Tavares approves contract award for Eagle Park treatment pond; construction expected mid-May

The City of Tavares City Council voted 4-0 on March 18 to award the North St. Clair Abrams Treatment Pond (Eagle Park) project to Close Construction Services, the second-lowest responsive bidder, after the lowest bidder withdrew. Staff told council the city received approximately $753,910 in grant funding from three sources, including the Lake County Water Authority and two state sources, and recommended using wastewater fund reserves to cover an additional roughly $199,000 needed for the contract.

Public works staff (Dykes) explained that the original low bidder withdrew because of permitting and construction delays; Close Construction Services agreed to honor the project's pricing, and staff recommended authorizing contract negotiation and a budget amendment. Councilmembers asked whether rebidding would be preferable given current market conditions; staff cautioned that rebidding could increase costs and recommended proceeding. Dykes said construction is expected to begin on or about May 15, pending final U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits.

The motion to award the contract and authorize the budget amendment passed unanimously, 4-0.

Staff will proceed to finalize contract terms and return any required documents for ministerial signatures and budget adjustments.