OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Meeting – June 17, 2026

Hollywood Public MeetingsWednesday, June 17, 2026
BodyHollywood, Florida
SessionHollywood Public Meetings
DateWednesday, June 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:40:36
Transcript — Verbatim
13:45

All right, thank you all so much.

13:46

Uh, today is uh Wednesday, June seventeenth, twenty twenty-six.

13:50

We are here for a city commission meeting, of course, here in the city of Hollywood.

13:54

Welcome to everyone who's here.

13:55

Uh, the start of each meeting, we begin with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

13:59

Um, and before we rise for that moment of silence, I'd like to extend a moment of privilege to uh our Chief of Police, Jeff Devlin, we'd like to say a few words in honor of uh someone uh that we all lost.

14:13

Yes, uh, unfortunately, uh, over a week ago now, the police department received the horrible news that we lost uh retired police sergeant Ivette Bunoni in a tragic car accident.

14:23

Um, was a fifteen year veteran with the Hollywood police department, rose to the rank of sergeant, uh, retired to spend time with her family.

14:31

She was always very energetic, charismatic, huge smile on her face, do anything to help you kind of person.

14:37

She is survived by her daughter, her son, and her sergeant or her husband, who's a sergeant with the uh Holland El Police Department.

14:49

And anything they need to please reach out and let us know.

14:52

And uh, when the services are announced, I will certainly share that with you all of you.

15:00

Please keep uh Sergeant Unez in your hearts, and we'll follow by the pledge.

15:19

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

15:35

Thank you all.

15:36

Another important moment we take at the start of each meeting is to recognize our U.S.

15:39

veterans, active service personnel, and their families.

15:42

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

15:44

Armed Forces, uh family member thereof, uh active service member, please rise.

15:48

We'd like to recognize you.

15:58

Thank you.

16:00

Commissioner Gruber will be joining us a little later.

16:03

He had to attend to a family matter.

16:05

Let's go ahead with roll call.

16:07

Commissioner Gruber.

16:09

Commissioner Biederman.

16:11

Here.

16:12

Commissioner Cantana.

16:13

Here.

16:14

Commissioner Shoeham.

16:15

Here.

16:16

Commissioner Hernandez.

16:17

Here.

16:17

Vice Mayor Kallery?

16:19

Here.

16:19

Mayor Levy.

16:21

Here.

16:22

All right.

16:22

Today's consent agenda includes items five through fifteen.

16:26

These are items that don't usually require individual discussion, but if there is a speaker card on any of them or a request for the dais, we're happy to remove one for a discussion later in the meeting.

16:35

This time I'll ask from the dais are there any requests?

16:38

Motion to approve.

16:40

Pat any speaker cards?

16:41

No.

16:42

All right, we have a motion from Vice Mayor Collary, second from Commissioner Biederman to uh approve the consent items five through fifteen.

16:48

All those in favor say aye.

16:50

Aye, any opposed.

16:52

Hearing none of those items carry unanimously.

16:58

Chief, uh I see that we have um a significant number of folks here from uh the Hollywood Police Department, so I'd like to extend the courtesy to all of you and invite you to present uh the police department awards for January, February, March, and April of 2026, right here and now.

17:16

Thank you, Mayor, Vice Mayor Commissioners.

17:18

So away from some sorrowful news to some happy news, so we'll uh we'll go with that.

17:23

But uh this is uh want to thank you again for allowing us this time to recognize the uh amazing work done by our officers and civilian staff on a daily basis.

17:30

It's important for them to be recognized, and uh I'll be honest with you, every time I read these, I'm still in awe of the work that they do on a daily basis out there.

17:38

And when I'm reading through them, I I just try to put myself in that position or that scenario, and it's amazing the work that they do, truly is the bravery that they show, uh the training that comes through and the life-saving efforts, their investigative skills.

17:52

It's uh really unbelievable work.

17:53

So without further ado, we'll get into this.

17:58

Good afternoon, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager, Assistant City Managers and Staff, Deanna Betaneshi, Public Information Manager for the Hollywood Police Department.

18:08

I'll start by calling up each recipient to receive their awards.

18:11

We're gonna start with our January officer of the month.

18:14

Well, Officer Cameron Graside, please come forward.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use████████████████████20%
Procedural██████████10%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Affordable Housing██████████10%
Animal Welfare███████7%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Hollywood City Commission Meeting – June 17, 2026

The Hollywood City Commission met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, public hearings, and votes on multiple ordinances and resolutions. Key actions included approval of a fireworks pension ordinance, a zoning change for a new office building, recognition of vested rights for the Hollywood Beach Resort, and a list of city-owned parcels for affordable housing.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 5–15 were approved unanimously without discussion. These included resolutions for an FPL easement, SHIP annual reports, engineering services for tidal flooding mitigation, office furniture for City Hall renovation, an overdose data grant, adult day care funding, Flock Safety camera equipment, law enforcement forfeiture funds, cellular antenna services for the new police headquarters, meter transmission units, and HVAC maintenance services.

