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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2020-11-18 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com �YOp r 1 ' 'Parr +� v * INCORP ORATEO * 18 SG Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 18, 2020 10:00 AM Special Meeting City Hall City Commission Francis X. Suarez, Mayor Ken Russell, Vice Chair, District Two Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner, District One Joe Carollo, Commissioner, District Three Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four Commissioner, District Five Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager Victoria Mendez, City Attorney Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 10:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Reyes. On the 18th day of November, 2020, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in special session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Russell at 11:57 a.m., recessed at 2:28 p.m., reconvened at 3:59 p.m., and adjourned at 6:20 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager Victoria Mendez, City Attorney Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk ORDER OF THE DAY Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, still, everyone; just breaking on "good afternoon." We are about to open special City Commission Meeting Number 2 of the day for November 18th, 2020. Before I read the statement of the Chair, I'd like to apologize to those who are outside, who would like to weigh in for public comment. When we opened public comment and closed it before, we did not have a logistic method to take public comment for those who are outside. We will absolutely have that for this session. I've asked for the Sergeant -at -Arms to keep the doors open to the chamber, so no one has to touch any door handles, and we'll be allowing four people in at a time from the outside if and when there is public comment. There'll be one at each lectern, one on deck, and the Sergeant -at -Arms will help you circulate in a safe and healthy manner. We want to make sure and prioritize public involvement in today''s meeting. So, I will read today's statement of the Chair. Today's special meeting has been called for the purpose of discussing and taking any and all actions in relation to filling the vacancy in the District 5 Commission seat by appointment; or, if necessary, by special election in accordance with Section 12 of the Charter of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended. The members of the City Commission for this special meeting are Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes; and me, Ken Russell, Vice Chair. Also present are City Manager Art Noriega, City Attorney Victoria Mendez, and City Clerk Todd Hannon. Mr. Attorney, do you need to read the procedures for this meeting? Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any person who is a lobbyist, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code must register with the City Clerk and comply with the latest City requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the City Commission. A person may not lobby a City official, board member, or staff member until registering. A copy of the Code section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office and online at municode. con. Any person making a presentation, ,formal request, or petition to the City Commission concerning real property must make the disclosures required by the City Code in writing. A copy of the City Code section is available at the Office of the City Clerk and online at municode.com. Pursuant to Section 2-330 and (g) of the City Code, the agenda and the material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours and at the City Clerk's Office and online 24 hours a day, or at miamigov.com. Any person may be heard by the City Commission through the Chair and upon registering pursuant to the published notice for not more than two minutes on any proposition before the City Commission unless modified by the Chair. Members of the public wishing to address the body may do so by visiting miamigov.comlvirtualmeeting to upload their two -minute video comment to be played during the Commission meeting, or to submit their written comments via the online comment forum. The comments submitted through the comment forum have been distributed to the elected officials and City Administration throughout the day so that the elected officials can consider the comments prior to taking any action. Additionally, the online comment forum will remain City of Miami Page 1 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 open during the meeting to accept comments and distribute to the elected officials up until the time the Chairperson closes public comment period. Members of the public may also call 305- 250-5340 to provide public comments via the dedicated City of Miami public comment voicemail, where individuals will be able to leave a two -minute message that will be played during the Commission meeting. Members of the public may also preregister to provide live public comment by phone during the meeting. You may preregister by calling 305-250-5341, or online at miamigov.comlgovernmentllivepublic-comment. All comments received will be included as part of the public record for this special meeting and will be considered by the City Commission prior to taking any action. Public comment may also be provided live at City Hall, subject to any and all COVID-19 regulations, rules, and procedures. Speakers who appear in person will be subject to screening for all symptoms of COVID-19. Any persons exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter City Hall. All interested parties are required to abide by all State, County, and local emergency orders and urged to remain at home and practice social distancing. If a proposition is being continued or rescheduled, the opportunity to be heard may be at such later before the City Commission takes action on such proposition. When addressing the City Commission, the member of the public must first state his or her name, his or her address, and what item will be talked about. Any person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may not the City Clerk. Section 286.0114(4)(c) of the Florida Statutes authorizes the City to prescribe procedures or forums for an individual to use in order to inform the board or Commission of a desire to be heard, to indicate his or her support., opposition, or neutrality on a proposition. The City through its multiple comment options has provided multiple methods to indicate, among other things, the public's support or opposition, or neutrality on the items and topics to be discussed at today's commission meeting. The public has been given the opportunity to provide the public comment during this special meeting and within reasonable proximity and time before the meeting. The City has created a simple set of instructions explaining how the public may submit their comments with either option. Those instructions were provided with a notice to the public via the City's social media channels, and published online at miamigov.comlvirtualmeeting. Please note, Commissioners have generally been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on items on the agenda today. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission for any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of the item. A video of this meeting may be requested at the Office of Communications or viewed online at miamigov.com. Please silence all cell phones and other noise -making devices. The special meeting can be viewed live on Miami TV at miamigov.comlty, through the City's Facebook page, on the City's Periscope channel, on the City's YouTube channel, and on Comcast Channel 77. The broadcast will also have closed captioning. Commissioners, please confirm you are comfortable with these noticed provisions as set forth in these uniform rules and procedures we have established for this special meeting. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We are. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. So, I'd like to speak a little bit to procedure on how we shall take this issue up. This is not being taken lightly by this dais. We recognize how important the decision is to represent District 5 on this Commission, not only as a representative of your district, but of the City as a whole. This represents 20 percent of the voice of this body, and it's very important. So, I would like to make it very clear that the Charter is not vague. The Charter states specifically that a vacancy of the City Commission shall be filled within 10 days after such vacancy occurs by a majority of the remaining City Commissioners. "A majority of the remaining City Commissioners" is three of us here, which is basically a supermajority of this body in this moment. And so, that is not to be taken lightly. If the remaining City Commissioners shall fail or refuse to fill such vacancy within 10 days after it occurs, as provided herein, the City Commission shall call a special election. So, we are here and ready to do our duty today in one of those two avenues. We have an obligation to fill the City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 seat, and if we cannot come to consensus, we have an obligation to schedule a special election. Now, as Commissioner Carollo brought up earlier, there are people on -- that are not yet on this list that may be considered, and that is perfectly fair. The Clerk has set up a very open process to come in and be qualified, submit a resume, but that was not required. There was a deadline for him, but it was a ministerial organizational deadline, so he can prepare for us the 15 people that have supplied their qualifications and have signed affidavits that they are qualified. And to be qualified for this job, you have to have been a resident in the district for at least a year, and you must be an elector as of today. So, you must be registered with Miami - Dade County to be able to vote in that district and live in that district -- live for a year, but an elector only as of today. You don't have to have been registered to vote in that district for the fill year; and so, that's very clear, and those of you who have signed your affidavit -- at least of these 15 -- state that you meet those qualifications. Anyone else who would like to be considered, you do have an opportunity for that today in here. I recommend you approach the Clerk and submit your name. And after we've gone through listening to each person who would like to be considered, I will open the floor for anyone who is not on this list who would like to be considered to step forward, and at that point, they will swear before us that they are qualified. They will still sign an affidavit with the Clerk, but they will be just as much in the running to be potentially appointed as anyone else who has signed up last week or recently. So I believe -- and it's at the will of this body -- that our first job is to understand whether the will of this body is to entertain and understand everyone who is running, or if the majority of this body believes it should be a special election without consideration of appointment, because if it is going in that direction, it'll make our day much shorter in terms of our deliberation over resumes, qualifications, et cetera. But regardless, everyone will have their moment to speak, whether you're here for public comment or whether you would like to be considered as an appointment. No matter what our decision, discussion or -- before -- once someone makes a motion and there's a second, we will open for public comment for everybody. So I believe if there's a will of this body, at least to start there to find out if there's a majority that believes we should be going to special election versus appointment. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR SP ITEM(S) 8242 DISCUSSION ITEM Office of the City Clerk PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FOR THE NOVEMBER 18, 2020 SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING. RESULT: PRESENTED Vice Chair Russell: Time to hear from our bosses. Public comment, please. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And so, Chair, we're going to go ahead and start with the pre -recording? Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Do you know how much time we have of recorded comments? Mr. Hannon: I believe it's roughly 18 minutes. Mrs. Perkins: My name is Mrs. Perkins. I'm here to represent Christine King. Oh, she's just the best. Most of all, us Villagers think that she would be perfect for the appointment to the Commissioner seat. Most of all, we feel import -- feel inspired to tell you that she is loving, kind, warm-hearted, and most of all, she loves the City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 community that she was raised in. The one thing that comes to my mind is an African proverb that says, you can't teach people to hate someone they love. And this community truly love her. Let's appoint her. Let her do something for this community. We so badly need it. And most of all, most of all, please appoint her. We need your help. We need your help to better our community. Thank you very much. Keon Williams: Hi, my name is Keon Williams, a homeowner and business owner in both Overtown and Liberty City. And I stand here today in full support of the appointment of Christine King. Commissioner Hardemon, who has been a wonderful commissioner for District 5, has put his full support behind her. And so, I'm asking the City of Miami Commission to do the same, to support Christine King as the next commissioner for District 5. Deborah Dorsett: Greetings, Vice Chairman Ken Russell, Mayor Xavier Suarez, and the City of Miami Commission. My name is Deborah Dorsett, and my purpose is to extend my support to Christine King for District 5 City Commissioner. I have known Ms. King for more than 25 years in her capacity with Miami -Dade County Community Action and Human Services and in her role at Martin Luther King Development Corp. We have -- I've worked with her on peace walks. I have worked with her in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and in giving back to services within the City of Miami, whether it's distribution services or other types of services. I think she has an understanding of the City of Miami and District 5 in particular. She's committed to the City of Miami and the County. And I highly recommend her based on her expertise, her legal background, and her ability to understand policies and legislation that would impact the city. So, it is without hesitation that I provide support and recommend that the Commission consider her or appoint her for District 5 City Commissioner. Thank you very much for the opportunity to present to you today. Liliana Lightman: My name is Liliana Lightman. I'm a resident coach, mentor, and advocate here in the Southeast Overtown/Park West community. Also known as Historic Overtown, a community that I was fortunate enough to be born, raised, and now is the opportunity to continue my journey here. I have witnessed my community suffer in poverty, struggle through various crises to now being a safe haven for my children and 1. Our former Commissioner and his team has set the bar high by laying a foundation that has allowed the communities to help build on. Our communities need a continuous of support, dedication, and footwork to continue to make it great. Ms. King is an extrovert and innovator that's willing to break new ground. Just what we need. So, reference to item SP. 1, we, the people of District 5, not only support Ms. Christine King, but we stand with Ms. Christine King. Thank you. Maria Gonzalez: Hi, my name is Maria Gonzalez, 436 Northeast 77th Street. And reason I'm calling is because I would like the Commissioners to support Jacqui Colyer to be appointed to commissioner of District 5. So, thank you very much and I am going to be at the meeting I'll be listening on and I hope that all the Commissioners do support Jacqui Colyer for our next commissioner in District 5. Thankyou. Have a good day. Bye. Clevelle Brown: Hi, I'm Clevelle Brown and I'm asking you to appoint Christine King to complete Commissioner Hardemon's term. Christine's love for the community will be one that the City of Miami will not regret. She is the best candidate for this position. Thankyou. Jamie Wooden-Wisby: Hi, I'm Jamie Wooden-Wisby, a local business owner in District 5. I am asking that you appoint Christine King to complete Commissioner Keon Hardemon's term. As a local business owner, I have experienced Ms. King's City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 selflessness and hard work. If you don't appoint her and there happens to be a special election, my family and I will vote for her. Cesar Lank: My name is Cesar Lank and I'm representing business owners on Northwest 2nd Avenue. We would like to request the appointment of Mrs. Christine King for the Commission seat of District Number 5. We support her. Chef Dee: Hey, it's Chef Dee. I live in District 5 and I'm asking you to support Christine King and appoint her as the next District 5 Commissioner. If there's a special election, me and my family will be voting for her. Lila Fole: Hello, my name is Lila Fole. I work for a non-profit organization in District 5. We work closely with Attorney King, and I've been very pleased to work with her. She's been consistent and fair with us. I'm asking that you appoint Attorney King to serve the rest of Commissioner Hardemon 's term. Cathy Leff. My name is Cathy Leff. I live at 1000 Venetian Way in the City of Miami, but work at Bakehouse Art Complex, 561 Northwest 32nd Street in District 5. I'm calling with regards to the vacant seat to be filled for District 5. Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to you today. I'm calling to support the application of Christine King to fill District 5 vacant seat. I've known Christine King for approximately two years, as she's been an active and critical member of the Bakehouse Art Complex Board of Directors, lending her expertise and experience working with the community on economic development, affordable housing, concerns for neighborhood and residents, as well as appreciating the role that artists can play in building and transforming neighborhoods. Her legal background, decades of proven community leadership and service, expertise working in county government, and her long-standing community engagement provides her with the unique skills required to address the issues of District 5 and the City as a whole. Her strong familial and community relationships make me believe she would not only contribute to the important decisions and issues before the City Commission and City of Miami today, but also would be a productive and positive colleague among the other commissioners. Thank you so much. Daynette Rolle: I am Daynette Rolle. I live at 1630 Northwest 41st Street. I find Ms. Christine King to be a hardworking servant in the community, whether being your church member or your friend. If you don't vote for her, I will vote for her. John West: Good afternoon. My name is John West. I'm here to support Christine King for District 5 Commissioner, as she would be -- would make an excellent commissioner to continue the work of Keon Hardemon. And I think as a community leader and seeing the vision for Overtown and the re -gentrification, we need somebody who has that vision for the community. If she's not appointed, I will definitely vote for her. She has my, support 100 percent. Thank you. Khadijah Carbon: Hi, my name is Khadijah Carbon. I am a business owner in District 5. I support Ms. King's appointment to District 5 Commissioner because she's such an inspirational leader. You see her here in the community helping out. So I, Khadijah Carbon, support the appointment of Ms. King for Commissioner of District 5. Pamela Ndah: Hi, my, name is Pamela Ndah, and I reside in District 5. It is very, important and personal to me when it comes to Christine King because she's been an open-door policy whenever I needed to come to her office and needed to discuss something that was going on within the district. Appointing her to this seat would be an asset to District 5. So, I'm asking you from the bottom of my heart, please appoint Christine King to the seat in District 5. Thank you. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Joya Hodges: Hi, my name is Joya Hodges. I'm a resident of District 5 for over 58 years. I myself consider Christine King as a friend, a leader, and 1 would like for you to appoint Christine King as our next Commissioner. If you don't appoint her, I will vote for her, including my family and friends. We support Christine King. Jasmine Fenderson: Hi, I'm Jasmine Fenderson. I live and own a business in District 5. I'm asking that you all appoint Ms. Christine King as the next Commissioner for District 5. She will be replacing Mr. Keon Hardemon, who is leaving. I want -- I'm asking you guys to vote for her because, most of all, Ms. King helps Black women - owned businesses. With direction and helping those who have no way to start a business, she has helped myself and other women in District 5 to get their things from the ground up and seeing it through. Ms. King is very caring. She is a born leader and always has our best interests at heart. I'm asking you to vote for Ms. Christine King. Samantha Smith: Hi, this is Samantha Smith. I would like to appoint Christine King for District 5 for the commissioner seat. My address is 6306 Northwest 62nd Street, Miami, Florida, 33147. And again, appoint Christine King for District 5 seat. Thank you and have a great day. Bye. Andre Soul Williams: Hello. My name is Andre Soul Williams, business owner of Eye Urban TV Community Internet Broadcasting Company, located at 1121 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Miami 33136 in the heart of Overtown. 1 would like to start off by offering my support and recommendation for Christine King, whom 1 believe would be the best candidate to fill the position of District 5 Commissioner seat. It is imperative that we appoint or at least elect an individual that is connected to the community or at minimum has aligned themselves with key individuals from the community to bring forth positive change, economic growth, and lifestyle prosperity. As a business owner, tenant, and community mentor, the time has come for us to monitor political activity that affects us more rigidly. We need a person who not only understands legal and governmental policy but has also understand the common everyday individual and struggles we face on a daily basis. From COVID-19 to police brutality to gentrification, our aim is to get fair representation and solid leadership from an individual that can and will be held accountable. I believe Christine King is the perfect individual for the seat and will show that she will unapologetically be there for our community, businesses, and its residents. We stand for Christine King. Thank you. Marie Meeks: Hi, my name is Marie Meeks, and I'm a member of Meeks Catering. I live in District 5, and I'm a long-time resident of Overtown. I'm asking y'all to appoint Ms. Christine King for commissioner in taking the seat of Keon Hardemon. I've known Ms. Christine King for several years. She's a very nice lady and goes out her way to do what she can for any and everyone. If you don't appoint her, me, my friends, and my family will vote for her. So, I'm asking, I'm asking and I'ni asking, can you please appoint Ms. Christine King? Chivas Davis: Hi, my name is Chivas Davis, and this is on behalf of District 5. Listen, as a community artist, as a person that worked at Booker T. Washington Senior High as an art teacher, as a coach for the wrestling team, and as a coach for the baseball team, we need support for our commissioners. We want to be able to have somebody who has our back in the community, on the field, and even to support the art and the artists that are in the community. Listen, if you're not supporting Christine King, I will support her and I will be voting for her. So, if she's not appointed, Keon Hardemon supported us as artists, and we want you to also help support her as well as we go forward to do better for this community. Listen, vote for District 5 for Christine King. Thank you. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Lulu Esvite: Hi, I'm Lulu Esvite. I live in Overtown. I'm asking you to appoint Christine King for District 5 Commissioner. She will do a great job. 1 know that 1 am supporting her, and I'm asking everyone in my community to support her also. Thank you. Steve Sauls: Hello, Commissioners, Mayor Suarez. Many of you know me. I'm Steve Sauls, a retired resident of the City of Miami. I first became involved with Miami in 1985 when we brought Southern Governors Conference here, and Xavier Suarez was the mayor. But more of you know of me as a longtime vice president of Florida International University, which I helped to build into a top research -serving university for minorities in our country. Most recently, I've been actively involved as a member of the Biscayne Bay Task Force, the Biscayne Bay Summit Steering Committee, and generally wanting to be part of the community even serving on the Biscayne Bay -- Biscayne Boulevard Historic Business District. But 1 know Christine King as my neighbor. My neighbor and my friend and someone who is actively involved in the Bakehouse Complex, which is important to me. I would be very proud for having somebody of Christine's caliber serving us in a greater capacity and serving our community as a member of the City of Miami Commission. So, I appreciate your consideration and hope to see you soon. Manushka Noel -Dumas: Hello, my name is Manushka Noel -Dumas. I live at 870 Northwest 84th Terrace, Miami, Florida, ZIP Code 3350 [sic]. I'm speaking on the notice of the Special City Commission meeting, and 1 would like to leave a comment. I would like to also recommend that Francois Jr. Alexandre is the perfect man for this position. I've known him for a long time. He has a prestigious name and integrity within our community, and he will be very, very, very, very, very, very, very important and an asset to the City and the position. Thank you and have a great day. Peace and blessings. Roy Hardemon: Hello. I'm Roy Hardemon, former state representative in District 108. I'm asking you as the former representative and a citizen of City of Miami D5 (District 5), I'm asking you to support the appointment of Christine King to the City of Miami Commission. If you don't support her, I will be voting for her. Thank you. Dominic Rivers: My name is Dominic Rivers. I'm a resident of District 5 and also a business owner. I am asking you to appoint Christine King as the commissioner to take over Keon Hardemon's term. If you don't appoint her, we would definitely go out and vote for her. And I have a lot of friends that will come with me. Victor Amon: Hi, my name is Victor Amon and I'm a local Hispanic resident here in Miami, Florida. And I'm asking you to appoint Christine King as your commissioner here in District 5. I've had the luxury of working with her and seeing how she is, and she's a great leader for this community. Tammy Chaney: Hi, my name is Tammy Chaney. I would like for you guys to appoint Ms. Christine King to finish out Mr. Commissioner Hardemon seat. Ms. King is a caring person. She's gracious. She's understanding. And she has much integrity. And this is what we need in our District 5 commissioners. Thank you once again. Please appoint Ms. Christine King to finish out Commissioner Hardemon seat. Thank you. Luis De Rosa: Hi. This is Luis De Rosa, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, reaching out to you, the mayor and members of the City Commission for the City of Miami, in support of Christine King as our next commissioner for District 5. I have known Christine King in her leadership capacity for many years at the Martin Luther King Economic Development Center. We have developed a working relationship throughout the years to assist our community. She has worked well with the Hispanic community, the Latin community of North Miami. I believe she has the City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 leadership background not only as an attorney but as a community activist, which I think will serve all the residents and the businesses within the District 5. 1 support Christine's appointment as Commissioner for the District 5 position. And the City of Miami asks for your support in doing as well. Thank you and have a good day. Mariana Campos: Good afternoon, I'm the Spanish interpreter. Speaker 1. Carlos Diaz (as translated by Mariana Campos, official Spanish interpreter): My name is Carlos Diaz. I work for the Una Dialysis, located in the area from where we know Christine King from. She has always helped us and supported us in everything related to construction and tells us about all the good things that happened regarding the dialysis unit. Please support Christine King as a Commissioner for District 5. Ms. Campos: Speaker 2. Commissioner Carollo: Same (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Firmin (as translated by Mariana Campos, official Spanish interpreter): My name is Firmin. I'm a contractor. I would like you to assign Christine for the position of Commissioner for District 5 because I know her, and I know her values. Vice Chair Russell: Is that the end of the recorded comments? Thank you. And you were translating the last two recorded comments that came through. And 1 believe we have some callbacks from people who are on the phone. Is that correct? (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Vice Chair Russell: People have phoned in their comments. Thank you. If the host online could initiate the people who are on the phone. Manuel Otero (Innovation and Technology Web Administrator): Call Taker 1, you're live. Unidentified Speaker: Hello, sir, you are live with the Commission, please speak. Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant: Yes, whenever you're ready. Unidentified Speaker: Go ahead, sir. You are live with the Commission, you can speak. Mr. Cribbs-Lorrant:• Good afternoon, Commission. Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant here, living at 1495 Northwest 74th Street. Also, the executive director for the City of Miami Black Police Precinct Courthouse Museum. I wanted to speak on the lines of the appointment. I appreciate the numbers coming out as regards to how much it would be for a special elections up to $340,000 for a special election. I would like to back that number up to say that there is absolutely no amount that we could ever or should ever put towards democracy. So, whether it be 340 or 500, it would be worth it if the community made an effort to come out and vote. I believe that it is imperative that we continue to exercise democracy. As soon as we eliminate democracy is when we will start to see communism in ways that are not applicable to the way of Miami. I stand in wholehearted agreement with having a special election and allowing the people of District 5 to elect the next person that fulfills the remaining term. Thank you and have a great one. Vice Chair Russell: Next caller if there is. Mr. Otero: No more callers. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. So now 1 'd like to open up public comment for those who are here with us today. I'd like to start with those who are outside. For procedural —.for procedure's sake, just let the Sergeant at Arms know if you'd like to come in and make public comment. Once you come in, go to either one of the doors that will remain open. We'll have one person at each lectern at a time. You can go ahead and step forward to the lectern. Commissioner Carollo: Chairman, can you find out for the clerk how many people have signed up to speak? Vice Chair Russell: 1 don't believe we've been signing up. I believe we just have a line outside. Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. It's been somewhat difficult to try -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, how many people do we have of a line -- in the line? Vice Chair Russell: Albert, the Sergeant at Arms is going to check and let us know what we're -- Commissioner Carollo: So that we can know more or less how much time -- Vice Chair Russell: Agreed. Commissioner Carollo: -- we have. Vice Chair Russell: So, as two people are standing at the lectern, we'll have two people on deck. And once you speak, please just be courteous as you exit, and we'll keep everything in a healthy, safe way. And then we'll let four more people come in until we've heard from everybody outside. We'll close outside, and we'll hear from those who are inside. And again, this is your moment to speak about the motion that's on the floor with regard to appointment versus special election. Please. Pamela Ndah: Good afternoon. My name is Pamela Ndah. I'm a resident of District 5. I'm here to come on a personal venture as far as Christine King. I've known Christine King through my son. As you can see, I've presented his picture. He also was a resident and still is a resident of District 5. I had an issue with my son, and he couldn't decide on what avenue he was going to take after high school. And I went to Christine King, she have an open door policy, and she sat with me and she had a personal conversation with me on how I should approach this issue. And today I'm proud to say thanks to that conversation, my son is currently serving in the United States Army. Outside of that, every event that I've attended, I've noticed that Christine King is there, whether she's there on -- you know, to present in District 5. She's a very personal person that is a part of our community and I would appreciate it if the board would appoint her as commissioner to continue in Keon Hardemon's point. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning. Marie Flore Lindor Latorture: I'm Dr. Marie Flore Lindor Latortue, a proud leader in my community. I am disturbed by what 1 witnessed here again today in Miami. First of all, we have people dying of COVID, and I also come with a background in healthcare, and I see that leaders in my community are taking the word caretaker lightly. I don't want to be a leader in a community where I am witnessing like we're warming someone's chair. This opportunity for you leaders here that you have is to not use the word caretaker because a chair is not a caretaker. We lost many members City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 with COVID, and you guys just received finally the funds that you wanted for the city. As for the appointment, I heard some discussion where whoever is here to serve, because this is the opportunity for Tallahassee to make a decision on incumbents when they decide to run for office, where they should have resigned, that would have allowed us, all of us, a fair sense of the process. Because I will leave here knowing that it's already biased with all those positive positions for Ms. King, who I respect, but not giving the chance for special elections for everybody. Then I am respectfully asking for special elections to happen. You're already in the red, then you will be always in the red. You were having some very serious conversation before you vote, continue having them to know if that individual that's going to be appointed will not won again. Because once appointed, that person is an advantage and becomes an incumbent, and everybody else will be a challenger, and that individual already raised $200,000. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Lindor Latorture: Please make today a day of the right decision for the people, and not just one group and being biased along one individual that is -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Ms. Lindor Latorture: -- already popular. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. When you hear the buzzer, it will mean you have 30 seconds, so please try to wrap it up by the end of that. Commissioner Carollo, I've been informed by the clerk we have about 24 people that are waiting in line to speak. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Caroline Williams: Hi. Vice Chair Russell: Good afternoon. Ms. Williams: Hi, Councilwoman Caroline Williams from Miami -Dade County and the Board of Neighborhood Housing Services. And I have to say, you have a lot of great candidates here, but two people that I've worked with at length, both Jacqueline Colyer and Francois Alexandre, are both fantastic candidates. And so, I basically came here with the idea of diversity and equity. I would like to see -- I came here to speak for Francois, and just to tell you that he brings something that you haven't had. First of all, he is Haitian. Where's our Haitian representation? And he's a Haitian man. So, I know that he has, over the years, led protests. And that is an incredible skill that he has to be able to do that and also with Konscious Kontraktors and helping the community. As well, you could say that he has had a lot of anger, and the community has a lot of anger. He's been able to transform that anger into service and I think that it's an opportunity for the board to show their diversity and equity and I wanted to say that Miami is seven years behind most other major cities and this board is doing a lot of great things. You know, the Live Healthy, Little Havana, the inclusionary housing, I think that he would bring something new and that is what we need to transform. And I also wanted to say, by the way, how come we always have to have lawyers and businessmen? What about just the common guy? Why can't we be representing? In nonprofits, you have to have residents. You have to have a diversity of skills. I think he brings some kind of wonderful skills. I don't think that he would -- I think he would -- he has been doing a lot of fellowships and civic engagement. And I think he has the skills now to be able to help make this city not a magic city, but a city of light. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Ms. Williams: A city for the 21 st century. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Sir? Malory Krauderer: Hello, Commission. My name is Malory Krauderer. I own businesses in Little Haiti and Little River. I chair the Little River Business District Board when we founded it some years ago, and the — and president of the Downtown Little Haiti Stakeholders. Both are associations that represent property owners and business owners in those areas of which I am one. We are very, interested in the areas around us and our specific businesses and properties. And we found that Christine King has been, even though her focus is her constituency in Liberty City and what have you, and I've sat in her office and witnessed the people that come in and call over the years. I've seen her at events. I know that Keon Hardemon, the outgoing commissioner, supports her, and I think that she would be a good choice. Governance is a skill set. You have to have a certain, I believe, level of education and also understanding of your community. And I think she brings those qualities to the role and would be a benefit to both the residents of her constituency and the business owners of her constituency. And I would ask you to appoint her to this position and not hold a special election. We don't want to be void of representation during this critical time. We have the holidays. We have issues before us such as the money that you have allocated for the area. And I wish you will make that choice and 1 thank you for your time today. Good afternoon. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Good afternoon. Jackie Bell: Good afternoon. I'm Jackie Bell, 1600 Northwest 3rd Avenue. And I have been sitting outside waiting to speak, but I heard my, commissioner, Carollo, Joe Carollo, say some things that should all of you listen to. That was that the person that you appoint should have some, what is the word, for that community, okay. Christina [sic] King grew up with my grandchildren on the next street from where I live in Allapattah. She also is an attorney. Can you imagine a girl growing up in an African - American community and now she's a lawyer? Because you all always thought that we were not smart, but we are. Okay, and I've been standing at this podium talking about Overtown for more than 45 years. Most of you up there know me and anything that you all have come to us to help you in your life, in your political life, we gave it. Today we're saying to you, give us back what we have given to you. Give us the person that we need, that we feel that knows community development. And you know, you really and truly have to be a person who runs a community development corporation in a community to know that community. So today, and I know the buzzer is going off. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Bell: But today I say to each one of you who have known and have seen me at this podium for many, many years, I'm going to -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Ms. Bell: -- ask you to support and appoint Christina [sic] King -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Bell: -- for us, not for you, not for what you think -- Vice Chair Russell: Understood. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Ms. Bell: -- but for us and every one of the people who are on that list that want to be appointed are decent people. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. In fairness, all the time is up. Ms. Bell: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: I appreciate your words and for coming in. Thank you. Good afternoon. Cynthia Primous: Hello, good afternoon. My name is Cynthia Primous. 1 live in the -- have lived in the Overtown area. I live in the Liberty City area, and I am supporting for Christine King to be appointed. She has worked closely with Keon Hardemon. He did good for the neighborhood. Everybody's here is talking, but what we need to talk about is the "inure. They interact and do a lot of things for the children and the schools in our area. They have came out personally and supported the neighborhood, walked the neighborhood, and did a lot of good fin- us. So, for the future of our children and for them to keep getting their incentive that they can also grow up, they need a good role model, and Christine King, to be appointed, is one of the best role models following behind Keon Hardemon. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. If you'd -- I could hear her very well. 1 don't know if you could hear her in the audience, but if you need to adjust the microphone, you know, feel safe. And 1 do want to take a moment to thank our staff here at City Hall, who have become frontline workers during this pandemic. And they are here to help make sure you feel safe and they're cleaning the podium and the microphone between each speaker. So, thank you all for your work. We really appreciate you. Sir, you're very welcome. Musaddiq Muhammad: Good afternoon, distinguished Commissioners of the great City of Miami. I'm here in support of Christine King as the next Commissioner in District 5. What I would like to say is that as our former commissioner, Keon Hardemon, was here in a position that he chaired amongst his fellow commissioners, he led District 5 in a way that we as a community, we as residents, business owners, property owners, which I am, we have seen the growth. During this pandemic, a lot of us have been through a lot of I guess, stress. And it would seem that it would be wise that we follow his guide in the appointment of the next commissioner. Why? Because do we want to go through what we went through with this presidential election? I don't know if you guys want to go through that, but if we deal with the appointment, then it's a smooth transition, and then 2021 she has to run again. And I think that's the way it should be. And I think the former mayor, Mr. Carollo, the same thing with when Dunn ran, and he said he wasn't -- I mean, when Dunn got appointed and then he ran again and he said, listen, we want to have a fair body of people. And I'm saying we have other things to do with your constituents than to have a special election. You're talking about giving out $250 to these people. We need more than that. We need leadership and we need leadership now. So, I just wanted to speak my piece to this distinguished body and say again, Musaddiq Muhammad, owner, property owner, businessman, and I'm here to support Ms. Christine King as the next appointed commissioner. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello. Cheryl Coleman: Hello, I would like to acknowledge our mayor, the manager, and all of our sitting commissioners. We thank you for the work that you do. We know that it is not an easy job. My name is Cheryl Coleman, and I stand before you as a faith community liaison and also a community advocate. I stand on behalf of Christine King and the appointment of her. I do so from the perspective as a nurse practitioner. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 1 was born and raised here in Miami -Dade County, has served for the last 25 years. And 1 recognize the health and the wellness of all of our residents in the city of Miami. You all sit in a place of legislating, making policy and procedures. It's ten - dimensional, physical., spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, occupational, and you all are making decisions in all of those areas. And I stand because of my observation and my absolute work with Christine King, who understands that dynamic for District 5. She has several qualities that I just want to share briefly. I heard earlier talking about communication and a disconnect. She is a communicator, a collaborator, if you will, one who understands the needs of District 5, who I believe can work cohesively because, yes, we have districts, but those districts make up the city of Miami. And 1 believe that being able to work well, to communicate, to collaborate, and to work cohesively for all of our areas in the city of Miami would be a blessing. I truly believe she's going to be a champion of the health and wellness for District 5 and so I stand in support of her being appointed as the next Commissioner. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Pia Palomino: Good afternoon, my name is Pia Palomino. I've lived in District 5 my entire life. I'm also a community organizer and frankly I'm tired of seeing people throwing around power in my district and not really caring for the community. I'm here on behalf of democracy. I'm here to stand_ for a special election. I believe that giving the people the choice for who wants to represent our community is the only option, especially for our government to, you know, flow cohesively. So again, I'm calling for a special election. 1 believe that the people who do care will go out and vote and power should not just be thrown around like a game, frankly. So, again I stand for a special election, and I know that my community and the people that I work with will go out and vote Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thankyou. Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me, what organization is that that you have on your T- shirt? What organization is that (INAUDIBLE)? Ms. Palomino: I work with Family Action Network Movement. It's a nonprofit in Little Haiti that serves the community. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Ms. Palomino: Thankyou very much. Have a good day. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you for being here. Adreana Jackson: Hello, good morning, gentlemen. I am former Vice Mayor Adreana Jackson of North Bay Village. I come to you guys today to invest my time and to support Christine King's appointment. I believe District 5 has specific needs and I don't believe a placeholder is going to be the correct thing to do here. I believe that the needs of the district are very dire. In fact, you just -- we just announced that you're giving $5 million that needs to go to that community. Putting a placeholder there would not be the way to go. You need somebody who has a pulse in the community, and I believe Ms. King has the temperament, the discipline, and the grace in order to lead and to sit up here with you gentlemen. Thank you for your time. Have a great day. Albert Gomez: Good afternoon, Albert Gomez, 3566 Vista Court. First, I'd like to say I am for a special election. The right to vote is solemn and I think it's critical, but we're in a very different time right now and we have to be fiscally responsible. I think we had that discussion earlier today. You guys were discussing about trying to help City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 people because we have shortfalls. So, with that said, I'd go through a step of priorities. My number one priority is we need some femininity on the Commission, in my opinion. That would be important. That would be my first point. My second point is my personal experience. It's my own, so I have to say it. (FOREIGN LANGUAGE). Before I get into that, I'd like to say thank you, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, for referencing that point, that if you are going to install somebody into this seat, that they shouldn't go and be an incumbent. They shouldn't run. They should wait out an election. And I think that's a critical point. But back to my point is, if I were to pick, I'd have to base it on my own experience. My own experience is working in Little Haiti through Third Wave Volunteers, helping feed the community. That's my wife's nonprofit. And distribute masks to City of Miami, City of Miami Fire -Rescue, nonprofits, the community in general. And I've done that alongside with Konscious Kontraktors. And somebody that's come along, which is a personal friend, is Michael Clarkson. He's been mentoring Francois Jr., and I'm just amazed at his passion. I'm also with the UM (University of Miami) Chaplains Association. I'm on their advisory board. And I'm developing a police and community engagement initiative. And Francois and Michael are helping me bridge the District 5 community so that we can maybe heal some wounds between the police and the community. I think Francois is uniquely -- has a unique experience in that he's personally in a lawsuit with two police officers. He's spoken very kindly to police. So, I don't think it's a fight with the City, it's a fight with individuals that did the wrong. And I don't want that to mar his chances. 1 do want to let you know that he's been side by side fighting this COVID epidemic, feeding his community and protecting his community. So just take that for what it is, but there you have it. Have a good day. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Andrea Copeland: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Andrea Copeland. I'm a homeowner in Town Park Condominiums, 1940 Northwest 4th Court, Unit Number 15. I came to know Ms. King a few years ago when the housing market was (UNINTELLIGIBLE), where a lot of residents in Town Park was about to lose their condominiums. She told me, Ms. Copeland, you don't know anything about, have you ever heard of loan modification? And if you need any assistance, I'm willing to help you. With that being said, I went and took that knowledge and took it to 169 unit owners in Town Park and most of us was able to keep our homes. I'm here on behalf of Christine King. I hope that you all please appoint her. And if you're not, myself and my unit owners, my neighbors, we will, and the community will support Christine King. Thank you so much. Vice Chair Russell: Are there any more people who would like to speak? We do have some. All right. And if you were in one of the videos, it's not necessary for you to come and speak, please. You've already had your two minutes, so I just want to make sure we're not doubling. Martha Whisby: Good morning Commissioners. How are you? Vice Chair Russell: Good, thank you. Ms. Whisby: My name is Martha Whisby. I am a resident of District 5, homeowner of District 5, and my parents have lived in District 5 for over 70 years. Amen. With that being said, I am asking you to please appoint Christine King to complete Commissioner Keon Hardemon's term. I live in a community in Overtown where we've seen it in its worst. For the last eight, seven years, I've seen it transform, transform into a way that my kids are proud to walk down the streets. Me as a business owner, I'm proud to open up my doors. I work close with Ms. Christine King, feeding the seniors in District 5 three days a week. Christine King has helped some of our family members with housing, with people truing to take their houses and she was City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 able to help them, open up her doors, took their cases and their houses were saved through predatory lending. I'm asking you to please, not because I was asked to, because I know her, to please appoint Christine King. I feel so embarrassed for my neighbors that said to me, why do we need a babysitter? It's so embarrassing to me that we have to come here and line up to beg and ask for a commissioner, a commissioner for our community. We deserve better. Please, I ask you, appoint Christine King. She's a part of our community. We need a commissioner that's going to do what's right and take care of our community with integrity. Please appoint Christine King. Thank you so much for your time. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello. Tangela Sears: Good afternoon, Commissioners. 1 am Tangela Sears. As president of Florida Parents of Murdered Children and a political advocate throughout the City of Miami, I'm here in support of Christine King. And it is extremely important that we have a person that represents the district that's familiar with the district, that's familiar with families and have worked to address the issues before the first day on the job. Commissioners, if you can't decide today by choosing experience over personal agendas, involvement over favorites, and integrity over political gains, let the voters decide. And if you choose to make your own decisions today and it's not what's best, for the district, we will remember this in the future. Have a great day. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Unidentified Speaker: Good afternoon. Good day. 1 stand before you all to speak on behalf of Ms. Christine King. When you speak of good character and great leadership, you should mention Christine King. She does live by the five agreements of life, and two of her favorites are to take nothing personal and to not be egregious with your words, which is what she loves to teach daily. Christine King is for the people. How do I know? Because I was her assistant for three years. During that time, I had experienced her determination, her kind and loving spirit. I'm sorry, loving spirit. She is a lawyer, a CEO (Chief Executive Officer), and teacher, but her highest title is being a mother. She has worked closely with the City of Miami to provide assistance to businesses in D5 who were facing hardships when their air conditioning units were stolen. Again, she worked with the City of Miami to get businesses on the 7th Avenue corridor and D5 facade assistance to beauty their businesses. Currently, she's providing gourmet meals by a professional chef three times a week to our seniors in D5. How many presidents and CEOs of non-profit organizations do you all know would not take a paycheck for their employees to getpaid? Again, that speaks to her character. Lastly, she is a boss, and a boss does take care of the family and D5 is her family. Thank you. Donald Douglas: Good afternoon. My name is Donald Douglas'. I am a resident of Overtown, Miami. I'm here today on behalf of Ms. Christine King. Mrs. King is a rare talent, extremely talented in the way that she handles the people of the district. We have a lot of leaders, but efficient and effective leaders are very rare for us, and a town like this, we'd like to have an office. We ask that you consider her. It is more cost effective for the City of Miami if we appoint her now, as opposed to going any other way. We thank you for your time. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ringo Cayard: Good afternoon. My name is Ringo Cayard, 6400 Northwest -- I mean, Northeast 2nd Avenue. I've been here since 1976, which gives me 44 years. I might be older than all of you here, except my good friend, my good friend, Manolo, who knows our community. I'm speaking on behalf of my community, especially Little Haiti, and respectfully, you are the caretaker of our community because of the departure of our City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 former chairman, Hardemon. 1 would not like to be in your shoes, but the reality is that the pandemic makes whatever is normal, abnormal. That's why we would like to support Ms. King in a situation where she will get the ball running. You just allocated a few million dollars, but which one of you, if there is not somebody who is going to take the time, the effort, the energy in this pandemic to distribute the money to our community? You would love to do it, but I'm sure every single one of you have wife, kids and families, when you get back home, they're going to say, hey, that's enough that you have one district, let the other person take care of their district. So, I'm gracefully requesting that you consider the pandemic, the situation and all that, appoint Ms. King, and if she doesn't do a good job, you know, we will know. And 1 know she's going to do a good job. We also know. Thank you so very much. And my good friend, I'm older than you. Don't worry. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello. Lola Capers: Good afternoon. Commissioner Reyes: You might look older but -- Ms. Capers: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Lola Capers. I am a business owner in the Overtown area. I'm here to support Christina [sic] King. And if we're not going to appoint her, then we need to have a special election. Also, Ms. King has integrity, and she's not someone that just decides that we do not have our powerful Commissioner Keon Hardemon. She has been working in the community from day one. I've been knowing Christine King from 1999. 1 had a small clinic on 62nd Street and 7th Avenue. We were struggling, but Ms. King pulled us to the side and she worked with that small business. We need someone that's going to work across the board, not just with the Afro-American community, someone that's going to work with the Afro-American community, the Latin community, and the Haitian community. And she's that person. She's not the person that just decided that there's an empty seat and now I want to run and now I need to be appointed. If she doesn't do a good job, just like the other commissioner broke their promise with you, what happened? We kicked him out, right? So, if she doesn't do her job, we will vote her out. But I know she is the puzzle to this Commission. You can have a perfect fit, or you can have a forced fit. And anyone else that you choose besides Christine King will be a forced fit. And a forced fit in a puzzle is very, very tight. But when you have someone that's a perfect fit that can work across the board with you commissioners, that's your girl. And I want you to consider that, put back personal feelings, I heard everything, all the comments out there. We the people have spoken, and we the people have told you who we wanted. Now, it's either you're going to respect our opinion, or is this just a checkbox? You know what a checkbox is? I'm just going through it, check it off, and then behind closed doors, I'm going to do whatever. We the people have spoken. Overwhelmingly, we have spoken. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Lorena Ramos: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Lorena Ramos, and my address is 27 Northeast 49th Street. I am the founder and board member of the Buena Vista Stakeholders. I am here to remind you of what a great event it is to have an election. Each one of you have gone through those steps and thankfully you are here representing your area. I also would like to cast my ballot and decide who and choose who I want to represent us. I remember Commissioner Carollo when all the naysayers were out there and you are a solid foundation in your area. The people elected you. Same thing with Commissioner Reyes. You didn't accept that appointment and time and time after again, you went through the election process. Kudos to you for not giving up on your dream. So here I am requesting to be able to meet who Ms. King is. I don't know who she is. I would love to meet the other candidates also so that I can City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 make up my mind and say this is who I want to represent my area. Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak with you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Hello. Michael Clarkson: Hello. How are you doing today? I'm here to speak on behalf of Francois Jr. Alexandre. Vice Chair Russell: Your name, please. Mr. Clarkson: Francois -- Vice Chair Russell: Your name. Mr. Clarkson: My name is Michael Clarkson. Vice Chair Russell: I knew that already. I just wanted to hear that. Mr. Clarkson: And I live in Little Haiti. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Clarkson: 122 Northeast 78th Street. I'm not only here just to speak for him, but I'm speaking directly to you, fathers of our city. And I want to remind you of a time, in the book of Malachi, because it's been very, very frustrating and very, very deadly what has happened to us as not only citizens of Miami, but citizens of the United States. This pandemic has created havoc, it has created death, and it has created our economy to be undeveloped by this pandemic. And in those days, when Malachi was talking to the people, he was talking to them about changing their ways. I hear people say all the time, I'll be glad when things go back to normal. Things will never go back to normal. This is a new normal, and I wouldn't even take it farther than just being a new normal. It is time for a new dawn. It is time for a new beginning. It is time for what you did, and I thought it was very courageous what you did in terms of opening up this process, because that's what has to happen now. We can't keep talking about what somebody did in the past. We have to move past that. What is going to be the best for Miami right now? What is going to be the best for District 5? In my view, we need a new energy. We need people who are not going to think about what it was in those days, because the only way we're going to solve, the only way we're going to get away from this pandemic is that we're going to have to take it on with new ideas, with new energy. And in my, view, that's what Francois Alexandre represents. He represents the energy that young people now want to put themselves forward. We're always talking about community engagement, civic engagement, but then what we do, we slam the door on them. I know I've got 30 seconds left, but I really want you all to weigh in on this. Vice Chair Russell.• Sorry, sir, that's a full two minutes already. Mr. Clarkson: I believe a special election is the wrong way. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Deborah Pratt: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Deborah Pratt. I am on behalf of Commissioner -- I mean elected Commissioner Christine King. I think she would be a good choice, a best choice for the community because she was born and raised in the community. She knows all about the community. She knows what the people need, what the people should have. And I see -- work with her doing the food service, for the elderly, giving out food. In the midst of all that she goes through, she takes the time City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 when someone come into her office, and she will talk to them. They come in with a sad face and with tears in their eyes. When they leave out, they'd be happy. It's something that she's done. She has a heart of compassion for the people, for us. She loves, she has that heart. So, she would be good to be the District 5 Commissioner. And I would appreciate if you all take that into consideration, because she does have a heart of compassion for us, the people. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Louikencia Jean Doriscan: Hello, my name is Louikencia Jean Doriscan, community organizer at FANM (Family Action Network Movement), 100 Northeast 84th Street. So, I'm here to support a special election. I do believe that the community have the right to elect the next commissioner and the community of District 5 have the right to vote for the next commissioner. So, I'm here to support the special election because it should happen. The communities are better, so the community should decide. Thank you. Richard Dunn: Good afternoon. My name is Richard Paul Dunn, IL To the Vice Chairman, to the Commissioners, to all of the respective people in their places, first of all, I'm here for the appointment of Christine King. I would like to correct some things that were said. At least, first of all, Commissioner Carollo did support single member districts, but it was after Pulse in the City of Miami sued the City of Miami because 1 was one of the plaintiffs that sued for single member districts. So, 1 just want the record to be clear on how that went about. We sued the City of Miami because 1 was appointed in 1996, lost to Commissioner Humberto Hernandez. We were without a City Commissioner for the first time in 30 years, and we sued the City. And then he obliged as the mayor of the City of Miami. Secondly, the young lady said that I was kicked out of office. That's not totally accurate. I was appointed in January 2010. I ran in November 2010. I did win against five opponents without a runoff but it's not always -- one of the Commissioners, either you or Vice Chairman, or Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla said that it's not always rocket scientists, not disparaging anyone, but Jeffery Allen was appointed in 2004 and he lost in 2005, didn't even make the runoff. So, when you're serving as an appointed Commissioner, it's not always an advantage. But I'm here to support the appointment of Christine King. Thank you very much. