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Tag: Anna Maria City Pier

Anna Maria pier bids

Pier construction bids rejected

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – The city pier has been demolished, and the search continues for a construction firm to build the new pier.

Last week, city commissioners unanimously supported Mayor Dan Murphy’s recommendation to reject the two bids recently received for the construction of the new city pier platform. The commission’s Thursday, July 26 decision means a revised request for proposals (RFP) will be issued in hopes of getting a lower price.

Largo-based Speeler & Associates completed the demolition of the pier on Thursday, July 26 at a contracted cost of $732,000 and finished well ahead of its Sept. 30 deadline. Speeler was one of two firms that responded to the pier construction RFP and their bid was $3.72 million.

Tampa-based i+iconSOUTHEAST bid $4.13 million. Icon is currently the prime marine subcontractor for the construction of the new pier in St. Petersburg.

Murphy hoped for something closer to $2.5 million for the initial phase of construction that will include the main pier platform, the T-end platform and all utility lines and pipes. The RFP did not include the construction of a new restaurant and bait shop at the pier’s T-end. Those elements will be addressed in a future RFP because negotiations with current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder remain ongoing regarding his potential financial contributions and future role on the pier.

The pier project is slated for a December 2019 completion date and Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in December 2020. Schoenfelder has provided Murphy and the architect with preliminary insight on design elements he’d like to see included in the building plans, and those discussions continue. If Schoenfelder and the city cannot come to mutually agreeable terms, a new pier tenant will be sought.

Bids rejected

“Both companies have the credentials to do the work. The problem comes in the prices they gave us,” Murphy told the commission. “We felt pretty confident the numbers should come to $2.5 (million).”

Murphy said that estimated figure was based on the construction materials specified in the RFP that included the concrete pilings, and the Kebony hardwood decking and building siding selected by the City Commission. Additional pricing information was obtained from the Florida Department of Transportation and other governmental agencies. Murphy said new tariffs on imported steel and concrete have increased prices on construction materials, but not enough to drive the bids above $3.5 million.

Murphy said the two bidders differed significantly in their projected costs for the concrete pilings. Those costs include the logistics of pre-casting the concrete pilings offsite and delivering them by barge or casting them onsite using wet concrete delivered by truck during peak tourist season when traffic is at its heaviest.

Cost reductions

Murphy said the icon representative told him the construction specifications included in the original RFP were extremely high and would have produced “a Rolls Royce of a pier,” but those costs can be lowered while still building a pier with an estimated 75- to 100-year service life.

“We’ve got time. We can redo some of the specs, get more input and then we can go back to not only Speeler and icon, but there were nine other people interested in bidding on this project. This is a high-profile project. I know we can do better,” Murphy said of the initial bids.

“We’re going to tweak some of the specifications and see if we can’t come back in with a number that we can live with; $2.5 (million) is the magic number. I still want high quality. Maybe not a Rolls Royce, but a Lexus instead,” Murphy said.

Commissioner Brian Seymour asked how the issuance of a second RFP would impact the anticipated date for construction to begin.

“It’s going to be late September instead of early September,” Murphy said.

Murphy and the commission have been working under the assumption that the pier replacement project would cost approximately $4.5 million in its entirety. More than $2.5 million in state and county funds have already been secured. Murphy is hoping for at least another $1 million in FEMA funds the city is eligible for because of damage the pier sustained during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The old pier was built in 1911-12 and repaired several times.

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Anna Maria pier demo pile

Pier demolition ahead of schedule

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – A visit to the Anna Maria City Pier late Friday afternoon indicated the demolition process is proceeding at a rapid pace and is ahead of schedule.

Only a short section of pier remained, and when contacted that day, Mayor Dan Murphy said he anticipated the pier demolition to be completed this week – well ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline specified in the contract with Speeler & Associates.

“The pier demolition should be done by Tuesday barring any unplanned events. I’m pleased with the progress,” Murphy said.

Anna Maria pier demo remaining walkway
Only a short section of the main pier walkway remained by the end of Speeler & Associates’ second week of demolition work. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Speeler & Associates began its demolition work on Monday, July 9 and two days later demolished the T-end buildings and began removing the decking. The demolition team has now removed most of the remaining pier walkway and pulled most of the wooden pilings.

As part of the demolition project, the remaining unclaimed engraved pier planks were removed by a crew from Agnelli Pools & Construction. The unclaimed engraved planks will be used later to build memorial walls across the street at City Pier Park and outside the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum on Pine Avenue.

The City Commission’s next order of pier-related business will be to accept or reject the two bids recently received for the construction of a new pier. Speeler & Associates bid $3.72 million to build a new pier and Tampa-based ICON bid $4.13 million.

Murphy will present the commission with the bid rankings and the commission will decide if the mayor is to begin negotiating potential contract terms with the highest-ranked firm. If the commission rejects both bids, a new request for proposals would be issued. The construction bids will be discussed at the commission’s  Thursday, July 26 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.

Pier planks retrieved

According to Murphy, more than 145 engraved planks had been picked up at city hall as of Friday, July 20. The deadline to retrieve a pre-claimed engraved plank is Tuesday, July 31.

“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from individuals who are very happy and very pleased to be able to get these planks,” Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes said during the July 12 commission meeting. Holmes Beach resident and local charter fishing captain Scott Moore recently retrieved the engraved pier plank bearing his name. He said his family members wanted him to keep it.

“I thought it was very graceful of the city of Anna Maria to go out of the way to make sure the residents and others got their planks. I’d like to thank the city and it will be great to see the new pier rise again when it’s built,” Moore said.

