Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Jonathan Daniels
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2021-415 of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, granting renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to Metro Shore Services LLC for a five-year term to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades; providing for franchise terms and conditions; and providing for severability and an effective date.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 32.22 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”), Broward County (the “County”) must hold a public hearing prior to granting, renewing, placing on probation, suspending, or revoking a franchise.
What Action Accomplishes
Grants renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to Metro Shore Services LLC, for a five-year term to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
Request to set Public Hearing was approved by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners on August 24, 2021 (Item No. 26).
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) Value of “Ensuring economic opportunities for Broward’s diverse population and businesses” and the Goal to “Increase the economic strength and impact of revenue-generating County enterprises balancing economic, environmental, and community needs.”
Metro Shore Services LLC (“Metro”) has been providing steamship agent services at Port Everglades under a series of approved franchise agreements since 2010. On August 16, 2016 (Item No. 3-PH), the Board granted renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to Metro to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades for a five-year term, from September 14, 2016, through September 13, 2021. Metro has applied for renewal of the franchise.
Staff reviewed the steamship agent franchise renewal 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 Metro’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Metro’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, statement of activities and actions indicating that Metro has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that Metro has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed Metro’s safety and environmental history and did not find any infractions.
By submitting the signed franchise renewal application, Metro has agreed to comply with all franchise conditions outlined in Section 32.24 of the Administrative Code.
Based on the review of information provided in the franchise renewal application, staff recommends renewing the steamship agent franchise. Per Section 32.19 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant steamship agent franchises for any period of up to five years. According to past practice, staff recommends renewing the franchise for a five-year term.
The complete application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Administration Division.
The Resolution to Publish Notice of Public Hearing and Notice of Public Hearing from the Request to Set Public Hearing agenda item approved by the Board on August 24, 2021 (Item No. 26), are attached as Exhibit 3 and Exhibit 4.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Administration Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501
Angela Osorno Belleme, Franchise Manager, Business Administration Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0112
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Metro has paid the required annual fee of $2,250 and will pay an additional $9,000 in annual franchise fees over the term of the franchise, for a total of $11,250.