Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Expenditures for an Emergency Access Road & Parking Improvements at McCarty Ranch Preserve.
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Submitted By: Kevin R. Matyjaszek, Utility Systems Director.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Utility Systems Department ("USD") is seeking approval to construct an emergency access road and parking area at the McCarty Ranch Preserve. The purpose of the access road is to provide emergency personnel a secondary ingress and egress point to the property for emergency purposes. Additionally, a new stabilized parking area has been designed and is intended to be utilized future 7A & 7B Water Quality Areas. Secondary uses would include staging emergency operations and event parking. Due to the fact that we are currently in hurricane season and there are impending events at the location, staff is requesting that the expenditure be approved as soon as possible.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve, per City Code of Ordinances Section 35.08(c) (Good Cause Shown), expenditures for Emergency Access Road & Parking Improvements at McCarty Ranch Preserve.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve expenditures for Emergency Access Road & Parking Improvements at McCarty Ranch Preserve.
2. Move that the Council not approve expenditures for the Emergency Access Road & Parking Improvements and provide staff with direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie initiated a project to establish a Water Farm aimed at enhancing and supplementing current and planned water retention, storage, and diversion efforts intended to mitigate harmful discharges into the C-23 basin, which affect the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. During the design phase of the 7A Water Quality Area, discussions emerged concerning the general area, addressing the single entry and exit issue, and identifying a suitable location for staging emergency operations, if required.
Issues/Analysis: Currently, McCarty Ranch Preserve has only one entry and exit point. The construction of a secondary access road will enable emergency personnel to respond promptly to significant events. USD consulted with vendors within the City’s continuing services contracts and were provided quotes to perform the work. Based on the higher cost estimates from vendors and expected completion date, USD consulted with the Public Works Department to explore alternative options. Based on these discussions, it was determined that Public Works would be able to mobilize and carry out the work expeditiously. Therefore, it is USD’s recommendation that we proceed with utilizing Public Works to obtain the necessary materials and perform the work at a significantly lower cost, providing the best value the City.
Financial Information: An expenditure of up to $650,000 may be spent during FY24/25. This expenditure will be on goods, deliveries, and equipment which will be utilized by City Staff. Funds are appropriated in the Utility CIP Fund: (448-3314).
Special Consideration: Staff is requesting Good Cause Shown based on the vendors not being able to complete the work within the necessary timeframe. Also, based on the nature of this project, City Staff has the capability to complete this work in-house, which will take the place of what the City would otherwise need to pay a vendor to perform the work.
Location of Project: McCarty Ranch Preserve.
Business Impact Statement: N/A.
Attachments: N/A.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25232-10
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Alyssa Lunin, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.