[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6751338,"mediaKeyId","2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501","parentId",2112806,"title","Residents press Cooper City for answers after easement killing of Egyptian geese","audioSeconds",781,"startMs",686000,"endMs",1467000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501&start=686&end=1467","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501/thumbnail_686000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6751338/Cooper-City/Broward-County/Florida/Residents-press-Cooper-City-for-answers-after-easement-killing-of-Egyptian-geese","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6751338-185ca2eae72d459e3aa8db4ba0d87b01/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443025&Signature=Gch6A59bIVkXZ1eY2Eh~Z9RJ4WFF6RYtAoQmyvjQdk4V0yfTfVJx2-oGmkfvRBKh3vOI4kK9G-BS8Fu10wwmunR2WdZTZHC94jrHqeXEIlwdxUBdafAouEi4Tbz1rXKecpVWA4DrljmVNtRJ~-mBUIsIBlmvGPoQjjdQMn-5wtgu0~ftQh1vpO8NLozRpCRiLyPan3-4BbqMsSXHhTxBpHr52FNfWw5ifnd-jts8Iil2hzpMWy5nWpqE24w~odloZ0h9P4FfxCr2sbnpwNGfgwEJ75mHBQv6ygZHv7idePoa7a-q5L0jQPQDrkpVlbdmeHBjkBON6ISDYWfd~uojuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cooper City ","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Dozens of Cooper City residents pressed the City Commission during public comment to take immediate action after the killing of several Egyptian geese on a city easement in late December. Residents described the scene, urged arrests, and asked the commission to block motorized access to the easement to prevent vehicles such as Polaris UTVs and ATVs from entering sensitive wildlife habitat.

Captain James DiGiovanni of the Broward Sheriff's Office told the commission he shares residents' concerns and that the department's special victims/criminal investigations unit is actively investigating. He said the case is being handled by an experienced detective and encouraged residents to send tips to Broward Crime Stoppers (954-493-TIPS); he confirmed a $5,000 reward was posted to generate leads.

Residents urged immediate transparency about the investigation and expressed frustration with response time to 911 calls on scene. Captain DiGiovanni said a deputy on an unrelated traffic stop was the closest unit and was completing that enforcement when the wildlife call arrived; he said that can lead to triage decisions in the field and he volunteered to meet residents to discuss response details in private so as not to compromise the active case.

Multiple speakers asked the commission to limit vehicle access on the easement at Countryside Shops/Familiar Gardens West, to install cameras and logs to permit pedestrian access only, and to inform residents via city channels. Commissioner Mallozzi asked staff to bring back a sketch and estimated cost for barriers; city manager said staff would prepare a plan and estimate for commission approval.

Commissioners also asked that staff coordinate with Broward County Water Management and South Florida Water Management District if access restrictions could affect maintenance access. City staff and BSO committed to work together and to report back to the commission with options for barricades, signage and enforcement. No arrests or charges were announced at the meeting.

Key next steps include a staff sketch and cost estimate for physical access controls, a follow-up meeting between captain DiGiovanni and residents, and communication from city staff on any interim deterrence measures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cooper City - City Commission Meeting - Jan 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of Cooper City residents pressed the City Commission during public comment to take immediate action after the December killing of Egyptian geese on a city easement.","taxTitle","Cooper City, Broward County, Florida","taxId",45148,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6751331,"Cooper City directs manager to negotiate facility-use agreement with Optimist Club, to explore RecTrac citywide",514,6886000,7400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501&start=6886&end=7400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501/thumbnail_6886000.jpg","/articles/6751331/Cooper-City/Broward-County/Florida/Cooper-City-directs-manager-to-negotiate-facility-use-agreement-with-Optimist-Club-to-explore-RecTrac-citywide","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6751331-9a130066b997e955ae44ecf3f427bf5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443025&Signature=nDHKE18~lU4V8E7W-qcAnqDZOZIyP5BGdunxVZ8CWGKXcMi7M-gsmctLsp5wCbdA2Rc1w9wUXibB3YwxA6~cGjtai87x56WBQjwZp9KNv5aN6xZ7L5Wvpk57L3hpv1L0OuRkexS8c6J9Pqimex-~FaFzIUl9CDrrr71O2xHFnpNhDja0kHp0ceQw7w9uS2Vgq3Ycxnxqq3E9ZdWiWT6Qljqi0IVHZo5DuMxDqtnpM1lya8Ef3m4C8xHewu~iRALE2OdsIHU2aBM8-JPPMut9oHZP6d4GsDi80aHCrzg3FYyN8BIim-hXb4Npnwqu6Fe64rLC2e1vSvOfBey-4mIpOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After extended public comments about field conditions, program administration and a string of community concerns, the Cooper City Commission voted to direct the city manager to negotiate a formal facility-use agreement with the Cooper City Optimist Club and to begin planning for citywide use of RecTrac, a recreation-management software.

