Regular City Commission Meeting (2025-10-28)

1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, October 28, 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 Finance Director Carol Conol 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 Don D’Arminio, and Commissioner Paul Rolli. Commissioner Mike Bracchi was absent. A quorum was present. Also in attendance were City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson and City Attorney Kerry Ezrol. ADDITIONS / CHANGES / DELETIONS Commissioner Rolli requested that the discussion on the Article 30 HUB Height Map be tabled until the next meeting so it could be addressed by the full Commission. There was Commission consensus to table the Item. Commissioner D’Arminio requested that a brief discussion on the terms of appointment to the Public Art Board precede Resolution 2025-081, which makes those appointments. PROCLAMATIONS Red Ribbon Week – October 23-31, 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Epilepsy Awareness Month

2 Mayor Newton announced the City’s observance of Red Ribbon Week, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Epilepsy Awareness Month. PRESENTATION Options for City’s Parking Program City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson explained that since its inception, the management of the City’s parking program has been outsourced to a contracted company. The current contract will expire in 2026. Staff has analyzed different options, including both continued contractual services and bringing these operations in-house as a City division. Human Resources Director Dio Sanchez and Finance Director Carol Conol presented the options to the Commission, as these two Departments co-manage the City’s parking contract. Lanier Parking has managed the City’s parking program for the last six years, with the current contract extension set to expire on March 31, 2026. No remaining extensions are available. Seven employees serve the City’s parking program, including one full-time manager. The following financial and operational impacts are associated with transition to an in-house system: • In-house operations will offer greater control, flexibility, and customer service quality • May improve responsiveness to City priorities and coordination across departments • Will foster enhanced oversight of enforcement practices and boost community engagement In fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026, the parking management operations budget is $525,000. Bringing these operations in-house would add approximately $69,500 in personnel costs, as the City’s compensation and benefits are higher than those currently provided by the vendor. The incentive management fee of $51,000 would be eliminated, and the City would save $33,600 in rent. Insurance and other operating expenses would be slightly lower as well, and the City would save additional costs through exemption from sales taxes. The City’s annual net savings are projected at roughly $35,000. Should the Commission direct staff to move the parking program in-house, they could expect a transition period of six to nine months to minimize disruption. The City will follow standard recruitment protocols and would coordinate with the Information Technology (IT) Department for continuity of enforcement, winding-down of the contract, and maintenance of required records. The Commissioners discussed the presentation, with Commissioner Rolli requesting additional information on the difference between in-house and contractor salary costs. Director Sanchez explained that salaries and benefits, including health insurance benefits, would be higher, and the City would be required to contribute to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). The program would retain the same number of employees, and there would be no additional management fees. Vice Mayor Caputo requested additional information on rent and the allocation of space. Director Sanchez stated that if parking is brought in-house, one possibility would be to retrofit a room currently used for file storage into office space, which would no longer require the City to pay rent

