[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6546394,"mediaKeyId","3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d","parentId",3674326,"title","Margate commission asks staff to research lifetime term-limit charter amendment after proposal","audioSeconds",242,"startMs",1833470,"endMs",2076135,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d&start=1833&end=2076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d/thumbnail_1833470.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6546394/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Margate-commission-asks-staff-to-research-lifetime-term-limit-charter-amendment-after-proposal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546394-690d6023c85398524eb3f2d92c46f5a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088127&Signature=mUdyK2rrBlq~GVsYiBSLBYoGQbZeSbVwoYrZP07Zwsk7WlN2~ldyJ38gtuvgPYaEYuMWgY4XZXYHJJVl8VkIHan86k-1-CRxmS1WKCO~Jk-LN1z0458vukUbDQxE6G1MUsuzFbyEt~ait5LzZ58ne2rogljEMuKzQQNFvMNJOd8kVGWzzT0MnBkLNIDqvN-3nqBzVuRv88-1qE4eMsIRzM38T9837K20iXR8B1WpbbiDEgEwmHj6Q8CUO20Si5PeKwh7eX5mIs9EbjHF4X58CeVvsnK4D3KVm7ejcJRoU4A20phGuJqSi6nm3VE2gh84CHj8EBA9ycB3il1axyneFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Margate","date","2025-06-05T00:00:00Z","article","On June 4 a member of the Margate City Commission proposed placing a lifetime-term limits question on a future ballot that would bar elected commissioners from serving more than four terms in their lifetime and prevent them from returning after the lifetime limit is reached.

Vice Mayor Serio proposed the concept during commissioner comments, saying residents have repeatedly supported term limits and that a lifetime cap would prevent officials from cycling back into office after brief breaks. Serio said the measure would be a charter amendment and asked staff to research precedent and sample provisions for possible ballot language. He cited Coral Springs as a nearby city that passed a similar ballot measure recently.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about retroactivity and whether service prior to adoption would count toward the lifetime cap. City staff and the city attorney said the proposal would require a charter amendment and that details such as retroactivity and how to count prior service would be part of the draft language returned to the commission. The commission indicated consensus to gather more information and for staff to produce sample provisions and legal analysis to permit an informed decision about placing a charter amendment on the ballot.

No ordinance or ballot language was adopted at the meeting; staff will provide follow-up information if the commission wants to pursue a ballot question.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Margate - 6/4/25 Regular City Commission Meeting - Jun 05, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Vice Mayor proposed a lifetime term-limit policy (four-term lifetime cap) for Margate commissioners; the commission asked staff and the city attorney to draft sample charter-amendment language and return with options and legal analysis.","taxTitle","Margate, Broward County, Florida","taxId",5088,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546399,"Margate thanks crews for quick storm cleanup, staff reiterates FPL is responsible for trimming over power lines",1079,1402240,2481524,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d&start=1402&end=2481","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d/thumbnail_1402240.jpg","/articles/6546399/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Margate-thanks-crews-for-quick-storm-cleanup-staff-reiterates-FPL-is-responsible-for-trimming-over-power-lines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546399-33c9bc7a8d569dc2485ab6887f1f1636/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088127&Signature=cFQ2z2c9QokqW9zxoIuEzOFp7WuD8V0EiMY8ogiXAlPOC~IvDbFsKiqHx7SPaQkmP88b2ONcIxedAL6c56Mb1SluhC7YcweQu7~layVyIeFrZmMjXOgMDkP2suTrNmvvZObsDuFzlrpi~mCyn0DJnx0Tiel7v0MdhQS87DLZeBRhIqjBUE2eXcmkdc9guCt4jpqlHmSA5JXFSCb3iXwWrEOn-LxBQakBrW8NM2NbkbMbLVTnyJHuyJEuXvwHpsC1tnc9-7sjhsVcdIZZ-y2ZGqzoldzVFl7PWDQB9eGo1kQENWVofri4xXP~wiB325upWGikKXBFmQoe0Igx2l5owA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials and residents on June 4 reviewed the response to recent high winds that downed trees across Margate, thanked public-works crews for rapid roadway clearance, and clarified roles for tree trimming and debris contracts ahead of hurricane season.

