Dredge firm has deep ties to Grubbs
BROOKSVILLE –
A background check of BCPeabody shows the owner of the company, Robert Carpenter, has deep ties with builder-developer Gary Grubbs.
Carpenter also serves as president of Grubbs Emergency Services LLC and, according to the company’s website, is responsible for the “management of disaster recovery operations.”
Gary Grubbs serves as a private consultant with that company, which performs emergency response duties for storm-ravaged communities.
Grubbs Construction Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2003 and shuttered most of its operations, including an asphalt plant in Brooksville. At the time, it was estimated that the company was almost $10 million in debt.
The state of Florida also filed a sales tax lien for $300,000 against Grubbs Construction.
BCPeabody also worked on a dredging project for SunWest Mine in Pasco County, which is owned by Grubbs.
Director of Transportation Services Susan Goebel said Wednesday the Grubbs connection is concerning. And Goebel said she only found out about Carpenter’s connection with Grubbs Emergency Services.
“We had a conversation with him (Carpenter) about that fact and he will address it on Friday,” Goebel said, referring to an emergency meeting set by county commissioners to discuss this contract.
“We’re concerned, of course,” she added.
But Goebel said Carpenter is assuring her that “they are going to get this project done” on time.
BCPeabody was one of four contractors that submitted bids to do the Hernando Beach channel dredging job, and has guaranteed completion of the project by June 30, the deadline for the $6 million in state funding for the project.
Goebel said the county would also be contracting with BCPeabody, and not Grubbs.
“BCPeabody would be the general contractor and Gary Grubbs would be the subcontractor,” Goebel said.
The background check also found that Tom Hogan Jr., serves as general counsel for Grubbs Emergency Services, as well as Clerk of the Circuit Court Karen Nicolai.
The co-lead negotiator for this contract is Lisa Hammond, who is a contract employee for Nicolai.
Goebel said she is in the middle of a background check and, so far, has found that Carpenter comes highly recommended by his references. She plans to continue that background check and hopes to have a completed contract ready for county commissioners in time for their 11 a.m. special meeting Friday.
Goebel said the contract will not be open-ended and will have guarantees that Carpenter will do the job for no more than $9.7 million and that it will be completed by June 30.
County Commissioner Rose Rocco said the company’s connection with Grubbs raises red flags and she will address those concerns at Friday’s meeting.
Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or [email protected].
