City Manager's Weekly Report

Please take a moment to read City Manager Dr. Wazir Ishmael's message for this week, which can be found on his webpage.

Watch/Participate CRA Board/Commission Meetings

The City is offering a number of options for members of the public to view and participate in the March 3rd CRA and City Commission meetings.

View Agendas

The Regular City Commission Meeting Agenda is available online. VIEW AGENDAS

Watch the Meeting:

WATCH LIVE WEBSTREAM on the City’s website
Comcast Channel 78
ATT U-Verse Channel 99

Attend In-Person:
The general public is able to attend the CRA, Joint Special, and Regular City Commission meetings in-person at City Hall. Those wishing to attend in-person to either watch and/or publicly comment may do so by registering their attendance using the online public comment submission forms found below. Registration is required as seating is limited due to social distancing requirements. Everyone entering City Hall must pass through a temperature checkpoint prior to admittance, no exceptions.

Submit a Public Comment:

Any member of the public wishing to comment publicly on any matter, including specific agenda items and/or Citizens Comments may do so via the City’s website at the links below or via telephone.
Comments are limited to 400 words and/or 3 minute spoken maximum.
Staff will read the comments into the record during the meeting. All comments received during the submission period will become part of the public record.

CRA Meeting Online Public Comment Submission Form:

CLICK HERE to submit a comment/register in-person attendance for the CRA Meeting
Comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2nd
Those without internet access or who may need additional assistance, may call the CRA Clerk at 954.924.2980 during normal business hours

Joint Special City Commission/CRA Meeting Online Public Comment Submission Form:

CLICK HERE to submit a comment/register in-person attendance for the Joint Special CRA City Commission Meeting
Comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2nd
Those without internet access or who may need additional assistance, may call the City Clerk at 954.921.3211 during normal business hours

City Commission Meeting Online Public Comment Submission Form:

CLICK HERE to submit a comment/register in-person attendance for the City Commission Meeting
Comments must be received by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2nd
Those without internet access or who may need additional assistance, may call the City Clerk at 954.921.3211 during normal business hours

Please note: Comments left on voicemail machines, emailed, posted to the City or CRA social media accounts or submitted after stated deadlines will not be accepted.

Interactive Zoning Map Land Use City Code

City of Hollywood Adds 3D Interactive Zoning Map
and Additional Tools to Optimize User Experience

The City of Hollywood has launched the Gridics 3D zoning map, text and property data platform. This new online tool brings simplicity, transparency and efficiency for City planners, residents, developers and those trying to research the City’s zoning code and development regulations. The new tool helps in three ways.

First, a 3D interactive map with zoning code allows users to visualize the buildable capacity of every parcel in the City as allowed by zoning. The interactive map combines a wide range of data layers for a more complete understanding of the parcel. The tool also enables publishing code text changes in real-time.
Second, the online property lookup tool delivers deep, parcel-specific zoning data to help users get the answers they need.
Third, the City’s Code of Ordinances and Zoning and Land Development Code have been digitized into an easily searchable tool.

The Gridics platform aims to make it easier for residents, investors and developers to do business and interact with the City and get the information they need as efficiently as possible. “These new tools developed by Gridics allows Hollywood users to easily and quickly see the City landscape and the options available to them for building and development,” says Raelin Storey, City of Hollywood Director of Communications, Marketing and Economic Development. “The technology is very powerful and provides a quick view and searchable, integrated options for a fast and easy user experience,” says Shiv Newaldass, Director of Department of Development Services for the City of Hollywood. “We’re are extremely excited to be able to offer these tools to our customers.”

For more information and links to the new tools, please visit www.HollywoodFL.org

Plastic and Foam Free Hollywood Beach City Owned Properties and City Vendors

Hollywood is
Plastic and Foam Free

on Hollywood Beach, at City-Owned Properties & by City Vendors

The City of Hollywood is committed to reducing our environmental impact and becoming more sustainable. One step the City has taken in achieving this goal is to ban the use of nonbiodegradable containers, like plastics and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), for serving food products.

On October 1, 2018, any establishment located east of the Intracoastal Waterway selling food intended for consumption by customers off the premises of their business, was included in the ban. On October 21, 2020, the City Commission approved a ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene on City-owned properties and by City vendors. City-owned properties include community centers, Hollywood City Hall, Fire Stations and more. A six month grace period is now in effect, prior to citation for violations.

What types of food packaging are banned?
Cups, lids, straws, plates, bowls, utensils, sandwich containers, or other packaging, which are made of plastic, polystyrene plastic, or of any nonbiodegradable material are banned.

