Amended Regular City Commission Meeting (2025-01-14)

1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 14, 2025 7:00 PM – COMMISSION CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Mayor Scott Newton called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Assistant Finance Director Carol Conol led Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Newton requested a moment of silence for all citizens who have experienced or are experiencing hardships due to recent hurricanes and wildfire. 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 Kerry Ezrol. ADDITIONS / CHANGES / DELETIONS Commissioner Rolli requested that an update on hiring to fill vacancies be provided under Unfinished Business. Commissioner Bracchi requested a discussion of barricades during special events. PRESENTATION Employee Turnover Presentation Human Resources Director Dio Sanchez gave a brief presentation on the City’s employee turnover, noting that this is typically broken down by Department, as well as by whether positions are full- time or part-time. He showed graphics illustrating employee turnover and the positions affected in

2 the last five years. The most common reasons given by employees who left the City were better opportunity and no reason given. Commissioner Rolli asked where the City stands in comparison to other Broward municipalities with regard to turnover. Director Sanchez replied that the City is slightly above the goal of 15% or less at present, although there have been previous years when the rate was over 20%. Mayor Newton asked what Director Sanchez felt was the primary reason behind the City’s high turnover. Director Sanchez replied that the current job market is very competitive. Benefits are a major issue, and the City is struggling in terms of some of the benefits it provides. This makes it difficult to recruit and retain employees. Vice Mayor Caputo advised that he was provided with data that does not appear in the presentation and which addressed Department management at the Director level and above. Director Sanchez stated that the City had compared management employees, with a benchmark of five years in these positions as the midpoint and 10 years as “the top of the range.” Management salaries were compared to those benchmarks. It was confirmed that this would be discussed further under the Unfinished Business Item requested by Commissioner Rolli. Commissioner Bracchi asked how these employees’ compensation could still be significantly below their benchmarks when salaries were increased across the board roughly two years ago. Director Sanchez explained that market changes occurred very quickly following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which left the City’s most recent classification and compensation study outdated. A new study will be proposed as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026 budget. Director Sanchez continued that the City has made increases in order to keep up with both inflation and cost of living adjustments; however, these adjustments were made to the City’s current salaries. Because those salaries are still below market rate, however, they have not yet caught up with inflation. Director Sanchez further clarified that one issue is vacation benefits, particularly at the management and Director level. Current benefits do not provide a Department head with two weeks of vacation before they have worked for the City for a full year. Other municipalities provide as much as five weeks’ vacation for their Department Directors or other management employees. Both wages and opportunities for advancement are issues at the entry level. Commissioner D’Arminio commented that the City’s cost of living adjustments (COLAs) are typically higher than what is offered in other South Florida municipalities, and asked if all City employees are earning less than they should, or if there is a mixture of earnings below and earnings at rate. Director Sanchez replied that the majority of employees are below where they should be on the salary range. He added that there can be a compounding effect: in comparison to other municipal agencies, Wilton Manors employees remain under market rate. Vice Mayor Caputo asked if Commissioner D’Arminio’s proposal was to bring employees’ salaries up to date using an annual incentive, of if their salaries should be corrected going forward. Commissioner D’Arminio clarified that this type of change would have to be part of an employee’s

3 salary. Mayor Newton suggested that additional vacation time could also be provided as an incentive for retention. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC At this time Mayor Newton opened public comment. Dr. Stefan Erik Oppers, 432 NW 25 Street, asked how the number of full-time City employees compares with those of similarly situated municipalities, concluding that this should also be part of the discussion on turnover. With no other individuals wishing to speak at this time, Mayor Newton closed public comment. 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 (5-0). Minutes • November 26, 2024 Regular Commission Meeting • December 10, 2024 Regular Commission Meeting Invoices • Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol, P.A. Consent Resolutions Resolution No. 2025-01: (Leisure Services) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEISURE SERVICES CO-SPONSORSHIP LIST FOR 2025; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2025-03: (City Manager) 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 AGREEMENT WITH TSE CONSULTING, LLC TO PROVIDE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2025-04: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS OF THE