“I’ve traveled all over the United States and when I tell people I live on Anna Maria Island they immediately say that it’s a beautiful island with a beautiful pier at the end of it. I grew up fishing on the Rod & Reel Pier and the City Pier as a kid and I was very fortunate to have those experiences as part of my childhood,” Moore said.

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AM Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalism suspect arrested

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Holmes Beach resident Michael Lee Brown was arrested on Thursday, July 19, on a third-degree felony charge of criminal mischief ($1,000 or more) in connection with two Anna Maria City Pier restoration project banners that were vandalized on Sunday, July 15.

Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones and Mayor Dan Murphy learned of the vandalism that morning and surveillance camera photographs of the suspect were then circulated to local media outlets.

Located near the foot of the Anna Maria City Pier that is currently being demolished, the damaged banners contained renderings of the new pier and pier buildings slated for completion in late 2019.

AM Pier Banner Slashed
This Anna Maria City Pier restoration project banner was slashed in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 15. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted

According to the arrest affidavit, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Amy Leach arrested Brown at his Holmes Beach residence at 10:45 a.m. Thursday morning. According to an affidavit, Brown lives at 6401 Marina Drive, Apt. B, in Holmes Beach.

AM Pier Vandal Arrest
Holmes Beach Resident Michael Lee Brown was arrested Thursday morning in connection with the recent pier banner vandalism. – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office | Submitted

As of Friday afternoon, Brown was still in custody at the Manatee County Central Jail in Palmetto.

“On 7/15, at approximately 0303 hours (3:03 a.m.), according to sworn statements and video evidence, the defendant did violate Florida State Statute by arming himself with a bladed weapon and slashed the city of Anna Maria’s new pier banners. The defendant was located at his residence after being identified by several citizens of the Island of Anna Maria. The defendant post-miranda stated that’s been his picture in the paper all week according to the affidavit.

“According to video evidence, the defendant rode his bicycle to the entrance of the City Pier at approximately 0303 hours on 07/15, which is under construction and is posted in several places. The defendant then walked up to the banner, stepped up on the bench, and with a bladed weapon he pulled from his pocket he slashed the banner in a crisscross direction. After he slashes both banners, he gets back on his bike and rides away. The value of the banners is $3,682.08,” the affidavit says.

“I am happy that a suspect is in custody and hope we can discover who or what might have influenced him to commit to such an act,” Murphy said on Friday.

Manatee County court records indicate Brown has been arrested, cited, fined and/or convicted on several previous occasions.

On July 7, 2014, Brown was arrested by the Holmes Beach Police Department and later convicted on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of trespassing after notice on property other than a structure or conveyance.

On March 11, 2014, Holmes Beach Code Enforcement issued Brown a citation and fined him for drinking in a prohibited area.

On Jan. 1, 2014, Brown was issued a Moving Marine Resource Boating Violation citation and later fined for speeding in a restricted area.

On Oct. 18, 2009, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brown on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, which later resulted in a conviction.

On Oct. 1, 2009, Brown was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and later convicted on a drug paraphernalia charge. The arrest affidavit mentioned Brown “having a crack pipe in his left front pocket,” and “he appeared to be high on some type of drug,” while sitting in his disabled vehicle near the intersection of Cortez Road and 75th Street West.

On June 15, 2008, the Holmes Beach Police Department arrested Brown in connection with a burglary in Holmes Beach that later resulted in a conviction.

Anna Maria Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalized

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city pier restoration project banner was vandalized at some point over the weekend. Located near the foot of the pier that is currently being demolished, the banner featured a rendering that showed what the new pier will look like.

On Sunday morning, July 15, Public Works Manager Dean Jones sent Mayor Dan Murphy an email that said, “Someone slashed the pier picture banners. I am going in to look at video and do a police report. Going to leave the banners like that until I can get there, take photos and get the deputies involved.”

Anna Maria Pier vandal suspect
Police are looking for his man who was photographed near the pier banner that was vandalized. – Submitted | Sun

Later in the day, Jones shared photos taken from the surveillance camera near the pier. According to Murphy, no arrest had been made as of Sunday afternoon. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to call 866-634-8477.

AM Pier building gone

Pier demolition begins

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – The demolition of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier began Monday and the restaurant and bait shop at the pier’s T-end were demolished and removed on Thursday.

St. Petersburg–based Speeler & Associates is doing the majority of the demolition work, and within the next week or two a local crew from Agnelli Pools & Construction will return to remove the remaining engraved wooden pier planks to be stored and used later to build memorial walls. When the engraved planks are removed, Speeler & Associates will demolish the main pier structure and remove the existing wooden pier pilings.

On Wednesday, July 11, Speeler & Associates Vice President Mike Tibbett and company associate Harry Blenker took City Commissioner Brian Seymour, Public Works Manager Dean Jones and some media members on a boat tour of the demolition area that included two barge-mounted excavators docked alongside the vacant pier building.

While Blenker piloted the boat, Tibbett discussed the demolition process that began on Monday, July 9 with the removal of what remained of the metal roof and the remaining contents inside the vacant restaurant and bait shop.

AM Pier Demo Rear
The restaurant and bait shop building was still standing Wednesday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We go in and take all that stuff out by hand. There were still some things left in there after the hurricane that had to be taken out, including old broken chairs and other stuff. Tomorrow morning, we’ll actually start reaching up with the machine and start pulling the building down,” Tibbett said.

“We want to keep what goes in the water to a minimum,” Tibbett said, noting this helps protect the marine life near the pier. “We’ll take the buildings off the top and all of that will be gone. And then we’ll start taking the T-end deck off in sections.”

