bad camera. Commissioner Bass said you so we were being reported that we didn't know that they Al saw you walking through the door how you was
stepping through that door and she was stepping like she was the But we didn't even know that we mine did. I turned mine off. Good evening
everyone. Good evening everyone. Welcome to our our commission meeting on tonight, May 14th, 2025. The time is now 7 p.m. Madame Clerk, roll call.
Commissioner Bass here. Commissioner Urban here. Vice Mayor Kelly present. Commissioner here. Here. And before we stand for invocation, I just want to say that today is a good day and a significant day for the city of Opaaka. And I tell you why the reason why we're
in this chamber. Today, Opaaka turned 99 years old. So, we thought it robbery to bring this meeting back into our original chamber because it's not a it's not often that our birthday falls on a commission meeting night. So, we ask that you one
be patient with us, we're going to try to move as swift as possible because soon as we finish the meeting, we have our the start of our birthday celebration. Our birthday party would be in the the room next door in our reception hall next door. So, we're
going to open up with the invocation by Vice Mayor um Rose Titus. Father God, we come to you tonight with thanksgiving in our hearts because you have called us to be thankful. You said
to be thankful in all things for this is your will for man to be thankful. We're so thankful that you are in our midst because you said in your word where two or more were gathered in your name, you would be in the midst. So, we thank you for your presence here. We thank you
that we're celebrating 99 years. 99 years. And we're celebrating all of the progress that you've done throughout the years. Lord, we pray that our thanksgiving is not just words, the word
thanksgiving, but may the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts and the way we conduct your business to tonight as your ambassadors in the earth. May we please you as our
thanksgiving. Amen. Amen. And then we're going to have our pledge of allegiance led by Deputy Chief Starks. Oh, I'm sorry. Intram Chief Dr. If you can please put your hands on your the right side of your chest. Thank you.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Chief Starks and Vice Mayor
Titus. All right. So, we're moving along into our awards proclamations and acknowledgement highlight. Okay. We wanted to highlight our basketball team, the Opa Laka Hurricanes. As we all know, they are champion. They brought the championship
home to the city of Opaaka. So, we want to shout out We want to shout out our coaches. Um, for 8U, which is coach Trent Ro. We have for our 10U, Coach Marcus Fraser. And for our 12U, Coach Curtis um
Jenkins. And we also have our parks director, Miss Zna Ray. So from the commission, city of Opalaka to all our coaches, Miss Ray, we want to thank you all for everything that you've done keeping our children and making
sure that they bring this championship home and delivering it to us on our birthday. Congratulations. Thank you. Commissioner Santiago told them they better bring one home again next year. Oh, yes. All right. We're still under the awards
proclamations. Oh, wait. That's Jaylen. That's the Opalaka mascot. That is the official opal. So, shout out to Jaylen. All right. Also earned awards proclamations and acknowledgements. We want to acknowledge
um before I turn it over into the hands of Commissioner Santiago for his presentation, we want to acknowledge former commissioner, mayor, vice mayor Veronica Williams who is here celebrating with us. We want to acknowledge former commissioner vice mayor Rose Titus who
is celebrating with us. These are people who have served in this city during this 99 years. We also want to acknowledge comm um former commissioner um Audrey Dominguez who is celebrating with us. So we are we want to thank you all for
your service to the city of Opalaka and the tenure that you put in in this city. So we'll turn it over to the hands of Commissioner Lewis B. Santiago for your special presentation. Uh thank you Mr. Mayor. Did I stand? Okay. Thank you
sir. Good evening everybody. It's beautiful to be here to start in celebrating the 99 years of the foundation of the great city of Opalaka. I want to see the opalaka
people tonight be celebrating together when they ain't happy because this is the beginning what my mayor say outside that's the beginning of the new era in Opalaka right we're going to see very
soon by the next year a lot of construction cramps all over the sky and we're going to make that city look like a real city that we That's what we here for today and tonight.
Okay. You see, when I said it in English, you said in Spanish. When I say in Spanish, you say it in English. That's it. Okay. Um, we have a great um, Hispanic community that has been living here for quite long here in our city of Opalaka. And that's
the beautiful people from Paraguay. Korea Miami Day. He's the president of the Paraguayan community in Miami Day County. Mr. Juan Korea today uh he's together with his wife, Mrs. Gladi Korea and my beautiful
wife Mercedes Santiago and a big group from the Parawag. Uh they come today because they really want to say how big they love this city. This is the city for the first time that
they giving them a place to live where they come from Paraguay many of them today and they really really really really appreciate what that city this beautiful city do for them. We even have surprise the people that they don't know
that we have a sister city in Paraguay where the name Isluku and we are the first city in the whole state of Florida to make that kind of relation with another country outside of the United States. But another one
had to talk here. We're going to talk here tonight is Mr. Juan Korea. Good evening uh commissioners and mayor of Opalaka Gratoso No, you did great. Thank you. I'm very
grateful about being here humbly in the city of Opaaka and I feel honored from power Y to be here um and honor our great mayor um from and as components of the center of
Paraguayans. We would love to give an honorable recognition uh to a special person in the city of Opalaka. The reason why I'm here is to uh bring up a proclamation. Florida.
Proclamation of recognition and gratitude to the city of Opalaka, Florida. On the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the municipality's establishment in 1926 through 2025 Whereas the municipality of the
city of Opaaka, Florida, founded in 1926 is commemorating in 2025 is 99th an anniversary and institutional life. And whereas Republic Gardens,
Florida. On May 14, 2011, as a gesture of friendship and esteem, then Mayor Myra L. Taylor was designated patronist of the grand celebration of the bicesentennial of the independence of the Republic of Paraguay held at Florida
Memorial University, Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami dayto during her tenure. Through the joint efforts of the Paraguine Center of Miami Dade, Commissioner Lewis B. Santiago and Mayor Taylor herself. The sister city
relationship between Opalaka, Florida and Ela Puku, department of Cordiera Paraguay was formalized and remains enforced to this day. Taylor Jr. The current administration led by Mayor
John H. Taylor Jr. continues to foster the spirit of inclusion and cooperation that enobles the entire community. Florida publicly. Recognizing these bonds promotes multicultural integration and strengthens the bridges of
cooperation between the Republic of Paraguay and the state of Florida. Miami day. Now thereof, the paraguan center of Miami Dade on behalf of Paraguayans residing in South Florida hereby
proclaims his deepest recognition and gratitude to the municipality of the city of Opalaka for its 99 years of history and the steadfast support extended to our people. Municipal Tyler Jr.
