Hollywood City Commission Meeting Summary – August 26, 2026

The Hollywood City Commission convened a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Commission Chambers (Room 219) at City Hall, 2600 Hollywood Blvd. The meeting opened with a moment of silence remembering community members Steve Worthman, attorney Larry Davis, and victims of the Venezuela and Colombia earthquakes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a recognition of veterans. Roll call confirmed all seven commissioners present: Mayor Josh Levy, Vice Mayor Traci Callari, and Commissioners Caryl Shuham, Peter D. Hernandez, Adam Gruber, Kevin Biederman, and Idelma Quintana. The meeting included multiple award presentations, two state legislative session briefings, two utility ordinance readings, a significant redevelopment program discussion, an affordable housing loan commitment, a waterfront property purchase for flood mitigation, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved items 5–22 unanimously, with items 13 and 16 pulled for individual discussion.
• Notable consent items included: R-2026-264 through R-2026-266 approving minutes from meetings of May 6, May 20, and May 27, 2026; R-2026-267 approving a $470,240.00 contract with MBR Construction, Inc. for the Privacy Wall Replacement – North 56th Avenue project; R-2026-268 approving a Local Agency Program Agreement with FDOT for up to $722,113.00 for the Highland Gardens Sidewalk Project; R-2026-269 approving a LAP agreement for the Tyler Street design phase up to $964,747.00; R-2026-270 approving an amended Letter of Agreement with Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline regarding Johnson Street and Washington Street crossings (removing Garfield Street from the RCEP grant); R-2026-271 accepting $327,782.20 in Broward Behavioral Health Coalition Core Grant funding; R-2026-273 approving a Local Housing Assistance Plan amendment including a manufactured housing strategy; R-2026-274 accepting a $170,000.00 Area Agency on Aging grant for Boulevard Heights Community Center senior program expansion; R-2026-276 issuing a purchase order to reimburse the School Board of Broward County up to $440,000.00 for Driftwood Community Pool repairs; R-2026-278 authorizing $139,500.00 in law enforcement forfeiture funds for community programs; R-2026-280 approving a master services agreement with ESR, LLC for emergency sandbags (up to $140,000.00); and R-2026-281 increasing HD Supply cleaning supplies contract from $142,500.00 to $400,000.00.

Presentations, Proclamations & Awards

• Fire Rescue & Beach Safety Awards (Item 26–27): Fire Chief Jeffrey Levy presented the Citizens Award of Merit to Dr. Eric Bassan and registered nurse Caitlin Isles for their leadership of the Hollywood's Heroes Program, which has provided hands-only CPR and AED training to more than 700 citizens and City employees. The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Lieutenant Chris Garcia for his eight-day deployment to Venezuela as part of Florida Task Force II following the earthquake, during which he conducted search and rescue operations in unstable, collapsed structures and helped rescue a security guard (Hernan) trapped three floors below street level after 53 hours of continuous tunneling. The Lifesaving Award was presented to Ocean Lifeguard Marcelo Lorenzo, who on vacation in Aruba dove into the water to rescue his granddaughter (found unconscious) and his severely injured father from beneath an anchored catamaran after a boating accident; he began CPR and continued life support until local first responders arrived.
• Senator Barbara Sharief (Item 23): Presented on the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. She highlighted $170,000 in state funding for the Boulevard Heights Community Center Senior Program Expansion, part of more than $5.3 million in total appropriations to District 35 for public safety, infrastructure, education, senior services, and veterans' programs. She noted five of her bills were signed into law, including SB 42 (medical diagnosis/child protective investigation reform), a veterans' dental care program ($1.5 million per year), and a uterine fibroid research and database bill. She also discussed Amendment 3 (property tax reform on the November ballot), increasing the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 with a 60% approval requirement, and the need for an implementation session to minimize impacts on local governments. She noted property insurance premiums have not decreased as anticipated despite 21 new carriers entering the market.
• Representative Hillary Cassel (Item 24): Reported that of 1,896 bills filed in both chambers, 237 passed—83% with bipartisan support. She serves as vice chair of the Insurance & Banking Committee and on the Select Committee on Property Taxes. She secured $41 million in funding, with $21 million serving District 101, including $250,000 (second tranche, totaling $500,000) for an Alzheimer's/dementia respite care center at a Hollywood community facility, championed by Commissioner Gruber. She passed legislation expanding micro-schools (serving 150 students or less) in mixed-use spaces and legislation tracking mental health data for court programs. She discussed the November property tax reform and her continued work on property insurance reform (catastrophic fund and wind-only policies).
• Marquise Brown Football Training Camp (Item 25): Shannon Hunter, mother of Marquise Brown and chairman of the Hollywood Brown Foundation, thanked the City for supporting the fifth annual Hollywood Brown Day, which provided school supplies, groceries, youth activities, football programming, and a college scholarship for the third consecutive year. She credited former Commissioner Linda Anderson for early support.
