HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-July 13, 2022 RCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The Great City"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
July 13, 2022
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 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 Audrey Dominguez, Vice Mayor John H. Taylor Jr., and Mayor
Veronica J. Williams. Commissioner Chris Davis arrived at 7:17 p.m. Also, in attendance
were: Interim City Manager Darvin Williams, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks,
Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb and Deputy City Clerk Chris Wills.
3. INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by Vice Mayor Taylor.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Florida Main Street Designation
Interim Community Redevelopment Agency Manager Corion DeLaine presented the
Commission with a plaque from the State of Florida through the Department of State,
announcing that Opa-locka has been awarded the designation for a Main Street. He also
introduced Katherine Beck, the Main Street Coordinator for the State of Florida. Ms. Beck
thanked the Commission for their support of the Main Street program and shared that she
had the opportunity to do a reconnaissance visit at the end of April, during which she was
very impressed with the tremendous assets and further recognized the steps that had been
taken over the past 2 years that will help the City in revitalization. She also informed the
Commission that she will be visiting Opa-locka in September, joined by other members of
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 1
her team from the Bureau of Historic Preservation and National Main Street, to complete
a community assessment to come up with a strategy that they think will work for Opa-
locka.
Commissioner Bass offered her thanks.
Mayor Williams thanked Ms. Katherine Beck and stated that the Commission is honored
to have the Main Street designation bestowed upon Opa-locka. The Mayor also thanked
Interim Community Redevelopment Agency Manager Corion DeLaine and the entire
Community Redevelopment Agency Board for the work they did to have the Main Street
designation bestowed upon Opa-locka.
Presentation by City of Opa-locka Human Resources Department
Honoring Class of 2022 Graduates
Human Resource Department Director Kierra Ward presented awards honoring the Class
of 2022 Graduates.
Mayor Williams pointed out that the Graduates are our future, encouraging them to be
successful in whatever they do, and urging them to stay right here in the great City of Opa-
locka.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions):
Commissioner Dominguez pulled Consent Agenda Items 13-3 and 13-4.
Mayor Williams pulled Consent Agenda Items 13-2, 13-5 and 13-6.
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the
Consent Agenda (agenda item 13-1).
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed by a 5-0
vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 2
Mayor Williams proposed that the Agenda be amended to move Agenda Item 18 -
Official Board Reports, to the beginning of the Agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to amend the
Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to amend the Agenda passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Bass, to approve the
Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Agenda passed by a 5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 11, 2022
It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Dominguez to approve
the minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — May 11, 2022.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 8, 2022
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 3
It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Bass to approve the
minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — June 8, 2022.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:
There was none.
10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:
There were none.
Based on the amendment of the Agenda approved by the Commission, Mayor Williams
invited the Charter Review Board to present their Board Report to the Commission.
Charter Review Board Chair Jannie Russell informed the Commission that the rest of the
Board Members could not make it to the meeting. Chair Russell stated that the Board
wanted to thank the Commission for appointing them to the Board, stating that they have
worked diligently to go over the City's Charter and come up with some recommendations.
She also said that not all of the items that they looked at were ready to be presented because
issues like the form of government and the establishment of Commission seats or districts
would take a lot more time, adding that the Board felt the 2 items they are recommending
are very important to the Community. Ms. Russell added that if they as Citizens of Opa-
locka don't have faith in the Commission, they can't expect others to. Acknowledging that
the compensation for the Commission has been and probably will continue to be a touchy
subject, the Board Chair said that the majority of the Board by a vote of 4-1, believes that
it warrants them taking it before the voters. She assured the Commission that the Charter
Review Board didn't just do all of the work with the help of the City Clerk's Office, the
City Attorney's Office and the City Manager's Office, to just give it to the voters, but rather
are committed to encouraging voters to look at the referendum and join them in making it
a reality. Board Chair Russell stated that a lot has been said about the reasons why the
Commission does not receive compensation, but she asserted that it's just not true that the
State of Florida came in and removed the Commission's compensation. Expressing her
hope that the Commission will agree with the Charter Review Board to put the referendums
on the November ballot. Ms. Russell encouraged Citizens to get involved when they have
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 4
the Charter Review Board Forums and shared that she has learned a lot. She went on to
state that the Board made their recommendation not just for the Commission that sits there
now, but for the Commissions that are to come. Board Chair Russell offered to answer any
questions the Commission had.
Commissioner Davis noted that the 2 proposed Charter amendments proposed by the
Charter Review Board were almost identical except for one including a monthly stipend
and asked if the idea the Board had was for the City Commission to approve one or consider
both.
Charter Review Board Chair Russell stated that the consensus of the Board was to send
both of the proposed Charter amendments to the Voters because they didn't have the
majority in agreement when it came to the car stipend. The Board Chair said that the car
stipend was also a stickler during the time that the Charter Review Board dedicated to
Citizens Input.
Commissioner Davis stated his understanding that the idea the Charter Review Board had
was to put both options on the table, noting that the Commission can debate it and at a later
date, place it on the ballot for consideration by the citizens of the Community.
Charter Review Board Chair Russell confirmed that Commissioner Davis' understanding
was correct.
Commissioner Davis thanked Charter Review Board Chair Russell.
Commissioner Bass thanked the Members of the Charter Review Board for the hours of
work they put in, acknowledging that it was not easy, but stating that they did well.
Charter Review Board Chair Russell informed the Commission that the Board met twice a
month, and sometimes even 3 times a month.
Mayor Williams stated that she learned a lot by watching the Charter Review Board
Meetings. The Mayor offered her kudos to Board Chair Russell for directing the Board
and making everything as smooth as possible. She acknowledged that the Board asked
intentional questions, copious notes were written, and the Clerk's Office worked hard for
the Board Members. Mayor Williams expressed the Commission's gratitude for the service
of the Charter Review Board Members.
Charter Review Board Chair Russell stated that she had not been as visible as she would
like to be for the last few weeks because her Mom, who comes to Opa-locka religiously,
was on her way home in the Grove and got in a very bad accident about 3 weeks ago. The
Board Chair thanked those who were praying for her Mom as well as those who called,
sharing that she would tell her every time somebody called to check on her. She shared
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 5
the good news that her Mom is home now. Charter Review Board Chair Russell concluded
by asking if there were any other questions from the City Commission.
