Sewall's Point commission approves negotiation authority for multiple resiliency and sewer contracts

At a Dec. 23 special meeting, Sewall's Point commissioners voted to accept bid results and give staff authority to negotiate with low or next‑lowest qualified bidders across several resiliency and sewer projects needed to meet grant deadlines.

Town engineer Joe Capra summarized multiple bid schedules and mapped the work areas. For the South Sewell's Point Road resiliency improvements, JW Cheatham was the low bidder; the commission approved the bids and instructed staff to negotiate with the low bidder rather than signing a contract immediately.

On the Rio Vista gravity sewer improvements, the lining schedule’s apparent low bidder was Hinterland Group at $764,000; commissioners approved both Hinterland and a second bidder (PRP Construction) for negotiation and fallback. For the Rio Vista lift‑station schedule Sunshine Land Design was the low bidder at $723,007.21; the commission authorized negotiating with the low bidder for that work.

For the large low‑pressure force‑main project that will carry grinder‑pump service for 134 connections, staff reported four bids but said the apparent low bidder (Treasure Coast Infrastructure) did not meet the five‑year business‑history requirement and was disqualified. Commissioners approved negotiating with the next‑lowest qualified bidders (Jamie Underground and Sunshine Land Design).

Commissioners also approved professional engineering services agreements for the septic‑to‑sewer low‑pressure force‑main (parts 3a and 3b) and approved a Culpepper & Tarpening construction‑inspection (CEI) proposal. The commission approved phase 3 change order number 1—driven by tree, grading, outfall stabilization and driveway/base‑rock work—after staff explained that some credits and future adjustments may offset costs.

All motions carried by roll call with commissioners voting yes; staff said negotiated contracts and an interlocal agreement with Martin County would be returned for final approval at a Jan. 6 special meeting so contractors can begin work as early as Jan. 12.

Votes at a glance: phase 2 roadway resiliency bids — motion to accept and authorize negotiation (passed); Rio Vista lining — accept bidders and authorize negotiation (passed); Rio Vista lift station — authorize negotiation with low bidder (passed); low‑pressure force‑main — approve negotiating with next lowest qualified bidders after disqualification of Treasure Coast (passed); engineering and CEI contracts and phase 3 change order No.1 (all passed).