City Commission Approves Variance for Driveway Widening
The City Commission approved Resolution 26-06, granting a variance to the property owner at 5786 SW 89th Way in the Country Address Encore subdivision. The variance allows an increase in the primary driveway width from the code-permitted 24 feet to 26 feet at one point and up to 36 feet at its widest. The homeowner, Ana Harding, submitted the request to accommodate parking needs for her family, including her son who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair or walker for mobility. Rather than building a secondary or circular driveway—which is allowed under code but would have a greater paved surface area—the proposed design maintains a single, widened driveway. This approach helps preserve three mature canopy trees located on the southern portion of the lot, maintains more green space, and avoids interfering with an above-ground cable utility box. Staff determined that the application met all required review criteria and recommended approval. The Planning and Zoning Board also unanimously recommended approval (7-0 vote) during its January 5, 2026 meeting. As a condition of approval, the homeowner will no longer be eligible to construct an additional secondary driveway in the future
City Commission Approves Site Plan Amendment for Hanson Preserve Development
The City Commission approved Resolution 26-07, authorizing a site plan amendment for the Hanson Preserve residential development located at the southeast corner of Griffin Road and SW 106th Avenue. The amendment, submitted by Toll Brothers, allows the addition of two new model home designs and establishes a temporary sales office and parking facility to support home sales operations during the construction phase. Originally approved as Hanson Park in August 2024 for 38 single-family homes, the development features one- and two-story homes ranging from 2,312 to 4,720 square feet. The newly approved site plan amendment introduces the following:
· A new "D" model: a two-story, 2,915-square-foot home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a loft, and a three-car garage. It is offered with three elevation options.
· A new "Haverhill" model: a two-story, 4,056-square-foot design featuring five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a flex room, loft, and a three-car garage, also with three elevation options.
In addition to the new home models, the Commission approved the use of Lot 1 as a temporary sales office housed in the garage of the Pinecrest model. This sales office must be converted back into a functional garage before a final Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Lot 2 will serve as a temporary parking lot with landscaping and fencing, as well as a modular, ADA-accessible restroom facility powered by the model home’s electrical connection. Enhanced landscaping and a backyard pool will further distinguish the sales center as a “model trap” for prospective buyers. Sales operations will run weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the amendment at its January 5, 2026 meeting, and the Development Review Committee also supported the petition.
City Commission Approves First Reading of Micromobility Ordinance with Amendments and Directives for Enhanced Safety
The City Commission approved on first reading a drafted ordinance regulating the operation of micromobility devices, such as electric scooters and bicycles, throughout Cooper City. The ordinance is designed to promote safe and responsible use of these devices while protecting pedestrians, city infrastructure, and overall public safety. During the meeting, the Commission held an extensive discussion and directed City staff to incorporate several amendments into the ordinance prior to its second reading. These approved amendments include:
· No age limit for micromobility device operators.
· A maximum speed of 10 mph on sidewalks.
· Within 10 feet of a pedestrian, operators must slow to no more than 5 mph, yield the right of way, maintain a minimum of 3 feet of lateral distance, and stop if necessary to avoid collisions or unsafe conditions.
· Operators are required to yield at cross streets and must not operate in a reckless manner.
· Fines for violations were established at $50 for the first offense and $250 for a second offense.
· Operation of micromobility devices is prohibited within the boundaries of a City event while in progress.
· Operators must not block crosswalks, ADA ramps, curbs, fire lanes, emergency routes, or building exits.
· Use is also prohibited in a way that damages or disturbs City-owned property, including grass, turf, playgrounds, or landscaped areas.
· If operating on a roadway, operators must follow the flow of traffic.
· When riding at night, micromobility devices must be equipped with front and rear-facing lights.
In addition to the amendments, the Commission directed City staff to organize and implement a public safety class to help educate residents on proper and lawful use of micromobility devices. The ordinance, as amended, aims to strike a balance between promoting alternative forms of transportation and ensuring pedestrian safety and respect for public spaces. A revised draft incorporating the Commission’s directives will be brought forward for a second reading during the City Commission Regular Meeting scheduled for February 10, 2026.