Mayor Williams stated that she believed the City Commission was good with the
information that Charter Review Board Chair Russell provided them.
11. CITIZENS' FORUM:
(Opportunity for discussion of any concerns — please limit to 3 minutes)
Deputy Clerk Chris Wills announced the protocol for public participation at City
Commission meetings.
Mayor Williams opened the Citizens' Forum.
Ms. Tangelar Parker who resides at 1266 Fisherman Street yielded her 3 minutes to her
husband.
Mr. Wilbert Parker who resides at 1266 Fisherman Street expressed concerns over an
illegal dumping warning violation from Miami -Dade County which says that if it is not
picked up by Tuesday, July 19th, they will be fined. Mr. Parker asserted that he and his
wife do not condone illegal dumping and he doesn't think they should be punished for
something that was done overnight which they did not do. He explained that the illegal
dumping occurred in the alleyway, which he pointed out is City property and not their
personal property. Mr. Parker concluded by pointing out that there are many allies in Opa-
locka where stuff has been dumped, and that some of the Members of the Commission live
near alleys, so he urged them to call Miami -Dade County because they may be next.
Mr. Ario Lundy who resides at 14911 Duval Street urged the Commission to give the
Police the opportunity to negotiate their contract, noting that the Police has not had a
contract since 2014, adding that they should get it over with because everybody wants to
have a job that is secure. Mr. Lundy pointed out that the Police goes out every day and
risks their lives, especially in the area where he is at, and he concluded by stressing that a
deal should be negotiated that makes sense for the Commission and the Police.
Mr. Michael Braverman introduced himself as special labor counsel for the South Florida
Police Benevolent Association and shared that he started with the Police Benevolent
Association in 1986 with Opa-locka being the first City he ever worked for in the Police
Benevolent Association. Mr. Braverman said he is proud to represent the men and women
of the Opa-locka Police Department and added that he doesn't have enough time to tell the
Commission of the struggles they have been facing but shared some of the issues they have
been dealing with. He also said that Mr. Lundy is right, pointing out that the dates on the
current collective bargaining agreement is from 2012 to 2014. Reminding the Commission
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 6
that the men and women he represents, have stood beside them and the Citizens of the City
throughout all of the trials and tribulations that Opa-locka has gone through, Mr.
Braverman said that the City Manager and the Police Benevolent Association are ready to
seal the deal. He asked that the Commission be tenacious, stick to its guns, go forward to
get a good agreement and authorize the City Manager to get on with the business of
concluding the collective bargaining agreement. Mr. Braverman informed the Commission
that the July 6th meeting had to be postponed, but he assured them that he and General
Counsel Andrew Axelrad are ready to do the business of the Citizens, the City and the
Police Benevolent Association. He went on to share that Shirlyon McWhorter, one of the
City Attorney's associates, used to be a Police Benevolent Association attorney, has been
involved in collective bargaining in the past and has been at the meetings. Mr. Braverman
concluded by assuring the Commission that they are there to work together and do
whatever they can to get it done.
Mr. Alex Van Mecl who resides at 806 Jann Avenue stated that he has taken acute interest
in the recent developments he has read about in the Miami Herald concerning the site of
the Opa-locka Hialeah Flea Market, which he said is a source of much pride, joy and culture
for Opa-locka and the surrounding region. Mr. Van Mecl shared his opinions on the
proposal from Link Logistics from an urban planning perspective, while considering the
vitality of the community. He offered assurances that he is all for progress and profit, while
adding that this is a historic opportunity to evaluate the use of a critical piece of land that
may not come to the City in many years. Mr. Van Mecl pointed out that across the street,
there are plenty of warehouses that he said are probably used for similar purposes, further
stating that they're great and flashy, but he does not believe they serve the needs of the
community in Opa-locka or the region. He said that he hopes there are conversations
happening for next week's Planning & Zoning Appeals Board about including housing
with the commercial logistics vision. Mr. Van Mecl suggested that what's being proposed
be internally evaluated to determine if it is the best use and service for the future of the
City because he said that he would love to go to a restaurant or a community space filled
with amenities, right at the entrance of one of the City's thorough ways. He also said that
when looking at the rendering and the Link Logistics portfolio in South Florida
specifically, Mr. Van Mecl said that it's nothing new and that it looks like everything else
that they already had. Lamenting that the rendering being presented doesn't at all
compliment the community's Moorish aesthetic, he concluded by quoting the Whitney
Houston and Mariah Carey duet "When You Believe" from the movie "The Prince of
Egypt", stating that he truly believes they can encourage the developer and owner to serve
the needs of the community.
There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor
Williams closed the Citizen's Forum.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 7
12. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list):
1. [13-2] A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS ("RFP") FOR THE PROVISION OF
VACANT/ABANDONED/FORECLOSED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FOR THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City
Manager
The above resolution was read into the record by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
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 Planning and Community Development Department
Director Gregory Gay to introduce Agenda Item 12-1.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay informed the
Commission that the request for proposals process that was being presented before them
had been requested about 2 to 3 years ago by a Member of the Commission, to look at the
registration process for the City's vacant properties. Mr. Gay said that over the past 8 years
since he began serving the City, there have been a number of properties that have fallen
into hard times and have become somewhat derelict, falling into disrepair. He further
explained that the request for proposals is to seek out a company that will look into having
the properties properly registered on an annual basis and see what opportunities may be
out there to address the vacant properties with fines, liens, foreclosure and possibly have
them received by the City to move them forward into a better condition. Mr. Gay said that
his Staff had initially looked at doing a piggyback, but their research determined that there
were other companies out there and needed to go to a request for proposals process to move
the item forward.
Mayor Williams asked how long the Planning and Community Development Department
had been working with the company that they were considering signing a piggyback
contract with.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay informed the
Commission that his Staff initially started their communication in late 2019 with the
company that they were considering signing a piggyback contract with but lost a year with
the company during the pandemic, picking it up again in early 2021. Mr. Gay went on to
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 8
say that his Department was looking at the contracts the company had already secured with
several other municipalities in Miami -Dade and Broward Counties but were made aware
through research that other companies were doing similar work through Miami -Dade and
Broward Counties. He explained that because there are multiple companies, it should be
taken through the request for proposals process.
