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Record of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Meeting - March 25, 2026: Beach Plans & Property Purchases

Hollywood Public Meetings — Wednesday, March 25, 2026
BodyHollywood, Florida
SessionHollywood Public Meetings
DateWednesday, March 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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10:51

All right, good afternoon, everyone.

10:52

Welcome to City Hall and the City of Hollywood.

10:55

Today is Echo Day.

10:58

I hear an echo.

11:00

Today's uh March 25th, 2026.

11:02

Uh we're here for a regular city commission meeting, although as we always like to say, there's never a regular meeting because there's always important and exciting and um impactful uh substance on the agenda.

11:14

Uh today is no different.

11:16

And so before I ask everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance, I would like to extend a moment of privilege to Commissioner Quintana.

11:24

We all uh all of us as a community lost the great special friend, our good friend Frank Leonardi.

11:32

And uh Idelma would love to reflect uh about Frank, uh remember him, and uh if anyone would like to join her in some comments on the dais or off, we invite you to do so as well.

11:43

Thank you so much, Mayor.

11:46

I think that um probably many people in the room today and perhaps many people at home have at some point come in contact with Frank Leonardi.

11:57

I'm not sure what it is.

11:59

Frank and I uh worked together at uh Broward County with Commissioner Fur for the last almost twelve years, and we really got to know each other well.

12:11

But everyone up here on the Dais has stories to tell about Frank's influence on their life, and um I'll tell you we're all gonna miss him.

12:22

But uh I'm Arlene, if you would just show who we're talking about.

12:26

Um this is Frank.

12:29

Uh Frank Frank was 97 years old when he passed away about two weeks ago.

12:39

And he uh worked until about six months ago.

12:48

This man lived a full life.

12:53

He was such a big presence at Rotary.

12:57

Uh if you go to the library, he was always there.

13:02

His you can see that he spent time uh and relationship with Commissioner Blatner and with Commissioner Hernandez.

13:12

I do feel sad that I won't get to be with Frank every day anymore.

13:17

But there are just so many good memories together.

13:21

Uh a man so full of joy and brought joy to so many.

13:24

So his job at the county was really uh uh constituent services.

13:30

So people with difficult problems in their lives would walk into the library office.

13:35

And he helped everyone with the same open heart, no matter what their situation was.

13:42

He didn't judge them, and he just did everything he could to help.

13:47

Never um letting bureaucracy stand in his way.

13:52

He had a reputation for uh advocating for residents passionately to the point where um people would do whatever he said just so that he would stop calling and harassing them people on staff.

14:05

So Frank was a big spirit, uh very much a good man and a good heart, and we have lots of great memories to share of him.

14:12

Thank you, Mayor.

14:15

Thank you, Adama.

14:16

Great reflection.

14:17

Uh I I knew Frank uh from when I uh first ran for mayor.

14:22

Uh he really befriended me and kind of took me in and gave me a lot of guidance along the way.

14:26

He was politically active in Hollywood for decades, even ran for a city commission, I think in the eighties uh or or nineties.

14:38

I only knew him for like the past eleven.

14:40

Um but I know he had a great history uh starting out as family, sir.

14:44

I was a US veteran, right?

14:45

Yes, Korea.

14:46

Korea served in Korea, also owned, I think, a restaurant in the Northeast.

14:50

Uh before he moved to Hollywood, was very proud Italian American here in the city.

14:54

Uh gave a lot of his time and a lot of love to the Italian American club here in Hollywood.

15:00

And all that he Delma said was uh such a great heart, uh a gentleman, always treated everyone with respect and really had that uh old world character to him uh that really stood out.

15:10

And uh I'm gonna miss uh a really good friend.

15:13

I I used to tell people I'm going to lunch with my 90-something year old friend because I was so proud of the fact that he was so uh with it as a dumbest that even worked and and would drive and would have his own unofficial parking spot right in front of the library.

15:25

And thanks to uh everyone, Javon, uh, for accommodating Frank's needs and his uh you know final years where his mobility, you know, started getting less and less.

15:35

But um a lot of us uh a lot of reasons to be proud of this person uh to have in our community.

15:40

He Commissioner Gruber, who was not here today, uh reflected when he learned of Frank's passing that you know Frank was like his little league coach in the Rotary Baseball days.

