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Opa-locka commission moves regular meetings from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.; adds one-month education period
Summary
The commission voted 5-0 to change the start time of regular city commission meetings from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m., with an amendment to include an educational period (advertising/notice) before the new time takes effect in June.
The City of Opa-locka commission voted 5-0 to amend the city code to move the start time for regular commission meetings from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m., and added an educational period so residents are notified before the change takes effect in June.
The ordinance amends Chapter 2, Section 2-28 of the city's code to set the start time for regular meetings at 6 p.m. rather than 7 p.m. A staff representative said the change aims to increase resident participation by allowing the commission to begin earlier and conclude business earlier.
Sponsor comments emphasized options for virtual and written participation would remain unchanged. “The only difference is instead of participating at 7, we'll be participating at 6 if this too should pass on tonight,” the sponsor said during discussion.
Several commissioners expressed concerns about residents' ability to attend earlier sessions and the need to monitor whether the change affects participation. Commissioner discussion included a suggestion to review the change after six months; the city attorney advised that the code change itself need not include an automatic review, but any commissioner may bring the matter back for reconsideration.
The mayor moved an amendment to add an educational/notification period and make the new start time effective in June; the amendment passed 5-0. The final ordinance, as amended, passed on roll call 5-0.
