Where Have All Of The Beach Chairs Gone In Hallandale?

Many beachfront condominiums have been providing this service for years. The issue is the beach is Public and Services outside of City Services are only permitted through a licensing agreement. This allows everyone, residents, and visitors alike, the use of our beach.

From day one, I was opposed to an exclusive vendor contract. Before summer break, I worked with our commission and passed a 3-2 vote to prevent an exclusive contract. This was a step forward that would allow the building to provide a service just like they have been. We could not, however, reach an agreement about what an ordinance or program would look like. I presented at that initial meeting a list of suggested recommendations which I compiled information from other cities. After that meeting the city worked with the Beach Club and their attorney to produce an agreed upon pilot.

A pilot program was set up with a sample agreement to allow storage and presets. First, the proposal suggested a $1,000 Filing Fee and $30 Per Unit Charge. This was not acceptable to me and other commissioners. Before summer break, I wanted to make sure the service which was stopped during beach renourishment was made available. Before the break, I asked that we address the Fee Structure at our Budget hearing in June.

I suggested a Flat Registration Fee but that did not pass. I then suggested a Flat Fee and a Per Chair Fee. That still did not pass. There was a stalemate. So, before summer break the City Manager provided the ability for buildings to apply for use with no fee attached. The goal was to take a few weeks until we could resolve the issue and establish an ordinance.

The commission discussed the Beach Chair Agreement at our June 3rd Regular Meeting. At that meeting there was once again a debate. One motion was to do an Application Fee for $1,000 and a $30 Per Unit Fee. That failed. Then there was a debate to reduce it to $25 Per Unit. That went nowhere. I made a motion for the Flat Fee with a $5 Per Chair Fee. Vice Mayor Lima Taub raised the issue about condominiums that do not want to store but simply place chairs on demand. I amended my motion to be a $1,000 Application Fee and a $5 Per Chair for those buildings that want to store and present a $500 Fee for condominiums that want to simply do on demand courtesy chairs. That motion did pass 3-2.

So, we finally have a path forward. While many asked why we are not simply letting everyone do it free of charge, that would create a huge issue. Our ordinance simply does not allow this service without an agreement. Executing these agreements and monitoring them will utilize staff time which equates to Taxpayer Costs.

The beach is a Public and a City Asset. We need to adopt laws and regulations fairly and equitably. This resolution is just that. It allows our beachfront condominiums to be able to utilize the Public Beach Park in their backyard and not be burdened by excessive fees.

The next step will include updating the licensing agreement and our ordinance. The ordinance will take two readings after it is ready. Hopefully, the ordinance and final lease documents will be finalized and in place in early September. In the meantime, condominiums abutting the beach can utilize the beach for chair services. It also does not prevent a beach chair concession.

In other good news, staff have informed us they have been out to bid and have received three proposers interested in offering services to run our South Beach Concessions. The vendors will also be able to provide chair services. Look for further updates.

I encourage you to reach out and share your questions, concerns, and ideas to help make our city an even better place. As always, it is an honor to be your Mayor of Hallandale Beach. I am always available 24/7/365.

I can be reached via Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Or email me at: joy@mayorjoycooper.com. You can also subscribe to HB 360 News at: www.mayorjoycooper.com where each week I give you the full perspective and share important information.

Working for you! Always have! Always will!