Margate commissioners ask staff to study metal detectors, other security for commission meetings

Commissioners discussed possible enhanced security for City Commission meetings on Wednesday after members of the public and commissioners cited incidents in which individuals filmed restricted areas and left disturbing communications.

Commissioner Kaji (identified in remarks as the item sponsor) said he brought the matter forward amid rising national incidents and changes in gun‑law enforcement, and asked the city manager to coordinate with the police chief and city attorney to return options and cost estimates for security measures. He said the intent is to make residents and officials safer during in‑person meetings, not to impede public participation.

Several commissioners supported the concept of limited screening for public meetings. Commissioner Rosano recounted an episode when an individual repeatedly left threatening letters and entered restricted parts of City Hall; she said the building’s stairwell and public access were closed in response. Mayor Arlene Schwartz and others said some public facilities — including hospitals and county commission chambers — already use walkthrough detectors and that a nonintrusive metal‑detecting process can reassure attendees without turning hearings into a heavy‑security event.

Vice Mayor Serio asked staff to return multiple security levels and costs, from staffing an officer at the entry to temporary wanding or a walkthrough detector during public sessions. City Manager directed staff to coordinate with police and the city attorney and bring back a policy and budget estimate for the commission’s review.

No ordinance or funding decision was taken; the commission asked staff to develop options and costs for future consideration.