City advances two unsolicited stormwater projects for Melrose Manor and Riverland; negotiates commitments on design, price and liquidated damages

Fort Lauderdale commissioners on June 16 agreed to move forward with unsolicited proposals to address chronic flooding in two neighborhoods, authorizing staff to negotiate interim and comprehensive agreements with the proposers.

The commission accepted notices of intent to proceed with Manon, Inc. for the Melrose Manor stormwater improvement project and with David Mancini & Sons for the Riverland stormwater project, directing staff to incorporate project commitments into negotiated contracts. Applicants and staff described the technical approach: upgraded drainage infrastructure and outfall upgrades, water‑quality structures (trash racks and vortex separators at outfalls), and storm‑water pump stations to provide both routine drainage and emergency pumping capacity. Applicants committed to work with the city on temporary steps — drop‑in catch basins and above‑ground pumps — to mitigate standing water during the rainy season while permits and designs are finalized.

Commissioner Beasley Pitman and others emphasized contract certainty: proposers said the price negotiated will be fixed to avoid open‑ended change orders and that "all of the items that they originally proposed... will absolutely be a core part of the agreement," including liquidated‑damages provisions to ensure schedule compliance. City staff will negotiate the detailed scopes, include liquidated damages and confirm financing and permitting requirements.

The commission’s action authorizes staff to proceed with formal negotiations and return with recommended agreements for approval. If negotiations succeed, the projects aim to deliver targeted infrastructure improvements to reduce flood risk and improve water quality in the two neighborhoods.