Commission asks staff to draft resident-registration policy for Eggstravaganza; pilot proposed

Commissioners on the Cooper City Commission asked staff to draft a policy that would limit city-run event participation by registration so residents receive priority for limited resources at high-demand events such as the Eggstravaganza and Light Up Cooper City.

What commissioners discussed - Commissioner Mallozzi said large nonresident attendance at recent community events was straining staff and supply (eggs, candy) and that resident access should be prioritized. She proposed online registration with age-group wristbands and age-specific fields to ensure appropriate distribution of eggs. - Commissioners raised practical concerns: staff capacity to manage registration and check-in, how to avoid long lines, and which events could practically be registration-based (for example, a downtown shopping trick-or-treat was judged unsuitable because it depends on commercial participation and open access). - Several commissioners suggested piloting registration for the Eggstravaganza only, then evaluating results before extending the policy to other events.

Direction to staff The commission asked staff to develop a policy and implementation plan for resident registration at city-run events (starting with the Eggstravaganza). Staff should return with operational details, including registration workflows, age verification or wristband plans, staffing needs, and contingency plans to avoid excluding residents with limited online access.

Why it matters Commissioners framed the effort as prioritizing services paid for by Cooper City taxpayers and reducing staff strain at events that increasingly attract nonresident attendees. Commissioners emphasized balancing resident access with the civic value of welcoming visitors.

Next steps Staff will draft a policy and procedures, coordinate with local schools and teachers (as suggested by the commission), and report back with a recommended pilot implementation for the Eggstravaganza.