http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/ Margate Updates Copyright � 2008-2011 MargateNews.net All Rights Reserved Solupress News - www.solupress.com http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article1016.asp While deciding how much to contribute this year to the State Road 7 Collaborative, a ten-year-old South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) initiative, commissioners at a January city meeting raised questions over what the city gets in return for its contribution, and what happens if a participating city doesn�t pay? Of the 16 municipalities that partner with the Collaborative, Margate was one of 12 last year that contributed zero dollars. The year before, Margate was one of only six that gave anything. View [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/article_files/article_file173.xls[linkclose][underline]Muncipal Funding Schedule.[/underline][/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article1016.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article1012.asp To conform to Broward�s new Code of Ethics aimed at cleaning up governmental corruption in the county, Margate Commissioners approved last week advertising an ordinance for the city�s new lobbying registration system and fee. The result of sweeping ethics reform brought about by Broward County voters in 2010 and which took effect this year - any person retained with or without compensation to influence, convince or persuade city officials with the purpose of effecting decision-making authorities in Margate must first register with the city and pay an annual fee. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article1012.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article997.asp The New Year has just begun and Margate Commissioners are wasting no time in raising budget caps on their Travel/Travel & Per Diem accounts. City commissioners voted Wednesday to approve a transfer of $7,500 from the city�s General Fund to pay for a trip to the League of Cities Conference in Washington D.C. in March. �What�s the point of a budget if you can�t stick with it,� former Margate commission candidate and political activist, Rich Popovic, told MargateNews.net. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article997.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article985.asp Purchased in October 2009 for $650,000, the Margate Carwash located at 1001 Park Drive has been slated for demolition by owners, the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (MCRA). Between roof repairs, run-down equipment and high management costs, carwash expenses have exceeded revenues by 36 percent: the operation grossed $50,000 last year but cost $68,000 to operate. After hearing that a significant investment would be required to continue operating the carwash at full capacity, Margate Commissioners decided (3-1) at the December MCRA meeting to demolish the facility. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article985.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article255.asp For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa�s Christmas Eve flight. The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article255.asp [linkclose]Click to learn more...[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article970.asp In response to a new state law that took effect in October, Margate repealed a series of gun laws that conflicted with state statutes on the books since 1987. Margate, like other Broward cities, had seemingly violated the state�s constitution in passing ordinances that banned firearms from municipal buildings. Certain laws restricting the discharge of weapons and the sale and transportation of ammunition were found to be unconstitutional as well. The new law [linkstart href= http://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=44848&SessionIndex=-1&SessionId=66&BillText=&BillNumber=45&BillSponsorIndex=0&BillListIndex=0&BillStatuteText=&BillTypeIndex=0&BillReferredIndex=0&HouseChamber=H&BillSearchIndex=0 [linkclose](HB 45)[/linkend] known as the Joe Carlucci Uniform Firearms Act, stops local governments from regulating firearms and allows judgments of up to $100,000 against cities and towns that enact gun laws outside state statutes. City officials in violation of HB 45 are subject to a civilian fine of $5,000 and removal from office by the governor. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article970.asp [linkclose]Read about Waldman's bill�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article953.asp The enclosed construction staging area on NW 9th Court in Margate is phase one of the city�s reclaimed water initiative to irrigate Margate golf courses with treated wastewater. After laying pipe to connect the city�s wastewater treatment plant on 66 Avenue to Rock Island Road, the treatment facility will be built and reclaimed water run to the city�s three golf courses. Head engineer for Margate, Reddy Chitepu, said project completion is scheduled for sometime in 2013. Though at one point the city considered funding the project with a bond, Chitepu said the majority of the estimated $9.5 million project cost will be covered by city reserves. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article953.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article945.asp It�s no secret residential burglaries have increased in Margate, up almost 23 percent the first six months of 2011 when compared to all of last year, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) statistics. At a recent Coral Lakes Estate Crime Watch picnic held at Margate's Firefighter�s Park Sunday, Margate Police spoke to practical steps residents can take to protect themselves and their neighbors from break-ins. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article945.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article937.asp Thanks to about 4,000 loyal readers a month, MargateNews.net is fast becoming a popular online news source in the city. Reporting on all things Margate, we launched to 100 desktops in 2009 and now transmit regularly to thousands of PCs and mobile devices across the city. [bold][italic]More locals choose to read community news online.[/bold][/italic] It�s more convenient and accessible than print and like MargateNews.net enables readers to search news archives. Enter a keyword in the �Find� bar at the top left screen and MargateNews.net scans almost a 1,000 proprietary articles (and growing) published about Margate people, places, politics, events, business and government. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article937.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article934.asp In October 2009, longtime Margate residents Mike Casey and wife Donna made a personal loan to Margate Commissioner David McLean for $15,000. It was to open the kitchen at McLean�s new venture, �McLean�s Bar and Grill,� said Casey, and though he didn�t know McLean personally thought the elected official would make good on the debt. Two years later McLean still owes on the loan, plus interest. Casey said numerous attempts to contact the commissioner have failed and calls and emails don�t get returned. Casey said he�s livid to the point of buying a full page ad in the newspaper and starting a web campaign to let Margate residents know. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article934.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [bold]Article updated 6 pm 11-1-2011[/bold] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article915.asp In an effort to save the paper and manpower required to produce city commission agendas twice a month, city commissioners will be swapping out their 8-year-old laptops with state-of-the-art iPads equipped with 3G network capability. The new iPads will cost about $700 each. Margate City Clerk, Leslie Wallace, told MargateNews.net the move will save her office manpower hours and reams of paper every month not having to produce backup agendas for each commissioner. �That�s a lot of trees we can save,� said Margate Mayor, Pam Donovan at last week�s city commission workshop. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article915.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article890.asp [bold]Animal Control Officer, Blanca Prusinki, commended for 25 years with City[/bold] Blanca started as a laborer with Margate 25 years ago. She has worked as a crossing guard in the city and now as an Animal Control Officer for Margate Police. �We want to thank you for what you do every day and to be recognized for your service to our community,� said Margate Police Chief Jerry Blough at last week�s employee recognition service at City Hall. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article890.asp [linkclose]More News Briefs...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article884.asp Twice monthly � sometimes more - city officials meet at City Hall to discuss laws that impact the lives of Margate residents and businesses. Members of the public are allowed three minutes of public speak at the beginning of each meeting, and are allowed to speak to each regular agenda item should they choose. The following is a list of proposed considerations this week as indicated by the City Commission Meeting Agenda. Should you require more in-depth information, visit the city�s [linkstart href=http://www.margatefl.com/agendas.html[linkclose]agenda page[/linkend] and click on the appropriate meeting date. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article884.asp [linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article861.asp A young soldier fresh off his last tour in Iraq called MargateNews.net the other day asking about houses in Margate and if we could recommend any for sale. His brother lives in the city, he said, and thought he would begin searching for a home here. We told him there�s plenty of housing stock in in the city and a lot of good deals at that, but to beware of the pitfalls of Condominium Associations and HOAs (Homeowners Associations), as many are rife with problems. Then we suggested he call the Margate Grants Office to inquire about the nine or so homes the city has for sale. Homes that range in size from 720 sq. ft./2 bedrooms to 1048 sq. ft/3 bedrooms and are priced between $90,000 to $120,000. Yards are nicely landscaped and large enough to add rooms to the house for growing families. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article861.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article862.asp[linkclose]Reader Op-Ed[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article828.asp Tommy Moose is a 12-inch tall cuddly stuffed moose used to distract and comfort children caught up in traumatic situations. More than 100,000 have been distributed to police, fire and emergency personnel across America since 2003 and thanks to the local Women of the Moose Chapter 1699, Margate now has a dozen of their own. In presenting the city with the child safety mascots at a July commission meeting, Moose Jr. Graduate Regent, Mari Jane Burkhart, shared first-hand how she witnessed Tommy in action. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article828.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article813.asp After listening to the pleas of Margate small business owners, commercial landlords and taxpayers -many of whom live on fixed incomes are unemployed or upside down in their mortgages - Margate commissioners unaimously approved raising fire fees for Margate businesses more than 20 percent in Fiscal Year 2011-2012 and for Margate households from $185 to $225 effective October 1, 2011. �We only have so much money in hand and we don�t know where to go for help,� said an owner of a Margate strip mall who told commissioners her vacancy rate is over 50 percent, and of tenants remaining in her mall some aren�t paying rent while others want rent reductions. �We�re not talking five or 10 percent here. We�re talking almost 22 percent which is way too much,� she said during Wednesday�s public hearing on the matter. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article813.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article807.asp After eight months of contract Impasse with Margate, fire union officials from the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3080 sat around the table with labor negotiators from the city last week to determine a course of action moving forward. Currently, the Fire Union has no contract with the city. Among other articles on the city�s laundry list of negotiating points, City Manager, Frank Porcella asked union officials to consider random drug testing in the next contract. �We [the city] would like you guys to step up to the box and be the first to approve random drug testing,� Porcella said at Tuesday�s meeting. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article807.