Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/105484
Sarasota News Leader January 25, 2013 Page 16 from having its estimate exposed, so other she added, "We don't have any of the documents yet from SWFWMD" to allow the counfirms could under-bid it. ty to apply formally for that extension. Smith Boers said he had talked with representatives was trying to expedite that process, she said. of several firms since Jan. 9 and was hopeful The County Commission will have to vote to other bids would come in. seek the extension, she pointed out, "so we're The three bids the county received were shooting for sometime in February" to appear opened at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 23. They were as fol- before the board. lows: • Gibbs & Register Inc. of Ocoee: $4,251,633.30 A CLEAR NEED On Jan. 15, Patterson told members of the Si• Forsberg Construction Inc. of Punta Gorda: esta Key Condominium Council about the im$4,286,083.28 portance of the stormwater project as a means • Westra Construction Corp. of Palmetto: of trying to prevent future beach closures, which had been linked to runoff causing high $4,788,622.70 bacterial counts in the Gulf of Mexico. When asked about a county staff member's reSarasota County Health Department guidecent remark that it takes at least five weeks to lines regarding when "No Swim" advisories get an item on the County Commission agenshould be posted had become stricter over da, Coyman told the News Leader, "there's a the past years, she noted. "On Siesta Key, [the lot of factors to consider" in that timing. He swimming advisories] seemed to happen quite indicated that on critical issues, staff would often." be able to accelerate that timeline. Patterson also pointed out to the Condo CounTHE GRANT QUESTION cil members that the completion of the stormwater project "will take care of that brown SWFWMD has committed up to $975,000 for stream and puddle you see" on Siesta Public the estimated $1.5 million in construction Beach, where stormwater flows into the Gulf costs, Project Manager Curtis Smith explained of Mexico. to the News Leader in 2012. The project design calls for a pipeline to carry On Jan. 22, Carolyn Eastwood, who is super- ultraviolet-treated stormwater into the gulf. vising the project through the county's Public Works Department, told the News Leader the A change in the location of the new stormwaSWFWMD grant officially expires on March ter pond — requested by board members of 31. "We've been in contact with SWFWMD" the Gulf & Bay Club condominium complex, about the extension of the bid period, she add- which is adjacent to the construction site — and subsequent environmental review issues ed. already had delayed the project, Patterson Staff remains hopeful the water management said. Nonetheless, it had been put out to bid, district will give the county a one-year exten- she noted, with the contract award expected sion on the grant, Eastwood said. However, in March. %