The Winter Garden City Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 14, 2025, to approve a construction contract with Wharton Smith Inc. for the Crest Avenue wastewater treatment project, with a total project cost described in staff materials as $132,637,770.

City staff told commissioners the Wharton Smith team and the construction manager‑at‑risk evaluated multiple bids and calculated the final project cost. Staff recommended entering a contract with Wharton Smith Inc. to begin construction, and the commission approved that recommendation without amendment.

Commission discussion was brief. A commissioner asked about site selection and different location options; staff confirmed the selected site is city‑owned and noted topography observations that informed site choice. The presenter characterized the site as appropriate for the project and explained that the city owns the land.

Formal action: Motion to approve the contract with Wharton Smith Inc. for the total project cost of $132,637,770; motion seconded and carried unanimously.

Implementation and next steps: Staff indicated the contract defines roles and responsibilities to complete the construction and that work will proceed consistent with the contract terms. No construction schedule or funding breakdown was provided on the record during the meeting. The commission did not attach additional conditions at the time of approval.

Context: The Crest Avenue wastewater project is a major capital project for the city. The meeting record includes staff presentation of the bid evaluation and a recommendation to award the contract to Wharton Smith Inc.