highlights the efforts of the city authorities formerly under the leadership of Mayor Maya Myra L. Taylor and today under Mayor John H. Taylor Jr. together with Commissioner Lewis B. Santiago who have strengthened cultural
and social ties with Paraguay. International exhaust the enduring validity of of the Opalaka. The Isla Puku sister city agreement as exempl exemplary model of international cooperation serving both communities
expresses its firm commitment to continue promoting cultural, educational and humanitarian exchange initiatives that deepen with cherish bond. Florida Secret issued in the city of Miami date,
Florida on the 14th day of May 2025 and presented during the solemn ceremony commemorating the 99th anniversary of the municipality of Opalaka Paraguayan Center of Miami Dade.
President Juan B. Korea Ayala Okay. Seenor Alcalclamise. I will turn this to you commissioners and mayor of Opaaka um today on May 14th which is coincidentally their a Paraguayan
independence day as well. Um, I will go ahead and uh give you the proclamation and with a lot of honor and respect I will serve this to you. Thank you. So, we want to say thank you to the
Paris community of the city of Opalaka. Thank you for this great great honor. Uh me and Commissioner Santiago had the privilege of attending your Independence Day celebration last week. Last week. Last week. Um when you all celebrate I
mean 24 214 years. 214 214 years. And we were able to present your counelor general with a proclamation from the city of Opaaka. So we thank you. We thank you for doing the same here, helping us celebrate and hopefully we
will strengthen the bond of the sister city program between us and Paraguay. I didn't even know it existed until the clerk told me and she said this um city of Opalaka has made significant donations, I believe in kind donations to the city of Paraguay and we appreciate you
all Islu Isluku. So, thank you again. All right. So, we're moving on to the approval of the consent agendas. Any polls, deferrals, or deletions at this time. Um, Commissioner Bassend. Okay. Any other proposed deletions of
deferrals at this time? Yes, Commissioner Santiago. Okay. Yeah, that's fine. Number five. I see. All right. Any other PS deletions at this time? Mayor, vice mayor. Uh,
yes. Like to pull number um three. All right. All right. So, just for clarity sake, I have items three pulled by Vice May Kelly and item five pulled by Dr. Commissioner Dr. Bass. All right. Can I
get a motion to approve the consent agenda? Moved by Vice Mayor, second by Dr. Bass. Madam Clerk, roll call on the consent agenda. Commissioner Urban, yes. Vice Mayor Kelly, yes. Commissioner Santiago, yes. Commissioner Baz, yes. Mayor
Taylor, yes. All right. Can I get a motion to approve tonight's agenda? Moved by Dr. B. Second by Commissioner Santiago. Madam Clerk, Vice Mayor Kelly, yes. Commissioner Santi, yes. Commissioner B, yes. Commissioner Irvin, yes. Mayor Taylor,
yes. 5. All right, we're going into the approval of the minutes. So, the first one will be the sunshine meeting minutes from April 17th, 2025. Can I get a motion? Move it. Moved by second. Moved by Commissioner um Irvin, second by Commissioner Santiago. Madam clerk.
Commissioner Santiago? Yes. Commissioner Baz? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly? Yes. Mayor Taylor? Yes. Motion passes 5. All right. The regular commission meeting minutes April 23rd, 2025. Move it. Moved by Vice May Kelly. Second. Second by Commissioner Irvin.
Madam Clerk. Yes. Commissioner. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Taylor. Yes. All right, moving on to the sunshine meeting minutes, April 28, 2025. Moved by Dr. Bass, second by Commissioner Santiago. Madam Clerk,
yes. Vice Mayor Kelly, yes. Yes. Commissioner Baz, yes. Mayor Taylor, yes. All right, moving on to the last one. Sunshine meeting minutes from May 5th, 2025. Moved by Vice Mayor Kelly. Second. Second by Commissioner Irvin. Madame um
clerk. Yes, Commissioner Pantiago. Yes, Commissioner B. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, Mayor Taylor. Yes. Passes. All right, we're moving on to um number nine. Do we have any district one, district two, or state reports at this time? No, Mr. Mayor. All right. Public presentations?
None at this time. So, we're going into citizens form. Madam clerk, can you please state for the record how to participate in citizens form? Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. City of Opalaka commission meetings are held in person at the Opalaka government center city commission chamber 780 Fisherman's
Street third floor Opalaka Florida that is with the exception of tonight's meeting which is being held here at historic city hall members of the public wishing to address the commission may do so in person or virtually. Those persons wishing to participate virtually should
register prior to the scheduled meeting time on the city's website at www.op at opa.gov. When speaking before the commission, please make sure to give your full name and address for the record. There is a threeminut time limit
for public comments. Please adhere to the decorum policy which is a part of the commission meeting agenda. City commission meetings are aired through live stream at www.youtube.com city of Opalaka. And Mr. Mayor, at this time we do not have any virtual public comments. All right. So,
those of you that are in the chamber, citizens form is open. Good evening everyone. My name is Adrian Aost. I'm an attorney and I'm I am here on JMP Ventures on a property that's located at 3120 Northwest 134th
Street in Opalaka. Um I am trying um I'm respectfully writing uh here on behalf of JMP Green Ventures who's the owner of the property to request your discretionary review and approval of further reduction in a lean settlement uh for extended under the city's code
enforcement lean amnesty program. While my client is deeply appreciative of the city's effort property owners through this program one second. Okay. Go ahead. Sorry. While my client is deeply appreciative of the city's efforts to assist property owners
through this program, the current reduced balance of $126,798.60s, though generous mean remains financially unmanageable given my client's current uh documented economic hardship. Um at this at the time the amnesty application was submitted, the property was two years
delinquent on real estate taxes. And in an effort to prevent the parcel from being lost through a tax deed sale, my client paid over $13,800 in back taxes in credit card in a credit card. This decision, though necessary and pose an immediate and continuing financial burden on both the individual and the
entity. Despite these efforts, my client has worked in good faith to bring this property in full compliance with the city's code and is now in full compliance as as of the day as of today. Um, I've sent you a supplemental declaration of hardship uh by Juan Morales, who's the owner of JMP
Ventures, who's here today. Um, along with a verified payment confirmations for the 2023 and 2024 delinquent tax obligations. Um, these documents demonstrate his responsibilities to the city and the community. After exhausting all personal business resources, my
client has uh secured $20,000 through a private loan um to um this amount represents the absolute maximum that he is able to contribute and is available for immediate payment by cashier's check if the city commission is willing to accept uh is willing to accept it as
full and final resolution of the outstanding enforcement leans on and fines on this property. Um, when we're discussing the you when we're discussing the legal authority, the city commission has the legal authority to approve such a request under both Florida law and the city's own court ordinances. Section
162.09 of the Florida statute expressly authorizes the modification or discharge of municipal code enforcement uh leans by petition. Further under the home rule powers granted by municipal pallet uh municipalities under article 7 under article 8 section 2B of the Florida
constitution and section 166.021 of Florida statute the commission retains broad discretion uh to adopt measures in the best interest of the city and its residents. The city of Opalaka ordinance is specifically sections 2-450 through 2-455 further vests the commission with
the power to settle and release leans arising code violations. Thank you, sir. Okay. Um, we believe that this request. We got to move on to the next person. Oh, I'm so sorry. So, long story short, we're just seeking a reduction. I can provide any documentation. Um, I have an email chain and follow up with you and I appreciate
your time. No problem. Thank you very much. Thank you. Cit Citizens form is still open. Mr. Cooper, give me one second. Madam, Madame Manager, can it address the mic situation really quick? The feedback, is there anything that they
can do to turn the speakers? I think that the feedback is coming from Sounds like this one over here. I have back. Thank you. You can try that, too. Okay, Mr.