4 CITY OF WILTON MANORS TO EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH MERRICK INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION TO PERFORM ADDITIONAL WORK AT THE PICKLEBALL COURTS AT HAGEN PARK; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2025-05: (Finance) 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. 2025-06: (City Manager) 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 AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE MAINTENANCE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RELATED TO IMPROVEMENTS ON SR 845; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Resolution No. 2025-07: (Police) 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, FLORIDA, TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE BROWARD COUNTY MARINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE ENHANCED MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM (EMLEG) FY 2025-2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,416.00, TO ENHANCE MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion to approve the request for a charitable donation in the amount of $4,240 to the Early Learning Coalition Motion to approve the disbursement of Law Enforcement Forfeiture Trust Funds (LEFTF) expenditures for FY 2024/2025 Motion to approve Special Event Permit #24-658 for Rock the Block event on Wilton Drive on Saturday, February 15, 2025. End of Consent Agenda PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance No. 2024-14: (Second Reading)

5 AN ORDINANCE 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 A GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH STC FIVE LLC FOR A PORTION OF MICKEL PARK; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Garcia-Beckford read the Ordinance by title only. Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-14. Commissioner Rolli seconded the motion. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson gave a brief presentation on the Item, which authorizes renewal of a lease agreement with Crown Castle for a small portion of Mickel Park. A cell tower has been built in this portion and the City receives annual rent payments, totaling $900,000 in base rent. The City will receive additional revenue for any sub-leases. At this time Mayor Vincent opened the public hearing, which he closed upon receiving no input. The motion prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 2025-02: (City Clerk) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA APPOINTING THREE (3) MEMBERS TO THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Applicants to the Financial Advisory Board (FAB) were called in the following order: • Andrew Gill • Stefan Erik Oppers • Daniel Rahm • Brad Robertson • Darren Rykers • Anthony Wetherington City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson tabulated the Commissioners’ votes and announced that the following three applicants were selected: Andrew Gill, Daniel Rahm, and Anthony Wetherington. Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to appoint Andrew Gill, Daniel Rahm, and Anthony Wetherington to the Financial Advisory Board. Commissioner Rolli seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on Hiring to Fill Vacancies (requested by Commissioner Rolli)

6 Commissioner Rolli observed that the City has had a number of vacancies for some time, and wished to discuss vacancies in key positions such as Finance Director, Assistant City Manager, and Utilities/Emergency Management Director. Director Sanchez advised that the City has advertised and interviewed for these positions. He reviewed the status of the three key positions cited above, adding that the City continues to actively recruit to fill vacant sworn Police positions. Director Sanchez continued that in terms of benefits, it would be helpful for the City to be able to negotiate the amount of vacation time it can provide within the parameters of City policy. This internal policy is included in the City’s Personnel and Safety Rules and Regulation. The Commissioners discussed the issue of vacation or leave time, with Vice Mayor Caputo and Mayor Newton expressing concern that bringing in new hires with additional vacation time could affect morale for current employees who have not yet reached the midpoint of their salary or benefits range. Commissioner Bracchi recommended that there be greater flexibility based on an individual’s experience in their role instead of their tenure with the City. There was further discussion of vacation benefits, particularly with regard to Department heads. Director Sanchez noted that Directors and management employees typically respond to emails or phone calls even if they are on vacation and not physically available. The Commissioners discussed budgeting to increase salaries and benefits, as well as development that will add to the City’s tax rolls in the future. City Manager Henderson recalled that in the past, the City offered a different benefits package for Management staff, which included longevity pay, a higher tier of merit increases, vehicle allowances, and additional opportunities such as greater merit increases. In approximately 2009- 2010, following the recession of that era, the City gave up these benefits as one way to help balance the budget and minimize employee furloughs. That benefits package was not reinstated. Mayor Newton requested that further discussion on these issues be added to the next Commission Agenda. It was noted that the City is currently in discussion with a candidate for one of the key positions cited above, and current salary/benefits practice has been a sticking point. City Attorney Kerry Ezrol advised that the City Manager has the authority to increase salaries to an extent for management positions. He also clarified that no budget amendment would be required for this action. He recommended bringing this issue back as an Agenda Item before voting upon it. Vice Mayor Caputo made a motion to make adjustments in accordance with the midpoint and maximum ranges for the titles of Assistant City Manager, Finance Director, and Emergency Management/Utilities Director. City Attorney Ezrol added that these adjustments would be based on the classification and compensation study previously approved by the Commission.

