43:56At the forefront of the meeting was the nomination and subsequent appointment of Ms. Zada Sardinas as Doral’s new city manager. With a unanimous vote of confidence from the council, Sardinas brings over 30 years of experience in both public and private administration, notably her tenure as an asset manager for the City of Coral Gables. Her nomination was supported by a council member who praised her for qualities such as stability, institutional knowledge, and professionalism. Sardinas expressed her eagerness to leverage her deep connections with the community to usher in growth and innovation for Doral.

During her interview, Sardinas outlined her vision for the city, emphasizing strategic partnerships, community engagement, and exploring alternative revenue sources to reduce reliance on tax income. Sardinas also stressed the importance of leadership stability and improving staff morale, two critical factors given the recent turnover in the city manager position. Her approach includes completing the management team, ensuring effective communication, and supporting a positive organizational culture.

1:22:00The meeting also tackled the Trump Endeavor 12 LLC Master Development Agreement, a proposal to develop approximately 1,498 residential units and 14,169 square feet of commercial space alongside existing hotel and golf resort uses. This project has been a source of controversy, with residents expressing concerns about its impact on community spirit and the potential for transient populations. The first reading of the ordinance related to this development was a procedural necessity, with a second reading scheduled for January.

One resident strongly opposed the development, accusing council members of prioritizing personal gain over community interests. They highlighted a previous failed community garden initiative as indicative of declining community engagement and urged the council to consider their conscience in decision-making. In response, representatives from the Trump organization assured the council that all necessary approvals had been secured and emphasized the project’s potential benefits for the city.

The council members engaged in a discussion about the timing and validity of the approvals for the Trump project. Despite some inquiries and one dissenting vote, the ordinance was approved on first reading.

In addition to these major topics, the council addressed a resolution authorizing the city manager to utilize a cooperative purchasing agreement with Motorola Solutions for the acquisition of 200 portable radios, with a maximum expenditure of $2 million. This decision was facilitated by a grant received for the radios and was approved unanimously without further questions.

0:00The meeting also featured the interview of other candidates for the city manager position, including Mr. Ricardo Mendes and Mr. Michael Cilia. Mendes highlighted his extensive experience in municipal management and financial recovery, while Cilia emphasized his background in financial and business operations. Both candidates faced questions about their strategies for connecting with the Doral community, given that they do not reside in the city, and their plans for addressing leadership stability and staff morale.