Commissioner Jason Smith made a motion to have the city manager negotiate the facility-use agreement and return the results to the commission; he and several colleagues said the goal is to codify roles and responsibilities, improve transparency and centralize registration, payments and field scheduling. Commissioner Schroder pushed to pair the agreement with a migration to RecTrac so one system manages registrations, field utilization and maintenance requests.

The city manager told the commission the resolution and a draft agreement previously produced in 2019 could be a starting point; staff will work with the Optimist Club to clarify insurance, background-screening, residency targets and reporting. Commissioners asked that indemnification and background-check expectations be explicit and that the agreement address who may collect payments and how those funds are tracked and remitted to the city.

The commission also asked staff to schedule a series of workshops, to include the Optimist Club leadership, recreation staff and the mayor and commissioners. The city manager said he would try to set an initial workshop within 10 days and to bring a draft agreement and software plan back within about 45 days. Commissioners emphasized the need for a single registration/payments platform and recommended using RecTrac as the preferred option, while noting staff should evaluate costs and transition steps.

The motion passed on the floor with supporting votes. Commissioners said they wanted to protect volunteer-run programming while ensuring public accountability and consistent background checks and residency compliance.

Next steps: city staff will meet with Optimist leaders, return a draft facility-use agreement to the commission and provide a timeline and cost estimate for implementing RecTrac citywide.","The commission directed the city manager to negotiate a formal facility-use agreement with the Cooper City Optimist Club and to plan a citywide switch to RecTrac, a centralized recreation-management platform.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6751317,"Cooper City staff report procurement delays and unresolved vendor issues for rescue and ladder apparatus",13211,13211000,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501&start=13211&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501/thumbnail_13211000.jpg","/articles/6751317/Cooper-City/Broward-County/Florida/Cooper-City-staff-report-procurement-delays-and-unresolved-vendor-issues-for-rescue-and-ladder-apparatus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6751317-0fc9e668e19f945eb2fc95c8c04b9858/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443025&Signature=g5LC1EGDayBG1OM04saRs5qRzNkA8i7QTQNpeUiwC1sHE5ubrMBmy~iqt8ll4zEO8Yl7EdMi1Y~cO9CVqGzEWdjVQBd4n4etj22UjMJU-krO2RBUjyeJhWVRoFlPM4W4Df~NvjuPsQz8W9Z7w9RHmUlqQijcXnnECIu8VBlrKh4KaR0OC6-4h7oyuO3LAKst-LECnbJ4UPz7mOrIUgdaYlrGiCOL71G6qJEaDsTcVBsxO9VU7WNsvle1L8p1Wxrz6vbPeX3xFuIqSlTHh57qN5FdWoZzVWpEVXE86ebOzczcuDoF80qGhb5Nw59bk6VkSuBvpzVDwJl8I1oi3BGQpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and the fire department briefed the commission on delayed deliveries of two major pieces of fire apparatus: a rescue unit and a ladder quint that were procured in 2022. The manager said the rescue unit's final drawings produced a punch list of about two dozen items that the vendor says may carry additional cost; staff have asked the vendor for a written statement of the change requests and any chargeable items.

