SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize an increase to the purchase order with Rowland, Inc. of Pinellas Park for the 2023 Sewer Point Repair and Improvements, Group C, in the amount of $11,457,021.66, bringing the total for this group to $22,957,021.66; authorize and approve an agreement with CSX for railroad protective liability and license fees in the amount $2005.00, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(a), Single Source, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has initiated a project to improve the condition and safety of Drew Street from Osceola Avenue to US Highway 19 North. This project was presented to City Council and on June 4, 2024, Council affirmed the concept and authorized the City Manager to develop a capital funding plan for utility relocations associated with the project.
On November 4, 2025, the City of Clearwater’s Public Utilities Department was notified that the request for a Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement (UWHCA) was denied. As a result, the City must complete all necessary utility relocations and replacements prior to FDOT’s construction start date of September 17, 2026. Public Utilities immediately initiated design efforts to address conflicts involving potable water, reclaimed water, and sanitary sewer infrastructure.
Due to the expedited timeline, staff determined that the existing contract under ITB 22-0006-UT, 2023 Sewer Point Repair and Improvements, should be utilized to begin work as soon as possible. This requires an increase to Section C - Emergency/Non-Emergency Point Repairs to accommodate the unanticipated scope associated with the Drew Street Project.
This contract was originally approved by Council on September 15, 2022, with the fourth and final renewal approved on September 18, 2025. Rowland, Inc. continues to perform Group C services, which include emergency and non-emergency repairs and improvements to gravity sewers, force mains, and manholes, with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $11,500,000.00.
To complete the required relocations and replacements within FDOT’s timeline, the construction cost is $11,457,021.66. Therefore, an increase of $11,457,021.66 is requested, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount for Group C to $22,957,021.66.
Additionally, a portion of the potable water main within the Drew Street corridor crosses an easement previously granted to CSX. Due to age and shallow depth of the existing main, replacement is necessary to ensure it can withstand upcoming FDOT construction activities.
To facilitate this work, the City of Clearwater is required to enter into an agreement with CSX that includes indemnification provisions requiring the City to assume responsibility for ownership, operation, maintenance, and for any potential damages to the CSX infrastructure during construction. The agreement includes licensing and administrative fees not to exceed $2,005.00. City Council approval of this agreement is requested.
The City of Clearwater’s Public Utilities Department is responsible for owning, operating, and maintaining the wastewater collection system, the potable water distribution system, and the reclaim water distribution system.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3277327-563800-M2603 $2,552,371.40
3217321-563800-M2603 $6,846,013.34
3217321-546900-M2603 $1,352,797.76
3217321-546900-M2608 $705,839.16
3217321-561300-M2603 $2,005.00
Mid-year budget amendments will provide the following project transfers to provide project funding needed for this contract increase.
• Transfers of water & sewer revenue from the following projects to 321-M2603, Water, RCW & Well Repair & Improvements:
• $8,000,000 from 321-M2606, Eliminate Surface Water Discharge,
• $1,155,527.15 from 321-96721, System R&R-Maintenance Water, and
• $279,406.83 from 321-96722, Line Relocate Maintenance
• The following transfer of utility R&R revenue to 327-M2603, Water, RCW & Well Repair & Improvements:
• $2,552,371.40 from 327-96784, Reclaimed Water Distribution System R&R
• Establish project 321-M2608, Sewer Point Repair and Improvements and transfer sewer revenue from the following projects:
• $684,968.84 from 321-96665, Sanitary Sewer R&R, and
• $30,000 from 321-96664, Pollution Control R&R
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
In furtherance of the Council’s Strategic Plan to achieve High Performing Government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic management efforts, award of a Construction Contract is requested.
