SEBASTIAN — Refurbishment of the old Fish House at the Sebastian Inlet Working Waterfront project on Indian River Drive is getting closer.
The Sebastian City Council, at its most recent Aug. 13 meeting, unanimously approved adding $12,500 for additional engineering services, increasing the project’s engineering contract to $67,000.
The additional engineering services were made necessary by comments from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, changes needed for the Fisherman’s Landing Museum site work and required US Army Corps of Engineers permitting not part of the original scope of work.
According to a letter of request from project engineer Joseph Schulke, the amendment will provide services in three project areas:
Site plan/uplands development area – design of sign which will identify the project as recipient of state grant funds, via the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfront Fisherman’s Landing Marina; and provide a grade level boardwalk from the eatery to the proposed north access pier, including benches and information kiosk.
Fisherman’s Landing Marina – relocate the aquaculture area from the west side of the fish house to the south side of the southern pier; revise the submerged land lease area to include the new aquaculture area; prepare permits for the aquaculture site relocation; prepare biologists assessment and seagrass survey of the marina basic and aquaculture area; and conduct a bathymetric survey of the aquaculture area.
Contract administration – assist city engineer in preparing bid documents.
Public concerns included the additional funding request, changes to the original plan and the dilapidated condition of the old fish house.
City Manager Joe Griffin and City Engineer Frank Watanabe gave assurances the work will not go forward “without permission,” and the project adjustments have been thoroughly discussed with and ok’d by the FDEP, including the condition of the old fish house, which Council member Richard Gillmor, too, had noted, “Anyone would question whether its rebuildable.”
Griffin noted the refurbished structure, which, like the original, is a “pole barn,” has the same footprint. The fishermen themselves, he noted, did the labor and are “up to date” on the lease. He also said adjusting the submerged land lease area is to the City’s advantage.
Hill told Council that County Historian Ruth Stanbridge and the County Historical Society are “very excited” about the entire project. Hill also wondered whether the “black drapes” could be removed from the site, pointing out there is no longer anything unsightly behind them and added, “I’m proud of the project. It’s stunning.”
Griffin said the drapes were “My fault. I didn’t (think they should be removed) before start of construction. I’ll have that done tomorrow.”