SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Purchase Agreement from Trident Pontoons, Inc., of Tavares, FL, for the purchase of two ferry vessels in the amount of $930,086.00 pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) 32-24 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
On March 7, 2024, Council approved to enter into a FDOT JPA Agreement G2S84 which provides for an 83% grant from FDOT for the purchase of vessels, refurbishment/construction of docks, and water transportation service, with a 17% cash match from the city and adopted Resolution 24-07. The project cost is estimated at $1,200,000 with FDOT contributing up to $1,000,000 in grant funding and the City of Clearwater contributing up to $200,000 in matching funds. The grant allows for up to $800,000 of grant funds to be used for the purchase of vessels and the refurbishment and construction of docks and up to $200,000 of grant funds to be used for water transportation service operations including maintenance and supplies. The state will reimburse $775.040.66 and the City will pay $155,045.34.
On March 8, 2024, the City published RFP 32-24 for the purchase of two pontoon or tritoon vessels for conducting ferry services on the beautiful intercoastal waters on the west-central coast of Florida.
On April 18, 2024, the evaluation committee representing City Manager’s Office, Marine and Aviation and a representative from Clearwater Ferry selected Trident Pontoons, Inc. for the purchase of the two ferry vessels.
The vessels will be built in accordance with specifications outlined in the RFP and the Agreement.
Under the Second Amendment and Second Extension to Water Taxi Operation Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the Clearwater Ferry Service, the City provides a financial subsidy to the Clearwater Ferry Service in the amount of $500,000 over a five-year period between 2023 and 2028. A portion of that subsidy will be used to cover the City’s 17% case match for this purchase.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available (via reimbursement grant revenue) in capital project G2410, Water Transportation Ferry Grant, to fund this purchase.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government: 1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
Economic & Housing Opportunity: 2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
Community Well-Being: 3.2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Environmental Stewardship: 4.4 Develop accessible and active transportation networks that enhance pedestrian safety and reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions.
