Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting - October 9, 2025

The Hollywood City Commission held a regular meeting on October 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included proclamations, consent agenda approvals, quasi-judicial hearings, and detailed discussions on beach dune projects, affordable housing developments, and city contracts. The meeting adjourned after approximately 6 hours.

Proclamations & Presentations

• Italian American Heritage Month – October 2025, presented by Commissioner Callari to the Italian American Civic League of Broward County.
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month – October 2025, presented by Commissioner Shuham, accepted by IT Director Raheem Sicharan.
• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2025, presented by Commissioner Hernandez, with participation from the American Cancer Society and city employees.
• Remembrance of October 7, 2023 Attack on Israel – Presented by Mayor Levy, accepted by Congresswoman Deborah Schultz, who also highlighted the recent ceasefire agreement and her role as co-chair of the Abraham Accords caucus.
• Youth Ambassador Program – Commissioner Callari introduced 20 new youth ambassadors who each introduced themselves.

Consent Calendar

Approved unanimously with the exception of item 12 (taken separately). Key items included:

• Settlement with Michelle Beira ($125,000) – R-2025-338
• Settlement with Michael Ortiz (approx. $1,250,000) – R-2025-339
• General Fund Agency Grants ($250,000 total) to non-profit organizations – R-2025-340
• Beach Renourishment Access Agreement (501 South Surf Road) – R-2025-341
• Construction Engineering Inspection Services for Tidal Flooding Mitigation – Award to R.J. Behar & Company, Inc. – R-2025-342
• LED Lighting Agreement with FPL for Taft Street Mobility Project – R-2025-343
• AT&T SUNCOM Communication Services Renewal ($285,000) – R-2025-344
• Area Agency on Aging Broward County Grant ($249,109) for Adult Day Care Center – R-2025-345 (see separate item 12)
• Adult Day Care Program Operator Ranking – Award to top-ranked firm – R-2025-346
• Playground Equipment Purchase ($120,179.12) from Gametime – R-2025-347
• Concert Series Agreement with The Rhythm Foundation ($150,000) – R-2025-348
• Florida Department of Elder Affairs Fixed Capital Outlay Grant ($161,200) for Oaklake Community Center renovations – R-2025-349
• Rejection of Proposals for Network Infrastructure Consultant – R-2025-350
• Law Enforcement Forfeiture Funds Expenditure (up to $225,000) – R-2025-351
• Brown and Caldwell Engineering Support Services ($200,000) – R-2025-352
• FDOT Drainage Ditch and Culvert Project Funding ($541,195) – R-2025-353
• Crom, LLC Repairs to Ground Storage Tanks ($113,960) – R-2025-354
• Change Order to U.S. Water Services Contract (increase from $87,500 to $500,000 annually) – R-2025-355
• Adoption of Wastewater Facility Plan for Emergency Bar Screen Bypass ($13.6 million project) – R-2025-356

Item 12 – Maurice Gruber Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center

Former Commissioner Dick Blattner requested the center be named after Maurice Gruber, father of Commissioner Gruber. The commission unanimously approved the resolution and directed staff to bring a formal naming resolution to a future meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Travado (GM, Diplomat Beach Resort) and Max Schroeder – Opposed to vegetated dunes in front of the hotel; requested a 300-foot unvegetated section to preserve recreational beach space. They noted a $5 million economic impact if beach space is reduced.
• Jorge Perez (Boucher Brothers) – Supported the hotel’s position.
• Cheryl Robinson – Expressed concerns about affordable housing criteria, background checks, and lack of inclusion for local entrepreneurs.
• Tierra Samuels – Complained about restrictive lease rules at a new development (6028 Johnson Street), including towing, lack of amenities, and high rent ($1,700+).
• Chris Albertelli – Objected to a 5G pole placement near his home, stating lack of outreach and unresponsive contractor (Crown Castle).
• Gene Mark Rigwad – Criticized high-rise development and rising rents, noting the affordability crisis.
• Ann Ralston – Questioned the deployment of speed humps on 14th Avenue without proper notification or evidence of community complaints.
• Cindy Abraham (Hillcrest resident) – Opposed the 110-unit affordable housing project, citing loss of resident vote and alternative site availability.

Discussion Items

Shore Protection Project (Dune Project) – Item 30

Interlocal Agreement with Broward County for a $3.2 million dune project covering Hollywood Beach (excluding Central Beach from Cleveland to Harrison streets). County’s design includes native vegetation, 10-foot offset from knee wall in most areas, and a maximum dune height of 8.4 feet NAVD (8.9 feet at Dania transition). The city will be responsible for maintenance (estimated $160,000–$320,000 annually).

Key concerns:

• Diplomat and Marriott hotels requested unvegetated dunes to preserve recreational space and views.
• Public safety access – Police Chief Jeff Deadlin supported a 8-foot offset on the south end for emergency vehicles.
• Staging areas – County proposed specific sites; commission agreed to leave locations to the city manager’s discretion.

Amendment (by Commissioner Callari):

• Non-vegetated dunes in front of the Diplomat (north of convention center) and Marriott.
• 8-foot offset from seawalls on the south segment for emergency access.
• Community outreach to be conducted.
• Staging areas as agreed with city manager.
• Approved unanimously.

Lyfe Resort Design Amendment – Item 31

Applicant sought to replace a deteriorating living wall with an artificial green wall. Fire code concerns were raised. After discussion, the commission approved the resolution with the condition that the applicant work with staff to ensure the artificial material meets fire code, and if not, to explore alternative materials (e.g., ceramic tile mosaic).

Hillcrest Drive PUD Amendment – Items 39 & 40 (Quasi-Judicial)

Proposal for an 8-story, 110-unit affordable housing development (30%–80% AMI) with 157 parking spaces, 24 spaces for school staff, 744 sq ft office, and amenities. Applicant (Housing Trust Group) presented evidence of sufficient density (using county bonus policy) and traffic impact (de minimis).

Public opposition (Cindy Abraham) cited lack of resident vote, parking concerns, and alternative site. Applicant noted 10% veteran preference and leasing preference for Hollywood residents/workers.

Design Options – Applicant presented three options: original (modern with glass railings), Option A (simplified modern), and Option B (Mediterranean style). Commission chose the original design after debate.

Vote: Motion to approve the ordinance (PUD amendment) and resolution (site plan and design) with staff conditions. Both passed 6-0 (Commissioner Callari absent).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously except item 12 (taken separately).
• Item 12 – Unanimously approved resolution to accept grant and name the center “Maurice Gruber Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center.”
• Items 28 & 29 – Unanimously approved zoning change and site plan for 470-unit mixed-use development at 4220/4231 N 58th Avenue (including historic Bryan House).
• Item 30 – Unanimously approved interlocal agreement with Broward County for dune project, with amendments for non-vegetated dunes at Diplomat/Marriott, 8-foot emergency access offset, and community outreach.
• Item 31 – Unanimously approved Lyfe Resort design amendment conditional on fire code compliance.
• Items 39 & 40 – Unanimously approved (6-0) affordable housing PUD amendment and site plan/design (original design).
• Item 34 – Withdrawn by city manager.
• New Staff Introductions – Roger Caruso (Parking & Code Compliance Director) and Jeff Lucas (Fire Marshal) welcomed.
• Centennial Time Capsule – Sealed on December 31, 2025, to be opened in 2075.