15:49

Uh so this is going back almost fifty years of Frank's contributions to the city and uh his impact on kids and what he gave of himself uh along the years.

15:58

And so we're really gonna miss him for the the person, and I know his family is gonna miss him dearly.

16:02

Uh, but we're all certainly proud to have known him.

16:05

And uh again, we're just gonna miss him.

16:07

I'm gonna miss him.

16:08

And just uh grateful to everybody here who uh did their best also to help Frank in his final you know year of life where his you know uh physical ailments uh took the best of his mobility.

16:20

His uh his mind, though, I want you to know, stayed sharp all the way to the very end until he was uh, you know, uh intubated, let's just say.

16:27

Um and Commissioner Kollary, you you know, like you do to so many people who have you know uh medical needs and are in their final moments in life, you go so above and beyond uh and your heart really uh goes out to people and you you just try to help them uh navigate this medical care that's so complicated.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use██████████████████████████26%
Beach Management██████████████14%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Historic Preservation█████████9%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Regular Meeting - March 25, 2026

The Hollywood City Commission met on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1:11 PM in City Hall, Room 219, 2600 Hollywood Blvd. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, presentations, public hearings, and extensive discussion on the future of Hollywood Beach, particularly the Hollywood Beach Hotel property and a feasibility study for zoning changes. Commissioner Adam Gruber was absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • R-2026-100: Resolution establishing a timetable for production of minutes per Florida Statute 286.011(2). Approved 6-0.
  • R-2026-101: Memorandum of Understanding with Fraternal Order of Police, Hollywood Lodge 24, amending pay charts of the 2025-2028 collective bargaining agreement. Approved 6-0.
  • R-2026-102: Blanket purchase agreement to Cleverciti Systems Corp. for digital parking guidance and wayfinding signage, up to $248,121.50. Approved 6-0.
  • R-2026-103: Professional services agreement with HBC Engineering Company for Sheridan Park and Hollywood Acres sidewalk network project, up to $379,964.86, funded under FDOT Local Agency Program. Approved 6-0.
  • R-2026-104: Agreement with CBIZ Advisors, LLC for tax consulting services regarding payroll implementation of new retirement plans, up to $35,000. Approved 6-0.
  • R-2026-105: Blanket purchase agreement to Motorola Solutions Inc. for PremierOne Axon interface implementation and maintenance services, up to $35,000 over five years. Approved 6-0.

Presentations, Proclamations & Awards

  • Chief’s Special Recognition Award: Police Chief Jeffrey Devlin awarded members of the Vice Intelligence and Narcotics Unit (VIN) for undercover work leading to seizure of over 130 firearms, 66.9 million in currency/assets, and significant quantities of narcotics including 6,000 grams of fentanyl. Unit members not publicly named.
  • Proclamation – National Autism Acceptance Month (April 2026): Presented by Commissioner Quintana; Fire Chief Jeff Levy accepted, highlighting sensory kits carried on all ambulances for emergency response.
  • Proclamation – Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month (April 2026): Presented by Commissioner Shuham; Juan Perez, Past President of the Florida Chapter, accepted.
  • Latin Business TV Magazine: Ysabel Borden, President and Founder, presented a special 100th anniversary edition of Latin Business TV Magazine honoring the City of Hollywood.
  • Emerald Hills Safety Enhancement Board Annual Report: David Rubin, Chair, reported 81.3% support for extending the district beyond its 2027 sunset and over two-thirds support for increasing the annual assessment up to $500. The Commission expressed support for bringing a future ordinance.
  • City Manager George Keller Recognition: Multiple presentations from Police Chief, FOP, Fire Chief, IAFF, and Mayor Levy honoring Keller for his decades of service. Keller announced he will continue as a volunteer on the Employee Pension Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Item 23 (600 Knights Road Purchase): Alex Recio (Hollywood Hills resident) and Todd Fabiano (Friends of Hollywood Pickleball board) expressed support for the purchase, citing parking shortages at Stan Goldman Park and revenue generation potential.
  • Items 19 & 20 (Beach Presentations): 21 speakers addressed the combined items. Positions included: Support for moderate height increases (10-15 stories) to enable hotel reinvestment while preserving character (e.g., John Passalacqua, Craig Chassen, Esteban Koffsmon for Chateau Group); Strong opposition to any height increases, citing traffic, evacuation concerns, loss of small-town character (e.g., Ann Ralston, Catherine Uden, Donna Green, Pam Bergio); Advocacy for preservation of Hollywood Beach Hotel (e.g., Terry Cantrell, Clive Taylor, Lynn Smith); Calls for public engagement and voter referendum before major changes (e.g., Tom Lander, Alex Recio). Several speakers noted that combining the two agenda items shortened public comment time.
  • Citizens’ Comments: Additional speakers on non-beach issues: Siobhan McLaughlin criticized meeting timing and process; Alex Recio urged correction of ballot language for the charter amendment on city-owned property leases; Ann Ralston raised traffic calming sign issues; Andre Brown questioned campaign contributions from developer attorney Keith Poliakoff; Tom Lander urged support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Discussion Items

