City Commission Meeting Brief for November 29, 2022

City Commission Tables Resolution 22-47
The City Commission tabled a resolution, which would have granted site plan approval pursuant to Site Plan Amendment Petition #SPA10-1-21 for the approximately 4.2 acres of real property known as Nur-Ul-Islam, generally located at 10600 SW 59^TH Avenue. The requested site plan amendment would allow the construction of a new three-story school building and a new mosque building with three minarets and a dome roof within the existing Nur-Ul-Islam development. The proposed school building has ground floor covered parking with school recreation space on the second floor and middle school classrooms on the third floor. The proposed school building will be 14,055 square-feet and will hold 135 students, increasing the total enrollment from 425 to 560 students. If approved, the school building site will have 51,600 square-feet of school use on the property. The new two-story mosque building totals 11,927 square-feet with open (no fixed seats) worship areas on both floors along with restrooms and storage closets. On the roof of this building, there is a design for three (3) minaret towers with one at one-hundred (100) feet and two at seventy (70) feet along with a dome at fifty-one (51) feet in height. A separate variance application for the proposed heights is being requested. Following public comments, the City Commission has directed Nur-Ul-Islam to continue outreach with neighboring residents with the goal of finding a design that is amenable to neighboring communities. The new mosque building had been previously approved by Broward County when the property was unincorporated, but has since expired. The request is to restore the mosque on the site plan as originally approved in the County, as they were subsequently removed through previous site plan amendments. Off-site work would include two road widening projects. The first being the widening of SW 106th Avenue at the intersection of SW 59th Street to create a dedicated left turn lane onto SW 59th Street to prevent delays for any vehicles traveling northbound on SW 106th Avenue. The second would be to widen SW 59th Street, at 106th Avenue, to allow for a dedicated left turn lane out to SW 106th Avenue going northbound. In addition to the above, the proportionate share costs for roadway trips added to the Griffin Road and Stirling Road intersections on SW 106th Avenue equates out to $23,366.92 ($14,274.19 & $9,092.76 respectively). A revised parent drop-off/stacking plan is proposed and includes staff members stationed at numerous locations to ensure an organized and efficient drop-off (7:30-am-8:30am) and pick-up (2:45pm, 2:55pm & 3:07pm). Included in the backup materials is a letter from the school committing to an alternate arrival plan, requiring parents to access the school entrance via 110th avenue from West if stacking delays are experience on SW 106th Avenue. During a meeting on October 17, 2022, the Planning and Zoning Board approved the proposed site plan amendment by a vote of 6-2. This resolution was tabled and deferred until January 24, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

City Commission Tables Resolution 22-48
The City Commission tabled a resolution, which would have granted the request for a Variance Petition #V10-6-21 submitted by Nur-Ul-Islam of South Florida, Inc. The proposed variance provides for deviation from Broward County Code Section 39-367 & 39-103 which limits a height of two stories (20 feet), plus 25%, for towers and domes if the building is located within two-hundred (200) feet of a residentially zoned property. The mosque building is proposed at one-hundred ninety-two (192) feet from a residentially zoned property. The new two-story mosque building totals 11,927 square feet. On the roof of this building is a design for three (3) minaret towers with one at one-hundred (100) feet and two at seventy (70) feet along with a dome at fifty-one 51 feet in height. The new proposed mosque building at 35 feet and a minaret at 100 feet had been previously approved by Broward County in September of 2000 when the property was unincorporated, but that height variance expired after 180 days. This request would restore the mosque building on the site plan as originally approved by the County along with two new 70 foot minarets and a 51 foot dome. During a meeting on October 17, 2022, the Planning and Zoning Board approved the proposed site plan amendment by a vote of 5-3. This resolution was tabled and deferred until January 24, 2023 at 6:30 PM