Resident Tracy Van Winkle asked whether Margate coordinates with Florida Power & Light and tree contractors to trim branches near power lines in the months before hurricane season. City staff responded that FPL maintains a year-round trimming plan and is the authorized party to trim trees over power lines; staff said the city can flag problem areas for prioritization but cannot perform trimming in the right-of-way over energized lines.

Commissioners and staff also thanked public-works crews and police for clearing roadways and coordinating traffic after the storm. A public-works representative said the city has debris-hauling and monitoring contracts in place to support cleanup after storms. Commissioners and residents described pockets of damage that were cleared within hours and noted that private-property damage (for example on homeowners’ roofs or church property) remains the responsibility of the property owner or their HOA.

Speakers urged preparedness ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season and suggested residents maintain emergency supplies. Media and a speaker cited meteorological estimates of 60–70 mph straight-line winds during the event in some neighborhoods; commissioners said the wind event was short but intense and that crews restored access and removed hazards promptly.","After short but intense straight-line winds caused tree and power-line damage, commissioners praised rapid public-works and police response; staff said the city has debris-hauling contracts in place and that Florida Power & Light maintains a year-round plan and sole authority to trim trees near power lines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546404,"Residents press Margate for combined enforcement and outreach as street homelessness rises",422,991750,1414425,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d&start=991&end=1414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d/thumbnail_991750.jpg","/articles/6546404/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Residents-press-Margate-for-combined-enforcement-and-outreach-as-street-homelessness-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546404-16f8eee489b1dcb4d5a42aebe837275d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088127&Signature=JaaUO-OHPYgrxrRj4-5vAakbPh776jRq7apI9088ZsZoKnZOQymqiRRqz-9AxvhZw04lI95UX6USFZHhC8AW4MTU7GIfWAVVNUxVnSmZ5FQo8-6j-YYdUclY4bbOcHztQ9iffF9J5zLGOGnfrKrJbMPIyc2C9IDF5jcdORxV6P6ziLIL7HBGDzzG1ST-KD62ILHBUNlEeQqJUviNfrMZ2O9gzWbLCmG9fQn8G8MdSlcQDNZ2rVkuqB9xYBa7AfbYYHUy4pp57Xb8ujIx~treBXLSnnjIcQl8~F7mPzS9VTkU2DPgP89SwFWzAeC74N9plWCH2djfAJEYfGqIXmSzug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Margate residents raised concerns at the June 4 City Commission meeting about an increase in visible homelessness in commercial areas and parks, and urged a combination of enforcement and outreach to address public-safety and quality-of-life impacts.

Margate resident Donatello told the commission that the situation “has really grown” and described a recent incident he said involved a homeless man assaulting a woman in public. “This cannot happen in Margate,” he said. Other speakers said some people living outdoors are passing through from other municipalities and urged a mix of enforcement and service offers.

Markie Bersina, who identified herself as from Parkland, described a three-part approach she said is effective: education, encouragement and enforcement. “If we don’t educate them, how are they going to know what’s there?” she said, urging that outreach teams explain available resources and offer transportation or bus passes when appropriate.

City officials and staff said police have increased enforcement activity in recent weeks, issuing trespass orders and making arrests where criminal activity or outstanding warrants were present. The commission and staff discussed a “Plan B” outreach option that would assemble service providers and law-enforcement partners to offer resources and last-resort alternatives before heightened enforcement is used. Staff and police were described as coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions when individuals are known to be trespassed from other cities.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized the balance between offering assistance to people who will accept it and enforcing trespass or arrest when public-safety risks arise. Commissioners asked staff and police to continue coordinated sweeps that pair offers of services with enforcement where warranted, and to report back on options for a community engagement event to connect people to resources.

