Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting – February 19, 2025

The City Commission of Hollywood, Florida, held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda of routine items, two presentations (the inaugural Apple Award to Goodman Jewish Family Services and a proclamation for the one‑year anniversary of the Hollywood Community Court), and a regular agenda item regarding a right‑of‑way license agreement for a seawall reconstruction at 5409 North Surf Road. The commission also heard public comments at 5:00 PM and discussed a variety of community issues, including a proposed change to the Fletcher Street wall. All consent items passed unanimously (7‑0). The seawall item was approved 6‑1 with a commitment from the applicant to present to the local civic association. The commission directed staff to proceed with the original concrete wall design for Fletcher Street.

Consent Calendar

• R‑2025‑045 – Changed the regular City Commission meeting from December 3, 2025 to December 10, 2025.
• R‑2025‑046 – Approved a change order for the Justice Skatepark Project at Stanley Goldman Memorial Park, increasing the contract term from 395 to 756 days and the amount from $709,720 to $790,220.
• R‑2025‑047 – Approved a change order for the Armory Community Center Renovation Project, extending the term from 375 to 768 days.
• R‑2025‑048 – Approved a blanket purchase agreement with GovForce, Inc. for consultant services up to $300,000 for one year, with four optional renewals (requires 5/7 vote).
• R‑2025‑049 – Approved a change order for Circuit Transit Inc (micro transit), increasing the city’s share from $535,096.44 to $648,200.34 and total annual amount from $1,128,942 to $1,242,045.90.
• R‑2025‑050 – Released a declaration of unity of title between 5909 Hollywood Boulevard and a Tyler Street property and entered into a new unity of title with 5901 Hollywood Boulevard.
• R‑2025‑051 – Updated the city’s travel policy and procedure.
• R‑2025‑052 – Ratified the city manager’s emergency approval of a blanket purchase agreement with Bank of America for electronic payment services (initial five‑year term, up to 20 one‑year renewals).
• R‑2025‑053 – Authorized application for a Florida Inland Navigational District grant for a boat lift project ($50,000 approximate, 50% match).
• R‑2025‑054 – Approved purchase of a Kenworth T880 dump truck for up to $213,251 via piggyback on state contract.
• R‑2025‑055 – Approved purchase of a Kalmar Ottawa T2 yard spotter truck for $137,847.
• R‑2025‑056 – Approved a blanket purchase agreement with Trio Development Corporation for sewer lift station rehabilitation (up to $500,000 annually through September 30, 2029).
• R‑2025‑057 – Approved a contract with Southeastern Engineering Contractors, Inc. for utility relocations related to stormwater pump stations near A1A and Sherman/Van Buren streets, up to $859,642.70.
• R‑2025‑058 – Approved a site access agreement with Broward County for drainage canal maintenance at West Lake Park.
• R‑2025‑059 – Approved an authorization to proceed for work order H&S 25‑06 with Hazen and Sawyer for engineering support (up to $300,000).
• R‑2025‑060 – Accepted Amendment No. 1 to the Broward County Mobility Improvement Interlocal Agreement ($595,000) and approved change order for additional drainage improvements, amending the FY2025 budget.

Presentations & Proclamations

• P‑2025‑007 – Ronnie Isenberg (Grants & Foundation Manager) and Michael Kelly (Associate Director of Development) from Goodman Jewish Family Services presented the inaugural Apple Award to the city for continued support. The city’s Community Development Manager Ryon Coote highlighted the partnership that helps residents in crisis.
• P‑2025‑008 – Mayor Levy read a proclamation declaring February 19, 2025 as the one‑year anniversary of the Hollywood Community Court. Chief Judge Jack Tudor, Judge Barner, Community Court Coordinator Angela Blaine, and Police Chief Jeff Devlin accepted. Key statistics: over 330 individuals served, over 600 hearings held, 9 graduates representing 37 combined years of homelessness. The court is a collaborative effort of the 17th Judicial Circuit, city, Broward County, and multiple service providers.

