Regular City Commission Meeting (2025-11-25)

1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, November 25, 2025 7:00 PM – COMMISSION CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Mayor Scott Newton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance City Clerk Elizabeth Garcia-Beckford led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL City Clerk Elizabeth Garcia-Beckford called the roll. Present were Mayor Scott Newton, Vice Mayor Chris Caputo, Commissioner Mike Bracchi, Commissioner Don D’Arminio, and Commissioner Paul Rolli. A quorum was present. Also in attendance were City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson and City Attorney Quentin Morgan. ADDITIONS / CHANGES / DELETIONS City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson requested that the Consent Agenda Item addressing purchase of compensation be moved to the next meeting Agenda. PROCLAMATIONS World AIDS Day, December 1, 2025 Mayor Newton read a Proclamation designating December 1, 2025 as World AIDS Day. Von Biggs, representing the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council, accepted the Proclamation. Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) – 75-year anniversary Mayor Newton read a Proclamation recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) and designating Tuesday, November 25, 2025 as Wilton Manors

2 Business Association Day in the City. WMBA President Ron Falk accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Association. PRESENTATION Presentation by Maureen Pentland of EBS Advisors, Inc. and Motion to Approve 2026 City Insurance Renewal Options Human Resources Director Dio Sanchez explained that the City annually solicits competitive bids for health, dental, vision, and life insurances. The renewal offer the City received from Florida Blue would have increased its health insurance premiums by 18.4%, but was negotiated down to an 8.25% increase. Competitive bids were also received from Cigna and Aetna. In 2024, the City transitioned from United Healthcare (UHC) to Florida Blue. Changing providers again after only one year would negatively impact the City’s ability to secure competitive bids in 2027, resulting in higher premiums. On October 8, 2025, the City’s Insurance Committee met to review 2026 health insurance renewal options and unanimously voted to stay with Florida Blue. The City budgeted for a 20% increase in health insurance premiums in 2026. The recommended option will provide continuity of care without disruption while remaining significantly under budget. Maureen Pentland of EBS Advisors, Inc. provided an overview of the results of the Insurance Committee meeting. She explained that Broward Health and Memorial Health Systems were each out-of-network, which would affect several employees. It was determined that the City will remain with Florida Blue and give them until the end of the year to negotiate further with the two providers; if no terms are reached, the City will accept the second-best bid, which came from Cigna. This would mean open enrollment may occur through January 2026 with an effective date of February 1, 2026 and a short plan year. Deductible payments made by participants in January 2026 would be honored by the carrier. Ms. Pentland emphasized that switching carriers can be difficult, and the intent of the proposal was to retain long-term relationships with the current carrier and negotiate costs. She also pointed out that employees need access to their regular providers, many of whom would be out- of-network from the current insurance carrier unless negotiations reach a successful end. The consolidation of provider networks and insurance carriers is an ongoing concern that is faced each year. Contracts between networks and carriers typically last from three to five years. Commissioner Bracchi expressed concern with the timeline for additional bids, negotiations, and open enrollment. Ms. Pentland explained that if the entire bid process is reopened to all carriers, the turnaround time is estimated at approximately 10 days. If there is no movement from Florida Blue, the Insurance Committee would meet again in December. Commission approval would be necessary to reopen the bid process. Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to renew with Florida Blue and give the Insurance

