SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize a purchase order to Bausch Enterprises, Inc. of Stuart, FL for two aluminum lifeguard towers in the amount of $137,025.00, pursuant to Sec. 2.563(1)(a) Single source and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
Clearwater Fire & Rescue (CFR) is requesting authorization to purchase two aluminum lifeguard towers to replace those destroyed during Hurricane Helene in 2024. The proposed purchase includes one Bausch “ZERO” Tower (Tower 1) for $67,900.00 and one Bausch “LR” Tower (Tower 6) for $48,900.00. Tower 1, the larger of the two, will be installed on the beach in front of Opal Sands at 430 S. Gulfview Blvd., while Tower 6, which aligns with the size of the City’s current towers, will be placed at the San Marco Beach access on Clearwater’s north beach. Additional items totaling $20,225.00 are included in the requested approval amount to cover accordion shutters for door windows, upper storage shelves, delivery, assembly, and crane service charges. The total amount requested for approval is $137,025.00.
In 2023, Procurement issued ITB 35-23, Aluminum Lifeguard Towers, for which Bausch Enterprises, Inc. was the sole respondent. On July 20, 2023, City Council approved CFR’s purchase of three towers from Bausch. In 2024, the City Manager approved the purchase of two additional towers as a standardized purchase.
The City’s continued use of this manufacturer ensures consistency in design, maintenance, and operational procedures for relocating towers. Bausch Enterprises, Inc. is the sole source supplier of Bausch Watchtowers, which is the only aluminum lifeguard tower manufactured in the United States. These towers feature powder-coated aluminum construction, which provides superior durability and requires less maintenance in marine environments compared to wood, while offering greater longevity than fiberglass. Bausch Watchtowers are also the only towers on the market that can be built with specialized features such as an 8-foot ground-to-platform height, integrated secured storage, anodized aluminum railings, and customizable door widths to accommodate various equipment needs.
Towers 1 and 6 were reported and adjusted as property in the open less the 5% deductible.
Bausch Enterprises, Inc. delivered the towers to the City for Memorial Day weekend and allowed them to be placed in service pending Council review for approval. Should Council not approve the transaction, the towers will be returned to Bausch Enterprises, Inc.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this purchase will be coded to 1817525-564000-D2402, Hurricane Helene. Reimbursement from FEMA is being pursued but may not occur. This will be funded by insurance recovery, possible FEMA reimbursement, and/or reserves of the General Fund, Special Program Fund, or Central Insurance Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and emergency responses services. Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
