During a recent government meeting, officials discussed several key topics, including an update on the Marine Science Center and the impact of a recent torrential rainstorm.
The meeting began with a report on the Marine Science Center, where a budget amendment was previously approved due to damage from a fire. The panel required for the center has now been delivered, and preparations for installation are underway. Officials indicated that a change order is necessary to engage the electrician for this work, amounting to an additional $33,100. This cost exceeds the mayor's signing authority by approximately 12.5%, but officials confirmed that the project remains well under budget, negating the need for a budget amendment.
The discussion then shifted to the severe rainstorm that occurred on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in approximately one inch of rain falling within an hour. This downpour coincided with high tide, leading to temporary flooding in downtown areas as storm drains struggled to manage the influx of water. Officials noted that the flooding incidents were not catastrophic, although they highlighted the ongoing challenge posed by high tides blocking stormwater pipes. They acknowledged the need for future infrastructure improvements to better manage such weather events, although funding for these upgrades remains a concern.
Overall, while the meeting addressed specific project updates and weather-related challenges, officials expressed confidence in their current budget management and the resilience of the community in handling recent flooding.