Council approves $1.29M work order for North Beach stormwater pump-station design; public raises long-term concerns

The Clearwater City Council approved a work order July 10 with "10 More and Associates Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida" for $1,291,598 to provide design, permitting and bidding support for North Beach stormwater pump stations tied to North Beach stormwater and tidal flooding improvements (RFQ 50-24). Marcus Williamson, public works director, said the award follows the receipt of a $3 million grant and that the city is pursuing additional grants to fund further improvements.

A member of the public, identified in the transcript as Mr. Haluba, addressed the council on the item and raised strong objections to the city’s approach. He argued that North Beach is returning to a natural state and that pumping will not solve flooding where land is at or near sea level. “If a land mass is at sea level, there's no place for the water to go naturally. Water seeks its own level,” he said. He also asserted that the EPA restricts pumping water back into the Gulf of Mexico and called the effort a “lost cause.”

Williamson said the work order authorizes the consultant team to begin necessary design and permitting work so the city can pursue the improvements and additional grant funding. After brief council discussion and public comment, the council moved and approved the work order without recorded opposition.

Action: Motion to approve the work order for North Beach stormwater and tidal flooding improvements passed unanimously. The work is intended to advance design and grant-readiness, and staff said additional funding sources are being pursued.