Cooper Cooper, please speak. Yes, sir. Good evening. Mark Cooper, 681, Southwest 75, Miami, Florida 33143. Happy birthday, Opalaka. Happy Mother's Day. I'm not trying to embarrass anyone. I just need to bring something to your
attention. Okay. So, I bought a property in the city of Miami Springs and picture number one, my attendant got a code enforcement citation. I went to the hearing. The city attorney handled the hearing. Picture number two is the city attorney. Uh, we lost the hearing. We got a copy of the magistrate's judgment
and we're dealing with it. Uh, so I've complained in the past about the city attorney here not being at the hearings. It makes a mess of the hearings. The hearing is handled by Miss Wilcox. She doesn't do a good job. It doesn't protect the property owners. I don't know how else to say it. The way I'm
going to say it this time is these are the ramifications. I'll give you an example. So number 12 of the picture is an order that was issued September 27,
2022. The party in question didn't receive the the notice of hearing, didn't attend. A running fine was issued by the judge. The city of Opalaka did not provide a copy of the running fine to the property owner. Uh there's I
asked for public records request. The city does not have proof that it mailed it or posted it on the property. The copy of the judgment. So now you have a property owner that has a running lean at $200 a day for about two years and the city thinks it's sitting on valid
leans and it's not. So, I spoke with someone inside uh code enforcement and told me that it was the city's practice not to provide a copy of the judgments when the party wasn't at the hearing. This is partly why you need the city attorney present to protect property
owners just like protecting the city that the process is valid and not a waste of everyone's time. So, I brought it to Mr. Ellis's attention. Had a meeting we had with S Commissioner Santiago about 15 days ago. He said, "I'm going to work on it. Work on it. Work on it." 15 days ago I saw my Mim me
Monday. Give me a day. I'll call you tomorrow with no answer. Well, I'm not trying to embarrass anyone. But the loan is being held up because of this situation where the city has leans on properties that aren't properly perfected against the property owner. Please deal with this. This
situation may become a water company situation where you have thousands of leans adding up and you think you're doing right. But you know during the heyday of Oblak is corruption. I was here. Michael Peasy is basically the one that kept the city
government right. We don't need Michael Pezy on the outside to tell us how to self-govern. Please handle this. Thank you. Citizens forum is still open. I want to apologize to the team for not being here for a photo
shoot. See, Jaylen had to bring his team in. Had to get Wade in Bar. Good evening, Mayor Commission. Brian Dennis, address 2140 York Street. Um, my my issue is item five. Not that I don't support it because I do. It's the
dollar amount. And one of the things that um we was looking at as a as a community relations board when we were talking about bringing it back, it wasn't for us to get the credit. It was for you all to look better, to look good because you all are the one who uphold the city. Um
it's not a complaint. I just um would like for the dollar amount to be increased. I know we probably have to go in front of the state budget for it, but the the opportunity you could bring it back and I'm glad the mayor put it on the agenda is for the hard work that you
all have done that would then reward the city that stood on the on the hill and on the shoulders of the late Helen Miller and Ali Kelly's and Mary Allens and the Timothy Holmes and the Robert Engles and the George Lions. That is the history of the city that when we had the
Arabian Nights parade that it was something that the commission brought to the city. And so I just want you all to not just reward yourself for your hard work and what you have done for the citizens of this city, but because of what you do and the way that you do it.
