Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting - November 19, 2025

The City of Hollywood Commission held a regular meeting on November 19, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting included approvals of consent and regular agenda items, proclamations, a quasi-judicial brownfield designation, public comments, and a discussion on succession planning for the City Manager.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5 through 15 were approved unanimously, minus items 7, 9, and 13, which were pulled for individual discussion.
• Item 7: Amendment Number 21 to the Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement with FDOT for landscape and hardscape maintenance on State Road 7 right-of-ways. Approved unanimously.
• Item 9: Resolution supporting realignment of U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR-1) through Hollywood to the Broadwalk. Approved unanimously.
• Item 13: Blanket purchase agreement for autobody repair services up to $1,200,000 over three years. Commissioner Biederman abstained due to a business relationship. Approved unanimously.

Proclamations & Presentations

• Item 16: Proclamation recognizing The Entrepreneur Education Development Center's 8th Anniversary and Shop With a Boss Day.
• Item 17: Proclamation recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Cadenza Center for Psychotherapy and the Arts. Vice Mayor Quintana noted the center's growth and impact on her own family.
• Item 18: Second Chance Award presented to Captain Maxim Galinski and Firefighter Jose Pacheco for resuscitating a newborn in cardiac arrest on July 5, 2025.
• Item 19: Meritorious Service Award to Lieutenant Wilkie and Citizens Award of Merit to Alexander Espino for saving a resident from a kitchen fire on August 28, 2025, at 2201 South Ocean Drive.
• Item 20: 2025 Excellence in Continuous Improvement Award presented to Alberto Jimenez, Maria Alicia Rodriguez, and Chris Rebar for streamlining utility billing account setup online, reducing 1,620 annual customer visits by 80%.
• Item 21: Recognition of 30 Legacy Businesses (20+ years in Hollywood), bringing the total honored in 2025 to over 60.
• Item 30: Proclamation recognizing Broward Green Schools Campaign, presented to students from MacArthur High School and the Sierra Club.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple residents spoke against the proposed 27-story tower at 1301 South Ocean Drive, citing deed restrictions, environmental concerns, sea level rise, traffic, and shadow impacts on the beach. They requested a public referendum. Mayor Levy clarified the historical deed and lease terms, stating the commission approved the project in a legally binding 99-year lease.
• Chris and Amanda Albertelli detailed ongoing health issues from a 5G small-cell pole installed near their home on 28th Avenue and Funston Street. They requested relocation and criticized Crown Castle's response. Mayor Levy committed to continue working with Crown Castle to resolve the issue.
• Other speakers addressed road damage from 5G construction, opposition to a commercial use at 1434 Monroe Street, and support for the Albertelli family's 5G pole complaint.

Discussion Items

• Item 7 & 27 (Taken Together): Vice Mayor Quintana praised the transformation of the State Road 7 corridor, noting the removal of a blighted mobile home park and eight pawn shops, replaced by Pinnacle 441 affordable housing and public art. Pinnacle donated three stainless steel sculptures; one was being installed on Johnson Street. Commissioner Callari asked about road repairs on Johnson Street; Pinnacle confirmed they are honoring a warranty to fix dips after the Thanksgiving block party.
• Item 9: Commissioner Shuham initially had safety concerns about directing bicyclists to the Broadwalk and North Surf Road. After presentations from staff and Police Chief Jeff Deadlin (who stated no additional safety hazards were expected), she made a motion to approve.
• Item 22 (Quasi-Judicial): Andrea Winget (Development Services) presented the brownfield designation for a 0.75-acre site at 826 S. Dixie Highway and 2115 Washington Street, where contamination (chlorinated solvents) was found. The site will be redeveloped into an 8-story, 96-unit senior affordable housing building. No objections to waiving quasi-judicial formalities; approved unanimously. Two readings required.
• Items 24 & 25: Rick Engle (Parks & Rec) and Jennifer Homan (Art & Culture Center) presented agreements for $205,000 (Art & Culture Center operations) and $70,000 (Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center management). Commissioner Biederman questioned the value of the Performing Arts Center, citing a $70,000 subsidy. Jennifer Homan noted 20,000 visitors annually, 162 theater experiences, and partnerships with schools. Commissioner Biederman voted no on item 25 (6-1). The Commission requested a report comparing subsidies from other cities and a breakdown of attendance by zip code.
• Item 26: Jose Cortez (DCM) presented an update on the new Police Headquarters, which is two months ahead of schedule and within budget. Furniture purchase from M. Hanson & Co. for $1,428,785.34 was approved. Commissioner Callari asked about adjustable desks; Chief Deadlin confirmed they are included. Commissioners praised the project's safety record and collaboration.
• Item 28: Change order for The Paving Lady contract increasing it from $3,692,010.52 to $3,832,010.52 for additional maintenance work. Approved.
• Item 29: James Cromar (Broward MPO) and Christine Fanci (WSP) presented the Route to 2050 plan, including safety improvements on Taft Street (seven-lane to four-lane with raised median) and Stirling Road. Mayor Levy raised concerns about left-turn access to businesses. The Commission requested future coordination with schools, funeral homes, and residents. Approved unanimously.
• Commission Discussion on HCCA: Following public comments, Commissioner Callari introduced a motion to condition fee waivers for city facility use by civic associations on their meetings being open to the public. The motion passed unanimously after debate. Commissioner Hernandez also requested that staff bring back a policy requiring civic associations receiving PEN program funds to adhere to their own bylaws.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved with removed items individually discussed and passed.
• Item 22 (Brownfield Designation) - Approved on first reading.
• Item 24 (Art & Culture Center Grant) - Approved unanimously.
• Item 25 (Performing Arts Center Agreement) - Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Biederman opposed).
• Item 26 (Police HQ Furniture) - Approved unanimously.
• Item 28 (Paving Lady Change Order) - Approved unanimously.
• Item 29 (MPO Route to 2050 Support) - Approved unanimously.
• Motion: City facility fee waivers for civic associations conditioned on open meetings - Approved unanimously.
• Motion: Appoint Ray Lynn Story as City Manager effective April 1, 2026 (subject to City Manager Keller's resignation) - Approved unanimously. The Commission directed staff to prepare an employment agreement. Commissioner Shuham expressed preference for a public search but supported the majority.
• Motion: Add Alzheimer's Association to approved 501(c)(3) list - Approved.
• Motion: 100% discount on downtown parking from 3 PM Friday, November 21, through 5 PM Sunday, November 23, for the centennial celebration - Approved unanimously.
• Next Steps: Staff to report on lease terms for the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, attendance zip code data for the Art & Culture Center, and options for enforcing stormwater management code violations on new construction. The 1301 South Ocean Drive project is scheduled for discussion at the December 10, 2025 meeting at 4 PM.