No formal action or funding was taken at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue current enforcement and outreach coordination and to explore an engagement event as a possible next step.","Public commenters and officials discussed a perceived increase in visible homelessness in Margate, noting recent arrests and trespass orders while urging more outreach and a coordinated engagement event to connect people to services.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546409,"Margate commission approves first reading of ordinance changing police promotion procedures",0,2634000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d&start=2634&end=2634","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3674326-b6a62d95386e2f78ee3bdb65a8af9c0d/thumbnail_2634000.jpg","/articles/6546409/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Margate-commission-approves-first-reading-of-ordinance-changing-police-promotion-procedures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546409-ca01ae762e1c0b587e6e93bcea1cfe14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088127&Signature=RI62nXjZ0~MKEGIRMxOtBchIx180RW3qiE4QXoztPlSvfELwouG13vBr6V81qFpo6xIAe74SJpeUEEiCRvwbSdNfg~otCOQ-2K2D40VvzPlUZN2a-ird~7G7bllZeRRSYqaQGRODNCB9IeZ2xDbS~IESVTHHwcU~gGn1GTbVDSjqWSYUQkHd8GFKYNKhCUKbn6xkwaozflXAKGet5Tf41cMzwt2ewH~6StZjNKdwTmsPE3WTWBcOHQqwJVDY5GkXT0lHoKjyYea8K6zUl~NWV8vy7Ox1BeWRXOPM9-3lkY04DvsAfbmEnXR32ksOT8~WKh7NA~5z0k3NV5eUmo8a3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Margate City Commissioners on June 4 voted unanimously on first reading to amend Chapter 30 of the city code to change promotion procedures for police personnel, including adding a personnel-file review to promotion scoring and requiring outside oral boards for sergeant promotions.

The ordinance, introduced as Item 6A, revises Sections 30-23, 30-42, 30-43 and 30-49 to provide specific promotion procedures and weighting for police promotions. Under the proposed rules presented to the commission, personnel-file review, a written exam and an oral exam would each carry roughly one-third of an applicant’s score for sergeant promotions; the personnel-file review — a formal review of discipline and agency accomplishments — would be a new component of the process.

City staff said the changes stem from concerns about bias in past promotional processes. Police department leaders convened a committee representing different ranks and surveyed department personnel to develop the revisions. The committee recommended that sergeant promotion panels be conducted by outside oral boards and that the department’s personnel files be scored as part of the selection process. For lieutenant promotions, the committee recommended returning decision authority to the police chief, supported by an oral board and personnel-file review.

A police official summarized the committee’s view: the sergeant selection should be “completely divorced” from an internal supervisor’s influence and rely on an outside oral board, while the lieutenant selection should reflect supervisory performance and be decided by the chief with supporting evaluation.

Commissioners asked about civil-service participation and whether the city could hire outside supervisors in promotions. Staff said the civil-service role is limited to observing tests and that, under current city practice, promotions are filled from within the department; the ordinance does not create an option to hire a higher rank from outside the agency. The commission also discussed the department’s desire to preserve succession planning while ensuring unbiased promotion panels.

The commission approved first reading by roll-call vote: Commissioners Rosano, Casciano, Simone, Vice Mayor Serio and Mayor Schwartz all voted yes. The item will return for a required second reading and public hearing before final adoption.

The ordinance text as read into the record described the sections amended, severability and codification; specific scoring percentages and process steps were discussed during the presentation and are reflected in the proposed ordinance language submitted to the commission.","The City Commission approved on first reading an ordinance revising Chapter 30 personnel rules for police promotions, adding a formal personnel-file review and outside oral boards for sergeant promotions while leaving lieutenant appointments to the chief; the vote was unanimous.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Margate commission asks staff to research lifetime term-limit charter amendment after proposal

Margate thanks crews for quick storm cleanup, staff reiterates FPL is responsible for trimming over power lines

Residents press Margate for combined enforcement and outreach as street homelessness rises

Margate commission approves first reading of ordinance changing police promotion procedures