• Accela Permitting Software (Item 28): Development Services Director Andria Wingett and Chief Building Official Russell Long announced the successful launch of Phase 2 of the Accela permitting software after two and a half years of implementation (three years total). The system digitizes permit applications, scheduling inspections, certificate of use and zoning verification letters—processes that previously took weeks now take minutes. Automation is tied to GIS mapping for zoning compliance verification.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ann Ralston (on Items 29–30): Expressed concern about water and sewer rate increases, noting her base rate rose from $93.72 to $100, stating the city was "fourth highest" in water/sewer rates and that fixed-income seniors would be hurt. She also commented on Item 31, questioning whether the Washington Park study reflected unified citizen agreement and raised concerns about the appearance of impropriety regarding Mayor Levy's family property interests. On Item 13, she opposed paying additional attorney's fees for 1301 (the Grand Old Lady property) appealing to the county.
• Siobhan McLaughlin (on Item 13 and Citizens' Comments): Opposed the city paying Greenspoon Marder fees, noting the original commitment from the Related Group/Perez Group to cover litigation costs. She also urged the Commission to move the September 8th planning and development board item (beach overlay) to a separate date, drawing attention to the packed agenda. She noted August 26 is Women's Equality Day (19th Amendment ratification anniversary).
• Michael Seltzer (on Item 31): Expressed strong support for the Washington Park redevelopment, calling it a "wonderful opportunity," and suggested pursuing a hospital campus, industrial campus, office campus, or university anchor tenant for the 160-acre area.
• Yaron Gilai (on Item 31): Property owner of approximately 30 properties (with 47 companies as tenants across 7 properties) in the Washington Park area, stated he was never contacted by the consultants for outreach/surveys. He raised flooding, drainage, and parking as primary issues, asserting that property owners bear the burden of code violations caused by third parties, and he questioned the accuracy of the plan's concept drawings, saying they removed buildings and do not reflect reality.
• Rebecca King (Citizens' Comments): Resident of South 24th Avenue requested continued action on speeding and pedestrian safety, citing three major accidents in one year within two blocks, including one where a vehicle crashed into a home. She asked the city to complete traffic studies, consider the full corridor from Funston Street to Pembroke Road, communicate results, and implement traffic calming measures if data supports them.
• Sylvia Spencer (Citizens' Comments): Resident of 1540 North 56th Avenue expressed frustration about a $30 monthly water bill increase, estimated meter readings, inconsistent meter replacement work, and difficulty accessing code enforcement staff in person. She also raised concerns about FPL streetlight issues and voter registration card privacy.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance – Chapter 51 Water Regulations (Item 29, Second Reading): The ordinance updates regulations relating to accounts and procedures for water service. Resident Ann Ralston spoke in opposition, referencing rate increases. The City Manager clarified that the ordinance is a customer service enhancement, reducing the leak/meter issue look-back period from five years to 12 months for credits and faster resolution of estimated bills. Passed unanimously (7–0).
• Ordinance – Section 52.53 Rates and Charges (Item 30, Second Reading): Updates regulations relating to rates and charges for water and sewer use. Commissioner Hernandez raised concerns about the 12-month look-back, requesting that the city commit to repairing malfunctioning meters within 90 days (three months). The City Manager confirmed this operational commitment, agreeing to explore formalizing it via resolution. The City Manager clarified that the ordinance specifically addresses sewer and water credits for leaks and meter issues (previously a five-year look-back, now 12 months). Passed unanimously (7–0).
• Washington Park Industrial Area Redevelopment Program (Item 31): Development Services Director Andrea Wingett and consultant team (Pluserbia, Juan Muellart, Maria Benfeld) presented a comprehensive redevelopment program covering approximately 160 acres. More than a thousand community comments were gathered, identifying five priorities: preserving industrial character, improving district appearance, addressing parking/mobility, investing in infrastructure and neighborhood-serving uses/green space, and protecting residential neighborhoods. Short-term recommendations include a facade improvement program, branding/wayfinding, organized parking and curb management, safety and traffic circulation improvements, and code improvement tools. Mid-term items focus on infrastructure, mobility improvements (street hierarchy, one-way conversion feasibility, water permeability), and redevelopment tools. Long-term recommendations target corridor redevelopment, public benefit programs, and resilience. Commissioner Quintana proposed moving six midterm recommendations to short-term priority, including the street condition and needs assessment (broadened to all streets per Commissioner Hernandez), sidewalk improvements, traffic study for truck/commercial vehicle limits, and water permeability strategies. Community members noted flooding, drainage, truck traffic, and parking disputes between businesses and residents. Mayor Levy recused himself from the vote (though the City Attorney found no legal conflict) to avoid the appearance of conflict, as his brothers own property in the area. The motion passed 6–0 with Mayor Levy abstaining.
