Hollywood City Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026: Approvals, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, and Public Outreach Discussions
Hollywood City Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026: Approvals, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, and Public Outreach Discussions
On May 6, 2026, the Hollywood City Commission held a regular meeting from 1:00 PM to approximately 6:15 PM. The meeting covered routine consent items, proclamations, awards, public hearings on comprehensive plan amendments to add residential units along transit corridors, a charter amendment for voter approval on city property sales, a call center contract award, and other administrative items. Commissioners also directed staff on public outreach for land use changes and discussed funding for a beach sports event.
Consent Calendar
- Items 5–16 (minus item 12) were approved unanimously in a single motion. Key items included:
- A $60,000 settlement with Glisset Martinez (R-2026-135).
- Approval of meeting minutes for March 4 and March 25, 2026 (R-2026-136, R-2026-137).
- Consolidation of property improvement programs into a unified citywide program (R-2026-138).
- Final ranking for the Gracewood Neighborhood Sidewalk Project with Kimley-Horn and Associates (R-2026-139).
- An agreement with Advanced Data Solutions for document scanning, up to $150,000 (R-2026-140).
- Ratification of a $200,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant with $50,000 in matching funds (R-2026-141).
- Two agreements with New Hibernians of Hollywood for 2026 World Cup Watch Parties, up to $150,000 (R-2026-142) — pulled from consent and later approved unanimously.
- A three-year sole-source agreement with Peregrine Technologies for crime analyst software, up to $520,000 (R-2026-143).
- Final ranking for utility location services with Craig A. Smith & Associates, up to $300,000 annually (R-2026-144).
- Third renewal of liquid oxygen supply agreement with Airgas, increasing contract to $900,000 (R-2026-145).
- Purchase of eight trailer-mounted generators from Gold Coast JCB via piggyback contract, up to $568,164.20 (R-2026-146).
Presentations, Proclamations and Awards
- Diamond Service Awards (Item 17): The Centennial Team received the Team Diamond Award. Individual Diamond Service Award went to Daniela Beam of Public Utilities. Anthony Roberts presented.
- Proclamations (Items 18–20): Recognized Public Service Recognition Week (May 3–9), Economic Development Week (May 4–8), and Municipal Clerks Week (May 3–9).
- Planning & Development Board Annual Report (Item 21): Chair Joseph Stadlen reported that in the past year the board forwarded recommendations for 5 text amendments, 3 comprehensive plan amendments, 1 rezoning, and 2 flex unit allocations; 27 development applications were approved, with ~50% in the Regional Activity Center.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 22 (Charter Amendment): Ann Ralston expressed support for voter approval of city property transactions, noting concerns about past ballot language issues. The ordinance passed unanimously on second reading.
- Items 27 & 28 (TOC and RAC Comprehensive Plan Amendments): Multiple speakers addressed the commission:
- Ann Ralston questioned traffic impacts and affordable housing provisions, urging that voter input be considered.
- Lynn Smith (civic association) criticized the lack of community outreach for both the TOC and RAC proposals; she stated she only heard about the changes two days prior and noted no civic associations were notified. She requested more public meetings, especially for west side residents.
- Michael Seltzer expressed support for development, noting demand drives construction.
- Item 31 (Citywide Call Center):
- Ann Ralston raised questions about system identification via phone numbers and the number of transfers before reaching a live city employee.
- Michael Seltzer asked about live agent location (stated as U.S.-based) and whether the system offers call-back options.
- Ali Kareem (Datamark, second-ranked bidder) argued that the proposed solution from 22nd Century Technologies (the highest-ranked firm) was understaffed with only 10–15 agents for a 31,000-call volume and that his company's proposal included 40 agents at lower cost. He urged the commission to reconsider.
- Citizens' Comments (5:00 PM):
- Ann Ralston noted parking difficulties for meetings and requested vacancy data for rental units.
- Alexander Seltzer shared his personal health struggles post-COVID vaccine and urged policy changes for vaccine injuries.
- Siobhan McLaughlin (Hollywood Rotary) invited the public to the 69th annual auction, which funds local charities like PAL and Boys & Girls Club.
- Avril Dwyer (For the Love of Our Nation) requested city partnership to host a free children's play on September 21.
Discussion Items
- Charter Amendment on City Property (Item 22): Passed unanimously on second reading. Commissioner Callari clarified that the commission voluntarily adhered to the charter language after it was pulled from the 2024 ballot, and the ordinance will be placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for voter approval.
- Naming of PAL Facility (Item 23): Unanimous approval to name the Police Athletic League facility the “Detective Jerry Christiansen PAL Center.” Chief Devlin and retired Detective Christiansen spoke about the program's history, which now serves over 300 children. The resolution passed unanimously.
- Commercial Vehicle Parking Regulations (Item 24): Passed on second reading unanimously, amending Chapter 72 to clarify definitions and regulations.
- Zoning Change at 2200 Jackson Street (Item 25): Unanimous approval on second reading to rezone 0.59 acres from DH-2 to DH-3 (high intensity mixed use).
- Flex Unit Allocation on Surf Road (Item 26): Unanimous approval to allocate one flex unit at 1402 North Surf Road (Senior Frogs) to allow conversion of storage space to a residential unit.
