City Commission Approves Sun Credit Union Site Plan, Building-Height Variance and Sign Package
The Commission approved three related petitions allowing Sun Credit Union to proceed with the proposed development of an approximately 1.7-acre property at 9290 Stirling Road, near NW 92nd Avenue. The project calls for a one-story, approximately 3,212-square-foot credit union with two drive-thru teller lanes, a standby generator, landscaping, raised berms and two outdoor garden or employee-rest areas. The site will have right-in/right-out access from Stirling Road and access from NW 92nd Avenue. Plans also include dead-end signage intended to discourage unnecessary traffic from continuing south through the neighboring community, along with a seven-foot masonry wall, landscaping and a dry-retention area separating the development from nearby homes.

The Commission approved the adoption of Cooper City's Parks and Recreation Master Plan, establishing a long-term roadmap for the future of the City's parks, recreational facilities and programs. Developed by Miller Legg, the plan is intended to help guide future improvements based on community needs, industry best practices and the City's long-term vision for its parks system. The Master Plan was developed through an extensive public engagement process that began after the City issued a Request for Proposals in late 2023. Residents and stakeholders participated in a public workshop, shared feedback through a community survey that remained open for several months, and provided input during multiple Commission workshops before the final document was brought forward for adoption. The Commission had previously deferred adoption to allow additional discussion of capital improvement priorities and revisions based on feedback received during earlier workshops. During It is important to note the Master Plan is a planning document rather than a commitment to immediately construct every recommended project. The plan serves as a guide for future decision-making, helping the City prioritize park improvements, pursue grant funding opportunities and evaluate future recreational investments as funding becomes available. The plan reflects the input received from residents and City leadership throughout the planning process and will serve as a valuable resource as Cooper City continues enhancing its parks and recreational amenities. See the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

City Commission Approves Standardized Traffic Enforcement Agreement for Private Communities
The City Commission approved a standardized Traffic Enforcement Agreement that will streamline the process for homeowners' associations, condominium associations, property owners' associations and other qualifying private communities to request traffic enforcement on privately owned roads. Under Florida law, local law enforcement may enforce traffic laws on private roadways only when an agreement is in place with the property owner or association. The newly approved agreement establishes a consistent framework that authorizes the City Manager to execute future agreements that follow the approved template, eliminating the need for each request to return to the City Commission unless a proposal contains significant changes. The agreement clearly defines the responsibilities of the City, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) and participating associations, while preserving BSO's discretion to determine the level of enforcement based on staffing availability and operational priorities. The agreement also requires participating communities to maintain compliant traffic-control devices, satisfy insurance and indemnification requirements, and ensure access for emergency responders and law enforcement within gated communities. This approval of the template does not automatically authorize traffic enforcement in every private community. Instead, it creates a standardized process that allows qualifying communities to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the City. Any future agreement containing material financial, operational or policy changes beyond the approved template would still require City Commission approval.

City Commission Approves Contract for Wastewater Treatment Plant Surge Tank Cleaning
The Commission approved a contract with U.S. Submergent Technologies, LLC to remove and properly dispose of accumulated sediment, debris and other inert materials from the Wastewater Treatment Plant's surge tank. The work is intended to restore the tank's storage capacity, improve operational efficiency and reduce the risk of overflows and odor issues associated with debris buildup. The Commission authorized the City to utilize a competitively awarded contract through the City of Daytona Beach, allowing the work to proceed efficiently without conducting a separate procurement process. Within the accompanying staff report, staff emphasized the importance of completing the work before any significant rainfall associated with hurricane season. The surge tank temporarily stores incoming wastewater before treatment, helping the system manage increased flows during heavy rain events. As debris accumulates over time, the tank's available capacity decreases, limiting its ability to handle peak flows and increasing the potential for operational issues. Cleaning the tank will help improve system reliability, protect public health and reduce environmental risks by minimizing the likelihood of wastewater overflows. This maintenance need is expected to become less frequent once the City's planned wastewater headworks improvements are completed. The future headworks project will provide enhanced screening of incoming wastewater, preventing larger debris from entering the surge tank, improving odor control and helping preserve storage capacity over the long term. To fund the project, the Commission approved a budget amendment transferring $72,875 from the Utilities contingency account to the sludge removal account, allowing the work to move forward under the existing piggyback contract.

