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Utility director reports progress on wastewater plant, lift stations and staffing; wastewater completion targeted for Feb. 2026
Summary
Utility staff reported progress on multiple construction projects, equipment orders and staffing changes: the wastewater treatment plant is roughly 57% complete and on pace for February 2026 completion; quotes for lift stations were presented and two pumps have been ordered; a long‑time employee announced retirement and succession planning is under
Utility staff updated the board on construction progress, equipment orders and personnel changes tied to the town's wastewater and water projects.
The utility report, read by staff in the absence of Utility Director Bert Warner, said Pennoni Engineering is overseeing construction and that the South wastewater treatment facility and associated lift station work are progressing. The packet lists an approximate 57% completion figure for the wastewater plant and a target completion in February 2026; staff said that figure came from the October project report and that physical progress may be slightly ahead of that number.
Staff said quotes have been received for two lift stations and one manhole rehabilitation with an approximate combined cost shown in the packet of $5,052,000, and that two replacement water service pumps have been ordered and expected to be delivered in October. Force main installation and pressure testing on connections at Lake Mirror Drive and Lake Drive East were described as completed in the areas noted in the packet.
Personnel changes: Robert "Bobby" Klim, a long‑time utilities employee, has announced his retirement next month; staff said Klim will be available to answer questions and may return part time. Michael Asbury, who has worked under Klim, is helping train for transitions. Staff also reported open meter‑reader positions and a reclassification of a wastewater operator C to an operator in training as part of succession planning.
Grant and funding notes: staff said FDEP grants were not accepting applications at the time of the report and that they are working with state and federal contacts to identify other funding. Staff met with a state senator's office and discussed scaling and funding for the advanced wastewater treatment project and strategies to pursue additional support once current funds are exhausted.
Board members asked for follow-up information on whether particular neighborhoods (Tomoka Heights, mobile home park) were in scope for near‑term connection funding; staff said they would provide specifics by email and at the next meeting when Utility Director Warner returns.
Next steps: staff will continue construction oversight with Pennoni Engineering, return with answers about grant eligibility and neighborhood connection plans, and proceed with recruitment and training to cover imminent retirements.
