Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

All right. Top of the morning, everyone. Welcome to City Hall here in the city of Hollywood. Today is 01/21/2026. Today is a regular community redevelopment agency meeting. And thank you all for being here. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Roll call, please.

Board member Shuham.

Here.

Board member Hernandez.

Here.

Board member Kalari? Here. Board member Gruber?

Here.

Board member Biederman?

Here.

Vice chair Quintana?

Here. Chair Levy?

Here. All right. Any conflict disclosures today? Board member Biederman?

Yes. Sorry. For item eight. Hollywood Towers, I have to abstain from.

Just to just state the reason real quick.

Reason why?

Oh. They're a client.

JAMES All right. Thank you. And Board Member Biedermann will complete the required form and have it on file here with the city. Let's go ahead to 9AM citizen comments. For anybody who's new, if you're here to speak generally on a beach or downtown issue but not on a specific item on the agenda, we do have an opportunity now for you to speak. So if you are here for that, please see the clerk, and she will give you a speaker card. Let's open it up with Lynn Smith, followed by Elaine Kuser, then Bob Wickman. Morning, Lynn. Just press the button if you could. You're the first speaker on the new podium.

Down on the bottom.

What do you guys think of the new podium?

Beautiful. Thank you, sir. Good morning, everyone. This morning, I want to talk about two subjects. First, I want to talk about the new parking scenario that's going. You guys will be getting a copy of this one. It's upside down. When Elaine comes, we're not real happy about it. Too many surprises, too many confusions. We've got

to work on resolving the program that we're offering to the citizens. What my concern is is that even though we have taken away the parking from the post office, there

are post office people that are parking all the way down to Pierce Street, and they walk. So a lot of these spaces, which you guys may or may not be aware of, they're using because they don't have enough parking for themselves. So I think with all of that and the new parking regulations into the neighborhood, because it's going from Johnson and, I guess, now to Washington. I live in Parkside, so it hasn't hit me yet. But I won't be happy about it. And neither are these residents. So our meeting this month will be about parking. So just get ready because they're not happy. But I think you guys need to look at the regulations. And there's some things that we need to fix.

We have to come to a compromise. The second thing is that we are currently advertising on our website, which is really getting very nice, all of the CRA activities. We have them every month. We've been doing them for free. And so what I'm asking is, there's some possibility that the city can contribute a monthly fee.

Because if you go look on our DPR PCA website, every activity, the little cars are even being advertised. So if anybody goes to our website, they see the monthly car show. They see the any activity that we're having downtown is being advertised. So I don't know if you could consider thinking about a monthly fee of something that's fair that we could at least make some money off of advertising for the city. Even though we're doing it for a convenience for our members, it would be nice to have a little bit of money. So thank you very much. And do look at the parking regulation. I think you guys I wanted to give you a heads up before you get blindsided with lots of emails that you're not prepared for. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Lynn. Commissioner Board Member Hernandez, go ahead.

Thank you, Mayor. By the way, I'd like to address the parking issue because you brought it up real quick because I got a feeling sometimes people speak and then they leave, so they don't get the ability to do that. But the reason that the parking is expanding to Fillmore And Pier Street is because of the fact that some of the people that were utilizing the post office parking space don't want to pay the yearly member fee to be able to park there or the $1 a day to be able to park there. So they're parking on Fillmore And Pierce Street. The program is actually to protect the people that live on those streets so they have the ability to find a parking space when they come home.

It is parking for the residents only. It's not paid meter parking and it's not free parking. But if you don't live on those streets, you cannot park there. That's the number one issue. The other issue you're talking about expanding the parking throughout different things. It's not heading in that direction yet. And when it does, it'll probably be similar to this. We need to protect the people that actually live in the street. They don't have street parking because other people gobble it up. We're trying to eliminate that.

That's just an explanation. And the other issue that if you're looking for something for you association because some of the work you do on behalf of the residents in this, I think that's what the Penn program is for. You may want to ask the Penn to be able to reimburse some of those expenses that you have if you meet the criteria. And that's something else that we're going to talk about here at the city level later on. So some of those issues that you have have resolutions. And the resolution are just basically sitting down and finding out how to get through that. But thank you. Thank you for bringing it up. Thank

you, Board Member Hernandez. All right, let's go to Elaine Koozer, who lives on Pierce Street.

You saved me time. I don't have to say who I am. In response to Mr. Hernandez, the commissioner, while this seems like a solution to the problem, it's creating a dilemma for us that live on the street. There is a provision there that says you have twenty four hours. You can only park for twenty four hours. That's a problem. I did discuss it with the parking manager, they said that is not the case. But that's what it clearly states on the flyer. I'm asking for your help.

I'm proposing grant money for homeowners to create parking in the back of their homes, in the alleys. We know there's not enough parking. Doesn't matter. There's not enough parking. I do not want to create parking in my front yard.

I have spent over twenty five years creating an oasis with mature trees. I don't want to turn my front yard into a parking lot. In order for me to create parking in the back, in the alley, to be safe, I have to move a fence, take down some trees, which I would do, but it's going to cost me a lot of money. I have developers breathing down my neck daily to purchase my home and offer me money to move. I don't want to move.

My tax situation is I'm a survivor veteran. I would lose the majority of my tax exemption. It would cause a hardship for me to move. So I'm asking for your help as stewards of the city. This is a problem that we're just kicking the can down the road by creating these solutions. So I'm here to ask for your help. Could we create a grant program, waive permits, have city staff help homeowners figure out how to create safe and legal parking in the alleys so that it doesn't impede the garbage trucks.

And

again, for people to come to visit me, now they're going to have to pay for parking. For my daughter who works remotely, she comes and stays with me for a month maybe. I know you find that funny that anybody would want to stay with me for a month, but she does. And so this is then I have to can I get a permit for her to park? There's all so many repercussions of this that you all may not be aware of because you probably have a driveway. I don't. So I would really appreciate your help with this. And it affects not just me, but everybody in the RAC. Thank you.

Thank you, Elaine. Well, think it's very useful that the Civic Association is going be hosting the parking division so they can hear this feedback and explain ideas and circumstances that you're sharing today. I do also want to mention that maybe perhaps at that Civic Association, folks want to add parking and improve driveways or expand driveways, that maybe we can share also, city manager, the programs that we have that this neighborhood will qualify for, whether it's ILA or others, that I think do contribute to the opportunity to improve and construct parking as part of what they allow. So that would be great. Elaine, thank you. Bob Wickman.

Hi, good morning. Bob Glickman, Hollywood Beach. Let me readjust myself here. Change of seating.

Just look at vice mayor. You'll be straight.

JOSHUA New podium. Love it. Matches what's up front. So to stay on the parking theme for just a second, the folks that live on the beach, we would like to have some parking also. So we've been here asking for years and years and years to give us a residential parking permit program. I will just bring it up again. And I will let it lie. A couple of things I'd like to bring up again. I brought up at the last couple of meetings that there are potholes on the West side

one: of

the Hollywood Beach Bridge. And it's on each side of the

Span. SPEAKER Span. Okay. And I just want to bring it to your attention that it should be fixed before we have a problem with the bridge itself. So they're pretty deep. And it's just getting worse. The water is sitting in those holes when it rains. So it's just something that we need to address. I would also like to bring up, there's a lot of empty storefronts downtown. And one of the things that I recently read is that Barnes and Noble will be opening 60 more bookstores. Let's try to get a bookstore downtown. And if we can't get a Barnes and Noble bookstore, maybe we can get an indie bookstore to come down to one of these things. We desperately need it. It's good for the people that live there. It's good to get more people to come downtown.

So I would love to see bookstores downtown. It'll bring a lot more foot traffic. So at the last meeting, we had the stormwater consultant here. And one of the things that he mentioned to all of you was the fact that there's a dip in the street ends where it approaches A1A. You all asked the CRA to go make a visual inspection of that.

I'm just wondering if they did that and if they can just give us some kind of a feedback about where those dips are and how we're going to get them removed. Because this is what's creating the flooding. That and the fact that the flap gates check valves on the intercoastal are still not working. We've been talking about it for years and years and years. Before the CRA goes away, we'd like to be able to kind of resolve this where maybe they confront some of the money to replace some of those Wapro valves on the intercoastal so that we can at least we're not going to stop the flooding.

But we will stop the incursion of the water coming back up into the streets, which is creating just a huge problem all over the beach. And it affects all the visitors that come there as well. I know it's FDOT's responsibility to do all of this. But hopefully, one day in our lifetime, we will get the district secretary here to have a conversation and maybe move forward on a lot of the things that is wrong with the drainage system and everything else and just get everything fixed as soon as we can. Happy New Year. Glad to see everybody.

Thank you, Bob. I know some of those issues will be addressed during the informational report at the end of the meeting. So stick around. I know you will. Alright. Thank you all. That concludes citizen comments. On our consent agenda today are items five and six. I will open up the floor. We have a motion from board member vice chair Coleri and a second from from board member Shuham to approve items five and six on consent. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. Those two items carry unanimously.

