City Commission Approves Amendments to Employee Tuition Reimbursement Policy
The City Commission approved Resolution 25-50, amending Commission Policy No. 02-014 related to training, tuition, and certification reimbursement for employees. The revised policy introduces clearer guidelines and financial safeguards, aligning the City’s program with best practices used by other municipalities in Broward County. Notable changes include a cap of 12 reimbursable credits per year, a performance-based reimbursement structure, clarification of eligible expenses (excluding textbooks and lab fees), a two-yearpost-reimbursement employment requirement, and advance approval by both the Department Director and City Manager. These updates aim to enhance employee development and retention while promoting cost-effective administration. By capping reimbursements and extending the retention period, the City expects to improve budget forecasting and reduce turnover-related expenses.
City Commission Approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 State Legislative Priorities and Appropriations Requests
The City Commission approved Resolution 25-51, establishing the City's legislative priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2027 and authorizing the pursuit of state appropriations to support critical infrastructure and public safety projects. The resolution also grants authority to the City Manager to accept grant awards, execute agreements, and implement projects consistent with the approved priorities.
The City's top four legislative funding requests are:
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical System Project
o Total estimated cost: $24.76 million
o State appropriation request: $1,000,000
o Local cost share: $1,000,000
Wastewater Treatment Plant New Headworks Facility
o Estimated cost: $7 to 11.85 million
o State appropriation request: $1,300,000
o Local cost share: $1,300,000
o Additional support requested through federal and Resilient Florida grants
Gravity Sewer and Manhole Assessment and Rehabilitation Project (Phase IV)
o Estimated cost: $1,500,000
o State appropriation request: $750,000
o Local cost share: $750,000
Critical Care Transport Rescue Vehicle
o Estimated cost: $800,000
o State appropriation request: $600,000
o Local cost share: $200,000
These projects support the City's Strategic Plan priorities, including financial sustainability, infrastructure revitalization, and enhanced public safety. By advancing these priorities through state and federal funding, Cooper City aims to reduce reliance on local tax revenues while continuing to invest in essential services and long-term resilience.
City Commission Approves FY 2026-2027 Legislative Priorities and State Appropriation Requests
The City Commission approved Resolution 25-51, establishing the City’s legislative priorities for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 and authorizing the submission of general appropriation requests to the Florida Legislature. The resolution also empowers the City Manager to accept awarded funds, execute related grant agreements, and move forward with implementation in accordance with those agreements. The City’s funding strategy relies on a 50-50 cost-sharing approach, combining state appropriations with local funds already budgeted in the Water & Sewer Capital Improvement Program and General Fund. In addition to state funding, the City is also pursuing federal Community Project Funding (CPF) and Resilient Florida grants to help offset total project costs.
The four identified priority projects are:
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical System Project
o Purpose: Construct a new electrical system, generator, and supporting building to ensure uninterrupted operations and address flood/erosion risks.
o Design Cost: $4.14 million (begins in FY2026)
o Construction Estimate: $20.62 million
o State Appropriation Request: $1,000,000
o City Cost Share: $1,000,000 (budgeted for FY 2027)
o Additional Grant Efforts: FY2026 Resilient Florida Grant and a planned FY2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) request
Wastewater Treatment Plant New Headworks Facility
o Purpose: Improve the plant’s ability to manage storm-related inflow and increase system resilience.
