Newport council to vote on lifeguard HQ contract

The Newport Beach City Council will vote Tuesday on a contract for renovations to the city’s lifeguard headquarters building near the Newport Pier.

A $1.55 million contract with Irvine-based Optima Reengineering and Project Management addresses the need for what staff described as “major” rehabilitation, as outlined in its report.

“It takes a beating out there so close to marine spray and sand,” City Manager Dave Kiff said in a regular email anticipating the twice-monthly council meeting.

The project, which will cost more than the city originally estimated, includes the reconfiguration of existing work spaces, construction of a new meeting room and installation of new plumbing systems, according to the staff report.

The company, which offered the lowest bid for the work, will also refinish inside surfaces, make structural improvements and replace the windows and doors.

Staff attributed the higher than expected cost to an improving economy and construction material prices.

—Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall