Whittier Adds $531,369 to Parnell Park; Staff Couldn’t Itemize Costs When Asked
Most of the money replenishes a contingency staff say is nearly spent. Councilmember Aida Macedo asked to wait for the numbers, but no one seconded her motion.
Whittier is putting another $531,369 into the Parnell Park renovation. When a council member asked for a breakdown of most of that money, staff couldn’t provide one that night.
Most of it, $456,283, replenishes a contingency, money set aside for surprises, that the project has nearly run through. Staff said the contingency had already been used or committed for two things the city asked the contractor to add: new park signs, which aren’t built yet, and underground conduit pipes for possible future fiber optic cables for internet or camera connections. The conduit is already in the ground.
Councilmember Aida Macedo asked for a breakdown of those costs. “We’re not going to have it today,” Deputy City Manager Kyle Cason told her.
Macedo asked the council to wait until the next meeting so staff could provide a breakdown of the costs. No one seconded her motion. On Oct. 13, the council approved the money 4-1, with Macedo casting the only no vote.
