Review of contracts “unjustified attack” on 450th

By George Gardner
The St Augustine Report
Special to Historic City News

“This got derailed, in my opinion, on the 450th,” St Augustine City Manager John Regan reported to the commission Monday night. “It became a tool as an attack on the 450th which, after reviewing and doing other internal control systems, is unjustified, because the 450th, as a staff, has been implementing the will of the commission.”

City Manager John Regan Monday defended to the commission his staff’s procedures after a review of three 450th commemoration contracts, prompted by Mayor Nancy Shaver with support of some 20 residents speaking before the board recently.

“For the 20-some people who (called for 450th contracts review), there were three basic questions: How much have we spent? What did we get for it? Who did we spend it on?” Regan said. “I want to thank Mayor Shaver for pushing transparency on those areas where people want transparency. And Commissioner (Todd) Neville for saying ‘put the checkbook on the internet.’

The three questioned contracts include Mummy Cat Productions’ video of Journey exhibit, Casa Monica Hotel’s takeover of the Noche de Gala, and visitor center hyperscreens.

“There’s nothing that we discovered that’s going to stop the train or trying to get the job done with a small amount of money.”

Regan said each was within acceptable purchasing procedures, but improvements and greater public communication are being planned.

Shaver added, “It’s not about the 450th, it’s about contract compliance, and it will be ongoing.”