TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: September 17, 2025
Title
RESOLUTION - ACCEPTING AN EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,935.00 AND APPROVING AWARD AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, TO FUND EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL SUPPLIES FOR THE MARGATE POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
BACKGROUND: The City of Margate is currently experiencing a troubling increase in motor vehicle crashes, including a concerning number of fatalities. Data indicates that a significant portion of these deadly incidents stem from excessive speed and aggressive driving behaviors. These dangerous driving trends pose a serious threat to public safety and diminish the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. To address this urgent issue, the Margate Police Department is prioritizing the implementation of a targeted traffic enforcement initiative: LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) speed measurement devices. These devices will equip officers with the tools needed to more accurately and efficiently detect speeding violations, especially in high-risk corridors.
This agenda item will provide grant funding to purchase speed measurement devices (with accessories such as battery cells and dual bay battery chargers), along with ruggedized holsters and hard cases. The implementation of these devices will increase the Traffic Unit’s capacity to monitor and respond to speeding in real-time, which in turn will reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions in the community.
RECOMMENDATION: For approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: $6,935 award; no match required
CONTACT PERSON: Mike Palma, Chief of Police