Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 22, 2016 3:33 p.m.
Utilities Department Director John Mandrick updated Fernandina Beach City Commissioners (FBCC) at their September 20, 2016 meeting on work that is about to get underway to alleviate storm water flooding issues along Atlantic Avenue and at the North End of the city.
Commissioners approved a proposal from TB Landmark Construction, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $281,150 for installation of a stormwater force main by way of a “piggyback agreement” to the bid awarded contract between TB Landmark and Clay County Utility Authority. Funding for this project comes from a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Grant. Mandrick and commissioners credited local legislators State Representative Janet Adkins and State Senator Aaron Bean, along with city lobbyist Arthur I. “Buddy” Jacobs, for obtaining this grant and saving it from Governor Rick Scott’s veto pen.
Mandrick reported that this phase of the $900K grant covers a directional drilling contract to allow 12-inch pipe to be installed 10 feet deep. The depth will mean that existing landscaping and private yards will not be disturbed. The pipe, which will be visible along Atlantic Avenue prior to its installation, is a key piece in alleviating stormwater build up in the north beach area that currently drains very slowly through Fort Clinch. Mandrick said that this is the first of several phases that will come before the commission for approval in the months ahead.
Mandrick added that the city will also be constructing swales in the North Fletcher area to alleviate flooding as part of a St. Johns Water Management District (SJWMD) grant. “Over the coming year there will be a lot of work done in that North Fletcher area,” Mandrick said. “We are moving forward as fast as we can.” Mandrick reported that swale construction will begin in October. He plans a community outreach education program for affected property owners to let them know what to anticipate, when and why.
Mandrick provided commissioners with a written project schedule, showing that plans and permits from SJRWMD and FDEP have been obtained. Next month commissioners will be asked to approve purchase of materials following bid openings. “We are piecing out the whole project,” Mandrick said, “to make the dollars go as far as we can.” For example, the city is purchasing the materials as opposed to the contractor to save sales tax.
Commissioner Len Kreger said, “This is progress after 20 years, basically with outside money.” Mandrick agreed, acknowledging a lot of staff work behind the scenes. He said that usually the city gets hit with a big rain event on a 4-year cycle. “The next time, we’ll be ready for it,” he said, “and homeowners will be able to avoid repetitive losses in their houses, hopefully. That’s the intent here.”
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.