The removed materials are loaded into 1,000-pound bags that can be transported by barge to the shoreline dumpsters or to Blenker’s Boatworks & Marina on the Manatee River.

“Most people don’t realize that when you do demolition the material stinks. Everything we can take to Blenker Marina and unload there, that’s an odor that doesn’t come to the city itself. We all live on the beach too, so we have a respect for the beach environment. Everything we can take away without ever taking it to the beach is better for the community,” Tibbett said.

Tibbett also commented on the existing pier’s condition.

“It got beat up pretty bad during the storm and it’s old. There’s some stainless steel bolts in there holding sawdust. Having now gone through it and seeing the guts and inner workings of it, this is absolutely the right decision,” he said of the City Commission’s decision to replace the existing pier.

“If they tried to come in and do repairs to it and leave it here they’d wind up spending an exorbitant amount of money because the replacement and repair would never end. They’d wind up with a new pier anyway at the end of the day. It continues to deteriorate as it’s sitting there and I think the city made the right choice,” Tibbett said.

Seymour’s observations

“Based on the recommendations of all the experts brought in, the pier was beyond the point of salvaging. As much as we’d like to preserve history, in this case it wasn’t a viable option,” Seymour said during the boat tour.

Anna Maria Pier demolition Seymour
Anna Maria Commissioner Brian Seymour toured the demolition site by boat Wednesday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“There’s always going to be those naysayers, but this is showing that there is a plan in place. We’ll get the old pier out and get started on the new pier. I think once people see the progress and the finished product everyone will come around and be happy,” he added.

“I hope that it goes as planned and by the end of next year we have a fully operational pier. It is the number one attraction in Manatee County and it is sorely missed by the community, the business community, the residents and the visitors,” Seymour said.

Plank retrieval

According to Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes, 106 pre-claimed engraved planks were returned between July 1 and July 12 to those who wanted their planks back.

“We’re doing pretty well and we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from individuals who are very happy and very pleased to be able to get these planks,” Haynes told city commissioners on July 12.

Pre-claimed planks can be retrieved at city hall Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon. The retrieval period ends on Tuesday, July 31. For more information, contact the clerk’s office at 941-708-6130.

Anna Maria Pier Planks
Since July 1, more than 100 pre-claimed engraved pier planks have been returned to those who requested them. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Construction bids

Speeler & Associates was one of two firms that responded to the city’s request for proposals (RFP) for the construction phase of the new pier. The two proposals received were opened by City Clerk LeAnne Addy Friday afternoon. Mayor Dan Murphy then sent city commissioners an email update on the bids received.

According to Murphy, Speeler & Associates bid $3.72 million to build a new city pier and Tampa-based ICON bid $4.13 million.

“We will evaluate the bids in accordance with the RFP requirements and grading criteria. We will render a recommendation on these two bids no later than July 25th and review with the full City Commission on July 26th,” Murphy’s email said.

Using concrete pilings and Kebony hardwood decking and siding, the new pier is being designed to look like the old pier it will replace.

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Pier demolition clarified

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy doesn’t want people blaming the Ayres Associates design and engineering firm for the pending demolition and replacement of the Anna Maria City Pier.

Murphy recently questioned a Sun story that stated Ayres Associates repeatedly recommended the demolition of the pier. A review of the commission’s pier discussions dating back to October indicates Ayres Associates did not recommend pier demolition. Nor, when following the City Commission’s direction, has Ayres Associates expressed support for any plan that doesn’t involve a new pier being built where the currently closed pier stands.

“The commission’s vote unanimously was to build a pier to a 75-to-100-year term. We went to Ayres and said we need you to start designing a 75-to-100-year pier,” Murphy said during the commission’s Jan. 29 pier meeting.

“Ayres did not declare the pier totally destroyed. The lease declared it totally destroyed. Ayres did not say you need a whole new pier. The commission decided. If there’s any misconceptions about where we’re headed, the responsibility lies with the six of us sitting here today,” he added.

Pier presentation

During the Oct. 12, 2017, City Commission meeting, Murphy discussed the forthcoming Oct. 17 pier meeting.

“The first question you need to weigh in on is what type of a service life do you want? I strongly recommend that we build a service life for this pier of 75 to 100 years,” he said.

He noted his recommendation would be incorporated into the pier presentation. On Oct. 17, Ayres Vice President Jay Saxena gave a PowerPoint presentation that referenced a pier designed for a 75-to-100-year service life with pre-cast pilings, concrete beams and framing and Lumberock composite decking. At that time, the commission had not yet voted on what type of service life it desired.

“If we’re looking to extend that service life, wooden piers may not be that option,” Saxena said.

With Commissioner Nancy Yetter absent, the commission voted 4-0 in favor of Ayres designing a pier with a 75-to-100-year service life.

At the time, the commission consisted of Yetter, Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Brian Seymour and Dale Woodland. In February, Yetter resigned and Amy Tripp was appointed to serve the rest of her term.

The Oct. 17 vote has guided the commission’s decisions on concrete pilings, Kebony hardwood decking, Kebony hardwood siding for the restaurant and bait shop, and the demolition of the current pier.

Woodland recently questioned the Oct. 17 decision when opposing the selection of a pier demolition firm.

The path to demolition

During the Jan. 29, 2018, pier meeting, Murphy recapped the commission’s decision-making process to date.

He referenced the structural assessment report Bridge Design Associates submitted to the city and Manatee County in 2016. The report projected a five-year life expectancy for the existing pier. It stated recommended repairs would extend the pier’s service life by 20 to 25 years and replacing the pier with one built to current standards would provide a 50-to-75-year service life.

