Fort Lauderdale Commission agrees to major contracts
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission agreed to several large contracts during a recent meeting.
The Commission appointed Thomas J. Ansbro as City Attorney of Fort Lauderdale, effective October 30, 2023. The City Attorney Search Committee recommended the Commission consider Mr. Ansbro for the role after reviewing applications submitted for the position and conducting interviews with top candidates. Mr. Ansbro graduated from the University of Florida School of Law and most recently served as the City Attorney in Dania Beach.
The City Commission approved a $38,597,800 design-build agreement with David Mancini and Sons, Inc. to design and construct sewer force main replacement projects. The NE 25 Avenue 24-Inch Force Main Replacement Project ($10,688,500) includes replacing approximately 5,820 linear feet of sewer force main along NE 25 Avenue from Commercial Boulevard to Repump Station B, located within the Coral Ridge Country Club Golf Course. The NE 38 Street 42-Inch Force Main / NE 19 Avenue 24-Inch Force Main Replacement Project at $27,909,300 includes replacing approximately 7,900 linear feet of sewer force main along NE 38 Street from NE 12 Avenue to Repump Station B. This project also includes installing 3,750 linear feet of new sewer force main along NE 50 Court and NE 51 Street from NE 13 Avenue to NE 18 Avenue.
The City Commission approved a $45,967,219 design-build agreement with Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc. (RCMF) for the design and construction of the George T. Lohmeyer Wastewater Treatment Plant (GTL) Effluent Force Main Replacement Project, which includes the installation of a new 60-inch effluent force main between GTL and the City’s deep injection well site.
The City Commission approved a third addendum to a contract with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, for the purchase, delivery, and installation of additional equipment at George English and Holiday Park for an estimated amount of $165,000. At George English Park, existing pickleball court lighting will be retrofitted on new pickleball courts with new LED fixtures and control systems. Recently installed LED field lights from Huizenga Park will be relocated to Holiday Park to illuminate the beach volleyball court and future dog park location. The proposal for the improvements at Holiday Park also includes retrofitting the existing basketball court lighting with new LED lights and control systems. These improvements will modernize the athletic lighting at these parks, enhance playing conditions, increase efficiency, and ensure that replacement fixtures are available when needed.
The City Commission approved a $364,332 agreement with Electro-Mechanic, Inc. d/b/a Vermana for swimming pool resurfacing services at the Riverland Pool and the Lauderdale Manors Pool. As part of this project, the Riverland Pool and Lauderdale Manors Pool, which opened in the early 2000s, will be resurfaced for the first time, revitalizing the pool surfaces.
The City Commission adopted a resolution condemning the brutal, barbaric, inhumane, and unprovoked attack on the State of Israel by Hamas, supporting the State of Israel’s right to defend itself and urging the President and Congress to provide emergency assistance to the State of Israel. Before adopting the resolution, the City Commission heard from members of the community who expressed support for the resolution. The City Commission and meeting attendees also expressed appreciation for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Captain Jason Friedman, who is serving alongside first responders in Israel.
