Recreation centers need $380,000 in repairs

Selicia Kennedy-Ross

NEWPORT BEACH -- The city’s community centers and recreational facilities

could receive a much-needed overhaul if the City Council approves more

than $400,000 for the upgrades.

During Monday’s study session, the council will review an extensive staff

report recommending the allocation of more than $381,850 over a

three-year period for repairs and upgrades for the 12 community centers

and facilities used for city-sponsored recreational services and events.

The report details all findings of inspections that were conducted at the

12 community facilities. Repairs and upgrades include the unsealing of

windows for proper ventilation, electrical repairs, fire hazard removal

and some buildings being properly equipped for the disabled.

The report recommends as an alternative that $39,000 be approved within

this year’s fiscal budget for immediate structural and safety repairs,

and that the other upgrades be incorporated into the city’s budget over

the next few years.

If the funding is approved, all repairs would be done over a three-year

period with the most critical repairs occurring first, said City Manager

Homer Bludau.

“The repairs that take place in the first year are the highest priority

safety and structure upgrades, while the others that would occur later

are mostly maintenance and aesthetic issues,” he said.

If the initial $39,200 is approved, repairs could begin as soon as next

January.

The report was drafted in June after staff brought the issue of needed

repairs at the Balboa Community Center to the council’s attention.

Councilman John Noyes then asked staff to take an inventory of repairs

needed at all city facilities used for recreational services and

programs, Bludau said.

According to the staff report, if the repairs are made, the number and

quality of programs offered at the city’s facilities will improve.

The report also says the repairs could create an increase in potential

rental use of city facilities, although it was unclear how much the

increase might be.

“We did not undertake this report as a cost-benefit analysis, although

we’ll be glad to do so if the council asks,” said Community Services

Director Ladonna Kienitz. “We were only looking at the need to get these

buildings up to date.”

The council will determine when to vote on the issue at a later time,

Noyes said.

“It would behoove the city to keep its facilities in top shape,” he said.

The City Council study session starts at 4 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 3300

Newport Blvd. Also on the agenda is a presentation from the ad hoc

committee that has been working on the proposed Arts and Education

Center.