OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

City of Hollywood Regular Commission Meeting - February 4, 2026

Hollywood Public Meetings — Wednesday, February 4, 2026
BodyHollywood, Florida
SessionHollywood Public Meetings
DateWednesday, February 4, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
5:22

Thank you, everyone.

5:23

Good afternoon.

5:24

Today is February 4th, 2026.

5:26

We are here for a regular city commission meeting, but as we say at the start of each meeting, there are no meeting is ever regular because there's always important and meaningful work to take care of here on this agenda.

5:37

And so let's please rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

5:56

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

6:03

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

6:10

Amen.

6:12

At the start of each meeting, we also take an important moment to recognize our veterans, active service personnel, and families.

6:17

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

6:19

Armed Forces or a family member of a service member, past or present, please rise.

6:24

We'd like to recognize you.

6:31

Thank you.

6:34

Roll call, please.

6:36

Commissioner Bieterman.

6:38

Here.

6:39

Commissioner Cantana.

6:41

Commissioner Shoeham.

6:42

Here.

6:43

Commissioner Hernandez.

6:45

Here.

6:45

Vice Mayor Kallery.

6:48

Here.

6:48

Commissioner Gruber.

6:50

Here.

6:50

Mayor Levy.

6:51

Here.

6:52

Thank you.

6:53

Today's consent agenda includes items five through seventeen.

6:56

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

6:58

However, if there is a speaker card or a request from the dais, we're happy to remove an item uh to hear comments or consider it uh individually.

7:06

Pat, are there any speaker cards on 5 through 27?

7:09

No cards.

7:11

No cards.

7:12

Uh any requests from the dais.

7:13

If not, then we'll uh we have a motion from Vice Mayor Kollery and a second from Commissioner Shoeham to approve items five through seventeen on consent.

7:23

All those in favor say aye.

7:25

Aye.

7:25

Any opposed, hearing none, those items carry unanimously.

7:29

If you are here for any of those items, you are free to go.

7:33

Uh let's go ahead now to our proclamation, uh recognizing Black History Month, which of course is the month of February here in the year 2026.

7:41

I'd like to invite uh Vice Mayor Kalery to present the proclamation, accepting the proclamation.

7:46

I see folks here from the African American Advisory Council, Ms.

7:49

Reese Company, please come on up.

8:06

Thank you, Mayor.

8:07

Proclamation, City of Hollywood, Florida, in recognition of Black History Month, February 2026.

8:14

Whereas Carter G.

8:15

Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, originally founded Negro History Week in February of 1926 to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two key figures in the fight for freedom and equality.

8:31

In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded the recognition from one week to a month.

8:38

Each February, National Black History Month honors the achievements and extraordinary contributions of African Americans, highlighting the legacies and the generations who have shaped our nation's history, culture, and progress.

9:04

This year's theme, a century of black history commemorations, celebrates a hundred years of honoring the rich history, culture, and achievements of black Americans.

9:16

And whereas the theme invites us to reflect on the evolution of the observance from its beginnings as a week-long effort to a month-long national and global celebration of resilience, brilliance, and resistance.

9:31

And whereas throughout our nation's history, black Americans have shattered barriers, driven innovation in science, arts, business, and technology, and consistently led the fight for justice, equality, and the revitalization of the American dream.

9:48

Black history is not separate from American history, but rather an essential thread that shapes our collective identity, requiring us to acknowledge both the triumphs and the struggles against injustices.

10:02

And whereas the City of Hollywood will participate in several community celebrations, including an event hosted by the city's African American Advisory Council on February 26th at the Dart Dr.

10:14

Martin Luther King Jr., which is amazing, by the way, community senator, encouraging all residents to attend and honor the vital heritage.

10:24

Now, therefore, Josh Levy, the mayor of the City of Hollywood, Florida, and the Hollywood City Commission hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month.

10:42

Nope.

10:44

Now it's on.

10:46

I want to thank you so much, uh Vice Mayor, Mayor Levy, Commissioners, and the distinguished Commissioner No.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████62%
Public Engagement███████9%
Historic Preservation████6%
Public Safety███4%
Water And Wastewater Management███4%
Parking██3%
Technology and Innovation█2%
Fiscal Sustainability█2%
Parks and Recreation█2%
Summary of Proceedings

City of Hollywood Regular Commission Meeting - February 4, 2026

The regular City Commission meeting of Hollywood, Florida, was called to order at 1:05 PM and adjourned at 5:31 PM, with a recess from 2:27 PM to 5:02 PM. The commission approved a consent agenda of 13 routine items, adopted an ordinance on first reading redefining commercial vehicle parking, approved a contract change for Motorola radio equipment, and authorized negotiations to purchase the historic Joseph Young House at auction. Public comments highlighted concerns about traffic safety, water billing, community center programming, and development issues.

