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City outlines future projects
By BOB McCLURE
Article published on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |
SEMINOLE – Due to a decline in revenue, the city has put the brakes on most of its future capital improvement projects.
The lone exception is the proposed Public Works Department garage and a Public Works administration and Emergency Operations Center facility.
“It’s the only project we expect to bond and would like to start as soon as possible, with funding coming from the new Penny (For Pinellas, 2011-20),” said City Manager Frank Edmunds during a May 6 City Council workshop.
A site survey was completed last year on the former Hook-St. Petersburg Times properties on 70th Avenue, as well as the conceptual design for the Public Works garage and storage facility.
Plans this year include selection of an architect and construction manager to complete the final design of the garage and storage facility, and to prepare plans for a new Public Works administration office/EOC on the site of the current Seminole Fire Rescue administrative offices at 11195 70th Ave.
Edmunds said the shell of the current fire administration office would remain intact but demolition of the roof would be necessary.
City officials would bond the project against future Penny For Pinellas funds and build both structures in 2009.
The status of other city CIP projects are as follows:
Senior Activity Center
A conceptual design, which included an EOC, was completed last year by Harvard Jolly Architects and a preliminary structural analysis was completed.
However, due to the passage of Amendment 1 and the lack of funds to operate the facility, the city moved the EOC to the Public Works project and put the Senior Activity Center on hold.
Community building
A joint-use building to house the Seminole Historical Society and the Seminole Chamber of Commerce is proposed on 113th Street next to the current chamber building.
City officials are waiting for written confirmation from the historical society and the chamber that both organizations want the project to move forward. Once the city receives that information, it will select an architect who will proceed with a conceptual design and project estimates.
Due to Amendment 1, the city can’t commit funding for annual operating expenses.
Library expansion
Discussions have started concerning expansion of the Seminole Community Library, which is a joint-use facility with St. Petersburg College.
“We’re discussing expanded city use within the building,” said Edmunds. “We’re not expanding the building but (plan to expand) inside the current building.”
Edmunds said it would involve expansion of the children’s area on the first floor and expansion into available space upstairs at the city’s expense. He said the source of funding would be the current Penny For Pinellas and the new Penny For Pinellas.
“Can we add a book return outside that is more adaptable for handicapped people?” asked Vice Mayor Thomas Barnhorn. “The current slot is good for people in tall cars or SUVs.”
“I’m not sure if there’s a good solution,” said Library Director Michael Bryan, “but something like a large-sized speed bump could be installed.”
Edmunds said he will ask the design team to take a look at the issue.
Architectural standards
Edmunds said the Commercial Corridor Architectural Design Standards Project is nearing completion.
The final meeting of the Architectural Standards Advisory Committee is May 15 to review the final draft prepared by the University of South Florida design team.
In months to come, the City Council will consider changes in city codes relating to the design standards recommendations.
Master drainage plan
The city is partnering with the Southwest Florida Water Management District on a $225,000 study by Tampa Bay Engineering Group that will identify areas in the city in need of drainage improvement.
The original agreement had an expiration of June 30, 2008, which is expected to be extended to June 30, 2009 to account for a delay by Swiftmud to fund the project.
“They (Swiftmud) expect to complete this project in March 2009,” said Edmunds. “This is only a study. They will identify areas within the city in need of drainage improvement.”
A design phase would be next, followed by a bidding process for construction. Penny For Pinellas funds would pay for the upgrades.
Fire station prototype
A preliminary concept has been developed by Fleishman Garcia and will be used in the future.
“Station 32 (10780 110th Ave.) would be first if and when we can allocate funds,” said Edmunds. “Station 30 on Starkey Road would be next. The conceptual plans are for a two-bay facility with living quarters.”
The cost would be about $2 million each with the county sharing the expense.
“We’re waiting to see the downturn in revenue,” said Edmunds.
Seminole’s funding source would be the Penny For Pinellas and the county’s share would come from ad valorem taxes.
Fire station roof replacement
City officials have contracted with Fleishman Garcia to develop plans for roof replacement at Station 31, 131st Street and 88th Avenue, north of Seminole Middle School.
The 4,220-square-foot building, which was built in 1974, has several structural issues that need storm-hardening measures.
Edmunds said an architectural team is finalizing the plans, which are expected in late May.
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Article published on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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