Miami clarifies dual-role duties for assistant town manager job

In their May 26 meeting, in a 6-1 vote, Miami's Town Council approved a revised and updated job description for the position of economic development director/assistant town manager.

Before the vote, the council and Town Manager Alexis Rivera discussed whether the person hired would report to Rivera or to the council. Vice Mayor Sammy Gonzales favored having them report to the council. 

Another part of the discussion was about who would step in in case of an extended absence by Rivera, the economic development director/assistant town manager or the town clerk. Currently the town clerk fills that role. It was resolved that unless Rivera specifically designated the new hire to take his place, the town clerk would continue to fill in for him.

When hired, the new economic development director/assistant town manager's duties will include pursuing grants of $50,000 or less. 

Rivera said this would give him more time to focus more on town budgets.

Mayor Gil Madrid, who cast the lone vote against the revised description, said the arrangement would mean “one person trying to do two jobs.”

In his update to the council, Rivera said the Bloody Tanks/Mackey's Camp flood mitigation project would start June 1, adding there was good news from the state, specifically Rep. Sylvia Allen, regarding the town's $2.5 million match. Rivera said funding for the match had been identified and will be included in the upcoming state budget.

Rivera also updated the council on HVAC work at the Miami Police Department. He said electrical work would start the week of May 25 and a mechanical contractor would visit the police station May 29 for an HVAC assessment. Rivera said the town would then request a timetable for the mechanical work.

Madrid noted the recent collapse of a dilapidated house in Miami, in which no one was injured, and brought up the need to address other houses like it in the community, particularly south of Live Oak Street. 

“It's going to be a big undertaking, but it's got to be done,” Madrid said.