COSTA MESA : Firm Fails to Get Bid to Run Golf Courses

Environmental Care Inc., one of the losing bidders in the fight for control of the Costa Mesa Golf Course, will not get a second chance at the lucrative contract, at least for now, the City Council decided this week.

The Calabasas company, one of three singled out as a top candidate to run the city’s two 18-hole courses, asked the council to reconsider its decision, made last month, to begin negotiations with a competitor.

In its official objection, the company states that the city “failed to realize a major financial consideration that would increase the revenue to the city of Costa Mesa by almost $9 million.”

“Not only do we propose the largest financial return, but will show the committee other alternatives,” company’s letter states.

The council, however, voted down the request, deciding instead to continue its talks with Mesa Verde Partners, the winning bidder.

“I think the council felt that . . . Environmental Care had every opportunity, as other companies, to make their case,” City Manager Allan L. Roeder said.

However, if those talks fall through, the council will then decide which of the remaining 11 bidders to begin negotiations with. Nothing is definite at this point, Roeder said.

Environmental Care was the third choice listed by a five-member team formed to study the bids. American Golf, which operates several courses in Los Angeles County, was the first choice, followed by Mesa Verde.

Last month, after several hours of testimony, the council decided to enter into negotiations with Mesa Verde, a local partnership that runs several courses in the area. Although the course has never lost money while being operated by the city, the decision to privatize was seen as a way to bring money into cash-strapped city coffers.

The city and Mesa Verde are trying to decide what to do with the 18 employees who maintained the course.