o Design Cost: $800,000 (in progress, FY 2025)
o Construction Estimate: $7 million to $11.85 million
o State Appropriation Request: $1,300,000
o City Cost Share: $1,300,000 (budgeted for FY 2026)
o Additional Grant Efforts: FY2026 CPF request submitted to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (estimated award of $1.3M), plus a planned FY2026 Resilient Florida Grant application
Gravity Sewer and Manhole Assessment and Rehabilitation Project (Phase IV)
o Purpose: Rehabilitate approximately 2.5 miles of critical sewer lines vulnerable to leakage and overflow
o Construction Estimate: $1.5 million
o State Appropriation Request: $750,000
o City Cost Share: $750,000 (budgeted for FY2026)
o Additional Grant Efforts: Planned FY2026 Resilient Florida Grant application
o Prior Funding Success: The City previously secured $700,000 in FY2024 State Appropriation funds and $959,757 in FY2024 CPF funds for earlier phases
Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Critical Care Transport Rescue Vehicle
o Purpose: Replace the City’s 11-year-old rescue unit, which has exceeded its service life and no longer meets national or BSO standards
o Estimated Cost: $800,000
o State Appropriation Request: $600,000
o City Cost Share: $200,000 (budgeted from the General Fund)
City Commission Approves Grant Applications for Resilient Florida Program with 50% Local Match Requirement
The City Commission approved Resolution 25-52, authorizing the City Manager to apply for implementation grants through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Grant Program. The resolution also authorizes the City to accept awarded funds, execute grant agreements, and commit to the required 50% local cost share for each project. The Resilient Florida Grant Program is designed to help communities address the impacts of flooding, sea level rise, and climate-related threats. In 2022, Cooper City received $170,000 from the program to complete a Vulnerability Assessment (VA), which was finalized in 2025 and adopted via Resolution 25-36. Based on the VA findings, the City will now pursue funding for three high-priority infrastructure projects:
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical System Project
o Purpose: Construct a new electrical system, generator, and facility to support uninterrupted operations and reduce flood risks
o Grant Request: $10,310,000
o City Match: $10,310,000 (budgeted in FY2027)
o Design Cost: $4.14 million (begins FY2026)
o Estimated Construction Cost: $20.62 million
o Additional Funding Strategy: A FY 2027 federal Community Project Funding (CPF) request is also planned
Wastewater Treatment Plant New Headworks Facility
o Purpose: Improve resilience and treatment reliability during high inflow storm events by removing debris earlier in the process
o Grant Request: $3.5 to $5.925 million
o City Match: $3.5 to $5.925 million (budgeted in FY2026)
o Design Cost: $800,000 (in progress)
o Estimated Construction Cost: $7 to $11.85 million
o Additional Funding: A FY 2026 CPF request was submitted to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz; $1.3 million is estimated to be awarded
Gravity Sewer and Manhole Assessment and Rehabilitation Project
o Purpose: Rehabilitate aging sewer lines to reduce infiltration, overflow risks, and improve water quality
o Grant Request: $3,750,000
o City Match: $3,750,000 (budgeted in FY2026)
o Estimated Construction Cost: $7.5 million
o Background: Builds on previous phases funded by a $700,000 state appropriation and $959,757 in federal CPF funds
City Commission Approves Payment of Legal Fees Following Dismissal of Ethics Complaint
The City Commission approved the payment of $4,342.50 in attorney’s fees to Tonja Haddad Coleman, Esq., for legal representation provided to Commissioner Shrouder in connection with Ethics Complaint No. 25-032. The complaint, filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics (FCE) on January 29, 2025, alleged that the Commissioner had used his official position to seek a special benefit. On July 30, 2025, the FCE dismissed the complaint after finding no probable cause that any violation occurred. Pursuant to Section 111.07, Florida Statutes, Commissioner Shrouder is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable legal expenses for defense against actions arising from his role as a public official. The City Attorney reviewed the invoice and confirmed the fees were reasonable. While Florida law allows for reimbursement, Cooper City currently lacks a local ordinance outlining the process for indemnifying elected officials and employees. The City Attorney and City Manager will return with a proposed ordinance for future consideration. Though this payment will contribute to a projected overage in the Legal Department's budget, the City anticipates covering the expense using surplus funds from the City Attorney’s line item.
City Commission Approves Synovus Bank as Top-Ranked Proposer for Banking Services
The City Commission approved the final rankings for Request for Proposals (RFP) 2025-2 for banking services and authorized staff to begin contract negotiations with the highest-ranked proposer, Synovus Bank. Since 1983, the City has maintained its primary operating account with Bank of America. However, the City currently earns 0% interest on excess funds above the balance required to offset account analysis fees. This has resulted in an estimated annual loss of $800,000 to $1 million in potential interest earnings. To address this, the City issued an open RFP to seek competitive banking services. Nine proposals were received and evaluated through a two-phase process that included written submissions and oral presentations. Synovus Bank received the highest overall score, followed by TD Bank and Bank of America. Staff noted that Synovus is scheduled to merge with Pinnacle Partners in January 2026, and the City’s contract will be reassigned accordingly. By moving forward with Synovus, the City aims to improve earnings on idle funds and better align its banking practices with fiscal responsibility goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.
