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HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-October 12, 2022 RCMCITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING October 12, 2022 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Sherbondy Village, 215 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida. 2. ROLL CALL: The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Sherelean Bass, Commissioner Chris Davis, Commissioner Audrey Dominguez, Vice Mayor John H. Taylor Jr., and Mayor Veronica J. Williams. Also, in attendance were: Interim City Manager Darvin Williams, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb and City Clerk Joanna Flores. 3. INVOCATION: The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Bass. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: DELTA DAYS IN THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA Presentation by Mayor Veronica J. Williams Mayor Williams welcomed everyone to the second annual Delta Days in the City of Opa- locka and presented a Proclamation to the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as well as to the Miami -Dade County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions): There were no Items on the Consent Agenda. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 1 7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Agenda passed by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Special Commission Meeting Minutes - August 22, 2022 It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to approve the minutes from the Special Commission Meeting Minutes - August 22, 2022. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Mayor Williams Yes Regular Commission Meeting Minutes - September 14, 2022 It was moved by Vice Mayor Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davis to approve the minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting Minutes - September 14, 2022. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 5-0 vote. Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Mayor Williams Yes 9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT: Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 2 There was none. 10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS: There were none. 11. CITIZENS' FORUM: (Opportunity for discussion of any concerns — please limit to 3 minutes) City Clerk Joanna Flores announced the protocol for public participation at City Commission meetings. Mayor Williams opened the Citizens' Forum. Mr. Alex Van Mecl who resides at 806 Jann Avenue addressed the Commission virtually and thanked City Manager Williams and City Staff for the completion of the tree plantings on Perviz Avenue surrounding Sherbondy Park. Mr. Van Mecl also said that he noticed that signage was placed at the park's entrance, signaling the new fence installation that will be completed next month, sharing that he is elated about the 2 initiatives, and he also thanked the Commission for supporting it. He added that he is excited to see more progress before the end of the year and into next, suggesting that Sharazad, Main Street and the adjacent streets could get revitalized by landscaping the easements, in addition to requesting that Public Utilities Staff look into the lighting in front of Historic City Hall that has been completely inoperable for many months. Mr. Van Mecl went on to note that it has been over a year since he bought and moved into his historic home that he has been accurately restoring, and he shared how proud he is to be an Opa-locka Resident. He recognized that he sees many positive changes coming and added that he thinks it is the sort of narrative that the City needs to be publishing and promoting to the entire region as part of the next phase of the City's Arabian Nights magic. Mr. Van Mecl concluded by encouraging everyone to move onward as one unified Opa-locka and said he would see them all at Conga-locka on Sunday. Ms. Celia Pruett who resides at 2350 NW 141 Street stated that she had not heard from anyone after the Commission's last meeting despite her phone number being taken but shared that she has noticed that some type of cleanup is taking place at the home in question at 2410 NW 141st Street where she said young homeless people are putting up residence. Recognizing that there is still work to be done, she acknowledged that she is aware of the squatting law and said that the longer they stay, the harder it will be for them to leave, adding that it's not fair to the Residents that are paying taxes. Ms. Pruett went on to say that she has an issue with the City Workers, stating that something needs to be done to compensate them in a way that they can do their jobs properly and take pride in the City. She also said that she will encourage her neighbors to clean up around their areas by cutting Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 3 her own yard and leading by example. Ms. Pruett added that something needs to be done to clean out the drainage system by the Northwest Seafood when it rains, pointing out that it is Hurricane Season and stating that they have all year to make sure that the preparation is done. She shared that she has a neighbor on NW 139th Street who has the water go right into her home, expressing that she feels so bad for her because the neighbor has complained so much about it. Ms. Lisa Cunningham yielded her 3 minutes to Ms. Celia Pruett. Ms. Celia Pruett continued her comments suggesting