OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting - April 2, 2025

Hollywood Public Meetings — Wednesday, April 2, 2025
BodyHollywood, Florida
SessionHollywood Public Meetings
DateWednesday, April 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
13:22

Welcome everyone.

13:23

Welcome to City Hall here in the city of Hollywood.

13:25

Today is April Second, Twenty Twenty Five.

13:28

We are here for a regular but always important City Commission meeting.

13:38

Today as we rise for the moment of silence, although you may have heard about other people who might have lost their life this past week, of course, we know of the earthquake that Commissioner Callary had mentioned during lunch, and people in Southeast Asia, and we think of them.

15:04

All right, roll call, please.

15:06

Commissioner Hernandez.

15:07

Here.

15:08

Commissioner Kaleri.

15:09

Here.

15:10

Commissioner Grober.

15:11

Here.

15:12

Commissioner Bieterman.

15:13

Here.

15:14

Vice Mayor Keintana?

15:15

Here.

15:16

Commissioner Shoeham.

15:17

Here.

15:17

Mayor Levy.

15:19

Here.

15:20

All right.

15:20

Thank you so much.

15:21

So at the start of each meeting, we also have our consent agenda.

15:24

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

15:27

However, if we do have a speaker card or member of the city commission would like to remove an item for individual discussion, we are happy to do so.

15:34

Pat, today's consent agenda are items five through 18.

15:37

Are there any speaker cards?

15:38

No cards.

15:39

All right.

15:40

From the dais, any requests?

15:42

Motion to approve.

15:43

Second.

15:43

We have a motion from Commissioner Hernandez, second from Commissioner Clary to approve items five through eighteen.

15:48

All those in favor say aye.

15:50

Aye.

15:51

Aye.

15:51

Any opposed?

15:52

Hearing none, those items carry unanimously.

15:55

All right, on to our 1 p.m.

15:57

proclamations, presentations, and awards.

15:59

We have three proclamations today, followed by a presentation two presentations.

16:03

The first proclamation is in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is April of 2025.

16:11

Presenting the proclamation will be Commissioner Kallary.

16:18

And accepting the proclamation.

16:30

Thank you so much.

16:32

Commissioner Kaleri.

16:36

There we go.

16:37

Thank you, Mayor.

16:39

A proclamation, City of Hollywood, Florida in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2025.

16:45

Whereas Florida's bright future depends on the healthy development of its children and every child has a right to a safe nurturing, nurturing, and supportive environment to thrive.

16:57

Adverse childhood experiences, including the abuse and neglect of children, have lasting consequences for children, families, and communities, making prevention crucial.

17:07

And whereas research research shows that parents and caregivers with strong support systems are more resilient and better equipped to provide stable and nurturing environments for children.

17:18

And whereas individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations play a vital role in fostering children's physical, social, emotional, and educational development.

17:29

And whereas the Children's Services Council of Broward County funds family support programs that work to prevent child abuse, strengthen families, and reduce trauma, helping children grow in a safe and stable homes.

17:42

The Broward Aware campaign led by Children's Services Council and its partners raises awareness about children child abuse prevention by promoting positive parenting and community involvement.

17:54

And whereas Child Abuse Prevention Month is an important opportunity to urge all Floridians to engage in activities that strengthen families and communities to provide the optimal environment for our healthy child development.

18:08

Now, therefore, Josh Levy, the mayor of the City of Hollywood, Florida, and the Hollywood City Commission hereby proclaim April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

18:23

Thank you, Nicholas.

18:24

Please.

18:26

Thank you to Commissioner Kalery to Mayor Levy for proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Public Art█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████10%
Cultural Celebrations████████8%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Public Works███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Procedural████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting - April 2, 2025

