Regular City Commission Meeting (2024-06-25)

MINUTES REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, June 25, 2024 7:00 PM – COMMISSION CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Scott Newton called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Newton requested a moment of silence in memory of longtime resident Dick McGrath, who passed away on May 28, 2024. ROLL CALL City Clerk Faith Lombardo called the roll. Present were Mayor Scott Newton, Vice Mayor Mike Bracchi, Commissioner Chris Caputo, Commissioner Don D’Arminio, and Commissioner Paul Rolli. Also in attendance were City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson and City Attorney Kerry Ezrol. ADDITIONS / CHANGES / DELETIONS Vice Mayor Bracchi advised the deadline for qualification for the November 2024 elections has recently passed, which means he and Commissioner Caputo are both running unopposed. This is the first time in 24 years in which Commissioners have stood for reelection without opposition. Vice Mayor Bracchi thanked the Commission and residents for their work to make the City a good place to live. Commissioner Caputo also expressed his gratitude at this time. PROCLAMATIONS All-America City Delegation Mayor Newton read a Proclamation recognizing the delegation that represented Wilton Manors at the recent All-American City competition held in Denver, Colorado. Wilton Manors was a 2024 All-American City Award finalist. Tuesday, June 24, 2024 was declared All-American City Award Delegation Day. Members of the delegation were provided with copies of the Proclamation and keys to the City. REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker reported the Police Department took a personal and proactive stance with regard to the recent Stonewall Parade and Street Festival so the Wilton Manors community could celebrate safely. There were no major incidents. There were four misdemeanor arrests, 41 calls for Police service, 19 Fire/Rescue calls, and seven medical

transports. Chief Blocker thanked the law enforcement professionals of the Police Department, as well as partners with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Coral Springs Police Department, Fort Lauderdale Fire and Police Departments, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other federal and local partners. He also thanked the City Commission and City Departments who played a role in this signature event. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC At this time Mayor Newton opened public comment. Jake Valentine, 1109 NW 30 Court, addressed funding for the Police Department, describing this as an ongoing issue for the City since at least 2022. He strongly emphasized the importance of the City’s Police Department and urged the Commission to work with that Department toward a resolution. Ron Falk, 801 NE 18 Court, pointed out Wilton Manors was a finalist in the All-American City competition, which is rare for first-time participants. He recognized the delegation that attended the event and highlighted the importance of the City as a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community. Michael Sansevero, 1425 NE 23 Street (verbatim comments attached). With no other individuals wishing to speak at this time, Mayor Newton closed public comment. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner D’Arminio pulled Resolution 2024-064 for further discussion. Commissioner Caputo made a motion to approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda. Commissioner D’Arminio seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5- 0). Consent Resolutions Resolution No. 2024-058: (Emergency Management / Utilities) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, CONSENTING TO AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MONTH TO MONTH EXTENSION TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HORTON/JONES ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2200 NE 12TH AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2024-059: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY FOR SURTAX-FUNDED MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF PORTABLE AND PERMANENT WAYFINDING TO

ADVISE OF TRAFFIC ISSUES (WILT-013); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2024-063: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC FOR SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2024-065: (Emergency Management / Utilities) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE THE INDEMNITY AND RIGHT OF ACCESS AGREEMENT WITH STEPHANE MAZADE AND ADAM KOTKIN; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2024-066: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH HGI TECHNOLOGY SERVICES LLC FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2024-067: (Finance) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-077 TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS AND DEAPPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2024-068: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SCARLETT GROUP, LLC FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Items Pulled from Consent Agenda Resolution No. 2024-064: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE

CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH EDJ SERVICE LLC TO ADD LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE MEDIANS ON WILTON DRIVE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner D’Arminio made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-064. Commissioner Caputo seconded the motion. Commissioner D’Arminio noted this Resolution would allocate $10,440 for the maintenance of landscaping on Wilton Drive. He explained this service is provided no more than four times per year, and there is an ongoing plan for Leisure Services staff to assist in maintaining these medians. This service is not intended to be the sole source of maintenance. City Manager Henderson confirmed the proposed maintenance will be supplemental to staff efforts. Vice Mayor Bracchi added the medians should be blocked off during City events in order to prevent the landscaping from being trampled. The motion prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). End of Consent Agenda RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 2024-060: (City Clerk) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING THREE (3) MEMBERS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The applicants to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board spoke in the following order: • John Fiore • Robert Hadley • Helena Hantzes It was noted two additional applicants were not present at tonight’s meeting. During the tabulation of votes, the following Item was taken out of order on the Agenda. City Attorney’s Report - There was no information in addition to the City Attorney’s written report. City Manager Henderson announced Mr. Fiore, Mr. Hadley, and Ms. Hantzes were appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Vice Mayor Bracchi made a motion approving the appointment of John Fiore, Robert Hadley, and Helena Hantzes to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Commissioner Caputo seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0).

Resolution No. 2024-061: (City Clerk) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA APPOINTING FOUR (4) MEMBERS TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Applicants to the Planning and Zoning Board spoke in the following order: • Thomas Alvarez • Chris Boylan • Bill Desautels • Louis Izquierdo It was noted two additional applicants were not present at tonight’s meeting. Vice Mayor Bracchi clarified the voting process with respect to full and alternate Planning and Zoning Board membership, explaining the four full positions would be filled and the alternate position would go to the next-highest recipient of votes. The Commissioners’ votes were tabulated. City Manager Henderson announced Mr. Desautels, Mr. Izquierdo, and Scott McCoy were selected for appointment as full members. A tie for fourth place resulted in a second ballot in which John Fomook was selected as the fourth full member and Mr. Boylan was selected as the alternate member. Vice Mayor Bracchi made a motion to approve the appointment of Bill Desautels, John Fomook, Louis Izquierdo, and Scott McCoy as full members and Chris Boylan as the alternate member. Commissioner Caputo seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance No. 2024-003: (Community Development Services) (Second Reading) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTER 9 “FLOOD PREVENTION AND PROTECTION,” SECTION 9-9 “BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING FLOOD HAZARD AREAS,” AND ARTICLE II “DEFINITIONS” OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS CODE OF ORDINANCES TO UPDATE THE DATE OF THE FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY AND FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Lombardo read the Ordinance by title only. Commissioner Caputo made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-003. Commissioner D’Arminio seconded the motion. At this time Mayor Newton opened the public hearing, which he closed upon receiving no input. Vice Mayor Bracchi requested clarification of when the Ordinance would take effect, if approved, as well as additional information on what approval would mean for individuals who are currently

in the application process. Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore explained the new flood maps will take effect on July 31, 2024. An individual in the process of obtaining a building permit as of July 30, 2024 may meet the requirements of either the existing flood maps, which date from August 14, 2014, or the new flood maps, if approved. After July 31, applicants must meet the new flood map regulations. The motion prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). ORDINANCES – FIRST READING Ordinance No. 2024-004: (Community Development Services) (Police) (First Reading) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION,” SECTION 2-25 “LIEN REDUCTION PROCEDURES;” PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Lombardo read the Ordinance by title only. Commissioner Caputo made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-004. Commissioner D’Arminio seconded the motion. City Manager Henderson stated this Ordinance is based on discussion by the Commission at their May 14, 2024 meeting. It addresses lien reduction procedures by changing both the application and appeal processes. Lien reduction applications will now require the following: • Written consent of the property owner • Disclosure of all Code violations and liens on all properties owned by that property owner over the last five years • Justification for the lien reduction request • If the Special Magistrate grants a lien reduction, they must provide a reason why it was granted • If the applicant appeals the lien reduction to the City Commission, the appeal application must provide justification and backup documentation for reconsideration of the Special Magistrate’s ruling Vice Mayor Bracchi requested there be greater clarity of what the Special Magistrate must provide to the City Commission in terms of their findings when the Ordinance is brought back for second reading. He suggested this include all the factors taken into consideration when the lien was reduced, and which of these factors were met by the applicant. Mayor Newton and Commissioner D’Arminio agreed with this request as well. The motion prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS City Manager’s Report City Manager Henderson thanked all members of City staff and the Wilton Manors community who supported the recent Stonewall Parade and Street Festival. Mayor Newton and Commissioner

D' Arminio also thanked Human Resources Director Dio Sanchez and Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore in particular for their. wot:k on the event. Commissioner D 'Arminio requested more information regarding the event's cashless entry system. City Manager Henderson confirmed this was a success, noting final numbers will be submitted to the City later in the week. The cashless entry system appears to have improved financial transparency and accountability as well as the overall visitor experience. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of Juneteenth Holiday (Requested by Vice May or Bracchi) Vice Mayor Bracchi noted the City does not formally recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and recommended this holiday be observed in lieu oflndigenous Peoples Day. He pointed out only six Broward County Municipalities do not recognize Juneteenth. This change would not affect the City' s budget and he felt it would be appreciated by staff. Commissioner Caputo stated his support for this proposal, adding he would also support recognition of all federal holidays. There was Commission consensus to make the proposed change, which would begin in calendar year 2025. City Manager Henderson observed this change would primarily affect whether or not City facilities are closed for this holiday. The Police Department' s collective bargaining agreement includes specific holidays which would not be affected by the change. Human Resources Director Dio Sanchez advised this change would require an update in personnel rules which establish the City's recognized holidays. It will be incorporated into the updated personnel rules, which will be brought back to the Commission for approval at a later date. REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT OF ITEMS ON NEXT MEETING AGENDA Commissioner Rolli requested the Commission revisit its advisory board and committee attendance policy. ADJOURNMENT- The meeting was adjourned at 8:27p.m. These minutes were approved by the CitY, Commission on Tuesday, ~ •st 2..7 '2024.