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Kenemo Williams: Good day. My name is Kenemo Williams. I'm the president of Nemo 's Uoowow. I am a business owner of Overtown. I am here just to say that we -- that you have heard the people speak. You said you wanted to hear what the people are saying about a commissioner's seat. You've already heard it. You don't need to hear any more. There's' 15 people here trying to get a position, but you've heard what the people said about who they want. So, the people who they want has already been spoken. So, the people of this Commission, of our District 5, have spoken. So, thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Mark Coats: Good afternoon, Mr. Vice Chair and to the Commission, to some friends that I know, having worked here some 30 years ago for Commissioner Victor De Yurre, at that time I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Carollo and Commissioner Reyes, and I believe them to be honest and decent men. I think that you four men are — you four and your mayor have been elected not only for your districts, but for the people of Miami as a whole, no matter what their color is. And I believe that you guys, if you appointed someone, that you would do it responsibly. And I'm here to support Christine King, who I've known for over 20 years. I worked for her at the City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 County when I used to be a senior staff member for former Mayor Alex Pinellas. She's been at the MLK (Martin Luther King) Development Center for the last 10 years. She's an attorney that's done a lot of pro bono work. A business partner of mine has a school there in their building, over 100 and something kids that are being educated in the school choice. She's committed. She's an honest person. She can continue on the work of the blockbuster Hardemon. So, I ask you to consider Christine King. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Hannon: Oh, I'm sorry, Chair, the speaker's name. Vice Chair Russell: Your name, sir? Mr. Hannon: My apologies. Mr. Coats: Mark Coats, M-A-R-K C-O-A-T-S. Mr. Hannon: Thank you, sir. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Next speaker. Rudy Shango Theophin: Can 1 move my mask? Vice Chair Russell: Sorry, mask rule. Mr. Shango Theophin: Okay. My name is Rudy Shango Theophin, and I'm here to support Zico Fremont. And the reason why I'm here is because I look at the condition of our city and I look at this flag that is red, white, and blue. It's a democracy. This is a republic, but it's also a democracy. And we have the same politician with the same situation. And the reality is this, if you want the same condition in Liberty City and Overtown, and don't even get me on Little Haiti, if you want the same condition of Little Haiti, we're losing our entire city due to gentrification because we have this Keon Hardemon Jr. in place, then go ahead, vote for King. But if you want change, you have to vote for change. You can't vote for the same candidate and think you're going to have the same results. It's about time to have strong leaders with courage who's not afraid of popular candidates and their best friends and people who got money. I don't care about your dollar war chest. Money doesn't win candidacy. You know what wins candidacy? The power of people. I believe in the power of people. I believe in the power of change. And the only way we can get change when we change candidates. It's time for us to make a change. Little Haiti will be no more. No more. Because you want to play -- people want to play politics. People are dying from COVID. I take this seriously when people die. People are dying from COVID, but we're going to play politics. People are going to be foreclosed, and people are going to be homeless. What are we going to do with the homeless people? I've been homeless personally, so I know what it means. I'm not here to tap dance and pretend I'm cool with anyone. What I'm going to say is this, you all have a responsibility. You want change? Make a change. I don't care how much money, who has what, it's about people power. Are people going to come out and vote in Little Haiti? Are people going to come out and vote in Liberty City? Are people going to come out and vote in Overtown? It's not about Haitian, Latin, African American, it's about the people of District 5. They're coining out and they're voting. My name is Rudy Shango Theophin and thank you very much for your time. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Gaston Smith: Well, good afternoon. It's been a long morning and now we are into the afternoon. Let me thank you, Brother Chair, for doing a great job today and Commissioners for allowing us this opportunity to speak on behalf of our community in the absence of our Honorable Mayor and Manager. I want to say that -- Vice Chair Russell: Your name, please? Mr. Smith: Pastor Gaston Smith, I'm sorry. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Smith: Pastor Gaston Smith -- Senior Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church, who has been in the community. The church has been in the community now for 91 years. We are in the heart of District 5, 41 years in Overtown, 50 years in our current Liberty City location. I come to unwaveringly support Christine King. I support the appointment of Christine King, and if not the appointment of Christine King, I support the special election. I represent over 2,000 parishioners in the community. And we have worked with Christine King in her capacity as executive director for the MLKEDC (Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation). But we have also worked with Christine King on community efforts and have watched her do pro bono legal work fbr many of our constituents and our parishioners in the community. She's a giver. She's always there to fight for the community. And 1 want to say that 1 have to agree with Chairman Russell in that the incumbent has advantage and disadvantage. And you know, if we're going to look at this position as a position to follow the legacy and the leadership that's already been established by Commissioner Hardemon, then we need somebody that's going to come in and work. And I wholeheartedly support the work that Christine King is doing. Finally, let me say this. If it's an economic issue of $340,000 that you're going to have to come back again and do an election the same year, I think we need to use wisdom here. I think we need to consider somebody that's already doing the work. The reward for good work is more work. And so, we wholeheartedly support Christine King in this community to give leadership to District 5. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, thank you. I could listen to that voice all day, but your time is up. What a great voice. Thank you. Wilkinson Sejour: Good morning, Commissioners. Good morning, everyone. My name is Wilkinson Sejour. I am the owner and landowner of Chef Creole Seafood. We have several properties within the district, and I myself have been here for at least 50 years. I've been in business for 28 years. I don't know if you guys have heard of Chef Creole, but we've been very much involved in anything where there is a void in the community, we make sure we do our best to fill in that void. At this moment, I do not live in the district. My mom lives in the district. My grandparents live in the district. I am a person that is for true democracy and that is special election. Taking into consideration the precarious position that the City is in, that don't seem to be something that would be anywhere close on the priorities list. And taking in note what Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner Carollo have said, that they would -- they would entertain a caretaker, someone that does not aspire to become elected at any point. The community to me has always been the driving force behind me getting up every morning. It's because of the community' that we've been very successful. We have seven locations, one in the Miami Airport, one in Hard Rock Station -- Hard Rock Stadium, and we have various locations in Miami, North Miami, and Miami Gardens. This is very dear to me. I would love to be that caretaker for the short period of time in order for us to get the right person in place. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Mr. Sejour: And 1 would love to keep 90 percent of the existing staff that is here now, Keon's Hardemon staff keep 90 percent of them so that way -- Vice Chair Russell: Sir, the time is up, but if you are proposing to be an applicant for the spot, you'll have more time to speak later. Mr. Sejour: Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me. What was your name again? Mr. Sejour: Wilkinson Sejour. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Number 16. Vice Chair Russell: So, you have not yet submitted any, information to the Clerk in terms of qualifications? Mr. Sejour: No, no, no, sir. Vice Chair Russell: We'll absolutely make space and time for that. We will not forget. So, there are 15 people who are applicants currently so far, and if you would like to be added to that list, please speak with the Clerk. George Wysong (Senior Assistant City Attorney): Mr. Chair, did he say that he would --? George Wysong. Did he say that he was not a resident of the City of Miami? Mr. Sejour: No, I'm not a resident of the City of Miami. Mr. Wysong: Therefore, he would not be qualified. Vice Chair Russell: Then you would not qualify as an applicant -- Commissioner Carollo: That's correct. Vice Chair Russell: -- for either the appointment nor the election. Mr. Sejour: Okay. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: But thank you for your advocacy. Thank you. Anyone else from outside? If you wouldn't mind using this lectern while she cleans that lectern, that would be great. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Vice Chair Russell: Okay. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Vice Chair Russell: Please keep your mask on, sir. I apologize. If you could just keep the mask on. Billy Hardemon: The last time I was -- I spoke at this Commission meeting -- Vice Chair Russell: Your name, please? Mr. B. Hardemon: Billy Hardemon. City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Carollo: Are you going to apply to run too, Mr. Hardemon? Mr. B. Hardemon: I'm sorry? Commissioner Carollo: Are you going to be applying to run for office too? Mr. B. Hardemon: Dog catcher available? No? Commissioner Carollo: Put that mask on, for your safety and ours. Mr. B. Hardemon: I have not come here mainly not to embarrass my nephew. It's one of the reasons I've kind of stayed away. The last time 1 was here, it was to replace -- this Commission was deciding to fill the vacancy of Michelle Spence -Jones. And Chairman Sarnoff had me dragged out of here on that day. In 1896, although 45 percent of the original signers of the City of Miami's Charter were Black, we did not have a seat at this table. Forty-five percent were Black, but we had no representation at this table. Black people did not get a seat at this table until 1966, when M. Athalie Range became the first African -American to serve as a City of Miami Commissioner. That seat was taken away from us in 1996 by my friend Humberto Hernandez, and once again, Black people had no representation at the City of Miami Commission. We sued and the courts gave us back representation through district elections in 1997. In 1997, we received representation back. I'll put it that way. Commissioner Carollo: Billy, let me correct you. There was a suit. Mr. B. Hardemon: Okay, in 1997, the charter -- excuse me. Commissioner Carollo: The courts never acted. The courts never acted. Mr. B. Hardemon: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: The mayor at the time acted with the Commission. Mr. B. Hardemon: Yes. And the voters -- Commissioner Carollo: The people voted. Mr. B. Hardemon: Yes, the voters approved a charter change in 1997 that gave us representation through district elections. Commissioner Carollo: But the courts never took any action. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, so let's not change history. Vice Chair Russell: So, I'd like to make sure you have your full time to finish. Mr. B. Hardemon: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: If you could put just 30 seconds on the clock. Mr. B. Hardemon: Just remember that this seat is special to us. It's special, special to us. It has the Holy Spirit of M Athalie Range on it. It has the spirit of Reverend Edward Graham on it. It has the spirit of Father Theodore Gibson on it. This seat has City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 the spirit of Miller Dawkins on it. It has the spirit of Jeffery Allen on it. It has the spirit of Michelle Spence -Jones on it. It has the spirit of Richard Dunn on it. And we must never forget that this seat has the blood of Arthur Teele on it. It means so much, so much to us. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. B. Hardemon: Let us vote and choose our own leaders. The four of you are great commissioners, every one of you, but we did not vote for any of you. Keon Hardemon continues to serve as commissioner for every resident in District 5, everyone. But now he serves as a County commissioner. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Hardemon (INAUDIBLE) -- Mr. B. Hardemon: You have the authority to appoint someone to complete the unexpired time -- term of Commissioner Hardemon. For the past 25 years, there has been nothing but war between our County Commissioner and our City Commissioner. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Hardemon. Mr. B. Hardemon: Cut it out. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Hardemon, I cannot give you double time of everyone else who has spoken in this room. Mr. B. Hardemon: That's okay. Vice Chair Russell: Just please wrap it up at this point. Mr. B. Hardemon: For the love of God, for the love of God, if you dare appoint someone, let it be someone who can bring peace between District 5 and District 3. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. B. Hardemon: And I submit to you, that's the person who's being supported by your former colleague, the person we elected, who we will respect, who they recommend. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Hardemon. Mr. B. Hardemon: Thank you very much. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Are there any other speakers from outside? None left. All right. Is there anyone in the chambers who would like to speak for two minutes, not as the appointee advocating for yourself or against others, but simply on the process of what we are voting on at this moment? Please approach the lectern. And you're welcome to -- you are very welcome to recognize yourself as an applicant, but I'm saying if you are here as an applicant, there will be additional time given to those who would like to make their case and introduce themselves. Robert Malone: Yeah, that's fine and everything. Of course I want to -- I'm Dr. Malone. I am Dr. Robert Malone, Jr. and I'm one of the individuals who are vying for this seat or want to be appointed. Commissioner Carollo: Unfortunately, this is not the time for you as a candidate to speak. City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: No. No, no, no, 1 -- candidates -- yes, just speak on the item we're voting on. There's been a motion about whether or not -- Mr. Malone: Special election or appointment. Vice Chair Russell: Correct. Mr. Malone: Right. And I think that given what has gone on, because I've been sitting up here and kind of seething, the idea that one person is somehow more knowledgeable or more -- have more experience, or is the best candidate to represent this District 5. That's not a real lie. That's a damn lie. There are people here who have worked in this community for a long period of time that need to have a fair -- a fair judgment. So, it's up to you all, all four of you all, to break up this apparent power grab in this city because everybody knows it. So, I want to alert you all to what everybody clearly understands here, that there should be some -- there should be a disconnect with the former commissioner and the person that sits in this seat. It should not be politicized anymore. And you should have an opportunity to choose somebody different and let them be here for a year and let the chips fall where they may. Because again, it's disrespectful to me and others here to suggest that only one person is eligible to sit in this seat. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And you think the four of us (INAUDIBLE) that? Mr. Malone: And 1 think the four of you all should have the leadership in making the choice and say, look, place somebody who is not politicized, who has no machine, and appoint that person and then move forward. That's what I think should happen. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Sir? Michael Hepburn: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Michael A. Hepburn, and it's a sad day for me to have to stand here today and say that this is a democracy. A democracy. I am born and raised from this city. My dad went to Booker T. My mom went to Miami Northwestern. My sister graduated from Edison. I am a native son of Lemon City/Little Haiti. All right? I received a letter from a former mayor in 2001 when I won the Silver Knight Award for making sure that we got kids off the streets so we can play at our parks safely at Toussaint L'Ouverture Elementary. I understand grit from this Commissioner right here because of the times that you ran to educate voters about the reason why they should vote for you and the issues and that their voice is important. I sat on a Park and Recreation Advisory Board that literally cultivated policy that came through Commissioner Russell so we can ban polystyrene, or aka Styrofoam, in our parks because of what was happening in our waterways and things like that. I co-founded the Allapattah Neighborhood Association in your district. We started the Halloween in Allapattah night at that park with so many other members of the community, business members, residents, because voices are important. Mayor Francis Suarez, I literally coordinated policy with him so we can create opportunity in our charter that people can actually reduce the cost of running for office by, what, $100 and use petitions to run for office. And he actually used that when he became mayor. My roots in this city is deep. And for me to have to sit here and think that no one believes in democracy, no one believes that the people can make their own decision about who they want to represent them, is a sham. That should not be what we're talking about today. And I am highly upset to continue to hear that, that we are even considering that. The will of this Commission should be for the people to vote, and it should always be that. There is no cost you can put on democracy. People have died, people have marched, people have protested, people have been beaten for their right. John Lewis died this year talking about the right to City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 vote. Y'all understand the importance of this. Please, do the right thing. Let the people vote. Give us the ballot. And trust me, their voices will be heard. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Hepburn: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Is there anyone else who would like to speak on this motion that's on the floor right now? Seeing none, I'll close the public comment, and we will continue to discuss among the dais. SP - DISCUSSION ITEM SP.1 DISCUSSION ITEM 8093 Commissioners and Mayor A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING TAKING ANY AND ALL ACTIONS IN RELATION TO FILLING THE UPCOMING VACANCY IN THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSION SEAT BY APPOINTMENT OR, IF NECESSARY, BY SPECIAL ELECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 12 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED. rRESULT: DISCUSSED Vice Chair Russell: Is there anyone who would like to address --? So, it's very interesting, the dynamic that is unfolding. If nothing, you can't say there's not transparency going on here right now. People have spoken their mind about what they feel should happen and what they feel is happening. You have commissioners who have advocated for special election; those who have advocated for appointment, but with a limit of one year, which is legally difficult, if not impossible. But what you also have recognized before -- or if we get to the situation of appointment here that you'll be seeking the votes of Commissioners up here that have different opinions about how this should unfold. And so, even though we cannot bind you to a one-year term by a legal measure, the promise you make may form or lose the votes of those who are up here in terms of an appointment. But for now, I'd just like to finalize the discussion of -- I'd like to find out if there's a will here to not have an appointment at all; if there is a belief that we should go to full special election, without considering specific candidates for District 5. Commissioner Reyes: You want to start from this end, and you go around? Vice Chair Russell: Fair enough. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I -- as I said before, I'm too old to change, have been my belief my firm belief that people should decide who are -- who is going to be the -- I mean, the commissioner of that district. I think out of respect to the people, we should appoint somebody that is not going to run. I don't believe in an election -- a special election that's going to be in couple of months, and then another election in November. Anybody here, it is so welcome -- I mean, I think all of you guys are qualified. Everybody here is quite qualified to represent this district, but let the people decide. Let's level the playing field and let -- I mean, appoint somebody. And I know that there's going to be a caretaker here. Let's appoint a caretaker, and let the person run this -- I mean, this district for less than a year. And everybody that consider themselves -- and they have so much support shouldn't be afraid of going into a general election, because they're going to be elected. Let people decide. Let people City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 have -- I mean, the forum and go to the forums, and listen to the candidates. Let's give them time to make up their mind. They deserve that and more, you see? That's nay point all along. That's why in 1968 -- I mean in 1989 --1 was getting older now, 1 know, than what I was. In 1989, I made that decision, because it's my firm belief sir, that that's the way it should be, and I am not going to change. I am not going to change. And my vote is going to be to appoint somebody that is going to hold the seat, and we are going to allow every single person that want to represent that district to go into a -- present their candidacy, do the due diligence, let the people know what they stand for, have time enough to send the message -- you see? -- send that message and let's have debates. Let them debate what are they going to do and what it is, their platform, and the plan that they have for this district, and let the people decide. Let the people decide. That's what democracy is all about -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Reyes: -- in my opinion, sir. Vice Chair Russell: I hear you. I hear you. Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Ladies and gentlemen, Pin going to do what I think is right. I'm too old to be buffooned, to have people try to come here -- and what hurts the most, people that I stuck my neck out for them, got them appointed, and then ran their campaign and raised the money for them to come here and try to tell me in my face that history wasn't as it happened; that the reason you have districts is because there was a lawsuit, or the courts ordered it. Well, the courts never ordered districts. The courts never heard anything or took any action. Yes, there was a lawsuit, but the chances of winning that lawsuit at that point in time, based on law, were pretty far off, because you needed more than one time that an African American would lose an election based on the legal precedence in federal courts before. I guess at any point in time now, I'm going to hear people say that 1 wasn't the one that, with my vote, got the first African -American manager appointed to the City; that 1 was never the Mayor that had the first and only African -American chief of staff; that 1 wasn't the City Manager at Doral, a city that's 98 percent white, that named the first and only Assistant City Manager; that I wasn't the young Commissioner that helped get the first African -American police chief appointed in this City; that I wasn't the Mayor that pushed, in my term, to get the Virginia Key Beach Trust done; that I wasn't the Mayor at the time then pushed under my term to get the Black Police Officers Museum done in Overtown. And I could go on and on and on, because, you know what? I'm not going to stand here, darn it, and let anybody come and try to change history the way it was, because they're not liking the way that maybe they think that I'm going to vote. I'm going to vote my conscience. I'm nobody's chump. Money has never been important to me. Yes, we all need money to live, but that's never been my first priority; otherwise, I wouldn't be here. Now, I don't know how this is going to end. I don't have a crystal ball before me, but I do know that I'm not going to sit here and anoint a king or a queen. I don't want to insult anybody. I'm trying to be as politically correct and polite as I can, but I just want to say to those that pull the strings, don't push me, because you're not going to like the outcome. In half a cylinder, I am better than all these people that are trying to push with their eight cylinders combined. And I've been around for too long. I've held every position there is to know every game there is to play. And if it's about money, I think there's some up here that will testify that I could raise money. And ifI have to raise whatever amount of money there is so there is a level playing field, I'll do it. And what are you going to do for me; get me out of here? I don't want to be here. I don't want to be here. I'm here because I'm being forced to be here, because I came here to do right. And because I've done right, I've had a bunch of criminals and crooks come at me, trying to see how they could cut my neck from one end to the other; go after my lOmily, my own mother, my wife, me, nonstop. And you know what? I'm not going to stop. But, frankly, what am I going to be City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 threatened with; another recall? They're going to vote me out of office and put all the money in the world? I don't care. 1 want to go to Shangri-la. So, what are you going to threaten me with? Just remember the story of Samson. You threaten too much. What happened to Samson? He pulled the column, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Remember Samson. Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, do you want to -- special election or meet the candidates -- meet the applicants? Commissioner Carollo: We held this today to meet the candidates. 1 haven't had the opportunity. Vice Chair Russell: All right. Commissioner Carollo: Even with the one that was mentioned by a lot of people here, I haven't had the opportunity. I never got a call from that person. There were some that called me. I didn't have the opportunity to meet with them. I think the candidates that are here today are expecting the opportunity to be able to address us. Vice Chair Russell: All right. Commissioner Carollo: And that should be the appropriate respectful way of going. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: I'm not at this point in time ready to see a special election, and I'm going to tell you why. First of all, it's the cost involved. Oh, yes, we're going to say that democracy has no price and all that. Look, I've been through all that before. The bottom line is that if we're talking about fairness and letting the people decide, you can't have a special election where you're going to have scores of people running. One or two candidates are going to have the bulk of the money, and it's not a special election that then goes to a runoff. It's whoever gets the most votes. Vice Chair Russell: Plurality. Commissioner Carollo: So, this already is unbalanced. It's unbalanced. And if I noticed something here, in 80 percent of the presentations, they had the same background, so it was filmed at the same place, and I know that. I've done the TV (television) for many, many candidates. I'm good at that; real good, believe me. Either way; either to promote them or cut someone's neck off So it was the same background, and a lot of the endings were the same. People were looking what was either being held so they could read it. And look, I respect each of these individuals. But whatever their reason was, they supported their candidate. They have that right, and I respect that. But don't tell me that that wasn't -- you know -- put together. Somebody paid for it. Look, I don't know if at this point in time this is something that should be reported in the campaign. I don't think so. But that was certainly a campaign that was started already. Now, if there's one thing that was said here -- I think Mr. Malone stated it -- out of all the respect that all of us have for the past commissioner, for Keon Hardemon, this is not a decision that Commissioner Hardemon or any one of us if we would run for another seat — let's say Diaz de la Portilla wants to run for the Senate again. He wished he would have seers the results. He would have done better than being -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm having a lot of fun here, Commissioner. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but this is not Tallahassee. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I could tell. I could tell. Commissioner Carollo: This is not Tallahassee. And this is fast ball. Over there, you know, it's all quiet and nice, and what happens in Tallahassee stays in Tallahassee. But the bottom line is thatl -- we have 10 days —10 days from today, this is the first day -- for us to try to decide. Let's try today; if not, let's meet again. We could meet several times. And then at the end, if we don't come to consensus, then we can -- I have hope that we can. Then we'll have to go to the special election Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner, 1 hear the both of you and I can do the math, so 1 will withdraw my second, and we will meet the applicants. 1 won't call them candidates at this point; I'm going to call them applicants. Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Commissioner Reyes: I think it's the right thing to do. Commissioner Carollo: -- I don't think it's the right word -- "applicants, candidates." Vice Chair Russell: Yeah. Commissioner Reyes: It's the right thing to do. Vice Chair Russell: And what we're going to do is allow each person who is submitting as an applicant five minutes to introduce them self. Most of you have sent your resume to the Clerk, and the Clerk has circulated those by email to each of us. We don't have them in written form, because it's a couple hundred pages of resumes, but if each of you have reviewed those or if you have any questions, we'll be able to not only have five minutes with each candidate, but be able to ask them questions, as well. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, Mr. Chair, you're withdrawing your second on nay motion to have a special election? Vice Chair Russell: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, your preference is to -- 'bur White guys to pick the commissioner from District 5? Vice Chair Russell: I can do the math. If the votes are not here for a special election - Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right? Four White guys are going to pick the commissioner from District 5; that's your preference today? Vice Chair Russell .• No, that's not what my preference is. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. No, you withdrew your second Vice Chair Russell: You know, and there was an accusation of a stolen democracy here, as well, and I need to push back on that. The Charter is very clear. The Commissioners shall select and fill a vacancy until the next proper election. Now, there's a lot of question that's been raised -- rightfully so -- about how much weight and fingers are on the scale -- a 45-day, or a one-year, or even this appointment -- but we are. following the correct process to meet these candidates. We may very well not come to a consensus, and it may very well go to a special election, and I'm fine with that, too. But I can see no matter what I say or want, right now, it's a 2-2 on going to City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 a special election in this moment. So, I think I'll save us some time right now by removing my second and just meeting the candidates to see where we go from here. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We have all day, and we have nine days left. Vice Chair Russell: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: At the end of the day, District 5 needs to have a voice in this Commission. Vice Chair Russell: And -- you know -- the word, "caretaker" -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Unless we're meeting tomorrow. And we have a Commission meeting December 10, and they need to have a voice. Vice Chair Russell: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And their voice needs to be respected. Vice Chair Russell: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I don't think the four of us should be making that decision, but let's hear -- let's listen to the candidates. Well take it from there. Vice Chair Russell: So -- and "caretaker" is a misnomer. This will be a full-fledged commissioner, with all the powers therein, to vote on budget, to vote on issues of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), issues of the community and the City. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Absolutely. Vice Chair Russell: So, this is not a caretaker. This is a commissioner. Commissioner Reyes: It is for a limited time only; for a year, and that's it. Vice Chair Russell: Well, there are -- that is very difficult to -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: There are hundreds of decisions that will be made in the next year. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I know that. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And you know what they are. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And they're big -ticket items before us. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And I know what they are, and I am not thinking about that. I'm thinking about the right representation for it, and how the people should choose. And that's why I'm saying the person that is going to be -- if it is a person that is going to be -- let's call it an interim commissioner -- will have all the rights and all the information to make -- I mean, an educated decision on it, you see? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I would argue -- Mr. Chair, if I may? City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: It's going to have the same -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree, Commissioner, 1 would argue that if we don't make a choice today, that tomorrow's meeting be cancelled; that the December 10 meeting be cancelled. I would argue that District 5 deserves a voice, okay? And if they don't have a voice, I don't want to be part of that decision, that -- four commissioners picking for 20 percent of our population that's not being represented before this dais. So, after all is done today, if we don't have a commissioner, you know, maybe you can pull some items tomorrow, or maybe we can cancel the meeting tomorrow. I don't know. But at the end of the day, what's going to happen if that Commission district doesn't have a representative here? If we don't pick someone and we don't have a special election and we go, like Commissioner Carollo said, rightfully -- you know, we have 10 days. I have plenty of time. I could be here till midnight. I could be here every day from now until the next 10 days. I have no problem with that. But we do have to make a decision. So, I agree, in all fairness, Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner Carollo, we need to hear all the candidates. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But they're auditioning before a group of four. Commissioner Carollo: Then you need to follow the process that we have in the Charter. The process in the Charter -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The Charter? Commissioner; the Charter -- just because it's in the Charter doesn't make it the right moral thing to do. Commissioner Carollo: Well, what's immoral that we --? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The people that -- Commissioner Carollo: When we have had empty seats here in -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I haven't been here. I haven't been here. Commissioner Carollo: You have African Americans that voted for that district. You tell a native or an African American couldn't vote for empty seats in other districts that an -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I don't knovt.>. Commissioner Carollo: -- Anglo American cannot vote for a seat in other districts? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I don't know. Commissioner Carollo: Of course not. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I don't know. I think everybody that lives in that district has a right to pick their representative; that's all I'm saying. I'm not saying that it's -- I don't think that the four of us should be making that choice. Commissioner Reyes: And that's precisely what I'm saying. They have the right to it -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: To pick their own candidate. Commissioner Reyes: -- to pick who is going to represent them. And that's why I want that everybody to have the same chances of being elected. I want them to have time -- City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 (MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Commissioner Reyes: Hold on a second. I didn't interrupt you. Hold on a second. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm sorry. Commissioner Reyes: And what I want is to have enough time to make up their mind to have a campaign, what is really a political campaign, and then in November, they will vote for whoever they want. That's why 1 said I want to pick an interim. When you're talking about cancelling the — the meeting, okay, if there are items that have to do with District 5, we might pull it out. If -- and there are -- and I think that is fair and --1 think that is fair. We pull it out. We pull it out of the agenda, and 1 agree with you. That's a decision that would have to have somebody from that district that should analyze it. I will pull it out. And the other issues that have to do with your district, my district, Carollo's, citywide, and we go -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But my issue, Mr. Chair, is that we allocated $8.5 million today that we have to spend by December 31. Commissioner Carollo: And that's going to be spent in all the districts the way it should be. Commissioner Reyes: And it's going to be spent, and the City Manager -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And so, wherever he is, the City Manager can decide what the priorities are in District 5? Commissioner Carollo: We have sufficient people in this City -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So to decide -- Commissioner Carollo: -- in this government that are African American. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's not about African American. Commissioner Carollo: They know that community if that's what you're talking about. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No. What I'm talking about is -- Commissioner Carollo: The people that are going to get the money in District 5 are going to be African Americans. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Not necessarily. There are a lot of Hispanics in District 5, too. Commissioner Carollo: Well, there is a percentage. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: But the majority are going to be African American. So, the bottom line is in your question that that money is going to go quickly to the people of District 5. That's not a problem. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But who decides it? We? Commissioner Carollo: No. It's who applies. That's who decides it. City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Carollo: Who applies. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Did we pass any merit based on allocation system today? I don't think we did. Commissioner Carollo: No. Whoever applies -- you know -- that applies are going to be the ones getting it. And basically, in your district, in my district, in all the districts. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The difference is that we're elected. Commissioner Carollo: What does that have to do with monies that are allocated -- Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Carollo: -- so you need a City Commissioner to give the money directly to the people? Of course not. Even if I wasn't here, they're still going to get that. In fact, in all of our districts, it's going to be staff that's going to help us to be able to get those dollars out because if each of us individually would try to do it, we would never make it. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree with that, Commissioner. 1 do believe that District 5 should have its commissioner make those decisions. Commissioner Carollo: Well, what -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's all -- Commissioner Carollo: -- I'm trying to say to you is, Commissioner, you're -- you know -- putting the cart ahead of the horse now. Let the process go and you might -- you know -- at the end feel a little better. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's fair enough. Commissioner Carollo: Okay? Let the process go. Commissioner Reyes: At the end, we might pick somebody. Commissioner Carollo: You know? Vice Chair Russell: So -- Commissioner Carollo: Let the process go. You're shooting now too early. I don't want to shoot back. You know, I'm a good shot. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, you want me to hold my fire? Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'm suggesting to you to be smart -- not Tallahassee smart -- Miami smart. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm not familiar with Miami smart -- Vice Chair Russell: Someone is going to have to teach him that. Commissioner Carollo: Wait, wait, wat. City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- hut 1 can only he -- I only believe that you're more Miami smart than me. I'm more Tallahassee smart. Commissioner Carollo: Well, you know, we got 10 days. We might choose someone or put it to an election, special election today. We might have to have a couple more meetings. But at the end -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, you're asking me to be patient. Commissioner Carollo: Well, what I'm telling you is to be patient and to trust the process. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: All right. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Fair enough. Vice Chair Russell: So, the next step of the process is for us to meet the 15 people who have so far -- Commissioner Carollo: I -- Vice Chair Russell: -- submitted. Commissioner Carollo: -- would like to ask of the Chair the following, and I do this being as respectful as I can with all the applicants that we have here that I know have been waiting here a long, long time -- Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- if we could at least take a 10-minute break; if we could take a little more, so everybody can try to get something in their stomach, I would even be willing to get the Administration -- if Chris Rose doesn't have the money for it, then you can take it out of my budget to get some sandwiches, get something for the people that are here. They deserve to -- you know -- have their government give them something right now into their stomach, because what they're doing is the American way of behaving. They're following democracy in the right procedure. And everyone that's here, and particularly everyone that's an applicant should be applauded for taking that step. So, if the Administration maybe could order something quickly that they could bring here -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: If I may interject, Commissioner, can we do a one - hour break then, so we can eat something and kind of regroup? Is one hour too much? Vice Chair Russell: Well, that would bring us back here at 3:30. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah; just one hour to eat? Commissioner Carollo: That'd be fine, butt want the Administration -- if they don't have the money, they could get it out of my budget. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's API (Anti -Poverty Initiative). I think it's API funding, I think it will be okay. City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: Well, 1 don't know if it's API or not, but if you could -- you know -- bring some sandwiches, something that you could get it here quickly -- not in an hour -- so that people here can -- you know -- have something to eat in their stomach, too, because they're as human as we are. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Vice Chair Russell: Is there anyone here who is not able to stay beyond this hour, who is an applicant who is not able? And that would not be held against you. I know this is a long day, and we didn't intend to go this long without a break. None of us have had lunch, and I know you have not, either, but we have probably about an hour and a half of introductions here, of meeting you all and asking questions, and then who knows what else in terms of discussion on the dais on where we go from here, so we do need a little bit of a break here at some point. Commissioner Reyes: I'm following on Commissioner Carollo's -- I think that we should treat them with some sort of food or nourishment, or whatever it is -- sandwiches, whatever -- so they -- I mean, I know that you didn't come prepared with a lunchbox, okay? And so, I think that we should treat you. I don't know -- and Commissioner Carollo offered to pay for it, and -- Commissioner Carollo: I stated clearly if the Administration don't have the dollars, I'll be happy to pay it out of my office budget. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: All right. We're going to break for one hour then? Is that the will of the Commission? Commissioner Reyes: And where's the Manager -- I mean the Administration? Vice Chair Russell: All right. We're going to reconvene at 3:30 sharp. Commissioner Carollo: Even though I think that I should send the bill to Billy Hardemon, but anyway. Vice Chair Russell: We're going to reconvene at 3:30 sharp. Thank you very much. Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Manager, can you please see if we can treat our guests? Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Yeah. We're going to take -- we're taking it out of the Law Department -- Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Mr. Noriega: -- Law budget, and we're good. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Thank you. Mr. Noriega: Barnaby's office. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Thank you. [Later...] Vice Chair Russell: Good afternoon, everyone. It's 4 o'clock. We're going to resume this special Commission meeting. I've been told our.fburth commissioner is on his City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 way, but we can go ahead and start preparations for comment from the candidate applicants. You've heard from us, you've heard from the residents, now we'd like to hear from you. I'll — the process will be in alphabetical order, except for Ms. Nancy Dawkins, I've been told has a ride and needs to go, and if it's all right with the body, I would like to allow her to go first. Beyond that will be, appearing in alphabetical order, you'll have five minutes to speak, uninterrupted. You have — you do not need to use that full five minutes if you do not with. Do not assume that everyone has memorized your resume. So, please feel free to, you know, tell us why you want to serve and in what capacity, for what duration, and whatever you feel is relevant for us to make this decision at this point. So, with that, I'm hoping Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla joins us shortly. Commissioner Carollo: Let me add this, Commissioner. There are people here that are known by all of us, and the whole city. So, those that want to speak are the only ones that have to speak. It's not a must that everyone will speak. If a candidate wants to speak, it's up to them. If they don't, then let the record stand it's fine too. So. Vice Chair Russell: Of course. We do have a full dais at this point, as full as it can be under these circumstances. Ms. Dawkins, we'd love to hear f om you. Nancy Dawkins: Good afternoon. My name is Nancy S. Dawkins, and I came down here really to see what was happening. And when 1 came, I went to the Clerk's Office, and she asked me if I was a candidate, if I came to be appointed or what have you, and so I said I really came to hear what was going on. But since 1 got down here, I've been hearing so much, I said I'll apply for the candidate, if I am appointed. I've been in this community now over 60 years. And I know the district very well. To the four gentlemen, honorable Commissioner, thank you for inviting me and giving me an opportunity to speak. If I am appointed, or if I am, in any way can do anything to those who are running, I'm still willing to help in District 5. I am interested in senior citizens. I am interested in education. I'm interested in housing for all people. And I'm also interested in crime in the neighborhood. And I've done a lot to help the city, because I have really been on all -- several committees down here and helping to -- help with crime in the community. I am interested in all in the district, not just a few. And therefore, if there is anything that I can do to help District 5, I am willing to do it. If you work in unity, you can get things done. One person can't do everything. And you need help. I need to help you. And f in District 5, if we have unity, then our Maker would be proud, and to the Maker, God, would be the glory. Thank you. Commissioner Carollo: Well, it's just like a statement that I'd like to make. Ms. Dawkins -- Commissioner Reyes: Ms. Dawkins. Commissioner Carollo: -- your late husband, Miller, is smiling happily, being very, very proud of you and the presentation you made here today. You're the youngest out of the whole group that's here, and you have set the foundation and the tone, I think, for the rest of the speakers that are aspiring. I thank you very, very much for having the courage, the stamina, to come here today and offer yourself not just for your community in District 5, but for this whole city. Because at the end of the day, District 5 Commissioner votes on matters for the whole city, not just District 5. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Commissioner Carollo: So, God bless you, ma'am. If there's one person -- Applause. City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: -- if there's one person that no one, absolutely no one, should have any doubts that's here to serve that's got roots deeper in Miami and in District 5 than anyone that 1 could think of it's Nancy Dawkins. You remind me of another past colleague that came here and served for the remaining term that we had of the empty seat, Thelma Gibson -- Commissioner Reyes: Thelma Gibson. Commissioner Carollo: -- another commissioner that made us proud, and another one that made her late husband proud. So, ma'am, God bless you. Thank you very much Jrobeing here. I'm very touched by your presence here. Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Ms. Dawkins, welcome. I'm real glad to see you here. We've known each other for a long, long time, just as Commissioner Carollo (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And I've been to your house many times when Miller was alive, and we had a lot of conversations. And I'm going to ask -- I'm going to ask everybody, would you be interested in serving for the remaining -- just the remaining of the term as a caretaker or interim commissioner? Ms. Dawkins? (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Commissioner Reyes: Okay, you heard me. Okay. All right. Okay. Unidentified Speaker: Is there a response? Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Yes. Yes. Commissioner Carollo: She said yes. Commissioner Reyes: She said yes. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Vice Chair Russell: The and now in alphabetical order. Mr. Francois Jr. Alexandre. Francois Alexandre: Good afternoon. Vice Chair Russell: Good afternoon. Mr. Alexandre: Thank you for taking the time to allow democracy to foster. Thank you, also, Vice Chair, for what I didn't really want to wear, but I wear it now, the bikini mask. Michael Clarkson said, make sure they give you thanks. We made sure all the bikini masks was passed all the way around from March, when we heard of COVID, and it was very important and instrumental. So, thank you for those masks that you gave us. My name is Francois Alexandre. I was born in Ayiti, but I was raised here in South Florida. Although I did my, school in Broward County, I have family in Ti Ayiti. Ti Ayiti is also called Little Haiti. That is the birthplace, that is the Mecca of the boat people, the ones who came in the '60s and late '70s. Now the reason why I start off like this is because I want to let you know how important it is to advance the value and the principles of the people of District 5. Within the last 10 years or so, I've called District 5 my home. And the work that I've been doing in District 5 are so important to the transformation, are so important to the new, the new beginning, the new dawn. I did my school here at Florida International University. I graduated in 2016. I majored in international relations, also minored in mass communication. And ever since then, I've taken my skill set in the nonprofit sector of Miami and been focused around New Florida Majority, FANM (Family Action City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Network Movement), all of the nonprofits that you guys are, at this point in time, are donating to, I've been a part of and also helping to write policy. And I give thanks for the folks who come here to speak on my behalf, and 1 definitely appreciate it. And 1'd like to present something that's called post -traumatic growth, and I'd like to quick -- I'd like to read a passage from it about what it means and what it is. Post -traumatic growth, and this is an AP (Advanced Placement) reading that says, post -traumatic growth is a theory that explains the kind of transformation following trauma. It was developed by psychologist Richard Tedeschi, PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the mid-1990s. Now, mind you, this is something that's been around here for a long time, ancient. But it was developed by these gentlemen, it was further developed by these gentlemen in the 1990s. This is something that occurred naturally, but this is also something that can be socially engineered. It is an impact and a trauma that happens in somebody's lives. And as opposed to taking what they call the left way out, blaming the system, blaming this and blaming that, you turn that into positivity. And this is what happened to me seven years ago as I lived in the city of Miami in different places. I lived in downtown. Seven years ago when the Heat celebrated, I went down there with a couple of my friends and celebrated and I didn't make it back home. I'm still fighting that, but I'm not angry at the City. Just like my good friend Albert said here, I'm not angry at the City, I'm angry at what happened to me that night and there's no accountability for it. So, for me, what I say today is that I embarked on a journey to be the District City -- District 5 City Commission [sic]. I respect the work of Keon Hardemon. 1 think he's a right brother. 1 also think that Keon Hardemon did not penetrate the community the way he's supposed to. And I'm the guy with the hole in my hand that wants to turn the soil up and bring something that's here about anew. And that new beginning and that new dawn is the transformation of community and government. To be able to bring community to government and say that we are represented by the people. The Charter spoke in regards to you guys having to make a very important decision, and that decision is to make sure that somebody can carry out the notion of District 5, making sure that that person is held accountable to the people of District 5, the people that are forgotten about, not the people that we know that have the names, not the people we know at the end of the day has the means, but the people every night that I hear gunshots, the people every night that I hear tires squeaking because they think that Ti Ayiti is a gentrified place so now they can come at 3 o'clock in the morning and do their car racing. So, I'm here because I'm the new beginning and something that I think that you guys should give me a chance. Seven years ago from now, this dais picked Keon Hardemon at 30 years old. And I'm here now to let you guys know that I will do my best to serve the residents of District 5 under the unification of every person here as long as we can do that together. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Alexandre: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Are there any questions for Mr. Francois? Mr. Alexandre: Well, is there any questions for me at this point because the most important people are here at this point in time that has District 5, not necessarily best interests, but that can do something for District 5, is you guys. And you all have my resume at your hand, and I say this, I may not be the guy that has the best experience or the tenure, but what I do have is the fire in my belly, knowing that I'm standing right here, right now, and my son Malachi is at Jackson Hospital that can't breathe. But I'm here because the will of the people brought me here to this dais, and this is not a job. This is a lifestyle about where the lifestyle needs to be just. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Mr. Alexandre: So I'm here. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And Commissioner Reyes, did you want -- would you like me just to ask each person as they finish what their intentions are? Commissioner Reyes: (INAUDIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: So, obviously some of the people on this dais feel it very important that whoever, if there is an appointment, that it is -- it is someone who is willing to step down after that year and not run, even though we legally cannot legally bind you to that. What is your intention with this seat? Mr. Alexandre: There's certain calls, like developers, we can't uphold that of developers to any standard except for good faith and best efforts. We've tried it many times, even in my district. You know, we can't get them to commit to anything else except for the fact that whatever Zoning and PZAB (Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board) said, that is what they are going to do by good faith and best effort. Commissioner Dial, de la Portilla: So it's a no. Mr. Alexandre: At this point in time, I am at the mercy of the Commission and the will of the people. So, whatever the Charter advises you all to do, that is what I am here to do. Vice Chair Russell: Understood. Mr. Alexandre: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your honesty. Appreciate it. Commissioner Carollo: Francois? Mr. Alexandre: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: I'm very pleased to see you here today because through a couple of our City employees, the City, I believe did you wrong, and that you have not lost your faith in the process speaks volumes. I'm happy to see that a new generation is standing up to serve the city. I do believe from the bottom of my heart that you truly have the best interests of our city and your community in District 5 at heart. I'm very pleased that you've applied to be a candidate. Mr. Alexandre: Thank you so much, sir. I'm also very pleased with all you guys here, in particular. Commissioner Carollo and Mr. Reyes, especially how you guys go back and forth about your constituents and making sure that the lower of the masses, the small businesses, can also sit at the table with the big boys. So, I appreciate it. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Our next applicant candidate is Jacqui Colyer. Jacqui Colyer: When I wrote this speech it was good morning, but I guess now it's good afternoon to everyone. Good to be here, good to see you. I wanted to start off by saying that I want to thank each of you for taking all of this time to go through this process and for all of us who are here. I want to say thanks. Can I do this to my husband? I know you're listening, Roy. How are you? And for all my friends, guests, and observers, and all the .folks who are interested in this and who are here because they want to know and listening because they care about the city of Miami. And I want City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 to say thank you to all the other 15 applicants because it takes a lot to do this, takes a lot to come up and be here, and I'm glad that all of us are here to do this. So, thank you for putting your hat in the ring. I also want to say to you that only the 15 of us, including Ms. Dawkins, did not have a video camera, video crew, that came in and did videos for us. Nor did we have a $200,000 budget to be able to, you know, be ready for this. And none of us, none of the 15 of us, had, you know, preparation for a year. So, that being said, I got into this because my community asked me to. I was born to migrants from South Carolina. My parents moved to Miami when I was six months old at my request, and we moved to District 5. I lived in Overtown, Liberty Square, Liberty City, Allapattah, and now Little Haiti. I have borne witness to the tragedy and triumphs of my friends and neighbors. 1 graduated from Edison Senior High School, went to college back in South Carolina, and I'm a doctoral candidate right now at the University of Miami. 1 have a background in higher education and social work and social work administration. My career spans multiple programmatic expertise. I am influent in most social services, juvenile justice, education, behavioral health, workforce, and social service prevention programs. I pride myself in being a good listener who follows through on tasks, seeking win -win -win solutions. What I've learned about District 5 is that it is a vibrant and diverse community of neighborhoods ranging from those with lots to those with a lot less. Sections of D5 (District 5) are serene and safe. Others are sections that are not so much. D5 was ground zero to one of the most devastating riots in in Miami, the McDuffie riots. Some of us were there. Some of us still have the scars from that devastating riot. It was also once the home of blight and despair, but it is also the cradle of the city of Miami's civil rights struggle. Where there was once a wall on 12th Avenue, there is now a bridge that leads to the greater part of Miami; where there was once blight, infrastructure has been installed that now affords its residents to be able to connect to Wi-Fi and broadband and join the world of e-commerce. But the residents who live in D5 most often ask if all this progress is for them or is it for others who are thought to be more worthy and who don't look like them? D5 residents do not want to lose their homes in the tangled, unsafe structures bureaucracy. The residents of D5 are smart, creative, and resourceful, seeking ways to improve their lives. They don't want government to do everything for them. And as Karen Cartwright from Overtown often says, we want what is just fair and equitable treatment in contracting opportunities that create jobs, jobs, jobs, in D5. We just want fair and equitable treatment in safety as it relates to the police. We just want fair and equitable treatment so that gentrification does not swallow us up and leave us out. We want the ability to remain in the community that we love. I seek to become the passionate -- and I will say this, I seek to become the passionate placeholder for District 5 because I love this community and if that is what it takes for this community to have the opportunity to be and live in integrity and have a sense of purpose and worth, I will make that sacrifice. So, the rest of you don't have to do that. So, I want you to know that I can hit the ground running. I have been an administrator for over -- with over 1,400 people serving under me. I have been -- I have led a budget of over $450 million. I have done the right thing in this community. I have done the right thing for everyone that I work with and serve. And I promise you that I will do the right thing for District 5 and I will do the right thing for this community. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Any questions for Ms. Colyer? Commissioner Reyes: Can she answer the question? You -- Ms. Colyer: Yeah, placeholder. Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Thank you. Commissioner Carollo: Ms. Coyler, thank you very much for such a fine presentation. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Commissioner Carollo: You have been as well-spoken and as elegant as anybody that I ever could think has come through here. Certainly, much better spoken and much more elegant than these four White boys that are here that Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla was so worried about. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The four White boys. Commissioner Reyes: No, no, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait a minute. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Because you know why -- Commissioner Reyes: Listen. Get me out. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We are four White boys by the way. Commissioner Reyes: Get me out of that White boy thing. I have been called everything -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You're a white old man. You're a white old man. Commissioner Reyes: Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. I've been called <expletive>, F Cuban, and all that. I'm not White, I'm Cuban, okay? Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Don't call me White boy. Commissioner Carollo: But you're not -- Commissioner Reyes: There's only one White boy. Commissioner Carollo: But you're not a proud White boy, right? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course not. Of course not. Vice Chair Russell: Any other questions for Ms. Colyer? Commissioner Carollo: No, I'm very impressed with her background. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I -- Commissioner Carollo: District 5 should feel extremely proud of the kind o_f candidates that I've heard of so far. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: And very heartfelt, and I know that you are speaking from your heart. Commissioner Carollo: Truly, I wish that some of our other district would have candidates as qualified and as elegant as the ones that — Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: -- I've been hearing from so far in District 5. Vice Chair Russell: Next is Zico Fremont, please. Zico Fremont: Good afternoon. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the people of District 5. Thank you, Commissioners, City Clerk, and City employees, and everyone here for giving us your time today. My name is Zico Fremont. I was born and raised in this beautiful, diverse city. I've witnessed the best times and the worst times. I'm running because 1 want to bring about real change. I want to support the transit systems, clean up our environment, and provide financial situations for families throughout this district that have been impacted by COVID-19. 1 ask you to consider me as a candidate for District 5 Commissioner to serve my community. As District 5 City Commissioner, my first responsibility is the security and prosperity of our district. We the people rightly put our district first. In politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue. We believe in rational thought, experimentation, and the capacity of informed citizens to master our faith. Have faith in democracy. Look, if you want to change this district for the better, start participating. For example, a lot of people in their minds right now is the growing inequality in our district. The top earners live in the east of District 5 by home prices, new construction, and business companies. Wages aren't enough for hardworking families. Wages aren't rising enough for hardworking families. Now, if you want to reverse those trends, we need to build a budget that truly works for everybody. And if that doesn't happen, then it's because we didn't vote, or we don't care. Apathy has consequences. Be true to what you say when you vote. While we live in this COVID pandemic era, time will tell who we are. What are we here to do? We are fortunate to be alive at this time in history. We're going to keep District 5 safe. We're going to keep the prosperity in District 5. Thank you and God bless America. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Fremont. Any questions? Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I have the same question that I am asking everybody. Would you be willing to be an interim, a caretaker, not running, with a commitment not to run if you are appointed? Or you plan on running for the -- if there is an election -- I mean, in the November election? Mr. Fremont: I plan to be interim and if the people wants to vote, I would gladly be a candidate. Commissioner Reyes: Okay, so that answers the question. You want to be a candidate and that is your right. Mr. Fremont: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Mr. Fremont: All right, guys. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mr. Michael Hepburn. Michael Hepburn: All right. Good afternoon, again, Commissioners. This time Pm actually going to try to stick to my script. But my name is Michael A. Hepburn. I am, just to give you some context to why Pin here, I'm actually one of the gentlemen in the room, well, actually not all of us in the room, but 1 am a candidate to become the next City of Miami commissioner for District 5. So, late last year, I actually conducted a listening tour when I was exploring the idea of how I can be of service. That went into the new year, and that's when I definitely made the decision that I'll be running to City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 represent my hometown, my home city, my district. Then COVID hit. And as you know, that has put us in a very serious predicament as far as throughout our whole city, our state, our country. So, my transition from running a campaign shifted to what can I do to help our people? So, instead of knocking on doors or making phone calls in order to talk about running for office, we literally shifted our efforts to make sure we was passing out PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and hand sanitizer and things like that. I was educating people about, of course, voting in that upcoming August primary election so their voices can be heard. And also made sure that we was hopefully increase voter turnout throughout our whole state through some of the initiatives that 1 was pushing so people can vote in November. During that time, a lot of our residents did not understand the concept of what happens when Commissioner Keon Hardemon leaves. So, in a sense, we also used that time to educate them that the Charter literally gives our City, you know, two choices. One, the commissioners can either choose to appoint after that vacancy occurs or two, the Commission can call Jroa special election. So, during those conversations, like I was telling some of the commissioners before that had a chance to meet me, and then I know for the other commissioners I'm the one that's been sending all the emails, we literally had a very diverse conversation from, man, I've been to every precinct within our district. Over just the last five months, I've been to 5,000 households personally, you know, passing out the baggier that we had our items in and having these conversations. And the majority real, I'm telling you, the overwhelming majority of the residents, after being educated about the two options, told me they would like to vote. So, let me go to the script. So, over the last ten days, 1 promised that I would try my best to keep my promise to what they told me (UNINTELLIGIBLE) our voters to advocate on their behalf for the city that we all love. I have tried to advocate strongly on behalf of so many to ensure that you understood how crucial this decision really is and the message that it will send to the people you represent as well as the ones that I'm striving to represent. On behalf of the people that I am campaigning hard to serve one day as their next city commissioner, I am asking you all to call for a special election so our residents can be the ones to vote for who will represent them. However, I know from my past experiences working within multiple capacities of public service and my understanding of how politics and government works, that I fully understand the power rests in your hands to make this decision. So, during my former days negotiating player marketing contracts for some of the biggest NFL (National Football League) players that you know, my guiding principle was always to be a consensus builder. And I worked my tail off to make sure that my clients and the corporate sponsors that we were dealmaking with both walked away from the table feeling like they both won, right? Because I believe that everybody should win. So, Commissioners, I just want to let you know, if you do not call for a special election, I have also worked very hard to make sure that our district and the Commission still can walk away proud of the decision that has occurred. I don't know why you would, but if our Commission choose to not follow the will of our people and move to appoint instead, I am asking that I am appointed to serve out the remaining term of former Commissioner Hardemon. I am prepared for this opportunity. I am ready to lead today, and I can assure you that I will try, my best to be a great ally, to push for rehabbing and preserving and developing affordable housing, to spearhead safe and sustainable communities all throughout our neighborhood, to make sure that we are focusing on economic and workforce development for all of us. Because I stand here for my generation. I stand here to bring my generation perspective in a record of achievement, work experience, passion, and community building that 1 know is needed in our district and will serve as a great asset to our Miami Commission. So, like I said before, if our Miami Commission does not call for a special election, I am asking you for the chance to serve the community that made me who I am today as the next City of Miami commissioner from District 5. And I'll yield if I have any time left for questions. Sorry about that. City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: Well, I have the same question. if you are appointed, could we - - you accept to be an interim until the November election and not be a candidate? Mr. Hepburn: No, I will definitely be running for re-election ifI was appointed. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely, and I'm glad you are. Mr. Hepburn: So, any other questions? (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Mr. Hepburn: Okay. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Renita Holmes. Renita Holmes: Good morning, Commissioners, Administration, each and every one of wonderful candidates and friends and neighbors. I'm honored to be here today. I stepped up to the challenge of citizen participation because we've been so limited in our great city, which I consider to be quite a lady, and you gentlemen to be the guardians of, I had the benefits of having the tutelage and the mentoring of great women and some of a lot of the candidates that are here. Jacqui Colver, I worked in her campaigns. I've been under her tutelage before, even though that she was politically inclined. Francois and the grassroots. Grady Muhammad on policies and programming. I know former Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones adopted some of the programs and assisted, like Brothers of the Same Mind, it turned out to be Circle of Brotherhood, programs that I initiated. So, I've done my contribution in running behind, along with others, I benefit from their education and I decided to step in. Vice Chair Russell: Ms. Holmes, for your safety, if you wouldn't mind covering up. Ms. Holmes: I don't, I'm sorry. Some of us are -- and that's another thing when it comes to COVID, some of us are already disabled when we began. Even as candidates, some of us can't breathe, and if you look at the rules that allows you to take it down every now and then because I have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), you can't actually breathe out and talk without some type of way to inhale a needed amount of oxygen. So, if you see me pull it down, that's only because — Vice Chair Russell: It's for your safety. Ms. Holmes: -- and you do have disinfectant. Vice Chair Russell: Understood. Ms. Holmes: Okay. So along with that is that I've learned from each and every one. Mr. Robert Malone, for years, and he had the ability to debate with me. Some of you have the ability to debate with me. I served outside of my community and into your community. Commissioner Reyes and Carollo, I know about you from Mother Georgia Jones -Ayers because she was my greatest mentor. Athalie Range and Georgia Jones -Ayers actually sat on the bed and told me things, because I'rn a policy person. You can get into personalities. And my father always taught me about the P- funk of life. Sometimes people's personalities and principles can impede your participation or progress in certain programs in politics. How'd you like that one? But it's true. The perception can be that it's all about power and influence. Ms. Christine King had the ability to talk to me when I wouldn't talk to any of the other board members and we were at home as an entrepreneur at MLKEDC (Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation). But when it comes to the facts, when it City of Miami Page 43 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 comes to leadership, you got to deal with what's real. Being an entrepreneur, being an African American inner-city woman, dealing with violence, wanting to be a first time honaebuyer, getting my education here, a family of 10, 11 children, working with children in prison ministry, done all of that, but having the ability to run down here and attend meetings for two minutes to talk about my influence as a voter, my ability to relate and identify to other African American women or employees, female employees, I've done that. I've put in my time at least 4,000 hours a year for the last several years, county and city, not an accumulative amount. Really doing my best to get in law school, but what I really came here for, because I like to see what people say people do. When they talk about reaching down and reaching citizens like myself and saying a policy work or program work, I can say 1 know because I'm having that experience or I've had that experience, I benefit from that experience. I benefit from that policy. Going to state legislator make sure change, one of the first legislators that 1 lobbied to Portilla. So, I'm work in progress. 1 progress because of the work but experience is the best teacher. You can have all the book learning experience, $7 million of poverty money, but when the bond dollar poverty money gets to me that says we're a success. Respecting the ability like Commissioner Carollo to speak truth to power, whether everybody agrees, you might be the only one but you know what you know and have the courage and the tenacity and the morality to stand up and make that change. That's me, just like any other woman in here. I would like the ability to step in so that there's no conflict for any. I don't think that there's only one woman, an African American woman. There are many of us that have had years of experience in receiving these funds, distributing these funds and overseeing these funds, but have no conflict about it. I don't have a dog in the race, but I've been dogged out because this race has not had the opportunity to represent, and that's the African American inner-city female. It's been a long time since we added some femininity to the oversight of this great city. They talk about sister cities. I haven't seen Miami give it back to us the way that we like to have it, nor give us the opportunity to represent with that insight, with that influence, with that cultural diversity, and with that fairness. There were promises made to Athalie Range that she told a lot of us that have not yet benefited from, and we need to continue. There are things that are on borne from the last agenda before COVID that we did not do. A lot of us are candidates don't even know what that was, did not see that agenda. So, you can't start all over. So that's why I want appointed [sic]. But I do have the commitment to running for office. I've seen so many in this great United States, as well as this county and this state start out and begin -- particularly in this season, start out because they know better, and they have that courage and commitment. But do they have the policy experience? Do they have the patterns and trends to understand where we have not mapped over things? Do they know where we began some things and haven't finished? And are they willing to challenge someone without having a bunch of others involved? You don't have any question about that with me, but I thank you for listening and I thank these wonderful people for stepping up. But if you really want to challenge, challenge yourselves. How long has it been since you actually had a real citizen that had nothing but two minutes that you could just cut them off, ask you some real policy questions, give you some real insight and make some great changes and commitment. I'll yield to you now for any questions that you may have. I prefer that you take a look at my resume because it is easy to talk trash from this side of the dais, but up there, I want you to know, I actually took Toastmasters for two years, so I could be ready, willing, and able to communicate with you on your level. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Madam Holmes. Questions? Commissioner Reyes: Yes, Renita, we have known each other for -- Ms. Holmes: Yes, sir. City of Miami Page 44 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: -- more than 1 can remember, and I have the same question to you. If you're willing to be a caretaker -- mean, an interim, appointed and only for the term that ends on November without running for office? Ms. Holmes: Yes, sir. My full commitment to perform duty appointed and to continue to run as a well -quaked candidate to represent my country. Commissioner Reyes: But you will run again or would you stop? Ms. Holmes: I most definitely would run again. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Okay. Ms. Holmes: Thank you, sir. Vice Chair Russell: Any other questions? Thank you, Madam Holmes. Grady Eugene Howard, please. Is Grady here? Grady Howard: Good afternoon, Mr. Vice Chair, Commissioners. My name is Grady Eugene Howard, better known Grady Muhammad. I can only assure you of one thing. District 5 needs representation and it needs it now. The housing pandemic will not stop. The need for homeownership is greater now than it's ever been before, Commissioner Carollo. The need to help residents, businesses, and organizations need help now. An election is not going to help us. You all have an opportunity to do one thing, your constitutional duty. Either appoint, and if you choose not to appoint, then a special election will be called, and that will be a derelict of duty to you all because the economic impact to the city that's in a COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot afford to continue to spend resources that we don't have and the resources that we do have, we have to prioritize them, as we have done. We have Block 55 that's going to be coming up through the CRA. We have the $83 million that is still left that we need to look at and doing home ownership. Not all of these -- what we talking about rental properties, affordable housing. Affordable for who? They are market rate properties, 100 units, maybe 20 units are affordable and the rest of them are market rate, but we are giving up our land. We are giving up everything to the developers and we get nothing back in return under the auspices of a promise. We're upzoning most developments and we're getting peanuts in return. We have in District 5 coining up soon, whether it's going to be Eastside Ridge or the Magic City development. These are important issues that we have, Block 55 in Overtown, the redevelopment. We have issues that we must confront now. I'm ready to hit the ground, to work with my colleagues, to be able to help this commission, help District 5 residents, organizations and businesses, the homeowners, and more importantly, be a good commissioner for District 5, period. We need help, but you need someone like myself and others to hit the ground running. You don't need a learning curve. I'm a businessman. I've been a community activist. I've lived in Liberty City. I'm a Towner for life. I live in Little Haiti now. I live at 570 Northeast 69th Street, across the street from this old Starbucks, now it's a Chase Gas Station [sic], but it was a BP (British Petroleum) gas station. It's a Chase Bank now. So, I've lived in the district. I haven't lived in Shorecrest, but I know the needs because District 5 is the most diverse district in the city of Miami. And we need someone who can represent all of District 5 residents, businesses, organizations, period. And I think 1 am the candidate to be able to best hit the ground running and to do that. Commissioners, you all don't have to ask me. I'm going to answer your question. I won't be a candidate for District 5. So, if you choose to appoint me, 1'll be your caretaker, but1'll be the best damn commissioner District 5 has ever had on an interim basis because the needs are still there. And I worked as a community organizer, a businessman, and more importantly, I ran non profits. So, I have the gamut of it, but more importantly, I have the heart, the compassion, the love, and I'ma lifelong District 5 resident. And again, Commissioners, if you choose to City of Miami Page 45 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 appoint me, I'll do the best that 1 can to he a caretaker commissioner, but I'll do the hest that 1 can to still be the best District 5 commissioner and to work with you, my colleagues. Thank you. if there's any questions. Vice Chair Russell: Questions? Mr. Howard: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much, sir. Andre Joyce, please. Andre Joyce: Good evening, Commissioners. Vice Chair Russell: Good evening. Mr. Joyce: Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to come before the dais and share my vision and why I think it would be a good idea if I'm appointed as caretaker for the community. Someone asked me of last week, Andre, why do you want to be the appointed person to represent District 5? My response was very simple. I'm determined to make a difference in the community, in District 5, and why not now? Because this is the best time. We have an outgoing commissioner; we have a vacancy. Should I be appointed as the caretaker for the community? It's only going to be an appointment for just one term because I have no interest in seeking public office at the level where 1 have to run for office during the election. I honestly feel that a lot can be done during that time to set the groundwork for the next person that would take on the position as commissioner. Each community inside of District 5 has its own needs. Specifically, my goal is to be the catalyst for change, to help them bridge that goal. I love and have a passion for bringing people and groups together. I think it's necessary that this is the best time to find out the needs and concerns of the various communities that's' out there, help them continue with their vision, and those communities that are embracing on new opportunities, give them the tools that they need in order to support them to help their communities become vibrant. Working as vice chair of the Community Advisory Board has allowed me the opportunity to work with city government to actually see how the City of Miami government works. In addition to that, I think I'm a very good decision maker and I want to be that person to be that catalyst for change. I know that here each candidate bring their own wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. If appointed, I would look forward to working with them all to make sure that there will be a smooth transition. I've learned from a lot of individuals that are here. I've had the opportunity to work for Jackie. I've been working in the community for years. I currently work for Broward County as the director for residential and homeless for Broward County. I think that there's a need to have someone that's willing to be that catalyst, that's willing to be that point person that's going to hold the district until such time an election can be held and the playing field is even for all those individuals that are there so they can make -- so that the candidates -- so this election will not be one-sided. I'm willing to be that person. I'm willing to make a difference. I'm willing to be that point person. Some say, well, do you have anything to gain? No, I don't have anything to gain. I just want to see District 5 continue to thrive. My work speaks for itself. You have my resume. You can reach out to any employee I've ever had. And one thing that they'll definitely tell you, that Andre has always served, he's always done his very best because I learned from my father, who's been my greatest mentor, because I asked him one tiene when he was investing in this community, why? He said, you have to invest in your community. He said, some of the best things you can do, invest in your family, invest in the community, and invest in people in order to make a difference. I often say this here. I have three things that I have to keep. My name, my, word, and my credit. Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. City of Miami Page 46 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Joyce. Questions? Commissioner Reyes: He answered the question. He said that he will be. His (INAUDIBLE) character. Vice Chair Russell: Are you -- and you're currently -- currently employed at Broward, with Broward? Mr. Joyce: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: And that's with Broward County? Mr. Joyce: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Christine King. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Does he live in Broward County? Vice Chair Russell: But your residence is in D5? Mr. Joyce: Yes, my residence is in D5. I've been (INAUDIBLE) for about 54 years. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Good evening. Christine King: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I am the Christine King. I would like to establish, for the record, when my love for service began. I volunteered for the late County Commissioner James C. Burke, assisting in cleaning up the district that at the time was littered with abandoned cars and overgrown lots. I managed with no experience but lots of chutzpah to get the lots cleared and the cars removed. I thought to myself, I can do this for a living, and a public servant was born, long before I met Keon Hardemon. During my tenure with Commissioner Burke, I met Jaquetta Colyer, whom I consider a friend and who encouraged me to run for this seat. My love of community and service did not evolve because of a vacancy but is -- but I stand before you today because of it. I was born in Guyana. My parents moved to Miami when I was around three or four. I attended Day Nursery in what is now the Design District. My father worked at Victor Piano, Jalco, and Jackson Byron 's. Our home was located on 54th Street -- 5lst Street. My father took me to Carvel Ice Cream located on 54th Street and 7th Avenue every day after school. I attended Allapattah Elementary School. Coach Crow taught me how to play tennis at Moore Park, and I went to summer camp at Moore Park and participated in the free lunch program. Sadly, my parents divorced. My mother had no family in this country. Her best friend, Rosella Nottage, took us in. We lived on 38th Street and 10th Avenue. As you were told, I played with Jackie Bell's grandson. My roots are deep. I am qualified to serve this district. I graduated from Miami -Dade Community College, Barry University, and I received my law degree from Nova Southeastern University. I worked for Miami - Dade County Community Action Agency. I am the president and CEO of the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, and I am an attorney. The Bible says, do not forsake your friends. I am proud to say Keon Hardemon is my friend. He has served our community with dignity, integrity, and has accomplished much. The MLK Kitchen Incubator was born of funding from the Anti -Poverty Initiative. Under my leadership, not only has the MLK Kitchen Incubator helped establish five culinary businesses and has created more than 20 jobs, the MLK Kitchen Incubator made it possible to respond to the food insecurity created by the pandemic. Since March, the MLK Kitchen has served 1,500 hot meals every week to our seniors. The MLK Kitchen Incubator is a testament of good government and great leadership. I am not City of Miami Page 47 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 discouraged by the politics of serving, nor am 1 affected by untruths or bad press. My record speaks for itself. Everyone that spoke on my behalf today did so because they believe in me. As you have heard, 1 have the support of clergy, community leaders, business owners, neighbors, and friends. I have earned the kindnesses expressed here today. I do not stand here before you asking for you to appoint me. I am asking you to listen. Listen to your colleague who was elected to serve the residents of District 5 and knows what is best for his district. Listen to the leaders of District 5 who expressed their support for me. I am asking you to listen to the residents, my friends, and neighbors who have spoken to you today in support of me fulfilling the vacancy created by County Commissioner Hardemon. There is an old saying, everyone is not telling the same lie. Respectfully, Commissioners, it is not your job to decide what is best for District 5. It is the responsibility of its citizenry. The notion of a caretaker, while good intentioned, is not legally enforceable, and accomplishes the very thing you are attempting to prevent. Advancing the notion of appointing a caretaker disenfranchises the person's legal right to run for office. If equity and neutrality is truly what you seek for District 5, then your only option is to allow the residents of the district to vote for Commissioner Hardemon 's successor. This body proclaimed that you wanted to hear from the community, but when you found -- but when you did, you found fault with, of all things, a background. What about their messages? Never mind more than half of the video comments did not have the same background, or that the people like Jackie Bell and Tangelo Sears appeared in person to tell you their choice for a successor. It is disingenuous of you to criticize my efforts thus far as all of you have been candidates yourselves. I am beholden to the community. Full stop. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Commissioner Reyes: Thank you very much, Christine. Vice Chair Russell: Questions? Commissioner Reyes: No, I have to say that I met Christine, and we talked, and I was very impressed with her. I still am. And you are a tremendous candidate. I know you would be a -- I mean, you would be a great candidate for this when the election comes. I have no doubt that you're a very strong candidate. And you have a lot of -- in your favor, you have worked a lot, but so there are a lot of good candidates here today, a lot of good candidates. And that's one thing that I'm pleased that District 5 has so many people that they are willing to serve and they are willing to even sacrifice, as Jackie has said. I'll take the position and then I wouldn't run. Nobody is putting a gun to her head. The gentleman said the same thing, you see. And I am -- District 5 is going to be well represented because it has a lot of residents that they are willing to serve and they are willing to sacrifice for it. You should be proud, all of ,you should be proud of yourself. Commissioner Carollo: Christina [sic], can you repeat that part about the Bible, about forsaking? Ms. King: The Bible says do not forsake your friends. Commissioner Carollo: I just wanted to make sure everybody up here heard it again. Vice Chair Russell: Any other comments or questions for Ms. King? Thank you very much. Ms. King: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Revran Lincoln, please. City of Miami Page 48 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Revran Lincoln: Board of Commissioners, 1 think you folks have already read my platform and you know who I am. 1 am a resident in Overtown for 22 years, living in the beach, told that no one wants to come to Overtown and 1 decide to come. Trying to work with five African commissioner to see how we can make changes in Overtown with no success. Overtown has been blighted, slum, decadent, all that I can say of Overtown for decades, prior to the eminent domain in the `60s. And the commissioners do nothing about it. And if anyone drives through Overtown, you would see the condition we are living in there. Bus stops are becoming parks. Lotus House easement is like 24 feet. The shopping center easement is another 24 feet, where these residents of Overtown consider it a park for drinking, urinating, and defecating. And you could tell Keon Hardemon that all along, he don't care. Neither does the chief the commander, Joseph, police commander, neither the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office, nobody cares. And that has behooved me now, living so long in Overtown, with all the experience I have, to run for commissioner. And I have the power to lead. I have the solution to the problem. I have sent many emails to Keon Hardemon, and he have not responded. Keon Hardemon did not have the capacity to request money from CIP (Capital Improvements Program). I went to CIP, and I asked why nothing is done in the north of 14th Street in Overtown. He said, your commissioner never asked, requested anything. So, he didn't do a good job in Overtown, period. Now, from what I heard Christine King have said, Billy Hardemon and Keon have groomed her and all the support she had today, it was all because of Keon Hardemon. It's not because of -- and then she was pushed to do what she did. The amount of donation they received also was from Keon Hardemon 's support. But anyhow, I'm not critiquing that. I'm saying that 1 am the perfect candidate. I am running as a humanist and a practicalist. 