The manager reported that the chassis originally identified for the build had been sold and that chassis-market constraints and supply-chain delays contributed to the long delivery timeline. City staff said earlier payments were made in the procurement process and that procurement records must be reconciled with vendor performance-bond paperwork; staff said they have not been able to locate a copy of a performance bond and are pursuing that documentation.

City attorneys and the manager recently sent demand letters and are coordinating with vendor representatives and industry contacts to accelerate production. Staff said the new ladder quint has a later delivery estimate (roughly fall of the year) and the rescue may be 120'180 days from delivery depending on vendor responses to the city's punch list.

The commission asked which city office will oversee inspections and final acceptance; staff said inspections require input from fire subject-matter experts and fleet staff and that the city will clarify which department will lead pre-build checks, mid-build inspections and final acceptance documentation.

Commissioners asked for a report spelling out remaining vendor deliverables, the status of the performance bond and who will be responsible for in-manufacturer inspection and final acceptance.","Delivery of a rescue unit and a ladder quint ordered in 2022 remains delayed; staff said vendor punch-list items, chassis availability and missing performance-bond paperwork are holding up final acceptance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6751321,"Commission amends ordinances on elected-official benefits, campaign contributions; staff to clarify eligibility",1570,10800000,12370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501&start=10800&end=12370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501/thumbnail_10800000.jpg","/articles/6751321/Cooper-City/Broward-County/Florida/Commission-amends-ordinances-on-elected-official-benefits-campaign-contributions-staff-to-clarify-eligibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6751321-3f9a5ed38e41a2e7378a6a889ef45564/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443025&Signature=efFOO2sKEtesxesqXFoTQGUG6ElFcFVw48p6mnM5MPssW5MCzE7K1eqCbtLr-nZZMBqRS1R2nnSiS8cUjqCo90frBbWY6osEFipzm6ipasebBiAgRWrUGJprN0aYhhr0LZ5w2WHY0btjXV36sqwZHAiplxx0SYFQ5o8eC95HmbJxCT4rb1zTz~jSoKsfNFYGBI3lOb-fap8a09~2qnTE0iEFCeHSzqGV5CVjwsL~guVSpbDngC~SYksKKnmSlUFSUUJo61ePopBaL3Ha8y9EqjTxyZhn3twgwYOLY81ZZWjNLpPUXr5gI8ncJGcsvog4rdHx2hhb9EuWxnZE6XK7wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission spent an extended portion of the meeting debating two related topics: the city's rules on campaign contributions from vendors/lobbyists and proposed ordinances that would reinstate or clarify retirement health-insurance benefits for certain current and former elected officials.

On campaign contributions, the commission considered an amendment to city code that would change the prohibition on accepting contributions from vendors, lobbyists or developers. After debate and a proposed amendment to remove developers from the permitted list, the commission approved first reading of the ordinance as amended (staff to return with precise language). The city attorney told the commission the change would need a second reading and noted state law and the Broward County ethics code remain relevant; commissioners said they sought to avoid criminal exposure while clarifying allowable contributors.

On retiree health benefits, a separate ordinance was discussed that would ratify and confirm health insurance coverage for certain former and current elected officials. Commissioners debated whether benefits should be restored only to officials who had been receiving them prior to recent changes, about retroactive reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs, and about safeguards to avoid double-dipping (receiving both a stipend and retiree insurance). The commission voted to direct staff to return on second reading with clarifying eligibility language limited to those who had previously received the benefit (and to include certain named individuals in the clarification). Staff were also asked to confirm whether retroactive reimbursements are permissible under state law before any payment is made.

The deliberations produced a number of procedural votes: a first-reading vote on campaign-contribution language with an amendment excluding developers, and direction to staff to draft specific eligibility limits, document inclusion criteria, and to include language addressing Medicare supplements where relevant. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the need for precise drafting to avoid unintended legal consequences and to make any benefits or reimbursements traceable and legally permissible.

