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.
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.