City Commission Approves Forest Lake Park Playground Replacement Project
The Commission approved additional funding to replace the aging playground at Forest Lake Park, allowing the City to move forward with a comprehensive upgrade designed to provide a safer, more accessible and engaging recreational space for families. The project includes removing the existing playground equipment, installing new play structures and safety surfacing, and completing related site improvements. The replacement playground is designed to better serve children of all ages and abilities while reinforcing the City's ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality parks and recreational amenities. The playground has reached the end of its useful life and replacing the equipment will improve both safety and the overall user experience. Rather than conducting a separate procurement process, the City will utilize an existing competitively awarded cooperative purchasing contract with Playcore Wisconsin, Inc., doing business as GameTime, which the Commission previously authorized for use. This approach allows the City to efficiently procure the playground equipment, installation services and related materials while complying with the City's procurement requirements. The project's funding and construction will be accelerated from the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Program into the current fiscal year. The project will be funded by reallocating approximately $335,000 from the previously budgeted Public Works Administration Office Renovation Project, which currently has available funding. Advancing the playground replacement allows the City to complete a much-needed park improvement sooner while continuing to invest in recreational facilities that directly benefit residents.

City Commission Approves Contract for Restroom Renovations
The City Commission approved a contract to renovate restroom facilities at City Hall, Bill Lips Sports Complex and Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex, authorizing improvements totaling up to $600,000, including a project contingency for unforeseen conditions. The renovations will replace aging fixtures and finishes that have deteriorated over time due to heavy public use, helping improve the appearance, functionality and long-term reliability of some of the City's most frequently used public facilities. The project includes replacing plumbing fixtures, partitions, countertops, flooring, lighting, restroom accessories, paint and other building components that have reached the end of their useful life. Investing in these improvements now will reduce ongoing maintenance needs while extending the service life of the facilities. The work has been divided into three separate work orders, with improvements planned for City Hall, Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex and Bill Lips Sports Complex. An additional contingency was included to address any unforeseen conditions encountered during demolition and construction. The project focuses on replacing worn and outdated restroom finishes rather than altering the existing layouts, creating cleaner, more durable and more accessible facilities for residents and visitors. Funding for the project is already included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program through dedicated capital projects for the sports complex restrooms and City Hall restroom upgrades. To complete the work efficiently, the Commission approved the use of a competitively awarded cooperative purchasing contract with Dan Enterprises Team LLC through Sourcewell, avoiding the need for the City to conduct its own procurement process while ensuring the project moves forward in a timely manner.

City Commission Approves Furniture Upgrades for Police, City Facilities and Parks & Recreation
The City Commission approved additional funding to purchase new furniture for the Cooper City Police Department, the City's Annex Building and Parks & Recreation facilities, supporting ongoing efforts to improve workplace functionality and enhance public-facing spaces. The approved purchases will provide modern, durable and modular furnishings that better meet the operational needs of City staff while creating more welcoming environments for residents who visit municipal facilities. The largest portion of the purchase will support the Cooper City Police Department, where staff have reconfigured the existing workspace to improve efficiency and day-to-day operations. Because much of the current furniture no longer fits the redesigned layout, the new furnishings were selected to be modular and fully movable so they can be reconfigured or relocated as the department transitions to a future police facility. Additional furniture will also be purchased for the City's Annex Building, which now houses the Innovation and Community Engagement Department, the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor and Parks & Recreation staff. The furnishings are intended to better accommodate the City's reorganized workforce and improve the functionality of the building. The project also includes replacing worn furniture in the lobbies and hallways of the Community Center and Pool & Tennis Center. Existing furnishings have become difficult to maintain and no longer present the welcoming appearance expected in public facilities. The replacement furniture will improve the experience for residents visiting these facilities while providing products better suited for high-traffic public spaces. The furniture will be acquired through an existing cooperative purchasing contract previously authorized by the Commission, allowing the City to obtain competitively priced furnishings without conducting a separate procurement process. Funding for the purchases will come from existing contingency accounts designated for the Police Department, Utilities Administration and the General Fund, allowing the improvements to move forward without requiring additional revenue.

City Commission Approves Agreements to Resolve Renaissance Charter School Conditional Use Dispute and Strengthen Campus Safety
The Commission approved two related agreements with Renaissance Charter School and Red Apple at Cooper City, LLC, bringing resolution to the conditional use dispute that followed the Commission's June 23 quasi-judicial hearing while establishing a framework for continued compliance and enhanced cooperation between the City and the school. Together, the agreements resolve the pending dispute, reaffirm the conditions governing the school's operation and formalize long-term security requirements designed to protect students, staff and visitors.

• The first agreement, the Stipulated Agreement, resolves the pending dispute related to the school's compliance with Conditional Use Approval No. CU 9-1-09. Following the Commission's June 23 hearing, at which the conditional use approval was revoked, City staff, the City Attorney's Office and representatives of the school engaged in extensive negotiations to develop an enforceable agreement addressing the City's concerns. The agreement establishes the responsibilities of each party, provides a framework for maintaining compliance with the school's conditional use approval and allows the school to continue operating under clearly defined conditions moving forward.

