Delayed Dog Park Project is Back Before Council

Another contractor may soon get a shot at beginning work on the delayed Diamond Bar Dog Park.

The council will decide whether or not to award Torres Construction, Inc., a $103,941.25 contract to build an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant walkway leading from Pantera Park to an adjacent area that will be home to a small and large dog park area.

“If this contract is awarded on August 21, construction by the contractor should begin by late September,” Bob Rose, Director of Community Services, wrote in his report to the council. “The contract allows 30 days to complete the work, so it should be completed by early November, 2012, weather permitting.”

If approved, Torres would be the second contractor to line up to start work on the much-anticipated dog park. The council originally awarded the contract to Walnut-based Kormx, Inc., on June 5 for $96,875. But the company was unable to obtain the bonding required to execute the contract and on July 17 the City Council went back out to bid.

City officials had hoped to have the park completed and opened before the end of this month. But the problem with the contractor has delayed it and added to the cost.

It was just one of two major hurdles project managers have encountered. In May, city officials learned they could not reduce the level of a slope where planners intend to place the connecting walkway.

As a result, officials needed a contractor to build an 8-foot-wide walkway with handrails. The change nearly doubled the cost of the project, according to staff reports.

The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the AQMD/Government Center’s auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive in Diamond Bar.