The city of South Miami continues its unprecedented losing of taxpayer money streak by paying out on a violation of ADA (American with Disabilities Act). The city was sued (Gonzalez v. The City of South Miami d/b/a Fuchs Park, Case #1:18-cv-23488) whereby it paid Gonzalez the sum of $10,000 to dismiss his case along with the provision the city complies and creates an ADA Transition Plan for all 14 parks. South Miami will have 4 years to correct the violations, which will cost taxpayers even more. Given the fact that the cost for materials and labor continue to increase, one would think that the city’s illustrious geniuses will move quickly to correct this embarrassing situation it created. In addition, just two weeks prior, the city settled the long drawn out lawsuit of South Miami Police Officer, Jose Fermin Lopez for an undisclosed amount.
Officer Lopez sued Mayor Phil Stoddard and Commissioner Bob Welsh personally for Defamation/Slander, yet somehow the city’s Insurance provider paid out the settlement. Given the ever increasing payouts on lawsuits, settlements, consultants and associated legal fees, along with the resulting increase in insurance premiums, is it little wonder that taxes continue to increase? While there are still several more lawsuits rumored to be submitted, one lawsuit is slowly working its way to a hearing and that is yet another personal defamation/slander lawsuit against Mayor Phil Stoddard, this one by former Chief Orlando Martinez de Castro. Will the city’s losing streak yield a record settlement or will our illustrious geniuses at City Hall dare to fight this battle in court? One thing is for sure, the city’s “legal eagle” is a happy camper…. Along with the former Chief and his lawyers.
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