“To that end, we issued an RFP (request for proposals) for design services,” Murphy said.

The city couldn’t come to terms with the three firms that responded to the RFP. This led later to Ayres Associates being contracted to serve as the city’s second city engineering firm, focusing primarily on the pier.

Murphy recalled the damage Hurricane Irma inflicted on the pier, his need to know if it was safe to reopen, and if not, how long it would take to repair?

“Ayres came back with a report that basically said it’s not safe. You need to close the pier immediately,” Murphy said of that September decision.

He noted the period of closure would depend on whether the commission wanted patchwork repairs, remedial repairs or long-term repairs.

“Any way you cut it, it’s going to be closed for 120 days because there’s some permitting required,” Murphy said.

He then referenced the lease pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder signed in 2000.

“That lease stated that if repairs to the pier were over 120 days then it would be deemed at the sole discretion of the city to be totally destroyed. We all know the pier’s not totally destroyed. That’s how we got to the pier being declared totally destroyed,” Murphy said in January.

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Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Some Anna Maria Commissioners are becoming frustrated with the social media criticism levied at them regarding the pending demolition and replacement of the city pier.

During the June 14 commission meeting, some commissioners commented on online criticisms posted at The Sun’s Facebook page in response to recent pier stories.

“How do you know they’re real and authentic? You could have a bunch of cranks making up hurtful things, and it doesn’t help anything,” Commissioner Amy Tripp said.

“It’s bordering on the line of slander too, calling into question everyone up here’s character and saying that we’re taking bribes, the mayor’s lining his pockets and we should all be removed from office.

Frankly, I’m sick and tired of it. Nobody shows up for our pier meetings, but yet all these keyboard warriors are making some pretty wild accusations. Pull up their profile and they’re in South Dubuque, Iowa and have nothing to do with this city,” Commissioner Brian Seymour said.

“I get it, the decisions we make are up for public scrutiny,” he noted.

“We’ve put a lot of extra time into this pier, and none of us wanted the storm to damage it. None of us wanted to find out from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that it’s never been permitted for 50-60 years, and none of us wanted to find out that we’re (the Army Corps) not going to let you rebuild that pier the way it is. You can put some Band-aids and lipstick and a couple of nails in it and open it back up – that’s not the case,” Seymour said.

Commissioner Carol Carter agreed and said, “I think one of the points Brian made is certainly worth reinforcing. The fact of the matter is that over 40 years, things were done on that pier that were never permitted. If we were to go back and just fix up the pier we would be in for huge amounts of fines because we never drew permits on all the upgrades and repairs that were made on that pier. That’s something most people have no idea about.”

“People will see progress and hopefully that will change the narrative,” Seymour concluded.

Mayor Dan Murphy did not attend the June 14 meeting and was unavailable for comment last week.

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A little history

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Guest column, Opinion.

I’m amazed at those who continue to cloak themselves in the Pollyanna notion that the Anna Maria City Pier should be repaired. A notion that last week was furthered by this newspaper in The Sun survey.

Let me offer a little history since many of you may not have been here in the late 80s. In December 1987, the City Commission granted permission to the Anna Maria Civic Association to proceed with trying to have the city pier recognized as a Florida and national historic site. Civic association members worked tirelessly to gather documents and photos regarding the pier’s appearance and significance to accompany the nomination form.

On Nov. 4, 1988, the state Division of Historical Resources recommended the pier to the National Register of Historic Places. Shortly after that recommendation, Tropical Storm Keith blew through the bay and destroyed two-thirds of the wharf and the restaurant building.

Fast Eddie, who leased the restaurant at the time, had the damage repaired. However, after a subsequent inspection, the state found that the repairs “substantially altered the appearance and character of the building” and denied the nomination.

The letter from the state said, “The structure as a whole retains its original dimensions, and the reconstructed building does resemble the original as viewed from the shore side. But the reconstruction does not reproduce the earlier building in either its original or pre-hurricane form and detail, and presents a substantial different appearance as seen from the water sides, due in large part to the loss of the cross gabled configuration that was a major distinctive feature of the original structure. Thus it no longer reflects the historical appearance and character of the early 20th century steamboat landing.”

So now we have a structure that has lost its historical significance and has been unmercifully battered over the years by storms, most recently Hurricane Irma, which caused significant damage. For many months, City Commissioners considered all the possibilities from repairs to replacement, and after weighing all the facts, decided on a replacement. Isn’t this what we elected them to do?

Pat Copeland

Anna Maria

Anna Maria Pier Demolition

Speeler and Associates selected to demolish Anna Maria City Pier

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city now has a firm under contract to demolish the Anna Maria City Pier.

On Wednesday, June 6, the Anna Maria Commission voted 4-1 in favor of Mayor Dan Murphy being authorized to execute a $732,000 contract with Largo-based Speeler & Associates.

Speeler & Associates was the city’s second-highest ranked demolition bidder. Murphy entered into fact-finding conversations with the firm earlier this week after he and Sully’s Quality Projects owner Sean Sullivan were unable to agree on payment terms for a proposed $673,530 demolition contract.

Sullivan wanted a $53,822 payment before mobilizing to the pier worksite. Murphy and the commission deemed those terms unacceptable and on Monday, June 4, Murphy was authorized to begin discussions with Speeler & Associates.

“This contract has been reviewed by our city attorney. We both feel very comfortable that this is a good and fair and equitable contract,” Murphy said. “You’ll see progress here shortly.”

The contract was signed Wednesday. It calls for an initial payment of $100,000 after the company has completely mobilized at the pier worksite by the end of June. The pier will be fenced off and barge-based cranes will be stationed at the end of the pier.

