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City manager uses emergency authority to start Norwood washout repairs after Hurricane Milton
Summary
Interim City Manager authorized immediate procurement to repair a Norwood-area washout that threatened sewer and water infrastructure; staff will present details to council at its Feb. 6 meeting, city says.
Interim City Manager Scott Morgan said Thursday he has exercised emergency authority under a governor-declared emergency to award contracts and start work on a Norwood-area washout that in recent storm conditions threatened a sewer force main and potable-water lines.
Morgan told council the decision was necessary because continued deterioration could risk sewer spills and interruptions to the city’s water supply. He said the city has temporary shoring in place but procuring the specialty structures and permanent repairs will take time, and waiting for the next regular council meeting would delay work and increase the risk of additional utility failures.
Morgan said the project is a major undertaking — he estimated the effort will exceed $2 million — and that the city will seek FEMA reimbursement where eligible. He told the council staff will bring a full informational report to the Feb. 6 meeting with the contract documentation, damage assessment and estimated costs.
The manager said the emergency procurement will allow crews to obtain long-lead materials and start work immediately. Council members emphasized the importance of rapid repair to preserve water and sewer service and thanked staff for taking timely action.