• The second agreement, the Security Cooperation Agreement, formalizes the parties' commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment by requiring campus security to be provided through either a School Resource Officer or a retired sworn law enforcement officer. The agreement outlines the respective responsibilities of the City, Renaissance Charter School and Red Apple at Cooper City, LLC, and establishes a cooperative framework for administering security services in accordance with state law and the agreement's requirements.

During the meeting, the Commission engaged in extensive discussion regarding the negotiated agreements and the City's objectives moving forward. Commissioners emphasized that the agreements were intended to ensure accountability while avoiding prolonged litigation and allowing the school to continue serving students under enforceable conditions. Several provisions received particular attention, including the school's commitment to reimburse the City for outstanding School Resource Officer costs, maintain sworn law enforcement personnel on campus rather than private security guards, participate in the City's Real-Time Crime Center program, implement traffic management improvements, hold regular coordination meetings with City staff and pursue a reciprocal agreement that would allow the City and school to share facilities for community use. Commissioners and staff also acknowledged the significant efforts undertaken by both parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution after weeks of negotiations. After discussing the agreements and several clarifying amendments incorporated during the meeting, the City Commission approved both agreements, resolving the pending conditional use dispute and establishing a collaborative path forward focused on compliance, public safety and continued partnership between the City and Renaissance Charter School.

City Commission Directs Opposition to Proposed Prestige Sterling Homes Development in the Town of Davie
The Commission discussed the proposed Prestige Sterling Homes residential development in the Town of Davie, a proposed project located in the general vicinity of Stirling Road and SW 106 Avenue, and reaffirmed its opposition to the project, citing concerns about the potential impacts on Cooper City residents. The proposed development requires a Land Use Plan Amendment, rezoning and multiple variances from the Town of Davie. Prior to the meeting, City staff had been preparing a formal rationale opposing the requested approvals and coordinating the City's participation in the public review process. During the discussion, Commissioners expressed concerns that the proposed increase in residential density could significantly affect traffic, infrastructure and the quality of life for neighboring Cooper City residents. The conversation focused on the potential for increased traffic congestion along shared roadways, the cumulative impact of additional residential development near the municipal boundary and the importance of ensuring that surrounding infrastructure can adequately support the project. Commissioners also emphasized the need to advocate for Cooper City's interests throughout Davie's review process. Staff informed the Commission that, since the Regular Meeting agenda had been prepared, the applicant had requested that the Town of Davie postpone consideration of the project to revise its proposal. While the postponement delayed the anticipated public hearings, Commissioners agreed that the City should continue preparing its opposition so Cooper City would be ready to respond when the application returns for consideration. Rather than simply opposing the project at a future hearing, the Commission directed the City Attorney to prepare a formal resolution opposing the proposed density increase, accompanied by a cover letter to the Town of Davie and other reviewing agencies. Commissioners also discussed continuing to engage with Davie officials and ensuring Cooper City's concerns are clearly communicated throughout the review process. The consensus direction reflects the City's commitment to advocating for development decisions that protect the interests of Cooper City residents while participating constructively in the regional planning process.

City Commission Approves Ranking of Engineering Firms to Advance Water and Wastewater Electrical System Improvements
The City Commission approved the ranking of engineering firms for the design of critical electrical improvements at the City's Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, authorizing staff to begin contract negotiations with the top-ranked firm, Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the City is authorized to negotiate with the next highest-ranked firms in order until an agreement is reached. The project represents a significant step toward modernizing the City's aging utility infrastructure and improving the long-term reliability and resiliency of essential water and wastewater services. The project will focus on evaluating and designing upgrades to electrical power distribution systems serving both treatment plants. Planned improvements include modernizing switchgear, generators, emergency backup power systems, grounding systems, pump station electrical equipment, panelboards and other critical infrastructure that has exceeded its intended service life. The design will also incorporate strategies to improve energy efficiency, strengthen resilience against severe weather, elevate vulnerable equipment where appropriate and protect critical utility infrastructure from flooding and other environmental hazards. During the meeting, the Commission discussed the importance of investing in the City's utility infrastructure before equipment failures occur. Staff explained that the project is one of the key recommendations identified in the City's Water and Wastewater Master Plan and is intended to improve the reliability of both treatment plants while preparing the utility system for future needs. Staff also outlined the competitive selection process, noting that six engineering firms submitted qualifications before an evaluation committee narrowed the field to three finalists. Following presentations and final scoring, Jacobs Engineering Group was ranked first, followed by Ardurra Group and Black & Veatch. Commissioners also highlighted the financial significance of the project, noting that the City has secured a $10.3 million Resilient Florida grant to fund the improvements, including the engineering design phase. By approving the rankings and authorizing negotiations, the Commission positioned the City to begin advancing one of its most significant utility infrastructure projects, helping ensure the continued delivery of reliable drinking water and wastewater services while leveraging substantial state grant funding to reduce the financial impact on local taxpayers.