Onto our regular agenda. Let's go ahead and entertain a motion to appoint a vice chair for a one year term. If you could just click go ahead, Commissioner Schuhem.

I'll move to appoint Commissioner Kalari as vice chair for the year.

Second. Second.

All right. Vice Mayor Kalari, motion by Commissioner Schuhem, second by board member Quintana. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. Thank you. Vice mayor, vice chair Colari. And let's go ahead to item number eight. This is the item that Boardman Biederman is abstaining from voting.

But it is a property improvement program for the Hollywood Towers Condominium Association for on-site improvements to the property. It is at 3111 North Ocean Drive. It's for a grant up to $75,000 And I know, I see here, the director of C Med, Communications, Marketing, and Economic Development that will be presenting. Welcome, Joanne.

JOANNE Happy New Year. Thank you, mayor. Chair, vice chair, board members, city managers, city attorney, and staff, Joanne Hussey, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Economic Development. We are here seeking your approval or denial for a property improvement grant for the Hollywood Towers condominium located at 3111 North Ocean Drive. I just wanted to provide a little bit of background how we got here today.

The original property improvement program application submitted was for exterior paint only. The applicant was advised at that time that they would need to apply for the POP or Paint Only program. That is a funding reimbursement of $15,000 which is still an option. The applicant returned with additional proposed improvements to qualify for the PIP improvement, which is property improvement program, which we know has a $75,000 reimbursement. The subject property, as I mentioned, is located at 3111 North Ocean Drive between Scott Street and Liberty Street.

This location falls within the CRA district and is directly along the Ocean Drive corridor. The total grant sorry. The total grant amount under consideration for this request is $75,000 The updated application includes a broader list of proposed improvements, including now exterior paint, impact doors, logo lighting, turtle friendly lighting, pool deck improvements, railings and garage area improvements. For the purposes of this grant request the eligible items under the program for consideration are the exterior painting and the turtle friendly lighting that will be installed on the balcony. The estimated cost for these interior, I'm sorry, exterior painting is sorry, dollars 226,150.

And the estimated cost for the lighting improvements is 184,667.31. The combined total project is $410,817.31 The requested grant amount of $75,000 represents approximately 18% of the total eligible project cost, with the remaining balance to be funded by the Condominium Association as private investment. The existing conditions can be seen on the left and the proposed improvements are on the right. As you can see, the proposed color palette modernizes the facade while maintaining the building's overall character to enhance the building's appearance along the North Ocean Drive corridor. This view highlights the vertical facade treatment and the proposed color scheme in more detail.

The lighter body and blue accent color helps to break up the mass of the building and it gives a more contemporary appearance. Overall this rendering reflects a clear before and after improvement that aligns with the goal of the property improvement program. The applicant provided this photo of the proposed balcony lighting fixtures and the associated manufacturer specifications in lieu of a project specific rendering. A significant private investment at the property is also currently underway. Concrete restoration is taking place as part of their forty year building safety inspection.

And you may also recall that the restaurant portion of the property along the Broad Walk received a grant a couple of years ago. Staff is presenting this application for Board consideration for approval or denial as the application currently does not meet the program eligibility requirements. The board is asked to consider the following. While three quotes have been provided for the painting, one quote in the amount of $1,846,167.31 has been provided for the lighting portion of the project. Three quotes are required per the program guidelines to ensure these improvements are in line with industry standards.

I already mentioned the project cost. All grant funding will be expended by the applicant with reimbursements issued upon completion of the application and project improvements verified by staff. The resulting TIF of all the investments that are taking place at the property are $68,443.23 And as you know, the CRA Board retains the authority to approve applications when they determine that the proposed project furthers the obligation and objectives of the program. So this item is before you for your consideration for approval or denial.

Thank you. Thank you, Joanne. All right. Do we have any speaker cards on item eight?

No cards.

No cards. Thank you. I'll now call on board members who've requested to speak on the item or perhaps propose a motion. Let's go ahead with board member Hernandez.

JEREMY Thank you, mayor. During my meeting, understanding is that the CRA staff had some reservations with the amended application because they don't feel that it meets what we have used as a standard in the past. In other words, if you've already started the work and you've already done the work, it doesn't work retroactively. And I think that's what they're asking for, the $75,000 Otherwise, based on what I'm being told, they qualify for the $15,000 because of the paint, but not the rest. And I also haven't not only have they provided only one estimate when it comes to the electrical part of it, They haven't provided what is needed for the turtle lighting, if it actually meets that.

So basically, we would be approving something that is retroactive in nature, which will allow other applicants that have received grants in the past to come in front of us and say, hey, by the way, I did this work. Can we get money for that? So that's the main concern that I have is starting a president. Even though they're spending a lot of money and we're getting a good TIFF, the application is late and forthcoming. So I make a motion that we approve up to the $15,000 which is what the CRA staff feels comfortable with doing, and allow to see if there's any other grant or any other process for them to be able to do that in order not to open the door for other grants recipients to come back and says, we spent $2,000,000 on ours.

We only get this. We'd like to come back and get some more. That's my motion.

All right. Thank you, Board Member Hernandez. Is there a second to the motion at this time? Motion fails for lack of second. Let's go ahead and continue discussion. Let's go to board member Kolaria. If you want, we can ask Joanne and perhaps the applicant to respond to these things so we can understand the timeline, why the application perhaps was submitted, you know, after the work got started. Maybe there's an explanation. I'd like to hear about the turtle lighting, question mark, and just hear from mister Glickman if he is the representative of the building. And then I'll call on Vice Chair Colerio.

Bob, Board Member Hernandez makes some good points. This doesn't apparently fit square into the program, but explain.

So if I can explain, let's back up a little bit, Okay? So let's back up to tell you that originally we were going to use the concrete restoration as the basis for the paint program. Our permit for the concrete restoration got tied up at the city. When it finally came out months and months later, we applied for a crane permit in order to put the swing stages on the building. That permit was repeatedly denied by the city, telling us we had to go to FDOT because we had an Ocean Drive address, even though we're putting the crane on the Beach Side Street.

We've done this countless times before in the past. We did not start painting the building, so that's a misnomer. We did start the concrete restoration. We had no choice. We were under contract. We had to start the program. So we did start the program. We've delayed our painting. Threefour of the building has already been completed for the concrete restoration. We finished the east side, the south side, and the west side. The swing stages are now on the north side of the building. So we've rotated around. We've kept the paint company at bay. We couldn't use the same paint company as the contractor because their price was over $100,000 more than the bids that we got. We went for outside bids.

So this created a little bit of a problem for us. So it's really slowed down the entire process. Yes, we are at fault. But I think the city has some fault here as well. I don't want to cast blame on anybody. But it's just a matter of circumstances. A lot of this happened during COVID, which really backed everything up. And I hate to bring up COVID, but it just slowed everything up. We currently had an assessment of almost $11,000,000 to the building. The concrete restoration portion, painting point portion is only about $5,000,000 Previously, it was under $1,000,000 Okay?

But due to the state legislature acts, everything became increased. So we had no choice in the matter. What also slowed us up is the assessment, the average assessment in the building, is $70,000 per unit. Most people could not write a check for that. The association went out and got a bank loan to fund the project. They didn't have to do that, but they did that because that was the only way to pay for everything that had to be done. So that slowed up the project as well. So this is where we are today. It's just a matter of circumstances that everything got slowed up. We had no choice in starting the concrete restoration project early.

Chris Crosciutto came out to the property in April, took pictures of the building before the swing stages were up. And honestly, I did not realize that we were moving from the CRA doing it to the city doing it. I had been contacting Chris all along, where are we at, how are we going. And then I found out that there was a switchover. But by then, it was too late. Under contract, we had to start with the concrete restoration.

Thank you, Bob. When did you submit the application in relation to the beginning of the work or the contracts that you signed? Or when did you start the application process or inquire, how can I apply?

Well, that was back in April. Then we the point, didn't

when was the work?

The work was for the concrete restoration and for the building painting.

It was about to begin? Or No. Was it already

It didn't begin until June. We didn't begin until June.

Last year. June 2024. Fair to say that the application was already submitted in its original or in its first iteration before the work got started. And the processing of the application took a lot of time because of the handoff as well. And so you feel like that's where the fault is?

We didn't submit an actual application, but we gave them a list of the items that we were going to perform as part of the grant program. There was about 10 other items on that list of additional items that we were going to apply. And we were discussing it back and forth. And then

Some items qualify and some don't, as you know.

Yes.

But let's go ahead to some questions that perhaps from Board Member Hernandez that you might be able to answer or help clarify. Sure. And then we'll complete the discussion. Board Member Hernandez.

Thank you, Bob. Some of the work doesn't qualify for the grant money, from what I understand. And I would ask Susan to weigh in on that.

I'm sorry about that. The property improvement grant covers aesthetic enhancements to the exterior paint, lighting, awnings, signage, landscape things that will improve the curb appeal. Any kind of like structural work that needs to be done on the interior or

garage work?

The concrete restoration, it's not included?

No. Correct.

Okay. Don't go away. So the paint is included on something like this. And lighting would be included if it was done in a timely manner. But from what I understand from you, was the lighting is not complete as we speak right now.

