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HomeMy Public PortalAbout11- November 14, 2022CITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING November 14, 2022 6:30 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:59 pm on Monday, November 14, 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 7:07 pm. 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 Commission observed a moment of silence. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 5. AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: City of Opa-locka Educational Scholarship Award The City Commission presented the 2022 Scholarship Awards to Bernice Pierre -Georges, Kimberlee Downer and Ji'Yah Toomer. 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA AND PULL LIST (deferrals and deletions): It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis to approve the Consent Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed by a 4-0 vote. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 1 Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes 7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that there was a request to amend the Agenda and she read proposed Add-on Agenda Item 14-1 into the record. 14-1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 22-019 AND ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF ROAR MEDIA, LLC. FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING CONSULTANT SERVICES PURSUANT TO RFP NO. 22-0614100; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR SAME, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS ($144,000.00) PER FISCAL YEAR; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Interim City Manager It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to add Item 14- 1 to the Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to amend the Agenda passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Mayor Williams Yes City Clerk Flores informed the Commission that there was a request to amend the Agenda and she read proposed Add-on Agenda Item 14-1 into the record. 14-2: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, ATTACHED HERETO, BETWEEN THE CITY AND DARVIN WILLIAMS AS CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Interim City Manager It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to add Item 14- 2 to the Agenda. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 2 City Clerk Flores stated for the record that Add-on Agenda Items require four -fifths of the vote. There being no discussion, the motion to amend the Agenda failed by a 3-1 vote. Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez No Mayor Williams Yes 14-3: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE ELECTION RESULTS OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022 AS SET FORTH IN ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Clerk It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bass, to add Item 14-3 to the Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to amend the Agenda passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Mayor Williams Yes It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the Agenda passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Mayor Williams Yes 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Special Commission Meeting Minutes - October 5, 2022 Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 3 It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bass to approve the minutes from the Special Commission Meeting on October 5, 2022. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Mayor Williams Yes Special Commission Meeting Minutes - November 3, 2022 It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bass to approve the minutes from the Special Commission Meeting Minutes from November 3, 2022. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the minutes passed by a 4 -0 vote. Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Mayor Williams Yes 9. DISTRICT ONE / DISTRICT TWO - COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT: There was none. 10. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS: 1. Marcum LLP ref: City of Opa-locka Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2020 Mr. Moe Ariza from Marcum LLP presented the 2020 fiscal year-end audited financial statements to the Commission virtually via Zoom. Mayor Williams thanked Marcum LLP for assisting and completing the audit to move the City forward. The Mayor also shared her appreciation for Finance Director Niema Walker and the Finance Team who made it happen. Interim City Manager Williams shared his appreciation for the work that Marcum LLP and the Finance Department has done to identify the findings and to address them. The Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 4 Manager acknowledged that it has been a long time coming and he said that they are very happy that they were able to pull together a team to get Opa-locka's finances in order. He pointed out that the City has been without a Finance Director for many years and the Manager expressed gratitude to have had Finance Director Walker come on board to have such an important impact. 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. Ms. Dorothy Johnson who resides at 13724 NW 22nd Place addressed the Commission virtually and stated that in 2018, they made sure that all new elected officials had an opportunity to weigh in on all future legislation. Ms. Johnson expressed concern about seeing that slipping and added that she is glad that it was deferred. She also stated that all legislation must be reviewed by the City Attorney for legal sufficiency. Ms. Johnson went on to say that the City Attorney is an employee of the City of Opa-locka and not the Community Redevelopment Agency. Recalling that she served on the Commission in 2012, Ms. Johnson expressed concern about the Community Redevelopment Agency. Mayor Williams stated that they can't speak on the Community Redevelopment Agency here. Ms. Dorothy Johnson said that she thinks she can speak on the Community Redevelopment Agency because each one of the Commission Members are Board Members on the Community Redevelopment Agency, while acknowledging that they are in a different role as a Commission. Ms. Johnson said that she is assuming that she is allowed to speak on anything that affected the welfare of the City during Citizens' input, and she added