So, Mr. I'm going to ask you to increase if you could the dollar amount for the city so that it could be what I don't it could be what it really was back in the day. I don't know how that would work but I
think that you all not just owe it to yourself but the citizens of what you're doing and bringing something back so they could really enjoy this enjoy themselves with that event. So I thank you for bringing this item. Thank you. Thank you sir. Citizens form is still
open. Citizens form is closed. All right. So, real quick, um, Mr. Adrian, my advice is that you No, no. You need to speak to the city manager as it relates to the amnesty program and come with her. And if she deems that it's something that the city
can do, then she'll bring it. That's the appropriate way. She'll bring it to the commission for us to vote it up or vote it down. But there's nothing we can do or make a decision on tonight. That's something you would have to speak to her about. Um, and Mr. Cooper, uh, the same thing. Please speak speak
with the city manager and then we can finally resolve. Oh, I see him right there. I was looking for him. Mr. Cooper, speak to the city manager and bring up the issues there and then she'll bring it to the commission at the appropriate time. And Mr. Dennis is something we'll discuss at the appointed
time because it was pulled. So now we're moving on to our action items. The first item that was pulled under consent was item 133. Madam attorney, the resolution of the city commission of
the city of Florida approving the proposed 3% member wage increase pursuant to the reopening negotiations with the American Federation of Silk County and municipal employees council 79 local 206 asking approving and
authorizing the agreement between the parties on on city job reclassifications provided to Incorporation of the silence provided for all right. Can I get a motion? Moved by Dr. Bass, second by
Commissioner Santiago. Madam manager, the city the city and as we enter into an collective collective bargaining agreement which allocated for a reopener of negotiations in fiscal year 25 for the revision of job classifications and
wage increase. At the beginning of the ASME negotiations, ASME did come in at 6% retroactive. However, after going back and forth, several meetings, both parties agreed on a 3% increase with a
non retroactive clause. Um, I also have Miss Mary Adams here to answer any additional questions you may have. I'm going to yield to Vice Mayor Kelly because he pulled the item. Vice Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And and let me say from the beginning, I am not against
um anyone getting a pay raise, pay increase. Uh so let me put that on the table first. But as I said in my briefing, I'm really uh concerned about way this process was done. But a simple fact, we're in the middle of putting
together a pay scale updated plan. And this agreement has been in effect since 2022 and really expires July 30th, which is two months from now. And so to go in now um to do a pay increase and again
this is just for as employees um not the other 60 or 70 employees who are not affected. I think it's g it puts us in a very precarious position. Um because to in my opinion we should have waited until the pay scale was complete
to make any adjustments that needed to be uh made because I think we're going to wind up making at least probably two more adjustments um as a result because with the increase again it's not retro. uh current, but it's going to
potentially raise some uh salaries or um pay scales higher and then we're coming back in a month or so with a pay scale plan that we've already been looking at. The other challenge I had which I did
find out from the manager let me put on the record why so late because here we are at the end but um she informed me that asked me have reached out really since last year um trying to get a reopener and was not successful um from
the previous administration because it really makes no sense to me to come in two months before an agreement expires. So, what I'm really concerned about as we go forward in this with this paid um increase if it passes because of
course nobody wants not to have employees to get um a wage increase that we also look at something for the employees who are not in the union and some of them are not there not because they don't want to join but because of their classification reclassification
um and the restruction in the last couple of years of how administratively things been done. So, I want to put that on the on the record because I want to make sure going forward and I know the manager is planning to bring back a updated pay plan for the city, but
keeping that in mind as well for those employees overall and the ones that are going to get because in retro reality it could be getting if I'm not mistaken, Mr. Mayor and the manager can correct me. HR you could have potentially folks getting almost a double uh increase
which if it's um you know part of the process is part of process but I hope after we get through this that going forward there is something um very clear so we don't have this two months out of an agreement ending to do an increase
knowing we've got a pay plan that we've been working on for a while. That's a challenge. So, I wanted to do that and share that um with my colleagues as I expressed some of in the briefing because we're going to be looking at this at least probably two more times
and some kinds of adjustments uh going forward. But for those employees that um you know the 3% uh wage increase uh regarding reopener, I'm quite sure they can use it and we're not against that. Um I will say that the amount that is is
requiring was not even um budgeted. So that's going to have to come out of general fund um to bring it up to whole uh speed and ask the manager where it would come from obviously um and again let me speak for the manager Mr. Mayor to the manager where would that come
from? From the general fund. The general fund. Yes. Because it wasn't budget. Correct. Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. All right. Any other questions to uh the manager on this particular item? Okay. Um
I don't have a question. I just wanted to um support what vice mayor said. Um I think we're all in agreement with raises because God knows we need it. Um, however, I think that we should kind of
wait until we are at the point where the updated paid plan is looked at. Okay. Any other All right, madam manager. And that was one of the questions that I wanted to ask you. Um, when will this go into effect and does
it can it wait for the pay plan? I know. Well, when is the pay plan coming to be completed? The pay plan will be presented at the first meeting in June. This if passed goes into effect upon passage. Upon passage. Yes. And then so the pay plan plus the the 3% be on the
new pay plan or or based on this the 3% increase will be based on the new pay plan or based on this. So current pay plan I'm sorry. So the pay plan um some people within the pay plan will be will have to be um increased because
they may be below their starting salary. Okay. But some people we may not be okay because they will they will fall within the range within the range. Yeah. And go ahead finish. No no no I was also going to say what you already know I told you about this that we also need to
look at the employees that are not in assets. So I totally agree vice may we had that conversation. So I just want to make sure that we are looking at them as well. Go ahead vice mayor. I'm sorry. Yes Mr. Mayor. The only reason I'm going to support it because uh the the manager indicated that she can take it out of general fund um to bring it up. So
that's why I'm going to support it. But I wanted to bring it to our attention because we need to have the conversation as Commissioner Bass and yourself is saying because we've got a tier we need to get to where we are in a stable point. So going forward all of the
evaluations and merits that will come based on that so we don't have to wait on necessarily a wage increase. employees will be able to look at uh that incentive going yearly because they're getting evaluated and they can get increases based on that. That's
that's really what I want to make sure to the administration that we look forward to doing. But I am going to support it um tonight. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. All right. Any other concerns on this item? She said you said Commissioner B. I'm sorry.
To the manager, you said general funds. Yes. Okay. Yes. Okay. All right. We can go ahead and call a question. Commissioner Santiago, yes. Commissioner Baz, yes. Commissioner Urban, yes. Vice Mayor Kelly, yes. Mayor Taylor, yes.
Passes 5. All right, moving on to the second uh the next consent item 135. in resolution of the city commission of the city local authorizing Rockstar LLC to produce and curate the Arabian Nights
Festival for an amount amount not to exceed the budget allocation of $150,000 divided for incorporation of recital divided. All right. Can I get a motion? Move by Commissioner Santiago. Second for
discussion. Second by um Commissioner Irvin. Uh, oh no, it was I got to present it. All right. So, this item that you see tonight, the commission voted uh I believe last year, the year before to have the Arabian Nights Festival for
$150,000 and it rolled over into this current budget year. So, the reason why this is here tonight is because we are contracted with Hip Rockstar LLC, but if we pay them for advertisement services, it would exceed the contracted amount.
