Monday, January 28, 2008 Committee urges private operation of skating rink
FINALLY the City Government has moved to make the multi-million facilities of the government work and put to good use.
Recently, Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. referred to the City Council Committee on Laws the intent of the former operator of the skating rink to operate there anew.
The former operator, Luzviminda Quirante offered two options: first for her to pay a rental fee of P50,000 every month, for the use of the rink and management of a cafeteria, or a rental fee of P100,000 per month for the operation of the rink, cafeteria, bump car, kiddie rides, battery operated cars, tennis table, basketball shooting, rio grande train, inflatable play pen and toy crane pick-up.
Quirante, the operator of the skating rink at Camp John Hay, also suggested that if her proposal is considered, they would at their own expense, install additional wire mesh along the rink's perimeter fence to secure equipment, which would be put in and a roof to protect their equipment from rain, dust and moisture, skates, display counter, additional lighting fixtures, sound system and repainting among other improvement.
The committee on laws, on the other hand, recommended the skating be privatized subject to bidding procedures.
In a report, the committee suggested as part of the terms of reference that for a monthly rental of P100,000, the duration for the lease will be for two years.
The winning bidder will deposit P200,000 as bond. This will be deposited to the city treasury and will be reimbursed by the City Environment and Parks Management Office (Cepmo) once a concessionaire settles all obligations.
Improvements done at the area will have to be approved by the Cepmo and maintenance will be at the expense of the concessionaire. (RO)