City Commission Approves Contract with Global Solutions Group for New Document Management System
The City Commission approved the award of Contract No. RFP-2024-4-CC to Global Solutions Group, Inc. for the implementation of a new citywide document management system (DMS), Laserfiche, at a total cost of $87,955.25 over a three-year term. The contract includes an option for one additional two-year renewal. The City initially used Fortis for document management, which was later acquired by Docuware. However, Docuware’s interface proved difficult to navigate, and inconsistent use across departments led to disorganized storage and retrieval issues. Support services were not renewed after February 2022, and reinstating them, along with a required software upgrade, would have cost $14,000 without addressing long-term functionality challenges. In response, the City issued RFP-2024-4-CC and received six proposals. Four of the submittals proposed Laserfiche, a leading enterprise content management system used by over 5,000 government agencies, including the Florida League of Cities. While MCCi, LLC was initially the top-ranked proposer, its submission was deemed non-responsive due to missing cost information for data migration and exceptions to key contract terms. Global Solutions Group, Inc. was the next highest-ranked responsive proposer. Their package includes Laserfiche professional licenses, workflow automation, secure AWS cloud storage, advanced audit tracking, integration with Microsoft, ADP, and DocuSign, and full implementation support, including data migration for approximately 250 gigabytes (GB) of records within 4–6 weeks. Scanning of older paper documents is not included but is being addressed separately through the City’s ongoing Accela rollout. The system will be used by key departments including the City Clerk’s Office, Human Resources, Finance, Grants Management, Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development. The City Clerk's prior experience with Laserfiche is expected to support a smooth transition. The FY 2025 budget for the project is $75,000. The year-one cost of $52,185 leaves a remaining balance of $22,815. The selected solution is also more cost-effective than a direct purchase from Laserfiche, which would have exceeded $105,000 in the first year alone. This investment will significantly improve document security, efficiency, and interdepartmental workflows across the organization.
City Commission Approves Purchase of Portable Air Compressor Trailer for Utilities Operations
The Commission approved the purchase of a new diesel-powered, heavy-duty portable air compressor trailer from 360 Energy Solutions, LLC, for an amount not to exceed $30,000. The procurement will utilize Sourcewell Contract No. 020923-CEC through a piggyback agreement, providing the City with a competitively sourced product at the best value. The new equipment will replace a 16-year-old unit that has reached the end of its service life. The updated compressor trailer will enhance the Utilities Department’s field operations by supporting tasks such as directional drilling for 2-inch water service lines and powering pneumatic tools used in pipe maintenance and installation. 360 Energy Solutions, LLC is a verified and authorized dealer of Doosan Bobcat Portable Power equipment and was confirmed as the sole distributor for the relevant product line as of January 14, 2025. The company submitted the lowest quote of $27,465, while the other two quotes exceeded $30,000. Due diligence confirmed the vendor’s standing and compliance with procurement regulations. Funding is fully budgeted in the Utilities Department’s FY 2025 Equipment and Machinery account.
City Commission Approves Purchase of Vehicle Lift for Fleet Maintenance Operations
The City Commission approved the purchase of a 30,000 lb. four-post vehicle lift from Vehicle Service Group, LLC, at a cost of $41,018.07. The acquisition will be made through a piggyback agreement on the General Services Administration (GSA) Contract No. GS-07F-294AA, which offers competitively bid pricing for transportation and logistics equipment. This purchase addresses critical operational and safety needs within the City’s Fleet Maintenance Facility. Currently, the City’s fleet maintenance operations rely on three twin-post lifts, one of which is more than 30 years old and limited to a 15,000 lb. capacity. The aging unit is no longer capable of lifting many of the City’s newer and heavier service vehicles, creating safety concerns and operational inefficiencies. The new SM30 model four-post lift will allow the Utilities Department to safely and efficiently service a broader range of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and utility units. The approved purchase includes all necessary installation and modifications, ensuring full compatibility with the City's vehicle types. Funding for the lift is available through a previously approved $59,000 allocation for epoxy flooring at the Fleet Maintenance Facility. As the floor coating project was deemed unnecessary, those funds are being repurposed, leaving a remaining balance of $17,981.93 after the lift purchase.
