Commission Meeting Minutes

4. Consideration of Placement of Plaque at the Heritage Park Fountain for Doris Turlo (Mike Burske)

The Orange Blossom Lions Club has asked that the Commission consider placing a plaque at the fountain in Heritage Park to honor Doris Turlo’s legacy in Lady Lake. In the 18 years that Mr. Burske has known Doris, she has been responsible for the Christmas Parade, even before the Town took it over, many donations to the Little League and Soccer Association, volunteered time to the Driving Range, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Not Too Scary Halloween Event. She has volunteered for the town for over 16 years. Keep in mind, we are just one area where she volunteers and serves. This agenda item passed the Parks, Recreation and Tree Board with a 4-0 vote. The plaque will be paid for by the Orange Blossom Gardens Lion’s Club.

Commissioner Kussard said she cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Commissioner Hannan made a motion to approve the placement of a plaque for Doris Turlo at the Heritage Park Fountain; Commissioner Kussard seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

5. Consideration of Approval to Accept Gibbs and Register as the Contractor for the Old Dixie Highway Park Project (Mike Burske)

At the direction of this Commission, the Parks and Recreation Director put the Old Dixie Highway Park Project out to bid. The only bid received was $1,883,734.00.  As it was the only bid, Mr. Burske tried to negotiate costs with the contractor. He was receptive to working with cheaper products, but Mr. Burske ultimately decided to go with what was bid. It is the trend right now for government projects to get minimal bids; others in government are having similar problems. Gibbs & Register has a strong history of working on government projects in and around Orlando, River Walk in Jacksonville, and have worked on several trail projects. Neel Schaffer Engineering reviewed their references, and the Parks Director did a very extensive internet search to find any issues they have had. Mr. Burske stated that he found no issues that would make him not want to work with them. He stated that there will be long lead times on some of the products for this project. He advised that the picnic shelters will take 100 days to complete once ordered. He stated that he will also need a 10% contingency for any change orders that may arise.

Commissioner Hannan said the Town should consider comments made by Vance Jochim of Fiscal Rangers regarding the economy at the last meeting. He is concerned about lawsuits coming down the road and the state of our economy. He is in favor of the project but not at this time and would like for it to be postponed to a later date.

Commissioner Kussard disagreed with Commissioner Hannan adding that those in retirement communities have resources and amenities available to them that other people in town do not. They pay the same taxes but do not receive the same benefits. This project would be paid for with surtax dollars. She stated that the money is there, and is in favor of completing project, do it right and have something for everyone in Lady Lake to enjoy.

Commissioner Holden pushed to get this project going five years ago and was told that it was not the right time. If the project had been completed then, the cost would have been half of what it is going to be now. It will only get even more costly as time goes by.

Commissioner Freeman agreed with both Commissioners Kussard and Holden adding that there is no reason to delay. The economy may go down but it will recover, as it always does.

Mayor Rietz was also in favor of moving forward with the project.

Commissioner Kussard made a motion to approve Gibbs and Register as the Contractor for the Old Dixie Highway Park Project; Commissioner Holden seconded. Motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Hannan casting the dissenting vote.