Bidding Is Reopened on Golf Concession
After a lengthy debate, the City Council on Friday voted to scrap a contract for concessions at the Encino-Balboa Golf Course and reopen the bidding process.
The city Board of Recreation and Parks had chosen American Golf Corp. earlier for the contract.
But because American Golf’s bid had ranked behind that of another company on a list of contract contenders, its selection provoked an outcry.
Some critics contended the board had shown favoritism, an allegation board members denied.
Friday’s council decision came at the urging of Councilman Michael Feuer, chairman of the City Council’s Arts, Health and Humanities Committee. Feuer argued that the contract should be rebid to erase any lingering perception of unfairness.
The 10-year contract to operate the driving range and pro shop and give lessons at the course is estimated to be worth between $3 million and $5 million to the competing companies.
Family Golf Centers, the company that ranked higher than American in the first bidding process, is expected to compete again. The bidding process will take several months.
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