City Commission Approves Funding for Streets and Sports Field Lighting Repairs
The City Commission approved expenditure authority in an amount not to exceed $56,331.83 for lighting repair services under Contract No. RFP-RM-22-42. The funding will cover a six-month period from the date of Commission approval and is intended to address needed repairs to streetlights, sports field lighting systems, and other lighting infrastructure throughout Cooper City. Due to the specialized equipment and licensed electricians required for this type of work, repairs are outsourced to qualified contractors. The City has consistently used Imperial Electrical Inc. for these services and has been satisfied with their responsiveness and the quality of their work. Although the Utilities Department intends to solicit proposals for a new contract, this expenditure ensures that lighting-related safety concerns can be promptly addressed in the interim. The funding will be split between two departments: $36,331.83 from the Utilities Department’s Maintenance-Electrical Systems fund and $20,000 from the Parks & Recreation Department’s Casual & Contract Labor fund. Both allocations are included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget. Cooper City is utilizing a piggyback agreement through the Town of Davie’s competitively awarded contract with Imperial Electrical Inc., which is valid through November 1, 2026. This cooperative purchasing approach enables the City to maintain service continuity while preparing to launch its own procurement process.
City Commission Approves Pay Plan Revision and Position Reclassifications for Parks and Grants Roles
The City Commission approved revisions to the City’s Pay Plan, including the reclassification of two key positions: the Parks and Recreation Manager and the Grant Administrator. These updates reflect evolving responsibilities and aim to promote internal equity while supporting the City’s strategic goals.
Under the approved revisions:
· The Parks and Recreation Manager position was reclassified from Grade 116 to Grade 120. This brings the role in alignment with comparable supervisory positions such as the Parks/Street Maintenance Supervisor, which already sits at Grade 120, despite having fewer educational and certification requirements.
· The Grant Administrator position was reclassified from Grade 122 to Grade 123, recognizing the increasing importance and strategic impact of the role. The change also reflects the fact that the position now reports directly to the Deputy City Manager and plays a key role in securing external funding for the City.
The updated classifications will increase the minimum salary range for the Parks and Recreation Manager by $13,800 and for the Grant Administrator by $4,390. The additional costs will be absorbed within the existing budget: the Parks and Recreation adjustment will be funded through vacancy savings in the Director position, and the Grant Administrator's increase will be covered by grant proceeds.
City Commission Approves Reappointments to the Firefighters’ Pension Fund Board
The City Commission approved the reappointment of Samuel Saad and Greg Butler to the Cooper City Firefighters’ Pension Fund Board. These appointments, recommended by the City Manager, are in accordance with City Code and Florida Statutes Chapter 175, which require the Board to consist of five trustees serving concurrent two-year terms. The Firefighters’ Pension Fund Board holds fiduciary responsibility for overseeing the administration and investment of pension plan assets for eligible participants. The Board must exercise prudent judgment in its oversight of the plan, ensuring compliance with state and local requirements. Samuel Saad was originally appointed on August 23, 2022, and has served as a trustee since that time. Greg Butler has also served on the Board in a prior term. Their reappointments allow for continued service until successors are formally appointed, ensuring stability and continuity in the Board’s operations
City Commission Approves Reappointments to the Police Pension Advisory Board
The City Commission approved the reappointment of John Liguori and Martin Sherwood to the Cooper City Police Pension Advisory Board. This action was taken in accordance with Section 2-157 of the City Code, which outlines the structure and governance of the Police Officers Pension Board. The Board is responsible for the sole and exclusive administration of the retirement plan for police personnel. It consists of five trustees, including two residents of Cooper City who are appointed by the City Manager and confirmed by the Commission. Both Liguori and Sherwood were originally appointed on August 23, 2022, and their reappointment ensures continuity in the oversight of the pension system. Trustees serve two-year terms and continue in their roles until successors are appointed or elected.
