The Wrightwood Community Services District board voted to approve $16,100 for replacing damaged bricks at the Veterans Memorial Park during its July 2 meeting.
The decision came after a presentation by Wendy Schwab from the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial, who detailed the need to replace 224 damaged bricks out of the 11,000 total at the memorial.
The total cost includes $7,042 for the bricks themselves, plus administrative expenses of $4,800 and installation. Schwab presented three quotes for installation from contractors ranging from $3,500 to $4,200, with the board opting for the highest bid of $4,200 from the original installer. “If it’s possible, I would prefer to use them and I know that they’re extremely professional,” Schwab said of the original installer. “They know the cuts. They did everything. There’s not been a tripping hazard. And I don’t know that that’s possible with any of the others”
Board members questioned the high cost for replacing a relatively small number of bricks. Board Member Chuck Franklin, asked, “224 bricks need to be replaced. No other paving, sandwork, anything like that. So you’re just replacing 224 bricks?” Schwab clarified that the administrative costs include time for tagging and photographing bricks, meeting with people, and handling insurance company letters.
The damage reportedly occurred during an event held at the memorial. Schwab said future events at the site will be limited to Veterans Day and Memorial Day to prevent further damage. The board ultimately approved the expenditure in a unanimous vote, with the stipulation that the total not exceed $16,100.
In other business, the board discussed installing security cameras at Hollis Stewart Park and behind the CSD building restrooms, approving $1,965 for four cameras and installation. General Manager Tamie Keen also reported that CSD was awarded a grant in the amount of $324,500 from the county of San Bernardino for much needed renovations to the outdoor bathrooms and septic system at the Community Building.
The board also tabled a decision on purchasing new trash and recycling cans for Hollis Stewart Park, requesting more information on durability and theft prevention options.
