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Council approves resurfacing and LED lighting for tennis and pickleball center after debate over solar option
Summary
Council approved a $610,000 capital project for the tennis and pickleball center resurfacing and replacement of 36 fixtures; the vote followed a 3–2 split over whether to delay the item to evaluate a solar lighting option and the CMAS procurement approach. Staff said the project comes in under budget by about $140,000 and the lighting materials portion is roughly $179,000.
The Seal Beach City Council approved a public works agreement for the tennis and pickleball center resurfacing and lighting project (PR 2501) after an extended debate about procurement approach, long‑term energy savings and whether a solar lighting option should be studied before awarding the contract.
City Engineer Catherine Cho and staff said the work includes resurfacing remaining courts and replacing 36 aging fixtures. The project was budgeted in the FY25/26 capital improvement program at about $610,000 and staff reported the submitted price came in approximately $140,000 under budget. Staff explained the project was bid through the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) and the contractor Kaya Services, LLC, had completed prior local work (Heather Park) for the city.
Councilmember Senecal moved to hold the item and return it with additional analysis, citing the absence of a written comparison showing why the state CMAS arrangement was selected rather than a local RFP, and the lack of a solar lighting option in the staff report. Senecal said: "This is a lot of money" and asked staff to include a solar analysis, historical resurfacing cost comparisons, and explanation for using the state contracting route. Staff and the vendor answered technical and procurement questions; a sustainability estimate for adding a solar/battery backup system ranged from about $60,000 to $120,000 in high-level estimates.
After debate, a motion to hold the item failed and a subsequent motion to approve the award to Kaya Services carried on a 3–2 vote. Supporters cited economies of scale, a five‑coat warranty surface for extended life and projected energy and maintenance savings from LED fixtures. Opponents said the city should have received a clearer comparative analysis and an assessment of a solar option before approving the expenditure.
What the council approved: award the PR 2501 resurfacing and LED lighting package to Kaya Services, LLC (contract/procurement via CMAS), with funding from the approved FY25/26 budget for the Tennis and Pickleball Center. Staff said potential savings from the project may be redirected to other urgent needs.