Mayor Williams shared her understanding of what Planning and Community Development
Department Director Gregory Gay said, stating that for about 3 years since 2019, his
Department was having conversations with a company that was clearly vetted by several
other cities. The Mayor then said that Mr. Gay had stated that he was told about the other
companies so that he would put it out as a request for proposals, and she asked who told
them about the other companies.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay stated that his
Department's Staff identified some companies through their research in addition to
company information being provided by Members of the Commission.
Mayor Williams asked Planning and Community Development Department Director
Gregory Gay if the City Attorney was part of the meetings where the other companies were
discussed.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay stated that the
City Attorney was involved in the meetings.
Mayor Williams asked the City Attorney what occurred in those meetings.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks recalled 2 meetings which she was involved with, during
which she said that she along with City Staff from the Code Enforcement Department,
Planning and Community Development Department and the City Manager's Office met
with the vendor. The Attorney informed the Commission that they went through the
information they had to share including the number of properties that were in foreclosure,
as well as ordinances from other municipalities along with the contracts they had with those
cities. She said that City Staff researched those ordinances and talked through them in the
meetings, adding that there may have been other meetings that they had with Staff
Members.
Mayor Williams shared her understanding that the Planning and Community Development
Department along with the City Attorney's Office was already in the process of vetting the
company throughout 2019, 2022 and 2021. She also said that she understood that they've
already done work in the form of research, but that now that they're ready to move forward,
they are pivoting on 3 years worth of work done by the Planning and Community
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 9
Development Department along with the City Attorney, because research or others told
them about other companies.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay said that for the
most part, Mayor Williams statement was very much accurate but said that it needed to be
considered that City Staff also did research on other companies there were brought to their
attention. Mr. Gay also said that to be fair and transparent because his Department's Staff
did not know what type of services the other companies may bring in addition to what the
City was seeking, they felt it needed to go through the request for proposals process.
Mayor Williams asserted that she is all for the request for proposals process but reiterated
her concerns that all that time was put into a company that already worked with several
cities in Miami -Dade County and were vetted. The Mayor lamented that they had meetings
and then pivoted because they were told there were other companies. She concluded by
acknowledging that the Commission has been talking about this for 2 years since she began
serving on the Dais, and said that the proposal to initiate the request for proposals process
after a company had already started the work, gives her pause.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay informed the
Commission that the company presented samples of the process they would go through for
the registration process along with the information they would provide, based on what they
had access to through the Miami -Dade County Property Appraiser and Miami -Dade
County Tax Collector, which he pointed out is accessible to all companies. Mr. Gay went
on to state that a working relationship had not been established because there was no
contract with them.
Mayor Williams stated her understanding that at one of the meetings, the company already
presented a semi -comprehensive list of properties that could possibly be foreclosed on and
asked if that happened.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay stated that he
did not recall a list just for the City of Opa-locka being provided but did recall the company
showing the Staff from his Department how they access information through the internet
services that are available, in addition to what type of information they could provide.
Mayor Williams stated that she has questions and reiterated her understanding that a City
Department along with the City Attorney's Office started a piggyback process with a
company that had already been vetted by multiple cities in Miami -Dade County, and she
reiterated that it raised an eyebrow that the process was stopped to move to a request for
proposals process to allow other companies to come in. The Mayor urged her colleagues
to think about that and asked if there were any questions or comments.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 10
Commissioner Davis pointed out that he's been around longer, for the whole 3 years, and
recalled that he sponsored legislation in 2019 to establish a vacant property ordinance in
the City, to address some of the derelict properties which lead to safety and health concerns
in the Community. The Commissioner said that he shared Mayor Williams' same
sentiments, lamenting that he didn't see much movement since the legislation passed,
acknowledging that the Commission is now picking up the issue with the understanding
that City Staff has been working with the contractor. He also said that it's not unusual for
the City to do piggyback bids or put out items that are to be procured through the request
for proposals process, with it usually being a management decision. The Commissioner
acknowledged that some of the procurement costs can be cut by a piggyback contract
because another municipality's contract is just being tailored, as opposed to the request for
proposals process which requires the City to expend money to advertise. He stated that he
doesn't care if it goes through the request for proposals process or is a piggyback but
pointed out that a lot of times with a piggyback contract, the City takes some of the bad
things that may not necessarily fit the Community and may not always be the best option.
Commissioner Davis added that he would personally not want to lead that decision because
the Commission is not privy to those sort of day-to-day decisions with the City Manager's
Office making recommendations to the Commission. He concluded by stating that if the
Commission has a problem, they can take it back based on a consensus of the Commission
and can reconsider how the item is procured.
Vice Mayor Taylor asked if the company has a contract with the City.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay informed the
Commission that the company has no contract with the City.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he had no idea what was being talked about regarding the
meetings that Commissioners had, and he asked if the company that had those meetings
was being advocated for, because he said that's what it sounded like.
Mayor Williams said that she is not saying that part.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he's been an advocate for foreclosing on vacant properties
and doesn't have a problem with the request for proposals process because he agrees with
his colleague and said he would like to see how it can be shaped to fit Opa-locka as opposed
to going with the piggyback contract. The Vice Mayor said that it sounds like a company
is being advocated for and he is confused by the statements about Commissioners having
secret meetings.
Mayor Williams explained that she is not advocating for any company and asserted that
she is advocating for the best company. The Mayor said that she did her research and saw
that two offices within the City including the City Attorney's Office and Mr. Gay's Office
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 11
had 3 years worth of conversations and meetings with a company that had already started
the process because of the piggyback contract. She went on to share her understanding that
the office had to initially go to that company in order to start those conversations and
offered assurances that she is definitely supportive of the request for proposals process
because it allows the fishnet to go out further. The Mayor added that it is what gives her
pause because the request for proposals tells her that they are now advocating and trying
to bring in another company that anyone wants to sneak in, while clarifying that she is not
saying it's the Commission. She shared that it bothers her because they already started the
process, that they all wanted it to happen, and she said that the process had already been
done.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay explained that
if the process was done, his Department's Staff would have presented a piggyback contract
to the Commission.
Mayor Williams asked why they didn't present a piggyback contract to the Commission.
