Good evening everyone. Welcome to our regularly scheduled commission meeting on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026. Time is now 6:03. Madame clerk, can we have a roll call? >> Commissioner Baz >> here. Commissioner Santiago
>> here. Commissioner Irvin >> here, Vice Mayor Kelly, >> Mayor Taylor >> here. We'll have our invocation led by um our social services manager, Mr. Brandon Cave, followed by the pledge of
allegiance from Sergeant Harro. In that order, most gracious and kind father, we thank you for this is the day you have made. God, we ask now that you give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as we come together to lead and be advocates for
our city. Bless the commission. Bless the residents. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen. 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. All right. Um, madame clerk, what any awards, proclamations, or acknowledgements? I know we skipping that. All right. So, moving on to the approval of the consent
agenda. Do we have any polls, deferrals, or deletions? And I don't mind starting. I'm going to pull item number one. And item number 10, >> I had to.
>> Yes, sir. >> Uh number seven and item number nine. >> Any other PS, deferrals or deletions at this time? >> Okay. All right. All right, hearing none. Can I get a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda? Oh, I'm sorry.
I go back. I'm sorry. We have um Mayor Taylor pulled item number one and item number 10. Um Commissioner Santiago pull item number seven and item number nine. All right. So, can I have a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda? >> Move it. >> Moved by um Commissioner Santiago.
Second. >> Second by Commissioner Irvin. Madame Clerk. >> Commissioner Bass. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Irvin. >> Yes. Yes. Commissioner Santiago. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly. >> Yes. >> Mayor Taylor. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 5.
Um want to relinquish the vice man really quick. Go ahead. Give me a moment. Since we set the approval of the agenda, I need approval of minutes to regular commission meeting minutes June 24, 2026. Need a motion.
>> Move it. >> Move by Commissioner. Second by Mr. Santiago. >> No discussion. >> Vice Mayor, before you make that motion, I would like to resend my um vote for the consent agenda. approve of item one.
>> In other words, >> excuse me. In other words, Mr. Mayor, um you want to reconsider the um setting the agenda motion and then and if you have a second for that, then you'll go forward. >> Okay.
>> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second. Thank you, Vice Mayor. All right. So, going back to the consent agenda, madame um clerk, I don't need to pull item one unless somebody else want to do it, but I didn't need to do it or can go under consent.
>> All right. So, just for clarity, the only items that will pull will be Commissioner Santiago, item seven and nine, and M Taylor, item number >> 10. >> All right. Now, can I um have a motion to accept tonight's consent agenda?
>> Move it. Moved by Commissioner Irvin. >> Second. >> Second by Dr. Bass. Madame Clerk. >> Commissioner Irvin. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Santiago? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bass? >> Yes. >> Mayor Taylor? >> Yes.
>> Motion passes. 5. >> All right. Can I get a a motion to pull up? Can I get a motion to approve tonight's agenda? >> Move it. >> Second by Dr. Bass, second by Commissioner Santiago. Um, Madam B. >> Commissioner Santiago, >> yes.
>> Vice Mayor Kelly, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bass, >> yes. >> Commissioner Irvin, >> yes. >> Mayor Taylor, >> yes. >> Motion passes 5. >> Can I get a motion to approve the minutes from regular commission meeting minutes June 24th, 2026? >> Move it.
>> Moved by Commissioner Santiago. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Irvin. Madam clerk. >> Vice Mayor Kelly. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bass. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Irvin. Yes. >> Commissioner Santiago. >> Yes. >> Mayor Taylor. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 50. >> Do we have any District 1, District 2,
or state reports at this time? >> Seeing none, as a madam man um clerk with the manager's office at this moment, we'll do our public presentations to our scholarship recipients. I was going to do it under
the consent agenda, but I can do it under this item here. So madam, would you like to present the scholarship? You can do it from there. The recipients of the commissioner go down. Just read the names and we'll go down and who they are, where they're
graduating from their name for sure. Thank you. >> So this evening we have recipients uh Cambria Posie and Mr. Jalon Hudson. So this was going on this year. We did
something different. That's that the item that you saw me going back and forth with the poll. Not pull. I saw y'all looking at me like y'all are going to give us this these coins. But this year we did something different because Commissioner Irvin has been advocating for this since she's been on
the commission. But we wanted to ensure that the money goes directly to the student. So this year we're giving you Miss Posie $1,650. So this is and I know you're going off
to college, but we want to make sure that you're set, you're ready. You know, we got to pack that dorm up and you got to buy some stuff. So we want to make sure that the city of Opalaka is there to help you. And we are doing the same thing for you, sir.
$1,650. But I will say this. Can you tell us what school you're going to? Where you where you graduated from? And what school you going to and what is your major? >> I graduated from William H. Turner Tech and I will be going to Miami Day majoring in criminal justice.
>> My name is Jalon Hudson. I will be attending the University of North Florida majoring in public health and I attended Miami New Orleans Senior High School. picture. So, congratulations to both of you. >> And y'all graduate, make sure y'all come back to Opaaka.
I forgot something. >> All right. So, thank you. You know, here we love to pour back into our young people. It is a passion of everyone on this commission. So congratulations to the both of you and we know that you're going to make Opaaka proud.
So as we move on to our citizens forum, madame clerk, can you please state for the record how to participate in citizens form? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. City of Opalaka Commission meetings are held in person at the Opalaka Government Center. City Commission Chamber, 780 Fisherman
Street, 3rd Flor, Opaaka, Florida. 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.opolaka.gov.
When speaking before the commission, please make sure to give your full name and address for the record. There is a threeinut 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 liveream at www.youtube.com user/ city of opalaka. >> Madame clerk, do we have any virtual participants on this evening? >> Um Mr. Mayor, yes, we received one
request from Brian Dennis um for citizens forum and if it can just confirm whether or not he's online. He he is not online. Um Mr. >> Circle back to our virtual um and we'll go to the ones that are in the chamber.
Citizens form is open. Good evening. My name is Rose Titus and I reside at 11:01 Dunad Avenue in Opalaka. >> Good evening. Ann Alvarado, 311 Seaman Avenue. I relinquish my three points to
Miss Rose Titus. >> Good afternoon. Evening. Sorry. My name is Bernardine Snail. I was in and garden and my address is 1861 Northwest 179th Street and I would lean Smith three
minutes to Mrs. most status. >> Um, excuse me. I would like to begin by saying thank you to the mayor and the commission for creating a memorable time on July the 2nd,
the uh the day that you hearkened to the voice of God by naming the garden on Sherzad Boulevard. the commissioner Rose Titus Garden. But let me share a brief testimony with you regarding that garden.
When I began work here in Opalaka in n in 1976, I was living on 175th Street and 37th Court and I would walk every morning from my house to Carol City High. I
would get my exercise in and then walking around the track, which is quite a ways from 175th from 175th and 37 37th cord. And then I would go underneath a tree with my Bible and I would sit and I would read and I would pray. And I said
to the Lord, you know, I just come too far. I wish I had a garden in my at my home. And he said, well, you can create a garden. And I said, "But all I have back there is a concrete slab, so put some uh" So I put some uh potted
plants out there and some lawn furniture, and I didn't have to walk to Carol City High. That was the the Lord giving me the desires of my heart. So I thought, well, then I moved from 175th and 37th Court to 11:01
Dunad. I built a garden there. Prayed, read my Bible there every morning, never knowing that there was going to be a prayer garden named after me. Commissioner Rose
Titus prayer garden. God will provide your give you whatever it is that you ask for according to his will. He I never knew 50 years later. I thought I I just made the statement, Lord, I
wish I had a closer place to go and pray and read my Bible. And he blessed me with the garden. So, I just wanted to share that that testimony with you that 50 years later,
but not only do I want to uplift you for hearkening to God's call, I want to share a few things with you in 2023. Commissioner Bass sponsored ordinance 2310
and Mayor Taylor, you co-sponsored the ordinance, naming the garden after me and making it a prayer garden. God orchestrated that. I didn't solicit and I thank him for that and I thank you all for heeding to his call to
ultimately bless me. But he because he said in his word that the laborer is worthy of his hire and I will give you the desires of your heart if you delight yourself in me. Well, two years later
after 20 uh after the ordinance was passed in 20 the year 2023, two years later, I emailed a Now, you got to remember I walked that's a part of my walk every morning to pass by the
garden. But in 2025, you passed the ordinance in 2023. And in 2025, I emailed uh a memo. I'm old school. Emmailed a memo to Commissioner Bass
and Mayor Taylor addressing those things that I had seen since 2023 that just weren't right and needed. They were maintenance issues. This was way before uh we had the ribbon cutting. This was
in 2023. I don't I just looked at it today at the memo today and I did not send I sent it to just those two. Well, I never got a response and nothing ever changed and I saw it progress and progress to what we have it today. And I
say what we have it today is because I was there this morning reading my Bible and praying. And it is in the same condition that it was before this lady here. And this lady here
helped me to pull weeds and overgrown grass and cut limbs two yards full. I was told by a contractor that was two yards plus 14 industrialsized
uh trash bags. Two yards. This lady here was was here when I came in 1976 as the city clerk. There were only three African-Americans in city hall at that time and she was one of them. Bernardine
Snell. She >> she came in 74. I'm sorry. She was here before I was. And this lady here was was raised in Opalaka. Anna and these two ladies help me or it would have been a
mess. A mess when I tell you a mess to invite people for a ribbon cutting. Terrible. Not only that, but also the butterfly monument.
I requested that it be pressure cleananed before we paint it. I didn't ask the city to paint it. I was going to paint it or have someone paint it. They never pressure clean it. The day before the event, I asked a gentleman, a
resident of the city, if he would paint it. I said, "Just want to get through tomorrow. just want to get through through tomorrow. I requested that the pavers be pressure cleaned. They were never pressure cleaned. As a matter of fact, after we had pulled all those
weeds and all that overgrown grass and all those dead flowers, uh what's his name? Owens passed by uh works with public works. And I said to him, you know, I requested that you
pick up this trash. We're having an event here in two days. He said, 'Well, whoever put it there, they need to they need to haul it off. I said, excuse me, me, we're 60 and 70 years old. We pulled all those weeds, and this is the
response you're going to give me. I can't believe it. Whoever made that mess needs to clean it up. Uh what else did I want to address? Um
the uh the monument Oh, I asked for uh uh I was having some professional people perform that afternoon. You were there. You heard them. And so I requested a sound system equal
to that that you spent thousands of dollars for for the Arabian Nights Festival concert. How you can invite someone to come into your home to cuss you out, I'll never understand. But when it comes to the things of God, you don't have any money.
