Public Meetings - Hollywood, Florida

On October 21, 2026, the Hollywood City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency Board held a joint special meeting at City Hall to evaluate and consider employment agreement amendments for City Manager/CRA Executive Director Raelin Storey and City Attorney/General Counsel Damaris Henlon. Both officials presented overviews of their accomplishments and requested a 2% cost-of-living adjustment to be applied at their one-year anniversaries, consistent with adjustments provided to all other management employees. The commission unanimously approved both resolutions, and discussed future improvements to the evaluation process. Discussion Items - City Manager/CRA Executive Director Evaluation and Employment Agreement Amendment (R-2026-334): Raelin Storey reported on her first six months in the role, highlighting achievements such as execution of new collective bargaining agreements, completion of major Go Bond projects (Art and Culture Center expansion, Hollywood Beach Golf Course, new police headquarters), infrastructure initiatives (NORESCO energy project, tidal flooding protection, undergrounding utility lines, stormwater master plan, Waterworks 2050), technology upgrades (Accela permitting platform, website redesign, cybersecurity improvements), public safety gains (continued crime decline, 100% homicide clearance rate, 140 felony arrests), housing and community development (nearly 400 new affordable/workforce housing units, assistance to homeless individuals), and significant grant awards totaling over $20 million. She clarified that this review was scheduled to align with the traditional October timeline, though it is not her annual review. She did not request a raise but asked that if the commission desired, a 2% cost-of-living increase (matching that already provided to employees) be applied at her one-year anniversary in May 2027. Commissioners commended her performance and leadership. Commissioner Quintana offered feedback: a need for culture change toward a more humane, team-oriented approach, and improved equitable communication of information to all commissioners. Commissioner Shuham supported the feedback and noted that a written evaluation form had been used in the past and recommended adopting best practices from other cities. The motion to approve the amendment at the one-year anniversary passed unanimously. - City Attorney/General Counsel Evaluation and Employment Agreement Amendment (R-2026-335): Damaris Henlon reported on her first full year as city attorney. She stated her office reviewed 409 resolutions and over 50 ordinances, filed over 1,800 municipal prosecution cases, achieved a jury verdict in a police vehicle accident case resulting in zero liability, successfully defended the school speed zone detection program on appeal, and handled legal matters for over $165 million in Go Bond projects. She noted that outside counsel expenditures decreased from fiscal year 2025 despite increases in hourly rates and personnel challenges. The office's in-house attorneys average more than 15.5 years of experience, and she implemented monthly check-ins between transactional attorneys and city departments. She requested the same 2% cost-of-living adjustment at her one-year anniversary. Commissioners praised her performance, noting improved communication and responsiveness. Commissioner Hernandez emphasized perseverance and results. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of Resolution R-2026-334, authorizing a 2% salary adjustment for the City Manager/CRA Executive Director at her one-year anniversary (May 2027). - Unanimous approval of Resolution R-2026-335, authorizing a 2% salary adjustment for the City Attorney/General Counsel at her one-year anniversary (date not specified). - Commissioners expressed interest in improving the evaluation process for direct hires by using written evaluation forms and establishing shared goals in advance for future reviews.

The Hollywood City Commission held its regular meeting on October 21, 2026 (the published agenda listed a 1:00 PM start time). The meeting included a robust consent calendar covering legal settlements, infrastructure contracts, and social service grants. Scheduled presentations updated the commission on police and fire awards, a downtown retail recruitment strategy, the quasi-judicial Harry Berry Park improvements, and the introduction of the Youth Ambassador Program. An ordinance correcting scrivener errors in the Employees' Retirement Fund received a first reading. The latter portion of the meeting focused on approving a new citywide professional answering service, citizen comments, and detailed administrative reports from commissioners and staff. Consent Calendar (Items 5-17) - R-2026-336: Approved a $70,000 settlement in the Hernandez Aponte lawsuit. - R-2026-337/338: Approved revised meeting minutes and adjusted 2027/2028 meeting schedules. - R-2026-339: Allocated $250,000 in General Fund grants to social service agencies. - R-2026-340: Awarded $299,576 to Kimley-Horn for the Gracewood Sidewalk Network Project. - R-2026-341: Approved a $900,639 change order for Fire Station 74 HVAC replacement (total $2,800,639). - R-2026-342: Retained the lead role in the FEC Quiet Zone. - R-2026-343: Authorized an FDOT agreement for sidewalk cafes on US-1/Young Circle. - R-2026-344/347/348: Approved contracts for BSO supplies, generator installations, and security services with Everon LLC. - R-2026-345/346: Approved cultural arts grants to the Hollywood Art and Culture Center ($205,000 and $70,000). Public Comments & Testimony - Pam Borgio (Resident): Announced a veterans' appreciation dinner and a Hero Flight arriving at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Thanked Commissioners Biederman, Callari, and Shuham for their service to the community. - Helen Chervin (Adams Street Resident): Commended the city for improved communication at that morning's CRA meeting. Followed up on previously reported code enforcement issues. - Andre Brown (Resident): Advocated for including gospel music in downtown event programming to draw larger crowds. Expressed strong opposition to "pastor pick sheets" distributed during elections, alleging Commissioner Shuham participated in distributing them. Declared he would vigilantly monitor the election campaigns. Discussion Items - Citywide Professional Answering Service (Item 27): Joann Hussey (CMED Director) presented a resolution to award a contract to 22nd Century Technologies, Inc. for a $772,013/year professional answering and informational service for a three-year term. The system will use an AI agent to route calls to city staff or live agents in Virginia. Commissioner Gruber requested seamless immediate transfer to a live operator, which was confirmed. Mayor Levy emphasized offsetting the cost by eliminating other call centers ($375,000 in expiring contracts). The resolution passed unanimously. - Beach Development Reconsideration (Item 30 from Oct 7): Commissioner Quintana moved to reconsider the vote on the 1301 Ocean Drive/beach projects from the October 7th meeting, stating the 3:37 AM decision time made clear thinking difficult. Commissioner Shuham seconded, arguing the approved 375-foot building height and 96 percent site coverage conflicted with the newly created beach overlay. The motion to reconsider failed 2-5. Key Outcomes - Votes: The consent agenda and the answering service resolution passed unanimously. The motion to reconsider the beach overlay project was denied (Commissioners Shuham and Quintana voting in favor; Vice Mayor Callari, Commissioners Hernandez, Gruber, Biederman, and Mayor Levy voting opposed). - Directives: Vice Mayor Callari requested enhanced publicity for November meeting date changes and a specific update on Rotary Park. Commissioner Quintana requested that the commission receive advance notification of Live Local applications and earlier distribution of staff presentation slides for voting items. - Staff Reports: - City Manager Raelin Storey announced the launch of a bulk trash geo-notification system (26,258 subscribers, 183 unsubscribed). Highlighted the $250,000 in approved General Fund social service grants benefitting agencies including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and Salvation Army. - The City Attorney reported a $60,000 forfeiture judgment and a summary judgment win on a slip-and-fall case. - Weather Advisory: The City Manager issued a severe weather warning for the weekend and early next week: king tides expected to peak between Monday and Wednesday (possibly over 3 feet), combined with 2 to 4 inches of rain and sustained gusts of 25 to 40 miles per hour. Emergency management and public works teams were positioned with pumps and flood barriers. - Commissioner Concerns: Commissioner Shuham expressed deep concern for the future of the historic Hollywood Beach Resort given the recent approval of a 375-foot allowance and urged the future commission to preserve elements of the building. Commissioner Gruber highlighted the Caring Place graduation of 50 formerly homeless individuals.

