Hello City Council,
I am writing to encourage the council to approve Consent Calendar Item #I-4
tonight, investing in sustaining and restoring hours at both Belle Haven
and Burgess pools, in partnership with the current pool operator.
I am encouraged that, to date, the pool operator has met all requirements
outlined in their contract with the City, regarding the reporting of
financial and user details, as typically seen in most public / private
partnerships with other contractors. I am further encouraged that the City
took the time to bring in an outside independent consultant earlier this
year, who reported back to the City that "the financial statements ...
provided by Team Sheeper accurately reflect the financial performance of
its Menlo Park operations." As City Staff stated in its report, "The
independent financial review verified that the Operators financial
statements are true and accurate, and that the Operator’s internal controls
and financial accounting practices are sound and consistent with generally
accepted accounting principles."
Menlo Parks pools are wonderful jewels within our vibrant community. This
is a reflection of the ongoing investment and commitment that the City has
made throughout the years, for which my family and I are grateful. To us,
the most important consideration is that the pool operator can continue to
run a sustainable, viable business so that the operator does not have to
terminate its contract, creating likely disruption to facility hours and to
cherished programming such as learn-to-swim for toddlers, AquaFit for
seniors, and swim teams such as PASA for age group athletes. Whether that
is done by giving the operator flexibility to adjust hours to match demand
(which would not require additional taxpayer funds) or by investing
taxpayer dollars to sustain and restore hours that have fewer visitors, we
leave that difficult decision in your capable hands.
Thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of this community, and for
maintaining focus on doing what is necessary to provide uninterrupted
service at two wonderful public aquatic centers.
Best,
Sachi Blue-Smith
Arden Road, Menlo Park
