By David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved several large contracts and the issuance of a bond during a recent meeting.
The Commission approved an agreement with FDOT to accept funds for the design of four bridge replacements, three in Harbor Beach and one in Rio Vista. The new bridges include the West Lake Drive bridges at Lucille River, Mercedes River, and Estelle River, as well as SE 7th Street at Rio Cordova. The replacement of the bridges involves the complete demolition of the existing structures and construction of new bridges in the same footprint. A phased approach will be used to maintain traffic during the construction phase. The project scope includes field visits to provide surveys and generate geotechnical reports, which will be used in the development of all submittal packages.
The Commission approved an agreement for annual asphalt milling and resurfacing projects to improve streets across the City. The initial two-year agreement is for $4 million, with an option for two one-year renewals for a potential total contract amount of $8 million. Work for these projects includes installation of asphalt and pavement markings, milling and leveling of existing pavement, and more. Streets that have been deemed to be in poor to fair condition will be prioritized for improvements, based on the Pavement Condition Index.
The Commission approved an agreement for the design and construction of three new community mausoleums at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, located at 3201 NW 19th Street. The cemetery is currently at capacity, and the new mausoleums will accommodate the growing number of families seeking burial options by generating 476 additional crypts. The contract with Sagaris Corp. is in the amount of $1.56 million, including $20,000 for permit fees and testing. There will be an additional $86,800 for estimated in-house project management fees for a total of $1.64 million for this agreement.
The Commission authorized the issuance of a series of bonds not to exceed $150 million for improvements to the City’s water and sewer system. A portion of the bonds will be utilized to refinance existing water and sewer debt obligations as well as provide financing for the acquisition, installation, and equipping of advanced metering infrastructure improvements.
