MARGATE – The Board of Commissioners June 5 approved several resolutions issuing new employment contracts to the city administrator, solicitor, Beach Patrol chief and others. The board also approved a separation agreement with former Construction Code Official Jim Galantino.
The board extended City Administrator Patrick Moran’s contract from part-time to full time for one year starting July 1. Moran will receive health insurance consistent with those of other employees, 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, and a base pay of $152,500 per year.
John Scott Abbott, who has served as the city attorney for many years, was awarded a new one-year professional services contract through June 2, 2026. Payment will be $95,388 on retainer and up to $80,000 for legal services, litigation and special projects. His hourly fee for legal services is $200. He will provide city officials with legal advice, assist in preparing ordinances and resolutions and prepare contracts and agreements.
The contract was awarded without a “fair and open” process, however, Abbott attests that he has not made any political contributions to the commissioners that would violate the city’s “Pay to Play” ordinance.
The board approved a one-year contract for Chirstopher C. Graves to serve as chief of the Margate City Beach Patrol through Dec. 31. Graves will receive sick time, but no vacation time, paid holidays or health insurance. His annual base pay will be $29,007.
The board also approved a $15,000 contract for Gregory D. Smallwood to serve as Beach Patrol Administration Lifeguard in Training Instructor.
The city also extended its social media management contract with You Can’t Ig-Norris by two months and increased the contract amount an additional $3,000 to a total of $50,000 for the year.
The board also approved a separation agreement with Galantino, the city’s former Construction Code Official who retired effective June 1. The agreement calls for Galantino to receive a lump sum payment of $10,000 to release the city of any claims for benefits and accumulated leave payouts. According to the release, Galantino met with city officials on April 10 to resolve issues and “avoid the expense and uncertainty and distraction of any litigation” regarding his entitlements as a retiree, benefits and “all other claims Galantino may have against the city, known or unknown.” The payment is made in addition to benefits outlined in his employment agreement.
Under the agreement, Galantino “discharges and releases” the city and its officials from all claims Galantino may have against them, including for “any alleged violation” of federal and state labor laws. He agrees to refrain from suing the city for events “whether known or unknown” regarding the termination of his employment. He also agreed not to disparage the city and its employees, and the city agrees to provide limited information about his employment to anyone who asks. The city also agreed it would not defend, indemnify or hold harmless “for any act or omission that was due to actual fraud, willful misconduct, actual malice or constitutes a crime as the result of any intentional and/or willful acts and/or actions that fall outside the scope of work performed on behalf of the city.”
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