The meeting began with Vice Mayor Joseph Kelley, though absent, deferring several agenda items, including a proposed amnesty program. This deferral was intended to allow more time for existing applications to process before making decisions. Commissioner Santiago and Commissioner Ervin emphasized the importance of engaging with residents, advocating for community meetings that would allow residents to express their opinions on property and community concerns.

Public comments further emphasized the need for community engagement, with residents expressing gratitude for the deferrals and the opportunity for their voices to be heard. Brian Dennis, a resident, highlighted the importance of revisiting proposals to find mutually agreeable solutions.

Another point of discussion was the proposed fee structure for public-private partnerships. The existing fee structure, which included a non-refundable $50,000 fee, was criticized for being a barrier to businesses interested in investing in Opa-Locka. Commissioner Santiago proposed reducing the fee to $25,000, arguing that no other city in Florida charged as much and that a lower fee would encourage more businesses to engage with the city. Commissioner Bass suggested a gradual approach to fee reduction, proposing a friendly amendment to adjust the fees to $35,000 and $30,000, with the rationale that a sudden reduction could impact city revenue.

Concerns were raised about the transparency of the fee allocation, specifically questioning whether funds collected would be used for bonuses for city employees or other purposes. The city manager clarified that the fee was designed to cover the costs associated with evaluating proposals, including hiring consultants if necessary.

The commission ultimately voted on the proposed amendments to the fee structure, with a motion passing to adjust the fees as discussed. Santiago’s push for a more inviting business environment was met with mixed opinions.

Discussions also touched on the operation hours of local parks and the development of a 43,000 square-foot catering facility on Alibaba Avenue. Concerns were raised about community engagement, specifically regarding employment opportunities for local residents. The facility, designed for mass production of kosher meals, was set to employ around 40 individuals initially, with plans to expand as the facility grew. The commission approved the site plan review and development agreement, supporting the proposal as a quality investment in Opa-Locka.

The meeting also addressed the introduction of a resolution for solid waste collection services, with an RFP process initiated to select a qualified waste hauler. The city manager noted that no RFP had been issued for solid waste services for many years, prompting discussions about the consistency of services provided by the county, particularly around holiday pickups.

Public safety and community initiatives were also topics of discussion, with retired Chief Cheryl Kasein emphasizing the importance of public safety and encouraging the commission to consider an amnesty program for residents in need. A new law regarding vehicle tags was also highlighted, advising residents to ensure their tags are visible and free from coverings to avoid fines or tickets.