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Council votes to negotiate with second-lowest bidder for backflow testing after complaints
Summary
Council delayed awarding the annual backflow testing contract after council members raised concerns about the low bidders past performance on meter replacements; the motion to negotiate with the next bidder carried to avoid potential service and community-notification problems while meeting FDEP testing timelines.
Council took up item 3.12, the award of invitation to bid No. 26040 for annual backflow testing and authorized staff to negotiate with the next lowest bidder rather than award to the low bidder. The discussion focused on former meter-replacement work and community complaints about contractor conduct.
Councilperson Geraldo objected to awarding the contract to the apparent low bidder, recounting constituent complaints about lack of identification, damaged landscaping and missed notifications. "The lowest is not always the most responsible," Geraldo said, and moved to negotiate with the next bidder on the tabulation. Procurement staff explained that the lowest bid had been disqualified for capacity concerns but that there are a limited number of certified personnel for this specialized work and that the city must test an estimated 7,000–8,000 backflow preventers by year-end to stay in compliance with FDEP permits.
Council voted by roll call to move forward with the direction to negotiate with the next bidder; Mayor Anderson recorded a dissenting vote. Staff said they will include stronger oversight and stipulations in future solicitations and act quickly to meet the testing timeline to avoid permit violations.
