SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Award a construction contract to Milburn Southeast LLC dba Milburn Demolition for the demolition of two elevated water storage tanks in the amount of $763,400.00 pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 21-0020-UT; approve an increase to our current purchase order with Engineer of Record Biller Reinhart (EOR) for Supplemental Work Order 2 in the amount of $156,640.00, bringing the total to $256,003.00 pursuant to RFQ 34-23; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The two water tanks are comprised of a north elevated water tank, located at 1780 Weston Drive, Clearwater, FL 33755, and a south elevated water tank located adjacent to the north side of 1435 S MLK Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756. Each water tank is a one-million-gallon steel potable water tank that is owned and operated by the City of Clearwater’s Public Utilities Department.
Public Utilities Engineering issued ITB 21-0020-UT for the Elevated Water Tanks Demolition Project, which closed on July 16, 2025. The total scope of work includes the complete dismantling and removal of all tank components and features on both sites, followed by full site restoration for each location upon completion of demolition activities. The City received five responsive bids. Milburn Southeast LLC dba Milburn Demolition represented the lowest responsive and responsible bid in accordance with the project’s plans and specifications. The EOR evaluated the submittals and recommended awarding the contract to Milburn Southeast LLC dba Milburn Demolition.
On March 3, 2022, the City manager approved an initial work order with the EOR for design and bidding services for the safe demolition of the two elevated water storage tanks in the amount of $61,897.00.
On December 4, 2023, the City Manager approved Supplemental Work Order 1 in the amount of $37,466,00, for restoration, cost evaluation, and maintenance analysis of the two elevated water storage tanks, bringing the supplemental work order value to $99,363.00.
Supplemental Work Order 2 is for engineering and inspection services during construction in the amount of $156,640.00, for a new total supplemental work order value of $256,003.00.
The construction contract allows for a duration of 210 consecutive calendar days following the issuance of a Notice to Proceed.
The City of Clearwater’s Public Utilities Department is responsible for owning, operating and maintaining the north and south elevated water tanks. Since the water towers are not needed for the Public Utilities Department operation, an evaluation was requested by Biller Reinhart Engineering Group, Inc. dated March 5, 2025, to determine the costs of demolition and removal of the water towers and the costs to repair and maintain the towers moving forward. The cost to remove the tanks is comparable to the cost to repair the tanks. However, the removal of the tanks will eliminate the reoccurring maintenance expense.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in capital project 3217321-96721, Water System R&R Maintenance, to fund this contract. The Public Utilities Department and associated projects are funded by the Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Establishing this contract offers a high level of service to our residents. It meets the City’s Strategic Plan to achieve High Performing Government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic management efforts. The project also aligns with the City’s Strategic goals of Community Well-Being and Environmental Stewardship by restoring neighborhoods to their original state.