that she didn't know that she was restricted. She also said that she would look into the Citizens' Bill of Rights because she thinks she is being restricted. Ms. Johnson went on to state that she has never heard the audit findings discussed in the Commission's budget meetings, nor has she heard the broadcast of the internal controls that she believes should have been put in place since 2017 with accurate information. She concluded stating that since she can't talk on certain items, she would like to have that information in writing and provided to her via email or to her mailing address. Ms. Celia Pruett who resides at 2350 NW 141 Street congratulated everyone who won the election and said that she looks forward to working with them and giving them some ideas. Ms. Pruett stated that most of them know who she is, and she said that they should feel free Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 5 to give her a call or stop by. She went on to applaud City Manager Williams for taking care of the trash pile by Family Dollar, recognizing that it looks a lot better, adding her appreciation for the Public Works Department because she said that she is quite sure that they had a hand in it too. Ms. Pruett shared that she has a good rapport with Code Enforcement Manager Wilcox, adding that her late sister and her used to have good conversations with her. Lamenting that she has an issue with the squatter situation at 2410 NW 141st Street which she said has gotten worse and she expressed embarrassment. Ms. Pruett explained that they have new people park their vehicle like they pay rent, and have trash from the front door to the street. Asserting that it is part of her home, she asserted that it is ridiculous that people are allowed to come into their home and disrespect them. She shared that she has had a couple of neighbors almost get into a confrontation because they told them that it is ridiculous and they don't live like that here. Ms. Pruett said that she doesn't want anything to happen, but expressed concern that it is going to get nasty and something needs to be done about it. She added that you can't even go to the park area because you're looking right into the house. Ms. Pruett concluded by stating that she doesn't want to hear that nothing can't be done because if she is paying her taxes, they need to work their magic, adding that she has some ideas and stating that it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. There being no additional members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed the Citizen's Forum. 12. ACTION ITEMS (items from consent agenda pull list): There were none. 13. ADMINISTRATION: CONSENT AGENDA: 1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS ($7,000,000.00), FOR THE COMPLETE RENOVATION OF THE 127TH STREET CANAL, WITHIN THE CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE FEDERALLY FUNDED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT MITIGATION PROGRAM (CDBG-MIT) SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT, DEO AGREEMENT NO. MT123, BETWEEN THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND THE CITY Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 6 OF OPA-LOCKA; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Interim City Manager 2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A RELEASE AND TERMINATION OF COVENANT, AS FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A" HERETO, TO ALLOW FOR PROPERTY KNOWN AND LOCATED AT 2171 LINCOLN AVENUE, OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA TO REVERT OWNERSHIP BACK TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND TO FURTHER AUTHORIZE THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL OTHER NECESSARY ACTIONS TO EFFECTUATE THE INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Interim City Manager 3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING FROM THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROGRAM INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT GRANT PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($600,000.00), FOR THE RENOVATION / REHABILITATION OF THE OPA-LOCKA ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING (HISTORIC CITY HALL), WITHIN THE CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY GRANT AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Interim City Manager 4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING SUBMITTED LEGAL INVOICES FROM BURNADETTE NORRIS-WEEKS, P.A.; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Attorney Vote taken on Consent Agenda items can be viewed under Agenda Item 6 — Approval of the Consent Agenda. 14. NEW ITEMS: 14-1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 22-019 AND ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF ROAR MEDIA, LLC. FOR PUBLIC Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 7 RELATIONS AND MARKETING CONSULTANT SERVICES PURSUANT TO RFP NO. 22-0614100; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR SAME, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS ($144,000.00) PER FISCAL YEAR; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Interim City Manager The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis to discuss Agenda Item 14-1. Mayor Williams opened Public Input for Agenda Item 14-1. There being no members of the public to address the Commission, Mayor Williams closed Public Input for Agenda Item 14-1. Mayor Williams asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce Agenda Item 14- 1. Interim City Manager Williams stated that the City has made an effort for several months to have a public relations firm take over the significant amount of work that is required for Opa-locka. The Manager explained that an attempt to move forward was made with the last firm, stating that every effort was made by multiple City Departments including the City Manager's Office, Police Department, the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Community Development Department and the Budget and Risk Department, but it was agreed unanimously that it was not a proper fit due to some of the failings and the timing on the delivery of the work product. He said that the request for proposals was revisited, and they went to the number 2 firm which is Roar Media. Manager Williams expressed excitement to bring them forward and asked Roar Media President Jacques Hart and Roar Media