Planning and Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay explained that
based on the evaluation completed by his Department's Staff, they were not fully satisfied
with the information that was being provided by that particular company and wanted to
look at other opportunities, which is why they felt it would be better to go through the
request for proposals process.
Mayor Williams stated that she wanted to make it known that this is something that makes
her raise a brow because it looks as if the City is going to stop because someone may have
said that they may have found another company and the fishnet was opened wider. The
Mayor said that now it's convenient to say that they didn't do what the City wanted, but 3
years were wasted working with them.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he sees the complete opposite of what Mayor Williams sees
because if they are advocating for a particular company, it gives him pause. The Vice
Mayor said that he would rather put the fish net out to get someone that is tailored for Opa-
locka. He reiterated that it sounds like a particular company is being advocated for based
on conversations that he wasn't privy to because he wasn't on the Dais 3 years ago.
Mayor Williams pointed out that she wasn't privy to the conversations 3 years ago because
she wasn't on the Dais then either.
Vice Mayor Taylor said that Mayor Williams stated that things were said to her, and he
doesn't even know what meetings they were alluding to.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 12
Mayor Williams explained that she was talking about the meetings that Planning and
Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay had with the City Attorney.
Vice Mayor Taylor said that Mayor Williams had said that she talked to somebody and did
her own research.
Mayor Williams stated that all of the Members of the Commission can do research.
Vice Mayor Taylor said that his question is how Mayor Williams would know to do that
research if she wasn't told to do that, and he said that she brought it up.
Mayor Williams acknowledged that she brought it up but said that it wasn't the point.
Vice Mayor Taylor stated that he would rather see it go through the request for proposals
process because if they are going to do it, they should do it right and fair.
Mayor Williams said it can go through the request for proposals process, but she is just
saying to keep their eyes open.
Vice Mayor Taylor said that he doesn't think they should accuse the City Employees.
Mayor Williams said she is not accusing anyone.
Vice Mayor Taylor took issue with Mayor Williams saying things like keep your eyes open.
Commissioner Bass asked Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay if
the company that had been under consideration for the piggyback contract, would have an
opportunity to bid through the request for proposals process.
Community Development Department Director Gregory Gay confirmed that the company
that had been under consideration for the piggyback contract, would absolutely have an
opportunity to bid through the request for proposals process.
Commissioner Dominguez stated that after hearing what Mayor Williams said, she doesn't
really feel comfortable with the City talking to a company for the past 2 or 3 years and not
being presented to the Commission.
Commissioner Bass said that she totally understands what Commissioner Dominguez said
but explained that she asked about the request for proposals process because if it goes out
and anybody can bid, then the Commission can make a decision based on what is vetted
and they can do their part to take care of City business.
Mayor Williams pointed out that the company had been vetted because it was a proposed
piggyback contract.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 13
There being no additional discussion, the proposed resolution was approved by a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Dominguez No
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Mayor Williams No
2. [13-3] A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AMENDMENT #1 TO THE DW130331 LOAN AGREEMENT
WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION, RELATING TO THE STATE REVOLVING FUND (SRF)
LOAN PROGRAM FOR DRINKING WATER; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read into the record by Assistant City Attorney Candice
Cobb.
Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda Item
12-2.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Public Works Department Director Airia
Austin to introduce Agenda Item 12-2.
Public Works Department Director Airia Austin informed the Commission that the
resolution proposed by Agenda Item 12-2 would close a drinking water loan in the
amount of $2.4 million that was obtained in 2015 for City-wide drinking water
projects. Mr. Austin further explained that at the time, the State of Florida relegated
the spending only to Cairo Lane which used up all of the drinking water portions
of the loan. He said that the State of Florida requested that the City close the
remaining balance and apply for any new loans for drinking water.
It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bass to
discuss Agenda Item 12-2.
Commissioner Dominguez asked why information related to sewer pump station 7
was attached to Agenda Item 12-2 if it is related to drinking water.
Public Works Department Director Airia Austin assured the Commission that the
resolution proposed by Agenda Item 12-2 is solely for the closeout of a drinking
water loan and should not be connected to any sewer pump stations, acknowledging
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 14
that there may be some scrivener's errors on the item. Mr. Austin asked if the
Finance Department could address the discrepancy because they proffered the
language for the closeout of the drinking water loan.
Financial Consultant Gerri Lazarre stated that the resolution proposed by Agenda
Item 12-2 just amends the language for the drinking water loan and she didn't know
why the additional component was attached because they only submitted the
amendment documents, and there shouldn't be anything else related to the sewer
pump station.
Commissioner Dominguez thanked Public Works Department Director Airia
Austin and Financial Consultant Gerri Lazarre for their explanation.
There being no additional discussion, the proposed resolution was approved by a
5-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
3. [13-4] A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ISSUE AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OF TEN THOUSAND, THREE
HUNDRED NINETY DOLLARS ($10,390.00) TO MARCUM, LLP FOR
ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL WORK RELATED TO COMPLETING
THE SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AUDIT; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above resolution was read into the record by Assistant City Attorney Candice
Cobb.
Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda Item
12-3.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Acting Finance Director Gerri Lazarre to
introduce Agenda Item 12-3.
Acting Finance Director Gerri Lazarre stated that Marcum LLP was selected to
perform the audit, which was initially set to begin in January but a lot of changes
and delays, caused delays with the audit and delays with Marcum LLP, which
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 15
caused them to revisit their schedule. Ms. Lazarre explained that as a result of the
delay, based on their contract, Marcum LLP has a right to ask for additional fees.
She said that Marcum LLP will not come back on site to continue with the audit
until the agreement is signed, and she stressed that it is needed so that the audit can
continue.
It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to discuss
Agenda Item 12-3.
