Hollywood City Commission Meeting – February 18, 2026

The Regular City Commission Meeting of the City of Hollywood, Florida, was called to order by Mayor Josh Levy on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:05 PM and adjourned at 5:19 PM. All seven commissioners were present (Vice Mayor Traci Callari attended virtually). The meeting covered a consent agenda, two pulled consent items, a first‑reading ordinance, a presentation, several regular agenda resolutions, citizen comments, and detailed commissioner updates.

Consent Calendar

• R‑2026‑047, R‑2026‑012, R‑2026‑049, R‑2026‑050, R‑2026‑051, R‑2026‑052, R‑2026‑053, R‑2026‑054, R‑2026‑055 — Approved unanimously (7‑0). These included an airspace agreement with FDOT, an easement with FPL, investment policy amendment, blanket purchase agreements for minor construction, meter replacement, I‑95 landscape maintenance, concrete grinding, elevator maintenance, and concrete ready‑mix renewal.
• Item 5 (R‑2026‑046) and Item 7 (R‑2026‑048) were pulled from consent for separate discussion.

Ordinance

• PO‑2026‑003 — Overnight Anchoring Limitation (First Reading) — Assistant Police Chief Paul Laskowski explained the ordinance limits overnight anchoring to 30 days within a six‑month period, with fines up to $500 and 60 days in jail for repeat violations. After a public hearing with no speaker cards, the commission voted unanimously (7‑0) to adopt on first reading (Enactment No. O‑2026‑02).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Terry Cantrell (President, Hollywood Lakes Civic Association) opposed the PEN amendment, arguing it interferes with independently run civic associations and that board residency requirements are unnecessary.
• Lynn Smith (Parkside Poinciana) stated the residency requirement would be “horrible” for her association, which relies on board members from outside the boundaries, and would force them to forgo the $1,000 grant.
• Claire Garrett (Program Director, Park East Civic Association) called the amendment a “knee‑jerk response” and noted that project expenses are already city‑approved, making board member addresses irrelevant.
• Siobhan McLaughlin (Hollywood Lakes Civic Association) urged rejection, calling the amendment “a solution looking for a problem.”
• Dr. Basil Phillips (President, Liberia Civic Association) noted that despite living outside Liberia, his leadership has produced tangible community benefits (spelling bees, sickle cell support, farmers markets). He warned of a duplicate Liberia Civic Association registered by an unknown individual.
• Andre Brown (United Neighbors of South Hollywood) expressed opposition, stating his association will not be dictated to, and alleged that some individuals are hiding behind anonymity on social media.

Discussion Items

• Partnership for Engaged Neighborhoods (PEN) Amendment (R‑2026‑046) — Alison Saffold explained the resolution originally proposed requiring all civic association board members to reside within the association’s boundaries to be eligible for the $1,000 annual grant. After extensive debate—including concerns about unintended consequences for associations like Liberia (where the president lives outside) and the burden on staff—Commissioner Hernandez amended the motion to require that 75% of board members, officers, or directors must live, work, or own a business in the area (or be a relative of someone who does). The motion passed 6‑1, with Commissioner Shuham opposed.
• Harrison Street Parking Garage Design‑Build Agreement (R‑2026‑048) — Jose Cortes presented a $481,152 agreement with Finfrock Construction for 30% design and preconstruction services. Commissioner Hernandez raised the possibility of incorporating workforce housing above the garage. Staff confirmed that Finfrock has relevant expertise and would evaluate the feasibility of adding residential units as part of the design phase. The resolution was approved unanimously (7‑0) with the understanding that staff will report back on housing options.
• Pilot Project to One‑Way 19th and 20th Avenues (P‑2026‑004) — Director Andria Wingett presented a pilot to convert two downtown streets from two‑way to one‑way, widening parallel parking spaces (from substandard 7 ft to 8.5 ft) and adding a bike lane. The project is estimated at $630,000, funded through the CRA. Community outreach yielded no negative feedback. Commissioner Hernandez noted safety benefits (reducing head‑on collisions) and potential to extend the pilot. The commission offered consensus to proceed; staff will bring forward contracts for implementation.
• Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Appointments (R‑2026‑057) — Ryan Coote explained the need to align appointment cycles with state reporting deadlines. Commissioner Gruber proposed a slate approved unanimously: Michael Pena (banking/mortgage), Sandra Tobon (advocate for low‑income), Andrew Miranda (for‑profit provider), Odalys Delgado (citizen on LPA), Suzanna Gregoire (citizen residing in Hollywood), and alternates Peter Lybrand and Steven Baker.
• Fleet Management Services Change Order (R‑2026‑058) — Joseph Kroll detailed a BPA increase from $3 million to $7.6 million for the first three years of a five‑year agreement with Enterprise FM Trust. The program has replaced 308 vehicles since 2024, reducing average fleet age from 16 to 10 years, and is projected to save $140,000 in maintenance costs in FY2025. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes & Votes

• PEN Program Amendment: Motion to adopt (as amended to 75% residency/business/relative requirement) passed 6‑1 (Shuham opposed).
• Harrison Street Garage: Resolution approved 7‑0 with direction to evaluate workforce housing integration.
• Overnight Anchoring Ordinance: Adopted on first reading 7‑0.
• Fleet Management Change Order: Approved 7‑0.
• AHAC Appointments: Approved 7‑0.
• Pilot Project (19th/20th Avenues): Consensus to proceed with design and implementation.
• Commissioner Hernandez raised several items: (1) Water rate tier relief for underground leaks; Mayor Levy supported examining Fort Lauderdale’s policies and requested staff review. (2) Crosswalk markings in downtown. (3) Prohibiting food trucks in front of restaurants during downtown events. (4) Allowing golf cart parking on 19th Avenue. (5) Update on Joseph Young House purchase—staff reported a bankruptcy stay but are negotiating with the owner and will share appraisals.
• Citizen Comments on 5G Antenna: Amanda and Chris Albertelli expressed frustration with the GM Selby report, citing missing analysis of long‑term non‑thermal effects, permit measurement discrepancies, and their displacement. City Manager Keller noted the expert will present at the next meeting.
• Upcoming Events: Ignite Broward light festival (through Feb. 22), Party on the J (Feb. 23), Operation Paintbrush (Feb. 28), and budget kickoff (Feb. 23).