The Hollywood City Commission held a regular meeting on April 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Commission Chambers Room 219 of City Hall. The meeting included proclamations for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Earth Day, End Jewish Hatred Day, and the 10th anniversary of Salsa Fest; presentations on the Cortada Foundation's sea-level rise art project and the Emerald Hills Safety Enhancement Board annual report; approval of a new Hispanic Affairs Council; and several infrastructure and financial resolutions. The meeting recessed at 3:58 PM and reconvened at 5:00 PM for public comments and adjourned shortly thereafter.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 5-18 were approved unanimously (7-0) without discussion. These included: a $90,000 settlement with Gabriel Malka; approval of minutes from June 5, 18, and 26, 2024; a resolution urging Congress to preserve tax-exempt municipal bonds; expansion of the Commercial Property Improvement Program; construction engineering inspection services for Johnson Street (RK&K, up to $204,347.88); preconstruction services for the Tidal Flooding Mitigation project (Whiting-Turner, up to $135,000); acceptance of a $480,981.38 grant for Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Community Center improvements; increase of a rental equipment contract with United Rentals from $200,000 to $450,000; engineering services for Lift Station E-08 generator ($76,924) and effluent system evaluation at the Southern Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant ($498,936); and ratification of an emergency purchase for a cryogenic oxygen plant control system ($400,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ann Ralston (326 S 14th Avenue) expressed personal opinions/concerns on the Commercial Property Improvement Program expansion (Item 10) and the Johnson Street construction engineering inspection contract (Item 11) during the consent agenda.
  • Ann Ralston also spoke during the 5:00 PM Citizens' Comments segment, asking about the projected start of the Orangebrook project and why the City Attorney is "acting." No other citizens spoke.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamations: Commissioner Callari presented Child Abuse Prevention Month (April 2025); Commissioner Shuham presented Earth Day (April 22, 2025); Mayor Levy presented End Jewish Hatred Day (April 29, 2025). Representatives from the Children's Services Council, the City's sustainability office, and the Jew Hatred Day Civil Rights Initiative accepted and thanked the Commission.
  • Presentation by Adam Roberti (Cortada Foundation): He presented "The Underwater," a socially engaged art project using elevation markers, QR codes, and school programs to raise awareness about sea level rise. Commissioners expressed interest in partnering, discussing costs ($10,000–$75,000 for sculptures) and potential uses in parks. No formal action was taken.
  • Presentation by David Rubin (Emerald Hills Safety Enhancement Board): He reported a year with no incidents, successful license plate reader installations (six units), a balanced budget, and upcoming challenges with rising detail costs (doubled in three years). The board is considering a fee increase and sunset clause extension. Discussion included polling methods, possible grant opportunities, and pedestrian safety. Commissioners supported exploring grants and an official poll of the 520 homeowners.
  • Proclamation for Salsa Fest: Vice Mayor Quintana read a proclamation recognizing the 10th anniversary of Hollywood Salsa Fest (April 5, 2025). Founders Cristina Moinelo and Melina Almodovar accepted and promoted the event.
  • R-2025-100: Establishment of a Hispanic Affairs Council. After discussion, the Commission amended the resolution to include 5 members and 2 alternates (from the original 5) to ensure quorum. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • R-2025-101: Award of the Johnson Street Local Agency Program contract to AUM Construction Inc. for $1,894,683.00. Staff presented an overview of the phased project including street lighting, bike lanes, and future segments funded by SERTAX and FDOT. Construction is expected July 2025–March 2026. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • R-2025-102: Change in fire rescue assessment methodology for non-residential properties from tiered square-foot rates to a per-square-foot assessment. Staff explained this increases equity and yields about $30,000 more annually. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • R-2025-103: Lift Station E-09 upgrade contract to Southeastern Engineering Contractors ($2,815,450) and construction administration services with Tetra Tech ($195,970). The station was constructed in 1984 and the upgrade will improve resilience. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Walk-on Item R-2025-104: Ratification of a change order to purchase 45 lease-to-own police vehicles (2021 models) for $2,563,610.36, up from $2,313,610.36, using funds previously allocated for lease payments. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Walk-on Item R-2025-105: Removal of Mateo Watson from the African American Advisory Council and Education Advisory Committee due to inappropriate conduct, requested by the City Manager following unanimous votes by the respective bodies. Approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0 (Items 5-18).
  • Hispanic Affairs Council: Established with 5 members and 2 alternates; motion 7-0.
  • Johnson Street LAP Contract: Awarded to AUM Construction for $1,894,683; 7-0.
  • Fire Rescue Assessment Methodology: Changed to per-square-foot for non-residential properties; 7-0.
  • Lift Station E-09 Upgrade: Contract awarded; 7-0.
  • Police Vehicle Purchase: Change order approved; 7-0.
  • Removal of Mateo Watson: Approved; 7-0.
  • Commission Comments: Commissioners reported on ride-alongs, illegal dumping observations, community engagement in Liberia, bills in Tallahassee (including unfavorable developments), support for foster-aged-out affordable housing units (pending legal guidance), updates on Salsa Fest, Justice Skate Park construction, commission board update requests, decorative barricade covers, community events (Marshmallow Drop, Earth Day, Sierra Club art contest), promotion of Holly-Go transit, scooter safety ordinance review, ADU legislation concerns (seeking written legal opinion on city's ability to regulate short-term rentals), and a request to inspect a deteriorating home on Taft Street. City Manager announced spring break management, household hazardous waste drop-off event, and ongoing negotiations with Broward County on the Port Everglades 30-year agreement.
  • City Manager Report: Announcements included Spring Break activity, a household hazardous waste drop-off event on April 6, and receipt of the Port Everglades 30-year agreement for review.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everyone. Welcome to City Hall here in the city of Hollywood. Today is April Second, Twenty Twenty Five. We are here for a regular but always important City Commission meeting. Today as we rise for the moment of silence, although you may have heard about other people who might have lost their life this past week, of course, we know of the earthquake that Commissioner Callary had mentioned during lunch, and people in Southeast Asia, and we think of them. All right, roll call, please. Commissioner Hernandez. Here. Commissioner Kaleri. Here. Commissioner Grober. Here. Commissioner Bieterman. Here. Vice Mayor Keintana? Here. Commissioner Shoeham. Here. Mayor Levy. Here. All right. Thank you so much. So at the start of each meeting, we also have our consent agenda. These are items that don't usually require individual discussion. However, if we do have a speaker card or member of the city commission would like to remove an item for individual discussion, we are happy to do so. Pat, today's consent agenda are items five through 18. Are there any speaker cards? No cards. All right. From the dais, any requests? Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion from Commissioner Hernandez, second from Commissioner Clary to approve items five through eighteen. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, those items carry unanimously. All right, on to our 1 p.m. proclamations, presentations, and awards. We have three proclamations today, followed by a presentation two presentations. The first proclamation is in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is April of 2025. Presenting the proclamation will be Commissioner Kallary. And accepting the proclamation. Thank you so much. Commissioner Kaleri. There we go. Thank you, Mayor. A proclamation, City of Hollywood, Florida in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2025. Whereas Florida's bright future depends on the healthy development of its children and every child has a right to a safe nurturing, nurturing, and supportive environment to thrive.

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