Vendors gather for primer on Village maintenance

Siesta Key Village inched closer to a “resort-style environment” as Sarasota County General Manager of Business Operations Tom Maroney led vendors interested in undertaking Village maintenance Thursday, June 21, on a one-hour tour of the territory.

There were just fewer than 25 vendor representatives who attended the tour, which was required if a firm wants to bid on the one-year contract to perform Village maintenance. Siesta Key Village Association President Russell Matthes said he expected to generate more interest.

Vendors were encouraged to ask questions during the zigzagging trek through the Village. The current cost of annual maintenance estimated by Sarasota County is $200,000, said Sarasota County Traffic Engineering staff member Ryan Montague during a forum at the Sarasota County Commission chambers immediately following the tour.

There were 11 vendor representatives left at the end of the forum, which lasted until noon. James Scheidel, the procurement analyst handling the Siesta Village maintenance contract, fielded questions, which were then written up and attached as an addendum to the request for proposal.

The contract includes maintenance of various types, from pressure washing sidewalks and bike racks to replacing coconut trees after a freeze. The 11 qualified vendors have until 2 p.m. July 11 to submit their bids. The vendor with the lowest bid will be chosen for the contract and sent blueprints of the area’s irrigation system.