Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/118445
Sarasota News Leader March 29, 2013 Page 49 13. That time, the Procurement Department ANOTHER CROSSWALK ISSUE received only one bid; it was for $118,500. In his March 21 memo to the County CommisAccording to vendors, reasons for their lack sion, Harriott also reported staff findings on a of response then were as follows, Harriott more recent lighting issue that had arisen on Siesta Key. continued: • Confusion about the power source in Siesta In response to a request from the Siesta Isles Condominium Association, Harriott wrote, Village. staff had investigated replacing or upgrading • Lack of minimum qualifications, including the flashing crosswalk signs at the main acan electrical contractor's license, Advanced cess to Siesta Key Public Beach. Maintenance of Traffic Certification and brick Van Roekens also had broached that topic at a paver experience. Siesta Key Village Association meeting — this Harriott pointed out that electrical plans were time, in February. He pointed out that drivers provided to prospective bidders and all were have become inured to the constant flashing encouraged to schedule a site visit. "The only of those lights and ignore them. vendor to submit a bid was also the only venHarriott wrote in his memo that the crossing dor to schedule a site visit," he wrote. signs, which have eight flashing LED lights "It seemed to me like nobody really wanted on their outside edges, can be programmed to do [the project]," Patterson told the News to blink all the time — as they do now — or only when a button on a sign is pressed by a Leader. pedestrian wishing to cross Beach Road. Mark Smith, past chairman of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, spoke with the News "The Siesta Isles Condominium Association Leader on March 26 after reviewing Harriott's has requested that these be replaced with March 21 memo. "It still seems high to me," he Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon signs, said of Harriott's $52,000 estimate. "Quite hon- similar to signs installed by [the Florida Deestly," Smith added, "I just don't understand." partment of Transportation] on Midnight Pass [Road]," Harriott added. Given the fact that the county had received several higher estimates than expected for The latter solar-powered, pedestrian advisory projects in recent months, Smith said, "Again, signs flash when a person presses a button to activate them, he noted. it must be a sign of a healthy economy." The cost of replacing the existing signs by the Nonetheless, he pointed out, as a taxpayer, he beach entrance with the type used by FDOT found it "outrageous, frankly. … Private inis about $8,000, Harriott continued. dustry would have gotten [the project done] for probably half" of Harriott's estimate, he The next opportunity the County Commission added. "I'm all for people making a living … would have to discuss Harriott's memo would but we need to be reasonable. … I guess we're be April 9, when it holds a regular meeting in Venice. % fortunate it came down from $110,000 …."