Lighthouse Point commission approves extra paving funds, declares equipment surplus and confirms new public works director

The Lighthouse Point City Commission on Aug. 13 approved three administrative actions: an $11,747.72 increase to a paving contract, a surplus declaration for a vehicle lift that failed certification, and the appointment of a new public works director.

City staff asked the commission to authorize $11,747.72 from the American Rescue Plan Act fund to cover extra asphalt tonnage and localized repairs for the milling and resurfacing of Northeast 39th Street. Mr. Lukas, presenting the request, said project engineers documented additional asphalt needs that exceeded the original estimate and recommended the additional authorization so the contractor can complete outstanding punch-list items.

Commission debate focused on whether to withhold the payment authority until the contractor finished remaining work. Commissioner (speaker 13) objected that the commission should wait for completion, saying, “I certainly won't be in favor of authorizing this at this point” if the work remains unfinished. Chair (speaker 3) and other commissioners countered that authorization allows the city to approve the funds while withholding payment if the work does not meet standards. The motion passed 4–1.

Separately, the commission declared a 16,000-pound Mohawk vehicle lift (asset no. 5100) surplus after staff reported the lift could not be reinstalled on the garage slab because of anchoring and footprint issues. Acting Public Works Director Jim Finley explained that the original installer’s work led to loosened wedge anchors and that Mohawk’s reinstallation rules prevented reuse near the drilled holes; staff recommended acquiring a 10,000-pound Challenger lift that fits the existing slab. Commissioners approved the surplus declaration 5–0.

On personnel, the commission adopted Resolution 2024-2622 to appoint Dwayne Ackerblom as public works director effective upon his start date, which staff indicated will be coordinated with the mayor and is expected to begin in early September. Ackerblom, whose recent experience includes three years as streets and stormwater operations manager in Boca Raton, told commissioners that stormwater management is the city’s top infrastructure challenge. The appointment passed 5–0.

Votes at a glance - Motion to authorize additional $11,747.72 to R & D Paving LLC for NE 39th Street: Passed 4–1. - Motion to declare Mohawk vehicle lift (asset 5100) surplus: Passed 5–0. - Resolution appointing Dwayne Ackerblom as Public Works Director (Res. 2024-2622): Passed 5–0.

Next steps include city staff monitoring contractor completion on the paving project and proceeding with procurement of the replacement 10,000-pound lift after the surplus declaration. The commission will coordinate a start date and onboarding for the new public works director.