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County Administrator's Report 11. 15.
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| BCC Regular Meeting |
Budget & Finance Consent |
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| RECOMMENDATION: |
Recommendation Concerning Authorization to Submit an Online Grant Application Through the Florida Division of Historical Resources for the Pensacola Beach Fish Sign - Joy D. Blackmon, P.E., Public Works Department Director
That the Board authorize the County Administrator, or designee, to submit an online Grant Application through the Florida Division of Historical Resources for the Pensacola Beach Fish Sign.
[Funding Source: Funds for the 50% local match, in the amount of $66,725, are available in Fund 167, "Bob Sikes Toll Facility," Cost Center 140302] |
| BACKGROUND: |
Escambia County Transportation and Traffic Operations (TTO) staff maintains and funds the utility bill for the Pensacola Beach Fish Sign just east of the CR 399 Overpass along US 98. The Pensacola Beach Sign is an iconic landmark structure pointing the way to the sugar-white sands and clear blue waters of Pensacola Beach. Sign conception was in the 1950’s with parts of the sign being repaired and replaced in 2005 after Hurricane Ivan. A local Pensacola sign company, Plastic Art Signs, currently maintains, repairs and replaces sign components as directed by TTO staff.
As directed by TTO staff, Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) completed a field condition assessment report on the sign structure in June 2012, and a sign and sign structure condition assessment was completed in April 2016. The final report (attached herein) was submitted to TTO staff June 17, 2016. Highlighted sign structure maintenance and repair observations from the 2012 and 2016 condition assessment were cleaning/sandblasting, painting and repairing of damaged sign structure components. In general, the frame of the sign structure was in satisfactory condition with some items listed as requiring maintenance due to normal wear and tear.
However, the electronics of the sign utilize aging technology that is obsolete or is becoming obsolete, resulting in difficulty acquiring, maintaining, rebuilding or replacing these components. Based on discussion with Plastic Art Signs, the remaining service life of the sign is directly affected by the availability and longevity of the following aging components.
After discussing the service life and sign longevity with Plastic Art Signs, HMM investigated three different options for rehabilitation and/or replacement of the sign and sign structure:
· (Option 1) Repair structure and refurbish signs - $118,380
· (Option 2) Replace structure and replace signs - $570,270
· (Option 3) Replace structure and refurbish signs - $133,450
To aid in procuring the required funds for the replacement sign and sign structure, HMM recommended that Escambia County apply for an historical resources grant from the Florida Department of State – Florida Division of Historical Resources.
The Division of Historical Resources offers two grant programs - Small Matching Grant and Special Category Grant. The Small Matching Grant is specifically for small-scale projects that are expected to not exceed $50,000. The Special Category Grant is for grant awards ranging between $50,000 to $500,000, and requires a 50% match.
The application deadline for the Special Category Grant (draft application attached herein) is Friday, July 8, 2016. TTO Staff recommends Option 3, which will replace the framing structure and fully refurbish the sign at a cost of $133,450. |
| BUDGETARY IMPACT: |
| Funds for the 50% local match ($66,725) are available in Fund 167 "Bob Sikes Toll Facility"; Cost Center 140302. |
| LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF: |
| N/A |
| PERSONNEL: |
| N/A |
| POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION: |
| N/A |
| IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION: |
| Upon authorization by the Board, Escambia County TTO Staff will coordinate with the Florida Division of Historical Resources and submit the online grant application. |
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