1 will be working with the people, and 1 am capable to offer myself to the people to be commissioned anytime, anywhere, anyplace, 2:00 a.m. or 2: 00 p.m. I'll be there for them. And I talk to them about it. Now -- Vice Chair Russell: Ms. Lincoln, if you could — if you could just adjust your mask, I just worry for your own safety. Ms. Lincoln: All right, yeah. So, as a humanist, I will cultivate myself in a practical manner to deal with the people directly and not a whole lot of talk. Because I live there with them, I eat with them, I eat with the homeless, Igo where they're sleeping, I talk with them, I offer them jobs, I offer them free IDs, I offer them housing. Most of the time they don't want that. But — sorry. I would like to be that candidate to be the commissioner for these people who I can help, knowing that I deal with them all the time. I know them very well. And I know the solution to the problem because Keon Hardemon don't even know the definition of infrastructure. So many time I have told him that -- that we have bad infrastructure in Overtown. How many decades will it take to do this kind of broken sidewalk, light falling down, wires all over the place? He done nothing for the community. So, I kindly ask that you may appoint me knowing that I am one of the grassroot level to deal with people, to alleviate homeless. And the question was asked, how will I do that? Alleviate poverty to a level where people can live a good life because I know where the money is. I know we have enough financial resource, we have land, and we have manpower to alleviate homeless. If the City of Miami, which will be having a meeting with the Mayor and the -- the Mayor and the City Manager to talk to them how to alleviate this in person. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Revran. Thank you, Ms. Lincoln. Any questions? Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I want to know if you were willing to be appointed only until November? Ms. Lincoln: Say that again? City of Miami Page 49 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: If you are willing just to he appointed for the remaining of the term, just as a caretaker — Ms. Lincoln: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: -- until November and then commit yourself not to run? Ms. Lincoln: Yeah, however, I will be ready. Commissioner Reyes: You will run? Ms. Lincoln: Yeah. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mr. Robert Malone, Jr. Robert Malone, Jr.: Good afternoon. I want to say I do appreciate the opportunity to come before you and just provide some information regarding my candidacy and everything. I just want to answer your question, Mr. Reyes, because we talked -- Commissioner Reyes, because we talked before. I will be a caretaker. I will not run at all. That's not my intention. 1 don't aspire to -- for power, 1 aspire to make an impact. So I think that 1 want you to know that, all the commissioners know that that's important to me. A little bit about myself, I was born and raised here, partly Overtown, Liberty City. I graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School, went off to the University of Florida where 1 received my AA (Associates of Art) Degree. I have a BS (Bachelor of Science) and a Master's in Criminology, Criminal Justice from Florida State University. In 2007, I was awarded my PhD in Educational Leadership at Florida A&M University. I worked as a president of the Homeowners Association, the Hadley Park Homeowners Association. I was affiliated with the Community Youth Against Violence organization. I have worked with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and providing as a judge and helping young people have the skill sets ready to give .speeches. As a recruiter for Florida A&M University, I would come back to this area and provide scholarship opportunities for individuals, young people in District 5, you know, Miami Northwestern, Miami Jackson, and others outside of District 5 as well. I'm just committed. You know, all I want to do is help and serve. I remember, I think it happened last year, the spectacle that we saw on TV where commissioners were at each other's throat. And that was embarrassing. So, I just want to let you all know, you won't have that issue with me. I will work with everyone. We have 14 neighborhoods in District 5. I want to work with all of them, not just the ones that look like me. And I think we need to make that clear. And particularly what the other speaker was talking about, how the community looks. I just want to be clear about this, but for the last 30, 40-some-odd years, there have been Black representation in the City of Miami and Dade County Commission. And Liberty City has looked the same for the last 30, 35 years. I go down Southwest 8th Street all the way down to Tamiami and it looks different. And there's a reason for that. It's called leadership or lack thereof. And I just want to change that. Also, I made a comment regarding Ms. King and, you know, everyone coming in thinking that she's the only one that is right for this particular position. And that's not true. Because I've been here. I was a co-chair of Miami Edison Senior High School. I worked in this community. I gave in this community. I'm from this community. And a young Black man from Liberty City that went up and they have an advanced degree, that means something to me. And I think others need to understand that as well. So, I want to work with everyone, and I want to make sure we have an opportunity to make this district better. And we cannot continue to have this attempt or power grab in this city. The same old kind of BS that continues to go on in this city, where people are affiliated with certain parts or machines, they are placed in these positions. They have City of Miami Page 50 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 an advantage. If you have a special election, and I understand Ms. King has already some money, so you place us at a disadvantage because who is going to have $100,000 to $200,000 right now to run, to compete with that? So, you have a caretaker, someone who is not going to run, and then in November, let the chips fall where they may. Let the people who are going to run have an opportunity to raise money and be competitive and say what it is. That's the fair way of doing things. If you do it another way, it's not going to be fair. And again, it is disrespectful to me, personally, when someone suggests there is only one person that's eligible to be in this position. That is a lie. You have people with great backgrounds that can do this -- do this, and be here, and be qualified, and be honest, and do the business of the people. And that's all I want to do, is help and serve. Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Question. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Commissioner Reyes: You are willing to be a caretaker? Mr. Malone, Jr.: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment. I was just checking the resume. Mr. Patrick Owens, please. Patrick Owens: Good afternoon. So, on behalf of the district, let's just get to work. Questions? Do you have a question? Commissioner Reyes: Did you -- I mean, I was just (UNINTELLIGIBLE) I'm waiting for your presentation. Mr. Owens: I'm already committed to staying out of the race for next year. I don't see any change. I'm definitely not interested in a special election. I'm ready to get to work. I'm just -- I'm simply stepping up to the plate because the District 5 seat was vacated a year early. So, if it's vacated, you have to step up to the plate. You don't have to have interest or anything else to step up to the plate. A year is a long time, but I'm ready to get to it. So, let's get to working now. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Okay. Mr. Owens: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: So, you want to be appointed just for the remaining of the year? Mr. Owens: Correct. Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. And you won 't run in the November election? Mr. Owens: I will not run. I have no interest in running. I've already committed to supporting someone else. If they decided to run, I'm not going to cross them. I have no interest for that. Commissioner Carollo: Who are you going to support? Mr. Owens: What's that? Commissioner Carollo: Who did you say you were going to support? City of Miami Page 51 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Mr. Owens: Well, I'm hoping somebody will run. 1 don't think they're interested, hut you know, I hope they run, and I've already committed, psychologically, if they did run to support them. I have no interest in getting in a race like that. That's just not my interest. I'm simply stepping up to the plate because the seat was vacated a year early. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mr. Owens: Okay, you're welcome. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. We have Mr. Ronald Page is appearing by Zoom. Are you able to promote him? Is the host able to promote so we can see him on the screen? Manuel Otero (Innovation and Technology Web Administrator): He's being promoted now. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Ronald Page: Hi, good afternoon commissioners. I'm elated to be heard. I want to thank you for having me. My apologies I couldn't make it in person. I won't bore you with the details. Look, 1 want to get straight to the point. We are here today to either appoint someone to represent District 5 or hold a special election. So, 1 want to just thoroughly discuss both options. Let's commence with the special election. Voting is important to me. You see, many believe that the Voters' Right Act of 1965 is what eradicated discrimination practices as it pertains to voting in our country, specifically disenfranchising Black folk from being able to vote. Well, that's not the fact. It was actually the 15th Amendment, which was ratified February 3rd of 1870, which gave Black folk the right to vote. But a racist Supreme Court at that time found some of the 15th Amendment to be unconstitutional. The mostly southern states again were able to disenfranchise Black folk from voting, amongst other things, for almost over a century. So, I just wanted to be known as a Black man that knows my history. Voting is imperative to me. However, today we have been thrown a curveball. If you haven't heard of it, it's called COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. It has changed everything, including my birthday plans that I had. It has caused us to make some tough decisions that we normally wouldn't have made. And I fear the second wave that we are about to go through is going to be bad. You know, too many folks have COVID fatigue, but the virus isn't fatigued. Look, I understand the deficit was recently reduced. I'm not sure of the exact figures. I believe I think read $20 million, and then it was a $30 plus $3 million deficit. So, we're in the deficit now of about $12 million, based upon what I was reading. That's just what I'm going with. But the fact of the matter is that we still have debts. And at this point in time, we have a couple of choices. We can either choose to spend over 300,000, 340,000, whatever the projection was, for a special election, or we can use that money to be able to provide rental and utility assistance to depleted families during this pandemic. We can use that money, to provide assistance to our small businesses and local nonprofit organizations, one that I used to work for, Do The Right Thing. We can use that money to be able to make sure that we don't have to furlough our municipal employees like certain other municipalities, Miramar, being one; they had to furlough their employees. So, I think that most reasonable people will agree that we need an appointment. But there has to be two conditions that has to be met. No candidate in the 2021 general election should be appointed, period. And the second thing is that the person that if chosen to be appointed should make the commitment to not run in the 2021 general election. And while I'm here, I just want to state that I am not a candidate, nor will I seek to be a candidate in the 2021 general election. And one more last thing, you know, this was a tough decision that I was choosing to make, but I think it needs to be said. With all due respect, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, I City of Miami Page 52 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 have to call you out, sir, because I don't like the game that you tried to run earlier. On October 8, you had stated, and I quote, "The Commission should name someone." You also stated that a special election would be expensive during that time. The Herald had quoted you on November 4, stating that I think that Christine King would do well for us. They also quoted you stating that you would advocate for her appointment. Now, I have no problem if District 5 appoints Ms. King. She is well advocated for by leaders in our community, and that's all well and fine for that 2021 election that she's running for. But I do have an issue with you, Commissioner; that you would say these things, then all of a sudden, when you realize that Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner Carollo are not going to elect her for this appointment, now you want to be able to say, okay, well, you want a special election because she has over a hundred something thousand dollars, and if she runs in that special election, more than most likely, the probability is that she will be selected. With all due respect, sir, 1 just -- I don't think that -- that was -- that move you should have made. It was well thought. It was quick thinking. But I just disagree with for you to basically switch up, because you can't get your friend elected. I want to thank you all, Commissioners, for giving me this opportunity to be able to speak. And I look forward to the decision that you all make. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Page. Any questions? Thank you, sir. Commissioner Reyes: Same question. Vice Chair Russell: He said he would be a placeholder and not seek to run. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Mark Pitts, please. Mark Pitts: Good afternoon. I appreciate you guys allowing me the time to be here. To everyone that's on the board, I appreciate, you know, you giving us this opportunity. My name is Mark Pitts. I'm 42 years old. I was born and raised in Liberty City. To serve in this seat wouldn't be a job, it would be a duty. District 5 over decades have faced adversity. You want to talk about adversity, this coronavirus, I've lost my mother, my dad, and my brother in two months. My dad, Reverend Marvin C. Pitts, he gave to this community until he got the coronavirus. He would go in hospitals, he would offer his services, he would pray for strangers. My, mother, Dr. Dorothy Pitts, she served this community for over 25 years, born and bred. She had her own business, Superior Referral Service, where she offered this city job placements, on-the-job training, and residential placements for people to live in. I followed in their same shoes because I care about my district. I've been fortunate over the last 20 years with my current employer to serve as a mentor to our youth, because that's where the problem is. We have to continue to create and support programs that enhance our youth, because when it comes to our youth, it's cliche to say the children are our future, but that's the truth. As of right now, there are not too many programs that are out there that's supporting our youth. When you have a child that's able to gain access to a gun quicker than anyone in this room, that's a problem. We need to continue to support programs, whether it be through mentoring programs, Big Brother, Big Sister, group homes that support our foster care children and enhance their life so that all our lives can be better. Because if you own a business and a child is continuously breaking into your business, then that's a problem also. So, if I'm appointed to this seat, this is something that I would employ. Programs that enhance our youth. We know that the job possibilities are not where they need to be, so we need to encourage and promote that. The housing facility also need to be brought up to par. Our previous commissioner, Keon Hardemon, I think he's done an excellent job. I'm just here to pick up the torch. If I'm appointed to that seat, I will be serving on a greater level. But my mission continues, whether I'm in that seat or not, because City of Miami Page 53 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 whoever's appointed to that seat, I'm going to support them regardless, because the mission continues for District 5 and the City of Miami, because 1 care about my community. Period. It's time out for the BS. 1 appreciate Commissioner Carollo, because you speak your mind. From one man to another, I appreciate that. Because if someone is going to sit in that seat Pr District 5, it has to matter to you what goes on. Because a lot has happened over decades. Like I said, I'm 42 years old, I probably look younger than my age, but I've been around. I've co -hosted shows on Wednesday nights, allowing the community to chime in, giving them the updates on what's going on, what's going on in the community, called Yahweh Magazine Show with my mother. These are projects that we need to continue to invest in. You have to know your district. You have to know the needs and the wants that's in your district. And again, if I'm appointed to that seat, I will be serving on a greater level, but I will continue to support who's ever in that seat because the mission continues for the greater of Miami and for the greater of District 5. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And Mr. Pitts, I'm very sorry for your loss. Commissioner Reves: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: Looking at your resume, is this correct? You've been a judicial clerk at the Juvenile Clerk of Courts for 19 years? Mr. Pitts: Yes, that's correct. Vice Chair Russell: And that's what you currently do? Mr. Pitts: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Very commendable. Vice Chair Russell: And to Commissioner Reyes, if you'd like to ask your question. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, it's the same question. Are you willing to be a caretaker instead of a candidate? I mean, be appointed for one year and then let the chips fall in the November election where everybody could -- that wants to run, runs, and everybody could vote? Be appointed for just one year. Vice Chair Russell: He's asking if you would pledge not to run a year from now. Commissioner Reves: Not to run. Vice Chair Russell: If you were appointed now, would you pledge not to run one year from now? Mr. Pitts: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Pitts, you began by thanking us Pr giving you the opportunity to come up here. Let me say this to you, that's our obligation. When we took on this job, that became an obligation for us to do that. On the contrary, we have to thank you and all the people that are applicants that have come here for having the courage to take a step forward for our city, for your community, that few are willing to do. So, we thank you. Having said that, I ant very, very deeply sorry of your losses. This pandemic has touched every one of our families, some obviously much, much greater like yours. But this is one that somehow, we all have to unite as Miamians, as Americans, to come out stronger at the end. It's not easy, nor is it going to get any City of Miami Page 54 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 easier. Today, we had another large amount of COVID cases that were reported from yesterday, over 1,800. And I'm afraid that it's going to get uglier as the days come. So, more than ever, we have to be united and be strong as a community. Thank you, sir. Mr. Pitts: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Any other questions? All right. Two more candidates. Stephanie Thomas, please. Stephanie Thomas: Good evening, everyone. Good evening, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners, and to all our candidates who have been vefy patient this afternoon, thank you for your time. My name is Stephanie Thomas. I've lived in the district in the city of Miami since my parents migrated here in the late '60s. My parents moved in 14th Street and Northeast Miami Court. I'm going to take you way back. My mom used to work for Jordan Marsh. My dad worked the Sears at the Sears Towers downtown. So, that's how far back I've been in the community. They purchased their first house right behind Miami Edison High School and their second home currently where I live back in 1978 in Lemon City, near Little Haiti, Palm Grove, that's where I currently live. And living in the area, I raised my children in the district. My daughter went to Law Enforcement High School. My son went to Miami Northwestern Senior High School. They both ran track and field fbr Miami Northwestern High School, which I'm very proud of them. And currently, they're both in college, and my daughter's about to go into the Coast Guard next year. So, 1 think I've done a good job with my husband in raising our children. And we're very -- we love our community. From the Morningside Elementary School that 1 attended, this was a school that 1 cared about and I'm noticing that it's falling apart. It's a historical district and there's changes being made. And these are the little things that matter to us in the community. And I'm here just to, you know, help our community out and make a difference. My background is I'm a public servant. I've been working for a local municipality, the City of North Miami, for almost 19 years. I've been a deputy city clerk, a supervisor of election. I've worn many hats. I've served under eight mayors. I've served under countless of commissioners, so I understand what ordinances are, legislation. I've made many contacts through the National League of Cities, Florida League of Cities, various community activism', various non-profit organizations, so I understand about public partnerships, which is very important in our community. Not only that, I have two master's degrees, one from Florida International University in Health Informatics. I have a Master in Public Administration through the University of Miami, and I'm currently in another semester doing my doctorate degree. I'll be graduating. So, with that being said, we're in a health care crisis right now. We have a lot of people that have, as you can see, have lost their lives, and I feel that I am in a great position to bring that gap in our city to help with health care access, health care coordination. I also have the background and the skill set in public administration,, so I can merge the two. I'm about building bridges'. I'm about forging alliances. I'm about unity. That's all I want for my community. Being a caretaker is an organic subject for me. I've been a caretaker to my husband for 18 years. He's currently in the hospital since June. I know about taking care of people. Since I was a little girl, I've been taking care of my family members. For some reason, that's the hat that I've been wearing. So, I am very knowledgeable and caring fbr people. So, in that sense, I am open to being a candidate for one year and bridging and building that gap that we so need in this district, and making it easy for the next person that comes in. So, that is my speech for tonight. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Ms. Thomas. Do you have a question? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. Chair, you said that you will be open to be a caretaker, but you're open to be a candidate. I didn't understand your last statement. City of Miami Page 55 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Ms. Thomas: Well, I -- right, 1 would not run for the next election. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You will not run? Ms. Thomas: No. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Very impressive credentials, by the way. Ms. Thomas: Thank you. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think so. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Very much so. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: Deputy City Clerk, is that your current position right now? Ms. Thomas: No, it's not. I'm actually in Community Planning and Development right now. So, 1 was a business tax receipt manager, so 1 understand about business taxes, economic development, helping businesses out. So, 1 -- I've been around a couple of years in the public sector and volunteered, of course, in the community. So, I know about listening to constituents and finding resources to help them out. So, that's what I do. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Any other questions? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Pm very impressed with this candidate. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Thomas. Ms. Thomas: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: And one last candidate so far and then I will ask the clerk if anyone else has submitted interest or if there's anyone here today that would like to be considered. Mr. Jeffrey Watson, please. Jeffrey Watson: I guess at this point we can say good evening. How are you all doing? Vice Chair Russell: Good. Mr. Watson: I just want to say thank you. I have been supporter and opposer and issue debated with a number of you over a number of years. But I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for your efforts and thank you because this building was my official start in my long journey in public service. One would say that if Miami is the core of Dade County, District 5 is its soul, and because I care, I rise. You seek a participant, a communicator, someone with experience, roots and resolve. I have served as, externally, vice chair of the General Employees and Sanitation Workers Pension Fund for City of Miami. I run these halls of this building for many years and many years ago. And to friendly correct one of my potential colleagues, I was the first African -American chief of staff of a mayor. If you want to talk about roots, I attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, Allapattah Elementary School, Allapattah Junior High School, Miami Jackson, and Edison in the course of a week, and graduated from Coral Gables. And I will speak from a spiritual notion that Reverend City of Miami Page 56 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 John I. Ross started Friendship Missionary Baptist Church across the street from Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery, now almost 60, 70 years ago, that now sits and resides on 58th Street, Northwest 7th Avenue. 1 have roots in this community. My experience was, as a chief of staff of a former mayor, as a financial administrator of the housing - - City of Miami Housing Development -- City of Miami Development and Housing. This community and this experience elevated me to a national level where I served as assistant to the President of the United States of America. And that has been my journey. I've served as vice chair of the Dade County Housing and Finance Authority and chair of the Fair Housing and Employment Appeals Board in Miami -Dade County. So, 1 have the experience to deal with the issues of the day, the issues that confront District 5, because they are not Republican or Democrat issues. They are issues of people. I've been touched and have touched every portion of that district over the years. And so I rise to say thank you for the chance and opportunity, because 1 bring experience and resolve to make a difference. I've often quoted my commissioner, and at times we debated when we were young political persons and thought that we neither knew what was right or what was wrong, but we had passion for what we talked about. I probably believe today, now more so than ever, he is a very passionate person about what he believes and speaks the truth to the issues that confront the city of Miami. So, it's not a question of supporting and elevating District 5, which is the soul of Miami. It is a question of representing citizens that need a voice. So, I challenge you during this time, it's really not about whether you spend a dollar or a hundred thousand dollars. It's really about there's a public health crisis that exists. You can't possibly forecast what's going to happen in two months, because no one knows. We only know that it's going to get worse, and we know that because the numbers speak to that. And for that reason, it makes sense for you now to exercise democracy and do what you are supposed to do today. We may know something better come election time in November. Pfizer said they had a vaccine, Moderna said they had a vaccine, and hopefully, the persons with the bigger pockets are not first in line, but the people who really need it are the ones who are served. So, there again, I rise because this is an opportunity that comes on the heels of a long journey. I look forward to debating the issues with you and resolving the issues that confront the residents of District 5 and all of the neighborhoods that make up the district. I care about the city of Miami, and I care about the people that are in that district. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Watson: And hope that I have new ideas in order to add to the ideas and efforts of others in order to bring about solutions that make a difference in those people's lives. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Watson. Mr. Watson: And I appreciate the opportunity. And all that I would say to you, Commissioner, before you ask your question, is I would want you to pledge to not make the district representative, if only caretaking, a lame duck person. Because I think that all of us would have agreed that it would have been better to have a voice, Commissioner Portilla [sic], when y'all was giving up the money this morning, because nobody cared about whether or not four White boys had that conversation. And they divvied up their money very well. So, I would say to you, I have no intention for running in an election in November, but I would serve to talk about debate, discuss and resolve the issues that are very important today. You cannot go another day in an important meeting tomorrow without the voice of District 5. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. If my -- answer your question, sir? Mr. Watson: You can. City of Miami Page 57 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: 1 have — Mr. Watson: Two. Always. Commissioner Reyes: I have too much respect for you, my old friend — Mr. Watson: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: -- and for this Commission and for the community that you are going to represent if you are appointed. 1 will never, never treat anybody that is either ending their term or being appointed as a lame duck. I will, I mean all the issues here, and remember, and 1 want everybody here to remember, that we are five votes over here, and your vote weights as much as mine, or any other commissioner. So, it's very important. It's very important. So that is -- that's out of the question. That's not going to happen. Is that question answered, sir? Mr. Watson: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Watson: If that's the way it is. