Title
A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Approving And Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Appoint Three Special Magistrates Pursuant To Chapter 36 Of The City Of Hollywood Code Of Ordinances And Authorizing The Execution Of Retainer Agreements With The Special Magistrates For An Estimated Annual Expenditure Of $102,000.00.
Strategic Plan Focus
Quality of Life & Strong Neighborhoods
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of the attached Resolution.
Explanation:
The City currently uses magistrates in the Code Division and plans to use them in the Police Department for Traffic Detection Systems violation hearings.
The Code Division is currently operating with only one special magistrate following the resignation of Thomas Ansbro at the end of 2023. This resolution proposes the appointment of additional magistrates to ensure continuity and support for the increasing number of hearings. The magistrates will alternate the City's special magistrate hearings. The appointment of these magistrates will enhance the division's ability to manage its caseload efficiently, maintain uninterrupted operations, provide flexibility in scheduling, reduce potential delays, and lead to improved compliance and resolution of code violations.
The Police Department usage of the magistrate is dependent upon the number of hearings requested for the School Speed Zone Enforcement program.
The estimated annual expenditure of $34,000.00 each is based on a calculation of 170 hours at the rate of $200.00 per hour. This calculation includes the cost for Code and Police.
Fiscal Impact:
A portion of the funding for these agreements is available in the FY 2024 Operating Budget in account number 001.220101.53900.531240.000000.000.000, and will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years’ operating budgets subject to approval and adoption by the City Commission
Additional funding will be made available as needed in the FY 2025 Operating Budget in account number 001.204301.52100.531240.000000.000.000 via a future budget amendment by allocating revenue generated from the School Zone Enforcement Program, subject to approval and adoption by the City Commission.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Jovan Douglas, Division Director of Parking and Code Compliance
Jeffrey Devlin, Chief of Police
Chris O’Brien, Director of Public Safety