OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Meeting Tackles School Zoning, FDOT, and Taft Street Safety on February 5, 2025

Hollywood Public Meetings — Wednesday, February 5, 2025
BodyHollywood, Florida
SessionHollywood Public Meetings
DateWednesday, February 5, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
8:12

All right, good afternoon, everyone.

8:14

Thank you for being here.

8:15

Today is, of course, February fifth, twenty twenty-five, two five, twenty twenty-five.

8:21

Pretty cool, right?

8:22

Doesn't happen all the time.

8:24

So uh thank you for being here.

8:25

Today's a regular city commission meeting, though.

8:27

Every meeting I like to say is certainly full of important and uh sometimes very meaningful uh items on the city agenda.

8:34

And so today again will be no different.

8:36

Thank you again for being here.

8:38

Uh please rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:04

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

9:43

Commissioner Hernandez.

9:45

Commissioner Kallary.

9:50

So Commissioner Callary is here.

9:51

She is joining us uh via technology and by audio and maybe possibly video.

10:00

I'd like a motion to accept her participation in today's meeting through that means since she is out of town or out of the country.

10:04

Second.

10:05

Motion from Commissioner Hernandez, second from Vice Mayor Quintana.

10:08

All those in favor say aye.

10:10

Aye.

10:10

Any opposed?

10:11

Hearing none.

10:12

Carries unanimously.

10:13

Thank you.

10:15

Items five through twenty-two today are the consent agenda.

10:18

These are items that don't usually require individual discussion.

10:20

However, if there is a speaker card or if a member of the city commission would like to remove an item to discuss individually or share some detail, then we're happy to do so.

10:29

Pat, are there any speaker cards on 5 through 22?

10:32

No cards.

10:34

Let me just note to the commission that there is a supplemental uh term sheet that was left on the dais for item number 19, that is for the purchase agreement for the AED packages and related equipment.

10:44

Um are there any polls from the commission?

10:46

If not, I'll accept the motion.

10:48

Motion to approve.

10:50

Second.

10:50

Second.

10:51

We have a motion from Commissioner Shoeham, a second from Commissioner Hernandez to approve the consent agenda.

10:55

Items five through twenty-two.

10:57

All those in favor say aye.

10:58

Aye.

10:59

Aye.

10:59

Any opposed?

11:00

Hearing none, the items carry unanimously.

11:03

All right, moving on now to our proclamations uh and presentations and awards.

11:07

Today we have a proclamation recognizing Black History Month for this year.

11:11

I'd like to invite uh Mateo Watson.

11:14

He is the chair of the African American Advisory Council uh to come on up.

11:18

I see here Dr.

11:19

Phillips as well.

11:28

All right, here we go.

11:30

Thank you.

11:30

Thank you for being here.

11:32

Uh a proclamation of the city of Hollywood, Florida, in recognition of Black History Month, February 2025.

11:38

Whereas each February, National Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans, highlighting the legacies of generations who have shaped our nation's history, culture, and progress.

11:51

Black History Month originated with Carter G.

11:53

Woodson, who is referred to as the father of Black History, whose dedication to education and the recognition of African American accomplishments led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926, later expanded to a month by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

12:11

And whereas the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History has since 1928 provided annual themes for Black History Month, with this year's theme, quote, African Americans in labor, acknowledging the critical roles African American workers have played in shaping the labor movement and the broader fight for justice and equality in the workplace.

12:32

And whereas from the agricultural fields to the industrial factories, African Americans have been instrumental in the development and success of numerous industries, contributing tirelessly to the economic growth of the United States, often under challenging and inequitable conditions.

12:49

Trailblazing labor leaders such as A.