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article798.asp In March, Margate received a 90-extension on county funding for the city�s Inner City Transit Bus Route B. City officials had redesigned the route around the needs of seniors in condo communities by expanding stops for shopping, the hospital and casino with the hopes of getting more riders on the bus. To no avail, three months later the route still falls short of the 7 riders an hour needed to continue Broward County funding, said City Manager Frank Porcella. �We�re getting like three,� he said at a June city meeting. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article798.asp [linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article775.asp The City Commission at a May 18 city workshop handed off sign code outreach to the Margate Chamber of Commerce. The workshop was held to hear suggestions from Margate business owners as to whether the city�s sign code meets their needs, but the meeting fell short on time. Chamber President, John Francis, agreed to form an ad hoc committee to get feedback from local business owners and landlords regarding potential sign problems and solutions. Francis formed the committee on May 23, designated outreach duties to a panel of volunteers and directed all to report back to the Chamber office on June, 20 with findings. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article775.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article764.asp It�s anyone�s guess when development will take hold again in Margate. Though some say death and taxes are the only sure things in life, new construction will eventually come around again. Margate has incentives for developers through the city�s Brownfield Program and rezoning along the State Road 7 Corridor requires new store fronts to be constructed along the street, highly visible to motorists and easily accessible by pedestrians and public transportation users. When it�s all said and done, Margate will enjoy a unique urban-influenced streetscape distinct from adjoining cities. It's just not going to happen overnight. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article764.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article755.asp Armed with $2 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant money from the federal government, the city of Margate purchased 12 run down homes in the city and completely remodeled them. Refurbished homes feature EnergyStar appliances, impact resistant windows, new bathrooms, new hot water heaters (some tankless), new plumbing and electric. Roofs are new and warranted for five years. �The homes are all but torn down and rebuilt,� said Community Development Manager, Kim Kaye-Liakos for the City of Margate. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article755.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/sections/section16.asp[linkclose]Reader Opinion[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article741.asp Most long-time Margate residents are familiar with Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) activities in the city. New residents may not be. Every month, the Margate CRA holds a meeting open to the public. Growth issues in the district are discussed and residents have an opportunity to voice their opinions and offer ideas. Numerous matters were addressed at last week�s CRA meeting, including the potential for a community garden. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article741.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article734.asp The Temple Beth Am Synagogue located on the northwest corner of Royal Palm Boulevard and Rock Island Road in Margate is looking to switch from R-3 residential zoning to CF1 community facilities zoning. At the Margate Planning & Zoning meeting last week, Margate City Planner, Ben Ziskal, recommended granting Beth Am�s request. He said the change will increase land use flexibility and encourage the development of community facilities (CF) in Margate. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article734.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article719.asp For Margate teens looking for excitement this summer � to visit new places, meet new faces and do new things � Margate�s �Camp Senior� may be the answer. The eight-week program runs from June 13 through August 5 and includes parasailing, canoeing, snorkeling in the Keys, surf lessons, deep sea fishing and cultural activities. Between 14 and 16 field trips planned in all.* Cost is $500. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article719.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article693.asp Though similar to other South Florida cities that have selected American Traffic Solutions (ATS) as its red light camera vendor of choice, Margate City Attorney, Eugene Steinfeld, said Margate is playing it cautiously and stalling the installation of red light cameras until cities like Pembroke Pines and Fort Lauderdale work out judicial kinks in prosecuting red light runners caught on tape. Further putting the stop on cameras in Margate was a decision by Broward County Commissioners Tuesday to defer voting on an agreement that stipulates the terms under which Broward cities can use county traffic signal infrastructure to connect red light cameras, Steinfeld said. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article693.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article673.asp Margate Fire Chief Garrison G. Westbrook, EFO, CFO started as an EMT and Firefighter with Margate in April 1974. He worked his way up the �ladder� to Fire Lieutenant, Captain then Chief. Westbrook, 56, maintains two certifications, Executive Fire Officer (EFO) and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and is the President of the Fire Chiefs� Association of Broward County. He�s enrolled in the Florida Retirement System DROP program and is scheduled to retire in August. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article673.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article600.asp Absentee ballot requests for Margate's Special Election on January 11, 2011 must be received by the Broward Supervisor of Elections (SOE) by end of business January 5, 2011, according to a Margate City Clerk Memorandum to Margate voters. Completed absentee ballots must be recieved by the SOE no later than 7 pm on the day of the election. Roughly 11.4 percent of total ballots cast in Margate's last independent Municipal/Special Election (2005) were absentee. [linkstart href= http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article600.