BELLEAIR BEACH – Three prospective builders for the new city hall were eliminated by the City Council during a special meeting Jan. 17.
Chosen to submit bids on the $3 million project are Bandes Construction Company of Dunedin, Biltmore Construction of Belleair, Peter Brown Construction and Creative Contractors, both of Clearwater, and Honors Contractors of Oldsmar.
The firms will be asked to submit bids on the project to replace the deteriorating, 50-year-old City Hall and public works garage.
The city borrowed $3 million to finance the project that could take 18 months to two years to complete.
The project will begin in weeks with demolition of the old structures by a company awarded the demolition two weeks ago. But, before the wrecking ball swings, all city employees must move their offices to the adjacent renovated house on Cedar Drive bought by the city several years ago.
And, asbestos insulation must be removed as well, before the buildings are razed.
Meanwhile, volunteers have been busy inside of the temporary city hall making it ready for the city staff.
Still unresolved is where the governing body and other city organizations will meet during construction. Rives has said the council could meet in the garage attached to the Cedar Drive house. Meeting space must include the city’s system for recording its meetings.
State law requires municipalities to hold all public meetings within their borders.
City Attorney Paul Marino has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to advise whether the city could hold meetings in Belleair Bluffs or Indian Rocks Beach during construction. He said he was still waiting for word from the state on his request.