3 across the street. Director Conol confirmed that the actual cost of rent for the parking program is $33,000. Commissioner D’Arminio commented that while he saw no real benefit to bringing this service in-house, he was interested in eliminating the annual $33,600 in rent by moving Lanier’s operations into City Hall. He also noted that the current cashless system eliminates some of the need for maintenance and repairs. He suggested reviewing the structure of the management fee with this in mind. Commissioner Rolli advised that he would like to see more detail before making a decision on how to proceed. There was also discussion of replacing meters with pay stations, which could also reduce the need for labor. Director Sanchez confirmed that staff has considered eliminating parking meters since they no longer collect coins and require frequent replacement of batteries. Replacing these with pay stations could further eliminate labor. Vice Mayor Caputo continued that he was also in favor of Commissioner D’Arminio’s proposal regarding elimination of rent by moving the parking office to City Hall. There was Commission consensus to look into this further. REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker advised that on Friday, October 31, 2025, the City and the Pride Center will co-host the Wicked Manors Halloween event on Wilton Drive. Public safety is the top priority for this event, and law enforcement partners from the local, state, and federal levels will be present. No critical threats have been levied against the event. Chief Blocker noted that both open and concealed carrying of firearms is prohibited inside the event area. Metal detectors, bag checks, and additional security staff will be part of the event’s security. Individuals who hear or see anything of concern leading up to the event are encouraged to report it immediately to law enforcement. Chief Blocker thanked the Pride Center for working with the Police Department to ensure public safety. He also thanked law enforcement staff for their planning and preparation, noting that October 28, 2025 is National First Responders Appreciation Day. Mayor Newton requested an update from the City Manager regarding a recent severe rain event. City Manager Henderson recalled that over a 2.5-hour period on Sunday and Monday, October 26- 27, 2025, the City experienced a weather event in which 5.5 inches of rain fell in this short time. The City is also experiencing king tides, higher water levels, and saturated ground. Many City roads flooded, which required the removal of stalled vehicles. The Police Department assessed roadways and ensured safety by marking streets that were not passable. A significant amount of water intruded into the City’s wastewater system, resulting in two short- term sanitary sewer overflows which have since been corrected. City Manager Henderson noted that the Commissioners were provided with a memorandum requesting approval of sewage hauling trucks. The Emergency Management/Utilities Department brought in outside resources to restore

4 wastewater levels. Vice Mayor Caputo stated that he had expected the 15 Street project to alleviate some of the issues experienced during this storm event, including the ability to pump out more water. Emergency Management/Utilities Director Alan Dodd replied that Lift Station 11 was operating at maximum capacity, which is slightly over 2500 gallons per minute. The issue was not flow moving out of the system, but the volume going into Lift Station 11 and the system’s ability to discharge it. Vice Mayor Caputo reiterated that it had been his understanding that the 15 Street project would ensure there were no issues discharging effluent, and asked if additional upgrades to the lift station are needed or if the issue is inflow and infiltration (I&I). Director Dodd explained that a replacement for Lift Station 11 is currently under design, with design completion and bid of the project expected in early spring 2026. The new station will more than double the existing station’s capacity. Director Dodd confirmed that I&I issues still exist as well. While the majority of the City’s pipes have been lined, there are other aspects of the system which require rehabilitation, including lateral lines and manholes. Staff is working to develop a strategy for this process over the next one to two years. Vice Mayor Caputo asked if any of the backup resulted from the regional system. Director Dodd advised that, the regional system was sufficient to manage flows. The issue was extreme volume during a short period of time. He emphasized that the new lift station will significantly improve the City’s ability to discharge from the system so backup does not reach current levels. The lift stations at both basins which experienced SSOs are also being replaced, and connecting pipes will be modified. Commissioner Rolli noted that a redundant line remains at 15 Street so fluid can be pumped on both 15 and 16 Street. Director Dodd confirmed that during extremely high-volume events, both pipes are used to increase the flow from Lift Station 11. He again emphasized that the issue was neither pipes nor constraints on the system, but the volume of material. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC At this time Mayor Newton opened public comment. Adrienne Folland, 440 NE 23 Street, encouraged residents to attend the upcoming 100 Years Reception at Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve on November 20, 2025. The event is hosted by the Wilton Manors Historical Society in conjunction with the Leisure Services Department and is free of charge. Two interpretive markers will be unveiled at the reception which provide information about the historic property. City Clerk Garcia-Beckford noted that an additional public comment was sent via email and will be attached to the minutes of tonight’s meeting. With no other individuals wishing to speak at this time, Mayor Newton closed public comment.