Commissioner Dominguez recalled that during the November 22, 2021 Special
Commission Meeting during which the proposal from Marcum LLP was accepted,
Acting Finance Director Gerri Lazarre stated that Marcum LLP would begin
working on 2 audits, with the 2020 audit being completed between February and
March which she noted didn't happen, and the 2021 audit being completed by June
30, 2022. The Commissioner also pointed out that they received an email stating
that TriMerge Consulting terminated their contract on June 29, 2022. In reviewing
the proposals that were received, she noted that Marcum LLP had the highest score
with the lowest cost at $39,995. She went on to share the company information in
their proposal, further noting that Marcum LLP touted itself as a top 15 firm that
has provided professional services to more than 250 government entities and has
performed more than 40 audits. Commissioner Dominguez also pointed out that
Marcum's proposal states that they will perform an audit on the financial statements
of the City of Opa-locka for the fiscal years ending September 30th 2020 and 2021,
having acknowledged receipt of all of the addendums and committing to
performing the work within the time period defined in the request for proposals.
The Commissioner assured that she is all for getting ahead with the audit because
the City needs to get out of financial oversight, but asked why Marcum LLP had
not completed the audit, especially the 2020 audit which she asked if they had been
paid for, while pointing out that an additional amount was being proposed to be
paid.
Acting Finance Director Gerri Lazarre explained that the Finance Department lost
2 Staff Accountants who were critical to the audit, in November and December,
which led to struggles within the Department. Ms. Lazarre also stated that the
turnover in the City Manager's Office was critical because the Finance Department
can't sign off on anything without the City Manager, and she said that there were a
lot of things that the auditors had requested that the Finance Department couldn't
even get signed because there was no City Manager in place, which she lamented
was a problem in the beginning when they were starting the audit. Additionally,
she informed the Commission that the auditor sent a list of things they wanted
prepared before the audit begins, and Ms. Lazarre shared that the Finance
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 16
Department struggled to put that information together internally with the City's
Departments. When the deadline for the information the auditor wanted was
missed, she said that the auditor had to push the schedule to accommodate the City
and she also said that it wasn't completely the external auditor's fault with all of
the internal things happening in the City of Opa-locka. Ms. Lazarre went on to
point out that even with the addition of the fee for Marcum LLP included in the
resolution, as proposed by Agenda Item 12-3, they are still the lowest price with
the others being $70,000 to $80,000. She also shared that Marcum LLP has a lot
of experience that they've been able to share with the Finance Department Team,
and she said that they are happy to have them, adding that she doesn't see any
problems with them. Ms. Lazarre informed the Commission that most firms use
professional service billing over time, and she said that Marcum LLP had sent 2
invoices so far because they had started working on the City's audit as well as 2
invoices for the Community Redevelopment Agency audit, which she mentioned
have been forwarded. She added that one of the bills had been paid, with another
one outstanding, totaling about $10,000 of the $30,000 and stating that she doesn't
anticipate paying them everything until the audit is delivered in a draft format.
Commissioner Dominguez noted that the Marcum LLP proposal states that their
firm agreed to furnish the City with written progress reports with the frequency that
is reasonably requested as specified in the request for proposals and asked if the
Commission can get a report on how far the audit is and asked how soon they can
get that.
Acting Finance Director Gerri Lazarre informed the Commission that every
certified public accountant firm works a little differently with some giving a
detailed listing, but she said that Marcum LLP seems to just give one sentence, with
more detail provided through their portal. Ms. Lazarre also stated that Marcum
LLP has given the Finance Department status update letters that she said are not as
detailed as the Commission may want, but she said that those have gone to the City
Manager's Office, and she offered to put them together to provide a status update.
Commissioner Dominguez said she would appreciate the report because it will be
helpful to know where the audit is at, and she thanked Acting Finance Director
Gerri Lazarre.
There being no additional discussion, the proposed resolution was approved by a
5-0 vote.
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 17
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
4. [13-5] A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA,
CALLING FOR A REFERENDUM OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF
THE CITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER THE
CITY CHARTER SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCREASE THE
COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
FROM FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS PER MONTH TO ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS PER MONTH; PROVIDING FOR LIFE
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE 30 DAYS FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF
STATE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT; STATING THE REFERENDUM
QUESTION; STATING THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED CHARTER
AMENDMENT; STATING THE DATE ON WHICH THE REFERENDUM
WILL BE HELD; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE
CHARTER AMENDMENT, IF APPROVED; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The above resolution was read into the record by Assistant City Attorney Candice
Cobb.
It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass to discuss
Agenda Item 12-4.
Mayor Williams stated that because the Charter Review Board had already spoken
on the item, the Commission can move ahead and vote.
There being no additional discussion, the proposed resolution was approved by a
5-0 vote.
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
5. [13-6] A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA,
CALLING FOR A REFERENDUM OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF
THE CITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER THE
CITY CHARTER SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCREASE THE
COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 18
FROM FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS PER MONTH TO ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS PER MONTH; PROVIDING FOR LIFE
INSURANCE, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND A THREE HUNDRED
DOLLAR MONTHLY VEHICLE STIPEND; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE 30 DAYS FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF
STATE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT; STATING THE REFERENDUM
QUESTION; STATING THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED CHARTER
AMENDMENT; STATING THE DATE ON WHICH THE REFERENDUM
WILL BE HELD; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE
CHARTER AMENDMENT, IF APPROVED; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The above resolution was read into the record by Assistant City Attorney Candice
Cobb.
It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve
Agenda Item 12-5.
There being no discussion, the proposed resolution was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
13. ADMINISTRATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPOINTING BEATRICE CAZEAU AND VICTOR
H. DE YURRE AS CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATES;
PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS ("RFP") FOR THE PROVISION OF
VACANT/ABANDONED/FORECLOSED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FOR THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 19
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City
Manager
3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AMENDMENT #1 TO THE DW130331 LOAN AGREEMENT
WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION, RELATING TO THE STATE REVOLVING FUND (SRF)
LOAN PROGRAM FOR DRINKING WATER; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-
LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE
AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OF TEN THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED
NINETY DOLLARS ($10,390.00) TO MARCUM, LLP FOR ADDITIONAL
SUPPLEMENTAL WORK RELATED TO COMPLETING THE
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AUDIT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City
Manager
5. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, CALLING
FOR A REFERENDUM OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER THE CITY
CHARTER SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCREASE THE
COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
FROM FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS PER MONTH TO ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS PER MONTH; PROVIDING FOR LIFE
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE 30 DAYS FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF
STATE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT; STATING THE REFERENDUM
QUESTION; STATING THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED CHARTER
AMENDMENT; STATING THE DATE ON WHICH THE REFERENDUM
WILL BE HELD; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE
CHARTER AMENDMENT, IF APPROVED; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, CALLING
FOR A REFERENDUM OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER THE CITY
CHARTER SHALL BE AMENDED TO INCREASE THE
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 20
COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
FROM FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS PER MONTH TO ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS PER MONTH; PROVIDING FOR LIFE
INSURANCE, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND A THREE HUNDRED
DOLLAR MONTHLY VEHICLE STIPEND; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE 30 DAYS FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF
STATE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT; STATING THE REFERENDUM
QUESTION; STATING THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED CHARTER
AMENDMENT; STATING THE DATE ON WHICH THE REFERENDUM
WILL BE HELD; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE
CHARTER AMENDMENT, IF APPROVED; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Vote taken on Consent Agenda items can be viewed under Agenda Item 6 — Approval of
the 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):
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
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 21
APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGETS AND EXPENDITURES;
PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATIONS
AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Manager
The above ordinance was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb.
Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda
Item 16-A-1.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Budget Administrator Anathan to
introduce Agenda Item 16-A-1.
Budget Administrator Anathan informed the Commission that
approximately $977,000 worth of items that were not previously addressed
in the budget, were identified and should be addressed. He offered to make
a presentation to the Commission or just respond to their questions.
Mayor Williams opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-A-1.
There being no members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor
Williams closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-A-1.
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to
discuss Agenda Item 16-A-1.
Mayor Williams asked if the Commission had any questions for Budget
Administrator Anathan.
There being no discussion, the proposed ordinance was approved by a 5-0
vote.
Vice Mayor Taylor Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Commissioner Davis Yes
Commissioner Dominguez Yes
Mayor Williams Yes
B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
There were none.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 22
C. RESOLUTION(S):
There were none.
17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
Interim City Manager Williams addressed the items that came up during the Citizens'
Forum. The Manager specifically addressed the concerns presented by the Parker Family
and stated that the City is aware of the issues with illegal dumping, and he offered
assurances that his Staff is working judiciously to address it. He explained that they have
had meetings with Miami -Dade County about amending the memorandum of
understanding so that it serves the City better and have also had conversations about
opening the City's transfer station. The Manager went on to state that his Staff has had
conversations with the owners of the Opa-locka Flea Market about various uses but pointed
out that it is private property and zoned for the use which their proposals meet.
Mayor Williams asked for the status of the open storage ordinance.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Planning and Community Development Director
Gregory Gay to provide an update on the open storage legislation.
Planning and Community Development Director Gregory Gay informed the Commission
that the open storage legislation is still in development and said that his Department is
pretty much ready to finalize it. Mr. Gay said that they were going to be presenting it to
the City Manager tomorrow so that it can be ready to be brought before the Commission
by their next meeting.
Mayor Williams asked Manager Williams for the status of the meetings that the
Commission had asked to have happen between the City Manager and the City Attorney,
during their closed session meeting.
Interim City Manager Williams informed the Commission that the City Attorney had sent
an email that afternoon stating that she has availability on Friday to meet with him.
Mayor Williams stated that she wanted to read into the record that Florida's Inspector
General Ms. Melinda Miguel reviewed the invoices for the City's legal services for October
2020, December 2020 and January 2021 and she said that they've been paid by the State
of Florida with all the additional details that were provided.
Commissioner Davis said that he would like to state for the record that he was not included
on the communication that has been happening between the City Attorney's Office and the
State of Florida, that he said all Members of the Commission were copied on. The
Commissioner also stated for the record that he has reached out to the City Attorney's
Office through phone calls, emails, during his agenda briefing and through the Clerk's
Office with a public records request in reference to those items but has yet to receive a
response. He did acknowledge having received the response from earlier that day which
came from Florida's Inspector General Melinda Miguel about the approval of the City
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 23
Attorney's invoices, but he reiterated that he wanted to state for the record that he was not
included, didn't know if anyone else was excluded and said he still hadn't received the
communication.
Mayor Williams asked that all Members of the Commission are included in all
communication at all times. The Mayor also asked that if Commissioner Davis hadn't
received the communication by now, that all those emails be forwarded to him as soon as
possible.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks addressed Commissioner Davis' comment, stating that the
email she had in front of her has Commissioner Davis copied in addition to all other
Commissioners, and she offered to re -forward that again. The City Attorney also said that
she had great communication with the State of Florida. She stated that the format of her
bills is fine, noting Florida Inspector General Melinda Miguel's comments, and adding her
assertion that there are no discrepancies on the bills, and nothing is out of order. The
Attorney said she wanted to put that on the record, so that hopefully they don't have to
continue to revisit that type of issue. She pointed out that the Commission has probably
seen the email communication that went back and forth, stating that she reached out to the
City Manager after their closed -door session and that she made a third attempt earlier that
day to meet with him on the Union issues. The Attorney informed the Commission that
the City Manager did respond earlier that day and told her of his availability, adding that
she would try to gather her team for a Friday meeting because the Manager is looking to
meet on Saturday for a closed -door session.
Interim City Manager Williams stated that he had set the closed -door session for 9 and 10
AM on Saturday because of an event sponsored by Commissioner Bass at 12 PM.
City Attorney Norris -Weeks read into the record the notice of a private closed door attorney
client session pursuant to Section 447.605 of Florida Statutes, to be held in the Commission
Chambers at Sherbondy Village Auditorium, located at 215 Perviz Avenue on July 16,
2022 at 9 AM. The City Attorney said that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the
union negotiations between the City of Opa-locka and the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees. The City Attorney also read into the record the notice
of a private closed door attorney client session, to be held in the Commission Chambers at
Sherbondy Village Auditorium, located at 215 Perviz Avenue on July 16, 2022 at 10 AM.
The City Attorney said that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the union negotiations
between the City of Opa-locka and the Miami -Dade County Police Benevolent
Association, also known as the South Florida Police Benevolent Association.
18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS:
There were none.
19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
There were none.
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 24
20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS:
Commissioner Dominguez addressed Interim City Manager Williams and stated that he
was appointed on April 4, 2022 by the Commission to be the Interim Manager until they
find a permanent Manager. The Commissioner also stated that the City Clerk, the City
Attorney and the City Manager all report to the Commission and not to just one or two
Commissioners. She said that in the beginning, she had good conversations with the
Manager, discussing a lot of items, ideas and projects. Commissioner Dominguez then
said that she doesn't know what happened 2 weeks after, stating that she had had no
response from him on specific dates that she read for the record. The Commissioner said
that on Tuesday, April 19th, she called the Manager on her personal cell phone at 1:20 pm,
but she said she never received a call or text back until 5 hours later at 6:52 pm, after she
said she called him from her City phone at 6:28 pm. She went on to say that on Wednesday,
April 27th they were supposed to have a regular meeting at 1 pm and said that the City
Clerk called the Manager's Office to remind him of the meeting. The Commissioner said
that the Manager texted her at 1:03 stating that he was on his way and then texted her at
1:42 that he apologized because he was on a call with the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement. Pointing out that she waited for the Manager for about an hour and actually
used her lunch break to come to the meeting, she said that when she has a meeting with her
boss at a specific time, she has to be there at the scheduled time. Commissioner Dominguez
stated that the Manager doesn't report to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or
the Governor's Office and said that the Manager reports to her and the rest of the
Commission. In addition, the Commissioner said that on Friday, June 24, 2022 she met
with the Manager regarding the resolution adopted on April 13th for the paint program for
residents, and she recalled that the Manager informed her that it would take 2 months to
execute from the time it passed, and he said that he would get an update from City Staff
including Ms. Adlina Gross and would email her by Monday, June 27, 2022 by the end of
the day. She lamented that she never received a call or email with any updates. She further
stated that on Friday, June 8th, they met, and she asked the Manager about the paint
program again, at which time he gave her information about the cost, adding that she was
happy to hear something. Commissioner Dominguez also said that the Manager stated that
it had to go through the oversight board for approval, but she noted that an email she had
dated on May 5, 2022 states that it was passed by Florida's Inspector General Melinda
Miguel. The Commissioner asked why there are consistent delays on moving projects from
the Commission forward. She said that she doesn't know if anybody else on the Dais is
having these issues with non -responsiveness from the Manager, but she said that it's clear
that it is happening because she is experiencing it.
Interim City Manager Williams informed Commissioner Dominguez that he can provide a
list of items that she has requested that he addressed extensively and that have been
resolved. The Manager said that most recently the Commissioner requested that a resident
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 25
have the Public Works Department look at their yard, and they got that done. He also said
that Commissioner Dominguez had them look at another resident's citation, which the
Manager said is under review. Manager Williams also informed the Commissioner that he
keeps a roster that he will provide her, and he said that out of the 19 requests that she has
made, maybe 3 of them have faced some delays. He pointed out that Commissioner
Dominguez is the only Commissioner he was weekly one-on-one meeting with and said
that she is actually not treated poorly but is treated more favorably than the others.
Manager Williams added that he makes himself available to all Members of the Dais for
weekly meetings, and he appreciates that those are important to Commissioner Dominguez,
as they are to him. Addressing the paint program legislation, he reminded the
Commissioner that in their one-on-one meetings, he shared with her that the legislation did
not fund the paint program, so they have been working to figure it out. He recalled that
Commissioner Dominguez first suggested putting in American Rescue Plan Act funds and
he had said that they will have to have an American Rescue Plan Act Workshop to move
that forward. Since the Workshop is not until next week, the Manager said that the
Commissioner recommended that he look at the City Manager's budget, which he said
they've done and he had sent an email to address that specifically, in which he discussed
opportunities to pay for the program. For the record, Manager Williams read the response
that he provided to Commissioner Dominguez, stating that the only previous paint program
that anyone remembers was a program 5 or 6 years ago which the paint was donated to by
an external source with volunteers doing the painting, with the City apparently incurring
no expense. He went on to explain that the preliminary assumptions for the project were
that 1 gallon of paint covers about 300 square feet of wall and costs around 30 dollars.
With the assumption that it would take around 5 gallons to paint a small house in Opa-
locka, the Manager said it would cost about $150 and a $10,000 City commitment would
provide paint for around 60 residents, cautioning that the assumptions need to be further
validated, but said that the program would be analogous to the Broward program. Manager
Williams said that as can be seen in the report that he provided to Commissioner
Dominguez contemporaneously, they are actively working to resolve any of her concerns
and issues, and he committed to making himself available to her. The Manager also pointed
out that the Commissioner had texted him as recently as Monday evening to ask if he had
any information about a call from a resident regarding an accident involving a 6 -year -old
girl that possibly overdosed on Saturday. He said that he responded on Tuesday morning
at 7:10 am, confirming that he was in receipt of her text message and would provide her
with additional information once he had it. The Manager acknowledged that it did take
some time because it turned out not to be an Opa-locka situation, so they weren't able to
identify any information regarding the incident but he, the Police Department and
particularly Captain Holborow kept working at it. He said that he responded to
Commissioner Dominguez within 24 hours of her request, and informed her that the source
of her inquiry was not an Opa-locka resident, explaining that there was an incident
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 26
involving a one -year -old who overdosed on pain medication on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at
9:07 at 3280 NW 209th Terrace in the City of Miami Gardens jurisdiction, and that Rescue
51 did transport the child to Jackson Memorial Hospital North as confirmed by Miami -
Dade County Fire Department. Manager Williams acknowledged that the Commissioner
thanked him, and he stated that he looks forward to continuing that level of responsiveness.
Commissioner Dominguez stated that the Public Works Department went to the home of
the resident Interim City Manager Williams referenced, but she said that was 3 months ago
and she's not sure who was in place at that time. The Commissioner said that somebody
went there, took photos of the section that belongs to the City where there is a hole, but
said that through the resident's communication with Manny, she was told that all they were
going to do is put rocks, which she said will be moving with water and will be right in the
same position, adding that the resident stated that they have still not done anything. In
regards to her other request, Commissioner Dominguez directed Manager Williams to put
the paint program into place by the Next Commission Meeting on July 27th, because she
said that if it passed through the State of Florida, she doesn't understand why it is so
difficult to get through, adding that it had been 3 months since the Manager stated it would
take 2 months to execute. The Commissioner concluded by asking that it get done by the
next meeting or sooner.