3 Committee the ability to negotiate with another carrier if needed. Commissioner D’Arminio seconded the motion. Commissioner Bracchi asked that information on the most recent Cigna contract with the two networks be provided at the next Commission meeting, as well as similar information on Florida Blue’s contract with Holy Cross. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the City’s contract with Florida Blue will include language that lets the City leave that contract without penalty and carry over deductibles as previously discussed, and requested that this contract be brought back to the next Commission meeting as well. It was confirmed that any change to the City’s contract must be approved by the Commission. The motion prevailed by 4-1 roll call vote (Mayor Newton dissenting). Recognition of Quarterly Award Recipients by Police Chief Gary Blocker: • Officer of the 3 rd Quarter 2025 – Officer Charles Burgan • Professional of the 3 rd Quarter 2025 – I.T. Systems Administrator Jan Leira Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker commended Information Technology (IT) Systems Administrator Jan Leira, who received the Professional of the 3rd Quarter 2025 Award but was not present at tonight’s meeting. He also presented the Officer of the 3 rd Quarter Award to Officer Charles Burgan, who has demonstrated exceptional performance as a Field Training Officer. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC At this time Mayor Newton opened public comment. Helena Hantzes, 308 NW 26 Court, representing the Friends of Wilton Manors Parks, expressed concern with the lack of lighting at a portion of Rachel Richardson Park, which she felt could be a liability for the City. She proposed that the Friends of Wilton Manors Parks lead an effort to donate and install solar lighting, as well as a fundraising event and a City contribution. Ray Carrier, 2048 NE 6 Terrace, addressed building height in the City’s hub areas. He strongly emphasized the importance of maintaining setbacks, stepbacks, walls, and buffer spaces between residential and commercial properties, as well as height restrictions on buildings depending upon their proximity to residential development, concluding that with appropriate restrictions, the City can accommodate development to heights of six to seven stories. He requested that the Commission renew its commitment to maintaining these requirements. Jake Valentine, 1109 NW 30 Court, also addressed development, emphasizing the importance of workforce housing so people who work in Wilton Manors can also live in the community. He advised that lowering square footage requirements can lead to the development of multiple-unit buildings to serve as workforce housing. With no other individuals wishing to speak at this time, Mayor Newton closed public comment.

4 CONSENT AGENDA Vice Mayor Caputo and Commissioners Bracchi and Rolli pulled Resolution 2025-083 for additional discussion. Commissioner D’Arminio requested that the motion to purchase pursuit- rated vehicles for the Police Department also be discussed further. Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to approve the rest of the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Rolli seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Invoices • Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol, P.A. Consent Resolutions Resolution No. 2025-084: (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 AN AGREEMENT WITH FLORIDA- SPECTRUM ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. TO PERFORM DRINKING WATER COLLECTION, TESTING, AND REPORTING WITHIN THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2025-85: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-112 TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2025-86: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-068 TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion to approve the purchase of one (1) new wastewater pump for Lift Station #11. Motion to approve a charitable donation to the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County (AAABC) (also known as Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County) in the amount of $10,000. Motion to Convert Vacation Time in Excess of the Annual Cap to Compensation, Pursuant to Paragraph 8.0 of the Employment Agreement with the City Manager.

5 This Item was deferred to the December 9, 2025 Commission meeting. Items Pulled from Consent Agenda Resolution No. 2025-083: (Human Resources) 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 CENTER FOR PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT, LLC FOR ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT & EFFICIENCY REVIEW OF THE WILTON MANORS POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner D’Arminio made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-083. Vice Mayor Caputo seconded the motion. Commissioner Rolli recalled that the City previously hired a consultant to review multiple City Departments with disappointing results, ultimately providing no useful information. He emphasized that any contract of this nature should include specific milestones so the Commission may determine whether or not the process is on the right track. Vice Mayor Caputo stated that he shared these concerns, and requested clarification of whether the assessment is necessary at this point. Police Chief Blocker stated that he had participated in preparing the scope of work for the Police Department assessment, and believed it was a good process to determine where there may be room for improvements, whether in staffing or economic allocations. He estimated that the last time the Department undertook this type of assessment was approximately 20 years ago. Commissioner Bracchi observed that he felt the Department was due for an assessment that could potentially identify opportunities for savings. Commissioner Rolli reiterated his request that the Commission receive regular reports from the City Manager on the progress of the assessment, should the City choose to proceed with it. Mayor Newton recommended that the assessment begin after the conclusion of a current public survey. The motion prevailed by 4-1 roll call vote (Vice Mayor Caputo dissenting). Motion to approve the purchase of six (6) police pursuit rated vehicles for the Police Department. Commissioner D’Arminio noted that the total cost of this Item would be $274,000, and recalled that in the past few months, the Commission also budgeted $415,000 toward the cost of Police vehicles. He requested clarification of the distinction between budgeted and actual costs. Chief Blocker explained that the six vehicles represent a portion of the Department’s needs; they will still need to purchase two unmarked Police vehicles in the current budget year, which will require upfitting for emergency and supportive equipment. He concluded that he remained

