Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Joseph Morris
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, granting renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades marine terminal security services franchise to V.O.K. Protective Services, Inc., for a five-year term; providing for franchise terms and conditions.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 32.22 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”) and the applicable provisions of Chapter 94-429, Laws of Florida, Broward County (the “County”) must hold a public hearing prior to granting, renewing, placing on probation, suspending, or revoking a franchise.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows for the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) consideration of the Resolution granting renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades marine terminal security services franchise to V.O.K. Protective Services, Inc., for a new five-year term.
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Previous Action Taken
Request to Set Public Hearing was approved by the Board on October 8, 2024 (Item No. 19).
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Board’s Value of “Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives” and the Goal of “Ensuring economic opportunities and a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on Broward’s lower and middle class.”
V.O.K. Protective Services, Inc. (“V.O.K.”), incorporated in the State of Florida on June 15, 1998, has provided marine terminal security services at Port Everglades since January 2009. On December 3, 2019 (Item No. 63), the Board granted V.O.K. a nonexclusive, unrestricted marine terminal security services franchise for a five-year term from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2024. V.O.K. has applied for renewal of the franchise.
Staff reviewed the marine terminal security service franchise application against the enumerated renewal criteria outlined in Chapter 32 of the Administrative Code. Staff’s due diligence included, among other things: (a) corresponding with V.O.K.’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing V.O.K.’s corporate status, resumes of executive staff, list of managerial personnel, business history/experience, litigation history, insurance certificate(s), financial documents and creditworthiness, discharge of previous financial obligations to the County, compliance with all franchise terms and conditions and established rules and regulations of the County, required licenses and certificates, company programs and policies, list of equipment to be used at Port Everglades, and statement of activities and actions indicating that V.O.K. has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreement; and (c) ensuring that V.O.K. has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed V.O.K.’s safety and environmental history and found one infraction. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) report showed one infraction in Miami: On April 12, 2022, a non-union safety case was opened due to the negligence of their client’s employee. No fine was issued. The case was closed on September 21, 2023.
By submitting the signed franchise application, V.O.K. has agreed to comply with all franchise conditions outlined in Section 32.24 of the Administrative Code.
Based on the review of the information provided in the franchise renewal application, staff recommends renewing the marine terminal security service franchise. Per Section 32.20.1 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant marine terminal security service franchises for up to five years. Consistent with past practice, staff recommends granting the franchise for a five-year term.
The Resolution to Publish Notice of Public Hearing and the signed franchise application documents were attached to the Request to Set Public Hearing Agenda Item (Item No. 19) that the Board approved on October 8, 2024.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501
Paula Serpa, Franchise and Business Permit Manager, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0185
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
V.O.K. has paid the required annual fee of $2,360 and will pay an additional $9,440 in annual franchise fees over the franchise term, for a total of $11,800.