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Madera Council approves contract to build two basketball courts at Rotary Park
Summary
The council unanimously awarded a construction contract for two full-size basketball courts at Rotary Park, approving a CEQA Class 1 exemption and authorizing use of development impact fees to cover a reported funding gap.
Madera City Council on July 22 approved awarding a contract to Harris Development Corporation to build two full-size basketball courts at Rotary Park, with staff recommending a contract amount of $285,002.48 and a 10% construction contingency. The council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation and the CEQA Class 1 exemption for the project.
Parks and Recreation Director Joe Aber said the city is leveraging CDBG COVID funds originally awarded in 2020–2021 for the project. "The CDBG grant award for this project was $256,050," Aber said, and staff reported an unspent balance of roughly $198,071.07; Aber identified an approximate funding gap of $86,531 after factoring contingency and proposed covering that difference with development impact fees. He told the council the IFB received nine bids and "the low bidder was Harris Development Corporation at $287,496," which staff said is within the engineering estimate of about $333,400.
Aber described the scope as two high-school-size courts with a pedestrian connection to the existing walkway and design elements to mirror the McNally Park courts. He noted the project will avoid moving trees and will be sited to minimize sun glare for players; lighting is not included in the current contract but staff will seek funding for lighting separately. Aber recommended the council "adopt a resolution production agreement under invitation for bid 2025-26-28" to award the contract and to adopt the CEQA Class 1 exemption.
During questions, councilors pressed staff on siting, equity and maintenance. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Zachariah asked why there are limited courts west of Highway 99; Aber said many grants are targeted by socioeconomic criteria, which can affect where grant-funded projects qualify. Council member Reynoldo Rodriguez emphasized the shortage of low-barrier recreation options in West Madera and urged partnerships with local schools and developers to increase access.
The council moved, seconded and approved the contract and CEQA determination. Staff said the contract award and use of funding completes the procurement step and that construction scheduling will follow standard contract-execution and permitting timelines.
