Commission approves contracts for Johnson Street and Lift Station, creates Hispanic Affairs Council and adopts assessment change; multiple unanimous votes

Hollywood City Commission voted unanimously April 2 to approve a package of contracts and resolutions covering street and infrastructure upgrades, a change to the city’s nonresidential fire-assessment method and the formation of a Hispanic Affairs Council.

The commission approved an award to AUM Construction Inc. for the Johnson Street Local Agency Program (LAP) construction contract, authorized a construction contract for the Lift Station E9 upgrade, adopted a switch from a tiered to a per-square-foot fire assessment for nonresidential properties, authorized purchase/buyout activity under an existing vehicle lease program, and established a seven‑member Hispanic Affairs Council with alternates. The commission also removed an identified individual from two advisory boards at the city manager’s request.

Why it matters: The Johnson Street and Lift Station contracts are parts of multi-source investments—FDOT LAP funding, Broward surtax allocations and city contributions—aimed at improving lighting, drainage, bike lanes and resilience in parts of the city. The assessment change will alter how nonresidential property owners are billed for fire-rescue services beginning in FY 2026. The Hispanic Affairs Council creates a new official channel for outreach and advice to city leaders on Hispanic community issues.

Key votes and approvals (selected)

- Johnson Street LAP construction (AUM Construction Inc.): Commission approved awarding the construction contract in an amount up to $1,894,683 (resolution on the agenda). The contract covers street lighting, shared bike lanes and corridor drainage segments funded through FDOT LAP, Broward surtax and other sources. Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Hernandez; vote: unanimous.

- Johnson Street / surtax and related corridor investments: The commission heard a multi-part presentation from design and construction staff explaining the combined funding and…