City Commission Tables Resolution 22-49
The City Commission tabled a resolution, which would have approved the Plat Note Amendment pursuant to Petition $PA4-2-22 for the approximately 4.2 acres of real property generally located at 10600 SW 59^th Avenue in Cooper City, Florida. This resolution would amend the plat to allow for the construction of a new 14,055 square-foot school building with classrooms and recreation space for an additional one-hundred thirty-five (135) students and a new mosque building totaling 11,927 square-feet. During a meeting on October 17, 2022, the Planning and Zoning Board approved the proposed site plan amendment by a vote of 6-2. This resolution was tabled and deferred until January 24, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

City Commission Approves Amendment for Video Monitoring and Equipment Maintenance of Vehicle Storage Lots
The City Commission approved an amendment to renew the award for video monitoring and equipment maintenance of vehicle storage lots to AT&I System. The City offers rental of secured lots for large RVs, boat units, and other equipment. To enhance security of the storage lots the City installed camera equipment for 24-hour monitoring. In 2019, the City issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) 2019-15-PW to procure the services of a qualified vendor to provide video monitoring services and maintenance on existing City equipment at two vehicle storage lots located at 9050 SW 51st Street and 5800 Hiatus Road. AT&I Systems was the most responsive and responsible bidder and was awarded the contract. The initial length of term for the agreement was for three (3) years and expires on December 3, 2022. Public Works staff finds the services of the vendor satisfactory, and recommended a renewal of the agreement. The lots require 24-7 security monitoring and specialized maintenance services. This amendment is to extend the contract for two years. The City wishes to continue maintenance services of the video equipment throughout the term of the agreement. However, since the Broward Sherriff’s Office’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) intends to perform video monitoring services on the RV lots in the coming months, the monitoring services will be on an as-needed basis only.

City Commission Approves Agreement for Purchase of Budget and Annual Comprehensive Financial Reporting Software and Services Package
The City Commission approved a piggyback agreement between Cooper City and IGM Technology Corp., for the purchase of a Budget and Comprehensive Financial Reporting (ACFR) software and services package. Annually, the City is required to prepare and report to the State of Florida and other interested stakeholders its annual budget and ACFR. Both documents require a substantial amount of staff, management, and governance time to prepare and review. Currently, these tasks are performed with the aid of Excel Software. Excel is not specifically designed for this type of task, which prolongs the preparation, modification, and review process. Staff has reviewed and demoed several software packages designed to expedite the development of both the budget and ACFR. As a result of the demos and evaluations, IGM Technology Corp. has risen to the top as the desired software program. It is staff’s belief that the use of Gravity software to prepare the Annual Budget and ACFR will substantially reduce staff, management, and governance time, while producing a better overall product. The requested amount for this purchase is $50,000 and has been budgeted as part of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expenditures.

City Commission Approves Bill Clark Tennis Contract for Three-Year Term
The City Commission approved a resolution, authorizing the execution of an agreement between the City of Cooper City and Bill Clark Tennis Academy, LLC, for the provision of professional tennis services. Bill Clark Academy, LLC currently provides tennis instruction and related services for the City of Cooper City. Bill Clark Academy has served as the Tennis Contractor at the Pool and Tennis Center since its inception in 1995. During this time of service, Bill Clark Tennis Academy has provided exceptional service to the Cooper City Community. During the November 15, 2022 City Commission Regular Meeting, the City Commission approved a contract term for a period of one (1) year, commencing on December 1, 2022 and terminating on November 30, 2023. With this new approval, the contract term will be for three (3) years, commending on December 1, 2022 and terminating on November 30, 2025. The contractor, Bill Clark Academy, LLC, will pay the following fees: 1. Contract term one year at $2,700 per month (Facility Use Fee). 2. Contract term year two and year three at $2,850 per month. Plus, non-resident fee of $45 per non-resident should the participation of non-residency exceed 70% participation.