City Commission Approves Electrical Maintenance Contract to Protect Critical Utility Infrastructure
The Commission approved a long-term maintenance contract with Eaton Corporation to provide specialized inspection, testing, preventive maintenance, repair and technical support for critical electrical equipment serving the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities. The agreement establishes an initial four-year term with two one-year renewal options and is intended to help ensure the continued reliability of essential utility infrastructure that supports the delivery of drinking water and wastewater services. The City's treatment facilities rely extensively on Eaton-manufactured electrical equipment, including switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, automatic transfer switches and emergency power systems. Much of this equipment requires manufacturer-authorized service to maintain warranties, comply with original equipment specifications and ensure dependable operation. The Fiscal Year 2026 scope of work includes preventive maintenance, circuit breaker reconditioning, breaker rentals and related contingency services that will help reduce the risk of unexpected equipment failures and unplanned service interruptions. During the meeting, Commissioners asked why the contract was being presented as a bid waiver rather than through a competitive procurement process. Staff explained that Eaton is the original manufacturer of the City's electrical equipment and the only manufacturer-authorized provider qualified to perform the required maintenance using factory-trained personnel, certified replacement components and proprietary engineering specifications. Commissioners emphasized the importance of protecting the City's significant investment in its utility infrastructure and ensuring that critical equipment continues to operate safely and reliably. The discussion also highlighted how this contract complements the City's broader efforts to modernize its utility system, including the electrical improvements recently authorized for the water and wastewater treatment plants. While those future capital projects will upgrade aging infrastructure, the Eaton agreement provides the preventive maintenance necessary to keep existing systems operating reliably until those improvements are completed.

City Commission Approves Engineering Design for Stirling Road Water Main Replacement Project
The Commission approved a professional engineering services task order with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to begin the design of a major water main replacement project along Stirling Road between SW 116th Avenue and SW 106th Avenue. The project will replace approximately 5,200 linear feet of aging 16-inch potable water main with new infrastructure designed to improve the long-term reliability of the City's water distribution system and reduce the likelihood of future water main failures along one of Cooper City's primary utility corridors. The approved task order covers all engineering services necessary to move the project from concept through construction, including utility coordination, subsurface utility exploration, preparation of construction plans, permitting, bidding assistance and engineering support during construction. Staff explained that replacing the aging water main is a proactive investment intended to improve system reliability while minimizing the potential for emergency repairs and service disruptions in the future. Existing survey and geotechnical information previously collected by the City will also be utilized, reducing project costs and eliminating the need for additional field investigations. During the meeting, Commissioners discussed the importance of coordinating the project with Broward County's planned improvements along Stirling Road to reduce construction impacts on residents and motorists. Staff explained that beginning the engineering design now positions the City to synchronize utility work with future roadway improvements whenever possible, helping avoid unnecessary excavation after the roadway has been resurfaced. Commissioners also emphasized the value of replacing aging infrastructure before failures occur, noting that planned improvements are generally less disruptive and more cost-effective than responding to emergency water main breaks. Staff also reviewed the consultant selection process, explaining that Kimley-Horn was previously selected through the City's competitive continuing consulting services contract and was chosen for this assignment based on its qualifications in civil and utility engineering. The Commission approved the task order, allowing engineering design to move forward on a project that is budgeted at $2.65 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program and represents another significant investment in the City's long-term water infrastructure.