I would like to react to a news story by the New Pelican issued June 24 th . In the story, it raises serious questions about the qualification of Scott Newton to run for anothe r term as Mayo r based on informat ion that Scott Newton was living outside of Wilton Manors for a significant period of time , and most importantly, was not domiciled in the city for the 6 months prior to the candidate qualificat ion date, which for him was June 11 th . According to sources, Mr. Newton was put out of his spousal home on or about March 2023 and was living instead in a home of his girlfriend in Fort Lauderdale. While this would not disqualify t he Mayor from completing his current term , according to our City Charter it would prevent him from being a candidate for re - election. It appears that Scott Newton had reestablished a new address in Wilton Manors at a new home purchased by his girlfriend in March 2024 after she sold the Fort Lauderdale house that same month . In a sworn deposition given during his bitter divorce, the Mayor sa id he was " living" outside of Wilton Manors. When interviewed by the New Pelican, he says that was a poor choice of words . That begs credulity, and even though he was under oath then, he is now changing his story. I have no problem running and winning on the issues, but I also feel I want to run against candidates that are equally qualified to run , and from my accounting , that would be me and Mr. Beigay. I think it incumbent upon the City Attorney to investigate this matter fully and not rely on a private conversation with the Mayor which may or may not have revealed all the relevant facts. Likewise I expect the City Manager to administer a fair elect ion and for the City Clerk to also question the sworn statement the Mayor made in his qualification papers that he resided in Wilton Manors since December 11 th , the 6 month period to qua lify. If in fact the Mayor was not resident or dom i ciled in the spousal home which he no longer shared with his wife, then he should be disqualified or withdraw from the race. The City Attorney is well aware of what constitutes a domicile and the Mayor's statements to the press that he " still mows the lawn , pays taxes and tends to other matters " do not make that home a domicile . It doesn't even make it his residence. I own several properties that I mow the lawn , pay the taxes and tend to other things, but they are not my residence and certainly not my domicile . And when the Mayor tells the press " where I sleep is my own business ", well when you sleep in a Fort Lauderdale home for a period of 11 months, that is the bus iness of the residents , taxpayers and the other candidates who qualified legally. Let's resolve this matter and if the City Attorney can establish a domicile in a fair and impart ial manner, then so be it and I will accept it, but not before all the facts are laid on the table . Thank you . t7Michael Sanseve ro 1425 NE 23 'd St, Wi lton Manors 33305

Qe itp of Wilton ;.flanor~ 2020 Wilton Drive - Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 - 954 .3 90.2 1 00 - FAX 954 .390.2 1 99 VOTING SHEET BALLOT 1 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Tuesday, June 25, 2024----------- (Appointing Three Members) 5 Applicants Caputo John Fiore \Will Attend Robert Hadley lWill Attend Helena Hantzes -LWill Attend Louis Levin Tom Markwell Out of town for work D'Arminio l \ '' Resolution No. 2024-060 Total Rolli Brace hi Newton Vote \ \ l 5' ' l \ t; \ -+- \ 5 * NOTES: All applicants were notified and reminded of the date and time of the City Commission meeting Tom Markwell is in Germany for work until July 3rd. Louis Levin -left a message, but he hasn't responded.

) ~itp of Wilton ;fllanor~ 2020 Wilton Drive - Wilton Man ors, Florida 33305 - 954.39 0.21 00 - FAX 95 4.390.21 99 VO TI NG SHEET PLANNING AND ZO NING BO AR D BALLOTl Tuesday, June 25, 2024 R eso lution No. 2024- 06 1 (A . tin F M bcpp om lg ou r em ers Total Ap plicants 6 Caputo D 'Arminio Rolli Bracch i New ton Vote Tomas Alvarez J 1 2Will Attend Chris Bo ylan l I 2Will Attend Bill Desautels 1 { I I l 5Will Attend Johrl Fo mo ok 1 l 2Can't Attend out of Town Louis Iz quierdo _j_ l l ( ----\__ 5Will Attend Scott McCoy ~ ----!---- ----l- _j_ -=LOut Town for Work N OTE: • A ll appli cants were notifi ed and rem inded of th e time, and the date of th e City Co mmission meetin g. Scott McCoy is out of town for work, when it is his time to speak, we will call him. .J

Qeitp of Wilton ;lManors2020 Wilton Drive - Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 - 954.390.2100 - FAX 954.390.2199 VOTING SHEET PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD BALLOT2 Tuesday, June 25, 2024 Resolution No . 2024 - 061 (A . tin F M b.ppom tg our ern ers Applicants 6 Caputo D'Arminio Rolli Bracchi Newton Tomas Alvarez l _LWill Attend Chris Bo y Ian ) l IWill Attend Bill Desautels Will Attend Johrt Fornook 1 1 1[ \Can't Attend out of Town ( Louis Iz quierd o Will Attend Scott McCoy Out Town for Work NOTE: • A ll applicants were not ifi ed and rem inded of the time, and the date of th e C ity Co mmission meetin g. Scott McCoy is out of town for work, when it is his time to speak, we will call him. Total Vote ' ~1/\ ~ ~