Clearwater awards $9 million annual asset management contracts, secures stormwater grant

Clearwater awards $9 million annual asset management contracts, secures stormwater grantThe Florida city selected three contractors to handle distinct aspects of its water and reclaimed water system upkeep and accepted state funding for coastal stormwater upgrades.

Council approved a $9 million annual contract split between TLC Diversified, Murphy Pipeline Contractors, and Applied Drilling Engineering.

TLC Diversified also won a separate $5 million annual contract for lift station repairs.

The city accepted a $3 million FDEP grant for the North Beach Stormwater Improvements Project with no local match required.

Public Utilities Interim Director Mike Flanning emphasized the contracts focus on asset longevity and cost-effectiveness.

The Clearwater City Council has moved to shore up its utility asset management strategy, approving a multi-vendor contract structure for water, reclaimed water, and well repairs valued at $9 million annually. During the February 5 meeting, the council awarded the contracts to TLC Diversified, Murphy Pipeline Contractors, and Applied Drilling Engineering. The agreement covers an initial one-year term with options for three one-year renewals, potentially bringing the total value to $36 million over four years. The contracts were awarded on a unit price basis pursuant to Invitation to Bid 25-0027-UT. Interim Director of Public Utilities Mike Flanning explained the strategic division of labor among the selected firms. TLC Diversified will handle point repairs along with asphalt and concrete work. Murphy Pipeline Contractors is tasked with trenchless pipeline installments, while Applied Drilling Engineering will be responsible for well and pump maintenance. Flanning noted the contracts are tied to the city's goals for "asset longevity and cost-effectiveness." In a separate but related consent agenda item, the council awarded a construction contract specifically for lift station point repairs and improvements to TLC Diversified. The Palmetto-based general contractor, founded in 1985, has delivered over 900 water and wastewater projects across the state, including major infrastructure work in neighboring St. Petersburg and Tampa. This annual contract is valued at $5 million, also carrying an initial term with three one-year renewal options. On the stormwater front, the council approved a standard grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The agreement provides $3 million in state funding with no required local match for Phase 1 of the North Beach Stormwater Improvements Project. Public Works Director Marcus Williamson stated that the funding would offset construction costs for the design and construction of six stormwater pump stations and associated conveyance upgrades. Williamson noted the city is continuing to pursue other grants to further reduce taxpayer costs for the project. The infrastructure investments faced limited public scrutiny during the meeting. One resident questioned the efficacy of the proposed North Beach stormwater pumps and criticized the city’s reclaimed water availability fees. Despite the comments, all water and wastewater items passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda.