Siesta Seen
to award the contract, Smith added, would
be to bid out each part of the upkeep work
separately, including the landscaping and the
hardscape maintenance. "It would be much
more difficult and time-consuming to manage
it on our end. So I'm hoping that the manage-
ment company gets the go-ahead."
He said he planned to be at the County
Commission meeting on Aug. 26 to make
that point.
When past SKVA Vice President Kay Kouvatsos
asked whether recycling will be part of the
new contract, Smith responded, "I met with
the county [staff] again to discuss this. We
will get all our ducks in a row before March
and make it happen. There was miscommuni-
cation. I can take full blame."
According to the county code governing the
Village upkeep, the SKVMC — which Smith
serves as a director and liaison to the county
— has to notify county staff no later than
March 15 of each year about any changes the
organization wishes to see included in the
contractual level of services.
"If you all want to fire me, that's fine,"
Smith deadpanned.
"Good luck!" Kouvatsos responded as laughter
ensued. (Smith was president of the SKVA for
An orange cone (far right) marks the location of a bollard that reportedly was knocked over by a taxi
picking up a passenger at the Beach Club. Photo by Rachel Hackney
Sarasota News Leader August 8 & 15, 2014 Page 58
