The City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted May 27, 2025, to award a $213,975.55 contract to BCL Contracting for the Union Soldier Park renovation after staff determined the lowest bidder’s package was incomplete and missing a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) certification.

The board acted after staff told members the city received seven bids for the project but the apparent low bidder, Maharix Contracting, submitted a package the city deemed incomplete because it did not include the required FDOT certification. “The lowest bidder, for this project was Maharix contracting at $184,000 a little bit over $184,000. However, their … bid package was not complete. They do not have a DOT certification. That's the reason why staff is recommending to go with a second lowest bidder, which is BCL contracting. It's $213,975.55,” said Mister Genki, a city staff member presenting the item.

Board members asked for basic details about the work before the vote. Commissioner Tender asked how the work would fit in the block and noted she had not previously known about the project. Genki said planning for the project began last year and described the renovation as including a new sidewalk, benches, park lights, landscaping updates and handicap parking along Eighth Street; he said the crepe myrtles on site are being replaced because they have outgrown their space.

Staff said the FDOT certification requirement was included in the city’s bid package “to meet minimum construction standards.” The board approved the contract on a motion by Commissioner Peebles, seconded by Commissioner Purnell. The roll call showed Peebles, Purnell, Tender, Wark and Chairman Nelson voting yes; the motion passed.

The action follows the planning phase begun last year and shifts work to the contractor whose bid met the city’s procurement requirements. The transcript did not specify funding sources or a construction start date.

The board also approved the meeting’s consent agenda, including adoption of meeting minutes dated 05/27/2025, before taking up the park contract.