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 the Goal to "Increase the economic strength and impact of revenue-generating County enterprises balancing economic, environmental, and community needs."
Homeland Patrol Corporation (Homeland), formerly known as Federal Homeland and Security, Inc., was first registered to conduct business in the State of Florida on September 20, 2004. Homeland has submitted an application for a new nonexclusive marine terminal security franchise at Port Everglades. Homeland currently provides maritime security services for SEACOR Island Lines, a current Port user, at its Dania Beach, Florida, marine terminal, as well as general security services for the City of Opa-Locka, Hialeah Housing Authority, and Pullman Hotel, among others. Homeland intends to expand its maritime security operations through the promotion of new business in Port Everglades.
Port staff has reviewed the marine terminal security franchise application against the enumerated criteria set forth in Chapter 32 of the Broward County Administrative Code. Staff’s due diligence included corresponding with Homeland's representative to clarify franchise requirements, and reviewing Homeland's corporate status, list of managerial personnel, business history/experience, litigation history, insurance, financial documents and creditworthiness, required licenses, company programs and policies, minimum training, licensing, and education requirements for employment, list of equipment to be used at Port Everglades, and statement of intended activities. In addition, Homeland's safety and environmental history was reviewed, and no violations were found.
Based on the information provided in the application and staff's review, staff has determined that Homeland meets the criteria for the granting of a new marine terminal security franchise. Marine terminal security franchises may be granted for any period of time up to five years. Past practice has been for staff to recommend the granting of a new marine terminal security franchise for an initial term of one year. Accordingly, staff is recommending that the marine terminal security franchise be granted for an initial one-year term. The complete application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Administration Division.
To allow for a more efficient franchise approval process, the Resolution granting a franchise (see Exhibit 1) has been modified to incorporate the franchise terms and conditions previously included in the franchise agreement, thus eliminating the need for a separate franchise agreement. Homeland has, through the submission of the signed franchise application, agreed to comply with all franchise conditions set forth in Section 32.24 of the Broward County Administrative Code and in the Resolution. Once the Resolution is approved by the Board, the Port will, pursuant to Section 32.27 of the Broward County Administrative Code, issue a franchise certificate setting forth the terms and conditions of the franchise.
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