The Hollywood Planning and Development Board met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The board considered five quasi-judicial applications: a rezoning, a park design/site plan, a self-storage facility with a variance, and two multifamily developments. A special presentation on the Resilient Broward plan was delivered by a city commissioner. The board approved all items, with the rezoning passing 6–2 and the park improvements receiving unanimous support after public speakers urged a deferral. Board members also discussed procedural concerns regarding a prior joint meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (September 8, 2026): Moved and seconded; approved unanimously without discussion. Special Presentation - Resilient Broward Countywide Resilience Plan: Commissioner presented the plan, which outlines a $28 billion, 50-year investment in climate adaptation, including $9 billion for public infrastructure. The plan relies on private property improvements and strategic land use planning. The commissioner urged the board to consider the plan when evaluating future projects to support funding and insurance goals. The board asked about formal adoption; the commissioner noted the city has not formally adopted it but participates in resilience initiatives. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 – Harry Berry Park (25‑DP‑73b): Three speakers commented: - Cat (speaker): Requested deferral until litigation on the adjacent 1301 S Ocean Drive tower is resolved. She noted the park is under federal Land and Water Conservation Fund restrictions and suggested a coordinated redevelopment of the entire area. - Doug: Supported deferral for similar reasons, citing the need for a symbiotic relationship between the park and any future tower. - Terry Cantrell (President, Hollywood Lakes Civic Association): Stated the park (subject to pending litigation) should not be approved until the legal situation is clarified; questioned whether the city had held a design charrette with beach users. - Item 1 – Rezoning 2326 Thomas Street: A comment card from Patricia Antrican (North Central Civic Association) was read by the chair, asking why the zoning was changed from RAC to GU, how it benefits the city, and what future development could occur. Staff and the county applicant responded. - Item 3 – Self-Storage Facility (24‑DPV‑91): No public comment cards; staff noted two public meetings were held with no questions from attendees. - Items 4 & 5 (Multifamily Developments): No public comment cards. Discussion Items Old Business 1. Rezoning – 2326 Thomas Street (26‑Z‑32) - Staff Presentation (Umar Javid): The applicant (Broward County) seeks to rezone 0.77 acres from DH-1 (Dixie Highway Low Intensity Multifamily) to GU (Government Use). The property has been used for 53 years as a storage/staging facility for Broward County Transit; the current DH‑1 zoning is non‑conforming. No development plans are before the board; rezoning is required by state law and city code for government-owned properties. Staff found the application met all criteria and recommended approval. - Applicant Presentation (Arethia Douglas, Premier Design Solutions; Daniel Selayas, Broward County): County confirmed the site will continue as a transit shelter storage/staging yard. A three-phase plan: rezoning, funding acquisition, and future site plan redevelopment. No intention for housing. - Board Discussion: Concerns about the site's dilapidated condition; fencing should be opaque. Motion to forward a recommendation of approval to city commission. Passed 6–2 (Christine Corbo and Bob Glickman voted no). 2. Harry Berry Park Improvements – 1301 S Ocean Drive / 301 Azalea Terrace (25‑DP‑73b) - Note: Applicant did not waive quasi‑judicial procedures due to pending litigation on the adjacent 1301 tower parcel. Formal hearing conducted. - Staff Presentation (Cameron Palmer): The request is for a standalone design and site plan for a 1-story restroom, parking, and improved open space at Harry Berry Park. No changes to the 1301 property or Live Local Act issues are included. The park is zoned GU; staff found compliance with zoning and comprehensive plan. Recommended approval with conditions. - Applicant Presentation (Keith Polakoff, PRH 1301 S Ocean Drive LLC): Emphasized that the park site plan is independent of the tower litigation. Additional parking (128 spaces) will be provided along the right-of-way, and 44 spaces on site (including 6 within the park). Open space increases by 73%. Shade will be provided through trees and structures; a state grant (≈$296,000) for park improvements exists, and the developer has agreed to repay it if needed. The applicant argued the park design was directed by the city’s Parks Department. - Board Questions: Board members inquired about separation from the 1301 project; the park can be built regardless of tower outcome. Staff confirmed no court injunction stays this review. - Public Comments: Three speakers asked for deferral (see Public Comments above). - Board Deliberation: The board attorney advised that delaying due to pending litigation is not a valid criterion; the board must rule on the application. Board members expressed support for the park design. Motion to approve the design and site plan with conditions passed unanimously (7‑0). 3. Self‑Storage Facility with Variance – 1109 N 21st Avenue (24‑DPV‑91) - Staff Presentation (Adrian Montoya): Applicant proposes a 4‑story, 50,472 sq. ft. self‑storage facility with one residential unit on a currently‑used self‑storage site. Variance requested to reduce the required 10‑foot setback to 0 feet for the new building corner due to a mandatory 30'×30' corner‑cut dedication at 21st Avenue and Garfield Street. Staff found the variance justified (not self‑imposed) and recommended approval. - Applicant Presentation (Fernando Silva, Kenneth R. Carlson Architects): The new building will be shifted toward the street to activate the corridor; existing trees will be preserved. No public opposition. - Board Questions: Clarified the variance pertains only to the setback reduction. Public participation meetings were held but no comments. Board approved the variance, design, and site plan all unanimously. 4. Multifamily Development – 1504‑1510 N Dixie Highway & 2112 Roosevelt Street (25‑DP‑53) - Staff Presentation (Umar Javid): 4‑story, 33‑unit rental building (7 studios, 19 one‑bedroom, 7 two‑bedroom) in DH‑3 district. Ground floor includes parking, lobby, fitness, bike storage. Accessory parking lot across alley. Design exceeds active‑use glazing (70% vs. 60% requirement), provides 33 parking spaces (exceeds 32 required), and includes public art. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Presentation (Joseph Kahler, Kahler Architecture): Building height 51 ft. (max 140 ft.), no variances required. Client chose a lower scale. Worked closely with staff. No public comments. - Board Questions: Entrance/exit via alley clarified as pedestrian only; crosswalks will be installed. Board discussed timing but approved design and site plan unanimously. 5. Multifamily Development – 1118‑1126 N 17th Avenue (24‑DP‑83) - Staff Presentation (Umar Javid): 4‑story, 27‑unit residential building in FH‑1 district. Setbacks exceed requirements, height 44 ft., 33 parking spaces (exceeds 32 required), 5 bicycle spaces, one EV space. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Presentation (Louis La Rosa): Noted extra effort on finish and articulation. No public comments. - Board Questions: Board member Bob Glickman asked about delays; the applicant cited right-of-way and fire exit requirements. Board approved design and site plan unanimously. New Business - Review of DRC Projects: No agenda items for the last two DRC meetings; projects are moving administratively. - Summary of City Commission Actions: Staff reported on recent commission approvals: variance at 1980 Grand Street (approved with conditions), beach comprehensive plan amendments, and the Hollywood Beach Overlay District (first and second readings). - 2027‑2028 Board Calendar Review: Presented by the board clerk, maintaining second Tuesday of each month, including a placeholder July meeting (potential need). Board member Bob Glickman suggested a June date instead to preserve July recess; staff explained the need for July is determined in late June. The calendar was approved by consensus. Procedural Discussion – Joint Meeting (June 29, 2026) - Board member Bob Glickman raised a concern that only five planning board members were allowed to attend and vote at a joint meeting with the Historic Preservation Board, due to staff guidance. He argued all board members should have been invited. The board attorney noted the meeting was valid under the code, and the issue has been addressed by moving to separate board meetings going forward. Other board members commented on the confusion. The board attorney agreed to share a written memo on the matter. No further action was taken. Key Outcomes - Rezoning 2326 Thomas Street (26‑Z‑32): Motion to recommend approval to city commission; passed 6–2. - Harry Berry Park (25‑DP‑73b): Unanimous approval of design and site plan with conditions (7‑0). - Self‑Storage Facility (24‑DPV‑91): Unanimous approval of variance, design, and site plan. - Multifamily Development – 1504 N Dixie (25‑DP‑53): Unanimous approval of design and site plan. - Multifamily Development – 1118 N 17th Ave (24‑DP‑83): Unanimous approval of design and site plan. - Board Calendar: Proposed 2027‑2028 meeting dates approved (no formal vote).

The Hollywood City Commission met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Hollywood City Hall. The available raw transcript begins during public comment and covers the 3:00 PM time-certain items on the Hollywood Beach Overlay District; no minutes were provided. After extensive public testimony, the Commission approved the overlay ordinance on second reading by a 5-2 vote with amendments, and approved related resolutions allocating 500 flexibility units and establishing a 2,300-hotel-room TIDE inventory. The consent agenda (items 5-16) and other agenda items are not reflected in the captured transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - An unidentified resident expressed distrust of city officials and asked the Commission to reconsider or postpone action. - Emilio Benitez, a 40-year resident, described rising seawater in his basement and said the city was moving 'too fast'; he urged officials to slow down. - Kat Eaton questioned the absence of direct input from city/county chief resilience officers, cited King Tide flooding, evacuation concerns, and SB 180, and asked the city to pause the beach plan. - Lori Goldstein said residents had repeatedly asked for more time and input, and argued that moving too quickly without resident support was 'a recipe for disaster.' - Siobhan McLaughlin opposed the beach overlay, urged postponement, and asked for workshops across the city. - Philippe Carrier cited survey statistics he attributed to Bob Glickman: 52% said the Central Beach height strategy was the wrong direction, 53% said transfer of development rights was the wrong direction, 54.7% said the Central Beach hotel mixed-use strategy was wrong, 63.5% said the Hollywood Beach hotel height strategy was wrong, and 47.9% said the new targeted overlay framework was wrong. He said the strongest concerns were increased height and redevelopment intensity, with preservation of historic buildings and local character ranked highest. - Bruce Soloway, an advertising business owner, supported development as a way to bring customers to struggling downtown businesses, while saying developers should be reasonable and meet residents' concerns. - Kathy Friedman opposed the beach overlay and the 1301 S. Ocean Drive project, saying the city was letting developers do work the city should have done; she cited flooding, infrastructure, preservation of beach history and charm, and asked the Commission not to vote that day. - Sarah Panelo said Hollywood already had Margaritaville and did not need more multi-story hotels; she urged investing in existing charm and noted construction and ecosystem disruption. - Stephanie Ramirez said she shared the safety concerns of previous speakers and asked the Commission to vote no. - Deborah Benjamin, joined by her young daughter, said she moved back to Hollywood for its quaint, charming character and urged commissioners to think about the city's future in 30 years rather than short-term money. - Jonas Caulfield, a lifetime resident, said he was '100% against' the beach overlay and called the 1301 project 'a complete disaster,' expressing distrust of developers and city leadership. - Sierra Manel urged the Commission not to pass the overlay, criticized the pace and process, said the current zoning already limited Live Local development to 65 feet, and called for preservation and rehabilitation incentives for the Hollywood Beach Hotel before redevelopment incentives. - Bianca Smith, a first-time speaker, opposed another high-rise at 1301 S. Ocean Drive, citing the barrier island's limestone base, flooding, heat, and the importance of preserving Hollywood's uniqueness. Discussion Items - The Commission considered PO-2026-026a, establishing Section 4.26, the Hollywood Beach Overlay District, including optional bonus programs, urban design guidelines, a regulating map, a Public Benefit and Resilience Trust Fund, rooftop amenity rules, and a five-year sunset. - Vice Mayor Callari defended the public outreach process, noted roughly $400 million in CRA infrastructure investment on the beach, and