  • Overnight Anchoring Limitation (PO-2026-003): Second reading ordinance amending Chapter 98 to create Section 98.015 limiting overnight anchoring. Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers. Adopted 6-0 on second reading.
  • Zoning Change (PO-2026-004): Ordinance changing zoning of 1.11 acres at 1841-1857 Jackson Street and 1856 Van Buren Street from PS-3 (Parkside High Intensity) to FH-2 (Federal Highway Medium-High Intensity). Quasi-judicial procedures waived. Adopted 6-0 on second reading.
  • Water Supply Facilities Work Plan (PO-2026-007): First reading ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan to adopt the 2025 update of the Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. Staff explained it ensures adequate water supply based on projected demand. Adopted 6-0 on first reading.
  • Broward County League of Cities Delegates (R-2026-107): Appointed Vice Mayor Callari as voting delegate and Commissioner Hernandez as alternate for 2026-2027. Approved 6-0.
  • Purchase of 600 Knights Road (R-2026-108): Resolution to purchase property from Bluevis LLC for up to $5,275,000 (including closing costs). Staff noted funding from parking and park impact fees, not general fund. Commissioner Biederman expressed concerns about removing property from tax rolls and locking up land; staff agreed to bring back a resolution on future use classification. Approved 6-0.
  • Reimbursement Resolution (R-2026-109): Declared intent to reimburse capital expenditures from debt for future improvements, companion to property purchase. Passed 5-0 (Vice Mayor Callari absent).
  • FIND Grant Application (R-2026-110): Authorized applying for up to $1.5 million from Florida Inland Navigation District Waterway Assistance Program for Waterfront Access and Resiliency Project, with matching funds from General Obligation Bond. Passed 5-0 (Vice Mayor Callari absent).
  • Hollywood Beach Hotel & Feasibility Study (Items 19 & 20): Joint presentation by Director of Development Services Andria Wingett, Special Projects Manager Anand Balram, and Assistant Director Cameron Palmer. The presentation examined existing zoning constraints, development scenarios (no change, moderate height of 10-15 stories, and up to 30 stories), case studies (Sunny Isles, North Bay Village, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Boca Raton), and proposed a bonus program to allow additional height in exchange for public benefits (open space, infrastructure, resiliency). The Hollywood Beach Hotel was used as a case study but is not a proposal. The Commission reached no decisions, but Mayor Levy outlined consensus: explore a targeted bonus program for hotels along A1A (not the Broadwalk), remove outdated retail mandates and parking requirements, and allow low-rise residential on parts of the beach. An executive session regarding the Astrid 2 LLC litigation was announced for April 15, 2026, 10:00 AM (following the shade meeting), with a joint motion to stay proceedings pending negotiations. City Attorney announced a shade meeting on critical infrastructure for April 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM.
  • Commissioner Comments: Vice Mayor Callari sought support to rename the Police Athletic League building after Detective Jerry Christiansen (supported); called for water conservation programs (supported). Commissioner Biederman reported upcoming traffic calming and concerts. Commissioner Quintana praised park programs and requested water conservation programming (supported). Commissioner Shuham supported a Holocaust and October 7th memorial sculpture (supported). Commissioner Hernandez requested renaming the dog park at Stan Goldman Park after K9 Officer Kimbo (supported); requested emailed development notices to commissioners (supported).

