City of Margate 5790 Margate Boulevard Margate, FL 33063 954-972-6454 www.margatefl.com Meeting Minutes 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, May 7, 2025 6:30 PM Commission Chambers and Zoom.us Webinar ID: 896 4207 7026 tps.aso2web.zoom.us/89642077025 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Present: 4- Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano, Commissioner Anthony N. Caggiano, Commissioner Joanne Simone and Mayor Arlene R. Schwartz Not Present: 1- Vice Mayor Antonio V. Arserio MOMENT OF SILENCE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1) PRESENTATIONS) B. ID: 2025-098 CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF THE MARGATE FIRE DEPARTMENT CADET TEAM'S PERFORMANCE IN CORAL SPRINGS Item 1)B. was heard before 1) A. ID: 2025-090. FIRE CHIEF ROBERIO LORENZO discussed this Item and introduced the Fire Department Cadet Team. A video played highlighting their achievements. A. ID 2025-090 PRESENTATION TO CITY OF MARGATE'S 2025 DROP SAVERS CONTEST WINNERS TIFFANY TRINH - LIBERTY ELEMENTARY - DIVISION 1 CITY WI INNER BELLA BARRETT RISE ACADEMY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - DIVISION 1 SCHOOL WINNER MILA CLAYTON MARGATE ELEMENTARY DIVISION 1 SCHOOL WINNER City of Margate Page 1 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 ETHAN EXANTUS RISE ACADEMY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - DIVISION 2 CITY WINNER FAITH NGUYEN ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY DIVISION 2 SCHOOL WINNER VIOLET BROOKS MARGATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVISION 2 SCHOOL WINNER JADEN PREVILON LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVISION 2 SCHOOL WINNER YAAKOV HODAKOV LUBAVITCH HEBREW ACADEMY DIVISION 3 CITY WINNER CALEB MCMORRIS ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY DIVISION 3 SCHOOL WINNER ARIANA LLOYD MARGATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVISION 3 SCHOOL WINNER MIA PIERRE-LOUIS RISE ACADEMY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - DIVISION 3 SCHOOL WINNER ISABELLA TRAN LIBERTY ELEMENTARY DIVISION 3 SCHOOL WINNER SIENNA-LEAH SEJOUR ATLANTIC WEST ELEMENTARY DIVISION 3 SCHOOL WINNER PAULO MENEZES ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY DIVISION 4 CITY WINNER ELIF OZDENCANLI RISE ACADEMY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - DIVISION 4 SCHOOL WINNER ENZO MENDEZ MARGATE ELEMENTARY - DIVISION 5 CITY WINNER JEREMIAH JOSEPH LIBERTY ELEMENTARY DIVISION 5S SCHOOL WINNER STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF THE MONTH A MARGATE MIDDLE REPRESENTATIVE spoke on this Item. C. ID 2025-069 ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: BENJAMIN OLIVEIRA (STUDENT), JOSIANE SANTOS (TEACHER), (Ms. Latoya Dean, Principal and/or Ms. Martha Palhano, Elementary School Assistant Principal) City of Margate Page 2 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 ATLANTIC WEST ELEMENTARY: AVARI WORRIE (STUDENT), RENINA SANDERS (TEACHER), (Ms. Shereen Reynolds, Principal and/or Ms. Yahira Tamayo, Assistant Principal) BROWARD MATH AND SCIENCE SCHOOLS: KAYSHONA TAYLOR (STUDENT), SURESH RAMANATHAN (TEACHER), (Mr. Hasan Kose, Principal and/or Ms. Sulaya Williams, Assistant Principal) LIBERTY ELEMENTARY: JAYLA DUBANEWICZ (STUDENT), MANAL IBRAHIM (TEACHER), (Ms. Vicki Flournoy, Principal and/or Ms. Donna Styles, Assistant Principal) MARGATE ELEMENTARY: AIMEE BARREAU (STUDENT), SHERENE STEWART (TEACHER), (Mr. Thomas Schroeder, Principal and/or Ms. Donna Rucker, Assistant Principal) MARGATE MIDDLE: ZARA VILLA (STUDENT), BRANLY FERNANDEZ (TEACHER), (Ms. Sabine Phillips, Principal and/or Ms. Thomas Morgan, Assistant Principal) PHYL'S ACADEMY PREPARATORY SCHOOL: VICTORIA THOMAS (STUDENT), JAQUENTIN WILLIAMS (TEACHER), (Ms. Afua Baptiste, Principal and/or Ms. Meleisa Forbes, Upper School Director) RISE ACADEMY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: KAMILEA FOSTER (STUDENT), BRITTNEY PLUMMER (TEACHER), (Dr. Adriana Guerra, Principal) WEST BROWARD ACADEMY: ALISHA FERREIRA (STUDENT), JENNIFER WILLIAMS (TEACHER), (Mr. Derrick Hugue, Principal and/or Ms. Rossana Padron, Assistant Principal) PROCLAMATIONS) E. ID 2025-100 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH MAY 2025 (presented to Lara Underwood and Lisa Ruggieri, Board Members National Alliance of Mental Illness Broward County) Item 1) E. was heard before Item 1) D. ID 2025-059. Ar representative spoke briefly on mental health awareness. D. ID 2025-059 MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK - MAY 4- MAY 10, 2025 (presented to Jennifer M. Johnson, City Clerk) CITY CLERK, JENNIFER M. JOHNSON, thanked the City commission for recognizing the Municipal Clerks' Week and appreciated her staff. F. ID2025-107 NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 11- 17, 2025 (presented to Major Al Banatte) City of Margate Page 3 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27, AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 POLICE MAJOR, AL BANATTE, thanked the City Commission for acknowledging Police Week. 2) PUBLIC DISCUSSION MAYOR, ARLENE R. SCHWARTZ, provided instructions on how to submit a Public Discussion. MARGATE RESIDENT, TRACY VAN WINKLE, thanked everyone