Council work session reviews multiple procurement items: utility, public-works and sponsorship contracts

At the Feb. 2 work session the City of Clearwater considered and in most cases consented to several contracts and grant agreements affecting utilities, parks and public works.

Public Utilities presented a proposed maintenance and repair contract for lift-station structural repairs, variable-frequency drives, control panels and pump maintenance to TLC Diversified with an initial annual not-to-exceed amount cited at $5,000,000 and renewal options; council approved the item by consent. Staff also presented an award of multiple maintenance contracts (TLC Diversified, Murphy pipeline contractors, and Applied drilling/engineering) for water, reclaimed water and well repairs, with an annual not-to-exceed total of $9,000,000; council gave consent.

Fred Herrick, public utilities manager, requested approval of a McKim & Creed work order for design and construction-phase services to update the Coachman Station disinfection system, in a not-to-exceed amount of $243,454. Herrick said the existing chlorine system was installed in 1990 and updating the station aims to improve residual chlorine levels at the north end of Clearwater Beach and reduce the need for frequent flushing. Councilors asked technical questions about chlorination and the feasibility of creating looped mains to improve water circulation; staff said looping is being explored but would be costly.

Public Works engineer Rich Gardner presented a standard grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a $3,000,000 appropriation toward the North Beach Stormwater Improvement Project, covering design and construction of approximately six stormwater pump stations and associated conveyance work to reduce localized flooding. Council accepted the grant and authorized the city manager to execute the agreement.

Other consent items included a 120-day extension and $86,000 increase to Century Event Services (security/event services) while the city completes an RFP for a replacement provider, a purchase order for Neptune water-meter OEM replacement parts, and a purchase of a smart-collection platform for Solid Waste (Rotway/“Ratware”) to modernize fleet operations.

Next steps: staff will execute awarded contracts, proceed with design and permitting for Coachman Station improvements, and coordinate grant-related project planning for North Beach pump stations.