asked staff to show shadow studies for a 20-story tower; staff said shadow testing was required on the summer and winter solstices and showed minimal beach shadowing. - Commissioner Shuham said the overlay had good components but the bonuses were out of proportion to the risks; she cited the recent King Tide as equivalent to the sea level expected in 2050, said she could not get home because of flooding, and argued the city would be taking on long-term financial and life-safety obligations. She recommended lower heights, a maximum of five landmark sites, mandatory preservation or restoration at the Hollywood Beach Hotel, an 'up to five years' sunset instead of a fixed five-year term, and possibly starting with one precinct. - Commissioner Quintana said more residents needed to be brought into the process and that she would not vote for the item that day. - Commissioner Biederman asked whether approvals under the framework would remain discretionary; the City Attorney confirmed the program is voluntary and discretionary, and that the Commission could require a five-sevenths vote if it chose. Biederman expressed support for the framework as a way to control the city's destiny and create public spaces. - Commissioner Gruber said the plan would not turn Hollywood Beach into Sunny Isles, citing the average Sunny Isles building height of about 600 feet, and argued the overlay was preferable to the risk of Live Local projects without design review. He also pointed to older beach buildings at grade being most vulnerable to King Tide flooding. - Commissioner Hernandez said beach property values had declined 3.1% over the past year, that older beach buildings could not be redeveloped under current parking and code requirements, and that sea-level rise was real. He said he preferred the original version and was not willing to reduce heights further, but he accepted the amended motion. - The amended motion, offered by Vice Mayor Callari and seconded by Commissioner Gruber, changed the sunset to 'up to five years,' capped landmark sites at five in precincts 2 and 3, and allowed 'LEED or similar' green certification. Staff also noted a scrivener's error in the shadow-study times: summer solstice 5 p.m. does not exist, and the winter solstice time should be 3 p.m., not 2 p.m. Key Outcomes - Adopted PO-2026-026a (Hollywood Beach Overlay District) on second reading, 5-2. Voting yes: Biederman, Hernandez, Callari, Gruber, Levy. Voting no: Shuham, Quintana. - Adopted R-2026-327, authorizing allocation of 500 flexibility units within flexibility-unit-eligible areas of the overlay district, 5-2. - Adopted R-2026-328, establishing an initial inventory of 2,300 hotel rooms for the Tourism Incentive Density Entitlement (TIDE) program within the overlay district, 5-2. - The overlay program remains a discretionary bonus program; individual projects must still go through staff, the Planning and Development Board, and City Commission approval. The sunset language was changed to 'up to five years' to preserve the Commission's flexibility. - The provided transcript ends after these votes; later agenda items (26-41) are not reflected in the captured material.

The Hollywood City Commission met at City Hall on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM. The available transcript resumes at 9:23 PM and runs past 4:00 AM on October 8, so the recorded portion focuses on the last two agenda items. The Commission approved the amended and restated 1301 South Ocean Drive comprehensive/ground lease agreements by a 5-2 vote and approved the related Live Local Act GU zoning parameters by a 6-1 vote. Consent Calendar - Agenda items 5-16 were listed as routine consent resolutions; the available transcript does not include the consent vote. Listed items included: R-2026-314 (HUD HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance subrecipients, up to $424,003.13), R-2026-315/316/317 (Cigna medical/pharmacy, stop-loss, and VSP vision contracts), R-2026-318 (Broward County Transportation Surtax application), R-2026-319 (Stryker ambulance stretchers, $257,784.40), R-2026-320 (R2 Unified Technologies IT consulting, $257,194.20), R-2026-321 (Playworx playground equipment, $314,844.32), R-2026-322 (Stantec third renewal, $400,000), R-2026-323 (Brown and Caldwell deep injection wells construction administration, $382,040), R-2026-324 (Cardinal Contractors 120-day time extension), and R-2026-325 (Hazen and Sawyer in-house support, up to $500,000). Public Comments & Testimony - All public speakers in the recorded portion opposed or raised concerns about the 1301 project. Summit residents William Knickerbocker and Carlos Barkin warned of construction damage, flood risk, and the Summit being left in a 'valley' between raised podiums; Knickerbocker requested a $10 million construction bond, and Barkin asked for flood barriers. - Residents and community speakers including Adam Roberti, Rachel Schoenfeld, Kat Uden, Sylvia Meyer, Justin Del Sesto, Paul Farron, Carol Torres, and others said city-owned beachfront land should not be leased for a 99-year private condominium tower. Concerns included sea-level rise, loss of open space, a smaller community center, income segregation, emergency access, and the Planning and Development Board's one-story recommendation. - Ryan Abrams, attorney for Keep Public Lands Public, Inc. and Kathleen DeBona, argued the property is listed as a community park in the city comprehensive plan, that city code prohibits exclusive use of parks, that the project violates the Live Local Act open-space exemption, and that the prior 2022 agreement was so changed it required a referendum. The City Attorney allowed the group to present evidence and cross-examine for this hearing only, without making them party intervenors. Discussion Items Item 29 - Amended 1301 South Ocean Drive Agreements - Staff and outside counsel presented an amended and restated comprehensive agreement and ground lease with PRH 1301 South Ocean Drive LLC. Key changes included: an increase from 190 to 210 residential units including 84 Live Local Act rental apartments; a $22 million cap for public facilities; a $300,000 per year pre-possession rent starting 12 months after the effective date; an extended 36-month long-stop commencement date; 79 city-controlled parking spaces in the private garage in addition to replacement public surface parking; separate processing for Harry Berry Park renovation under the Land and Water Conservation Fund; and a minimum guaranteed payment increase from $35 million to $45 million. - Financial staff projected the city would receive $9.03 million net initial rent, $297,500/year base rent, 14% of condo sale proceeds as closing rent, 1% of resale value fees, property taxes after certificates of occupancy, and impact fees. At a $1,500 per square