City Commission Approves Agreement with R&M Service Solutions for Water Valve Maintenance and Assessment
The City Commission approved an agreement with R&M Service Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $70,000, to perform water system valve maintenance and assessment services. The work will be conducted under a piggyback agreement with the Town of Longboat Key’s competitively awarded Contract No. IFB 24-091 for fire hydrant maintenance, repair, and replacement services. The contract is valid through January 6, 2028, with the option for two additional one-year renewals. Regular valve exercising and assessment is essential to the operation of Cooper City’s water distribution system and is required under Section 62-555.350 of the Florida Administrative Code. Cooper City maintains 3,702 valves across its network. For Fiscal Year 2026, the City budgeted $70,000 to service approximately 1,070 of these valves. The per-valve cost has increased from $38.50 to $65.00 due to inflation and market changes. R&M Service Solutions previously provided this service under Cooper City’s ITB 2020-4-UTL, which expired in July 2025. Given time constraints and market conditions, staff determined it would be financially advantageous to piggyback Longboat Key’s contract, which was awarded to R&M through a competitive bid process. While only one bid was received, Longboat Key confirmed R&M as a responsive and responsible vendor with a successful track record. The funding for this work will come from the Utilities Department’s Contractual Services – Valve Exercising line item. After the $70,000 expenditure, $19,659.50 will remain in the account. This preventive maintenance effort will help ensure valve operability in the event of emergencies and system shutdowns, further supporting the City’s commitment to water infrastructure reliability and regulatory compliance.
City Commission Approves Agreement for Replacement of Utilities Department HVAC Systems
The City Commission approved an agreement with Trane U.S. Inc. in the amount of $165,025 to replace two critical HVAC systems at the Utilities facility. The purchase will be made through a piggyback of OMNIA Partners Contract No. 3341, which provides competitively bid HVAC products, services, and installation through a cooperative purchasing agreement valid through August 31, 2027. HVAC Unit #4, which serves the main electrical room of the 24/7 Utilities facility, has experienced persistent failures, posing operational and safety risks to electrical infrastructure. Unit #5, which services the break room and adjacent offices, has also required repeated coil replacements and is no longer reliable. The approved replacement project includes the installation of two new Trane Odyssey Series split systems using energy-efficient refrigerant (R-454B) and includes all necessary demolition, new ductwork and insulation, electrical adjustments, and startup commissioning. The project scope also includes crane service, delivery, and full project management. The new systems will carry a 5-year parts and labor warranty and a 10-year compressor parts warranty. Stainless steel components will be used for all rooftop hardware to ensure durability in a high-exposure environment. Funding for the project includes $50,000 from the FY2025 Building Improvements budget and $115,025 from unencumbered funds in the Professional Services – Miscellaneous account. A budget transfer will be completed to reallocate the necessary funds, leaving a remaining balance of $74,415 in the latter account.
City Commission Approves Piggyback Agreement for Water Utility Supplies and Infrastructure Components
The City Commission approved the piggyback of the City of Deerfield Beach Contract No. ITB 25-017, awarding multi-vendor procurement rights for the purchase of essential water system materials from Consolidated Pipe and Supply Company, Inc., Ferguson US Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, and Fortiline, Inc. d/b/a Fortiline Waterworks. The agreement will run through the initial contract term ending June 5, 2028, with two optional one-year renewals, and purchases will not exceed the approved budget for each fiscal year of the contract term. The Utilities Department’s Water Distribution Division requires an ongoing inventory of critical supplies including adapters, valves, meter boxes, fire hydrants, clamps, connectors, pressure valves, fittings, and polypipe tubing for both routine operations and emergency maintenance. By leveraging Deerfield Beach’s competitively bid contract, Cooper City will streamline procurement while ensuring timely access to these high-demand materials. The multi-vendor approach provides pricing flexibility, enhances inventory reliability, and reduces downtime during infrastructure repairs. The City reviewed the scope and pricing of the Deerfield Beach contract and determined it aligns with Cooper City’s operational needs and procurement policies under Section 2-258(f) of the City Code. Funding for purchases under this agreement is already budgeted in several FY 2026 line items, including:
$250,000 for Supplies – Water Meters and Fittings
$150,000 for Maintenance – Mains (Water Division)
$65,000 for Maintenance – Mains (Sewer Division)
While these accounts will be used to support expenditures under this contract, the amounts are not exclusively designated for it. The City Manager (or designee) is authorized to execute all contract amendments or renewals up to $20,000, while the Mayor (or designee) may approve those exceeding $20,000. This agreement ensures Cooper City’s ability to maintain high-quality water service and meet the growing demands of its water infrastructure network.