The painting has not been initiated yet and the lighting has not been initiating.

So those two qualify for the grant program, correct?

That's correct.

Okay. So if the lighting is 100 and some odd thousand dollars don't I think it's $1,000 I think it's over $100,000 That would qualify for us to be able to give a percentage of that.

That's correct.

What would be the percentage of that that we would be able to do? Up to $50,000

But so sorry, I have to interject. So long as the lighting is exterior lighting, not interior building.

Correct. It can't be for emergency stairwells or inside the garage. If the total of the lighting and the paint, the CRA would reimburse up to 50% of that total to a maximum of $75,000

This meets the $75,000 threshold. Trying to be fair here without opening the door for somebody else to come through. And my point is, if I add the math correctly, is 300 and some odd thousand dollars. The question is, have we verified that this is only for qualified items with the lighting? And does the lighting meet our requirements? Do you know if that's the case or you don't know that yet based on what's been provided?

I only know about the lighting for the balconies, which was shown in the presentation.

Don't know about the rest of the light.

I don't know the location of the other lights right

now. Okay. So I'd like to amend my motion because I want to support what they're doing. It's a sizable investment, even though the concrete restoration doesn't qualify for the grant money, but the other stuff does. Up to up to the 50%, no more than 75,000 with staff

Right, on qualified items. You're just But not determined to be qualified. For example, we need a more close breakdown of the lighting on what lighting qualifies and what doesn't, maybe they need to bring you that detail. And then if we authorize the up to the 50, as you said.

Up the 50%, which be no more than $75,000 which means you could get the $75,000 if you meet that, or you could be in the 60s, whatever the threshold may be for that to happen. But the CRA staff needs to have the information so they can approve it. And right now, it would be like us writing a blank check. Even though we're doing it on a reimbursement basis, I want to be able to help you get what you need. But I want to make sure that we don't open the door for retroactive filings.

All right. So that's a new motion to approve the item subject to the clarification that the grant, of course, is for qualifying PIP program items. And of course, like every other applicant, they'll need to show the qualifying work in order to get the reimbursement in the future time once the work is completed. We have a second from Board Member Kalari.

Go ahead. And three bids. And they would have to get the three bids in the lightening.

In the microphone, yeah.

I'm just asking. Well, I

ask for qualifying items from the CRA, I think that's one of their prerequisites for you to have three bids in order to do that.

All right. Board member, Vice Chair, I'm sorry.

So I second that, right? Yes. I think that's a great idea. And I think, just for clarification purposes, as far as these grants go, I know we're doing citywide grants. But as far as the CRA, for the life of it, and the extension, is there a limitation or different type of criteria that needs to be met? Because the whole purpose is for some invite. Our goal is to improve the aesthetics of the beach. This is a perfect opportunity for that. I'm even with the statement that was made about prior work that's done. If someone has made the investment into the beach to improve it and make it look better and they fall within a I know you're leery about them coming back.

But my, I guess, question to you, Commissioner Hernandez, is maybe they were not informed or aware. And if they had the opportunity to do all the right things because there's such a limited time in the CRA and for these opportunities to be upheld, are you preventing that opportunity? Or you don't want that opportunity for them to be able to participate or come back from prior work that actually made the beach more aesthetically pleasing? To clarify.

My concern is that you're going to have future applicants. And our goal continues to be to enhance the beach as it is. Those people have already made the investment. They've already benefited from those investments. We have already benefited from those investments. And if we go backwards, we would not be able to have the money, since the life of the CRA is limited, to enhance the future potential enhancements that we can do. I think that it would be better served if we get the CRA staff to actually proactively

Go out from work.

Go out and reach some of the residents to be able to enhance their property.

Or maybe for clarification purposes that we could put on the record, I don't know how everyone feels, but if you have a completed CO, you are no longer allowed to apply for back pay of funding. So if you have a completed CO, that eliminates you from getting funding. So you can't come back and say, oh, well, I want to participate. And this is only from maybe current construction. Like they're in the middle of it.

We hear constantly as a board not to put anybody down, but the, I guess you would say, bureaucracy of the permitting department because of the different entities that are involved that causes so many delays. So I don't know if you're Okay with putting on the record. But if you have a completed CO, if I'm saying this right because I'm not an engineer.

CHRISTIE Certificate of occupancy.

JULIET Yeah. So if it's completed and the work has already been done, there's no backdating it. But if there's something currently and they're having issues that we all hear about that cause delays and new improvement, we can move forward with it as long as it meets criteria.

So if I could, just for the board, maybe we can take this up during our comments or during informational report. If we decide

to I want to forget something, and that is there's nothing preventing an applicant from filing for the grant before they even apply for the permits. So in other words, the permits delay shouldn't be an issue for us to grant something because you can ask, you can file the application ahead of time. And even if the permits are delayed, your application is already in there and it's qualified because of the fact that you did it before. It's just when it's an afterthought that it becomes a problem because it opens the door. And I just hate to take the funding we have, which is going to be limited at some point, to go retroactive rather than to go forward.

I hear you. I hear you. So I seconded the motion. I think that it's huge improvement. It's beautiful. It's what we want. And so it's leading us in the direction. So thank you for putting the time into that. And then I guess we could discuss and hash out what we need to move forward with on future. But thank you.

All right. Let's go ahead to thank you. So we have a motion and a second on this particular item. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, the item carries unanimously.

Thank you.

Thank you. And now I know we're going to continue the discussion on the program later on in the meeting. Joanne, did you want close or comment on this before? Or do you want to go on to item nine?

No, we can go on to item nine.

Let's do that. All right, resolution of the CRA looking to execute a property improvement grant agreement with Kofsky, David, and Elizabeth Pham. These are for on-site improvements to the property located at 322 Missouri Street in a grant up to $75,000 All right, let's see the PIP.

That's right, Mayor. So the Economic Development team is bringing forward on behalf of the executive director a request for your consideration. This item is a request to authorize a property improvement grant agreement with David and Elizabeth Kofsky Family Trust. The grant would support on-site improvements to the property located at 322 Missouri Street. And I just wanted to mention that the Skis are here.

Thank you for joining us, as well as architect Joe Kahler. The property is located at 322 Missouri Street between Scott Street and Coolidge Street, just west of Surf Road and A1A. The proposed improvements are all on-site and are intended to enhance the condition, appearance, and long term viability of the property. The property is a complete exterior facade renovation with improvements including new stucco and tile work, upgraded pavers, and the installation of impact rated windows and doors. A new roof is also included as part of the overall scope.

The total estimated project cost is about $168,500 and the breakdown is there on the screen. The requested PIP grant amount is capped at $75,000 which represents about $45,000 of the total eligible project cost. The remaining balance totaling approximately $184,500 will be funded by the property owners as private investment. I wanted to note that the property owners are making additional improvements beyond what's included in the grant request. I just mentioned all the improvements there.

They are not a part of the program grant application. They are not being funded by the CRA. However, they do represent the additional private investment. Here's some before and after photos of the proposed improvements. These additional funded improvements demonstrate a strong private commitment to the property and ensure that the public investment is leveraged and maximized.

Here's some additional existing. I'm clicking through. Here are some other things. The property it should also be noted that right next door a couple years ago, you guys approved a PIP application. And so it's just continuing to improve the aesthetics of Missouri Street.

The property's current taxable value is $2,813,980 generating an annual TIF of $36,419.97 As a result, this PIP supported improvement is expected to generate $2,180,082 in annual TIF. Staff finds the proposed improvements will significantly enhance the appearance of the property and contribute positively to the overall surrounding areas. The improvements support the strategic mission to eliminate slum and blight. We've reviewed the application and confirmed that it is in full compliance with all property improvement program guidelines. And based on these findings, the CRA director recommends approval.

Thank you, Joanne. Thank you so much. Are there any speaker cards on item nine? The property owners are here.

No speaker cards.

JACK Would you like to come up and introduce yourselves and just say a few words MCGRAW: about the inspiration for the project? They said no. It always feels good. Come on up. We're going to make them come on up. It's all good. We love to see the investment. And maybe you can tell us a little bit about the Koski family. JOSHUA Well,

I don't think you want to know about the Koski family.

JOSHUA It's all good. Every family's got

issues. We've lived at this house for twelve years. We're in Emerald Hills for another thirty years. My wife has been here I won't say how long a lot longer than all you together. We face Hollywood Towers also. So that would be a great improvement watching that change. Just to let you know, what I do is I retired as a forensic accountant. I'm into gardening. And if you look at the swale of the Hollywood the property in between Hollywood Towers and my house, there's a swale that's about 200 feet long. I've done the landscaping there for nothing.

And so it makes the property and our street look so much better. And if you notice, our street is one that a lot of people are making the house look nice. We have the corner house, Chet. I don't know his last name, but he's done numerous improvements to

his

house. Our house that they quoted, we're going to put $186,000 That's only part of it. We're actually putting in close to $400,000 into the house with other things, with landscaping and everything else. And we just think this is the number one street in all of Hollywood. I mean, there's a lot in front of us, which hasn't been developed in twelve years, which But is the property with a parking lot at the end of the street and the parking on our street, which has already been fixed up like about eight years ago, it's just going make the whole property and the whole street look that much nicer. And I just had a few words to say.

