Council approves piggyback contract for trenchless pipe rehabilitation; immediate repairs identified

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council on Wednesday approved piggybacking an Omnia Partners cooperative contract with Instaform Technologies LLC to provide trenchless rehabilitation and cured-in-place lining for stormwater and wastewater pipes.

Procurement staff said the three-year piggyback contract (Feb. 2024–Feb. 2027, with renewals) covers labor, materials and equipment to install cured-in-place pipe liners. The staff presentation identified three immediate repair needs — Jamaica Way, Henry Street and Olympia Avenue/US 41 crossings — and reported combined estimated costs of $306,695 for the initial repairs.

Ron Edwards (staff) described the technology's use cases: “We utilize this technology anytime we have a pipe that needs to be replaced, and it's in a location that we're unable to get machinery,” he said, citing a pipe under an existing building on Jamaica Way and another location where a blind end made a liner the best alternative. He said cured‑in‑place lining has been used in the city previously and in multiple counties in Florida and that it is generally durable in saltwater conditions.

Councilors asked how long the lining lasts and whether rehabilitation is equivalent to replacement. Staff indicated the liners are a long-term solution and can avoid extended road closures that would be required for open‑cut replacement. The council moved and approved staff’s request to piggyback the contract and to authorize use of the vendor on an as‑needed basis for infrastructure maintenance and for the immediate repairs identified.

The motion passed on a council vote; staff will initiate work at the three immediate sites using the piggyback contract and return procurement documentation as required.