Special City Commission Meeting – October 23, 2024: City Attorney Employment

The Hollywood City Commission held a special meeting on October 23, 2024, at 11:08 AM to discuss and vote on the employment of City Attorney Douglas Gonzales. The sole agenda item (D-2024-01) centered on a separation agreement and general release offered by Mr. Gonzales following an error in ballot language for a charter amendment (Amendment 6). The meeting included public comments, staff explanations, and commission deliberation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Glickman (3111 S Ocean Drive) expressed support for City Attorney Gonzales, stating he believed the situation stemmed from the Amendment 6 ballot language controversy. He suggested the commission could remove the ballot item or place a moratorium until the next election, and urged keeping Mr. Gonzales in office.
• Pamela Bergio (2131 N 54th Avenue) agreed that the city attorney had done a decent job but emphasized the importance of correct ballot wording and the costs to taxpayers. She supported a moratorium on the issue and thanked Mr. Gonzales and the commission for their attention.

Discussion Items

• Background on Ballot Error: Assistant City Manager Adam Reichbach explained that the ballot for Amendment 6 contained insufficient language regarding the limitation of leasing city property east of the Intracoastal. He detailed that an emergency ordinance would be requested later that day to prevent the vote from being counted, with notices posted at precincts and mailed to voters. Additionally, the commission had already passed an ordinance adopting the restriction on property leasing for two years, pending a corrected charter vote in 2026.
• Separation Agreement Details: City Attorney Gonzales submitted a separation agreement and general release. Assistant City Manager Raelin Storey noted that per the agreement and his employment contract, Gonzales would receive payment for accrued leave, which would extend his official termination date for contract purposes to May 22, 2025, while for pension purposes his service would end on October 9, 2025.
• Transition and Effective Date: Deputy City Attorney Damaris Henlon stated the office was strong and requested that Gonzales remain through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. Commissioner Callari and others discussed the need for continuity. Gonzales clarified that if the agreement took effect immediately, he would leave and only be available for consultation; he proposed an effective date of January 1, 2025 (later adjusted to December 31, 2024) to allow him to work full-time during the transition, mentoring Henlon and helping the office. Commissioner Gruber and others expressed support for this approach, and Gonzales committed to being available even after the separation period.
• Commissioner Biederman’s Concerns: Commissioner Biederman questioned whether the situation required such a step, noted that he had not heard directly from Gonzales that he was resigning, and asked Henlon about her readiness. Henlon affirmed she was prepared to serve as interim city attorney and valued Gonzales’ mentorship.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: A motion by Commissioner Traci Callari, seconded by Commissioner Adam Gruber, to approve the Separation Agreement and General Release for City Attorney Douglas Gonzales with an effective date of December 31, 2024, passed unanimously (7-0) on a voice vote.
• Transition Plan: Gonzales will remain City Attorney through December 31, 2024, working full-time to transition responsibilities to Deputy City Attorney Damaris Henlon. After that date, he will be available for consultation as needed. The commission retained the option to extend the effective date if necessary.
• Next Steps: The city will move forward with a permanent city attorney search, with Henlin expected to apply. The commission also planned to consider an emergency ordinance at the regular meeting later that day to address the ballot language issue.