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Record of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting - December 10, 2025

Hollywood Public Meetings — Wednesday, December 10, 2025
BodyHollywood, Florida
SessionHollywood Public Meetings
DateWednesday, December 10, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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1:33

All right, welcome.

1:33

Thank you all so much.

1:34

Today is December 10th, 2025.

1:36

And as you know, we are here for a regular city commission meeting.

1:39

But like I often like to say, um, it's never a regular meeting because there's always important and fun uh items uh that we have uh the opportunity to uh consider here at the city commission.

1:50

And so at the start of each meeting, we begin with a moment of silence.

1:53

So as you rise today for the moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:56

Uh please keep in mind uh any special someone that uh may have been lost in the recent past that you might want to think of I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the public for which is saying one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:34

Thank you so much.

2:36

Thank you all.

2:38

Uh an important moment we also take at the start of each commission meeting is to recognize our veterans, active service personnel, and their families.

2:44

So if you are a veteran of the U.S.

2:46

Armed Forces or active member or a family member thereof, please rise.

2:50

We'd love to recognize you.

2:57

Thank you.

2:59

All right, roll call, please, Clerk Commissioner Kaleri.

3:06

Here.

3:07

Commissioner Garouber.

3:08

Here.

3:09

Commissioner Bieterman.

3:10

Here.

3:11

Vice Mayor Cuntana?

3:13

Here.

3:13

Commissioner Shoeham.

3:15

Here.

3:15

Commissioner Hernandez.

3:17

Here.

3:17

Mayor Levy.

3:18

Here.

3:19

All right.

3:19

Today's consent agenda includes items five through twenty-two.

3:22

These are items that don't usually require individual discussion, however, if a member of the commission or the public wishes for us to speak uh to an item specifically, we're happy to remove it for discussion later in the meeting.

3:34

Pat, are there any speaker cards on five through twenty-two?

3:36

No cards.

3:37

From the body.

3:39

I'll accept a motion.

3:42

Second.

3:42

We have a motion from Commissioner Kollery and a second from Commissioner Hernandez to pass the consent agenda.

3:47

Items five through twenty-two.

3:49

All those in favor say aye.

3:51

Aye.

3:51

Any opposed.

3:52

Hearing none, those items carry unanimously.

3:56

All right, on to our 115 times certain item.

3:59

It is not 115 just yet, Clerk.

4:02

So we're gonna skip 23.

4:05

We're gonna skip 24 because it's a 130.

4:08

Let's head over into our uh regular agenda.

4:11

Uh is Clive Taylor here yet?

4:13

Not yet.

4:14

All right.

4:14

You know, I'll hold 25.

4:16

I know Clive wanted to be here for this.

4:18

Um so let's go ahead then to item 26.

4:21

Uh a resolution of the city commission authorizing the city to bind renewal policies for our municipal and utility property and marina storage tank liability insurance policies, an amount not to exceed 2.7 million dollars in change.

4:33

This of course uh is always handled very professionally and thoroughly by our Office of Human Resources.

4:38

Pat, is there a speaker card on 26?

4:40

No cards.

4:42

Motion to approve.

4:43

Second.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use███████████████████████████████████35%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Procedural███████████11%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Public Private Partnership██████6%
Youth Programs████4%
Public Safety███3%
Environmental Protection███3%
Engineering And Infrastructure██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting – December 10, 2025

The Hollywood City Commission held a regular meeting on December 10, 2025, at City Hall, beginning at 1:00 PM with a recess and resumption at 4:00 PM. The meeting covered routine consent items, several public hearings on land use and code amendments, and a contentious land use plan amendment for a beachfront property. The commission voted 5-2 to approve the first reading of a change to allow residential development on the community center site, despite strong public opposition.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 5-22 were approved unanimously. These included settlements (Phillip Onori for $75,000, Manuela Micucci for $100,000), contracts for landscaping (Superior Landscaping & Lawn Service, $280,660), traffic calming improvements in District 5 ($211,093.84), a utility easement with Hallandale Beach, software licenses (ESRI, $360,900 over three years), parks equipment (Century Industries, $231,610; Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, $334,433.02), solar lighting and smart infrastructure (Fonroche, up to $250,000 annually), police equipment ($500,000 over two years), workforce software (UKG Kronos, $600,000 over four years), law enforcement forfeiture funds ($125,000), emergency response software (Daupler, $249,000 annually), polymer supply (Polydyne, $450,000), engineering services for wastewater master plan (Hazen and Sawyer, $95,000 and $300,000), sodium hypochlorite supply (Allied Universal, $800,000 annually), and an FDOT landscape maintenance agreement amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Citizens’ Comments (5:00 PM): Six residents spoke on non-agenda topics.
    • Chris and Amanda Albertelli described ongoing health and property issues from a 5G cell pole installed by Crown Castle in their swale, stating they have received incomplete records and a code violation. Amanda Albertelli said her family is temporarily separated due to health concerns.
    • Ann Ralston criticized the commission for taking votes without proper public notice on prior items (fining a civic board and approving free parking), and expressed frustration with staff conduct at a recent planning board meeting.
    • Pam Borgio thanked the commission but urged better communication with residents, noting incomplete sidewalk work on Taft Street and the need to finish projects before moving on.
    • Sylvia Meyer expressed concerns about traffic congestion, coastal flooding warnings, and overbuilding on the barrier island, asking that public land remain public.
    • Three Youth Ambassadors (Valerie Rosa, Angelica Fernandez, Crystal Marie) praised the program, describing their involvement in city events and learning about local government.
  • Public Comments on Item 29 (Land Use Amendment for 1301 S Ocean Drive): 36 speakers, all opposed. Key points included:
    • Opposition to changing public land to residential; concerns about barrier island evacuation, sea level rise, flooding, and infrastructure strain.
    • Speakers argued the project violates the Hollywood Beach Master Plan (principle of preserving intimate scale), the Broward County resilience plan, and the recommendation of the Planning and Development Board (which voted 8-0 to deny in 2023).
    • Several cited a 1974 warranty deed stating the property was dedicated for public use; they urged a public referendum.
    • Concerns about a 99-year lease being a giveaway, liability for the city, and the potential for future Live Local Act implications.
    • A few speakers noted developer campaign contributions and questioned the commission's impartiality.
    • Emilio Benitez, former chair of the citywide master plan, said the property has always been community facility; he contested the developer's claim that Broward County had rejected the plan (the developer later called that a lie).
    • Richard Grosso, a land use attorney speaking for Sierra Club, argued the amendment does not meet state law criteria and violates the city’s own comprehensive plan.

Discussion Items

  • Item 23 – Ordinance on Increased Code Enforcement Fines: Second reading, no changes. The commission approved (7-0) a maximum one-time fine of $15,000 for certain irreparable code violations, as allowed by Florida Statute.
  • Item 24 – Brownfield Designation (HTG Paramount Green Reuse Area): Advertised public hearing. City staff presented a resolution to designate 826 S Dixie Highway and 2115 Washington Street as a brownfield to facilitate remediation and a senior living facility. Helen Chervin (resident) spoke in support but urged better community outreach. Commissioner Hernandez noted the developer's good track record. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 25 – Co-Naming of North 46th Avenue: Approved unanimously to co-name N 46th Avenue from Sheridan Street to Stirling Road as “William D. Horvitz Avenue” to honor the Horvitz family’s role in developing Emerald Hills and Hollywood Hills. Historian Clive Taylor spoke in support.
  • Item 26 – Insurance Renewal: Approved unanimously. The city manager noted a reduction in premiums due to improved loss experience.
  • Item 27 – Bridge Repairs (Johnson Street and Sherman Street): A resolution to approve a Construction Management at Risk Phase II agreement with Lebolo Construction for a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $4,325,824.20. Staff explained the project includes essential repairs to keep bridges operational until replacement. Commissioner Hernandez suggested considering an aluminum gangway instead of wood for the pedestrian walkway. The motion passed unanimously with an amendment to consider aluminum.
  • Item 28 – Appointment of Vice Mayor: Commissioner Traci Callari was appointed Vice Mayor for a one-year term, replacing Vice Mayor Quintana. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 29 – Land Use Plan Amendment (1301 S Ocean Drive): This was the major discussion item, lasting several hours after 4:00 PM.
    • The city proposes changing the land use designation of 2.98 acres (the beach community center site) from Community Facility to Medium High Residential (25 units per acre). Approval would allow a public-private partnership (P3) with The Related Group to build a 111-unit residential tower (reduced from an earlier 190-unit plan) along with a new community center, preserved open space, and public parking.
    • Staff found the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and levels of service. The developer’s attorney (Keith Poliakoff) argued the county’s maps show the site as medium high residential; the city’s map had a scrivener’s error.
    • Commissioners debated extensively. Commissioner Shuham opposed, citing process concerns: the revised application was materially different from the 2023 version rejected by the Planning and Development Board and should go back to that board. She also noted the Comprehensive Development Agreement requires a minimum of 135 units and 350,000 sq ft of residential space, while the new plan has only 111 units and 284,000 sq ft, and no amended CDA has been presented. She raised concerns about Live Local Act implications and financial projections that may be inflated.
    • Commissioner Gruber supported, stating the project fits the scale of existing high-rises on South Beach, includes a new community center, and provides revenue to the city. He disputed evacuation concerns, citing sufficient bridge capacity.
    • Commissioner Biederman also supported, noting the financial benefits and that the 99-year lease (like Margaritaville) has generated significant revenue. He criticized what he called misinformation from opponents.
    • Vice Mayor Quintana voted no, expressing concerns about future flooding and liability despite indemnification clauses.
    • The final vote was 5-2 in favor (Commissioners Callari, Biederman, Hernandez, Gruber, Mayor Levy yes; Vice Mayor Quintana and Commissioner Shuham no). The ordinance passed on first reading and will require a second reading.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Unanimously: Items 5-22 (Consent Agenda); Item 23 (Code enforcement fines); Item 24 (Brownfield designation); Item 25 (Co-naming); Item 26 (Insurance); Item 27 (Bridge repairs with aluminum amendment); Item 28 (Vice Mayor appointment).
  • Approved 5-2: Item 29 (Land use amendment at 1301 S Ocean Drive) on first reading. The proposal now moves to second reading and will also require site plan approval and an amended Comprehensive Development Agreement.
  • Authorized: City Attorney to enter into tobacco product waste litigation on a contingency fee basis (unanimous).
  • Directives: Staff to follow up on a proposed Senior Affairs Advisory Board (Commissioner Gruber); staff to work on redefining “commercial vehicle” in the code (Commissioner Biederman); staff to coordinate World Cup viewing events in downtown.
  • Appointment: Mike Mosier introduced as new Deputy Fire Chief.

Meeting Transcript

All right, welcome. Thank you all so much. Today is December 10th, 2025. And as you know, we are here for a regular city commission meeting. But like I often like to say, um, it's never a regular meeting because there's always important and fun uh items uh that we have uh the opportunity to uh consider here at the city commission. And so at the start of each meeting, we begin with a moment of silence. So as you rise today for the moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Uh please keep in mind uh any special someone that uh may have been lost in the recent past that you might want to think of I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the public for which is saying one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much. Thank you all. Uh an important moment we also take at the start of each commission meeting is to recognize our veterans, active service personnel, and their families. So if you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or active member or a family member thereof, please rise. We'd love to recognize you. Thank you. All right, roll call, please, Clerk Commissioner Kaleri. Here. Commissioner Garouber. Here. Commissioner Bieterman. Here. Vice Mayor Cuntana? Here. Commissioner Shoeham. Here. Commissioner Hernandez. Here. Mayor Levy. Here. All right. Today's consent agenda includes items five through twenty-two. These are items that don't usually require individual discussion, however, if a member of the commission or the public wishes for us to speak uh to an item specifically, we're happy to remove it for discussion later in the meeting. Pat, are there any speaker cards on five through twenty-two? No cards. From the body. I'll accept a motion. Second. We have a motion from Commissioner Kollery and a second from Commissioner Hernandez to pass the consent agenda. Items five through twenty-two. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed. Hearing none, those items carry unanimously. All right, on to our 115 times certain item. It is not 115 just yet, Clerk. So we're gonna skip 23. We're gonna skip 24 because it's a 130. Let's head over into our uh regular agenda. Uh is Clive Taylor here yet? Not yet.

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