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Piedmont approves $188,000 contract to renovate Linda Beach courts despite CEQA, noise objections
Summary
Council approved a rebid contract to resurface and repair Linda Beach courts (Vintage Contractors, not to exceed $188,000; construction budget $206,000) and found the project categorically exempt under CEQA; public speakers raised pending CEQA lawsuits and noise concerns and requested the city delay spending.
The Piedmont City Council voted unanimously to award the Linda Beach Courts renovation contract to Vintage Contractors in a contract not to exceed $188,000 and an overall construction budget of $206,000. Staff said the rebid added additional surface and structural repairs and removed a previous fencing alternate.
Supporters described the courts' value to community recreation and to programs such as the Piedmont Pickleball Club. "This would never have happened without the opportunity to play at the Linda Beach Courts as a beginning pickleball player three years ago," Lisa Tuck said, praising the city's work to provide safe play for all ages. Opponents asked council to delay the work because two lawsuits are pending alleging CEQA and noise-nuisance violations; "Shouldn't the city wait until there's some resolution before spending nearly $200,000?" resident Chris Free asked.
The city attorney explained the staff CEQA review and the use of exemptions, including the 'no possibility of significant effect' exemption (transcribed at the meeting as "15061(b)(3)") and categorical exemptions related to minor alterations and replacement/reconstruction of existing facilities. The attorney said staff had examined whether unusual circumstances existed and concluded they did not, noting that prior council action had approved pickleball play and the city's May 2023 Salter noise survey found levels within the general-plan range. After public comment the council moved and seconded the staff recommendations and approved the contract unanimously.
