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Lake Placid authorizes bid for Lake June pickleball complex amid tight grant deadlines
Summary
The Lake Placid Town Council authorized an invitation to bid for the Lake June pickleball complex, setting a ~$610,000 not‑to‑exceed cap and a $499,274 liquidated‑damages figure tied to grant deadlines while staff works with the county to preserve RPAC and Firdap funding.
The Lake Placid Town Council on July 13 authorized the town attorney and clerk to finalize and issue an invitation to bid for the Lake June pickleball complex, even as officials warned a compressed schedule and grant conditions create significant risk. Bids are scheduled to close Aug. 11, 2026, with the council to consider award recommendations on Aug. 17.
Town attorney Kara Groves told the council the project depends on two grant deadlines and that failing to meet those timelines could cost the town some or all grant funding. "If you do not meet that project completion deadline, you get none of the money," Groves said, describing the conservative approach staff used in drafting the ITB.
The draft ITB included several risk‑management provisions the council discussed at length: a liquidated‑damages figure equal to the RPAC award ($499,274 as proposed), a not‑to‑exceed bid cap set at about $608,000 (council directed staff to round to $610,000 for clarity), a three‑year workmanship warranty, and an escrow/bid‑security mechanism discussed in the $25,000–$50,000 range. Groves said those terms can be amended by addendum through Aug. 6 if the county or state adjust grant terms.
Council members pressed staff on timing and permitting. Town staff and the consultant said a revised transportation study (including weekend counts) and a final development order are required before permits can issue, and those steps could add weeks. Mayor Charles and others urged parallel tracks: solicit bids while the county considers amending RPAC terms on July 21 to align deadlines and reduce risk to contractors.
Public commenters and some council members warned against creating a bid package that is so restrictive it discourages bidders. Council member Royce urged practical flexibility: a lower bid security can be used, but the town should use its procurement criteria (contractor questionnaires and score sheets) to select a responsible bidder. The motion to issue the ITB, "substantially in the form presented," passed following that debate.
If awarded, the ITB requires substantial completion by Jan. 31, 2027, but council and staff said that timeline may be adjusted if the county and state agree to align grant deadlines. The council also directed staff to prepare a supplemental memorandum for the Highlands County commission and to present any RPAC/Firdap amendments before the addendum deadline.
Next steps: staff will revise the draft per council direction, post the ITB on the town's bid portal (BidNet) and usual public channels, and return with award recommendations and a scoring tabulation in August.
