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Ormond Beach Commission OKs $30,000 settlement to end seawall contractor’s work at Andy Romano Park
Summary
After staff described a contractor’s scope confusion and partial mobilization, the Ormond Beach City Commission voted to terminate the East Coast Marine Construction contract for the Andy Romano Beachfront Park seawall project and pay $30,000 for mobilization and work performed to avoid further delay and protect potential FEMA reimbursement.
The Ormond Beach City Commission voted to terminate a seawall and ADA ramp contract and authorize a $30,000 settlement to end the city’s involvement with the contractor, citing a disagreement over project scope that staff said would otherwise delay repairs at Andy Romano Beachfront Park.
Utilities Manager Alex Shuman told commissioners the contractor “mobilized to the site. They pulled bonds and insurance. They poured several panels,” but later submitted a large change order, saying it had misunderstood the plans. Staff and an independent structural engineer concluded the work did not meet the project specifications.
Assistant City Manager Sean Finley and other staff said the city typically does not accept change orders and that the contractor’s request would have cost the city significantly more or caused litigation and delay. Commissioners weighed the risk of pursuing bond recovery against the cost and time to complete the park work.
Mayor Jason Leslie said the commission’s priority is getting the park reopened and available to the public, and that rejecting the settlement could prolong the project and jeopardize potential federal or insurance reimbursements. “We’re just gonna have to move forward,” he said, adding he planned to vote yes “even though I don’t want to.”
Commissioners recorded a roll-call vote in favor of terminating the contract and approving the settlement. Commissioner Sargent voted yes; Commissioner Deaton voted yes; Commissioner Tolland voted yes; Commissioner Briley (absent) was noted as absent; Mayor Leslie voted yes. The motion carried.
Staff said the $30,000 payment covers mobilization, bonds, insurance and work performed that cannot be reused by the next contractor. City staff indicated they will rebid the project and recommended increased pre‑bid coordination, more thorough shop-drawing reviews and closer on-site oversight to reduce the risk of a repeat.
The city noted the settlement is intended to minimize delay and avoid greater costs to the city while preserving the schedule for design, permitting and possible FEMA reimbursements for hurricane damage.
