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Biscayne Park commissioners direct attorney to negotiate with interim manager after weeks of debate
Summary
After extensive public comment and a divided commission, the Village of Biscayne Park directed its attorney to negotiate employment terms with interim manager Al Childress and return a contract for approval; the commission did not execute a final employment agreement that night.
The Village of Biscayne Park commission held a lengthy discussion June 3 before directing its attorney to negotiate a permanent employment agreement with interim manager Al Childress.
Commissioners weighed three finalists — interim manager Al Childress, Jordan Leonard and Leo (Leo) Kosio — in a debate that stretched across discussion of experience, community ties, and managerial style. Supporters of Childress pointed to his long public-administration experience and local residency; proponents of Leonard and Kosio emphasized fresh management approaches and planning skills. The commission heard dozens of public commenters, many of whom urged quick appointment so the village could move forward with road, drainage and communication priorities.
After debate, a motion passed directing the village attorney to negotiate contract terms with Al Childress and return a proposed agreement for commission approval. The attorney said the interim agreement provides a starting point but that new negotiations could include salary, benefits and other terms; the commission instructed staff to bring any final contract back for a formal vote. Commissioners stressed that the directive authorizes negotiation only and does not by itself constitute a final hire.
Why it matters: The negotiation step keeps Childress as interim manager while the commission seeks an agreed contract, avoiding an immediate vacancy and giving the body time to finalize terms. Several commissioners said they will expect the new manager to prioritize stalled CIP projects (especially roads and drainage), improve resident communications and shorten long-standing delays on key items.
What happens next: The village attorney will meet with Al Childress to negotiate an employment agreement. Any completed agreement will be presented to the commission for a public vote at a subsequent meeting. The commission also asked staff to continue outreach and to include transition details and accountability expectations in the proposed contract.
Attribution: Quotations and specific positions in this piece are drawn from public comments and on-record statements made during the June 3, 2025 Village Commission meeting. Where speakers were named in the transcript, those names were used; where a speaker was identified only by role the role is used for attribution.