So that was the end of that. So I called from about from my resources and we had sound that could TJ doesn't even have the equipment. Doesn't even have the equipment to provide for a saxoponist
and everybody else that was there, the the the vocalist. But they did it for me. They came out and they did it for me. I paid out of my pocket close over $8,000 for this event
to occur. The city did not pay anything for some except for some refreshments. That was it. And I do not regret it. I'm not complaining because I did it as unto the Lord. And he will reward me. No question about it. He will reward me. He
always has. >> Is that my uh nine minutes? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, let me end by saying uh thank you very much for heeding. You don't know. You don't even know why you did it. That's why I shared the
testimony. You don't even know why you did it. I don't even know why you did it, but God did it to bless me. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Mr. Mayor, >> one second. Still in Citizens forum. Citizens form
is still open. >> Good evening, Mayor Commissioners. Audrey Dominguez, 1147 Jen Avenue. Um, I wanted to thank the mayor for uh the resolution number six, the community
care clinic. We have a lot of residents that don't have health insurance at this moment. So, I think that they will benefit out of that. Um, I also would like to thank Mayor Vice
Mayor Kelly for bringing the resolution number 10 to increase non-employees with a 2% increase. Now, to me, I think that 2% it's very low. And the reason why I'm
saying that is because if you think about the cost of living, how high it is right now. If uh let's say someone making $35,000 at 2% that's $700 in a year divided by 52 it's $1346
a week. Now what can you actually purchase with $1346? I recommend that you could possibly look into maybe between 3 and 5%. And if we have to
get rid of or some of the events that we are spending thousands of dollars, maybe we should, you know, consider this. Um, I also wanted to find out whatever happened with the civil service board. I mean, it seems like
two or three years ago, we were advocating, we were asking, we needed a a HR director. We finally got a HI director. It never happened. Then we we got a new HI director. It seems like it's just sitting there. So, if we're not going to use that board, maybe we
should eliminate it completely because I think that maybe some employees might be able to use it. So, that's just my take on that. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Citizens form is still open. >> Mr. Mayor,
>> yeah, I was going to try to >> Yes, I believe Mr. Dennis is on now. >> All right, Mr. Dennis, >> can you hear me, Mayor? >> Good evening, Brian Dennis. Address 2140 your street. I I want to address an
issue concerning the police department and what was done with Za Ray. And here's why I'm addressing it. I've been involved with the penal system in my younger days a lot. The one thing that I understand and I dealt with people with
those cases is when DCF and the state attorney do not have a case, they will not prosecute. But what I want to find out and what I'm asking you all is what is wrong with that band of rogue officers that is still inside the police department that caused that arrest.
From the moment they gave her a PTA, which is a promise to appear. All you have to do is put your thumbrint on a they're going to take a fingerprint and put it on the A form, which is an arrest, but it's not handcuffed arrest. And she went to court and threw it out. Why would the Opal Locka Police
Department arrest somebody when the state attorney's office and DCF wasn't going to move on that? That's the question you have to ask yourself. And for them band of rogue officers, in my opinion, you're still tied to Darvin. If you love Darin so
much and you're going to undermine the mayor commission, the city manager and her staff and the police chief and her staff, pack your bags and go to North Miami Beach and be with him. Because what happened to Miss Ray should not have happened. It was an unfortunate
incident all the way around. But that was not an arrest that should have been made. That was not arrest that should have been made. And you talking with somebody who's been involved with the law a lot. That's people playing with people lives
right there. And that's why police and preachers get painted with a broad brush because what of a few do it makes the hole look bad. There are some bad officers still in that police department and they need to go. Commissioner Kelly,
Vice Mayor Kelly, the 2% I understand it, but you only could do with what you could do with that's all you could do with. Thank you for your time. Mayor Commission. All right. >> Thank you, Mr. Dennis. Citizens form is still open.
Citizens Forum is closed. I I know you you want to talk. Um so um Vice Mayor Titus, it was a beautiful event on on last Thursday and happy birthday
um to Commissioner Dominguez. We understand and we also agree that that's one of the reasons why we're bringing the community claust vice item shortly. But as it relates to the civil service board, I would yield to the manager and the
attorney, but she's not here. So, we'll get an answer from for you to you. And Mr. Dennis, thank you for your um your concerns as well. Um, >> Commissioner Louis V Santiago.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ton Taylor. When I see uh Lady Rose uh vice mayor, former vice mayor Rose Title standing out there and came to us with know the details
that she look through that part out there. I be thinking that this is not the only uh uh complaint, okay, that we have uh commissioner, but you're really helping
us today, especially me to feel to feel like the responsibility of everything is happen here in this city, it had to be with us. I think that we have to take more responsibility and be more strong with
this administration and not accepecting a lot of thing that we be affecting day and day and pass and pass and nobody do anything to stop and I going to started with that. Yes, I I heard about the condition of that park.
I heard the main names and I believe before the main is supposed to be by a CRA police responsibility of the city and I'm not accepecting that at all and I'm going to be sure and I going to
be in top to the this administration to the manager to have continuation for the things that we do here in the city not only doing it once disappear here and leave there everything like the way it is and that's going because
yo come with that to us and I believe that we we supposed to feel you know change with that we responsible okay for everything is going on in this city I feel very bad Monday when I go out there to the elected department to drop off
what the city donated for the victim and for the uh Hell quest in Venezuela and let me tell you this is not a way to transporter things to another city when it's raining and I
receive all the major lines they are damaged and I look very bad representing in the city for that and this is something understood that the administration had to take responsibility and in order I don't want to hear no more complaints
for the resident and for the people that they working hard here in the great city of Opalaka to maintain this city and all the employments that we have by the taxpayer of the great city of Opalaka. Enough is enough, Mr. Mayor and my Cali. Let be
strong. >> Thank you, Commissioner. So, we're moving on to uh items. Item number 137. Mr. Mayor, >> I'm sorry, Vice Mayor Kelly.
>> Thank you. I I always like to leave a meeting with some kind of resolution because we had quite a few things that was said regarding staff. So, if the manager's office can prepare the commission report on some of those things, especially some of the
commentary made um to the vice mayor and all those things. And also, what was our expectations? I mean, I I know I wasn't one of the sponsors, but all of us co-sponsored in a sense. What was the expectations on the city side? What was
what was laid out? What we were supposed to do? Um, and what was the expectation that uh the vice mayor, you know, expected of us? Cuz obviously it appears like there was a definite miscommunication or um disconnect. So, I'd like to know from
the manager's office what that is because that's one of the ways to get to the to the bottom so something like that doesn't happen because we did put a lot of money into the park. The park is there now. Um, people are utilizing a nice event, but I'm always a challenger
on maintenance of anything as well. So, now we got it functioning. Who's going to maintain it? Is there a maintenance plan? Is there, you know, who's going to cut the grass? because herself or someone shouldn't be out there trying to
cut grass or maintaining it. Um, that's on somebody else. So, I'd like to get a report from the manager on those steps and what's our plan going forward. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Problem. Um,
yeah. >> Number seven. >> Say it again. >> You in number seven. >> Number four. We all want to see it. I'm good to see it too. Um, so we moving on to item number 137. >> A resolution of the city commission of
the city of Opalaka, Florida, directing the city manager to identify streets with safety concerns to engage and request that Miami Day County and or other appropriate governmental authorities review, replace, upgrade, or install street signs, traffic control
devices, pavement markings, and related safety improvements on such streets. providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for scriveners errors, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelly. >> Can I get a motion? >> Moving. >> Second. >> Moved by Commissioner Santiago, second
by Vice Mayor Kelly. Vice Mayor, I to you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, one challenge I always have coming out of uh, Meet Me Monday is trying to figure out who owns the street, who's responsible for the sign, who's responsible for the light,
how long it takes to get it fixed. And so in looking at other cities and how they try to deal with these issues, um I was convinced that we direct the manager to identify the streets. It shouldn't be as hard because I know they're working
on a streetscapes plan anyway um to engage Miami Dade other appropriate government authorities regarding upgrades or installation of signs, traffic control devices, pavement markings, and other safety improvements.
And that's what this resolution directs the manager to do. And as you see in the information, once that's compiled, it would come back to the commission um for any further review in terms of how we want to proceed with undertaking them.
Uh definitely those that are under our purview and jurisdiction, we would need to put some dollars, but as we know, a lot of these streets, a lot of these signages are not opa. We got to come with a mechanism that uh enforces I
would say and and make sure that the county, state, whoever is in charge of those roadways uh deal with them. And I know they deal with them because in other cities they deal with them. But when it comes open for some reason they get a little um slight. So the first
step of course is to identify which is what I hope that this resolution speaks of the manager's office would do. So that's why it's before you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> No problem. Um, this item was pulled by Commissioner Santiago.
>> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, I I really um I really like the way that you defending that uh resolution, Vice Mayor Kelly, because I think that I'm with you 100% with all these ideas. And uh the reason that I pull out this item because
is because I want to supporting uh the same way that you do uh vice mayor. Um why we have to go all the time and we had to begging begging to day county. Okay. To to to do what we had to do in the city to make the city safe in our
ropes in our street. Um like example with all these uh uh what are we calling before that? We talking about the uh speed bumpers. the the speed bumpers. Yeah, I see a speed bumpers all over all over Miami in in the in the residential
neighborhood like Cor Gavers uh all this area down there uh uh Pine Creek all these area and when they come to Opaaka they always come with something to us to not let do what we supposed to do to
make our our neighbors safe. I want to ask you know to the uh to the sponsor to add in here too to asking Day County please to giving the power to us like that we have the freedom to do what
we supposed to do in our roles in the street. It's so important the speed bumpers in some of the road like Jan Avenue between the little circle that we have there by Sesame all the way down to the new stop sign. Then we fighting a lot for that
for uh uh stop sign uh stop and thank God that we get it. But we had to begging them. We had to go always and begging, you know, to uh day Miami date county. No, Mo, let's do that, you know, for Polish work, you know, to do that job here in the great city of Opalaka.
That's what I ask you to the sponsor uh Vice Mayor Kelly. Please add it on there to tell you know of fighting uh in favor of us to get the power to uh um get the control for all the traffic signal and safety for the roads in the great city
of Palaka. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor. >> President >> I think the administration is hearing and I believe uh through the attorney as well. I think the language uh it concurs what my colleague is saying in terms of
safety improvements. I think the next step after they get it would be where we would I don't want to use this term take them on but that would be the time to take them on. I'm only saying that because some of the roads we may not want to take on because it's a cost of them but it's not our cost. They're
supposed to maintain them. So we just got to hold it to them. The problem many times we don't know whose role it is. And as you mentioned the four-way on Jan and whatever it took us forever to like realize who owned it, who was in charge,
the steps to get whatever that took forever to happen. Well, with this legislation, it would be a document that the manager's office public works would have that would allow us to push a little quicker and faster on some of the same things that you're talking about. So that that's I think it's captured in
already. >> Let's not forgot the speed bumper, please. Vice Mayor. Yeah, that's in there. That's in there. Um, any other questions or concerns for this item? Hearing none, Madam Clerk. >> Commissioner Bass.
>> Commissioner Irvin, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly, >> yes. >> Commissioner Santiago, >> yes. Mayor Taylor, >> yes. >> Motion passes. 50-0. >> Next item 139. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Opaaka, Florida, directing the city manager to
prepare and present a report and analysis regarding the feasibility of converting the vacant city-owned lot located near Northwest 22nd Avenue and Northwest 143rd Avenue into a fee charging public parking lot. Providing
for incorporation of recital, providing for scrimmers errors, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelly. >> I get a motion. >> Second. Moved by Vice Mayor, second by Commissioner Santiago. Vice Mayor, >> thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, over the last
six months or so, if you've attended some of the meetings, particularly Meet Me Monday and public safety can attest to this. I know the manager's office can. There is a major challenge with parking particularly in the area of 22nd Avenue,
um 143rd, Burlington, in some cases Rutland and Wilmington. We put some signs up, you know, in some areas to um get folks not to park, but it's not my thought process. the end game, if you
will, or the end result ought to be just citing people or towing cars. But the reality is when you have folks coming to a meeting um like some have been coming lately and saying, "I can't park in front of my own property because other
folks are parking in front of it and then basically challenging me um you know on that. So what do we do?" because the owners from my understanding and speaking with management and and Mr. Mayor, let me just not take for granted any statement. So, I can have the
manager office, they can respond or if they, you know, want the manager's office to give it to you in writing, they can. They don't have to answer. But in speaking to our manager, I think they've already tried to work something out with some of the owners of of the
units and they don't want to really entertain any um discussion about the parking situation, but it's not going away. Hardworking folks are working. Yes, they are, but they have nowhere to park.
hardworking folks are owning homes, taxpayers, but they have nowhere to park. And can you imagine coming home at five or six o'clock and can't park in front of your own house and then people are basically challenging you and we put
up sign, you know, no parking and we put them up and I told him, man was going to happen. We put them up 143rd and guess what occurred? Wilmington picked back up. We had two signs. We put them there. So what happened? And they didn't park right on the corner as you turn off 22nd. They parked a little further. So
what that do, they have folks that live in the area coming off 21st Court. Can't see because of the cars there. And so I looked at this resolution and asking the the the manager to do an analysis regarding it because it's city-owned lot
right now. We got it concreted up. I I don't know. I know years ago when I first came back, there was some potential development plan, but I never heard what was coming to pass. So, until that occurs, to me, it's at least a doable possibility of
addressing a headache and avoiding confrontation. And I always try to figure out a solution to an issue because we could just sit back and let the police cight them, the police follow the law, which is to, you know, remove the vehicles.