5 CONSENT AGENDA Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Rolli seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (4-0). Minutes • Final Public Hearing on Proposed Budget and Millage Rate – September 25, 2025 • Regular City Commission Meeting – September 25, 2025 Consent Resolutions Resolution No. 2025-082: 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 THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE FOR FIRE RESCUE SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion to approve the disbursement of Law Enforcement Forfeiture Trust Funds (LEFTF) expenditures for FY2025/26 Motion to Approve Charitable Donation to First Call for Help of Broward Inc. dba 211 Broward End of Consent Agenda PUBLIC HEARINGS None. RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 2025-081: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA APPOINTING SEVEN MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC ART BOARD OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner D’Arminio addressed the term of appointments for members of the Public Art Board, recalling that there had been no previous Commission discussion of staggering members’ terms. He suggested that instead of the proposed two- and three-year terms, the Commission consider modifying the Board’s establishing Resolution so members would serve one- or two-year terms. The Commissioners discussed this proposal, determining that individuals with lower appointment rankings would be appointed to the one-year terms.

6 It was clarified that four of the terms would be two-year terms, with the remaining three positions serving one-year terms. The Applicants were called in the following order: • Robert Allica • Debra Burke • Dennis Dean • Matthew Gill • Meghan Pearson • Michael Sansevero • Franco Soltillo • Jose Vera • Sherman Yee It was noted that applicants Claudia Castillo, Tedd Davis, and Matteo Trisolini were unable to attend at tonight’s meeting. City Manager Henderson explained that the Board members may be appointed in one of two categories: three members must be art professionals who have some interest in or connection to Wilton Manors, while two members must be City residents. An additional two Board members may fit into either of these two categories. City Attorney Kerry Ezrol noted that as long as the categories are followed appropriately, the Resolution does not distinguish between which categories would qualify for one- or two-year terms. During the balloting process, the following Item was taken out of order on the Agenda. City Attorney’s Report - None. The Commission took a brief recess while ballots were counted. City Manager Henderson read the Commissioners’ votes into the record. Following a second round of balloting, she reported the following appointments to the Public Art Board: • One-year term: Matthew Gill, Meghan Pearson, and Tedd Davis • Two-year term: Debra Burke, Dennis Dean, Robert Allica, and Sherman Yee Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to approve the appointments under Resolution 2025-081. Commissioner D’Arminio seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (4- 0). City Manager Henderson concluded that the newly appointed Board members will undergo required Sunshine Law and public records training, as well as an organizational meeting. City Attorney Ezrol briefly reviewed the Sunshine Law’s requirement that members may not discuss potential Board business outside of publicly noticed meetings.

7 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion of Article 30 HUB Height Map This Item was tabled to the next Commission meeting. City Visioning Sessions – Staff Time Estimate City Manager Henderson recalled that there have been discussions at recent City Commission meetings regarding visioning sessions for the City’s future with focus groups comprised of residents. Staff was asked to estimate the hours that would be involved in this process, which includes: • Conducting a community survey, to be reviewed and approved by the Commission before moving forward • Establishing diverse focus groups of residents representing various neighborhoods and demographics • Bringing in a facilitator to conduct focus group meetings • Holding the focus group meetings themselves Staff time for these activities was estimated at a total of 150 hours. City Manager Henderson further clarified that the Commission will update its Strategic Plan in 2026 as well. This Plan establishes a vision for the City as well as an outline of the goals, objectives, and strategies to help achieve that vision. She characterized the Strategic Planning process as more comprehensive than the proposed visioning activities. Mayor Newton observed that he felt the two processes were similar, and that the visioning process could be costly in terms of both funds and staff time. Commissioner Rolli did not agree, stating that the visioning process could serve as a complement to the City’s recent developers’ summit. Vice Mayor Caputo also felt the visioning process was similar to the strategic planning process, particularly as both would occur within the same calendar year. Commissioner D’Arminio stated that he was also appreciative of the visioning proposal, but was not sure there was a benefit to both processes occurring within the same year. Vice Mayor Caputo suggested that visioning play a role in the development of the Strategic Plan. There was Commission consensus to ensure that the visioning process is a component of the Strategic Plan. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS City Manager’s Report City Manager Henderson reminded all present that the City will hold a Veterans Day event in Hagen Park on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The City Commission meeting scheduled for