Consent Calendar

  • R-2026-031: Authorized $251,920 for Stantec Consulting for Marina Fuel Dock Repair.
  • R-2026-032: Allocated one flex unit at 300 Arizona Street in the Beach Resort Commercial District.
  • R-2026-033: Increased body armor contract from $35,000 to $250,000.
  • R-2026-034: Ratified grant application for $151,128 for Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement.
  • R-2026-035: Increased liquid oxygen contract with Airgas from $498,000 to $1,200,000.
  • R-2026-036: Increased golf cart contract from $50,000 to $105,000.
  • R-2026-037: Approved $291,078 for lift station E-03 upgrade engineering.
  • R-2026-038: Approved $400,000 combined for Hazen and Sawyer in-house support.
  • R-2026-039: Established $200,000/year fire hydrant maintenance contract with R&M Service Solutions (piggyback).
  • R-2026-040: Sole source $318,034 for oxygenation train #3 repairs.
  • R-2026-041: Sole source $220,000 for chlorine facility maintenance.
  • R-2026-042: Purchased two Thompson pumps for $116,004 (piggyback).
  • R-2026-043: Approved $768,362 for generator #2 repair (OEM) and amended FY2026 CIP.
    All passed unanimously (7-0) on a motion by Vice Mayor Callari, seconded by Commissioner Shuham.

Proclamations

  • P-2026-003: Proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. Vice Mayor Callari read the proclamation; Joann Fullington-Reese and Georgette Lasley of the African American Advisory Council accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ordinance public hearing (Item 19): No one spoke; hearing closed.
  • Citizens' Comments (5:00 PM session):
    • Myra Weaver (1708 N 40 Ave): Requested traffic calming measures at the Taft Street/40th Avenue traffic circle, citing dangerous speeds and risk to children.
    • Yolanda Jean (5211 Fletcher St): Complained that her mother received a $2,500 water bill after 15 months of estimated billing with no prior notice; mother is elderly and on fixed income. Asked for a payment plan and systemic change.
    • Yvonne Ledesma (4375 Ficus St): Urged expanded programming at Washington Park Community Center (youth sports, adult classes, safer playground); noted no current sports for girls and underutilized field.
    • Cat Uden (1120 Lyontree St): Suggested moving citizen comments to 5:30 PM for working people; recommended better promotion for "Dine Out Hollywood" and improvements to downtown (more events, family-friendly activities, diverse shops); expressed concern about a proposed 27-story tower on the beach setting a precedent.
    • Aaron Fish (20406 NE 15 Ct): Reported companies doing sewer line restoration without permits; asked city to enforce code compliance.
    • Erin Marvasti (1601 N 73rd Way): Thanked city for recent street project on 74th Ave/Charleston; requested sidewalk repair coordination with Pembroke Pines; noted illegal dumping in Driftwood Park (suggested cameras and fines); asked to prioritize District 5 for septic-to-sewer conversion.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance PO-2026-002 (Commercial Vehicle Parking): First reading. Staff presentation explained changes to allow "Type B" commercial vehicles (e.g., pickup trucks with signage) to park in residential areas, restricting "Type A" large vehicles. Commissioner Hernandez proposed amending the definition of Type A from "capacity is one ton or more" to "capacity is more than one ton" to avoid inadvertently restricting standard pickup trucks. The amendment was accepted. Ordinance passed 7-0 on first reading.
  • Resolution R-2026-044 (Motorola Radio Equipment): Increased blanket purchase agreement from $500,000 to $1,500,000 and extended term from 1 to 3 years. Net annual spending remains similar. Passed unanimously.
  • Walk-on Resolution (Purchase of 1055 Hollywood Blvd – Joseph Young House): City Manager introduced a walk-on item to authorize negotiating or bidding to purchase the historic Joseph Young House (on National Register) at a foreclosure auction scheduled for February 11, 2026. The resolution allowed expenditure up to 20% above appraised value. Commissioners expressed support for historic preservation but raised concerns about cost (potential ~$3M), ongoing maintenance, and need for a creative business model. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0) on a motion by Commissioner Shuham, seconded by Vice Mayor Callari.
  • Commissioner Shuham's proposal to amend Commission rules on 5/7 vote: Proposed adding "such items shall be limited to only those that the City Manager or the City Attorney deem time sensitive." After discussion, the request failed for lack of support (Commissioner Hernandez, Vice Mayor Callari, Commissioner Gruber, Commissioner Biederman opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: 13 resolutions approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Commercial Vehicle Ordinance: Adopted on first reading with amendment; second reading required.
  • Motorola Change Order: Approved unanimously.
  • Joseph Young House Purchase Authorization: Approved unanimously; city to negotiate or bid at auction on February 11, 2026.
  • Water Billing Issue: City Manager announced that staff is reworking the ordinance and procedure for estimated billing; no water shut-offs will occur for those affected. The commission discussed giving 15-month payment plans, improving customer service training, and addressing leak detection via Neptune meters.
  • Cold Weather Activation: Reported by Community Development Manager Ryon Coote: from January 23 onward, about 170 unsheltered people per day were sheltered countywide (peak 211 on Feb 1). In Hollywood, Caring Place served average 40/day (peak 48 on Feb 1); one young woman was reunited with family.
  • New Staff Introductions: Duncan Brown as Director of Budget and Performance Management; Veronica Perez as Emergency Management Director.
  • Other directives: Staff to investigate traffic calming at Taft/40th circle; report on Washington Park community center programming; review sewer renovation permit enforcement; consider streetlight improvements on Charleston St east of 68th Ave; explore speed humps on 22nd Ave between Pembroke Rd and Washington St.

City Attorney Report

  • Kendra Breeden provided updates on three properties:
    • 824/826 N Dixie Hwy: Foreclosure filed 2021, property owner filed bankruptcy, appeal pending in US District Court. Mediation impasse. Briefs due; expected decision in 6-8 months. Property currently code-compliant (fines stopped).
    • 1708 Dixie Hwy: Foreclosure filed September 2025; plaintiff's attorney filed extension; hearing set for Feb 10, 2026. Property still in violation and accruing fines.
    • Commissioner Hernandez clarified that properties in active litigation (like these) are not eligible for the fine forgiveness program (extended to June 30, 2026).

Commissioner Comments

  • Commissioner Quintana thanked police for professionalism; announced upcoming film screening, storytime in park, septic-to-sewer workshop, Party on the J (rescheduled to Feb 22), and Read for the Record.
  • Commissioner Shuham thanked staff for Tallahassee trip, praised Narcan kit placements and iguana drop-off; proposed 5/7 vote rule change (failed).
  • Commissioner Hernandez thanked code/parking staff; opposed rule change; requested speed humps on 22nd Ave; noted cold weather.
  • Vice Mayor Callari thanked youth ambassador trip participants.
  • Commissioner Gruber requested update on traffic calming in Playland Estate; thanked for solar pedestrian lights; announced splashpad opening.
  • Commissioner Biederman thanked for commercial vehicle ordinance; requested streetlights on Charleston St; invited to West Concert Series.
  • Mayor Levy noted Johnson Street lighting progress; announced Hurricane Melissa Benefit Concert (Feb 8, 3 PM) and Ignite Broward event (Feb 13-22).

Meeting Transcript

Thank you, everyone. Good afternoon. Today is February 4th, 2026. We are here for a regular city commission meeting, but as we say at the start of each meeting, there are no meeting is ever regular because there's always important and meaningful work to take care of here on this agenda. And so let's please rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Amen. At the start of each meeting, we also take an important moment to recognize our veterans, active service personnel, and families. So if you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or a family member of a service member, past or present, please rise. We'd like to recognize you. Thank you. Roll call, please. Commissioner Bieterman. Here. Commissioner Cantana. Commissioner Shoeham. Here. Commissioner Hernandez. Here. Vice Mayor Kallery. Here. Commissioner Gruber. Here. Mayor Levy. Here. Thank you. Today's consent agenda includes items five through seventeen. These are items that don't usually require individual discussion. However, if there is a speaker card or a request from the dais, we're happy to remove an item uh to hear comments or consider it uh individually. Pat, are there any speaker cards on 5 through 27? No cards. No cards. Uh any requests from the dais. If not, then we'll uh we have a motion from Vice Mayor Kollery and a second from Commissioner Shoeham to approve items five through seventeen on consent. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, hearing none, those items carry unanimously. If you are here for any of those items, you are free to go. Uh let's go ahead now to our proclamation, uh recognizing Black History Month, which of course is the month of February here in the year 2026. I'd like to invite uh Vice Mayor Kalery to present the proclamation, accepting the proclamation. I see folks here from the African American Advisory Council, Ms. Reese Company, please come on up. Thank you, Mayor. Proclamation, City of Hollywood, Florida, in recognition of Black History Month, February 2026. Whereas Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, originally founded Negro History Week in February of 1926 to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two key figures in the fight for freedom and equality. In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded the recognition from one week to a month. Each February, National Black History Month honors the achievements and extraordinary contributions of African Americans, highlighting the legacies and the generations who have shaped our nation's history, culture, and progress.

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