SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
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Provide direction regarding the permanent repairs and renovations to Pier 60. (WSO)
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SUMMARY:
Pier 60 sustained damage from Hurricane Idalia in August of 2023 and Pennoni was retained to conduct a structural assessment of the pier, identify and document the damage, and recommend repair concepts. They followed up this work by preparing specifications and drawings for the repairs needed. However, before repairs could be started, the pier was further damaged by Hurricane Helene and to a lesser extent by Hurricane Milton. Temporary repairs were made to the bait house so that it could be opened prior to Spring Break.
To restore operations of the damaged Pier 60 Bait House, staff is recommending approval of an agreement with Bandes Construction Company, Inc. of Dunedin, FL in the amount of $313,575.00 for permanent repairs to the Pier 60 bait house and temporary repairs to the railing west of the bait house. Because of this decision Pier 60 bait house and access to the pier up to the “T” will be opened to the public by early August 2025.
Before proceeding with additional permanent repairs, Pennoni was tasked to investigate three conceptual approaches for consideration by the City Council.
1. Repair the pier in kind - (returns the pier to pre-storm conditions)
2. Repair the pier in kind but remove the west end “T” - (remove the north-south “T” structure and return the rest of the pier to pre-storm conditions)
3. Repair the pier and renovate the north-south section at the west end - (renovate the west “T” section of the pier with Frangible deck and new shade structure design and return the rest of the pier to pre-storm conditions).
In addition, all of the railings along the entirety of the pier will require replacement. Therefore, two options are being proposed.
Option A: Replace the Guardrail with a design that emulates the current railing composition.
Option B: Replace the Guardrail with a robust railing design that would minimize maintenance and better withstand the harsh conditions of other weather events. This Guardrail would be an “FDOT” style guard rail with Galvanized aluminum circular rails and pickets.
Staff is now seeking direction regarding the future and permanent repairs needed for the pier railing and “T” structure at the western end of the pier. Based on Council direction, staff would proceed with negotiating a design contract that would be presented to Council in the future for approval.
Funding for this repair would be a combination of insurance claims related to the recent hurricanes, FEMA reimbursement if eligible, and general fund reserves.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
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USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Direction regarding the repairs and future design of Pier 60 supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
• 3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
