Regular City Commission Meeting September 2, 2026
Regular City Commission Meeting September 2, 2026
The Hollywood City Commission met on September 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, presentations from the Children's Services Council and State Representative Marie Woodson, a public hearing on local business tax receipts (passed 4-3), a quasi-judicial hearing on the Emerald Hills rezoning (unanimously approved on first reading), and discussions on water conservation, community shuttle routes, emergency response contracts, and commission comments regarding the city attorney's performance and 4 AM liquor licenses. Citizens' comments were heard at 5:00 PM.
Consent Calendar
- R-2026-285, R-2026-286: Approved meeting minutes of June 3 and June 17, 2026.
- R-2026-287: Authorized agreements with agencies using Community Development Block Grant funds for public services ($175,000 total).
- R-2026-289: Approved first renewal of blanket purchase agreement with Financial Statement Services, Inc. for utility bill printing and mailing (up to $300,000 annually).
- R-2026-288 (pulled for discussion, then approved unanimously): Interlocal agreement with Broward County for water conservation incentives program ($124,657.75 over five years).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Ann Ralston: Criticized perceived disrespect from some commissioners toward residents; praised Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbach's budget workshop; requested removal of a misleading online registration form.
- Siobhan McLaughlin: Thanked staff for a budget workshop; urged rescheduling of the Planning and Development Board meeting regarding the beach overlay (citing holiday conflicts); objected to commissioners calling residents "outside forces"; praised code enforcement for quick response on a property complaint.
- Aaron Marvasti: Thanked city for funding senior programs at Boulevard Heights Community Center; expressed concern about potential closure of Hollywood Park Elementary School and urged community engagement.
Presentations
- Children's Services Council Annual Report (Sue Gallagher, Chief Innovation Officer): Highlighted $10 million invested in Hollywood in FY24-25, serving 16,600 children and families through after-school, summer, food distribution, and health programs. Outcomes included reduced out-of-home care and youth crime referrals.
- 2026 Florida Legislative Session Update (Representative Marie Woodson): Presented a $170,000 check for the Boulevard Heights senior program (expanded through Memorial Healthcare). Discussed property tax amendment (proposed increase to $250,000 homestead exemption by 2028) and warned of service cuts; criticized DEI restrictions (SB 1296) and the failure of a bill to lower firearm age to 18. Also announced a police appropriation was vetoed by the governor.
- National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation (Commissioner Biederman, with Police Chief Devlin): Recognized September 2026 and the 9th annual Gold Ribbon Parade on September 5th.
Discussion Items
- Local Business Tax Receipts Ordinance (Item 12, Second Reading): Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbach presented a 5% fee increase (first since 2010), averaging $14.60 per business, generating about $125,000 annually. The ordinance also streamlined exemptions (veterans, low-income) and proration rules. After public hearing (no speakers), the commission voted 4-3 to pass (Shuham, Callari, Biederman, Quintana yes; Hernandez, Gruber, Levy no). Commissioners opposed cited high cost of doing business and concerns about applying the tax to commercial rental properties.
- Emergency Response Services Renewal (Item 14): Renewed blanket purchase agreements with DRC Emergency Services, D. & J. Enterprises, and T.F.R. Enterprises for up to $3 million annually for one year. Approved unanimously.
- Community Shuttle Route Modifications (Item 15): Director Andrea Winget presented proposed changes to the Blue and Green routes to improve ridership and connectivity across I-95, including stops at Tri-Rail, University Station, and the Publix/Target shopping center. Commissioners requested better signage, QR codes, and potential express service from the Diplomat hotel to downtown. Approved unanimously.
- Emerald Hills Rezoning (Item 13, First Reading): The applicant, Keith Polykoff, noted the project had been in development for eight years with 66 community meetings and no opposition. The city attorney confirmed ex-parte communications were disclosed. The commission voted 7-0 to approve the change from Country Club (CC) to Planned Development (PD) on 166.134 acres at 4100 N. Hills Drive, including variances from peripheral setback requirements. A second reading is required.
