Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/194514
Sarasota News Leader October 18, 2013 Page 32 However, after the bid award went to WMS Sarasota Management, the firm began to balk at health and safety as well as structural problems its attorney said needed to be resolved at the resort before it took over. The firm also sought an extended lease. THE PROBLEMS Lewis told his board on Oct. 14, "I think staff did a very good job of working with this …" However, as late as that morning, he continued, he had talked with the personal attorney for Dr. Grigory Pogrebinsky — one of the principals of WMS Sarasota Management — to reiterate the points staff already had made: The bid terms were non-negotiable. Randall Reid is the county administrator. File photo concur with the City Commission's actions, The attorney — Alexander Berkovich of or another stalemate would ensue. Brooklyn, NY — most recently had asked an extension of the lease period from 12 months Yates also questioned Lewis about the fact to 24. Berkovich wrote, "[M]y client does not that WMS Sarasota Management had not see a realistic opportunity for at least recoup- provided the bond as required under the bid ing in 12 months substantial costs (including terms. marketing and 24% revenue fee to the City and The bond would be due 10 days after the the County) of the operation that would start execution of the contract, which has not from the standstill position since the Springs' occurred, Lewis pointed out. Nonetheless, he facilities are empty and the Springs has been concurred that WMS Sarasota Management closed for months." had indicated some disagreement with the stipulations for the bond laid out by the "I still maintain it would be inappropriate to County Attorney's Office, which were seen as change the terms of a bid document," Lewis extra security for the two local government said during the commission meeting, even boards. "You wanted that protection," Lewis though "I fully believe what Mr. Berkovich added. said. I don't have any reason to doubt his statement." THE NEXT STEP Lewis also advised the commissioners of his "blanket statement" for their discussion: Because of the terms of the interlocal agreement, the County Commission would have to In making the first motion that afternoon — to negate the bid award — Vice Mayor James Blucher told his colleagues, "I don't think we have any choice. We've given them every