The contract calls for a total of four payment phases including a final payment of $109,000 when the work is finished.

Speeler & Associates has until June 11 to secure a performance bond that guarantees the firm fulfills its contract.

The contract calls for the pier demolition to completed on or before Sept. 30. The contract includes a $500 per day penalty for each day the work exceeds the agreed-upon completion date.

“They do anticipate that they can do it sooner than that and because of these payments they’d like to do it sooner than that. That’s the carrot on a stick,” Murphy said of the demolition timeline.

Murphy said one clause was added to the contract regarding any additional work requested by the city beyond what Speeler & Associates included in its bid document response to the city’s request for proposals.

“If we come up with something extra we want them to do outside the bid document, we’re going to pay extra for it. That seems only logical,” Murphy said.

When it was time to vote, Commissioner Dale Woodland opposed with additional comment Commissioner Carol Carter’s motion to authorize Murphy to execute the contract with Speeler & Associates.

During the commission’s May 18 pier meeting, Woodland said he could not support the selection of a demolition firm because he does not support the demolition of the pier. He believes the existing pier and pier structures should be repaired and/or rehabilitated.

Pier planks

Later in the week, Murphy said local contractor Frank Agnelli and his crew from Agnelli Pools Construction and Mason Martin Builders are scheduled to begin pulling the engraved pier planks in late June.

Some of the engraved pier planks that were purchased from a non-city entity will be returned to those who formally requested their return. The unclaimed planks will be stored by Agnelli and used later by the city to build memorial walls at City Pier Park and in the historical park near the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.

Murphy recently said he anticipates the requested planks to be available for pick up in early July.

The pier has been closed since September due to Hurricane Irma damage sustained to the T-end decking, restaurant space and bait shop. The new $4.5 million pier, restaurant space and bait shop are slated for completion and reopening in late 2019.

New Anna Maria City Pier
The new pier will feature a new bait shop and a new restaurant space. – Schimberg Group | Submitted
Anna Maria City Pier demolition

Pier demolition team selected, rejected

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Sully’s Quality Projects was rejected as the City Pier demolition contractor less than a week after being named the city’s first choice.

On Tuesday, May 29, the City Commission, minus Dale Woodland, voted 4-0 in favor of Mayor Dan Murphy entering into contract negotiations with Sully’s Quality Projects for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier.

On Monday, June 4, the commission voted 5-0 in support of Murphy’s suggestion to reject the terms requested by Sully’s owner and founder, Sean Sullivan. The commission then voted 4-1 in favor of Murphy negotiating with city’s second-highest ranked demolition firm, Speeler & Associates.

According to Murphy, the deal-breaker was Sullivan’s request for a $53,822 payment up front, to be made after the contractor secured a security bond, but before the company mobilized or did any work.

Murphy said he did not want the city to get into a situation like the delays being encountered in Bradenton Beach with the installation of a day dock that is long overdue and partially paid for. Sully’s is not part of that project.

“I have problems paying somebody money and not having any work done,” Murphy said.

Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose agreed that trying to collect on a performance bond if something went wrong would be a lengthy process that would likely end up in court.

Commissioner Doug Copeland asked if any financial research was done on the demolition firms being considered. Murphy said the city obtained Dun & Bradstreet Paydex reports that analyze companies’ payment histories and Sully’s report was not as good as the next two highest-ranked firms.

Selection process

The May 29 selection of Sully’s was based on the combined rankings sheet prepared by Murphy, City Clerk LeAnne Addy and Jay Saxena from Ayres Associates – the firm designing and engineering the new pier and assisting the city with the permitting process.

Sully’s was the top-ranked firm of the five that responded to the city’s second request for proposals (RFP). Sully’s received a total score of 79.3, Speeler & Associates received a score of 78.3, Shoreline Foundation’s score was 70, Under Construction Contractors’ score was 68 and Kelly Brothers’ score was 66.

Sully’s bid for the demolition job was $685,530, and according to the document provided at Monday’s meeting, that was lowered last week to $673,530 due to a reduction in the scope of work.

Speeler bid $732,000, Shoreline bid $642,908, Under Construction bid $495,000 and Kelly Brothers bid $406,417.

The six-category scoring criteria included skill and experience, references for current projects, bid amount, adherence to specifications and requirements, provision of a detailed work plan and the location of the prime contractor and subcontractors.

Commissioner Brian Seymour noted that Sully’s was only ranked highest in one of the six categories, that being location. Speeler ranked highest in four categories. Seymour asked if the city was bound to go by the rankings sheet. Murphy said the ranking sheet should be followed because the point system is “clear and objective.”

Prior to the pier demolition, local contractor Frank Agnelli will remove and store the engraved wooden pier planks at no cost to the city. Murphy said those who previously requested to have their planks returned should be able to pick them up in July. The remaining planks will be stored and used later to build memorial walls at City Pier Park and on the grounds of the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum.

Commissioner Dale Woodland did not attend the May 29 meeting. He said later his absence was not intentional and not related to the objections he raised on May 18 to the pier being demolished and replaced.

During the May 18 meeting, the commission rejected all three of the original bids received due to Speeler and Sully’s bids being too high and Murphy’s opinion that Under Construction didn’t have the necessary experience. Two other firms responded to the original RFP but missed the submission deadline.

The commission has not yet determined who will build the new pier, restaurant and bait shop. The commission has determined the pier will feature concrete pilings and Kebony hardwood decking. Kebony will also be used for the exteriors of the restaurant and bait shop. The pier project has an estimated cost of approximately $4.5 million and an anticipated completion date of December 2019.