But these are hardworking residents as well. So what this uh resolution acts to manage, repair, a report, analysis of converting that city owned lot right there off of 22nd Avenue on 43rd Street into a fee charging public parking lot.
Now when she comes with an analysis, the commission could decide they don't want to bother with it all or they may decide it's something they want to entertain, but doing nothing is not the answer. We can't close our eyes when we have residents who work hard and got to fight
for a place to park in front of their own home. We can't close our eyes. We got residents who move into the apartments. They just want to go to work and and do the right thing as well, but there's nowhere to park. And that's why I always have this challenge many times with uh my wonderful community
development department when they haul about them 2.5 parking lots in one point because reality is nobody in these units got one vehicle. Nobody has one vehicle. We all got at least one or two. And that's not a discredit. But the reality is we've got to do something or try
something. And if there's a better solution, I'm all for it. Um I just thought of this one because that um property is there. It is ours. um and before we barricaded it up with the concrete, folks were parking in anyway. So that's the intent of this
resolution. Again, does not um preclude us from getting analysis, getting the information, and if we decide we don't want to do anything that that's fine, too, but I think we got to use everything in our possibility to address the um the issue. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
>> All right, Commissioner Santiago. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. um to the sponsor uh I want to be clear um the interest you know to use a a portion of land that is belong to to the city uh to creating
that parking lot uh first I'm going to starting like yes I see when I go to Helen Miller to any of the vin especi um for for you vice mayor when you up there I can see the entry not the entry where the your church is the other street
name. What is that? Burlington by the back of Helen Mill. It's two entrances. Uh >> Rotland. >> Rottland. Okay. Uh by Rottland Street when you get in uh through the side, I always found uh to the left a bunch, you know, of garbage, you know, of things
they are throwing to the side tree that they cap they putting out there. And even uh they have some uh sometime some kind of materials or or garbage can, you know. uh in the middle of the parking space that we have and I see like they
are not uh maintening that part the way it's supposed to be maintening lot. Oh, is there something wrong? >> No, >> okay. Uh that's what I see in Hela Miller and I and I know that we need
some uh some kind of space sometime to parking, you know, the public that go uh go there to any event that we may. Now my my question is I I heard that you say that going to be like free parking for for the public for the resident of that
area there like all this apartment in 22nd. >> Yeah. >> Can I respond to >> No, I said it the manager will be directed to looking into a fee charging public parking lot. Whatever she would
recommend. We're not trying to make money per se, but what I'm trying to avoid is folks can't park in front of their homes and yet hardworking folks who live in apartments need someone to park their vehicles. Now the man I mean did the manager come back and says the
idea would be to park something just to deal with the headache because remember if you look at since you mentioned both sides there are lots on both sides of these apartments east and west but they're gated which tells you the owners of those properties are not tied
to the owners of the apartments. Now I'm going to go back and give you a history lesson. um years ago they were tied. The owners still owned them, but they had an agreement with the folks who own the the apartments to park there. Now, I don't know what happened to that, but if you
go on on the Burlington side going in England Park, it's fenced. Nice little lot there. I think the only time they open up and let it go in there is when uh you have Fourth of July, I think when Commissioner Irvin has had the ribbon, what you call it? um the thing for the
for the community out now because we're going to have a lot of people there karaoke stuff like that but it's owned separately because that's the first thing would make sense to me just come up with an agreement with them. Now one of the one of the units um apartment
complex units on the uh west side if you will of 22nd they have opportunity for people to park in there but people don't necessarily use it. That's why they was out on the 43rd. So, the intent of this is for the manager to come back um with
what she believed would be reasonable uh fee charging for the public. She might come back and say due to the headaches, let it be free. I don't know what she's going to say. I don't think she will, but I mean, I don't know what she's going to say because we've never tried
this. We got to try something because you know >> well um and I'm not too happy when the war free um you know city city is a business and we have to generate you know revenue for the city. I don't think it's fair to let uh parking all these
people that they live on in the east and the west side of the 22nd apartment when they build this apartment long time ago. Even owners has some portion of land out there that they don't taking it for parking for people. But I see that all the people in the east side they parking
in the uh city property in the city property. Well, to your point, the legislation says >> fee charging. >> They're not free. >> Public parking. >> They're not free. Okay. That one >> fee charging public parking. But before
anything is passed or goes to, you know, people to know about it. This commission will have to make a decision on whatever that is. >> Okay. That's what I wanted to be show because I know that we need some parking space
when we have any events out there and also that's not going to interfere with any other plans that we have in the future for the park like for green area. >> Not at the moment that I know of. >> Okay. >> Do something in the future. But that's that's essentially what he's trying to
do. Okay. >> Do a study to see whether or not it's feasible for the city to go in this direction. >> Let's see what the manager bringing to us. It's okay information. Commissioner Eric. >> Um, we we every city that I visit outside of Opalaka, I I even have the
app in my phone now where I have to pay to park. Went to the beach, you had to pay. >> Mhm. However, those places also have parking authorities to check your tag to make sure that you've paid and then and
then there's you get a ticket if you if your time is expired, whatever. So, it's going to be a lot. It's going to be I think it's going to be a lot. Not worth us getting the study. I'm not saying that. But just to make sure that we
cover everything because to have a parking a paid parking places and everybody parking there for free and our police can't give them tickets cuz they did not their time expired at midnight and it's 3:00 a.m. in the morning. It's
going to defeat the purpose. So that's something that we have to look into. of our police are going to do the work to make sure that there is they are doing what they're the lot is
doing what it's supposed to be doing charging people to park in it. Um >> well I will Mr. Mhm. >> I will say this. I I think part of the reason I brought it forward because we're putting a lot of pressure on our police department now in terms of
writing a citation, towing a vehicle, um that they probably want to engage in, but the reality is just no parking. So once the manager does the analysis, she may come back with the uh type that you're talking about where you got to get a decal or you got to do something or whatever, whatever that may be. I
just know status quo as it is now is not working and I had a whole resolution with one two three four five I don't know how many whereas and my colleague only heard the word free it's not free it's fee charging so I
would I would encourage my colleagues to support it and let the manager bring us the analysis um and see what we decide ultimately it's commission decision >> um madam Mr. Manager, this madam manic. I'm sorry.
>> You're not even >> You did. >> Oh, Mr. Manager, I think you all should take notes to include um everything that everybody's asked for how it relates to the police and the app and the who's going the parking or who's going to
what's there to comply it's not >> Yeah. Park >> who's going to run it run it. And then also with um Commissioner Santiago's point, how does this affect our parks plan and green space plan for that area? And then I also heard Vice May brought
up about development in that area as well. How does it affect that? All right. So, we're ready to vote. We're ready to vote. Uh Madame Clerk, >> Commissioner Irvin, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly, >> yes. >> Commissioner Santiago
>> for the FE. Yes. Commissioner Bass, >> yes. >> Mayor Taylor, >> yes. >> Motion passes 5-0. >> That's item under consent. Item 10, >> a resolution of the city commission of the city of Opaaka, Florida, directing the city manager to prepare and present
a cost analysis providing or providing a minimum 2% salary increase to all non-UN employees excluding appointed officials for consideration during the development of the fiscal year 2026 through 2027 budget. Providing for incorporation of
recitals, providing for scriveners errors, providing for effective date. This is sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelly. >> I make a motion move by Vice Mayor. >> Move it. >> Second by Can you say second? >> Second. >> Oh, second.
>> Second by Commissioner Santiago. Vice Mayor. This is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, again, it's 2% and I I recognize it's not a lot, but I also recognize there's a group of employees who are not in the union. Um,
and of course this excludes our appoint officials, but fall in that category. And they've not had a a raise or any type of additional compensation um for some years now as well. They may have had some individual things that um
a city manager may have done, but not at least across the board for all of those that fit into this category. And so the intent was to get it on the agenda so that the manager um if it passes would have the opportunity to make it a part
of the uh 2027 budget. And that's why it's before us um tonight in this this matter and this form um because being a director, being a supervisor, being a superintendent,
being in those you don't get, you know, those same um automatic um incentives, I'll say like you would if you're in the union contract. And although they they may make a little bit more money salary-wise, but if you haven't had increase, you still paying for gas, too.
You're still paying for um groceries, too. So, I thought it prudent to at least put it on the agenda. Uh I would have loved to do more but looking at the analysis and the budget process where it is I I thought better of trying to go
higher than 2% um at this time particularly knowing that the manager is working on the budget and I've been speaking with her on this for a couple of months now. It's not something totally new but I want to make sure we capture it now so it could be part of
the upcoming fiscal budget if the commission so chooses to pass it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. Um, I pulled the item. So, I had a couple questions. >> Nothing against the item, but um, it says cost analysis, but they answered
the question in the one, two, three, fifth whereas approximately $80,000 for for this. So, is this directing the city manager to do it or is it I was really confused because the the title says one thing but then the resolution answered
the question already. >> Right. Well, because at the time the manager didn't know what that would be. >> Okay. >> So, I I wanted to have that number so the commission could be aware of it. Um because when I first brought it to her, she wasn't sure what that amount would be. So, as I see it now, um it would be
approximately 80,000. And as you notice in her um aerenda cover memo, it says funding will be included in the 27 um budget. >> Okay. But if this passes with the expectation is for it to be >> right.
