By John Johnston
Managing Editor
Palm Beach County commissioners have approved an $841,000 contract with Ocean Gate General Contractors for construction of a Jupiter Farms Park equestrian facility
The community currently leases a portion of the Jupiter Farms Park and has constructed a temporary facility. “This contract will provide a permanent and durable equestrian facility for the use of the Jupiter Farms equestrian community,” said commissioners.
Work will include construction of two riding rings with fencing and gates, paved and shell rock access roads, grass parking, tree relocation, landscaping, and associated drainage.
Bids were opened May 6, commissioners said, followed by the second low bidder protesting the award over a subcontractor licensing issue. A special master heard the matter July 17 and denied the protest, said commissioners.
Horse mounted competition dates back to the 7th century BC – although what we known considered to be equestrian events didn’t begin in Europe until the 16th century.
And according to equestrianhistory.com, “equestrianism refers to a person who has the skill to ride, drive, handle and manage horses. It covers every aspect of horse care and handling from riding and racing to grooming all of which take a lot of experience and skill to master. It also refers to every kind of horse and equine management from highly strung racehorses to pets and working ranch horses including everything in-between.”
Other Business
In other recent business commissioners:
· Approved a $40,000 agreement with the Center for Youth Activities, Inc. for funding of after school programs in Commission District 5. Commissioners said this money is to assist with expenses for the after school programs provided at Veterans Park by The Center for Youth Activities, Inc. The programs serve approximately 108 youth from age 5 to 12 and their parents, said commissioners.
· Approved a $30,000 agreement with Florida Atlantic University for the purchase and installation of a communications/phone system for the new Pine Jog Facility. This funding is to assist with the cost of a communications/phones system for the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center’s new facility, which serves approximately 40,000 people annually, commissioners said.
· Approved a $5,000 agreement with T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, Inc. for funding of the Eighth Annual Community Health Fair, held April 26 at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School. More than 1,000 persons attended the event, said commissioners.
· Approved a $10,000 agreement with Riviera Beach Maritime Academy, Corp. for funding of the Lake Worth Lagoon Partnership Artificial Reef project.
Staff recommends motion to approve: Contract with Ocean Gate General Contractors in the amount of $841,000 for the construction of the Jupiter Farms Park Equestrian Facility. SUMMARY: This Contract will provide for construction of two (2) riding rings with fencing and gates, paved and shell rock access roads, grass parking, tree relocation, landscaping, and associated drainage. The SBE goal for this project is 15%. Ocean Gate General Contractors bid includes participation of 16.9%. The contract time is 240-calendar days to substantial completion. (Capital Improvements Division) District 1 (JM)
This contract will provide a permanent and durable equestrian facility for the use of the Jupiter Farms equestrian community. The community currently leases a portion of the Jupiter Farms Park and has constructed a temporary facility. Bids for these improvements were opened on May 6, 2008. The second low bidder protested the award due" to a subcontractor licensing issue and a Special Master heard the protest on July 17, 2008. The Special Master denied the protest.