City Commission Approves Piggyback Agreement for Purchase of Anhydrous Ammonia for Water Treatment
The City Commission approved the use of Broward County Contract No. OPN2130116B1_1, awarded to Brenntag Mid-South Inc., for the purchase of anhydrous ammonia used in the City’s water treatment process. The contract is effective through August 1, 2026, with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms. All purchases under this agreement will be limited to the amount budgeted by the City each fiscal year. Anhydrous ammonia is a critical component in the City’s water disinfection process. When combined with chlorine, it forms chloramines, which provide a longer-lasting disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system while reducing harmful byproduct formation. The City's water treatment plant uses ammonia supplied in 150-pound cylinders. Brenntag Mid-South Inc. replaces the City’s previous supplier, Carlon Inc., and offers the product at a significantly lower cost. The new unit price of $216.90 per cylinder reflects a cost savings of $458.10 per cylinder compared to the previous rate of $675.00. The Utilities Department has already coordinated with Brenntag to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted operations. The Broward County contract was awarded through a competitive process following ITB No. OPN2130116B1. Of the two bids submitted, Brenntag was selected based on meeting all requirements and providing the most favorable pricing. The initial annual contract value is $10,845, with a potential five-year value of $54,225 if all renewals are exercised. Funding for the purchase is fully budgeted in the FY 2026 Utilities Department’s Supplies – Chemicals account, with $25,000 allocated.
City Commission Approves Rescheduling of Regular Meeting
The City Commission approved the rescheduling of the September 23, 2025 Regular Meeting to September 25, 2025, in observance of Rosh Hashanah.
City Commission Approves Separation Agreement and Settlement with Parks and Recreation Director
The City Commission approved the City Manager’s recommendation to enter into a mutual separation agreement with Recreation Director Stacie Weiss, including a total settlement of $75,000. Of this amount, $50,000 will be paid by the City and $25,000 will be covered by the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT), administered by the Florida League of Cities. The agreement is contingent upon the execution of a general release, subject to legal review and approval by the City Attorney and the City’s insurance defense counsel. Stacie Weiss was hired as Recreation Director on January 2, 2020. Through mutual agreement, both parties have elected to part ways, and the separation will be effective September 5, 2025. The settlement resolves any current or potential claims related to her employment. Deputy City Manager Jennifer McMahon will also serve as Interim Parks and Recreation Director while the City moves forward with identifying a permanent replacement.
City Commission Supports Pembroke Pines Resolution Urging FAA and County Action on North Perry Airport Safety and Air Quality
The Cooper City Commission approved a motion directing the City Attorney to draft and present a resolution supporting Pembroke Pines Resolution No. 3921. This resolution, introduced by Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo and supported by the Cooper City Commission, calls upon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Broward County to investigate concerns regarding flight traffic safety and environmental impacts associated with North Perry Airport.
Specifically, the resolution urges:
A formal investigation into the frequency and safety of flight operations at North Perry Airport
Development of recommendations to prevent future aircraft crashes in surrounding communities
Renewal of a previous request for Broward County to conduct an air-quality study, focusing on pollutants, especially lead concentrations, affecting neighborhoods near the airport
The City of Cooper City's support adds to growing regional concern over both public safety and environmental health impacts tied to airport activity. This action reinforces the City's commitment to advocacy on behalf of its residents and alignment with neighboring municipalities on matters of shared importance.
City Commission Approves Increased HSA Contributions and New Out-of-Network Reimbursement Policy for City Employees
The City Commission approved two key employee health benefit enhancements to support staff as the City transitions from United Healthcare to Florida Blue for group medical insurance coverage, effective October 1, 2025.
Increased Employer Contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA):
To ease the impact of higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums under the Florida Blue High-Deductible Health Plan, the City Commission approved the following increases in annual HSA contributions:
Single Employee: Increased from $700 to $1,100
Employee + Spouse: $1,500 (newly established due to the move to a four-tier plan)
Employee + Child(ren): $1,500 (newly established)
Family: Increased from $1,400 to $2,200
These increases aim to offset the 28% to 32% rise in deductible and out-of-pocket expenses while also encouraging more employees to opt into the high-deductible plan, which saves the City between $2,100 and $4,800 per enrolled employee.
