Miami council weighs replacing mayor in executive session

In a special meeting Wednesday night, July 29, Miami's Town Council raised the prospect of possibly replacing current mayor Gil Madrid after a contentious July 13 Council meeting. The six council members in attendance (Mayor Madrid himself was excused) entered into an executive session to discuss the topic, then reconvened in a regular meeting where Town Attorney Joe Estes explained the process to remove a sitting mayor.

That process, Estes explained, requires two or more council members to submit an affidavit providing information and the basis for the conduct that constitutes grounds for removal. Those affidavits would be submitted to the town clerk as well as the mayor, who can then request a hearing within two weeks if he chooses. The mayor can elect to have that hearing either in executive session or in front of the public. Information on the hearing, where the council and mayor can discuss the issues involved, would be posted to the Town of Miami website 14 days in advance.

During the July 13 Council meeting, Madrid was cautioned against violating open meeting law by Town Attorney Jon Paladini. The warning came during consideration of an amended contract for Town Manager Alexis Rivera, giving Rivera another five years in the position, which Madrid claimed he did not know was on the agenda. He then launched into harsh criticisms of Rivera's performance, accusing the town manager of lies and personal disrespect. These were not on the agenda, which drew Paladini's warning about open meeting law violations. This led to a tense exchange, with Madrid initially trying to argue his case before giving in.

The Council had directed Town staff to draft the amendment to Rivera's contract following a Sept. 22, 2025 executive session. Town Clerk Karen Norris explained that staff had failed to draft it earlier, which is why it was on Wednesday night's agenda.

Madrid claimed to not remember attending the September 22 meeting and executive session; the minutes from that meeting confirm that he present for both. The mayor then moved to table the amendment, but his motion died for lack of a second. 

If the council decides to remove a mayor, they have up to 15 days to appoint another council member to the position. 

Estes added that no action could be taken at Wednesday night's meeting, after which the Council adjourned.

Councilman Jose “Angel” Medina Sr. said that if Madrid is removed, his replacement would serve until after November's general election, when the new Council is seated and appoints a mayor to a two-year term. Medina said he could not speak to whether any council members had submitted affidavits supporting removal.