Clearwater advances Northeast WRF clarifier upgrades and Lower Spring Branch stormwater project

Clearwater advances Northeast WRF clarifier upgrades and Lower Spring Branch stormwater projectThe Florida municipality is moving forward with pending construction and engineering contracts for its Northeast Water Reclamation Facility, while leveraging sanitary sewer access to drive commercial annexations.

A pending $656,342 construction contract with Innovative Masonry Restoration LLC targets clarifier splitter boxes at the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility.

Black and Veatch is slated for a $212,097 purchase order increase for supplemental engineering work at the Northeast WRF.

The council approved hold-harmless drainage and temporary construction easements to support the Lower Spring Branch bridge replacement.

A commercial property at 1903 Douglas Avenue is being annexed into the city specifically to connect to Clearwater's sanitary sewer system.

The City of Clearwater, Florida, is advancing a suite of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure actions, highlighted by pending upgrades to the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). According to city documents presented at the April 20 work session, the council is reviewing a $656,342.50 construction contract with Innovative Masonry Restoration LLC for work on the Northeast WRF's clarifier splitter boxes. The project is paired with a proposed $212,097 purchase order increase for Black and Veatch, acting as Engineer of Record, bringing the firm's total supplemental work order to $433,621. On the stormwater front, the city council placed a critical drainage easement on consent to support the Lower Spring Branch Stormwater Improvements project. The agreement secures indemnification and temporary construction access at 1202 Vista Way. A city staff member noted during the meeting that the easement is necessary because a planned bridge wing wall will directly impact the rear of the parcel. In addition to capital projects, the city is leveraging its utility services to drive commercial incorporation. The council reviewed the voluntary annexation of a 0.28-acre commercial property at 1903 Douglas Avenue. Long Range Planning Manager Marcie Stenmark stated that the applicant requested the annexation specifically to gain access to Clearwater's sanitary sewer and solid waste services. Finally, the council advanced an ordinance to vacate unimproved right-of-way and drainage easements in the Bay View City Subdivision to facilitate a new housing development. Staff confirmed the vacation involves an area that currently contains a ditch with flowing water, and the approval is strictly conditioned upon the developer conveying new easements to cover all necessary utilities as the land is reconfigured.