foot sellout, staff projected $45.8 million in cash to the city after the $22 million public-facility investment and $2.3 billion in total 99-year city revenue; a proposed Amendment 3 would reduce that total by about $5.5 million over 99 years. - Commissioner Shoeham said she was given insufficient time to review the documents, argued the changes were a 'cardinal change' requiring a referendum, and objected to income segregation and 'poor doors.' Commissioner Quintana also said she could not support the deal because of separate pools/elevators by income and the rushed schedule. Vice Mayor Callari and Commissioners Hernandez, Gruber, and Biederman spoke in support, citing public benefits, revenue, community center, and the project's long approval history. - The resolution passed 5-2, with Commissioners Shoeham and Quintana opposed, subject to final city attorney review of the terms. Item 30 - Live Local GU Height, Setbacks, and Site Coverage - This quasi-judicial item asked the Commission to set GU-district parameters for the proposed Live Local development at 1301 South Ocean Drive. Staff recommended approval of 375.4 feet in height, zero setbacks (with 15-foot and 9-foot encroachments along Azalea and Bougainville), and 96% site coverage. The Planning and Development Board had instead recommended 15 feet/one story, 230-foot setback from Surf Road, 100-foot setback from the Atlantic Ocean, and 15-foot cross-street setbacks. - City planner Cameron Palmer testified the proposal met the GU criteria for surrounding character, proposed development character, and adopted planning goals. Applicant experts described a resilient, elevated design with the community center and workforce-housing amenities facing east, stormwater management, beach access preservation, and traffic impacts of about 50 AM and 80 PM peak trips; the developer said the project replaces approximately 125 public surface spaces with 128 surface spaces plus 79 valet-served city garage spaces. - Keep Public Lands Public's planner, Wes Blackman, testified the tower was incompatible with the surrounding 65-foot zoning, that the 94-foot podium wall would be imposing on A1A, and that the property is a community park in the comprehensive plan. The applicant disputed the park designation and argued affordable housing is a public purpose under Florida law. - After final arguments and city attorney guidance on the discretionary GU standards, Commissioner Hernandez moved to approve; Commissioner Gruber seconded. The resolution carried 6-1, with Commissioner Shoeham opposed. Other Agenda Items Referenced - The agenda included proclamations for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 2026), and Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Later discussion confirmed the Hollywood Beach Overlay District ordinance (PO-2026-026a) was adopted earlier in the meeting. The transcript does not detail the individual votes on Chapter 38 budget/procurement changes, Emerald Hills PD rezoning/site plan, flexibility-unit and TIDE hotel-room resolutions, or regular resolutions 26-28. Key Outcomes - Item 29 approved 5-2. - Item 30 approved 6-1. - Vice Mayor Callari requested future information comparing Hollywood's 12 community centers with other Broward County cities; the Commission generally supported reviewing it. - The meeting adjourned after 4:00 AM on October 8, 2026.

The Hollywood City Commission met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Commission Chambers at Hollywood City Hall, 2600 Hollywood Blvd. The meeting opened with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. It included proclamations, a unanimous consent agenda, a second-reading ordinance on budget and procurement changes, two quasi-judicial approvals for The Club at Emerald Hills, several regular agenda contracts, and a lengthy public hearing on the proposed Hollywood Beach Overlay District. The supplied transcript ends during that public hearing, so no final commission vote is recorded for items 23–25 or for the later 4:00 p.m. items 29–30. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the consent agenda, items 5 through 16, unanimously on a motion by Vice Mayor Callari, seconded by Commissioner Gruber. No speaker cards were submitted. The approved consent items included: a HUD HOME tenant-based rental assistance subrecipient authorization up to $424,003.13; Cigna medical/pharmacy administrative services up to $994,644.20 per year for five years; Cigna stop-loss coverage up to $961,837.80; Vision Service Plan vision insurance up to $351,339.00 per year; a Broward County Transportation Surtax funding application; Stryker Power Pro 2 ambulance stretchers up to $257,784.40; R2 Unified Technologies consulting/support services up to $257,194.20; Playworx playground equipment and installation up to $314,844.32; a Stantec blanket purchase agreement renewal up to $400,000.00; a Brown and Caldwell construction administration work order up to $382,040.00; a Cardinal Contractors non-compensable 120-day time extension; and Hazen and Sawyer in-house support work orders up to $500,000.00. Presentations, Proclamations & Awards - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was proclaimed for October 2026. Mike Rodriguez of the American Cancer Society accepted and noted that about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The proclamation cited an estimated 321,910 U.S. women to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, 60,730 additional cases of DCIS, and an estimated 42,140 deaths. He invited the community to the Making Strides walk on October 17 at 7:00 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale. - Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026, was proclaimed. Fire Marshal Jeff Lucas highlighted the 2026 theme, charged into fire safety, safe charging is a superpower, and reported that the Fire Prevention Bureau completed 100% of annual inspections, reduced plan review times from about 28 days to about six days, and performed about 5,000 permit inspections. Commissioner Biederman also recognized the nonprofit Austin's Fire Chiefs, founded in memory of nine-year-old Austin Belvin. - Cybersecurity Awareness Month, October 2026, was proclaimed. IT Director Raheem Citron noted the 23rd annual observance and encouraged strong passwords, password managers, multi-factor authentication, scam recognition, and software updates. Public Comments & Testimony Emerald Hills (Items 21–22) - During the quasi-judicial hearing for The Club at Emerald Hills, staff, the applicant, and members of the public waived formal hearing procedures. Commissioners disclosed ex parte communications and contacts with the applicant and residents. - Nearly all public speakers supported the project. Supporters described an eight-year community process, the reduction