Coconut Creek commissioners praise city manager's year; agree to 5% raise and 3% bonus

City Manager Sheila Rose gave the City Commission a brief review of the past year on June 12, highlighting organizational changes, grant work and several capital and program priorities, and commissioners responded by expressing unanimous support and agreeing by consensus to a 5% salary increase and a 3% bonus.

Rose told the commission the administration reorganized leadership in several departments, promoted a staff member to focus on grants, secured a long-awaited payment from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for an Oak Trails project, and moved forward on accreditation and capital planning. "It's been such an honor and such a privilege," City Manager Sheila Rose said in opening her remarks.

The commission's praise focused on culture change, stronger external relationships and community outreach. Commissioner Riedell said the city manager had delivered on priorities and "I have very little criticism. I have a lot of support." Vice Mayor Wasserman and other commissioners echoed that endorsement. After discussion about historical comparisons and timing, the commission reached a unanimous consensus in support of the 5% raise and 3% bonus; the city attorney indicated a formal motion was not required to record consensus.

Rose's summary listed specific accomplishments and near-term priorities the administration will pursue. On staffing and organization, Rose said departments including police, fire and information technology were restructured and that Dan Nelson was promoted into a role focused on grants. She described obtaining a payment from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Oak Trails project after about five years, and noted police accreditation and ambulance accreditation for fire services.

On capital projects and planning, Rose outlined work on the city's Main Street initiative and the design of Fire Station 113, which she said will move into design and then into remodeling work for the police department. She also mentioned ongoing CIP work for Lakeside Park and a flip at Lions Creek Middle School that is expected to complete over the summer. Rose identified regional issues the city continues to engage on, including a landfill expansion, the Turnpike expansion and surtax funding.

Staff and program items Rose highlighted included reenergizing the Community Emergency Response Team, an IT effort to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, a parks-and-recreation consultant to update field rental policies and procedures, and a planned AI training for directors in October. Rose credited staff and outside partnerships, including work with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance on economic development outreach.

Commission discussion was largely laudatory, with multiple commissioners describing improved staff morale and stronger external relationships. One commissioner reviewed recent comparative compensation data and suggested the 5% raise and 3% bonus would move the city manager's pay closer to peers. The roll call at the end recorded unanimous agreement: Commissioner Riedell — yes; Commissioner Welch — yes; Commissioner Bridal — yes; Vice Mayor Wasserman — yes; Mayor Elley — yes.

The commission adjourned after the consensus vote. No formal motion or recorded roll-call vote beyond the announced consensus was required or recorded in the meeting minutes provided.