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Watson, you did say you would not intend to run a year from now. Mr. Watson: I did not intend to run. I do not intend to run. Vice Chair Russell: Would you pledge not to run? Mr. Watson: Would I pledge not to run? Vice Chair Russell: Yeah. Mr. Watson: Most folks would not want me to make that pledge and go against whatever the community might decide. I'll pledge not to run. I don't know what's going to happen come November. I may not be here in one form or another. So, I'm going to have no intentions, nor will I run in November. If what you need is someone to vigorously fight for the people of District 5, to keep the continuity of the past commissioner's service and to bring about the experience and knowledge that's going to resolve some of these issues that confront you, I got you and I got them. Vice Chair Russell: Let me tell you why it's very key for us to understand your position on that. And I think each of us has been taking notes more than anything on what peoples position is on that issue that Commissioner Reyes has brought up. What I've seen, and I'm so glad we did take this step to listen to everybody, is to really know that we aren't qualified to decide who will lead District 5 in the long term. It's not our job. It's not our job. And we don't want to be up here sitting as judges of you who have come before us, as someone said, you know, begging. It's not the case. And it's a very difficult decision for us, but what I'm reading amongst the commission here today, and maybe we're not all on exactly the same page, is that if we have to decide something, we want to know that we're not putting a finger on the scale, that we're not anointing the next long-term four to eight year or five to nine year commissioner. And let me just finish, because what Mr. Pitts said to us also sank in the gravity of what is happening in District 5 and how what the decisions that are made there and fought for in this year are so key. So, we need someone who is not a lame duck. We need somebody who will make strong decisions. for the community. But I feel like, and maybe you all can correct me, if we cannot come to consensus on a placeholder, we City of Miami Page 58 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 would go to special election. And the reason I say that, there may be time to review our charter on this issue, because clearly it was intended that 45 days is about the longest you want to have that seat empty, which would be the case with a special election. But for an election, it's also not very fair. 45 days is a sprint to get to know the community, get them to know you. And so, it's -- for us to really help allow for a fair election, it's to give space for this entire year. But we're only given a choice, 1 year or 45 days. And so, I guess that's why I want to know which bucket you're in because if you want to run, to be a long-term commissioner, which it sounds like you're very qualified to do, I would put you in that — Commissioner Reyes: Category. Vice Chair Russell: -- category. And then I would say I'm still trying to find that placeholder for this year who will pledge. Commissioner Carollo: I think he was clear that he would be a placeholder for this year only. That was clear. Jeffrey, it been a long, long time. We both have changed a little bit. I, a little more gray, you a little less hair. We both have gained a few inches, don't say pounds. I don't know, you know, your mind may be better than mine, when was the last time we saw each other? I don't know if it was at the White House with President Clinton, or when it was, but I was very surprised when I saw your application today, very pleasantly surprised. It's good to see you again. You certainly, if1 could quote one of the college kids in football, you're definitely one of nay top five in qualifications. Christine, don't be mad at me. 1 saw a twitch in your eye when you were up here. You're in the top five, too, so you can be happy, especially when I heard where you're from, Guyana. It's a beautiful place. So, you're okay so far. But it's important for us to resolve this. We have ten days. We might be able to today, we might not, but I feel confident that if it's not resolved today, before the ten days are up, this commission will resolve it. And I'm extremely proud of the strong, and I mean strong, amount of candidates that District 5 has put forward. You really have been an example to the rest of the city. You know, there's enough candidates here that are extremely qualified to fill in a much larger commission than we have. So, I say welcome again and it's so good to see you. And thank you for taking this step. I know it's not an easy step for you nor for any of the applicants. It a courageous step. Commissioner Reyes: I think that shows the respect and the love they have for the district and the — the concern of -- that you have for the whole city of Miami that I wish you all work together and tried to solve the problems that affect all of us, you see. That says a lot about all of you guys. I'm real proud of you. Real proud. And it's a very difficult choice, a very difficult choice. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Are there any other questions? Commissioner Reyes: No. Commissioner Carollo: No. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Watson. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Clerk, has anyone else stepped forward to be considered? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): No, sir. Vice Chair Russell: So, we are left with these 16, some of whom would like to be long- term candidates and run next November; some of whom have pledged that they would just like to be a placeholder for this time. I counted about one, two, three,.fbur, five, six -- eight, so half exactly, half exactly. City of Miami Page 59 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: What 1 would suggest that we do -- it's been a very long day for us, for the applicants -- we got even a longer day tomorrow, 1 think. It's been one heck of a week. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: A fun week. Commissioner Carollo: I think it's the longest week we've had since we've all been together as the new Commission. So, I would suggest that the Clerk give us the ballots; we go through five, six rounds. If we don't come to a consensus, then let's see when we could continue this for the next date that we could do it. 1 don't know if it will be Saturday or Monday. 1 do ask not for Friday, so we could get a breather from tomorrow's meeting. But we've got time. We've got, 1 think, until the day after Thanksgiving, so that's the last day. And I'm confident that we'll come to a conclusion and a consensus on this. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And I do want to address Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. You had mentioned if we do not come to consensus today that you would make a proffer to table tomorrow's issues without -- is that -- did I read that correctly? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's correct. When they're here tomorrow -- I remain very concerned, Mr. Chair and Commissioners, on having -- taking votes tomorrow on critical issues without District 5 having a representative. Commissioner Carollo: I would agree with that if it's any issue that is pertaining strictly to District 5 that's a critical issue, strictly to District 5, but anything other than that, we need to move forward. So, if it's not -- Vice Chair Russell: It could be up to 45 days that we don't have District 5 representation. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. If it's an issue that has to do strictly with District 5, then I would agree with you, but other than that, we need to go forward with -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The question becomes whether -- what issue is strictly to the City of Miami or District 5, because every issue we vote on impacts the entire city. Commissioner Carollo: Not necessarily. There -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: What? (UNINTELLIGIBLE.) Commissioner Carollo: -- are issues that are district issues -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right. Commissioner Carollo: -- and that's what I'm talking about. If it's a district issue, then I think you're right. But if it's not a district issue, it's other than that, then I think we need to go forward. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. So, the question becomes Commissioner Carollo: And I do -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- so he will be -- you'll be the Chair, Commissioner? You'll be the Chair -- City of Miami Page 60 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- again tomorrow? Vice Chair Russell: Until the Mayor says otherwise. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Until the Mayor says otherwise. So, you'll be chairing the Commission tomorrow? Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. And so, well vote tomorrow. We'll have an opportunity to go through every issue, and you'll determine -- Vice Chair Russell: Absolutely, unless we -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- we'll have a conversation about -- Vice Chair Russell: -- in the order of the day we can decide that. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Okay. Vice Chair Russell: If we -- Commissioner Carollo: And again, any issue that's strictly -- Commissioner Reyes: Strictly. Commissioner Carollo: -- a District 5 issue -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- I have no problem and -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree. Vice Chair Russell: If we do -- Commissioner Carollo: -- rightly so. Vice Chair Russell: -- come to consensus tonight, what is the process for appointment and the timing, Mr. Wvsong? Immediate -- Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Clerk? Vice Chair Russell: If we do come to consensus tonight on appointing somebody -- George Wysong (Senior Assistant City Attorney): Right. Vice Chair Russell: -- when do they take office, and serve, and cast their first vote? Mr. Wysong: So, if appoint somebody, this evening, they would be eligible -- Commissioner Reyes: Tomorrow. Mr. Wysong: -- once upon being sworn in to start serving. City of Miami Page 61 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: And they could conceivably be sworn in tonight, or -- Mr. Wysong: Or first thing tomorrow morning -- Commissioner Carollo: -- first thing in the morning before the meeting? Mr. Wysong: Yes, right. Vice Chair Russell: Miami is an exciting place. Commissioner Carollo: Magic City. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: What other city do you know that one day, we're 30 million in the hole and a few weeks later -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- the Finance Director -- or Budget Director puts -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: He's still around. 1 -- Commissioner Carollo: -- his hand in his back, and he finds 28 million? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And, Commissioner, I saw him walking around still today. I don't know what -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, and he's still around, yeah. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. I saw him earlier. Vice Chair Russell: All right. Gentlemen, let's focus, and we'll deal with magic money later. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And where's the City Manager by the way; is he around? Vice Chair Russell: I haven't seen him yet. Commissioner Carollo: He night be trying to stick his hand in the other pocket, see if there's anything there. Vice Chair Russell: So, what I would like to do is explain the balloting process, and we can discuss, or we can go straight to blind balloting, but this will be a very open process. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, before you do any of that -- Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- we have a motion on the floor that you withdrew the second from, right? City of Miami Page 62 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: Yes, we have. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, there's no special election -- Commissioner Carollo: No. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- to be submitted anymore. Commissioner Carollo: No. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So now we -- hold on. So now this is the question. 1 want to make sure we get the process right, because this is important. I'm a rookie to Miami. 1 want to make sure how you guys operate here, okay? So -- Commissioner Carollo: Fast and furious. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. I've heard that. I've heard that. So, we have a balloting here now so -- Commissioner Carollo: You're not in Tallahassee anymore, Toto. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Oh, I know that. 1 know that, obviously. So, what we have is we -- we have to have a motion, I would think -- right? -- that -- to do a balloting process, right? So, you -- someone would make a motion and then somebody seconds it, right? Vice Chair Russell: So, the way I was looking to do this is the ballot would basically be for discussion -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The proper -- I'm not saying, "the proper way of doing it," right? Vice Chair Russell: Our votes on the ballot are not official votes for the person. The only, vote that's official is once we come to a consensus and a motion is made for one single candidate, and then we vote together. For example, you may vote against someone on your ballot, but when you see that they've gotten the majority of the votes and we move to appoint, it may be unanimous. Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Vice Chair Russell: That's the vote that counts. Commissioner Carollo: -- that takes away from voting then on the ballot. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's my point. Commissioner Carollo: If someone doesn't vote -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's why Tallahassee matters. Commissioner Carollo: -- someone should ask to make it unanimous then, if they want, but I think that if we vote on the ballot, it is what it is on the ballot. Now, then let's say I don't vote with the majority. I could ask that I want to make it unanimous, which I think would be nice no matter what the outcome is that -- Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Clerk? City of Miami Page 63 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Mr. Hannon: And my apologies for the interruption, Commissioners. Essentially, the way that I was looking at it is if one candidate gets three votes, essentially, the motion would be made for that candidate and if there -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Hannon: -- there'll be a second, I'm sure, fir whoever voted for the candidate. There'll be a motion and a second, and it can be voted unanimously or the one person who didn't vote for that particular candidate certainly has every right to vote "no," and it could be 3-1. But the idea was with the ballot is that (lone candidate gets three votes, then you make the motion for that candidate. And I'm sure, again, if three commissioners vote to -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: After the fact, after the -- Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- after we do the ballot. Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. We still need to make a motion, yes. Vice Chair Russell: Now, I also asked Todd -- our City Clerk -- to add one space to the ballot, which is none of the above. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Vice Chair Russell: If for example, you are wholeheartedly against the concept of us appointing and feel that we should go to special election, that is your choice. Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely. Vice Chair Russell: And that may sway where the score -- then you would need a unanimous, obviously, for three people to agree on -- Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: -- if one person were to do that. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: But that is not binding until we make that final vote with a motion for the appointment itself Commissioner Carollo: Yes, yes. That's fine. Vice Chair Russell: Right. Now, as you fill those ballots out, the Clerk -- after we turn them in, the Clerk will read who was voted for and who voted for them. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. City of Miami Page 64 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: So, there will he complete transparency, and those will become a public record, all of the ballots. Commissioner Carollo: The only thing I ask, that we -- if we have to -- maybe we're lucky in the first -- right off the -- you know -- the go we get someone, but that we go for at least five, six ballots before we discuss anything further, or before we're ready to continue this for another date. So, if we could agree that we'll go for -- how many would you like? Five, six, at the very least? Vice Chair Russell: I think we'll play it a little by ear here, because after the first one or two, we'll really get a sense of whether we're on the same page. Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Vice Chair Russell: If we're close, I'd say let's try to finish. And if we're so far apart -- you know -- if we're just simply not coming to agreement -- Commissioner Carollo: You never know if you -- Vice Chair Russell: You're right. Commissioner Carollo: Believe me, 1've been here in the past where -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) we could get it on the first ballot. Who knows? Commissioner Carollo: -- we've had ballots for 70-plus votes, and then, boom; that's when he came. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. And so -- Commissioner Carollo: God works in mysterious ways. Commissioner Reyes: Yep. Vice Chair Russell: It's true, it's true. And I'd like it noted that all 16 candidates are fully qualified to be voted on -- Commissioner Reyes: All of them, all of them. Vice Chair Russell: -- and all will be listed. This idea, this creation of a concept of a caretaker is simply an intention up here, honestly. It's, again, not in the Code, not enforceable, but if we're following the lead of Commissioner Reyes in terms of the hope that this is truly someone that gives a year for a very open election that's a level playing field for all, we are trusting that the person that is appointed would not run in that election. And so, the only thing we have to judge by that is what you've told us today. Commissioner Reyes: Yep. Vice Chair Russell: That's all we have. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Vice Chair Russell: And so, I believe I'm a — I'm a believer in that. You know, you've shifted me today, because I've spoken to several people in the last weeks that 1 didn't believe in the concept of potentially having a caretaker, because anyone does have the City of Miami Page 65 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 right to run afterward. But 1 also recognize what people are asking for here with a fair chance for a fair election, and not that 45 days is not fair, and not that it's unfair for Commissioner Hardemon to wish that his objectives continue and hope to pass the torch to someone and support them: fully legal, fully ethical, fully within the democratic process. Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely. Vice Chair Russell: So, this is not to disparage Commissioner Hardemon. Ms. King, I've met you a few times, and 1 would be proud to work with you up here. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Chair, is it valuable at all to hear from Commissioner Hardemon? Does it matter to us? Commissioner Carollo: I think we passed that already. We -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, no. I mean before we vote, if we -- Vice Chair Russell: Well, this is something I've studied. Commissioner Carollo: Well, the public hearing -- Commissioner Reyes: Public hearing is over. Commissioner Carollo: -- is over. I think we need to go vote now. Commissioner Reyes: We can pass it. Commissioner Carollo: We meet again -- you know, he certainly -- (MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm just against concept offour White guys deciding what happens at decision time. Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, like, please stop with this 'four White guys" stuff, because -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's true. Commissioner Carollo: -- you know -- it's -- you know, you're going to a place -- There's nothing racial about this. You know -- Commissioner Reyes: Nothing racial. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, no, no -- Commissioner Reyes: Don't make it racial now. Commissioner Carollo: -- you're the wrong kind of guy to bring this up to begin with, so don't bring it up. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, no, no. Commissioner Carollo: So don't bring it up. There's nothing racial about this. City of Miami Page 66 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Actually, I'm not the wrong guy to bring it up. I think it's wrong for -- Commissioner Carollo: Of course. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- four people to decide what happens in District 5. Commissioner Carollo: Well, then don't vote for anybody ifyouthink so -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, no, Pin going to vote for somebody. Commissioner Carollo: -- right? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You know my candidate, and you know why Pm supporting that candidate. But I prefer an election. My motion, my initial -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, but -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- motion was to have an election. Commissioner Carollo: -- we're at the point of taking votes. I don't want to -- you know -- as one member of this body -- see any more interruptions. 1'd like to see if we could find consensus tonight; if not, I'd like to go home and rest for tomorrow and get prepared for the meeting for tomorrow. But because of this, 1 missed the meeting that I'm supposed to have with staff to go over, so I'm going to have to do a double take tonight on my own. And -- you know -- if we don't have consensus, then we'll meet again. We have plenty of time. 10 days is an eternity. Commissioner Reyes: May I ask, Mr. Chair, that you call for the ballots and keep on - -? I mean, listen, let's continue this. Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Clerk, if you wouldn't mind, the ballots, please. Mr. Hannon: As the ballot is being handed out, I would like to request that at the very top of the ballot that you print your name, your district number, and you will select one candidate. At the very bottom is the option for none of the candidates. Commissioner Reyes: Can I --? Mr. Hannon: The elections coordinator will come by and pick them up. Commissioner Carollo: We're not using that system that I told you could change your votes, right? Mr. Hannon: No, sir. This is old school, by hand. Commissioner Carollo: Or that Venezuelan software. Commissioner Reyes: (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: There's no hanging chad here, right? Commissioner Reyes: You have a line that didn't realize it. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you. City of Miami Page 67 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 NA.1 8264 City Commission Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you. Mr. Hannon: This is the ballot for round one. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla voted for Christine King. Commissioner Russell voted for Jeffrey Watson. Commissioner Carollo voted for Nancy Dawkins. Commissioner Reyes voted for Nancy Dawkins. No candidate received three votes. Commissioner Reyes: Pass it again. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, go at it again. Commissioner Reyes: Go at it again. Vice Chair Russell: Would you like to discuss? Commissioner Reyes: No. Commissioner Carollo: Go at it again. Commissioner Reyes: Go at it again. Commissioner Carollo: After we do a few more, we could discuss if need be, if we get to a few more. Commissioner Reyes: We're ready. Say it again. Mr. Hannon: Commissioners, round two. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla voted for Christine King. Commissioner Russell voted for Jeffrey Watson. Commissioner Carollo voted for Jeffrey Watson, and Commissioner Reyes voted for Jeffrey Watson. We have three votes for Jeffrey Watson. Commissioner Reyes: Congratulations, Jeff. NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S) DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION BY THE CITY COMMISSION REGARDING SCHEDULING OF A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR JANUARY 12, 2021 TO FILL THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5. RESULT: DISCUSSED Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, you want to be recognized? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, to that effect, I would like to make a motion to hold a special election on January 12th, 2021. Vice Chair Russell: I'll second that for discussion. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: For discussion purposes? Vice Chair Russell: Yes, yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And that way, you could proceed any way you want, Mr. Chair, obviously, and the body will decide, but I think that for discussion City of Miami Page 68 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 purpose, we should at least -- you know -- let the residents of District 5 decide who they want. I think that's the right -- the way democracy should work. So that's the motion, and you seconded the motion, so let's take it from there. Vice Chair Russell: All right. So, I will open the floor for public comment. If you are looking to be a -- appointed, and we get past this moment, and we do not come to consensus on sending this to special election, each of you will be given at least five minutes to make your case, to present yourself to introduce yourself and anything beyond that the Commissioners wish to ask you questions. So, as I open public comment, this is not your moment to be a candidate. Of course, you can say whatever you'd like while you're at the lectern, within reason. But really, you will have another opportunity to vie for yourself. So, really, the item at hand is whether or not we go to a special election or whether or not this body will make the appointment. Is there anyone that has any comment before we go to public comment? Because 1 believe we have recorded comments. We will have live comments, and we have some call-backs. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Go ahead, Commissioner. Commissioner Reyes: Oh, no; go right ahead. Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, you're recognized. Commissioner Reyes: No, no. I seem to -- age before beauty, you know. Go right ahead, Commissioner. Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: All right. But you do pray for me, right? Commissioner Reyes: I do, every day, sir. Commissioner Carollo: I'm very pleased that we have had a tremendous response from the community. This shows us that democracy is very much alive in District 5, and people are alert. That is good for the city. One of the areas that we should be appraised of -- and I know all the answers that could be given -- democracy has got no price and everything else -- but I'm the only guy that's been here for more votes and special elections than all the rest that are here combined. In fact, let me go into a little bit of history of maybe why we're all here today to discuss District 5. Back when I was first elected mayor in my first term, for the first time in the City's history for many decades, we were left without Black representation in the City Commission. And I put all my political worth at the time to make sure that that was going to be changed. And I pushed for districts so that we could assure that there would always be African American representation in this Commission; that we would always have the so-called Anglo representation in this Commission, meaning someone White, non -Hispanic, and it passed. So, the process that we have here today, it's a very serious one to me. And while, certainly, one option is to bring it to an election, an election that will probably happen sometime in the middle of January, which means that whoever is elected will be there for less than a year, so then they run again. It seems to me the most sensible process to follow is to try to come to an appointment, whether it's a caretaker appointment or not, but an appointment, because it sounds great, let the people decide, but you know what? Unfortunately, too many times, people from all races, colors, ethnic backgrounds, decide based on whatever confusion is thrown on TV spots, commercials, mailers, and how do you get all that out? With money. And there's at least one candidate here that has built up a war chest that would have a head start against any other candidate right now, and that's not fair. That's racing the racetrack before the horses start running. I know who's raised money for the candidate. So, you know, I'm not blind. And I have no candidate that I'm backing, per City of Miami Page 69 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 se. I just want the best for District 5 and the best for our community, and I want it to he a level playing field for everyone. So, this is why 1 am going to try to see if we could reach some form of consensus. Out of the 15 candidates that we at least have, there might be others that didn't apply that we might know of today, but this cannot be an election based on who has got the most money, because special interests already decided that they wanted one candidate over others. This has got to be about a true democratic election once we have it for the people of District 5 to decide. Now, Mr. Clerk, one question I'd like to ask, just so we could have it on the record, what does it cost for a special election? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Approximately $300, 000, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Is that the total amount with the County, or --? Mr. Hannon: It depends. If we decide to do -- the $300,000 -- Commissioner Carollo: For one election? Mr. Hannon: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: It's obvious that you're going to have a lot of candidates here, so that's going to go into a runoff. Mr. Hannon: Sir, just so you're aware, when it comes to City of Miami special elections, it's simple plurality; there's no runoff. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. All right. So at least we save that amount, so that even makes it more different, because there are some candidates that will have an advantage when you have a simple plurality versus going into a runoff so that's even a bigger reason in my mind why we should try to choose a replacement candidate for the short time that we're going to have -- you know -- that candidate before they're up to election again. So, it's approximately $300,000. Mr. Hannon: That is the cost associated with the County. The 300,000 incorporates three early voting sites for nine days. If we go with the Cadillac plan -- I'll just call it that -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Hannon: -- you would take that 300,000 and add another 40,000 for public notices, fbr a total of 340,000. But if we reduce the number of early days or the number of sites, then the cost will fluctuate, but roughly 300, 340, 000. Commissioner Carollo: It's about 340? Mr. Hannon: That is all in, yes. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes. Commissioner Carollo: We'll have that on the record. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I know that this is a very difficult decision to make, and I have been part of this before as a candidate; as a candidate back in 1989. And I am a firm believer that democracy should always prevail; that the people should decide who is going to govern; that by appointing somebody that is going to run, that person City of Miami Page 70 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 will have an advantage over other people that want to serve. And as a matter of respect, as a matter of respect to the residents of any district, I don't think that we in the Commission should be kingmakers. We should let the people decide. And I'm going to read you something that --from a candidate that was appointed. Some of you here that are present remember this date. It was June 28th, 1989. There was a young candidate, a person that was already in a race for the seat that at the time was held by Rosario Kennedy; the person that was already running against her. Rosario Kennedy decides to resign and run for Congress, so the seat is open. The same procedure starts, and they named this candidate that was already in the race, and he came to the podium, and he said, "Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, I am very honored by being nominated by Mr. Victor de Yurre, but 1 think that the role of this Commission is not that of a kingmaker. I think that everybody should have a chance. Nobody should have an advantage when the general election come. Therefore, 1 will not accept the nomination. 1 think that the caretaker would be the proper solution. And I know that right here we have today, the person who has served the City of Miami, a person who has always shown their knowledge and their integrity that will serve the people, and the person is Athalie Range. Therefore, I think that Athalie Range should be the caretaker, " and "thank you very much," applause, blah, blah, blah, blah. Athalie Range was voted in. She didn't run. She didn't run. That candidate was me, okay? That was me. And as I stood there when it was I the person that was nominated, and I proposed a caretaker. That's what I will do today, because it's the right and proper thing to do. I stand by my convictions. And by the way, that cost me the election. That cost me the election, because 1 was accused then on -- by some candidate of me giving away the Cuban seat, okay? And I was accused, and then everybody ran in the race, and I lost. And you know what? If 1 had to do it again, I would, because it's what 1 believe. And therefore, I want everybody to know that my only vote is going to be the person that is willing to hold this seat until the November election, and convince himself or herself not to run. I think that's the decent, the honest, and the right thing to do in my opinion. And I'm not preaching without showing that it was my belief in 1989 back then -- I'm old, you know -- and it is my belief right now, and I want everybody to know that. And you can ask -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. And just to clarl6) that I'm understanding what you're saying -- because I was a sophomore in high school when you made that speech. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Russell: We did not learn about it in civics class so -- Commissioner Reyes: That means you are young and I'm old. Vice Chair Russell: -- I'd like to ask you now. So, you're saying that in your opinion, a 45-day election is not necessarily a fair representation of democracy, but a one-year would be -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Russell: -- in November of next year so -- Commissioner Reyes: Let everybody vote and give everybody a chance. And believe me, I think that it would be absurd to have two elections; one in 45 days and another one in November. Let's have one and let the person think -- listen, let me ask -- let me tell you this. And I want to add this, I have seen -- I have read all the bios of everybody that is here, you see. The district is full of qualified, good people with good intention, see. It is. We have a great field of candidates. But, by God's sake, let the people decide, you see? And let's level the playing field so everybody that wants to be City of Miami Page 71 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 part of -- the commissioner or representative of that district, you see, be the choice of the people of that district, see. