5790 Margate Boulevard City of Margate Margate, FL 33063 954-972-6454 www.margatefl.com Meeting Minutes Lo Regular City Commission Meeting Mayor Arlene R. Schwartz Vice Mayor. Antonio V. Arserio Commissioners: Anthony N. Caggiano, Tommy Ruzzano, Joanne Simone City Manager Cale Curtis City Attorney Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman City Clerk Jennifer M. Johnson Wednesday, March 19, 2025 7:00 PM Commission Chambers and Zoom.us Webinar ID: 862 0012 1178 tps.laso2webzoom.s/88200121178 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Present: 5- Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano, Commissioner Anthony N. Caggiano, Commissioner Joanne Simone, Vice Mayor Antonio V. Arserio and Mayor Arlene R. Schwartz MOMENT OF SILENCE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A. ID: 2025-057 JOAN PHILIPPSON, MARGATE RESIDENT 1) PRESENTATIONIS) EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION FOR YEARS OF SERVICE A. ID 2025-035 SEAN R. COBBAN, POLICE LIEUTENANT POLICE DEPARTMENT 25 YEARS RICHARD T.] LACEY, DRIVERENGINEER - FIRE DEPARTMENT - 25 YEARS ERIN B. POPE, COMMUNITY SERVICE AIDE II POLICE DEPARTMENT - 25 YEARS JARED E. SCHWARTZ, POLICE SERGEANT POLICE DEPARTMENT 20 YEARS KEITH S. KENNEDY, FREFIGITERPARAMEDIC - FIRE DEPARTMENT 10 YEARS ROGER R. ROBERTS, UTILITY TECHNICIAN ENVIRONMENTAL AND City of Margate Page 1 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 ENGINEERING SERVICES - 10 YEARS TYLER GOUGH, SERVICE WORKER II PUBLIC WORKS 5 YEARS CURT A. KEYSER, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES - ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES - 5 YEARS TERRY-ANN MCKENZIB-LEWIS, UTILITY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES - 5 YEARS ELIZABETH TASCHEREAU, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - 5 YEARS 2) PUBLIC DISCUSSION MAYOR SCHWARTZ provided nstructions on how to submit a Public Discussion. MARGATE RESIDENT, JOSEPH F. EPPY, applied to be on the Planning and Zoning Board and highlighted that in his possession, eight properties were grossly undervalued on the Broward County Property Appraiser (BCPA). He said that Margate was losing approximately $1,000,000 per year to the $60,000,000 budget. MARGATE RESIDENT, DONNA L. FELLOWS, thanked Animal Control Officer, Kandibovic, for assisting her with a cat situation with Broward County. MARGATE RESIDENT, TRACY VAN WINKLE, referenced Southgate Boulevard looking beautiful and thanked those involved but she was still awaiting a sign. She explained that there was a sidewalk with huge cracks located at 227 S State Road 7 by a beverage store which needed to be addressed and highlighted a build-up of trash at a nearby property. LAKEWOOD CIRCLE, RICHARD ZUCCHINI, discussed the last Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting pertaining to the vision for the city center. Discussion ensued. MARGATE RESIDENT, MR. KRALJIC, read a statement which included speaking positively about the recently reopening of Calypso Cove and said that the Parks and Recreation staff needed to be recognized for what they accomplished. MAYOR SCHWARTZ responded to Mr. Kraljic's comments. 3) COMMISSION COMMENTS COMMISSIONER RUZZANO thanked Mr. Kraljic for speaking about Calypso Cove. He said that Parks and Recreation did an incredible job and an awesome video and hoped that they could organize something similar on a quarterly basis. He congratulated three incumbents for being reelected at the City of Coconut Creek. He advised that Margate was blamed for being one of the cities who had voted for the garbage. COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO advised that Margate did not vote as the motion died without a second. City of Margate Page 2 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Discussion ensued on voting on the garbage. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO hoped that Calypso Cove could continue with a swimming lesson program. He announced that he was going to have a Town Hall meeting on March 31st where he would be discussing the downtown area and referenced selecting a CRA developer. He also discussed voting on Item 6B. 2025-024 and referenced that he would support those who were against apartments in the downtown area. COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO thanked Parks and Recreation, Fire and the Police respective departments who assisted with the reopening of Calypso Cove. He highlighted next month's Margate's International Day Festival. COMMISSIONER SIMONE said that the residents were absolutely incredible based on the feedback she received complimenting City staff and referenced an email praising Public Works' team members. MAYOR SCHWARTZ praised the reopening of Calypso Cove. She highlighted the City's forthcoming Easter Hunt. 4) CITY MANAGER'S REPORT CITY MANAGER, CALE CURTIS, thanked and congratulated Parks and Recreation and their aquatics division for organizing a fabulous grand reopening for Calypso Cove. He said that tomorrow marked the annual Employee Appreciation Day and requested the residents to be patient with non-emergency issues during that two hour period. 