The Lake Placid Town Council has several significant matters to consider Monday evening, including unresolved issues with the pickleball construction contract, a proposal for the Dal Hall building, two Town hires and accepting $800,000 in state funding for the new police department. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. October 12 at the Town Government Center, 1069 U.S. Highway 27 North.
Pickleball contract remains unfinished
Nearly a month after the Council awarded a $639,135 contract to Investment Anchor Group for construction of the pickleball courts, the agreement has yet to be finalized. The contractor submitted a letter October 5 identifying 12 issues requiring clarification or resolution. Among them is a request to substitute a letter of credit for the performance and payment bonds required by the Town. The Town is also requiring Bevis Construction to participate as the prime contractor, with both companies sharing responsibility for completing the project. Required bonding, licensing and insurance documentation is due October 12.
Other matters involve proposed subcontractor changes and questions about the lighting design. Additional traffic study information received approval from the county engineer October 7. The Council will be asked to provide direction on the outstanding issues and authorize execution of the contract. If contract requirements cannot be satisfied, consideration of the next-ranked bidder remains a possibility. Construction oversight is also on the agenda.
Cool and Cobb Engineering, which was expected to provide project management services for up to $8,000, is not under contract with the Town. The Town is now proposing to use Kimley-Horn for construction-phase engineering services at a cost of $9,950 plus expenses.
A new purpose for Dal Hall?
The Town-owned Dal Hall building, which has remained closed since the Town acquired it in 2024, could once again become a place for community activities. Local nonprofit 33852 Connect, Inc. has submitted a proposal to lease the building at 151 Dal Hall Boulevard and operate it as a community center available to individuals, organizations and businesses. The plan would provide space for meetings, workshops, educational programs, small gatherings and other activities, with reservations open to the public.
The proposal calls for a $300 monthly lease, with 33852 Connect handling scheduling, day-to-day operations and routine upkeep. The Town would retain access to the building for its own meetings and activities, subject to scheduling. Under the proposal, the Town would retain responsibility for utilities and major building maintenance, while the nonprofit would handle reservations, cleaning, insurance and routine interior upkeep.
Two Town hires up for approval
Mayor Colleen Charles is recommending Robert “Fritz” VanVolkenburgh for Town Administrator, effective November 1, at an annual salary of $109,000 plus benefits. The administrator position has been vacant since June 8. Under the Town Charter, the mayor makes the appointment with the consent of the Council.
Charles is also recommending Amy Walden for Town Clerk, effective November 2, at an annual salary of $70,000 plus benefits. Walden has more than 25 years of public-sector experience.
Both hires require Council consent.
$800,000 in police building funding
The Council will consider authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement accepting $800,000 in state financial assistance toward construction of the new police department. The funding is administered through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and provides reimbursement for eligible construction expenses during the grant period ending June 30, 2027.
Other business includes a presentation on Wreaths Across America, proposed holiday and garbage collection schedules, and a property matter involving land in Placid Lakes Industrial Park.
The October 19 Council meeting has been canceled, making November 9 the next scheduled regular meeting. Monday’s meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed through the Town’s YouTube channel.