>> Okay. I said my other um concern, Vice Mayor, I support the item wholeheartedly. However, because a lot of these people, not all a lot of none of these people are union and we have this conversation, it seems like every other year, but I think we need to put
something in place that we don't have to continually continuously have this conversation. I know the unions are getting a increase every year, I believe, for the next two cycles. So I would like to include that language in here to make sure lot just like I we
take care of unions we take care of nonunions are negotiated through ask me but the non-unions unions are negotiated through the commission okay to to answer that question which I don't disagree at all my concern was with tying the manager's
hands given the fact of how challenging finances can be with what's going on or may happen with the whole property tax thing. So, I didn't want to tie our hands and say, "Okay, it's automatic because once you put in there, we say automatically every year we want to do
the same, employees going to be looking for it." And you go back and say, "Well, no, I don't know we're going to be able to do it this year." That could be a problem. The way I interpret it, you pass this and it's for 2027. you get through 27, we will know one way
or the other by November if anything's going to happen with the whole reduction of revenue. So, if nothing happens and we don't lose potential revenue, then I I wouldn't have a problem with saying, "Yeah, going
forward, let's tie it the same way our unions 1% 2% whatever that number is." But right now, I think to to do that would be kind of handcuffing um finance and management and and I don't know uh Mr. Mr. mayor if you want
to have um the manager have uh finance to come up and speak to it because I I agree with you in a sense but I don't know if we want to do that given we trying to get out of audits and we you know have infrastructure challenges >> and then while we're I don't mind the
finance director coming up ask those questions about the budget administrator but while we're on that same topic that leads me to my third you want to come up >> my third um >> challenge because it it goes in effect if she sees that we can do. It goes into effect 27. I just want to be fair with
all of our employees. So if non-union is is union get a raise, then non-unions should get a raise. And I would like to actually see it in this in this upcoming budget. >> Mr. Mayor, >> I think Okay, I'll let financial answer. >> Yeah, those those are
>> Okay, >> Mr. Mayor, >> go ahead. Can I? >> Yeah, I it's only a question before she started. How can we uh fighting against the union? >> It has nothing to do with >> Yeah, the 2% I think it is. It's it's
us, but they asking us to do that. >> No, no, the union has already we've already voted on the union. That's done. >> This is about non-union employee. So, okay. >> Not a part of ask me or PVA. >> They say that you know in in my u agenda brief is only for the people that they
are in the union. >> That's what I heard. >> Not in Oh, not in the union. Okay. Sorry. >> Okay. >> So, Michael and >> it's on. I think it's on now. >> Good evening. Naima Gant, director of
finance. What's your question? I'm sorry. >> Question was one I want to put to vice mayor. I wanted to put in here that this happens every year mirroring the ask me contract and I think their contract is for this year and next year 20 26 and
27. So I want to have that language in here. Also I wanted to start this year as opposed to waiting until next the the 27 28 fiscal year. So I want to do 26 27 fiscal year the upcoming one. >> Okay. I'm sorry what was the question?
Viceman wanted he wanted you to opine >> on the because you're the money lady. >> The intent was to get this in the budget >> so for next year >> those employees who fit this criteria will get this 2%. >> Okay.
>> That that's the the way it's designed. The mayor wants to kind of put some legislation well put some teeth that says they get it automatically >> every year just like the union contracts. And I'm saying I didn't go that far because I didn't want to tie
management's hands given we're trying to get all this done. You got financial uh emergency still in. So I didn't want to commit by making it cuz once we do it then we got to find that 1% to whatever it is. We got to find the $80,000. And
so I wasn't as amanable to doing that. Um, and the question is this, if we pass this, the intent is for it to take a place to take place in the upcoming fiscal budget. >> Yes, >> that's the intent. >> Yes. Mr. Mayor,
>> wait. I'm sorry. Um, hold up. >> Okay, that's what got me off because the fiscal year 27. So, it's it's it's conflicting information. >> Say it again. >> It says fiscal year 27. So, we're going
that would be the year after. This is 2627. So I was That's what So it's in the legislation here. >> Fiscal year 27. Yeah. Yes. It starts October 1, 2020. So that's what we're consider October 1, 2026. >> Okay. But that Yeah, but that Yeah, it read something else. That's why I I said
I want to make sure it was the upcoming year. All right. So if you said that, then that answered that question. Then my next question is the language about this year and next year. and then the attorney that she wanted. >> Well, I don't I don't have a problem about this year, next year, or tying the union contract. I just didn't want to
tie management or finances hands going forward. >> It allows them to plan. >> You can't really do that. First of all, I I don't think you're going to be able to do that. You you you vote on your budget every year. So, you can't have something that requires something automatic like through this resolution.
This resolution is only dealing with the manager preparing and presenting and reporting analysis regarding the feasibility of convert I'm sorry the manager directing the manager to prepare and prepare an event and present a cost
analysis for um providing a minimum 2%. So it's a cost analysis. This is not you voting to put it into the next budget. So I just want to be clear about what you all are voting on. We're we're we're clear. >> Okay. And then and then in terms of
through this resolution having something that would >> basically forever have an automatic um trigger just as a union contract would you can't do that through this resolution. That wouldn't be something
that you can do. It's not notice. It it probably takes some type of ordinance. It you know there we would have to research and look at that. You can't do it with the legislation that you have in front of you. >> Yeah, Mr. Mayor, I think she's right, Mr. Mayor. I think the city attorney is
right. We voted for something is for the 27 the 27 not to the future years because we don't know what is going to happen uh after November 4. Uh we don't know what is going to happen last you know uh the coming year the finance you
know situation that we have all the cut that we going to have from Tallahassee. Let's wait. Let's passing, you know, now what we need uh for this um resolution. And after she's finished, um I have a question. Uh for the $80,000 that you're talking
about, what is that me? That's the money that we are to looking for. >> Okay. >> For that 2% raise. That's a question. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We we had to get another $80,000 for the 2%
to add into the uh budget for that group of employments. >> Yes, there will be an additional fund requirement, but it would not exceed um I think it's $68,000. $80,000 was an original estimate including appointed personnel, but
excluding them it's about $68,000. >> No game $68,000. >> All right. I want to say this one. I hear what you're saying. You all are saying, but it's not a far-fetched idea to plan ahead and to have contracts that say that every year this amount is
increased. We've done it before and we're actually currently doing it. We're currently doing it. >> I don't know what you're talking about. >> You you prepared on >> No, no. The contracts are with the union. >> No, this is this has nothing to do with this employees. These are non these are
non-union people that you're talking about and you would have to do whatever you do you do it through budgets every year that you all vote on and so there's no way to I mayor I don't want to go back and forth but I'm just saying I don't know I know we've done it before we're
currently doing it now but there's we have that that will automatically get an increase so all I'm asking to put that language into this that it's this year and next year. Yeah, but it's not this is not even this is this on this item. You couldn't do that with this item
anyway because >> you can't do it with this item any >> absolutely can because it's a payment analysis for up 2% for the um 26 27 and also including so you can do 26 27 and 2728. >> Okay. So 26 28 is
>> okay. So you're limiting it to the analysis. You're not you're not thinking you're voting very clear. >> Okay. And then hopefully when she says that we can find the money because one it was a cost analysis but the question was the answer was already in the
resolution which is the fifth whereas you said a cost analysis but you already answered the question so you already know how much money it's going to be. So now it's just no am I wrong? >> No we do. Yes we know what it will cost. Yes. >> Okay. So now it's the next step that
that's what what's what's next? Are we going to do it or we not going to do it? But it's already the question has already been answered >> and I understand what you're saying madam attorney but we're here like the the thing says to do a cost analysis but then you prepared it in the same one two
three four five the you prepared it but it was given by your office you already answered the question so the cost analysis has already been done so we know how much it's going to cost so now I'm it allows us to prepare for this coming budget and I want to include next
year's budget to to allow us to prepare. So now we know that it's up to you said 68 for this year and then up to $80,000 or something. >> So something is wrong here, Mr. Mayor. Wait a minute. You're talking about you say now that the that that's going to
cover it. >> Who had the floor? Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. But something you say wrong there, Mr. >> I'm I'm I was in a budget meeting recently with the the manager and her team. I don't know if they told you guys the
same thing they told me, but from what I'm hearing, the budget is going to be so tight, if you can squeeze a piece of toilet paper through it, you're going to be careful. Now, what I don't want to happen is for us to be in a situation
where we have to start laying off people because we don't have money. Um, that that that's my that's my greatest concern because as we all know, we just had some police stuff that came up and
it's going to be some pretty hefty money that's going to have to be paid out. I just don't want us to be put in a situation where we're going to have to start laying off people because we're spending too much money. That That's my
biggest concern. We don't want that to happen either. But I do want finance and I want the manager and and the budget director, I want everybody to be crystal clear when it comes to our budget and
our money. Don't try to appease us because if we don't have money, we need to know that we don't have money. If we have money, we need to know that we have money. I don't want to sit here and vote on something tonight that's going to cost 68,000 but we only have 8,000.
That's my biggest concern cuz I rather not have 2% but keep with my my salary and later on have have my paycheck and we can find that 2% after November when we know what they're going to do in Tallahassee. Even at that, we still have
some pretty big bills that we're going to have to pay through the police department with all that happened with that. I just want us to be very careful tonight. I will support an analysis and I as you say it's already been done but maybe they need to sit back to the table
to make sure that this is something that we're going to be able to afford um in our budget um going forward. >> Commissioner Irvin, can I respond to that, please? >> I want you to. I totally agree with you,
but I want to make sure just like I said in this resolution, retention, um, retention, recruitment, that all of our employees are taken care of, not just those that are in. So, everybody has their advocates. The the ASME has their advocates, the PBA has their advocates,
but there are a group of employees who do not fit in those categories, who do not get a raise. There's the merit system is not here. So we need to make sure that we are taking care of our employees who do not have a seat at the table and advocate. We are
their advocates and I agree with you. But to advocate today and then next week we tell them that they laid off cuz we don't have money to pay them. We're at a double-edged sword here. >> Got cut in other places. >> Let's go step by step. That's what we had to do. Mr. Mayor,
>> I think just right. Uh Mr. Mayor, uh two thing that I want to make it clear. Uh when you're talking about okay for the future uh budget uh he talking about the 27 but he adding the two month and a half or two month and 25 day that we still have for the uh currency uh budget
G27 that's ending in September 30th. No >> the fiscal year ends September. >> Yeah September 30th but I I think that he say that you know the 2% is going to be you know doing now >> in that two month now the next year. I I don't know why he say for the futures because the future after the 27 is the
28 >> because of the >> it's a lot of thing can happen between the you know now and the 27 and now when Commissioner Irving like we had to be very careful what we do right now and with other Spencer that we have
and for sure I know and and you told me in that meeting and the manager you know the heart is to get money extra money to cover it what we still have to go for 26 that we're going to talk later about that.
>> Mr. Mayor, >> Commissioner B, >> just quickly um I'm sitting here and I'm listening to everything as always, you know, I always listen before I have anything to say because I believe when we speak it needs to make sense. I concur with what you're saying,
Commissioner Irvin Santiago. I do I don't want to repeat what you all said, but I want you to know that I support what you said because to me it will be really really I'm trying to find nice words. Um
not so smart to say that we can do something financially when the money is not there. And I too was in that meeting with the manager. She was very clear to us that it's going to be really really tight next year and for us to make a
commitment like this where we don't see the funds I don't understand that but at the same time I do understand that things are expensive and people need to live we need to pay but if you don't have it and like you said we might get to a point where us to fulfill these
obligations we have to start laying people off. I would prefer to keep what I have than to be promised something and I can't get it. Then what that's going to look like? I I think we should take one bite out of the apple at a time, move one step at a time and move closer.