City Commission Approves Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 with Added Public Safety Funding
The City Commission approved Resolution 26-09, amending the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget originally adopted on September 25, 2025. The amendment reflects a total budget adjustment of $19,919,738, which includes both rollover allocations and new appropriations necessary to carry forward capital projects and address additional funding needs. As part of the approval, the Commission adopted an amendment to earmark $500,000 specifically for public safety purposes, reinforcing the City’s ongoing commitment to proactive safety investments and departmental support. The budget amendment is composed of two main components:
Rollovers totaling $18,483,342, which account for capital purchase orders and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects not completed in the prior fiscal year. These funds are carried forward across multiple funds:
· $2,025,316 for departmental capital projects, funded from the General Fund, Building Fund, and Water & Sewer Fund.
· $8,589,572 for projects in the Capital Projects Fund (Fund 300), funded by restricted balances and grants.
· $7,868,453 for Water & Sewer CIP projects (Fund 453), also supported by a mix of unrestricted fund balance and grant revenues.
New appropriations totaling $1,936,396, which now include the following:
· $536,396 for citywide median rehabilitation and maintenance, funded through Broward County surtax revenues under a memorandum of understanding.
· $600,000 for the Bill Lips Sports Complex LED Lighting Program, funded by the General Fund’s unassigned fund balance.
· $300,000 for improvements to Suellen Field C, including irrigation upgrades, grading, and resodding.
· $500,000 earmarked for public safety, as directed by the City Commission through an amendment to the resolution.
City Commission Approves Appointment of Joshua Rhodes as Parks and Recreation Director
The City Commission approved Resolution 26-09, officially appointing Joshua Rhodes as Cooper City’s new Parks and Recreation Director in accordance with Section 4.01(4)(c) of the City Charter. The appointment follows a multi-phase recruitment process initiated in September 2025. After an initial round of interviews, the position was re-advertised in December 2025 to ensure a competitive and comprehensive candidate pool. Following thorough evaluation of qualifications, experience, and alignment with the City’s goals, the City Manager recommended Rhodes, an internal candidate, for the role. The decision reflects the City’s strategic emphasis on employee development and succession planning. By promoting from within, the City recognizes institutional knowledge and supports professional growth, contributing to continuity, staff retention, and enhanced service delivery for residents. Rhodes has demonstrated strong leadership, deep understanding of parks operations, and long-term commitment to the City. In conjunction with the appointment, the City Manager also announced that the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director position will remain vacant. Instead, cost savings will be redirected to hire consultants to help develop policies and operational procedures, as well as to upgrade the Parks and Recreation Manager pay scale. These changes are intended to further support career growth within the department. The financial impact of this staffing strategy results in a net savings of $35,000 for the City.
City Commission Approves First Reading of Ordinance Granting Stormwater Credit for Pools with Engineered Overflow Systems
The City Commission approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-03, which would amend the City Code to allow a 50% impervious surface area credit for residential swimming pools that include an engineered overflow system designed to direct excess rainfall underground for natural infiltration. Previously, swimming pools were classified as entirely impervious surfaces under stormwater regulations, since overflow during heavy rain could contribute to sheet flow or runoff into neighboring properties. This proposed ordinance provides a new option for homeowners and engineers: if the pool includes an engineered system, such as a perimeter drain or underground gravel dispersion area, to manage rainwater overflow, only half of the pool’s square footage will be counted as impervious in stormwater calculations. For example, a 400-square-foot pool with an approved drainage system would be calculated as 200 square feet of impervious surface. The ordinance is particularly beneficial to residents on smaller lots, offering them more flexibility in pool design without compromising the City’s flood control standards. The proposed code change is similar in approach to existing allowances for driveways with perimeter drainage systems. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval during its November 3, 2025 meeting. This ordinance will be brought forward for a second reading during the City Commission Regular Meeting scheduled for February 10, 2026.