12:51

Philip Randolph, who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and Fannie Lou Hammer, who fought for voting and labor rights, exemplify the courageous efforts of African Americans in advocating for fair wages, safer working conditions, and equal treatment in the workplace.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use███████████████████19%
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Public Safety███████████11%
Traffic Safety████████8%
Zoning██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Mental Health Awareness█████5%
Legislative Affairs█████5%
Education Policy████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Meeting Tackles School Zoning, FDOT, and Taft Street Safety

On February 5, 2025, the Hollywood City Commission convened at City Hall for a regular meeting, addressing a wide range of items including consent agenda approvals, presentations on infrastructure and public safety, and a contentious zoning ordinance for K-12 schools. The most significant debate centered on the K-12 school ordinance, with extensive public testimony and several failed motions before a compromise was reached. The Commission also received updates on the I-95 PD&E Study and the Taft Street Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project, approved a new Taco Bell site plan, and decided to continue with the Cormac Group for federal lobbying services.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) with no discussion. Key items included:
    • Notice of complaints for public camping/sleeping under Florida Statutes.
    • Approval of meeting minutes from April 3 and April 17, 2024.
    • Temporary access agreement with Broward County for shore protection project.
    • Blanket purchase agreement with PointTech Business Solutions for consultant services (up to $410,000).
    • Fourth amendment to tower siting agreement with MetroPCS Florida, LLC.
    • Change order for fencing repair contract with Broward County Fence LLC (increased from $81,175 to $176,175).
    • Agreement with MAD Studios for Ignite Broward 2025 (up to $150,000).
    • Acceptance of Broward County Cultural Division grant for Ignite Festival ($50,000).
    • Engineering service authorizations for wastewater treatment plant projects.
    • Change order with Cardinal Contractors for SRWWTP maintenance.
    • Blanket purchase agreements for AED packages, vehicle barriers, and vehicle purchases.
    • Memorandums of understanding with Pinellas County Sheriff and Miami Beach Police Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • K-12 School Ordinance (Item 24): Six speakers expressed concerns:
    • Daniel Auquia (Teach Florida) urged voting against the ordinance, arguing it restricts where schools can open and may violate the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
    • Deon Nathan (Yeshiva Elementary School) noted that 15% of the school's students live in Hollywood and they have struggled to find a location due to restrictions.
    • Aaron Kuclansky (Ohr Hatorah School) stated that additional restrictions would make it nearly impossible for new schools to open.
    • Rabbi Albert shared personal experience of having to move his school out of Hollywood due to restrictive zoning.
    • Adam Mitgag (Zucker Hebrew Academy) echoed concerns about finding suitable properties.
    • Keith Poliakoff (Government Law Group) raised concerns about school proximity and suggested future consideration of preschool regulations.
  • Federal Lobbying Services (Item 29): Representatives from Cormac Group and GrayRobinson spoke. Cormac Group highlighted their 20-year track record and success in securing federal appropriations, including $6.7 million for the city. GrayRobinson emphasized their experience and ties to the new administration.
  • Citizens' Comments: Two residents spoke:
    • Bob Glickman raised multiple issues including naming rights for Margarita Bancho, solar panel shading protections, and notification for development meetings.
    • Anthony Corone voiced concerns about scooter safety, speeding on the Broadwalk, and noisy exhausts.

