Hallandale Advisory Boards Struggle With Member Shortages

Hallandale's Accessibility Advisory Board and Beach Preservation Advisory Board currently have vacant seats. Terms for numerous members across several key committees expired in late 2024, impacting their operational capacity.

The Accessibility Advisory Board has two open seats out of its five-member structure. The Commissioner Appt. (Butler) and Vice Mayor Seat 3 Appt. (Lima-Taub) positions remain unfilled. The terms for the three serving members—Joel Waldman (Mayor Appt. Cooper), Polett Villalta (Commissioner Seat 4 Appt. Lazarow), and Faith Fehr (Commissioner Seat 1 Appt. Adams)—expired Dec. 14, 2024. Villalta serves as chair, and Waldman as vice-chair. The board meets the second Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m. in Cultural Center, Room 107. Steven Williams, DSD Assistant Director, is the liaison.

The Beach Preservation Advisory Board has three vacancies within its seven-member board. Commissioner Seat 4 Appt. (Lazarow) and two Alternate Appointment (At-Large) seats are open. The terms for the four current members—Miguel Orta (Mayor Appt. Cooper), Robert Fisher (Commissioner Appt. Butler), Kenneth Goldfine (Commissioner Seat 1 Appt. Adams), and Dmitriy Yakubovich (Vice Mayor Seat 3 Appt. Lima-Taub)—also expired Dec. 14, 2024. The board currently lacks a chair, vice-chair, or secretary. Tom Camaj, Manager of Capital Projects, serves as the liaison. Meeting times and locations are to be determined.

The Charter Review Committee, which has seven members, saw all appointments made May 19, 2021. Members include Anthony Adelson, Esq. (Mayor Appt. Cooper); Rick Levinson (Commissioner Seat 4 Appt. Lazarow); Irina Cotler (Commissioner Appt. Butler); Kelli Farnell (Commissioner Seat 1 Appt. Adams); Howard Garson (Vice Mayor Seat 3 Appt. Lima-Taub); Eve Paul (At-Large Appointment); and Michael Butler (At-Large Appointment). Their term lengths are to be determined. The committee meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. City Attorney Jennifer Merino is the liaison, and City Clerk Jennifer O'Flannery is the director.

Residents interested in joining these or other advisory boards can contact the City Clerk's office for information on openings and application procedures.