Proclamations & Public Comments

  • National Boys & Girls Club Week (June 22–26, 2026) was proclaimed. Cameron Warwick, Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, accepted and highlighted the organization's impact.
  • Juneteenth (June 19, 2026) was proclaimed. Georgette Lazley Knox, founding committee member of Juneteenth South Broward, announced the 10th annual parade and requested permission for a petting zoo. The Commission approved a motion (with Vice Mayor Callari's condition for shade and educational component) to allow the petting zoo.
  • Pride Month (June 2026) was proclaimed. Jeff Olivario, president of the Hollywood LGBTQ+ Council, accepted and noted Hollywood's fifth consecutive perfect 100 score on the Municipal Equality Index.
  • Broward County Animal Care Director Doug Brightwell presented an overview, noting the agency served over 10,000 animals in 2025 and changed licensing to be based on microchip status ($25/year for microchipped, $55 for non). He also mentioned free vaccination/microchip clinics and hurricane season pet shelters.
  • General Obligation Bond Oversight Advisory Committee Chair Terry Cantrell presented the final annual report, praising DCM staff and suggesting any remaining park funds be directed to the Sunset property as recommended by the Parks Advisory Board.
  • Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Advisory Board Chair Ettore de Torres reported on accomplishments: monthly park observations, support for Ignite Festival, Little Free Libraries distributing 1,800 books, expanded pickleball, and a sewing program at the Armory.
  • Sister Cities Advisory Committee Chair Christine Corbo reported renewed connections with existing sister cities, engagement with consulates, and goals for 2026 including funding sources and a flag ceremony for new sister city Leo, Morocco.

Citizen Comments (After 5:00 PM)

  • Ann Ralston commented on the Polk Street office project (support), speed humps, and safety concerns at the golf course.
  • Michael Seltzer stated he represents a client interested in purchasing the Hollywood Beach Resort and urged the Commission to approve the vested rights resolution.
  • Douglas Ash urged acceleration of affordable housing on the nine parcels and warned about unintended consequences of subsidies.
  • Eli Dobson O'Connor, a 12-year-old resident, spoke in support of My Hollywood Pride funding.
  • Jeff Delmay and Jeff Olivario thanked the Commission for LGBTQ+ support and requested continued city funding and partnership.
  • Miles Davis (SAVE) recommended the city review state anti-DEI laws and consider long-term contracts or legal challenges before the law takes effect in 2027.
  • Diana Pitorelli raised concerns about beach dune plantings blocking ocean views and requested renderings. Commissioner Hernandez offered to provide the presentation at no cost.
  • Stephanie Morris, mother of a transgender child, urged the city to join legal challenges to SB 1134.
  • Jonathan Anderson spoke about Juneteenth, school segregation, and the need for proactive policies.
  • Sir Jean-Marc Regard requested assistance with travel to Naples, Florida.

Discussion Items

  • Firefighters Pension Ordinance (Item 26, First Reading): An ordinance amending Chapter 33 of the City Code to incorporate changes from the collective bargaining agreement with Hollywood Professional Fire Fighters Local 1375. Key changes: benefit accrual rate rises to 3.4% of average final compensation for each year of credited service after July 7, 2026 for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 members; normal retirement date becomes the earlier of age 50 with 10 years of service or 21 years of service regardless of age; member contribution rate set at 9.85% (Tier 1) and 11.35% (Tier 2). A brief public comment expressed hope the contract rewards front-line firefighters. Approved 7–0 on first reading.
  • Potable Water Sub-Element Update (Item 24, Second Reading): Ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan to adopt by reference the Water Supply Facilities Work Plan 2025 Update, in compliance with state law and the South Florida Water Management District plan. Commissioner Quintana discussed water conservation and requested study of non-potable taps for residents. Approved 7–0.
  • Zoning Change at 2910 Polk Street (Item 25, First Reading): Rezoning 0.94 acres from Transitional Core (TC-1) to Retail Core (RC-1) to allow a six-story office building with a parking garage (92,000 sq. ft.). The Planning and Development Board recommended approval. Staff noted the change enables a higher floor area ratio (2.75 vs. 1.5) and modest height increase (to 7 stories). Commissioner questions addressed permitted uses and parking. Approved 7–0.
  • Voting Delegate for Florida League of Cities (Item 27): Resolution designating Vice Mayor Callari as voting delegate for the 2026 Annual Conference. Approved 7–0.
  • Master Services Agreement with Mansfield Oil (Item 28): Fuel delivery contract for up to $1 million annually based on a Sourcewell contract. Approved 7–0.
  • REV Grant Application for Sidewalk Construction (Item 29): Authorization to apply for up to $5 million from the Broward MPO for sidewalk infill in Boulevard Heights, with commitment to operating costs. Approved 7–0.
  • Affordable Housing Parcels (Item 30): Resolution identifying nine city-owned parcels as appropriate for affordable housing development (single-family homes) pursuant to Florida Statute 166.0451. Commissioner Hernandez requested adding larger opportunity sites to the list; staff will create a separate list. Approved 7–0.
  • Sodium Hypochlorite System Construction (Item 31): Contract with RF Environmental Services, Inc. for $4,599,120 to convert to sodium hypochlorite at the Southern Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Approved 7–0.
  • Construction Administration Services (Item 32): Authorization for Hazen and Sawyer (up to $298,981) for administration of the same project. Approved 7–0.
  • Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal (Item 33): Three-year renewal through CDW Government for up to $1,189,728.43 annually. Approved 7–0.
  • Hollywood Beach Resort Vested Rights (Item 34): Resolution confirming the property's vested right to 398 residential units (plus commercial and accessory uses) based on 1980s resolutions. Extensive discussion: Commissioner Shuham raised concerns about the number (398 vs. 360 vs. 362) and whether the owner intended to abandon residential use. City Attorney Henlon stated vesting is based on historic use and intent, not abandonment. Attorney Keith Polykoff argued the owner actively worked on platting. The resolution does not exempt the owner from current zoning requirements. Approved 6–1 (Commissioner Shuham dissented).

