Miami Lakes council authorizes two‑year negotiation with town manager amid calls for open search

Council members spent more than an hour debating whether to open a formal town‑manager search or to pursue a negotiated short extension for Town Manager Ed Peterman. The council ultimately approved a motion directing Councilman Herzberg to negotiate a two‑year contract extension with the manager.

Mayor Joshua Dieguez framed his motion as a risk‑mitigation choice tied to major capital work already underway, saying the manager has been central to projects including the 59th Avenue effort and Optimus Park planning. Dieguez proposed a two‑year extension and appointed Councilman Herzberg to negotiate terms. "My motion would be to go ahead and consider a 2 year contract extension," the mayor said, asking for clear performance expectations and a short timeline for a negotiated contract.

Opponents argued the town should test the market and seek outside candidates through the charter‑mandated recruitment process. Vice Mayor Moreira said he favored a competitive process to ensure the best candidate and to preserve bargaining leverage, noting that negotiation with a sitting manager who says he will not reapply weakens council leverage. Supporters of the extension pointed to favorable staff evaluations and the risk of turnover during an anticipated budget squeeze.

Council voted to authorize negotiation of an extension (the motion passed in roll call). The authorization directs the named councilmember and manager to negotiate a contract for council consideration; any final agreement must return to the council for approval. The outcome leaves open a later formal search if members decline the negotiated terms.