Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/114013
Sarasota News Leader March 8, 2013 Page 21 an outside construction management firm to Looking at the consent agenda material staff oversee construction. had provided, Patterson said on Feb. 26 that the cost came out to about $533 per square "It's a small project," Barbetta continued. "I foot. Barbetta pointed to the total project don't understand why the architect/engineer- cost of $1,287,000, which was about $798 per ing team [or a staff engineer] can't manage square foot. this project." The vote was split 3-1, with Commissioner Christine Robinson wanting more detail on the breakdown of internal costs. Nonetheless, she praised Isaac Brownman, the county's interim director of Public Works capital projects, for his presentation and readiness to answer questions. FEATURES AND FACTS The vote had been postponed from Feb. 26, when commissioners questioned what they said appeared to be too high a construction cost for the square footage of the facility. Brownman explained on March 6 that the existing South Lido Beach restroom facility is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Moreover, he said, county staff was utilizing a design for five planned restroom projects throughout the county that would be durable and distinctive, reflecting a county "brand." The new facility also would be constructed to withstand 130 mph wind, and it would incorporate composite decking material, natural air ventilation, a cistern to collect water for toilet flushing and a new event/registration room. The Procurement Department had recommended the County Commission approve a bid from Core Construction Services of FL, based in Sarasota, for $859,754.45. Todd Sweet, principal architect of Sweet Sparkman Architects in Sarasota, which designed the facility, noted that the structure would be elevated to 13 feet 8 inches from Chairwoman Carolyn Mason was absent because of illness. The existing restroom facility at South Lido Beach does not comply with federal guidelines for handicap-accessibility, county staff says. Image courtesy Sarasota County