Council approves FDOT grant design work, airport apron change orders and $77,166 stabilization change order

Sebastian City Council approved acceptance of an FDOT grant for engineering and design of a taxiway‑adjacent apron at the airport and authorized related change orders to stabilize an adjacent area to prevent erosion and damage to the new taxiway work.

Airport staff described a phased approach: FDOT approved funding to begin planning design for the apron and staff sought to stabilize adjoining ground to allow future apron expansion and possible hangar development. Staff said FDOT initially declined to include the extra area in the primary grant but allowed a design grant; council approved supplemental change orders to stabilize the area while contractor mobilization is in place. Staff estimated the state will fund 80% of the southern portion of the stabilization; the northern portion, outside the grant scope, would be the city's responsibility (staff cited roughly $51,422 as the city's portion). Council approved a $77,166 change order covering engineering and limited construction‑phase work with roll‑call votes recorded.

A procurement presentation clarified that the contractor did not request a price increase; the city asked the contractor to expand scope to protect the taxiway while the contractor is on site, reducing future remobilization costs. Council asked whether FEMA reimbursement or other grants might cover part of the work; staff said they had made a request to FDOT to expand the share but had not yet received confirmation and that FEMA reimbursement was not certain because the deterioration accrued over time.

The council also approved a separate line item to accept FDOT design funding for a future apron that will support parking and future hangars. Council asked staff to continue communications with FDOT regarding cost‑share possibilities.