City Commission Approves Agreement for Investment Advisor Services
The City Commission approved a piggyback agreement between the City of Cooper City and PFM Asset Management LLC for investment advisory services. As a condition of its revenue and expenditure annual cash flows, the City routinely has funds available for investment. Given the current nature of the financial markets and resulting interest rate increases taken by the Federal Reserve to stymie inflation, Cooper City has an opportunity to take advantage of market conditions to increase its annual funding by strategically investing its core reserves and non-current operating cash flows. Also, as it is Cooper City’s primary objective when investing funds to maintain the principal, and to ensure funds are readily available for current expenditures it is prudent for Cooper City to engage the services of a professional investment firm. Compensation is calculated as a percentage of assets managed. Compensation is paid after services are provided and are billed in arrears on a monthly basis. The City will receive the same negotiated fees contained in the City of Pembroke Pines piggybacked agreement.

City Commission Approves Motion to Implement Timesheet System for City Employees to Track Daily Tasks and Assignments
The City Commission approved the implementation of a timesheet system for City employees to track daily tasks and assignments over a short period of time to compliment the City’s current compensation and classification study.

City Commission Approves Motion Providing for City Commission Approval for the Hiring or Removal of District Police Chief and District Fire Chief
The City Commission approved a motion providing for the requirement that the City Commission approve any hiring or removal of a District Police Chief or District Fire Chief.

City Commission Rejects Motion to Include James Curran among Volunteers for Santa Claus and Easter Bunny
The City Commission rejected a motion that would have specifically included James Curran among volunteers to play Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny during community programs and events.

City Commission Approves Appointment to the Broward League of Cities Board
The City Commission approved the appointment of Commissioner Jeremy Katzman to the Broward League of Cities Board.

City Commission Approves Alternate Appointment to the Broward League of Cities Board
The City Commission approved the appointment of Commissioner Jeff Green as an alternative representative on the Broward League of Cities Board.

City Commission Approves Appointment to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
The City Commission approved the appointment of Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

City Commission Approves Appointment to Florida League of Cities (FLC) Representation
The City Commission approved the appointment of Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi as a voting delegate to the Florida Leauge of Cities (FLC) Board.

City Commission Approves Significant Notification Policy
The City Commission approved a signification notification policy directing the District Police Chief and District Fire Chief to provide immediate page notification to City administration and other appropriate personnel, via the “Everbridge” system, when a major incident occurs within the City of Cooper City.

City Commission Amends and Approves Ordinance 22-26 on First Reading
The City Commission approved an ordinance, on first reading, which would amend Chapter 25, Article II of the City’s Code of Ordinances, entitled “Signs;” by specifically amending Section 25-26, entitled “Window Signs;” and thereby permitting all colors to be eligible for window signs. This amendment would also limit all permitted types of lit window signage to only be illuminated during business hours. This ordinance will be brought forward for a second reading on December 13, 2022.

City Commission Amends and Approves Ordinance 22-25 on Second Reading
The City Commission approved an ordinance, on second reading, which has amended Chapter 25, Article VI of the City’s Code of Ordinances, entitled “Roads and Rights-of-Way” by specifically amending Section 25-87, entitled “Private Streets.” During the March 8, 2022 City Commission Regular Meeting, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 22-2, establishing a procedure for City vehicles to access gated communities and gated commercial properties. The ordinance stipulated an approved gated emergency access system would be identified by future resolution. Further, the ordinance identified the Fire Marshal as the enforcer for compliance. The City Commission later approved Resolution 22-15, which outlined the approved emergency access system. In addition, the resolution named the Police Chief as the enforcer of the secondary entry code requirement. Currently, the Code Enforcement team is overseeing the implementation and compliance effort. A recommendation to amend Ordinance 22-2, which named the Fire Marshal as the enforcer, has now been approved on second reading to reflect the Police Chief as the enforcer. This brings consistency between practice and policy. During the November 29, 2022 meeting, the City Attorney and staff were directed to include language pertaining to commercial properties’ need to allow access to restricted lobbies, for the aforementioned public safety reasons.

More Information
For more information related to items on the November 29, 2022 agenda, please visit https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=c2407142ab6b4dd6b8b100146351aab2&ip=true.

The next City Commission Regular Meeting will be held on December 13, 2022 at 6:30 PM at Cooper City City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328.