JOSHUA That's great.

My wife is the one who was the talker. Maybe she would like to say something.

JOSHUA It's nice to hear the personal touch, Mr. Kofsky, I assume so. Thank you. All right, let's go to our board members. Board Member Hernandez.

Thank you, mayor. Motion to approve.

Second. We

have a motion from Board Member Hernandez to approve the item, second from Board Member Gruber. I'm going to call on Board Member Schuham. Board Member Kalari, anything else?

Yes, so it's beautiful and it's with the times. I think it's amazing. My only, I guess, since we've been here a long time in Hollywood, is the change from the architectural design of, I guess, historic to modern, which is a sign of the times. But it's also a little I love it.

SPEAKER Refreshing.

SPEAKER It's refreshing. But I also feel like we're missing a piece of history there, even though I see the barrel tile roof on the top. If you could bring up the picture, Joanne. I just wanted to see the comparisons because the old building looks very old Hollywood.

Is Joe Kahler the architect? I see Joe Kahler here. Joe, are you the architect?

Can

talk yeah, about let's talk about I don't know what you'd call that Mediterranean esque '80s style stuff.

The house beautiful. I love it. It's The house

is not at all like old Hollywood.

Okay.

And if you saw it, it's kind of like an Italian feel, not like a Spanish feel.

Cathedral type.

And it isn't art deco y or anything like that. Mean Well, I mean, so

the rounded windows and stuff, I get what

you're You're saying

We have

Joe come up.

I just was adding the rounded windows and the architectural style. But I love the new design. I just am torn because it kind of does represent old Hollywood, even though we're moving forward.

Joe, maybe you can inspire Good us. JOE

morning. I'm vice mayor and commissioner. For the record, my name is Joseph Kahler. I'm the architect of the project. We're located at 2417 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, Florida. Coincidentally, the house is not historical. It's 12 years old? 15. 15 years old.

Okay. Well, that's all

you needed to say. And basically, when it was built, it was more like a hybrid Mediterranean with a little bit of this and That's little bit of that. Right. JOSHUA So what really they wanted to do is clean it up, simplify it, you know what I'm saying, contemporize it. And it's a win win. I mean, looks like a hodgepodge of elements that were done fifteen years ago without really thinking about it. Now it's going to look like a contemporary beach house.

JULIE Oh, it's beautiful.

It's really nice. We're really happy with it. And hopefully, well? Everyone Okay. Oh, God bless you. Thank you so much.

Well, the motion's there on the approval. I just wanted to put that little take. But thank you for clarifying. That wasn't mentioned. So there we go. Move on.

All right. Last word. Board Member Schuhem?

Yeah. I really just wanted to thank the Kotzkys for the investment in Hollywood. And I think it's beautiful. It's being colorized. And I think one hundred years from now, people will look back and say, wow, that's a Joe Caller house. And I mean that, Joe. There's an aesthetic that is so beautiful. And I think that, you know, this will be historic one day. So you've taken a house that's a little bit, like you're saying, a mishmash, and making it something very distinctive. And I just I think it's beautiful. And we're very grateful. Thank you.

All right. We have a motion and a second to approve the item. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, the item carries unanimously. Beautiful. You and we look forward to seeing the improvement.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Joe, have you submitted building permits yet? Yes. Okay.

Ready to go.

Alright. Note to staff. Let's process. Alright. Thank you.

Thank you all.

Thank you. Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Item 10 on our agenda is authorization by the board to execute an amendment to the Ocean Rescue Alliance contract, its duration by an extra one hundred and eighty days from the existing expiration date of 03/02/2026. Commissioner Board Member Schuhem?

So as I understand it, there's no funding associated with this, correct?

That is 100% correct.

Motion to approve.

All right. We have a motion to approve. Can I have a second, please?

Second.

Second from Board Member Collieri. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. Item carries unanimously. All right. That completes the regular agenda, ladies and gentlemen. Let's go on to the informational reports that provide a CRA update on any downtown and beach activities from the previous months, plural maybe, for this meeting, being the first of the year. George, welcome back, everybody, by the way. Didn't say it at the early part of the meeting, but good to be cranking away here at the city and the CRA. George.

GEORGE Yep. Thank you. Let me open with a we're happy to see that move along well on schedule. We've also started installing some of the bollards that we had talked about for security. So we're moving on that and making some adjustments in a couple places on that as well.

The last item that we talked about in terms of extending that contract is to keep it open and alive so it does not expire. Because we did receive from the state, from DEP, finally a letter indicating that they explained some of their issues they have with the placement of the underwater modules and those that they want to see either relocated or moved. And we have a meeting tomorrow to discuss that. And I'll let Susan go into some more detail on that because we need to keep that contract open for that contractor until we get this resolved and see how that needs to be accomplished and where that settles out some of the other claims as well.

You, George. We did finally receive the warning letter from DEP on Friday. This was a letter that we were told would be forthcoming since June. Now, the CRA consultant did pursue a modification request on our project back in July. We were told in August to remove that modification request.

And now with the letter that we received, we hope to pursue continuing with that modification request on the modules that will have some resolution and looking at the impacts of some of the modules which might have to be either removed or relocated. We plan on having our first meeting with DEP tomorrow. We accepted an invite from them. We're still waiting for a confirmation. But that's what we will be pursuing over the next several weeks. After we have the first or second meeting with them, we will come back and report to the board the status of those discussions.

BROWARD DEP or something? Right. Is that the state DEP or Broward DEP?

The meetings that we have coming up are from Florida DEP. We do have a US Army Corps of Engineers permit and a Broward County permit, but the discussions all originate with FDEP.

Okay. Thank you.

I didn't know if we wanted to get any more detail about the band shell artwork that we had talked about in terms of us on the front proceeding issues that we could deal with directly ourselves and then separating out the artistic design work on the beach side part as well, if we have consensus on that. So

yeah, let's go ahead and discuss if you feel like you want to get some direction, George, on that so we don't slow down. Go ahead, Susan.

So the mosaic artist, who is a local mosaic artist, has been working with the artist's team in New York. They did put up the full size drawings, which the Italians call cartoons. And those full size drawings are up on the back of the bandshell. The artist, mosaic artist, and the artist safe from New York are planning a trip to the glass factory to handpick all of the colored tiles. That trip is going to be happening over the next couple of weeks.

And then once the tile arrives, the mosaic artists will be able to start the installation of the actual mosaic. Regarding the board's comments about continuing the beautiful design onto the front elevation and the front fascia, the artist was approached about providing a scope of services for that. He has been slightly delayed in providing that because of his own schedule. But that is something we did start to pursue.

So when I had spoken during the one on ones about this board members, I had the impression like that would be a delayed response from the artist to talk about the front. And so I think what the executive director is trying to prompt us to discuss and give some direction as to whether or not we might want to see some internal mock ups on what we can do with the front, tying in the obvious colors that we already know will be around the backside with the love mural and maybe handle the front ourselves if the artist is very busy and is not going to be responsive in any reasonable time. I just don't want the back to be complete and the front to stay the colors that they are. I'd rather update the front if the artist can't be responsive. Maybe perhaps if even that would cost a lot more money with the artist, perhaps we'll save some money doing it internally.

Susan, do you believe, as an architect yourself, that we can tie in the elements internally and show us some ideas at the board? And if the board says, let's go for it, then we're good?

So I think we can pursue both options. I think we can ask the artist for his date. Give him kind of a drop dead date and say, listen, we need to have your proposal and ideas and costs by, you know, in the next whatever it is, you know, thirty days. And if that becomes something that the board doesn't want to proceed with, we definitely feel like we can come up with some ideas. But I said, the first direction that we got was for the artist to pursue those front elevations.

All right. Any comments by the board on this issue of the front?

Just a question. Is it possible for the artist to do a drawing and have us simply paint it and not do it out of glass on the front?

Yes, we can decide what material to use on the East I mean, around the whole front. It would be I think it's the first side panel plus the stage area and also the fascia on top. It's those white columns. Yes. So if the board wants to proceed just with paint as opposed to with tile, that's always an option. We can present the cost on both of those. And of course, you know, paints longevity versus the glass longevity would be considered in that.

And Margaritaville just redid the inside. Is that a permanent how long does that last?

I believe that's just an application. Like, not a wallpaper, but in general, it's just an application, yeah.

Right. So when we talk about redoing the front, we're talking about the sides and the base, but not impacting Buffett mural. And so the only concern that I would have is I don't want them to clash. So the colors on the back are very different than the colors in the mural. So somehow that has to connect. That's all. I would just ask you, because you have an eye for this sort of thing, to make sure that it's not so conflicting.

Yeah, that's definitely something that needs to be considered. Barbara Hernandez.

