Office of the City Manager TO: ATTENTION: FAX NUMBER: FROM; PAGE(S): COMMENTS: P.001 FAL No, City of PSs Larry B. Johnson Rob 504-593-8010 Al Coby City Manager City of Pensacola (850) 435-1627 (850) 435-1611 (FAX) 5 (including cover)No P.002 APR/24/2009/FR1 11:01 AM THe ScHoot District Or Escampia COUNTY 215 WEST GARDEN STREET PENSACOLA, FL 32502 PH, 85043-6121 Inyp ww escambin 12.1.8 “Making A Positive Oerence™ MALCOLM THOMAS, SUPERINTENDENT April 20, 2009 Al Coby, City Manager City of Pensacola 180 Governmental Center Pensacola, FL. 32521 ‘Dear Mr. Coby: ‘Ata recent City Council meeting a council member, Mr. Larry Johnson spoke regarding the School Board owned property located at 75 N. Pace Blvd (formerly Gulf Power). Based on your discussion with Superintendent Thomas as conveyed to me, itis my understanding that the Councilman had concerns regarding contamination of soil un the property. Iam disappointed that the issue was raised without courtesy representation cr consult of the School Board or School District staff as the issue would not have been clevated to what apparently was portrayed as a serious concer. My disappointment is due to the fact that School District staff met on site to discuss this very issue with Mr. Johnson and members of Emerald Coast keepers at his request on March 16, 2009 at 1 p.m. Also present at that meeting were School District contract environmental engineers, consultants, a geologist, the new downtown school project architect, the School District Facilities Planning Director, Project Manager and County staff (Keith Wilkins). The comprehensive environmental study and wetlands demarcation effort were also provided and reviewed at that time, All parties appeared to bbe very satisfied regarding the disposition of the property purchased by the School Board. ‘To clarify the issue it is important to note the following: 1. The School Board did not purchase the parcel presently owned by Escambia ‘County known as Maggie’s Ditch. 2, Based on the environmental study and review (diagram attached ~ Enel, 1) the contaminants appear to be most concentrated in and around the ditch. The study reveals that there does not appear to be a recurring source and that the contaminants appear to be residual from years of apparent dumping in Maggie's Ditch. Affirmative acon equal opportunity employerFAX No, P, 003 Al Coby, City Manager April 20, 2009 Page 2 3. The School District did purchase property adjacent (north, south and east) of the ditch. 4, There are limited soil findings north and south on School District purchased property. The District will clean up the soil on the purchased parcels during the site preparation stage of construction, 5, Asan added measure of assurance additional testing has been commissioned ‘throughout all of the properties purchased despite environmental engineers indicating that the delineation of possible contamination has been identified. (diagram attached - Encl. 2) 6. The School District will secure access to adjacent properties via fencing to further safeguard students. We hope to work with the property owners of Maggie’s Ditch, the City, and other agencies in the future to perhaps restore the Wetlands and someday avail the students of an excellent learning opportunity in the wetlands after cleanup. It is important to note that the District conducted extensive study of the properties purchased as a part of our due diligence. We continue to make the safety and welfare of our students our highest priority ‘Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue. Should this matter resurface please don’t hesitate to contact me at 850-469-6141. 1 will be happy to assist with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, ] ‘Shawn Dennis ‘Assistant Superintendent — Operations ¢: Malcolm Thomas, Superintendent Nomm Ross, Deputy Superintendent Patricia Hightower, Board Chairman Ron Peacock, Director — Facilities Planning Linda English, Executive Assistant — Superintendent File Enclosures