City Commission Rejects Ordinance to Shorten Permitted Construction Hours in Residential Areas
The City Commission rejected the first reading of Ordinance 26-04, which proposed an amendment to Chapter 10, Section 10-6 of the City Code to reduce the hours during which construction and demolition activities are permitted in residential and noise-sensitive areas. The proposed ordinance, originally recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board following public input, aimed to change the allowed work hours from the current 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. window to a more restricted 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. timeframe. As a result of the Commission’s vote, the existing construction hours allowing work from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. remain in effect.
City Commission Rejects Ordinance to Allow Single-Stripe Parking in Multifamily Communities
The City Commission rejected the first reading of Ordinance 26-05, which proposed an amendment to Chapter 25 of the City Code to allow multifamily residential communities to choose between single-stripe or double-stripe designs for off-street parking spaces. The proposed ordinance sought to reduce the cost and maintenance burden for multifamily developments, particularly those using paver surfaces, by removing the existing requirement that all parking spaces be double-striped. While commercial and non-residential parking lots would still be required to maintain double striping, the ordinance would have allowed greater flexibility for residential associations to determine their preferred striping layout. Furthermore, the dimensional standards for parking spaces (9 feet by 18 feet on center) would have remained unchanged. The idea was first discussed during a City Manager-hosted meeting with homeowners' associations (HOAs), where an HOA from Rock Creek raised concerns about the added expense and labor associated with double-striping on paver surfaces. Proponents argued that the change would provide communities more autonomy and help reduce long-term maintenance costs. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the ordinance and City staff expressed a neutral position, indicating the choice was largely a policy preference. Ultimately, the Commission voted to reject the proposal, thereby keeping the current code in place requiring double-striping in all applicable residential parking areas.
City Commission Defers Action on Second Reading of Ordinance to Update Regulations for Boat and RV Parking on Residential Properties
The City Commission deferred action on Ordinance 25-14, a proposed amendment to Chapter 25 of the City Code regarding the parking and visibility of boats and recreational vehicles (RVs) on residential properties. The item was tabled following a detailed discussion to allow City staff additional time to revise the draft ordinance based on Commission feedback and community concerns. Ordinance 25-14, originally brought forward following a public workshop held on April 22, 2025, aims to establish updated restrictions and standards related to the maintenance, use, height, and visibility of boats and RVs in residential areas. Key issues prompting the proposal included visual impacts of large RVs, enforcement challenges, and concerns about RVs being used as dwellings or being connected to utilities such as water, sewer, or electricity. As directed by the Commission, the revised ordinance will include the following key provisions:
· A maximum height limit of 12 feet for any RV or boat parked on residential property.
· Only one boat or RV may be visible from the public right-of-way.
· RVs parked on private residential property may not be used as temporary or permanent living spaces—no person may sleep or reside in an RV.
These proposed revisions are intended to preserve the aesthetic character of Cooper City neighborhoods while addressing resident concerns regarding fairness, enforcement, and safety. The updated proposed ordinance will return to the Commission for further consideration at the Regular Meeting scheduled for February 10, 2026.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Ordinance Delegating Utility Service Approval to City Manager
The City Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance 26-01, which has amended Chapter 19, Article III of the City Code to streamline the process for water and wastewater system service applications within Cooper City. The ordinance now delegates authority to the City Manager to administratively approve utility connection applications, developer agreements, and the release or reduction of bonds related to water and sewer construction projects. Previously, these approvals required City Commission action, often resulting in delays and unnecessary administrative burden despite the City’s obligation to provide utility services to eligible properties. The new ordinance modifies Sections 19-74 (“Application for Service”), 19-107 (“Developer Agreements”), and 19-143 (“Bonding Requirements”) of the Code to reflect this procedural change. By shifting approval responsibilities to the City Manager for properties located within City limits, the ordinance is expected to enhance efficiency within the Utility Department, reduce processing times for new service connections, and improve customer service. There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this ordinance.
More Information
For more information regarding the January 29, 2026 agenda, please visit: https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=c0654a1a93aa48889084c779e88a0333&ip=true.
The next City Commission Regular Meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328.