Thank you, Mayor. The only concern I would have using paint rather than tile, number one is the durability. Number two is, once the paint fade, if the artist is the one to maintain the rights to that mural, we'd have to go back to that particular artist. So sometimes they say, it's never time to do it right. It was time to do it again. I'd rather do this in concert with what we've done in the back so that we have the durability. That's the only concern I have. Otherwise, we have to keep paying and paying. And we don't have the same quality of work.

Yeah, Susan, I think like we said, this is our centerpiece for the beach. And we want it to pop and to be attractive and postcard worthy. So we just I want to make sure that we don't delay the front, was my main point, versus the back. And let's have whether it's the artist or internally and I agree with Boardman Hernandez about using high quality finishes that will stand the test of time. This is not the front facade of the bandshell is probably not where we want to save for the sake of being penny wise and pound foolish, but rather do it as wow and as best and as durable as we can.

And so, yeah, I'm excited about it. And so let's keep moving. Thank you. All right, executive director.

JOSHUA Two other issues. One is FDOT secretary did respond to your contact, Mayor. And so we began some discussions, specifically two things. One was the invitation to appear here, either himself or a senior representative. I believe they've said they believe they can make that happen by either the March or April meeting.

So that's their time frame and schedule on that. And we've attempted to get into discussions in terms of some of the other improvement issues and being able to negotiate a contract for how that could get done. And then we could be reimbursed for that. I don't know if Vin has any if we're able to make any significant progress on that, any updates on that.

VINT Vin, if you no updates?

We no updates at this time. The earliest the district secretary would commit to coming to the commission was March or April, no firm date. He has committed to establishing an executive team, which would be myself, him, or one of his close designees, to framing out such an agreement. But we haven't set that date yet.

DANIEL All right. Well, I would say and I'm sure my board members agree that it's somewhat of a priority for us to resolve the maintenance of the system there, as I'm sure it is for you, Vin. And so whether it's and the urgency is going to come from our side and not from their side. So we have to our point people here have to stay on top and ask for that executive team to be formed. If you need me to interject again, I'm happy to do it. But let's get to a point where we can have the service that we're all looking for in the maintenance.

In fact, the executive team has been meeting to the effect that I've had discussions with him. So he wants to advance it. So it'll be another week or two before we get together. But just be assured that the staff level have been working monthly with DOT. And this is just so the executive team is just sort of a way to propel him to come to commissions.

So George, maybe it's good that every commission every CRA meeting will have a quick update on what's how the ball's moving down the field.

Yes. And rest assured that we are going to continue pushing on our end. I think it would be helpful, Mayor, if you could just make another contact just to reinforce that, that we need to accelerate that process. Because otherwise, it's tough to get the priority because it's spread so many places.

Okay. All right. Barbara Shuham? Whoops.

Thank you. Then yesterday, I spoke to Susan about the particular area in front of the Trafalgar condominiums where FDOT is doing that work across from our community center. And I understand that they're working, although they seem to be taking a break there now to go to another spot. The problem is, for some reason, whether it's their work, the work that Trafalgar did and I know that we looked at it. We're working with Trafalgar to make sure that nothing's blocked.

Something's blocked. There's a lot of flooding that's happening there with little rain and not really tied to high tides. So I know the big picture for FDOT and A1A is being handled by this team. But we really need to look at that spot.

DPU was coordinating interdepartmentally with code to look at that sea wall that was constructed. And that seems to be the acorn of the problem. So we're working through code to get that resolved.

Please, because the other day it was pretty crazy. All right, thank you.

I'm sorry, Vin. Could you just explain what's causing if you found the cause, what is it?

It's my understanding that Trafalgar constructed a new seawall.

Seawall, right.

And they did not extend the outfall, the existing FDOT outfall

through

their seawall. So they effectively

JOSHUA There is no outfall?

JOSHUA Yes. They blocked the outfall. And we're working through code and building department with Trafalgar and their contractor to get them to rectify. And FDOT is well aware, and they're asking us to

That's surprising that whatever plans they submitted as to existing conditions with the old seawall and how through the permitting process it wasn't handled?

Well, yeah, that and just from putting itself in the contract issues, they're tearing down an old seawall. The outfall is right there. It's evidence, not a hidden thing. It's poking through the existing seawall that they're replacing. So the idea that they walled over it is beyond my comprehension.

Well, it sounds like any enforcement opportunity that we have through the building division or whatever codes of the city needs to be exercised, you know, as soon as possible for the sake of, you know, correcting that. I mean, the contractor needs to come out there, cut the concrete, and extend the pipe. And that needs to happen as soon as possible. I mean, it's it's probably I don't know how they left it. Did they even capped? I don't know if they even capped the outfall pipe or if they just left it open and maybe the water's just standing there. Who knows? So

the permit, to my knowledge, has not been closed out. We're using all of the available I got you. Leverage that we have in regular

Okay. And let's make sure that the condo is aware. Maybe they aren't even aware of the condo itself. I'm sure you're reaching out to them. Believe the code and building department have. Yeah. Okay. Board Member Hernandez on this.

Thank you, Mayor. A couple of questions. And I'm hoping that somebody here, either from building or from legal, may have the answer to that. Does the DOT has an easement right away for that outflow? That would be number one question if anybody knows the answer to that. You don't? Okay. If they do not have an easement, that might have been a move on their behalf saying, you don't have the right to be here. You're not using my property for an outfall. So that needs to be answered.

And if they do have an easement, I believe that the department, the DOT is the one that needs to address this. I mean, we're the one impacted, but they're the one that their easement is being affected. So I don't know how much authority we would have over something like that aside from the fact that we're brunting the bulk of the effects of this. And number two is we need to review the drawings that they were submitted. And this goes back to some of the issues that we're having where we're being we're not being proactive when it comes to some of these things and plan reviewing if this is in fact they didn't have it.

And if it was part of the plan to actually have the outfall, which inspector inspected this that didn't catch this? This is stuff that it's important for the quality of life for the residents of the City Of Hollywood, but more importantly for our reputation. So please, I would like to find out what happened overall. Because if there is no easement, then we're at their mercy. And if they actually put it that they were going to close that outfall and we didn't catch it and it wasn't red flag, then we need to be more proactive.

And maybe some of our inspectors and plan reviewers need to have more training as to what to look for and some critical points when it comes to these things. I say this because we're having some issues on somewhere else that has to do with the DOT. And it's very similar. Once they have their easement, they're pretty much in control and kind of ties our hands as to what to do. But we also need to be able to red flag those things in order to hold those things and say, hey, this needs to be addressed before construction takes place.

Because right now, no matter how you do it, it's going to be a repair. It's not something that was poured in place and now we're behind the eight ball again. But thank you. Those are questions that I'd like to know if we actually have an easement, if there's an easement and who has that easement. And then we get a look at the review of the plans. But thank you.

Yep, yep. All right. Well, I look forward, executive director, to an update as soon as you guys have a little staff email updating us on that. Yep. All right.

And thank you, Vin. Lastly, Lisa Liotta has got a presentation on the status of the American Legion mural that we previously discussed.

Right, Lisa, something fun to talk about.

LESLIE L.

Yes, a lot of fun. Good morning. For the record, Lisa Leota, development officer, City of Hollywood, CRA. Sorry about that. Okay, if you recall, I'm going to first, let's start with the history.

There was a mural on the west elevation of the American Legion that was an American flag. The size, it was a 60 foot by 20 foot mural. And it was created by artist Joe Blends, who's a Navy veteran, in February 2020. It was crafted with wire, metal, and paint to create a three d illusion of a waving flag. On 10/16/2025, they received a code violation because the mural was deteriorating.

And the wiring was sticking out. And there was concerns. Since that time, the mural has been repaired. The wall has been repaired. On November 5, we brought forth actually, we didn't bring forth.

It was suggested by Commissioner Hernandez that the CRA board fund a new mural for that west elevation. And the board voted unanimously to do so. With all of the joy and celebration, we failed to show a picture of the proposed mural. So we're here today to show you the design concept. On January 15, the new design concepts were presented to the mural review committee, which is part of the process for a mural in Downtown Hollywood at this time.

I'm just going to show you some photographs of the previous condition of the mural so you fully understand that we had wires sticking out. And there was a concern by not only code enforcement, the city of Hollywood, but also from the American Legion 'ninety two, that it could be dangerous to somebody walking by if they got too close to the building. You see the deterioration. This mural lasted for approximately six years, so it had a good run. This is the current condition.

The American Legion ninety two has repaired what they considered to be the dangerous elements. I will say they still do have other minor code violations. But as far as the safety of the wall, we believe that it is safe. The proposed mural is actually designed by artist Stephanie Yap. And some of you may know Ms.

Yap because she has been a long time business owner in Downtown Hollywood. She owns the Aikido Martial Arts Studio. She also happens to be a graphic designer and artist. She specializes in murals on American Legion buildings. Truly a niche market.

And her work is displayed on Post 304 in Dania Beach and Post 36 in Fort Lauderdale. The new design for the American Legion post ninety two features the corn poppy. And I'm calling this out specifically because when we first saw the original rendering, there were a few comments in regard to the poppy flowers and the association to opium. However, the corn poppy is a completely different flower. And the corn poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance.

