News briefs: East County 6.11.2015

Interchange bids with FDOT

Ten contractors have submitted bids to work on the diverging diamond interchange at University Parkway and Interstate 75.

The Florida Department of Transportation is considering 10 proposals for two separate contracts.

Six contractors submitted bids ranging from $74.5 million to $90.3 million for the larger contract.

Four contractors bid between $2.18 million to $3.16 million for the second contract.

FDOT expects to choose contractors quickly, so construction can begin Aug. 2.

Waterlefe shores up agreement

Boards of the Waterlefe Community Development District, Waterlefe Master Property Owners Association and the Shores Homeowners Association approved an agreement to clarify the community’s governing documents and resolve a dispute about assessments for the future.

Now, the MPOA is tasked with informing Waterlefe residents about the changes before they go to a community-wide vote this fall.

The changes were prompted in part by a lawsuit by the MPOA against some residents in the Shores who stopped paying what court documents describe as an additional assessment they felt was not fair.

In an order issued last month, Judge John Lakin denied a motion by the homeowners’ attorney to expand the lawsuit by adding a new cause of action.

Lakin said the decision will narrow the scope of the lawsuit and make it less costly to litigate. Defendants can renew their motion if the Waterlefe community votes against the proposed changes to their deeds and covenants. 

Commission increases fee for growth

Manatee County commissioners voted June 2 to increase the county’s wastewater facility investment fee rates to ensure growth pays for itself.

Commissioners approved a $712 increase per new home to pay for extension of new service areas of the county sanitary sewer collection system. The impact fees will vary based on meter size.

Current rates had not been adjusted since 2006.