City of Margate Meeting Minutes Mayor Tommy Ruzzano Vicel Mayor Arlene R. Schwartz Commissioners: Antonio V. Arserio, Anthony N. Caggiano, Joanne Simone City Manager Cale Curtis City Attorney Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman City Clerk. Jennifer M. Johnson  5790 Margate Boulevard Margate, FL33063 954-972-6454 www.margatefl.com  OF  Regular City Commission Meeting  Wednesday, July 10, 2024  7:00 PM  Commission Chambers and Zoom.us Webinar ID: 84370707473  ntps.lus02webzcom.4S/843/0/07413  CALL' TO ORDER ROLLCALL  Present: 5- Commissioner. Anthony N. Caggiano, Commissioner Joanne Simone, Commissioner  Antonio V. Arserio, Vice Mayor Arlene R. Schwartz and Mayor Tommy Ruzzano  MOMENT OF LENCE-INVOCATION by Pastor Shawn O'Neill from  Christian Life Center PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 6) PUBLIC HEARING(S)  Item 6) A. ID: 2024-182 was heard before Item 1) Presentation(s).  A. ID2024-182 PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF  FIRE RESCUE SERVICES, FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA; REIMPOSING FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENTS AGAINST ASSESSED PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF MARGATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024; APPROVING THE RATE OF ASSESSMENT; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; AND PROVIDING  AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  PUBLIC HEARING TIME: OF 7:00 P.M. Arserio, that this Resolution, should be discussed.  A motion was made by Commissioner Caggiano, seconded by Commissioner  COMMISSIONER, ANTONIO V.. ARSERIO advised thati the City was noti increasing the  fee again this year for residents.  Cityo ofA Margate  Page1  Printed on 7/30/2024 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10,2024  MAYOR TOMMY RUZZANO advised that some residents had questions about CITYMANAGER, CALE CURTIS, confirmed" that thel Residential rate was remaining the same although there had been some adjustments tot the Commercial and Industrial rates. AI MARGATE RESIDENT questioned whether there was as shortfall within the Fire Budget and also questioned why there was: such a large shortfall for businesses.  notifications they had received indicating ani increase.  Discussion ensued.  Discussion ensued.  CITY MANAGER CURTIS explained that it was based on a study that was performed to determine the residents versus commercial versus industrial and what classifications utilize thei fire services the mostt then ity was allocated int that fashion. He informed that last year's study revealed that the businesses versus industrial portion ofitu used more of  the fire services than int the previous study.  Discussion ensued.  The motion carried as follows:  Yes: 5- Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone, Commissioner Arserio, Vice  Mayor Schwartz and Mayor Ruzzano  1) PRESENTATION)  Item 1)was heard after 6)A A. ID: 2024-182 Public Hearing(s).  A. ID2024-204 MARGATE 50 YEAR: RESIDENCY AWARD  JERRY FLEMING spoke on this Item.  B. ID2024-222 PRESENTATION OF THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE WINNERS: PRIVATE  BUSINESS: FAMILY KNOWLEDGE ACTION MARTIAL ARTS, NON-PROFIT: AMERICAN LEGION POST 157, MARGATE FAMILY: THE BERTRAM PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR, MICHAEL A. JONES, presented the awards to AF REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMERICAN LEGION POST 157 spoke on this Item.  FAMILY the winners.  AE BERTRAM FAMILY MEMBER: spoke on this Item.  ATHLETES OF THE MONTH  C. ID2024-205 BASEBALL: COLIN FERELS, 10 YEARS OLD (MARGATE AAAI RUBBER  DUCKS)  EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION FOR YEARS OF SERVICE  City ofl Margate  Page 2  Printed on 7/30/20241 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10, 2024  D. ID2024-199 PAUL T. FRANKENHAUSER, POLICE SERGEANT - POLICE DEPARTMENT  25YEARS  JOSE A. RODRIGUEZ, JR., NETWORK ANALYST JOHN M. SHELTON, GIS COORDINATOR ENGINEERINGSERVICES-25YEARS  INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY-25) YEARS  ENVIRONMENTAL AND  JAMES HOFFMAN, FRLPGITERPARAMEDIC - FIRE DEPARTMENT - 15  YEARS  EDELE SIMEON, UTILITY TECHNICIAN ENGINEERING SERVICES- 10YEARS LARRY VIGNOLA, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER  ENVIRONMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER'S  OFFICE-SYEARS 5YEARS  PHILIP M. BILBAO, ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER - POLICE DEPARTMENT -  MICHAEL LUHRS, FLEET SUPERVISOR- PUBLIC WORKS- -5YEARS CITY MANAGER CURTIS, presented Assistant City Manager Vignola his plaque. ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, LARRY VIGNOLA, spoke on this Item. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, GIOVANNI BATISTA, presented Public' Works' Fleet PUBLIC WORKS' FLEET SUPERVISOR, LUHRS, spoke on this Item. MAYOR RUZZANO explained the protocol for submitting comments to Public ELSAJ. SANCHEZ, read a statement pertaining to the behavior at recent City Commission meetings and referenced arguments and being respectful. MAYOR RUZZANO responded to Ms. Sanchez's comments.  Supervisor, Luhrs his plaque.  2) PUBLIC DISCUSSION  Discussion.  Discussion ensued.  TRACY VAN WINKLE, concurred with some of Ms. Sanchez's sentiments pertaining to the City Commission's behavior at meetings. She said that Margate's 4th July Parade was excellent but she would prefer tos see less political material and more businesses DONNAI L. FELLOWS commented on Margate's 4th of. July Parade and said that the fireworks were phenomenal and thanked Parks and Recreation. She concurred with  advertised.  Cityo ofA Margate  Page 3  Printed on 7/30/2024 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10, 2024  some of Ms. Sanchez's sentiments pertaining tot the City Commission's behavior at meetings. Shei thanked Mayor Ruzzano for his passion att the meetings. RICHARD ZUCCHINI, 380 LAKEWOOD CIRCLE E, #B, discussed Palm Lakes. LAUREN BERACHA, 6950 NW 14TH PLACE, made comments about thel last City Commission meeting pertaining to a City Commissioner's behavior. She enjoyed the 4th JULIE. JONES thanked the Ruzzano family for their great donation for the 4th of. July  of. July Parade.  parade and referenced the ice pops.  3) COMMISSION COMMENTS  COMMISSIONER, ANTHONY N. CAGGIANO, thanked those who attended and worked on the 4th of. July Parade. He wished his bestf friend al Happy Birthday for tomorrow. COMMISSIONER. JOANNE SIMONE acknowledged staff for a wonderful July 4th Extravaganza and also thanked the residents for attending. She highlighted this Saturday's Sandbag Distribution event and advised residents tol look on the City's website on howt tof fill ands stackt them at home. She also highlighted events taking place atl NorthWest Focal Point Senior Center (NWFPSC). She advised people to stay well, COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO explained that the NWFPSC was one oft the hidden jewels  hydrated and to be safe. oft the City andi referenced caregivers. Discussion ensued ont the NWFPSC.  COMMISSIONER. ARSERIO, hoped that the Sandbag Distribution was a good success event and hoped tor repeat this int the peak of hurricane season. He spoke oft the importance of hurricane preparedness. He thanked the staff for the 4th of. July Extravaganza and said that he would have no problem lookingi into doing a drone show with a grand finale of fireworks att the end. He reminded the public that ity was prohibited tor rent out recreational vehicles (RV) where people stayed ont the property. VICE MAYOR, ARLENE R. SCHWARTZ, advised that the City's Facebook page hadt the 4th of. July fireworks display and said that the company they hired did a great job. She highlighted the National Night Out 2024. She responded to comments made by Mr.  Zucchini. Discussion ensued.  