Regular Agenda Item – Seawall License Agreement (R‑2025‑061)

• Proposal: Owner Stephen Straley requested a right‑of‑way license agreement to reconstruct and extend an existing seawell at 5409 North Surf Road, at his own expense, to protect his property from erosion. The city would act as co‑applicant for state permits.
• Discussion: Director of Development Services Andria Wingett presented the item. The seawall would replace a crumbling 1950s wall and extend it to cover the full property frontage. The wall would remain public beach. The applicant’s engineer, Douglas Mann (APTIM), explained that the area is part of a federal beach nourishment project but sand is temporary; the wall provides last‑ditch storm protection. He noted alternatives like dunes were not viable due to narrow beach width.
• Public Testimony: Several residents from the North Beach area expressed concerns about precedent, loss of public beach, negative environmental impact (sea turtle nesting, sand flow), and lack of community notice. President of North Beach Hollywood and North Beach Association Doug Eney said the association was not informed. Other speakers (Daniel Pueyo, April LeClain, Laurie Schecter, Lee Gottlieb, Craig Chassen, Tara Jafarmadar) urged delay for community review or opposed the wall on public property. Stephen Straley responded that access has always been public and that he has support from immediate neighbors.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioner Shuham moved to table for community input; the motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Hernandez moved to approve with termination for convenience added to the agreement. Commissioner Callari requested assurance of public access and insurance. Commissioner Gruber supported, noting the wall improves an existing hazard. The mayor argued that the license agreement is only step one; state and county permits will require rigorous review.
• Vote: Motion to adopt the resolution (as amended with termination for convenience) passed 6‑1, with Commissioner Shuham opposed. The applicant committed to present to the North Beach Civic Association within 60 days.

Discussion Items

• Fletcher Street Wall: Residents from Highland Gardens requested a concrete wall behind businesses on Pembroke Road. Commissioner Hernandez had proposed an eight‑foot chain‑link fence with hedges to allow savings for safety improvements (45° sight triangles). After debate and input from residents (Maria Jackson, Shirley Stealey, Juliet McGriff, Andre Brown), the commission directed staff to proceed with the original six‑foot concrete wall design with landscaping (coco plum, no irrigation) and to explore funding for auxiliary improvements.
• Chickens in Backyards: Resident Georgetta Lasley requested an ordinance to allow chickens for egg production (no roosters). Several commissioners expressed support for studying models from Miami‑Dade, Davie, and other cities. City Manager Keller will bring back information on experiences and regulations.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: All 16 resolutions approved 7‑0.
• Seawall License Resolution (R‑2025‑061): Approved 6‑1 with addition of termination for convenience clause; applicant to present to civic association.
• Fletcher Street Wall: Direction to staff to proceed with original six‑foot concrete wall and hedge design; explore funding for safety improvements.
• Chickens: Staff to research municipal ordinances and report back.
• Other Directions:
  • Staff to notify kitchen/bath contractors of simplified renovation checklists.
  • Parking fees for legacy downtown events to be waived.
  • Staff to explore new carport types in front yards.
  • Commissioner Shuham requested reexamination of electric scooter ordinance to include motorized scooters.
  • Commissioner Hernandez requested a cohesive vision for 21st Avenue and Dixie Highway corridors.
  • Commissioner Callari requested staff to reach out to Broward County about using Anne Kolb Nature Center parking lot for employee parking hub.
  • Historical marker for Hollywood Broadwalk to be investigated.
• Executive Sessions Announced: February 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM (security); March 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM (Gabriel Malka litigation), 3:40 PM (Adam Gould), 4:05 PM (Laurel Geres), 4:30 PM (Estate of Brittania Hemmings).
• Seawall Collapse: City Manager Keller reported a significant seawall collapse at 1700 North Ocean Drive; units had been previously vacated as unsafe.