"This allows for discounts that can be signifi-
cantly greater than can be provided through
the Construction Manager," the memo notes.
In a July 3 email to the board members,
Kalajian wrote that the covered walkway at
the entrance to the new facility and garden
shade structures are in place. "Interior wall
painting is steadily progressing," she added.
During the June 25 workshop, Kalajian
reminded the commissioners that the
Friends of Gulf Gate Library had donated a
25,000-square-foot parcel across the street
from the new library that will be used to sup-
plement on-site parking. The organization
is continuing to conduct fundraising for the
facility, Kalajian continued, especially for the
areas that will be used by children and teens
and for the two planned reading gardens.
The library has been operating at Westfield
Sarasota Square while the construction has
been under way. "We think the temporary
location at the mall has been a great suc-
cess," Kalajian said. "We've attracted new
library users who will follow us to the new
Gulf Gate Library."
SIESTA TROLLEY FUNDS
With Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)
Route 10 being launched on July 12 to serve
Siesta Key, the County Commission on July
8 adopted a resolution authorizing a Joint
Participation Agreement with the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a
$1,087,500 grant that will cover 50 percent
of the operating expenses for the first three
years of the service.
An aerial photo shows the rear of the new Gulf Gate Library. Image courtesy Sarasota County
Sarasota News Leader July 11, 2014 Page 59