Key Outcomes
- Vote on Local Business Tax Receipts (4-3): Ordinance passed on second reading with amendments to exemption and proration rules. Effective upon filing.
- Vote on Emerald Hills Rezoning (7-0): Approved on first reading; second reading scheduled.
- Unanimous Approvals: Consent calendar (items 5,6,7,9), water conservation interlocal (item 8), emergency response contracts (item 14), and shuttle route support (item 15).
- Proclamation: Issued for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
- City Attorney Performance Discussion: Commissioner Hernandez raised concerns about the city attorney's experience and reliance on outside counsel; several commissioners defended her transparency and commitment to professional development. The mayor suggested the annual performance review in October would be the appropriate venue for formal feedback.
- 4 AM Liquor Licenses: Commissioner Hernandez raised concerns about downtown saturation (13 current licenses) and promoter-related disturbances. Commissioners agreed to seek data from police on incidents and competitive analysis before considering a moratorium on new licenses.
Meeting Transcript
We are here for a regular city commission meeting. Though, as I always say, there's no meeting that's ever regular because it was always interesting and important items on the agenda, and today is no different. Before we rise for the moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, I would us uh like us to uh please reflect on a loss uh by one of our former mayors, uh Mara Galante, who was the mayor, longest serving mayor in the city of Hollywood's history, I think about twenty years. Uh you might remember that during those decades of her service uh by her side was her husband uh Donny, who at the age of eighty-four earlier this week, unfortunately I regret to inform everyone, uh passed away. So we wish uh the condolences to Mayor Galante and her family, her sons uh uh Michael and Stacy and their grandkids. Um Mara had written that it's been uh you know obviously a devastating loss for her personally. Uh they were really, you know, always together, uh, even at the rotary auctions is when when I would see uh Donnie with her most often uh annually. Um always in good spirits, and I know he was a medical doctor here in Hollywood for many, many years, and so uh lots of patients and lots of people, you know, develop that personal relationship with him. So we honor him for his service as a doctor in our community and uh again our condolences to the Galante family. So please think of uh of them as we rise for now the moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and I'm gonna be able to do that. Under God. Thank you all. At the start of each meeting, we take an important moment to recognize our veterans, active service personnel and their families. So if you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, a family member thereof, active service, please rise. We'd like to recognize you. Pat, I'm gonna activate the mics, and as soon as I finish clicking six times. How about the dais? Yes. Hold on. You might want to reconsider, Commissioner Biederman. No, I'm pulling. Um eight. Eight. Okay. Um so uh the motion uh Vice Mayor Callary moves items five, six, seven, and nine. Second. Second from Commissioner Shoeham. All those in favor say aye. Any opposed, hearing none, those items carry unanimously, and we'll take up item number eight at the start of our regular agenda. On to one P.M. presentations, proclamations and awards. Uh we did add um at the request of Commissioner Biederman, an important meaningful proclamation. So if you could please uh include this as uh item uh ten A, Pat, or however it's been added to Legislature, I understand. Uh a proclamation recognizing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. And you guys will hear all about it from Commissioner Bieterman, who now has the floor. Chief Levy, please come on up. I understand you'll be accepting the proclamation. Chief Devon. I know that the uh Chief Devlin, I know the fire department and police department uh participate in this group's uh annual um parade to help kids and expand awareness for childhood cancer at Joe DiMaggio every year. So thank you for your teams for doing that. And uh Commissioner Bieterman, go ahead. Thank you, Mayor. In recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, September 2026, whereas September has been designated National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to come together to support children and families impacted by this severe illness and to inspire hope through research, compassion, and action. And whereas cancer, though challenging, cannot dim the courage, spirit, or determination of the children and families who face it. Every year, these children inspire us with their incredible strength, resilience, and will to overcome. And whereas childhood cancer, uh no boundaries affecting children of all backgrounds, but together through you. Hold on. I get a rare call from Adam Reichbach. Go ahead, whereas childhood cancers know no boundaries affecting children of all backgrounds, but together through unity and love, we can give them a fighting chance to lead healthy and full lives.
openpublica.com