Email to the Largo Mayor and CommissionersDear City Commissioners and Mayor, I learned last night of the City's decision to move forward with Gould Evans on designing the expansion of the Highland Rec Center and then read the St. Pete Times article related to this decision that came out today. I have to say that I am very uncomfortable with the City's decision after understanding more of the details of Gould Evans' responses to Wannemacher-Jensen's assertions. In the related agenda item's attached documents, Gould Evans seems to skirt the issues at hand and does not respond to others, which in and of itself should illustrate their lack of transparency. Add to this the American Institute of Architects' statement of misrepresenting contributing parties as being completely unethical - something Gould Evans obviously did here - as well as the various letters from the contributing partners that Gould Evans omitted, or in some cases minimized their involvement with, and you end up with a situation that necessitates more scrutiny. I applaud the council for taking the step to look more closely at Mr. Jensen's assertions, but am somewhat confused why the assistant City manager would believe that the City's own standards outweigh the standards of a nationally recognized architectural board/organization, such as the AIA. What has been done here is a slap in the face to the ethical standards that MOST architects abide by and provides a pat on the back to those who don't. I simply wish this decision were not made as it was and hope that the council will set a higher ethical standard for its citizens, peers and consultants in the future. There is no doubt in my mind that Gould Evans can produce high quality work…it's simply the manner in which they have secured the work with the City that disturbs me. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Alex Size
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Mr. Size: Thank you for sharing your comments and opinion regarding the City's decision to move forward with Gould Evans as the architectural firm for the Highland Recreation Complex. Your e-mail is being forwarded to the Mayor and Commission for their information. Shirley Frick
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