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. 2021-478 directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of the Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to consider the application of Hirsch Stevedoring, LLC, for the granting of a renewal of a nonexclusive franchise for a ten-year term to provide stevedore services at Port Everglades.
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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
Directs the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing during which the Broward County Board of County Commissioners may consider the granting of a renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to Hirsch Stevedoring, LLC, for a ten-year term to provide stevedore services at Port Everglades.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None
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."
On December 1, 2020 (Item No. 67), the Board granted a new nonexclusive restricted franchise to Hirsch Stevedoring, LLC ("Hirsch"), for a one-year term to provide stevedore services at Port Everglades, restricted to "New Business" as defined in Section 32.16.b.10 of the Broward County Administrative Code. Hirsch has applied for renewal of the franchise and requested removal of the restriction. The company has also applied for renewal of its cargo handler franchise, which is the subject of a separate agenda item.
Staff reviewed the stevedore 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 Hirsch's representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Hirsch'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 Hirsch has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreement; and (c) ensuring that Hirsch has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed Hirsch's safety and environmental history and did not find any infractions.
Since the new franchise was approved by the Board, Hirsch has handled 19,432 tons of “New Business” cargo not previously being moved through Port Everglades, resulting in $252,202 in additional revenue for the Port. The cargo handled included automobiles, lumber, steel, palletized cement, and marble to and from the Bahamas and Europe.
By submitting the signed franchise renewal application, Hirsch 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 stevedore franchise. Per Section 32.16 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant stevedore franchises for any period of up to ten years. Past Board practice has been to approve a restricted stevedore franchise for an initial term of one year, and each subsequent renewal for a term up to ten years without the restrictions included in the initial one-year franchise. Accordingly, staff recommends that the franchise be renewed for a ten-year term, without the previously imposed restriction.
The complete application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Administration Division.
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
Hirsch has paid the required annual fee of $4,000 and will pay an additional $36,000 in annual franchise fees over the franchise term, for a total of $40,000.