Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Following a half hour of discussion at their regular meeting on May 6, 2014, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) unanimously approved award of Bid #14-07 to Nooney Construction, Inc. to build new restrooms at the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Center at a cost of $114,995. This project, originally placed on the city’s Capital Improvement Project list as a remodel in FY 2011-12, was first budgeted at $55,000. However, according to City Manager Joe Gerrity, the existing facility could not be remodeled to meet compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Gerrity recapped the project’s history, reminding commissioners that in February they had agreed to the new construction project, approving up to $125K of Parks & Recreation Capital Expansion Fund (impact fees) as a funding source. The city will also pay $8,500 in impact fees.
While some in the community continue to cite the declining use of the facility with the opening of the nearby Boys and Girls Club, both Gerrity and Parks and Recreation Director Nan Voit expressed optimism that with improved restroom facilities, the MLK Center would bring in more rental income to the city. Currently the MLK Center is rented 12 times per year, but this year the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections has also expressed interest in holding early voting in the facility. Voit said that the center is used 5 days a week year-round for after school programs and summer learning programs that serve 53 children.
When the new construction is completed, the MLK center will have increased restroom facilities for both men and women. Voit said that the Center will be equipped with 5 urinals (increase of 3), 5 men’s toilet cubicles (currently 3), and 9 women’s toilet cubicles (currently 2) facility-wide (including locker rooms).
Gerrity said that the new restrooms will serve the MLK auditorium. In response to a commissioner question he said that the existing restrooms, built in the 1950’s, will not be removed at this time, although they could be pulled out at a future time since they were not built with impact fees.
Nooney Construction, Inc., was the lowest of 5 bids that ranged from $114,995 to $168,000. All bidders were Jacksonville firms.
Many will be relieved by this .