Town issues RFQ for Bay Oaks pool design; school reopening uncertainty could affect after-school plans
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Summary
Town staff said a request for qualifications for pool design was issued and that uncertainty over an elementary school reopening may affect Bay Oaks after-school programming; an emergency council meeting is planned for June 3 to consider next steps.
The town of Fort Myers Beach issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for pool design a few weeks ago, and the Bay Oaks advisory board heard staff say submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, with proposals returned within a roughly 30-day window.
The RFQ moves the pool design process into procurement; the timing matters because a local elementary school’s reopening status will shape Bay Oaks’ ability to host or coordinate after-school programs and shared use of playgrounds.
Parks and Art Manager Neil Mathis told the board that the RFQ for design has been released and that the town will review proposals when they arrive. Board members said the submissions period is approximately 30 days before staff will convene a selection committee for proposals.
Separately, board members reported ongoing, unresolved negotiations with the school district over an interlocal agreement for playground and school access. Town representatives said they had been trying to locate a revised interlocal agreement (ILA) and had been in contact with the school district; the town plans an emergency council meeting and to attend the district’s June 3 meeting to press the issue. Board members said, if the school does not reopen, the town will continue to run after-school programming from the library and maintain bus options for participants.
The advisory board did not take formal votes on the RFQ or the school issue at Wednesday’s meeting. Staff said they will update the board on RFQ responses and any changes to the school arrangement after the emergency council meeting and district communications.
