Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/243343
Sarasota News Leader January 17, 2014 Commissioner Joe Barbetta pointed out that the best-case short-term scenario would be for a firm to open the Springs for about fourand-a-half months, based on the anticipated time frame for finalizing a contract. Page 62 [of an extension] and everything," Patterson said. After Robinson reminded Patterson that the length of the extension was not specified, Patterson joined Robinson, Barbetta and Commissioner Carolyn Mason in voting for Robinson's motion to reject any bid language referring to the possibility of a contract extension. Still, he cast doubt on whether any firm would be interested in the contract, not only because of the short duration of it but also because of what he cited as conflicting language in the draft Request for Bids. "I can tell you right away you're not going to get any bids on this. BACK IN NORTH PORT If you do, [the firms have] got to be crazy." A day earlier in North Port, when Vice Mayor "I agree," Patterson said. "Why would anyone DiFranco made the motion to accept the want to do this for five months at all. I mean, county's December recommendations for the short-term solicitation process, she told her this is worse than the mowing contracts." colleagues, "It is imperative that we move That comment drew some wry chuckles, as the this thing forward and protect the city from County Commission over the past two years any more negative conjectures." has dealt with a number of failed contracts for mowing services, with representatives of "We should open the springs by Sept. 1," City firms indicating to staff they had underesti- Commissioner Tom Jones said in seconding that motion. mated their expenses in crafting low bids. After Robinson reiterated her call for the "I'm fine with that [Sept. 1] deadline," county board to remain firm on the Sept. 1 Commissioner Yates agreed. deadline, Hines pointed out, "I would hate not to have it understood that we could potentially extend [the contract] for another 30 to 60 days to keep [Warm Mineral Springs] open." After the vote without any mention of a possible contract renewal for the short-term operator, Yates pointed out, "Had we done anything else tonight, there would have been a huge delay." She told the audience, "You can love us or hate "I think we should take [the North Port lan- us for it. … We have tried to do what you want guage] as is, with the three-month possibility done, which is open up the Springs." % The Sarasota News Leader No-Nonsense Reporting