City Commission Approves Appointment to Recreation Advisory Board
The Commission approved the appointment of Mark Feiman to the Recreation Advisory Board, as recommended by Commissioner Ryan Shrouder. The Recreation Advisory Board was reestablished in 2014 through Resolution No. 14-4-1 and serves in an advisory capacity to support the development and improvement of parks, playgrounds, and recreational programs throughout Cooper City. The Board works closely with the City Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department to review current and future recreational programs, recommend enhancements, and help address the community’s recreational needs. The Board also provides guidance related to recreational facilities and supports the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining accessible and engaging public spaces for residents.
City Commission Approves Revised Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Calendar
The Commission approved a revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Budget Calendar, including updated dates for upcoming budget meetings and public hearings. The revision changes the date of the First Public Budget Hearing from September 9, 2026, to September 14, 2026, at 5:01 p.m. As part of the approved schedule, the budget process will include a Resident and Commission Input Budget Meeting on June 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a Commission Budget Workshop on July 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The First Public Budget Hearing is scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., and the Second Public Budget Hearing will take place on September 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, the July 21, 2026, Regular Commission Meeting will include consideration of the Fire Assessment Preliminary Rate resolution and the setting of the Preliminary Millage Rate in accordance with statutory deadlines.
City Commission Discusses Potential Changes to Catch Basin Parking Regulations
The Commission discussed possible amendments to Section 17-19 of the City Code relating to parking over catch basins. The discussion centered on whether the City should revise the current ordinance, which broadly prohibits parking over catch basins, to instead focus enforcement on situations where a vehicle creates an actual operational, drainage, maintenance, environmental, or public safety concern. Under the current Code, parking over a catch basin is generally prohibited unless it occurs within a residential driveway or during an emergency. Violations currently carry a $100 fine. The existing Code language provides a clear enforcement standard but may also apply in situations where a parked vehicle does not interfere with stormwater flow, maintenance access, or drainage performance. The Commission’s discussion explored a proposal for a more targeted enforcement approach that would allow enforcement when a vehicle obstructs the catch basin’s ability to collect stormwater, blocks City maintenance access, contributes to flooding or drainage issues, or leaks fluids such as oil, fuel, or coolant into the stormwater system. The staff’s report also noted that a narrower ordinance could provide Code Enforcement and law enforcement personnel with a more tailored enforcement mechanism focused on measurable impacts rather than a blanket prohibition. During Commission discussion, members also considered the possibility of creating a resident permit or indemnification process for homeowners seeking to park over or near a catch basin. Under the concept discussed, a resident could request permission to park in those areas while agreeing to accept responsibility for any damage or related impacts. The discussion focused on balancing residential parking concerns with the City’s responsibility to protect drainage infrastructure and stormwater operations. No ordinance amendment was approved during the meeting. The item concluded with administrative discussion and direction regarding potential future approaches to enforcement and permitting.
City Commission Discusses Comprehensive Overhaul of Special Event OrdinanceThe Commission discussed a potential overhaul of Section 9-28 of the City Code relating to special events, with the goal of creating a more detailed framework that better distinguishes between different types of events, their impacts on the community, and the level of City resources required to support them. The current ordinance broadly defines a special event as a gathering or activity occurring on public or private property that substantially affects normal pedestrian or vehicular movement, occupies public space, or deviates from the normal permitted use of a property. Existing regulations require permits for special events and involve review by multiple City departments, including Growth Management, Building, Police, and Fire Rescue. The ordinance also addresses matters such as insurance requirements, food service, alcohol sales, traffic control, sanitation, public safety staffing, and reimbursement for City service costs. During the discussion, the Commission expressed interest in developing a more modern and scalable ordinance that recognizes the practical differences between residential neighborhood gatherings, commercial promotional events, nonprofit or school-related activities, institutional events, festivals, races, parades, and other large-scale public events. The discussion also focused on differentiating events based on attendance levels, use of City resources, road closures, amplified sound, traffic impacts, alcohol service, food vendors, and public safety needs. It was also noted that the current structure may not adequately account for the varying operational impacts associated with different event types and locations, including events occurring on City property, private commercial property, common areas, and public rights-of-way. Commissioners also discussed whether the current penalty structure sufficiently deters violations such as operating events without permits, exceeding approved conditions, failing to provide required sanitation or security measures, or creating unauthorized traffic and parking impacts. The existing ordinance currently includes a $50 fine for certain violations, along with additional enforcement mechanisms available under City Code and Florida law. Following discussion, the Commission provided direction to staff and the City Attorney’s Office to develop a more robust special event ordinance and related guide for future consideration. The direction included creating clearer distinctions between event categories, establishing attendance thresholds, identifying required City resources and review processes, setting advance application timelines, and evaluating stronger enforcement and penalty provisions for violations.
