Miami Lakes Town Manager Edward Pidermann got a raise and a new contract.
The town council voted to extend Pidermann’s contract through Feb. 2027 during its Nov. 1 meeting, and to increase his salary to $215,000. He’ll also be eligible for performance-related bonuses.
“I am honored and appreciative of those who supported me,” Pidermann said after the meeting. “I think now that this is behind all of us, the most important thing [are] the town-related issues.”
Mayor Manny Cid and Councilman Carlos O. Alvarez voted against renewing Pidermann’s contract, with Cid objecting to Pidermann’s raise.
Cid also put forth Assistant Town Manager Tony Lopez for the top job, but the council didn’t support his motion.
During a council meeting on Sept. 13, Councilman Josh Dieguez said, “The discord that is permeating this dais is making us look bad. …We all know that the manager’s character is without question. He’s a man of high moral standing and someone who has been respectful and responsive.”
Councilman Luis Collazo said, “I fully support the manager. … When I walk through that door it’s business. He has conducted himself as a true professional in every aspect of what we have asked him to do as a body.”
The council also heard that night from more than 24 residents who spoke in support of Pidermann.
They lined up to cite Pidermann’s “excellent service,” “integrity,” performance during the pandemic and prompt resolution of problems.
“[Settling the contract] gives stability to the staff,” Pidermann said.
He oversees 74 employees (full-time, part-time and interns) and is responsible for six contract employees and 51 police officers who patrol in town.
Pidermann shared a chart of town manager salaries in Miami-Dade County municipalities that do not have a strong mayor.
It shows 18 cities paid their managers more, and nine paid less than the $186,823 that Pidermann was previously earning to run a town of 31,021 residents.
The closest in population is Aventura with 37,151 residents. That city paid its town manager $240,000.