At its March 17 meeting, the Pittsburg City Council is being asked to allocate $4 million of Capital Reserves to the Sports Tourism Project.
If approved, the funds will be used to help complete construction of the Dream Courts which was originally estimated to be $8.5 million to $9 million—ultimately allocating $9.79 million.
With the added $4 million in costs, the cost jumps to $13.79 million—with Discovery Builders contributing $3.25 million.
The staff report failed to mention why the project cost increased $4 million, it turned out it had to do with union labor and wage laws.
“The City is party to a Project Stabilization Agreement with the Contra Costa Trades Council and Carpenters Union, and per that agreement, this needs to be a project that utilizes union labor. This is recognized by the City, and we’ve worked with the trades to have the general contractor, Huff, rebid the project. There ended up being an increase in costs, but we’re excited to see the work restart and to have the facility completed,” said Jordan Davis, Director of Community and Economic Development
According to the staff report, Pittsburg Power Company (PPC) has a capital reserve cash balance of $4.85 million. Allocation of the requested $4 million would reduce the cash balance of the reserves to $850,124
The City’s adopted Fiscal Sustainability Policy requires 30% of operational costs be held in reserves (20% in cash and liquid investments and 10% in real property). The estimated operational costs for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 2025/26 are approximately $4 million and $3m respectively, which would require $900,000 to $1.2m in the reserves to comply with the Fiscal Sustainability Policy. The $850,124 in capital reserve cash balance and PPC-owned facilities on Mare Island sufficiently satisfies the Fiscal Sustainability Policy.
Back in September 2023, the project broke ground on the state-of-the-art 41,000 square foot multi-sport complex at Stoneman Park. However, construction has been halted to ensure the Project complies with the adopted Projects Stabilization Agreement (“PSA”) between the City and the Contra Costa Trades Council.
The project includes:
- Multiple courts catering to various sports, including basketball, volleyball, and more.
- Environmentally friendly construction materials promoting sustainability.
- Spaces designated for community events, workshops, and training sessions.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- City Manager Pay Increase: A. CITY agrees to pay EMPLOYEE effective February 5, 2025, at a monthly rate of $25,483 per month, which sum shall be considered base salary and shall be payable in installments at the same time as other employees of the CITY are paid, and subject to customary withholdings. This new monthly rate shall reflect a two percent (2%) increase over the February 2024 base salary.Garrett Evans was appointed city manager in February 2019 and this will be the 6th amendment to his employment agreement. The Employment Agreement amendment will result in an approximate decreased payroll cost of $1,800 for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024/25 based on elimination of the monthly car allowance. The Sixth Amendment to the employment agreement amends Section 6, Compensation and Evaluation to reflect the 2% increase effective February 5, 2025, per the Fifth Amendment. The proposed Sixth Amendment requires the salary amount to revert to the February 2024 salary amount in the event that the budget fails to support citywide cost of living adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025/26, effective the first pay period in July 2025. Additionally, the proposed Sixth Amendment includes removal of the City Manager’s auto allowance, effective the first pay period following adoption of the resolution authorizing the sixth amendment to the employment agreement.
- Adoption of a City Council Resolution to Accept Grant Funds from Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee for Fiscal Year 2024/25 Senior Programs: The City of Pittsburg has been awarded grant funds in the amount of $54,122 supporting programs benefiting seniors offered at the City’s Senior Center. The Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee grant will support specialized recreation services for senior citizens by allowing opportunities for socialization and improved quality of life. Services and programs to be offered are as follows art therapy classes, medical workshops, blood pressure checks, overall wellness, and low impact exercise classes
If You Go:
March 17, 2025
PITTSBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING
65 CIVIC AVENUE, PITTSBURG, CA
7:00 P.M.
Full Agenda – click here
Previous Stories on Dream Courts:
- Sept. 27, 2023 – Discovery Homes Dream Courts Sports Complex in Pittsburg Breaks Ground
- July 19, 2023 – Pittsburg Could Break Ground on Dream Courts Facility This Fall
