Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/135276
Sarasota News Leader June 7, 2013 PAST AND PRESENT North Port City Attorney Rob Robinson and City Manager Jonathan Lewis appeared before the County Commission on June 4 to present the proposals from the North Port Commission. Rob Robinson outlined the points in a May 30 letter Lewis sent to County Administrator Randall Reid. The letter said the City Commission rescinded its previous motion to sell the city's interest in Warm Mineral Springs (WMS), and it sought the county's support for the city to enter into a 12-month lease with Cypress Lending, which has been managing the resort. "This would allow the City and County time to negotiate the sale of the property without the closure of WMS," the letter continued. "The City would share all revenues equally, after expenses, with the County." Page 21 "I'm not in the mood for entertaining a sale," Barbetta responded. The County and City commissions voted 9-1 to purchase the springs jointly in 2010 for $5.5 million, he pointed out, and in July 2010, the boards voted 10-0 to seek an ITN that would allow for "the proper rehabilitation and development of the springs. … Now it's 7-3, and we can't get anything done, and I have no faith whatsoever in the springs being taken care of" if the county sells its share to North Port. County Commission Vice Chairman Charles Hines concurred with Barbetta about Yates, Cook and DiFranco "controlling the decisions on this [for the North Port board], and of the three … there's not even consensus and agreements as to the future of [the resort]." Barbetta added that the looming closing date for the springs is "on the backs of the North Robinson added, "We're hoping today that you Port Commission. That's not on our backs. would be receptive" to allowing Lewis to dis- We've always been ready, willing and able to perform" to keep the resort open. cuss the details of the purchase with Reid. County Commissioners Joe Barbetta and Christine Robinson consider an agenda item during a meeting earlier this year. File photo