So, it's not the 150, it's the whatever we paid them for the advertisement, for the TV, radio, and anything like that. It exceeds the contracted amount. So, when we went to the state, the state said, "Hey, you need to bring this up at the commission meeting. You all need to vote because it exceeds their contracted
amount." That's why it's here today. And I'll yield to Commissioner Bass if you have it because you pulled it. Thank you. I would like to make a friendly amendment to include language scope of
services because it's kind of just vast. $150,000 for what? The $150,000 based on what we agreed on will take care of the event from its entirety, entertainment, advertisement, and everything that that goes into planning the planning of the
event. That's from A to Z, which is what the commission voted on previously. Mr. Mayor, um, if I may, Commissioner, I actually think that this should have to
go out as Why isn't it going out as a RFP? Well, I will say this. I know if we put it out, well, we already have a contract with Hip Rockstar to do our our entertainment and our PR, but if we put this out for RFP, it's going to exceed
this $150,000. I honestly think even with this company, it's still going to exceed $150,000. you know, because we're going to $150,000, which is what's before us, which is what be what is before us.
And um I will say this that we've sought out donations from other entities to help to increase the 150. One second because you still have the floor. You can go ahead. Okay. Commissioner Santiago. Thank you, Mr. May. Um what I heard from the
uh for my colleagues and that's what I see that $150,000 for that kind of event that we want to do in the city that is a s is
one of the biggest event that we going to have in history and I know for sure it's going to set it to the $150,000 okay and I can you know will do
and make me for for this item and I I'm not going to keep it with me. I want to let him know to the power and one of the thing is I I want to support it but if it's going to be that event that a lot of
people waiting for it for long years of the Arabian night I suggesting to celebrating that day together with the 100 years of birth of the city of Pala like coordinating
that to doing it together when our anniversary that it have to be something that call the attention for everybody in Miami day they count and for avoid any situation in the
future. that I know that you say that we can see uh some kind of donation for any other entities privately. Uh but I want to be sure that we that we do something good together that everybody be aboard
in that event because that's an event for the city for everybody and in that amendment that I like to do and for sure with the collaboration of my colleagues I think that
$150,000 if we do something today we can avoid problems in the future next year and I want to be sure like uh the company that is going to doing it, they're doing that right or if we had to go out for a new bit that we had the
resources. Okay. do uh meaning that compromise that we're going to do tonight when our resident and when the people from Miami day they come and my proposal is to uh try to go up to
$250,000 for that budget for that event and if it's possible yes I I think it's good to go out for a big uh Mr. May and to be together that celebration with the 100 years anniversary for the
city of Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Vice Mayor Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I I'm not going to support the item as is. I have a number of reasons. Um, when we're doing something on this scale, uh, and the history of the
Arabian Knights, and I think I can safely speak, I'm the only one been on this DAS long enough to be a part of it. Um, it is a signature event. Folks are looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. But we got to make sure if we're going to bring this back, we bring it back in a grand powerful way.
And I I don't even believe that $150,000 is enough to do what we need to do to capture all of the diversity within our uh community. I will say that I would support u going out for a RFQ.
um if we don't want to do RFP um just to see we can entail what we would expect that would include the scope of services that uh Commissioner Bass is referencing and also give us a time as a commission to see what we want to have for Arabian
Knights because we know times have changed, things have changed, but that concept and that memory of our history is still there. I would also uh not be in supportive of trying to even have anything this year because we're halfway
really through the year. The budget is almost over. And so if we're going to do something, we ought to do it next year. Do it big. Go out for RFQ, RFP after we decide what that scope, what those qualifications should be, what we want to have as a commission. Because I I
want to see three days. I don't want to see one day. I want to see three days. I don't want to see one day. I want to see it encompass all segments and diversity of our uh communities. Um and I don't think we can do that even by authorizing
um our current vendor. Nothing against them uh personally, but I think it needs to go out see what what the market will bear. They could of course um put in for it as well if the commission decides to go RFP or RFQ, but I would not support
as outline because right now we're writing a $150,000 in my opinion check without a real scope of services of what we're going to get for $150. And I know I have not weighed in to hear or to see or to be asked what
I'd like to see. And to be asked that after the fact would not be uh fair to any of us. So I would respectfully um suggest um that we not move forward with this and to to give it the due diligence sunshine if we
have to for those who maybe want to be a part specifically or workshop it uh to make sure we come up with the scope of qualifications and what we would expect. Put it out, see what the market bears and come back in.
$150,000 um as you said rolled over from last year can be rolled over. You can use a portion of that funds to put it out for the RFQ or RFP. I'm going to ask the manager, Mr. Mayor, if you would allow um and in her opinion, I I'm more
of the RFQ because we don't have a scope, but RFP, RFQ, either one, uh what's the time frame on getting that done when the commission would authorize it? It it would be out for 21 days. But out for 21 days and then come back. Yes.
But that's based on having the scope of whatever we would want as a commission. Yes. Okay. And I I'm going to say again, I don't know about anyone else, but I I'd like to kind of weigh in on that and I love the Arabian Knights. I look forward to it. Um the activities right
here in this uh chamber and this whole area blocked off. I can still envision it, but I don't want to rush it. I want to make sure it's done correctly and involves every facet and every segment of community. So for that reason um I
will not support as is. I support Raven Knights festival um and it can be next year. I think we could do it next year as a part of the centennial um weekend or whatever, but um I I don't want to do $150,000 to the contractor even though
they're providing services now. I think this is a totally separate uh item that should be dealt with in such a different way because I think we're going to still need more than $150,000 um to really do what we need to do to
make it successful and big and uh exciting as we all like to see it be. So that's um my suggestion. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, um Commissioner Chanti, thank you. um to the manager. Um I know that we have uh a
date time for passing the new and to approve the new u uh budget for the next year. And the question is that item is supposed to be in that year the
$150,000 is in this $150,000 you know whatever amount that we decide you know to keep it avail it's in this current budget and if it's a desire of the commission it can be rolled over into the next budget to use in the next year. Yes.