that more police presence is needed within the neighborhoods. She said that she has followed Police Chief Scott Israel from when he was in Broward County and said he is good, urging him to make sure that they do better. Ms. Pruett said that they don't see a lot of her, but she stated that she takes pride in her City because it's like a part of her home, and when things are not in order, she has an issue with that. She stated that she is going to keep coming back, assuring the Commission that she doesn't like to make problems, but is concerned and likes to see things done. Ms. Pruett urged the Commission to come up with an action plan to do things in order as quickly as possible because the Residents voted for them and are dependent on them. She concluded by stating that they need to work together in partnership, offering to do anything she can to assist, offering assurances that she is not going anywhere. Ms. Natasha Ervin who resides at 670 Dunad Avenue said that she wanted to say hello to all the Deltas, sharing that she is from a family of Deltas as the daughter-in-law of Gussy Ervin, with her kids growing up in Delta and both being Deltas themselves. Mr. Merrick Williams noted that he wore a red hat, which he said was the right color as part of the celebration of Delta Days in Opa-locka. Mr. Williams said that he is hoping to become an Opa-locka Resident and continuing that proud tradition at the property located at 1211 Peri Street. He shared that the property has been left to die and his only goal is to help restore it by bringing a bright new look to the house and community, in addition to becoming an active community member. Mr. Williams lamented that past and current violations are impeding him, including liens and violations for the home not being painted or safe, pointing out that the seller was a community member for many years who passed. He asked what happens after he becomes the owner, considering that there are daily fines being assessed to the property, because he said that in order for him to close and get clear title, he has to have some type of agreement with the City where those fines don't continue. Mr. Williams shared that he has reached out to the City Manager and Code Enforcement Department Manager Wilma Wilcox and said that he is looking for some help and guidance so that he can get the sale closed and the property rehabbed to make it his home. There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed the Citizen's Forum. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 4 12. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list): There were none. 13. ADMINISTRATION: CONSENT AGENDA: There were no Items on 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 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 City Attorney Norris -Weeks. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 5 It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Mayor Taylor to discuss Agenda Item 16-A-1. 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 Public Hearing for Agenda Item 16-A-1. Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda Item 16-A-1. Interim City Manager Williams asked Budget Administrator Bob Anathan to answer any questions that the Commission had about Agenda Item 16- A-1. Budget Administrator Bob Anathan delivered a report to the Commission, detailing the line items included in the budget amendment proposed by Agenda Item 16-A-1. There being no discussion, the proposed ordinance passed its first reading by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Yes Mayor Williams Yes 17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Manager Williams apologized to Ms. Celia Pruett that no one had responded to her regarding the abandoned property at 2410 NW 141st Street, as she had noted during the Citizens' Forum. The Manager also addressed Ms. Pruett's concern regarding the compensation of City Employees, pointing out that the City closed and executed the contract with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, which he noted was the first contract with that union in 14 years. He shared that the contract included a minimum wage of $15 per hour, including for some of the school crossing guards who were making $10.25. Addressing Ms. Pruett's comment about improving the City's Police force, he noted that she had commended his appointment of Police Chief Scott Israel, who he said has been doing a tremendous job. The Manager reported that arrests are up, and the crime rate is down, with Police presence being more prevalent through increased patrols. He also shared that the City is closing on the first Police Benevolent Association union contract that has been open for 12 years. Manager Williams noted that at a minimum wage of $38,000 the City of Opa-locka has the lowest Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 6 compensation rate for Police Officers in the State of Florida but the new contract that was just negotiated will raise the salary to $48,000 and will make the City competitive with other cities in Miami -Dade County. He went on to address Ms. Pruett's concern about storm water drainage, acknowledging that it is an issue, but offering assurances that it's one that they will continue to take on because the City does not have storm water drainage throughout the entire City. Pointing out that it would cost approximately $100 million, the Manager reported that his Administration has sought tens of millions of dollars in grants and are dedicating some American Rescue Plan Act funds and other resources to getting the storm water drainage installed. He shared that approximately 25% has been completed and the City is continuing to move on that. Manager Williams also pointed out that since 2018 when he began working with the City, his experience has been that Opa-locka' s streets are flooded for 2 to 3 weeks after the rest of Miami -Dade County is dry because they have stormwater drainage, but he thanked the Public Works Department for mobilizing during Hurricane Ian to manually pump all of the water out of the City's streets. He assured Ms. Pruett that under the current Commission and Administration, Opa-locka is on the move and said that her concerns would be addressed, apologizing again that nobody gave her the update directly and stating that it would not happen again. Manager Williams then went on to address the concerns expressed by Mr. Merrick Williams during the Citizens' Forum and he confirmed that he had been made aware that he had spoken with the Community Development Department and the Code Enforcement Department, adding that he will be setting up a meeting with him next week to review any actions that his Office has the authority to take regarding the liens and fines. The Manager pointed out that generally speaking, liens and fines would need to be cleared in order for action to be taken and an agreement to be in place with new owners, which he said they will discuss. Manager Williams then introduced special presentations for the Commission, Residents and the ladies of the Delta Sorority. He acknowledged that the Deltas are all about social change, activism, political engagement and economic development, and shared that the City's affordable housing initiative will bring approximately 360 units of new affordable homes into Opa-locka within the next 48 months with a formal presentation once it is finished. The Manager went on to introduce the special presentation on the Illegal Dumping Task Force, explaining that it is a very unique problem to the City because others have come from outside of the City to dump their waste, stating that the Commission and Administration are attacking the problem head-on. Acknowledging that Mayor Williams sponsored legislation that will provide rewards for those who report illegal dumping, Manager Williams said his Administration has supported by creating the Illegal Dumping Task Force. He commended the Illegal Dumping Task Force for making its first arrest based on its first tip, expressing excitement to get the City cleaned up. Explaining the magnitude of the problem, the Manager said that the City had to look for support from the County to clean up some serious industrial illegal dumping on Cairo Lane in the last 90 days, because the estimated cost was $1 million. Manager Williams acknowledged that it is a serious problem that affects the health, safety and wellness of the Residents, and he asked Assistant City Manager Sha'mecca Lawson to provide a presentation on the Illegal Dumping Task Force. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 7 Assistant City Manager Sha'mecca Lawson was joined by Police Department Captain Hugo Alvarado and Code Enforcement Department Manager Wilma Wilcox to deliver a presentation on the Illegal Dumping Task Force. Mayor Williams thanked the Illegal Dumping Task Force. Commissioner Bass said that she is very happy to see the progress that has already been made by the Code Enforcement Department, Information Technology Department, Police Department and the City Manager's Office on the illegal dumping initiative. The Commissioner also thanked all of the Residents who are making sure that the City's streets are cleaner and safer. Commissioner Davis thanked Mayor Williams for leading on the issue of illegal dumping, acknowledging that it has been a long-standing problem in the community. Recognizing that he has been on the Commission for a few seasons, he lamented that it was a problem that the City couldn't get a handle on and recognized that the accomplishment made was a big one. Mayor Williams acknowledged how awesome the accomplishments of the Illegal Dumping Task Force were. The Mayor went on to commit that the Commission is going to keep moving to make sure that Opa-locka is the neighborhood community that everyone wants to live, work and play in, adding that she believes they are almost there. Interim City Manager Williams then introduced the Hurricane Preparedness presentation, pointing out that the City was just impacted by Hurricane Ian, reporting that the City was prepared and offering assurances that it will continue to be prepared. The Manager asked Assistant City Manager Sha'mecca Lawson to deliver a presentation on Opa-locka's Hurricane Preparedness. Assistant City Manager Sha'mecca Lawson delivered a presentation on Opa-locka's Hurricane Preparedness. Vice Mayor Taylor thanked the Public Works Department, sharing that he was there during the time that the hurricane preparedness bags and sandbags were provided, and said that he enjoyed being able to give back to the Residents. Mayor Williams thanked all City Employees, especially the Public Works Department, and the Commission, that was there to hand out the hurricane preparedness bags, to let Residents know that they care. Interim City Manager Williams recognized all of the Members of the Commission who came out to fill sandbags and hand them out with the