The controversy at North Miami Beach City Hall shows no signs of slowing. Following a contentious and closely watched city manager selection process, city commissioners last week voted to refer an independent investigative report outlining allegations against Mayor Michael Joseph to state authorities for further review.
The 32-page interim report, prepared by the ALGO Law Firm and dated Feb. 16, details allegations from city employees describing potential violations of the city charter, procurement policies, and public records laws. Commissioners voted to send the report to the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Commission on Ethics, requesting review to determine whether Joseph’s actions may constitute ethics or criminal violations.
Allegations
The investigation was launched Jan. 20 after the commission directed then-interim city manager Andrew Plotkin to retain outside counsel to examine whether elected officials had improperly interfered in administrative operations.
According to the report, several employees alleged Joseph bypassed the city’s commission-manager form of government by directly contacting staff about procurement matters and vendor selection…