Utility board retroactively approves $1.028 million payment for emergency force‑main repair

The Riviera Beach Utility Special District on Thursday unanimously approved Resolution 31‑25UD to retroactively pay Hinterland Group up to $1,028,060.55 for emergency repair of a 30‑inch wastewater collections force main and associated cleanup.

Joshua Neiman, director of the utility special district, told the board the work was required after an FDOT contractor struck the force main prior to the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Neiman said staff engaged Hinterland Group to repair the main and recover about 47,000 of an estimated 48,000 gallons of wastewater that had been released.

Neiman said legal, procurement and risk staff reviewed options and concluded the district must pay Hinterland Group first in order to pursue recovery from the contractor that caused the damage; payment will allow the district to open an insurance or recovery claim. Neiman said district records confirm the utility locator had marked the pipe location and that documentation will support recovery efforts.

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution. The clerk recorded votes as follows: Board member Davis Pannier — Yes; Vice Chair Miller Anderson — Yes; Board member Spirotes — Yes; Chairperson Lanier — Yes.

Neiman said the length of time to recoup the funds is uncertain; he estimated it could be weeks but cautioned that insurance and recovery claims can take longer. He also said the city’s insurance carrier will become involved in the claim process after payment.

The resolution authorizes payments from project code 23035 (emergency repair) in an amount not to exceed $1,028,060.55 and takes effect immediately.

The board provided no amendments to the motion and no members dissented.