COSTA MESA : City to Renegotiate Tennis Club Contract

The City Council has agreed to renegotiate with the contractor who has run the tennis courts at Charles W. TeWinkle Memorial Park for the past five years rather than sign on with a new operator.

The unanimous vote Monday night came after about 40 supporters of Michael Rehtorik, operator of the Costa Mesa Tennis Club, praised his work at the tennis courts and asked the council to keep him on.

City staff had recommended giving the five-year contract with a five-year renewal option to Recreational Management Services--a deal that would have brought in $12,000 in additional revenues. Rehtorik, who had offered to pay the city $3,000 less, would have received 30 days’ notice that the city intended to terminate its contract with him.

However, his supporters said the added revenue would not compensate for the loss of the family-style atmosphere at the tennis club.

“It’s difficult for me to believe that the Costa Mesa Tennis Club is merely a money-making opportunity,” said resident Geraldine Evans.

Don Alger, president of Recreational Management Services, said he would not change the atmosphere of the facility and would, in fact, negotiate with the city to make capital improvements such as resurfacing the courts.

“There was a lot of fear that we would bring a lot of change,” Alger said after the vote. “I’m disappointed, but too often you see this kind of thing.”

The council vote included a provision to return to negotiations with Recreational Management Services if talks fail with Rehtorik. In the coming weeks, Rehtorik is expected to improve his offer.