On March 22, 2012, the County sustained damage to its underground fiber optic cable lines located on State Road 7 between NW 15th Street and NW 19th Street in Margate, Florida, as a result of a private contractor's excavation (the "project site"). The County paid Horsepower Electric $19,841.50 to repair the damage. The March 22, 2012 excavation stemmed from a utility permit that the Florida Department of Transportation issued to FPL Fibernet, LLC, n/k/a Fibernet Direct-Florida, LLC ("Fibernet"), for the installation of Fibernet's own underground cable lines at the project site. Fibernet's subcontractor, Florida Sol Systems, Inc. ("Florida Sol"), contracted with K & S Underground Experts to excavate the project site on March 22, 2012.
There are factual disputes concerning the depreciation of the County's cable lines, and whether the project site was properly marked prior to the excavation. Through informal negotiations, Florida Sol's insured, CNA Financial Corporation, has agreed to pay the County $14,881.13, subject to Board approval. Risk Management Division and Traffic Engineering Division concur with and recommend approval of this settlement. |