Supervisors, Parks Panel at Odds on Deal

County supervisors and some of their appointees to the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission are at odds over whether to seek competitive bids from firms interested in running an 18-hole golf course at Mile Square Regional Park and developing another section of the Fountain Valley site.

The low-key debate, which highlights the county’s struggle to operate in a more businesslike fashion while looking out for what individual supervisors perceive to be the public’s needs, will come to a head next week at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Last month, the board on a 3 to 2 vote rejected a staff recommendation to seek competitive bids, suggesting instead that the county amend and extend its contract with Mile Square Partnership, which has operated the facility since the late 1960s under a 29-year contract that expires next year.

Supervisors praised Mile Square Partnership for charging reasonable green fees and expressed concerns about selecting a new operator who might pay the county more but increase the fees paid by users of the county-owned golf course.

But on Wednesday night, the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission--whose members are appointed mainly by the board--voted to support competitive bidding for the contract.

“I can’t see a reason not to do it,” said Commissioner Don Bankhead, a Fullerton councilman.

“It’s the only way to determine where the market is.”

Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department officials said it is customary for the county to request outside proposals when such contracts are about to expire.

Mile Square Partnership, which now pays the county about $800,000 in annual rent, has proposed building a new golf course, an ornamental garden and a convention center in the undeveloped “triangle” near the center of the park.

The commission, whose 5-1 vote is only advisory, agreed with supervisors that Mile Square Partnership has earned wide community support not only for its low green fees but for the youth programs it sponsors. But members said the county can maintain the reasonable rates while still accepting proposals from other operators.

“I’m always hesitant about exclusive negotiations,” said Commissioner Peter M. Green, a Huntington Beach councilman. “Getting bids maximizes the county’s opportunities.”

Supervisors Marian Bergeson and Roger R. Stanton also argued at last month’s meeting in favor of competitive bidding.

But supervisors Don Saltarelli, William G. Steiner and Jim Silva said the county might achieve the best deal through exclusive talks with the operator, who has the right under its contract to match any bid submitted by outside firms.

Some supervisors said the “right of first refusal” clause could skew the bidding process, and perhaps result in unrealistic proposals.

The Mile Square Park golf course charges $19 to $25 for a round of golf, from one- to two-thirds less than other public courses around the county.

“I think the current operator has a track record of good service and a commitment to affordable golf,” Steiner said Thursday. “Our fear is that by turning it over to someone else, that objective might be lost and we could see the golf [fees] going up.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, the board will have the option of negotiating exclusively with the partnership or directing officials to invite outside proposals that supervisors can select from within 60 days.