6 comfortable with the original budget of $415,000. Commissioner D’Arminio made a motion to approve the purchase. Vice Mayor Caputo seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). End of Consent Agenda UNFINISHED BUSINESS Developer Summit Report City Manager Henderson provided an update on the Development Summit hosted by the City on September 17, 2025 in partnership with the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The summit invited residential and commercial developers, as well as land use attorneys, investors, representatives from financial sectors, and members of the City Commission and City staff. Presentations were made to the participants by City staff regarding the City’s development climate, including technical information about approval processes as well as potential development sites. Following the presentations, the summit featured an open forum which allowed City Commissioners and staff to hear directly from experts regarding market forces, the investment climate, and any barriers to development they may be experiencing, as well as identification of the tools local government may use to bridge gaps or mitigate challenges. City Manager Henderson reviewed the feedback received during the open forum, which included: • There is less risk tolerance among investors and financial institutions at present. • Confirmation that municipalities with welcoming environments and streamlined approval processes add value for developers and banking/lending institutions. • Development approvals in a growth-friendly city can take up to 18 months, while approvals in a city with obstacles may take up to three years. • Developers who have worked in Wilton Manors praised the City’s elected officials and staff for their accessibility. • In addition to focusing on transit-oriented corridors (TOCs) and large mixed-use projects, it is also important to create opportunities for small-scale development and maintain the City’s character. • The City’s current density of 60 units/acre still challenges the feasibility of high-end multi-family development, as over 200 units are required to carry the costs of amenities and operations. • Financial incentives are important if the City wishes to attract affordable, workforce, or subsidized housing; the City can access Broward County’s Land Development Code to provide some of these incentives. • Developers who have already invested in Wilton Manors shared their success in marketing smaller units of 380 to 400 sq. ft. to young professionals; a variety of unit sizes provides developers with more flexibility. • There was general support for reduced minimum parking requirements; some attendees recommended allowing the market to regulate parking and removing it from Code

7 entirely. Following the summit, a survey of participating ULI members produced a report listing a variety of incentives that are offered throughout the state of Florida which developers have found to be successful. These incentives included: • Financial contributions or waivers. • Land contributions. • Streamlined processes. • Increased development rights. The City plans to continue to use the partnerships resulting from the summit, and held follow-up meetings to discuss ideas and meet with other development partners. Feedback will be shared with the Commission as they continue to consider potential Article 30 changes. Once Article 30 has been updated, the City may host another summit to present these new regulations to property owners, realtors, and developers. Mayor Newton recalled that unit size and parking are examples on which his view has changed in recent years. He cautioned, however, that there is a risk smaller units could be developed into Airbnb properties. He emphasized the importance of having people who work in the Wilton Manors community live there as well, concluding that some give-and-take is inevitable between the City and developers in order to build a successful project and increase the City’s tax base. Vice Mayor Caputo spoke positively about the feedback received from developers, emphasizing the need for affordability, which can be provided through smaller units and shared amenities or services. He continued that he also wished to discuss density further, as lower density has proved to be a barrier to some development. He pointed out that this may not require allowing greater height, and that increasing density will not negatively affect the City’s charm. Commissioner D’Arminio noted that there are currently no projects underway in the TOCs. He felt smaller unit size and lower parking requirements could change this status, proposing a reduction of at least 20% to the 600 sq. ft. minimum unit size as well as a 20% reduction from 1.5 parking spaces per unit to 1.2 or less. Additional changes such as reduction of parking dimensions and provision of compact parking could also be useful, as could a 20% increase in density from 60 units to 75 units per acre. Parking requirements could also be reduced to 1 space for a unit of 500 sq. ft. or less. He concluded that it was unlikely for all units in a development to be the same size. Commissioner Rolli commented that the Commission should focus its changes in density, height, and perhaps unit size to encourage development on the City’s West Side. This could attract a younger population to the neighborhood and create a more vibrant community. Commissioner Bracchi addressed developer feedback, pointing out that in addition to unit size, density, and parking modifications, the City may be able to provide other incentives to development, such as concierge service and expedited permitting review. He also emphasized that while feedback at the summit came from the development community, any changes made by the Commission must take input from Wilton Manors residents into account as well.

