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some of the expenses of a permanent com- munity homeless shelter in the city, which was the top recommendation of consultant Robert Marbut. As Marbut expected, the shel- ter has become the most controversial facet of his report to the community last November. In their second action, the commissioners directed staff to work on renewing Marbut's contract, which is set to expire on Feb. 28, so he can continue addressing the shelter plan as well as his other recommendations to resolve homelessness issues in the county. "The sense of urgency needs to be extremely high on this," said Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson, who noted she would like the county to collaborate with the municipalities on renewing Marbut's contract. The parcel at 1330 N. Osprey Ave. in north Sarasota is one of consultant Robert Marbut's preferred sites for a homeless shelter. Image from Google Maps Commissioner Joe Barbetta prepares to offer a comment during the Jan. 28 meeting. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader January 31, 2014 Page 15