City Commission Approves Preliminary Fire Assessment Rate for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
The Commission approved the preliminary fire assessment rates for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, establishing the maximum rates that may be included on annual TRIM notices while preserving the ability to reduce — but not increase — the assessment before final adoption in September. The annual fire assessment helps fund the City's fire protection services, facilities and programs, and is calculated using the methodology established through the City's 2025 fire assessment study. State law requires the preliminary rates to be submitted to the Broward County Property Appraiser in advance of the TRIM notice mailing, making this action a required step in the annual budget process. The preliminary assessment reflects 100 percent of eligible fire service costs, with the preliminary residential rate set at $487.39 per dwelling unit. An increase over the prior year is primarily attributed to contractual salary increases provided to Broward Sheriff's Office fire personnel, as reflected in the City's annual consideration letter, along with capital funding for the design of the City's future fire station. Staff also noted that while the estimated cost of providing fire services is approximately $10.3 million, only about $7.67 million is recoverable through the fire assessment because certain properties, including government-owned and other exempt parcels, cannot be assessed under state law. The remaining costs are funded through other City revenues. During the meeting, Commissioners discussed the purpose of adopting the preliminary rate at the maximum allowable level. Staff clarified that doing so provides flexibility during the remainder of the budget process because the final assessment adopted in September may be reduced if appropriate, but it cannot exceed the rate approved at this stage. Commissioners also discussed the factors driving the increase and emphasized that the assessment supports essential emergency response services while helping fund the personnel and facilities needed to maintain public safety. The Commission also acknowledged that planning for the replacement fire station remains an important long-term investment for the community and that a portion of the assessment increase reflects design costs associated with that future project. Following the discussion, the Commission approved the preliminary fire assessment resolution, allowing the assessment roll to be prepared and the required public hearing process to continue as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget adoption schedule.

City Commission Sets Preliminary Operating Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Process
The Commission approved a preliminary operating millage rate of 5.835 mills for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, marking the eighth consecutive annual reduction in the City's operating millage rate. This action is a required step in Florida's Truth in Millage (TRIM) process and establishes the maximum operating millage rate that may be adopted during the City's September budget hearings. While the Commission may reduce the rate before final adoption, state law prohibits increasing it above the preliminary rate without providing additional mailed notice to every affected property owner. The action also formally established the dates for the City's first and second public budget hearings on September 14 at 5:01 PM and September 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM, respectively. The proposed operating millage rate represents a 0.17 percent decrease from the previous fiscal year while remaining above the rolled-back rate of 5.5763 mills. Under Florida law, the rolled-back rate is the rate that would generate approximately the same property tax revenue as the prior year, excluding the value of new construction. Because the proposed rate exceeds the rolled-back rate, TRIM notices will identify it as a tax increase, even though the City's operating millage rate itself is lower than last year's. The preliminary rate balances the City's commitment to reducing the millage rate with the need to maintain essential municipal services, invest in infrastructure and address increasing operational costs. During the Commission's discussion, considerable attention was given to helping residents understand the distinction between a lower millage rate and higher property tax bills. Commissioners noted that, while the City has continued to reduce its operating millage rate year after year, increases in taxable property values may still result in higher tax bills for some property owners. Staff also explained that maintaining the proposed rate provides the financial flexibility needed to continue funding critical services, capital improvements and long-term investments while allowing the Commission additional opportunities to refine the budget before final adoption in September. Commissioners also reflected on the City's long-term fiscal strategy, noting that the proposed rate continues a multi-year effort to reduce the operating millage while maintaining strong financial stability. The discussion highlighted ongoing investments in public safety, parks, roadway improvements, water and wastewater infrastructure and other capital needs that have been advanced without increasing the operating millage rate.

City Commission Adopts Ordinance to Increase Emergency Reserve
The Commission approved an ordinance, on second reading, increasing the City's Committed Emergency Reserve by $400,000, bringing the total reserve within the General Fund to $3.85 million. The action strengthens the City's financial preparedness for unforeseen emergencies while ensuring compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 54 and the reporting requirements contained in the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The ordinance does not authorize new spending or set aside additional cash. Instead, it formally reclassifies a portion of the City's existing General Fund balance as a committed emergency reserve. Under GASB-54, amounts designated as a committed fund balance can only be established, modified or removed through formal action by the City Commission, ensuring that the reserve remains available only for genuine emergencies unless the Commission takes future legislative action. The Commission also reviewed the City's history of building its emergency reserves. The reserve was originally established at $3 million, increased to $3.45 million in 2021, and now grows to $3.85 million through this ordinance. Commissioners discussed the importance of maintaining strong financial reserves to enhance the City's resilience during hurricanes, economic downturns and other unexpected events. They emphasized that maintaining healthy reserves is a hallmark of responsible fiscal management and contributes to the City's long-term financial stability. During the discussion, Commissioners noted that increasing the committed reserve demonstrates the City's ongoing commitment to conservative budgeting and financial stewardship. By strengthening its emergency reserves during a period of solid financial performance, the City is better positioned to respond to unforeseen circumstances without disrupting essential services or placing unexpected financial burdens on residents. Following the discussion, the Commission approved the ordinance on second reading, formally increasing the committed emergency reserve to $3.85 million.

More Information
For more information related to the July 21, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting please the agenda: https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=821215b9f087495ebd09f671366364cc&ip=true.

The next City Commission Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328.