Okay. And like that we guarantee we guarantee the city to have that money for that event because that event has to come the Arabian night next year together when the 100 years anniversary for the city. My suggestion tonight is
that we try to do some modification here in this item. Mr. Mayor and like I say maybe try to u make it another mount okay to have it up there in case of the mayor's use. we use it or not and try to
go out to see who do the best event for us by the next year. But what I believe is we supposed to have something by the next uh budget year that is coming and
we have I don't know the deadline for that to including that amount in the budget other manager. We haven't we haven't started well we haven't we have started internally with directors but it will be presented to the commission
we'll have workshops commission can give us directives of what you want to see in the budget. Okay. Well, um I going to support the item when the u the amendment if the um uh the mayor
is possible to make uh let's celebrating the event uh with the budget that that we tried to get at least for starting like for four days straight you know the whole weekend um I know that cost a lot of money but
we're going to try to going out here and I believe $150,000 are going to be enough for that kind of event and I suggested to go out to $250,000 and keep it up there for next year. Okay. So, hearing um the sentiments of
my colleagues, Madam Attorney, I'm going to withdraw the item. I'm going to withdraw the item. I'm going to withdraw. I'm going to withdraw the item and it will bring back something based on what has been said on tonight because I heard increase four
days RFD or RSQ and um and scope of services. So I'll withdraw we rework and we'll bring it back based on what everybody has said. All right. So, we're moving on to our ordinances
16B one. So, the city commission of the city of Okala, Florida adopting and enacting code for the city of Okala, Florida providing for the certain ordinances therein providing for a
penalty for the violation thereof. Providing for the man of amending such code and providing such code and this ordinance shall become effective public. All right. I get a motion. Move it for both. Move it. Moved by Commissioner
Santiago, second by Commissioner Irvin. Madam Cler, go ahead and present it. This is a public hearing item. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, um, just to, um, give a little history of this item. Several years ago, the city contracted um Civic Plus, formerly MUN code, to do
a comprehensive review of the city of Balaka code and also provide recommendations in terms of sections that were um antiquated or outdated and also to make um make sure that the code and the code sections for the city were
consistent with local and state laws. At this time that um that project is complete and we are ready to move forward and as a requirement the city commission has to adopt this ordinance. All right. This is a public hearing
item. Public hearing is open. This is public hearing. Public hearing is close. All right. Do I have any Do we have any questions for the um our clerk at this time? All right. Can we not? Madam Madam
clerk, let call the question. Commissioner Urban, yes. Vice Mayor Kelly, yes. Commissioner Santiago, yes. Commissioner Bass, yes. Mayor Taylor, yes. Motion passes. 5 Z. All right, moving on to the next item. 16B2.
Madam Madam Manager, can they I think if you turn the mic down, we'll have some feedback. It is this mic. Just turn it down. Turn it down. All right. Um 16B2 an ordinance
commission amending chapter 2 section 2-28 of the city's code of ordinances entitled time for regular meetings to the start time for regular city commission meetings to 6 p.m. rather
than 7 p.m. providing for adoption of representations providing for conflict and review. provided for inclusion in the code by discriminator provided for effectively the first reading and public hearing was held on April 23rd 2025.
This is sponsored by sales. All right. Can I get a motion? Move it. Move by Commissioner second by Commissioner Santiago. Uh oh, I thought we was doing a public presentation. I was like we didn't open up public hearing.
Um, thank you. So, um, this item is simply put just to change the commission start time from 700 p.m. to 6 pm. We've noticed a decrease in residential participation and it seems like the only time we get a
lot of residents is when something is happening. I was going to say something bad is happening, but tonight something good is happening. So, we have a full house. So, and so it allows us to get in and do business earlier and get out. And I know Commissioner Irvin said that if we go in earlier, we don't need to stay
out stay in longer. So, that doesn't it doesn't do that. It's just for us to get in and get out. And we're taking into consideration our residents, both our residents and our our staff. And I know it was brought up that we don't want to stop residents from coming to the meetings, but here in the city of
Opalaka, our residents have three opportunities to participate under citizens form via in person, via um um electronically, virtually, I'm sorry, or through letter form through the clerk. So, it does not stop any of our residents from participating. The only
difference is instead of participating at 7, we'll be participating at 6 if this two should pass on tonight. So this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open hearing none. Seeing none, public
hearing is closed and I'll entertain any questions, comments, or concerns at this moment. Mr. Mayor, I will for right now I will support it, but I would have to take a bird's eye view in the future because like today we
have a six o'clock event. We have meetings before the meetings and I don't know about you guys work schedule but I know mine so I'll support it for tonight but if it doesn't work I will bring it back so let you know in advance. Okay.
All right. Thank you. I had the same concern for my colleague. Um looking the sample today that we have an event that many people they don't even know is going to start in six but we started and the situation
that we had the people don't come to to the meeting is not me the time or what you say before yes when we have some kind of special events and all that okay we inviting people and the people that we invited that's the big but many
people right Now for the uh uh community, they don't even know that that event today is on. I surprised the my city attorney told me, "Thank you, Commissioner Santiago, because you reminded me, you let me know that today we have this
celebration." And this is one of the situation that we have if they don't come in at 6 because everybody, you know, they have work to do. They coming out probably at 5:30 or 6:00 from the job. How can we expecting the day coming
straight down from job to any commission or any uh workshops that we going to do at four o'clock or at 5:00 in the afternoon? I really like to supported that. Um probably let's make it soon started by the future. But for now what
we try what we have to try to do is to call the attention for the residents or especially the resident of opalaka to know what's going on what really going on in the city like that they can come to the meeting and and be one else I I
like to to say to you about the time because it's probably better for all the employment they go early home but this is not concern about any employment or house. Okay, my colleagues, um I think 7:00 is is the right time for now, uh
Mr. Mayor, and we can be talking, you know, in the future. Let's see if we can have better communication with the resident. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commissioner, thank you. I think in life, we all make time for what's
important to us. So, the meeting starts at 6, i.e. Meet me Monday starts at 6:00 and at 6:00 people are there. So if it's important for you to come to commission meeting, you're going to come. Simple. I I worry about the staff
because we work our staff. We do. And sometimes our commission meetings can go on for a long time. So I think that we should, as Commissioner Bass said, give it a try. And if it doesn't work, we can
always revisit it. But we all make time for what's important for to us. So, I think we should do it. Um, give it a shot. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Kelly, I I think I stated all my
concerns at the last meeting and they're recording. They haven't changed. Uh I I'm willing to to um see not so much because of the events, but I'm more concerned about when we do have um things that we need to do prior because
we just all can't get on the same or our schedules are different, but we know we're going to be here the second and fourth Wednesday. And a lot of times, and I said before, shade meetings, things like that, uh the manager needing to have a quick workshop before the meeting because we're all going to be
there. Um it's kind of set. I would encourage um since you sponsor, Mr. Mayor, I I won't ask for it in legislative form um since it's been kind of suggested to give it a try and see because my first thought was to actually
um ask for an amendment to your ordinance to come back in six months a review anyway just to see how it is working out. Um as I indicated, people do what they want to do when they want to do. I got that. But I'm also concerned about things that we do that
we've learned to do and adapted to at 6 pm because we are all going to be here uh at a meeting at seven and those to me are very important. I think all of us concerned about staff um having to work and be here but as I said before most of
the staff that are here are not um punching a clock. They kind of have the flexibility of hours. So that's not much concern for me. But uh to the attorney and to the sponsor um if you' be amanable to a review after six months so
we could just see how it is going. If that's doable madam attorney um allow and as a part of the ordinance to the sponsor to just come back in six month for review. If it's working out then I have no problem but I want to just see how it will work out. Hopefully it will.