who had a part in making improvements on Southgate Boulevard. She referenced the last City Commission meeting pertaining to speed cameras and school zones and highlighted the issue with speeding which had resulted in bad accidents in the Margate area. She requested an update on the underground internet for Margate. She thought that the Mental Health Awareness Month was great and suggested that there should also be a Homeless Awareness Month. MARGATE RESIDENT, DONNA L. FELLOWS, sought an update on the church on Melaleuca Drive and NW 9th Court as she said it was an eyesore. MARGATE RESIDENT, ELSA SANCHEZ, congratulated the City for the National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. She highlighted the ongoing situation pertaining to the signs around the City and sought an update on the same. She wished everybody a happy summer. MARGATE RESIDENT, MR. KRALJIC, read a statement expressing his disapproval against the Ordinance for the speed cameras in the school zones that was approved at the last City commission meeting. He advised that effective July 1st, Florida State Governor DeSantis had signed al bill to ban fluoride in drinking water. MARGATE RESIDENT, LAUREN BERACHA, discussed a recent fatality caused by a road accident between Royal Palm Boulevard and Rock Island Road and expressed her concerns about speeding. MARGATE RESIDENT, NINA CULVER, read a statement seeking support in helping recognize the Ace Hardware Plaza, also known as the Margate Shopping Center, as a historic part of the City. 3) COMMISSION COMMENTS COMMISSIONER, TOMMY RUZZANO, addressed comments that had been made in Public Discussion pertaining to a church, speeding and the Ace Hardware Plaza. He advised that parents should sign their children up for the summer: sports programs. He informed that some cities were allowing the installation of tiny homes on properties and encouraged Margate to get ahead of it. He referenced "business friendly" and discussed the G C Pawn and plaza owner who wanted to expand his shop. He said that he had received many complaints pertaining to businesses and their landscaping. COMMISSIONER, ANTHONY N. CAGGIANO, sent Happy Mother's Day greetings and advised on hurricane preparedness. He congratulated the Margate 2025 Drop Savers contest winners and Students and Teachers of the Month. He advised that both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommend fluoride in water. COMMISSIONER, JOANNE SIMONE, highlighted that the Department of Environmental and Engineering Services (DEES) had another Margate Paint Giveaway. She discussed City of Margate Page 4 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 the recent Prescription Drug Take Back event and advised that the Walgreens on Rock Island Road and Atlantic Boulevard also accepted unwanted medications. MAYOR SCHWARTZ quashed rumors and provided clarity pertaining to the School Zone cameras for the Ordinance. She said that there would be a sign workshop to repeat the rules that were already in place. She wished everybody a Happy Mother's Day and highlighted the City's Memorial Day Ceremony. 4) CITY MANAGER'S REPORT There was no City Manager's Report. 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. A. ID: 2025-103 MOTION APPROVAL OF CITY COMMISSION MINUTES: APRIL 2, 2025 REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING AND APRIL 16, 2025 REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING APPROVED B. ID 2025-099 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, REJECTING THE PROPOSAL RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO RFP NO. 2025-005 - PREQUALIFICATION FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITY TRENCHLESS REHABILITATION AND PIPE-BURSTING TECHNOLOGY SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED C. ID2025-101 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE AGREEMENTS FOR CONTINUING DESIGN/BUILD SERVICES WITH FIVE RANKED FIRMS, (1) GLOBALTECH, INC., (2) LAWRENCE LEE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC., (3) AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., (4) DAVID MANCINI & SONS, INC., AND (5) GIANNETTI CONTRACTING CORP.; PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) 2025-004 - DESIGN/BUILD CONTINUING SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE APPROVED D. ID: 2025-102 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOP RANKED FIRM, LAWRENCE LEE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.; PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) 2025-007 - WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP) AERATION BASIN UPGRADES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED City ofl Margate Page 5 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27. AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Approval of the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Caggiano, seconded by Commissioner Simone, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Commissioner Ruzzano, Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone and Mayor Schwartz Not Present: 1- Vice Mayor Arserio MAYOR SCHWARTZ referenced Ms. Van Winkle and questioned whether there was an update on the rollout of the fiber optic WiFi. CITY MANAGER CURTIS explained that there was no good update and that the challenge arose from a highly competitive market where he doubted whether ity would ever come to fruition. 