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance Adopted (O-2026-02): Overnight anchoring limitation on second reading (6-0).
  • Zoning Change Adopted: Rezoning of 1.11 acres on Jackson/Van Buren to FH-2 (6-0).
  • Water Plan Approved: First reading of potable water element update (6-0).
  • Appointment Approved: Voting delegate to Broward League of Cities (6-0).
  • Property Purchase Approved: 600 Knights Road acquisition for up to $5,275,000 (6-0); staff to return with resolution on property classification.
  • Reimbursement Resolution Passed: 5-0.
  • Grant Application Authorized: FIND Waterway Assistance Program up to $1.5 million (5-0).
  • Withdrawn Item: Resolution on Beach & Town’s Certificate of Use appeal was withdrawn by the City Manager.
  • Executive Session Scheduled: April 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM (or immediately following shade meeting) to discuss litigation; joint motion for stay to be filed.
  • Next Steps on Beach: Staff directed to bring near-term zoning fix items (retail mandate, parking, residential allowance) to Planning and Development Board and Commission, and to begin community engagement on bonus program and master plan update.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to City Hall and the City of Hollywood. Today is Echo Day. I hear an echo. Today's uh March 25th, 2026. Uh we're here for a regular city commission meeting, although as we always like to say, there's never a regular meeting because there's always important and exciting and um impactful uh substance on the agenda. Uh today is no different. And so before I ask everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance, I would like to extend a moment of privilege to Commissioner Quintana. We all uh all of us as a community lost the great special friend, our good friend Frank Leonardi. And uh Idelma would love to reflect uh about Frank, uh remember him, and uh if anyone would like to join her in some comments on the dais or off, we invite you to do so as well. Thank you so much, Mayor. I think that um probably many people in the room today and perhaps many people at home have at some point come in contact with Frank Leonardi. I'm not sure what it is. Frank and I uh worked together at uh Broward County with Commissioner Fur for the last almost twelve years, and we really got to know each other well. But everyone up here on the Dais has stories to tell about Frank's influence on their life, and um I'll tell you we're all gonna miss him. But uh I'm Arlene, if you would just show who we're talking about. Um this is Frank. Uh Frank Frank was 97 years old when he passed away about two weeks ago. And he uh worked until about six months ago. This man lived a full life. He was such a big presence at Rotary. Uh if you go to the library, he was always there. His you can see that he spent time uh and relationship with Commissioner Blatner and with Commissioner Hernandez. I do feel sad that I won't get to be with Frank every day anymore. But there are just so many good memories together. Uh a man so full of joy and brought joy to so many. So his job at the county was really uh uh constituent services. So people with difficult problems in their lives would walk into the library office. And he helped everyone with the same open heart, no matter what their situation was. He didn't judge them, and he just did everything he could to help. Never um letting bureaucracy stand in his way. He had a reputation for uh advocating for residents passionately to the point where um people would do whatever he said just so that he would stop calling and harassing them people on staff. So Frank was a big spirit, uh very much a good man and a good heart, and we have lots of great memories to share of him. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Adama. Great reflection. Uh I I knew Frank uh from when I uh first ran for mayor. Uh he really befriended me and kind of took me in and gave me a lot of guidance along the way. He was politically active in Hollywood for decades, even ran for a city commission, I think in the eighties uh or or nineties. I only knew him for like the past eleven. Um but I know he had a great history uh starting out as family, sir. I was a US veteran, right? Yes, Korea. Korea served in Korea, also owned, I think, a restaurant in the Northeast. Uh before he moved to Hollywood, was very proud Italian American here in the city. Uh gave a lot of his time and a lot of love to the Italian American club here in Hollywood. And all that he Delma said was uh such a great heart, uh a gentleman, always treated everyone with respect and really had that uh old world character to him uh that really stood out. And uh I'm gonna miss uh a really good friend. I I used to tell people I'm going to lunch with my 90-something year old friend because I was so proud of the fact that he was so uh with it as a dumbest that even worked and and would drive and would have his own unofficial parking spot right in front of the library. And thanks to uh everyone, Javon, uh, for accommodating Frank's needs and his uh you know final years where his mobility, you know, started getting less and less.

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