School district wants city’s assurance of aid as Laguna High tennis courts costs climb

Before signing off on a $1.3-million contract to revitalize tennis courts at Laguna Beach High, the school board wants some feedback from the City Council.

The price is more than double the estimate received in September 2013. At that time, the Laguna Beach Unified School District was set to pay 30% of the $620,000 project, with the city picking up the other 70% as part of a 10-year joint-use agreement.

Trustees want assurances that the city will be willing to pay the same percentage now that the cost has gone up. With a $1.3-million project, the city would need to contribute $953,996, while the school district would be responsible for $408,856, according to a district staff report.

The board Tuesday unanimously agreed with the staff’s recommendation to hold off on awarding the contract so the council can take up the matter.

CS Legacy is asking for $1.3 million to convert five of the six courts to post-tension, which involves embedding steel cables in the concrete, according to a district staff report. The method is intended to extend the life of the courts and prevent cracks.

The budget also includes installing vinyl-coated chain-link fences, repairing lights and replacing a concrete ramp between the pool and the courts to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

The $1.3 million was the less expensive of two offers the district received, Assistant Supt. of Business Services Dean West said.

An additional $500,000 not included in CS Legacy’s bid could also be needed to repair a retaining wall that is in danger of breaking, West said.

Architect LPA Inc. offered a revised estimate over last year’s $620,000, to between $1.86 million and $2.1 million, because of the higher than expected cost for post-tension and the replacement of a concrete ramp between the pool and the courts.

The city has said it does not have money in the current budget to cover its portion for a project that exceeds $620,000.