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North Miami council appoints Teresa Terralyst as city manager in 4-1 vote
Summary
The City Council voted 4-1 to appoint Teresa Terralyst as North Miami city manager, ending a long interim period and tasking her with stabilizing operations ahead of major capital projects and the budget season.
Mayor Alex de Soume nominated Teresa Terralyst to serve as North Miami city manager and the council approved the appointment 4-1 after brief discussion.
The move ends a period in which the city operated under an interim manager while council members expressed concern about continuity on large projects including water-plant planning and capital improvements. Mayor Alex de Soume told the council he sought someone who "knows the city" and can "take the ground running." The motion to appoint Terralyst was seconded by Councilman Pierre France Charles and carried 4-1.
Council members debated process and fairness before the vote. Councilman Kevin A. Burns and others said stability and institutional knowledge are urgent as the city enters budget season and continues work on a troubled water-plant study. Councilman Burns said the city needs "someone steady" for major ongoing projects. Councilwoman Mary Estimer Irvin said she was uncomfortable with the hiring process and requested a one-on-one meeting with Terralyst before a final vote; the council proceeded to vote after that discussion.
Interim City Manager Annabelle Emanuel, who has led operations during the interim period, thanked the council and staff in her closing remarks. The council instructed staff to begin contract negotiations and to return with employment terms; the mayor said he expected a near-term start date and asked personnel and the city attorney to begin negotiations promptly.
The appointment does not include contract details in the public action at this meeting; council members said they expect personnel to report back with terms and a possible start date to align with the budget calendar. Council members also emphasized that the new manager will be expected to improve communication with residents and with department directors and to coordinate large ongoing projects.
The appointment resolution passed with Mayor Alex de Soume, Councilwoman Mary Estimer Irvin, Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy and Councilman Pierre France Charles voting "yes"; Councilman Kevin A. Burns voted "no."