5) CONSENT AGENDA Items listed under Consent Agenda are viewed to be routine and the recommendation will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. If discussion is desired by the Commission, the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately. No items under Consent Agenda. 6) RESOLUTION(S) A. ID: 2025-025 APPROVING APPOINTMENIS) OF: TO THE FIVE MEMBER MARGATE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FOR A TERM COMMENCING MARCH 19, 2025 - MARCH 18, 2026. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO preferred to do a slate and approve his fellow City Commission's selections. Discussion ensued. CONSENSUS was given by the City commission to do a slate. City of Margate Page 3 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Discussion ensued on the procedure. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO requested present Board of Adjustment applicants to stand up. He questioned Mr. Sulaman on the downtown apartments. MOHAMED M. SULAMAN introduced himself. LISA LALJI introduced herself and had been in Margate for approximately three years. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO said he would be nominating Lisa Lalji. COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO selected Mohamed Sulaman. COMMISSIONER SIMONE questioned Mr. Sulaman whether he would reconsider serving on the Planning and Zoning board as opposed to the Board of Adjustment. MR. SULAMAN explained that he had served on the Planning and Zoning board and would prefer to be on the Board of Adjustment. JOAO D. BRANDAO echoed Mr. Sulaman's sentiments on the Planning and Zoning board and would prefer to serve on the Board of Adjustment. COMMISSIONER SIMONE selected Bradley Uribe. ELSA SANCHEZ preferred to stay on the Planning and Zoning Board. SHEKINAH AWOFADEJU MAJOR wanted to remain on the Planning and Zoning Board. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO selected Kandi Harris. MAYOR SCHWARTZ selected Barbara Farias. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Arserio, seconded by Commissioner Caggiano, to approve the Resolution and appoint the following, as a slate, to the City's Board of Adjustment: Commissioner Ruzzano appointed Lisa Lalji Commissioner Caggiano appointed Mohamed Sulaman Commissioner Simone appointed Bradley Uribe Vice Mayor Arserio appointed Kandi Harris Mayor Schwartz appointed Barbara Farias This carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner Ruzzano, Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone, Vice Mayor Arserio and Mayor Schwartz B. ID: 2025-024 APPROVING APPOINTMENT/S) OF: City of Margate Page 4 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 TO THE FIVE MEMBER MARGATE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD FOR A TERM COMMENCING MARCH 19, 2025 MARCH 18, 2026. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO appointed Joao Brandao. COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO appointed Sloan Robbins. COMMISSIONER SIMONE selected Joseph Eppy. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO selected Shekinah Awofadeju Major. MAYOR SCHWARTZ appointed Elsa Sanchez. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Arserio, seconded by Commissioner Caggiano, to approve the Resolution and appoint the following, as a slate, to the City's Planning and Zoning board: Commissioner Ruzzano appointed Joao Brandao Commissioner Caggiano appointed Sloan Robbins Commissioner Simone appointed Joseph Eppy Vice Mayor Arserio appointed Shekinah Awofadeju Major Mayor Schwartz appointed Elsa Sanchez This carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner Ruzzano, Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone, Vice Mayor Arserio and Mayor Schwartz 7) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A. ID2 2025-074 SPEED DETECTION SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL ZONES" CITY MANAGER CURTIS explained that there was a Second Reading of an Ordinance which was discussed last. July at a City Commission meeting and the City Commission voted to table this Item for nine months to allow time for other agencies to roll out the program and establish more information. He advised that in Broward County, there was still limited information available and that they were aware of opposing experiences where the program had been cancelled. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO said that although he did not call for this Item, he was happy to see that it returned to the Agenda. He hoped that the Ordinance was approved which would not necessarily mean that they would install the cameras but he liked to be prepared and this would enable the City to have that option, if it was available, to do so in the future. He advised that he did contact some of the representatives from Redspeed International but realized that there were ongoing sessions in Tallahassee which may have affected their attendance. He was aware that Hollywood had recorded tremendous success and that speeding had been reduced drastically by 91%. He suggested experimenting with this initiative near Coral Springs High School on Sample Road as it was on the border between the two cities. 