Discussion Items

  • K-12 School Ordinance (PO-2024-11) (Second Reading):
    • Staff sought to establish performance standards for K-12 schools. Several commissioners proposed amendments: Commissioner Gruber moved to change the approach entirely (failed for lack of second); Commissioner Biederman moved to remove the freestanding building requirement (failed); Commissioner Shuham moved to change the 1,000-foot distance to 500 feet (failed).
    • A successful motion by Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Commissioner Callari, amended the ordinance to change the distance separation from 1,000 to 500 linear feet and to allow schools in multi-tenant buildings on parcels of 2.5 acres or more (unified). The ordinance passed 6-1, with Commissioner Gruber dissenting.
  • I-95 PD&E Study (P-2025-004): Presenters from FDOT and Corradino provided an update on the study. They outlined refinements that restored local access between interchanges, a key concern previously raised by the city. The project is estimated at $316 million, with 46 properties impacted and 15 relocations expected. Public hearings are scheduled for April 3 and 8, 2025. Commissioner Hernandez raised questions about right-of-way impacts near Pembroke Road and Hollywood Boulevard.
  • Taft Street SS4A Grant (P-2025-005): Presenters from BMPO and WSP described the safety action plan for the Taft Street corridor (70th to 441). They noted Taft Street had 83 crashes per year, with average speeds of 46-47 mph, and proposed a median, shared-use path, and improved crossings. Mayor Levy emphasized preserving two lanes in each direction, while Commissioner Shuham expressed openness to lane reductions. Commissioner Biederman suggested a traffic circle. A public meeting is set for February 10, 2025.
  • Taco Bell Site Plan (R-2025-040): Staff presented a proposal to replace an existing Taco Bell with a smaller 2,187 sq. ft. restaurant with a dual drive-through. The project was approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Federal Lobbying Services (R-2025-041): Despite GrayRobinson being the highest ranked firm, the Commission voted to continue with the Cormac Group, citing their successful track record, including securing $6.7 million in federal appropriations and progress on a zip code bill. Motion passed unanimously (7-0).
  • Public Art Fee Waiver (R-2025-044): South Broward Hospital District requested a full waiver of the public art fee for a new bed tower project. The Commission approved the waiver with a $50,000 contribution from Memorial Healthcare System.

Key Outcomes

  • K-12 School Ordinance passed 6-1 with amendments: 500-foot separation from bars, smoke shops, etc., and allowance for schools in multi-tenant buildings on parcels of at least 2.5 acres, in addition to the existing freestanding requirement for 1-acre sites.
  • Taco Bell Design and Site Plan approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Federal Lobbying Services: Selected Cormac Group over the top-ranked GrayRobinson, based on proven performance.
  • Public Art Fee Waiver: Granted to Memorial Healthcare System with a $50,000 contribution.
  • Commissioner Requests: Several directives were issued, including staff to investigate school distance separations as part of a holistic review, explore a shuttle bus service for students within two miles, review electric scooter enforcement, consider temporary solar street lights, and revisit downtown parking grace periods and construction worker parking.

Other Announcements

  • Black History Month proclaimed, with an event on February 27 at Washington Park Community Center.
  • Ignite Art & Light Festival announced for February 14-23 at ArtsPark.
  • CPR Training offered February 6 at Fire Station 74.
  • Farewell to Azita Behmardi, Assistant Director of Development Services, who is leaving to become Assistant City Manager in Wilton Manors.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here. Today is, of course, February fifth, twenty twenty-five, two five, twenty twenty-five. Pretty cool, right? Doesn't happen all the time. So uh thank you for being here. Today's a regular city commission meeting, though. Every meeting I like to say is certainly full of important and uh sometimes very meaningful uh items on the city agenda. And so today again will be no different. Thank you again for being here. Uh please rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Commissioner Hernandez. Commissioner Kallary. So Commissioner Callary is here. She is joining us uh via technology and by audio and maybe possibly video. I'd like a motion to accept her participation in today's meeting through that means since she is out of town or out of the country. Second. Motion from Commissioner Hernandez, second from Vice Mayor Quintana. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. Carries unanimously. Thank you. Items five through twenty-two today are the consent agenda. These are items that don't usually require individual discussion. However, if there is a speaker card or if a member of the city commission would like to remove an item to discuss individually or share some detail, then we're happy to do so. Pat, are there any speaker cards on 5 through 22? No cards. Let me just note to the commission that there is a supplemental uh term sheet that was left on the dais for item number 19, that is for the purchase agreement for the AED packages and related equipment. Um are there any polls from the commission? If not, I'll accept the motion. Motion to approve. Second. Second. We have a motion from Commissioner Shoeham, a second from Commissioner Hernandez to approve the consent agenda. Items five through twenty-two. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, the items carry unanimously. All right, moving on now to our proclamations uh and presentations and awards. Today we have a proclamation recognizing Black History Month for this year. I'd like to invite uh Mateo Watson. He is the chair of the African American Advisory Council uh to come on up. I see here Dr. Phillips as well. All right, here we go.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com