Um, but I want to be able to have that that caveat there to be able to support it if possible. Mayor, attorney, there is no way to really put that the six month
toes. So once you change it, it will be changed and obviously if you all want to come back, that's somebody will bring it back. But um, in terms of the code itself, it would be That's That's what
But any one of us I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. So, you're saying we couldn't put it in there because we're putting in the and the um cotifying it, but any one of us could bring it back. It would have to be the sponsor. Any one of Okay. All right. Well, hearing that, um I I'll support
it. Um we'll see how how it works. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. No problem. The only other thing I would like to change um madam attorney is I want to do an educational period maybe finish out this month at 7 o'clock to advertise the commissioner Santiago's point to let the
residents know that there is a change and then we go into effect in July that would be an amendment to the if you all are okay with so that finishes the month at 7 o'clock if it so passes and
then we go into the in July with the new time. No, I'm sorry. Thank you. June. June. I'm already in summer time. I'm ready to go vacation. So, that's the um and then it is an item. We don't have to do an amendment
because it's my item. We need the amendment. Yes. Because it's already even though. Okay. So then that's the then I'll make that motion for that amendment to add a educational um period and to for it to go into effect in June June June. Can I get a
second on that motion? Second. Second by um Commissioner Santiago. Madame clerk. Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Commissioner Baz. Yes. Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion passes 5 on the amendment. All
right. And now we can go ahead and call the question. Madam clerk, vice mayor Kelly, yes. Commissioner Santiago, the tribe, yes. Commissioner Bass, yes. Commissioner Irvin, yes. Mayor Taylor, yes. Motion
passes 5. All right. So, we're moving on to our reports. Going to go ahead and start with the city manager's report. I did submit a written report to the city commission and I will entertain any questions or concerns that you may have
at this time. All right. Any questions or concerns to the city manager at this time? No. Hearing none. All right. So, moving on to our official board reports. Do we have any official board reports? We have none. Uh moving on to our
commission reports. We'll go ahead and start um left to right. Go ahead. Commission report. No report. Okay. Um P have a report. Well, the only report
that was the chance Oh. Well, um, in my report, I want to say thank you to, uh, Commissioner B for the event that we always have the first Saturday of the
month. Uh, the chess and dominoes. That's what we changing now for uh, Domino's and check. I can't be there, you know, the last time, but I know you're there. And they say that we have a very uh, uh, good amount of people going there to play. And we're going to
continue to you know to celebrating every first Saturday of the month Jess and Donald in Shavanti Park that we going to do in Shavi Park all the time or we can change it to other Okay.
That's a discussion. Okay. All right. Not a problem. And is ending my report because I want to celebrate now the other. Are you hungry too? Me too. Vice May Kelly. Okay. Okay. Well, let me slow things up a little bit then.
Um, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I want to thank uh my co-host um Commissioner Bass, Commissioner Santiago, along with the mayor, Commissioner Irvin for our um National Day of Prayer observance. Very moving both uh events. I know I had to
leave the second one, but I was told it worked out very well. We had a lot of pastors and churches and community folks out. So, I want to thank them for that. I want to thank Mr. and my colleagues for standing in last week for our farm share uh distribution.
I was away uh my son graduated from Thoon Cookman. He's here tonight. So, let me just lad. Let me just throw that in the screen. Um and so I want to uh thank her for filling in. We held our monthly meet
Monday this past Monday uh with city departments presenting. And madam manager, I want to thank you for allowing departments to attend and our police chief as well and Sergeant Harbbor for his uh report. Um I also
want to um say that we're preparing for our DMV outreach this Friday at Hela Miller. Uh but all of the slots are filled and I want to say this publicly because um sometime folks are calling the clerk's office and we post it. If you see it posted and it goes out, you
have to call and fill those slots because once it goes out, it's out all over the county. It's not limited to just Opaaka, but we try to bring that outreach to the city for our residents, but we know um if you read that there's a lot of folks trying to get license
change and different things. So, those slots fill up very fast and once they're filled, they are uh filled. But, we'll be doing that again this Friday over at Hela Miller. Um but the slot appointments are already filled. We're
working on several upcoming uh initiative including uh next Thursday our fishing uh outing up to Poki and uh South Bay. Uh we do have a few slots still open. So if you're interested in going fishing uh with us u we provide
the bait and we provide the lunch. We do not guarantee you will catch a fish, but you can go. Commissioner Santiago, we don't guarantee you'll catch a fish, but please call to sign up. There are some slots that are still available. Um, I'm
working along with Commissioner Irvin on our Junth observance. We're also planning to celebrate and recognize Haitian Heritage Month uh on May 28th at 5:45 um at our city hall complex honoring our
diversity of communityhood and brother and sisterhood uh with bright opportunities for our Haitian-American community. So join us before our commission meeting next uh time for that event. And um also we're working on our
June resource fair over at Seagull Park. We return to a fair when we do it because it's not just the feeding. We have also other agencies providing resources and services. So be on the lookout for that at Seagull Park. working on a cert community emergency
response team uh that we're putting together uh for July for residents and staff. The manager has already indicated she has some staff to attend. So, you'll see that flyer coming out and to my colleagues as well. Uh and really what it simply is is residents and staff
being able to assist um first responders during natural disasters and of course hurricanes. So, if you're interested uh please uh sign up for that as well. We're going to try to have a class of at least um 25 to 30
individuals. Uh we're also working on something that's very critical uh right now unfortunately happening in South Florida many times to scenes but really to everyone a fraud and schemes workshop um to bring in the uh state of Florida
