Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disaster Recovery And Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dunedin approves expanded Tetra Tech disaster-recovery contract and three purchase orders totaling roughly $970,000
Summary
The commission unanimously authorized an amended contract and three purchase orders with Tetra Tech Inc. to support FEMA grant management, substantial damage assessments and marina repairs after recent storms; staff said costs are largely expected to be reimbursable by FEMA (75%) and the state (12.5%).
The City Commission unanimously approved an amendment and extension of its contract with Tetra Tech Inc. on Feb. 20 and authorized three purchase orders tied to disaster recovery work after recent storms, with combined estimated costs staff recorded as approximately $969,918.80.
Scope and costs: Finance/administrative staff described three distinct workstreams under the Tetra Tech engagement. First, grant-support services related to Tropical Storm Debbie and hurricanes Helene and Milton were estimated at $478,000 (not-to-exceed estimate) to prepare and package damage claims, ensure compliance with 44 CFR and 2 CFR 200 (FEMA and federal grant rules), and provide financial, payroll and procurement guidance for reimbursement.
Second, a previously issued emergency purchase order (PO 250125) covered substantial-damage assessment services for individual properties after storms; staff reported that PO at $267,085 (issued Oct. 2024 under an emergency declaration) and said Tetra Tech had already begun substantial-damage determinations and outreach to property owners.
Third, a new purchase order would fund engineering, project management and design support for repairs at the Dunedin Marina, with an estimated cost of $224,766. Staff said the marina work will include project management, planning, public meetings, design and permitting for docks, pier and bulkhead repairs and independent peer review of engineering submittals.
Reimbursement expectations and risks: Staff and Tetra Tech representatives said the work is expected to be largely reimbursable through FEMA’s Public Assistance program (federal share 75%) with the state typically providing a 12.5% match. Tetra Tech deputy director Tucker Conklin told commissioners the Public Assistance (PA) process generally includes field inspections, agreement on scope and cost estimates, and then FEMA approval before funds move to the state and local drawdown.
Commission questions focused on reimbursement risk, procurement compliance, and the timeline for marina repairs. Tetra Tech and city staff warned procurement steps and documentation are a common source of risk for reimbursement and said the consultants will assist the city to meet the more stringent requirements when accepting federal funds. City staff also said some small cleanup and repair activity is underway; the earliest major construction the transcript references for the east bulkhead is “August” (no year specified in the transcript) while other comments referenced design and bidding activities and a special commission meeting to discuss marina expenditures.
Vote and next steps: The commission approved the amendment and the three purchase orders by unanimous roll call and staff said it will continue to work with Tetra Tech to prepare FEMA submittals and to pursue reimbursement. Staff also plans to present a fuller timeline and project-cost estimate for marina repairs at a subsequent special meeting referenced in the transcript.
