Photo courtesy of the City of Treasure Island
Treasure Island commissioners approved a roughly $10.9 million public safety building Sept. 15, moving the project forward despite continued questions about its cost and how it will deal with flooding.
Public Works Director Gary Volenec presented an updated guaranteed maximum price of about $10.9 million. The figure includes construction as well as remaining design-related costs.
Volenec said the contractor and City departments have continued looking for ways to reduce the cost. The project has changed considerably from the estimates discussed by the City several years ago.
Flooding Shapes Building Design
Flooding was another concern.
Commissioners asked whether the building could be raised higher on the site. Treasure Island’s Police Chief John Barkley said there are physical limitations involving the seawall, 108th Avenue and drainage.
The building’s design instead calls for the first floor to be wet floodproofed. Water would be allowed to enter and drain back out rather than being trapped inside. Electrical components will be positioned several feet above the floor.
Barkley said the approach should make it easier to deal with repairs if floodwater does reach the building.
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That’s not all that happened at the Sept. 15 Treasure Island Commission meeting. Read about City Attorney requests, a lower rollback tax rate, Thunderbird redevelopment, Treasure Bay workshop, and several local concerns.
Firefighter Pole Defended
He also defended one of the project’s more unusual expenses: a firefighter sliding pole that carries a $45,000 price tag.
The pole would allow firefighters responding from the second floor to reach the lower level more quickly, Barkley said, while also providing a safer way to descend.
Several residents spoke in support of moving ahead with the project.
Mike Braddy noted that the City already has $4 million specifically designated for the public safety building. Additionally, Clyde Smith recalled seeing first responders housed in other locations after the storm.
“They deserve a decent place to be, a safe place to be,” Smith told commissioners.
Diana Crabill described the building as an investment in Treasure Island’s future.
The project was approved 4-1, with Czyszczon casting the only dissenting vote.
The next Treasure Island Commission meeting is Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
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