Marco Island council awards $2.45 million contract to replace Public Works trailers

Chair Palumbo opened the discussion by describing deteriorating conditions at the Public Works yard and asking staff to present a long‑running solution. Justin Martin, the city's public works director, told the council the department had operated out of 1980s-era surplus school trailers that leak and lacked adequate climate control and that staff recommended expanding the existing South Water Treatment Plant site for a new facility.

“These are old 1980s, vintage, abandoned, surplus school trailers…they're not adequate facilities,” Justin Martin said, describing the site constraints and the options the department considered before deciding to build on the existing campus.

Martin said the city solicited bids widely—staff sent notices to more than 1,800 vendors—and received 12 independent bids. The lowest responsive bidder was Rycon Construction; staff recommended awarding the contract for $2,450,749. The scope includes a new metal building, site improvements, covered equipment storage and drainage work, plus a temporary leased trailer to house staff during construction.

Councilor Schwan moved to award the contract; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote of 7–0. After the vote, resident Michael Josephs, who spoke during the meeting, praised staff for achieving competitive bidding and financial prudence.

The contract award authorizes staff to proceed with demolition of the old trailers, lease temporary office space, and begin construction under the awarded contract. Justin Martin said the trailers will be demolished once the contract is awarded and a temporary mobile office will be placed during construction.

The council did not set an exact ribbon‑cutting date but members expressed support for an expedited schedule and for continuing to monitor schedule and budget as the project proceeds.