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Commission awards nearly $3 million contract for wastewater sludge-management improvements
Summary
The commission approved Resolution 2025-04 to award a contract for wastewater sludge-management improvements to McMahon Construction Company Inc. in an amount not to exceed $2,992,000, funding work tied to a newly purchased screw press and interim upgrades to the aging wastewater treatment plant.
On Feb. 13 the Flagler Beach City Commission approved Resolution 2025-04, awarding bid FB240111 for wastewater sludge-management improvements to McMahon Construction Company Inc. in an amount not to exceed $2,992,000.
The improvement project is intended to modernize sludge handling at the city's 45-year-old wastewater treatment plant and to replace the current drying-bed process with mechanical dewatering that uses a screw press purchased earlier by the city. The screw press will reduce the labor and time needed to dry biosolids and will be integrated into piping and electrical upgrades provided by the project.
Key points from discussion - Project scope and cost: City engineer Bill Freeman explained the price covers underground piping reroutes, foundations, a 2,500-square-foot equipment building, polymer injection systems, pumps, electrical upgrades and exterior site work to support the screw press. "There's a fair amount of work that goes in with it," Freeman said, listing panels, lighting, and other site systems.
- Value engineering and cost control: Commissioners discussed rising costs and requested staff pursue "value engineering" after the contractor is on board to identify potential savings. Freeman said the city intends to negotiate with the selected contractor and look for cost-savings options as the plans are reviewed in detail.
- Relation to a future new plant: City staff said the upgrades are an interim, necessary step to move away from drying beds and to improve operations until a new wastewater treatment plant is built; the rerouted piping will be tied into the future plant.
Vote and contractor details The commission approved Resolution 2025-04 by roll call vote (unanimous). The resolution awards the contract to McMahon Construction Company Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,992,000. Commissioners and staff said they expect to pursue value engineering with the contractor to reduce cost where possible and will continue project oversight through staff and the engineering team.
Public outreach Commissioners asked that neighbors near the wastewater facility be notified of construction schedules and posted signage so residents know about traffic and site activity during the work. Staff confirmed a sign requirement in the bid documents and discussed further outreach plans.
