Parking Variance Approved for Synagogue at Stirling Town Center
The City Commission approved a nine-space parking variance for Stirling Town Center, located at 8631-8861 Stirling Road, specifically restricted to the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue. The shopping center has 284 parking spaces. It was originally approved as a retail-only center, but a 2011 variance allowed a broader mix of tenants, including restaurants, while maintaining its existing parking supply. Under the property's parking requirements, the synagogue’s use of an approximately 960-square-foot tenant space brings the center’s required parking total to 293 spaces. The newly approved variance allows that use without requiring the property owner to add the nine-space difference. In considering the request, the Commission discussed the synagogue’s limited service schedule and the practice of congregants walking to services during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. These characteristics help reduce parking demand and potential conflicts with other businesses in the center. A cross-parking agreement with the adjacent Dollar Tree property, which is under the same ownership, will also provide access to 68 additional spaces for occasional overflow parking. The Commission conditioned its approval on restricting the variance to the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue. The parking variance is one step in bringing the synagogue’s existing operation into compliance with City requirements; the synagogue must still complete the applicable permitting, Business Tax Receipt, and Certificate of Occupancy requirements.

Water Service Agreement Approved for Davie Home Connected to Cooper City’s Utility System
The City Commission approved a water service agreement for a single-family home at 11000 SW 59th Street in the Town of Davie. The agreement allows the property owners to obtain water service through Cooper City’s utility system, which serves this section of SW 59th Street. Although the home is located outside Cooper City’s municipal boundaries, Cooper City owns the water distribution system along the roadway. Utilities staff confirmed that the system has sufficient capacity to accommodate the connection. The Town of Davie previously approved the request by resolution. The agreement provides for one Equivalent Residential Connection, the unit used to represent water service capacity for a typical single-family home. The property owners are responsible for all installation costs and have submitted $5,390.11 to the City. That amount includes a $4,092.09 water connection contribution, a $220 meter installation charge, and a $1,078.02 surcharge, calculated at 25%. The approval is for water service only. The home will remain on its existing septic system and will not receive sewer service under this agreement.

Design Services Approved for New Utilities Operations Building to Support Future Wastewater Plant Improvements
The City Commission approved a task order with M.C. Harry and Associates, Inc., for architectural and engineering services for a proposed new Utilities Operations Building, at a cost not to exceed $359,282.The project is part of the City’s planning for a new wastewater treatment plant to replace its existing treatment facilities and meet long-term wastewater treatment needs. The current Utilities Operations Building, located on the City’s water and wastewater treatment property at 11791 SW 49th Street, conflicts with the proposed wastewater plant improvements. Relocating staff and operational functions will make room for those improvements while maintaining the Utilities Department’s daily operations. The proposed building will be located at 11221 SW 49th Street, adjacent to the existing Utilities Fleet Building. It will accommodate offices, employee workstations, workshops, equipment storage, locker rooms, restrooms, training and conference spaces, and other operational support areas. The approved services cover defining the department’s space and operational needs, developing the building layout and architectural and engineering designs, and preparing construction drawings and specifications. The scope also includes site improvements, utilities and drainage design, landscaping, construction cost estimates, permitting coordination, bidding assistance, and construction contract administration. The $359,282 authorization includes $338,782 for professional services, a $500 reimbursable allowance, and a $20,000 contingency for additional architectural and engineering services subject to City authorization. Funding is available within the project’s $500,000 budget allocation. This approval advances the professional services needed to plan, design, and support delivery of the proposed building. A construction contract was not awarded as part of this action.

Engineering Study Approved to Guide Planning for New Wastewater Treatment Plant
The City Commission approved a task order with Hazen and Sawyer for professional engineering services to prepare a Basis of Design Report for a proposed new wastewater treatment plant, at a cost not to exceed $485,100. The City’s Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update identified replacing its three existing package treatment plants with a new standalone facility as a critical capital improvement. The replacement would address aging infrastructure and support the community’s long-term wastewater treatment needs. With construction currently estimated at $60 million to $70 million, the report will help the City evaluate treatment options and establish the technical requirements, preliminary costs, and implementation approach before advancing the project. A Basis of Design Report serves as the foundation for a facility’s future design. Hazen and Sawyer will review existing plant information, analyze historical wastewater volumes and treatment demands, and compare treatment technologies to recommend a preferred process. The work will include conceptual facility layouts, preliminary equipment sizing, and requirements for electrical systems, drainage, controls, laboratory space, and other supporting infrastructure. The study will also address reliability, backup capacity, resiliency, and future expansion. A phased implementation plan will outline how the City can maintain wastewater treatment operations during construction and accommodate future needs. Additional work includes identifying required permits, developing an implementation schedule, and preparing a construction cost estimate to support budgeting and funding applications. The consultant will also evaluate different approaches to designing and constructing the facility, helping the City determine how best to deliver the project. The approved amount includes $465,100 for the engineering study and up to $20,000 for additional engineering and planning assistance, which requires City authorization before work begins. The project has a $490,000 budget allocation. This approval advances planning and establishes the basis for future design and construction decisions.

