To the City Council:
Thank you for voting 3-2 to pass item #I-4 on last nights City Council
meeting agenda, and giving my fourth grader a chance to address all of you.
While Masters swimmers may be some of the more frequent voices on this
topic, there are - in fact - many, many others in the community who have an
interest in aquatics and were relieved by passage last night of continued
investment in both Belle Haven and Burgess pools. These interested
residents include hundreds of youth swimmers such as my son, all of the
families who want to make their households water safe through learn-to-swim
programming, and many seniors who take advantage of AquaFit classes.
Given that an independent auditor - who was selected by the City (not by
the operator) - reported back earlier this year that the operators
accounting is accurate and that their financial controls are sound, I feel
confident that my Menlo Park taxpayer dollars will be well-used in
sustaining this particular public/private partnership. In fact, as a result
of the hard work put in over the last few weeks by city staff and by the
pool operator, we now know in detail, exactly where the funds appropriated
last night are going; i.e., which hours at which pool these appropriated
funds are supporting, and at what hourly rate.
These are uncertain, dark, and troubling times for many in our country and
in our community. It may seem like a small thing to provide operating
stability to a couple of local pools but as youve heard over the last many
months, these facilities are not just concrete-and-water. These City assets
represent safety, stability, and routine; laughter and joy; a sense of
community; physical strength; and a place where residents and neighbors
show up to connect with and support each other. Thank you for doing the
tough thing last night, which also happened to be - at least in this Menlo
Park voters and taxpayers opinion - the right thing.
Sincerely,
Sachi Blue-Smith
