04/19/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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On May 12, 2015, the Board approved Resolution No. 2015-60, committing to use $241,600 in Boating Improvement Funds as the County's match toward the estimated total cost of $483,200 for the dock restoration associated with Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant application through the Waterways Assistance Program. The FIND funding provided in the award received was $100,000, thus requiring that the scope of work to be reduced to only the reconstruction of the dock (less the floating docks as originally submitted in the FIND application). Based on this funding, the County solicited bids for the reconstruction of the dock. On June 19, 2018, the Board approved an award of $186,925.00 to Indian River Docks, LLC, to complete the work to reconstruct the dock. As the project progressed, additional work was deemed necessary, and an additional change order was issued in the amount of $19,178.90 bringing the total cost of the project to $206,103.90. Following storms in 2016 and 2017, County staff have worked to stabilize the structures on the site by shoring up the buildings by stabilizing siding, and repairing holes in the roofing. Portions of the drying racks were also removed to reduce the potential for flying debris. In 2019, County staff applied for a DHR Grant to include the restoration of the Ice House (per the Atelier plans). The DHR grant application request in the amount of $147,121 was not funded. Partial funding of this portion of the project was provided in the County's approved Capital Improvement Element of the Comprehensive Plan, however, costs and constructability issues associated with the design prevented progress toward reconstruction/renovation. Since 2020, County staff made several attempts to stabilize the structures and protect them from further deterioration while future actions could be determined. On December 12, 2022, staff received calls from guests of the neighboring Captain Butcher's restaurant regarding the collapse of the concrete floor of the Ice House. Upon investigation, and during subsequent days following December 12`h, the concrete floor and walls continued to collapse into the Indian River Lagoon creating floating debris hazards. As time was of the essence, staff contacted the general contractor who had completed the work associated with the Atelier plans for the dock restoration/renovation project, and asked for assistance in containing the debris and an assessment of the structure's condition. Upon review by the general contractor, the Indian River County Public Works Director, and Parks and Conservation Lands staff, it was determined that the building posed safety hazards to the existing reconstructed dock, as well as to curious boaters and others who might try to access the building. Photographs and records documenting the collapsing structure and exterior leaning building were sent to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection prior to work commencing on the demolition of the structure. In early February, a turbidity curtain was installed under an emergency purchase order, and the general contractor began working on necessary permits required by the City of Sebastian for the demolition, which included asbestos and lead testing prior to initiating any work. On March 14, 2022, the Archie Smith Ice House was demolished under an emergency purchase order issued to the general contractor. Further evaluation and stabilization of the Main House is also needed as its condition continues to deteriorate under environmental conditions. Staff is requesting Board direction on how to proceed with the area where the Ice House was located based on the fact that the dock is not accessible to the public until modifications are made to the area where the Ice House was located. It is currently not safe for the public to use the dock due to the lack of a fall rail along the portion of the dock where the Ice House was located. 51