It is said that the blood red poppy flowers grew on the battlefields of World War I. And there is a tradition to wear a poppy flower in honor of the fallen soldiers from that war, as well as subsequent wars. The poem in Flanders Fields describes the poppies blooming between the graves of fallen soldiers. And if you've ever been to Kansas City, there is the World War I Museum. And it's all about the poppy flower.

I mean, it's a really magnificent museum. But the poppy flower is everywhere in that museum. And today, poppies are still worn to commemorate those who have served and died in all wars with the red flowers symbolizing the sacrifice of veterans and the hope of peace. I just included this information because I myself did not remember the Poppy Flower Association. And when I first saw the rendering, I also thought, oh, poppy flower opium.

But after better educating myself and remembering, this is true. So interestingly enough, the poppy flower and the woman who really brought it to the public as far as giving credit to the poppy flower as a symbol of remembrance, Ms. Moyna Michael, was actually on a stamp in 1948. And with that, this is the new proposed mural design concept. It is.

It's a painted mural. It will be coated as well to protect it. This is the design that the American Legion would like to place on that west elevation.

JULIET That's

correct, yes. And the commander, Mary Umholz, is actually here with us today. J.

Yeah, no, sorry. I wasn't in the microphone. But I was just asking some details about the inspiration and also the materials and whether or not the Legion loves the design. Welcome, welcome. So I'll go ahead and turn it over to board members. Obviously, it's a different design. It's a different energy and but it's obviously tells a story. So I can understand the inspiration that you discussed. Board Member Hernandez.

Thank you, mayor. I don't know, Lisa, if you have the other iterations of the thing. We've met and here is one that Much cleaner. Looks cleaner. It does not have the American flag. I kind of like this one myself. But that's always really up to me. Let's go with the next one. This one was what they originally wanted because they wanted to incorporate the flag. And you can see that some of the smoke burns through the flag and it became a red flag, something that we don't really want to no pun intended that we didn't really want to put in there as if the flag was burning.

So the poppies were not very tall. And then it came up to the third iteration, which is the one that Lisa presented, which is that one. Frankly, I don't want to impose myself or my thoughts into the Legion because it's basically their building and it's their thought and they're the ones that actually sacrifice going to war for our freedom. But if you ask me personally, I like the first one that came about, which is this one right here. But that's just my personal feeling.

And I leave it up to the board. Ultimately, this board is the one who's paying for it. And the artist is here. So maybe if you guys have any questions for her, because she was the one who worked with the Legion in order to come up with the different screens, well as Lisa. Why don't

I

say A part of me. It's actually the commander who is here from the Legion. The artist is not present.

Okay. I'm sorry.

So if I could ask the board, is there a consensus that this one is cleaner and more artistic and is the one we want to support? Just lit everybody's is there a consensus? Just raise your hand if you like this best.

I

I like this

one the best.

I think it's disrespectful to

And that's the reason why I

think to ask the Legion.

I would have liked to see him side by side as opposed to flipping back and forth.

I'd like

to hear from the

The commander,

JOSHUA legion, who's Vice chair, too, wanted to speak. I cut it wrong. I'm sorry.

JOSHUA right. So let me go ahead and undo the queue. And you can guys go ahead and buzz in. Hold on. Go ahead. How are you?

Good morning, Mr. Mayor and commissioners. My name is Mary Umholtz. I agree with Commissioner Hernandez because the flag, I have been I work regular hours. So this is my volunteer to be in the commander.

But I had told Stephanie I didn't want all the poppy. Just wanted the ground. And when I presented it to our membership, they kind of didn't agree with me because I'm the only woman at our post. And it's kind of been challenging. But on the last revised one where the flag is there, I didn't want that flag.

Because on top of it, I wanted the American Legion post 'ninety two. Yes, I didn't want that flag. I wanted the flowers all lowered. But I did want the Battle Cross, the memorial for all that have sacrificed their lives. And I still wanted the soldier. But she tells me every time she does a revision, she charges. So I'm going to go back to her and see if those can be corrected. So

we do have a queue. If that's the way which the board wants to go, then I'm going to call on board member Coleri. Go ahead.

So out of family members and out of respect, your word of your board is obviously so important. And while it is a representation, I feel that this really doesn't fit in with our downtown murals, number one. Number two, I think it's so busy that the message is lost.

Yes, it is.

And you really can't see

the blue It's just a mixture of And you talked about aesthetic. And that's what I was wanting. The clean

Clean and getting the message across with simplicity. I think is maybe the direction that you can lead them. Yes, it is expensive to have her keep making but sometimes that effort and that time is to get a piece that will set such a message. So this to me, though, I would not be in favor, unfortunately, of approving because I think, one, it doesn't fit in with the city. While we embrace our veterans and we love them, this to me is just very sad and dark.

And I think that you have done so much that it should be something a little bit more patriotic, yes, but more simple that tells a story but with not so much darkness?

Much, much. I agree with you. It's just that I have been trying to communicate with her through phone calls and stuff. And I told her we need to meet to be on the same page so it'll clarify the memorial.

The good thing is we have time. There's no time. I don't think there is a time limit of when it has to be done unless we're pressing as far as closing it out. So that gives you the opportunity. I granted a lot of opinions. You're going to hear a different bunch of opinions up here. It's beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But to me, this just doesn't fit in with the downtown or what we represent and how we respect our veterans. And I think that there needs to be something a little bit more

Simple.

Yes.

Yes.

Okay. Thank you for your comments. Let's go ahead to board member Schuhau.

MARY I agree with you. And clearly, as the only woman on the board, you have the highest level of taste. So I think that the one that Commissioner Hernandez pointed out at the beginning is quite beautiful. But I do if you could go back to that one with just the poppies, I do recognize the absence of The United States flag in this one. And I know nothing about any of this.

But I'm thinking two things. First, when you have that meeting, maybe Lisa can go with you and convey some of the discussion here. And the other thing is, is there someplace else that a flag could go? For example, the back of his helmet, something like that, where there's a representation.

Or in the ground somewhere, like a flag?

JAMES He's an American soldier on the backpack or something like that. So I don't know. I don't pretend to know. But I agree with your aesthetic on this. I think that first one's really quite beautiful, as well as Commissioner Clari. Yes, it's very impacting. But maybe there's some place within this that the American flag could be represented in a smaller, less imposing way.

I'd like to go back to the beginning, where on top, it has American Legion Post 'ninety two. And it has that flag there.

Has like a banner or a headline at the top? Yeah.

The first one.

So look.

Beginning. Very first.

I think we can all agree

this Right there. Right there. Right there.

That's not shown. So look, I think I can summarize for the board that this mural needs some work. And I would suggest that the staff get back with the artist and with the American Legion to kind of make this more fitting. And perhaps I would suggest enlisting the help of Jill Weisberg, who administrated the downtown very successfully, the downtown mural project and perhaps have her interface with the artist, because she knows how to interface with artists specifically. She's managed the whole downtown mural project for all the years from its beginning, I think.

So I think maybe perhaps retaining Jill to kind of help with this will probably help get it to where it takes the context and, at the same time, obviously, represents the American Legion post 'ninety two as the way it should. So, Lisa, perhaps staff can consider that.

Yeah, and I learned a new word today, aesthetics. So, that's what I was trying to bring out, and I couldn't even think. The only thing I knew was in my language. But anyway, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I want to thank everyone that has worked with us, for us, with us. Thank you.

Thank you. Board Member Hernandez.

Thank you, Mayor. Can we go back to the no, no, stay on that picture for a moment, the one you just had, please. Back up. No, the other way. Right there. I want you guys to see that see that flagpole? There's an American flagpole right there. So for the purpose of art and the purpose of detail, if you go back to the other one that we really like, which was the first one. Well, I think you need to move forward.

There would be a There fly over

you go, right there. If you focus on detail, anywhere on that gear, if you put an American flag, the detail of the fact that that's an American soldier will be there. The fact that we have a flagpole on top of that signifies what this is about. I'm not trying to repaint this, but I'm just saying if what we're looking is a detail and for it to be impacting of the sacrifices the American armed forces do, All you need to do is put a flag on anywhere on the equipment and the gear that they have. And that will probably satisfy that because of the fact that you have the flagpole right next to their entrance.

That's a good point. And if you add this to the way in which the commander wanted the American Legion Post ninety two to be spelled out on top, it could be written in a script in a way that's along the top. And this provides a lot of, like, you know, an opening. And it has a lot of depth to it, this rendering. So perhaps something can be done on this design. And so we're looking forward

to The only thing that's missing here is the battle cross. That's something that you may want to add as a detail as well. I think what they're looking to highlight is the sacrifices that one potentially makes when you join the armed forces. And we're trying to cover that essence. So I just want not necessarily to approve anything, because I think it should come back. But for the board to say which one they don't want, which was the other one that we looked at, we don't like those.

Right. Okay. So the last thing I'll say is this painting, let's call it, or postcard, has a lot of detail in it. And the mural will only look good if the artist really successfully etches the red and the black and that it's very detailed. And so I want to make sure that the muralist, you know, we can look at the other two murals that they've done in the other areas and just make sure that the level of mural that we are ordinarily accustomed to in Downtown Hollywood can be achieved here.

