City to seek waiver for $60,000 MIC treatment after corrosion causes sprinkler leaks at Calusa Sound

Facilities staff described ongoing corrosion in the Calusa Sound convention‑center sprinkler system caused by microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and presented three options: continue spot repairs, install a treatment system to slow corrosion, or replace the entire system.

Staff said a full replacement is roughly a multiyear, multi‑million‑dollar project (presented as an estimated $3.25 million or more) and would disrupt facility operations. Instead, staff will seek council approval at an upcoming meeting to install a MIC‑treatment system and to request a waiver of the competitive procurement process to use the existing vendor who performs repairs.

“We're going to at the next council meeting... install a mic treatment system at a cost of approximately $60,000,” the facilities presenter said, describing the treatment as a way to slow deterioration, reduce repetitive repairs and buy planning time for any future replacement. Council members stressed the liability and safety stakes of a compromised sprinkler system and supported moving quickly to mitigate further deterioration.

Staff will bring a procurement waiver and a contract proposal to council for formal action at the next council meeting.