MAYOR RUZZANO read an extract of a letter from a member oft the public praising the NWFPSC. He also received al letter from the Arbogast family. He didr not mindl looking into drones but preferred fireworks. He referenced Public' Works Division Leader Collection and Distribution, Maragh, who received positive feedback and had also won an award. He also received feedback from residents explaining thats some oft the City's code was outdated and suggested uploading al linkt to Margate's social media. He discussed the grand opening at Pete's Barber Shop with a new owner. He said that July 4th was awesome, that the videos were incredible and referenced" the City winning a Telly Award fort the third consecutive year. He wished Rosie al Happy Birthday and advised that the next City Commission meetings were back to back on August 21st and he hoped to organize at town hall meeting during the interim. He explained yesterday's Budget Workshop, advised that they were keeping the Millage at the same rate and also  City of Margate  Page4  Printed on7 7/30/2024 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10, 2024  discussed teachers' low salaries who worked in Broward County schools. He highlighted the upcoming City events and tomorrow's Community Redevelopment. Agency (CRA) CITY ATTORNEY DAVID N. TOLCES congratulated Assistant City Manager Vignola on his 5th anniversary with Margate. He enjoyed the 4th of. July parade.  meeting.  Discussion ensued on the budget.  4) CITY MANAGER'S REPORT  CITY MANAGER CURTIS echoed everybody's comments on 4th July Extravaganza and thanked Parks and Recreation, Fire and Police respective Departments and all the staff members who participated inr making itar memorable event. He advised that the City's  paint giveaway was by appointment only.  5) CONSENT AGENDA  Items listed under Consent Agenda are viewed to be routine and the recommendation will be enacted by one motion int the form listed below. If discussion is desired by the Commission, thei item(s) will be removed from the Consent  Agenda and will be considered separately. 7) RESOLUTIONS)  No items under Consent Agenda.  A. ID2024-236 RESOLUTION  APPROVING A FOUR PERCENT (4.0%) BASE WAGE  ADJUSTMENT FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 2024THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, FOR ALL NON-BARGAINED FOR PERSONNEL; PROVIDING FOR MPLEMENTATION AUTHORITY; PROVIDING FOR  EFFECTIVEDATE  Ar motion was made by Commission Arserio, seconded by Commissioner Caggiano, that this Resolution, should be approved.  MR. KRALJIC read a statement stating that the City Commission should be excluded  from this Item.  MAYOR RUZZANO responded tol Mr. Kraljic's comments.  MS. SANCHEZ read as statement on the City Commission's pay increase and benefits. MS. BERACHA discussed the City Commission's pay increase. MS. FELLOWS alleged that Margate had the lowest paid Police Department: and that they should receive the money they deserve. MS. VANV WINKLE wished Rosie al Happy Birthday and expressed her thoughts on whether the Police Department deserved. a pay increase. COMMISSIONER. ARSERIO responded tol Ms. Van' Winkle's comments.  City ofA Margate  Page 5  Printed on 7/30/2024 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10, 2024  The motion carried as follows:  Yes: 5- Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone, Commissioner Arserio, Vice  Mayor Schwartz and Mayor Ruzzano  B. ID2024-241 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE  SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE SW 6TH STREET TRAFFIC CALMING AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE FUNDING ELIGIBILITY THROUGH THE BROWARD METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) COMPLETE STREETS ANDOTHER LOCALIZED INITIATIVES PROGRAM (CSLIP). A motion was made by' Vice Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Commissioner Caggiano, that this Resolution, should be approved.  COMMISSIONER. ARSERIO explained thatt they wanted to do this approximately two  years ago. Discussion ensued.  The motion approved by the following vote: Mayor Schwartz and Mayor Ruzzano  Yes: 5- Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone, Commissioner Arserio, Vice  8) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION  A. ID2024-240 DISCUSSION ANDI POSSIBLE ACTON-INVESTIOATON OF EMPLOYEE  COMPLAINT involved for conducting this.  