Do they deserve that minimum of 1%? Of course, they deserve more than that. But I cannot see us putting our city in a place financially when we all know that it's a big question mark when it comes to funding. Even some of the resolutions that we have passed is causing us to
pull back on funds that would be able to come into the city. So, we got to be very, very careful. Mr. Mayor, I understand where you're coming from, but if we don't have it, what are we going to do, >> Mr. Mayor? Okay, I got to say this. This city ain't
broke. If we could spend money and thousands on these events, we can pay our employees. Come on now. We got to cut back in other areas. I understand what we're saying. Let's cut out the event. Let's cut the commission. That's what we have to do >> with the analysis. And the analysis is going to answer the question, but I want
to make sure that we pay our employees. So, just cut in other places. >> Everybody deserves the raise, not just a group of people. >> But that's what we're all saying that they don't. >> This we not saying that we're broke, but we're saying that the manager telling us,
we're not the managers. We don't know the finances to the core as much as we think we know it. If they're telling us that we aren't a squeeze, we have to believe what they're saying. You're saying to cut somewhere else, get with the manager and suggest where you wanted to cut from so we can find this $80,000
and bring it back and I'll support it. But as of right now, I don't know where it's going to come from based on what she said to me. >> Mr. Mayor, >> that's money. Mr. Mayor, >> I I um always love a spirited
discussion. The reality is this is a group of employees who are not represented by any union but are in positions of leadership and management and it's easy to find it because what finance budget the manage office is
going to do is put it into the upcoming budget. That's what they're going to do and we decide because of all other things that we discovered or will discover that we can't do it. That' be the first place you go for your 68,000. That's the first place you would go for your 68,000 because it's sitting there
right for the taking. But I think it's a disservice on us not to go through with the analysis and you do like many times we sometimes do. You know, we have our our secret meetings and the manager is going to say uh something got to be cut. What you think should cut? It's all right then. Well, I think we ought to go
back and cut that that 2%. But I think those employees and I I have no you know one way or the other in terms I do know as a former employee as a director as a supervisor often those positions are overlooked when it comes
to funding and I wasn't going to get into the whole budget tightening because yeah I've had some of those discussion with the manager too but this item is not going to make or break that. there gonna be some other bigger issues that this commission is gonna have to deal with um than than this 68,000. And and
keep in mind and I'm gonna say this, Mr. Mayor, because I I'll defer the item because I think the employees need to at least get a day another day. >> No, no, because No, I'll defer to it. >> Report the Alice the >> Well, we But we've been talking about the futures idea that the mayor have.
Okay. That we cannot go. But this is good. No, no, I'm not I'm not putting the mayor out there by himself because when the manager comes to all of us for our budget, whatever, this is a location. If she feels like I want to take that out, I I'll take it out. I'm just saying most of the folks that are
impacted by this are sitting out here. They're sitting out here. They're the ones showing up to our events, our last minute calls. And yes, they do get paid a little more. Some of them do drive a car, but they got families, too, you know. But I I really feel bad cuz I've
sit out there and watch elected officials up here basically do what we're doing as though what they do is not important and and I don't want to keep going through that. Um you know I I'm going to do this do this. >> Mr. Mayor, I'm going to say call for the
vote. However it goes, it goes and then the manager can come to all of us individually how she wants to approach it. But at least she has the opportunity to put in the budget whether it's 80,000, 68,000, or maybe even a lesser amount. But I do think those employees at least deserve
to be heard. And I hear you. I I I hear you because we have you out here in the morning, evening, you know, everybody else's gone home. And yes, the union contracts and you're right, commissioner, I've heard the same thing about the challenges going forward and they're going to be some tough decisions, but the end of the day, some
of these same folks going to have to still be here, you know, holding our hand because employee gone home cuz the union is thrown they can't work no more until they get paid. >> Talk to me somebody. Yeah, I know. I done been through that. So, >> yeah, they I don't
So, you ain't going to tell me. But I I appreciate the passion of my colleagues. I'm glad we're on the same page with our fiscal uh responsibility and due diligence. Um we can call for the question. >> Mr. Mayor, >> Mr. >> What I don't want our employees to ever
think is that I don't value >> the work that they do here in our city. And I'll say it today, I'll say it tomorrow, and I'll say it next week. I am not going to I don't want to make a decision to do something and then six
months into the budget the manager comes and finance come and the budget director comes and say we got to lay people off. That's that's what I'm saying cuz having a piece of job is better than having none at all. And that's that's the way I
feel. I am for them. I I'm for them. I know what it feels. I I'm a regular kind of person. >> I just want to make sure that we're making the right decision. If madam uh finance director tell me right now, honey, you don't have to worry about
none of that. Hey, they can get a raise tomorrow. I'm fine with it. But I just want to make sure that we're doing the right thing. And I don't want nobody putting in their head that we don't want to give them money cuz that's far from the truth. If it could be 5% and we have the money
for it, I'm I'm for them having 5%. Because everything has gone up in this world except people's salaries, the gas, the food, the grocery, the clothing, everything except for people's salaries. So, it's not that I'm not for them and I
don't value the work they do. I see them working all the time. I see it. Mr. to me if I may. I know we need to move on, but I I too want to let you all know that I see you. I hear you. I feel you. I am I don't want you to leave here thinking that I'm not in support of your
raise. Matter of fact, I think 2% is a slap in the face. It should be more than that. But like she said, I don't want us to be in a position where we cannot fulfill our promises. And I agree with the analysis and the whole nine yards, but to put right now in motion that it
will be an ongoing thing when we don't know what it's going to look like next year, the year after. I don't mind coming having this discussion every year before budget. So we know where we are. Instead of 2%, it could be maybe five. We don't know. But I I just don't want you to believe that I'm not in support
of you because I am. And I am going to support this. If vice mayor, don't pull it. I am going to support it. I just need to know that we need to be mindful that we don't want to be in a place where we're kicking rocks and we can't get where we need to be financially. Thank you.
>> We can go ahead and call the question. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Santiago? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bass? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Irvin? >> Yes. >> Mayor Taylor? Yes. >> Motion passes 5. >> Moving on to the next item. Uh uh
16A1 >> an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Opalaka, Florida amending chapter 21 of the city's code of ordinances entitled water, sewer, and storm water utilities. adding certain new definitions, amending section 21-202
to add new subp paragraph C to require certain construction site operators to use and maintain appropriate erosion, sedimentation, and waste controls. Providing for plan review prior to construction. Providing for size
thresholds. Providing for construction site inspection of permit work. Providing for a notice of failure to comply with approved plans and specifications. Providing for post construction storm water standards. Providing for enforcement review. Providing for codification, conflicts,
severability, and effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager. >> All right. Um, this is a public hearing item. Can I get a motion? >> Move it. >> Moved by moved by Commissioner Irvin, second by Dr. Bass. Madame Manager,
sorry, Mr. manager. I'll let you go ahead and present and then we'll open up for public um hearing. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The city of Opalak is required by state regulators to adopt a storm water ordinance and currently has no chapter of his code that provides
the legal authority demanded by a storm water permit which is MS4 permit as a co-permitty under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit number LS 0000003.
The city must maintain ordinances that prohibit illicit discharges and require construction site operators to install and maintain erosion, sedimentation, and waste controls. Paragraph six of C,
chapter uh 13, chapter 8, sorry, of the city's consent order with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. And I'll have Mr. Austin available for any questions. >> All right, this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open.
Hearing none. Seeing none, public hearing is closed. All right. Do we have any questions for um the manager or Mr. Austin at this time as it relates to this item? Hearing none. Madam clerk, go ahead and call the question.
>> Commissioner Santiago? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bass? Yes. >> Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly? Yes. >> Mayor Taylor? Yes. Motion passes 50. First reading. >> All right. Moving on to the next item. 1682. >> An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Opaaka, Florida, amending
the annual adopted general proprietary and special re revenue funds budgets for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026. Adjusting revenues and expenditures as reflected in exhibit A. Providing for
the expenditure of funds established by the budget. Authorizing the city manager to take certain actions. Providing for appropriation of all budgets and expenditures. Providing for fees consistent with appropriations and amendment. Providing for incorporation of recitals. Providing for conflict and
repealer. Providing for severability. Providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager. >> All right. This is a public hearing item. Can I get a motion? >> Move it. >> Moved by Commissioner Irving. >> Second. >> Second by Vice Mayor. U. Mr. Manager. Go ahead and present and then we'll open up for public hearing. Thank you very much,
mayor. Uh, this budget amendment is to align the city's finances for fiscal year 26. So, it's to align the budget and get it completed. And if you have any questions, our budget director is here to answer your questions. All right.
This is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open. Public hearing is closed. >> All right. Um, do we have any questions for our budget administrator or the manager's office at this time? Yes, >> I do. I'm sorry. >> Go ahead.
>> I'll go after >> Commissioner Santiago. >> Well, I'm lady first. >> Commissioner, I mean, Commissioner. >> Okay. Um, under expenditures, I see commission and I see $7,200. And I would like to know why the commission needs
$7,200. >> Good evening, commissioners. Floyd Harris, budget administrator. >> Pull the mic up. >> Floyd Harris, budget administrator. So uh this this is a sixmon budget review that we did. So we've gone through and reviewed every line item
within the city's budget to see if there is suffion funds to carry us through the end of the fiscal year. Within the commission's budget, there were three line items identified which were postage, state of the city, and office supplies.
>> Postage. >> Uh-huh. State of city. State of the city. State of the city. >> What does that mean? Office supplies city. The state of >> the state of the city. >> State of the city. >> Yes. >> Oh, >> and office supplies. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> For stationary. >> Stationary. >> Yes. >> Can you be more clear? >> So, we got a we had a request from the clerk to purchase additional paper for the commission. >> Paper for the commission. >> For all the commissioners?
>> Yes. For the commission's division. Somebody have to help me with that one. Paper. Paper cost $39 a bond. Uh pen pack 5,000 papers. Can somebody help me?
>> Mr. May actually. >> Can you answer that question? I don't want a paper. >> Who you want? >> I don't know. I just want >> manager. Mr. Senator >> H um something about paper. >> Yes. I mean she's is directed toward the
um budget director. >> No, but she wants to answer the who? What's the question? >> It's he said postage. The reason we need $7,200 is for postage, state of the >> city >> city and office supplies. And the office supplies he said is
paper. >> Um crickets, >> do you want me to talk? >> The request was made by the clerk's office on behalf of the commission. >> Okay. So, >> Mr. Mayor, can the >> clerk answer? >> Madam, I will yield to the uh clerk. >> Mr. Mayor, if I may.
>> Yes, ma'am. So, so yes, there's a need in ordering supplies for the um from the city commission's line item for um for supplies. Um we have exceeded what was budgeted for for FY 2026 and there is a
need to increase um that line item at this time. >> Mr. Mayor, um hold up. Um >> I I'll yield to to Santiago. >> Commissioner Santiago. >> Thank you. Um, you ask seen some question and I
don't hear any answering what we asking for. What is the $5,000 is for what paper? Why do we use so much paper? Please, I want the true here. That's what I want. Okay. Why do we using that paper for it?
Loud and clear. Loud and clear. What is that? WHAT? WHAT? WHO IS CARE here to talk or to say the truth? Why do we need that for it? because I heard something when I had a meeting with you guys uh my uh agenda brief.
They told me what no uh the meeting that I have between uh the lady for finance you and the manager and that's why I said we're looking for morning to ending the fiscal year 26 not
the 27 the 26 it mean we are scratching for somewhere but we have to we still adding adding and adding and adding money for things that we're not supposed to adding money for that and let me tell you why in the bio we have 40,000
for the community newspaper for the great city of Opalaka and they never come out. I never see anything in place to make true and possible to get that newspaper here in the city of Palaka and
the $40 a dollar is there sleeping. This is already July July 8 and it's already two more and a half months to end this fiscal year and nothing happened. But
it had to be an answer. Why we're going to spend $5,000 extra in two months in two months and a half to buy paper for the printer for the uh you know the color printer that we have there in the
uh sec fourth floor by the um um the cross office. YOU KNOW WHAT IS THAT FOR? It's for a new letter that we have every month. There is something going to happen TO ME TO SAY THE TRUTH. I don't think so. But what about my newspaper? My the $40,000
that is sitting there where they are. What happened with that $40,000? Why the newspaper is not come out? Who is against that? Who is behind this? And that's the truth. And this is the truth. But we keep it out of money to
end in the 26. And we need money for the 27. And we don't even know how it's going to happen, you know, to get the money that we need to giving the 20 or the two or the 3% raise to this employment that they needed. And we still spending money the commissioners
like crazy. I believe that anything that we do here is supposed to be for everybody, for each of us, for together with the city. Does the $5,000 is for that paper? Yes
or no? to I asking you. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah. Yeah. WHAT IS THE $5,000 IS? IS THAT FOR THAT PAPER? NO. THAT WE need it. >> It's it's of paper. We don't order paper for the commission. >> Okay. >> We saw the land.