from an original roughly 900-unit concept to 284 dwelling units and 40 lodging units, and the developer's responsiveness to resident concerns about scale, drainage, and clubhouse uses. - One resident, Ephraim Saragovia, raised concerns about drainage capacity, lake dredging, storm drain maintenance, and the golf course's flood role. The applicant responded that dredging was already starting, the plan adds five acres of lakes, and less than 10% of the overall site would be developed. Hollywood Beach Overlay District (Items 23–25) - Approximately 60 speaker cards were submitted. The majority of speakers opposed the proposed overlay and companion allocations, with many asking the commission to reject or delay the items. - Opponents cited concerns about residential density and building height, traffic and parking, A1A evacuation capacity, hurricane evacuation, flooding during king tides, drainage and infrastructure adequacy, shadows on the beach, loss of the beach's low-rise character, public beach access, and the risk of Hollywood becoming like Sunny Isles. Several speakers questioned public trust, the pace of engagement, and whether the public benefit was proportional to added development rights. - Some speakers expressed support or mixed views. Barry Leff, representing owners of the Caribbean Resort properties, supported the overlay as a framework that gives property owners an alternative to Live Local and a structured conversation with the city, while acknowledging it does not create as-of-right development. Michael Seltzer said he favored beach development generally but argued the overlay would not stop Live Local. - Associations including the Hollywood Beach Civic Association and Hollywood Lakes Civic Association asked for broader community involvement and more detailed parameters before decisions were made. 5:00 p.m. Citizens’ Comments - Residents also spoke on topics unrelated to the overlay, including city pensions, illegal political signs, code enforcement, the historic overlay district, speed bumps, a tree blocking sight lines at Davy Road Extension and 78th Avenue, and the conduct of commissioners toward the public. - Several speakers criticized commission decorum and called for more respect and meaningful public participation. Mayor Levy responded, saying he regretted an outburst but rejecting what he called election-season scare tactics about his family and defending his family's record in Hollywood. Discussion Items Item 20 – Budget, Procurement, Finance, and Economic Development Ordinance - On second reading, the commission considered PO-2026-024a, amending Chapters 30 and 38 of the City Code. Procurement Director Steve Stewart noted a minor clarification inserting per contract year into city manager and chief procurement officer approval thresholds. The agenda stated no changes since first reading, while staff described this small clarification. - The ordinance passed 6–1, with Commissioner Shuham voting no for the same reason she stated at first reading. Items 21–22 – The Club at Emerald Hills Rezoning and Site Plan - Staff and the applicant presented the rezoning of 166.134 acres at 4100 N. Hills Drive from Country Club to Planned Development, including master plan and design guidelines, variances from peripheral setback requirements, and site plan approval for eight development sites comprising 284 dwelling units, 40 lodging units, a clubhouse, indoor and outdoor recreation, a neighborhood park, and related infrastructure. - The applicant noted revisions since first reading, including 150 additional parking spaces in a clubhouse garage, and described drainage improvements, lake dredging, a redesigned golf course, and public walking trails. - Commissioner Gruber asked that PPG remain identified as the developer of record, and the applicant agreed. Items 23–25 – Hollywood Beach Overlay District and Companion Allocations - Staff presented the proposed Section 4.26 Hollywood Beach Overlay District, including optional bonus programs, urban design guidelines, a regulating plan map, a Public Benefit and Resilience Trust Fund, rooftop amenity changes, and a five-year sunset. - Staff summarized changes made after first reading: in precinct three, the landmark bonus was reduced from 50 feet to 30 feet, with a maximum height of 180 feet on eligible landmark sites; in precinct four, staff reverted to the 340-foot maximum recommended to the Planning and Development Board, subject to independent third-party feasibility review and commission discretion at application time; the historic rehabilitation incentive was restored; flexibility units and TDRs were made available in mapped portions of non-controlling hotel properties through a unified master plan; and the resiliency fund calculation was changed to a per-unit basis. - Staff showed illustrative massing and shadow studies for five sample sites, emphasizing that the renderings were not actual projects and that all applications would require shadow studies and discretionary commission approval. - Companion items would allocate 500 flexibility units for overlay-eligible areas in precincts three and four and establish an initial inventory of 2,300 hotel rooms for the Tourism Incentive Density Entitlement, or TIDE, program. Staff stressed that these are program ceilings, not project entitlements. - The public hearing remained open when the supplied transcript ended; no vote was recorded on items 23–25. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 5–16 were approved unanimously. - Ordinance PO-2026-024a passed on second reading by a vote of 6–1, with Commissioner Shuham dissenting. - Ordinance PO-2026-022a rezoning The Club at Emerald Hills passed unanimously, 7–0. - Resolution R-2026-326 approving the Emerald Hills design and site plan passed unanimously by voice vote. - Resolution R-2026-329 with Synagro South, LLC for biosolids hauling, treatment, and disposal was approved unanimously. The agreement is up to $7,476,960.00 per year for ten years, with up to 5% annual escalation and two optional five-year renewals. The agenda noted the item required a 5/7 vote; all seven commissioners voted yes. - Resolution R-2026-330 authorizing the BRIC grant application for the Southern Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Bar Screen Improvements was approved unanimously. Total project cost is $1,487,010.00; requested grant is $1,115,257.00; city match is $371,753.00. - Resolution R-2026-331 with AT&T Enterprises Florida, LLC for cellular and data services was approved unanimously, in an amount up to $2,880,000.00 over five years. Commissioner Biederman requested improved in-building wireless connectivity as part of the service. - No vote is recorded in the supplied transcript for items 23–25 or items 29–30; the transcript ends before those matters were decided.