Staff will return with revised ordinance language for second reading and with legal confirmation on retroactive reimbursements and compatibility with state law.","The commission debated and amended draft ordinances on campaign contributions and elected-official retirement health benefits, approving a first-reading change on campaign contribution rules with staff-directed clarifications and asking staff to limit retiree-benefit reinstatements to those who had been previously receiving them.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6751326,"Commission approves parking variance for Monterra commercial center to allow small fitness studio",261,3053000,3314000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501&start=3053&end=3314","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112806-df48da2e23fef14e1e413676918fa501/thumbnail_3053000.jpg","/articles/6751326/Cooper-City/Broward-County/Florida/Commission-approves-parking-variance-for-Monterra-commercial-center-to-allow-small-fitness-studio","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6751326-aa40c41be7212857432f0f6c6d4cd775/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443025&Signature=iWsW3fK5bhatA5jxof4f~-PlmoNOrLFwuKlsvMIwSvIS-58NwCwb4PMQH2RlmOEMon5XF8Vl6FnrjyMlw4xuBsoD11MerKeoxHWPY9gd9dNXmlZRrr4XpTdbyfmlvN6zMquchKol0o3teFuCqcKFYJQdkRCJk4F1oV1l494hJaeszEnRlrRwQrDfwKzS4pSvWvei5gdEjAi4y1qJZ4GuRqaE-40k6JwyMvJ8~PMiQn9SbSpyI20uj4uOvcqj3T1qJqdyRqpeDTZ-kH0nGT6Gfi5d4KB3L39oxnSJRQKrhL0nMLBx97d~xfxmQFRN16-0d1nZigS6r2~B2Ayw3RDQQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission approved Resolution 25-04 (variance petition V10-2-24) to allow a small fitness studio to operate a 3,600-square-foot community assembly use in Building 4 of the Monterra Commercial Center, reducing the otherwise required parking by 12 spaces.

Dennis Mealy, representing the applicant, said the shopping center was planned at 1 parking space per 150 square feet and argued the center has ample nearby vacancies, short walking distances and off-peak demand that reduce peak parking conflict. The applicant committed that classes would be limited to 40 occupants and that employees would park in the rear to limit spillover.

Commissioners questioned whether the use should be classified as \"community assembly\" (1 space per 100 sq ft) or as indoor recreation (which in other cities typically requires less parking), and discussed past litigation that led Cooper City to treat scheduled-class fitness uses as places of assembly. Commissioner Schroder emphasized legal standards for quasi-judicial variances and asked whether alternative paths (use reclassification or conditions limiting hours) could avoid a variance.

Bright Star Credit Union, a neighboring property owner, submitted a letter expressing concern that the variance could increase overflow to its lot. The applicant said Bright Star refused a cross-parking agreement.

After deliberation, the commission voted 3-2 to grant the variance with recorded conditions: the fitness use limited to a small-scale studio, class size capped at 40, and tenant commitments on employee parking and signage to discourage off-site parking. The vote was recorded: Smith — yes; Mallozzi — yes; Katzman — no; Schroder — no; Mayor Curran — yes.

The city staff will incorporate the applicant's conditions into the variance resolution and monitor compliance.","After extensive legal and land-use questions, the commission approved a variance allowing 3,600 square feet of community assembly use (a small fitness/yoga studio) in Building 4 of the Monterra Commercial Center and accepted the applicant's commitments to cap class size and occupancy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press Cooper City for answers after easement killing of Egyptian geese

Cooper City directs manager to negotiate facility-use agreement with Optimist Club, to explore RecTrac citywide

Cooper City staff report procurement delays and unresolved vendor issues for rescue and ladder apparatus

Commission amends ordinances on elected-official benefits, campaign contributions; staff to clarify eligibility

Commission approves parking variance for Monterra commercial center to allow small fitness studio