Because, you know, this image is one thing. And then I just want to make sure that it translates to the wall in the right way. And if it can't, then maybe a mural shouldn't have this much intricate detail. I'm just throwing it out there, not an artist. All right, final thoughts. Board Member Quintana?

I just want to support the chair's suggestion that we consult with Jill Weisberg. I think she could be really helpful in making wise decisions so that you don't have to waste a lot of additional time so that you can just get something good from the get go?

I was just informed that Jill's contract is routing, so she should be on board shortly. As soon as that's confirmed, we will most definitely consult with her.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

All right. Thank you so much, Commander. Appreciate it. Looking forward to reinvesting in the mural here. We're we're looking forward to it.

All right.

Thank you.

Thank you all. Executive director.

That concludes my comments on this item. Thank you.

All right. You got it. All right. Let's now conclude with comments, if any, by the board members, general counsel, executive director, beginning with board member Gruber sitting to my right.

It says here that Hernandez is first of all. We got a different thing.

I'm looking at it. Mine says Gruber first. Does anybody else have something? Fine.

Can go first. Just want to welcome everybody back. Looking forward to a good year. And that's it. Thank you.

Thank you. Let's go ahead to board member Biederman, if anything today.

Nothing today. Thank you.

Thank you. Vice I'm sorry, board member Quintana.

Thank you, Chair. I don't have anything today waving. Hello, everybody. I'm in a different seat. It's all good.

Thank you. Let's go to Board Member Schuham.

The mic's not on.

And my apologies for not mentioning this yesterday. But the old Publix, I understand that that project is on hold, for lack of a better term, right, at the old Publix. And I'm just wondering if there's something that the CRA can do in conjunction with the developer, like Bob had mentioned Barnes and Noble, or just something to utilize that space. Because even if the project starts to move forward, it's years. And we need a little oomph right there on the circle.

So my request, I guess, from this board is to ask staff to work with the developer just to see if there's something temporarily that can go in there, or any ideas to give that shopping center a little life in such So time as it can move forward? GREGORY

I don't have the same impression that it's like an extended on hold. I know that they're evaluating market conditions and things. But it's my intention, as soon as Walgreens leaves, to occupy the new space over at the Block 58 Building, at Bread Building, that we would work with the developer to move forward as quick as possible with demolition of that shopping center.

If need to

stay a greenfield for as long as they're ready to go vertical, then gobble up.

Perfect.

I want the road to come down the middle. And that's where we are. We approved a particular plan.

That's all I need to hear.

We're not looking for the shopping center center to be We're

not the

Yeah. All right. All right. Yeah, and I think the board feels the same way. Yeah. All right. Let's go ahead to board member Hernandez.

Thank you,

mayor. We already discussed some of it. It has to do with parking. And the reason that I wanted to discuss it at the time is because, as you can see, by the time it gets to our comments and people that bring it up, they actually leave so they don't get to hear it. Working with the parking department, and we're trying to alleviate some of the issues that are happening on Fillmore Street at this time, because individuals who live on other streets or have more than one vehicle, and they already have parking in their structure, are parking those extra vehicles on Fillmore Street and Pierce Street, leaving the residents of those streets having to fight for a parking spot that doesn't exist when they come home at night after work.

So that's one of the reasons that the parking department has tried to do what they call an RPP, which is Residence Parking Permits Only. And that is something that we're looking to do on Fillmore Street and Pierce Street. So the issue that it was brought up earlier was somebody says to ask the CRA or the city to have a grant for parking. Those grants and those opportunity already exist if you're a low to moderate income individual and you live in a low to moderate income area. And so what they're asking for, it already exists.

I think it's a matter of education and tell them what they can and cannot do. The twenty four hour restriction on parking, it's already on the books right now. That is nothing new. And that is to avoid individuals from coming to the city of Hollywood, having their friend pick them up and go to the airport and leave for three weeks and leaving their car parked in one place. It's called storage.

So we understand that their residents are used to something that has been happening in the past. But as we grow and we want the downtown to flourish, we're addressing some of the issues that we realize that exist. And we're trying to alleviate that in the most positive way and the least impacting to the residents. But there are people that like abusing what's already there. Just like I'm receiving emails of a particular building that has more vehicles than they're parking when they build a building, but they're used to having being able to park on that block and they want to be able to pay the $25 a year in order to do it.

I says, look, we have other areas that you can go park for $175 a year, which if you look at it, it's nominal. And so also, there is another parking issues that have been brought to our attention that they're saying we want to be able to park on the street, when in fact they have reserved parking in their building, in their structure, and they are not using it. And the reason that we know that they're not using it is because the parking department is gauging that to see how many available empty spaces remain on a day to day basis. And there's more than 30 to 40 parking spaces available on that structure that is not being utilized. Yet those are the people that are probably complaining about wanting to park on the street, eliminating available parking for the people that come to visit downtown.

The last association that the mayor and I was in, somebody said, oh, there's no parking in downtown. And we corrected them. And even some of the people around it says, yeah, there's parking in the downtown now. So that's one stigmatism that we want to eliminate. And this is a way to do it.

So I thank the parking department for everything that they're doing. And we're keeping an open mind when it comes to the Fillmore Street and Pierce Street. One of the things that we talked about was, right now, we're going to residence parking permit only. But if the streets remain empty, because we realize that the residents only need so much, then we reserve the right to go back and try to do that as paid parking, not free parking, which is currently now, in order to limit some of the abuse that is happening. What's happening is some of the people that work nearby, and they were used to having a parking lot for them, they decide they don't want to pay the $1 a day to be able to park on that lot.

And they're going to somewhere else. The 175 a year is for Hollywood residents. But if you're not a Hollywood resident and you work in the area, the fees are $1 a day. It's a nominal fee. Javon, you can correct me if I'm miss speaking here. But I believe that that's what the program that we have for parking in the downtown if you work for there but don't live in Hollywood, correct?

That's correct, sir. It's $30 a month, dollars a day.

Okay. So I've been getting very soaked in when it comes to the parking, what the needs are and what's not. And what we can do, and what we're telling the residents that are looking for these things, you may have to walk a block or two. And then the next thing that comes out is we need security. We need lighting. We've been working on that as well. Public works has been working wherever we identify a light that needs fixing, they come out and fix it. So if you guys see anything, just bring it to our attention. But the parking situation is something that it needs to be corrected if we want to fill those empty stores in the downtown. That goes without saying, the national tenants are not coming to the downtown if they can't have available parking.

So that's basically what it is in the downtown. There's something that's going to be coming up later that has to do with the association, the pen, and their fees, which it was something also that was brought up that they're looking to see that they're advertising. There's other associations that advertise a great deal. They're not asking for any money because, quite frankly, it doesn't cost anything to put things online. But I think in Lynn's case, she has to pay somebody to do it.

And so there's an expense for that. And if it's something that qualifies under the PEN program and they meet the requirement, I've been working with Adam when it comes to some of the language, only because there are individuals that belong to the association, that belong to the Penn, and individuals that don't leave in the area where the association is. And yet, that's something that's going to be addressed in the language is very short, but it's effective. You can be part of the PEN program. But if you're looking to get funding from the city for something that you're doing, the board members most live in the area that the association represents.

You really don't want somebody from the know, they're representing somebody on the beach that actually lives in a different district altogether, no different than the charter for the city of Hollywood. So those are some of the things that are coming. I just wanted to take the time to do it. And everyone, happy New Year. Thank you.

JOSHUA Thank you, Board Member Hernandez, for all your work, especially on the parking issues downtown. Let's go ahead to Board Member Colerri or Vice Chair Colerri, if anything today.

I have nothing. I spoke with just updates. I asked about the Margaritaville panel that's in the front. I got updates that that was coming soon. Thank goodness, because it's faded and you can't see it. And then there has been some requests for not murals, but wraps. So we're working about that as well for the beach on certain locations they've asked because I think they've witnessed what Landshark has done. And so there's been some inquiries. Maybe it's something that we'll be discussing in the near future about some of the local businesses. But other than that, welcome back, everyone.

Here we are, a new year, new challenges and new tasks. But it's really moving forward, I'm glad to be here. Thank you.

Thank you all. So as Commissioner Hernandez mentioned, he and I were at the Downtown Royal Poinciana Parkside Civic Association meeting earlier in the month. It was great to update the residents and all that's happening downtown in those neighborhoods. The lighting project is something that everyone's really looking forward to, Susan, on the avenues. And at the same time, you can't have a meeting discussing downtown area without discussing opportunities for new tenants to join the downtown.

I just want to convey some of the audience members shared ideas that really you could say were similar in that they are looking for neighborhood service type businesses to come in. So now that we have a lot more people living downtown and within walkable connectivity of the storefronts, they want to have that lifestyle where they can walk to their services, everything from even like a produce market to the bookstore that was mentioned to dry cleaners, for example, or cleaners, all the things that you'd need on a monthly basis in life. So as we work with our C Med to look at retail recruitment, maybe we can put together a menu of what does a walkable community need for its services on a monthly basis and see if we can we ought to check off the box and recruit those types of businesses as well, work with landlords as well. Some of them might be willing to make some rent concessions, at least maybe some of the new construction on some of the And service businesses don't necessarily need to be in the prime, prime corner or the prime space. They could be on the backside of a building, on Tyler or what have you.

And that's fine because it's a destination that someone needs as a service and doesn't need to be pay the premium rents to be on the corner of, say, 19th And Hollywood Boulevard. So I think that's the big task, as we talked about, for this upcoming year for the Downtown CRA area is to help fill the space. I know that the brokers say they're working and they're advertising. But as we've all discussed, we want to be able to lure the types of businesses and create that mix because no one has the view of the downtown market as a sort of a property manager as a whole than we do. Brokers will represent the buildings that they have.

But we're the owner of the mall, so to speak, even though we don't own it. So we have to help choreograph. And I know that C Med is bringing on a team to help us with that. Joanne, as soon as there is an opportunity to meet these folks or at least have a presentation and see what their approach might be, I think I would like the board to be advised of what the approach is and how they intend on delivering and not necessarily I just want to make sure they deliver in that effort. And I know there's I get emails.

We have emails here and there from brokers that describe some of the new businesses that are coming in. That's exciting. So we just need to make sure the mix, if you'd like to. We shouldn't make the mix as good. But I do want to end it on a happy note and say that Commissioners Biederman and Vice Mayor Kalari and I were happy to be at the opening of Vanilla Cafe.

It's a beautiful Ukrainian bakery and coffee spot next to where Mamma Mia's was, right on the Yonge Circle. It was very nice, very proud moment for the owner, building its second location, which is opening here in Hollywood. The other location, I think, is in Downtown Miami. At the same time, I had another ribbon cutting on Saturday, which was with Steps to Success. It's a beautiful new daycare right on, I think it's Lincoln or Buchanan, right just on US 1, between the golf course and US 1. It's, like, the build out is so beautiful. And so Steps to Success actually comes from New York. And this is their tenth location. The first one in Florida is right here in Hollywood. And the owners are super proud and super involved.

And it's a father and two daughters and really great addition to the downtown area. So Joanne.

Just really quick, Mayor. So Herb and I have met with four different companies. Three qualify for what we're looking for. One, it was really good but the price was a little pricey. So we are negotiating right now to see if we can get them down a little bit.

And then we will go through the approval process and they will be on board. Most have said it's a thirty to ninety day really deep dive into what's going on downtown, who the customers are, who the retail space is, who our competition is. So it's going to give us a really good look at, you know, what the current conditions are and will help us to determine strategically where we're headed next. So we're very encouraged.

All right. I'm sure some of the board feels the same sentiment, and you do too. I think we've done the Treasure Coast Station area study analyzing onethree of a mile around the station area. It gave us a lot of inventory on the square footage that's there and kind of like handle some of these things. I think what we want to focus on and spend the money on is an actual luring of the tenants.

So depending on how much of the expense is tilted towards study versus, you know, go ahead and bring me the tenants and perhaps the compensation ought to be a success type fee like a, you know, upon the signing of a lease of a tenant that meets our requirements one through seven, you will get paid X, as opposed to study this for me and we'll pay you So

the it's a multi pronged approach, Mayor. And the benefit to some of these companies versus others are these companies that we looked at, they actually have the contacts with the companies who are looking. They've expressed an interest in moving to Florida and the South Florida area or local companies who are looking to maybe expand. They have those contacts. It's not up to us to, you know, try and do cold calls.

And they also work with the property owners. So they kind of close that loop us that we haven't really been able to close in these past couple of years. So I think it's a really good investment that we're going to be making. And I'm confident in this company that I think we're going to end up going with that we're going to be able to see some. So there's that portion. Then we're also hearing from some of the property owners themselves that they have some active leasing that is underway. They're not ready to announce. So it's looking more positive.

Good. Board Member Hernandez on this.

JOSHUA Thank you, Mayor. You just reminded me something that somebody brought up to my attention. One of the things that we could have in a downtown in order to bring more people, on Sunday, which is a slow day for them, is a farmer's market. Do it in conjunction with the car show, which already has a draw. And we may be able to fill another street, which Hollywood Boulevard's already closed. We may be able to do something like that, food for thought. Just something someone brought it to my attention. And I had forgot to mention it.

Yeah, love that idea. Similar to a car show, we could do a farmer's market from time to time.

Correct.

Do you all like that idea for downtown?

I love it.

All right. Let's try to see if there's a farmer's market producer who no pun intended.

I mean, we have Yellow Green Market here, one of the biggest so we're trying to maybe leverage that partnership.

Yeah. Or even Brothers Market, which is a local market. If we give them a space, they'll probably come and try it out. That'd be great. All right. So thank you, Joanne. I love that direction. Looking forward to the progress there. I think that's it from me. Let's go ahead to general counsel with any comments today.

I just want to welcome everybody back. I hope everyone had a restful recess. And we have a wonderful year. Thanks.

Thank you. Executive director.

Hope to turn the button on. Thank you, chair, vice chair, and board members. Happy New Year to everyone. And of course, you may have noticed over this past year some of the work in the chambers here with new carpeting and some trim work, the seal, some of the improved seating in the back, and now a new centerpiece podium here. So just trying to do some upgrades into contemporize things here. So what are they? The seal? Yep, yep, absolutely new seal.

Well, since you brought that up, George, I'll

And if you have any other thoughts?

I was going to bring it up at the city commission meeting. But so apparently, the seal that we see behind me, Diamond of the Gold Coast, is something that was adopted many, many decades ago and actually is registered with the state of Florida. I know that we've been using the turtle logo, and I like the pins that we have. So I think something that the city commission ought to consider just food for thought is perhaps we want to update the actual city seal. It has to be a resolution and an actual design that gets submitted to the state for their official files. So I know that the staff had to use Diamond of the Gold Coast because that's our officially registered seal. But if we want to update it, since we don't use Diamond of the Gold Coast ever, my feeling was we ought to update it. Board member Hernandez, go ahead.

I like the idea of the seal. Whether it's a diamond of the Gold Coast or not, we can all decide that. But I like the look. I like the look. Only because the turtle I love the turtle. And actually, my wife gave me a little one for me to put on my desk, not a life turtle. But nonetheless, it seems like it's a catchy thing. And other cities seems to be using the same turtles as advertising and art and what have you. So maybe we should go back to our own identity.

Look, if we want to use Diamond of The Gold Coast, if that's our seal, then we should use the phrase. We shouldn't have a seal that we never use its phrase for the city. So whether it's Diamond Of The Gold Coast or something different, my point is we might want to consider that.

Don't We may want to add some color, maybe a different color scheme and what have you, to the actual lapel pins so it jumps out. But yeah, it'd be a great conversation piece. It's a new era. It's a new century.

Second century.

Someone to consider. Board Member Schuhamel.

I just agree with what you're saying, Mayor, about consistency. We never use the diamond of Gulf I don't even know what it is, right? And I love our charter logo. But to Commissioner Hernandez's point, maybe there's a way to just combine the two so you have something that's seal like, but that includes our logo. So I would be supportive of updating it.

All right. Anyone We can

support it.

All right. So the city manager, maybe you guys can Sure. Contemplate and maybe provide us with some options what we can do and some ideas.

Yeah, good thoughts. We will do that. And we just want to thank and recognize all the folks in public works and C Med for the work. And we'll bring you back some options on that as well, too. But yeah, obviously, as we start the second century there. Yeah.

All right.

The other item I just had for you was I just wanted to make sure that everybody saw, and for the record, that both as the CRA director and the city manager, I submitted my letter to each of you indicating my resignation effective March 31, which is what we've discussed over the past three years. And here we are approaching three years. So yeah, that's hard to say. So I just want to make sure that that was all recognized.

You are going to be missed as executive director of the CRA, Mr.

Executive Director. Well,

thank you.

Thank you. And

just to give you consideration for timing, obviously plenty of time for transition and your decisions as you go forward. As I had said before, I think you've made very good decisions, especially with your future city manager, which you may consider as your future CRA director, too. And that contract work will be coming back to you in the near future for you to consider as well. And we've done a lot, I think. And I want to thank the CRA staff and city staff, who's all merged together very well in the transition now to be effective.

So that it really is one family now, as it always has been, and more closely integrated now. So how that works going forward, we just need to keep managing. The good news was the third responsibility I've held is as a trustee on the board for the retirement plan, the General Employees' Retirement Plan. And fortunately, the option exists for me to continue on that at the appointment of your new city manager. So I may be able continue in that because we've got a couple of other vacancies coming up on that board this year.

And that would eliminate some of that transition and training there. So I'd be happy to do that. And of course, that's at my own time. And as I indicated in the letter, any time I can help with any contact or information going forward, I'd love to continue to do that at my own time and expense.

Thank you so much, George. Looking forward to the next couple months to get some things keep some things moving here. Thank you. All right. There being no further business before the CRA board, this meeting is adjourned, and we'll see everybody at 01:00 for the city commission.