Dear City Council Members and Mayor Nash,
As the City prepares to review the forthcoming staff report related to the Belle Haven Pool and the Belle Haven Pool Task Force, I submit the following guidance for the record to help ensure that past mistakes are not repeated and that clear accountability is established moving forward.
While the City has indicated that community comments will be considered, it is essential that this review result in substantive change rather than a continuation of approaches that have previously failed Belle Haven residents. Prior shortcomings were not the result of insufficient public engagement, but of inadequate leadership, planning, and accountability within City staff.
During the City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, Vice Mayor Nash asked Library and Community Services Director Sean Reinhart, since Team Shepperd had been trying to end the contract, what Plan B was. Director Reinhart responded by defending the current approach, but Vice Mayor Nash noted that there was no contingency plan in place (see meeting video timestamp 4:13:54 to 4:16:58). Although Director Reinhart had been working on pool issues for several months, the absence of an alternative strategy demonstrated a lack of foresight. This left the City in a reactive position and allowed Team Shepperd to retain negotiating leverage, rather than ensuring outcomes that were equitable and protective of City interests.
For the record, it is essential that City Directors anticipate risks, develop contingency plans, and present multiple strategic alternatives for Council consideration. Directors play a critical role in equipping the Council with the information necessary for informed decision‑making. When contingency planning is absent, the City’s negotiating position is weakened and public trust is diminished.
It must also be stated clearly that Director‑level failures are, by definition, City Manager‑level failures. As City Manager, Justin Murphy is responsible for ensuring that Directors meet expectations for proactive leadership, risk management, and strategic preparedness. Accountability for these shortcomings therefore rests not only with the department, but with executive management as a whole.
As the Council reviews the staff report, I urge careful evaluation of whether it reflects lessons learned, proactive problem solving, and equitable outcomes for Belle Haven residents. The report should include realistic contingency plans and establish clear expectations for staff leadership and accountability moving forward.
Belle Haven residents have consistently participated in good faith and invested significant time and energy in this process. The community expects the same level of seriousness, preparation, and leadership from City staff and executive management.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Let us ensure that our City leadership reflects that shared responsibility and commitment to equity.
Thank you for allowing this guidance to be entered into the record.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
Belle Haven Resident for more than twenty five years
Belle Haven Pool Task Force Member
