Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/170820
Sarasota News Leader September 13, 2013 Page 20 man Charles Hines added. A thorough background check "needs to become more standard operating procedure," he told staff. County Commissioner Joe Barbetta said he anticipated the more extensive background check would take no longer than a week. WMS Sarasota Management indicated it could reopen the Springs for swimming within five days of the execution of the agreement, County Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Brown pointed out. A vintage postcard shows a building at Warm Mineral Springs. Image courtesy of Sarasota County The resort has been closed since June 30, because the city and county commissions were unable to reach an agreement on short-term Alla Skipper, contracts specialist with the City management in time to seek a new operator. of North Port's Procurement Department, exWMS Sarasota Management's bid was signed plained to the County Commission that the by Dr. Grigory Pogrebinsky, who has been a li- standard background review had been undercensed physician for more than 30 years, spe- taken. It included checks of the records of the cializing in orthopedics and pain management, property appraiser and tax collector in both according to the bid material. Documentation Sarasota and Charlotte counties; criminal and the firm provided shows the company filed its civil case checks were pursued through the incorporation papers with the state on Aug. 1. offices of the Clerks of Court in both counties. "And, of course, Google," Skipper added. In response to further questions, Ted Coyman, the county procurement official, said that because WMS Sarasota Management LLC "is only days old," he felt a Dun & Bradstreet report should be sought. "You want to look for bankruptcy, foreclosure, liens and their credit score," he added. "I think that makes sense." The sign at Warm Mineral Springs prior to its June 30 closing touted facilities on the site. Photo by Ebyabe via Wikimedia Commons Coyman advised the board that his staff would ask the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office to undertake the extensive criminal background check on the principals of the firm. He pointed out that any discovery would be brought back to the commissions for their consideration.