uh consume consu consumer services thank you uh division to come in and talk to residents about uh the challenges and need to be on the web for frauds and schemes that come up mailers phone calls etc. So, we're working on that and it's not
just for seniors, but it's really for anyone. So, please be on the lookout for that. Um, as well. Again, I want to u thank you, Mr. Mayor, for having uh the meeting here tonight. Uh, just sitting here is bringing back all kind of
memories because when I became mayor back in 2004 was right here in this chamber that I took the um oath of office as mayor. So, I'm grateful to see I'm saddened that they took the back room and the back back there. We could just sneak out. Um, you have to go get
some history pictures to see that, but I'm glad to be here. And, um, thank you for that. And so, after Commissioner Irvin gives her report, I guess we'll be ready to party because the mayor land under say because he's ready to party. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Go ahead, Mr. Thank you. Um, I
would like to say um the Mother's Day picnic was a success. Um, I would like to say thank you to everybody that helped me make it possible, especially my husband
um and the men that um helped serve. Thank you all so much. And I have to ask that our female employees that the father's day picnic is going to be June 12th. So I'm gonna be needing you guys
to come and serve the guys like they did you guys if possible. Thank you madam. was told to make sure that the men came out and the guy I think we had to do a all call. So all they showed up and they actually
showed up. Thank you so much for that. Um we haven't mentioned anybody haven't mentioned our celebration for the weekend. Go ahead. I wrote it down. I was doing that for the mayor. I was gonna do it. Go ahead. Do it. Do it. Bingo folk. Uh, bingo is Hawaiian theme.
Um, it took a lot for me not to order them coconut. You know what? But I did I dressed in Hawaiian. I'mma order them for you. We're
dressed. Lots of fun. And um All of our events are listed on our um website. I double check. And so that we're planning to really celebrate 99 years because a lot of us have not seen anything for 99
years. So we should have lots of fun over the weekend. Well, I plan to. Lots of fun over the weekend. So join me in having fun. I'm gonna let you have it. Commissioner Irving. Yes. Yes. Can I go to the bingo when my apple my my
pineapple uh baby? Yes. Sure. Yeah. Say hello. That's not what we meant. That's not what we meant. All right. So, bring it on home and we're going to go ahead and close it out. I just want to say thank you to the commission. Um we
we a couple Saturdays ago we had trial day in the city of Opalaka where um director the director of triro actually came and toured um our trial station and they didn't know what the trial station actually looked like. So it was a great thing for them to see them tracks and
all that that that debris on the side. So look out for the cleanup and the enhancements on the trial system. Um shout out to everybody that participated on that. Also, um we know that um May is small business
month. So, we're asking everybody to shop local, shop opa, let's invest in our community and patronize the vendors and the businesses that are around us. Um we're going to be having a free vaccines and physicals for those parents in need that are looking for that that
don't have insurance. That's the only qualification. You cannot have insurance. um you can reach out to Miss M and she will put you on the list and that is July 19th. So those children that need vaccines and physicals, we found last year, oh sh with me. We found
out last year there were a lot of children in need in Opalaka for that and a lot of kids were turned away from school as a result of that. So we want to make sure that this year that we're opening up too. So we partnered with one of the local kid clinics to do free vaccines and free physicals for those children in need. Also, we're starting a
new initiative in the summertime called City Hall on Wheels. And that's where we're taking City Hall into the neighborhoods. What we found out while canvasing that a lot of our residents don't know what's in city hall and what resources we have to offer. So, our
public facing um um departments, we're taking it to the neighborhood. So, now Commissioner Santiago, there's no excuse to the residents. So, we'll let you know the spots that we're in and let your resident we'll be knocking on their door telling them what resources that we
have. Also, commission I mean vice already said it, but I want to say shout out to Isaiah for graduating. Shout out to graduating. It's always and the one thing I can say about Isaiah, it's always good to see where students go to college and come
back and invest in this community. I'm not just saying that because his daddy's up here. I don't think that's why he's up here. That's why he's here. But the fact that he actually went away and came back, you don't see that often. A lot of kids, they go get their education and take that those smarts and those talents to other communities. But we cong
congratulate you for that, for your graduation and for you to come back and invest into the city of Opaaka. So, shout out to that. Commissioner Bass wants me to announce that she's having a basketball tournament on June 14th. Um, so those of you that want to be a part
of it, reach out to her. And I thought Commissioner Irvin was gonna announce this, but we're gonna just go ahead and do it. This Friday is our bingo Friday, uh, May 16th at 6 PM. This, this is today was the kickoff for our weekend long celebration. So that's Friday night. Saturday night, we're having our
funday in the park right here at Shabbundi Village. That starts at 12. So bring your friends, tell everybody. Everyone is invited. And then on Sunday, we're closing it out here again at Shabbani Park with our gospel in the park and that starts at three. All of
the events are free to the residents. So bring your neighbor, tell your friends, tell everybody. Opalaka is having a party all weekend and we want y'all to party with us. Happy 99th birthday to the city of Opaaka and thank you to our residents. So as we move on, because
Bass is giving me that look and so is Commissioner Irving because they both hungry. Um, we have no more reports and we know that we are skipping 20, right? Because there are no we're not doing the board appointments, right? Perfect for you. Commissioner Santiago said he want us to stand here for another 30 minutes.
No. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? All right. Um, before we adjourn, we're going to ask Commissioner Bass to go ahead and bless our food and do a prayer over the city and then we can go ahead and eat and then we'll move motion to Lord God for everyone tonight. Father,
we just want to say thank you Lord God for breathing life new life as we celebrate our 99th year. Father God we pray that we go forth oh God victorious for you always. Amen. This meeting is adjourned. We see
you over in our reception hall for our party. I need a motion. Oh, I thought