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analysis would include soil testing and other research regarding past industrial uses on the two properties. The county is seeking city approval to split both the bills. "We are asking the City of Sarasota to be a partner with us on that," Wayne Applebee, Sarasota County's home- lessness coordinator, told The Sarasota News Leader. The City Commission is scheduled to vote Feb. 18 on Marbut's contract renewal and the environmental analysis. The topic of a home- less shelter has proven to be a contested one at the City Commission dais, where Vice Mayor Willie Shaw and Commissioner Susan Chapman have voiced concerns about the city having to shoulder part of the cost of a shelter, as well as plans to build the facility in the city. The reaction to shelter plans has been differ- ent at the County Commission dais, where commissioners emphasized at their Jan. 22 meeting that they wanted to move forward. Marbut's contract renewal and the environ- mental analysis are scheduled for County Commission consideration on Feb. 19. In a Feb. 4 email to County Administrator Tom Harmer, County Commissioner Joe Barbetta reinforced the County Commission's stance: "We just want to keep this moving forward. It is all too important as we all know." If Marbut's contract is renewed, the consul- tant will continue to work with county and Wayne Applebee addresses the City and County commissions on Nov. 25, the day consultant Robert Marbut presented his recommendations to the boards. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 32