What was originally thought to be a short-term construction project is entering its sixth month.
The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a nonprofit working for the preservation of the historic Cortez community, met July 6 at Fisherman’s Hall, 123rd St. W., Cortez, where board members discussed the ongoing remodel work at the adjacent former Sunday school building, among other matters.
Purchased by FISH in 2010, the church property houses the FISH offices.
Board member Allen Garner, who was not present at the meeting, was previously charged with remodeling two classrooms into one larger room with two entrances, having scrapped a plan to turn the space into an apartment. However, the plan now being considered by the board is to create a FISH office and allow the Cortez Village Historical Society an office in smaller space in the same building.
Issues identified by the board include materials charged to FISH and the extended length of time for the project. According to the board, Garner is rehabbing the space as a volunteer and is absorbing the cost of materials in lieu of rent on the space that he used for an office.
Board members walked next door to inspect the space, where it was decided Garner would be given 30 days to finish work, including the walls, flooring tiles, paint and a wall to divide the space, allowing one entrance for the office and a second door for a storage room.
Garner will be required to pay for any necessary building materials.
In other business, the board authorized Rick Stewart to sandblast and paint antique fishing machinery for display on FISH property. The machinery was removed from the Florida Maritime Museum more than a year ago and stored outside, partially covered.
Stewart said the machinery would be expensive to restore to working order and he sought permission to clean and seal the equipment with a rust-resistant paint in order to be suitable for display.
The board approved a $1,000 budget to sandblast, paint and install the equipment on cement pads.
Also discussed was a potential contract for the landscape maintenance at the FISH preserve and some roofing work for the FISH buildings. It was decided that board members would reach out to get three bids on each project before making a decision.
The next FISH meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at Fisherman’s Hall, 123rd St. W., Cortez.