Related Coverage

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Second round of pier demolition bids in

Manatee County concession fund

County commissioners approve concession fund request

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – An influx of monies from the excess concession fund is making its way to the three Island cities and The Center of Anna Maria Island.

In a unanimous vote, Manatee County commissioners agreed to release the requested funds. Totaling $1,023,520, the request included $400,590 for bicycle safety improvements and $64,930 for pedestrian safety improvements in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, $25,000 for Holmes Beach Dog Park improvements, $35,000 for a kayak launch at Grassy Point Preserve, and $40,000 for Holmes Beach Skate Park improvements. All of those projects are listed at a 50 percent match for the Island cities. The request also included $25,000 for bicycle racks in Holmes Beach, $333,000 toward the Anna Maria City Pier rebuild, and $100,000 for capital improvements at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The excess concession fund, managed by county commissioners, was established to hold funds received from the beach concessions at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach for use for one-time projects benefitting the Island community. For any of the three cities to receive funds, the governments of all three Island cities must agree and present the request as a unit. The recently-approved list represents several months of work on the part of the Island cities’ leadership.

“This is a big step for Anna Maria Island, getting everyone to agree,” Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said. She congratulated the three Island governments on working together to agree on the list of projects and present the county leadership with a plan.

County Commissioner Betsy Benac said she appreciates the focus on safety with many of the approved projects. “I’m glad that you were able to work it out,” she said.

County Commissioner Stephen Jonsson also congratulated the Island government representatives on being able to come together to use funds that he said weren’t benefitting anyone, just accumulating. “It’s really refreshing to see you all work together.”

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the concession fund request,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said. “We’re getting closer to achieving our goal of $4.5 million for our pier.”

During the May 22 county meeting, Murphy broke down the estimated total cost for the City Pier rebuild, which he said was “just about the amount of the city’s annual budget.” With $1.5 million pledged from Manatee County Tourist Development Council funds, $750,000 coming from state funds, and $500,000 pledged from Anna Maria city funds, that leaves $1.75 million for Murphy to come up with. In addition to the $333,000 from the county, he said he hopes more funds can be accumulated for the project from donations, FEMA and potentially the state historic board. “I don’t know how that’s going to come out,” Murphy said.

After the meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie also praised the county commissioners for their support and the Island city leaders for their work.

“You can’t go without saying that former Mayor Bill Shearon was part of the cities working together,” Chappie said. “It’s a great program that was developed by the county and it’s going for good causes, including pedestrian and public safety. It’s a boost for the community center as well.”

At a Holmes Beach commission meeting also on May 22, Mayor Bob Johnson shared the good news with commissioners.

“I have good news and it comes by way of the county,” he said. “It’s a good example of things coming together the way they’re supposed to. It’s there, we’ve got it, and the total runs about $1 million across the Island.”

Johnson also thanked county commissioners for their quick consideration of funding the projects list and their support of the Island communities.

County commissioners also can designate the funds for other purposes, which was demonstrated when they also voted unanimously to grant the Center up to $25,000 for a transit vehicle in a separate request by the Island nonprofit for assistance in purchasing an additional vehicle for student and senior transportation. Center board Chair David Zaccagnino said he was surprised by the county commissioners’ choice to award the monies from the concession fund but he’s pleased by their support of the Island nonprofit, which has struggled in recent years to receive large amounts of government support.

“We’re extremely grateful and extremely happy,” Zaccagnino said after the county meeting. He also thanked the county and Island city governments for coming together to support the Center using the “beer and pancake money” from the concession fund.

“A couple of months’ work is finally coming together,” Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said.

Anna Maria City Pier demolition

Sully’s Quality Projects deemed top choice for pier demolition

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is now authorized to begin negotiations with the Venice-based Sully’s Quality Projects construction firm for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier.

According to the combined rankings prepared by Murphy, City Clerk LeAnne Addy and Ayres Associates vice president Jay Saxena, Sully was the top-ranked firm of the five that responded to the city’s second request for proposals (RFP).

Ayres Associates is designing and engineering the new pier.

On Tuesday, Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-0 in favor of authorizing Murphy to begin contract negotiations with Sully’s.

Sully’s received a total score of 79.3, Speeler & Associates received a score of 78.3, Shoreline Foundation’s score was 70, Under Construction Contractors’ score was 68 and Kelly Brothers’ score was 66.

Sully’s bid the demolition job for $685,530, Speeler bid $732,000, Shoreline bid $642,908, Under Construction bid $495,000 and Kelly bid $406,417.

The six-category scoring criteria included skill and experience, references for current projects, bid amount, adherence to specifications and requirements, provision of a detailed work plan and the location of the prime contractor and subcontractors.

Murphy said those who followed city protocol and requested to have their planks returned should be able to pick them up in early July.

During Tuesday’s special meeting, Commissioner Brian Seymour noted that Sully’s was only ranked highest in one of the six categories, that being location. Speeler ranked highest or was tied for the highest score in four categories.

Seymour asked if the city was bound to go by the rankings sheet. Murphy was of the opinion the ranking sheet needed to be the commission’s primary decision-making tool because the point system is “clear and objective.”

Murphy said he planned to meet with Sully’s on Wednesday. He told the commission that if he can’t come to agreeable terms with that firm, then Speeler, with the commission’s authorization, would be the next demolition firm to negotiate with.

Murphy noted that Sully’s proposal estimated the demolition would be done by Aug. 16. Prior to demolition, local contractor Frank Agnelli will remove and store the engraved wooden pier planks at no cost to the city.

After the meeting, Murphy said those who followed city protocol and requested to have their planks returned should be able to pick them up in early July.