hurricane preparedness bags together with the Public Works Department, in addition to helping to get the word out with videos on social media to inform Residents. The Manager then went on to introduce the presentation on the Environmental Task Force, acknowledging that the State of Florida has cited the City of Opa-locka regarding some of its environmental issues. He stated that his Administration, with the guidance of the Commission, is looking to take on the issue directly during their weekly meetings with all 13 City Department Heads. Manager Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 8 Williams explained that the Environmental Task Force is a multi -departmental task force that works to better our environment and our community. The Manager asked Capital Improvement Projects Director Adelina Gross to deliver the presentation on the Environmental Task Force. Capital Improvement Projects Director Adelina Gross delivered a presentation on the Environmental Task Force. Interim City Manager Williams recognized the City of North Miami Beach Manager's Office and their Commissioner Daniela Jean for their assistance with the hurricane preparedness plan. The Manager also acknowledged Miami -Dade County for its support to coordinate with both the Illegal Dumping Task Force and the Environmental Task Force. City Attorney Norris -Weeks provided notice of a private closed -door 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 October 19, 2022 at 5:30 pm or soon thereafter. The City Attorney said that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss union negotiations between the City of Opa-locka and the Dade County Police Benevolent Association, also known as the South Florida Police Benevolent Association. She also stated that the meeting is expected to last 1 hour, with a Special Commission Meeting following the meeting. 18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS: There were none. 19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: There were none. 20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS: Vice Mayor Taylor gave a shout out to Dr. Cynthia Clay, the Principal of Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School who he recognized as a member of the Delta Sorority and shared that she brought heavy hitters to her school to promote pedestrian safety as part of their walk to school event. The Vice Mayor also said he was very proud of the Police Department, which he said participated in the. event. He went on to invite everyone to the Conga-locka Latin music festival on Sunday at 5 pm at the Opa-locka Municipal Complex. Vice Mayor Taylor concluded by stating that he is impressed by the sisterhood and community that the Delta Sorority has, acknowledging that he is not a Delta despite the fact that he was wearing a red jacket. Commissioner Dominguez reminded everyone of the Hispanic Heritage event that's going to be at Sherbondy Village at 6 pm. The Commissioner went on to give a shout out to the Public Works Department because they did an excellent job cleaning a corner that she Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 9 described as an eyesore that had been bothering her for a long time, adding that she is going to put the pictures up. She also thanked Sargent Jacksonville and the Police Officers that are doing their work, because she was very happy to see that something was being done about the illegal activity near the Quick Stop on 135th that she said she drives by every day, adding that the area is very dangerous and children cross the street there, suggesting that more officers are needed in the area. Commissioner Bass gave a shout out to Dr. Cynthia Clay, her Principal at Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School, who she called the best principal ever. The Commissioner also thanked everyone employed by the City of Opa-locka, stating that she sees the City is moving forward and asserting that they will not stop. She went on to assure everyone that they will continue to pray, push and deliver, adding that she is elated to be on the Commission. Commissioner Bass concluded by inviting everyone to a Community Baby Shower that she will be hosting on Friday at 7 pm at 13875 NW 22nd Avenue. Mayor Williams shared that Vice Mayor Taylor had pointed out that the members of the Delta Sorority were writing and taking pictures, and she explained that the reason they do Delta Days is to descent on cities and school boards all over the nation to write notes and take pictures, so that they can take action and better the communities that they live in. The Mayor said that they are so well connected and said that they will make calls and write legislation and thanked the members of Delta Sigma Theta for showing for her last Delta Days in Opa-locka as Mayor, stating that it was an absolutely beautiful experience, urging them to keep going and pushing. She also thanked the Commission for all of its hard work. Mayor Williams concluded by reminding everyone not to forget that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urging everyone to continue acknowledging those that have been lost and the survivors as well. 21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS: There were none. 22. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Veronica Williams, Mayor Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 10 Attest: J i nna Flores, CMC Ci Clerk Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — October 12, 2022 11