Belleair Beach Reviews Costs on Bridge WorkBy Leo CoughlinBELLEAIR BEACH - The City Council Monday night held a prolonged discussion on the payments to a contractor for work on the Harrison Avenue Bridge replacement project. At the nub of the problem apparently was that proper work change orders had not been submitted. In mitigation of any such discrepancies it was pointed out that the contractor, Caladesi Construction, had submitted a bid much less expensive than others and that the company would probably be in line to do more work. It was agreed that the company would re-submit its billing. The council approved Reuben Clarson Consulting, Inc., to go ahead with a design and prepare a bid package in a Request for Proposal for repairs to the 22nd Street Bridge. Because of these kinds of infrastructure problems, the council has directed Peter Cavalli, who plays a key role in the city's trouble shooting areas as Community Services and IT Director, to re-work the city's five year Capital Improvement Plan with an eye to infrastructure concerns. What Cavalli comes up with will be taken under consideration during the upcoming discussions on the budget for fiscal year 2011. Also approved by the council Monday night was increasing the members of the Parks and Recreation Board from five to seven, and the appointment of Councilmembers David Dumville and Leslie Notaro to director and alternate, respectively, to the Suncoast League of Cities. Mayor Lynn Rives was appointed as voting delegate to the BIG-C with Vice Mayor Rob Baldwin and Dumville as first and second alternates, respectively. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, with accolades to Maria Kemp, the city treasurer, for the fiscal year ending 2009, was accepted. Kemp was singled out for her work in handling finances during the very trying times of economic downturn all jurisdictions are experiencing. The council also approved broadcast arrangements with Verizon on the city's private television channel. The grand opening of the new bridge and causeway will be held April 26 at 10 a.m. and when the ceremonies are over a reception is planned at the Belleair Beach City Hall and Community Center. A budget workshop will be held July 6 at 4 p.m. with a regular council meeting to follow immediately.
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