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Fort Myers council approves multiple contracts, including cloud customer-response tool and annual paving awards; attempt to exclude contractor over litigation—c
Summary
Council approved a range of consent and procurement items including a cloud-based automated inquiry service, multi-vendor annual paving/drainage contracts, vehicle replacements and other task orders. A motion to exclude Newrick Construction from paving bids because it is litigating with the city failed; the contract awards passed.
The Fort Myers City Council approved several routine and operational contracts during its Nov. 3 meeting, including a cloud-based automated customer inquiry service and annual paving and maintenance contracts, while rejecting a proposed exclusion of a vendor involved in litigation with the city.
Council approved a services and subscription agreement with Actus Solutions Inc. for a cloud-based Outlook add-on to provide automated customer-inquiry responses at an annual cost of $13,532 plus a one-time $2,500 fee to build a custom knowledge base. Steve Belling, Community Development director, said the system will create auto-responses, reduce staff time on frequently asked permitting questions and provide dashboard reporting on inquiry frequency (00:33:09).
On Invitation to Bid 25-086 for annual paving, drainage and concrete, Councilmember Bauscher moved to exclude Newrick Construction because that firm is engaged in litigation with the city over a prior contract. Council discussed whether an ongoing lawsuit should bar the firm from contracting with the city; City Attorney Grant Alley said council has discretion. The motion to exclude failed, and the contract awards to the recommended firms were approved by vote (roll-call: Banc Yes; Brown Yes; Geraldo Yes; Bochette Yes; Berson No; Mayor Anderson Yes) (00:36:37).
Other procurements approved included: replacement of 20 fleet vehicles (Sam Galloway Ford, not to exceed $916,208); purchase orders for golf-course maintenance contract labor (approx. $1,010,200); task orders for CRA services; and ranking Positive Energy Inc. as the top firm to negotiate an electric-vehicle charging contract (RFP 25-072).
Votes at a glance
- Actus Solutions Inc. customer-response service: approved (motion by Councilmember Geraldo).
- Invitation to Bid 25-086 (annual paving/drainage/concrete): motion to exclude Newrick Construction failed; contract awards approved (motion to approve carried).
- Vehicle purchases (20 units to replace end-of-life vehicles, not to exceed $916,208): approved.
- Positive Energy Inc. ranked No. 1 for EV charging negotiations: approved to begin negotiations; fallback to next ranked firms if negotiations fail.
Council approved all items without notable fiscal amendments during the consent segment and subsequent operational agenda.
