THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Board of County Commissioners' Value of "Ensuring economic opportunities for Broward’s diverse population and businesses" and Goal to "Increase the economic strength and impact of revenue-generating County enterprises balancing economic, environmental, and community needs."
AFCO Agency USA LLC (AFCO), a Florida Limited Liability Company, was organized on May 13, 2015. The company was formed to provide land-based cargo handling services for its affiliate companies: AYCO Farms, Inc. and AFCO Shipping Line, handling and transporting their proprietary perishable cargo from Central America to Port Everglades. The companies share common ownership. On September 27, 2016 (Item No. 10-PH), the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) awarded a new cargo handler franchise to AFCO for a one-year term commencing on September 27, 2016, and ending on September 26, 2017. AFCO has applied for renewal of their cargo handler franchise and stevedore franchise, the latter being the subject of a separate agenda item.
Port staff has reviewed the franchise application against the enumerated renewal criteria set forth in Chapter 32 of the Broward County Administrative Code. Staff’s due diligence included corresponding with the applicant’s representative to clarify franchise requirements, and reviewing the applicant’s corporate status, business history/experience, litigation history, insurance, financial documents and creditworthiness, required licenses, company programs and policies, and statement of intended activities. In addition, the applicant’s environmental history was reviewed, and no environmental violations were found.
Staff has determined that the applicant meets the renewal criteria for a cargo handler franchise. Cargo handler franchises may be issued for any period of time up to ten years. Past practice has been for staff to recommend issuance of a cargo handler franchise for an initial term of one year and each subsequent renewal for a term of up to ten years. Accordingly, staff is recommending that the renewal of the cargo handler franchise be approved for a ten-year term.
The franchise agreement has been reviewed by the Port Everglades’ Risk Manager and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney. Completed application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Administration Office.
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