Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cultural Institutions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor directs staff to pursue new Science Center facility; city seeks agreement and timeline
Summary
Mayor Ken Welch directed staff to pursue an agreement for a new Science Center facility. Staff told council they have reengaged with the property owner and expect to bring an agreement for council consideration, possibly within about 90 days, but final timing depends on reviews and negotiations.
City staff told the St. Petersburg City Council on Oct. 2 that, following direction from Mayor Ken Welch, the administration is moving forward to negotiate an agreement for a new Science Center facility and is reengaging on property options abutting the site.
Rob (city staff) said the mayor had directed staff to bring an agreement to council for a new Science Center facility and that staff were working with the city attorney's office and property owner representatives to finalize terms. "He has directed staff to move forward on bringing an agreement to city council for a new facility at the Science Center," Rob said.
Council member Driscoll pressed for a timeline; Rob said many steps depend on legal review and negotiations with the other party but suggested staff hoped to present an agreement to council within about 90 days. Aaron Fish, director of real estate and property management, confirmed that revised agreements require legal review before sending to the property owner for final approval.
Driscoll also raised concerns about the cost of a previously completed feasibility study, saying she found a related task order for $95,095 and noting that the city’s approval threshold had previously been $100,000. "That does stand out ... the total amount of that task order was $95,095. The threshold by which approval of spending by city approval by city council is required for spending is $100,000," Driscoll said, adding the proximity to the threshold merited follow‑up.
City legal staff said the agreement and related consultant work are under review; bond counsel has offered to consult with the independent qualified consultant preparing required letters so the consultant will not be asked to do more work than necessary to satisfy bond covenants. Vice Chair Lizeth Hanowitz asked whether the qualified independent consultant letter — referenced earlier as part of the bond and feasibility process — was in motion; staff said Stantec is handling that work but the city did not provide a final cost figure during the meeting.
Council members asked staff to provide written updates and to return with status reports; Driscoll asked for more frequent communications. Staff said they would provide verbal and written updates and that council would be informed as steps progress.
No formal council action was taken at this presentation; the item was an informational update and council asked staff to return with more detail on costs, the consultant letter and a timeline for an agreement.