What is polystyrene and why did the City of Hollywood ban it?
Polystyrene, best known as “styrofoam,” is a non-biodegradable plastic material made from petroleum. It is commonly used in takeout containers, disposable coffee cups, single-use utensils and dinnerware. The material breaks apart easily, and is often found littered throughout waterways and can harm wildlife if ingested.

How do you identify polystyrene packaging?
Polystyrene material can be identified with the "6" symbol marked on the packaging.

What types of food packaging can be used?
Businesses may use any compostable materials or paper. Businesses may also access the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), which is an online catalog of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting).

What will happen if my business does not comply with the ban?
Businesses found in violation will be issued a Code Violation and could face fines for failing to comply.

For more information about the products included in the ban, please refer to Code of Ordinances 97.05. You may also contact the City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division at 954.921.3061.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins March 1st

Lighting near the beach
should be "sea turtle-friendly"

The official start of sea turtle nesting season in Broward County is March 1. Last year, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program documented more than 3,000 nests on the County’s 24-mile coastline (including the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park) and some of the earliest recorded nests in program history. Three species of sea turtles typically nest on Broward’s beaches each season: leatherbacks, loggerheads and green turtles. The Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program began monitoring sea turtle nests in 1981. Long-term trends suggest increases in local nesting populations.

Artificial lighting is one of the biggest threats to sea turtles in southeast Florida. Hatchlings use natural light from the moon and stars to locate the water after hatching, but artificial lighting near the beach can disrupt this sea-finding process and cause turtles to become “disoriented” or confused. To reduce the amount of artificial lighting reaching the beach in Broward County, local coastal municipalities enforce lighting ordinances during sea turtle nesting season (March 1-October 31). Lighting near the beach should be “sea turtle-friendly” and follow all three criteria here, established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

Keep it low

Fixtures should be mounted as low as possible to achieve their purpose.
Fixtures/bulbs should produce the lowest lumens (light output) necessary for the task.

Keep it shielded

The bulb, lamp, or glowing lens should be shielded from the beach.
This includes interior lights, curtains, shades, and blinds should be closed after sunset.

Keep it long (wavelength)

Fixtures/bulbs must produce long wavelength light (560 nm or longer) without filters, gels or lenses.
Amber and red LEDs are good examples of these types of light.

Interior lights can also cause sea turtles to become disoriented. Implement these tips to reduce the amount of light reaching the beach from interior sources:

Close curtains or blinds after sunset.
Move light sources away from windows.
Choose low wattage, warm white bulbs such as those with a color temperature of 3000K.
Use fixtures with shades instead of exposed bulbs.
Apply window tint of 15% inside to outside light transmittance.

FWC provides a list of certified fixtures at www.myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/criteria/certified/ that can be safely installed near sea turtle nesting beaches. Alternatively, you can contact the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program for assistance with light retrofitting or additional information.

Annual Water Line Flushing Program Set To Begin

The City’s Department of Public Utilities’ Annual Free Chlorine Line Flushing Program is set to begin Sunday, May 9th. The free chlorine portion of this program will end June 14th. If necessary, flushing may continue across the City through June 30th to achieve optimal system maintenance.

This annual flushing helps rid the water distribution pipelines of any accumulated sediments. The hydrant flushing may temporarily cause cloudy or discolored water, which should clear in a few hours. Residents may also notice a change in the taste of their water during this time as well. The cloudiness is due to sediment in the pipelines and is not harmful or hazardous. You can speed the clearing by opening your faucets and taps and letting them run until your water runs clear.

Typically, flushing will take place in the evening hours between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. when the demand for water is low.

During the water line flushing period, the Water Treatment Plant will temporarily change its method of disinfection from chloramines to free chlorination. Residents may notice a change in the taste and odor of the water during this time.

The city will discontinue Free Chlorination as of June 14, 2021. Owners and managers of businesses with fish and shellfish holding tanks and users of kidney dialysis machines are advised that regular methods for testing and removing free chlorine will not be effective during the remainder of the flushing period. It will be necessary to test and adjust for chloramines after June 14, 2021.

Should you have additional questions, please call City of Hollywood Water Quality at 954.967.4230 (press option 2), or the Water Treatment Plant at 954.967.4230. Ask for Luis Montoya, Public Utilities Manager, or Jorge Marin, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent.

Tree and Shrub Trimming/Removal in Public Right-of-Way and Alleyways in Parkside Area

Hollywood Boulevard to Pembroke Road from US1 to N. 21st Avenue

Start Date: February 2021 -- Final Completion: March 2023

As part of the City's water main replacement project in the Parkside Neighborhood, work is taking place in alley public right-of-way from Hollywood Boulevard to Pembroke Road and US1 to N. 21st Avenue. Property owners in this neighborhood are asked to trim or remove trees and shrubs in the alley public right-of-way to their property line to allow crews safe access to work.

