Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/143399
Sarasota News Leader July 12, 2013 Page 48 term planning for Warm Mineral Springs will shift at that particular point. Our options will be much more limited." A LONG PROCESS Following the November 2012 election of two new North Port city commissioners — Cheryl Cook and Rhonda DiFranco — a majority on the city board took issue with an agreement the County Commission had secured with the previous North Port City Commission. During a joint meeting in July 2012, the commissions voted to pursue an Invitation to Negotiate to obtain proposals regarding development of the resort. After the November elections, Cook, DiFranco and Mayor Linda Yates said the Springs should be maintained as a park. Because of the divergence of those views, the County and City commissions could not even reach an agreement on the short-term operation of Warm Mineral Springs beyond the June 30 lease termination the boards had with the operator, Cypress Lending. The county and city had bought the resort from Cypress Lending in December 2010. North Port City Manager Jonathan Lewis. Photo courtesy City of North Port North Port Manager Lewis notified the City Commission in a July 8 memo, "The bid and its associated documents have been drafted by staff and currently are in our legal department for review." Once that was completed, he continued, the documents would be sent Since the Springs closed, as Robinson pointed to the county for its review. out on July 10, county commissioners have In the meantime, the county and city are splitreceived numerous emails asking when the ting the cost of security measures on the site. resort will reopen. According to an interlocal agreement the North Port Commission finally approved with the county on June 24, the city has 60 days to act in good faith to advertise and settle on a short-term management lease for the resort for a period no longer than 12 months; that recommendation must go to the County Commission for approval within 30 days of the North Port Commission's vote. STAFF FINDINGS In a July 8 memo to the County Commission, Gable, the General Services Office director, wrote that he and his staff had made another site visit to Warm Mineral Springs to assess the condition of the facilities. Of the seven structures on the property, he wrote, four make up the main building and are connected by an open arbor system. Two structures