The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM (starting time changed to 11:00 AM beginning November) to consider consent agenda items, approve a construction contract for ADA ramps, review Charnow Park improvement designs, discuss recent king tide flooding, and hear public testimony. The meeting lasted until approximately 11:30 AM. Consent Calendar - Item 5 (R-CRA-2026-41): Resolution correcting scrivener's errors in the duration of initial terms of agreements and contract types. Approved 6-1. Board Member Hernandez voted no, citing concern over a seven-year contract period. - Item 6 (R-CRA-2026-42): Resolution changing the start time of regular CRA Board meetings from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Approved 6-1. Hernandez opposed, arguing 11:00 AM leaves insufficient time for meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - Andre Brown, resident: Praised Commissioner Hernandez and other board members for community work. Questioned whether beach buildings are inspected for corrosion. Announced intentions to hold Commissioner Shuham to promises and to pursue churches running businesses over tax status. - Erica Ms. Rani, Sound Connection Distributors: Asked about remaining CRA funds for downtown area and whether warehouses along I-95 are included in CRA. Staff deferred to economic development. - Helen Chervin, 2470 Adams Street: Expressed frustration with neighborhood neglect, code enforcement responsiveness, and lack of education for drivers on new traffic patterns. Requested attention from Commissioner Hernandez. - Leanne Graham, 513 South Ocean: New resident praised beach safety, progress (Burkhardt Construction), and city's response to king tides. Expressed support for low-rise development and appreciation for law enforcement. Discussion Items - Item 7 (R-CRA-2026-43): Resolution approving a Construction Management At Risk Phase II agreement with Burkhardt Construction, Inc. for the ADA Ramps and Stairs Project east of the seawall from Crocus Terrace to Magnolia Terrace. Amount up to $946,597.81. Unanimously approved. The project is funded by the CRA, with pursuit of federal grants noted. - Item 8 (P-CRA-2026-09): Presentation by Marc Gambrill (Director of Design and Construction Management) and Zami Meyer (Project Manager) on Charnow Park improvements. Two design options were presented: - Option A: Relocated splash pad to north side as part of a fenced kids' play area with water misters, expanded fitness area, shaded seating, meandering paths. - Option B: Larger splash pad, larger fitness area, similar layout but with more extensive water play and fitness zones. - Budget: $2 million currently allocated, with possibility of $2 million in matching federal grant (decision expected early 2027). - Board feedback: - Hernandez: Supported center splash pad, shade for fitness equipment, gravel/rock groundcover to reduce dirt runoff, and separate bathroom project. Opposed misters. - Callari: Prefers central splash pad placement, opposed moving it north near residential area. Wants improvements to existing layout with sand buffer system. - Levy: Emphasized preserving straight sightline from parking garage to ocean to avoid meandering paths; protect open space for 5K events; bathrooms should be pulled from this project and funded through parking enterprise. - Gruber: Agreed with straight view, liked splash pad over misters, requested urgent bathroom repairs separated out. - Quintana: Favored central splash pad, concerned about exclusivity, asked for shade trees, water retention features. - Biederman: Supported greenery, suggested using parking fund for bathrooms, requested splash pad be designated as children's play area to prevent adult loitering. - Shuham: Preferred Option B, called for shade for playground and fitness, open space for events, and continued use of greenery. - Outcome: Board directed staff to refine design based on feedback, consider integrating bathrooms as separate project, and return for further discussion after grant determination. Informational Report: King Tide and Flooding Response - IR-CRA-2026-09: Monthly update on beach and downtown activities. Executive Director highlighted recent king tide event on September 27–28, 2026, exacerbated by a nor'easter. Public Utilities Director Vin Morello and Public Works staff presented details on tidal conditions (peak 2.77 feet NAVD at Port Everglades, historically high), operation of tidal gates (39 of 86 gates installed for Lakes area seawall project), and deployment of tiger dams on the boardwalk. - Board discussion: - Gruber pointed out flooding on A1A exit ramp where construction barrels forced traffic into deep water; asked for temporary removal during king tides. Morello confirmed redeploying a pump at that location. - Callari questioned effectiveness of county-planted dunes; staff confirmed dunes deflected water but low areas (Michigan Street) had no dunes and flooded most. - Levy advocated for a pilot project to close openings in the knee wall (or install removable gates) at the lowest elevation area (Michigan Street vicinity) to prevent future broadwalk flooding. - Shuham highlighted sea level rise projections: current king tide levels will be normal by 2050. Supported dunes as part of long-term resilience. - Quintana requested improved communication with county resilience department regarding dune performance. - Outcome: Board directed staff to bring forward a pilot project for knee wall/gates at Michigan Street area and to continue coordination with Broward County on dune performance. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution R-CRA-2026-41 (scrivener's errors) and R-CRA-2026-42 (meeting time change) on consent, 6-1. - Unanimously approved Resolution R-CRA-2026-43 for Burkhardt Construction ADA ramps contract. - Directed refinement of Charnow Park design options, with emphasis on central splash pad, shade, straight sightline, and separate bathroom funding. - Directed staff to develop a pilot project for knee wall/gates to mitigate king tide flooding at the lowest beach elevation area. - Board requested enhanced communication with county on dune resilience. - Public comments and HBBA letter requesting delay of beach overlay/master plan and formation of a community-business committee were noted.

