Reader Responds ‘City Council Authorizes Several Municipal Contracts’ (2/25/16 Issue)

http://www.pasadenaindependent.com/featured/city-council-authorizes-several-municipal-contracts-potable-water-project/

Dear Editor:

Comment on Item 3 – contract award to PK Corporation for playground renovation at Linda Vista Park for $285,000 – from the Pasadena City Council meeting on Feb. 22, 2016.

I suggest that the city council not approve this contract at this time.

When offering contracts for bids, Pasadena should notify contractors they can bid less than the estimated cost since contracts are awarded on a cost-plus basis contrary to the recommendations of the Los Angeles County Civil Grand Jury final reports.

Why is the City of Pasadena paying a $5,000 monthly rental rate to the Pasadena Unified School District for use of this two-acre park?

Why should the City of Pasadena replace all the existing playground equipment, repairs, landscape, etc., for a two-acre neighborhood park with very limited use at this time?

Why was this contract awarded for 16 percent less than the estimated cost of $243,200, when nine contractors bid for more than $243,200? These nine contractors’ bids were denied a chance to win the contract, which was awarded on a cost-plus basis. Why was $20,735 added for a possible contingency that may never occur?  Will the $60,000 contract’s administration/inspection fee be used for other parks and landscape projects or is it a gift to the Department of Public Works? Whenever a contract is awarded for less than the estimated cost, the labor commissioner will be more likely to check to verify if there is compliance with prevailing wages.

Very truly yours,

– Floyd Folven

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