Continued Funding Approved for Wastewater Treatment Plant Odor Control
The City Commission approved expenditure authority of up to $26,268 for Fiscal Year 2027 to purchase odor-control chemicals from Momar, Inc. under an existing agreement. The approval also authorizes purchases within approved annual budget amounts for the remaining contract term, including any approved extensions. The City routinely uses odor-control chemicals at its wastewater treatment plant to neutralize unpleasant odors generated during the treatment process. Following field testing, Utilities staff determined that Momar’s Liquid Blossom 20X product met the City’s operational needs. The product is delivered in 275-gallon containers, with approximately eight containers expected to be used annually. The City originally awarded the odor-control chemical contract to Momar on December 12, 2023, following a competitive bidding process in which the company was identified as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The original agreement runs through December 11, 2026, and allows up to two additional one-year renewals with mutual written consent. This action authorizes continued spending under that previously approved agreement. The $26,268 expenditure is funded within the Utilities Department’s $280,000 chemical supplies budget and supports ongoing odor-control measures at the wastewater treatment plant.

Optimist Agreement Approved to Continue Programs with April 28, 2027 Compliance Deadline
The City Commission approved an amended and restated facility use agreement with the Cooper City Optimist Club, allowing continued sports programming while setting a firm deadline for compliance with financial accountability requirements. The approval follows the Commission’s October 13 direction authorizing the City Manager to negotiate an agreement with the Club. The agreement governs the Club’s use of City athletic fields and facilities and adds specific requirements tied to the independent review of its financial operations. Under the approved agreement, the Optimist Club must comply with all 21 high-priority audit recommendations by April 28, 2027. The Club must also work diligently toward addressing the remaining audit recommendations. The City will determine whether the requirements have been satisfied. Commissioners emphasized that adopting policies or submitting documents does not, by itself, demonstrate full compliance. The Club must put the required procedures into practice and maintain compliance after the April deadline. Meeting the requirements is an ongoing obligation, rather than a one-time checklist. The agreement provides that failure to satisfy the required compliance recommendations by April 28, 2027, will result in immediate termination unless the City, at its sole discretion, extends the deadline in writing. Commissioners also amended the agreement to require completion of the Club’s 2025 Forms 1099 by November 15, 2026, establishing an earlier deadline for that tax-reporting requirement. To monitor progress, the City Manager committed to providing the Commission with compliance scorecards approximately every 10 days to two weeks. The Mayor also requested an update during one Commission meeting each month and publication of compliance information on the City website so residents can follow the Club’s progress. Commissioners emphasized that any compliance updates published by the Club should match the status confirmed by the City. The agreement continues to establish responsibilities for registration, financial reporting, facility scheduling, safety, and organizational transparency. These include using City-provided software for registration and payment collection, providing financial records and required reports, and allowing a designated City staff representative to attend Club board meetings. During the discussion, the Club’s president confirmed that both of its monthly board meetings are open to the public and encouraged community participation. The City Attorney also clarified that the City retains control over field rentals. The Club cannot independently sublease City facilities to another organization; outside groups must arrange facility use directly with the City. The approved agreement’s initial term runs from October 28, 2026, through June 30, 2030, subject to its compliance and termination provisions. During the meeting, City officials and Club leadership reaffirmed their commitment to working together so programs continue while the required financial controls and oversight measures are implemented.