- TOC Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Item 27): Approved on first reading (7-0). The amendment adds 4,379 mid-rise and high-rise residential units and reduces 1,000,000 square feet of commercial within the Transit Oriented Corridor (State Road 7 Activity Center). Staff committed to additional community outreach before second reading; commissioners emphasized that this does not change zoning or height.
- RAC Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Item 28): Approved on first reading (7-0). The amendment adds 8,000 mid-rise and high-rise residential units and reduces 200,000 square feet of office uses within the Regional Activity Center. Similar outreach commitment was made. Commissioner Shuham noted that design standards are being developed to soften transitions to adjacent neighborhoods.
- Emerald Hills Safety Enhancement District (Item 29): Approved on first reading unanimously. The ordinance extends the district's sunset to 2037 and increases the maximum annual non-ad valorem assessment from $250 to $500 per property. District chair David Rubin reported 24% ballot return with 80% support for extension and ~68% for the increase.
- Fletcher Street Vacation (Item 30): Approved on first reading 6-0 (Mayor Levy abstained due to a conflict; his family sold adjacent property to the applicant). The vacation allows the Morgan Group to redevelop the site for a new Kia dealership; a small dedication of 126 square feet for a water line easement was included. Commissioner Hernandez noted improved traffic safety and potential for a welcome sign.
- Citywide Call Center (Item 31): Approved unanimously to authorize staff to negotiate with 22nd Century Technologies Inc. The resolution includes a caveat that the final contract must return to the commission for approval. Staff may negotiate with the second-ranked firm if negotiations fail. The system will use AI and U.S.-based live agents for 24/7 service, integrating with city databases.
- Fire Station 74 HVAC Replacement (Item 32): Approved unanimously. The resolution authorizes a CMAR Phase II agreement with Lebolo Construction Management for a guaranteed maximum price of up to $1,900,000 for air handler replacements. The project is critical for the emergency operations center; equipment will be ordered immediately due to 10–12 week lead times.
- World Cup Watch Parties (Item 12): Pulled from consent, then approved unanimously. Two agreements with New Hibernians of Hollywood for up to $150,000 total for watch parties on June 27 and July 19.
Key Outcomes
- All consent items (5–16 except 12) and item 12 later approved unanimously.
- Ordinances on second reading (Items 22, 24, 25) passed unanimously.
- Ordinances on first reading (Items 27, 28, 29, 30) passed unanimously or 6-0 (Item 30).
- Resolutions (Items 23, 26, 31, 32) passed unanimously.
- Direction given:
- Staff to conduct community outreach on the TOC and RAC comprehensive plan amendments before second reading.
- Vice Mayor Callari requested that staff bring back a resolution amending the 1301 beach development agreement to utilize the Live Local Act for affordable housing; multiple commissioners expressed support.
- Commissioner Gruber suggested creating nature trails at Sunset Golf Course; staff will explore the idea and include equine therapy possibilities.
- Future agenda: The May 20 conference meeting will be used for a solid waste workshop.
Meeting Transcript
All right, welcome everyone. Welcome to City Hall here in the city of Hollywood. Today is May 6th, 2026. We are here for a regular city commission meeting, but where there's always interesting information and items on the agenda, so it's never regular in the regular sense of that word, no pun intended. Um we start each meeting, of course, with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. And uh before we rise for the pledge, I do want to uh extend a moment of privilege to Commissioner Quintana, who would like us uh to know about a special person who the community lost uh most recently. Commissioner Quintana. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, everyone. Actually, there's two people that I would like for us to take a moment to remember today. Today we remember Barbara Ann Scanlon Laufman. She was the mother of our very own Lori Laufman, who has worked closely with many of you here at the city of Hollywood. Barbara was a Hollywood resident for 50 years. She was well known to many in Hollywood, both for her significant presence as part of the Nativity Catholic Church Parish, and for the many high school students that she tutored in math from her Hollywood home. Barbara's legacy of love, faith, and compassion will live on, and all who knew her. So we will remember Barbara. And we honor her memory. A second person that we also remember is Alton Gandhi. He was better known as Red. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, but many people knew him from his nearly 30 years working at Best Appliance of Broward. As the small business owners in this area put on their first, second, and third party on the J. Best Appliance of Broward was owned by Irwin Alterman. But through most of the years that we worked together to form and grow the Johnson Street Business District. The article included a picture of Red, and the story told about how Mary Ann Churchill and her sister, Vera Vicaglio nearly lost a family treasure valued at $30,000. There were three diamond and two semi-precious rings left behind in the refrigerator that they had hauled away. The rings were family heirlooms. One piece had three diamonds from both her grandmother's engagement ring and her mother's wedding band. And he shared the money with seven employees, a truck driver, repairman, and some technicians. Red was not wealthy financially, but he was rich in character, integrity, and in his huge, generous heart. And today we honor the memory of our dear friend Red. Thank you, everybody. Thank you, Commissioner Catana, for that wonderful tribute about Red and also about the Lori's mom, uh longtime resident of our city. Uh well let's think of them as we rise for the moment of silence, followed by the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much. Another important moment we take at our commission meetings is always to recognize veterans, active service personnel, and their families. So if you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, a uh active service member or a relative thereof, please rise. We'd like to recognize you. Thank you so much. Go ahead. Commissioner Quintana. Here. Commissioner Shoeham. Here. Commissioner Hernandez. Here. Vice Mayor Kallery. Here.
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