Miramar commission approves park lighting, HR renovation contract, water‑lab change order and budget amendment

The Miramar City Commission on Feb. 5, 2025 approved a package of facilities, construction and budget actions intended to upgrade parks, finalize a new water lab and reallocate existing capital funds.

Key approvals included: an agreement to install LED field lighting at Vizcaya Park using Musco Lighting in an amount not to exceed $356,600 (Sourcewell cooperative contract); award of a construction contract for human-resources office renovations to Arcast LLC for $503,753.56 with a $20,000 contingency (total $523,753.56); approval of change order No. 8 for the West Water Treatment Plant lab and office project with Primus Construction Services for $49,996 plus a $10,000 contingency (total $59,996); and the citys first amendment to the FY2025 operating and capital budget that shifts several remaining balances, including a $115,000 transfer into the Miramar Regional Park Aquatics Renovation project and a $235,000 allocation from risk-management fund balance for the HR renovation.

The items were presented by city staff including Holly Hicks, assistant director of Parks and Recreation; Billy Neal, director of Parks and Recreation; Daryl Johnson, Support Services; Francois Dumont, utilities director; and Yeneghan (Yannigan) Capote, assistant director for Management and Budget. Staff described the Vizcaya Park lighting as funded in part by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection recreational development grant ($200,000 awarded with a required 50% match) and the remainder allocated in FY2025 project number 51045. Hicks described the contract as a piggyback under a Sourcewell cooperative and said the installation will include poles, electrical infrastructure and integration with Musco control systems.

Commissioners questioned park hours, potential light spillage into neighboring homes and intended park uses. Parks staff said the area to be lit is currently unlit and will support football and soccer rentals, increase park usage and reduce the need to bring temporary lighting for events. On light spill, staff said a photometric study and LED fixtures angled to the field will minimize off-site illumination.

On the HR renovation award, staff said the rebid drew nine proposals and recommended Arcast LLC as the lowest responsive bidder at $503,753.56; the item includes a 15% participation plan goal for certified local small businesses. Commissioners asked whether the project would remove interior walls; staff responded it is a reconfiguration of existing space, not structural demolition.

For the West Water Treatment Plant lab project, Utilities Director Francois Dumont and Senior Water Quality Manager Shalanda Kecrege said construction is complete and the city has obtained a certificate of occupancy. Kecrege said the laboratory equipment is delicate and the vendor must disassemble, move and re-establish instrumentation in accordance with Florida Department of Health and NELAC procedures; she said that process is expected to take about a month and that the next proficiency-testing round is scheduled for April, which the lab must be prepared to meet.

The first FY2025 budget amendment moved small remaining balances from completed projects and allocated resources to renovate the Miramar Regional Aquatic Complex after an inspection found the existing structure beyond repair. Chief CIP Officer Liz Valera said bids were higher than earlier estimates and staff is reallocating leftover CIP funds so the city can proceed to negotiate with contractors.

All items were approved by recorded votes: each of the four action items passed by four affirmative votes (Commissioners Barnes, Chambers, Colburn and Mayor Wayne Messam).