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the local governments. He also spoke about a lack of progress from the City Manager's Office on discussions with owners of two other parcels that could be used as a staging area for the possible shelter site at 1330 N. Osprey Ave. "If that is what is going to happen and this thing is going to be delayed for awhile … why don't we just say to the city, 'Why don't you just call us when you are ready,' and put our money in escrow," Barbetta said. "We are spending a lot of time and money on this, and everywhere we turn, we hit a roadblock." Chairman Charles Hines pointed out he has been hearing concerns from city busi ness owners. "They are saying, 'You need to help us' with regard to the chronic homelessness," Hines told his colleagues. Hines added that he believes inaction at City Hall has spurred the business owners to reach out to the county, especially following the April 1 joint city/county meeting. "I think in the past, those calls probably went to the City Commission," Hines said. "In the past, I didn't get those calls. A lack of political will among city leaders combined with a lack of urgency on the part of some city officials, Hines continued, are factors hindering the process. He agreed with Barbetta that "it's time we say we need to move on or make a decision on this." "The continued debate over sites — 'Here is one. No. Here is one. No.' — That isn't going to get us there," Hines said. "And so we are let ting all of our constituents down throughout the county by just continuing to talk about it." Regarding the shelter location selection pro cess, Hines vented more frustration. He had this message for city officials: "Sites are being reviewed by an expert. If those don't work, come up with some alternatives, and if you can't come up with any solution that will A site on East Avenue remains one of two potential locations for a homeless shelter. Photo by Norman Schimmel Why don't we just say to the city, 'Why don't you just call us when you are ready?' Joe Barbetta Commissioner Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader April 11, 2014 Page 10