Interim City Manager Williams asked for clarification from Commissioner Dominguez on
her request.
Commissioner Dominguez stated that the paint program resolution already passed April
13, 2022 and was approved by the State of Florida, but she said that Interim City Manager
Williams told her that it needed to be approved again. Stating that she didn't know why it
needed to be approved again, the Commissioner said she was thankful that she looked for
the emails that state that the legislation was approved. She said that other legislation has
passed and been executed, but she doesn't understand why this one in particular has not
been done. The Commissioner also said that she didn't recall the program Manager
Williams mentioned from 5 or 6 years ago, but she said that she mentioned to him one that
was older that allowed Residents to pick up 5 -gallons of paint at Public Works and all they
had to do was show their identification, which she said that she knew because she profited
from that paint herself. She acknowledged that she is not sure how it was executed,
assuming it was probably a donation, but she said that if the City has money available, she
would like for it to go through because it already passed.
Vice Mayor Taylor gave a shout -out to the Parks & Recreation Department Director Zonya
Ray, the Opa-locka Police Department, especially Captain Holborow and the City
Manager's Office for putting the Gubernatorial Forum event together. The Vice Mayor
shared that he spoke to both camps, and he reported that they said it was the first forum
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 27
that they actually felt safe because the Police Department had the dogs roaming around.
He also said that it was a great event that allowed Opa-locka to have something that they
never really have in the City.
Interim City Manager Williams said that it was his pleasure.
Commissioner Bass thanked the Members of the Dais who supported the students at Dr.
Robert B. Ingram Elementary during their talent's week. The Commissioner shared that
the Clerk's Office, City Attorney Norris -Weeks, City Manager Williams, Mayor Williams,
Vice Mayor Taylor and Commissioner Davis came out to support the children. She also
shared that they had a mock Commission meeting on Monday and said that some of the
children want to be like some of the Members of the Dais. Commissioner Bass went on to
say that she looks forward to seeing all of the Members of the Commission on Saturday
from 12 to 3 pm, at an event honoring the 12th grade students from the City of Opa-locka,
in partnership with Commissioner Davis. The Commissioner shared that they would have
trade schools, colleges, Publix, Miami Lakes Tech and other entities who will come in to
be with the students.
Commissioner Davis stated that he hosted the second Community Conversations event at
the Town Center Apartments, and said that it was very eventful, positive and uplifting. The
Commissioner thanked the Staff that was on hand including Code Enforcement Department
Manager Wilma Wilcox who is always available for public meetings and was phenomenal
at taking notes and ensuring that many of the concerns that were brought up were addressed
as it relates to the Public Works Department, safety and crime issues. He also thanked the
City Manager's Office and Vice Mayor Taylor for co -moderating and helping to organize
the Gubernatorial forum with Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried. The Commissioner said it was
a great event and pointed out that they talked about many issues that are impacting our
State, noting that we are at a pivotal moment in our State's history with housing and other
concerns that need to be addressed. He concluded by also thanking City Staff, the Police
Department and the Parks & Recreation Department for all they do to make sure that City
events run seamlessly.
Commissioner Bass said that she forgot that the Police Department made sure that the kids
got to Sherbondy Auditorium safely for their mock Commission. The Commissioner also
shared that she is elated to let her colleagues on the Dais know that for the first time in its
history, Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary is a "B" school.
Mayor Williams offered assurances that the Commission plans to celebrate the fact that Dr.
Robert B. Ingram Elementary achieved a "B" school rating, pointing out that a number of
her colleagues on the Dais actually went to the school. The Mayor went on to share that
Miami -Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava invited her to meet with her, stating that
it was amazing to discuss the future, housing, safety and a number of things. She said that
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 28
the County is committed to having a great working relationship with Opa-locka. The
Mayor also shared that on her way out, Mayor Levine Cava gave her a pebble that says
"inspire" and she thanked her for her knowledge and girl power. She said that they want
to make sure that Opa-locka is moving forward, especially urging them not to forget that
they came from the ills and unfortunate crimes of the City. Mayor Williams also thanked
Carrie Meek Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Lucia Davis -Raiford for
also meeting with her, City Manager Williams and Police Chief Israel and trying to bring
partnerships into the City. The Mayor added her thanks to Congresswoman Frederica
Wilson for inviting her to meet Marcia Fudge, the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development who was in Opa-locka. She expressed her elation that Opa-locka is on the
map and people are ready to descend and have great conversations and partnerships, adding
that they want to continue to do that. Mayor Williams then asked the Clerk's Office to poll
the City Commission to meet so that they can do long-term and strategic planning, recalling
that they did it a while back. She said that as they move into September, they have their
priorities and that everything the Commission has placed on their agendas, are done. The
Mayor said that so long as all of their projects are part of their long-term and strategic
planning for their priorities, they can make the City great, adding that it already is. She
concluded by thanking everyone including the City Employees for all the blood, sweat and
tears that they give each and every day.
Deputy Clerk Wills said that he wanted to take a moment to thank someone very special
that was on the Dais, informing the Commission that it would be the last meeting with Mrs.
Diane Darden as an Employee of the Clerk's Office. The Deputy Clerk said that he knew
he spoke for City Clerk Joanna Flores when he thanked Mrs. Darden profusely for her 20
years of service in the Office of the City Clerk, being the face of the City in many cases
when folks come to visit Members of the Commission, being the first person they see. He
went on to say that Mrs. Darden has served honorably, and the Clerk's Office is very proud
of everything she has done, thanking her for everything she does for the City and wishing
her well as she pursues her passions to serve the Senior Citizens of the Community.
Mayor Williams thanked Mrs. Diane Darden for all that she has done for the Clerk's Office
and the City. The Mayor recalled her first day on the job when she saw her and said that
she remembered her as a little girl at the park with her sister when she used to cheer for the
park. She went on to thank Mrs. Darden for her service, expressing their love for her and
their excitement that the Seniors are going to have her now.
21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
There were none.
22. ADJOURNMENT:
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 29
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, it was moved by
Vice Mayor Taylor and seconded by Commissioner Dominguez, to adjourn the Meeting at
9:13 p.m.
VE(ronica J. Williams
Mayor
Attest:
Jo . na Flores, CMC
Ci Clerk
Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2022 30