Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Jonathan Daniels
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of the Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to consider the application of Norton Lilly International, Inc., for the granting of a renewal of a nonexclusive franchise for a five-year term to provide steamship agent 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 Norton Lilly International, Inc., for a five-year term to provide steamship agent 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."
Norton Lilly International, Inc. ("Norton Lilly"), and its predecessors have provided steamship agent services at Port Everglades under a series of approved franchise agreements since 2001. On January 24, 2017 (Item No. 32), the Board granted renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to Norton Lilly to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades for a five-year term, from February 27, 2017, through February 26, 2022. Norton Lilly has applied for the 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 Norton Lilly's representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Norton Lilly'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 Norton Lilly has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that Norton Lilly has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed Norton Lilly's safety and environmental history and did not find any infractions.
Norton Lilly has agreed to comply with all franchise conditions outlined in Section 32.24 of the Administrative Code by submitting the signed franchise application.
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. Consistent with 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's office.
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
Norton Lilly has paid the required annual fee of $2,250 and will pay an additional $9,000 in annual franchise fees over the franchise term, for a total of $11,250.