Per City Code of Ordinance 50.04 (A)(6) All alleys and right-of-ways used for sanitation, maintenance and utilities service shall be clear of any obstruction. Property owners are required to inspect the alley behind their property and immediately trim or remove all trees and shrubs that are encroaching into the public right-of-way. If trees or shrubs are found to be obstructing access they will be trimmed or removed by the City’s contractor or City staff at the owner’s expense. The total cost of removal services and an administrative fee will be charged to the property owner.

Additionally, as a reminder, access to alleyways could be limited at times due to this construction. Curbside sanitation collections are taking place now through the duration of this project. A temporary on-street parking restriction is also in effect in the Parkside neighborhood. On-street parking is prohibited Mondays and Thursdays from 8 AM to noon to allow trucks access to curbside collection carts.

For additional questions, please contact Public Utilities at 954.921.3930 or Public Works at 954.967.4526.

Streets and Alleys Paving and Resurfacing Projects Continue

The City of Hollywood has awarded a contract to Weekley Asphalt Paving to perform various street and alley resurfacing projects throughout the City. The work began in December and is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2021. Individual notifications are being delivered to impacted residents and businesses in advance of work taking place. The City and the contractor is coordinating construction activities to avoid any impact to access for emergency services, garbage collection and mail delivery. On-street and alley parking is not be available during the hours the Contractor is working in your street or alley, but access will be provided to all properties at all times.

Comcast and AT&T have been notified that they will need to fix any cables that may not be buried according to City code in the alleys. Underground utility cables that are not properly buried prior to the scheduled work may potentially result in a service interruption.

Your patience and understanding is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering, Transportation, and Mobility Department at 954.921.3900.

Click to view schedule

Free online tutoring services available in Hollywood

Curbside Collections Parkside Neighborhood

Important Notice for Parkside Neighborhood Residents

The ongoing Department of Public Utilities watermain replacement project is underway in the Parkside Neighborhood. Work will take place from Dixie Highway to Federal Highway from Hollywood Boulevard to Pembroke Road, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through February, 2022.

Due to planned construction activities in the neighborhood alleyways, the placement of garbage and recycling bins, as well as bulk items will need to be placed curbside at the front of a property. To ensure collection trucks can access the bins and bulk items at the curb, parking on the street will be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursday. Phase I in this temporary on-street parking ban and change to curbside affects the following residents:

Washington Street, Pembroke Road, N. 18 Court, N. 20th Avenue & Plunkett Street, N. 19th Avenue

The estimated completion time for Phase I is August 1, 2021. Your patience and understanding is appreciated during this important infrastructure improvement project. If you have any questions, please contact Public Utilities at 954.921.3930 or Public Works at 954.967.4526.

Florida Department of Health - Broward COVID-19 Vaccination Telephone Appointment System

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccination sites operated by Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) can be scheduled using the State appointment telephone system.

Seniors age 65+ and frontline healthcare workers can call 866-201-6313 to request an appointment. For those requiring TTY access, the number is 833-476-1526. When calling for an appointment, you will be asked via an automated system to enter information using your telephone keypad. Live agents will then call you back to schedule an appointment once appointments become available.

PLEASE NOTE:

People who receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at DOH-Broward sites through the new telephone appointment system will be called by the Call Center about 14 days after their first dose to schedule a second dose appointment.

People who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at DOH-Broward sites WITHOUT making an appointment using the telephone appointment system DO NOT need to make a new appointment for their second dose. They should return to the same site on the date written on their vaccination card at the same time as they arrived for their first dose. YOU MUST bring your vaccination card with you.

NEW FLORIDA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT ANNOUNCED:

State of Florida Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, M.D. issued a Florida Department of Health Public Health Advisory on January 21, 2021, prioritizing Florida residents for receiving the vaccine in the state of Florida.

Prior to providing the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the provider will ensure the recipient is either a Florida resident or a health care provider working in the state who is providing direct patient care.

Residency requirements are defined in Florida Statutes 381.986(5)(b) and do provide some accommodation of seasonal residents. Individuals who received a first dose before this Public Health Advisory was issued will receive the second dose.

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Volunteers Wanted for Advisory Boards/Committees

The City of Hollywood has a number of advisory boards or committees with current vacant positions or upcoming positions that will expire on June 30^th. If you are interested in joining, please visit online to identify a position in an advisory board or committee that interests you and to obtain an interest from. The completed form, along with a biography or resume should be submitted by the beginning of April.

Some advisory boards or committees have special requirements, which are listed in the Boards and Committees Handbook online or at the Office of the City Clerk. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at 954.921.3211.