>> All right. No, I'm going to have a talk when my manager when she come back. I'm going to have a talk with my manager. Then had to go started to be serious here in the city. If we want to to to have a city to run in the right way
with the true Thank you, Mr. Mayor. No more. >> Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry. I I mean, look, I'm a part of man commission. If we're spending $7,000 on paper, like I'm embarrassed. >> Yeah.
What is it that we're spending $7,000 on paper? What is it? I'm done. And if I may say, When when I did the budget briefing with the manager, it was only 55 and now it's gone up to 7,200.
You you you can't tell me that we're going to be in a crunch, but then we're spending 5,500 or 7,200 or whatever it is on paper. That's the answer that I got. Paper.
and and and I don't have a problem with the other stuff that we need on here, but I do not want to um accept paper. I buy paper. I know that you can get bonds, you can get cases of paper for $114.
I buy it. I know for my own personal need and it's not that expensive. I I I I can't agree with the commission needing $7200 um for this and I I know this needs to pass tonight.
So, if somebody can give me some direction as to what are we supposed to do at this point? >> Um okay, Madam I don't >> you me? Yeah, it was your your request.
That's what you're asking. >> I'm sorry. Is there a question, Mr. Mayor? >> Why do >> the question I have is I'm not supporting $5,000 for paper or $7,200,
whatever the amount for paper. Um, and you when they're telling us that we're going to be in a stronghold, we can we can put $5,000 back where it belongs if it's going to put us in a strongh I don't use paper. I I I don't use paper, >> but in my personal life, I use paper and
for a whole 5,000 sheets, I pay I pay less than uh $100. >> All right. I guess um >> Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, >> $5,000 worth of paper. Is this to cover the future or is this to cover past
>> the remaining um of this current fiscal year 26 >> $5,000 worth of paper? >> I'm not sure. I didn't come up with that amount. I I just know that at this point when we do order supplies for the commission, there's no more money in
that line item. So obviously in order to have monies in that line item to order supplies, we asked that a budget amendment is, you know, some monies is put in that line item. So, you know, that's I I didn't come up with the $5,000 amount. I wasn't. And just to be
clear, um you all mentioned the individual meetings with the management staff and statements that were made at that meeting. I was not part of that meeting. So because the city clerk was also mentioned, I just want to be clear. I don't know what was stated in that
meeting. I was not part of any of those budget meetings. >> Mr. Mayor, >> let let me ask you also to um in in that $7,200 that we including here. I think that you mentioned in the we need How much do we need for the uh estate of the
city? >> $1,000. >> $1,000. Why? It's state of the city already passed in January. It's not going to be another state of the city in September. >> No, sir. However, the expenses ran over budget.
>> Oh, all right. So, where did we management office? >> The question was about the the paper and the >> I'm not going to supporting the $7,200
at all. >> Go for >> you speaking to me. The person who they said it was in her budget. So, I mean, if you want to approve this, this is an entire budget. We asking to be approved. entire amendment. So, I guess what did the the
the Okay, you you said the $1,000 for the state of the city for expenses. What this what y'all told me that came up at the last minute >> that uh a late invoice or something y'all told me, >> right? >> Then the other that's seven that's $6,200.
What did that number come from? You said $5,000 for paper. So, that leaves another >> $700 for postage. >> $700 for postage. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, is that I guess the clerk said she didn't give the $5,000. So is that how did you calculate that number? >> So we do analysis of the budget um to
see what you're going to take based on current spending pattern to see how it's going to take you for the rest of the year >> and that's what we came up with >> and in your professional opinion it's going to be $5,000 >> based on actual expenditure. >> Mr. Mayor >> ma'am go ahead.
>> Where are we buying paper from? because $5,500 for paper for three four months is is a lot. >> So, if if I may, Mr. Mayor, >> um we placed the order through the
manager's office. Um she has one of her staff members order um supplies for the city and I believe they order from Staples. I'm not paying $5,500 for paper. I I'm okay with everything else. $5,500 I'm
not okay with. I I don't I don't know what to suggest. I'm not okay with that. >> It's going to be an amendment because the money isn't here, >> Mr. Mayor. >> No. Um, so just keep in mind because there's no more money left in that line
item for um, city commission supplies, we will not be able to order any supplies for the city commission for the remainder of the fiscal year. >> Okay, I'll buy my own paper and bring it to the office. >> Exactly. That's fine with me.
>> I I could donate some >> paper delivered tomorrow. >> I I can donate some. But then let me ask you this um question, madame clerk. Does that limit you from your day-to-day operations or is that that is exclusive to the
commission? >> Um Mr. Mayor, I have my own budget for office supplies. So it will not um that's going to affect the city commission, not the city clerk's office. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. I'm sorry.
>> That's why I asked, >> Mr. Mayor. I'm sorry. So, you're I'm I am so sorry. May I go ahead? >> Um, Madame Joanna. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Good. Good. Good. >> You're telling me that the five of us
require $7,000 in paper? >> 5,500. >> 55 in paper for the next three to four months. >> I I didn't make that statement. >> So, am I hearing wrong? Whatever. But what I said is that there's no money in
that line item as of today. >> Okay. >> For office supplies for the city commission. >> Wait, wait, wait. Um, Madam Clerk, thank you. >> We're kind of majoring in the minor right now because there's other stuff that they wanted to cover as it relates to the budget. So, I guess you hear the
um well, the majority them the three um that they want to remove that that from the budget and then the 50 $5,500 from that lineup and place it I guess where you see fit. But outside of
that, what else did you want to cover? Well, actually, you didn't want to cover anything. You was going through it right there. >> Um Yeah. What? What is there anything else that stands out? Well, I see a lot, but I just want to go
ahead. >> Mayor, I'm sorry. I just wanted to state that the $5,500 that we are um looking to add to that line item that will carry us through September 30th. It also captures the expenditures already expended in excess
of the original budget amount of $1,500. So you may have spent a total of $3,900 to date. So the additional dollars would carry us through September 30th. I and I'm sorry I didn't print the actual detail on that one line item. So, yes, I
don't have that, but I just wanted to be clear that you do need some dollars added to that line item to cover what's been spent year to date. >> And year to date, and then you said that's $1,500. >> No, no, sir. 3,000. >> Your original budget was only $1,500 for
12 months for that one line item, but we've spent in excess of that. >> Okay. >> So, how what's the overage? I guess >> that that's what I said. I don't have that detail printed in hand. However, looking at what has been spent over the budget amount, we anticipate you need additional dollars to carry you through
September 30th, that's how we arrived at the $5,500 value. >> Okay. I guess that's a question you'll have to bring to the commission at the next the next reading and just calculate it right up to the what balance and then add no more. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
>> Mr. Commission >> 5,500 minus a,000 is 4500 that I'm correct. >> That's correct. >> Oh, okay. That that but this is the money that we spending extra. I don't know why you say oh we had to look and
you know where is the we spending $4500 extra for the >> $1,000 expenses that she would say that we have in the budget. But but we spent that thousand. On top of that thousand, we spent an extra 3,900. That's what you're saying, right?
>> Yes. And those are estimate numbers. I don't have the exact print of detail. I just wanted to give you an example. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh Mr. Mayor, >> uh Mr. Manager, um when you come back at the second reading, can you please bring I need receipts. I'm sorry. I need to
see >> Yes, ma'am. >> these receipts for this paper that we spending or what we're spending. Okay. because I know that I don't cost the city any money. >> Okay. Yes, ma'am. We'll we'll print a detailed report. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, Mr. Mayor, it it is easy to asking
the um the clerk office um if we can have a report for the expensive that each or one of us have in that environment. Why not? Mr. Mayor, >> it's kind of difficult. M >> it's difficult. I'm I'm not able to come
up with such a report. I mean, >> okay. Okay. >> Hey. Um, >> Mr. Mayor, I just have one more question. Very simple. >> Right. We've been around this this mountain long enough. We know we don't want paper, but we got to move on. >> I know, but I just need to ask um Miss Gant this question. Go ahead,
>> Miss Gant. Our original for mayor and commission was $1,000. >> It was $1,500. >> Okay. So, I can understand the extra. Yes. >> Because $1,000 for paper for a year is not >> Yes, ma'am. >> That's not enough money. >> So, I understand >> some of I wish you had said that a
little earlier. >> Mhm. >> Um I got it that Yeah, I'm quite sure we're going to accept more than exceed more than a thousand for paper, but I still think the total amount that will be 5,500. You said >> 5,500 additional. Yes.
>> Yeah. Additional. So that would take us to 6,000 something. >> It would be a total of 7,000. >> 7. Yeah. I think that's a bit a bit much, but I can understand us going above the thousand. >> Okay. >> All right. I'm sorry. Yeah, we can move on from that subject. You had other
things that you wanted to talk about in the budget that you want to highlight, sir. >> He said no. >> And what are we voting for? >> We're voting on the budget amendment. >> Whether $7,200 in or out. >> She's going to bring it back to the
commission with with all of the concerns that we have. And then I had questions but in the interim I'll reach out to you directly. I mean through the matter >> well we had to vote now >> to vote. >> So we can call >> the next commissioner meeting. Let him bring it back first.
>> It's a budget amendment item. So they need their balance. So they we're in budget season. So the next commission meeting. Yeah. It won't work for them. >> Well, can we make an amendment just to pay what to bring it where we have already superseded. She had already she
said that we said that already. >> We don't hurt anything with the judge already amendment. >> This has nothing to do with the city of >> Nothing to do nothing to do with her. Okay. >> And who writing down? >> She don't prepare the budget. Go ahead, Madam Cler. >> I have a question. But we're still
keeping in the commission budget the postage amount. Correct. >> Because we need that. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Got it. All right. So before we make that I hear you with the name. Um
is there anything else that you wanted to highlight last? No. We're good. >> We're good. We're good. >> Okay. All right. So, the the what the um the
>> the amendment >> the amendment is for us to take it from the $5,500 for paper only to cover what is outstanding the actual the actual and nothing more.
Madam attorney is do we need to make that amendment or can it be reflected in the next? >> Okay. So that amendment was Can you make that amendment in the mouth? I I'll make the amendment. I'll make the amendment. >> No, I can make it too. Okay. >> Or you want to make it? It's okay.
>> Is the amendment is to not add it the $5500 that they require for the ending of the budget for the 26. Not in this budget. >> But that's not the minute we talk about.
>> And what are we talking about? We don't want the $5,500 there. >> It's just allowing for her to pay the the the what's remaining. >> What's remaining? >> Yeah. All right. So, the the the motion was made. I'm sure you all can capture it through the um Yeah. through the audio. Can I get a second on the motion? >> Second.
>> Second by some um the motion was made by Commissioner Santiago Carrie as a second by um Commissioner Bass. Madame Clerk on the amendment. >> Commissioner Irvin. >> Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly, >> you say yes. Vice Mayor, >> Commissioner Santiago.
