Regular City Commission Meeting - July 2, 2025

The Hollywood City Commission met on July 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included presentations from state legislators and the Broward County Property Appraiser, discussion of the City Attorney's employment agreement, a property assessment and redevelopment presentation, and action on numerous resolutions and ordinances. Key decisions included approval of the City Attorney contract at $278,500 (with removal of a 457 plan), adoption of a fire rescue assessment rate of $354 (6-1), and a 5-2 vote to increase commissioner salaries to $70,000 and the mayor's to $100,000, plus post-service health care access.

Consent Calendar

• Items #5-30 (with #5 pulled for separate vote) were approved unanimously. These included budget amendments, settlements ($60,000 for Daniela Buonomo, $55,000 for estate of David Cottes), grant acceptances (USDA forestry grant $455,659, Children's Services Council $977,592, Elder grant $228,000), agreements for major events production (HZIP LLC up to $88,000/year), IT equipment purchases (SHI International $200,000, Dell $1,400,000), police forfeiture funds ($180,000), utility meter purchases (Aclara $236,875), and various engineering and construction contracts.
• Item #21 (HZIP LLC agreement) was withdrawn by the City Manager.
• Item #5 (budget amendment) was pulled by Commissioner Biederman due to a potential conflict; it passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item #42-44 (Millage/Fire Fees): Bob Glickman opposed the fire rescue assessment, arguing it should be funded through the general fund and suggesting sponsorships as an alternative revenue source. He urged setting the lowest possible millage rate.
• Item #41 (Pension Changes): Christopher Cassper and Gerald Jones, retirees, expressed concerns about the new defined contribution/hybrid options, fearing they could destabilize the existing pension. Staff assured them the plan would strengthen the fund.
• Item #53 (Eco Grande Golf Course): Commissioner Biederman opposed the $100,000 reimbursement to McCumber Wright Venture, saying it was inappropriate to pay for lost revenue due to city-requested closure. Others noted it covered actual maintenance costs.
• Citizens' Comments: Bob Glickman requested mid-block crosswalks on A1A. Rita Lipof complimented commissioners on library and development suggestions. Warren Sapp raised concerns about ID requirements at City Hall, citing constitutional rights.
• Jonathan Anderson requested reduction of a $29,000 code enforcement lien; the Commission directed staff to negotiate down to the city's out-of-pocket costs.

Presentations

• State Legislative Session Updates: Senator Barbara Sharief, Representative Marie Woodson, and Representative Hillary Cassell reported on the 2025 session. Key outcomes: $567 million in vetoes (including a Hollywood public safety barrier project), $1.3 billion tax relief package, septic-to-sewer bill (HB 1123) for Hollywood, $48 million secured for local projects (including an Alzheimer's daycare center), breast cancer screening coverage, and increased school mental health funding.
• Property Values (Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser): Market value increased 4% to $39.5 billion; taxable value up 7.37% to $27.25 billion, yielding an additional $13.9-14 million in revenue if millage rate is unchanged. New construction added $309 million. 31,000 homestead exemptions, 459 low-income seniors exempt from property taxes. Also discussed owner alert program to combat title fraud.
• City Property Assessment & Redevelopment (CBRE): Explored potential for redevelopment of City Hall Circle (9.99 acres, 58-year-old building) and former police headquarters (8.65 acres). Options included a land swap with Broward County for a new courthouse complex, mixed-use development at the PD site, and potential for a P3 at City Hall Circle. Also discussed Fred Lippman Center, Taylor Street parcels, and affordable housing RFP.
• Market Comparison for Commissioner Salaries (Tammie Hechler): Recommended increasing commissioner/base salaries to align with 75th percentile, adding a post-employment health plan (PEHP). Current salaries were below comparable cities.

Discussion Items

• City Attorney Employment Agreement (Item #35): After debate, the Commission approved a base salary of $278,500 (the ask from Damaris Henlon) and removed the 457 deferred compensation plan. Commissioner Biederman initially proposed $250,000 but ultimately voted for the motion (unanimous). Discussion included market comparisons and the double retirement benefit concern.
• Parking Enforcement Ordinance (PO-2025-05): Second reading approved 6-0 (Commissioner Biederman absent for vote but later registered aye). Allows use of license plate readers and mailing citations. Commissioner Hernandez questioned due process for lost citations; staff noted they work with residents on a case-by-case basis.
• Flexibility Units (R-2025-253): Allocated 1,000 units to the Regional Activity Center from the citywide flexibility pool. Approved unanimously after public hearing with no speakers.
• FOP Collective Bargaining Agreement (R-2025-254): Ratified 2025-2028 contract, including 4% COLA each year, accelerated longevity at year 12, and other stipend increases. Unanimous approval.
• Police Pension Ordinance (PO-2025-08): First reading approved unanimously, incorporating changes from the FOP CBA.
• General Employee Pension Changes (PO-2025-09): First reading approved unanimously. Adds defined contribution and hybrid options to the existing defined benefit plan. Staff and AFSCME president supported it as a way to attract/retain employees. Actuary estimated a negligible impact on the pension fund.
• Maximum Millage Rate (R-2025-255): Set at 7.9792 mills (a slight reduction from initial proposal due to higher taxable value). Unanimous approval.
• Fire Inspection Assessment (R-2025-256): Set at $17 for residential. Unanimous.
• Fire Rescue Assessment (R-2025-257): Proposed rate $354 (up from $345). Commissioner Biederman moved to keep $345, but later withdrew second after discussion; final vote 6-1 (Biederman opposed). The $354 rate funds 95% of costs.
• Nuisance Abatement Assessment (R-2025-258): Unanimous approval of $233,000 total for 246 properties.
• Annual Action Plan for CDBG/HOME Funds (R-2025-259): Approved 6-0 (Biederman recused due to wife's employment).
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (R-2025-260): Approved 7-0 to authorize subrecipients up to $1,062,910.
• Emergency Debris Monitoring (R-2025-261): $3 million/year with DebrisTech. Unanimous.
• Dell Computer Purchase (R-2025-262): $1.4 million over four years. Unanimous.
• Fire Station 74 Chiller (R-2025-263): $1.24 million GMP with Lebolo Construction. Unanimous.
• A1A Utility Relocation (R-2025-264): $1.56 million for water and sewer mains. Unanimous.
• Manhole Repair Renewal (R-2025-265): $1.06 million for inflow/infiltration reduction. Unanimous.
• Eco Grande Golf Course Reimbursement (R-2025-266): Up to $100,000 for costs during temporary closure. Approved 6-1 (Biederman opposed).
• Transportation Surtax Amendment (R-2025-267): Third amendment to the interlocal agreement, providing formula-based funding for municipalities and a grant match program. Unanimous.
• Commissioner/Major Salary Resolution (R-2025-268): Approved 5-2 (Shuham and Quintana opposed). Sets commissioner salary at $70,000 and mayor at $100,000, plus post-service health care at active employee rate after 8 years. Assignment pay not included.

Key Outcomes

• City Attorney contract: Approved with $278,500 salary, removal of 457 plan. (Unanimous)
• Fire rescue assessment: $354 residential rate passed 6-1.
• Commission salaries: Increased to $70,000/$100,000 with health benefit, 5-2 vote.
• Police CBA: Ratified unanimously.
• Pension changes for general employees: First reading approved, effective January 1, 2026.
• Land swap with Broward County: Staff directed to explore concept of bringing courthouse to City Hall Circle, with decision deadline by October 2025.
• Water bill back-billing: Staff to bring proposed ordinance amendment to limit lookback period.
• Public art formula: Staff to revise the 1% requirement to a more equitable formula, to be brought back in August.
• Customary use ordinance: Directed staff to prepare an ordinance for public beach access under new state law (SB 1622).
• Eco Grande reimbursement: Approved $100,000 not-to-exceed for operational costs during closure.
• Executive session: Scheduled for August 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM to discuss Michael Ortiz litigation.