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Commission approves conditional release of subdivision completion bonds for two developments
Summary
The commission agreed to release paving and drainage completion bonds for Ranchette Isles Homes and Marion Ranches subdivision projects, subject to subsequent approval by the Central Broward Water Control District and noting a commissioner recusal on one item.
The Cooper City Commission approved contractor requests to release paving and drainage subdivision completion bonds for two development projects — Ranchette Isles Homes and Marion Ranches Homes — subject to subsequent release by the Central Broward Water Control District.
Item 15 (Ranchette Isles Homes) and Item 16 (Marion Ranches Homes) were presented as conditional releases: the city will accept the contractor's request to release the city's portion of the completion bond only after the district completes its review and releases the district bond. The utility/engineering staff told the commission that the work was built according to plan, including a 5-foot easement and catch basins, and that city staff inspected the improvements. Staff noted they had not yet had a heavy rain event to functionally test the systems but that the Central Broward Water Control District had additional as-built requirements pending.
Commissioner Mallozzi asked to defer action on the Ranchette item until after the rainy season to allow operational testing; others, including the developer's attorney and the city engineer, said the district would scrutinize the work and that homeowners had reported no complaints during the months since construction. The developer's representative (Neil Kalos of Kennedy Homes) told the commission that homeowners in both communities had endorsed the improvements and there had been no complaints during recent heavy rains.
Conflicts and recusals: Commissioner Schroeder recused himself from the vote on at least one of the subdivision bond releases because of a business relationship with the developer’s attorney; he said he had no personal financial interest but recused to avoid the appearance of a conflict, and the record indicates he filed the appropriate form 8B.
Votes and outcome: the commission voted to approve the conditional release of the bonds for both developments. On each item one commissioner recorded a "no" vote (Commissioner Mallozzi) and Commissioner Schroeder recused himself on the items where a business relationship existed; items were approved conditionally and the Central Broward Water Control District's final release remains a prerequisite to the city's final bond release.
Why it matters: The releases move developments toward full acceptance while preserving the city's interest because the releases are conditioned on the district's final inspections and acceptance; commissioners sought assurance that work met plan specifications and noted the value of waiting for a rainy season to reveal any deficiencies.
Key statements from the meeting: Utilities staff said, "it is designed according to the plans, so it's completed," and added that "we did not have a heavy rain, so we cannot say that we tested" the system operationally. Developer representative Neil Kalos said homeowners have reported no complaints during recent monsoon rains and requested support to move forward.
Next steps: The city will hold releases until the Central Broward Water Control District satisfies its as-built requirements and confirms release; staff will report back if any outstanding items arise.