City Commission Directs Preparation of Ordinance Revising Civil Citation Fine Schedule
The Commission discussed and approved direction to prepare ordinance amendments revising portions of the City’s civil citation fine schedule under Section 13-82 of the City Code. The proposed changes are intended to strengthen enforcement related to public safety, neighborhood quality of life, sanitation concerns, animal control, and the safe use of public spaces and roadways. Section 13-82 establishes the procedures and options available to individuals who receive civil citations, including the ability to correct violations, pay fines, or request an administrative hearing. The section also contains the City’s schedule of civil penalties for various Code violations. During discussion, the Commission reviewed several proposed changes to existing fines, along with the addition of reckless micromobility violations to the City’s enumerated citation schedule. The Commission ultimately provided direction to draft ordinance amendments reflecting the proposed fine revisions.
The proposed changes discussed included:
· Parking in a fire zone: increase from $30 to $100
· Feeding feral animals: increase from $100 to $250 for subsequent offenses, while maintaining a lower first-offense amount
· Animal defecation violations: increase from $25 to $100
· Loose dog or dog running at large violations: increase from $25 to $100
· Garage sales conducted without a permit: increase from $25 to $100
· Solicitation without a permit: increase from $25 to $100
· Florida Uniform Traffic Control violations: increase from $30 to $150
· Improper placement of trash receptacles: establish fines of $50 for a first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses
· Reckless micromobility violations: establish a $100 fine
· Fishing from bridges: additional review requested before finalizing a proposed increase
In discussing reckless micromobility violations, the Commission emphasized the importance of encouraging safer operation of e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar devices throughout the community. The proposed changes are intended to provide a stronger deterrent against conduct that could endanger pedestrians, motorists, riders, or the public. No final ordinance was adopted during the meeting. The Commission directed staff and the City Attorney’s Office to prepare formal ordinance language incorporating the proposed revisions for future consideration.
City Commission Approves Purchase of Replacement Vehicles for Utilities and Administrative Operations
The Commission approved expenditure authority under Florida Sheriffs Association Contract No. FSA25-VEL33.0 for the purchase of six replacement vehicles to support Utilities, administrative, and operational functions across multiple City departments. The approved purchases include two Ford F-150 trucks, one Ford Ranger, and three Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles. With the approval, the Commission authorized purchases from two vendors participating in the Florida Sheriffs Association cooperative purchasing program. The Commission approved $124,968 with Duval Ford, LLC for two Ford F-150 trucks and one Ford Ranger, along with $107,566.50 with Garber Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. for three Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles, for a total expenditure of $232,534.50. The vehicles will replace aging fleet vehicles currently used for administrative and field operations. The replacement schedule includes:
· One 2014 Ford Focus assigned to Administrative Department 110
· Two 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles used for Administration, Commission operations, and the administrative vehicle pool
· One 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty used in Street Maintenance operations
· One 2011 Ford F-250 used in Street Maintenance operations
· One 2015 Ford Escape used by Utilities Water Distribution staff
The three Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles will support administrative and City Hall-related functions, while the Ford trucks and Ranger will support Utilities and Road & Bridge operations. During Commission discussion, members reviewed the intended use of the vehicles, long-term fleet replacement planning, potential electric vehicle charging options, and the importance of limiting vehicle accessories and add-ons to operational governmental needs. The procurement utilizes the City’s approved piggyback participation in the Florida Sheriffs Association cooperative purchasing contract, which the City previously authorized in March 2026. The cooperative purchasing process included a statewide competitive bid solicitation involving dozens of participating vendors. The staff report also outlined the funding sources supporting the purchases. The City’s total vehicle purchase budget for the fiscal year is $940,000, which accommodates both previous fleet orders and the newly approved purchases.
City Commission Approves Decorative Turf Block Paver Installation Project
The City Commission approved the award of IFB2026-2 to Mundo Construction, LLC for the installation of decorative turf block pavers at multiple locations throughout Cooper City. The approved contract includes $321,487 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, along with authorization for future budgeted amounts during subsequent years of the contract term. The project is intended to address ongoing surface deterioration, improve aesthetics, and enhance stormwater percolation through the installation of decorative turf block pavers with vegetative infill. The initial phase of the project includes improvements at two locations:
· Along Southwest 49th Street adjacent to the Bill Lips Sports Complex
· Along Southwest 92nd Terrace near Cooper City Elementary School
The scope of work includes excavation, subgrade preparation, installation of aggregate base materials, decorative turf block paver installation, and the placement of topsoil and sod or seed within the paver system. The project is designed to create more durable and visually appealing designated parking areas while also supporting drainage and stormwater management efforts. The City issued the Invitation for Bid in February 2026 under full and open competition and received bids from two vendors. After review, Mundo Construction, LLC was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The agreement includes an initial three-year contract term with three optional one-year renewal periods at the City’s discretion. Funding for the project will come from the City’s Landscape Beautification account. The approved budget amount will cover the two initial projects while also leaving funding available for potential future decorative turf block paver projects in other areas of the City.
City Commission Approves Amendment to Broward County Regional Solid Waste AgreementThe Commission approved Resolution 26-28, authorizing the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for the Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County. The amendment is part of an ongoing regional effort to create a coordinated long-term strategy for solid waste disposal, recycling, and waste diversion throughout Broward County. The City of Cooper City is a participating member of the regional Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority, which was established through an interlocal agreement that became effective in August 2023. According to the staff report, the Authority was created in response to increasing countywide waste generation, limited long-term disposal capacity, and inconsistent recycling and waste management services following the dissolution of Broward County’s previous resource recovery system in 2013. The agreement amendment supports the Authority’s phased master plan for developing long-term waste management infrastructure and expanding regional recycling initiatives. Planned efforts include improved recycling and waste diversion programs, long-term disposal planning, and the future development of recycling drop-off centers throughout Broward County. The report noted that current countywide recycling rates remain near 30%, which is below the State of Florida’s 75% recycling target. The staff report outlined a phased funding structure that will gradually transition from population-based member contributions to per-ton disposal surcharges and, eventually, non-ad valorem assessments tied to waste generation. Initial member contributions are scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2027, followed by tipping fee surcharges beginning in Fiscal Year 2028 and a full transition to non-ad valorem assessments by Fiscal Year 2031. Based on current disposal volumes, the City processes approximately 21,204 tons annually across solid waste, recycling, and bulk material streams. The staff report estimated that the City’s annual costs under the regional framework would begin at approximately $42,068 in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, with additional per-ton surcharge costs beginning in Fiscal Year 2028.
City Commission Reconsiders Previous Ordinance, Amending Proposal for Filling Commission Vacancies on First Reading
The Commission approved two related actions concerning a proposed Charter amendment that would revise the process for filling vacancies on the City Commission and place the matter before voters during the November 3, 2026 General Election. The Commission first approved a motion to reconsider the prior adoption of Ordinance No. 26-08, which had previously been adopted on second reading in March 2026. The reconsideration item allowed the Commission to revisit the ordinance and evaluate the ballot language, administrative considerations, coordination with the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, and broader policy concerns regarding how vacancies on the Commission should be filled. Following reconsideration, the Commission approved a revised version of Ordinance No. 26-08 on first reading. The revised ordinance repeals the previously adopted version and submits a new proposed Charter amendment to voters for consideration at the November 2026 General Election. The proposed Charter amendment would revise Section 3.10 of the City Charter to allow the remaining members of the City Commission to appoint a qualified successor when a vacancy occurs, rather than requiring a special election in every circumstance. Under the proposal:
· The remaining Commission members would appoint a qualified successor within 30 days of a vacancy;
· If two years or less remain in the unexpired term, the appointed individual would serve the remainder of the term without an election;
· If more than two years remain, the appointed individual would serve until the next regular City election in November of an even-numbered year, at which point voters would elect someone to serve the remainder of the term; and
· If Commission membership falls below a quorum, the remaining members could appoint additional members by majority vote.
The revised proposal is intended to reduce the cost and logistical challenges associated with special elections while still preserving voter participation when significant time remains in an unexpired term. The analysis also noted that aligning vacancy elections with regularly scheduled elections could help avoid compressed election timelines and provide greater continuity in City governance.
City Manager Provides Notification of Equipment Donation to Cooper City High SchoolThe City Commission received notification from the City Manager regarding the planned donation of a surplus Toro Sand Pro from the Parks and Recreation Department to Cooper City High School. No formal Commission vote was required for this item. The equipment was identified through the City’s ongoing asset management review process as functional and in good working order, but no longer essential to current City operations due to fleet optimization and equipment redistribution. Rather than placing the equipment on the City’s surplus auction list, staff identified an opportunity to extend the unit’s useful life by donating it to the high school to assist with athletic field maintenance. The donation supports operational efficiency, reduces maintenance and storage costs, promotes responsible asset reuse, and strengthens the City’s partnership with local schools. The donation is consistent with the City’s Surplus Property Policy and provisions within the Cooper City Code of Ordinances related to the disposal of surplus property.
More Information
For more information related to the May 12, 2026 agenda, please visit https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=63b8f281e75849ebbc7feebafe0fbf72&ip=true.
The next City Commission Regular Meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328.