Representative Alex Van Mecl, who the Manager pointed out is also a Resident of the City, to answer any questions that the Commission Members may have. Roar Media President Jacques Hart stated that it was a pleasure to be present at the Commission Meeting and he said that he is happy to answer any questions that the Commission might have. Commissioner Bass stated that she is elated to see that the City has come this far and even more so that a Resident of Opa-locka is a part of it, who she acknowledged as knowing the City better than many Residents who have been in the City forever. The Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 8 Commissioner said that she is just pleased and is looking forward to working with the firm and seeing how they can promote the City in a positive manner. Mayor Williams stated that she is so happy that Roar Media is here, and that the City finally got a public relations firm. Roar Media Representative Alex Van Mecl said that he has long spoken of the prospects, the beauty and potential of Opa-locka to the many that he has rubbed elbows with. Mr. Van Mecl shared that he has fallen in love with the City, having been living as a property owner in the City for over a year. Noting that it just so happens he is a certified public relations practitioner, he said that he saw the opportunity to provide resources in the form of an agency that he has also fallen in love with. Mr. Val Mecl stated that Roar Media Chief Executive Officer Jacques Hart has long held a firm grasp of what it takes to have an effective and impressionable public relations firm which he said is fully comprehensive, putting digital first with forward thinking. He shared that they love to make very close partnerships with their clients, and they see it as a true partnership. Mr. Van Mecl said that from those that he has gotten to know on the current Commission and the ones that are coming in, he is a firm believer in what is to come for the City. Recognizing that it's going to take an effective partner in the form of a public relations and marketing firm to execute some of the important initiatives and communication strategies that are going to help inform Residents like him and others who have long had a disconnect between the great work happening at the City and what's actually happening on the street. Mr. Van Mecl shared his excitement and said he was honored to be part of the initial process, adding that he is looking forward to working with all of the Commission Members and introducing them to his colleagues at Roar Media who he said are just as elated at the prospect of working with the City of Opa-locka. There being no additional discussion, the resolution passed by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Mayor Williams Yes 14-2: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA- LOCKA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE ELECTION RESULTS OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022 AS SET FORTH IN ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by City Clerk Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 9 The above resolution was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez but not seconded to discuss Agenda Item 14-2. City Clerk Flores asked when the Commission wants to adopt the certification provided by Miami -Dade County of the City of Opa-locka General and Special Election that was held on November 8th, pointing out that it needs to take place pursuant to Section 2.6 of the City Charter. Mayor Williams asked City Attorney Norris -Weeks when the resolution proposed by Add-on Agenda Item 14-2 would need to come back before the Commission if it was not moved for discussion by the Commission. City Attorney Norris -Weeks informed the Commission that the way the City Charter reads, it is supposed to be as soon as practicable after certification. Mayor Williams asked if the resolution proposed by Add-on Agenda Item 14-2 was not moved for discussion at that Commission Meeting if it would come back before the Commission at the next Commission Meeting. City Attorney Norris -Weeks stated that a Special Commission Meeting could be scheduled. Commissioner Bass asked if there is a time frame, or if it depends on the Commission. City Clerk Flores pointed out that she doesn't interpret the law but read into the record Section 2.6 of the City Charter which states, "the first meeting of each newly elected Commission and Mayor for induction into office shall be held as soon as practicable after the vote has been certified." The Clerk said that if the Commission tells her when to bring back the resolution proposed by Add-on Agenda Item 14-2, she will bring it before the Commission at that time, acknowledging that it was moved for discussion and that the motion died for lack of a second, but stating that it still needs to take place at some point. Mayor Williams acknowledged that the motion to discuss Add-on Agenda Item 14-2 had died. City Clerk Flores asked the Commission for direction on how they want to move forward. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 10 Commissioner Davis suggested that the resolution proposed by Add-on Agenda Item 14-2 be brought back before the Commission during a Special Commission Meeting, based on the will of the Commission. Mayor Williams asked City Clerk Flores to poll the City Commission for a Special Commission Meeting, so that they can bring the certification to a vote. City Attorney Norris -Weeks stated that the Commission doesn't want to be in a position where the City is sued because someone says that they were not sworn in as soon as practicable. The City Attorney pointed out that it could be argued that the current meeting would be the soonest practicable time because of the date of certification and the Commission has a meeting and cautioned the Commission that they don't want to wait too long. City Clerk Flores asked if the resolution proposed by Add-on Agenda Item 14-2 has to be approved by the City Commission before she can swear in the newly elected officials. City Attorney Norris -Weeks referred to the City Charter which reads that the induction into office shall be held as soon as practical after the vote has been certified and stated that the vote would actually need to be certified. City Clerk Flores asked City Attorney Norris -Weeks what the answer is. City Attorney Norris -Weeks noted that the