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Pressure's on for AC system

Tribune photo by KATHY STEELE

A remodeling project is underway for the Seminole Heights Garden Center.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 22, 2009

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A proposed air-conditioning system has come under fire from residents and a contractor for being too expensive and too large for the Seminole Heights Garden Center.

Tampa City Council on Thursday asked the city's contract administrator, David Vaughn, to attend the July 30 council meeting to address their concerns.

Mike Charles, owner of CGM Services, was hired by the city to install a 31.5-ton water-cooled chiller in the garden center, which is undergoing a nearly $1 million renovation.

Charles maintains the city is overspending by at least $100,000 in the short term. He also says the chiller could be ineffective in removing humidity from the indoor air and the building could develop mold and mildew.

City officials say the system is energy efficient and will work well, though they have said they are reviewing Charles' data. The city plans to rent the approximately 3,000-square-foot building for weddings, parties and other community events.

Resident Susan Long spoke to city council members on Thursday: "I would like the city to go back and re-assess the need for the chiller and downsize to something that makes more sense for the building,"

Kathy Steele

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