TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Jonathan R. Lewis, ICMA-CM, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and possible action regarding hiring a consultant for the purpose of determining historical relevance of the buildings at Warm Mineral Springs.
Recommended Action
Discuss and provide direction regarding hiring a consultant for the purpose of determining historical relevance of the buildings at Warm Mineral Springs
Background Information
In 1977, the spring at Warm Mineral Springs (WMS) was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) partly because it is one of the most important underwater archeological sites in America. During exploratory dives in the 1950s, the remains of a prehistoric hunter and seven other humans were discovered in a very well preserved state. Similarly, evidence of several creatures have been extracted from the spring, including saber tooth tigers, giant sloths, tortoises, and even camels.
In 2003, Golden Springs LLC, entered into an agreement with Archaeological Consultants, Inc. (ACI) to identify any archaeological, prehistoric or historic structures on the 84 acres. The findings state “…project development will have no involvement with any significant archaeological sites within the 84 acres survey area. However, the NRHP listed spring and its 325 feet surrounding buffer remain archaeologically sensitive areas which contain, rare and irreplaceable evidence of Florida’s earliest inhabitants.”
In 2014, the City purchased WMS in its entirety and entered into an agreement with National & State Park Concessions for daily operations of WMS.
Staff from several departments including Fire Rescue and Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) performed inspections of the buildings and determined that the structures on the property do not comply with current safety or building codes and are in need of extensive renovations. NDS has been making minor repairs to keep day to day operations ongoing.
Staff recommends contracting to determine the historical relevance regarding three (3) structures (2 main buildings and cyclorama) at Warm Mineral Springs. If the Commission elects to pursue this recommendation the two main options are as follows:
1. The City currently has a contract with DMK Associates, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services (Engineer of Record) for the City in the form of a continuing contract for individually specified and funded work assignments. DMK can provide the services required. If this option is approved by Commission the task and pricing in attachments 6 and 7 will begin upon finalization of the required budget amendment. Upon completion of this work assignment, the findings will be presented to Commission for review, discussion, and direction.
2. Staff can conduct the appropriate procurement process to identify a vendor to complete the proposed scope of work. If this option is selected staff will bring back the award at a future Commission meeting and any required budget amendment.
Funds are available in the Warm Mineral Springs reserve account to offset the cost of this work assignment. A budget amendment will be brought to Commission at the next regular meeting to allocate money for this expenditure.
Strategic Plan
Preservation of Environment and Natural Resources.
Financial Impact
First reading of a budget amendment allocated from Warm Mineral Springs reserves will be brought forward to Commission at the March 22, 2016 meeting. If the Commission elects to contract with DMK the estimated cost is $24,000.
Procurement
If the Commission elects to proceed with this recommendation it would depend on which option the Commission elects.
Attachments:
1. 1977 US Historical Site registry photo
2. 1977 US Historical Site registry
3. 2003 Archaeological Consultants, Inc. report
4. Fully Executed - DMK Associates, Inc. Agreement No. 2015-36
5. WMS Site Plan
6. DMK Exhibit A WMS Building Evaluation Scope
7. DMK Exhibit B WMS Building Evaluation Fees
Prepared by: Cheryl Greiner
Department Director: Robin Carmichael