vote has been certified by the Supervisor of Elections and said that you could read it as stating that the induction to office could take place whether they vote or not. Mayor Williams asked City Clerk Flores if it was originally scheduled for December 14th. City Clerk Flores explained that Miami -Dade County Elections provided a tentative date of November 18th for providing the certification, but it did state on it that it was subject to change, and she received the certification earlier that day. The Clerk said that because there would more than likely be a cancellation of the second meeting in November due to the holidays, that having it on the agenda for this meeting would be as soon as practical for the Commission to approve. Commissioner Bass stated that her reasoning was having heard the 14th, that the Commission doing it now gave her pause. City Clerk Flores stated that she has no control of the dates provided by Miami -Dade County Elections and that since the City of Opa-locka is piggybacking off Miami -Dade Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 11 County Elections and they have their own canvassing board that certifies the results, they provide the dates, which she reiterated, are subject to change. Mayor Williams pointed out that the resolution proposed by Add-on Agenda Item 14- 2 did not move for discussion because of a lack of a second and said that the Commission would come to a Special Commission Meeting. City Clerk Flores confirmed that she will poll the Commission for a date and based on what the City Attorney stated, she noted that she can swear in the newly elected officials. 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, REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE I, TO ESTABLISH A NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A SPECIAL NUISANCE ABATEMENT TRUST FUND; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR SUPPLEMENTAL MEANS FOR ENFORCEMENT; PROVIDING FOR POWERS AND DUTIES OF A NUISANCE INSPECTOR; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE, COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS, PENALTIES, ATTORNEY'S FEES, REMEDIAL MEASURES AND IMPOSITION OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND LIENS TO RECOVER COSTS; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by Mayor Williams The above ordinance was read by Assistant City Attorney Candice Cobb. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 12 It was moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Bass 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 introduced Agenda Item 16-A-1, recalling that it has been talked about a few times and stating that it's long overdue. The Mayor shouted out Mr. Alex Van Mecl, sharing that they had the conversation about open storage. She acknowledged that the ordinance proposed by Agenda Item 16-A-1 addressed nuisance abatement and asked the City Attorney to speak on it because she said that the Attorney spearheaded the legislation and that open storage does need to be included within the legislation. The Mayor added that they are still in the process of ensuring that when they talk about citizens cleaning up their yards, that they are ensuring that items in their yard are placed somewhere and not a nuisance so that the City is able to have beautification within the City. City Attorney Norris -Weeks stated that the ordinance proposed by Agenda Item 16-A-1 gives more of a robust force to nuisance abatement, adding that Mayor Williams' primary concern about open storage is included. The City Attorney shared that they have been talking over a number of meetings with the Planning Department about different things that can be done in the City to be more comprehensive on how the City would address issues, including possibly putting the nuisance abatement process on the tax roll so that when people neglect to pay, there will be a trust fund set up dedicated to funding abatement of nuisances including many of the issues that Mayor Williams had raised in the past including dropping trash in bulk. She stated that the proposed ordinance does still need a little bit of work, explaining that they are still looking for a defmition from management which she said she is hoping to get sometime soon. The City Attorney added that they are looking to solidify the amounts that would be charged through the Code Enforcement process and are hoping to have that by the second reading. She informed the Commission that they need to get it done before the end of the year as they talked about in the very last meeting, because it has to go to the Property Appraiser's Office. Interim City Manager Williams stated that his Office is looking to move the ordinance proposed by Agenda Item 16-A-1 forward to address the concerns of open storage, acknowledging that it requires some further Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 13 tweaking as far as the definition. The Manager said that the Community Redevelopment Agency Manager has found some language in the City of Miami Gardens that they want to bring together to make it better, while working with the City Attorney's Office. There being no additional discussion, the proposed ordinance passed its second reading by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Dominguez Not Present Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Mayor Williams Yes B. SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S): There were none. 17. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Manager Williams expressed appreciation for Ms. Celia Pruett and her shout outs. The Manager went on to share his appreciation for all the hard work that City Staff is continuing to do, recognizing that the City has exceeded over $1 million in collections on old water bills from major companies that haven't paid Opa-locka in years, with some of those bills dating back to 2015, recognizing it as something no other Administration has accomplished. He went on to say that the City is approaching the $10 million mark for grants which he acknowledged Opa-locka relies heavily on. Manager Williams informed the Commission that each Department Head has approached that aggressively and said that none has done so more than Director of Capital Improvements Adelina Gross, acknowledging her for taking the lead. He also said that the Police Department has been working very aggressively to pull down grants to help move the City forward, and the Manager acknowledged Chief Scott Israel in that effort. The Manager added that approaching the $10 million mark in less than 6 months is a major hurdle for the City of Opa-locka and he said that it is going to bring a lot of change that he expressed excitement about bringing forward for the City and its Residents. City Attorney Norris -Weeks announced a private closed attorney -client session pursuant to Section 268.011 of Florida Statutes, to be held in the Commission Chambers at Sherbondy Village Auditorium, located at 215 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida on December 14, 2022 at 6 pm, or it will be moved to an adjoining room within the building. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss pending litigation matters. 18. OFFICIAL BOARD REPORTS: There were none. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 14 19. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: There were none. 20. MAYOR/COMMISSION REPORTS: City Clerk Flores asked if the Commission wanted to cancel the second meeting in November, which she said falls on November 23rd, which is the day right before Thanksgiving. It was moved by Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Bass, to cancel the Regular Commission Meeting on November 23rd. There being no discussion, the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. Vice Mayor Taylor Not Present Commissioner Bass Yes Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Dominguez Yes Mayor Williams Yes Mayor Williams thanked everyone in the great City of Opa-locka, recognizing that this would be her last night chairing the City Commission. The Mayor said that it has been an absolute thrill being Mayor and added that she has thoroughly enjoyed her year on the Dais as Mayor. She went on to say that the accomplishments made within the year have been astronomical. Mayor Williams shared that the Police Benevolent Association Contract was signed earlier that day after not having been signed since 2014, characterizing it as absolutely huge. She pointed out that everyone can see the development, including the fencing around the park, many legislative items that have passed, and she expressed excitement. Mayor Williams thanked City Residents and Staff for always being generous to her as Mayor, to allow her to vent and always being there for her. She shared her excitement to continue her tenure on the Commission for the remainder of 2 years and perhaps after that after becoming Vice Mayor one year and Mayor the next. Mayor Williams concluded by offering her congratulations to all those that will be joining. Commissioner Bass stated that it has been a pleasure working with Mayor Williams and said that she is looking forward to working with her for the 2 years that she has on the Commission, adding that she hopes it is more. The Commissioner went on to invite everyone to help celebrate the late Commissioner Alvin Burke at the street naming in his honor on November 29th at 10:00 am at the northwestern intersection of Sultan Avenue and Curtiss Drive. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 15 Mayor Williams acknowledged Commissioner Dominguez for her year serving on the City Commission. The Mayor also acknowledged Commissioner Davis, who she said she calls the Senior Member who had been on the Commission the longest, adding that they have learned so much, specifically fiscal responsibility. She went on to say that she looks forward to seeing him again in the future. Commissioner Davis stated that it has been a great opportunity to serve in the great City of Opa-locka. The Commissioner recalled that he started here when he was 23 years old and is now 35, stating that he has the opportunity to grow up in the City both literally and figuratively. He shared that he was raised in the Bunche Park community and later moved to Opa-locka off Rutland Street after graduating college. The Commissioner reminisced that his first job was as a community organizer for the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation, where he got to know the ins and outs of the community and was able to engage in some meaningful projects that really touched a lot of people and were able to make an impact in the community. He shared his excitement and said he was happy to serve in the capacity of Commissioner for the past 4 years, adding that he can't stay away from Opa-locka and looks forward to engaging the current Commission, City Staff and Residents to continue to move the City forward. Commissioner Davis concluded by offering his thanks for the opportunity to serve. Commissioner Dominguez thanked everyone and stated that she is proud to say that she was the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to the City Commission in the great City of Opa-locka. The Commissioner said that she learned so much and has engaged so much with the Residents, Business Owners and City Staff. She offered assurances that this is not the last of her, adding that she is going to be engaged and help the newcomers when they need her. Commissioner Dominguez concluded by offering her thanks to all. Mayor Williams stated that they don't take it lightly, recognizing that they are all public servants, and all are welcome. The Mayor pointed out that you don't need to sit on the Dais to serve the community, and she encouraged anyone to get involved. Commissioner Bass apologized to Commissioner Davis and Dominguez for not acknowledging them. The Commissioner recognized that they had their ups and downs but said that is life and assured them that she appreciates them for serving because it's not easy. She stated that it is a very hard job to do, most especially when you are transparent, fair and honest, adding that it is a hard place to sit. Commissioner Bass concluded by thanking them all for serving and shared that she has requested a proclamation for both of them from the Clerk's Office. 21. OFFICIAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS: There were none. Regular Commission Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2022 16 22. ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Commissioner Davis to adjourn the meeting. There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Attest: .1 nna Flores, CIVIC C'1' Clerk Mayor cronica J. Williams Regular Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 2022 17