The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board held a special public budget hearing on September 23, 2026, at Hollywood City Hall. The board adopted three resolutions: the FY 2027 budgets for the Beach and Downtown districts, and the authorized positions for the agency. Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbach presented the proposed budgets, which included details on taxable values, tax increment funding, capital projects, and operating expenditures. The meeting featured extensive debate among board members regarding the upcoming sunset of the Beach CRA, the sustainability of enhanced services, and equity in city investments across districts. Public testimony was also heard. Public Comments & Testimony - Kat Uden (beach resident) addressed flooding, public safety during holidays, historic property improvement grants, pedestrian safety on A1A, sargassum management, and parking. She opposed taxing beach residents more, stating that taking care of the beach benefits the entire city. - Elena Hershey (Hollywood Beach Business Association) expressed support for continued beautification, maintenance, and investment in the Beach District as the city's major economic engine. Discussion Items - FY 2027 Budget Presentation: Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbach presented the proposed budgets: - Beach CRA: Taxable value of $4.7 billion (a 3.15% decrease driven by a $145M reduction in hotel/motel assessed values). Net TIF revenue of just over $39M. Total budget of $132.7 million, including $93M in capital projects (phase 3/4 utility undergrounding, pump stations, resiliency projects, security bollards, Charno Park renovations). Operating expenditures of $39.5M include enhanced services for community policing and beach safety ($12.7M). - Downtown CRA: Total revenue of $14.9 million ($3M from Broward County, $11.9M carry-forward, interest). Operating budget of $3.3M (block-by-block contract, sun shuttle, economic development, TIFF incentives for Tropic and Bread Building/Block 58). Capital projects funded by carry-forward include neighborhood avenue improvements. - Positions: Three full-time and three part-time positions, unchanged from the prior year. - Board Discussion: - Commissioner Biederman questioned capital project totals and timelines; noted the $11M in capital projects could theoretically lower millage but was clarified as one-time funds. He asked about the total capital investment on the beach (estimated $400M). - Commissioner Hernandez expressed concerns about post-sunset sustainability and equity, noting that enhanced services cost $12M/year and that other districts have been neglected. He asked about developer incentives (none active for beach) and questioned future parking needs at Margaritaville. - Commissioner Shuham defended the beach’s property value growth (10x since CRA inception) and criticized what she perceived as punitive rhetoric toward beach residents. She argued that maintaining the beach is critical to the city’s economic engine. - Commissioner Gruber inquired about the decrease in hotel taxable values; staff explained it resulted from value appeals, similar to COVID-era reductions. - Chair Levy discussed upcoming overlay district, downtown splash pad costs, and requested future presentations on Charno Park concepts. He noted the installation of waypro valves for flood relief (5 of 30 installed, remainder by December). - Vice Chair Callari called for unity and fairness, acknowledging the CRA has done its job and it's time to pay forward investment to all districts. Key Outcomes - Resolution R-BCRA-2026-38 (Beach CRA FY 2027 Budget): Approved unanimously. Budget of $132.7 million. - Resolution R-DCRA-2026-39 (Downtown CRA FY 2027 Budget): Approved unanimously. Budget of $14.9 million. - Resolution R-CRA-2026-40 (Authorized Positions FY 2027): Approved unanimously. Three full-time and three part-time positions. - The board noted that future CRA meetings will address post-sunset strategies for the Beach District, including potential revenue generation to maintain service levels.

The Hollywood City Commission held its second and final public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included adoption of the millage rate, operating and capital budgets, position control, and concurrence with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) budgets. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Bob Glickman (Hollywood Beach) opposed the proposed millage rate increase, calling for a rollback. He argued the city has an additional $9 million in property tax revenue and that a rollback would cost only about $11.7 million. He criticized the lack of resident affordability in the budget and suggested cutting expenses. He also noted that a water and sewer revenue increase implied a double whammy for residents. - Mark Rowe (New Hibernians of Hollywood) requested an additional $10,000 in production funding for each of three downtown events (Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Holly Weird), and asked the city to continue covering required police and fire services costs. He also asked for a seat at the table if the jazz festival expands into downtown streets. Discussion Items - City Manager’s Remarks: The city manager emphasized the importance of the budget process, noting the city is now a “billion-dollar city” with a structurally balanced budget. He highlighted the challenge of a potential Amendment 3 ballot measure and thanked staff. - Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbach’s Presentation: Reichbach presented the FY 2027 budget details: - Proposed operating millage rate flat at 7.4293 mills; debt service millage reduced by 0.0238 mills to 0.5075, for a total of 7.9368 mills. - Total all-funds budget just over $1 billion, a 13.1% increase from FY 2026. - General fund: $436.1 million (41% of citywide budget). Property taxes are 46% of general fund revenue. Police and fire are the largest cost centers, exceeding total property tax revenue. - Over three years, property tax revenue increased $42 million, but expenditures rose due to cost increases: medical supplies (+160%), fire bunker gear (+67%), police vehicles (+26%), motor oil/fuel (+50%), landscaping (+24%), health insurance (+65%), pension costs (+26%), credit card merchant fees (+170%). - Enterprise funds total about 42% of the budget; water and sewer fund is largest at nearly $350 million. - Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2027-2031) totals $139 million, mostly for water, sewer, and stormwater projects. - Staffing increase of 75 positions: 57 in public utilities (44 water/sewer, 13 stormwater), general fund additions offset by revenue or expenditure reductions, including police and fire positions. - Commissioner Questions: - Commissioner Shuham asked about quantifying deferred maintenance costs; Reichbach agreed to provide examples. - Commissioner Biederman asked about the records and archives enterprise fund and take-home vehicle fuel reimbursement; Police Chief Devlin confirmed a reimbursement scale based on distance from station. - Mayor Levy noted the capital budget’s emphasis on water/sewer/stormwater and requested communication of projects to build public confidence. - Mayor Levy’s Remarks on Millage: Levy acknowledged Bob Glickman’s concerns but cited looming Amendment 3 and the city’s fixed cost increases as reasons to maintain the millage rate. He noted the city has incrementally reduced the tax rate over past years and that if Amendment 3 fails, further reductions could be considered. Key Outcomes - R-2026-310 (Millage Rate): Approved unanimously. The operating millage rate is set at 7.4293 mills, generating $202,591,638 in general fund net revenue. The total millage rate is 7.9368 mills, a reduction of 0.0238 from FY 2026. - R-2026-311 (Operating Budget): Approved unanimously, adopting the FY 2027 operating and capital budget as presented. - R-2026-312 (Capital Improvement Plan): Approved unanimously, adopting the FY 2027-2031 CIP totaling $139 million. - R-2026-313 (Authorized Positions): Approved unanimously, establishing 75 new positions as described. - D-2026-001 (CRA Budget Concurrence): Approved unanimously, concurring with the separate adoption of CRA budgets by the CRA board. The meeting then adjourned, with the CRA hearing to follow.