for recommendations.
Budget Administrator Anathan informed the Commission that the general expense
proposed budget line item is for everything they didn't think of and suggested that the
Commission may be looking for a slightly larger number than the $2,000 that was
proposed.
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Mayor Williams said that she doesn't know about anyone else, but she shared that she has
not been able to use her monthly allowance since she has been on the Dais because she
doesn't keep one receipt. The Mayor went on to say that she is okay with putting the
proposed budget to support other entities into the general expense proposed budget line
item, so that the Commission can support people and organizations by buying a ticket or
an ad, but she said it doesn't have to be put into that line item and asked if the currently
proposed $2,000 would be divided by the 5 Members of the Commission or if that amount
would have to be increased.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that in terms of equity, he would look to divide the
amount budgeted for the Commission to support other entities, equally among the Members
of the Commission. Manager Williams pointed out that if the currently proposed $2,000
was divided evenly, it would equal $400 for each member of the Commission.
Commissioner Davis stated that he wanted to chime in because he is the only sitting
Commission Member that has a membership with the League of Cities, which he said is a
running membership that he's had for several years. The Commissioner pointed out that
the membership can be expensive and will probably exceed the proposed line time. He
asked that it be increased because he has dealt with issues with the League where they
personally sent him invoices expecting him to pay for it, when he is holding a membership
on behalf of the City. Commissioner Davis acknowledged that the issue with the invoices
has been due to the City's relationship with the State of Florida and how they approve
certain items but said that it would be greatly appreciated if it was put some way into the
budget.
Budget Administrator Anathan stated that the membership for the League of Cities would
fall under the proposed budget line item for publications/subscriptions/memberships and
he said that if there's consensus amongst the Commission, it will be increased.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Commissioner Davis to let his Office know what the
expense for the League of Cities is, and he said that if they can allocate it equally among
the 5 Members of the Commission, they will look to increase the budget by that amount.
Vice Mayor Taylor noted that Commissioner Davis stated he received invoices for his
membership with the League of Cities and asked if it is a recurring monthly charge.
Commissioner Davis stated that he guesses his Membership with the Leagues of Cities is
a recurring monthly charge, but they usually don't send the invoice until it's pretty hefty,
so he thinks you get it annually because he's only received one since being a member and
assumes another payment is probably coming due.
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City Clerk Flores clarified that there is an annual fee for the membership with the League
of Cities and in addition, they have monthly board of directors' meetings that are dinners
which cost $60 to attend per person. The Clerk said she thinks those are the invoices that
Commissioner Davis is referencing because he does attend these meetings on a monthly
basis, so they're sending him the invoices when the City should be paying for them.
Mayor Williams asked if the City was paying for the invoices from the League of Cities
that were being sent to Commissioner Davis.
City Clerk Flores stated that to her knowledge, the city is paying for the invoices from the
League of Cities that were being sent to Commissioner Davis, but she thinks that at one
time there was an issue with that.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that the annual expense from the League of Cities is
still paid under the City Manager's Budget, and he said that for whatever reason, they are
submitting the monthly expenses on behalf of Commissioner Davis.
Mayor Williams thanked Commissioner Davis for taking the position again with the
League of Cities.
Budget Administrator Anathan informed the Commission that the monthly League of
Cities meetings are being recorded in the training, conferences and seminars budget line
item right now.
Mayor Williams stated that perhaps the publication, subscription and memberships line
item may be increased after the Commission makes an assessment of what they've been
paying, pointing out that the Commission just became members of the Florida Black
Caucus of Local Elected Officials. The Mayor also asked for the clothing proposed line
item to be explained.
Budget Administrator Anathan explained that the clothing proposed budget line item is for
the shirts branded with the City of Opa-locka logo and their title as Mayor, Vice Mayor or
Commissioner.
Mayor Williams pointed out that she had to change over to a new role and had the
marketing person leave a week before she had to do the State of the City, which she said
probably increased that budget and she proposed to reduce it to $5,000. The Mayor then
said to leave it. She went on to ask when the last time was that a scholarship was given out.
Budget Administrator Anathan stated that he doesn't believe that in the 2 years he's been
serving in Opa-locka, that a scholarship was ever given.
Mayor Williams asked why the city scholarships are under the Commission's budget.
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Interim City Manager Williams stated that the City scholarships were an initiative.
Mayor Williams stated that she understood that they just need to make sure they follow
through on the City scholarship initiative.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the Commission monthly allowance included in the proposed
budget line item, would still be based on reimbursement.
Budget Administrator Anathan confirmed that per the City's Code, the Commission
monthly allowance included in the budget line item, must be based on reimbursement.
Mayor Williams stated that she thinks the Commission decided they would go back to look
at the proposed general expense budget line item to see if they can fit the support of the
community within that line item.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the proposed clothing budget line item can be increased
because they have two shirts for 1 year and proposed that a different vendor may allow
them to get more.
Interim City Manager Williams informed the Commission that his Office is looking at
additional vendors for the purpose of providing additional shirts to the Commission.
Mayor Williams asked if the two shirts that she has that say Mayor were each $500.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that while he preferred the way Vice Mayor Taylor
proffered the question about the cost of the shirts, he offered assurances that research is
being done to find additional less expensive vendors.
Vice Mayor Taylor suggested they can go to the Flea Market.
Mayor Williams thanked Budget Administrator Anathan for his time.
Vice Mayor Taylor encouraged his colleagues on the Commission to join him in
congratulating Ms. Sha'mecca Lawson for her promotion as Assistant City Manager.
Mayor Williams encouraged her colleagues on the Commission to join her in
congratulating Mr. Darvin Williams for being appointed as the new City Manager.
Interim City Manager Williams thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve the
City and the residents of Opa-locka. City Manager Williams re -stated that his
administration will be about transparency and integrity moving forward. He expressed his
appreciation for the Commission's feedback, agenda items and focus for the proposed
budget and said that he is looking forward to fulfilling the recommendations they have.
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The City Manager asserted that his Staff is looking forward to a continued relationship
with the Commission for the Residents of Opa-locka.
8. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Williams
adjourned the Workshop at 6:51 p.m.
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ATTEST:
Joa4na Flores, CMC
City Clerk
Veronica J. Williams
Mayor
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