Council roundup: infrastructure awards, dredging contract and code changes approved

The City Council approved several procurement and capital items and advanced ordinance work in a single session.

Procurement and project awards
- Crosstown Connector Phase 2: Staff recommended awarding the RFB to C.W. Roberts (CWR) with a bid of about $5.6 million; council approved the award and directed staff to bring a contract for consideration and DOT review (vote recorded 7‑0).
- Noriego Harbor dredging: The council awarded the contract to Gator Dredging, the top‑scoring bidder, and authorized contract execution with a notice to proceed expected immediately; staff anticipates completion by early March.
- Consent Agenda: Standard consent items passed unanimously.

Ordinances and code work
- Ordinance 26‑03‑LC (Subdivision regulations) passed on second reading unanimously. Staff will incorporate minor edits discussed by council.
- Ordinance 25‑26‑LC (nonconforming structures in South Harbor Mixed Use District) and Ordinance 26‑05‑LC (parking and multimodal/diverse parking standards) were heard on first reading. Council requested staff return with amendments: clarity on rebuilding to approved plans, treatment of billboards, low‑speed vehicle parking standards, shared parking rules and safeguards to avoid excessive surface parking.

Next steps: Staff will draft the amendments flagged during first reading and return those ordinances to council for additional votes.