>> Oh, yes. >> Commissioner Baz, >> yes. >> Mayor Taylor, >> yes. >> Motion on the amendment passes 50. >> All right. So, if there are any more questions as it relates to the budget, we can call the question. >> Commissioner Bass, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Irvin, >> yes. Vice Mayor Kelly, >> Commissioner Santiago, >> yes. >> Mayor Taylor, >> yes. >> Motion passes 50, first reading. >> All right, moving on to um our second reading ordinances. Item number 16B1,
>> an ordinance of the city of Opalaka, Florida, calling for a referendum of the qualified electors of the city for the purpose of determining whether the city charter shall be amended to increase the compensation for the mayor and commission members from from $550
per month to $1,500 per month. Authorizing the city commission to increase the amount of compensation every other year to provide for a cost of living adjustment. Stating the stating the text of the proposed charter amendment. Stating the date on
which the referendum will be held. Providing for an effective date for the charter amendment if approved. Providing for severability. Providing for an effective date. First reading public hearing was held on June 24th, 2026. This is sponsored by the city commission. >> All right. Can I get a motion? Move it
for vote. >> Moved by Commissioner Santiago. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Irvin. This is a public Oh, I'm sorry. Um, I'll present it as the mayor. So, this item is simply put. It allows the commission to take
their compensation from uh $500 550 $550 per month to $1,500 per month. um simply put it and allows the commission every other year to come back reconvene and then vote again. So
that is the item in short. Um it was suggested by the um the charter review board brought to this commission and the commission is ratifying what they gave us. This is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open.
Audrey Dominguez 11:47 Jen Avenue happen here. We are talking about money and I know that it already passed the first time and I know that you guys do a lot more than what you're getting paid $550. It doesn't cut it like uh
Commissioner Bass said it one time. However, my question is will we be will we be out of financial oversight by November? because I know this has to go to the voters and they will make the decision if this passes or not, but my
question is, will we be out of financial oversight by then? Because I know that the there's a lot of residents that will approve it, but if they know that we still are not out of that, it might not get go through. So, I'm for it, believe me,
because I don't think $550 is enough for what you guys do. and to raise it up to $1,500. It's fine with me. But the question is, will we be out financial oversight? That's just the only question I want to ask.
>> All right. Public hearing is still open. Public hearing is closed. Um, Commissioner, we can't answer that question. We're still right now waiting on the efficiency audit to come back with their findings. Once that comes back, that is sent up to the governor's
office with the recommendation and then he then makes the decision. So that question we cannot answer at this moment, but it is our prayer and hopes that we are, but we can't. We've done our part as a commission and as a city
as a whole. So we're at this point is just a waiting game. Um, any other questions to the manager, office or finance or anybody in dealing with this? All right. Hearing none. Madam clerk. >> Vice Mayor Kelly. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Santiago. >> Yes.
>> Commissioner Bass. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Irvin. >> Yes. >> Mayor Taylor. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. 50. >> All right. Next item 16B2. An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Opaaka, Florida, calling for
a referendum of the qualified electors of the city for the purpose of determining whether the city charter shall be amended to provide that the the mayor and city commission members are eligible to receive health insurance and life insurance to the same extent as
regular full-time city employees, including the same employer paid contributions, eligibility requirements, and benefit options available to such employees. Stating the referendum question. Stating the text of the proposed charter amendment. Stating the date on which the referendum will be
held. Providing for an effective date for the charter charter amendment if approved. Providing for severability. Providing for an effective date. The first reading public hearing was held on June 24th, 2026. This is sponsored by the city commission. >> All right. Can I get a motion? >> Move it.
>> Moved by Commissioner Urban. >> Second by Dr. Bass. Um this is the same item that reflects the first one. The first one talked about compensation. This one talks about insurance. Um same thing. Um it was recommended by the charter review board to the commission
for ratification. Um this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open. Public hearing is closed. Um quick um questions from the commission. Do you have any question manager or each other
or anybody that dealt with this item? Hearing none. Madame clerk, >> Commissioner Santiago, >> yes. >> Commissioner Baz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Urban, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly, >> yes. >> Mayor Taylor, >> yes. >> Motion passes 50. >> All right. And last item for the night,
16B3. An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Opalaka, Florida, amending article 3, section 22-55 of the city of Opaaka's land development regulations pertaining to site plan application, specifically amending said
section to add new letter E, providing for severability, providing for codification, providing for an effective date. First reading public hearing was held on June 24th, 2026. This is sponsored by Commissioner Santiago. >> All right. Can I get a motion?
>> Moved by um Commissioner Bass, second by Vice Mayor Kelly. This is a public hearing item. Commissioner Santiago, go ahead and present the item and then we open up for public hearing. >> Uh thank you. um uh to my colle and to the um people present here tonight. Uh
this is the second reading for the elderness that we bring to uh help and to make possible to help in these people that day passing through that catastrophe fire in Kyo
Lane. We're here tonight to make the final decision to help these people to be opening the soon tonight that if it's passed to operate
it again in this business in cattle lane. I believe that seven of these businesses that be affecting very bad and they still close. they still not operating when they are be you know uh complying with all the requirement that
the city asking for you know from before they are legally when the permits and everything and I believe that that's the responsibility tonight to us to helping these people to open back to business
all these buildings out there that be torn down by the fire and let them to prepare to present the new plan that they have to beautify that area and to make that team more
accessible for all in Kyo Lane. >> All right. So, this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open. Public hearing is open. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Isela Gutierre. My address is 64 East 65th
Street, Hay Alia, Florida 33013. I'm very thankful, first of all, to Vice Mayor Kelly and Commissioner Santiago. They've been helping us a lot. Honestly, we haven't seen anything yet,
but I know they're doing their best. And it's not just talking about just their best. We need results. It's almost two months already. since this happened.
Uh you guys are not in our shoes and it's hard. Even though we don't own the land, we pay rent. And there's landlords that they don't put their hand in their
heart saying this is something hard, but you got to keep paying rent. This is United State. You know, you got to pay rent. You got to pay rent. You got to pay your mortgage. They don't care what happened
to you. The only way that you don't pay is maybe if you die and you live in insurance and they can cover that and you still got to pay. >> Okay. >> So, this is a big reality. Honestly,
we cleaning because we don't have nothing else to do because everything here is regulations, rules, papers, h so many things that they we got to go through. Even though we not working, we
don't have not even our permits to open. If you guys don't provide us with the paper to open, how come Miami Day is going to give us something else? Everything is money. Everything is
money. We already paid during we cannot get our license back yet. Everything has to go through process. We understand that. But it's already almost two months and we haven't get even one penny.
There's millions of dollars and we probably we're going to get seven to eight%. You know what's $5 million in ashes to get 7%. That's that's a nightmare.
But in the middle of this situation, God is still good because he's still providing us. I'm not going to lie to you. I my customer call me and they say, "So got parts?" I go, "Yes." because none of you guys going to pay my bills.
I'm sorry. Okay, I don't want to be rude, but I got to do what I got to do honestly. I've been doing honestly with you guys. If they come to me and say you not can you can open,
I will do it because I got to pay. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Public hearing is still open. Public hearing is closed. All right. So, I do have one question and then we if nobody has any other concerns or
questions to the sponsor. >> All right. Uh, Mr. Manager and um, Madam Chief of Staff, you all deal with this on a daily basis. I just want to make sure that if this does pass, hopefully it does, that we don't we can help to alleviate and push this through,
alleviate the red tape, and then we can help these people open like open. >> Well, I think we you have a discussion with the manager when she gets back and make this process move as smooth as possible. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, like the
sponsor that I am and with the testimonial that I heard today tonight, uh, let me say that I don't have to wait, okay, another month, okay, to make these people to start working out there. Even if we have
to help them to open it this week, they're going to come to you and they're going to prepare the site plans and everything that Mr. Gay requires to redoing all this building out there. We need to help him and the only way that we going to help her is to give him the green light to renting that trucks that
they are no uh the containers office container to putting outside and starting to operate it. They are outside in the street doing anything. Please she say something true. We keeping doing and doing it. How long?
No, I want that to be done yesterday. >> All right, Commissioner. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. >> I know there's rules and regulations I'm >> but we the government >> still um vice mayor's statement >> I love the passion they complain >> but we have to be realistic >> they do
>> it cannot happen tomorrow we all know that once this passes um tonight we sign it we send it to Tallahassee Tallahassee reviews it and then they send it back to us >> what does Tallahassee have to do with this emergency I want to know did they did they put something there please
please please Mr. Mayor Commission, >> it's a question only. >> I'll explain it TO YOU. >> YEAH. HOW HOW WHAT IS TALAHASI HAVE to do to approve that? >> I'll explain it to you. >> Send it to Tallahassee. They're going to court Tallahass right away with that. >> Yeah. >> As you are aware, you've been here long enough and you know the city is under
financial oversight. We can't >> This has nothing to do with our financial. >> It has everything. Every resolution and ordinance that is passed by this commission has to be go to Tallahassee and get approved by the governor. You know that it's nothing has changed. So, I just want you all to be we want to be
realistic and that's why I said to the manager, we want to ensure that we alleviate and eliminate all the red tape and move forward with this as soon as possible. But being realistic, Commissioner Santiago, it cannot happen tomorrow. >> No, no, I I understand. Don't worry. Let's go for the vote.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Um, Madame Clerk. >> Oh, I'm sorry. advice coming >> um you asked the manager a question that exped you use the term expeditiously as quickly what does that really mean I
mean what's the timeline that we can control well I think you know from this particular you know standpoint I would prefer to you know when the manager get back have a discussion about what the the interest of the commission is in relationship to getting this done
expeditiously and uh I'm quite sure it's going to have to handle some of the things got to be handled through our uh community development department in relationship to the resolution for what they're trying to do with putting the trailers and things like that on the property. >> Okay. We we we kind of understand that
the containers on the property. I'm saying anything else that has to be done >> uh that we're requiring they're already aware of it. So that can already be done or >> site plan. >> That's what I'm getting at. It's already that's already taken care of.
>> Mr. Gay, can you help me with that, please? >> How was that going to be take care of if they didn't start it? >> Gregory Gay, director of planning, community development. Uh, we have pretty much outlined a process that they will have to go through, which is administrative review process. Once we
get the approvals from Tallahassee, we will be presenting that information to them on the items that they would need. We've had conversations as it relates to the documentation that is required as a part of the administrative review process. We will provide that information ahead of time. So once this
item is approved by the state, they will be able to make that application, put it in to to the city for review, we would um expeditiously review it administratively so that they can get the containers on the property as quickly as possible. >> Okay. I keep hearing that word
expeditiously. Um, and I know that we have asked the state in the past for a expedited review. Uh, so I hope we're going to do that so it doesn't take we can already have that done. I'm assuming we can we can already make that request even
before the manager gets back herself. That's why I'm saying that because there if this passes, which I believe it is because all of us really want the co-sponsor anyway, it goes to Tallahass, which is the next step. If you all call up there tomorrow and get an expedited
approval while you're waiting on the hard copy that takes care of the state. So then it becomes now whatever is happening >> here on the local level. >> And what you're what Mr. Gay is saying if I'm hearing correctly is you've already communicated to those owners and
tenants those next step. >> We've communicated verbally. We're also going to put it in writing that it will be an administrative review process. Okay. Um. All right. So that mean by Friday we
could have some a definite answer >> if the state has approved it by Friday. >> Stop blaming the state. State we we've done expedited. It's a matter of calling the state. >> We'll call. Don't worry. We'll get it through. >> Okay. We'll get it through. >> Yeah. I know you can make that call. So >> that's what I say before
>> using that. Um Okay. So we'll wait because those folks have been waiting >> and I know some of them are renters. Some of my owners are ready to do what they can to drop the containers. I heard that when I met with them. But what I don't want to see is some more something come up and they're
ready to move forward that they weren't aware of. So I hope that all of those things are taken care of in the next day or so while you're waiting on the state's approval. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I I'll be following up as well. Unfortunately, >> Mr. Mayor
um let me um make something clear of what Mr. Gay uh say before about the process. See after we get the approval of Delahassin probably on Friday, you say that they're going to starting to make a
process. Okay. um uh when they are uh planning view for what they going to build in the future that they don't we don't we don't talking about that that type of permit already we already talk about it that they're going to
presenting to the city what is the planning that they have to all the building that that they have to turn down and and build it again they're going to presenting that to the city what are we calling the planning uh >> the site plan >> the site Yeah, they're going to do a side plan,
but that's after they starting work, you know, producing money to do that out there. >> It mean you you say before that you they had to now when we be on Talahases >> before they put the trailer, they had to
presenting to you. >> We would need to have a that's an emergency. Remember >> we would need to have a survey of the property >> what we do >> showing commission. There's a process. >> The process that we have for the administrative review is that they would
have to have a survey to show what is the condition of the site and the survey will show where that temporary office will be going on the site. They're going to need that same survey when they go through the site plan review for their
long-term redevelopment for >> Yes. Perfect. I understand that. Okay. But when they come in the time to uh renting to the company that they're going to rent in the the trailer, the company they're going to come and present in that uh survey and everything where is the uh the um content is going
to be places there in the property. That's what I want to hear from you. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. That's the way it's going to go. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. We can call the question. Madame clerk. >> Commissioner Bass. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Irvin. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Kelly. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Santiago. Yes.
