Commission approves consultants and budget moves to address DEP consent order on wastewater plant

The commission approved two related items to address an amended consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (case no. 23‑0409) concerning the city’s wastewater treatment operations.

First, the commission approved a technical budget reallocation and a proposal from McKim and Creed (listed in the agenda as McKim and Creed/McKimmon Creek variants) to complete work required by the DEP consent order; staff described this as a reallocation of previously budgeted funds (approximately $289,000 moved from a capital account to a professional-services account) to cover required work. The commission approved that reallocation and proposal by unanimous vote (5–0).

Second, the commission approved a professional-services agreement with McKim and Creed to complete tasks in the DEP amended consent order, with a fee not to exceed $41,646 and a corresponding budget amendment to cover the cost. Commissioners discussed that DEP revised some compliance limits after additional plant sampling revealed certain results outside prior limits; the firm will assist project management, reporting and technical measures (including dewatering and solids reduction work underway). The agreement passed 4–1; Commissioner Cunningham voted no, saying he wanted to review the amended consent order before approving the services contract.

City staff said they are working closely with the plant operator and DEP and that the firm has experience coordinating DEP compliance and reporting. No new deadlines beyond the consent-order requirements were adopted at the meeting; staff said they will supply the amended consent order and associated materials to commissioners on request.