8 Commissioner Bracchi asked if the summit had included any discussion of Florida’s Live Local Act, which provides a range of opportunities to developers. City Manager Henderson replied that there was significant discussion of the Live Local Act from multiple points of view. Since private lenders are less risk-tolerant, developers are seeking projects with incentives attached, such as subsidies in support of projects. Wilton Manors has not yet received any applications under the Live Local Act. Vice Mayor Caputo observed that he has also heard feedback from residents regarding the need for more development. He again emphasized that the answer is greater density rather than greater height, as this would not affect the City’s appearance. He also reiterated that the City’s approval processes are much quicker than many other municipalities’ processes, which can save significant money for developers. He suggested that this could be implemented as a guarantee if applications are submitted accurately and appropriately. The following Items were taken out of order on the Agenda. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS City Manager’s Report - None. City Attorney’s Report - None. Discussion of Article 30 HUB Height Map Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore explained that this discussion focuses on the City’s HUB map under Article 30. Staff has identified a number of properties for which heights may be reevaluated. She reviewed the map as a PowerPoint presentation, pointing out a significant focus on Andrews Avenue, as there are conversations with developers who have requested additional height in order to make projects financially feasible. Mayor Newton advised that he was in favor of the changes reflected on a map of the subject areas, pointing out that these changes would be unlikely to disturb single-family neighborhoods. The Commissioners discussed the following considerations: • Properties which may be connected in the future. • The ability to fit more small units into a project by changing density rather than height. • Use of additional floors as incentives rather than by right. • Depth of parcels, as well as required setbacks and stepbacks. • Workshops with the City’s neighborhood associations to hear resident feedback. • Proximity of single-family neighborhoods to proposed height changes. Commissioner D’Arminio reiterated his earlier proposal for a 20% reduction in parking spaces for units of 500 sq. ft. or less, a 20% increase in density, and a 20% reduction in minimum unit size. Mayor Newton stated that his preference was to decrease minimum unit size to no less than 450 sq. ft. with one parking space per unit. Vice Mayor Caputo agreed with the Mayor’s

9 proposal as well, clarifying that he would apply these changes to all the TOCs. There was additional discussion of unit size and parking requirements for reduced sizes, as well as whether or not a project’s parking requirement should be determined by its developer. Director Moore stated that staff has not been given a directive on components of Article 30 not related to height and the HUB map. The Commissioners’ comments on these other components would be reviewed by staff for later consideration. This would include reevaluation of unit size and density in the future. Director Moore requested clarification of potential alternative density increases the Commission wished to consider. It was noted that 75 units would be an acceptable increase. The Commissioners also discussed proposed heights for several individual parcels at various locations throughout the City’s TOCs. The discussion included number of floors by right as well as by incentives. Director Moore also noted that when the City proposes a change to density requirements, this is done through the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which requires state approval. City Code would also require reevaluation, and level of service standards would be analyzed in relation to a density change. NEW BUSINESS Motion to approve the calendar year 2026 City Commission Meeting Schedule (City Clerk’s Office) City Manager Henderson advised that the only potential change to the 2026 City Commission Meeting Schedule would be related to the number of Commissioners who planned to attend Broward Days in Tallahassee at the end of January. A Commission meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2025. Commissioner Bracchi made a motion to approve. Vice Mayor Caputo seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT OF ITEMS ON NEXT MEETING AGENDA Commissioner Rolli requested that a discussion of Florida’s property tax proposals be placed on the next Agenda. Vice Mayor Caputo advised that he had asked the City Manager to look into revenue in the form of outstanding parking tickets and provide a report at an upcoming meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m.