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: That's what 1 had to say. Vice Chair Russell: So, I'd like to ask the City Attorney a question. There has been talk of the idea of a caretaker position, although that is not contemplated in our Charter, and 1 know this has been promised in other jurisdictions and elections before, where it has not been binding, and it was not honored. Is there a mechanism by which someone could pledge such a promise that could be binding? George Wysong (Senior Assistant City Attorney): So, the -- George Wysong, Assistant City Attorney. They can make the pledge; however, I believe it would be very difficult to make that pledge binding. I think that ultimately, the electorate would determine that if somebody were to make a pledge and then rescind from their pledge -- you know -- in the subsequent election, but our Charter doesn't provide for temporary appointments or anything like that. So, I don't think it would be a legally binding pledge, if you would. Vice Chair Russell: So, it's a legally binding promise -- Commissioner Reyes: May I add -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The question is very difficult to ask the City Attorney -- Assistant City Attorney; very difficult or impossible? Mr. Wysong: Well, it's not impossible, sir, but I do think that we would be up against people's fundamental rights to run for election, things like that. There would be significant constitutional issues that we would have to overcome in order to prevent this person from running for election. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, speaking about a history lesson, Commissioner, has it happened before where somebody said they were not going to run, and they ran? Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Mr. Wysong: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. So, it's happened before, so we have to learn from history, too. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, there's not really a caretaker. In essence, if you're appointing someone, you're appointing an incumbent -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- that will have an inherent advantage after one year being in office and voting on a number of issues over that year to be an incumbent commissioner who will, as history has proven, run for re-election. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. City of Miami Page 72 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right? Mr. Wysong: You're right. Commissioner Reyes: Can I add to that? There is one thing that -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: As I remember -- I had a question, because I'm -- again, Pin the rookie here at City of Miami, but I'm not a rookie. Commissioner Reyes: No. I -- you've been around for a long time and that's -- probably you were here that day. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) but 1 would read the Miami News and the Miami Herald and everything else when 1 was up there in Tallahassee. So, tell me, how many times has that happened? Mr. Wysong: How many times that particular scenario happened? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Mr. Wysong: I'm only familiar with one time. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: One time. And that candidate ran? Mr. Wysong: I'm sorry? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Who was that candidate? Mr. Wysong: I believe it was Commissioner Dunn. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Who promised that he would not run, and he ran? Mr. Wysong: Indeed; yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. May I --? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's important. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner Reyes, of course. Commissioner Reyes: I know that. I know that that could happen, but I -- as I said to people that asked me, well, what make -- what can you do if that person decides to run? First of all, I believe that we can -- and these people -- I mean, this group that we have here, we have people that will keep their word. And also, you have my commitment that I will do anything that is in my power, and we should all commit our self [sic] that if that person, that individual does not -- I mean, doesn't stand true to his or her word, that we all — we all will campaign against that person, because that person had betrayed the trust that we placed on him. I will commit myself to that, you see. I will commit myself to that. And I will -- and by the way, I'm pretty sure that the person that did that did not win at the time, because he broke his word. It was precisely because he broke his word. He would have won otherwise, because I've been around the district with that person, and that person is here right now, okay? And I knew how popular, how good he was. But by going back on his word, he lost the election. So, I think that this is the proper thing to do, and I hope that we can -- City of Miami Page 73 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 among this group here, we have many individuals that are honorable people, that they are going to keep their word; if not, we'll just jump on them; that's it. Yeah, that's it. Vice Chair Russell: I have to say I'm a little torn on whether or not the incumbency is always truly an advantage. If you are here for a year as an appointee and you don't serve the community, you don't communicate well with your residents; you make bad decisions, in their mind, you've got 14 potential candidates for next November who are going to be hammering you every day, every week in the news, social media and at the doors to make your residents aware that you've been a poor caretaker. So, while you very much recognize the strengths of incumbency, there are also vulnerabilities to incumbency. But I do respect and understand exactly what's been said up here today. So, unless there's further discussion at this moment, I'd like to open for public comment. And now that everyone has had a moment to sort of hear a little bit about how Commissioners feel in this moment, 1 think it's our turn to hear from you. So, Mr. Clerk, if it's appropriate, I believe we start with the recorded public comment, we'll go to the call-backs, and then for anyone who is in the chambers or outside to make public comment. We'll be giving two minutes per person for this portion of public comment. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, before -- Mr. Chair, before we do that -- Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- we haven't heard from you. Vice Chair Russell: I -- you know, I -- Commissioner Carollo: Haven't heard from who? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: From the Chair. Vice Chair Russell: Like I said, I've been torn on this very much. I've met several of the folks who would like to represent District 5, and I've been very impressed. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Russell: And -- and you know -- what we want to do most is honor the Charter and allow democracy to prevail. And so, we have a very difficult decision before us. So I will say with you, in all very true honesty, I have not made up my mind as of this morning and as of right now, not only what we should do with regard to special election versus appointment, I really wanted to hear from you all up here and the residents, and I have not decided if we do go to special -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But do you believe the four of us here should pick the commissioner from District 5? Vice Chair Russell: Long term, no. I do believe it is the will of the people. It is the will of the people. And I do believe that this body also has the ability to choose somebody who would represent the district well for this year while that election is taking place, because, really, the election for next November starts today. Commissioner Reyes: It starts today. Vice Chair Russell: No matter what we decide up here right now, the election for next November -- City of Miami Page 74 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Do you feel it's ambitious of us to pick the commissioner of District 5? Vice Chair Russell: You know, I'm intrigued by this idea of a place holder, of a caretaker. And if there's somebody who truly interested in only serving for this year on the basis of good government, on the basis -- without objective or ambition, I'm very interested in what you asked Mr. Wysong. It's difficult, but is it impossible? And I believe that a -- between a contract -- not a contract but a letter of intent can be written so strongly that it would absolutely, work against them if they went back on that word. I don't know. I don't know. I don't have experience in this and -- Commissioner Reyes: May I add -- Vice Chair Russell: -- but -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Don't -- Commissioner Reyes: May I? Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Miss Athalie Range didn't run; she stepped aside. She -- I mean, she would have won, because she was one of the most popular commissioners we had, you see? She could have won if she had decided to stay -- Vice Chair Russell: Well, it's happened before. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, it has happened before. Vice Chair Russell: Thelma Gibson. Commissioner Carollo: Thelma Gibson. Commissioner Reyes: And Thelma Gibson, happened before. Vice Chair Russell: Was a caretaker. Commissioner Reyes: She was a caretaker. Vice Chair Russell: For -- and we're talking a full year. This isn't a caretaker for three months. Commissioner Reyes: No, no, we're talking a full year. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but this is going to be less than a full year. Commissioner Reyes: It's going to be less than a full year, you see? Commissioner Carollo: And if it goes to an election, much less. Vice Chair Russell: I'm sorry? Commissioner Carollo: And if it goes to an election, much less than a full year. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: So, the people will have their voices heard -- City of Miami Page 75 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- in a fair and balanced way for everybody regardless of what we do November of next year. Vice Chair Russell: I can't say -- Commissioner Carollo: We, like past commissions, have an obligation to do what's best for the City. Past commissions from the founding fathers of the City made decisions like this, and more often than not, in fact, basically all the time, there were appointments. There were appointments for many reasons, one of them being that you didn't want to go into an election that was going to be costly for the City when there was no need to. Once you had that election, you wanted to have more of a balanced feel for everyone. You wanted to make sure if you appointed someone that the people were going to be satisfied with them. Commissioner Reyes: Mm-hmm. Commissioner Carollo: Then they could decide a short time later if they wanted to keep him or get him out. So, history shows that from the founding fathers to present commissions, the route that has been taken by City commissions has been the temporary -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- appointment route versus an election. In this case, from what I've seen, there's even more of a reason why we should go the appointment route, because, frankly, the election for November has already started, even before we met here. It started over a year ago. Vice Chair Russell: So, I will say one more thing with regard to caretaker positions, and I said this -- I've been asked in recent weeks how I feel about that, and I stated that I didn't believe we could bind somebody. And I -- you know -- there's another angle I think we should consider. If you appoint somebody, yet they cannot run one year from now, that is one year of decisions they will make for the district and the City with zero accountability; meaning nobody will have voted to put them there, and nobody will be able to vote them out or to stay in. Commissioner Reyes: Yep. Vice Chair Russell: And that changes your decision -making ability -- or not ability, but the -- it changes what pushes and sways your decisions, perhaps. Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, you're making a good point. I think Commissioner Reyes has, too. I could go either way. Vice Chair Russell: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: You know, what you're stating is not far -- in fact, has been mainstreamed -- what prior commissions have acknowledged. So -- Vice Chair Russell: But if -- let me just finish by saying if we appoint somebody and they are able to run, because they legally, are at the end of that 12 months; let's say they promise not to, but they do -- the court of public opinion will weigh on whether or not they kept that promise or should. But more importantly, the voters will judge them fbr the decisions they made in that last 12 months. City of Miami Page 76 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Reyes: But let me -- another angle of what you're saying. You see, by appointing somebody that is going to run, you have a bigger probability that that person is going to make political decisions; political decisions instead of decisions that would benefit the community. It's going to be political. It's going to be based on contributions, who's going to be contributing; it's going to be based -- how does it look? It's going to be based on a lot of things, you see? That's another angle, what you're saying, because those political decisions sometimes are harmful. Vice Chair Russell: Fair enough. Commissioner Carollo: That's all true. We never make those political decisions up here, I'm sure. Commissioner Reyes: No, we don't. Commissioner Carollo: But -- Vice Chair Russell: All right. Time -- Commissioner Carollo: -- the bottom line is, Mr. Chairman, if I may say -- Vice Chair Russell: Of course. Commissioner Carollo: -- there's by 15 applicants so far. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: I know the majority of these applicants. We have some extremely fine applicants. Commissioner Reyes: We do. Commissioner Carollo: I will tell you what I will be looking for. I'm going to be looking for individuals -- and we have quite a few here, that have deep, very deep roots in District 5. I want individuals that are going to make decisions on what the residents of District 5 want; not what special interests that are outside of District 5 but have business in District 5 want. That's the bottom line for me. I want to be able to know that we have appointed someone in District 5 that their sole goal is going to be what their heart truly tells them is in the best interest of that district, because their roots are so deep that they're not going to come at this point in time and mess their name up, betray, their community. I want someone that has a background having lived in Liberty City or in Overtown or -- Vice Chair Russell: Little Haiti. Commissioner Carollo: -- in Little Haiti. Frankly, I'm kind of tired. In all sectors of our city, not just in District 5, but in my own district, Commissioner Reyes, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner Russell's District, seeing so many transplants that have no roots in our community, come, parachute down, and all of a sudden, they're the pillars of our community. They're the ones that are going to save our community. And, you know, frankly, I don't believe that. I don't think any of you, our residents, believe that. So bottom line is I want to see real roots of people that have lived in our community. Don't tell me, "Oh, I've worked, I got business." Well, if' you have so many businesses, if you have so much caring, why haven't you lived in City of Miami Page 77 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 NA.2 8241 City Commission Liberty City? Why haven't you lived in Overtown? Why haven't you lived in Little Haiti? That's a question that I'm going to he asking. I don't want people from the outside, because, frankly, I'm seeing that we're losing our City, piece by piece, because of that. Those that truly built Miami are being pushed aside. They're not being listened to. The average resident of Miami, whether it's from District 5 or any other district, has no say-so in their own city government. It's the rich and powerful, the only ones that could get whatever they want here. And I'm fed up in seeing that. So, this is where I'm coming from. I know most of you here. You know me. There's no plays or go-arounds in playing in any way. I just want the best for this district, and I want to see an independent commissioner with roots in the community. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING JEFFREY WATSON, SUBJECT TO MEETING ALL QUALIFICATIONS, AS THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER KEON HARDEMON EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 17, 2020 TO SERVE UNTIL THE NEXT GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0363 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes Commissioner Carollo: I make a motion that this Commission appoints Jeffrey Watson to the remaining term of the District 5 commission seat. Commissioner Reyes: I second it. Vice Chair Russell: There's been a motion and a second. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And I move that we make it unanimous. There's a pledge for him not to run; is that correct? Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Is that correct, Mr. Watson? Commissioner Carollo: That was done before. That's not part of the motion. Vice Chair Russell: He never proffered that; he did not. We cannot bind him if he has not -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. That cannot be part of the motion. The record's there. Commissioner Reyes: We'll take his word. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. City of Miami Page 78 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Reyes: We can take his word. Vice Chair Russell: 1 apologize for my hesitations; it's just the gravity of this moment is important for our City. Commissioner Carollo: Well, you better hurry up before anybody changes their mind. Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. You know -- Commissioner Reyes: Because we have some (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I move that we make it unanimous, and it's important. Why can't it not be part of the motion? Can we ask the City Attorney? Vice Chair Russell: I think it can be as long as it's worded appropriately; that we are not binding him, but that it is his proffer voluntarily. Commissioner Carollo: So move. Vice Chair Russell: 1s that correct, Mr. Wysong? George Wysong (Senior Assistant City Attorney): That's correct. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Vice Chair Russell: We cannot strip him of his rights to run for office, but he can make his own promise, proffer, contract. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Did he proffer that? Commissioner Carollo: Yes, he did. Vice Chair Russell: He did. Commissioner Carollo: Like others did. Commissioner Reyes: Like others; like eight more. There were eight. Commissioner Carollo: Now, what we're doing is, after he's gone through the goal lines, we're trying to change the rules again. You know, we should have said that from the beginning. We then -- we have to take him like we would have taken anybody else for their word. Its in the record. Vice Chair Russell: Well, it just depends on what your motion is right now, because it is in the record, and he did say it. Commissioner Carollo: My motion is simply what it is; that we approve the appointment of Jeffrey Watson to the remaining term of the District 5 commission seat. Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I cannot support that without a specific commitment that he's not going to run, and that's not what I heard from him. City of Miami Page 79 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Vice Chair Russell: 1 would support that as an amendment. Obviously,1 wasn't the mover or the seconder, because 1 do believe we created a dichotomy here. We created a dichotomy; that it did not obviously disqualify others, but it did affect our choice, it affected our vote, and we came with a final candidate based on -- Commissioner Carollo: But he did say it on the record, Commissioner. Now we're truing to put additional stuff into it. Commissioner Reyes: He said it a couple of times. We talked to him a couple of times. 1 mean, we have to at least -- I've known Mr. Watson for a long, long time. He's a man of his word. He's a man that have been to the White House and worked in many, many, many, many -- Vice Chair Russell: Ifl could, because we are at a moment of potential consensus -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes, but -- Vice Chair Russell: -- which is rare for us. Commissioner Reyes: It's rare for us, but 1-- Commissioner Carollo: Don't be surprised; it might be more and more. Commissioner Reyes: Then we are postponing this. Let's vote -- Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment. No. Please, I think it is fair for discussion. We've spent a long day here, and Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla clearly believes in Christine King; voted twice for her on this ballot. He is willing to vote together with us in unanimity so that we can move forward for this next year. I believe we all believe Mr. Watson and his intention. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Vice Chair Russell: But all that matters is the actual resolution and the vote. All of the discussion and the minutes and all of that is gone to history. Commissioner Carollo: Through the City Attorney. Mr. Wysong: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Are we walking into quicksand -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- by adding any provisions that could be considered -- Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Carollo: -- unconstitutional, depriving someone of their rights other than what we had done before or not? Mr. Wysong: I -- this would be my suggestion. We could add a "whereas" clause, saying, "Whereas Jeffrey Watson pledged to not seek election in the 2021 general election," and add that to the legislation. I think anything beyond that would be -- Commissioner Carollo: Okay, that's fine. City of Miami Page 80 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Mr. Wysong: -- problematic. Commissioner Reyes: As long as it doesn't --1 mean, make us liable, you see? And as long as nobody can sue us because we are adding that, I agree with it. Commissioner Carollo: That's fine. Commissioner Reyes: But I -- we heard it, you see. And I think you should call the vote. Commissioner Carollo: And as maker of the motion -- Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Carollo: -- I have no problem for that "whereas" to be added at the end. Commissioner Reyes: That does not -- I mean, it doesn't make us liable. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. So as one of the four Commissioners present here, I would like Mr. Watson to come up here and tell us that he isn't going to run. Commissioner Carollo: He did that before. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, but before 1 vote. Commissioner Carollo: He did that before. Now, we're putting a motion -- Look, this is a man that has served our country at the highest office -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm not questioning his integrity. Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes, you are. Commissioner Carollo: -- the problem is here that the -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: -- you wanted the hurdle before, for us to jump, ofputting it in the ordinance -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- or the resolution, rather. We have. Now you want him to come up here. Now, do we got to bring 20 bibles out -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- for him to swear? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No. Commissioner Carollo: And after that, what more do you want, Commissioner? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'll tell you what I want. City of Miami Page 81 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Carollo: Look, we put the rules beforehand. We're going beyond the rules. We've asked the City Attorney for guidance. He gave us guidance. We're putting into the resolution what you want. 1 don't know what else. Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, of course, you're recognized. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: When he came before us -- I'm not questioning his integrity. On the contrary, I know Mr. Watson very well, and he's absolutely a very, very decent citizen that's done a lot for our community. I want to be sure that if somebody says something -- I didn't understand what he said to me. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. City Clerk, can you get the minutes and read front the minutes, please? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But why do you have to get the minutes if the guy could just come up here and tell us? What's the problem with him saying something like that? Vice Chair Russell: So, if I could mediate just for a moment, Commissioners. I see what you're trying to protect in the integrity, and also, you're trying not to badger the person who has come before us. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course, of course. Vice Chair Russell: What -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla is trying to find comfort in shifting his position. Commissioner Reyes: But he did already. Vice Chair Russell: And so, he -- and semantics are important. Wording is important. And so, the first two times he mentioned it, he did say, "I don't intend to run." But on the third time we asked him, he said, "I will not." And that's my recollection (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: Well, it was clear on the record that he stated he will not. Vice Chair Russell: And I made it clear that this was a bit of an issue that we need clarity on. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Carollo: And I -- Commissioner Reyes: You can ask him. He's sitting there. Vice Chair Russell: So -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: He's right there. Commissioner Carollo: This is the last one though, okay? Once he tells you now, you're not coming up with another one, right? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, no, no. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. City of Miami Page 82 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I -- Commissioner Carollo: Jeffrey, why don't you, if you don't mind, and I'm sorry to have to do this to you. I'm trying to appease Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And Commissioner Russell. Jeffrey Watson: I'm not going to run. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Read his lips. Mr. Watson: Is that all right for you? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, that's good enough. Mr. Watson: Okay. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Commissioner Reyes: Now let's vote. Commissioner Carollo: That's the old face I remembered. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But he didn't -- you didn't object to him taking the mask off, Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Well, he wanted to look you in the eye -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's important. He (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Commissioner Carollo: -- and he did. Commissioner Reyes: He wanted you to read his lips. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Vice Chair Russell: So, without making light, I would sincerely like to thank all of you for participating in this process. You have spent a very long day and a lot of -- you've exposed yourself to be here to the potentials of all politics in your community, and I thank you for stepping forward, and I hope to continue to work with all of you. And as those of you who take the concept seriously of running for office, I would love to speak with each and every one of you as you put those campaigns together over this next year. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: And I'm so impressed with so many of you that have spoken today and that I've met with now, and I would love to work with any one of you. Commissioner Carollo: To -- Commissioner Reyes: And as a person that tried for so many times to get elected in this position, because I had ideas that I wanted to bring in, I am asking you, don't hesitate, don't quit. If that is your goal, it is your dream, and you want to serve this City of Miami Page 83 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 NA.3 8265 City Commission City, please, by all means, go right ahead. Run for office. Keep on running for office and come and do your duty serving your community. Vice Chair Russell: Well, we have a commissioner -- well, pending this vote right now, we will have a commissioner for the next year. The true race for District 5 starts today and runs for the next year. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Can we swear him in today? Can we --? Vice Chair Russell: Yes, if he doesn't leave. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you all very much that -- (MULTIPLS PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Vice Chair Russell: Call the question. So, we have a motion, and we have a second. Is there any discussion? Commissioner Reves: No. Vice Chair Russell: Roll call vote, please. Mr. Hannon: Roll call vote. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Reves. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Chair Russell. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Mr. Hannon: The motion passes, 4-0. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you all very much that have -- (MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Commissioner Reyes: God bless all of you. DISCUSSION ITEM SWEARING IN OF COMMISSIONER JEFFREY WATSON AS DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BY CITY CLERK TODD B. HANNON. RESULT: PRESENTED Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I have the oath, sir. I've got the oath ready. Vice Chair Russell: You've got the oath ready so -- City of Miami Page 84 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, let's go ahead and swear him in. Let's go ahead and swear him in. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Jackie. Let's move the chairs. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Come on. Come on. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) At this time, the City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Jeffrey Watson, swearing him in as newly appointed Commissioner of District 5. Applause. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Commissioner Watson: Okay, I'm already giving speeches. Please, a couple more seconds. Thank you everyone for being here. I've been on both sides of the table, former Commissioner and current Commissioner Hardemon just walked in. I want to say that District 5 deserves all of our best. We should all endeavor to work diligently and collectively because it's going to take a yeoman's effort to do the things that are necessary to help us in District 5 catch up to where everybody else is. And we may not all always agree, but we should always come to conclusion that the best thing for the people that don't have a voice is the best voice to be heard. Thank you for all the City workers who spent enormous amount of hours toiling and doing the things that you do best as well. Thank you very much. I appreciate it and God bless all of you. Applause. Commissioner Carollo: Well said, Commissioner Watson. Commissioner Watson: All right, that's it, okay. You want me to go to sleep? Mayor Suarez: You can keep talking if you want. Commissioner Watson: Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Commissioner Reyes: We have a commissioner. Commissioner, come here. Come on up. Commissioner Watson: I don't want to keep talking. Commissioner Carollo: Conte on up, Commissioner. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) Commissioner Watson: I agree, ladies and gentlemen, it's been a long couple days for everyone here and will be probably another long day tomorrow. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Watson: Thank you for all your service, our guests, and we'll look forward to seeing you on tomorrow. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) City of Miami Page 85 Printed on 09/11/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2020 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Reyes: You'll get your briefing now, okay? Okay, Jeffrey, take care. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD) END OF SPECIAL MEETING The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. City of Miami Page 86 Printed on 09/11/2024