Zephyrhills City Council awards drainage improvement bid to Gillum Construction LLC

The City Council of Zephyrhills convened on April 15, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including drainage improvements, utility fee adjustments, and project design considerations for the city complex.

The meeting began with a discussion on drainage improvements along Sixth Avenue, specifically from Eighth Street to Seventh Street, including the alley east of the fire station. Public Works staff presented a proposal to alleviate localized flooding, with a budget of $550,000, which includes contributions from the Penny for Pasco program and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The council unanimously approved the bid award to Gillum Construction LLC, which will enhance existing French drains and install new inlets to direct stormwater to Lake Necessity. This project aims to significantly improve drainage in the area, particularly around City Hall.

Next, Finance Director Ted Beeson presented a resolution to amend the uniform utility department fee schedule for the remainder of the fiscal year 2024-2025. The proposed changes include increasing late fees from $4 to a percentage of the outstanding bill, which would make the fees more impactful. Additionally, a fee for service calls related to leak detection was proposed to increase from $30 to $40. The council discussed the necessity of these adjustments, noting that the last fee increase occurred over two years ago. The council voted unanimously to approve the fee adjustments.

The meeting also addressed a special event, Sabor Latino, which required alcohol approval. However, this item was pulled from the agenda as the event's timing has been rescheduled.

Lastly, the council reviewed a proposal regarding the design of the new city complex. The discussion centered on the potential switch from a concrete masonry unit (CMU) design to a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) to reduce costs. While the change could save approximately $350,000, concerns were raised about the aesthetic implications of a metal structure. The council expressed a desire for further clarification on the cost overruns associated with the project, which have escalated from initial estimates of $19 million to approximately $27 million.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted significant infrastructure improvements and financial adjustments aimed at enhancing city services and facilities. The council's decisions reflect a commitment to addressing community needs while managing budgetary constraints effectively. Further discussions on the city complex design and the rescheduled event will continue in future meetings.