>> Mayor Taylor. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 5-0. >> All right. Moving on to the jo city manager's report. Um she provided it in writing and we know that our um assistant city manager and our chief of
staff is sitting in. Um do we have any concerns for the manager she want them to take back or will you all just reach out to her individually once she comes back? I believe next week. >> Yeah, when she come back. >> When she comes back next week. Yes. >> All right. So, um, the only thing I
would like to put on your radar, um, Mr. Manager and, um, our chief of staff is that we got a text from the Cardoba courts, something about an eviction or something, a letter that they sent out to the residents. Can you all look into
that, please? And I'll forward you the message. >> I'll for you the message that I received. And we're um, Yeah. I would like y'all to reach out. >> Same message >> about the the eviction. Yeah. >> Right. >> And a lot of residents have received that message and they are it's a
subsidized housing but they're threatening to put out the people that have >> subsid for a minute. >> The blues. All right. So that's that's all that I have. Anyone else have anything that they want to for the manager? All right. Thank you.
>> Oh yeah. Just one thing. You can provide um an update on the pool >> status of the pool repair when we anticipate it being open. of getting open. Um, you can provide in writing. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
>> Okay. All right. And so, we're moving on to the mayor and commission report. Um, oh, I'm sorry. Official board reports.
We have none. I don't see any. So, the mayor commission reports. I'll go first and then we can we'll go in order. mayor, vice mayor, will go down. So, um, I just want to say that the dental clinic that we have was a success the first time and they're coming back. So,
it will be on June 26 of those of you that need services, dental services. >> July 22. >> No, I'm sorry. >> Oh, it's okay. It's this Friday. It's this Friday. So, you still have time to make an appointment with the clinic and
um go from there. We also have We've done this already and I think that's it. That's the end of my report. Um Madame Madame Finance, Miss Gant, I think we're good on the financial oversight, but I know um um
Vice May Kelly will probably bring it up during his, but we I just want to make sure that what I said was right, what I said to which is we're still waiting on the efficiency audit. you could just nod. Yes, we're still waiting on the deficiency audits. Once that passes, I mean once that comes back to us, we review it. We send that up to the
governor and the decision is made at that point. So, but we still are waiting on the response or we're we're still back and forth. We're still in the back and forth stage. And as far as it relates to the actual audits, we're still still in the last item. All right.
And we don't have an anticipated date, but not yet. We're just waiting on the auditors. All right. Any questions as it relates to financial oversight or the audit to Miss Gant? Okay. Hearing none. Vice Mayor, you can go ahead and
>> Okay. No report from Vice Mayor. Commissioner. >> Yes. Hi. Thank you. Um on yesterday I had the privilege of uh working at McDonald's with our police department. I was the
manager. I was telling them to keep the lines down. Let's keep it moving. Let's go. It was a very nice um event. Um I really thank the police department for doing such thing because it actually bought the community and people like
just came cuz I saw so many police cars and they wind up eating. The owner of the McDonald's is heavensent. She was so nice to us and so grateful to have her establishment here in Opaaka with us. And um today I also followed them with
coffee and a cop and over at Chavez and had another wonderful experience there. Um on July 4th, our um Fourth of July celebration was was a hit. Um, thank you
so much to my co-host. Um, and he got some sponsors right here in the city that provided drinks and and stuff to us. We had Junka News came out. I'm not sure who donated that, but they showed up and they showed out. We had a ball.
>> Um, thank you to the booster club for providing over 4,000 water balloons >> for our water balloons. You really want to bring that up right now? Cuz I'm still salty about that. Y'all played too much. Y'all played all day.
>> We had a ball. The kids had a ball. >> They did. >> Yes. >> That's not my sneakers. Y'all jump me. >> We had a ball. Um Friday, uh I'm sorry, Saturday, July 18th. Um I'm hosting a
grown folks night event. We're bringing it to Sherbundi and it's going to be from 5:00 p. p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Come out, have a ball. We say grown folks, but there's always kids there, too. But come out, listen to grown folk music,
and you know, do nice things that grown folk do. Um, I also, um, enjoyed our youth today at the summer camp program. They went to Galaxy to Skate. Many of
them tried to fool me to skate and you won't laugh at me today. No, no, no. But we had a ball. Um it was a they enjoyed the trip. Um also July 17th, um join us for our magical Disney night
at Bingo at Shbundi. Starts at 6 PM. Um we're gonna do it Disney style, so bring your Disney ears and all that other good stuff with you. Um, and of course I receive many phone calls and I walk
every day. So residents stop me every day to talk about something. Um, and of course our pool has been a conversation and I want to assure our residents that we are doing everything possible to get
our pool up and running. And I won't say expeditiously because I've heard that word 50 times in five minutes. So I'm going to say as quickly as possible. It wasn't nothing that we did maliciously or anything like that. The pool pump
caught a fire and it has to be fixed and we're hopefully at the tail end of getting that opened. Um, and I do want to ask you all to continue to play pray for Madame Manager as she
prepared to lay her father to rest. And I want, you know, to be said that she has my deepest sympathy for her and her family at this time. And that's it. Thank you. >> Commissioner Santiago, you got a report.
>> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. um that we're gonna have uh this Sunday the uh domino and chess. >> It doesn't look like it. >> Okay. It's not domino and chess this Sunday. She say it's not look like it. That's what she say. That's the sponsor.
If it's for me, I'm making it a big party on Sunday. >> Make it a party. >> Okay. Um >> party, >> but you have to make the decision. We're going to be there. >> Make it a party. >> Okay. But we have uh uh Jets and Domino on Sunday. We're going to have, you know, some music. Uh we going to have fried chickens and all that. You okay?
All right. And we're going to join uh s uh Sunday uh 3 3 to 5. That's the time. >> Oh, it's 2 to 5. >> No, no, no. Three. >> Oh, three. >> Wasn't it 3, Emma? >> 3 to >> Emma. 3 to 5 or 2 to 5? >> We'll send out a flyer via social media
and um all of our >> Okay. And we're going to bring the paper for the flyers. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. Um Yeah. For the flyers. I need the flyers tomorrow. We bring the papers. remember um to let me uh where are we going to put for our pocket? Um
I'm very happy, you know, for uh fourth of July and enjoying it together with my Cali um uh Commissioner Irving. Uh we be together there with the whole family. A beautiful shot of fireworks. I love
that. I lost the uh you know the water balloon but my colleague here he's yeah he he's saving one for me that day and really we enjoying a beautiful event and I hope that we can do betters and betters and better and we not spend too much money and that's a good thing down
there but we enjoying it we enjoying it that day um and after you know Jets and Domino are going to take some reactions too you know I'm tired >> you know too many events and that's it and thank you oh And something else, you know, Commissioner Santiago never tried
to do anything, you know, to broken rules. I like to, you know, to the rules, you know, going forward, but when there is an emergency, that's an emergency. Thank you. >> Okay. I would just like to give a shout out to two of our Well, let me just go
back a little bit. Commissioner Urban and myself, we we walk and we see a lot of what maybe a lot of you don't see. Um, as we walk, and I'll say we because I'm sure she sees it as well. We see so many of our residents. One day, well, I kind of
count it. Most days is about eight to 10 dogs, little people with four legs with their owners walking around Shabbundi and allowing their animal children to defecate on our sidewalks and our grass and the whole
nine yards. But yesterday morning, no, this morning, I saw two of our residents poopa scooping and I was happy. I stopped and I told them, "Thank you." They had the little bags and they poop a scoop and they went about their way. It was Kayla and Courtney. And if you're
listening, Kayla, Courtourtney, thank you. And matter of fact, Alex does it as well. So, I just want to give them a shout out for being mindful of our surroundings that we don't have to walk around city hall, smell poop, walking poop. They're picking it up. So, thank you so much. Maybe to some of you that
means nothing, but that means everything to me when I'm walking at 7:00 in the mornings. And I would like to say thank you to everyone who made turning pages with Art in the Park a success.
Everyone who came out, we had approximately 75 to 80 children, adults who showed up. Um, Commissioner Irvin showed up. Thank you so much. Miss Dorset was one of our guest readers. We had also FIU came out there. Two of their artists came out to help the kids,
you know, to navigate the art of turning pages with art in the park. We have six total sessions. We have five more to go. The next one is tomorrow at 9:30. And I just wanted to say that just to see the kids listening to the story and then
doing painting, it just warms my heart because everybody know I'm an ed I'm in education and education is is is where it's at for me. So thank you so much uh Miss Dorset Nova. Thank you each and every one of you. Thank you again. We have five more sessions to go. So that's
it for me. Thank you so much. >> Dr. Bass Commissioner, I think that we have co enforcement in the police department. They citing these people. Uh do you know how that sign that say curse your dog is $250 fine >> or poop scoop?
>> Oh yes. $250 or So, >> all right, we're getting ready to leave. So, I just want to say that it was already said, but I was going to make announcement about it that um we the manager lost her father and we know Opalaka, we're a big family. So, we want
to make sure that we're calling her, encouraging her, and letting her know that we are for with her. So, the services will be this Saturday at Hatley Davis in Miami Gardens at >> Saturday. >> They told me Friday. This service will
be this at Hadley Davis at Hadley Davis um Miami Gardens. That's 1650 Northwest 27th Avenue at 12:00 p.m. So I want to make sure Opa, let's show up and show out for our city manager as we would do if anybody else. So I just want to make
sure and also more more importantly, let's keep her and her family in our prayers because this is a difficult time. I've never sat on that front seat for that. Um, and so I can only imagine how she's feeling. So I just want to make sure that we keep her lifted up in prayer. So with that with that being
said, we are going >> He said they told him Friday. Explain what Friday is because it is something Friday. >> So Friday is the weight and Saturday is the um um um between Nova and Miss M. Make sure the commission gets the entire
schedule for the weekend. I think it's there's something every day or something like that. Just make sure we get the entire schedule. All right. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Move it. >> Moved by Commissioner Santiago, second by Dr. Bass. This meeting is adjourned.