Renaissance Charter School Agreement Approved to Provide Additional Space for Community Recreation
The City Commission approved a facility use agreement with Renaissance Charter School at Cooper City, located at 2800 North Palm Avenue, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement. The agreement provides City access to the school’s gymnasium, outdoor fields, and cafeteria for a three-year term, with two additional one-year renewal options. The agreement fulfills a commitment established through a broader negotiated agreement among the City, Red Apple at Cooper City, LLC, and Renaissance Charter School, Inc. That agreement was approved by the Commission in July 2026 and formally ratified in August. Providing access to school facilities for community use was part of the resolution negotiated between the parties. During the meeting, staff explained that the additional space would support recreational programming, including Optimist basketball, and could provide space for summer camp activities. Commissioners discussed how access to another gym could help reduce reliance on rented basketball facilities and provide more suitable practice and game times for children. Those potential benefits will depend on scheduling and use of the available space. The Commission also clarified how scheduling will work. The school retains first priority for its own activities, followed by the City’s requested use. The City will coordinate dates and times with the school and receive priority over other third-party requests. The agreement does not provide unrestricted access or require the school to seek City permission before accepting every outside rental. When facilities are not occupied by the school or City, Renaissance may rent them to other organizations. Staff confirmed that the City intends to use its scheduled access for City recreational programs and Optimist activities, rather than subletting that time to private businesses to operate their own programs. The agreement provides access to school facilities for the City’s benefit without granting Renaissance corresponding access to City facilities. It creates an additional resource for community recreation through coordinated use of existing school spaces.

Legislative Priorities Approved for Water Infrastructure, Traffic Safety, and More
The City Commission unanimously approved Resolution 26-57, establishing Cooper City’s state legislative priorities for Fiscal Year 2027–2028. The approval directs the City to seek state funding for water and sewer improvements, preserve funding for Hiatus Road traffic safety improvements, and pursue legislation addressing how board members are appointed to the City's existing development districts. The priorities guide the City Manager, Grants Administrator, and lobbying team in presenting Cooper City’s requests to state lawmakers. The Commission approved the following priorities, including an addition and a condition established during the meeting:

Stirling Road Water Main Replacement — Phase 1
The City will request $750,000 in state funding toward a $1 million construction phase to replace approximately 5,200 feet of aging, 16-inch drinking water main along Stirling Road between SW 116th Avenue and SW 106th Avenue. The City’s proposed share is $250,000. The project includes a new water main, valves, fire hydrants, and service connections, and will take the existing pipeline out of service. These improvements are intended to reduce the risk of water main failures, minimize service interruptions, and improve the reliability of the water distribution system. This work is part of a larger replacement project planned in seven phases, with an estimated total cost of $6.5 million based on preliminary design. The scope of each phase will depend on utility connections and field conditions.

Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and Re-Lining
The City will request $700,000 in state funding toward a $1 million project to rehabilitate approximately two miles of aging gravity sewer lines at locations throughout Cooper City. The City’s share is $300,000. Work includes installing protective liners inside existing sewer pipes, sealing connections, restoring connections from properties to the sewer main, and removing roots, grease, and other obstructions. These improvements will help reduce groundwater entering the sewer system, lower the potential for sanitary sewer overflows, and reduce unnecessary demands on wastewater treatment facilities.

Hiatus Road Traffic Safety Improvements
The City will seek legislative authorization to redirect the remaining $244,665 from a previously awarded $370,000 state appropriation to a revised traffic safety project along Hiatus Road. The original appropriation specified the design and construction of a roundabout. During preliminary design, the City determined that the proposed roundabout could not fit within the existing public right-of-way. A revised concept instead proposes traffic-calming improvements intended to improve safety and support lower vehicle speeds along the corridor, from approximately 500 feet south of Stirling Road to approximately 900 feet north of SE Lake Boulevard. Because the original state funding was specifically designated for a roundabout, legislative approval is needed to apply the remaining funds to the revised improvements. The project’s estimated design and construction cost is approximately $1.59 million, and the City has also secured a $1,043,101 Broward County Transportation Surtax grant. During the meeting, the Commission conditioned its support for this priority on confirmation of support from the Embassy Lakes homeowners association board through a letter signed by an elected board representative.

Legislation Addressing Development District Board Appointments
The Commission added a fourth priority directing the City to work with its lobbyist on a local bill addressing board appointments for existing development districts within Cooper City. The direction was to use Weston’s model of appointments through the City Commission as an example. The discussion focused on aligning district representation more closely with City government and concerns about costs borne by residents. This action authorizes pursuit of legislation; any change to the appointment structure would require further legislative action. The resolution also authorizes the City Manager to accept any appropriated funds awarded, execute grant agreements, expend budgeted funds, and carry out the requirements associated with funded priorities. Approval establishes the City’s requests and advocacy direction; the requested state funding remains subject to the legislative appropriations process.

More Information
For more information on the October 27, 2026 agenda, please visit: https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=46f340b660624f5c97c649b23885620f&ip=true.

The next City Commission Regular Meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2027, at 6:30 PM at Cooper City City Hall, located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328.