Commission approves consent items: SRF sewer work, CDBG award, Tarpon Dock grant, vehicle lease, settlement and other contracts

The Panama City Commission approved multiple consent and action items on April 24, 2025, including construction bids, grants and a legal settlement. Most items passed unanimously; one construction award passed 3–1.

Key actions taken (votes at a glance):

- SRF Area D14 mainline sewer improvements — ITB PC25033: The commission approved awarding the contract to Mainline Construction, Inc., for the base bid of $4,607,573.44 and authorized up to $4,837,952.11 including a 5% contingency. Staff explained that the project will use the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and that payments to the contractor will be advanced and later reimbursed by the state; repayment to the state will not begin until approximately May 2026 (subject to DEP scheduling). Vote: 4–0.

- ITB PC25028 (CDBG Hometown Revitalization, Lehi Cove) — award to RCL Emerald Coast LLC: Staff recommended awarding the contract in the amount of $2,716,208 with a $75,000 change-order contingency. The project is funded by a $2.3 million CDBG allocation plus a pledged contribution from the business owner; the commission approved the award by roll call 3–1 (Mayor Rowan voted No). Commissioner comment noted the business was established in 2022 and asked about grant compliance; city and state counsel reviewed and confirmed the use under grant rules.

- Tarpon Dock Bridge refurbishment — FDOT grant acceptance and budget amendment: The commission approved resolution 20250424.1 authorizing acceptance of up to $400,000 in FDOT-funded grant support for Tarpon Dock Bridge refurbishment and approved the associated budget amendment (resolution 20250424.3). Vote: 4–0.

- Lease agreement to purchase two Fire Department vehicles (Chevy Silverado 1500 trucks): The commission authorized a 72‑month lease with Bancorp Municipal for two vehicles totaling $140,955 (annual payment estimated at $27,457) and approved the budget amendment to use fire-protection service revenue. Vote: 4–0.

- Settlement with Coastal Electric Construction: The commission approved a $200,000 settlement to resolve a claim after Coastal Electric, acting as subcontractor, drilled through a 12‑inch water main on Star Avenue; Marshall Brothers completed emergency repairs costing $219,000 and residents experienced service disruption. The city attorney recommended settlement and the commission approved 4–0.

- Street-name updates (Airport Road / Airport Drive naming adjustments to match adjacent Sweetbay development): The commission approved renaming northern segments of Airport Road and Airport Drive to extend existing adjacent street names (e.g., South Discovery Loop / Veranda Avenue) to match the Sweetbay subdivision alignment. Vote: 4–0.

- Right-of-way use agreement for 840 Kirkland Avenue (Edie Nelson): The commission approved a 20‑year permit and indemnity agreement allowing a private fence and storage shed to remain in the Cedar Avenue right of way. The agreement does not require commercial-style liability insurance because the encroachment was residential in nature; the agreement runs with the land but can be terminated if a competing public use arises. Vote: 4–0.

- Panhandle Engineering task order for Chapman Park improvements: Panhandle Engineering offered professional engineering services at no cost (estimated value $201,000) to prepare construction documents for two 200‑foot baseball fields at Chapman Park; estimated construction cost ~ $2,000,000 paid by private donors. The commission accepted the task order and staff thanked community donors. Vote: 4–0.

Why it matters: These actions fund or authorize infrastructure and neighborhood-improvement projects, settle a claim arising from a utility strike, and formalize right-of-way use. The CDBG contract drew the only dissenting vote recorded on the consent list.

Provenance and next steps: Contract awards and grant acceptances require usual procurement and grant agreements to be finalized; staff will proceed with executing contracts, processing SRF reimbursement applications and, where applicable, returning to the commission with budget amendments as grant funds are accepted.