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article596.asp Lobbyist for Margate, Jack Tobin, spoke to his plan for addressing Margate�s needs at Florida�s next legislative session scheduled March 8 to May 6, 2011. Two-thirds, or 80 of the 120 members of the Florida House, are new this year, Tobin said, and a focus of his will be watching out for unfunded mandates that result in out-of-pocket expenses for cities. [linkstart href= http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article596.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article567.asp After making bottle club licenses available in three city districts in February, Margate Commissioners repealed the law at Wednesday�s city meeting with no discussion. Commissioner, Joseph Varsallone, initially introduced the legislation last year, but when attempting to expand the law to encompass all five city business districts in May, Margate resident, Rich Alianiello, was critical of embracing the law citywide, saying, �It�s a wrong move to do,� Alianiello said , �It just leads to other problems.� [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article567.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article546.asp Margate Special Magistrate, Mitch Kraft, is being replaced by [linkstart href= http://www.lawyers.com/Florida/Fort-Lauderdale/Alan-L-Gabriel-37430082-a.html[linkclose]Alan L. Gabriel, Esq.,[/linkend] special magistrate to numerous Broward cities and legal specialist in areas of governmental law, land use and real estate, telecommunications and commercial litigation. Mr. Gabriel will be sitting as special magistrate to Margate at the next special magistrate hearing and may or may not act as a permanent replacement for Mitch Kraft, said Margate City Attorney, Eugene Steinfeld in an email. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article546.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article533.asp Finding a solution to the city�s inadequate municipal tax infrastructure will be an ongoing challenge for Margate city staff and elected officials in coming years. Presently, roughly 7500 homes in Margate pay less than $100 in municipal taxes, and cumulative land value in the city has dropped more than a billion dollars since 2007. Although an increase in Margate's Fire Rescue Fee was shot down by commissioners over the summer, Margate City Commissioner, Pam Donovan, suggested at last week�s city meeting the possibilities of exploring a Police Fee in Margate's future to shore up more dollars for the services residents want to keep. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article533.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article514.asp Margate city workers hired on or after October 1, 2010 will no longer be eligible for longevity bonuses and welfare benefits currently afforded Federation of Public Employee (FPE) union members in the city. After hearing from city staff and union officials during Impasse proceedings Tuesday night at City Hall, Margate City Commissioners were unanimous in their decision to eliminate the two benefits for new hires. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article514.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article507.asp In an effort to cut back on overtime costs at the Margate Fire Department, City Manager, Frank Porcella announced at an August city hall meeting that his office has set up a committee to address possible incidents of 'sick leave abuse' by Margate firefighters. Although on-the-job-injuries (OJIs) and long term disabilities inherent to firefighting are unavoidable, said Porcella, �There are individuals that call in sick and abuse the system,� he said. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article507.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article519.asp[linkclose]Reader Opinion[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article462.asp The January lawsuit filed against the City of Margate by cell phone provider T-Mobile for denying the company a conditional use permit to place a 100-foot Cell Tower on Margate�s Oriole Golf Course has yet to see the inside of a courtroom. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article462.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article466.asp[linkclose]Reader Opinion from Oregon[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article467.asp[linkclose]Jane Celltower[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article443.asp Other than changes regarding the wording and scope of various articles within their respective union contracts, issues regarding step pay and overtime rose to the top of third-round union negotiations with the Federation of Public Employees (FPE) and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3080 Monday at Margate City Hall. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article443.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article437.asp At the behest of Margate Mayor, Joeseph Varsallone, Florida State Representative Candidate, Scott Yardley, was escorted from Margate city chambers by police Wednesday night after telling Varsallone he was out of order for interrupting Yardley�s three minutes of public speak allowed by law. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article437.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article417.asp Margate has roughly $100,000 in grant money available to employees of businesses located within Margate�s Community Redevelopment Area. After offering �first time home buyer assistance� to city, county and North Broward Hospital district employees and not getting any takers, the city has approved advertising the grant for MCRA businesses. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article417.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article403.asp Margate City Commissioner, Pam Donovan, announced her retirement as a Margate City Commissioner effective the end of her term in 2013. Donovan is moving to Orlando, she told the public at Wednesday's city commission meeting, to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article403.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article376.asp The city has given the residents at Atlantic Palms every possible break. The Mayor even worked with their association to help resolve their financial woes and get them back on track so they can once again begin to pay bills. To no avail, if Atlantic Palms can�t deliver a check to the city for $23,000, or a substantial amount to indicate goodwill by May 1 (Saturday), the city is shutting off their water. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article376.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article362.asp Once Florida state lawmakers officially sign the Seminole Compact into law, Margate will be one of many cities vying for roughly 3-percent of the $1 billion allotted for state coffers. How much Margate will get is anyone�s guess, said Margate City Manager, Frank Porcella, as no formula is set in place yet to divvy up funds among Broward cities. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article362.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article293.asp The Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital is hosting �Camp Wild� this summer for kids ages 6-12 in eight weekly sessions during the months of June & July. Cost is $200.00 per week ($180 for SNC Members) and includes all activities, T-Shirts and supplies. [linkstart href= http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article293.asp[linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article343.asp Margate Commissioner, Pam Donovan attended [linkstart href=http://www.browarddays.com/[linkclose]Broward Days[/linkend] in Tallahassee this month as part of an effort to get Margate�s voice heard during this year�s Florida Legislative Session. With Margate facing a possible $4 million budgetary shortfall in 2010, Donovan and other Broward County elected officials are asking state lawmakers to stop legislating unfunded mandates, as taxpayers in their cities can no longer afford them. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article343.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article311.asp My jaw dropped when a Margate teenager within earshot referred to Margate as �Marghetto.� I had to ask why and the high-school-age girl responded with �because it�s like a ghetto. That�s why we call it that.� As it turns out, more of these �leaders of tomorrow� lack a positive image of Margate, which could pose a detriment to the way people perceive the city for generations to come. Taking with a grain of salt what these teenagers had to say, their perceptions reflect a glimmer of truth. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article311.asp[linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/sections/section16.asp[linkclose]Reader Opinion[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article130.asp In a move to save taxpayers more than $200,000 in the upcoming budget year while maintaining local bus service to residents, the Margate city commission directed city staff Wednesday night to proceed negotiating with Limousines of South Florida Inc. (LSF) to run Margate Inner City Transit. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article130.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/sections/section16.asp[linkclose]Reader Opinion[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article425.asp In response to frequent requests by private event coordinators across the city to serve beer outdoors at their events, the city�s Development Review Committee introduced an ordinance Thursday that would make it easier for both non-profit and for-profit organizations to set up beer service outdoors. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article425.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article123.asp After years of paying the Broward Sheriff�s Office (BSO) for services that Margate doesn�t receive, Margate Mayor, Arthur Bross, along with leaders from other Broward cities, will be demanding that the agency return $6.4 million to cities not under contract with BSO. Not only does Bross want the money returned for last year, he wants taxpayers reimbursed three years in arrears. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article123.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article100.asp 1. Motion for red-light camera RFP tabled 2. Budget workshop scheduled for Saturday, June 27th at 10AM at the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center 6009 NW 10th Street (next to Margate Library across the street from the Margate Municipal Complex) 3. Discussion regarding the permitting of bottle clubs will continue FOURTH OF JULY [bold][italic]Margate will be having fireworks this year at the Banks Road Sports Complex. There may or may not be vendors. Stay tuned.[/italic][/bold] Attention all active duty military personnel and family members in Margate! Be a Grand Marshall in Margate's July 4th Parade! Call 954-972-6468 [bold]Parade Theme:[/bold] Symbols of Freedom [bold]Parade Time:[/bold] 9 - 11 a.m. [bold]Parade Route:[/bold] Margate Boulevard [bold][italic]Enter your float into Margate's July 4th Parade![/italic][/bold] Deadline is June 30. Call 954-972-6458 for details. __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article65.asp Using Road Bond money recently approved by Margate voters, Margate Public Works is installing new curbs on Margate Boulevard for the first time in decades. The project is designed to restore the street back to its original grade, so water will drain properly and lanes traveling both ways will be passable in a rainstorm. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article65.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article66.asp Margate residents can look forward to 12 bulk pickups a year effective October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2012, resulting from a new franchise agreement between the City of Margate and Waste Management Inc. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article66.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatefl.com/pubworks/[linkclose]Bulk Pickup Schedule[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article299.asp As part of the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency�s ongoing land acquisition plan for downtown Margate, MCRA officials will begin negotiating the purchase of the Country Haven Motel on State Road 7. Motel owners are asking $850,000, but as City Commissioner, Pam Donovan pointed out, the motel is tax assessed at roughly 30 percent less. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article299.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________