Adoption of a New Out-of-Network Reimbursement Policy (Commission Policy #02-020):
Understanding that some employees may need to continue care with providers who are no longer in-network under Florida Blue, the City also approved a policy to allocate up to $2,500 per employee for out-of-network service reimbursements during the 2025-2026 plan year.
Covered reimbursements include:
Out-of-pocket medical expenses over $4,000 (up to the plan’s $6,000 max for single employees)
Out-of-network deductibles above $500, up to a max of $1,000
20% of the out-of-network service cost (Florida Blue requires 50% coinsurance compared to 30% under United)
Services from United Healthcare in-network providers who are out-of-network under Florida Blue
These changes aim to ease the financial burden that may arise during the provider transition period while also making the City’s high-deductible plan more accessible and beneficial. Though the switch to Florida Blue was necessitated by a nearly 40% renewal increase from United Healthcare, the new plan is projected to save the City $700,000 this year. Of that, approved funds will be used to directly support employees through these enhanced benefits, while the remaining amount will be reserved for future insurance-related expenses.
City Commission Approves Top-Ranked Firm for Architectural Services for New Public Safety Complex Design
The City Commission approved the final rankings for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2025-1-CM and authorized the City to begin negotiations with the highest-ranked proposer, CPZ Architects, Inc., for architectural services to develop a Design Criteria Package for a proposed new Public Safety Complex and potentially a new City Hall. This major project represents a transformational step in creating a central municipal complex located on the northwest corner of 10500 Stirling Road, adjacent to Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex. The envisioned complex will support future City operations and serve as a centralized home for Cooper City’s public safety services.
Key proposed components of the project include:
A 30,000-square-foot Municipal Police Station for the Broward Sheriff’s Office
A 15,000-square-foot Fire Station, expanded from the current 10,120-square-foot footprint to accommodate enhanced crew quarters, bathrooms, and office space
An integrated Emergency Operations Center
A 30,000-square-foot City Hall, including new Commission Chambers (as funding and space allow)
A multi-use parking structure designed to serve municipal staff and park visitors
The RFQ was issued on March 20, 2025, and four qualified firms submitted proposals. After an extensive two-phase evaluation process—including oral presentations—CPZ Architects, Inc. received the highest score (379 points), followed by Walters Zackria Associates, PLLC (370 points), Justin Architects, P.A. (356 points), and West Architecture + Design, LLC (346 points). Negotiations will now proceed with CPZ Architects, Inc. to define the scope and contract terms for architectural and design criteria services that will shape the future of Cooper City's public service infrastructure. Any contract terms will require additional City Commission approval.
City Commission Approves Bid Waiver for Microphone and Request-to-Speak System Upgrade in Commission Chambers
The Cooper City Commission approved Bid Waiver BW2025-5, authorizing the purchase and installation of the Televic Request-to-Speak (RTS) system with upgraded microphones from Full Moon Creative, LLC, at a one-time cost of $48,701.85. This investment aims to modernize the City’s audio-visual setup in Commission Chambers and enhance the clarity, efficiency, and orderliness of public meetings.
Historically, Commission meetings have used manually operated microphones without a structured system for Commissioners to request to speak. This has led to cross-talk, interruptions, and missed opportunities for structured dialogue. The new RTS solution introduces a formal request-to-speak function, enabling Commissioners to queue their speaking turns, which will be displayed in order on the Mayor’s monitor—supporting a more organized and effective flow of discussion.
Key features of the upgrade include:
Individual microphones with built-in speakers and advanced audio processing
Improved sound clarity for in-person and recorded meetings
Reduction of audio issues such as feedback, echo, and background noise
Seamless integration with the City’s existing broadcast infrastructure
Full Moon Creative, LLC, was selected without a competitive bid due to their longstanding and proven history with Cooper City’s A/V infrastructure. The vendor has more than 15 years of experience supporting the City’s meetings and has previously resolved critical issues left unaddressed by other contractors. Due to the technical complexity of the upgrade and the vendor’s unmatched familiarity with the City's system, staff recommended proceeding under the City’s procurement code Section 2-258(i), which allows for competition to be waived in specific situations.
