38:10The appointment of Ray Valdez as Inspector General dominated the discussions. Valdez, a former city manager, faced scrutiny from council members who questioned his ability to remain impartial given his history of conflicts with them. These concerns stemmed from past accusations Valdez had made against sitting council members involving charter violations, which led to skepticism about his potential use of the position for retaliation. “I think that you do not meet the required standards… you lack the independence and impartiality as required by the charter and city ordinance,” one council member asserted.

Valdez defended his candidacy by clarifying the limitations of his role, noting that he could not initiate investigations without verified complaints. He emphasized that any action taken would be based on sworn complaints. The city attorney supported this clarification, affirming that Valdez could only act on verified complaints and council instructions, stating, “He cannot initiate those types of investigations on his own.”

Despite the debate, some council members expressed confidence in Valdez’s qualifications. The appointment was ultimately approved with some dissent.

14:47Another major topic was the council’s effort to enhance communication regarding roadwork within Doral. Residents have frequently encountered unexpected lane closures due to a lack of prior notification, exacerbated by a county ordinance limiting municipal control over construction on rights of way. Council members expressed the need for a formal notification system for upcoming roadwork. Public works officials noted the challenges posed by utility companies, which are not obligated to notify the city of their activities, often resulting in peak-hour traffic disruptions.

26:12Addressing security concerns, the council discussed a resolution to amend the role of the sergeant-at-arms to focus solely on the mayor’s protection. The proposal stemmed from the mayor’s increased workload and public engagements. Some council members questioned the necessity and cost of assigning exclusive protection to the mayor, especially given the city’s reduced crime rates. The chief of police acknowledged the city’s safety but noted that any community could be “one critical incident away from something happening.” The mayor defended the need for security, citing specific threats received and emphasizing the importance of security during public engagements, particularly outside city limits.

31:44Several ordinance amendments were also on the agenda, including changes to regulations concerning alcohol establishments and parking requirements. Amendments to Chapter 34 involved shifting the approval process for extended alcohol service hours from council action to an administrative review. Additionally, the distance requirement for establishments from educational facilities and places of worship was reduced from 2,500 feet to 500 feet, addressing concerns that the current regulation was excessive.

32:00The council also introduced changes to parking regulations, allowing tandem parking in mixed-use and commercial areas, previously restricted to single-family homes. Amendments to Chapter 8 concerning pedlars, solicitors, and canvassers were approved, simplifying the permitting process for business owners wishing to solicit in private communities.

55:25The meeting concluded with the approval of nominations for advisory boards, committees, and commissions. Council members acknowledged the challenges in the nomination process due to strict ordinances and proposed easing restrictions to enhance resident participation.