• Hollywood Vista Affordable Housing Development (Item 32): Housing & Community Development Director Ryan Coote presented a loan commitment of up to $1,878,357.77 ($1,243,357.77 in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds, $135,000 in HOME funds, and $500,000 in HOME program income) for redevelopment of the abandoned Hollywood Village affordable housing development into Hollywood Vista. The project, in partnership with HTG and the Hollywood Housing Authority, will create an eight-story, 118-unit affordable housing complex (89 more than the previous 29), with units at 30%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of AMI, and a 99-year affordability commitment. HTG purchased the site for $2 million, reinvesting those proceeds as a loan; the Housing Authority will also reinvest. The building was vacated in 2023, and the city resolved a prior dispute over outstanding loan balances (actual amount owed: approximately $1.3 million). Passed unanimously.
• Attorney's Fees – Greenspoon Marder (Item 13, pulled from consent): The Commission considered a resolution authorizing an additional $175,000 for attorneys' fees in FY 2026 (total $275,000) for work related to the 1301 (Grand Old Lady) property, specifically the Broward County Planning Council appeal and Live Local Act zoning coordination. City Attorney Damaris Henlon stated current expenses were approximately $165,000-$166,000. City staff noted the separate litigation (by Keep Public Lands Public LLC) was being covered by the city's insurance carrier, and co-defendant Related Group was taking the lead on that case. Commissioner Quintana initially moved to approve subject to seeking reimbursement from the P3 partner, but withdrew after Commissioner Hernandez clarified the appeal was an administrative process (not litigation) so the "if you get sued, we got you" commitment did not apply. Vice Mayor Callari opposed, expressing disappointment that the county had indefinitely tabled the item and that the developer should not be expected to cover costs given county delays. The resolution passed 4–3 (Commissioners Shuham, Quintana, and Vice Mayor Callari opposed).
• 1101 Diplomat Parkway Property Purchase (Item 33): Public Utilities Director Vin Morello presented the $2,575,000 purchase of a vacant waterfront lot (assessed at $1.345 million) at 1101 Diplomat Parkway for a stormwater outfall to alleviate flooding in the Moffat Street/14th Avenue neighborhood—the city's most heavily flooded basin. The property is essential to deconflicting Stormwater Pump Stations 7 and 8, with a total basin solution estimated at approximately $40 million. Comparable lots were noted to sell at equivalent or higher prices. Commissioner Hernandez raised concerns about regional benefits (assisting Hallandale drainage) and requested grant funding exploration. Vice Mayor Callari noted the need for community outreach and consideration of dual-purpose use (e.g., public dock). The purchase price, negotiated by CMED from a $2.9 million listing, was unanimously approved, amending the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
• Hollywood Jazz Festival Grant (Item 16, pulled from consent): The Commission approved accepting a Broward County Cultural Division grant of $50,000 for the Hollywood Jazz Festival at ArtsPark at Young Circle with a 1:1 matching requirement ($50,000 city match, total event budget estimated up to $150,000). Commissioner Hernandez initially expressed concern about cost relative to the event's attendance (approximately 3,000), but after staff confirmed incorporation of downtown activations, a downtown stage, wine tasting, and street performers on November 20–21, he supported the item. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (items 5–22) approved unanimously, except items 13 and 16 pulled for discussion.
• Item 29 (Chapter 51 water ordinances) passed unanimously on second reading.
• Item 30 (Section 52.53 rates and charges) passed unanimously on second reading; the city committed to pursuing a resolution formalizing a 90-day meter repair commitment.
• Item 31 (Washington Park Redevelopment Program) approved 6–0 (Mayor Levy abstained); staff directed to prioritize six specific short-term recommendations, including managing change at edges, street hierarchy adoption, a traffic study, comprehensive street condition/needs assessment (all streets), sidewalk improvements, and water permeability strategies; city attorney's office to explore CDD or improvement district feasibility.
• Item 32 (Hollywood Vista loan) approved unanimously.
• Item 13 (Greenspoon fees increase) approved 4–3; city to continue pursuing finality on the county appeal and explore reimbursement options.
• Item 16 (Jazz Festival grant) approved unanimously.
• Item 33 (1101 Diplomat Parkway purchase) approved unanimously.
• City Manager announced three budget outreach sessions: September 1 (Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center), September 9 (City Hall, recorded), September 10 (Boulevard Heights Community Center), all at 6:00 PM, with first budget hearing September 14 and second September 23.
• New city attorneys introduced: Forosha Andashua (development services team) and Amy Draper (police, fire, code and parking departments).
• Hollywood Police Department headquarters ribbon cutting announced for August 27 at 4:00 PM at 401 North Park Road.