MAYOR RUZZANO thanked Ria Chattergoon, Police Major Banatte and everyone else  A motion was made by Commissioner Caggiano, seconded by Vice Mayor Schwartz, to adopt the findings of thei independent investigation report prepared by Ria Chattergoon dated. July 9th, 2024 and the report prepared by Major Alain Banatte, dated June 28, 2024, regarding the complaint dated May 5th, 2024 and to make a determination of not sustained with not further disciplinary action as to Interim Chief of Police, Michael Palma, for workplace discrimination;  the allegations for all the following violations: Workplace retaliation and harassment; General Order 7.3.44 workplace violence; General Order 7.3.63 Harassment;  City Manager, Cale Curtis, for veracity, moral turpitude, ethics violations and  City of Margate  Page 6  Printed on 7/30/2024 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10,2024  workplace violence policy; and workplace violence policy.  City Attorney, David Tolces, for veracity, moral turpitude, ethics violations and  COMMISSIONER. ARSERIO explained that although he was not af fan of conducting this investigation, he voted to support thes same and thanked everyone who was involved. He MS. FELLOWS informed that she did not know the nature of the complaint and couldr not  thought that both reports were very thorough and complete.  therefore make comment.  MAYOR RUZZANO responded to Ms. Fellows' comments.  COMMISSIONER ARSERIO continued to discuss why this complaint could not be  disclosed at this stage. Discussion ensued. the City Commission did.  MS. VANWINKLE alleged thati int the past, residents in Margate knew more than what  The motion carried as follows:  Yes: 5- Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone, Commissioner Arserio, Vice  Mayor Schwartz and Mayor Ruzzano  ADJOURNMENT  There beingr no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:34pm.  Respectfully submitted,  Transcribed by Salene E. Edwards  Date: B/elzozy  PLEASE NOTE:  fae  City ofM Margate  Page 7  Printed on 7/30/20241 10:38AM    Regular City Commission Meeting  Meeting Minutes  July 10, 2024  Ifap person decides to appeal any decision made byt the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, the person will need a record oft the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, whichr recordi includes the testimony and evidence upony whicht the appeal ist to be based. Anyone desiring a verbatim transcript shall have the responsibility, at his/her own expense, to [Appendix A- Zoning - Section 3.3] Any representation made before any City Board, any Administrative Board, or the City Commission int the application for a variance, special exception, conditional use or request for any other permit shall be deemed a condition oft the granting of the permit. Should any representation bef false or shoulds said representation not be continued as represented, same shall be deemed a violation of the permit and a violation of Any person with a disability requiring auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may call the City Clerk's office at One or more members of the City of Margate advisory boards may be in attendance and may participate att the Members of the public arei invited to view this meeting through Zoom using Webinar ID: 843 70707 7473 or can listen via telephone by calling one oft thet following phone numbers: US: +13126266 6799 or +19 9292056 6099. AC copy of the Agenda for this Meetingi is posted on www.MargateFL.com. and ont the main bulletin board outside  arrange for the transcript.  this section.  (954).972-6454 with their request atl least two business days prior tot the meeting date.  meeting.  City Halll located at5 5790 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL3 33063.  THROUGH THE CITY'S WEBSITE: Go to www.margater.com items ands see the Zoom meeting information  Got to' "Agendas & Minutes" > Find the respective meeting date and click' "Agenda Summary" to view the agenda ALTERNATE OPTION FOR VIEWING AND LISTENING TO THE MEETING THROUGH: ZOOM.US  Instructions:  Topic: Margate Regular City Commission Meeting"  Enter the following linkt toj join the webinar: htps/4S02wep.zcom.ts//84370707473 Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):  Telephone:  US: +13126266799 or +19292056099  City ofM Margate  Page 8  Printed on7 7/30/2024 10:38AM