Commission authorizes design‑build for Savor Palm Park, removes hard cost cap to preserve negotiation flexibility

The Tamarac City Commission unanimously approved a design‑build award to Frangio Builders LLC for the Savor Palm Park project on Sept. 10, directing the city manager to negotiate final design elements and contract terms after deleting a not‑to‑exceed clause from the resolution.

Commissioners said they wanted staff to retain flexibility to refine materials and scope with the chosen contractor to ensure a higher‑quality finished park, while remaining constrained by the overall capital project appropriation approved in the budget. The motion passed 5–0.

Frangio submitted a proposal of about $8 million, significantly less than another responsive team’s $14 million bid; commissioners and staff said the lower bid met the RFP requirements and included the amenities the city sought. District 1 Commissioner Marlon Bolton emphasized the need to avoid “hiccups” after nine years of planning for a replacement park on the former golf course; other commissioners said staff would return with negotiated drawings and budget details before construction began.

The city manager confirmed the award authorizes negotiation and design work; the commission removed a section that had previously stated a firm not‑to‑exceed cap to preserve that negotiation flexibility. Staff said the capital project budget approved by the commission remains the financial backstop — any increase beyond the budget would require a future commission budget amendment.

Commissioners also noted the design‑build approach will include community outreach during design and that Frangio’s local experience and project portfolio were factors in the selection.

Staff will negotiate the final contract and return with design documents and a detailed cost breakdown for the commission’s review and final authorization before construction starts.