Commissioner Dale Woodland did not attend Tuesday’s special meeting. During the commission’s May 18 meeting, Woodland voiced his objection to the existing pier being demolished and replaced. He said he could not support any of the original three demolition bids received.

During the May 18 meeting, the commission rejected all three bids because the bids from Speeler ($853,00) and Sully’s ($780,730) were too high, and because Murphy didn’t feel Under Construction had the necessary experience. Two other firms responded to the original RFP but missed the submission deadline and their bids were returned unopened.

The city has not yet determined who will build the new pier, restaurant and bait shop. The entire pier project has an estimated cost of $4.5 million and an anticipated completion date of December 2019.

Related coverage

Kebony selected as siding for pier buildings

State funds will assist with pier replacement

Pier plank firings reversed

Pier Demolition Bids

Second round of pier demolition bids in

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

Updated May 28, 2018

ANNA MARIA – After rejecting the first three bids for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier due mainly to higher-than-anticipated cost estimates, the mayor and City Commission now have new bids to consider.

A second request for proposals (RFP) was issued with a due date of Friday, May 25, and the latest bid proposals are scheduled for commission discussion on Tuesday, May 29 at 2 p.m.

According to the May 25 bid opening sheet, Speeler & Associates bid $732,000, Sully’s Quality Projects bid $685,530, Shoreline Foundation Inc. bid $642,908, Under Construction Contractors bid $495,000 and Kelly Brothers bid $406,417.

Based on preliminary insight from industry professionals, Mayor Dan Murphy originally estimated it would cost $300,000 to $500,000 to demolish the existing pier so a new pier, restaurant and bait shop can be built and reopened by 2019.

“It was a stake in the ground,” Murphy said of his demolition estimate. “I had to have something to put together the $4.5 million (total estimated pier replacement cost) and I went to as many resources as I could. If it’s the wrong number, I’ve got work to do.”

Previous bids

The three previous proposals discussed on May 18 were Speeler’s bid for $853,000, Sully’s bid for $780,730 and Under Construction’s bid for $289,000. Two other firms responded to the previous RFP but missed the submission deadline. Their bids were returned unopened.

Assisted by city staff, Murphy ranked the first three proposals according to five equally-weighted categories. Speeler ranked highest, followed by Sully’s. Murphy said he didn’t think Under Construction had the necessary experience for this job.

“The problem is $853,000 is too rich for this project. Sully’s is good, but again $780,700 is too rich,” Murphy told the commission on May 18.

That meeting ended with the commission voting 4-1 in support of the mayor’s request to reissue the pier demolition RFP with modified selection criteria. Commissioner Dale Woodland opposed reissuing the RFP because he opposes demolishing the existing pier.

On May 18, Commissioner Brian Seymour noted the initial demolition work would be done by a local contractor, Frank Agnelli, who’s offered to remove and store the engraved pier planks at no cost to the city.

Regarding the issuance of a second RFP, Commission Chair Doug Copeland said, “If they’re all in that same range then you’re pretty well assured that’s what it’s going to cost.”

The revised RFP placed greater weight (30 percent each) on cost and adherence to specifications, maintained the 20 percent weight for skill and experience, gave less weight to references and firm location and added 10 percent for the ability to provide a detailed work plan.

Murphy said the demolition firm’s location is not that important, but it’s crucial that the yet-to-be-named firm that builds the new pier use local labor – “People that are going to live with what they build,” Murphy said.

Woodland opposition

During the May 18 meeting, Woodland said, “I’m opposed to the entire demolition process for a couple of reasons. We, the mayor and this commission, have not justified the need for the demolition. The only thing it was based on is what I call a false narrative: We all agreed we wanted something that was gonna last a hundred years and that became the entire basis for tearing down the pier and not rebuilding it, which I think was a huge mistake.”

Woodland was referencing the commission’s first meeting with the Ayres Associates design firm in October.

“I think it’s a terrible waste of time and money not rebuilding. So, it doesn’t matter who you select, I’m not going to support them or this process. I really think we’ve been disingenuous to our own residents and the citizens by not justifying the path we’re taking,” Woodland said.

Ayres Associates Vice President Jay Saxena has repeatedly recommended to the commission the construction of a new pier rather than the rehabilitation of the existing pier that was beginning to fail structurally before sustaining additional damage during Hurricane Irma in September.

New Anna Maria Pier
The plans call for the new pier and pier buildings to look very much like the old pier structures that will soon be demolished. – Schimberg Group | Submitted
Kebony selected as siding for Anna Maria's pier buildings

Kebony selected as siding for pier buildings

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

Updated April 4, 2018

ANNA MARIA – City Commissioners voted Tuesday, April 3 that the exteriors of the restaurant and bait shop/bar built at the end of the new Anna Maria City Pier will feature brown Kebony hardwood siding, similar to what will be used for the pier decking.

The special meeting began with commissioners discussing the five siding options presented by Schimberg: HardiePanel, HardiePlank, beveled cedar, Cypress Select and Kebony. Schimberg recommended the Kebony siding. He said it would weather naturally but unevenly to a grayish hue that would depend on its exposure to the sun.

Anna Maria Pier Siding
Kebony siding will cover the outside of the restaurant and bait shop buildings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I certainly am leaning toward the HardiePlank, and it is fireproof,” Commissioner Doug Copeland countered.

Listed as the second-cheapest option, the cement-based HardiePlank had an estimated cost of $1.25 per square foot and a total estimated cost was $6,250 for 5,000 square feet of siding.

Commissioner Amy Tripp made a motion to use the Kebony siding at $8.50 per square foot and a total cost of $42,500 – which is $36,250 more than the HardiePlank. Commissioners Carol Carter and Dale Woodland supported Tripp’s motion. Copeland and Commissioner Brian Seymour did not, but the motion carried 3-2.

Anna Maria Pier Piling Decking
Anna Maria’s new pier will feature concrete spun pilings and Kebony decking. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Saxena said the siding decision concluded the commission’s selection process for the pier materials. The commission previously decided on concrete spun pilings and Kebony decking.

Jay Saxena from Ayres Associates provided the City Commission with an updated construction schedule during the meeting. Ayres is designing the pier and architect Barron Schimberg is designing the pier buildings.

In mid-May, demolition of the existing pier will begin with the removal of the engraved pier planks, according to city officials. Construction of the new pier is expected to begin in late August. Construction of the restaurant and bait shop buildings is slated to begin in April 2019. Completion of the entire pier project is anticipated for December 2019, if not sooner.

Pier railings

Mayor Dan Murphy said he’s received many emails about rails being erected along the pier’s edges. He said public opinion was split about evenly between pleas for railings and pleas for no railings. Murphy said the 108-year-old pier originally had railings, but they were removed at some point.

City resident Sissy Quinn said she favored no railings because that’s how the pier has looked for the past 30 years. She felt the no-railing look would maintain the traditional pier appearance people have become accustomed to.

Carter asked how many people have fallen off the pier. Murphy said he was aware of two people falling off the pier, both of whom were intoxicated.

The commission voted 5-0 in favor of no rails, but expressed interest in increasing the height of the wooden curbing along pier edges to provide additional safety for those using wheelchairs and strollers.

Permitting

Saxena said the Army Corps of Engineers has issued the city a permit for the demolition of the existing pier, but has not yet issued a permit for the construction of a new pier. The permit Ayres first applied for was for demolition and construction, but the Corps wanted the two permits separated, in part because a seagrass study is required before new construction begins.

Seymour asked Saxena if there was any risk the city could be denied a permit to build a new pier after demolishing the existing pier. Saxena said that when dealing with a federal agency anything was possible, but he did not anticipate any problems. He said the existing pier was never properly permitted and the Army Corps is eager to have a properly permitted pier there.

Tenant input

Murphy said pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder has met twice with Schimberg and has one more meeting scheduled for April 9. Schoenfelder has shared his input on what he feels the tenant needs in the restaurant and bait shop spaces.

Schimberg said these conversations resulted in the addition of exterior weather curtains that can be dropped to block the westerly winds that blow through what will be a covered open-air dining area between the restaurant and bait shop.

Schimberg showed commissioners the revised plans and renderings for the pier buildings. He said the bait shop bar would feature sliding glass windows and an outdoor counter that wraps around the west end of the building. A previously discussed trellised shade feature above the bait shop’s outdoor tables has been removed.

Murphy also discussed Schoenfelder’s potential financial contributions to the project should he decide to renew and modify his current lease that expires in December 2020. He said Schoenfelder expressed initial interest in paying for the interior buildouts that include plumbing, electrical work, ceilings, floors, restaurant equipment and more, but he is not willing to pay for the air conditioning units or duct work.

Anna Maria Pier rendering rear

State funds will assist with pier replacement

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The $88.7 million budget the Florida Legislature adopted on Sunday, March 11 includes $750,000 in state funds for the estimated $4.5 million replacement of the Anna Maria City Pier.

The 2018 legislative session was scheduled to end Friday, March 9, but was extended to give state legislators more time to finalize and adopt Florida’s annual budget.

Anna Maria Pier rendering front
The proposed look of the renovated Anna Maria City Pier.

During the March 8 Anna Maria Commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners the city’s request was included in the state budget to be sent to Gov. Rick Scott for approval once legislators adopted it.

Murphy said the city now has firm funding commitments for approximately $3 million of the estimated $4.5 million needed to replace the Anna Maria City Pier and the restaurant and bait shop at the pier’s T-end.

“We should be able to do it for less than that, but $4.5 (million) is the worst case,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he anticipates $1.7 million in pending FEMA funds for pier damage sustained during Hurricane Irma in September, which resulted in the pier closure.

He also mentioned the GoFundMe page created by city resident Sissy Quinn, which lists a $100,000 fundraising goal that has generated $2,380 in donations so far.

Murphy also said pier sponsorship plaques may be pursued later in the year.

“We’re not going carve names in the planks,” he said of the sponsorship packages.

The city has already received a commitment for up to $1.5 million in resort tax funds from the Manatee County Commission and will pursue an additional $330,000 in County Commission-controlled surplus beach concession revenues.

“Our delta at this point, if the other pieces come in, is a couple hundred thousand dollars,” Murphy said of the remaining funds needed.

Whitmore pier funds
County Commissioner Carol Whitmore

He then recognized attending County Commissioner, Tourist Development Council member and Holmes Beach resident and former mayor Carol Whitmore for the assistance she’s provided the city regarding the pier funding. In addition to her efforts at the county level, Whitmore also contacted Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) and sought his support and assistance regarding the city’s state appropriations request.

“I want to thank you for all your hard work. You’ve gone above and beyond in terms of helping us in securing the funding for this pier. You’re responsible almost single-handedly for a little bit over $2 million. We appreciate it,” Murphy said to Whitmore, who said later she appreciated the mayor’s remarks.

Commissioner Carol Carter said city resident Jack Brennan was researching the possibility of historic preservation grants being available to further assist with the pier replacement.

Related coverage

Kebony decking selected for new pier

Pier plank firings reversed

Commission chooses concrete pier pilings