6) RESOLUTION(S) A. ID 2025-080 APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF: TO THE FIVE MEMBER MARGATE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FOR A TERM COMMENCING MAY 7, 2025 MARCH 18, 2026 Discussion ensued about the applicants. MARGATE RESIDENT, RUSSELL ANDERSON, informed the City Commission that he applied for two boards. A motion was made by Commissioner Ruzzano, seconded by Commissioner Caggiano, to appoint Russell W. Anderson to the Board of Adjustment. This carried by the following vote. Yes: 4- Commissioner Ruzzano, Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone and Mayor Schwartz Not Present: 1- Vice Mayor Arserio B. ID 2025-089 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PARTIAL FUNDING OF THE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT TO BE HELD AUGUST 5, 2025, TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME PREVENTION AND POLICE-COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIRIT AND POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS, AND TO ENCOURAGE NEIGHBORHOOD CAMARADERIE AS PART OF THE FIGHT FOR SAFER STREETS; APPROVING WAIVING OF BIDDING FOR POLICE AWARENESS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS & SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING NOT TO EXCEED $70,000 FROM THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND; City of Margate Page 6 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM GENERAL FUND AND DONATIONS. A motion was made by Commissioner Simone, seconded by Commissioner Caggiano, that this Resolution should be approved. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO explained that it was a great City event and that it was funded from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF). The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Commissioner Ruzzano, Commissioner Caggiano, Commissioner Simone and Mayor Schwartz Not Present: 1- Vice Mayor Arserio 7) ORDINANCE(S) - FIRST READING A. ID: 2025-105 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6- ANIMALS AND FOWL SECTION 6-1 CITY DESIGNATED BIRD SANCTUARY AND 6-25, INJURY TO ANIMALS; AMENDING CHAPTER 33- POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS, ARTICLE 1- OFFENSES, MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS SECTION 33-15- RESERVED; PROVIDING FOR NON-NATIVE INVASIVE IGUANA SPECIES EXCEPTION TO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY; PROVIDING FOR CAPTURE, HUMANE EUTHANASIA, AND TRESPASS; PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION: PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion was made by Commissioner Ruzzano, seconded by Commissioner Simone, that this Ordinance, First Reading, should be discussed. COMMISSIONER SIMONE noticed that the Ordinance only mentioned the guanas and wanted to make an amendment. A motion to amend was made by Commissioner Simone, seconded by Commissioner Ruzzano, that this Ordinance, First Reading, should include other animals such as the Bufo frog and other non-native invaded species that affects pets as well as humans. CITY ATTORNEY TOLCES clarified the motion and amendment. City of Margate Page 7 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 COMMISSIONER RUZZANO questioned if they were not allowed to kill rodents. He appreciated if they could pass it and when this Item returns at the next City Commission meeting where Vice Mayor Arserio would be able to vote on this Ordinance. Discussion ensued CITY ATTORNEY, DAVID N. TOLCES, advised that the City Commission could make changes during the First Reading and that it was a policy decision if they wanted to make al list of animals. Discussion ensued on the type of language to use. CITY MANAGER CURTIS understood Commissioner Simone's amendment that she was asking for and advised that if it passed, the City would have time to work on some appropriate language that they were not listing specific animals but potentially tying the exceptions to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FFWCC) non-native invasive type species and then adding a section for nuisance type of animals such as a cockroach or a rodent which a Code Enforcement or Animal Control Officer may use their judgment in dealing with. Discussion ensued on. language and animals to include. COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO did not have a huge problem but expressed his concerns of the public's nterpretation of a humane way of killing anything and the opportunity to do it. He explained that he could not vote on this Ordinance unless it was going to be very specific on what was possible and how to do it. MAYOR SCHWARTZ explained that she saw three people on the canal and C14 shooting at iguanas, expressed safety concerns on how it was being conducted and said that she could no longer support it. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO questioned ift the City could devise an approved license person to take those things out. CITY ATTORNEY TOLCES would need to conduct a research and revert to the City Commission. Discussion ensued on laws for allowing for the removal of iguanas, using air rifles and trialing an area first before it is rolled out. CITY MANAGER CURTIS announced that Vice Mayor Arserio joined the meeting via Zoom (8:40pm). VICE MAYOR, ANTONIO V.. ARSERIO, explained that he agreed in moving along this Item as the Ordinance allowed either for the property owner to kill the nuisance animal on the property or to allow someone else to do it for them as currently, you could only hire a licensed person to perform that task. He advised that passing this Ordinance would not give the public permission for a free for all as they would still need the owner's permission. He suggested that the language should say, 'invasive species identified by FFWCC and/or some sort of nuisance or common pests" as they could cover snakes, rodents and things of that nature. MS. VAN WINKLE said that the City had opened a whole can of worms and she posed questions pertaining to this Ordinance. City of Margate Page 8 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27, AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 MS. FELLOWS compared the iguanas to the cats that were fed at a nearby church and spoke of other nuisance animals in her backyard and neighborhood. She forewarned of the dangers ift this Ordinance passed. M. J. DUFF, PARADISE GARDENS IV, illustrated images of iguanas in his neighborhood and highlighted the problems they caused. MAYOR SCHWARTZ questioned the resident how the iguanas were disposed of once they were killed. M. J. DUFF said they were double bagged and then disposed of. Discussion ensued JOANNE RUBENSTEIN, PARADISE GARDENS IV, explained that her main concern was danger and damage. MS. CULVER, highlighted damage caused by iguanas and said that the Department of Environmental and Engineering Services (DEES) had been kind enough to visit her property. MARGATE RESIDENT, PARADISE GARDENS IV, explained that he had covered roof vents to prevent the iguanas entering the property and continued to discuss the problems that they caused. He asked if the Homeowners Association (HOA) could allow the residents to obtain a deep freezer to store the dead carcasses. DOUGLAS R. KEMP, PARADISE GARDENS IV, made reference to the process when he used to work at the Humane Society. He spoke on other types of invasive species and informed that action needed to be taken. PRESIDENT OF PARADISE GARDENS IV, JOHN H. DONOHOO, explained that he received approximately 15 calls daily pertaining to the iguanas where he provided examples of the problems they caused. He also said that they were poisonous which could kill pets. MICHAEL PEAKE, PARADISE GARDENS IV, forewarned of the common green iguana where he said it was going to get worse and that the City should follow the Florida State guidelines. MS. SANCHEZ explained that the iguanas were a problem which needed to be taken care of. MR. KRALJIC suggested adding an exception for typical household pests to the proposed Ordinance. MARGATE RESIDENT, MARGATE BOULEVARD, discovered holes alongside his house which were iguanas. COMMISSIONER CAGGIANO agreed that something had to be done but as the Ordinance was currently written, he could not vote for it. He indicated that ift the language int the Ordinance was tightened up, he would look at it. Discussion ensued. City of Margate Page 9 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 CITY MANAGER CURTIS stipulated that this Ordinance only allowed to be performed on a person's private property. Discussion ensued. A motion was made by Commissioner Caggiano, seconded by Mayor Schwartz, to table this Ordinance. Mayor Schwartz removed her second to table. COMMISSIONER RUZZANO disagreed with this Item being tabled. Discussion ensued including what language to add to the Ordinance. A motion to amend was made by Commissioner Simone, seconded by Commissioner Ruzzano, for the Ordinance, First Reading, to capture and humanely euthanize non-invasive iguana species, Bufo frogs as well as any non-native invasive species identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as amended from time to time. The carried by the following vote: Yes: 3- Commissioner Ruzzano, Commissioner Simone and Vice Mayor Arserio No: 2- Commissioner Caggiano and Mayor Schwartz ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:31pm. Respectfully submitted, Transcribed by Salene E. Edwards Jennifer M. Johnson, City Clerk Date: 64/2025 PLEASE NOTE: City of Margate Page 10 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27 AM Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 If 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 the 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 be in attendance and may participate at the meeting. Members of the public are invited to view this meeting through Zoom using Webinar ID: 896 4207 7026 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.MargateL.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.margater.com Go to "Agendas & Minutes" > Find the respective meeting date and click "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: ntps/ls02webzom.u1S/89642077026 Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: 5799 or +1 929 205 6099 City of Margate Page 11 Printed on 5/20/2025 10:27 AM