5 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00 AM City of Margate Page Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO spoke about Hollywood's example by making their children 91% safer. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO commented on how lobbyists worked in Tallahassee. He was for the safety of children but was not in favor of this Item. He informed that a child was hit by a car near Coral Bay today and compared it to a similar incident a couple of years ago and indicated that there was no speeding involved. He believed that this item was a total money grab and he would only consider using the money to invest in some form of flashing lights. He questioned whether this initiative would save lives. He said thati it was the car that would receive the ticket and not the person. Discussion ensued on safety. COMMISSIONER SIMONE concurred with Commissioner Ruzzano's comments. She believed that they were 'for profit" companies and referenced people inputting information into the computers and said that there were issues with accuracy. She said that the ticket was issued to the vehicle and not to the driver and questioned if speeding was the cause of many of those accidents as there were too many distractions behind the wheel. She previously requested more signage such as "School Zone" which would highlight the speed limit and also installing signs in a middle of an intersection such as a shopping center. She concluded that her views had not changed since six months ago and that she would be voting "no" and would not considerate it. She advised that they needed to do more to educate the drivers. MAYOR SCHWARTZ was a great believer in educating the public but questioned how they would change the behavior if they did not have a consequence. She indicated that points were not added to a license if somebody ran a school zone. She complimented Mr. Kraljic for the literature she received and requested that it should also be distributed to the rest of the City Commission. She said that Margate lacked traffic lights where people could cross the street and referenced a convenience store opposite Margate Middle. She agreed with Vice Mayor Arserio to set up the ability that ift they ever wanted to do it, they could. She was under the impression that there were other cities that were doing this in Broward. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO advised on cities within Broward County that were considering the cameras and said that the law read that the revenue that would be generated, the percentage paid out was much higher than a traditional ticket and it was broadly written that the monies could be used by the cities for public safety. He sought permission to explore his suggestion of installing a camera in the Coral Springs/Margate area. CITY MANAGER'S CURTIS explained that they could explore the camera nitiative but was unaware if the City had jurisdiction to enforce on a Coral Springs road. Discussion ensued. MR. ZUCCHINI, said when this was first discussed, he suggested the addition of flashing lights as a reminder that a driver was in a school zone. He indicated that if they called this Item a money grab", : then it could be deemed as a speeding problem. He repeated his suggestion for the City to investigate rumble strips which was also a safety element. MAYOR SCHWARTZ made comment pertaining to the rumble strips. MS. FELLOWS, questioned why they could not place officers rather than spend money on cameras. She alleged that the school zone flashing lights were on where there was City of Margate Page 6 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 no classes in session. She also informed that by Coral Glades, they have motorcycle officers circling the area to ensure that drivers were not speeding. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO questioned Ms. Fellows if she would be opposed if a company paid for the equipment and the revenue received was able to hire five more police officers. Discussion ensued. MS. VAN WINKLE referenced a recent journey through Coral Bay and said that although there were many Police Officers, she alleged that there were a number of parents J-walking along that road and questioned why they were not ticketed. She suggested putting in a crossing near a store by Margate Middle and indicated that they would have speeding regardless and referenced seeing approximately three cars flipped over in Margate in the last week. She did not believe that cameras were the answer. MARGATE RESIDENT, MR. KRALJIC, requested a show of hands for each City Commissioner who received some sort of contribution from either the Redspeed International or their attorney, Becker & Poliakoff. He continued to read a statement where he alleged City Commissioners were receiving donations from representatives of the speed cameras. MARGATE RESIDENT, JULI VAN DER MEULEN, read a statement where she questioned whether the City was really prioritizing the genuine safety of their children or merely creating a revenue stream of benefits that entitled the entities outside of the City. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO responded to Ms. Van Der Meulen's comments. MARGATE RESIDENT, ELSA J. SANCHEZ, thanked Major Stransky for researching this Item and also read a statement in favor of the same. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO said there were some good points made by the residents but there seemed to be unison in agreeing that there was a speeding issue and he had questions on the City of Hollywood's statistics. He thought that the perception of the Ordinance was bad and did not believe that they needed anything pre-set for the future. He continued to speak against this Item. Discussion ensued. MARGATE RESIDENT, DAVID L. ALBRIGHT, explained that distracted driving was one of the number one causes. Discussion ensued. JUPITER RESIDENT, HASSAN DABAJA, JENOPTIK, said that he had been with the company for seven years and said that they genuinely cared about making a difference in the community and continued to speak highly of his company where he believed that others had failed. Discussion ensued. MARGATE RESIDENT, DONALD FRITZ, (via Zoom) agreed with some of Commissioner Ruzzano's comments pertaining to this Item and explained that Police Officers being present was more effective. He also referenced Mr. Kraljic's comments about City Commissioners allegedly receiving payments. City ofMargate Page 7 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 MARGATE RESIDENT, NINA CULVER, (via Zoom) thought that the cameras were important and did not believe this Item was a money grab as the revenue would go towards public safety which would enable more Police Officers on site. She also alleged that there was a shortage in the Police Department. VICE MAYOR ARSERIO referenced campaign contributions as being misleading as every City Commissioner had accepted contributions and then voted for other things. He explained that when this Item first arose, he requested for more Police Officers and said that he did not see them enforcing traffic which he had discussed with City Manager Curtis. He explained that it would be costly to place a designated Police Officer in every school zone throughout the year and explained that the amount of tickets issued was embarrassingly low. He repeated that the money generated could be used to put more Officers on the road. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO concurred with one of the public speakers by placing an Officer with a camera for speedy drivers. He repeated that he was not for this Ordinance. Discussion ensued. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45pm. Respectfully submitted, Transcribed by Salene E. Edwards Jenyifer M. Johnson, City Clerk Date: 4/3/2025 PLEASE NOTE: City of Margate Page 8 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Ifa a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, the person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Anyone desiring a verbatim transcript shall have the responsibility, at his/her own expense, to arrange for thet transcript. [Unified Land Development Code - Section 40.300(C)] Any representation made before any City Board, any Administrative Board, or the City Commission in the application for a variance, special exception, conditional use or request for any other permit shall be deemed a condition of the granting of the permit. Should any representation be false or should said representation not be continued as represented, same shall be deemed a violation of the permit and a violation of this section. Any person with a disability requiring auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may call the City Clerk's office at (954) 972-6454 with their request at least two business days prior to the meeting date. One or more members of the City of Margate Boards may bei in attendance and may participate at the meeting. Members of the public are invited to view this meeting through Zoom using Webinar ID: 862 0012 1178 or can listen via telephone by calling one of the following phone numbers: US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099. A copy of the Agenda for this Meeting is posted on www.MargatefL.com and on the main bulletin board outside City Hall located at 5790 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL 33063. THROUGH THE CITY'S WEBSITE: Go to www.margatef.com Go to "Agendas & Minutes" > Find the respective meeting date and cick "Agenda Summary" to view the agenda items and see the Zoom meeting information ALTERNATE OPTION FOR VIEWING AND LISTENING TO THE MEETING THROUGH ZOOM.US Instructions: Topic: "Margate Regular City Commission Meeting" Enter the following link to join the webinar: htps-/us02webzom.t18//86200121178 Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 26 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 City ofl Margate Page 9 Printed on 3/27/2025 10:00 AM