Key Outcomes

  • Firefighters Pension Ordinance passed first reading unanimously (7–0).
  • Potable Water Sub-Element Update passed second reading unanimously (7–0).
  • Zoning Change at 2910 Polk Street passed first reading unanimously (7–0).
  • Vesting Rights for Hollywood Beach Resort passed 6–1 (Shuham opposed) after amending to add Section 4 and amend Section 6.
  • All consent items and regular agenda resolutions (Items 27–33) passed unanimously.
  • Directives: Staff directed to:
    • Create a separate list of larger opportunity sites for affordable housing (Commissioner Hernandez).
    • Evaluate water conservation programming including non-potable taps for residents (Commissioner Quintana).
    • Review the parking variance process for warehouse adaptive reuse (Commissioner Hernandez – with support for a future comprehensive review).
    • Assess potential impacts of Florida's new anti-DEI law (SB 1134) and consider long-term contracts or legal challenges (request from Miles Davis/SAVE).
  • Upcoming Events: World Cup block parties (June 27, July 19); Juneteenth parade and festival (June 20); COVID memorial ribbon cutting (July 1, Bob Butterworth Park); Tree Canopy Project workshop (June 27, Washington Park).

Meeting Transcript

All right, thank you all so much. Uh, today is uh Wednesday, June seventeenth, twenty twenty-six. We are here for a city commission meeting, of course, here in the city of Hollywood. Welcome to everyone who's here. Uh, the start of each meeting, we begin with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Um, and before we rise for that moment of silence, I'd like to extend a moment of privilege to uh our Chief of Police, Jeff Devlin, we'd like to say a few words in honor of uh someone uh that we all lost. Yes, uh, unfortunately, uh, over a week ago now, the police department received the horrible news that we lost uh retired police sergeant Ivette Bunoni in a tragic car accident. Um, was a fifteen year veteran with the Hollywood police department, rose to the rank of sergeant, uh, retired to spend time with her family. She was always very energetic, charismatic, huge smile on her face, do anything to help you kind of person. She is survived by her daughter, her son, and her sergeant or her husband, who's a sergeant with the uh Holland El Police Department. And anything they need to please reach out and let us know. And uh, when the services are announced, I will certainly share that with you all of you. Please keep uh Sergeant Unez in your hearts, and we'll follow by the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. Thank you all. Another important moment we take at the start of each meeting is to recognize our U.S. veterans, active service personnel, and their families. So if you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, uh family member thereof, uh active service member, please rise. We'd like to recognize you. Thank you. Commissioner Gruber will be joining us a little later. He had to attend to a family matter. Let's go ahead with roll call. Commissioner Gruber. Commissioner Biederman. Here. Commissioner Cantana. Here. Commissioner Shoeham. Here. Commissioner Hernandez. Here. Vice Mayor Kallery? Here. Mayor Levy. Here. All right. Today's consent agenda includes items five through fifteen. These are items that don't usually require individual discussion, but if there is a speaker card on any of them or a request for the dais, we're happy to remove one for a discussion later in the meeting. This time I'll ask from the dais are there any requests? Motion to approve. Pat any speaker cards? No. All right, we have a motion from Vice Mayor Collary, second from Commissioner Biederman to uh approve the consent items five through fifteen. All those in favor say aye. Aye, any opposed. Hearing none of those items carry unanimously. Chief, uh I see that we have um a significant number of folks here from uh the Hollywood Police Department, so I'd like to extend the courtesy to all of you and invite you to present uh the police department awards for January, February, March, and April of 2026, right here and now. Thank you, Mayor, Vice Mayor Commissioners.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com