7 Commissioner Rolli seconded the motion, which prevailed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). The Commission further discussed vacation benefits, with City Attorney Ezrol clarifying that the City Manager also has the discretion to make changes to these benefits as well as to salaries. City Manager Henderson stated that Wilton Manors is competing directly with other Broward municipalities which start all management staff at five weeks’ vacation. She recommended being able to offer this to candidates for Director and Assistant Director positions. The Commissioners agreed by consensus to authorize the City Manager to offer up to five weeks’ vacation time, with the understanding that this issue will come back to the Commission for additional discussion. Commissioner Rolli recommended taking a larger look at the City’s entire benefits package rather than continuing to address it in piecemeal form. There was also brief discussion of pooling or banking vacation or sick time, with City Manager Henderson clarifying that employees may donate unused sick time to this bank if another employee experiences a catastrophic personal event. Discussion on Barricades at Special Events (requested by Commissioner Bracchi) Commissioner Bracchi referred to recent events that occurred in the city of New Orleans, and cautioned that Wilton Manors could be a target for this type of activity due to the political climate. Assistant Police Chief Darren Brodsky stated that during recent large events, the Police Department has taken a multi-layered approach when considering possible vehicular attacks. They use water barricades as well as meridian barriers and public safety vehicles to protect against this possibility. The Department feels very secure in the way that it provides barricades along multiple roadways while making sure that the event itself remains inviting to the public. Assistant Chief Brodsky continued that more steps can be taken, including environmental design opportunities through landscaping or more fortified protections such as bollards. He confirmed that barricades are placed on every side street during major events, and “wanding” is required for eventgoers. He was confident that the City’s events are very safe. Commissioner Bracchi requested consensus to direct the Assistant Chief to look into other opportunities for barricades and/or bollards, including their costs. There was further discussion of event safety and security, and consensus to proceed with this research. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS City Manager’s Report None. City Attorney’s Report

City Attorney Ezrol reported that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Broward city and county attorneys regularly met for collaborative meetings. These monthly meetings, while inactive for some time, have been reinstated due to the implementation of Florida House Bill (HB) 1365, beginning in January 2025. Assistant Chief Brodsky addressed the implementation of HB 1365, stating that he was aware of only one incident thus far involving camping on City property. Police activity related to the transient population has not changed since the passage of the law. NEW BUSINESS Appeal to Lien Reduction Order by Special Magistrate: Case 22-000157; 209 NE 27 Drive (Police) It was noted that the application for lien reduction was incomplete. City Attorney Ezrol advised that the Commission has the authority to affirm, reverse, or modify the Special Magistrate's order; however, should they decide to reverse or reinstate the order, it could affect the due process rights of the current property owner. Ori Darmon, 209 NE 27 Drive, Applicant, stated that he did not wish to proceed with the lien reduction application. REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT OF ITEMS ON NEXT AGENDA Vice Mayor Caputo requested that a discussion of the impact of Amendment V, Florida's recent additional homestead exemption, be provided at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. These minutes were �pvroved by the Cit� Commission on Tuesday, r-ehru a 1r / / , 2025 Date Signed 8