Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollywood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in environment
Resilient Florida Resiliency Projects
Three resiliency projects get a shot at state grant funding, with the city on the hook for matching dollars if awarded.
Countywide climate resilience plan
Commissioner Shuham pitched the Regional Resilience Plan — a $28 billion, 50-year roadmap for adapting to flooding, heat, and sea level rise — and asked the board to factor it into development recommendations.
Regional biosolids facility participation
The city was set to consider a ten-year deal, up to roughly $7.5 million a year, to haul, treat, and dispose of wastewater biosolids — with PFAS destruction or sequestration included. It's a major operational cost for the sewer system that touches utility rates and environmental compliance.
Tidal flooding mitigation and shoreline protection Phase II
The city accepted a $2.97 million state grant, matched by GO Bond funds, to build tidal flooding and shoreline protection improvements, plus an FDOT agreement for Site 21.
Water Conservation Incentives Program
Hollywood would keep cost-sharing a Broward County water conservation incentives program, up to $124,657.75 over five years — a program that helps residents save water and money.
Septic-to-sewer conversion program
The city adopted a 25-year, five-phase plan to connect septic properties to sewer, along with water and sewer rate schedules through 2031. Gruber dissented on the sewer expansion and rates; residents like Ann Ralston raised cost concerns.
Ocean Rescue Alliance contract extension
The state environmental agency sent the CRA a warning letter about the underwater reef module work off the beach. Staff have responded, offered an independent reef expert (a former DEP specialist), and are negotiating with DEP. Vice Chair Callari urged the board to stand firm, saying the reefs were done preventatively and have flourished.
Joining the Broward County Solid Waste Authority (facilities amendment)
The commission conditionally approved county interlocal amendments for solid waste disposal and recycling processing after extensive debate — Hernandez was the lone no vote.
Community Cats and Iguana Management
Two animal issues surfaced: outside visitors dumping cat food in neighborhoods, and a big iguana comeback. Commissioners want public education campaigns and a revived citywide iguana management plan.
Surf Road land sale referendum to Broward County
Voters decide in November whether the city can hand 1.41 acres of beachfront land north of the Dania pier to Broward County for Port Everglades mitigation. If the port project dies, a reverter clause sends the land back to the city.
Marine Advisory Board recruitment gap
Only three people applied for six seats overseeing Hollywood's coastal and marine matters, including diver safety and reef protection. The item was continued to July 7 for recruitment.
County approval requirement for rate increases
Some major SWA decisions need two-thirds of the member-city population plus Broward County approval. Commissioner Hernandez objected that the county effectively holds a veto despite being the smallest population in the room.
Executive committee representation for large cities
Big cities including Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale lack guaranteed seats on the SWA's day-to-day executive committee, which is split into five large-city, three medium-city, and two small-city seats filled by election. Mayor Levy and Commissioner Hernandez pressed for proportional representation given Hollywood's tonnage and population.
Flood Monitoring Network
The city joined Broward County's RAIN program, installing ten urban flood monitoring units over five years.
Recycling rate and diversion goals
Broward recycles just 39% of its waste against a 75% state goal, and landfill and waste-to-energy capacity is nearly exhausted. The authority's plan centers on standardized education, composting, and construction-debris diversion rather than building new facilities.