Roger Caruso

The meeting covered several key topics, including discussions on improving recycling compliance through potential monetary incentives and addressing a fish kill report in the Hollywood Lakes Canal, where a lack of standard response protocol was noted. Outreach planning included confirmation of City of Hollywood attendance at Water Matters Day and sharing information about hazards related to improper household chemical disposal. Staff updates highlighted the commencement of the tree planting procurement process and scheduling of upcoming events like Broward Sierra Earth Day and a composting workshop. Committee goals for 2026 focused on developing water quality testing protocols, enhancing community engagement through event attendance to promote turtle-friendly lighting and composting, and integrating sustainability with public art, including proposals for moss-based green walls. Energy efficiency was addressed by exploring motion-sensing lighting. The committee unanimously passed a motion recommending the Commission not support future use of artificial turf on city fields and another motion recommending the Commission ban fertilizer during summer months.

The Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting agenda included a review of the draft minutes from January 6, 2026 (excluding the approval of those minutes), staff liaison updates regarding tree planting procurement and composting workshops, and a discussion on 2026 Goals Review & Actions. Key action items involved reviewing draft recommendations for banning artificial turf and fertilizer use, planning for Earth Day, discussing volunteer outreach for turtle lighting, updating the committee on composting efforts, and brainstorming ideas for sustainability giveaways. The committee also planned outreach regarding the Community Rating System and outlined topics for the March agenda.

The Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting agenda for January 2026 included reviewing and approving the minutes from the November 2025 meeting, brief announcements, staff liaison updates, and preparation for the upcoming meeting. Key discussion topics for 2026 goals included sustainability giveaways, the artificial turf on sports fields, and the fertilizer ban ordinance. Other items involved the Community Rating System outreach and reviewing feedback from the Commission presentation made in March.

The City Commission is considering a resolution to approve a change order to Blanket Purchase Agreement PA600830 with United Rentals (North America) Inc. The change order would increase the rental equipment contract amount from $200,000.00 to $450,000.00 and amend the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The resolution also addresses the reallocation of funds within the Water and Sewer Fund to accommodate the increased need for equipment rental, particularly in anticipation of inclement weather events like hurricanes and King Tides.

The Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting includes discussions on resilience and sustainability topics such as dunes, updates from the SAC Coalition, brainstorming future committee initiatives, volunteer turtle lighting outreach, ideas for sustainability giveaways, and artificial turf on sports fields. The agenda also covers a fertilizer ban ordinance, commission feedback on the SAC presentation in March, and planning for the December agenda. Additional topics included City Comprehensive Plan Sustainability and Resiliency Element, setting realistic and attainable goals for the SAC, the new artificial reef, a tree giveaway, extreme heat and the City's new cooling centers. The committee also discussed a 2026 sustainability calendar, Hollywood Beach Sweep, and compost program participation.