Park structurtoo costly

The Agoura Hills City Council was startled to learn the $20,000 allotted for a shade structure to be built over existing picnic benches at Sumac Park will not be enough.

City Engineer Ken Berkman reported to the city council that two bids were submitted, but both were higher than anticipated.

J. Evans Construction in Agoura Hills bid $52,000, while Malibu Pacific Tennis Courts Inc. bid $63,000.

“This bid overage is attributed to a shortage of material supplies, fuel costs and a very high demand for work,” Berkman said in his report.

Councilmember Jeff Reinhardt said the bids were not “rooted in reality.”

Councilmember John Edel-ston said the prefabricated structure could be smaller than what was initially proposed. He added that another option might be for the city to oversee the project internally.

With staff time already stretched thin with other projects, Berkman didn’t believe that the city acting as the general contractor was appropriate.

“I just want to keep up with other parks,” said Harry Schwarz, Agoura Hills planning commissioner and president of the Fountainwood Homeowners Association (HOA), which recommended the project.

“Cost is important,” said Edelston, “but cost is not the only thing.”

Mayor Ed Corridori said the park should not be short-changed in terms of quality construction.

“I’m certainly willing to pay a little more for a great structure that our residents could enjoy,” Corridori said.

The mayor suggested that the current bids be rejected and city staff meet with the Fountainwood HOA for a new design.