The project was not previously budgeted. To fund the purchase, a budget amendment will transfer $48,701.85 from the General Fund’s contingency account. After the transfer, approximately $525,937 will remain in contingency for other unplanned needs.
This upgrade directly supports Priority 1 of the City’s Strategic Plan by promoting internal efficiency through the use of technology and improving the quality and professionalism of public meetings.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Ordinance to Update Fire Assessment Collection Procedures
The City Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-09, which amends the City Code to update the definition of “Tax Collector” under Chapter 7, Article IV, Fire Assessments. This amendment now aligns City Code with a recent constitutional change in Florida that established an independently elected Tax Collector for Broward County. Previously, fire assessments were collected by Broward County’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services. Following the 2024 election of a constitutional Tax Collector, the City must now update its Code and execute a new agreement to ensure continued uniform collection of fire assessments through the newly designated official.
City Commission Amends and Approves Second Reading of Ordinance to Establish Cooper City Optimist Sponsorship Sign Program
The City Commission amended and approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-10, proposing an amendment to Chapter 25, Article II of the City’s Code of Ordinances to authorize temporary signage for sponsors of the Cooper City Optimist Club. The ordinance formally establishes the Cooper City Optimist Sponsorship Sign Program and permits the display of temporary sponsor signs at the City’s three sports complexes: Flamingo West Park, Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex, and Bill Lips Sports Complex. The proposed ordinance outlines regulations and restrictions governing the size, placement, and duration of the temporary signs to ensure consistency and compliance with City standards. Staff has reviewed and recommended approval of the proposed changes, which are intended to support local youth sports and promote community businesses. Allows 4x8 for school banner sponsorship program. Change Optimist signs to 4x4 and 4x8? Give CM the ability to delegate uniform signage sizes to the Optimist.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Ordinance 25-11 to Establish Maximum Hedge Height
The City Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-11, which amends Section 23-90 of the City’s Code of Ordinances to formally establish an 8-foot maximum height for hedges, unless otherwise specified by law. This update clarifies existing zoning regulations under Chapter 23, Article V, which addresses fences and walls but does not explicitly define height limits for hedges. The amendment is intended to improve privacy for residents and provide clearer standards, especially for those using hedges to screen recreational vehicles (RVs) or boats. While the Commission has discussed allowing hedges up to 10 feet, the City’s arborist advised against it due to maintenance challenges and potential enforcement issues. Safety exceptions will still apply in areas where visibility is a concern, such as medians and corner lots. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the amendment May 19, 2025.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Ordinance to Update Ground Monument Sign Standards for Shopping Centers
The City Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-12, amending Chapter 25 of the City’s Code of Ordinances to allow and regulate tenant panels on ground monument signs within shopping centers. The update to Sections 25-23 and 25-28 of the Code responds to business community feedback and aims to improve business identification while maintaining visual consistency along City roadways. The City Commission expressed its decision to allow signage that limits tenant panels to single color lettering and matching background, resulting in a uniform look. Key updates include:
A 50% increase in allowable sign area
Adjusted sign height based on roadway width (10 feet on major roads, 9 feet on others)
Minimum letter size for readability
Requirement for tenant panel background colors to be uniform
Permission to use sign package colors and approved trademarks
Mandatory display of the plaza address or range for wayfinding and emergency response
The Monterra Commercial Center piloted this approach via a previously granted sign waiver and received positive feedback. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval at its May 19, 2025 meeting.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Ordinance to Update Administrative Review Cost Recovery Provisions
The City Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-13, updating Section 2-243 of the City’s Code of Ordinances related to cost recovery for administrative review of site plan amendments. This amendment clarifies the Development Review Committee’s (DRC) authority to process minor administrative requests and reflects recent code changes approved by the City Commission. The update streamlines the review process for items that meet all code requirements, including:
Minor parking lot layout changes
Garage enclosures meeting parking standards
Use of trademark logos for center wall signs
Sign package amendments and wall color changes
Sign waivers with less than 20% deviation
Outdoor seating approvals
Perimeter fencing for non-residential sites (e.g., schools, churches)
This also removes outdated references and ensures consistency across departments. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval on May 19, 2025.
More Information
For more information related to the August 26, 2025 agenda, please visit: https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=c4d11038f9e249548b731851eff8b9b0&ip=true.
The next City Commission Regular Meeting will be held at City Hall, located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328, on September 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM.